Whole Grain Wheat Research Articles

Basic and clinical science posters: Beta cells, islets and stem cells

Aims: The intestinal microbiota plays an important role in host metabolism via production of dietary metabolites. Microbiota imbalances are linked to type 2 diabetes, but dietary modification of the microbiota may promote glycaemic control. This study investigated whether differences in gut microbiota between control and diabetic mice influence the production of polyphenolic metabolites from wheat wholegrain (WW). Second, the study assessed whether changes in metabolite profiles affect pancreatic beta cell function. Methods: Faecal samples (1% (v/v)) from control or high‐fat high‐fructose fed (HFHF) mice were fermented in vitro with 0.1% (w/v) WW for 0, 6 and 24 h. Polyphenolic profiles were determined by UHPLC‐MS/MS and microbiota composition by bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing and qPCR. MIN6 beta cell apoptosis was assessed by measurement of caspase activity and insulin release by radioimmunoassay. Results: Levels of WW polyphenols were decreased in fermentation samples from HFHF with time and HFHF showed an overall dysbiotic microbiome profile (p 0.05, n=3). Insulin secretion was inhibited at 0 h by control, but not HFHF supernatant, and this effect was partly reverted at 24 h (p < 0.05, n=5). Conclusion: Our results suggest that a dysbiotic HFHF microbiota profile affects the production of polyphenolic metabolites with potential implications for beta cell function.

Long-term whole-grain rye and wheat consumption and their associations with selected biomarkers of inflammation, endothelial function, and cardiovascular disease.

Whole-grain (WG) intake has been associated with a lowered risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers in epidemiological studies. Reduced subclinical inflammation could be one important mechanism behind such associations. This study investigated whether high long-term WG rye and wheat intakes were associated with lower concentrations of biomarkers of inflammation, endothelial function, and protein biomarkers associated with cardiovascular disease. We assessed WG intake by food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and by measuring alkylresorcinols (ARs) in plasma and adipose tissue, respectively. Selected biomarkers in free-living 109 women and 149 men were analyzed from two clinical subcohort studies (Swedish Mammography Cohort-Clinical (SMC-C) and Cohort of Swedish Men-Clinical (COSM-C), respectively. Total WG rye and wheat (WGRnW) and the ratio of WG rye to WG rye and wheat (WGR/WGRnW) were estimated from FFQs. ARs were measured in plasma and adipose tissue by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and the biomarkers by ELISA. We found no consistent associations between WG intake assessed by different methods and the selected biomarkers. However, WGRnW intake was inversely associated with cathepsin S (P-trend < 0.05) and total AR and C17:0/C21:0 in plasma were inversely associated with the endostatin concentration (P-trend < 0.05) adjusted for BMI, age, and sex. The results give limited support to the hypothesis that a high WG wheat and rye intake is associated with lower concentrations of common biomarkers of inflammation and CVD that have previously been reported inversely associated with WG intake or an overall healthy lifestyle.

The Active Components in Whole Grain Wheat for Colon Cancer Prevention: Synergistic Effects Between Phytochemical Alkylresorcinols and Fiber Microbial Metabolite Butyrate

Abstract Objectives Wheat bran (WB) is a rich source of dietary fiber and phytochemicals with health-promoting properties. However, the active components especially the interaction between different components in whole grain (WG) wheat have not been fully explored. This study aimed to investigate whether WB phytochemicals, alkylresorcinols (ARs), and the active intestinal microbial metabolite of fiber, butyrate, could synergistically suppress human colon cancer cells. Methods Cell viability was determined by MTT assay in HCT-116 and HT-29 cells after the treatments of the combination of ARs, C21 and C19, and NaB, respectively. Apoptosis was determined by Cell Death ELISA Kit. The further mechanism was investigated by western blot associated with apoptosis, autophagy, and ER stress pathways. The C21 levels in gastrointestinal tract were measured by HPLC in mice treated with human-relevant doses of C21. Isobologram analysis was employed for the determination of synergistic or additive anticancer effects of the co-treatments of AR and NaB. Results The combination of C21 or C19 and butyrate synergistically inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells and induced apoptosis. Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that the co-treatment of C21 and butyrate induced significant upregulations in cleaved Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), cleaved caspase 3, p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA), cytochrome C, lipid-conjugated membrane-bound form of microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3-II), and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) expressions. Notably, the C21 concentrations in the large intestinal tract of mice treated with human-relevant doses of C21, were from 0.86 to 1.78 μmol/g, suggesting the C21 doses used in vitro may be achievable after daily WG wheat intake. Conclusions We demonstrated for the first time that phytochemical component ARs and the microbial metabolites of WB fiber exhibit synergistic anticancer effects in human colon cancer cells, which may be associated with the induction of apoptosis, autophagy, and ER stress pathways. The present study provides novel insights into the understanding of the chemo-preventive effects of WG wheat against CRC. However, the mechanism of the synergistic anticancer effect of phytochemicals and fiber is complicated and still needs to be further investigated in vivo. Funding Sources USDA NIFA R01.

