Nutritional control of immunity: Balancing the metabolic requirements with an appropriate immune function

Gastric Cancer, Immunotherapy, and Nutrition: The Role of Microbiota

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have revolutionized the treatment of gastric cancer (GC), which still represents the third leading cause of cancer-related death in Western countries. However, ICI treatment outcomes vary between individuals and need to be optimized. Recent studies have shown that gut microbiota could represent a key influencer of immunotherapy responses. At the same time, the nutritional status and diet of GC patients are also predictive of immunotherapy treatment response and survival outcomes. The objective of this narrative review is to gather recent findings about the complex relationships between the oral, gastric, and gut bacterial communities, dietary factors/nutritional parameters, and immunotherapy responses. Perigastric/gut microbiota compositions/functions and their metabolites could be predictive of response to immunotherapy in GC patients and even overall survival. At the same time, the strong influence of diet on the composition of the microbiota could have consequences on immunotherapy responses through the impact of muscle mass in GC patients during immunotherapy. Future studies are needed to define more precisely the dietary factors, such as adequate daily intake of prebiotics, that could counteract the dysbiosis of the GC microbiota and the impaired nutritional status, improving the clinical outcomes of GC patients during immunotherapy.

The Assessment of Serum Fibronectin Levels as a Potential Biomarker for the Severity of Drug-Sensitive Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) is a global health burden caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection. Fibronectin (Fn) facilitates Mtb attachment to host cells. We studied the Fn levels in smear-positive TB patients to assess its correlation with disease severity based on sputum smears and chest X-rays.

METHODS

Newly detected consecutive sputum AFB-positive pulmonary TB patients (n = 78) and healthy control subjects (n = 11) were included. The mycobacterial load in the sputum smear was assessed by IUATLD classification, ranging from 0 to 3. The severity of pulmonary involvement was assessed radiologically in terms of both the number of zones involved (0-6) and as localized (up to 2 zones), moderate (3-4 zones), or extensive (5-6 zones). The serum human fibronectin levels were measured by using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (Catalogue No: CK-bio-11486, Shanghai Coon Koon Biotech Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China).

RESULTS

The PTB patients showed lower Fn levels (102.4 ± 26.7) compared with the controls (108.8 ± 6.8), but they were not statistically significant. Higher AFB smear grades had lower Fn levels. The chest X-ray zones involved were inversely correlated with Fn levels. The Fn levels, adjusted for age and gender, decreased with increased mycobacterial load and the number of chest radiograph zones affected. A Fn level <109.39 g/mL predicted greater TB severity (sensitivity of 67.57% and specificity of 90.38%), while a level <99.32 pg/mL predicted severity based on the chest radiology (sensitivity of 84.21% and specificity of 100%).

CONCLUSIONS

The Fn levels are lower in tuberculosis patients and are negatively correlated with severity based on sputum mycobacterial load and chest radiographs. The Fn levels may serve as a potential biomarker for assessing TB severity, which could have implications for early diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

Feeding with 4,4'-diaponeurosporene-producing Bacillus subtilis enhances the lactogenic immunity of sow

Specific antibodies produced sow by oral porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) vaccines would transfer to newborn piglets via colostrum, and it is an effective strategy to prevent porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED). However, there is a lag in the development of corresponding vaccines due to the rapid mutation of PEDV, which could increase the difficulty of PED prevention and control in pig farms. Hence, congenital lactogenic immunity was assessed by feeding 4,4'-diaponeurosporene-producing Bacillus subtilis (B.S-Dia) to sow on the 80th day of gestation in order to protect newborn piglets from PEDV infection. Firstly, we found that the quantities of T lymphocytes and monocytes in the blood and colostrum after oral administration of B.S-Dia were significantly increased as observed by flow cytometry, whereas the proliferative activity of T lymphocytes in colostrum was also markedly increased. Furthermore, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results revealed that levels of TGF (Transforming growth factor) -β, Interleukin (IL) -6, lysozyme and lactoferrin were significantly increased. Finally, it was found in the piglets' challenge protection test that offspring pigs of the sows feeding B.S-Dia during pregnancy did not develop diarrhea symptoms and intestinal pathological changes at 48 h after infection with PEDV, and PEDV load in the jejunum and ileum was significantly reduced, but offspring pigs of the sows taking orally PBS during pregnancy developed pronounced diarrhea symptoms and extensive PEDV colonization was noted both in the jejunum and ileum. In summary, sow by oral administration of B.S-Dia substantially increased congenital lactogenic immunity, thereby preventing newborn piglets from being infected with PEDV.

Second-Line Antiretroviral Treatment Outcomes and Predictors in Tigray Region, Ethiopia

Introduction

Ethiopia has one of the highest HIV burdens in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the fact that second-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been available for more than ten years, studies on its effectiveness are scarce.

Objective

To assess treatment outcomes and predictors of unfavorable outcomes in HIV patients receiving second-line ART at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital and Mekelle Hospital.

