Dietary Fiber, Atherosclerosis, and Cardiovascular Disease

A review on the fruit components affecting uric acid level and their underlying mechanisms

Uric acid (UA) is produced in the liver and excreted through the kidneys and intestines. If UA is overproduced or its excretion reduces, the concentration of UA increases, leading to hyperuricemia and gout. The high concentration of UA is also related to cardiovascular disease, hypertension, obesity, and other diseases. Fruits are healthy foods. However, fruits contain fructose and small amounts of purine, and the product of their metabolism is UA. Therefore, theoretically, eating fruits will increase the concentration of serum UA. Fruit components are numerous, and their effects on serum UA are complex. According to the current research, fructose, purine, polyphenols, vitamin C, dietary fiber, and minerals present in fruits influence serum UA concentrations. In addition to the UA synthesized by fructose and purine metabolism, the mechanisms by which other components affect the concentration of serum UA can be summarized as follows: (a) inhibiting xanthine oxidase; (b) reducing reabsorption of UA; and (c) improving the excretion of UA. In this review, we comprehensively discussed the fruit components that affect serum UA concentrations, and explained their mechanisms for the first time, which references for patients with hyperuricemia to take fruits. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: With the rising prevalence, hyperuricemia and gout have become public health problems that endanger our daily life. The key to the treatment of hyperuricemia is to control the level of serum UA within the normal range. Fruits are healthy foods. However, fruit components are numerous, and their effects on serum UA are complex. According to the current research, fructose, purine, polyphenols, vitamin C, dietary fiber, and minerals present in fruits influence serum UA concentrations. In this review, we comprehensively discussed the fruit components that affect serum UA concentrations. We also explained their mechanisms, which references for patients with hyperuricemia to take fruits.

The Use of Natural Fiber-Rich Food Product Is Safe and Reduces Aberrant Crypt Foci in a Pre-Clinical Model

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer is a highly prevalent disease, requiring effective strategies for prevention and treatment. The present research aimed to formulate a natural fiber-rich food product (NFRFP) and to evaluate its safety, toxicogenetics, and effects on aberrant crypt foci induced by 1,2-dimethyl-hydrazine in a preclinical model.

METHODS

A total of 78 male Wistar rats were distributed in six experimental groups: negative control, positive control (1,2-Dimethylhydrazine-40 mg/Kg), and four groups fed with 10% NFRFP: NFRFP, pre-treatment protocol, simultaneous treatment, and post-treatment protocol.

RESULTS

The NFRFP was shown to be a good source of fibers and did not change biometric, biochemical, hematological, and inflammatory parameters, and did not induce signs of toxicity and genotoxicity/carcinogenicity. NFRFP exhibited a chemopreventive effect, in all protocols, with damage reduction (% DR) of 75% in the comet test. NFRFP reduced the incidence of aberrant crypt outbreaks by 49.36% in the post-treatment protocol.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest the applicability of NFRFP in the human diet due to potential production at an industrial scale and easy technological application in different products, since it could be incorporated in food without altering or causing small changes in final product sensory characteristics.

Associations of healthy food choices with gut microbiota profiles

BACKGROUND

Diet has a major influence on the human gut microbiota, which has been linked to health and disease. However, epidemiological studies on associations of a healthy diet with the microbiota utilizing a whole-diet approach are still scant.

OBJECTIVES

To assess associations between healthy food choices and human gut microbiota composition, and to determine the strength of association with functional potential.

METHODS

This population-based study sample consisted of 4930 participants (ages 25-74; 53% women) in the FINRISK 2002 study. Intakes of recommended foods were assessed using a food propensity questionnaire, and responses were transformed into healthy food choices (HFC) scores. Microbial diversity (alpha diversity) and compositional differences (beta diversity) and their associations with the HFC score and its components were assessed using linear regression. Multiple permutational multivariate ANOVAs were run from whole-metagenome shallow shotgun-sequenced samples. Associations between specific taxa and HFC were analyzed using linear regression. Functional associations were derived from Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes orthologies with linear regression models.

RESULTS

Both microbial alpha diversity (β/SD, 0.044; SE, 6.18 × 10-5; P = 2.21 × 10-3) and beta diversity (R2, 0.12; P ≤ 1.00 × 10-3) were associated with the HFC score. For alpha diversity, the strongest associations were observed for fiber-rich breads, poultry, fruits, and low-fat cheeses (all positive). For beta diversity, the most prominent associations were observed for vegetables, followed by berries and fruits. Genera with fiber-degrading and SCFA-producing capacities were positively associated with the HFC score. The HFC score was associated positively with functions such as SCFA metabolism and synthesis, and inversely with functions such as fatty acid biosynthesis and the sulfur relay system.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results from a large, population-based survey confirm and extend findings of other, smaller-scale studies that plant- and fiber-rich dietary choices are associated with a more diverse and compositionally distinct microbiota, and with a greater potential to produce SCFAs.

Effect of grinding and extraction conditions on the determination of antioxidant activity and phenolic acids in barley

In the present study, the objective was to evaluate the effects of barley kernel size, grind level, and extract solvent on the antioxidant activities associated with total phenolic content and phenolic acid compositions. Three barley varieties (Kindred, Azure, and Tradition), were used and the results showed that with the exception of superoxide anion radical scavenging activity, thin kernel size fraction (2.0 mm) showed much higher antioxidant activities and total phenolic content than those in the 2.4 mm and 2.8 mm fractions when averaged across barley cultivar, grind level, and extract solvent. A similar trend was found for individual phenolic acid compositions among kernel sizes. Simple correlation analysis revealed that total phenolic content showed strong correlation with DPPH· scavenging activity, ABTS + scavenging activity, and reducing power. Generally, fine grind and 80% acetone extract showed averaged highest values in antioxidant activities, total phenolic content, and individual phenolic acid compositions. Stepwise linear regression showed that extract solvent was the most important factor for DPPH· scavenging activity, ABTS + scavenging activity, reducing power, and iron chelating activity. The sum of syringic acid and caffeic acid exhibited a dominant role in explaining the major variation in antioxidant activities except for superoxide anion radical scavenging activity.

Current Trends in Enrichment of Wheat Pasta: Quality, Nutritional Value and Antioxidant Properties

Wheat pasta is one of the most important cereal products and is becoming increasingly popular worldwide because of its convenience, simple formulation, long shelf life, and high energetic value. Wheat pasta is usually obtained from refined flour rich in carbohydrates but with low content of phytochemicals, micronutrients, and fibre. The increased demand of consumers for healthy foods has generated interest among both researchers and food producers in developing functional food products. This review showcases the current trends in pasta fortification. Changes in the nutritional value, cooking quality, sensory attributes, and antioxidant properties of durum and common wheat pasta enriched with both plant and animal raw materials are discussed.

