Functional foods as potential therapeutic options for metabolic syndrome

Regular Intake of Pistachio Mitigates the Deleterious Effects of a High Fat-Diet in the Brain of Obese Mice

Obesity has been associated with neurodegeneration and cognitive dysfunctions. Recent data showed that pistachio consumption is able to prevent and ameliorate dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, systemic and adipose tissue inflammation in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). The present study investigated the neuroprotective effects of pistachio intake in HFD mice. Three groups of mice were fed a standard diet (STD), HFD, or HFD supplemented with pistachio (HFD-P) for 16 weeks. Metabolic parameters (oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction) were analyzed by using specific assays and biomarkers. The pistachio diet significantly reduced the serum levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the HFD model. No difference was observed in the index of insulin resistance between HFD and HFD-P. A higher number of fragmented nuclei were found in HFD cerebral cortex compared to STD and HFD-P. A decrease in reactive oxygen species, singlet oxygen and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and an increase of superoxide dismutase 2 and heme oxygenase expression were found in the brains of the HFD-P samples compared to HFD. Furthermore, the impaired mitochondrial function found in HFD brain was partially recovered in HFD-P mice. These results suggest that the regular intake of pistachio may be useful in preventing obesity-related neurodegeneration, being able to reduce both metabolic and cellular dysfunctions.

Neural-based valuation of functional foods among lean and obese individuals

Functional foods may contribute to establish healthy eating habits and reduce obesity and related comorbidities. Differences in the brain mechanisms underpinning the valuation of functional foods in individuals with excess weight may inform the development of attractive functional foods. We aimed to compare brain function during the Willingness to Pay task for functional vs standard foods between individuals with healthy weight (HW), overweight (OW), and obesity (OB). We hypothesized that, in participants with OB, willingness to pay for functional foods would evoke greater activation/connectivity in brain regions previously associated with subjective value. Thirty-six HW, 19 OW, and 20 OB adults performed a functional magnetic resonance imaging-Willingness to Pay task that requires them to decide how much they would pay for presented standard and functional food images tasted in a previous buffet. Whole-brain analyses compared task-related activation and connectivity between participants with OB, OW, and HW. Individuals with OB, relative to HW, showed more similar willingness to pay for functional and standard food. At the brain level, they also showed hyperactivation in the ventral posterior cingulate cortex and the right angular gyrus, as well as an increased functional connectivity between the ventral posterior cingulate cortex and the intraparietal cortices to the valuation of the functional vs the standard foods. Increased willingness to pay for functional foods in people with excessive weight may be driven by recruitment of brain regions that direct attention to internal goals.

Use of elicitation in the cultivation of Bimi® for food and ingredients

BACKGROUND

Cruciferous foods rich in health-promoting metabolites are of particular interest to consumers as well as being a good source of bioactives-enriched ingredients. Several elicitors have been used to stimulate the biosynthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites in foods; however, little is known about the response of new hybrid varieties, such as Bimi®, under field-crop production conditions. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the effect of salicylic acid (200 μmol L^-1 , SA), methyl jasmonate (100 μmol L^-1 , MeJA), and their combination on Bimi plant organs (inflorescences and aerial vegetative tissues - stems and leaves). For this, the composition of the glucosinolates present in the tissues was evaluated. Also, aqueous extracts of the plant material, obtained with different times of extraction with boiling water, were studied.

RESULTS

The results indicate that the combined treatment (SA + MeJA) significantly increased the content of glucosinolates in the inflorescences and that MeJA was the most effective elicitor in leaves. Regarding the aqueous extracts, the greatest amount of glucosinolates was extracted at 30 min - except for the leaves elicited with MeJA, for which 15 min was optimal.

CONCLUSION

The elicitation in the field enriched leaves in glucobrassicin (GB), 4-methoxyglucobrassicin (MGB), and neoglucobrassicin (NGB) and stems and inflorescences in glucoraphanin, 4-hydroxyglucobrassicin, GB, MGB, and NGB. In this way, this enhanced vegetable material favored the presence of bioactives in the extracts, which is of great interest regarding enriched foods and ingredients with added value obtained from them. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Saskatoon Berry Amelanchier alnifolia Regulates Glucose Metabolism and Improves Cardiovascular and Liver Signs of Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats

Saskatoon berry (Amelanchier alnifolia) is a potential functional food containing anthocyanins and flavonols, as well as ellagitannins and phenolic acids. We have determined the potential therapeutic effects of Saskatoon berry in diet-induced metabolic syndrome. Nine- to ten-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups. Two groups were fed on control diets, either corn starch (C) or high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet (H) respectively, for 16 weeks. Two further groups were fed on C or H diet for 16 weeks with Saskatoon berry powder added to the diet for the final 8 weeks (CSSK, HSSK). After 16 weeks, H rats showed symptoms of metabolic syndrome, including increased body weight, visceral adiposity, systolic blood pressure, cardiac fibrosis, plasma concentrations of triglycerides and non-esterified fatty acids, and plasma activities of alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase. Saskatoon berry intervention normalised body weight and adiposity, improved glucose tolerance, decreased systolic blood pressure, improved heart and liver structure and function with decreased infiltration of inflammatory cells, and decreased plasma total cholesterol. Further, Saskatoon berry normalised liver expression of hexokinase 1 and glycogen phosphorylase and increased glucose 6-phosphatase relative to H rats. These results suggest that Saskatoon berry regulates glycolysis, gluconeogenesis and glycogenesis to improve metabolic syndrome.

Cocoa and unripe banana flour beverages improve anthropometric and biochemical markers in overweight women: A randomised double-blind study

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a functional cocoa and unripe banana flour (UBF) beverage intake on the anthropometric and biochemical markers of overweight women. Methods: This prospective, double-blinded, randomized clinical trial involved 60 female volunteers aged between 20 and 50 years. One group received a cocoa beverage (n = 30) and one group received a cocoa and UBF beverage (n = 30), for 6 weeks. The cocoa beverage showed 3.07 total g dietary fiber/serving and 29.55 mg gallic acid equivalentes/portion (GAE/portion). Cocoa and UBF beverage contained 8.48% resistant starch by weight, 4.37 g dietary fiber/full portion and 69.24 mg GAE/portion. Weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol and fractions were evaluated. Results: The UBF and cocoa beverage reduced waist circumference (-2.03 cm, P < 0.001) and the cocoa beverage reduced total cholesterol (-19.3 mg/dL, P < 0.001) and the LDL/HDL ratio (-0.32, P < 0.001); in addition, both beverages promoted the reduction of body fat percentage (-1.98%, P = 0.001 and -1.15%, P < 0.001 Cocoa/UPF group and Cocoa group respectively). Conclusion: The additional dietary fiber did not further improve health status.