Materials and Methods

An institution-based retrospective cohort study was conducted in two hospitals in Tigray Region, Ethiopia. We evaluated 192 patients aged ≥15 years who were switched to second-line from November 2009 to May 2020 after failure of first-line ART. The primary outcome was the time from the initiation of second-line ART to the occurrence of unfavorable treatment outcomes (treatment failure, death, and loss to follow-up). We performed Kaplan-Meier survival estimates to calculate the cumulative incidence rates of unfavorable outcomes.

Results

The mean age (SD) at the initiation of second-line ART was 39 (10.03) years, and the median CD4 cell count was 121 cells/microL. During a median follow-up of 4.6 years, 24 (12.5%) patients had died, 11 (5.7%) patients were lost to follow up, and 47 (24,4%) patients were experienced treatment failure. The incidence rates for unfavorable outcomes were 7.8 per 100 patients/years. Predictors for unfavorable outcomes were body mass index (BMI) <18.5 (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 2.51, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.27-4.95) and CD4 counts ≤100 cells/microL (aHR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.09-2.79). Despite the failure of second-line ART, none of the patients received third-line ART.

Conclusion

The incidence rate of unfavorable treatment outcomes for second-line ART was found to be high. A low BMI and a low baseline CD4 count were significant predictors of unfavourable outcomes and should be given special consideration in HIV care. A third-line ART regimen should also be considered for people who have failed second-line ART.

Undernutrition Disrupts Cecal Microbiota and Epithelium Interactions, Epithelial Metabolism, and Immune Responses in a Pregnant Sheep Model

Undernutrition may change cecal microbiota-epithelium interactions to influence cecal feed fermentation, nutrient absorption and metabolism, and immune function. Sixteen late-gestation Hu-sheep were randomly divided into control (normal feeding) and treatment (feed restriction) groups to establish an undernourished sheep model. Cecal digesta and epithelium were collected to analyze microbiota-host interactions based on 16S rRNA gene and transcriptome sequencing. Results showed that cecal weight and pH were decreased, volatile fatty acids and microbial proteins concentrations were increased, and epithelial morphology was changed upon undernutrition. Undernutrition reduced the diversity, richness, and evenness of cecal microbiota. The relative abundances of cecal genera involved in acetate production (Rikenellaceae dgA-11 gut group, Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group, and Ruminococcus) and negatively correlated with butyrate proportion (Clostridia vadinBB60 group_norank) were decreased, while genera related to butyrate (Oscillospiraceae_uncultured and Peptococcaceae_uncultured) and valerate (Peptococcaceae_uncultured) production were increased in undernourished ewes. These findings were consistent with the decreased molar proportion of acetate and the increased molar proportions of butyrate and valerate. Undernutrition changed the overall transcriptional profile and substance transport and metabolism in cecal epithelium. Undernutrition suppressed extracellular matrix-receptor interaction and intracellular phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway then disrupted biological processes in cecal epithelium. Moreover, undernutrition repressed phagosome antigen processing and presentation, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and intestinal immune network. In conclusion, undernutrition affected cecal microbial diversity and composition and fermentation parameters, inhibited extracellular matrix-receptor interaction and the PI3K signaling pathway, and then disrupted epithelial proliferation and renewal and intestinal immune functions. Our findings exposed cecal microbiota-host interactions upon undernutrition and contribute to their further exploration. IMPORTANCE Undernutrition is commonly encountered in ruminant production, especially during pregnancy and lactation in females. Undernutrition not only induces metabolic diseases and threatens pregnant mothers' health, but also inhibits fetal growth and development, leading to weakness or even death of fetuses. Cecum works importantly in hindgut fermentation, providing volatile fatty acids and microbial proteins to the organism. Intestinal epithelial tissue plays a role in nutrient absorption and transport, barrier function, and immune function. However, little is known about cecal microbiota and epithelium interactions upon undernutrition. Our findings showed that undernutrition affected bacterial structures and functions, which changed fermentation parameters and energy regimens, and therefore affected the substance transport and metabolism in cecal epithelium. Extracellular matrix-receptor interactions were inhibited, which repressed cecal epithelial morphology and cecal weight via the PI3K signaling pathway and lowered immune response function upon undernutrition. These findings will help in further exploring microbe-host interactions.

Time restricted feeding modifies leukocyte responsiveness and improves inflammation outcome

Time restricted eating, the dietary approach limiting food intake to a maximal 10-hour period of daytime is considered beneficial in metabolic dysfunctions, such as obesity and diabetes. Rhythm of food intake and parallel changes in serum nutrient levels are also important entrainment signals for the circadian clock, particularly in tissues involved in metabolic regulation. As both the metabolic state and the circadian clock have large impact on immune functions, we investigated in mice whether time restricted feeding (TRF) affects systemic inflammatory potential. TRF slackened the symptoms in K/BxN serum-transfer arthritis, an experimental model of human autoimmune joint inflammation. Compared to ad libitum conditions TRF reduced the expression of inflammatory mediators in visceral adipose tissue, an integrator and coordinator of metabolic and inflammatory processes. Furthermore, TRF strengthened the oscillation of peripheral leukocyte counts and alongside decreased the pool of both marginated and tissue leukocytes. Our data suggest that the altered leukocyte distribution in TRF mice is related to the attenuated expression of adhesion molecules on the surface of neutrophils and monocytes. We propose that TRF modifies both rhythm and inflammatory potential of leukocytes which contribute to the milder reactivity of the immune system and therefore time-restricted eating could serve as an effective complementary tool in the therapy of autoinflammatory processes.