Effect of wheat species (Triticum aestivum vs T. spelta), farming system (organic vs conventional) and flour type (wholegrain vs white) on composition of wheat flour – Results of a retail survey in the UK and Germany – 2. Antioxidant activity, and phenolic and mineral content

There is strong evidence for health benefits from whole-grain wheat consumption and these have been linked to their higher fibre, antioxidant/(poly)phenolic and mineral contents. However, there is still scientific controversy about the relative effect of wheat species (Triticum aestivum vs T. spelta) and production methods (conventional vs organic) on the nutritional composition of wheat. The retail survey reported here showed that, the use of spelt varieties and organic production results in significantly higher (between 10 and 64%) levels of phenolics and some minerals in wheat flour. However, the relative effect of removing the outer bran and germ during milling was substantially larger; levels of antioxidant activity, and many phenolic compounds and mineral nutrients were 2–5 times higher in whole-grain than white flour. Organic flour contained higher concentrations of the undesirable metals Al and Ni (12% and 81% respectively), and spelt flour had 28% higher concentrations of the toxic metal Cd.

Effects of different varieties and processing degree grains on blood glucose and blood lipid in rats

To investigate the effects of whole grains(WG) and refined grains(RG) on blood glucose, blood lipid and inflammatory factors in normal rats, and the common effects of different whole grains. 2×2 factorial experiments were designed according to grain sources(rice &amp; wheat) and processing precision(whole grain &amp; refined grain). According to the initial body weight and fasting blood glucose, 48 male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: RG rice group, WG rice group, RG wheat group and WG wheat group. They were fed with 45% refined rice, whole grain rice, refined wheat and whole grain wheat respectively for 18 weeks. The formula was in accordance with AIN-93 G. Food intake and body weight were monitored weekly. Fasting blood glucose, lipid, inflammatory factors and organ pathology were detected at the end of the experiment. During the experiment, the body weight growth and food intake of rats in each group were basically the same. At the end of the experiment, fatty liver appeared in varying degrees, while the kidney of rats in RG rice group and RG wheat group showed epithelial steatosis. Biochemical indexes showed that blood urea nitrogen(UN), fasting blood glucose(FBG), total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), low density lipoprotein(LDL)and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1)in RG wheat group were significantly higher than those in WG wheat group(P&lt;0. 05), while high density lipoprotein(HDL)level in RG wheat group was significantly lower than that in WG wheat group(P&lt;0. 05), and there was no significant difference in other indexes. The result of factorial analysis showed that the differences of FBG, serum insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)and C-reactive protein(CRP)caused by different grain processing degree were significant, but there was no significant difference between rice and wheat varieties(P&gt;0. 05). Studies have shown that long-term feeding of refined grains can lead to fasting blood glucose, blood lipid abnormality and renal pathological changes in rats, and proper feeding of whole grains can delay the development of adverse symptoms.

The fate of deoxynivalenol and its derivatives in spring wheat whole-grain flour during storage

The fate of deoxynivalenol and its derivatives in spring wheat whole-grain flour during storage

Effects of whole-grain wheat, rye, and lignan supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors in men with metabolic syndrome: a randomized crossover trial