The combined treatment with lentil protein hydrolysate and a mixed training protocol is an efficient lifestyle intervention to manage cardiovascular and renal alterations in obese Zucker rats

PURPOSE

Functional and structural changes in cardiovascular and renal systems resulting from obesity and metabolic syndrome represent a severe risk to human health. Lifestyle interventions such as combining healthy diet with adequate physical exercise protocols are good strategies to manage these pathologies. In this research, the effects of lentil protein hydrolysate administration, combined or not with a mixed training protocol, on insulin resistance, cardiovascular and renal functionality were studied in the obese Zucker rat experimental model.

METHODS

Thirty-two rats (16 lean and 16 obese subdivided in sedentary and trained animals) were administered lentil protein hydrolysate, whereas another 32 subdivided in the same experimental design were administered placebo. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, insulin resistance and different parameters of cardiovascular and renal functionality were measured.

RESULTS

The individual or combined interventions with lentil protein hydrolysate and mixed training protocol were efficient at counteracting some of the metabolic, cardiovascular and renal alterations characterizing the obese Zucker rat. Specifically, lentil protein hydrolysate decreased hyperphagia, amplitude of QRS complex, plasma ACE and selectin E expression in aorta, while increasing urinary volume and pH. Exercise showed beneficial actions on HOMA-IR, QRS amplitude, QTc interval, urinary volume, kidney weight and Mn-SOD activity. Interestingly, most of the mentioned benefits of exercise were more consistent when protein hydrolysate was also administered.

CONCLUSION

The interesting synergies between the two interventions assessed qualify them as alternative therapeutic strategies to treat cardiovascular and kidney diseases associated to the metabolic syndrome.

Supplementation ofBacillus amyloliquefaciensAS385 culture broth powder containing 1-deoxynojirimycin in a high-fat diet altered the gene expressions related to lipid metabolism and insulin signaling in mice epididymal white adipose tissue

Supplementation ofBacillus amyloliquefaciensAS385 culture broth powder in high-fat diet restored adiposity, glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in mice.

DHA-Induced Perturbation of Human Serum Metabolome. Role of the Food Matrix and Co-Administration of Oat β-glucan and Anthocyanins

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been reported to have a positive impact on many diet-related disease risks, including metabolic syndrome. Although many DHA-enriched foods have been marketed, the impact of different food matrices on the effect of DHA is unknown. As well, the possibility to enhance DHA effectiveness through the co-administration of other bioactives has seldom been considered. We evaluated DHA effects on the serum metabolome administered to volunteers at risk of metabolic syndrome as an ingredient of three different foods. Foods were enriched with DHA alone or in combination with oat beta-glucan or anthocyanins and were administered to volunteers for 4 weeks. Serum samples collected at the beginning and end of the trial were analysed by NMR-based metabolomics. Multivariate and univariate statistical analyses were used to characterize modifications in the serum metabolome and to evaluate bioactive-bioactive and bioactive-food matrix interactions. DHA administration induces metabolome perturbation that is influenced by the food matrix and the co-presence of other bioactives. In particular, when co-administered with oat beta-glucan, DHA induces a strong rearrangement in the lipoprotein profile of the subjects. The observed modifications are consistent with clinical results and indicate that metabolomics represents a possible strategy to choose the most appropriate food matrices for bioactive enrichment.

Efficiency comparison of PGBR extract and γ-oryzanol in antioxidative stress and anti-inflammatory properties against metabolic syndrome

This research aims to delineate the anti-inflammatory effect of pregerminated brown rice extract (PE) and γ-oryzanol on improving metabolic features of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic syndrome (MetS) mouse model. C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into eight groups: regular diet (RD), HFD, HFD-combined treatment of 0.5, 5, or 10 mg kg^-1  day^-1 oral gavage γ-oryzanol, and 30, 300, or 600 mg kg^-1  day^-1 PE for 18 weeks. HFD-fed mice showed overweight, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia signs of metabolic disorder, and elevation of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, NO, PGE2 in serum and MAPKs, transcription factor p65, iNOS, and MDA in the liver. In contrast, HFD-fed mice showed lower levels of adiponectin in serum and antiperoxidation enzymes GPx, SOD, and catalase in the liver. While HFD-fed mice cotreated with PE or γ-oryzanol, HFD-induced metabolic disorders, ROS, and inflammation were improved. The anti-MetS, antioxidative stress and anti-inflammation properties of PE were more potent than γ-oryzanol. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Our study showed that PE or γ-oryzanol supplement could help control metabolic disorders, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and related complications.

Pelargonidin 3-glucoside-enriched strawberry attenuates symptoms of DSS-induced inflammatory bowel disease and diet-induced metabolic syndrome in rats

PURPOSE

To determine whether the anthocyanin, pelargonidin 3-glucoside (P3G), attenuates symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and metabolic syndrome in rats.

METHODS

We tested P3G-enriched strawberry in two models of chronic inflammation in rats, chronic IBD induced by 0.5% dextran sodium sulphate in the drinking water for 12 weeks (D) and metabolic syndrome induced by a high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet (H) for 16 weeks. P3G-enriched strawberry was added to the diet for the final 6 weeks in IBD rats (DP) or 8 weeks in H rats (HP) to provide a dose of 8 mg P3G/kg/day.

RESULTS

D rats had marked diarrhoea, bloody stools, erosion of mucosal epithelium, crypt atrophy, loss of villi and goblet cells, and inflammatory cell infiltration. These symptoms were reversed by P3G with healthy stools and mucosal lining of ileum and colon including increased villi, crypts and goblet cells and reduced inflammation. H rats developed hypertension, dyslipidaemia, central obesity, increased ventricular stiffness, cardiac and liver inflammation, and steatosis. P3G treatment in H rats improved systolic blood pressure, ventricular stiffness, and cardiac and liver structure, and reduced abdominal fat, abdominal circumference and body weight gain.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates that dietary P3G decreased inflammation to decrease the symptoms of IBD, and to improve cardiovascular, liver and metabolic functions in metabolic syndrome.