Glucose metabolism and glycosylation link the gut microbiota to autoimmune diseases

Carbohydrates serve as important energy sources and structural substances for human body as well as for gut microbes. As evidenced by the advances in immunometabolism, glucose metabolism and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation are deeply involved in immune cell activation, proliferation, and signaling transduction as well as trafficking and effector functions, thus contributing to immune response programming and assisting in host adaption to microenvironment changes. Increased glucose uptake, aberrant expression of glucose transporter 1 (e.g., GLU1), and abnormal glycosylation patterns have been identified in autoimmunity and are suggested as partially responsible for the dysregulated immune response and the modification of gut microbiome composition in the autoimmune pathogenesis. The interaction between gut microbiota and host carbohydrate metabolism is complex and bidirectional. Their impact on host immune homeostasis and the development of autoimmune diseases remains to be elucidated. This review summarized the current knowledge on the crosstalk of glucose metabolism and glycosylation in the host with intestinal microbiota and discussed their possible role in the development and progression of autoimmune diseases. Potential therapeutic strategies targeting glucose metabolism and glycosylation in modulating gut ecosystem and treating autoimmune diseases were discussed as well.

Treating Insulin Resistance with Intermittent Personalized Nutrition to Sustain Metabolic Health and Functioning Immune System for Risk Reduction of Viral Diseases Especially COVID-19 and Long-COVID

The Covid-19 pandemic has provided new and strong evidence for poor outcomes of viral infection in patients with poor metabolic health. Insulin resistance is at the root of many metabolic conditions and a key driver of their progression as it promotes ineffectual inflammation whilst impairing immune functions. In a vicious circle, insulin resistance facilitates SARS-CoV-2 infection, whilst infection drives insulin resistance. We discuss the underlying mechanisms and explore ways to improve metabolic health and prevent insulin resistance through early detection and targeted nutritional interventions. With proven efficacy in prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and their cardiovascular and organ complications, as much as non-alcoholic liver disease, we argue to extend such approaches to ensure resilience to the current pandemic and viral challenges beyond.

Infancy Dietary Patterns, Development, and Health: An Extensive Narrative Review

Correct dietary patterns are important for a child’s health from birth to adulthood. Understanding a child’s health as a state of entire physical, mental, and social well-being is essential. However, reaching adulthood in a complete health proper state is determined by feeding and dietary habits during preconception, pregnancy, or children infancy. Different factors, such as the mother’s lifestyle, culture, or socioeconomic status, are crucial during all these phases. In this review, we aimed to assess the long-term associations between infancy dietary patterns and health and their influence on development and growth. To reach this objective, a consensus critical review was carried out using primary sources such as scientific articles, and secondary bibliographic indexes, databases, and web pages. PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar were the tools used to complete this research. We found that high-income countries promote high-calorie foods and, consequently, obesity problems among children are rising. However, undernutrition is a global health issue concerning children in low- and middle-income countries; thus, parental socioeconomic status in early life is essential to children’s health and development, showing that biological, social, and environmental influences are increased risk factors for chronic diseases. This narrative review is aimed to collect evidence for early nutritional intervention and future disease prevention.

Effect of amino acid-based formula added to four-food elimination in adult eosinophilic esophagitis patients: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Elimination of key foods restricts dietary options in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) patients. Addition of amino acid-based formula (AAF) to an elimination diet might facilitate adherence and, therefore, enhance efficacy of dietary management.

AIM

To evaluate whether addition of AAF to a four-food elimination diet (FFED) is more effective than FFED alone in decreasing eosinophilia, endoscopic signs, and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial enrolled 41 adult patients with active EoE (≥15 eosinophils (eos) per high power field (hpf)) at baseline biopsy. Subjects were randomized (1:1 ratio) to groups given a FFED or FFED with addition of AAF providing 30% of their daily energy needs (FFED + AAF). Histological disease activity, endoscopic signs, symptoms, and disease-related quality of life (EoEQoL) were measured at baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention.

RESULTS

Patients (60% male, age 34.5 (interquartile range (IQR) 29-42.8 years)) were randomized to FFED (n = 20) or FFED + AAF (n = 21); 40 participants completed the diet. Complete histological remission (<15 eos/hpf) was achieved in 48% of FFED + AAF subjects (n = 21) vs. 25% of FFED subjects (n = 20), respectively (p = 0.204). Peak eosinophil counts (PEC) decreased significantly in both groups between baseline and week 6, but the change in PEC between groups was not different (p = 0.130). A significant but similar endoscopic and symptomatic reduction was observed in both groups (all; p<0.05). Total EoEQoL scores significantly improved in the FFED + AAF group between baseline and week 6 (p = 0.007), and not in the FFED group.

CONCLUSION

The addition of AAF to a FFED did not lead to a larger decrease in PEC between baseline and 6 weeks, but may result in a significant improvement of QoL in adult EoE patients NL6014 (NTR6778).

