Journal of nutritional science and vitaminology最新文献

Many prospective studies of egg consumption and coronary artery disease (CAD) provided conflicting findings, and ethnicity may influence CAD risk. Two Japanese cohort studies, which were conducted around 1990, reported no significant association between egg consumption and CAD. However, there was no study showing the association between egg consumption and CAD in Japanese patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG), whose intakes were assessed at the time of CAD diagnosis. The present study is a cross-sectional study to investigate egg intake and CAD in 795 Japanese patients undergoing CAG. Egg intake was classified into 3 categories (<3, 3-4 eggs/wk, and ≥1 egg/d). CAD was found in 506 patients, of whom 299 had multi-vessel disease (MVD). The prevalence of CAD or MVD did not differ markedly among 3 groups of <3, 3-4 eggs/wk, and ≥1 egg/d. Even after adjusting atherosclerotic risk factors and dietary intakes, multivariate analyses showed no significant associations between egg intake and CAD or MVD. Odds ratios (ORs) for 3-4 eggs/wk and ≥1 egg/d compared to <3 eggs/wk was 0.91 (95%CI: 0.62-1.34) and 1.06 (0.67-1.67) for CAD and 0.79 (0.55-1.15) and 1.22 (0.80-1.87) for MVD. However, only among 504 patients without lipid-lowering drugs, patients with 3-4 eggs/wk less often had MVD than those with <3 eggs/wk (p<0.05). In multivariate analyses, ORs for 3-4 eggs/wk and ≥1 egg/d compared to <3 eggs/wk were 0.56 (0.33-0.96) and 1.21 (0.69-2.13) for MVD. Thus, egg consumption was not associated with an increased risk at CAD in Japanese patients undergoing CAG.

Completing a full marathon not only causes muscle soreness and fatigue but also increases damage markers in the blood. Supplementary strategies can be used to reduce these effects. In a previous study, we focused on maslinic acid (MA), which reduces pain and suppresses inflammation. This study examined the effects of MA intake in full marathons. Twenty-seven healthy amateur runners (19 males and 8 females) were allocated to either the placebo (Pla) group or the MA group. Owing to one absence and variations in sample collection success, data from 22-26 participants were included in the final analyses depending on the outcome measure. Subjective muscle soreness and fatigue were assessed using a numerical rating scale (0-10), and blood samples were collected at three time points: before the race (Pre), immediately after the race (Post), and one day after (Day 1). Nonparametric statistical analyses revealed significant time effects for several blood markers; however, no group differences were observed at any time point. In contrast, subjective scores of muscle soreness at several sites and systemic fatigue did not differ between groups at Post but were significantly lower in the MA group than in the Pla group on Day 1 (p<0.017). These findings suggest that although MA supplementation during a full marathon does not attenuate immediate post-race physiological or subjective responses, it may facilitate the recovery process by reducing perceived muscle soreness and fatigue the following day.

L-Glucose is an enantiomer of D-glucose. It is controversial whether intestinal absorption of L-glucose is mediated by sodium/glucose cotransporter 1 (Sglt1). We examined whether L-glucose is absorbed via Sglt1 using KGA-2727, an Sglt1-specific inhibitor, and via glucose transporter (Glut5), a fructose transporter, using fructose-fed rats as well. KGA-2727 significantly blocked the increase of plasma L-glucose levels and lowered the C_max and AUC_{0-180 min} values. Feeding the high-fructose diet induced significantly higher intestinal Glut5 mRNA expression and higher absorption of orally administered D-fructose, but did not affect L-glucose levels and pharmacokinetic parameters. The results suggest that L-glucose is likely transported via Sglt1 in rat small intestine.

Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome characterized by persistent skeletal muscle loss, with or without fat loss, which cannot be completely reversed by traditional nutritional support and leads to impaired organ function. Cachexia seriously reduces the quality of life of (QOL) patients, affects the therapeutic effect against cancers, increases the incidence of complications, and is an important cause of death for patients with advanced cancers. To date, no effective medical intervention has completely reversed cachexia, and no medication has been agreed upon. Here, we describe recent advances in the diagnosis, molecular mechanism and treatment of cancer-related cachexia.

