Reduction in Serum Carotenoid Levels Following One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass

Given the health benefits of carotenoids, it is crucial to evaluate their levels in patients undergoing malabsorptive procedures like one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB). This study aimed to assess serum carotenoid levels before and 6 months following OAGB. Prospectively collected data from patients who underwent primary OAGB were analyzed. Data included anthropometrics, dietary intake assessments, and biochemical tests. Serum samples were analyzed for lipid profile and serum carotenoids, including lutein, zeaxanthin, α-carotene, β-carotene, phytofluene, ζ-carotene, and lycopene. Data from 27 patients (median age 47.0 years and 55.6% female) were available before and 6 months post-OAGB. The median pre-surgical BMI was 39.5 kg/m2, and the median excess weight loss at 6 months post-surgery was 63.9%. Significant decreases in all carotenoid levels were observed over time (p < 0.001 for all). A median relative decline of 65.1% in absolute total carotenoid levels and 12.7% in total cholesterol levels were found. No associations were observed between changes in clinical outcomes and carotenoid levels during the study period. This study reveals significant decreases in carotenoid levels within the first 6 months following OAGB. Nutritional intervention studies are needed to explore how incorporating carotenoid-rich foods affects post-surgery carotenoid levels and clinical outcomes.

The Carotenoid Composition of Larvae Feed Is Reflected in Adult House Fly (Musca domestica) Body

Carotenoids are common and diverse organic compounds with various functional roles in animals. Except for certain aphids, mites, and gall midges, all animals only acquire necessary carotenoids through their diet. The house fly (Musca domestica) is a cosmopolitan pest insect that populates diverse habitats. Its larvae feed on organic substrates that may vary in carotenoid composition according to their specific content. We hypothesized that the carotenoid composition in the adult house fly's body would reflect the carotenoid composition in the larval feed. House fly larvae were reared on diets that differed in carotenoid composition. HPLC analysis of the emerging adult flies indicate that the carotenoid composition of adult house flies is related, but not identical, to the carotenoid composition in its natal substrate. These findings may be developed to help identify potential sources of house fly infestations. Also, it is recommended that rearing substrates of house fly larvae, used for animal feed, should be carefully considered.

9-cis beta-carotene-enriched diet significantly improved cognition and decreased Alzheimer's disease neuropathology and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease-like mouse models

A significant progressive decline in beta-carotene (βC) levels in the brain is associated with cognitive impairment and a higher prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we investigated whether the administration of 9-cis beta-carotene (9CBC)-rich powder of the alga Dunaliella bardawil, the best-known source of βC in nature, inhibits the development of AD-like neuropathology and cognitive deficits. We demonstrated that in 3 AD mouse models, Tg2576, 5xFAD, and apoE4, 9CBC treatment improved long- and short-term memory, decreased neuroinflammation, and reduced the prevalence of β-amyloid plaques and tau hyperphosphorylation. These findings suggest that 9CBC has the potential to be an effective preventive and symptomatic AD therapy.

The effect of α-linolenic acid enrichment in perinatal diets in preventing high fat diet-induced SCD1 increased activity and lipid disarray in adult offspring of low density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLRKO) mice

The present study examined the effects of maternal perinatal dietary ALA enrichment on the high fat diet (HFD)-induced lipid disarray in the adult offspring of low density lipoprotein receptor knock-out (LDLRKO) mice. Female LDLRKO mice received, during pregnancy and lactation, isocaloric diets with either corn oil, RD, or flax oil, ALA. The weaning offspring was given a regular chow diet for a washout period of eight weeks, which was followed by HFD for eight weeks. Plasma and liver lipids and SCD1 activity were then analyzed. The HFD-fed RD adult offspring had substantially higher plasma cholesterol levels than the HFD-fed ALA offspring (15.7 versus 9.7 mmole/l, p<0.00001) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (65.0 versus 23.9 mg/g lipids, p<0.00001). Liver lipids oleic acid (OA) content and monounsaturated to saturated fatty acids (MUFA/SAT) ratio, were two times lower in RD compared to ALA (p<0.0001). The threefold HFD-induced SCD1 raised activity (p<0.00001), and OA produced from SA, observed in RD adult offspring were prevented by perinatal ALA. In conclusion, the resilience of SCD1 to HFD- induced increased activity may account for the beneficial effects of perinatal ALA dietary enrichment in preventing NAFLD and hypercholesterolemia from occurring in adult LDLRKO offspring mice.