Population Genetics and Signatures of Selection in Early Neolithic European Farmers

Human expansion in the course of the Neolithic transition in western Eurasia has been one of the major topics in ancient DNA research in the last 10 years. Multiple studies have shown that the spread of agriculture and animal husbandry from the Near East across Europe was accompanied by large-scale human expansions. Moreover, changes in subsistence and migration associated with the Neolithic transition have been hypothesized to involve genetic adaptation. Here, we present high quality genome-wide data from the Linear Pottery Culture site Derenburg-Meerenstieg II (DER) (N = 32 individuals) in Central Germany. Population genetic analyses show that the DER individuals carried predominantly Anatolian Neolithic-like ancestry and a very limited degree of local hunter-gatherer admixture, similar to other early European farmers. Increasing the Linear Pottery culture cohort size to ∼100 individuals allowed us to perform various frequency- and haplotype-based analyses to investigate signatures of selection associated with changes following the adoption of the Neolithic lifestyle. In addition, we developed a new method called Admixture-informed Maximum-likelihood Estimation for Selection Scans that allowed us test for selection signatures in an admixture-aware fashion. Focusing on the intersection of results from these selection scans, we identified various loci associated with immune function (JAK1, HLA-DQB1) and metabolism (LMF1, LEPR, SORBS1), as well as skin color (SLC24A5, CD82) and folate synthesis (MTHFR, NBPF3). Our findings shed light on the evolutionary pressures, such as infectious disease and changing diet, that were faced by the early farmers of Western Eurasia.

Potential Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet and Physical Activity in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Spanish Population

There is scarce scientific information regarding the potential benefits of healthy lifestyles in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). The objective of this study is to explore the potential association between the adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MD), physical activity and HS severity. A cross-sectional study that included patients with HS was conducted. Disease severity was evaluated by the International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4) and self-reported disease activity using a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS, 0−10). The adherence to a MD was assessed by the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea (PREDIMED) questionnaire and the level of physical activity by the International Physical Activity questionnaire. A total of 221 patients with HS were included in our study. The adherence to a MD was average for a Spanish population. A higher adherence to a MD was associated with lower disease activity, lower self-reported Hurley and lower IHS4. The use of extra virgin olive oil as the main culinary lipid was the dietary habit that implied a lower degree of disease activity (p < 0.05). Regarding physical activity, both the self-reported severity and IHS4 presented an inverse association with the intensity of physical activity. The adherence to a MD and the intensity of physical activity were positively associated. The Mediterranean dietary pattern may have an impact on HS. Greater adherence to a MD is related to lower HS severity and more physical activity also correlates to lower disease severity. The MD could be an appropriate dietary pattern for patients with HS due to its anti-inflammatory properties, and combining this with increased levels of physical activity could have additional benefits.

Dietary Intake and Serum Selenium Levels Influence the Outcome of HTLV-1 Infection

Human T cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), as the most common neurological emersion related to HTLV-1, is a debilitating and lifelong treating disease with no definitive treatment. Furthermore, it has been determined that dietary compositions (inflammatory and anti-inflammatory) and some micronutrients (such as vitamin D and selenium) have an effect on inflammatory and immune processes and with this background; the study was done to compare the nutritional status between age- and sex-matched with infected and non-infected HTLV-1. In a multi-center setting, 70 healthy controls (HCs), 35 asymptomatic carriers (ACs), and 35 HAM/TSP patients were recruited in the HTLV-1 Foundation, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. Nutritional status including anthropometric indices, dietary (micro- and macronutrient) intake, and serum vitamin D, vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium were measured. In anthropometric indices, mean waist circumference (WC) in the carrier group was significantly higher than the patient and the control groups (p = 0.008). In the dietary intake, the patient group received less energy, protein, mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and oleic, but more fat than the HTLV-1 carrier and control groups, and these differences were remarkable in three groups (p = 0.002, 0.005, 0.001, 0.01, and 0.001, respectively), whereas the carrier group received more saturated fatty acid and less poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), linoleic, and linolenic than patient and control groups with a different significant (p = 0.01, 0.007, 0.005, and 0.006, respectively) in three groups. In micronutrient intake, although selenium, zinc, and vitamins B12 and D were lower in the patient group than the carrier and control group, however, no significant differences were observed. In comparison with micronutrient serum concentrations, vitamins B12 and D and selenium in the patient group were lower than the carrier and control groups, but statistically, the considerable difference was found only in the selenium concentration (p = 0.001). The study showed that there were differences in dietary intake (including energy, macronutrients, and fatty acids), WC, and selenium serum levels between HAM/TSP patients and HTLV-1 carriers, suggesting that nutritional statues influence the inflammatory immune response in HTLV-1 infection.

Hepatic-Metabolite-Based Intermittent Fasting Enables a Sustained Reduction in Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome

Insulin resistance is the hallmark of Type 2 Diabetes and is still an unmet medical need. Insulin resistance lies at the crossroads of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, weight loss and exercise resistance, heart disease, stroke, depression, and brain health. Insulin resistance is purely nutrition related, with a typical molecular disease food intake pattern. The insulin resistant state is accessible by TyG as the appropriate surrogate marker, which is found to lead the personalized molecular hepatic nutrition system for highly efficient insulin resistance remission. Treating insulin resistance with a molecular nutrition-centered approach shifts the treatment paradigm of Type 2 Diabetes from management to cure. This allows remission within five months, with a high efficiency rate of 85%. With molecular intermittent fasting a very efficient treatment for prediabetes and metabolic syndrome is possible, improving the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFL) state and enabling the body to lose weight in a sustainable manner.

