1
|
Ordoñez-Araque R, Ramos-Guerrero L, Vargas-Jentzsch P, Romero-Bastidas M, Rodríguez-Herrera N, Vallejo-Holguín R, Fuentes-Gualotuña C, Ruales J. Fatty Acids and Starch Identification within Minute Archaeological Fragments: Qualitative Investigation for Assessing Feasibility. Foods 2024; 13:1090. [PMID: 38611394 PMCID: PMC11011963 DOI: 10.3390/foods13071090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Within the realm of archaeology, the analysis of biomolecules assumes significant importance in elucidating historical dietary patterns and their implications for contemporary contexts. To achieve this, knowledge and tools of both chemistry and archaeology are essential to yield objective outcomes and conduct analyses of archaeological materials for the detection of biomolecules. Usually, only minuscule remnants of ceramic fragments are retrieved from excavations, which limits the feasibility of comprehensive laboratory analysis. This study aimed to establish a protocol for analyzing fatty acids and starch from archaeological food utensils with minimal sample quantities. Various experiments were conducted to replicate preparations that might have occurred in archaeological vessels, aiming to establish the optimal protocol. The analyses were performed using clay griddles, subjecting vegetable oil to varying temperatures for fatty acid assessment. For starch analysis, a series of experiments encompassed diverse forms of potato preparations (pulp, chuño, tortilla, carbonization, and freeze-drying) and maize (flour, tortilla, and carbonization). The verification of the experiments was confirmed by conducting identical analyses, as developed in the current study, on authentic archaeological fragments. The principal outcomes of this investigation include the successful extraction of both types of biomolecules using only 0.25 g of the sample, obtained through direct scraping from the vessel. Soxhlet extraction was identified as the most efficient strategy to recover fatty acids. Additionally, a comprehensive protocol for the identification of starch extraction was developed. This study has, for the first time, elucidated two detailed methodologies for the extraction of fatty acids and starch in scenarios in which researchers can obtain limited quantities of archaeological food utensil fragments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Ordoñez-Araque
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos, Departamento de Ciencia de Alimentos y Biotecnología, Facultad de Ingeniería Química y Agroindustria, Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Quito 170525, Ecuador; (R.O.-A.); (P.V.-J.)
- Facultad de Salud y Bienestar, Escuela de Nutrición y Dietética, Universidad Iberoamericana del Ecuador (UNIB.E), Quito 170143, Ecuador
- Escuela de Gastronomía, Universidad de Las Américas (UDLA), Quito 170513, Ecuador;
- Programa de Maestría en Desarrollo e Innovación en Alimentos, Universidad de Las Américas (UDLA), Quito 170125, Ecuador
| | - Luis Ramos-Guerrero
- Grupo de Investigación Bio-Quimioinformática, Carrera de Ingeniería Agroindustrial, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas, Universidad de Las Américas (UDLA), Quito 170125, Ecuador
| | - Paul Vargas-Jentzsch
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos, Departamento de Ciencia de Alimentos y Biotecnología, Facultad de Ingeniería Química y Agroindustria, Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Quito 170525, Ecuador; (R.O.-A.); (P.V.-J.)
- Departamento de Ciencias Nucleares, Facultad de Ingeniería Química y Agroindustria, Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Quito 170525, Ecuador
| | - Martha Romero-Bastidas
- Unidad de Laboratorio y Análisis, Instituto Nacional de Patrimonio Cultural (INPC), Quito 170143, Ecuador;
| | | | - Rubén Vallejo-Holguín
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Carrera de Química de Alimentos, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito 170129, Ecuador; (R.V.-H.); (C.F.-G.)
| | - Camila Fuentes-Gualotuña
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Carrera de Química de Alimentos, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito 170129, Ecuador; (R.V.-H.); (C.F.-G.)