β-Carotene from the Alga Dunaliella bardawil Decreases Gene Expression of Adipose Tissue Macrophage Recruitment Markers and Plasma Lipid Concentrations in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

Vitamin A and provitamin A carotenoids are involved in the regulation of adipose tissue metabolism and inflammation. We examined the effect of dietary supplementation using all-trans and 9-cis β-carotene-rich Dunaliella bardawil alga as the sole source of vitamin A on obesity-associated comorbidities and adipose tissue dysfunction in a diet-induced obesity mouse model. Three-week-old male mice (C57BL/6) were randomly allocated into two groups and fed a high-fat, vitamin A-deficient diet supplemented with either vitamin A (HFD) or β-carotene (BC) (HFD-BC). Vitamin A levels in the liver, WATs, and BAT of the HFD-BC group were 1.5–2.4-fold higher than of the HFD group. BC concentrations were 5–6-fold greater in BAT compared to WAT in the HFD-BC group. The eWAT mRNA levels of the Mcp-1 and Cd68 were 1.6- and 2.1-fold lower, respectively, and the plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were 30% and 28% lower in the HFD-BC group compared with the HFD group. Dietary BC can be the exclusive vitamin A source in mice fed a high-fat diet, as shown by the vitamin A concentration in the plasma and tissues. Feeding BC rather than vitamin A reduces adipose tissue macrophage recruitment markers and plasma lipid concentrations.

Blood fatty acid analysis reveals similar n-3 fatty acid composition in non-pregnant and pregnant women and their neonates in an Israeli pilot study

Maternal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is required during pregnancy to supply for normal fetal growth and development. This pilot study aimed to assess the unknown fatty acid (FA) composition in a cohort of non-pregnant and pregnant Israeli women at term and their offspring on a normal diet without n-3 FA supplementation. The fatty acid profile, analyzed using gas chromatography, showed significantly higher plasma monounsaturated (MUFA) and lower n-6 FA percent distribution with similar n-3 index, in pregnant compared to non-pregnant women. RBC exhibited significantly higher MUFA with similar n-3 index, in pregnant compared to non-pregnant women. N-3 FA significantly correlated between neonates' plasma, with higher n-3 index, and pregnant women's DHA. Conclusion: DHA levels in non-pregnant and pregnant Israeli women at term were comparable and the DHA in pregnant women's plasma positively correlated with their neonate's level, suggesting an efficient mother-fetus FA transfer and/or fetal fatty acid metabolism to longer FA products.

Dietary β-Carotene Rescues Vitamin A Deficiency and Inhibits Atherogenesis in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a major health problem, especially in developing countries. In this study, we investigated the effect of VAD from weaning to adulthood in apoE^−/− mice. Three-week-old male mice were allocated into four diet groups: I. VAD II. VAD+vitamin A (VA), 1500 IU retinyl-palmitate; III. VAD+β-carotene (BC), 6 g/kg feed, containing 50% all-trans and 50% 9-cis BC. IV. VAD with BC and VA (BC+VA). After 13 weeks, we assessed the size of atherosclerotic plaques and measured VA in tissues and BC in plasma and tissues. VAD resulted in diminished hepatic VA levels and undetectable brain VA levels compared to the other groups. BC completely replenished VA levels in the liver, and BC+VA led to a two-fold elevation of hepatic VA accumulation. In adipose tissue, mice fed BC+VA accumulated only 13% BC compared to mice fed BC alone. Atherosclerotic lesion area of BC group was 73% lower compared to VAD group (p < 0.05). These results suggest that BC can be a sole source for VA and inhibits atherogenesis.

