Food & Nutrition Research最新文献

Background and objective: CL19183, or Theolim™, is a novel, proprietary combination of standardized extracts of Citrus aurantifolia fruit rind and Theobroma cacao seeds. Earlier, CL19183 supplementation demonstrated thermogenic activity and weight loss in high-fat diet-induced obese rats. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical study (RCT) assessed whether CL19183 supplementation reduced body weight (BW) and improved body composition (BC) in overweight adults.

Methods: The present study recruited 120 overweight male and female subjects (25-55 years) [body mass index (BMI) of 25-29.9 kg/m²] and randomly assigned to receive daily either CL19183 (450 mg; n = 60) or a matched placebo (n = 60) over 16 weeks. The primary efficacy outcome measure was BW reduction in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. Other efficacy measures included BC using Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), waist and hip circumferences, resting metabolic rate (RMR) using indirect calorimetry, serum lipid profile, and serum biomarkers utilizing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The safety parameters were performed, including complete serum biochemistry, hematology, and urine analysis.

Results: Post-trial, CL19183 supplementation resulted in significant reductions in BW (4.25 ± 1.35 vs. 0.96 ± 1.18 kg; p = 0.0001; CI [confidence interval]: 1.47, 8.59) and BMI (1.57 ± 0.53 vs 0.36 ± 0.46 kg/m², p < 0.0001; CI: 0.87, 2.11), from baseline as compared to placebo. Similarly, total body fat (4.28 ± 1.56 vs. 0.85 ± 1.06 kg; p < 0.0001; CI: 2.35, 7.79) and fat percentage (p < 0.0001) were also reduced from baseline in the CL19183 group vs. placebo. At baseline, after a single dose of CL19183 administration and after 16 weeks, RMR was significantly increased (p < 0.0001 vs. placebo). After 8 and 16 weeks of supplementation, CL19183 significantly increased serum adiponectin and glucagon-like peptide-1 and decreased ghrelin levels vs. baseline and placebo. No major adverse events were reported.

Conclusion: CL19183 supplementation was well-tolerated and led to significant BW reduction and improvements in BC over 16 weeks.

Background: Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are associated with negative health outcomes, but current classification systems, including the dominant NOVA system, are typically not suitable for identifying which factors of these foods may be harmful. New ways of defining UPFs are needed to better understand how food processing affects health.

Objective: To identify classification systems that include a category for ultra-processed or highly processed foods with a focus on comparing their definitions and provide a current evaluation of available alternatives to NOVA.

Design: A systematic literature review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, with the search strategy developed in collaboration with a university librarian. The literature search was completed on 18 December 2023, using databases Medline, Embase (via Ovid), and Web of Science. No human participants were included.

Results: We identified six systems - NOVA, European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC), International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), University of North Carolina (UNC), UnProcessed Pantry Project (UP3), and Siga - that categorize highly processed food or UPFs. These systems differ in structure and detail, with NOVA, EPIC, and Siga providing specific examples of processing techniques. Regarding additives, NOVA, Siga, and UP3 include them explicitly, with Siga offering the most detailed categorization based on additives and ingredients. Siga also includes quantitative measures for nutritional quality, including cut-offs for sugar, fat, and salt, while IFPRI and UP3 address nutritional quality non-quantitatively.

Discussion: When comparing NOVA's UPF category with the highly processed food or UPF categories used in the other five identified systems, we found that none specifies processing techniques clearly. Both NOVA and Siga define additives unique to their UPF categories. Siga stands out by addressing the diverse risks associated with additives and offering quantitative nutritional quality criteria, thus addressing some of the criticisms of how UPFs are commonly defined.

Conclusions: Siga represents a valuable, but not final, step forward in classifying UPFs and could serve as a reference in developing a new operational definition for UPFs.

Background: Cisplatin is widely utilized in the treatment of solid malignant tumors due to its potent anticancer effects through the inhibition of cell division. However, its clinical use is often limited by significant adverse effects, particularly nephrotoxicity. Recent research has focused on natural products as potential mitigators of cisplatin-induced kidney toxicity. Allium hookeri (A. hookeri), a traditional food and herbal medicine in Southeast Asia, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its protective effects against nephrotoxicity remain unclear.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of A. hookeri against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells.

Methods: HEK-293 cells were treated with cisplatin (50 μM) with or without A. hookeri water extract (AHWE) and ethanol extract (AHEE) for 24 h. Cell viability was assessed using MTT assays, and nuclear morphology was examined through Hoechst 33342 staining. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was quantified using ROS detection assays, and nitric oxide (NO) production was measured through Griess reaction assays. Protein and mRNA expression levels were analyzed using western blotting and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) techniques.

Results: Cisplatin treatment (50 μM) significantly increased ROS production compared to untreated cells within 24 h. Both AHWE and AHEE treatments markedly attenuated ROS generation. Additionally, AHWE and AHEE significantly inhibited NO production and downregulated the expression of inflammation-related genes. The treatments also suppressed mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) protein expression. Pretreatment with AHWE and AHEE decreased the Bax/Bcl-2 expression ratio, demonstrating a dose-dependent inhibition of apoptotic features.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that A. hookeri exerts protective effects against cisplatin-induced kidney damage by modulating MAPK signaling, thereby reducing inflammation and apoptosis in HEK-293 cells. A. hookeri represents a promising therapeutic candidate for the prevention and treatment of nephrotoxicity.