| | - Jenny Ruales
- Departamento de Ciencia de Alimentos y Biotecnología, Facultad de Ingeniería Química y Agroindustria, Escuela Politécnica Nacional (EPN), Quito 170143, Ecuador;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen JC, Aldenderfer MS, Eerkens JW, Langlie BS, Viviano Llave C, Watson JT, Haas R. Stable isotope chemistry reveals plant-dominant diet among early foragers on the Andean Altiplano, 9.0-6.5 cal. ka. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296420. [PMID: 38265974 PMCID: PMC10807835 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Current models of early human subsistence economies suggest a focus on large mammal hunting. To evaluate this hypothesis, we examine human bone stable isotope chemistry of 24 individuals from the early Holocene sites of Wilamaya Patjxa (9.0-8.7 cal. ka) and Soro Mik'aya Patjxa (8.0-6.5 cal. ka) located at 3800 meters above sea level on the Andean Altiplano, Peru. Contrary to expectation, Bayesian mixing models based on the isotope chemistry reveal that plants dominated the diet, comprising 70-95% of the average diet. Paleoethnobotanical data further show that tubers may have been the most prominent subsistence resource. These findings update our understanding of earliest forager economies and the pathway to agricultural economies in the Andean highlands. The findings furthermore suggest that the initial subsistence economies of early human populations adapting to new landscapes may have been more plant oriented than current models suggest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C. Chen
- Department of Anthropology, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States of America
| | - Mark S. Aldenderfer
- Department of Anthropology and Heritage Studies, University of California, Merced, CA, United States of America
| | - Jelmer W. Eerkens
- Department of Anthropology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - BrieAnna S. Langlie
- Department of Anthropology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, United States of America
| | | | - James T. Watson
- Arizona State Museum and School of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States of America
| | - Randall Haas
- Department of Anthropology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hollywood JB, Hutchinson D, Feehery-Alpuerto N, Whitfield M, Davis K, Johnson LM. The Effects of the Paleo Diet on Autoimmune Thyroid Disease: A Mixed Methods Review. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN NUTRITION ASSOCIATION 2023; 42:727-736. [PMID: 36598468 DOI: 10.1080/27697061.2022.2159570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this systematic review was to examine the characteristics of Paleolithic diet (PD) interventions designed for adult patients with autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) in order to determine if diet elements have the potential to successfully reduce thyroid antibodies (Ab) such as thyroglobulin (Tg), thyroid peroxidase (TPO), and thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR), and improve thyroid hormones (thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)) or resolve AITD pathogenesis. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with an adult population of 18 years and older, diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) or Graves' disease (GD) (Basedow's), who were placed on a diet of Paleolithic or ancestral nature, and achieved reduction of AITD Abs, improvement of thyroid hormones, and, or resolution of AITD were searched. Various electronic databases were used. Bias was assessed using critical appraisal tools from the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Studies were excluded according to exclusion criteria and results analyzed. One randomized controlled trial (RCT), a pilot study, and six case studies were found. In total, eight AITD studies focusing on Paleolithic or ancestral interventions were located. In highlight, females were the predominant gender. Case studies solely focused on AITD with protocols ranging from 8-60 weeks. All studies showed clinical improvements, one had significant improvement, two showed AITD resolution. After structured evaluation of nutritional interventions utilizing the PD on the effects of AITD, it was concluded foods of ancestral nature along with the addition of specific supplements, food components, exercise and mindfulness meditation, and exclusion of modern day foods have a considerable impact on thyroid Ab and hormones. The relevant studies suggest while this dietary protocol can be useful in clinical practice, larger-scale studies need to be conducted. Key teaching pointsThere are currently no dietary interventions recommended for the treatment of autoimmune thyroid disease. The Paleo diet has been documented to improve AITD antibodies and thyroid hormones in both Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease.The Paleo diet can provide a natural source of nutrients similar to supplemental nutrients that have shown positive results on AITD.The paleo diet provides specific macronutrient percentages that may be beneficial in reducing AITD antibodies, while improving thyroid hormones.Methylation supplementation may be useful in AITD cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J B Hollywood
- Department of Nutrition and Herbal Medicine, Maryland University of Integrative Health, Laurel, Maryland, USA
- Discover Your Greatest Self, True Paleo Inc., Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - D Hutchinson
- Department of Nutrition, Huntington University of Health Sciences, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
- Discover Your Greatest Self, True Paleo Inc., Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - N Feehery-Alpuerto
- College of Nutrition, Sonoran University of Health Sciences, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - M Whitfield
- Department of Nutrition and Herbal Medicine, Maryland University of Integrative Health, Laurel, Maryland, USA
- Discover Your Greatest Self, True Paleo Inc., Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - K Davis
- Department of Nutrition and Herbal Medicine, Maryland University of Integrative Health, Laurel, Maryland, USA
- Institute of Health Professionals, Portland Community College, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - L M Johnson
