Journal of Nutrition最新文献

Background: Systemic inflammation plays a crucial role in the development and progression of chronic heart failure (CHF) across all phenotypes. The continuous release of pro-inflammatory cytokines causes muscle atrophy and adipocyte breakdown, ultimately resulting in cachexia. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as potential biomarkers associated with cachexia, as they indirectly regulate muscle and fat tissue metabolism.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify inflammatory-related, plasma-circulating lncRNAs characteristic of cachexia in CHF patients. The secondary objective was to assess the clinical utility of these selected lncRNAs as diagnostic and predictive markers for cachexia.

Methods: Blood plasma samples were collected from 157 newly diagnosed CHF patients (91 men and 66 women; mean age: 72±13 years) for lncRNA extraction. Molecular testing, using RT² lncRNA qRT-PCR Array Human Cell Development, Differentiation, and Inflammatory Panel was performed in two phases: the discovery phase (screening of 148 lncRNAs in 8 patients) and the validation phase (validation of the identified lncRNAs in 157 patients).

Results: Five lncRNAs were found as differentially expressed in the discovery phase. In the validation phase, two of these five lncRNAs: SNHG5 and ZFAS1, showed significant expression differences between cachectic and non-cachectic patients in the entire study group (both p<0.001). The combined downregulation of ZFAS1 and upregulation of SNHG5 was identified as an unfavorable lncRNA signature primarily associated with poor nutritional status in women (low fat-free mass, fat-free mass index and body mass index), abnormal laboratory results (hypoalbuminemia and high levels of inflammatory markers), and an increased incidence of cachexia in CHF patients. When this lncRNA signature was combined with serum CRP and albumin levels, it effectively differentiated between cachectic and non-cachectic patients (AUC=1.0). The presence of this unfavorable signature was associated with a 9-fold increased likelihood (OR=9.2) of cachexia in the study cohort.

Conclusion: The identified lncRNA signature demonstrates potential clinical value for distinguishing and predicting cachexia in CHF patients.

Background: Pine (Pinus koraiensis) nut oil (PNO) has been reported to have various beneficial effects on hepatic triglyceride accumulation and atherosclerosis in animal models. MicroRNAs (miRs) are involved in various diseases by modulating physiological processes. However, the mechanism underlying PNO's effects on the regulation of miRs involved in hepatic cholesterol homeostasis and inflammation remains unclear.

Objectives: This study investigated the effects of PNO on the regulation of the miR-34a/122 pathways involved in cholesterol homeostasis and inflammation in the liver using a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) rat model.

Methods: Six-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 8/group) and provided with (1) a cholesterol-free diet, (2) an HCD containing 1% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid, or (3) an HCD containing 5% PNO for 4 weeks. Lipid analysis of serum and liver, histological evaluation, and analysis of gene and protein expression were performed.

Results: PNO supplementation in HCD improved hepatic lipid profiles and elevated serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared to the HCD group. PNO significantly upregulated hepatic gene expression levels of liver X receptor α and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1/G1, which are involved in cholesterol efflux (P < 0.05). Gene expressions of proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and inducible nitric oxide synthase were downregulated by PNO (P < 0.05). PNO also suppressed TNF-α and IL-6 protein levels by 22.3% and 17.3%, respectively (P < 0.05). PNO reduced hepatic nuclear factor-kappa B activity by 16.4% and decreased nitric oxide production in the liver and serum (P < 0.05). Furthermore, hepatic miR-34a and miR-122 expressions decreased by 16.4% and 15.7% by PNO, respectively (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: These results suggest that PNO may affect cholesterol homeostasis and inflammation, which are partially associated with the miR-34a/122 pathways in the liver under an HCD.

Background: In 2020, approximately 10% of U.S. civilian households were food insecure compared to over 25% of households with active-duty U.S. military service members. Given the increased risk for food insecurity in the military, it's vital to investigate both the precursors and consequences of food insecurity in military populations.

Objective: To determine associations between food insecurity and perceived overall health, stress, and psychological counseling utilization in U.S. military service members.

Methods: Using weighted logistic regressions, we conducted secondary analyses of the 2020 Status of Forces Survey-Active Duty (unweighted n = 12,324), a nationally representative cross-sectional, probability-based survey of U.S. military service members.

Results: Approximately 25% of respondents were food insecure. Respondents with low (AOR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.11-1.60) and very low food security (AOR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.30-2.12) had significantly greater odds of current work-related stress compared to food secure respondents. Respondents with low (AOR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.17-1.87) and very low food security (AOR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.41-2.45) had lower self-perceived overall health when compared to food secure respondents. There was no association between food insecurity and psychological counseling utilization.

Conclusions: Although food insecure respondents had higher odds of stress and poorer perceptions of overall health, they had similar odds of utilizing counseling support, suggesting potential opportunities for specialized engagement. A broader approach is needed to encourage military leadership engagement with service members for counseling support and supplemental nutrition assistance resources.