The Biological Effects of Novel Nutraceuticals with Curcuminoids and Other Plant-Derived Immunomodulators and Pre-Probiotics

An effective and well-balanced immune system is pivotal for maintaining health. Diet and nutrition can affect the functioning of numerous immune parameters, with direct repercussions on homeostasis. Since our immune functions are indispensable in defending the body against pathogens and thus play a vital role in maintaining health, modulating immune response may well serve as the basis for the development of plant-based functional foods and novel nutraceuticals. This concept is currently utilized in attempts to prevent or mitigate inflammatory reactions via the development of targeted food products or active ingredients since an extended number of phytoconstituents (such as curcuminoids) are associated with beneficial effects on immunity. Immunomodulatory plant-based dietary supplements are considered effective in improving immune functions and reducing the incidence of immunological disorders or imbalances. Therefore, the main focus of this study was to evidence the beneficial biological effects such as antioxidant and antimicrobial, as well as nutritional status, biocompatibility and cell proliferation capacity and immunomodulation of two novel nutraceuticals. The first nutraceutic was based on curcuminoids and other actives from Trigonella foenum- graecum (seeds), Chelidonium majus L. (aerial parts), Taraxacum officinale L. (roots), vitamins (C, D3, A, E) and minerals (zinc) whereas the second one was made of probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis combined with actives from Helianthus tuberosus (tubers) and Psyllium/Plantago ovata (husk) as herbal prebiotics.

Increased vegetable and fruit intake is associated with reduced failure rate of tuberculosis treatment: a hospital-based cohort study in China

Increased intake of vegetables and fruits has been associated with reduced risk of tuberculosis infection. Vegetables and fruits exert immunoregulatory effects; however, it is not clear whether vegetables and fruits have an adjuvant treatment effect on tuberculosis. Between 2009 and 2013, a hospital-based cohort study was conducted in Linyi, Shandong Province, China. Treatment outcome was ascertained by sputum smear and chest computerised tomography, and dietary intake was assessed by a semi-quantitative FFQ. The dietary questionnaire was conducted at the end of month 2 of treatment initiation. Participants recalled their dietary intake of the previous 2 months. A total of 2309 patients were enrolled in this study. After 6 months of treatment, 2099 patients were successfully treated and 210 were uncured. In multivariate models, higher intake of total vegetables and fruits (OR 0·70; 95 % CI 0·49, 0·99), total vegetables (OR 0·68; 95 % CI 0·48, 0·97), dark-coloured vegetables (OR 0·61; 95 % CI 0·43, 0·86) and light-coloured vegetables (OR 0·67; 95 % CI 0·48, 0·95) were associated with reduced failure rate of tuberculosis treatment. No association was found between total fruit intake and reduced failure rate of tuberculosis treatment (OR 0·98; 95 % CI 0·70, 1·37). High intake of total vegetables and fruits, especially vegetables, is associated with lower risk of failure of tuberculosis treatment in pulmonary tuberculosis patients. The results provide important information for dietary guidelines during tuberculosis treatment.

Effect of probiotics on diversity and function of gut microbiota in Moschus berezovskii

The forest musk deer, Moschus berezovskii, is a nationally protected species of economic importance in China. However, in captive breeding programmes, they usually die as a result of diarrhoea. In this study, six M. berezovskii were randomly selected and divided into two groups: probiotics group (n = 3) and placebo (control) group (n = 3). The two groups were fed a basal diet that included 2 g probiotics (probiotic group) or 2 g whey powder (placebo group) for 30 days. Faecal samples were collected at day 0, 15 and 30 and evaluated for microbial diversity, species richness and metabolic function. Probiotic intervention significantly improved gut health in M. berezovskii by changing the overall community structure of the gut microbiota. Intake of probiotics reduced the relative abundance of pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Citrobacter freundii in the intestinal flora and increased the relative abundance of beneficial Bifidobacterium species and other lactic acid bacteria. At the same time, gut microbiota in the probiotics group were involved in regulating degradation of phenylacetic acid and in dTDP-L-rhamnose synthesis; these processes have the potential to enhance immunity in M. berezovskii. This preliminary study revealed the beneficial effects of probiotics on the gut microbiota of M. berezovskii, which the potential to significantly improve the health, wellbeing and economic value of M. berezovskii.

Enemy or ally? Fasting as an essential regulator of immune responses

Nutrition is essential for supplying an organism with sufficient energy to maintain its bodily functions. Apart from serving as an energy supply, the immunomodulatory effects of diet are emerging as a central aspect of human health. The latest evidence suggests that dietary restriction may play an important regulatory role by influencing the activation and effector functions of immune cells. However, depending on the context, nutrient restriction may have both pathogenic and beneficial effects. Here, we discuss the diverse roles of fasting programs, including ketogenesis in infection and chronic inflammation, aiming to clarify their detrimental and/or beneficial effects. Understanding these differences may help identify conditions under which dietary interventions might serve as putative effective approaches to treat various diseases.