Exploring the protective effect of ShengMai-Yin and Ganmaidazao decoction combination against type 2 diabetes mellitus with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by network pharmacology and validation in KKAy mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

ShengMai-Yin and Ganmaidazao decoction are classic formulas in traditional Chinese medicine. Individually, Shengmai-Yin is used to treat cardiovascular diseases, and Ganmaidazao decoction for therapy of mental disorders. The combination of Shengmai-Yin and Ganmaidazao decoction (SGD) is normally used as adjuvant therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

AIM OF THE STUDY

The central aim is to elucidate the pharmacological efficacy of SGD and its mechanism in the treatment of T2DM with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Active ingredients in SGD and their drug targets were identified using network analysis followed by experimental validation. First, existing databases were mined for information relevant to SGD, including pharmacological actions, chemical components, physicochemical characteristics, potential targets, and implicated diseases. Candidate patterns obtained with the network analysis were then tested in a KKAy mouse model of T2DM with NAFLD. Various doses of SGD were administered, followed by measurements of fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance tests, insulin tolerance tests, markers of lipid metabolism - including free fatty acids (FFA), triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) - liver histology, and expression levels of implicated molecules including PI3K/AKT and PPARα.

RESULTS

Over 300 potential active compounds with their physicochemical characteristics and 562 candidate targets were collected, and then the network of them was constructed. Follow-up pathway and functional enrichment analyses indicated that SGD influences metabolism-related signaling pathways including PI3K-Akt, AMPK, and PPAR. In validation experiments, treatment of KKAy mice with SGD reduced serum levels of glucose, TC, TG, and FFA, decreased numbers of crown-like structures in visceral adipose tissue, reduced adipocyte size, and lowered liver lipid deposits. Further, SGD improved liver metabolism by increasing the expressions of PPARα, HSL, and PI3K/Akt, and decreasing expressions of SREBP-1 and FASN, inhibiting lipid biosynthesis, and increasing insulin sensitivity.

CONCLUSION

Experimental validation of network analysis revealed anti-diabetic effects of the plant product SGD, manifested most notably by improved serum profiles and diminished insulin resistance. These experimental results may have clinical implications.

Functional Foods and Bioactive Compounds: A Review of Its Possible Role on Weight Management and Obesity's Metabolic Consequences

Background: Weight management and obesity prevention is a basic aim of health organizations in order to decrease the prevalence of various metabolic disorders. The aim of the present review article was the evaluation of the possible role of functional foods and their bioactive compounds as alternative way to promote weight management and prevent obesity and its metabolic consequences. Methods: Approximately 100 articles were selected from Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct, by using relative key words, and based mainly on recent animal, clinical or epidemiological studies. Results: The literature review highlighted the possible effect of specific functional foods such as coffee, green tea, berries, nuts, olive oil, pomegranate, avocado, and ginger. Specific bioactive compounds of those foods—such as caffeine, catechins, gallic acid, anthocyanins, ascorbic acid, polyphenols, oleuropein, capsaicin, and quercetin—may contribute to weight management, obesity prevention, and obesity’s metabolic consequences. The possible mechanisms include effect on satiety, lipid absorption, fatty acids beta oxidation, stimulation of thermogenesis, etc. Conclusions: Functional foods, as part of a balanced diet, could be useful in the direction of weight management and decrease of obesity’s’ metabolic consequences. However, the scientific evidence is unclear and in most cases controversial and more clinical and epidemiological studies are needed in order to further investigate the mechanisms of their possible effect.

Effects of different dietary regimes alone or in combination with standardized Aronia melanocarpa extract supplementation on lipid and fatty acids profiles in rats

This study investigated different dietary strategies, high-fat (HFd), or standard diet (Sd) alone or in combination with standardized Aronia melanocarpa extract (SAE), as a polyphenol-rich diet, and their effects on lipids and fatty acids (FA) in rats with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into two groups: healthy and rats with MetS, and then depending on dietary patterns on six groups: healthy rats fed with Sd, healthy rats fed with Sd and SAE, rats with MetS fed with HFd, rats with MetS fed with HFd and SAE, rats with MetS fed with Sd, and rats with MetS fed with Sd and SAE. 4 weeks later, after an overnight fast (12-14 h), blood for determination of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), index of lipid peroxidation (measured as TBARS), and FA was collected. Increased FA and lipid concentration found in MetS rats were reduced when changing dietary habits from HFd to Sd with or without SAE consumption. Consumption of SAE slightly affects the FA profiles, mostly palmitoleic acid in healthy rats and PUFA in MetS + HFd rats. Nevertheless, in a high-fat diet, SAE supplementation significantly decreases n-6/n-3 ratio, thereby decreasing systemic inflammation. Further researches are warranted to confirm these effects in humans.

Bone Protective Effect of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Phenolic Compounds by Modulating Osteoblast Gene Expression

The phenolic compounds of extra-virgin olive oil can act at various levels to protect individuals against cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and osteoporosis, among others. Polyphenols in extra-virgin olive oil can stimulate the proliferation of osteoblasts, modify their antigen profile, and promote alkaline phosphatase synthesis. The objective of this work was to determine the effect of different extra-virgin olive oil phenolic compounds on the gene expression of osteoblast-related markers. The cells of the MG63 osteoblast line were cultured for 24 h with 10⁻⁶ M of the phenolic compounds ferulic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, apigenin, or luteolin. The expression of studied markers was quantified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (q-RT-PCR). The expression by MG63 osteoblasts of growth and differentiation/maturation markers was modified after 24 h of treatment with 10⁻⁶ M of the phenolic compounds under study, most of which increased the gene expression of the transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), TGF-β receptor 1,2 and 3 (TGF-βR1, TGF-βR2, TGF-βR3), bone morphogenetic protein 2 and 7 (BMP2, BMP7), run-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX-2), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Osteocalcin (OSC), Osterix (OSX), Collagen type I (Col-I) and osteoprotegerin (OPN). The extra-virgin olive oil phenolic compounds may have a beneficial effect on bone by modulating osteoblast physiology, which would support their protective effect against bone pathologies.

Linseed Components Are More Effective Than Whole Linseed in Reversing Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats

Linseed is a dietary source of plant-based ω–3 fatty acids along with fiber as well as lignans including secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG). We investigated the reversal of signs of metabolic syndrome following addition of whole linseed (5%), defatted linseed (3%), or SDG (0.03%) to either a high-carbohydrate, high-fat or corn starch diet for rats for the final eight weeks of a 16–week protocol. All interventions reduced plasma insulin, systolic blood pressure, inflammatory cell infiltration in heart, ventricular collagen deposition, and diastolic stiffness but had no effect on plasma total cholesterol, nonesterified fatty acids, or triglycerides. Whole linseed did not change the body weight or abdominal fat in obese rats while SDG and defatted linseed decreased abdominal fat and defatted linseed increased lean mass. Defatted linseed and SDG, but not whole linseed, improved heart and liver structure, decreased fat vacuoles in liver, and decreased plasma leptin concentrations. These results show that the individual components of linseed produce greater potential therapeutic responses in rats with metabolic syndrome than whole linseed. We suggest that the reduced responses indicate reduced oral bioavailability of the whole seeds compared to the components.