Leaky Gut: Effect of Dietary Fiber and Fats on Microbiome and Intestinal Barrier

Intestinal tract is the boundary that prevents harmful molecules from invading into the mucosal tissue, followed by systemic circulation. Intestinal permeability is an index for intestinal barrier integrity. Intestinal permeability has been shown to increase in various diseases-not only intestinal inflammatory diseases, but also systemic diseases, including diabetes, chronic kidney dysfunction, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Chronic increase of intestinal permeability is termed 'leaky gut' which is observed in the patients and animal models of these diseases. This state often correlates with the disease state. In addition, recent studies have revealed that gut microbiota affects intestinal and systemic heath conditions via their metabolite, especially short-chain fatty acids and lipopolysaccharides, which can trigger leaky gut. The etiology of leaky gut is still unknown; however, recent studies have uncovered exogenous factors that can modulate intestinal permeability. Nutrients are closely related to intestinal health and permeability that are actively investigated as a hot topic of scientific research. Here, we will review the effect of nutrients on intestinal permeability and microbiome for a better understanding of leaky gut and a possible mechanism of increase in intestinal permeability.

Low Dietary Fiber Intake Links Development of Obesity and Lupus Pathogenesis

Changed dietary habits in Western countries such as reduced fiber intake represent an important lifestyle factor contributing to the increase in inflammatory immune-mediated diseases. The mode of action of beneficial fiber effects is not fully elucidated, but short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and gut microbiota have been implicated. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of dietary fiber on lupus pathology and to understand underlying mechanisms. Here, we show that in lupus-prone NZB/WF1 mice low fiber intake deteriorates disease progression reflected in accelerated mortality, autoantibody production and immune dysregulation. In contrast to our original assumption, microbiota suppression by antibiotics or direct SCFA feeding did not influence the course of lupus-like disease. Mechanistically, our data rather indicate that in low fiber-fed mice, an increase in white adipose tissue mass, fat-inflammation and a disrupted intestinal homeostasis go along with systemic, low-grade inflammation driving autoimmunity. The links between obesity, intestinal leakage and low-grade inflammation were confirmed in human samples, while adaptive immune activation predominantly correlated with lupus activity. We further propose that an accelerated gastro-intestinal passage along with energy dilution underlies fiber-mediated weight regulation. Thus, our data highlight the often-overlooked effects of dietary fiber on energy homeostasis and obesity prevention. Further, they provide insight into how intricately the pathologies of inflammatory immune-mediated conditions, such as obesity and autoimmunity, might be interlinked, possibly sharing common pathways.

Comparative Biochemical Evaluation of the Proximate, Mineral, and Phytochemical Constituents of Xylopia aethiopica Whole Fruit, Seed, and Pericarp

This study evaluated the relative abundance of proximate, mineral, and phytochemical constituents of the anatomical parts of Xylopia aethiopica (XA) fruit using standard analytical procedures. The results showed that whole fruits (WF) have higher contents of crude protein, crude fiber, fat, ash, and moisture than the seeds (S) and pericarps (P). However, highest contents of crude carbohydrate and nitrogen free extracts were found in the P, followed by the S. The content of minerals (sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, magnesium, and copper) and phytochemicals were present in the following order of abundance: WF>S>P. Furthermore, the phytochemical constituents in each XA parts were present in the following order of relative abundance: total flavonoids>tannins>total phenolics>cardiac glycoside>alkaloids>steroids. Vitamin A was abundant in all three parts, with the abundance highest in WF [4.83±0.06 g vitamin A equivalent (vit A eq)/100 g] and lowest in P (1.64±0.02 g vit A eq/100 g). This preliminary study indicates XA fruits are rich in minerals, anti-nutrients, and phytochemicals. Therefore, these data could represent a biochemical rationale for inclusion of XA as a spice or functional ingredient in many Nigerian local soups to help prevent ailments.

Association of Dietary Diabetes Risk Reduction Score With Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases in the Iranian Population: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

BACKGROUND

There are no data available regarding the association of dietary diabetes risk reduction score (DDRRS) and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) worldwide. We aimed to investigate the association of the DDRRS with the risk of CVD outcomes in a prospective population-based study.

METHOD

Individuals without CVD (n=2,195) were recruited from participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (2006-2008) and followed for a mean of 6.7 years. The DDRRS was determined on the basis of eight components using a validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire. Cox proportional hazard regression models, adjusted for potential confounders, were used to estimate the hazard ratios and 95% confidence interval (CI) of CVD across quartiles of DDRRS.

RESULTS

The mean ± standard deviation age of participants (44.8% male) was 38.8±13.0 years at baseline. Median DDRRS for all patients was 23 (intequartile range 20-26). During follow-up, 77 (3.5%) new cases of CVD were identified. After adjustment for confounding variables, including age, sex, body mass index, physical activity, smoking, energy intake, diabetes, and hypertension, no association was found between DDRRS and risk of CVD (odds ratio, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.36-1.37 [p-value for trend=0.351]).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study showed that higher DDRRS is not associated with risk of CVD events.

Environmental Influences on the Human Microbiome and Implications for Noncommunicable Disease

The human microbiome contributes metabolic functions, protects against pathogens, educates the immune system, and through these basic functions, directly or indirectly, affects most of our physiologic functions. Here, we consider the human microbiome and its relationship to several major noncommunicable human conditions, including orodigestive tract cancers, neurologic diseases, diabetes, and obesity. We also highlight the scope of contextual macroenvironmental factors (toxicological and chemical environment, built environment, and socioeconomic environment) and individual microenvironmental factors (smoking, alcohol, and diet) that may push the microbiota toward less healthy or more healthy conditions, influencing the development of these diseases. Last, we highlight current uncertainties and challenges in the study of environmental influences on the human microbiome and implications for understanding noncommunicable disease, suggesting a research agenda to strengthen the scientific evidence base.

