Dietary Choline Intake: Current State of Knowledge Across the Life Cycle

The gut microbial metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide and cardiovascular diseases

Morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are exceedingly high worldwide. Researchers have found that the occurrence and development of CVDs are closely related to intestinal microecology. Imbalances in intestinal microecology caused by changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiota will eventually alter intestinal metabolites, thus transforming the host physiological state from healthy mode to pathological mode. Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is produced from the metabolism of dietary choline and L-carnitine by intestinal microbiota, and many studies have shown that this important product inhibits cholesterol metabolism, induces platelet aggregation and thrombosis, and promotes atherosclerosis. TMAO is directly or indirectly involved in the pathogenesis of CVDs and is an important risk factor affecting the occurrence and even prognosis of CVDs. This review presents the biological and chemical characteristics of TMAO, and the process of TMAO produced by gut microbiota. In particular, the review focuses on summarizing how the increase of gut microbial metabolite TMAO affects CVDs including atherosclerosis, heart failure, hypertension, arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, and other CVD-related diseases. Understanding the mechanism of how increases in TMAO promotes CVDs will potentially facilitate the identification and development of targeted therapy for CVDs.

Choline supplements: An update

In this comprehensive review, we examine the main preclinical and clinical investigations assessing the effects of different forms of choline supplementation currently available, including choline alfoscerate (C₈H₂₀NO₆P), also known as alpha-glycerophosphocholine (α-GPC, or GPC), choline bitartrate, lecithin, and citicoline, which are cholinergic compounds and precursors of acetylcholine. Extensively used as food supplements, they have been shown to represent an effective strategy for boosting memory and enhancing cognitive function.

Current Naturopathy to Combat Alzheimer's Disease

Neurodegeneration is the progressive loss of structure or function of neurons, which may ultimately involve cell death. The most common neurodegenerative disorder in the brain happens with Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia. It ultimately leads to neuronal death, thereby impairing the normal functionality of the central or peripheral nervous system. The onset and prevalence of AD involve heterogeneous etiology, either in terms of genetic predisposition, neurometabolomic malfunctioning, or lifestyle. The worldwide relevancies are estimated to be over 45 million people. The rapid increase in AD has led to a concomitant increase in the research work directed towards discovering a lucrative cure for AD. The neuropathology of AD comprises the deficiency in the availability of neurotransmitters and important neurotrophic factors in the brain, extracellular betaamyloid plaque depositions, and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau protein. Current pharmaceutical interventions utilizing synthetic drugs have manifested resistance and toxicity problems. This has led to the quest for new pharmacotherapeutic candidates naturally prevalent in phytochemicals. This review aims to provide an elaborative description of promising Phyto component entities having activities against various potential AD targets. Therefore, naturopathy may combine with synthetic chemotherapeutics to longer the survival of the patients.

Animal-source foods as a suitable complementary food for improved physical growth in 6 to 24-month-old children in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Although animal-source foods are suitable complementary food for child growth in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), their efficacy is still under discussion. This systematic review and meta-analysis was done to investigate the suitability of animal-source foods intake on child physical growth in LMICs. A systematic literature search was done using electronic databases and scanning the reference list of included studies, previous meta-analysis and systematic reviews. Paper selection was based on the PICO (ST) criteria. Papers were selected if based on 6 to 24-month-old children, if they were randomised controlled trials evaluating the effect of complementary animal-based food supplementation of any natural origin, if reporting at least a measure of body size and published after 2000. The PRISMA guidelines for reporting systematic review was followed in the paper selection. Fourteen papers were included in the systematic review and eight were considered for the meta-analysis. Animal-based food supplementation resulted in a higher length-for-age LAZ and weight-for-age (WAZ) Z-scores compared with the control group with random effect size of 0·15 (95 % CI 0·02, 0·27) and 0·20 (95 % CI 0·03, 0·36), respectively. Results were confirmed after influence analyses, and publication bias resulted as negligible. An increased effect on LAZ and WAZ was observed when the food supplementation was based on egg with effect size of 0·31 (95 % CI = -0·03, 0·64) and 0·36 (95 % CI = -0·03, 0·75), respectively. Animal-source foods are a suitable complementary food to improve growth in 6 to 24-month-old children in LMICs.

Association between Maternal Choline, Fetal Brain Development, and Child Neurocognition: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Human Studies

We studied associations between prenatal and early postnatal choline intake, brain development, and neurocognitive function of children. We conducted a systematic review followed by a meta-analysis and critical appraisal of human studies published from 1997 to 2021. Thirty publications were identified. The meta-analysis included 5 of 7 case-control studies studying neural tube defects (NTDs) in relation to maternal choline intakes/circulating concentrations. Low maternal choline intake/circulating concentrations were associated with a higher OR for NTDs among 1131 mothers of newborns with NTDs and 4439 control mothers (pooled estimate = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.67). The 95% prediction intervals were 0.78, 2.36. Findings and critical evaluation of 10 publications with interventional designs showed that higher maternal choline intakes during the second half of pregnancy and early postnatal period (550 mg up to 1 g/d on top of the diet) or a child intake of 513 to 625 mg/d from supplements were safe and likely to demonstrate favorable effects on several domains of child neurocognition, such as memory, attention, and visuospatial learning versus the comparators. Findings from observational studies (n = 13) partly supported the association between maternal choline intake/serum concentrations and child neurocognition, but there was low confidence in the use of plasma choline concentrations as a choline intake marker. In conclusion, low maternal choline intakes were associated with a higher OR for NTDs. The risk could be up to 2.36-fold in some populations. Despite limitations of available trials and observational studies, higher maternal choline intake was likely to be associated with better child neurocognition/neurodevelopment. The results should be used to guide choline intake recommendations in pregnancy and lactation, especially because most young women are not achieving the reference intake of choline. This meta-analysis is registered at PROSPERO as CRD42021233790.

One-year longitudinal association between changes in dietary choline or betaine intake and cardiometabolic variables in the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea-Plus (PREDIMED-Plus) trial

BACKGROUND

Choline and betaine intakes have been related to cardiovascular health.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to explore the relation between 1-y changes in dietary intake of choline or betaine and 1-y changes in cardiometabolic and renal function traits within the frame of the PREDIMED (PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea)-Plus trial.

METHODS

We used baseline and 1-y follow-up data from 5613 participants (48.2% female and 51.8% male; mean ± SD age: 65.01 ± 4.91 y) to assess cardiometabolic traits, and 3367 participants to assess renal function, of the Spanish PREDIMED-Plus trial. Participants met ≥3 criteria of metabolic syndrome and had overweight or obesity [BMI (in kg/m2) ≥27 and ≤40]. These criteria were similar to those of the PREDIMED parent study. Dietary intakes of choline and betaine were estimated from the FFQ.

