Nutrients最新文献

Background/Objectives: The skin, being the body's outermost organ, plays a vital role in protecting against various external stimuli. Ultraviolet generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), promoting the secretion of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and inducing collagen degradation. Many studies have been conducted to identify natural substances that can prevent or delay the harmful effects of UV. Methods: A wound healing assay, DCF-DA reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, and JC-1 assay were performed to assess the effects of bio-converted eggplant peels (BEPs) on human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). Western blot analysis was also conducted to understand the underlying mechanisms for their effects. Finally, hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry were also performed in animal studies. Results: Our study evaluated the antioxidant efficacy of BEPs fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-HDFs and UVB-induced skin damage in hairless mice. We demonstrated that BEPs exhibited enhanced antioxidant properties compared to non-fermented eggplant peels (EPs). BEPs facilitated wound healing in H₂O₂-damaged HDFs, reduced ROS levels, and restored mitochondrial membrane potential. BEPs suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK, p38, and JNK as their underlying mechanism. We further demonstrated that dietary supplementation of BEPs also downregulated matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) expression and upregulated collagen I (COL1) in UVB-damaged hairless mice, indicating that BEPs were more effective compared to EPs. Conclusions: Our studies suggest that BEPs fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum hold significant potential as a protective agent for mitigating UVB-induced damage and promoting skin health.

Background: On 18 April 2024, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) published the first food package changes to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in over a decade, which reduced some food benefits (juice, milk, canned fish, and infant fruits and vegetables) and offered substitutes (cash-value vouchers (CVVs) or cash-value benefits (CVBs) to redeem for fruits and vegetables, cheese, soymilk, or other dairy products).

Methods: To assess the impact of the changes on the consumption and redemption of these food groups, a systematic search was conducted, identifying 23 peer-reviewed publications between 2010 and 2024.

Results: They revealed significant shifts in consumption after the 2009 food package changes; e.g., a decline in 100% juice intake following reductions in juice allowances. Additionally, the review highlighted that the 2009 WIC food package revision was associated with more fruit and vegetable consumption after the increase in CVV allowance. While including milk alternatives like soy-based beverages or lactose-free milk or cheese may improve redemption rates and WIC program satisfaction, the long-term impacts of these proposed changes remain unknown. No research was identified on the consumption of canned fish.

Conclusions: This review contributes to understanding the changes in redemption and consumption after the last WIC food package changes, identifies the knowledge gap about prospective impacts, and recommends that the WIC agencies implement appropriate evaluations to promote health and nutrition among vulnerable populations.

Background: Although breastfeeding has been extensively documented to confer health benefits to infants in the early stages of their lives, the sustained influence that it has on autistic traits throughout childhood remains unclear. This study endeavors to explore the correlation between the length of exclusive breastfeeding, the overall duration of breastfeeding, and the manifestation of autistic traits in Chinese children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 17,382 three-year-olds residing in Longhua District, Shenzhen, China. The participants' socio-economic status, breastfeeding patterns, and autistic traits were recorded using questionnaires. Breastfeeding durations were analyzed both as continuous and categorical variables. Results: Of the 17,382 children studied, 666 exhibited autistic traits. Exclusive breastfeeding for ≥2 months was notably associated with a decreased risk of developing autistic traits when it was assessed using continuous measures. Furthermore, children who were breastfed for 13 months or longer exhibited a lower risk of developing autistic traits, as compared to those who were breastfed for 6 months or less, when this was measured using categorical methods. Similarly, when it was assessed using continuous measures, children who were breastfed for at least 8 months also demonstrated a reduced risk of developing autistic traits. Linear relationships were discernible between exclusive breastfeeding duration, overall breastfeeding duration, and autistic traits. Conclusions: Exclusive breastfeeding for a period from 2 to 6 months, coupled with extended breastfeeding lasting for at least 8 months, demonstrated a beneficial effect in alleviating autistic traits among Chinese children. These findings contribute to refining and strengthening the existing recommendations concerning breastfeeding practices.