Although folate is essential for preconception care and reproductive health, non-invasive and valid methods for screening inadequate dietary folate intake are lacking. Urinary potassium excretion, a recovery biomarker of potassium intake, can be used as a proxy for dietary folate intake if the main sources of dietary folate and potassium are the same. This study examined the accuracy of screening using urinary potassium excretion as a proxy for inadequate dietary folate intake. Participants comprised 104 female university students who completed 3-d weighed food records (3dWFR) and 24-h urine collection on the third day of 3dWFR in April-July between 2019 and 2022. The major sources of dietary folate and potassium were identified, and the correlation coefficients between their intake and urinary potassium excretion were calculated. The area under the curve (AUC) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using receiver operating characteristic analysis. Vegetables were the food groups that contributed the most to dietary folate intake (42.7%) and potassium intake (28.9%). The correlation coefficient (r=0.57, p<0.001) between dietary folate intake based on the 3dWFR and potassium excretion was almost the same as that between potassium intake and excretion (r=0.63, p<0.001). Urinary potassium excretion could discriminate at ≥100-≥550 μg in 50 μg increments for insufficient dietary folate intake with >0.7 AUC value (and >0.5 lower limit of 95% CI). These findings indicate that urinary potassium excretion can be used as a proxy indicator to screen for individuals with inadequate dietary folate intake.

Chronic stress often causes abnormal eating behavior and metabolism due at least in part to the activation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis resulting in increases glucocorticoids secretion. Cholecystokinin (CCK) is an anorexic gut hormone secreted from enteroendocrine I cells and controls digestion through the gastric emptying and digestive enzyme secretion. In the present study, we highlighted the function of glucocorticoids in CCK-producing cells with enteroendocrine model cell lines and male Wistar rats. We found that glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) are expressed in STC-1 cells known as an I cell model line. Synthetic (dexamethasone; DEX) and endogenous (corticosterone; CORT) glucocorticoids reduced CCK transcription in STC-1 cells. Depolarization-induced CCK secretion was attenuated by both glucocorticoids, whereas dietary peptide-induced CCK secretion was enhanced by acute CORT treatment. DEX and CORT treatments weakened phosphorylated signaling pathway for CCK transcription in an agonist-specific manner. Daily single injection of DEX but not CORT for 4 d decreased Cck mRNA in the upper small intestine with altered metabolism and gut glucocorticoid sensitivity in male Wistar rats. These findings provide a new insight to reveal stress-induced abnormal nutrient and metabolic status in relation to gastrointestinal dysfunctions.

In this study, we aimed at evaluating the effect of improving skin conditions on petal-derived blue rose extract (BRE) powder intake in middle-aged and older women in Japan. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled parallel study in 48 healthy Japanese women aged 40-50 y who were aware of dry skin. We divided the participants equally into two groups (i.e., 24-24 in the test and control groups, respectively). The participants consumed 100 mg either the placebo or BRE powder daily for 4 wk. We performed skin measurements before-and-after 4 wk of continuous intake. Upon 4 wk after continuous intake, the BRE group displayed improved skin quality compared with the control group. The primary outcome was stratum corneum water content, which significantly improved in the BRE group. The secondary outcomes, melanin index, stains, wrinkles, and rough texture showed improvements between the groups as well. Visual perception, roughness of texture, and wrinkles were improved between the groups. Finally, transparency yielded better scores within the groups. This study presents the results of the first functional test targeting BRE, unraveling various effect of improving skin condition and highlighting the potential of taking BRE in skin care.