RESULTS

The greatest 1-y increase in dietary choline or betaine intake (quartile 4) was associated with improved serum glucose concentrations (-3.39 and -2.72 mg/dL for choline and betaine, respectively) and HbA1c levels (-0.10% for quartile 4 of either choline or betaine intake increase). Other significant changes associated with the greatest increase in choline or betaine intake were reduced body weight (-2.93 and -2.78 kg, respectively), BMI (-1.05 and -0.99, respectively), waist circumference (-3.37 and -3.26 cm, respectively), total cholesterol (-4.74 and -4.52 mg/dL, respectively), and LDL cholesterol (-4.30 and -4.16 mg/dL, respectively). Urine creatinine was reduced in quartile 4 of 1-y increase in choline or betaine intake (-5.42 and -5.74 mg/dL, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Increases in dietary choline or betaine intakes were longitudinally related to improvements in cardiometabolic parameters. Markers of renal function were also slightly improved, and they require further investigation.This trial was registered at https://www.isrctn.com/ as ISRCTN89898870.

Inadequate Choline Intake in Pregnant Women in Germany

Choline is an essential nutrient that is involved in various developmental processes during pregnancy. While the general adequate choline intake (AI) for adults has been set at 400 mg/day by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), an AI of 480 mg/day has been derived for pregnant women. To date, the choline intake of pregnant women in Germany has not been investigated yet. Therefore, in this survey, the total choline intake from dietary and supplementary sources in pregnant women was estimated using an online questionnaire. A total of 516 pregnant women participated in the survey, of which 283 met the inclusion criteria (13 to 41 weeks of gestational age, 19−45 years). 224 (79%) of the participants followed an omnivorous diet, 59 (21%) were vegetarian or vegan. Median choline intake was 260.4 (±141.4) mg/day, and only 19 women (7%) achieved the adequate choline intake. The median choline intake of omnivores was significantly higher than that of vegetarians/vegans (269.5 ± 141.5 mg/day vs. 205.2 ± 101.2 mg/day; p < 0.0001). 5% (13/283) of pregnant women took choline-containing dietary supplements. In these women, dietary supplements provided 19% of the total choline intake. Due to the importance of choline for the developmental processes during pregnancy, the study results prove the urgent need for an improved choline supply for pregnant women.

Association between the Changes in Trimethylamine N-Oxide-Related Metabolites and Prognosis of Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Prospective Study

This study aimed to investigate the association between changes in levels of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and its precursors and the prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Patients diagnosed with AMI were prospectively enrolled at Fuwai Hospital between March 2017 and January 2020. TMAO, betaine, choline, and L-carnitine were measured in 1203 patients at their initial admission and 509 patients at their follow-up of one month. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), a composite of all-cause death, recurrence of MI, rehospitalization caused by HF, ischemic stroke, and any revascularization, were followed up. A decision tree by TMAO levels implicated that compared to those with low levels at admission, patients with high TMAO levels at both time points showed an increased risk of MACE (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.59, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03–2.46; p = 0.034), while patients with high TMAO levels at admission and low levels at follow-up exhibited a similar MACE risk (adjusted HR 1.20, 95% CI: 0.69–2.06; p = 0.520). Patients with high choline levels at admission and follow-up showed an elevated MACE risk compared to those with low levels at both time points (HR 1.55, 95% CI: 1.03–2.34; p = 0.034). Repeated assessment of TMAO and choline levels helps to identify the dynamic risk of cardiovascular events.

Host-microbiome interactions: Gut-Liver axis and its connection with other organs

An understanding of connections between gut microbiome and liver has provided important insights into the pathophysiology of liver diseases. Since gut microbial dysbiosis increases gut permeability, the metabolites biosynthesized by them can reach the liver through portal circulation and affect hepatic immunity and inflammation. The immune cells activated by these metabolites can also reach liver through lymphatic circulation. Liver influences immunity and metabolism in multiple organs in the body, including gut. It releases bile acids and other metabolites into biliary tract from where they enter the systemic circulation. In this review, the bidirectional communication between the gut and the liver and the molecular cross talk between the host and the microbiome has been discussed. This review also provides details into the intricate level of communication and the role of microbiome in Gut-Liver-Brain, Gut-Liver-Kidney, Gut-Liver-Lung, and Gut-Liver-Heart axes. These observations indicate a complex network of interactions between host organs influenced by gut microbiome.

Effects of an Herbal Source of Choline on Diet Digestibility and Palatability, Blood Lipid Profile, Liver Morphology, and Cardiac Function in Dogs

We aimed to evaluate the effects of an herbal source of choline on the coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD), diet palatability, fecal characteristics, blood variables, liver morphology, and cardiac function of dogs. Sixteen adult dogs were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 8) which were fed two different diets for 45 days: control, containing 0.28% choline chloride 60, and test, containing 0.14% of an herbal source of choline. Feces were collected between days 39 and 44 to determine nutrient CTTAD and fecal characteristics. On days 0 and 45, blood samples were collected and the liver morphology was evaluated. Cardiac function, in turn, was evaluated only on day 45, and the palatability test was performed on two consecutive days (n = 32). There were no changes in nutrient CTTAD, diet palatability, or fecal characteristics of dogs fed the test diet (p > 0.05). However, on day 45, dogs fed the test diet showed lower (p < 0.05) serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, alkaline phosphatase, and alanine aminotransferase when compared to the control group. We concluded that the herbal source of choline can be a possible substitute for choline chloride in dog nutrition.

Role of gut microbe-derived metabolites in cardiometabolic diseases: Systems based approach

BACKGROUND

The gut microbiome influences host physiology and cardiometabolic diseases by interacting directly with intestinal cells or by producing molecules that enter the host circulation. Given the large number of microbial species present in the gut and the numerous factors that influence gut bacterial composition, it has been challenging to understand the underlying biological mechanisms that modulate risk of cardiometabolic disease.

SCOPE OF THE REVIEW

Here we discuss a systems-based approach that involves simultaneously examining individuals in populations for gut microbiome composition, molecular traits using "omics" technologies, such as circulating metabolites quantified by mass spectrometry, and clinical traits. We summarize findings from landmark studies using this approach and discuss future applications.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

Population-based integrative approaches have identified a large number of microbe-derived or microbe-modified metabolites that are associated with cardiometabolic traits. The knowledge gained from these studies provide new opportunities for understanding the mechanisms involved in gut microbiome-host interactions and may have potentially important implications for developing novel therapeutic approaches.