A whole-grain (WG)-rich diet has shown to have potential for both prevention and treatment of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), which is a cluster of risk factors that increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Different WGs may have different health effects. WG rye, in particular, may improve glucose homeostasis and blood lipids, possibly mediated through fermentable dietary fiber and lignans. Recent studies have also suggested a crucial role of the gut microbiota in response to WG. The aim was to investigate WG rye, alone and with lignan supplements [secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG)], and WG wheat diets on glucose tolerance [oral-glucose-tolerance test (OGTT)], other cardiometabolic outcomes, enterolignans, and microbiota composition. Moreover, we exploratively evaluated the role of gut microbiota enterotypes in response to intervention diets. Forty men with MetS risk profile were randomly assigned to WG diets in an 8-wk crossover study. The rye diet was supplemented with 280mg SDG at weeks 4-8. Effects of treatment were evaluated by mixed-effects modeling, and effects on microbiota composition and the role of gut microbiota as a predictor of response to treatment were analyzed by random forest plots. The WG rye diet (± SDG supplements) did not affect the OGTT compared with WG wheat. Total and LDL cholesterol were lowered (-0.06 and -0.09mmol/L, respectively; P<0.05) after WG rye compared with WG wheat after 4 wk but not after 8 wk. WG rye resulted in higher abundance of Bifidobacterium [fold-change (FC)=2.58, P<0.001] compared with baseline and lower abundance of Clostridium genus compared with WG wheat (FC=0.54, P=0.02). The explorative analyses suggest that baseline enterotype is associated with total and LDL-cholesterol response to diet. WG rye, alone or with SDG supplementation, compared with WG wheat did not affect glucose metabolism but caused transient LDL-cholesterol reduction. The effect of WG diets appeared to differ according to enterotype. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02987595.

Exploring genetic dependence of lipase activity to improve the quality of whole-grain wheat.

Whole-grain wheat flour is facing the quality challenge of lipid rancidity, which decreases its nutritional, sensory, and technological properties. One of the major causes of lipid rancidity is endogenous esterases and lipases. This study evaluated 66 European wheat varieties grown at a single site over three years (2014, 2015, and 2016). The 66 wheat varieties showed up to threefold variance on esterase and lipase activities. Wheat varieties that are suitable for lipid-stable whole-grain products ('Julius', 'Lona', and 'Banquet') were selected according to their consistently low esterase and lipase activities. The 3-year mean-based broad-sense heritability of esterase and lipase was 0.75 and 0.44 respectively. The findings indicate great genetic dependence of both esterase and lipase activities in wheat. The moderate to high heritability brings a new prospect of breeding selection of low-lipase-activity wheat for stable whole-grain products. This result will improve the use of wheat as raw material, benefit cultivation selection, and provide consumers with better quality products. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Quality of energy-reduced muffin produced with whole-grain wheat flour, safe for diabetics’ nutrition

The aim of this research was developing a formulation for muffins, produced with whole-grain wheat flour, suitable and safe for nutrition of people with carbohydrate metabolism disorders (diabetics). Recommendations for diabetics’ nutrition were analysed to develop a cake of appropriate quality and safe for consumption. The following matters were determined: (a) the essential parameters of technological and sensory quality of the final product; (b) the nature and quantity of basic ingredients, making five different model-samples of muffins; (c) moisture, ash, fat, salt, starch, protein, fibre and sugar content of cakes; (d) the quality of muffins was evaluated by descriptive sensory analysis; (e) nutritive composition was compared with similar products from the market. The basic chemical composition and the achieved quality of muffin-samples were analysed after production, and the best one was selected, produced combining following ingredients: 32% whole-grain wheat flour; 30% water; 10% skimmed milk; 9% fructose; 5% sunflower oil; 6.5% eggs; 3.2% fatreduced cocoa powder; 3% yeast; 0.3% salt; 0.3% flavours (chocolate, vanilla, rum); 0.16% additives mixture. The cakes had a high overall sensory quality (4.73±0.22 points of possible 5), characteristic regular shape and volume, uniform pores distribution, moderate elasticity and moisture during chewing, uniform dark brown colour, pleasant harmonious aroma and sweetish taste of baked chocolate cake. It was concluded that the muffins were suitable and safe for diabetics nutrition regarding basic ingredients content (whole-grain wheat flour, skimmed milk, fructose, vegetable oil) and nutritional composition with reduced content of: energy 30-54%, fats 30-79%, sugar 67-80%, when compared to five similar chocolate cakes, available on the market.

Wholegrain Particle Size Influences Postprandial Glycemia in Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Crossover Study Comparing Four Wholegrain Breads.