It has been confirmed that Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (formerly designated as Lactobacillus paracasei: L. paracasei) K71, a lactic acid bacterium isolated from sakekasu (sake lees) has immunomodulatory and anti-obesity effects. This study aimed to investigate the effect of heat-killed L. paracasei K71 intake on reducing abdominal fat in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparative trial. Eighty healthy male and female subjects with a BMI of ≥23 and <30 were selected and randomly assigned to one of two groups, a test food group and a placebo group. Subjects ingested either a test food containing 50 mg (approximately 1×10¹¹ bacteria) of heat-killed L. paracasei K71 or a placebo for 12 wk. Abdominal fat area and volume, as calculated by computed tomography, body weight, BMI, body fat percentage, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and blood markers were evaluated. In PPS, no significant between-group differences were observed in any item. On the other hand, in subjects with no significant changes in lifestyle, compared with the placebo group, the test food group showed significant decreases in subcutaneous fat area, visceral fat volume, subcutaneous fat volume, body fat percentage, and hip circumference after 12 wk. Moreover, no adverse events due to the test food containing heat-killed L. paracasei K71 were observed during the test period. These results suggest that continuous intake of heat-killed L. paracasei K71 has the effect of reducing abdominal fat in healthy subjects with a high BMI. This trial was registered at UMIN-CTR (UMIN000051324).

Tocotrienols are members of the vitamin E family and exhibit antioxidant properties, immunomodulatory effects, and anti-inflammatory actions. Previously, we demonstrated that γ-tocotrienol inhibits human airway smooth muscle (ASM) cell proliferation, migration, contractile phenotype expression, and extracellular matrix protein synthesis by suppressing RhoA activation. In this study, we investigated whether α- or δ-tocotrienol modulates transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1)-induced contractile phenotype expression in human ASM cells and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB)-induced proliferation and migration of ASM cells. Human ASM cells were pretreated with α- or δ-tocotrienol before stimulation with PDGF-BB to promote proliferation and migration or with TGF-β1 to induce smooth muscle actin expression. PDGF-BB-stimulated ASM cell proliferation and migration were assessed using colorimetric and transwell migration assays. Additionally, we examined the signaling pathways involved in the effects of α- or δ-tocotrienol on PDGF-BB-induced ASM proliferation and migration, as well as TGF-β1-induced smooth muscle actin expression. TGF-β1 increased α-smooth muscle actin expression in human ASM cells. Treatment with α- and δ-tocotrienol slightly reduced α-smooth muscle actin levels, though this reduction was not statistically significant. In contrast, PDGF-BB-induced ASM cell proliferation and migration were significantly inhibited by α- and δ-tocotrienol treatment. The effects of α- and δ-tocotrienol on ASM proliferation and migration involve the RhoA signaling pathway and a reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. These findings suggest that α- and δ-tocotrienol exert beneficial effects on airway remodeling in asthma by inhibiting the proliferation and migration of human ASM cells.

This research examines the correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and albuminuria. A total of 203 hospitalized patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were selected from February to October 2023 and categorized into groups according to their urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). Spearman correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were used to assess the relationship between 25(OH)D and UACR. Among the 203 T2DM patients included, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 59.1%. The 25(OH)D levels in the macroalbuminuria group 9.37 ng/mL (5.98, 15.60) were significantly lower than those in the normal albuminuria group 18.26 ng/mL (14.40, 23.52) and microalbuminuria group 18.20 ng/mL (11.71, 24.20) with statistical significance (p<0.001). Spearman correlation analysis showed a negative correlation between serum 25(OH)D and UACR (r=-0.173, p=0.014). Stepwise linear regression analysis, after adjusting for confounding factors, revealed a linear negative correlation between 25(OH)D and albuminuria (β=-0.278, p<0.001). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, no association was identified between vitamin D deficiency and microalbuminuria in patients with T2DM. However, vitamin D deficiency may significantly increase the risk of macroalbuminuria in patients with T2DM,with an odds ratio (OR) of 4.747 (95% CI: 1.157-19.473). Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among the study population. Serum 25(OH)D levels exhibited a significant negative correlation with UACR, suggesting a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and an elevated risk of macroalbuminuria in individuals with T2DM.