Associations between different types and sources of dietary fibre intake and depressive symptoms in a general population of adults: a cross-sectional study

This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the associations between dietary fibre (DF) intake and depressive symptoms in a general adult population in Tianjin, China. A total of 24 306 participants (mean age 41 years; range 18-91 years) were enrolled. DF intake was assessed using a validated self-administered FFQ. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Self-Rating Depression Scale. Associations between DF intake and depressive symptoms were estimated using logistic regression analysis. Socio-demographic, behavioural, health status and dietary factors were adjusted. In men, compared with participants in the lowest quartiles for total, soluble, vegetable and soya DF, OR for depressive symptoms in the highest were 0·83 (95 % CI 0·69, 0·99), 0·74 (95 % CI 0·63, 0·87), 0·79 (95 % CI 0·65, 0·96) and 0·69 (95 % CI 0·60, 0·81), respectively. In women, compared with participants in the lowest quartiles for vegetable and soya DF, the OR for depressive symptoms in the highest were 0·77 (95 % CI 0·64, 0·93) and 0·82 (95 % CI 0·70, 0·95), respectively. No association was found between total or soluble DF intake and depressive symptoms in women. No association was found between insoluble, cereal, fruit or tuber DF intake and depressive symptoms in men and women. Linear associations between DF intake and depressive symptoms were only detected for soya DF (men, β = -0·148, P < 0·0001; women, β = -0·069, P = 0·04). Results suggest that intake of soluble, vegetable and soya DF was inversely associated with depressive symptoms. These results should be confirmed through prospective and interventional studies.

Characterization of Coffee Silver Skin as Potential Food-Safe Ingredient

By-products from the coffee industry are produced in large amounts each year. Among other wastes, coffee silver skin (CSS) is highly available and more stable due to its lower content of water. This research aimed to characterize coffee silver skin composition and evidence its potentiality for use as a food-safe ingredient in new formulations. Results showed an average total dietary fiber content of 50% but with a higher ratio for insoluble than soluble fiber. A high content of total phenolic compounds, chlorogenic acid, caffeine, and caffeic acid was found and correlated with the high measured antioxidant capacity. Moreover, minerals (e.g., calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, copper, iron, manganese) important for human wellbeing were found at a high level in CSS, while toxic minerals (e.g., nickel) were found at low levels. In conclusion, coffee silver skin could have an advantageous role for the recovery of valuable compounds and as a potential food-safe ingredient.

Impact of Bacterial Metabolites on Gut Barrier Function and Host Immunity: A Focus on Bacterial Metabolism and Its Relevance for Intestinal Inflammation

The diverse and dynamic microbial community of the human gastrointestinal tract plays a vital role in health, with gut microbiota supporting the development and function of the gut immune barrier. Crosstalk between microbiota-gut epithelium and the gut immune system determine the individual health status, and any crosstalk disturbance may lead to chronic intestinal conditions, such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and celiac disease. Microbiota-derived metabolites are crucial mediators of host-microbial interactions. Some beneficially affect host physiology such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and secondary bile acids. Also, tryptophan catabolites determine immune responses, such as through binding to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). AhR is abundantly present at mucosal surfaces and when activated enhances intestinal epithelial barrier function as well as regulatory immune responses. Exogenous diet-derived indoles (tryptophan) are a major source of endogenous AhR ligand precursors and together with SCFAs and secondary bile acids regulate inflammation by lowering stress in epithelium and gut immunity, and in IBD, AhR expression is downregulated together with tryptophan metabolites. Here, we present an overview of host microbiota-epithelium- gut immunity crosstalk and review how microbial-derived metabolites contribute to host immune homeostasis. Also, we discuss the therapeutic potential of bacterial catabolites for IBD and celiac disease and how essential dietary components such as dietary fibers and bacterial tryptophan catabolites may contribute to intestinal and systemic homeostasis.

Whole grain cereals: the potential roles of functional components in human health

Whole grain cereals have been the basis of human diet since ancient times. Due to rich in a variety of unique bioactive ingredients, they play an important role in human health. This review highlights the contents and distribution of primary functional components and their health effects in commonly consumed whole grain cereals, especially dietary fiber, protein, polyphenols, and alkaloids. In general, cereals exert positive effects in the following ways: 1) Restoring intestinal flora diversity and increasing intestinal short-chain fatty acids. 2) Regulating plasma glucose and lipid metabolism, thereby the improvement of obesity, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, and other chronic metabolic diseases. 3) Exhibiting antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals. 4) Preventing gastrointestinal cancer via the regulation of classical signaling pathways. In summary, this review provides a scientific basis for the formulation of whole-grain cereals-related dietary guidelines, and guides people to form scientific dietary habits, so as to promote the development and utilization of whole-grain cereals.

Effect of a High-Protein High-Fibre Nutritional Supplement on Lipid Profile in Overweight/Obese Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A 24-Week Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Foods rich in protein and dietary fibre could potentially improve lipid profile in overweight or obese diabetic patients with dyslipidemia and, thereby, mitigate their risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this study, the effect of providing high-protein high-fibre (HPHF) nutritional supplement in addition to standard care of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on lipid profile was evaluated.

Methods

In this open-label, parallel-arm, prospective, randomized study, a total of 100 overweight/obese participants with T2DM were randomized to either an intervention group (25 g HPHF nutritional supplement given twice daily along with a standard care of T2DM) or a control group (standard care of T2DM) for 24 weeks. Change from baseline in lipid parameters such as total cholesterol (TChol), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) was assessed between the intervention and control group at week 12 and week 24. Participant compliance was assessed using the dietary 24-hour recall. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the main effects on within- and between-group changes from baseline to end of 24 weeks.

Results

Participants in the HPHF nutritional supplement group showed a statistically significant improvement in HDL-C levels by the end of 24 weeks (p=0.04) and a significant increase in protein and total dietary fibre intake (p=0.002 and p=0.00, respectively) compared to the control group. The TChol/HDL-C ratio was significantly lower (p=0.03) in the HPHF group from baseline to 24 weeks.

Conclusion

Twice-daily consumption of a HPHF nutritional supplement significantly improved HDL-C levels. Inclusion of the HPHF supplement would be a useful effective aid for managing dyslipidemia in overweight/obese individuals with T2DM.

Nutraceuticals: Transformation of Conventional Foods into Health Promoters/Disease Preventers and Safety Considerations

Nutraceuticals are essential food constituents that provide nutritional benefits as well as medicinal effects. The benefits of these foods are due to the presence of active compounds such as carotenoids, collagen hydrolysate, and dietary fibers. Nutraceuticals have been found to positively affect cardiovascular and immune system health and have a role in infection and cancer prevention. Nutraceuticals can be categorized into different classes based on their nature and mode of action. In this review, different classifications of nutraceuticals and their potential therapeutic activity, such as anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-lipid activity in disease will be reviewed. Moreover, the different mechanisms of action of these products, applications, and safety upon consumers including current trends and future prospect of nutraceuticals will be included.