Addition of fish oil to atherogenic high fat diet inhibited atherogenesis while olive oil did not, in LDL receptor KO mice

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Mediterranean diet has been associated with decreased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Both fish and olive oil are key components of this diet. Therefore, we compared their effects on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and atherogenesis in a mouse model, fed a high fat diet.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Forty nine, female LDL receptor knockout (LDLR KO) mice were allocated into 3 groups and fed an atherogenic high fat (HF) diet for 9 weeks. The HF group was fed a high fat diet alone. A HF + OO group was fed a HF diet with added olive oil (60 ml/kg feed), and the third group (HF + FO) was fed a HF diet with added fish oil (60 ml/kg feed). Both additions of fish and olive oil, significantly decreased plasma cholesterol elevation compared to HF diet. Nevertheless, only fish oil addition reduced significantly atherosclerotic lesion area by 51% compared to HF group. Liver levels of eicosapentenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids were several folds higher in HF + FO group than in HF and HF + OO groups. Liver levels of oleic acid were higher in HF + OO compared to the other groups. Moreover, Fish oil addition significantly decreased NAFLD scores related to steatosis and inflammation and lowered the expression of the inflammatory genes interleukin 6 (IL6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that fish oil addition on top of an atherogenic, HF diet, is beneficial, while olive oil is not, in its effect on plaque formation and NAFLD in LDLR KO mice.

Obesity and Insulin Resistance Are Inversely Associated with Serum and Adipose Tissue Carotenoid Concentrations in Adults

BACKGROUND

Low tissue concentrations of carotenoids have been suggested to contribute to insulin resistance in obesity.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the study were to 1) evaluate the relations of adipose tissue and serum carotenoids with body fat, abdominal fat distribution, muscle, adipose tissue and liver insulin resistance, and dietary intake; 2) evaluate the relations and distributions of carotenoids detected in adipose tissue and serum; and 3) compare serum carotenoids and retinol concentrations in subjects with and without obesity.

METHODS

Post hoc analysis of serum and adipose tissue carotenoids in individuals [n = 80; 31 men, 49 women; age (mean ± SEM): 51.4 ± 1.1 y] who participated in 2 separate studies conducted at the Clinical Research Facility at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research (Sydney) between 2008 and 2013. Retinol, α-carotene, β-carotene, ζ-carotene, lutein, lycopene, phytoene, and phytofluene were measured using HPLC. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Insulin resistance was measured by 2-step hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps with deuterated glucose (n = 64), and subcutaneous and visceral abdominal volume and liver and pancreatic fat by MRI (n = 60). Periumbilical subcutaneous fat biopsy was performed and carotenoids and retinol measured in the tissue (n = 16).

RESULTS

We found that ζ-carotene, phytoene, and phytofluene were stored in considerable amounts in adipose tissue (25% of adipose tissue carotenoids). Carotenoid concentrations in adipose tissue and serum correlated significantly, but they followed different distributions: ζ-carotene was 3-fold higher in adipose tissue compared with serum, while lutein and lycopene made up 20% and 21% of serum carotenoids compared with 2% and 12% of adipose tissue carotenoids, respectively. Liver (P ≤ 0.028) and adipose tissue (P = 0.023), but not muscle (P ≥ 0.16), insulin resistance correlated inversely with many of the serum carotenoids.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple serum and adipose tissue carotenoids are associated with favorable metabolic traits, including insulin sensitivity in liver and adipose tissue in humans.