Betaine consumption as a new clinical approach to treatment and prophylaxis of folate-related pathologies

The most important pathway in the development of folate-related pathologies is an increase in the level of homocysteine (HC). HC, a cytotoxic and neurotoxic amino acid (when its level is ≥12 μmol/L), is 1 of the most widely studied compounds in cardiology, neurobiology, oncology, and embryology for the last 20 years. Given its toxicity, the processes of endogenous detoxification of HC are of particular interest to medicine. To date, the most studied pathway is that of remethylation (the conversion of HC to methionine), with the participation of B12- and B9-dependent methionine synthase. Less studied is remethylation with the participation of the choline derivatives betaine and betaine-HC-S-methyltransferase (BHMT). Therefore, the aim of this review was to conduct a theoretical analysis of available information regarding the contribution of betaine metabolism, its enzyme, and its genetic polymorphism to folate metabolism disturbances, and the development of folate-related pathologies. This review emphasizes the potential clinical significance of 2 factors that can influence the remethylation reaction of HC: the use of betaine and identifying the BHMT gene variants and their impact on the risk for developing certain folate-related pathologies, and treatment options. Moreover, with a high level of methylation of the BHMT gene and in the presence of its low-function variants (eg, rs3733890), it is necessary to use betaine as an additional methyl donor, especially during folate therapy. More clinical research is needed to identify the effects of the different BHMT gene variants on the individual risk for folate-related pathologies to better assess the clinical significance, the need for genetic testing, and betaine consumption.

High Folate, Perturbed One-Carbon Metabolism and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Folate is a dietary micronutrient essential to one-carbon metabolism. The World Health Organisation recommends folic acid (FA) supplementation pre-conception and in early pregnancy to reduce the risk of fetal neural tube defects (NTDs). Subsequently, many countries (~92) have mandatory FA fortification policies, as well as recommendations for periconceptional FA supplementation. Mandatory fortification initiatives have been largely successful in reducing the incidence of NTDs. However, humans have limited capacity to incorporate FA into the one-carbon metabolic pathway, resulting in the increasingly ubiquitous presence of circulating unmetabolised folic acid (uFA). Excess FA intake has emerged as a risk factor in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Several other one-carbon metabolism components (vitamin B12, homocysteine and choline-derived betaine) are also closely entwined with GDM risk, suggesting a role for one-carbon metabolism in GDM pathogenesis. There is growing evidence from in vitro and animal studies suggesting a role for excess FA in dysregulation of one-carbon metabolism. Specifically, high levels of FA reduce methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) activity, dysregulate the balance of thymidylate synthase (TS) and methionine synthase (MTR) activity, and elevate homocysteine. High homocysteine is associated with increased oxidative stress and trophoblast apoptosis and reduced human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) secretion and pancreatic β-cell function. While the relationship between high FA, perturbed one-carbon metabolism and GDM pathogenesis is not yet fully understood, here we summarise the current state of knowledge. Given rising rates of GDM, now estimated to be 14% globally, and widespread FA food fortification, further research is urgently needed to elucidate the mechanisms which underpin GDM pathogenesis.

Estimated Choline Intakes and Dietary Sources of Choline in Pregnant Australian Women

(1) Background: Despite the postulated importance of choline during pregnancy, little is known about the choline intake of Australians during pregnancy. In this study, we estimated dietary intakes of choline in early and late pregnancy, compared those intakes to recommendations, and investigated food sources of choline in a group of pregnant women in Australia. (2) Methods: 103 pregnant women enrolled in a randomized controlled trial. In early pregnancy (12−16 weeks gestation) and late pregnancy (36 weeks gestation), women completed a food frequency questionnaire designed to assess dietary intake over the previous month. (3) Results: Choline intakes and sources were similar in early and late pregnancy. Median choline intake in early pregnancy was 362 mg/day. Of the women, 39% and 25% had choline intakes above the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) adequate intake (AI) of >440 mg/day and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) AI of >480 mg/day for choline in pregnancy, respectively. Eggs, red meat, nuts, legumes, and dairy accounted for 50% of choline intake, with eggs being the most significant contributor at 17%. (4) Conclusions: Few pregnant women in our study met the AI recommended by the NHMRC and EFSA. In Australia, choline intake in pregnancy may need to be improved, but further work to define choline requirements in pregnancy is required.

Trimester-specific phthalate exposures in pregnancy are associated with circulating metabolites in children

Background

Prenatal phthalates exposures have been related to adiposity in peripuberty in a sex-specific fashion. Untargeted metabolomics analysis to assess circulating metabolites offers the potential to characterize biochemical pathways by which early life exposures influence the development of cardiometabolic risk during childhood and adolescence, prior to becoming evident in clinical markers.

Methods

Among mother-child dyads from the Early Life Exposure in Mexico to ENvironmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) birth cohort, we measured 9 phthalate metabolites and bisphenol A in maternal spot urine samples obtained during each trimester of pregnancy, corrected for urinary specific gravity and natural log-transformed. In 110 boys and 124 girls aged 8–14 years, we used a mass-spectrometry based untargeted metabolomics platform to measure fasting serum metabolites, yielding 572 annotated metabolites. We estimated the associations between trimester-specific urinary toxicants and each serum metabolite, among all children or stratified by sex and adjusting for child age, BMI z-score, and pubertal onset. We accounted for multiple comparisons using a 10% false discovery rate (q<0.1).

Results

Associations between exposures and metabolites were observed among all children and in sex-stratified analyses (q<0.1). First trimester MEP, MiBP, and MCPP were associated with decreased 2-deoxy-D-glucose among all children. Among girls, third trimester concentrations of MECPP, MEHHP, MEHP, and MCPP were associated with 15, 13, 1, and 10 metabolites, respectively, including decreased choline and increased acylcarnitines and saturated FAs (FA). Among boys, third trimester MIBP was positively associated with 9 features including long chain saturated FAs, and second trimester MBzP was inversely associated with thyroxine.

Conclusions

Metabolomics biomarkers may reflect sex- and exposure timing-specific responses to prenatal phthalate exposures manifesting in childhood that may not be detected using standard clinical markers of cardiometabolic risk.

Enterobacter ludwigii protects DSS-induced colitis through choline-mediated immune tolerance

Commensal intestinal bacteria play key roles in regulating host immune tolerance; however, bacterial strains and related metabolites directly involved in this regulation are largely unknown. Here, using a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis combined with different antibiotic treatment, Enterobacter ludwigii, abundant in microbiota of mice treated with metronidazole, is screened out to have prophylactic and therapeutic effects on DSS-induced colitis with or without the presence of complex intestinal bacteria. E. ludwigii is found to induce CD103⁺DC and regulatory T (Treg)-mediated immune tolerance for colitis remission using in vitro and in vivo experiments. Moreover, choline, one metabolite of E. ludwigii, is identified to increase dendritic cells' (DCs) immune tolerance to promote Treg differentiation. E. ludwigii is found to induce DCs' immune tolerance ability for Treg differentiation through choline and α7nAChR-mediated retinoic acid (RA) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) upregulation, resulting in protecting mice against DSS-induced colitis. This study suggests potential therapeutic approaches for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs).