Pineapple consumption reduced cardiac oxidative stress and inflammation in high cholesterol diet-fed rats

BACKGROUND

Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It has been reported that pineapple contains healthy nutrients and phytochemicals associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities. No investigation exists concerning the effect of pineapple consumption modulating hypercholesterolemia-induced cardiac damage in high-cholesterol diet (HCD)-fed rats. This study evaluated the effect of pineapple consumption on lipid-lowering, cardiac oxidative stress and inflammation in HCD-fed rats.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with HCD, in the presence and absence of Pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) cv. Pattavia powder for 8 weeks. Then, serum lipid profiles, liver and renal function tests, cardiac oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines were determined.

RESULTS

Daily pineapple consumption reduced weight gain, serum lipid profiles, atherogenic coefficient (AC), cardiac risk ratio (CRR), and liver enzyme activity, without causing renal dysfunction. Pineapple consumption also restores cardiac protein carbonyl (cPC) content, reduces cardiac malondialdehyde (MDA), cardiac pro-inflammation cytokine IL-6 and IL-1β levels.

CONCLUSION

Pineapple possesses antioxidant and lipid-lowering properties and daily consumption alleviates hypercholesterolemia-induced cardiac lipid peroxidation and pro-inflammation elevation in an in vivo model. This study demonstrates that pineapple is a potential candidate for cardioprotection against hypercholesterolemia.

Associations of Polygenetic Variants at the 11q23 Locus and Their Interactions with Macronutrient Intake for the Risk of 3GO, a Combination of Hypertension, Hyperglycemia, and Dyslipidemia

3GO is a condition in which hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia co-occur, and these conditions are related to each other and genetic and environmental factors. We hypothesized that common genetic variants and their interactions with lifestyles influenced 3GO risk. We aimed to explore common genetic variants to affect 3GO risk and their haplotype interaction with lifestyles in a city hospital-based cohort in 58,701 Koreans > 40 years. 3GO was defined as SBP ≥ 140 mmHg and DBP ≥ 90 mmHg for hypertension, fasting blood glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL for hyperglycemia, and LDL ≥ 160 mg/dL or HDL ≤ 40 mg/dL, or triglyceride ≥ 200 mg/dL for dyslipidemia. Haplotypes were generated by genetic variants selected from genome-wide association study ((GWAS) an observational study of the genetic variation of the whole genome in different individuals, used to see if any variation is related to traits) after adjusting for age, sex, area of residence, and body mass index (BMI). Nutrient intakes were assessed using food frequency questionnaires. Interactions between haplotype and lifestyles and 3GO risk were investigated. Parameters related to metabolic syndrome were significantly different in the 0GO, 1-2GO, and 3GO groups, that is, groups of individuals with none, one to two, or all three of the components of 3GO. At the 11q23 locus, KCNQ1_rs2237892, ZPR1_rs2075291, APOA5_rs662799, APOA1_rs5072, and SIK3_rs151139277, influenced 3GO risk, and the minor alleles of their haplotype had a 3GO risk 3.23 times higher than the major alleles. For subjects with a high energy intake, the 3GO risk of the minor alleles was significantly higher than that of the major alleles (OR = 3.230, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.062~5.061, p < 0.001). BMI, HbA1c, SBP, and serum concentrations of glucose, HDL, and triglyceride were significantly higher for the minor allele than the major alleles (p < 0.001). The haplotype interacted with the intakes of protein (p = 0.033), digestible carbohydrate (p = 0.012), fat (p = 0.008), and undigestible carbohydrates (p = 0.015) to increase 3GO risk. An interaction was also observed between smoking and the haplotype (p = 0.007). The minor allele effects on 3GO incidence were higher in the high digestible carbohydrate intake and smoking groups. By contrast, the minor allele impacts on 3GO frequencies were much higher in the low intake of undigestible carbohydrates, protein, and fat. In conclusion, people who carry a minor allele of the 11q23 locus haplotype should avoid smoking and replace digestible carbohydrate intake with consuming high-quality protein, healthy fat, and undigestible carbohydrates.

Association of Allergic Diseases and Related Conditions with Dietary Fiber Intake in Korean Adults

An association between fiber intake and allergic diseases in children has been reported; however, many studies have not been conducted to assess this association in adults. We aimed to evaluate the association between dietary fiber intake and allergic diseases (asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis) among 10,479 adults using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010–2011). As dietary fiber intake increased, the prevalence of asthma (Q4 adjusted odds ratio (OR): 0.656; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.48–0.91, p for trend < 0.0001) and atopic dermatitis (Q3 crude OR: 0.746; 95% CI: 0.57–0.98; Q4 adjusted OR: 0.712; 95% CI: 0.50–1.01, p for trend < 0.0001) decreased. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis (Q2 adjusted OR: 0.840; 95% CI: 0.70–1.00, p for trend < 0.0001) tended to decrease, especially in males. Subgroup analysis revealed that fiber intake reduced allergic rhinitis symptoms, including watery rhinorrhea (Q3 adjusted OR: 0.734; 95% CI: 0.55–0.97; Q4 adjusted OR: 0.722; 95% CI: 0.54–0.97) and dog allergen sensitization (Q3 adjusted OR: 0.319; 95% CI: 0.13–0.82; Q4 adjusted OR: 0.338; 95% CI: 0.13–0.86), exclusively in males. Thus, dietary fiber intake influences allergic diseases in adults, especially males.

Association between Serum Concentration of Carotenoid and Visceral Fat

Consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in carotenoids has been widely reported to prevent cardiovascular diseases. However, the relationship between serum carotenoid concentrations and visceral fat area (VFA), which is considered a better predictor of cardiovascular diseases than the body-mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, remains unclear. Therefore, we examined the relationship in healthy individuals in their 20s or older, stratified by sex and age, to compare the relationship between serum carotenoid concentrations and VFA and BMI. The study was conducted on 805 people, the residents in Hirosaki city, Aomori prefecture, who underwent a health checkup. An inverse relationship between serum carotenoid concentrations and VFA and BMI was observed only in women. In addition, the results were independent of the intake of dietary fiber, which is mainly supplied from vegetables as well as carotenoids. This suggests that consumption of a diet rich in carotenoids (especially lutein and beta-carotene) is associated with lower VFA, which is a good predictor of cardiovascular disease, especially in women. This study is the first to comprehensively evaluate the association between serum carotenoid levels and VFA in healthy individuals.