Interleukin-1α deficiency reduces adiposity, glucose intolerance and hepatic de-novo lipogenesis in diet-induced obese mice

OBJECTIVE

While extensive research revealed that interleukin (IL)-1β contributes to insulin resistance (IR) development, the role of IL-1α in obesity and IR was scarcely studied. Using control, whole body IL-1α knockout (KO) or myeloid-cell-specific IL-1α-deficient mice, we tested the hypothesis that IL-1α deficiency would protect against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and its metabolic consequences.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

To induce obesity and IR, control and IL-1α KO mice were given either chow or HFD for 16 weeks. Glucose tolerance test was performed at 10 and 15 weeks, representing early and progressive stages of glucose intolerance, respectively. Liver and epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) samples were analyzed for general morphology and adipocyte size. Plasma levels of adiponectin, insulin, total cholesterol and triglyceride (TG), lipoprotein profile as well as hepatic lipids were analyzed. Expression of lipid and inflammation-related genes in liver and eWAT was analyzed. Primary mouse hepatocytes isolated from control mice were treated either with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (control) or 20 ng/mL recombinant IL-1α for 24 hours and subjected to gene expression analysis.

RESULTS

Although total body weight gain was similar, IL-1α KO mice showed reduced adiposity and were completely protected from HFD-induced glucose intolerance. In addition, plasma total cholesterol and TG levels were lower and HFD-induced accumulation of liver TGs was completely inhibited in IL-1α KO compared with control mice. Expression of stearoyl-CoA desaturase1 (SCD1), fatty acid synthase (FASN), elongation of long-chain fatty acids family member 6 (ELOVL6), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), key enzymes that promote de-novo lipogenesis, was lower in livers of IL-1α KO mice. Treatment with recombinant IL-1α elevated the expression of ELOVL6 and FASN in mouse primary hepatocytes. Finally, mice with myeloid-cell-specific deletion of IL-1α did not show reduced adiposity and improved glucose tolerance.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate a novel role of IL-1α in promoting adiposity, obesity-induced glucose intolerance and liver TG accumulation and suggest that IL-1α blockade could be used for treatment of obesity and its metabolic consequences.

9-cis β-carotene Inhibits Atherosclerosis Development in Female LDLR-/- Mice

Background: Several epidemiological studies have shown that diets rich in carotenoids are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. However, administration of synthetic all-trans b-carotene was reported to have no effect on cardiovascular disease. We previously showed that the 9-cis b-carotene-rich powder of the alga Dunaliella bardawil inhibits atherogenesis and reduces plasma non-HDL cholesterol levels in mice.Context and purpose of this study: We sought to study whether isolated 9-cis b-carotene inhibits atherogenesis in a murine model of atherosclerosis.Results: Twelve-week-old female LDL receptor knockout mice (LDLR-/-) were pretreated for  2 weeks with regular chow diet fortified with the alga Dunaliella powder, 9-cis β-carotene isomer, all-trans β-carotene isomer, or 9-cis retinoic acid, followed by 10 weeks of a high-fat diet with the same fortifications. In contrast to Dunaliella, 9-cis β-carotene did not inhibit the high fat diet-induced elevation of plasma cholesterol. In addition, diet fortification with Dunaliella powder, β-carotene isomers, or 9-cis retinoic acid did not change the plasma retinol or retinoic acid levels. Nevertheless, 9-cis β-carotene significantly inhibited atherogenesis compared to the control mice (39% reduction).Conclusions: The results suggest that 9-cis β-carotene should be considered as an anti-atherogenic agent in the human diet.Key words: Atherosclerosis, Dunaliella, 9CBC, LDLR-/- mice

Predictors of Multigland Disease in Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A Scoring System with 4D-CT Imaging and Biochemical Markers

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Multigland disease represents a challenging group of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Additional lesions may be missed on imaging because they are not considered or are too small to be seen. The aim of this is study was to identify 4D-CT imaging and biochemical predictors of multigland disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study of 155 patients who underwent 4D-CT and successful surgery with a biochemical cure that compared patients with multigland and single-gland disease. Variables studied included the size of the largest lesion on 4D-CT, the number of lesions prospectively identified on 4D-CT, serum calcium levels, serum parathyroid hormone levels, and the Wisconsin Index (the product of serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels). Imaging findings and the Wisconsin Index were used to calculate a composite multigland disease scoring system. We evaluated the predictive value of individual variables and the scoring system for multigland disease.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients with multigland disease were compared with 119 patients with single-gland disease. Patients with multigland disease had significantly lower Wisconsin Index scores, smaller lesion size, and a higher likelihood of having either multiple or zero lesions identified on 4D-CT (P ≤ .01). Size cutoff of <7 mm had 85% specificity for multigland disease, but including other variables in the composite multigland disease score improved the specificity. Scores of ≥4, ≥5, and 6 had specificities of 81%, 93%, and 98%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The composite multigland disease scoring system based on 4D-CT imaging findings and biochemical data can identify patients with a high likelihood of multigland disease. Communicating the suspicion for multigland disease in the radiology report could influence surgical decision-making, particularly when considering re-exploration in a previously operated neck or initial limited neck exploration.

