Nutrigenomic basis of beneficial effects of chromium(III) on obesity and diabetes

Simultaneous binding characterization of different chromium speciation to serum albumin

The binding process between three species of chromium and serum albumin (SA) was investigated, as well as the interaction between K2Cr2O7 and bovine serum albumin (BSA) under coexistence of different chromium forms. CrCl3, K2Cr2O7 and Crpic bound to SA spontaneously through Van der Waals force, and their binding constants were 103-104 M-1 at 298 K, respectively. K2Cr2O7 and Crpic both had strong binding affinity for BSA, and significantly affected the secondary structure of BSA and the microenvironment surrounding amino acid residues. Chromium exhibited a greater fluorescence quenching constant towards HSA than toward BSA, and K2Cr2O7 induced greater conformational changes in human serum albumin (HSA) than in BSA. A weak binding of CrCl3 to BSA had no significant effect on the binding affinity of K2Cr2O7 to BSA. K2Cr2O7 and BSA have a greater binding affinity when coexisting with Crpic, and K2Cr2O7 induces a greater conformational change in BSA.

A Comparative Study of Chromium: Therapeutic Uses and Toxicological Effects on Human Health

Chromium is an essential trace element whose deficiency can cause impairment of glucose tolerance, growth and various biological functions. There are two isotopes of chromium-trivalent chromium and hexavalent chromium. Both the isotopes of chromium have quite different effects on the human body. The objective of this narrative review is to compile the different effects of the two isotopes of chromium and give a comprehensive analysis of the effects of hexavalent and trivalent chromium. Data from various studies across different forums were compared to provide a concrete analysis of the therapeutic and harmful effects of two isotopes of chromium on human health. Chromium plays a vital role in the biological functions of the body. It might be helpful in balancing the glycaemic levels, triglyceride levels and cholesterol levels in the body. Excessive intake of chromium is harmful for health. Overexposure to chromium can lead to carcinogenic effects. Consumption of an insufficient amount of chromium might not be adequate as well. Trivalent chromium can be quite beneficial if taken in proper quantities. Hexavalent chromium can cause cancer. Trivalent chromium is beneficial, while hexavalent chromium is harmful to human health.

Improvement of Glycemic Control by a Functional Food Mixture Containing Maltodextrin, White Kidney Bean Extract, Mulberry Leaf Extract, and Niacin-Bound Chromium Complex in Obese Diabetic db/db Mice

Steady-fiber granule (SFG) is a mixture containing maltodextrin, white kidney bean extract, mulberry leaf extract, and niacin-bound chromium complex. These active ingredients have been shown to be associated with improving either hyperglycemia or hyperlipidemia. This study was undertaken to evaluate the potential of SFG in the regulation of blood glucose homeostasis under obese diabetic conditions. Accordingly, db/db mice (8 weeks old) were administered with SFG at doses of 1.025, 2.05, or 5.125 g/kg BW daily via oral gavage for 4 weeks. No body weight loss was observed after SFG supplementation at all three doses during the experimental period. Supplementation of SFG at 2.05 g/kg BW decreased fasting blood glucose, blood fructosamine, and HbA1c levels in db/db mice. Insulin sensitivity was also improved, as indicated by HOMA-IR assessment and oral glucose tolerance test, although the fasting insulin levels were no different in db/db mice with or without SFG supplementation. Meanwhile, the plasma levels of triglyceride were reduced by SFG at all three doses. These findings suggest that SFG improves glycemic control and insulin sensitivity in db/db mice and can be available as an option for functional foods to aid in management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in daily life.

Omics Technology for the Promotion of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods

The influence of nutrition and environment on human health has been known for ages. Phytonutrients (7,000 flavonoids and phenolic compounds; 600 carotenoids) and pro-health nutrients—nutraceuticals positively add to human health and may prevent disorders such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and dementia. Plant-derived bioactive metabolites have acquired an imperative function in human diet and nutrition. Natural phytochemicals affect genome expression (nutrigenomics and transcriptomics) and signaling pathways and act as epigenetic modulators of the epigenome (nutri epigenomics). Transcriptomics, proteomics, epigenomics, miRNomics, and metabolomics are some of the main platforms of complete omics analyses, finding use in functional food and nutraceuticals. Now the recent advancement in the integrated omics approach, which is an amalgamation of multiple omics platforms, is practiced comprehensively to comprehend food functionality in food science.

Negatively interactive effect of chromium and cadmium on obesity: Evidence from adults living near ferrochromium factory

BACKGROUND

Researchers have reported that chromium (Cr) exposure may be associated with metabolism of glucose and lipids in residents living in a long-term Cr polluted area. Previous statistical analysis is mainly focused on individual chromium exposure. Furtherly, we aim to investigated the independent, combined, and interaction effects of the co-exposure of urine Cr (UCr) with cadmium (UCd), lead (UPb) and manganese (UMn) on body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and the risk of overweight and abdominal obesity.