Early-life exposure to the Chinese famine and risk of carotid intima-media thickness increased in adulthood

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Little was known about the effect of famine exposure on carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT). The present study aimed to explore the relationship in a Chinese population.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Participants were divided into five groups: not exposed to famine, exposed to famine in fetal, early, mid or late childhood. Elevated cIMT was defined as a thickness of >0.9 mm measured by carotid ultrasound. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to calculate odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI) between famine exposure and cIMT. A total of 2637 (970 male, mean age 59.1 ± 3.65 years) participants were recruited, and 491 (18.62%) of them had elevated cIMT. When compared with the non-exposure group, the fully adjusted ORs for increased cIMT for exposure in fetal, early, mid to late childhood were 1.321 (95%CI: 0.872, 1.994, P = 0.186), 1.713 (95% CI: 1.188, 2.483, P = 0.004), 2.359 (95% CI: 1.674, 3.357, P < 0.001) and 2.485 (95% CI: 1.773, 3.518, P < 0.001), respectively. Subgroup analyses showed that the exposure to famine did not interact with body mass index, gender, smoking status, hypertension and diabetes history on its effect on cIMT.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicated that early-life exposure to the Chinese famine might be associated with an increased risk of increased cIMT in adulthood.

Circ_0000345 Protects Endothelial Cells From Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein-Induced Injury by miR-129-5p/Ten-Eleven Translocation Axis

ABSTRACT

Circular RNAs have shown regulatory functions in atherosclerosis (AS) progression. Here, we explored the role and working mechanism of circ_0000345 in the AS cell model in vitro. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was applied to measure the enrichment of circ_0000345, microRNA-129-5p (miR-129-5p), and ten-eleven translocation-2 (TET2) messenger RNA. Cell Counting Kit 8 assay was used to analyze cell viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Flow cytometry was conducted to assess cell apoptosis and cell cycle progression. The target relationship between miR-129-5p and circ_0000345 or TET2 was verified by the dual-luciferase reporter assay. The Western blot assay was used to analyze the protein level of TET2. Circ_0000345 abundance was reduced in serum samples of AS patients and AS cell model compared with their matching counterparts. Circ_0000345 overexpression promoted cell viability and cell cycle progression and hampered cell apoptosis in HUVECs induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein. MiR-129-5p was a target of circ_0000345 and circ_0000345 attenuated ox-LDL-induced damage in HUVECs through sponging miR-129-5p. MiR-129-5p bound to the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of TET2, and miR-129-5p functioned in ox-LDL-induced HUVECs by targeting TET2. Circ_0000345 enhanced TET2 messenger RNA and protein expression through sponging miR-129-5p in HUVECs. Circ_0000345 attenuated ox-LDL-mediated injury in HUVECs through targeting miR-129-5p/TET2 axis. Increasing the levels of circ_0000345 and TET2 might be a novel insight into AS treatment.

The Endothelium as a Target for Anti-Atherogenic Therapy: A Focus on the Epigenetic Enzymes EZH2 and SIRT1

Endothelial cell inflammatory activation and dysfunction are key events in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, and are associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular events. Yet, therapies specifically targeting the endothelium and atherosclerosis are lacking. Here, we review how endothelial behaviour affects atherogenesis and pose that the endothelium may be an efficacious cellular target for antiatherogenic therapies. We discuss the contribution of endothelial inflammatory activation and dysfunction to atherogenesis and postulate that the dysregulation of specific epigenetic enzymes, EZH2 and SIRT1, aggravate endothelial dysfunction in a pleiotropic fashion. Moreover, we propose that commercially available drugs are available to clinically explore this postulation.

Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese patent medicine on carotid artery atherosclerosis in adults: A network meta-analysis protocol

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis (AS), the predominant pathological basis of ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, remains a common and severe clinical problem. The experiments in vitro and in vivo indicate that Traditional Chinese patent medicine (TCPM) shows beneficial efficacy against AS through a variety of mechanisms. However, the existing therapeutic TCPM for the treatment of AS are diverse, and it is still significant to evaluate the pros and cons of a certain TCPM. Therefore, the study aims to compare the efficacy and outcomes of different anti-atherosclerotic TCPM in adults with the hope of providing references for clinical decision making.

METHODS

Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Wanfang Database, Chinese BioMedical Literature Database, and China Science and Technology Journal Database will be searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TCPM for aortic AS in adults will be included in this study if they meet the Population/Intervention/Comparison/Outcomes/Study Design (PICOS) criteria. Two reviewers will independently perform citations screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessment. STATA 15.0 and WinBUGS 1.4.3 will be employed to conduct statistical analyses under the Bayesian framework.

RESULTS

The efficacy and safety of various TCPM strategies on aortic AS in adults will be compared.

CONCLUSION

The study will expand the range of options for anti-atherosclerotic therapeutic strategies and encourages further clinical research in traditional Chinese medicine.

INPLASY REGISTRATION NUMBER

INPLASY2020120036.

Selective Isolation of Bifidobacterium From Human Faeces Using Pangenomics, Metagenomics, and Enzymology

Bifidobacterium, an important genus for human health, is difficult to isolate. We applied metagenomics, pangenomics, and enzymology to determine the dominant glycoside hydrolase (GH) families of Bifidobacterium and designed selective medium for Bifidobacterium isolation. Pangenomics results showed that the GH13, GH3, GH42, and GH43 families were highly conserved in Bifidobacterium. Metagenomic analysis of GH families in human faecal samples was performed. The results indicated that Bifidobacterium contains core GHs for utilizing raffinose, D-trehalose anhydrous, D(+)-cellobiose, melibiose, lactulose, lactose, D(+)-sucrose, resistant starch, pullulan, xylan, and glucan. These carbohydrates as the main carbon sources were applied for selective media, which were more conducive to the growth of bifidobacteria. In the medium with lactose, raffinose and xylan as the main carbon sources, the ratio of cultivable bifidobacteria to cultivable microorganisms were 89.39% ± 2.50%, 71.45% ± 0.99%, and 53.95% ± 1.22%, respectively, whereas the ratio in the ordinary Gifu anaerobic medium was only 17.90% ± 0.58%. Furthermore, the species significantly (p < 0.05) varied among samples from different individuals. Results suggested that xylan might be a prebiotic that benefits host health, and it is feasible to screen and isolate bifidobacteria using the oligosaccharides corresponding to the specific GHs of bifidobacteria as the carbon sources of the selective media.

The Relationship of Dietary Pattern and Genetic Risk Score with the Incidence Dyslipidemia: 14-Year Follow-Up Cohort Study

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between dietary pattern and genetic risk score (GRS) for dyslipidemia risk among Korean adults. Hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia defined as total cholesterol ≥240 mg/dL and triglyceride ≥200 mg/dL or use dyslipidemia medication. The GRS was calculated by summing the risk alleles of the selected seven single-nucleotide polymorphisms related to dyslipidemia. Dietary patterns were identified by principal component analysis based on the frequency of 36 food groups, "whole grain and soybean products" pattern, "meat, fish and vegetables" pattern, and "bread and noodle" pattern were identified. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using the multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model. High intake of a "whole grain and soybean products" pattern decreased risks of hypercholesterolemia (HR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.72-0.93, p for trend = 0.0006) and hypertriglyceridemia (HR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.75-0.97, p for trend = 0.0344). In the highest tertile of GRS, the "whole grain and soybean products" pattern was inversely related to hypercholesterolemia risk. Therefore, for people with genotypes that can cause hypercholesterolemia, eating whole grains and soybean products may have a meaningful response, these results could be utilized for genome-based nutrition management.