Milk polar lipids composition and functionality: a systematic review

Polar lipids including glycerophospholipids and sphingophospholipids are important nutrients and milk is a major source, particularly for infants. This systematic review describes the human and bovine milk polar lipid composition, structural organization, sources for formulation, and physiological functionality. A total of 2840 records were retrieved through Scopus, 378 were included. Bovine milk is a good source of polar lipids, where yield and composition are highly dependent on the choice of dairy streams and processing. In milk, polar lipids are organized in the milk fat globule membrane as a tri-layer encapsulating triglyceride. The overall polar lipid concentration in human milk is dependent on many factors including lactational stage and maternal diet. Here, reasonable ranges were determined where possible. Similar for bovine milk, where differences in milk lipid concentration proved the largest factor determining variation. The role of milk polar lipids in human health has been demonstrated in several areas and critical review indicated that brain, immune and effects on lipid metabolism are best substantiated areas. Moreover, insights related to the milk fat globule membrane structure-function relation as well as superior activity of milk derived polar lipid compared to plant-derived sources are emerging areas of interest regarding future research and food innovations.

Association and Interaction Effect of BHMT Gene Polymorphisms and Maternal Dietary Habits with Ventricular Septal Defect in Offspring

This study attempted to learn the association between maternal betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT) gene polymorphisms, maternal dietary habits, and their interactions with the risk of ventricular septal defects (VSD) in offspring. A total of 426 mothers of VSD children and 740 control mothers were included in the study. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the level of associations and interaction effects. Our study suggested that mothers reporting excessive intake of smoked foods (aOR = 2.44, 95%CI: 1.89–3.13), barbecued foods (aOR = 1.86, 95%CI: 1.39–2.48), fried foods (aOR = 1.93, 95%CI: 1.51–2.46), and pickled vegetables (aOR = 2.50, 95%CI: 1.92–3.25) were at a significantly higher risk of VSD in offspring, instead, mothers reporting regular intake of fresh fruits (aOR = 0.47, 95%CI: 0.36–0.62), fish and shrimp (aOR = 0.35, 95%CI: 0.28–0.44), fresh eggs, (aOR = 0.56, 95%CI: 0.45–0.71), beans (aOR = 0.68, 95%CI: 0.56–0.83), and milk products (aOR = 0.67, 95%CI: 0.56–0.80) were at a lower risk of VSD in offspring. In addition, maternal BHMT gene polymorphisms at rs1316753 (CG vs. CC: aOR = 2.01, 95%CI: 1.43–2.83) and rs1915706 (CT vs. TT: (aOR = 1.81, 95%CI: 1.33–2.46) were significantly associated with increased risk of VSD in offspring. Furthermore, a significant interaction between BHMT polymorphisms and maternal bean intake was identified in the study. In conclusion, Maternal BHMT polymorphisms at rs1316753 and rs1915706, dietary habits as well as their interaction were observed to be significantly associated with the risk of VSD in offspring.

Hydrogen Sulfide Ameliorated High Choline-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction by Inhibiting cGAS-STING-NLRP3 Inflammasome Pathway

Although it is an essential nutrient, high choline intake directly or indirectly via its metabolite is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, the mechanism of which remains to be elucidated. The present study was performed to investigate whether hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was involved in high choline-induced cardiac dysfunction and explore the potential mechanisms. We found that ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS), the indicators of cardiac function measured by echocardiography, were significantly decreased in mice fed a diet containing 1.3% choline for 4 months as compared to the control, while applying 3,3-dimethyl-1-butanol (DMB) to suppress trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO, a metabolite of choline) generation ameliorated the cardiac function. Subsequently, we found that feeding choline or TMAO significantly increased the protein levels of cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS), stimulator of interferon genes (STING), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) as compared to the control, which indicated the activation of cGAS-STING-NLRP3 inflammasome axis. Moreover, the protein expression of cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), the main enzyme for H2S production in the cardiovascular system, was significantly increased after dietary supplementation with choline, but the plasma H2S levels were significantly decreased. To observe the effect of endogenous H2S, CSE knockout (KO) mice were used, and we found that the EF, FS, and plasma H2S levels in WT mice were significantly decreased after dietary supplementation with choline, while there was no difference between CSE KO + control and CSE KO + choline group. To observe the effect of exogenous H2S, mice were intraperitoneally injected with sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, a H2S donor) for 4 months, and we found that NaHS improved the cardiac function and reduced the protein levels of cGAS, STING, NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1β in mice receiving dietary choline. In conclusion, our studies revealed that high choline diet decreased plasma H2S levels and induced cardiac dysfunction via cGAS-STING-NLRP3 inflammasome axis while H2S treatment could restore the cardiac function by inhibiting cGAS-STING-NLRP3 inflammasome axis.

Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs): Preliminary Results for Their Use Such as Biocides in the Building Cultural Heritage

Biodeterioration is an increasingly widespread process of degradation in the context of the conservation of cultural heritage, which involves a combination of physical and chemical damages together with an aesthetic alteration of materials. For biological damage on monuments caused by pathogens, macro- and microorganisms, chemical treatments are generally used, most of the time dangerous for the environment and for the operator. In this context, new eco-friendly products represent necessary tools for the treatment of biologically deteriorated stone surfaces and represent a new challenge in the field of restoration and conservation of materials of cultural interest. A relatively new class of unconventional green solvents are deep eutectic solvents (DESs), which have peculiar chemical-physical characteristics such as being non-toxic, ecological, biodegradable, non-flammable, and stable in the presence of water. Furthermore, many DESs known in the literature have also been shown to have a biocidal action. All these characteristics make DESs very advantageous and safe, and they could be used as biocidal agents for the treatment of biodegraded surfaces of cultural heritage, being non-toxic for the environment and for the operator. So far, they are used in various fields, but they still represent a novel frontier in the cultural heritage sector. The present research aims at testing five different DESs for the first time in cultural heritage. In particular, DESs are applied to a mosaic located in the Ostia Antica Archaeological Park (Rome), and their efficiency is compared with a biocide product currently used in the restoration field, namely, Preventol RI50, through luminescence, bio-luminometry, and spectrocolorimetry analysis. The preliminary results achieved show the different behaviors of each DESs, highlighting the possibility of employing them in the field of cultural heritage. Further studies have been planned, some of which are already underway, to investigate the properties of DESs and indicate any improvements to make them more effective, both as solvents and as biocides, and easy to apply to various types of materials. The results obtained from this first study are very promising for the use of DES as a new green strategy for cleaning and conservation treatments of materials in the field of cultural heritage.