Background: Retinol isotope dilution (RID) equations are used to predict vitamin A total body stores (TBS). Including population-based ("super-subject") modeling with RID provides group-specific values for the equation coefficients.

Objectives: Objective was to test an approach that would accommodate a limited super-subject sample size without compromising accuracy in RID predictions of TBS.

Methods: We used Simulation, Analysis and Modeling software to simulate fraction of dose in plasma (FD_p) at 16 times from 3 h-56 d after tracer ingestion in 20 theoretical adults. Then we modeled geometric mean FD_p ("full dataset") to determine group mean TBS and the coefficients Fa (FD in stores) and S (specific activity in plasma/stores) in the RID equation TBS (μmol) = FaS/plasma retinol specific activity. Using the same FD_p data, we also generated four datasets with reduced subject numbers at times other than that designated for RID (d 21). Then, we adjusted individual FD_p using the ratio (individual FD_p on d 21/mean FD_p on d 21) ("adjusted datasets"), modeled each, and determined TBS and FaS for comparison to the full dataset values.

Results: Mean ratio of model-predicted TBS for adjusted/full dataset was 0.962 (range, 0.920-1.06) and for FaS, it was 0.945 (d 14), 0.971 (d 21), and 0.984 (d 28).

Conclusions: For these theoretical data, adjusting individual FD_p values based on relationship to the group mean FD_p at an appropriate time (21 d) maintained the accuracy of model predictions of TBS and the RID composite coefficient FaS. If these results are confirmed using real data, values for FaS determined in a small super-subject study could be applied to confidently predict TBS by RID in that group's individuals. This approach would be especially useful when resources are limited for studies of vitamin A status in community settings.

Background: It is not yet clear to what extent the physiological regulatory mechanisms that maintain core body temperature are reflected by changes in resting energy expenditure (REE). Particularly in indirect calorimetry with a canopy, the effects of short-term temperature exposures have not yet been investigated. This can be of relevance for the determination of REE in practice.

Objective: This randomized crossover-study investigated the influence of a 30-minute exposure to 18°C (cool room temperature), 22°C (room temperature), 28°C (thermoneutral zone) and 38°C (heat) on REE determined by assessing the inhaled oxygen volume and the exhaled carbon dioxide volume via indirect calorimetry on four consecutive days.

Methods: 32 metabolically healthy participants (16 male and 16 female, age: 25 ± 3 years, body mass index: 22.4 ± 1.6 kg/m²) were included in the study after screening examination.

Results: Lean body mass, ambient temperature and heart rate were the most important determinants (all P<0.001), and explained 61.3% of the variance in REE. A multivariate linear mixed model analysis revealed that lean mass (15.87 ± 3.66, P<0.001) and ambient temperature (P=0.001) significantly influenced REE. REE significantly differed between 18°C and 28°C (18°C: +96 ± 24 kcal/24 h, P<0.001), 22°C and 28°C (22°C: +73 ± 24 kcal/24 h, P=0.003) and 18°C and 38°C (18°C: +57 ± 23 kcal/24 h, P=0.016).

Conclusions: Effects of ambient temperature on REE, especially cold, were detectable after only brief exposure, emphasizing the importance of performing indirect calorimetry with a canopy under controlled environmental conditions.

Clinical trial registry number and website where it was obtained: The study was registered with the database "ClinicalTrials.gov" (NCT05505240).Web-Link: Influence of Ambient Temperature on Resting Energy Expenditure of Healthy Adults - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov.

Selenium is widely acknowledged as an indispensable trace element for humans and various animals, including poultry. The addition of selenium in appropriate doses plays a crucial role in promoting poultry growth and reproduction. Conversely, both deficiency and excessive intake of selenium can pose significant threats to poultry health and production performance. In modern poultry farming, there is an increasing demand for precise nutrient intake, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted role of selenium. This review aims to compare and contrast the properties and recommended addition levels of different sources of selenium in poultry feed. Furthermore, it discusses the hazards and mechanisms associated with selenium deficiency or excess in poultry. Additionally, we summarize the pivotal role that selenium plays in stress states among poultry. Overall, this review seeks to provide a comprehensive overview highlighting the significance of selenium in terms of nutrition and health for poultry while ensuring optimal utilization within poultry production.

Objective: Accumulation of hydrophobic bile acids is linked with cancer development. However, derivatives of deoxycholic acid (DCA) and lithocholic acid (LCA) produced via bacterial metabolism may mitigate the proinflammatory and cytotoxic effects of hydrophobic bile acids. The impact of diet on secondary bile acid (BA) derivative production has not been determined. Therefore, associations between BA modulating nutrients and the composition of secondary BAs and their derivatives were investigated.