Low-Dose Curcumin Nanoparticles Normalise Blood Pressure in Male Wistar Rats with Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome

Nanoparticle formulations improve bioavailability and so may allow low-dose formulations of food-derived compounds such as curcumin to attenuate chronic systemic disease despite intrinsically low oral bioavailability. The current study induced metabolic syndrome in male Wistar rats aged eight–nine weeks using a high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet (H) with corn starch diet (C) as control. Using a reversal protocol, rats were given curcumin as either nanoparticles encapsulated in poly(lactic–co–glycolic acid) (5 mg/kg/day, HCNP) or as an unformulated low dose or high-dose suspension in water (low-dose, 5 mg/kg/day, HC5; high-dose, 100 mg/kg/day, HC100) or blank nanoparticles (HBNP) for the final eight weeks of the 16 week study. We analysed cardiovascular parameters including systolic blood pressure and left ventricular diastolic stiffness along with histopathology, liver parameters including plasma liver enzymes, histopathology and metabolic parameters, including glucose tolerance, blood lipid profile and body composition, and plasma curcumin concentrations. HC100 and HCNP but not HBNP normalised systolic blood pressure (C = 120 ± 4; H = 143 ± 5; HBNP = 141 ± 3; HC5 = 143 ± 4; HC100 = 126 ± 4; HCNP = 128 ± 4 mmHg), left ventricular diastolic stiffness and liver fat deposition. No other improvements were induced in HC100 or HCNP or other intervention groups (HC5 and HBNP). We conclude that 5 mg/kg/day curcumin nanoparticles in H rats showed similar improvements in cardiovascular function as 100 mg/kg/day unformulated curcumin correlating with similar plasma curcumin concentrations.

Influence of daily fresh pear consumption on biomarkers of cardiometabolic health in middle-aged/older adults with metabolic syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

Previous research suggests potential for fresh pears as a functional food for promoting cardiometabolic health. The purpose of this randomized, open-label, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial was to evaluate the influence of daily fresh pear consumption on blood pressure (primary outcome) and other biomarkers of cardiometabolic health in middle-aged/older adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Forty men and women aged 45-65 years with MetS were included and randomly assigned to receive either two medium-sized fresh pears (Pear) or a calorie-matched control drink (Control) per day for each 12-week treatment period, each separated by a 4-week washout period. After 12 weeks of daily fresh pear consumption, systolic blood pressure tended to be reduced (130 ± 2 mmHg vs. 134 ± 2 mmHg at baseline, P = 0.07) and pulse pressure was significantly reduced (51 ± 1 vs. 54 ± 1 at baseline, P < 0.05). At 12 weeks, leptin concentrations were lower in the Pear group than Control (52.5 [7.6, 120.5] ng dL-1vs. 53.4 [5.0, 120.5] ng dL-1, respectively, P < 0.05), and there was a significant group by time interaction (P < 0.05). Leptin concentrations were significantly reduced at 12 weeks compared to baseline in the Pear group (52.5 [7.6, 120.5] ng dL-1vs. 54.8 [6.4, 120.5] ng dL-1 at baseline, P < 0.05) but not in the Control group. Waist circumference was significantly reduced at 12 weeks in the Pear group (107.7 ± 2.0 cm vs. 108.4 ± 2 cm at baseline, P < 0.05) with a trend for a group by time interaction (P < 0.1), and significantly lower in the Pear group than Control (108.1 ± 2.0 cm vs. 108.8 ± 2 cm, P < 0.05) at 6 weeks with a significant group by time interaction (P < 0.05). Conversely, values were significantly increased at 6 weeks (108.8 ± 2 cm vs. 108.3 ± 2.0 cm at baseline, P < 0.05) in the Control group and sustained at 12 weeks. Waist-to-hip ratio was significantly reduced (0.92 ± 0.01 vs. 0.93 ± 0.01 at baseline, P < 0.05) at 12 weeks in the Pear group, and significantly lower than Control at 6 weeks (0.93 ± 0.01 vs. 0.93 ± 0.01, respectively, P < 0.05) and 12 weeks (0.92 ± 0.01 vs. 0.93 ± 0.01, P < 0.05). These findings suggest that daily fresh pear consumption may promote modest improvements in cardiometabolic health in middle-aged/older adults with MetS. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02228837.

In silico and in vivo studies of Astragalus glycyphylloides saponin(s) with relevance to metabolic syndrome modulation

Triterpenoids are well known modulators of metabolic syndrome. One of the suggested modes of action (MoAs) involves peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) binding. In this study we aimed to: (i) evaluate in silico potential metabolites and PPARγ-mediated MoA of the sapogenin of the main saponin present in a purified saponins' mixture (PSM) from Astragalus glycyphylloides; (ii) estimate in silico and in vivo PSM's toxicity; and (iii) investigate in vivo antihyperglycaemic, hypolipidaemic, antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of PSM. Metabolites and toxicity were predicted using Meteor and Derek Nexus expert systems (Lhasa Limited) and PPARγ binding was investigated using the software MOE (CCG Inc.). PSM's acute oral toxicity was evaluated in mice and the pharmacological effects were assessed in streptozotocin-induced diabetic spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Liver histopathology was studied as well. PPARγ weak partial agonism was predicted in silico for 24 probable/plausible Phase I metabolites which docking poses were clustered in 12 different binding modes with characteristic protein-ligand interactions. PSM's beneficial effects on the levels of blood glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol, on oxidative stress markers and liver histology in diabetic SHRs were comparable to those of the PPARγ ligand pioglitazone. PSM's safety profile was confirmed in silico and in vivo.