Postnatal Choline Supplementation Rescues Deficits in Synaptic Plasticity Following Prenatal Ethanol Exposure

Prenatal ethanol exposure (PNEE) is a leading cause of neurodevelopmental impairments, yet treatments for individuals with PNEE are limited. Importantly, postnatal supplementation with the essential nutrient choline can attenuate some adverse effects of PNEE on cognitive development; however, the mechanisms of action for choline supplementation remain unclear. This study used an animal model to determine if choline supplementation could restore hippocampal synaptic plasticity that is normally impaired by prenatal alcohol. Throughout gestation, pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were fed an ethanol liquid diet (35.5% ethanol-derived calories). Offspring were injected with choline chloride (100 mg/kg/day) from postnatal days (PD) 10-30, and then used for in vitro electrophysiology experiments as juveniles (PD 31-35). High-frequency conditioning stimuli were used to induce long-term potentiation (LTP) in the medial perforant path input to the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. PNEE altered synaptic transmission in female offspring by increasing excitability, an effect that was mitigated with choline supplementation. In contrast, PNEE juvenile males had decreased LTP compared to controls, and this was rescued by choline supplementation. These data demonstrate sex-specific changes in plasticity following PNEE, and provide evidence that choline-related improvements in cognitive functioning may be due to its positive impact on hippocampal synaptic physiology.

Bilayer Forming Phospholipids as Targets for Cancer Therapy

Phospholipids represent a crucial component for the structure of cell membranes. Phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine are two phospholipids that comprise the majority of cell membranes. De novo biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine occurs via the Kennedy pathway, and perturbations in the regulation of this pathway are linked to a variety of human diseases, including cancer. Altered phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine membrane content, phospholipid metabolite levels, and fatty acid profiles are frequently identified as hallmarks of cancer development and progression. This review summarizes the research on how phospholipid metabolism changes over oncogenic transformation, and how phospholipid profiling can differentiate between human cancer and healthy tissues, with a focus on colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer. The potential for phospholipids to serve as biomarkers for diagnostics, or as anticancer therapy targets, is also discussed.

Personalized Nutrition in the Management of Female Infertility: New Insights on Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation

Increasing evidence on the significance of nutrition in reproduction is emerging from both animal and human studies, suggesting a mutual association between nutrition and female fertility. Different “fertile” dietary patterns have been studied; however, in humans, conflicting results or weak correlations are often reported, probably because of the individual variations in genome, proteome, metabolome, and microbiome and the extent of exposure to different environmental conditions. In this scenario, “precision nutrition”, namely personalized dietary patterns based on deep phenotyping and on metabolomics, microbiome, and nutrigenetics of each case, might be more efficient for infertile patients than applying a generic nutritional approach. In this review, we report on new insights into the nutritional management of infertile patients, discussing the main nutrigenetic, nutrigenomic, and microbiomic aspects that should be investigated to achieve effective personalized nutritional interventions. Specifically, we will focus on the management of low-grade chronic inflammation, which is associated with several infertility-related diseases.

The effects of gestational choline supplementation on cerebellar Purkinje cell number in the sheep model of binge alcohol exposure during the first trimester-equivalent

Individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) incur enduring brain damage and neurodevelopmental impairments from prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). Preclinical rodent models have demonstrated that choline supplementation during development can reduce the severity of adverse neurodevelopmental consequences of PAE. This study used the sheep model to evaluate dietary choline supplementation during pregnancy as a therapeutic intervention, testing the hypothesis that choline can ameliorate alcohol-induced cerebellar Purkinje cell loss. Pregnant ewes were randomly assigned either to a normal control [NC] group (n = 8), or to groups given intravenous infusions of alcohol (or saline) from gestational days 4-41 (the first trimester-equivalent). A weekly binge-drinking pattern was modeled, with three consecutive days of infusions of saline [SAL], 1.75 g/kg/day alcohol [1.75ALC], or 2.5 g/kg/day alcohol [2.5ALC] followed by four days off. Infused ewes were randomly assigned to receive dietary supplements throughout pregnancy of choline (10 mg/kg/day) or placebo (n = 8 per group). Mean blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) were significantly higher in the 2.5ALC groups (287 mg/dL) than the 1.75ALC groups (197 mg/dL). Lamb cerebella were harvested on postnatal day 180 and processed for stereological counts of Purkinje cells. Both alcohol doses caused significant reductions in Purkinje number relative to NC and SAL-Placebo groups, confirming previous findings. Effects of choline supplementation depended on infusion group: it significantly protected against Purkinje cell loss in the 2.5ALC group, had no effect in the 1.75ALC group, and significantly reduced numbers in the SAL-Choline group (though neither the SAL-Choline nor the SAL-Placebo group differed from the NC group). The protection by choline evident only in the 2.5ALC group suggests that multiple, BAC-dependent mechanisms of cerebellar damage may be activated with alcohol exposure in the first trimester, and that choline may protect against pathogenic mechanisms that emerge at higher BACs. These outcomes extend the evidence that early choline supplementation can mitigate some neurodevelopmental defects resulting from binge-like PAE.

Choline Oxidase-Integrated Copper Metal-Organic Frameworks as Cascade Nanozymes for One-Step Colorimetric Choline Detection

Choline is an important factor for regulating human health and is widely present in various foods. In this work, a sensor strategy based on a choline oxidase-integrated copper(II) metal-organic framework with peroxidase-like activity is constructed for one-step cascade detection of choline. The one-step cascade strategy can avoid intermediate product transferring in general multi-step reactions, and the multi-enzyme activities can be well exerted under one condition, thus exhibiting excellent catalytic activity and enhanced stability. In the integrated system, choline is catalyzed by ChO_x to produce betaine and H₂O₂, which eventually got converted to hydroxyl radicals by the peroxidase nanozyme, oxidized the chromogenic substrate ABTS, and produced an observable absorption peak at 420 nm. A new choline detection method was thus established and showed a satisfactory linear relationship at 6-300 μM, which has been used for the choline analysis in milk.