METHOD

We enrolled 1187 participants from annual surveys between 2017 and 2019. Heavy metal concentrations in urine were standardized using covariate-adjusted urine creatinine levels. Multiple linear/logistic regression models were applied to measure the single effect of urine heavy metal concentration on the outcomes. The quantile-based g-computation (g-comp) model was used to evaluate the combined effect of metal mixture on the outcomes and to compare the contribution of each metal. Both additive and multiplicative interactions were measured for UCr with UCd, UPb, UMn on the outcomes. Analysis was performed on the overall population and stratified by smoking habit.

RESULTS

For the overall study population, UCr was positively associated with BMI (p trend = 0.023) and waist circumference (p trend = 0.018). For smoking participants, the g-comp model demonstrated that the metal mixture was negatively associated with BMI, with UCr and UCd contributing the most in the positive and negative direction. A negative additive interaction was observed between UCr and UCd on BMI and abdominal obesity. We did not observe a significant interaction effect of UCr with UPb or UMn.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicated that Cr and Cd exposure may be associated with BMI and waist circumference, with combined and interaction effects of the heavy metals noted. Further epidemiological and experimental researches could simultaneously consider single and complex mixed exposure to verify the findings and biological mechanisms.

The Double Face of Metals: The Intriguing Case of Chromium

Chromium (Cr) is a common element in the Earth’s crust. It may exist in different oxidation states, Cr(0), Cr(III) and Cr(VI), with Cr(III) and Cr(VI) being relatively stable and largely predominant. Chromium’s peculiarity is that its behavior relies on its valence state. Cr(III) is a trace element in humans and plays a major role in glucose and fat metabolism. The beneficial effects of Cr(III) in obesity and types 2 diabetes are known. It has been long considered an essential element, but now it has been reclassified as a nutritional supplement. On the other hand, Cr(VI) is a human carcinogen and exposure to it occurs both in occupational and environmental contexts. It induces also epigenetic effects on DNA, histone tails and microRNA; its toxicity seems to be related to its higher mobility in soil and swifter penetration through cell membranes than Cr(III). The microorganisms Acinetobacter sp. Cr1 and Pseudomonas sp. Cr13 have been suggested as a promising agent for bioremediation of Cr(VI). This review intends to underline the important role of Cr(III) for human health and the dangerousness of Cr(VI) as a toxic element. The dual and opposing roles of this metal make it particularly interesting. An overview of the recent literature is reported in support.

Antagonistic effects of nano-selenium on broilers hepatic injury induced by Cr(VI) poisoning in AMPK pathway

Cr (chromium, with common valence states of III and VI) is one of the common broiler feed additives. Liver injury and metabolic disorders could be caused by Cr_(VI) (hexavalent chromium) poisoning in broilers. Oxidative damage and metabolic disorders of organisms caused by heavy metals could be antagonized by nano-Se (nano-selenium). Nano-Se was chosen to study the antagonism of Cr_(VI) poisoning in broilers. AMPK (Adenosine 5^,-monophosphate-activated protein kinase) is known as a "cell energy regulator" and plays a key regulatory role in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. AMPK pathway and ACACA/CPT1A two genes were selected to study the prevention and treatment of nano-Se on Cr_(VI) poisoning in broilers and its molecular mechanism. For this purpose, 180 1-day-old AA (Arbor Acres) broilers were selected and randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 30) for further testing. After feeding as planned for 35 days, the livers of such broilers were taken for further examination including histopathological examination, differential gene expression analysis, and further validation on both mRNA and protein levels using related techniques like RT-qPCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The histopathological examination suggested that the liver cells of the Cr_(VI) poisoning group were more severely injured than the nano-Se addition group. RT-qPCR results showed that the relative expression of ACACA gene in the Cr_(VI) poisoning group was significantly increased (P < 0.05), while the CPT1A gene's expression was significantly decreased (P < 0.01). Those results were reversed in the nano-Se addition group. Western blot results were consistent with RT-qPCR and both suggested antagonism of nano-Se on Cr_(VI). Through morphological and histopathological observation, as well as the measurement of the mRNA and protein expression levels of ACACA and CPT1A genes in AMPK pathway, it was confirmed that nano-Se has certain preventive and protective effects on Cr_(VI) poisoning in broiler chickens. Furthermore, the adverse effects of Cr_(VI) on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in broilers can be antagonized by nano-Se through AMPK pathway. A new method and experimental basis were provided to the future study of Cr_(VI) poisoning in broilers.