Nutrition-Based Management of Inflammaging in CKD and Renal Replacement Therapies

Access to renal transplantation guarantees a substantial improvement in the clinical condition and quality of life (QoL) for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. In recent years, a greater number of older patients starting renal replacement therapies (RRT) have shown the long-term impact of conservative therapies for advanced CKD and the consequences of the uremic milieu, with a frail clinical condition that impacts not only their survival but also limits their access to transplantation. This process, referred to as “inflammaging,” might be reversible with a tailored approach, such as RRT accompanied by specific nutritional support. In this review, we summarize the evidence demonstrating the presence of several proinflammatory substances in the Western diet (WD) and the positive effect of unprocessed food consumption and increased fruit and vegetable intake, suggesting a new approach to reduce inflammaging with the improvement of ESRD clinical status. We conclude that the Mediterranean diet (MD), because of its modulative effects on microbiota and its anti-inflammaging properties, may be a cornerstone in a more precise nutritional support for patients on the waiting list for kidney transplantation.

The energy level of the diet in Holstein cows in the first third of lactation alters the expression of immune genes in the mammary gland

Our goal was to define the effect of the energy intake in Holstein cows' diet in the first third lactation on gene expression profile of immune system in mammary gland through RNA-seq. Twelve Holstein cows were used in the first third of lactation, arranged in four treatments or diets: (a) hypocaloric (HYPO, 85% of the net energy of lactation (NEl) requirements), (b) isocaloric (ISO, 100% of the NEl requirements, control diet), (c) hypercaloric (HYPER, 115% of the NEl requirements) and (d) isocaloric plus sunflower oil supplementation (OIL, 106% of the NEl requirements). A biopsy of mammary gland tissue was carried out after 25 days per diet, from which the RNA was extracted and sequenced using the Illumina HiSeqTM 2,500 sequencer. The analysis of reads obtained from the sequencing in the QIAGEN® CLC Genomics Workbench 10.0 bioinformatics software was performed. From 27,368 genes annotated in the reference genome, 17,429 genes expressed in the evaluated treatments were identified. Moreover, 1,743 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found, of which 15 DEGs were found in the ISO vs. OIL comparison, 1,196 DEGs in the ISO vs. HYPO comparison and 532 DEGs in the ISO vs. HYPER comparison. Thus, of the 1,743 DEGs, 401 correspond to genes involved in the functioning of the immune system, encompassing 23% of the total number of DEGs involved in the analysis, and 13.6% of the total number of genes involved in the functioning of the immune system. The energy intake in Holstein cows' diet has impact in the expression of immune genes CXCL13, TRDC among others, present in the regulation of immune system processes. This immune system altered might increase the somatic cells score and therefore reach some diseases. It is recommended to measure the energy intake according to the animals' energy requirements and to cover them the closest to the 100%.

Gene expression of the immunoinflammatory and immunological status of obese dogs before and after weight loss

Obesity is characterized by a low degree of chronic inflammation state that, along with metabolic modifications, promotes important changes in the animal's organism. Adipose tissue actively participates in inflammation and immunity, and several defense cells of the organism may, therefore, be involved in the diversity found between obese and ideal weight individuals. Studies regarding this subject have shown immune cell changes in humans and rats, however, the literature is scarce in relation to dogs. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the gene expression profile of immunoinflammatory response and the lymphoproliferation of obese dogs before and after weight loss. Eight female dogs, neutered, of different breeds, aged between 1 and 8 years (4.74±3.19), obese, with body condition score (BCS) of 9 out of a 9-point scale and body composition determined by the deuterium isotope dilution method were included. The obese dogs were enrolled in a weight loss program and after losing 20% of their initial weight became a second experimental group. A third experimental group consisted of eight female dogs, neutered, aged between 1 and 8 years (3.11±0.78) and with ideal BCS (5 out of a 9-point scale). Gene expression of immunoinflammatory cytokines (resistin, leptin, adiponectin, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10) was assessed by qRT-PCR and immunity was assessed by lymphoproliferative response using the flow cytometry technique. The data that presented normal distribution was evaluated by analysis of variance by the PROC MIXED of the SAS and when differences were detected, these were compared by the Tukey test. Regarding the gene expression data, the procedure PROC GLIMMIX was adopted and the methodology of generalized linear model was used, in which the Gama distribution proved to be adequate. Values of p<0.05 were considered significant. The mean weight loss period of the animals included in the study was 194.25 ± 28.31 days and the mean weekly weight loss rate was 1.02 ± 0.82%. The average fat mass, both in percentage (P<0.001) and in kilograms (P = 0.012), was higher in the obese group (40.88%; 8.91kg), returning to normal and without difference between the control group (19.16%; 3.01kg) and after weight loss (22.10%; 4.11kg). The weight loss program resulted in an increase in percentage of lean body mass (P = 0.001), 55.50% in obese animals vs 77.90% in obese dogs after weight loss, the latter with no difference when compared to the control group (80.84%). The obese group presented increased gene expression of resistin and IL-8 in relation to the weight loss group (P = 0.002). In adiponectin, the obese group presented increased mRNA gene expression when compared to the weight loss group (P = 0.003). The evaluation of lymphocyte proliferation showed differences between the group of obese animals before and after weight loss (P = 0.004). Weight loss resulted in an increase in the lymphoproliferation rate (18.48%) compared to obese dogs at the beginning of the study (10.71%). These results indicate that weight loss modulates the immunoinflammatory response of obese dogs and may present important benefits to health and longevity of dogs.