Dietary Supplements for Weight Management: A Narrative Review of Safety and Metabolic Health Benefits

Dietary supplements for weight management include myriad ingredients with thermogenic, lipotropic, satiety, and other metabolic effects. Recently, the safety of this product category has been questioned. In this review, we summarize the safety evidence as well as relevant clinical findings on weight management and metabolic effects of six representative dietary supplement ingredients: caffeine, green tea extract (GTE), green coffee bean extract (GCBE), choline, glucomannan, and capsaicinoids and capsinoids. Of these, caffeine, GTE (specifically epigallocatechin gallate [EGCG]), and choline have recommended intake limits, which appear not to be exceeded when used according to manufacturers’ instructions. Serious adverse events from supplements with these ingredients are rare and typically involve unusually high intakes. As with any dietary component, the potential for gastrointestinal intolerance, as well as possible interactions with concomitant medications/supplements exist, and the health status of the consumer should be considered when consuming these components. Most of the ingredients reviewed also improved markers of metabolic health, such as glucose, lipids, and blood pressure, although the data are limited for some. In summary, weight management supplements containing caffeine, GTE, GCBE, choline, glucomannan, and capsaicinoids and capsinoids are generally safe when taken as directed and demonstrate metabolic health benefits for overweight and obese people.

Daily intake of up to two eggs for 11 weeks does not affect the cholesterol balance of Chinese young adults

Approximately 90% of the cholesterol content of the body is derived from de novo synthesis and the enterohepatic circulation. As numerous studies have shown previously, one egg per day intake has little impact of cholesterol balance in human body. Therefore, this study assumed that intake of up two eggs a day has little effect on biomarkers of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) risk in Chinese young adults. With the increase in egg intake, total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), and choline all increased among all the groups as the study progressed from autumn to winter (p < .05). However, there were no differences in the plasma triglycerides, LDL‐C/HDL‐C ratio, glucose, liver enzymes, C‐reactive protein, and urinary microalbumin during the diet periods. Subjects who ate eggs at breakfast felt less hungry and more satisfied, which were relative with decreased fasting plasma ghrelin level (p < .05). Furthermore, egg‐derived cholesterol appeared to upregulate the mRNA levels of low‐density lipoprotein receptor and lecithin–cholesterol acyltransferase, and downregulate cholesteryl ester transfer protein and flavin‐containing monooxygenase 3 mRNA levels in isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. These results demonstrate that intake of up to two eggs a day had little effect on biomarkers of CVDs in young, healthy Chinese college students and provided useful evidence for the dietary guidelines regarding egg consumption.

Dose and Exposure Route Analyses Inform Relationships Between Liver Steatosis and 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP): Implications for Hazard Characterization

2-Amino-2-methylpropanol (AMP™) is widely used as a neutralizer/pH stabilizer in personal care products (PCP); however, the potential health implications of dermal AMP exposure remain to be fully elucidated. Consequently, an in-depth analysis was performed to determine if personal care products containing AMP pose an elevated risk in humans under the intended use conditions. Animal studies have shown that at high doses, oral AMP exposure could lead to liver steatosis; thus, this study focused on hepatotoxicity. Our assessment revealed that the derived margin of exposure (MoE) values for AMP-containing personal care products were above 100, indicating that dermal exposure to AMP is unlikely to present an elevated risk of hepatotoxicity. Further, mode of action (MOA) analysis was conducted to elucidate the potential mechanisms underlying the observed hepatotoxicity in animal studies. Our analysis proposed that AMP interferes with the CDP-choline pathway in hepatocytes via the inhibition of one or more enzymes integral to the pathway and/or the replacement of choline in the assembly of the phospholipid unit. Ultimately, these events halt the lipid export via very low density lipoproteins, which can subsequently develop into fatty liver accompanied by hepatotoxicity and other pathological changes if AMP exposure persists at sufficiently high doses. MOA analysis corroborated that dermal exposure to AMP expected from use of personal care products is highly unlikely to result in toxicologically-significant systemic concentrations of AMP, and thus hepatotoxicity. We concluded that dermal exposure to AMP in personal care products is not anticipated to result in an increased risk of hepatotoxicity.

The Interplay of Obesity, Dyslipidemia and Immune Dysfunction: A Brief Overview on Pathophysiology, Animal Models, and Nutritional Modulation

Obesity has emerged as a leading global health concern. It is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation, which impairs insulin signaling, lipid metabolism and immune function. Recent findings from animal and clinical studies have begun to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of immune dysfunction seen in the context of obesity. Here, we provide a brief review on the current understanding of the interplay between obesity, dyslipidemia and immunity. We also emphasize the advantages and shortcomings of numerous applicable research models including rodents and large animal swine that aim at unraveling the molecular basis of disease and clinical manifestations. Although there is no perfect model to answer all questions at once, they are often used to complement each other. Finally, we highlight some emerging nutritional strategies to improve immune function in the context of obesity with a particular focus on choline and foods that contains high amounts of choline.

Prenatal and Postnatal Choline Supplementation in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is common and represents a significant public health burden, yet very few interventions have been tested in FASD. Cognitive deficits are core features of FASD, ranging from broad intellectual impairment to selective problems in attention, executive functioning, memory, visual–perceptual/motor skills, social cognition, and academics. One potential intervention for the cognitive impairments associated with FASD is the essential nutrient choline, which is known to have numerous direct effects on brain and cognition in both typical and atypical development. We provide a summary of the literature supporting the use of choline as a neurodevelopmental intervention in those affected by prenatal alcohol. We first discuss how alcohol interferes with normal brain development. We then provide a comprehensive overview of the nutrient choline and discuss its role in typical brain development and its application in the optimization of brain development following early insult. Next, we review the preclinical literature that provides evidence of choline’s potential as an intervention following alcohol exposure. Then, we review a handful of existing human studies of choline supplementation in FASD. Lastly, we conclude with a review of practical considerations in choline supplementation, including dose, formulation, and feasibility in children.

Plasma Choline Concentration Was Not Increased After a 6-Month Egg Intervention in 6-9-Month-Old Malawian Children: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Eggs are a rich source of choline, an essential nutrient important for child growth and development. In a randomized trial of 1 egg/d in young children in Ecuador, an egg intervention led to significant improvements in growth, which were partially mediated by increased plasma choline concentration. A similar trial in Malawi (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03385252) found little improvement in child growth or development.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the effect of 1 egg/d for 6 mo on plasma choline concentrations in Malawian children enrolled in a randomized trial.

METHODS

Infants aged 6-9 mo in rural Malawi were randomly assigned to receive 1 egg/d (n = 331) or serve as a nonintervention control (n = 329) for 6 mo. Anthropometric, developmental, and dietary data were collected at baseline and 6-mo follow-up, along with a blood draw. Plasma choline, betaine, dimethylglycine, trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), and DHA were measured at both time points using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-tandem MS (n = 200 per group). Linear regression analysis was used to determine the difference in plasma choline and related metabolites between groups after 6 mo of intervention.