L1CAM is expressed in triple-negative breast cancers and is inversely correlated with androgen receptor

Background

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease displaying distinct molecular features and clinical outcome. The molecular profile of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) overlaps with that of basal-like breast cancers that in turn show similarities with high-grade serous ovarian and endometrial carcinoma. L1CAM is an established biomarker for the latter cancers and we showed before that approximately 18% of primary breast cancers are positive for L1CAM and have a bad prognosis. Here we analysed the expression of L1CAM breast cancer subtypes.

Methods

We analyzed mRNA and protein expression data from different breast cancer cohorts for L1CAM, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, Her-2 and Androgen receptor (AR) and correlated the data. We performed Western blot analysis on tumor cell lysates and carried out chromatin-immuno-precipitation (CHIP) after AR overexpression.

Results

We find that L1CAM is expressed preferentially though not exclusively in TNBCs. Using the human cancer genome atlas database and two independent breast cancer cohorts we find that L1CAM is inversely correlated with androgen receptor (AR) expression. We found that L1CAM^highAR^low primary breast tumors have the worst clinical outcome. Overexpression of AR in MDA-MB436 breast cancer cells decreased L1CAM expression at the protein and mRNA level and CHIP-analysis revealed binding of AR to the L1CAM promoter region.

Conclusions

These results suggest that L1CAM in breast cancer is under AR control. The data also strongly advocate the use of L1CAM assessment in breast cancer diagnosis. We suggest that L1CAM expression could be causally related to the bad prognosis of TNBCs.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2407-14-958) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Treatment with 9-cis β-carotene-rich powder in patients with retinitis pigmentosa: a randomized crossover trial

IMPORTANCE

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the leading cause of incurable inherited blindness in the developed world, with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 3500 individuals. Therefore, it is important to develop new treatments for this disease.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of oral treatment with 9-cis β-carotene on visual function of patients with RP.

DESIGN

Randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial.

SETTING

University tertiary medical facility.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-four patients with RP who were at least 18 years of age. Twenty-nine patients completed the study and were included in the analysis.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were treated daily for 90 days with capsules containing 300 mg of 9-cis β-carotene-ich alga Dunaliella bardawil (β-carotene, approximately 20 mg) or placebo (starch). Following a 90-day washout period, they were treated for 90 days with the other capsules.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcomewas the change for both eyes from baseline to the end of each treatment in dark-adapted maximal electroretinographic b-wave amplitude. The secondary outcomes were the changes in light-adapted maximal b-wave amplitude, dark- and light-adapted visual field, and best-corrected visual acuity.

RESULTS

The mean change in dark-adapted maximal b-wave amplitude relative to initial baseline was +8.4 μV for 9-cis β-carotene vs −.9 μV for placebo (P = .001). Ten participants (34.5%) had an increase of more than 10 μV for both eyes (range, 11-42 μV) after 9-cis β-carotene treatment compared with no participants after placebo treatment. The percentage change in light-adapted b-wave response was +17.8%for 9-cis β-carotene vs −.0% for placebo (P = .01). No significant differences were found between the groups for visual field and best-corrected visual acuity. No adverse effects were observed.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Treatment with 9-cis β-carotene significantly increased retinal function in patients with RP under the tested conditions. The optimal therapeutic regimen will be determined in future, larger clinical trials. 9-cis β-Carotene may represent a new therapeutic approach for some patients with RP.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01256697.