Background/Objectives: Brazil has a high incidence of new tuberculosis cases influenced by socioeconomic factors. Inadequate housing, limited access to health services, and insufficient food increase vulnerability to the disease. This study aimed to identify sociodemographic, nutritional, and anthropometric factors associated with active pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods: This case-control study was conducted at the tuberculosis (TB) Referral Hospital in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil, from 2022 to 2024. It included 65 patients with active pulmonary TB and 73 comparison individuals. Sociodemographic and nutritional data were collected using an adapted semi-quantitative questionnaire with 77 items, based on the validated ELSA-BRASIL questionnaire for adults, to assess the consumption of calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin D. The Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA) was used to analyze food and nutrition security or insecurity. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated based on weight and height measurements. Results: The TB patients were predominantly men (73.8%), of mixed ancestry (69.4%), with low education levels (73.4%), and had a mean age of 39 years. Furthermore, 26.2% of the patients were underweight, and 64% experienced some degree of food and nutrition insecurity. The variables education level, vitamin D, and BMI were associated with the outcome in the final model. Conclusions: The study identified a high prevalence of food insecurity and vitamin E deficiency in individuals with active tuberculosis, in addition to associating low educational levels, inadequate vitamin D intake, and overweight with a higher risk of TB. Although it has limitations, such as the cross-sectional design and sample size, the results highlight the importance of these determinants and point to the need for longitudinal research to confirm and expand the evidence.

Background: The human gastrointestinal tract is home to a wide variety of microorganisms. For some decades now, bacteria known as probiotics have been added to various foods because of their beneficial effects for human health. Evidence indicates that probiotics significantly regulate gut microbiota, which is vital for digestion, metabolism, immune function, and mental health. Methods: We conducted a narrative review of available original research published in PubMed for the past ten years focusing on recent advancements that provide a thorough understanding of the relationship between the gastrointestinal system and the brain. Results: Recent advances in research have focused on the importance of gut microbiota in influencing mental health. The microbiota-gut-brain axis is a complex, bidirectional communication network linking the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract, which highlights how the gut and brain are deeply interconnected and influence each other in ways that affect our overall health, emotions, and behavior. This powerful link is a major area of research as scientists discover more about how gut health can impact mental well-being. Conclusions: A comprehensive understanding of microbiota composition and mechanisms involved in these interactions between the gut and the brain could shape future medical and therapeutic approaches. It would balance scientific explanation with clinical relevance, offering insights into how understanding the brain-gut axis can revolutionize our approach to treating mental health and gastrointestinal disorders.

Background: Magnesium (Mg) deficiency is associated with many common chronic conditions and potentially severe health care outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular risk factors, and diabetes. However, Mg deficiency is underdiagnosed and often underrecognized in the ambulatory health care setting, and nutrition education and training are often limited for health care providers (HCPs). Methods: A clinical guideline for detecting and treating Mg deficiency in the ambulatory care setting was developed. A pilot study was conducted in which HCPs received education on Mg and completed pre-test and post-test questionnaires to assess the intervention efficacy of the guideline. Results: Ten HCPs participated in the pilot study via telephone or face-to-face session. In general, there was a statistically significant increase in Mg knowledge among HCPs, due to the intervention of presentation of the guideline, with a nonsignificant increase in clinical practice application. However, the 1-month follow-up survey results showed that HCPs were likely to incorporate Mg assessment and treatment tools from the guideline in their future practice. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the use of the proposed clinical guideline may increase HCP knowledge and improve the diagnosis and treatment of Mg deficiency. Further use, development, and evaluation of this guideline is warranted.

Background/Objectives: The aim of the present study was to examine eighteen-year-olds' self-assessed knowledge about diet and hygiene, behaviors that they report, and education they receive during dental appointments. Methods: Questionnaires distributed among 1611 subjects included questions concerning sociodemographic factors, dietary and hygiene knowledge and behaviors, and dental visits. Spearman's rank correlation and a bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted; odds ratios (ORs) and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) were calculated (p ≤ 0.05). Results: Respondents self-assessed their oral health knowledge; 63.1% of them considered it to be limited, and 40.7% understood the cariogenic effect of frequent snacking. Dentists and a dental team (DT) were the main source of information (55.7%). Dietary advice was recommended by 10.8% of dentists and the DT, while check-up appointments were advised by 49.2%. Parents' higher education contributed to a lower intake of cariogenic food. This effect was stronger for the mother's education. Dental appointments scheduled twice a year increased the chances of consuming healthy food (A2OR = 1.21 (1.07-2.11); p = 0.0028). Being informed increased the chances of toothbrushing ≥ 2 times (OR: 1.21, CI 1.10-1.46), using fluoridated toothpaste (OR: 1.26 CI1.05-1.55), and the frequency of appointments (A1OR: 1.56 CI 1.21-1.87; A2OR: 1.78 CI 1.54-1.91). Conclusions: Knowledge and oral health related behaviors, as well as the involvement of the dental team in education, are inadequate. Education and instruction in the dental office has a favorable influence on oral-health-related behaviors. It is, therefore, necessary to undertake systemic solutions so that dental practitioners are more involved. Providing oral health knowledge should be the standard of care.