Integrated analysis of proteomics-delineated and metabolomics-delineated hepatic metabolic responses to (-)-hydroxycitric acid in chick embryos

(-)-Hydroxycitric acid [(-)-HCA] is widely used as a nutritional supplement to control body weight and fat accumulation in animals and humans, whereas the underlying biochemical mechanism is unclear. Broiler chicken was used as a model for studies of obesity due to its natural hyperglycemia and being insulin resistant. The current study aimed to obtain a systematic view of serum metabolites and hepatic proteins and well understand the mechanism of hepatic metabolic response to (-)-HCA treatment in chick embryos. The results showed that 22, 90, and 82 of differentially expressed proteins were identified at E14d, E19d, and H1d in chick embryos treated with (-)-HCA, respectively. Meanwhile, 5, 83, and 88 of serum metabolites significantly changed at E14d, E19d, and H1d in chick embryos after (-)-HCA treatment. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the key proteins and metabolites, which were significantly altered in chick embryos treated with (-)-HCA, were mainly involved in the citrate cycle, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, fatty acid metabolism, and pyruvate metabolism. Our data indicated that (-)-HCA treatment might promote fat metabolism via regulating the key protein expression levels and metabolite contents in the citrate cycle, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and oxidative phosphorylation during chicken embryonic development. These results will deepen our understanding of the mechanism of fat reduction by (-)-HCA and provide substantial information for (-)-HCA as a nutritional supplement to control body weight gain and curb obesity-related diseases.

Whey Proteins Reduce Appetite, Stimulate Anorexigenic Gastrointestinal Peptides and Improve Glucometabolic Homeostasis in Young Obese Women

Introduction: Proteins, particularly whey proteins, represent the most satiating macronutrient in animals and humans. A dietetic regimen based on proteins enriched preload before eating might be a strategy to counteract obesity. Aims and Methods: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of an isocaloric drink containing whey proteins or maltodextrins (preload) on appetite (satiety/hunger measured by a visual analogue scale or VAS), glucometabolic control (blood glucose/insulin), and anorexigenic gastrointestinal peptides (pancreatic polypeptide or PP, glucagon-like peptide 1 or GLP-1 and peptide YY or PYY) in a cohort of obese young women (n = 9; age: 18.1 ± 3.0 years; body mass index, BMI: 38.8 ± 4.5 kg/m²). After two and a half hours, they were administered with a mixed meal at a fixed dose; satiety and hunger were measured by VAS. Results: Each drink significantly augmented satiety and reduced hunger, and the effects were more evident with whey proteins than maltodextrins. Similarly, there were significant increases in GLP-1 and PYY levels (but not PP) after the ingestion of each drink; these anorexigenic responses were higher with whey proteins than maltodextrins. While insulinemia identically increased after each drink, whey proteins induced a lower glycemic response than maltodextrins. No differences in satiety and hunger were found after the meal, which is presumably due to the late administration of the meal test, when the hypophagic effect of whey proteins was disappearing. Conclusions: While whey proteins actually reduce appetite, stimulate anorexigenic gastrointestinal peptides, and improve glucometabolic homeostasis in young obese women, further additional studies are mandatory to demonstrate their hypophagic effects in obese subjects, when administered as preload before eating.

Cardiovascular Effects of Flavonoids

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Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the major cause of death worldwide, especially in Western society. Flavonoids are a large group of polyphenolic compounds widely distributed in plants, present in a considerable amount in fruit and vegetable. Several epidemiological studies found an inverse association between flavonoids intake and mortality by CVD. The antioxidant effect of flavonoids was considered the main mechanism of action of flavonoids and other polyphenols. In recent years, the role of modulation of signaling pathways by direct interaction of flavonoids with multiple protein targets, namely kinases, has been increasingly recognized and involved in their cardiovascular protective effect. There are strong evidence, in in vitro and animal experimental models, that some flavonoids induce vasodilator effects, improve endothelial dysfunction and insulin resistance, exert platelet antiaggregant and atheroprotective effects, and reduce blood pressure. Despite interacting with multiple targets, flavonoids are surprisingly safe. This article reviews the recent evidence about cardiovascular effects that support a beneficial role of flavonoids on CVD and the potential molecular targets involved.

Raspberry anthocyanin consumption prevents diet-induced obesity by alleviating oxidative stress and modulating hepatic lipid metabolism

Evidence indicates that raspberries have beneficial effects on chronic diseases. The objective of this study was to examine the beneficial effects of raspberry anthocyanin (RA) on high fat diet-induced obesity and investigate the underlying molecular mechanism. C57BL/6 mice were administered a low-fat diet, high-fat diet, and high-fat diet supplemented with RA at a dose of 200 mg kg-1 of food for 12 weeks. It was found that RA reduced the body weight gain by 63.7%. Furthermore, RA significantly elevated serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activities and fecal butyric acid level, remarkably reduced the serum and hepatic lipid profiles, and markedly down-regulated the expression of the tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) genes. Metabolomics analysis conducted using gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF/MS) indicated that RA administration promoted the recovery of metabolites involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, insulin signaling pathway, and glutathione metabolism in the livers of obese mice. These findings suggest that RA may ameliorate diet-induced obesity by alleviating oxidative stress and modulating lipid metabolism.

Pepsin egg white hydrolysate modulates gut microbiota in Zucker obese rats

There is limited information that relates the intake of food-derived bioactive peptides and the gut microbiota. We have previously described a pepsin hydrolysate of egg white (EWH) that ameliorates fat accumulation and dyslipidemia, while reducing oxidative stress and inflammation markers in obese Zucker rats. The aim of this study was to associate the beneficial effects of EWH with gut microbiota changes in these animals. Obese Zucker rats received daily 750 mg kg^-1 EWH in drinking water for 12 weeks and faeces were analysed for microbial composition and metabolic compounds in comparison with Zucker lean rats and obese controls. EWH supplementation modulated the microbiological characteristics of the obese rats to values similar to those of the lean rats. Specifically, counts of total bacteria, Lactobacillus/Enterococcus and Clostridium leptum in EWH fed obese Zucker rats were more similar to the lean rats than to the obese controls. Besides, feeding the obese Zucker rats with EWH reduced (P < 0.05) the faecal concentration of lactic acid. The physiological benefits of EWH in the improvement of obesity associated complications of Zucker rats could be associated with a more lean-like gut microbiota and a tendency to diminish total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) production and associated obesity complications. The results warrant the use of pepsin egg white hydrolysate as a bioactive food ingredient.