Background: Low-density lipoproteins are oxidized and modified by macrophages. This process leads to the formation of macrophage-derived cholesterol-rich foam cells, which are a hallmark of early atherosclerosis. The accumulation of these form cells plays a crucial role in atherosclerosis progression. Allium hookeri (A. hookeri), a medicinal herb commonly used in Southeast Asia, is known for its various bioactive effects, including antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidiabetic properties. However, the repressive effect of A. hookeri extract on foam cell formation in THP-1 macrophages remains unclear.

Objective: This study aims to explore the effect of A. hookeri hot water extract (AHWE) and its primary compound, cycloalliin, on foam cell formation. This investigation involves a combined treatment of oxidized low-density lipoprotein and lipopolysaccharide to stimulate the development of atherosclerosis in vitro. Additionally, the regulatory mechanisms underlying this process were elucidated.

Design: THP-1 cells were differentiated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) (1 μM) for 48 h. Subsequently, they were treated with either AHWE or cycloalliin for 48 h. THP-1 macrophages were treated with combined ox-LDL (20 μg/mL) and LPS (500 ng/mL) for 24 h. Cell viability was assessed using MTT assays, while lipid accumulation was visualized through Oil Red O staining. The levels of corresponding proteins and mRNA were quantified using western blotting and quantitative polymerase chain reactions.

Results: THP-1 cells were differentiated with PMA (1 μM) for 48 h and then treated with or without AHWE and cycloalliin for 48 h. Subsequently, THP-1 macrophages were treated with combined ox-LDL (20 μg/mL) and LPS (500 ng/mL) for 24 h before harvesting. Ox-LDL and LPS treatment for 24 h enhanced the lipid accumulation in foam cells compared to those in untreated cells using Oil red O staining. Conversely, AHWE and cycloalliin treatment inhibited lipid accumulation in foam cells. These treatments significantly upregulated cholesterol efflux-related genes, including ATP binding cassette subfamily A member 1 (ABCA1), liver-X-receptor ɑ (LXRɑ), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) expression. Additionally, AHWE and cycloalliin decreased lipid accumulation-related genes, including lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1), cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36), and scavenger receptor A1 (SR-A1) expression. Furthermore, the combined treatment of ox-LDL and LPS increased the activation and expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α] and IL-6) compared with those in untreated cells. However, AHWE and cycloalliin suppressed the expression of NF-κB, COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-6.

Conclusions: AHWE and cy

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1080/16546628.2017.1325306.].

Administration of high-dose fermented ginseng powder (2.385 mg/g) resulted in a reduction in body weight and an improvement in blood biochemical parameters in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Significant reductions in lipid droplet size were observed in both liver and epididymal adipose tissues. Western blot analysis showed increased protein levels of PPAR-α, PPAR-γ, and PGC-1 in the HFD + low-dose lyophilized fermented ginseng powder (HDL), HFD + medium-dose lyophilized fermented ginseng powder (HDM), and HFD + high-dose lyophilized fermented ginseng powder (HDH) groups compared to the HD group. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of AMPK (P-AMPK) and ACC (P-ACC) was significantly elevated. Conversely, western blot analysis demonstrated a decrease in the expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α in the CG, HDL, HDM, and HDH groups compared to the HD group. Gene expression analysis revealed a downregulation of lipid anabolism-related genes, including SREBP-1c and FAS, along with an upregulation of PPAR-γ and ACOX-1 mRNA levels. Additionally, the expression of inflammation-related genes such as IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α was reduced. High-dose freeze-dried fermented ginseng powder (2.385 mg/g) significantly influenced lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for the management of dyslipidemia.

Background: Dietary habits throughout life significantly influence health in old age; yet, little is known about the relationship between meal pattern and mortality among older adults.

Objective: This study aimed to prospectively investigate the association between meal pattern variables and 15-year all-cause mortality in a cohort of 70-year-olds from the Gothenburg H70 study, considering relevant covariates.

Design: A total of 551 individuals (321 women and 230 men) were included. Dietary intake was assessed using the diet history method, reflecting intake over the preceding 3 months. Meal patterns were described by the usual daily frequency of main meals, light meals, snacks, beverages, and total intake occasions (IO). Statistical analyses included Cox proportional hazards regression, Student's t-test, and Chi-square test.

Results: Subjects who were deceased at follow-up had a higher prevalence of undernutrition risk indicators (based on low body mass index [BMI], weight/appetite change, and eating difficulties) at baseline compared to those living 15 years later (P = 0.02). In the fully adjusted Cox model, individuals with high total intake frequencies (>5 per day) showed a significantly increased hazard ratio (1.51) for mortality compared to those with medium frequencies. Additionally, medium-high snack frequency (>2-3 snacks/day) was associated with an elevated mortality risk, independent of total energy intake and other covariates.