Background: Monitoring bone mineral density (BMD) in adults is critical for early detection of osteoporosis and prevention of fracture, for which quantitative ultrasound (QUS) is a good non-invasive tool. We examined the associations of QUS measures, including stiffness index (SI) and T-score, with socio-demographic, lifestyle, and anthropometric correlates and risk of subsequent fracture. Methods: Calcaneal QUS was performed using GE's Lunar Achilles EXPII among 24,651 adults (mean age 59.5 years, 61.7% women) from the China Kadoorie Biobank study. Socio-demographic and lifestyle information was collected using an interviewer-administered electronic questionnaire, and anthropometrics were measured following standard protocols. Incidence of fracture and osteoporosis was recorded via linkage with nationwide health insurance database. Linear and Cox regression analyses were conducted, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: On average, men had higher SI (92.8 vs. 86.0) but lower T-score (-0.85 vs. -0.64) than women. In both men and women, advanced age and smoking were inversely associated with SI and T-score, while physical activity and tea drinking were positively so (p < 0.0001 for all). Except for height, all other anthropometric measures were significantly and positively associated with both BMD measures. With each SD lower SI, the risk of subsequent fracture was 26% (95% confidence interval: 10-44%) and 40% (25-57%) higher in men and women, and the corresponding associations of T-score were identical. Conclusions: Among Chinese adults, the SI and T-score provided by Achilles EXPII had similar patterns and predictive values for subsequent fracture, despite the T-score for men and women not being directly comparable because of gender-specific references used. Future studies are needed to confirm or refute the causality of relationship between lifestyle and anthropometric factors and BMD.

Background/Objectives:Lepidium sativum, Ferula hermonis, Origanum majorana, and Eruca sativa are frequently consumed as a traditional Middle Eastern medicine to promote health and treat various diseases. However, concerns have been raised about their possible harmful effect in humans. Limited research has examined their chronic toxicity in rats, and their combined exposure effects are still unknown. Hence, this research aimed to evaluate their potential hepato- and nephrotoxic effects. Methods: Aqueous extracts of the selected plants, with a dose of 100 mg/kg, were administered separately and as a mixture daily for 60 days. Blood and tissue were sampled from 28 rats, and organ weight, biochemical markers for kidney and liver function, and histopathological examination were assessed. Results: The results indicated increased liver weight, liver and kidney malondialdehyde, alanine transaminase, and urea, and decreased serum creatinine and kidney glutathione levels. Additionally, histological examinations showed liver and kidney architectural damage. Further, the extent of toxicity varied among the plants. Conclusions: In conclusion, the results revealed that the corresponding plant extracts' oral administration affects biological functions and promotes liver and kidney oxidative damage in rats, with FH and ES exhibiting the highest level of liver toxicity and ES and MIX showing the highest level of kidney toxicity.

Background and aims: Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for weight loss and improvement of associated comorbidities. However, some factors could negatively influence favorable results after surgery. This paper aimed to identify whether there is an association between the predominant domain of eating behavior and perception of distortion of and satisfaction with body image in people who underwent bariatric surgery in Brazil.

Materials and methods: To this end, we carried out a cross-sectional, quantitative, analytical study with a convenience sample and with data collected through online questionnaires available on Google Forms™.

Results: There was a higher frequency for females. Cognitive restriction was the predominant eating behavior domain. We found an association between body image distortion and cognitive restriction (p = 0.001) and between body image distortion and emotional eating (p = 0.001).

Conclusions: The results elucidated the importance of researching eating behavior and body image in people who have had bariatric surgery. New prospective studies should be encouraged to understand the cause-effect relationship between eating behavior and body image.