Effects of chromium supplementation on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

We aimed to investigate the effect of chromium supplementation on glycemic control indices in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials examining the effect of chromium supplementation on glycemic control indices and published before February 2020 were detected by searching online databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of sciences and The Cochrane Library, using a combination of suitable keywords. Mean change and standard deviation (SD) of the outcome measures were used to estimate the mean difference between the supplementation group and the control group at follow-up.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight studies reported fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) as an outcome measure. Results revealed significant reduction in FPG (weighted mean difference (WMD): -19.00 mg/dl, 95% CI: -36.15, -1.85, P = 0.030; I²: 99.8%, p < 0.001), insulin level (WMD: -12.35 pmol/l, 95% CI: -17.86, -6.83, P < 0.001), HbA1C (WMD: -0.71 %, 95% CI: -1.19, -0.23, P = 0.004) and HOMA-IR (WMD: -1.53, 95% CI: -2.35, -0.72, P < 0.001; I²: 89.9%, p < 0.001) after chromium supplementation.

CONCLUSION

The results of the current meta-analysis study might support the use of chromium supplementation for the improvement of glycemic control indices in T2DM patients.

Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, Phosphorus, Selenium, Zinc, and Chromium Levels in Alcohol Use Disorder: A Review

Macronutrients and trace elements are important components of living tissues that have different metabolic properties and functions. Trace elements participate in the regulation of immunity through humoral and cellular mechanisms, nerve conduction, muscle spasms, membrane potential regulation as well as mitochondrial activity and enzymatic reactions. Excessive alcohol consumption disrupts the concentrations of crucial trace elements, also increasing the risk of enhanced oxidative stress and alcohol-related liver diseases. In this review, we present the status of selected macroelements and trace elements in the serum and plasma of people chronically consuming alcohol. Such knowledge helps to understand the mechanisms of chronic alcohol-use disorder and to progress and prevent withdrawal effects, also improving treatment strategies.

Biofortification of chromium in fenugreek seeds

BACKGROUND

Fenugreek and chromium are known to have anti-diabetic properties and this has been well demonstrated by multiple studies. Researches have been undertaken to study thebiofortification of chromium (Cr3+) in fenugreek. Some of the researchers have studied the biofortification from the soil irrigated with tannery waste water or from soil amended by tannery-sludge, with a view of enhancing the anti-diabetic effect of fenugreek plants. The present research work was also undertaken to increase the chromium content of fenugreek seeds, but through direct treatment of chromium picolinate solution to fenugreek seeds.

METHODS

Fenugreek seeds were procured and divided in four groups having three batches of 10 g seeds- treatment1, treatment2, control1 and control2. Control1 group was kept raw and was given no treatment and control2 group was germinated using double distilled water. Treatment1 and treatment2, on the other hand, were given treatment of 0.02 g and 0.04 g chromium picolinate solution, on first day and 0.01 g and 0.02 g chromium picolinate solution on second day, respectively. The germinated samples were then completely dried, powdered, digested with di-acid mixture and assayed using Inductively Coupled Plasma optical emission spectrometry method for chromium content. The treatment1 sample was selected for further nutritional analysis along with control1 and control2 group to compare the nutritional composition of raw, germinated and chromium treated fenugreek seed flour. Fifteen sprouts from treatment1 group (treatment1A group) and fifteen sprouts from control2 group (control3 group) were sown in earthen pots for the analysis of chromium content in seeds of new plants.

RESULTS

The fenugreek seeds treated with two different concentrations of chromium picolinate viz. treatment1 and treatment2 group attained 55 and 80 times higher chromium content as compared to control2 group, respectively. All the estimated minerals and bioactive compounds were significantly high (p ≤ 0.01) in germinated fenugreek seed flour and chromium treated fenugreek seed flour compared to raw fenugreek seed flour. Germinated fenugreek seed flour and chromium treated fenugreek seed flour were statistically comparable to each other in respect of all the parameters analysed. Hence, it was evident that enriching fenugreek seeds with chromium, did not affect the nutritional content of fenugreek seed by any mean. Also, there was no significant difference between the chromium content in seeds of control3 group and T1A group.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of fenugreek seeds with chromium solution seems to be an efficient and safe method for increasing their chromium concentration as compared to application of chromium to the soil for biofortification with minimal to no chance of chromium accumulation and inheritance in next generation plants. However, there is a need of more research to see how reliable these observations would be when different chromium salts and/or varied chromium concentration are used.