Effects of superfoods on risk factors of metabolic syndrome: a systematic review of human intervention trials

Functional foods can be effective in the prevention of metabolic syndrome and subsequently the onset of cardiovascular diseases and type II diabetes mellitus. More recently, however, another term was introduced to describe foods with additional health benefits: "superfoods", for which, to date, no generally accepted definition exists. Nonetheless, their consumption might contribute to the prevention of metabolic syndrome, for example due to the presence of potentially bioactive compounds. This review provides an overview of controlled human intervention studies with foods described as "superfoods" and their effects on metabolic syndrome parameters. First, an Internet search was performed to identify foods described as superfoods. For these superfoods, controlled human intervention trials were identified until April 2017 investigating the effects of superfood consumption on metabolic syndrome parameters: waist circumference or BMI, blood pressure, or concentrations of HDL cholesterol, triacylglycerol or glucose. Seventeen superfoods were identified, including a total of 113 intervention trials: blueberries (8 studies), cranberries (8), goji berries (3), strawberries (7), chili peppers (3), garlic (21), ginger (10), chia seed (5), flaxseed (22), quinoa (1), cocoa (16), maca (1), spirulina (7), wheatgrass (1), acai berries (0), hemp seed (0) and bee pollen (0). Overall, only limited evidence was found for the effects of the foods described as superfoods on metabolic syndrome parameters, since results were not consistent or the number of controlled intervention trials was limited. The inconsistencies might have been related to intervention-related factors, such as duration or dose. Furthermore, conclusions may be different if other health benefits are considered.

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels: a metabolic TR(i)P to obesity prevention and therapy

Cellular transport of ions, especially by ion channels, regulates physiological function. The transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, with 30 identified so far, are cation channels with high calcium permeability. These ion channels are present in metabolically active tissues including adipose tissue, liver, gastrointestinal tract, brain (hypothalamus), pancreas and skeletal muscle, which suggests a potential role in metabolic disorders including obesity. TRP channels have potentially important roles in adipogenesis, obesity development and its prevention and therapy because of their physiological properties including calcium permeability, thermosensation and taste perception, involvement in cell metabolic signalling and hormone release. This wide range of actions means that organ-specific actions are unlikely, thus increasing the possibility of adverse effects. Delineation of responses to TRP channels has been limited by the poor selectivity of available agonists and antagonists. Food constituents that can modulate TRP channels are of interest in controlling metabolic status. TRP vanilloid 1 channels modulated by capsaicin have been the most studied, suggesting that this may be the first target for effective pharmacological modulation in obesity. This review shows that most of the TRP channels are potential targets to reduce metabolic disorders through a range of mechanisms.

7-Hydroxymatairesinol improves body weight, fat and sugar metabolism in C57BJ/6 mice on a high-fat diet

7-Hydroxymatairesinol (7-HMR) is a plant lignan abundant in various concentrations in plant foods. The objective of this study was to test HMRLignan™, a purified form of 7-HMR, and the correspondingPicea abiesextract (total extractP. abies; TEP) as dietary supplements on a background of a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic syndrome in mice and in the 3T3-L1 adipogenesis model. Mice, 3 weeks old, were fed a HFD for 60 d. Subgroups were treated with 3 mg/kg body weight 7-HMR (HMRLignan™) or 10 mg/kg body weight TEP by oral administration. 7-HMR and TEP limited the increase in body weight (−11 and −13 %) and fat mass (−11 and −18 %) in the HFD-fed mice. Epididymal adipocytes were 19 and −12 % smaller and the liver was less steatotic (−62 and −65 %). Serum lipids decreased in TEP-treated mice (−11 % cholesterol, −23 % LDL and −15 % TAG) and sugar metabolism was ameliorated by both lignan preparations, as shown by a more than 70 % decrease in insulin secretion and insulin resistance. The expression of several metabolic genes was modulated by the HFD with an effect that was reversed by lignan. In 3T3-L1 cells, the 7-HMR metabolites enterolactone (ENL) and enterodiol (END) showed a 40 % inhibition of cell differentiation accompanied by the inhibited expression of the adipogenic genesPPARγ,C/EBPαandaP2. Furthermore, END and ENL caused a 10 % reduction in TAG uptake in HEPA 1–6 hepatoma cells. In conclusion, 7-HMR and TEP reduce metabolic imbalances typical of the metabolic syndrome and obesity in male mice, whereas their metabolites inhibit adipogenesis and lipid uptakein vitro.

The Gut-Brain Axis, the Human Gut Microbiota and Their Integration in the Development of Obesity

Obesity is a global epidemic, placing socioeconomic strain on public healthcare systems, especially within the so-called Western countries, such as Australia, United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Obesity results from an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure, where energy intake exceeds expenditure. Current non-invasive treatments lack efficacy in combating obesity, suggesting that obesity is a multi-faceted and more complex disease than previously thought. This has led to an increase in research exploring energy homeostasis and the discovery of a complex bidirectional communication axis referred to as the gut-brain axis. The gut-brain axis is comprised of various neurohumoral components that allow the gut and brain to communicate with each other. Communication occurs within the axis via local, paracrine and/or endocrine mechanisms involving a variety of gut-derived peptides produced from enteroendocrine cells (EECs), including glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1), cholecystokinin (CCK), peptide YY3-36 (PYY), pancreatic polypeptide (PP), and oxyntomodulin. Neural networks, such as the enteric nervous system (ENS) and vagus nerve also convey information within the gut-brain axis. Emerging evidence suggests the human gut microbiota, a complex ecosystem residing in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), may influence weight-gain through several inter-dependent pathways including energy harvesting, short-chain fatty-acids (SCFA) signalling, behaviour modifications, controlling satiety and modulating inflammatory responses within the host. Hence, the gut-brain axis, the microbiota and the link between these elements and the role each plays in either promoting or regulating energy and thereby contributing to obesity will be explored in this review.

Attenuation of Metabolic Syndrome by EPA/DHA Ethyl Esters in Testosterone-Deficient Obese Rats

Inducing testosterone deficiency, as the standard treatment of prostate cancer, may cause metabolic disorders including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, central obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and type 2 diabetes. This study measured responses to testosterone deficiency in high-carbohydrate, high-fat (H) diet-fed rats. We then tested whether eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) ethyl esters (Omacor) reversed these metabolic changes. Male Wistar rats (8–9 weeks old) were divided into eight groups with four groups fed corn starch and four groups fed H diet. For each diet, one group received diet only; one group was orchidectomized; one group was given leuprolide (gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist, 2 mg/kg every 4th week); and the last group was treated with leuprolide and their diet was supplemented with 3% Omacor for the last eight weeks. The protocol was for 16 weeks. Leuprolide worsened metabolic syndrome symptoms and cardiovascular function, and orchidectomy produced greater responses. In H fed leuprolide-treated rats, Omacor decreased systolic blood pressure and left ventricular diastolic stiffness, reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells and collagen deposition in the heart, and reduced lipid accumulation and inflammatory cell infiltration without improving liver damage. These results suggest that Omacor has potential to attenuate metabolic complications in prostate cancer patients with induced testosterone deprivation.