Wholegrain foods vary in the extent of processing. We investigated whether wholegrain particle size in bread influences postprandial glycemia in type 2 diabetes. Postprandial glycemia (incremental area under the blood glucose curve [iAUC]) was measured after consumption of three breads made with roller-milled wholegrain flour and added grains and a fourth made with stone-ground flour. All flours and grains were 100% wholegrain wheat. Breads were nutrient matched. Fifteen adults (64 ± 10 years, HbA1c 58 ± 13 mmol/mol) completed the study. iAUC for the three breads made with roller-milled flour ranged from 376 to 641 mmol-1min-1, inverse linear trend for grain particle size P = 0.039. The iAUC for stone-ground wholegrain bread (503) was smaller than predicted from mean particle size. Wholegrain structural integrity in bread is a determinant of glycemic response. These findings have implications for dietary advice and the definition of the term "'wholegrain."

Alkylresorcinols (biomarkers of whole grain intake), cereal fibre intake and metabolic profile - results from a European study

AbstractBackground:High intakes of whole-grains and cereal fiber have been consistently associated with lower risk of cardiometabolic diseases in observational studies. Yet, improved understanding about the underlying mechanisms is needed. We hypothesized that cereal fiber and whole-grain are associated with beneficial metabolic marker profiles.Aim:To investigate if cereal fiber intake, estimated by food frequency questionnaires and plasma total alkylresorcinols concentrations as well as the C17:0/C21:0-ratio in plasma as biomarkers of whole-grain wheat and rye intake or the relative whole-grain rye to wheat intake, respectively, were associated with metabolic biomarkers.Design:A cross-sectional study conducted to investigate the associations between alkylresorcinols as biomarker of whole-grain wheat and rye intake, cereal fiber and selected metabolic biomarkers among 954 participants of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study. Cereal fiber intake was assessed by FFQ and whole grain wheat and rye were reflected by biomarkers analyzed in plasma samples, i.e. total alkylresorcinol (AR). Moreover, the ratio of two of the five measured alkylresorcinols (AR C17:0/C21:0 ratio) was used as an indicator of whole-grain source (wheat or rye). Metabolic biomarkers (HbA1c, C-peptide, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, apolipoprotein A-I (apoA), apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and CRP) were measured in blood samples. All biomarkers were already measured for nested case-control studies of colorectal cancer matched based on sex, study center, age at blood collection, date and time of blood collection, fasting status. Women were further matched by menopausal status, phase of menstrual cycle, and use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy at time of blood collection. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between exposure variables metabolic biomarkers adjusted for case-control status and common confounders.Results:No associations were found between cereal fiber intake and the metabolic markers. However, whole-grain wheat and rye intake, reflected by total AR, was associated with a lower concentration of the inflammation marker CRP. The alkylresorcinol C17:0/C21:0 ratio was not associated with any of the measured metabolic markers in this cohort.Conclusion:Overall, we found no support for an association between cereal fibre intake, whole grain wheat and rye intake reflected by biomarkers and metabolic markers in the present cohort. One exception was the finding of an inverse association between whole grain biomarkers and CRP. Prospective studies or RCTs are warranted to confirm our findings.

Potencijalna primena sorte tritikalea 'Odisej' u proizvodnji čajnog peciva

Triticale, a hybrid cereal developed by crossing of wheat and rye, has certain advantages over wheat, such as higher environmental tolerance and higher content of dietary fiber. The application of triticale flour in food industry is limited by poor rheological properties of dough and low gluten strength. Potential application of hexaploid triticale cultivar 'Odisej' for the production of cookies was assessed in this study. Additionally, the values of basic grain quality parameters for Odisej were determined, such as hectoliter weight, thousand kernel weight, grain size, protein and wet gluten content, gluten index and falling number. Cookies were prepared from refined and wholegrain triticale flour and their physical properties (dimensions, color, hardness) and sensory properties were compared to the cookies prepared from refined and wholegrain wheat and rye flour. Cookies manufactured from refined triticale flour had high spread ratio (diameter/high) value, similar to that of cookies prepared from refined wheat flour. Total sensory score of cookies manufactured from refined triticale flour was the highest among all samples, indicating that it can be successfully used in cookies production.The quality of wholegrain triticale cookies could be improved by the use of milling technique adequate for the production of wholegrain flour.

Influence of Whole Wheat Flour Substitution and Sugar Replacement with Natural Sweetener on Nutritional Composition and Glycaemic Properties of Multigrain Bread.

Prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is rising globally and largely due to dietary lifestyle changes and urbanization. The concept of glycaemic index (GI) as a dietary tool for the management of DM has been recommended by international health organizations. Whole-grain wheat flour (WWF), ‘acha’ flour (AF), and pigeon pea flour (PPF) were combined in different ratios (80:10:10, 70:15:15, 70:20:10, and 60:20:20) and 100% WWF served as control. Bread was produced from the flour blends using white sugar (sucrose) and/or date palm fruit sugar (DPFS) representing 50 or 100% sugar replacement. Physical attributes, nutritional composition, GIs, and consumer acceptability of the breads were evaluated using standard methods. The multigrain breads had lower values for height, volume, and specific volume, but were most dense than the control [WWF+sugar (WAPC)]. The protein, ash, and crude fibre contents of the breads were significantly improved compared with the control, especially breads containing 100% DPFS, whereas carbohydrate and energy contents were comparable. The breads also contained significant amounts of macro and micro elements and a Na/K ratio of less than 1. Phytate/mineral molar ratios of the bread were lower than the respective critical limits. Multigrain breads showed low GI, especially those with >20% whole wheat substitution and 100% DPFS compared with WAPC, with intermediate GI (65.61) and high glycaemic load (GL). WWF+AF+PPF+DPFS (60:20:20:100) exhibited the highest protein content, a significant fibre content, lowest carbohydrate, GI, GL, and postprandial blood glucose responses, thus may be a suitable dietary guide for sustained health.

Stone Milling versus Roller Milling in Soft Wheat: Influence on Products Composition

Wholegrain wheat flours are in great demand from consumers worldwide because they are considered healthier then refined flours. They can be obtained by either stone milling, which is experiencing a revival in Europe, or roller milling. In order to study compositional differences due to the milling technology and to explore the possibility of a better qualification of wholegrain flours by means of nutritionally oriented quality parameters, eight mixes of soft wheat grains were stone milled and roller milled and the milling products were analyzed for their protein, ash, lipids, total dietary fibre, total polyphenols and alkylresorcinols content. A wholegrain flour milled with a laboratory disk mill was used as a comparison and a set of seven wholegrain flours purchased on themarket were also analyzed and compared. The particle size distribution of stone milled and recombined roller milled flour was also studied. Considering the above mentioned parameters, we found that there is no compositional difference between a stone milled or a roller milled flour if, in this latter one, the milling streams are all recombined, but the particle size distribution was different. This might have an impact on the technological quality of flours and on the bioavailability of components.

Chemical composition and selected quality characteristics of new types of precooked wheat and spelt pasta products

New types of precooked pasta products have been developed based on refined and wholegrain wheat and spelt flours. The resulting dry pasta was then assessed for chemical composition, including amino acids composition, phenolics content, as well as antioxidant activity. The precooked pasta quality was also evaluated for starch gelatinization degree, physical properties, hardness, color profile of dry and hydrated pasta, and sensory characteristics. We found that the application of the extrusion-cooking technique for wheat and spelt pasta processing allows to achieve instant products with good nutritional characteristics and high degree of gelatinization, as well as attractive quality and sensory profiles. Microstructure showed compact and dense internal structure with visible bran particles if wholegrain flours were used. Wholegrain wheat and wholegrain spelt precooked pasta were characterized by better nutritional composition and greater antioxidant potential, but lower firmness and increased adhesiveness when compared with refined flours.

Wheat Bran for Colon Cancer Prevention: The Synergy between Phytochemical Alkylresorcinol C21 and Intestinal Microbial Metabolite Butyrate.

There is convincing evidence that consuming whole grains (WGs) may decrease the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Wheat bran (WB) is a rich source of dietary fiber and phytochemicals with health-promoting properties. However, the active components especially the interaction between different components in WG wheat have not been fully explored. Here, we investigated whether one of the major WB phytochemicals, alkylresorcinol (AR) C21, and the major active intestinal microbial metabolite of fiber, butyrate, could synergistically suppress human colon cancer cells. Our results demonstrated for the first time that the combination of C21 and butyrate synergistically inhibited the growth of human colon cancer cells and induced apoptosis. Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that the cotreatment of C21 and butyrate induced significant up-regulations in cleaved Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), cleaved caspase 3, p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA), cytochrome C, lipid-conjugated membrane-bound form of microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3-II), and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) expressions, indicating the synergistic anticancer effects of C21 and butyrate were associated with induction of apoptosis, autophagy, and ER stress pathways. Notably, the C21 concentrations in the large intestinal tract of mice treated with human relevant doses of C21, were from 0.86 to 1.78 μmol/g, suggesting the C21 doses used in vitro may be achievable after daily WG wheat intake. These results provide novel insights into the dietary prevention of CRC regarding the potential interaction of bioactive WG wheat phytochemicals and the microbial metabolites of fiber.