The Impact of Maternal Overweight on Hair Essential Trace Element and Mineral Content in Pregnant Women and Their Children

The aim of the present study was to investigate hair essential trace elements and mineral levels in 105 pregnant normal-weight (control) and 55 overweight and obese women in the third trimester of pregnancy, as well as in their children at the age of 9 months. The hair essential trace elements and mineral levels were assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. Overweight pregnant women had significantly reduced Cr (- 24%; p = 0.047) and Zn (- 13%; p = 0.008) content, as well as elevated hair Na and K levels as compared to the controls. Children from overweight and obese mothers had lower hair Mo (- 18%; p = 0.017), Se (- 8%; p = 0.043), and V (- 24%; p = 0.028) levels, as well as elevated Sr content (19%; p = 0.025). Correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between maternal and child hair levels of Co (r = 0.170; p = 0.038), Cu (r = 0.513; p < 0.001), Mn (r = 0.240; p = 0.003), and Na (r = 0.181; p = 0.027) in the whole sample. Pre-pregnancy maternal body mass index (BMI) positively correlated with maternal hair K (r = 0.336; p < 0.001) and Na (r = 0.212; p = 0.008) and negatively correlated with V (r = - 0.204; p = 0.011) and Zn (r = - 0.162; p = 0.045) levels. The results indicate that impaired trace element and mineral metabolism may play a role in the link between maternal obesity, complications of pregnancy and child's postnatal development. Hypothetically, dietary improvement may be used as a tool to reduce these risks. However, further experimental and clinical studies are required to investigate the relationship between obesity and trace element metabolism in pregnancy.

Nutraceuticals and Diet-based Phytochemicals in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: From Whole Food to Components with Defined Roles and Mechanisms

BACKGROUND

Over the past decades, the development and use of an array of prescription medications have considerably improved the clinical management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and the quality of life of patients. However, as our knowledge of the associated risk factors and approaches to its management increases, the increasing roles of diet and the composition of the diet in the etiology and successful management of diabetes mellitus are being illuminated. Presently, a lot of attention is being given to nutraceuticals and certain phytochemicals that are integral parts of the human diet. It is believed that a clearer understanding of their roles may be crucial to 'non-invasive' or minimallyintrusive management, with regards to daily living of patients. In this review, an overview of nutraceutical components and phytochemicals that may be of benefit, or had been known to be beneficial in diabetes mellitus is given. Also, how the roles of such dietary components are evolving in the management of this disorder is highlighted. Lastly, the obstacles that need to be overcome before nutraceuticals can be considered as options for the clinical management of diabetes mellitus areconsidered.

CONCLUSION

Despite studies that demonstrate their efficacy, no nutraceutical or food-derived compound has been formally adopted as a direct replacement for any class of antidiabetic drugs.

Influence of extruded lentil containing high chromium nutritional yeast on the main physiological factors associated with metabolic syndrome in rodent models

Insulin resistance, obesity and dyslipidemia are the main physiological factors associated with metabolic syndrome. The objectives of this study were to understand the effects of diets containing extruded lentil fortified with high chromium nutritional yeast (YCr) or chromium picolinate on glucose tolerance, clearance and fasting blood glucose concentrations in Normal and Obese (Ob/Ob) mice and to determine the effects of the diets on the mice plasma lipid profiles. Diets A, B and C contained YCr in different doses and concentrations, as follows: Diet A = 15.7 g and 16 ppm, B = 157.1 g and 16 ppm, and C = 299.3 g and 27 ppm, respectively. Diet D contained chromium picolinate at a dose and concentration of 15.7 g and 16 ppm, respectively. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance tests were conducted at 4-weeks and 8-weeks post diet initiation, in addition to, plasma lipoprotein profiles and organ weights. Normal mice showed only slight variability with respect to the studied biological parameters compared to the Ob/Ob mice group. Results indicated that following 4-weeks of diet supplementation, Ob/Ob mice fed diets A, C and D had significantly (p < 0.05) lower fasting blood glucose (FBG) than Ob/Ob mice fed Diet B. However, after 8-weeks Ob/Ob mice fed Diet C, containing YCr, had a significantly (p < 0.05) lower FBG than mice supplemented with Diet D, containing chromium picolinate. Therefore, based on these findings, it was concluded that YCr at the highest concentration and dose was more effective than chromium picolinate. These results indicate that ready-to-eat snacks and breakfast cereal type products supplemented with chromium in the form of YCr could be used as vehicles for the amelioration of main physiological factors associated with metabolic syndrome.

Oral chromium picolinate impedes hyperglycemia-induced atherosclerosis and inhibits proatherogenic protein TSP-1 expression in STZ-induced type 1 diabetic ApoE-/- mice