Capsaicin in Metabolic Syndrome

Capsaicin, the major active constituent of chilli, is an agonist on transient receptor potential vanilloid channel 1 (TRPV1). TRPV1 is present on many metabolically active tissues, making it a potentially relevant target for metabolic interventions. Insulin resistance and obesity, being the major components of metabolic syndrome, increase the risk for the development of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In vitro and pre-clinical studies have established the effectiveness of low-dose dietary capsaicin in attenuating metabolic disorders. These responses of capsaicin are mediated through activation of TRPV1, which can then modulate processes such as browning of adipocytes, and activation of metabolic modulators including AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). Modulation of these pathways by capsaicin can increase fat oxidation, improve insulin sensitivity, decrease body fat, and improve heart and liver function. Identifying suitable ways of administering capsaicin at an effective dose would warrant its clinical use through the activation of TRPV1. This review highlights the mechanistic options to improve metabolic syndrome with capsaicin.

Raspberry Supplementation Improves Insulin Signaling and Promotes Brown-Like Adipocyte Development in White Adipose Tissue of Obese Mice

SCOPE

Excessive lipid accumulation in white adipose tissue (WAT) leads to chronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. Raspberry (RB) contains high amount of polyphenols and dietary fibers. The objective of the study is to evaluate the effects of RB supplementation on WAT morphology, inflammation, and insulin signaling in high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice, and further explore the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS AND RESULTS

C57BL/6J mice are fed with a control diet or a HFD supplemented with 0 or 5% freeze dried RB for 12 weeks. RB supplementation decreases WAT hypertrophy induced by HFD and suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines expression and macrophage infiltration in WAT. Meanwhile, RB addition improves insulin sensitivity of HFD-mice. Additionally, RB supplementation drives the browning of WAT (beige adipogenesis), which is associated with elevated PGC-1α and FNDC5/irisin contents. Consistently, the content of beige adipocyte markers including UCP1, PRDM16, Cytochrome C, Cidea, and Elvol3 is enhanced in HFD-mice, which are correlated with increased AMPK phosphorylation and Sirt1 protein contents.

CONCLUSION

Dietary RB attenuated adipocyte hypertrophy and inflammation of WAT in HFD-mice and improves insulin sensitivity and beige adipogenesis, which is associated with increased FNDC5/irisin content and activation of AMPK/Sirt1 pathway. RB supplementation provides a promising strategy to prevent diet-induced obesity.

Coffee Intake as a Risk Indicator for Tooth Loss in Korean Adults

The aim of this study was to examine the association between coffee intake and tooth loss. This study hypothesized that the intake of coffee would increase the prevalence of tooth loss in Korean adults. Subject information was obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in 2010–2011. Sociodemographic and lifestyle variables, anthropometric and biochemical status, metabolic health and glucose tolerance status, as well as oral health behaviors were evaluated. The number of remaining teeth was negatively associated with the frequency of coffee intake (p-value < 0.05). Daily coffee consumers had significantly higher levels of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (all p-value < 0.05). Individuals with less than 20 remaining teeth had higher BMI, WC, diastolic blood pressure, and LDL-C (all p-value < 0.05). Finally, participants who drank coffee on a daily basis were more likely to have fewer remaining teeth. The prevalence of having less than 20 remaining teeth was 69% higher in groups with daily coffee intake than those with coffee intake of less than once a month after adjustment for potential covariates (Odds Ratio [95% CI] = 1.69 [1.35, 2.13]). In conclusion, daily coffee consumption is closely associated with tooth loss in Korean adults.

Coconut Products Improve Signs of Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats

Increasing prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome warrants identification of potential therapeutic options for intervention. This study tested commercially available Virgin Coconut Oil and Coconut Nourish, as coconuts are rich sources of lauric and myristic acids. Male Wistar rats were fed either corn starch diet (C); high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet (H); high-carbohydrate, high-virgin coconut oil diet (HV); or high-carbohydrate, high-coconut Nourish diet (HN) for 16 weeks. Metabolic, liver, and cardiovascular health parameters were measured during and at the end of the study. Virgin coconut oil lowered body weight (C 386±8g, H 516±13g, HV 459±10g), blood glucose concentrations (C 4.2±0.1 mmol/L, H 5.4±0.2 mmol/L, HV 4.6±0.2 mmol/L), systolic blood pressure (C 127±5mmHg, H 149±4mmHg, HV 133±3mmHg,) and diastolic stiffness (C 25.0±1.7, H 31.4±1.2, HV 25.2±2.3,) with improved structure and function of the heart and liver. Coconut Nourish increased total body lean mass (C 255±10g, H 270±16g, HN 303±15g) and lowered plasma total cholesterol concentrations (C 1.6±0.2 mmol/L, H 1.7±0.1 mmol/L, HN 1.0±0.0 mmol/L), systolic blood pressure (C 127±5mmHg, H 149±4mmHg, HN 130±3mmHg) and diastolic stiffness (C 25.0±1.7, H 31.4±1.2, HN 26.5±1.0), improved structure and function of the heart and liver but increased plasma concentrations of triglycerides (C 0.3±0.1 mmol/L, H 1.1±0.4 mmol/L, HN 1.8±0.2 mmol/L) and non-esterified fatty acids (C 1.2±0.3 mmol/L, H 3.3±0.8 mmol/L, HN 5.6±0.4 mmol/L). Thus, the fiber and protein in coconut Nourish and the medium-chain saturated fatty acids in virgin coconut oil may improve cardiovascular and liver complications in obesity.

Kappaphycus alvarezii as a Food Supplement Prevents Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats

The red seaweed, Kappaphycus alvarezii, was evaluated for its potential to prevent signs of metabolic syndrome through use as a whole food supplement. Major biochemical components of dried Kappaphycus are carrageenan (soluble fiber ~34.6%) and salt (predominantly potassium (K) 20%) with a low overall energy content for whole seaweed. Eight to nine week old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups and fed for 8 weeks on a corn starch diet, a high-carbohydrate, high-fat (H) diet, alone or supplemented with a 5% (w/w) dried and milled Kappaphycus blended into the base diet. H-fed rats showed symptoms of metabolic syndrome including increased body weight, total fat mass, systolic blood pressure, left ventricular collagen deposition, plasma triglycerides, and plasma non-esterified fatty acids along with fatty liver. Relative to these obese rats, Kappaphycus-treated rats showed normalized body weight and adiposity, lower systolic blood pressure, improved heart and liver structure, and lower plasma lipids, even in presence of H diet. Kappaphycus modulated the balance between Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes in the gut, which could serve as the potential mechanism for improved metabolic variables; this was accompanied by no damage to the gut structure. Thus, whole Kappaphycus improved cardiovascular, liver, and metabolic parameters in obese rats.