Non-nutrients and nutrients from Latin American fruits for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have been rapidly increasing; among them, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are responsible for around 1/3 of deaths in the world. Environmental factors play a central role in their development. Diet is a very important factor in this scenario, and the intake of fruits and vegetables has been considered as one of the critical strategies for reducing the risk of CVDs. Fruits are a source of micronutrients and bioactive compounds that could have cardioprotective effects through several distinct mechanisms, such as antioxidant, antithrombotic and antiplatelet activities, vasodilatation, improvement of plasma lipid profiles, and modulation of inflammatory signaling. Brazil has a very rich and unexplored biodiversity in its different biomes, with several types of fruit, which are a source of bioactive compounds and micronutrients with therapeutic properties. In this sense, this review shows the current knowledge regarding the cardioprotective properties of selected Latin American and Brazilian fruits, including their effects on the activation of platelets and on the inflammation processes involved in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.

Role of the Fatty Acid Binding Proteins in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain a global pandemic and leading cause of deaths worldwide. While several guidelines have been developed to control the development of CVDs, its prevalence keeps on increasing until this day. Cardiovascular risk factors, such as reduced exercises and high fat or glucose diets, culminate in the development of the metabolic syndrome and eventually atherosclerosis, which is driven by high blood lipid and cholesterol levels, and by endothelial dysfunction. Late complications of atherosclerosis give rise to serious clinical cardiovascular manifestations such as myocardial infarction and hypertension. Therefore, endothelial functions and the lipid metabolism play critical roles in the pathogenesis of CVDs. Fatty acid-binding proteins are a family of intracellular proteins expressed in many cell types known mainly for their interaction with and trafficking of cellular lipids. The roles of a number of isoforms in this family have been implicated in lipid metabolic homeostasis, but their influence on endothelial function and vascular homeostasis remain largely unknown. This review's purpose is to update fundamentals about the connection between cardiovascular disease, metabolism, endothelial function, and mainly the roles of fatty acid-binding proteins.

Fiber and Prebiotic Interventions in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: What Role Does the Gut Microbiome Play?

The etiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is complex but is thought to be linked to an intricate interaction between the host’s immune system, resident gut microbiome and environment, i.e., diet. One dietary component that has a major impact on IBD risk and disease management is fiber. Fiber intakes in pediatric IBD patients are suboptimal and often lower than in children without IBD. Fiber also has a significant impact on beneficially shaping gut microbiota composition and functional capacity. The impact is likely to be particularly important in IBD patients, where various studies have demonstrated that an imbalance in the gut microbiome, referred to as dysbiosis, occurs. Microbiome-targeted therapeutics, such as fiber and prebiotics, have the potential to restore the balance in the gut microbiome and enhance host gut health and clinical outcomes. Indeed, studies in adult IBD patients demonstrate that fiber and prebiotics positively alter the microbiome and improve disease course. To date, no studies have been conducted to evaluate the therapeutic potential of fiber and prebiotics in pediatric IBD patients. Consequently, pediatric IBD specific studies that focus on the benefits of fiber and prebiotics on gut microbiome composition and functional capacity and disease outcomes are required.

Nutrition and Gastrointestinal Microbiota, Microbial-Derived Secondary Bile Acids, and Cardiovascular Disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The goal is to review the connection between gut microbiota and cardiovascular disease, with specific emphasis on bile acids, and the influence of diet in modulating this relationship.

RECENT FINDINGS

Bile acids exert a much broader range of biological functions than initially recognized, including regulation of cardiovascular function through direct and indirect mechanisms. There is a bi-directional relationship between gut microbiota modulation of bile acid-signaling properties, and their effects on gut microbiota composition. Evidence, primarily from rodent models and limited human trials, suggest that dietary modulation of the gut microbiome significantly impacts bile acid metabolism and subsequently host physiological response(s). Available evidence suggests that the link between diet, gut microbiota, and CVD risk is potentially mediated via bile acid effects on diverse metabolic pathways. However, further studies are needed to confirm/expand and translate these findings in a clinical setting.

What is the best diet for cardiovascular wellness? A comparison of different nutritional models

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent to date the leading cause of mortality in both genders in the developed countries. In this context, a strong need for CVD prevention is emerging through lifestyle modification and nutrition. In fact, several studies linked CVD with unhealthy nutrition, alcohol consumption, stress, and smoking, together with a low level of physical activity. Thus, the primary aim is to prevent and reduce CVD risk factors, such as impaired lipid and glycemic profiles, high blood pressure and obesity. Different types of diet have been, therefore, established to optimize the approach regarding this issue such as the Mediterranean diet, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet (DASH), vegetarian diet, ketogenic diet, and Japanese diet. Depending on the diet type, recommendations generally emphasize subjects to increase vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and pulses consumption, but discourage or recommend eliminating red meat, sweets, and sugar-sweetened beverages, along with processed foods that are high in sugar, salt, fat, or low in dietary fiber. In particular, we evaluated and compared the peculiar aspects of these well-known dietary patterns and, thus, this review evaluates the critical factors that increase CVD risk and the potential application and benefits of nutritional protocols to ameliorate dietary and lifestyle patterns for CVD prevention.

Health promoting microbial metabolites produced by gut microbiota after prebiotics metabolism

Human gut microbiota (HGM) is a microbial complex where dynamic mutualistic interactions related to digestion and absorption of dietary components take place. The consumption of specific food ingredients, such as prebiotics and dietary fibers, constituted mainly by carbohydrates polymers, can modulate the HGM composition and metabolism serving as a fermentable substrate to produce bacterial metabolites with beneficial effects on host health. Especially, bacterial short-chain fatty acids, tryptophan and organic acids have shown positive effects on pathogenic bacteria control, mineral absorption, weight control and obesity, immune response homeostasis, gut barrier improvement, brain modulation and anticancer activity. Despite the fact that these effects vary between individuals due to personal HGM richness, the information presented in this review contributes to understanding the effects of prebiotics and dietary fibers consumption on the generation of HGM metabolites and the mechanisms by which these metabolites interact with host cells improving host health.