Increasing evidence suggests thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), a potent proatherogenic matricellular protein, as a putative link between hyperglycemia and atherosclerotic complications in diabetes. We previously reported that the micronutrient chromium picolinate (CrP), with long-standing cardiovascular benefits, inhibits TSP-1 expression in glucose-stimulated human aortic smooth muscle cells in vitro. Here, we investigated the atheroprotective action of orally administered CrP in type 1 diabetic apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE^−/−) mice and elucidated the role of TSP-1 in this process. CrP decreased lipid burden and neointimal thickness in aortic root lesions of hyperglycemic ApoE^−/− mice; also, smooth muscle cell (SMC), macrophage and leukocyte abundance was prevented coupled with reduced cell proliferation. Attenuated lesion progression was accompanied with inhibition of hyperglycemia-induced TSP-1 expression and reduced protein O-glycosylation following CrP treatment; also, PCNA and vimentin (SMC synthetic marker) expression were reduced while SM-MHC (SMC contractile marker) levels were increased. To confirm a direct role of TSP-1 in diabetic atherosclerosis, hyperglycemic TSP-1^−/−/ApoE^−/− double knockout mice were compared with age-matched hyperglycemic ApoE^−/− littermates. Lack of TSP-1 prevented lesion formation in hyperglycemic ApoE^−/− mice, mimicking the atheroprotective phenotype of CrP-treated mice. These results suggest that therapeutic TSP-1 inhibition may have important atheroprotective potential in diabetic vascular disease.

From Genome-Wide Association Study to Phenome-Wide Association Study: New Paradigms in Obesity Research

Obesity is a condition in which excess body fat has accumulated over an extent that increases the risk of many chronic diseases. The current clinical classification of obesity is based on measurement of body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio, and body fat percentage. However, these measurements do not account for the wide individual variations in fat distribution, degree of fatness or health risks, and genetic variants identified in the genome-wide association studies (GWAS). In this review, we will address this important issue with the introduction of phenome, phenomics, and phenome-wide association study (PheWAS). We will discuss the new paradigm shift from GWAS to PheWAS in obesity research. In the era of precision medicine, phenomics and PheWAS provide the required approaches to better definition and classification of obesity according to the association of obese phenome with their unique molecular makeup, lifestyle, and environmental impact.

Anti-atherogenic effect of trivalent chromium-loaded CPMV nanoparticles in human aortic smooth muscle cells under hyperglycemic conditions in vitro

Atherosclerosis, a major macrovascular complication associated with diabetes, poses a tremendous burden on national health care expenditure. Despite extensive efforts, cost-effective remedies are unknown. Therapies for atherosclerosis are challenged by a lack of targeted drug delivery approaches. Toward this goal, we turn to a biology-derived drug delivery system utilizing nanoparticles formed by the plant virus, Cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV). The aim herein is to investigate the anti-atherogenic potential of the beneficial mineral nutrient, trivalent chromium, loaded CPMV nanoparticles in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC) under hyperglycemic conditions. A non-covalent loading protocol is established yielding CrCl3-loaded CPMV (CPMV-Cr) carrying 2000 drug molecules per particle. Using immunofluorescence microscopy, we show that CPMV-Cr is readily taken up by HASMC in vitro. In glucose (25 mM)-stimulated cells, 100 nM CPMV-Cr inhibits HASMC proliferation concomitant to attenuated proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA, proliferation marker) expression. This is accompanied by attenuation in high glucose-induced phospho-p38 and pAkt expression. Moreover, CPMV-Cr inhibits the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), in glucose-stimulated HASMCs. Finally glucose-stimulated lipid uptake is remarkably abrogated by CPMV-Cr, revealed by Oil Red O staining. Together, these data provide key cellular evidence for an atheroprotective effect of CPMV-Cr in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) under hyperglycemic conditions that may promote novel therapeutic ventures for diabetic atherosclerosis.

Hypoglycemic activity and acute oral toxicity of chromium methionine complexes in mice

The hypoglycemic activity of chromium methionine (CrMet) in alloxan-induced diabetic (AID) mice was investigated and compared with those of chromium trichloride hexahydrate (CrCl3·6H2O) and chromium nicotinate (CrNic) through a 15-day feeding experiment. The acute oral toxicity of CrMet was also investigated in ICR (Institute for Cancer Research) mice by a single oral gavage. The anti-diabetic activity of CrMet was explored in detail from the aspects of body weight (BW), blood glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, liver glycogen levels, aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels. The obtained results showed that CrMet had beneficial effects on glucose and lipid metabolism, and might possess hepatoprotective efficacy for diabetes. Daily treatment with 500 and 1000μg Cr/kg BW of CrMet in AID mice for 15 days indicated that this low-molecular-weight organic chromium complex had better bioavailability and more beneficial effects on diabetics than CrCl3·6H2O. CrMet also had advantage over CrNic in the control of AST and ALT activities. Acute toxicity studies revealed that CrMet had low toxicity potential and relatively high safety margins in mice with the LD50 value higher than 10.0g/kg BW. These findings suggest that CrMet might be of potential value in the therapy and protection of diabetes.