RESULTS

Plasma choline, betaine, dimethylglycine, and DHA concentrations did not differ between groups at 6-mo follow-up. Plasma TMAO was significantly (26%; 95% CI: 7%, 48%) higher in the egg intervention group in a fully adjusted model.

CONCLUSIONS

Provision of 1 egg/d for 6 mo did not result in increases in plasma choline or related metabolites, except TMAO. This could partially explain the lack of effect on growth and development. Additional interventions are needed to improve choline status, growth, and development in this population.

Biological Effects of Indole-3-Propionic Acid, a Gut Microbiota-Derived Metabolite, and Its Precursor Tryptophan in Mammals' Health and Disease

Actions of symbiotic gut microbiota are in dynamic balance with the host’s organism to maintain homeostasis. Many different factors have an impact on this relationship, including bacterial metabolites. Several substrates for their synthesis have been established, including tryptophan, an exogenous amino acid. Many biological processes are influenced by the action of tryptophan and its endogenous metabolites, serotonin, and melatonin. Recent research findings also provide evidence that gut bacteria-derived metabolites of tryptophan share the biological effects of their precursor. Thus, this review aims to investigate the biological actions of indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), a gut microbiota-derived metabolite of tryptophan. We searched PUBMED and Google Scholar databases to identify pre-clinical and clinical studies evaluating the impact of IPA on the health and pathophysiology of the immune, nervous, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular system in mammals. IPA exhibits a similar impact on the energetic balance and cardiovascular system to its precursor, tryptophan. Additionally, IPA has a positive impact on a cellular level, by preventing oxidative stress injury, lipoperoxidation and inhibiting synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines. Its synthesis can be diminished in the presence of different risk factors of atherosclerosis. On the other hand, protective factors, such as the introduction of a Mediterranean diet, tend to increase its plasma concentration. IPA seems to be a promising new target, linking gut health with the cardiovascular system.

Prenatal Folate and Choline Levels and Brain and Cognitive Development in Children: A Critical Narrative Review

Women’s nutritional status during pregnancy can have long-term effects on children’s brains and cognitive development. Folate and choline are methyl-donor nutrients and are important for closure of the neural tube during fetal development. They have also been associated with brain and cognitive development in children. Animal studies have observed that prenatal folate and choline supplementation is associated with better cognitive outcomes in offspring and that these nutrients may have interactive effects on brain development. Although some human studies have reported associations between maternal folate and choline levels and child cognitive outcomes, results are not consistent, and no human studies have investigated the potential interactive effects of folate and choline. This lack of consistency could be due to differences in the methods used to assess folate and choline levels, the gestational trimester at which they were measured, and lack of consideration of potential confounding variables. This narrative review discusses and critically reviews current research examining the associations between maternal levels of folate and choline during pregnancy and brain and cognitive development in children. Directions for future research that will increase our understanding of the effects of these nutrients on children’s neurodevelopment are discussed.

Effects of a diet based on the Dietary Guidelines on vascular health and TMAO in women with cardiometabolic risk factors

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Recent evidence links trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) to endothelial dysfunction, an early indicator of cardiovascular disease. We aimed to determine whether short-term consumption of a diet patterned after the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) would affect endothelial function, plasma TMAO concentrations, and cardiovascular disease risk, differently than a typical American Diet (TAD).

METHODS AND RESULTS

An 8-wk controlled feeding trial was conducted in overweight/obese women pre-screened for insulin resistance and/or dyslipidemia. Women were randomized to a DGA or TAD group (n = 22/group). At wk0 (pre-intervention) and wk8 (post-intervention) vascular age was calculated; endothelial function (reactive hyperemia index (RHI)) and augmentation index (AI@75) were measured using EndoPAT, and plasma TMAO was measured by LC-MS/MS. Vascular age was reduced in DGA at wk8 compared to wk0 but TAD wk8 was not different from wk0 (DGA wk0: 54.2 ± 4.0 vs. wk8: 50.5 ± 3.1 (p = 0.05), vs. TAD wk8: 47.7 ± 2.3). Plasma TMAO concentrations, RHI, and AI@75 were not different between groups or weeks.

CONCLUSION

Consumption of a diet based on the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans for 8 weeks did not improve endothelial function or reduce plasma TMAO. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV: NCT02298725.

Relationship between different forms of dietary choline and ovarian cancer survival: findings from the ovarian cancer follow-up study, a prospective cohort study

Higher levels of pre-diagnosis fat-soluble choline intake was associated with better overall survival of ovarian cancer, and this association was more attributed to phosphatidylcholine.

Phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase: from Functions to Diseases

Locating on endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria associated membrane, Phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT), catalyzes phosphatidylethanolamine methylation to phosphatidylcholine. As the only endogenous pathway for choline biosynthesis in mammals, the dysregulation of PEMT can lead to imbalance of phospholipid metabolism. Dysregulation of phospholipid metabolism in the liver or heart can lead to deposition of toxic lipid species that adversely result in dysfunction of hepatocyte/cardiomyocyte. Studies have shown that PEMT^-/- mice increased susceptibility of diet-induced fatty liver and steatohepatitis. However, knockout of PEMT protects against diet-induced atherosclerosis, diet-induced obesity, and insulin resistance. Thus, novel insights to the function of PEMT in various organs should be summarized. Here, we reviewed the structural and functional properties of PEMT, highlighting its role in the pathogenesis of obesity, liver diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and other conditions.

Duodenal infusion of soy protein hydrolysate activates cAMP signaling and hypothalamic neurotransmitter synthesis in pigs

An increased soy protein hydrolysate (SPH) level promoted hypothalamic acetylcholine, dopamine, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) synthesis.

Habitual Choline Intakes across the Childbearing Years: A Review

Choline is an important nutrient during the first 1000 days post conception due to its roles in brain function. An increasing number of studies have measured choline intakes at the population level. We collated the evidence focusing on habitual choline intakes in the preconceptual, pregnancy, and lactation life stages. We conducted a review including studies published from 2004 to 2021. Twenty-six relevant publications were identified. After excluding studies with a high choline intake (>400 mg/day; two studies) or low choline intake (<200 mg/day; one study), average choline intake in the remaining 23 studies ranged from 233 mg/day to 383 mg/day, even with the inclusion of choline from supplements. Intakes were not higher in studies among pregnant and lactating women compared with studies in nonpregnant women. To conclude, during the childbearing years and across the globe, habitual intakes of choline from foods alone and foods and supplements combined appear to be consistently lower than the estimated adequate intakes for this target group. Urgent measures are needed to (1) improve the quality of choline data in global food composition databases, (2) encourage the reporting of choline intakes in dietary surveys, (3) raise awareness about the role(s) of choline in foetal–maternal health, and (4) consider formally advocating the use of choline supplements in women planning a pregnancy, pregnant, or lactating.