Discussion: These findings suggest a potential association between frequent daily IO, particularly snacks, and increased mortality risk, which is not fully explained by total energy consumption or other covariates.

Conclusions: The 15-year follow-up provides a long-term view of meal patterns' impact on longevity, indicating that higher daily consumption frequencies may be associated with increased mortality risk between ages 70 and 85. Further research should examine the nutritional composition of various meal patterns to clarify these associations.

Conflict-induced food insecurity has been currently emerging to be a widespread challenge to the decent livelihood of the human population. This study examined conflict-induced food insecurity in conflict-affected areas of the northeastern part of Ethiopia. This study assessed three time periods (pre-conflict, conflict, and post-conflict times) to analyze the impact of conflict on the studied households. Food consumption score and household food insecurity access scale tools were used to measure the food security status of households. Descriptive statistics and independent t-test were used to analyze the data. The major finding confirmed that the food security status of both urban and rural households in the study areas was negatively affected by the conflict. Compared to the pre-conflict period (22.2%), the number of food-insecure households at the time of the conflict was three times higher. Though the food security status of both rural and urban households was affected by the conflict in the area, the effect was much severe for the rural households. The number of food-insecure rural households during the conflict was three times higher than the pre-conflict period. During the conflict, female-headed households (78.3%) were more vulnerable to food insecurity than male-headed households. The independent t-test result confirmed the presence of a difference in food security status between rural and urban households (P > 0.01) and between female- and male-headed households (P > 0.021). Food security status variations were also seen among the study livelihood zones. Households from the north wello east plain livelihood zone suffered a lot (71.3%). The result suggested that any project aiming at improving households' food security in conflict-affected areas should give attention to the provision of food aid, agricultural inputs, credit services, and financial support to the affected community. Restoring peace would rather be the long-lasting solution to minimize the conflict-induced food insecurity in the area.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) involves lipid accumulation in liver without consumption of alcohol and affects many people worldwide. NAFLD is associated with metabolic syndrome disease such as obesity, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. However, there are no pharmacologic therapies for NAFLD. Recently, there are increasing reports that several natural plants can inhibit lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) leaves have been used in traditional medicine for rheumatism, stomach ache, emetic, skin rashes, and earaches. Our objective was to investigate the effect of bay laurel leaves water extract (BLW) on free fatty acid (FFA) treated hepatocyte and high fructose, high fat (HFHF) diet in a mouse model of NAFLD. In vitro, lipid accumulation increased only in the FFA treated group, while BLW reduced lipid accumulation to a level comparable to that only in the FFA treated group. Cellular antioxidants were increased in the BLW compared to the only FFA-treated group, but cellular MDA levels were decreased in the BLW compared to the only FFA treated group. Cellular lipid accumulation, inflammation, and apoptosis were reduced in the BLW compared to the only FFA treated group. In vivo, serum ALT, AST, and GGT levels in the BLW supplementation group were significantly decreased compared with the HFHF group. Hepatic TC, TG, and MDA levels were significantly decreased in the HFHF+100 and HFHF+200 groups compared to the HFHF group. The hepatic antioxidant activities in the BLW supplementation groups were significantly increased compared to the HFHF group. The expression of proteins related to hepatic inflammation and apoptosis was reduced in the BLW supplementation groups compared to the HFHF group. These results suggest that BLW could be potentially useful in the treatment of NAFLD due to its inhibitory effects on hepatic lipogenesis, hepatic inflammation, and hepatic apoptosis.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage degradation, subchondral bone erosion, and chronic inflammation. Current treatments primarily focus on symptom relief and have significant side effects, highlighting the need for safer, more effective alternatives. Cissus quadrangularis extract (CQE), containing bioactive flavonoids quercetin and isorhamnetin, has shown potential anti-inflammatory and cartilage-protective properties.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the anti-osteoarthritic effects and mechanisms of action of CQE in a monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA rat model.

Design: Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were induced with OA through intra-articular injection of MIA and treated with CQE at doses of 30, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day. The effects of CQE on knee joint damage, subchondral bone erosion, cartilage structure, proteoglycan content, and the expression of inflammatory mediators and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were assessed using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), histological staining, immunofluorescence, and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results: CQE significantly mitigated knee joint damage, reduced subchondral bone erosion, and enhanced bone volume and trabecular structure in MIA-induced OA rats. It also preserved cartilage integrity by maintaining proteoglycan content and the expression of collagen type II alpha 1 (COL2A1) and aggrecan. Moreover, CQE suppressed the mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators [inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX)], pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)], and MMPs (MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, and MMP-13), indicating strong anti-inflammatory and cartilage-protective effects.

Conclusions: CQE exhibits significant therapeutic potential in managing OA by targeting multiple aspects of disease progression, including inflammation, cartilage degradation, and bone erosion. Further research is needed to explore long-term efficacy, safety, and the molecular mechanisms of CQE, as well as to validate these findings in human clinical trials.