Nutrigenomics and its role in male puberty of cattle: a mini review

Nutrigenomics a novel era in genomics research is based on puzzling issue on how nutrition and genes re-interacts. Perusal of literature reveals that very few information are available in this field and especially when it is associated with puberty in cattle which is a multigenic trait of great economic importance. Thus it opens a new area of research interest. Various markers like-gonadotropin releasing hormone/GNRH (responsible for sexual differentiation and reproduction), interstitial growth regulating factor/IGF1 (having signal controlling reproduction function linked to somatic growth); circulating metabolic hormones viz., leptin apart from GnRH and IGF1 (having impact on testicular development in peripubertal bull) are proved to be associated with male puberty in cattle. Various minerals (copper, selenium, manganese, zinc, chromium, iron and molybdenum) and vitamins (Vit. A, D, E and C) are directly or indirectly linked to male puberty. But no research till today initiated how the nutrients effect on the transcriptome/proteome/metabolome level of marker genes associated with male puberty in cattle. Application of nanotechnology to make food safer for promotion of good health has created much excitement and nanoparticles has been developed against infectious diseases (e.g., Campylobacteriosis) affecting puberty along with certain nanocarriers that can facilitate the uptake of essential nutrients associated with puberty. Much of nutrigenomics research is however in infancy and hence the present mini-review will allow building the concept among researchers and scientists to initiate research in this interesting area.

Effect of consumption of micronutrient enriched wheat steamed bread on postprandial plasma glucose in healthy and type 2 diabetic subjects

BACKGROUND

Steamed wheat bread have previously been shown to induce comparatively high postprandial plasma glucose responses, on the contrary, buckwheat products induced lower postprandial plasma glucose. The present study was to assess the effects of micronutrient enriched bread wheat variety Jizi439 and buckwheat on postprandial plasma glucose in healthy and diabetic subjects comparing with buckwheat and other bread wheat varieties.

METHODS

Two experiments were conducted to study the effects of bread wheat variety Jizi439 on the postprandial plasma glucose levels of the randomly selected subjects. The first experiment involved three types of steamed bread with equivalent of 50 g available carbohydrate fed to 10 normal weight young healthy subjects. Two types of steamed bread were made from two purple-grain bread wheat varieties, Jizi439 and Chu20, respectively, and the third type was made from the mixture of different white grain wheat varieties. Plasma glucose levels of each subject were measured at 15, 30, 45, 60, 120 min after eating. Glucose was used as a reference, the total area under curve (AUC) and glycemic index (GI) was calculated for test meal. The second experiment was performed among ten type 2 diabetics who were served equivalent of 50 g available carbohydrate of steamed bread made from Jizi 439, the mixture of white grain bread wheat and buckwheat, respectively. The plasma glucose increment was determined two hours thereafter.

RESULTS

In the first experiment, consumption of the steamed bread made from Jizi439 resulted in the least increase in plasma glucose and the GI was significantly lower than that of Chu20 and the mixture. In the second experiment, the average of postprandial 2 h plasma glucose increment of Jizi439 was 2.46 mmol/L which was significantly lower than that of the mixture of white wheat but was not significantly different from buckwheat.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated that consumption of Jizi439 steamed bread resulted in significantly lower plasma glucose in both healthy and diabetic subjects, compared with other types of test foods, except buckwheat bread. The steam bread made from Jizi439 would be an ideal food for preventing and treatment of diabetes.

Proteomics reveals plasma profiles for monitoring the toxicity caused by chromium compounds

BACKGROUND

Today, various heavy metals are widespread in the ecosystem and have become important environmental contaminants. Exposure to these hazardous metals such as chromium usually results in cytotoxicity and large-scale protein changes which reflect pathologic states.

METHODS

We used a comprehensive proteomic tool to survey changes in plasma proteins elicited by two chromium species (Cr(6+) and Cr(3+)). RT-PCR was applied to evaluate levels of cytokines associated with adverse responses. Lectin blotting was used to investigate the contents of fucosylated proteins.

RESULTS

Protein profiles revealed statistically significant changes in the intensity of 12 proteins. The network analysis implied that Cr(6+) application strongly induced the IL-6-stimulated inflammatory pathway. mRNA levels of specific cytokines were also correlated with inflammatory events. Increased IL-6 modulation of the fucosylation of haptoglobin was also identified in Cr(6+)-treated samples.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that Cr(6+) may induce IL-6-mediated inflammatory responses which result in hepatic injury. This paper highlights the applications of functional proteomics of plasma profiles and fucosylated glycoproteins as a predictive tool to monitor human health in contact with chromium.

[Hungarian Diet and Nutritional Status Survey -- the OTAP2009 study. V. Intake of microelements in the Hungarian population]

For a healthy status the adequate intake of microelements is vital.

AIM AND METHOD

The Hungarian Diet and Nutritional Status Survey - joining to the European Health Interview Survey - studied the dietary habits of the Hungarian population. The present paper demonstrates the microelement intake.

RESULTS

While the intake of iron, copper and zinc was sufficient in males, it was deficient in females according to the Hungarian recommendations. Especially women in their reproductive age ingested iron below the recommendation, thus representing a health risk. In comparison to earlier Hungarian data, zinc and chromium intake decreased unfavorable.