- Department of Nutrition and Herbal Medicine, Maryland University of Integrative Health, Laurel, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu X, Qiu X, Yang Y, Wang J, Wang Q, Liu J, Yang F, Liu Z, Qi R. Alteration of gut microbiome and metabolome by Clostridium butyricum can repair the intestinal dysbiosis caused by antibiotics in mice. iScience 2023; 26:106190. [PMID: 36895644 PMCID: PMC9988658 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the repair effects of Clostridium butyricum (CBX 2021) on the antibiotic (ABX)-induced intestinal dysbiosis in mice by the multi-omics method. Results showed that ABX eliminated more than 90% of cecal bacteria and also exerted adverse effects on the intestinal structure and overall health in mice after 10 days of the treatment. Of interest, supplementing CBX 2021 in the mice for the next 10 days colonized more butyrate-producing bacteria and accelerated butyrate production compared with the mice by natural recovery. The reconstruction of intestinal microbiota efficiently promoted the improvement of the damaged gut morphology and physical barrier in the mice. In addition, CBX 2021 significantly reduced the content of disease-related metabolites and meanwhile promoted carbohydrate digestion and absorption in mice followed the microbiome alternation. In conclusion, CBX 2021 can repair the intestinal ecology of mice damaged by the antibiotics through reconstructing gut microbiota and optimizing metabolic functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Science, Chongqing 402460, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Xiaoyu Qiu
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Science, Chongqing 402460, China.,National Pig Technology Innovation Center, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Yong Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621000, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Science, Chongqing 402460, China.,National Pig Technology Innovation Center, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Science, Chongqing 402460, China.,National Pig Technology Innovation Center, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Jingbo Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621000, China
| | - Feiyun Yang
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Science, Chongqing 402460, China.,National Pig Technology Innovation Center, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Zuohua Liu
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Science, Chongqing 402460, China.,National Pig Technology Innovation Center, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Renli Qi
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Science, Chongqing 402460, China.,National Pig Technology Innovation Center, Chongqing 402460, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pomeroy E. Review: The different adaptive trajectories in Neanderthals and Homo sapiens and their implications for contemporary human physiological variation. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2023; 280:111420. [PMID: 37001690 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.111420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Neanderthals are our one of our closest evolutionary cousins, but while they evolved in Eurasia, we (anatomically modern humans, AMH) originated in Africa. This contrasting evolutionary history has led to morphological and genetic distinctions between our species. Neanderthals are characterised by a relatively stocky build, high body mass, proportionally wide bodies and shorter limbs, a bell-shaped ribcage with a wide pelvis, and a long, low cranial vault compared with AMH. Classic readings of Neanderthal morphology link many of these traits to cold climate adaptations, however these interpretations have been questioned and alternative hypotheses including behavioural factors, dietary adaptations, locomotor specialisations, evolutionary history and neutral evolutionary processes have been invoked. Compared with AMH, Neanderthals may have been adapted for strength and power rather than endurance and may have consumed a diet high in animal products. However, reviewing these hypotheses highlights a number of limitations in our understanding of contemporary human physiology and metabolism, including the relationship between climate and morphology in AMH and Neanderthals, physiological limits on protein consumption, and the relationship between gut morphology and diet. As various relevant factors are clearly linked (e.g. diet, behaviour, metabolism, morphology, activity), ultimately a more integrated approach may be needed to fully understand Neanderthal biology. Variation among contemporary AMHs may offer, with caveats, a useful model for understanding the evolution of both Neanderthal and modern human characteristics, which in turn may further deepen our understanding of variability within and between contemporary humans. Neanderthals; Anatomically modern humans; morphology; climate adaptation; power adaptations; metabolism; diet; physiology; endurance running.
Collapse
|
6
|
Daujeard C, Prat S. What Are the “Costs and Benefits” of Meat-Eating in Human Evolution? The Challenging Contribution of Behavioral Ecology to Archeology. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.834638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the omnivorous diet of most human populations, meat foraging gradually increased during the Paleolithic, in parallel with the development of hunting capacities. There is evidence of regular meat consumption by extinct hominins from 2 Ma onward, with the first occurrence prior to 3 Ma in Eastern Africa. The number of sites with cut-marked animal remains and stone tools increased after 2 Ma. In addition, toolkits became increasingly complex, and various, facilitating carcass defleshing and marrow recovery, the removal of quarters of meat to avoid carnivore competition, and allowing the emergence of cooperative (i.e., social) hunting of large herbivores. How can we assess the energy costs and benefits of meat and fat acquisition and consumption for hunter-gatherers in the past, and is it possible to accurately evaluate them? Answering this question would provide a better understanding of extinct hominin land use, food resource management, foraging strategies, and cognitive abilities related to meat and fat acquisition, processing, and consumption. According to the Optimal Foraging Theory (OFT), resources may be chosen primarily on the basis of their efficiency rank in term of calories. But, could other factors, and not only calorific return, prevail in the choice of prey, such as the acquisition of non-food products, like pelts, bone tools or ornaments, or symbolic or traditional uses? Our main goal here is to question the direct application of behavioral ecology data to archeology. For this purpose, we focus on the issue of animal meat and fat consumption in human evolution. We propose a short review of available data from energetics and ethnographic records, and provide examples of several various-sized extant animals, such as elephants, reindeer, or lagomorphs, which were some of the most common preys of Paleolithic hominins.
Collapse
|