Effects of prebiotic dietary fibers and probiotics on human health: With special focus on recent advancement in their encapsulated formulations

Background

Dietary fibers (DFs) are known as potential formulations in human health due to their beneficial effects in control of life-threatening chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes mellitus, obesity and cancer. In recent decades scientists around the globe have shown tremendous interest to evaluate the interplay between DFs and gastrointestinal (GIT) microbiota. Evidences from various epidemiological and clinical trials have revealed that DFs modulate formation and metabolic activities of the microbial communities residing in the human GIT which in turn play significant roles in maintaining health and well-being. Furthermore, interestingly, a rapidly growing literature indicates success of DFs being prebiotics in immunomodulation, namely the stimulation of innate, cellular and humoral immune response, which could also be linked with their significant roles in modulation of the probiotics (live beneficial microorganisms).

Scope and approach

The main focus of the current review is to expressively highlight the importance of DFs being prebiotics in human health in association with their influence on gut microbiota. Now in order to significantly achieve the promising health benefits from these prebiotics, it is aimed to develop novel formulations to enhance and scale up their efficacy. Therefore, finally, herein unlike previously published articles, we highlighted different kinds of prebiotic and probiotic formulations which are being regarded as hot research topics among the scientific community now a days.

Conclusion

The information in this article will specifically provide a platform for the development of novel functional foods the demands for which has risen drastically in recent years.

Awareness and Knowledge Regarding the Consumption of Dietary Fiber and Its Relation to Self-Reported Health Status in an Adult Arab Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

The objective of this study was to examine the awareness, knowledge, and habits regarding dietary fiber intake and to analyze its relationship with self-reported health status among Saudi adults. A survey-based study using face-to-face interview was designed, and 1363 apparently healthy adult Saudi males and females participated. Most participants were females (81.2%), aged 25 and above (87.2%), and were educated at least up to the secondary level of education (80.8%). The majority of the participants were aware of the role of fiber-rich foods in health conditions such as obesity (70.5%), cardiovascular diseases (68.9%), and regulation of blood sugar (68.9%), with females significantly having higher nutrition knowledge than males. A disconnect in translating this nutrition knowledge was observed particularly in food choices when eating out, where preferences for white bread (84.4%), fried potatoes (69.9%) and peeled fruits (60.6%) were significantly higher than preferences for cooked vegetables (29.6%) and brown bread (18.1%). The most common reason for this disconnect was due to perception that foods rich in dietary fibers were expensive (72.1%), have less health benefits (56.5%), were not readily available (51.6%), and participants’ disliking of the taste (52.8%). Participants in the highest quartile (Q4) for dietary fiber consumption reported a lower prevalence of constipation (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval of 0.40, 0.28–0.57, p < 0.01), high cholesterol (0.43, 0.27–0.68, p < 0.01) and obesity (0.67, 0.44–0.98, p = 0.03) than participants in the lowest quartile (Q1). Dietary fiber intake appears to be protective against constipation, high cholesterol and obesity in Saudi adults. However, a disparity observed between knowledge and attitude towards intake of dietary fibers could limit its health benefits. Further studies including adolescents should be conducted to impart knowledge on the emotional, cognitive and sensory factors related to food choices in order to minimize the gap between nutrition knowledge and the consumption of healthy high-fiber diets.

Association of Baltic Sea and Mediterranean diets with frailty phenotype in older women, Kuopio OSTPRE-FPS study

Purpose

To evaluate the association between Baltic Sea diet (BSD) and Mediterranean diet (MED) with frailty.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis on the osteoporosis risk factor and prevention–fracture prevention study on 440 women aged 65–72 years. Frailty was ascertained with the presence of 3–5 and prefrailty 1–2 of the following criteria: weight loss ≥ 5%, low life satisfaction score, walking speed ≤ 0.51 m/s, handgrip strength divided by body mass index ≤ 0.67 kg/m² and physical activity ≤ 2 h/week. Women answered to questionnaires on lifestyle factors and 3-day food record. BSD score was ascertained using intake of nine and MED score of eight foods or nutrients components from food record. Multinomial logistic regression models adjusted for age, energy intake, smoking, living status, marital status and intervention group evaluated associations between MED and BSD with frailty phenotype status.

Results

At 3-year follow-up, 206 women (46.8%) were prefrail and 36 (8.2%) were frail. After adjusting for confounders, a tendency was found between BSD per standard deviation (SD)-unit increase and lower likelihood of frailty (β = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.38–1.01, P = 0.057). Further, MED per SD-unit increase was associated with lower likelihood of prefrailty (β = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.6–0.9, P = 0.009). Consumption of vegetables was lower in frail (31.5 ± 36.0 g/day) and prefrail women (37.1 ± 42.0 g/day) than in non-frail women (48.6 ± 40.7 g/day) (P for trend = 0.041).

Conclusions

Positive behavioral characteristics such as following MED and BSD may be associated with lower likelihood of prefrailty and frailty in older women. However, further longitudinal analyses are warranted.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00394-020-02290-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Resveratrol ameliorates atherosclerosis induced by high-fat diet and LPS in ApoE-/- mice and inhibits the activation of CD4+ T cells

Background

Atherosclerosis (AS), which characterized with the accumulation of lipids on the vessel wall, is the pathological basis of many cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and seriously threatens human health. Resveratrol (RES) has been reported to be benefit for AS treatment. This research aimed to observe the effects of RES on AS induced by high-fat diet (HFD) and LPS in ApoE^-/- mice and investigate the underlying mechanism.

Methods

ApoE^-/- mice were fed with HFD companied with LPS to induce AS and RES was administrated for 20 weeks. Splenic CD4⁺ T cells were cultured and treated with anti-CD3/CD28 together with LPS, and RES was added. Serum lipids and the atherosclerotic areas of aortas were detected. The activation of CD4⁺ T cells were investigated both in vivo and in vitro and the expression of DNA methyltransferases (Dnmt) in CD4⁺ T cells were measured.

Results

In vivo, administration of RES prevented HFD and LPS induced dysfunction of serum lipids including TC (total cholesterol), TG (triglyceride), LDL-C (low density lipoprotein cholesterol) and HDL-C (high density lipoprotein cholesterol), ameliorated the thickened coronary artery wall and decreased the areas of atherosclerotic lesion on aortas. Besides, RES decreased the number of CD4⁺ T cells in peripheral blood, decreased the expression of CD25 and CD44, but not affected the expression of L-selectin (CD62L). In vitro, RES decreased the expression of Ki67, CD25 and CD44 in CD4⁺ T cells. Moreover, RES increased the secretion of IL-2, IL-10 and TGF-β1, decreased IL-6. In addition, RES decreased both the mRNA and protein level of Dnmt1 and Dnmt3b in CD4⁺ T cells.