CONCLUSIONS

Since in Hungary the consumption of the whole grain products with high trace element content is traditionally low, as also reflected in the present study, it would be desirable to increase the contribution of these foods in the diet in order to enhance the intake of microelements.

Molecular mechanisms of chromium in alleviating insulin resistance

Type 2 diabetes is often associated with obesity, dyslipidemia and cardiovascular anomalies and is a major health problem approaching global epidemic proportions. Insulin resistance, a prediabetic condition, precedes the onset of frank type 2 diabetes and offers potential avenues for early intervention to treat the disease. Although lifestyle modifications and exercise can reduce the incidence of diabetes, compliance has proved to be difficult, warranting pharmacological interventions. However, most of the currently available drugs that improve insulin sensitivity have adverse effects. Therefore, attractive strategies to alleviate insulin resistance include dietary supplements. One such supplement is chromium, which has been shown to reduce insulin resistance in some, but not all, studies. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms of chromium in alleviating insulin resistance remain elusive. This review examines emerging reports on the effect of chromium, as well as molecular and cellular mechanisms by which chromium may provide beneficial effects in alleviating insulin resistance.

Ameliorating effect of chromium administration on hepatic glucose metabolism in streptozotocin-induced experimental diabetes

Chromium has been recognized as an essential trace element that plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in its action are not clear. This study was undertaken to understand the mechanism of chromium action in experimental diabetes. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic animals were administered chromium as chromium picolinate (CrP) at a daily dose of 1 mg/kg body weight for a period of 4 weeks. It was observed that chromium complexed with picolinate was effective in lowering plasma glucose levels as well as was able to alleviate polyphagia, polydipsia, and weight loss in diabetic animals. Administration of chromium was also found to normalize glycogen content in liver of diabetic animals to near control levels. The reduction in plasma glucose levels by chromium was accompanied by increase in activity of glycolytic enzymes (e.g., glucokinase, phosphofructokinase, and pyruvate kinase) and by suppression in activity of gluconeogenic enzymes (e.g., glucose-6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase) in liver. Hepatic glucose uptake was found to be increased by chromium supplementation as demonstrated by decrease in Km and increase in Vmax values in diabetic animals. Chromium levels were lower in the liver of diabetic rats when compared with that of control rats. A negative correlation was observed between plasma glucose and chromium concentration in patients with diabetes. The data suggests that chromium supplementation as CrP is beneficial in correcting hyperglycemia, implying that the modulation of the glucose metabolism by chromium may be therapeutically beneficial in the treatment of diabetes.

The effects of chromium complex and level on glucose metabolism and memory acquisition in rats fed high-fat diet

Conditions in which glucose metabolism is impaired due to insulin resistance are associated with memory impairment. It was hypothesized that supplemental chromium (Cr) may alleviate insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes and consequently improve memory acquisition, depending upon its source and level. In a complete randomized design experiment, male Wistar rats (n=60; weighing 200-220 g) were fed either normal (8%, normal diet (ND)) or high-fat (40%, high-fat diet (HFD)) diet and supplemented with Cr as either chromium-glycinate (CrGly) or chromium-acetate (CrAc) at doses of 0, 40, or 80 μg/kg body weight (BW) via drinking water from 8 to 20 weeks of age. Feeding HFD induced type 2 diabetes, as reflected by greater glucose/insulin ratio (2.98 vs. 2.74) comparing to feeding ND. Moreover, HFD rats had greater BW (314 vs. 279 g) and less serum (53 vs. 68 μg/L) and brain (14 vs. 24 ng/g) Cr concentrations than ND rats. High-fat diet caused a 32% reduction in expressions of glucose transporters 1 and 3 (GLUTs) in brain tissue and a 27% reduction in mean percentage time spent in the target quadrant and a 38% increase in spatial memory acquisition phase (SMAP) compared with ND. Compared with supplemental Cr as CrAc, CrGly was more effective to ameliorate response variables (i.e., restoration of tissue Cr concentration, enhancement of cerebral GLUTs expressions, and reduction of the glucose/insulin ratio and SMAP) in a dose-response manner, especially in rats fed HFD. Supplemental Cr as CrGly may have therapeutic potential to enhance insulin action and alleviate memory acquisition in a dose-dependent manner, through restoring tissue Cr reserve and enhancing cerebral GLUTs expressions.