Methods: Stool and blood were collected from 138 participants aged 45-75 years that self-identified as Black or non-Hispanic White. BAs were extracted from stool and serum and quantified using LC/ESI-MS/MS. Energy, macronutrients, micronutrients, and specific dietary nutrients were estimated from two 24-hour diet recalls. The abundance of genes for microbial BA metabolism were assessed from stool metagenomes. Kendall's tau correlation and regression-based modeling was performed to determine associations between BA categories, microbial genes, and select energy adjusted dietary variables (alcohol, calcium, coffee, fiber, fat, protein).

Results: Participants had a mean age of 60 years and a mean BMI of 31 kg/m². BA derivatives were present in all participant stools, with lagodeoxycholic acid being the most abundant derivative quantified. Analysis of stool microbial metagenomes revealed the presence of genes for secondary BA derivative production in all participants. Protein is positively associated with the accumulation of secondary BAs. Monounsaturated fatty acids were negatively associated with high abundant derivatives of deoxycholic acid in regression models. Total fiber and coffee intake were positively correlated with increased conversion of BAs to derivatives. Race and smoking status were significant predictors of associations between dietary variables and BA derivatives.

Conclusions: Protein, monounsaturated fatty acids, total fiber and coffee were significantly associated with concentrations of secondary BAs and their derivatives. Future work should account for social and structural influences on dietary intake and its relationship with BA elicited cancer risk.

Background: Supplementing choline and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to pregnant gilts modified fetal pig hepatic global DNA methylation induced by gestational malnutrition, suggesting that gene expression and regulation and its associated metabolic pathways are affected in the liver of offspring during growth and development.

Objective: To investigate the effect of maternal supplementation of choline, DHA and their interaction on hepatic mRNA expression, miRNA regulation and metabolic pathways in the fetal pigs born to malnourished mothers.

Methods: The abundance of mRNA and miRNA was profiled in fetal liver from sows with undernutrition supplemented with choline and DHA in a 2 × 2 factorial design. The effects of choline, DHA, and their interaction on mRNA and miRNA expression were evaluated. Identification of the Biological Processes from the Gene Ontology database and miRNA Target Prediction Analysis were performed using the DAVID Functional Annotation Tool and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. The identified miRNA-mRNA pairings were validated using RT-qPCR.

Results: 144 mRNA and 1 miRNA were altered by supplementation of choline and the alterations were associated with the inhibitions of cardiac hypertrophy signaling, IL-6 signaling, IL-3 signaling, the Th1 pathway, and the acute phase response signaling pathway. 151 mRNAs and 6 miRNAs were altered by maternal supplementation DHA and were associated with inhibition of 5 inositol-related pathways, 5 immune-related pathways, and 7 other pathways and the stimulation of PPAR signaling and RhoGDI signaling pathways. 383 mRNAs and 25 miRNAs displayed choline x DHA interactions including synergistic effects on acute phase response signaling, and antagonistic effects on tRNA splicing, PPARα/RXRα activation, and sirtuin signaling, NAD signaling and RNA polymerase I transcription pathways. 10 of the identified 20 miRNA-mRNA pairings were validated using RT-qPCR.

Conclusions: We identified and confirmed that supplementation of choline, DHA or choline plus DHA to pregnant gilts modifies liver mRNA, miRNA, and pathways in fetal pigs during gestational undernutrition.

Prediabetes with a considerable progression rate is a primary risk factor for type 2 diabetes, if left untreated. Dietary interventions examining the health effects of prebiotic consumption on health status have been studied in subjects with prediabetes but the results are controversial. This study aimed to investigate whether prebiotic consumption can favorably alter metabolic status as well as anthropometric features in subjects with prediabetes. Electronic databases were searched up to January, 2024, and randomized clinical trials examining the effect of prebiotic consumption on glycemic status, lipid profile, and/or anthropometric features in adults with prediabetes were selected. Data from 10 selected studies were extracted. In total, 546 subjects were included in our analysis of whom 258 were allocated to prebiotic supplemented group, and 288 to control group. Our results demonstrated a significant reduction in body fat (BF) percentage (SMD: -1.27 %, 95%CI: -2.33, -0.22) after prebiotic supplementation. We found no significant alterations in metabolic indices including fasting plasma glucose, insulin, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In addition, we did not notice a significant effect of prebiotic consumption on other anthropometrics including BMI and waist circumference. There was no fair evidence that prebiotic consumption could improve metabolic and anthropometric features in subjects with prediabetes. Yet, a significant reduction in BF might support the beneficial effect of prebiotics when aiming at preventing diabetes through lifestyle modifications and weight management. In addition, the reduction in BF can be of clinical significance, indicating the potential of prebiotics to increase insulin sensitivity which can positively affect people with prediabetes. Nevertheless, current findings should be taken with caution due to the very low certainty in the pooled estimate for the majority of outcomes. Future studies are needed to investigate the effect of prebiotics on health status in people with prediabetes. This trial was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42023473082.