Dietary Regulation of Immunity

Integrated immunometabolic responses link dietary intake, energy utilization, and storage to immune regulation of tissue function and is therefore essential for the maintenance and restoration of homeostasis. Adipose-resident leukocytes have non-traditional immunological functions that regulate organismal metabolism by controlling insulin action, lipolysis, and mitochondrial respiration to control the usage of substrates for production of heat versus ATP. Energetically expensive vital functions such as immunological responses might have thus evolved to respond accordingly to dietary surplus and deficit of macronutrient intake. Here, we review the interaction of dietary intake of macronutrients and their metabolism with the immune system. We discuss immunometabolic checkpoints that promote healthspan and highlight how dietary fate and regulation of glucose, fat, and protein metabolism might affect immunity.

Exploring the food-gut axis in immunotherapy response of cancer patients

Nowadays, immunotherapy is widely used to treat different cancer types as it boosts the body's natural defenses against the malignancy, with lower risk of adverse events compared to the traditional treatments. The immune system is able to control cancer growth but, unfortunately, many cancers take advantage of immune checkpoints pathways for the immune evasion. An intricate network of factors including tumor, host and environmental variables influence the individual response to immune checkpoints’ inhibitors. Between them, the gut microbiota (GM) has recently gained increasing attention because of its emerging role as a modulator of the immune response. Several studies analyzed the diversities between immunotherapy-sensitive and immunotherapy-resistant cohorts, evidencing that particular GM profiles were closely associated to treatment effect. In addition, other data documented that interventional GM modulation could effectively enhance efficacy and relieve resistance during immunotherapy treatment. Diet represents one of the major GM determinants, and ongoing studies are examining the role of the food-gut axis in immunotherapy treatment. Here, we review recent studies that described how variations of the GM affects patient’s responsivity to anti-cancer immunotherapy and how diet-related factors impact on the GM modulation in cancer, outlining potential future clinical directions of these recent findings.

Effect of a Weight Loss Program on Biochemical and Immunological Profile, Serum Leptin Levels, and Cardiovascular Parameters in Obese Dogs

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a weight loss program (WLP) on biochemical and immunological profile, and cardiovascular parameters in a cohort of dogs with naturally occurring obesity. Eleven obese dogs [body condition scoring (BCS), ≥7/9] were enrolled into the study and underwent clinical and cardiovascular examination, and blood testing before (T0) and after 6 months (T1) of WLP. Eleven normal weight (BCS, 4/5) healthy dogs were used as a control (CTR) group. Compared to the CTR group, at T0 obese dogs expressed higher serum leptin concentrations (p < 0.0005) that significantly decreased after weight loss (p < 0.005) but remained higher than the CTR group. Furthermore, obese dogs showed considerably lower levels (p < 0.0005) of regulatory T cell (Treg) compared to the CTR group, but they did not change after weight loss at T1. In obese dogs, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 concentrations were substantially reduced at T1 (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.005). Regarding the cardiovascular parameters, only one obese dog was hypertensive at T0, and systolic blood pressure values showed no significant differences at the end of the WLP. The ratio of interventricular septal thickness in diastole to left ventricle internal diameter in diastole (IVSd/LVIDd) was significantly greater in obese dogs at T0 than in the CTR group (p < 0.005). It decreased after weight loss (p < 0.05). In obese dogs, troponin I level significantly reduced with weight loss (p < 0.05), while endothelin-1 level did not differ statistically. The results suggest that the immune dysregulation in the presence of high leptin levels and reduced number of Treg could affect obese dogs as well as humans. Based on our findings, we may speculate that a more complete immune-regulation restore could be obtained by a greater reduction in fat mass and a longer-term WLP. Finally, left ventricular remodeling may occur in some obese dogs. However, in canine species, further studies are needed to investigate the impact of obesity and related WLP on cardiovascular system.

Analysis of the percentages of monocyte subsets and ILC2s, their relationships with metabolic variables and response to hypocaloric restriction in obesity

PURPOSE

Obesity results from excess energy intake over expenditure and is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation involving circulating monocytes (Mo) and group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) imbalance. We analyzed circulating Mo subsets and ILC2s percentages and β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) expression in lean and obese subjects, and the possible effect of hypocaloric restriction on these innate immune cells.

METHODS

In 139 individuals aged 45 to 57 years, classified in 74 lean individuals (>18.9kg/m2 BMI <24.9kg/m2) and 65 with obesity (n = 65), we collected fasting blood samples to detect Mo subsets, ILC2s number, and β2AR expression by flow cytometry. Lipids, insulin, leptin, and acylated-ghrelin concentrations were quantified. Resting energy expenditure (REE) was estimated by indirect calorimetry. These measurements were repeated in obese subjects after 7-weeks of hypocaloric restriction.