Trace elements in obese Turkish children

The quality of the diet of obese children is poor. Eating habits may alter micronutrient status in obese patients. In this study, we determined the serum levels of selenium, zinc, vanadium, molybdenum, iron, copper, beryllium, boron, chromium, manganese, cobalt, silver, barium, aluminum, nickel, cadmium, mercury, and lead in obese Turkish children. Thirty-four obese and 33 healthy control subjects were enrolled in the study. Serum vanadium and cobalt levels of obese children were significantly lower than those of the control group (0.244 ± 0.0179 vs. 0.261 ± 0.012 μg/l, p < 0.001, and 0.14 ± 0.13 vs. 0.24 ± 0.15 μg/l, p = 0.011, respectively). There was no significant difference between groups regarding the other serum trace element levels. In conclusion, there may be alterations in the serum levels of trace elements in obese children and these alterations may have a role in the pathogenesis of obesity.

Chromium (D-phenylalanine)3 alleviates high fat-induced insulin resistance and lipid abnormalities

High-fat diet has been implicated as a major cause of insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of dietary-supplementation of chromium (D-phenylalanine)(3) [Cr(D-Phe)(3)] on glucose and insulin tolerance in high-fat diet fed mice. C57BL/6-mice were randomly assigned to orally receive vehicle or Cr(D-Phe)(3) (45 μg of elemental chromium/kg/day) for 8-weeks. High-fat-fed mice exhibited impaired whole-body-glucose and -insulin tolerance and elevated serum triglyceride levels compared to normal chow-fed mice. Insulin-stimulated glucose up-take in the gastrocnemius muscles, assessed as 2-[(3)H-deoxyglucose] incorporation was markedly diminished in high-fat fed mice compared to control mice. Treatment with chromium reconciled the high-fat diet-induced alterations in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Treatment of cultured, differentiated myotubes with palmitic acid evoked insulin resistance as evidenced by lower levels of insulin-stimulated Akt-phosphorylation, elevated JNK-phosphorylation, (assessed by Western blotting), attenuation of phosphoinositol-3-kinase activity (determined in the insulin-receptor substrate-1-immunoprecipitates by measuring the extent of phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol by γ-(32)P-ATP), and impairment in cellular glucose up-take, all of which were inhibited by Cr(d-Phe)(3). These results suggest a beneficial effect of chromium-supplementation in insulin resistant conditions. It is likely that these effects of chromium may be mediated by augmenting downstream insulin signaling.

Safety and toxicological evaluation of a novel chromium(III) dinicocysteinate complex

Chromium(III) is an essential trace element required for normal protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism. It also helps in energy production and increasing lean body mass. Chromium(III) dinicocysteinate (CDNC) is a unique form of bioavailable chromium(III). This study was focused on determining the broad spectrum safety of CDNC. Acute oral, acute dermal, primary dermal and eye irritation studies, Ames' bacterial reverse mutation assay, mammalian erythrocyte micronucleus test, and a 90-day dose-dependent oral toxicity study were conducted. Acute oral and dermal LD(50) of CDNC was found to be greater than 2000 mg/kg in Sprague-Dawley rats. A primary skin irritation study in New Zealand Albino rabbits demonstrated CDNC as slightly irritating. An eye irritation study exhibited that CDNC is moderately irritating. Ames' bacterial reverse mutation assay and mammalian erythrocyte micronucleus test demonstrated CDNC as non-mutagenic. A dose-dependent 90-day oral toxicity study demonstrated no significant toxicity of CDNC. Body weight, food and water consumption, selected organ weights (expressed as percentages of body or brain weights), ocular health, hematology, blood chemistry, and histopathology showed no abnormal changes. Clinical and histopathological evaluation of CDNC identified a dose level of 5.7 mg/kg/day as the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL). Overall, these results demonstrate the broad spectrum safety of CDNC.

Endocrinopathic laminitis: reducing the risk through diet and exercise

Certain individual animals appear predisposed to recurrent pasture-associated laminitis, but the exact mechanisms underlying their predisposition remain a fundamental question in laminitis research. The risk of endocrinopathic laminitis can be reduced if steps are taken to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation using strategies based on exercise and diet. Exercise has been shown to reduce insulin resistance and suppress inflammation, and dietary manipulation can significantly affect insulin sensitivity.

Interventional studies for polycystic ovarian syndrome in children and adolescents

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by chronic anovulation, clinical and/or biochemical hyperandrogenism, which can be associated with altered insulin action. Symptoms usually begin around menarche, but onset after puberty may also occur as a result of environmental modifiers such as weight gain. The consequences of PCOS extend beyond the reproductive axis; there is a substantial risk for development of metabolic and cardiovascular abnormalities similar to the metabolic syndrome. Currently, the treatment is targeted to the patient's primary complaint such as hirsutism, restoration of regular menses or pregnancy. Pharmacological agents available for the treatment of hirsutism include androgen suppressors and peripheral androgen blockers. Recently, our understanding of the role of insulin resistance has led to the use of insulin-sensitizing medications as first-choice therapy. In conjunction with weight reduction and exercise, a pharmacologic reduction in insulin levels by either metformin or thiazolidinediones ameliorates both hyperinsulinemia and hyperandrogenism.