Conclusion

These results indicated that RES ameliorated AS induced by HFD companied with LPS in ApoE^-/- mice, inhibited the proliferation and activation of CD4⁺ T cells and regulated the expression of Dnmt1 and Dnmt3b.

Gut Microbiota Metabolism and Interaction with Food Components

The human gut contains trillions of microbes that play a central role in host biology, including the provision of key nutrients from the diet. Food is a major source of precursors for metabolite production; in fact, diet modulates the gut microbiota (GM) as the nutrients, derived from dietary intake, reach the GM, affecting both the ecosystem and microbial metabolic profile. GM metabolic ability has an impact on human nutritional status from childhood. However, there is a wide variability of dietary patterns that exist among individuals. The study of interactions with the host via GM metabolic pathways is an interesting field of research in medicine, as microbiota members produce myriads of molecules with many bioactive properties. Indeed, much evidence has demonstrated the importance of metabolites produced by the bacterial metabolism from foods at the gut level that dynamically participate in various biochemical mechanisms of a cell as a reaction to environmental stimuli. Hence, the GM modulate homeostasis at the gut level, and the alteration in their composition can concur in disease onset or progression, including immunological, inflammatory, and metabolic disorders, as well as cancer. Understanding the gut microbe–nutrient interactions will increase our knowledge of how diet affects host health and disease, thus enabling personalized therapeutics and nutrition.

The Association Between Vascular Inflammation and Depressive Disorder. Causality, Biomarkers and Targeted Treatment

Diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis, and myocardial infarction are frequently co-morbid with major depressive disorder. In the current review, it is argued that vascular inflammation is a factor that is common to all disorders and that an endothelial dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier could be involved in the induction of depression symptoms. Biomarkers for vascular inflammation include a high plasma level of C-reactive protein, soluble cell-adhesion molecules, von Willebrand factor, aldosterone, and proinflammatory cytokines like interleukin-6 or tumor necrosis factor α. A further possible biomarker is flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery. Treatment of vascular inflammation is expected to prevent or to reduce symptoms of depression. Several tentative treatments for this form of depression can be envisioned: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), valproate, Vagus-nerve stimulation, nicotinic α7 agonists, and agonists of the cannabinoid CB₂-receptor.

Association between Three Low-Carbohydrate Diet Scores and Lipid Metabolism among Chinese Adults

This study investigated the blood lipid levels of 5921 Chinese adults aged >18 years using data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey 2009. Diet information was collected through 3 day, 24 h recalls by trained professionals. The low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) score was determined according to the percentage of energy obtained from carbohydrate, protein, and fat consumption. Dyslipidemia was defined when one or more of the following abnormal lipid levels were observed: high cholesterol levels, high triglyceride levels, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Multivariate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using logistic regression models. After adjusting the confounding variables, in males, the OR of hypercholesterolemia was 1.87 (95% CI, 1.23–2.85; p for trend = 0.0017) and the OR of hypertriglyceridemia was 1.47 (95% CI, 1.04–2.06; p for trend = 0.0336), on comparing the highest and lowest quartiles of the LCD score. The animal-based LCD score showed a similar trend. The OR of hypercholesterolemia was 2.15 (95% CI, 1.41–3.29; p for trend = 0.0006) and the OR of hypertriglyceridemia was 1.51 (95% CI, 1.09–2.10; p for trend = 0.0156). However, there was no significant difference between plant-based LCD scores and dyslipidemia. In females, lipid profiles did not differ much among the quartiles of LCD scores—only the animal-based LCD score was statistically significant with hypercholesterolemia. The OR of hypercholesterolemia was 1.64 (95% CI, 1.06–2.55), on comparing the highest and lowest quartiles of the LCD score. In conclusion, a higher LCD score, indicating lower carbohydrate intake and higher fat intake, especially animal-based fat, was significantly associated with higher odds of hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia in Chinese males. Future studies investigating the potential mechanisms by which macronutrient types and sex hormones affect lipid metabolism are required.

Germinated barley downregulates hepatic stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 enzyme gene expression in a hepatic steatohepatitis rat model

Steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis are common pathological features in the progression of hepatic steatosis. In the current work, we investigated the effect of germinated barely on the structure and function of the liver and its regulatory mechanism on SDC1 gene expression in a steatohepatitis rat model. Forty-eight adult male white Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: Group I, control; Group II, rats fed a germinated barley diet; Group III, rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD); and Group IV, rats fed both germinated barley (GB) and a high-fat diet for 14 weeks. Biochemical, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and morphometric studies, as well as qRT-PCR, were used to analyze the effect of germinated barley on steatohepatitis. The rats in Group IV had a lower liver index percentage and improved altered lipid profile and liver function tests compared to those in Group III. Supplementation of GB with a HFD ameliorated the histopathological features in the livers of rats fed a HFD, decreased the percentage of CD68-positive macrophages, and lowered the upregulated expression of SDC1. Supplementation of a HFD with GB prohibited the deterioration of liver function, lipid profile, and alteration of liver structure; it also decreased the associated hepatic inflammation and downregulated SDC1 in liver tissue.

Oligosaccharides and Complex Carbohydrates: A New Paradigm for Cranberry Bioactivity

Cranberry is a well-known functional food, but the compounds directly responsible for many of its reported health benefits remain unidentified. Complex carbohydrates, specifically xyloglucan and pectic oligosaccharides, are the newest recognized class of biologically active compounds identified in cranberry materials. Cranberry oligosaccharides have shown similar biological properties as other dietary oligosaccharides, including effects on bacterial adhesion, biofilm formation, and microbial growth. Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity has also been observed. Oligosaccharides may therefore be significant contributors to many of the health benefits associated with cranberry products. Soluble oligosaccharides are present at relatively high concentrations (~20% w/w or greater) in many cranberry materials, and yet their possible contributions to biological activity have remained unrecognized. This is partly due to the inherent difficulty of detecting these compounds without intentionally seeking them. Inconsistencies in product descriptions and terminology have led to additional confusion regarding cranberry product composition and the possible presence of oligosaccharides. This review will present our current understanding of cranberry oligosaccharides and will discuss their occurrence, structures, ADME, biological properties, and possible prebiotic effects for both gut and urinary tract microbiota. Our hope is that future investigators will consider these compounds as possible significant contributors to the observed biological effects of cranberry.

Evaluation of the impact of a rat small intestinal extract on the digestion of four different functional fibers

The degree of digestion, modulated by rat small intestinal extract on different functional fibers was investigated.