Polydextrose with and without Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis 420 drives the prevalence of Akkermansia and improves liver health in a multi-compartmental obesogenic mice study

The past two decades of research have raised gut microbiota composition as a contributing factor to the development of obesity, and higher abundance of certain bacterial species has been linked to the lean phenotype, such as Akkermansia muciniphila. The ability of pre- and probiotics to affect metabolic health could be via microbial community alterations and subsequently changes in metabolite profiles, modulating for example host energy balance via complex signaling pathways. The aim of this mice study was to determine how administration of a prebiotic fiber, polydextrose (PDX) and a probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis 420 (B420), during high fat diet (HFD; 60 kcal% fat) affects microbiota composition in the gastrointestinal tract and adipose tissue, and metabolite levels in gut and liver. In this study C57Bl/6J mice (N = 200) were split in five treatments and daily gavaged: 1) Normal control (NC); 2) HFD; 3) HFD + PDX; 4) HFD + B420 or 5) HFD + PDX + B420 (HFD+S). At six weeks of treatment intraperitoneal glucose-tolerance test (IPGTT) was performed, and feces were collected at weeks 0, 3, 6 and 9. At end of the intervention, ileum and colon mucosa, adipose tissue and liver samples were collected. The microbiota composition in fecal, ileum, colon and adipose tissue was analyzed using 16S rDNA sequencing, fecal and liver metabolomics were performed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. It was found that HFD+PDX intervention reduced body weight gain and hepatic fat compared to HFD. Sequencing the mice adipose tissue (MAT) identified Akkermansia and its prevalence was increased in HFD+S group. Furthermore, by the inclusion of PDX, fecal, lleum and colon levels of Akkermansia were increased and liver health was improved as the detoxification capacity and levels of methyl-donors were increased. These new results demonstrate how PDX and B420 can affect the interactions between gut, liver and adipose tissue.

Homocysteine metabolism as the target for predictive medical approach, disease prevention, prognosis, and treatments tailored to the person

Homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism is crucial for regulating methionine availability, protein homeostasis, and DNA-methylation presenting, therefore, key pathways in post-genomic and epigenetic regulation mechanisms. Consequently, impaired Hcy metabolism leading to elevated concentrations of Hcy in the blood plasma (hyperhomocysteinemia) is linked to the overproduction of free radicals, induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial impairments, systemic inflammation and increased risks of eye disorders, coronary artery diseases, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, thrombotic events, cancer development and progression, osteoporosis, neurodegenerative disorders, pregnancy complications, delayed healing processes, and poor COVID-19 outcomes, among others. This review focuses on the homocysteine metabolism impairments relevant for various pathological conditions. Innovative strategies in the framework of 3P medicine consider Hcy metabolic pathways as the specific target for in vitro diagnostics, predictive medical approaches, cost-effective preventive measures, and optimized treatments tailored to the individualized patient profiles in primary, secondary, and tertiary care.

Altered Metabolic Characteristics in Plasma of Young Boys with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a serious neurodevelopmental disorder with no clinical biomarker. This study used untargeted metabolomic analysis to identify metabolic characteristics in plasma that can distinguish ASD children. 29 boys with ASD (3.02 ± 0.67 years) and 30 typically developing (TD) boys (3.13 ± 0.46 years) were recruited. Developmental and behavioral assessments were conducted in ASD group. Samples of plasma were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The association between metabolite concentration and scale score was assessed by Spearman rank correlation. Altered metabolic characteristics were found in boys with ASD. In Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis, ornithine had the highest AUC (Area under ROC) value. Furthermore, the concentration of choline and ornithine was negatively correlated with ABC-language score in ASD group.

Patterns of Egg Consumption Can Help Contribute to Nutrient Recommendations and Are Associated with Diet Quality and Shortfall Nutrient Intakes

Limited data are available on how eggs are consumed in the typical American eating pattern and the contribution to usual intakes, diet quality and in meeting recommendations. The objectives of the present analysis included identifying how eggs are consumed within U.S. dietary patterns and how these patterns are associated with the usual intakes of shortfall nutrients and diet quality (Healthy Eating Index 2015) using data from the combined National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2001–2016. An additional objective included assessing the differences between egg consumers and egg non-consumers in nutrient intakes and nutrient adequacy. Several egg-containing dietary patterns were identified, and two egg patterns were associated with a greater diet quality compared to a no egg pattern (p < 0.0001). Most egg patterns identified were similar in diet quality scores when compared to the no egg pattern; however, the two egg patterns had lower diet quality scores. Egg consumption combined with a greater intake of total protein foods, seafood and plant protein, total vegetables, total fruit, whole fruit, whole grains and dairy foods, and a lower intake of refined grains and added sugars contributed to an improved diet quality, supporting that no one food is responsible for a healthy dietary pattern. Egg consumers demonstrated significantly higher intakes of dietary fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium, total choline, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D and vitamin E when compared to egg non-consumers. A comparison of egg consumers and egg non-consumers found egg consumers had significantly less percentages of the population below the EAR for calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E. Similarly, the percentage of the population above the recommendations for potassium and choline were greater for egg consumers vs. egg non-consumers. In egg consumers, 24.4% of the population was above the AI for dietary choline when compared to 4.3% of egg non-consumers (p < 0.0001). Findings from the present analysis demonstrate that eggs and egg-containing foods can be an important part of a healthy dietary pattern when balanced accordingly with other nutrient-dense foods.

Choline intake effects on psychophysiological indicators of students in the pre-exam period

Introduction. Choline has a wide range of physiological functions. It has a neuroprotective effect on brain dysfunctions, while its deficiency has a negative effect on antenatal development of the nervous system. We aimed to study the impact of exogenous choline on the psychophysiological indicators in students. Study objects and methods. 87 students were surveyed by questionnaire to determine their background intake of dietary choline. One month before the exams, we measured their simple and complex visual-motor reaction times, functional mobility and balance of nervous processes, as well as indicators of their short-term memory, attention, health, activity, and mood. Then, we divided the students into a control and an experimental group, regardless of their choline intake. The experimental group took 700 mg choline supplements on a daily basis for one month, followed by a second psychophysiological examination. Results and discussion. Students with a low choline intake had lower functional mobility and balance of nervous processes, but better attention stability than students with a high choline intake. The second examination showed improved short-term memory, health, and activity indicators in the experimental group, compared to the control. The visual-motor reaction times also increased, but only in students with an initially low level of choline intake. Conclusion. Choline supplementation can be recommended to students under pre-exam stress to enhance the functional state of their central nervous system.