Selenium, Vanadium, and Chromium as Micronutrients to Improve Metabolic Syndrome

Trace metals play an important role in the proper functioning of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Some of the trace metals are thus essential for maintaining homeostasis, while deficiency of these trace metals can cause disorders with metabolic and physiological imbalances. This article concentrates on three trace metals (selenium, vanadium, and chromium) that may play crucial roles in controlling blood glucose concentrations possibly through their insulin-mimetic effects. For these trace metals, the level of evidence available for their health effects as supplements is weak. Thus, their potential is not fully exploited for the target of metabolic syndrome, a constellation that increases the risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Given that the prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increasing throughout the world, a simpler option of interventions with food supplemented with well-studied trace metals could serve as an answer to this problem. The oxidation state and coordination chemistry play crucial roles in defining the responses to these trace metals, so further research is warranted to understand fully their metabolic and cardiovascular effects in human metabolic syndrome.

Beverage Intake and Metabolic Syndrome Risk Over 14 Years: The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation

BACKGROUND

Alcohol and energy-dense beverages consumption have been implicated in cardiometabolic disease, albeit inconsistently.

OBJECTIVE

This study tested prospective associations between intakes of alcohol, energy-dense beverages, and low-calorie beverages and cardiometabolic risk in midlife women.

DESIGN

The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation is a 14-year, multisite prospective cohort study (1996-2011). Beverage intake and cardiometabolic risk factors that define the metabolic syndrome (hypertension, abdominal obesity, impaired fasting glucose, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, and hypertriglyceridemia) were assessed throughout follow-up.

PARTICIPANTS/SETTING

Participants (N=1,448) were African American, Chinese, Japanese, and non-Hispanic white midlife women from six US cities.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcomes were incident metabolic syndrome and the individual metabolic syndrome components.

STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED

Generalized linear mixed models tested associations between intakes within each beverage category and odds of meeting criteria for metabolic syndrome and each of the metabolic syndrome components.

RESULTS

Energy-dense beverage consumption was highest among African-American women and lowest among women with college degrees. Non-Hispanic white women consumed the largest quantities of alcohol. Independent of energy intake and potential confounders, each additional 355 mL energy-dense beverages consumed per day was associated with higher odds of developing metabolic syndrome in each successive year of follow-up (odds ratio [OR] 1.05, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.08). Greater energy-dense beverage intake was associated with more rapidly increasing odds of developing hypertension (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.11) and abdominal obesity (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.16) over time, but not with the other metabolic syndrome components. Intakes of alcohol and low-calorie coffees, teas, and diet cola were not associated with metabolic syndrome risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Over 14 years of follow-up, energy-dense nonalcoholic beverage consumption was associated with incident metabolic syndrome in midlife women. The observed differences in intakes by ethnicity/race and education suggest that consumption of these beverages may contribute to disparities in risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Hydroxytyrosol in the Prevention of the Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders

Virgin olive oil (VOO) constitutes the main source of fat in the Mediterranean diet. VOO is rich in oleic acid, displaying health-promoting properties, but also contains minor bioactive components, especially phenolic compounds. Hydroxytyrosol (HT), the main polyphenol of olive oil, has been reported to be the most bioactive component. This review aims to compile the results of clinical, animal and cell culture studies evaluating the effects of HT on the features of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) (body weight/adiposity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia/insulin resistance) and associated complications (oxidative stress and inflammation). HT was able to improve the lipid profile, glycaemia, and insulin sensitivity, and counteract oxidative and inflammatory processes. Experimental studies identified multiple molecular targets for HT conferring its beneficial effect on health in spite of its low bioavailability. However, rodent experiments and clinical trials with pure HT at biologically relevant concentrations are still lacking. Moreover, the roles of intestine and its gut microbiota have not been elucidated.

Metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and nervous system injury: Epidemiological correlates

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a common and complex disorder combining hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. MetS represents a risk factor for changes in cognitive functions in older age, and several studies have suggested that MetS may be linked to dementia. This article reviews the main evidences about the relationship between MetS and neurodegenerative disease. Starting from an epidemiological point of view, the article analyzes medico-social aspects related to MetS, considering the reduction of work capacity and the condition of disability that it involves. Some authors affirm that on the basis of current Italian legislation, it is possible to consider the syndrome as a disability. This is because all the diseases that make up MetS are high-risk clinical pathological conditions. For these reasons, a joint action is required to contain the incidence of MetS, the high social costs, and the loss of productivity related to the syndrome. In conclusion, healthcare initiatives could be adopted in order to increase the understanding of the pathogenic contributions of each element on MetS and how they can be modified. These actions will be useful to reduce healthcare costs and can lead to more effective prevention of metabolic disease, thus promoting good health.

ABBREVIATIONS

MetS: Metabolic syndrome; WHO: World Health Organization; CVD: cerebrovascular diseases; AD: Alzheimer's Disease; VaD: Vascular Dementia; IDF: International Diabetes Federation; T2DM: type 2 diabetes mellitus; CAD: coronary artery disease; MCI: mild cognitive impairment; NCDs: Non Communicable Diseases; BMI: Body Mass Index; ICIDH: International classification of impairments, disabilities and handicaps.

Anthocyanins in chokeberry and purple maize attenuate diet-induced metabolic syndrome in rats

OBJECTIVE

Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables as functional foods leads to the reduction of signs of metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to measure and compare cardiovascular, liver, and metabolic parameters following chronic administration of the same dose of anthocyanins either from chokeberry (CB) or purple maize (PM) in rats with diet-induced metabolic syndrome.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were fed a maize starch (C) or high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet (H) and divided into six groups for 16 wk. The rats were fed C, C with CB or PM for the last 8 wk (CCB or CPM), H, H with CB or PM for the last 8 wk (HCB or HPM); CB and PM rats received ∼8 mg anthocyanins/kg daily. The rats were monitored for changes in blood pressure, cardiovascular and hepatic structure and function, glucose tolerance, and adipose tissue mass.

RESULTS

HCB and HPM rats showed reduced visceral adiposity index, total body fat mass, and systolic blood pressure; improved glucose tolerance, liver, and cardiovascular structure and function; decreased plasma triacylglycerols and total cholesterol compared with H rats. Inflammatory cell infiltration was reduced in heart and liver.

CONCLUSION

CB and PM interventions gave similar responses, suggesting that anthocyanins are the bioactive molecules in the attenuation or reversal of metabolic syndrome by prevention of inflammation-induced damage.