SANITARY-TECHNOLOGICAL EVENTS OF BREAD PRODUCTION WITHOUT YEAST

A method of bread production without using baker’s yeast by using whole-ground wheat flour according to fundamentally new technology through the mechanical loosening of dough was developed. To produce the product, the work was carried out in three stages: at the first stage - the quality of grain was studied at separate stages of its preparation for grinding; on the second - the quality of whole-grain flour obtained by the disintegrating-wave method with a weak microwave information effect was analyzed; in the third - the quality of bread was assessed. Thorough cleaning of the grain and it’s repeated passing through scouring machines, grinding by the wave-disintegrating method with the energy of the electromagnetic field of ultra-high frequency has been proven to provide effective disinfection of grain from various pollutants and reduce the microbiological seeding of whole flour and bread obtained by a mechanical method of dough loosening. To improve the taste characteristics, nutritional value and microbiological purity of bread the concentrated apple juice was added to the bread’s recipe. The obtained indices of microbiological contamination of the cooked bread, which packed in a transparent polypropylene film “BIAXPLEN”, after 7 days of storage, show that in the bread from the whole-grain wheat flour the contamination is lower by 32.6% compared to the bread from entire wheat flour. Improving the microbiological purity of whole-wheat flour became possible by using traditional methods of grain preparing for milling, using the wave-disintegrating method of grinding grain into flour by disinfecting the product with electromagnetic energy of ultra-high frequency, adding concentrated apple juice to the bread’s recipe. Compared with the traditional bread made from wheat flour, the developed bread has increased nutritional value and reduced calorie content.

Comment on “Plasma alkylresorcinol metabolite, a biomarker of whole-grain wheat and rye intake, and risk of ischemic stroke: a case–control study”

Comment on “Plasma alkylresorcinol metabolite, a biomarker of whole-grain wheat and rye intake, and risk of ischemic stroke: a case–control study”

Comment on “Plasma alkylresorcinol metabolite, a biomarker of whole-grain wheat and rye intake, and risk of ischemic stroke: a case–control study”

Background Epidemiologic studies on whole grains and risk of stroke have reported inconsistent results, with some suggesting a protective effect but others showing a null association. Objectives The aim of this study was to examine whether plasma 3-(3,5-dihydroxyphenyl)-1-propanoic acid (DHPPA), a biomarker of whole-grain wheat and rye intake, is associated with risk of ischemic stroke. Methods A hospital-based case-control study was conducted between March 2011 and May 2016. Cases (n = 990) with first ischemic stroke were matched to controls (n = 990) by sex and age. Concentrations of plasma DHPPA were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. We calculated ORs for the association of plasma DHPPA concentrations with ischemic stroke risk through the use of logistic regression. Results Plasma DHPPA was inversely associated with ischemic stroke risk. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, the ORs for ischemic stroke across increasing quartiles of plasma DHPPA concentrations were 1 (referent), 0.76 (95% CI: 0.58, 0.99), 0.71 (95% CI: 0.54, 0.92), and 0.59 (95% CI: 0.45, 0.77), respectively (P-trend = 0.001). The inverse association was also observed in all subgroups of participants according to sex, age, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol consumption, history of hypertension, and history of diabetes. Conclusions Our study showed that higher plasma DHPPA concentrations were associated with lower risk of ischemic stroke. This finding provides further evidence to support the health benefits of whole-grain consumption.

Comment on “Plasma alkylresorcinol metabolite, a biomarker of whole-grain wheat and rye intake, and risk of ischemic stroke: a case–control study”

Comment on “Plasma alkylresorcinol metabolite, a biomarker of whole-grain wheat and rye intake, and risk of ischemic stroke: a case–control study”