RESULTS

Non-classical monocytes (NCM) and β2AR expression on intermediate Mo (IM) were increased in obese individuals (p<0.001, in both cases), whereas the percent of ILC2s was decreased (p<0.0001). Stepwise regression analysis showed significantly negative associations of ILC2s with caloric intake, β2AR expression on IM with REE, but a positive relationship between NCM and HOMA-IR. Caloric restriction allowed a significant diminution of NCM and the β2AR expression on IM, as well as, an increase in the percent of classical Mo (CM), and ILC2s. ΔREE was related to ΔCD16+/CD16- ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings show that in obesity occur changes in NCM, ILC2s and β2AR expression, which contribute to the low-grade inflammation linked to obesity and might revert with caloric restriction.

Bone Marrow: An Immunometabolic Refuge during Energy Depletion

An integrated immunometabolic response during negative energy balance is required for host survival. Three new papers by Jordan et al. (2019), Nagai et al. (2019), and Collins et al. (2019) report that monocytes, naive B cells, and memory CD8 T cells use bone marrow as a haven to tide off periods of metabolic adversity to maintain immune-responsiveness.

Association Between Mediterranean Anti-inflammatory Dietary Profile and Severity of Psoriasis: Results From the NutriNet-Santé Cohort

Importance

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease. The Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce chronic inflammation and has a positive effect on the risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular events. Thus, we hypothesized a positive effect on the onset and/or severity of psoriasis.

Objective

To assess the association between a score that reflects the adhesion to a Mediterranean diet (MEDI-LITE) and the onset and/or severity of psoriasis.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The NutriNet-Santé program is an ongoing, observational, web-based questionnaire cohort study launched in France in May 2009. The present study was performed within the framework of the NutriNet-Santé program, with data collected and analyzed between April 2017 and June 2017. Patients with psoriasis were identified via a validated online self-completed questionnaire and then categorized by disease severity: severe psoriasis, nonsevere psoriasis, and psoriasis-free. Data on dietary intake (including alcohol) were gathered during the first 2 years of participation in the cohort to calculate the MEDI-LITE score (ranging from 0 for no adherence to 18 for maximum adherence). Potentially confounding variables (eg, age, sex, physical activity, body mass index, tobacco use, and a history of cardiovascular disease) were also recorded. Analyses used adjusted multinomial logistic regression to estimate the risk of having severe psoriasis or nonsevere psoriasis compared with being psoriasis-free.

Results

Of the 158 361 total NutriNet-Santé participants, 35 735 (23%) replied to the psoriasis questionnaire. The mean (SD) age of the respondents was 47.5 (14.0) years; 27 220 (76%) of the respondents were women. Of these 35 735 respondents, 3557 (10%) individuals reported having psoriasis. The condition was severe in 878 cases (24.7%), and 299 (8.4%) incident cases were recorded (those arising more than 2 years after participant inclusion in the cohort). After adjustment for confounding factors, a significant inverse relationship was found between the MEDI-LITE score and having severe psoriasis: odds ratio (OR), 0.71; 95% CI, 0.55-0.92 for the MEDI-LITE score's second tertile (score of 8 to 9); and OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.59-1.01 for the third tertile (score of 10 to 18).

Conclusions and Relevance

Patients with severe psoriasis displayed low levels of adherence to the Mediterranean diet; this finding supports the hypothesis that the Mediterranean diet may slow the progression of psoriasis. If these findings are confirmed, adherence to a Mediterranean diet should be integrated into the routine management of moderate to severe psoriasis.

Fruits, vegetables, and health: A comprehensive narrative, umbrella review of the science and recommendations for enhanced public policy to improve intake

Fruit and vegetables (F&V) have been a cornerstone of healthy dietary recommendations; the 2015-2020 U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that F&V constitute one-half of the plate at each meal. F&V include a diverse collection of plant foods that vary in their energy, nutrient, and dietary bioactive contents. F&V have potential health-promoting effects beyond providing basic nutrition needs in humans, including their role in reducing inflammation and their potential preventive effects on various chronic disease states leading to decreases in years lost due to premature mortality and years lived with disability/morbidity. Current global intakes of F&V are well below recommendations. Given the importance of F&V for health, public policies that promote dietary interventions to help increase F&V intake are warranted. This externally commissioned expert comprehensive narrative, umbrella review summarizes up-to-date clinical and observational evidence on current intakes of F&V, discusses the available evidence on the potential health benefits of F&V, and offers implementation strategies to help ensure that public health messaging is reflective of current science. This review demonstrates that F&V provide benefits beyond helping to achieve basic nutrient requirements in humans. The scientific evidence for providing public health recommendations to increase F&V consumption for prevention of disease is strong. Current evidence suggests that F&V have the strongest effects in relation to prevention of CVDs, noting a nonlinear threshold effect of 800 g per day (i.e., about 5 servings a day). A growing body of clinical evidence (mostly small RCTs) demonstrates effects of specific F&V on certain chronic disease states; however, more research on the role of individual F&V for specific disease prevention strategies is still needed in many areas. Data from the systematic reviews and mostly observational studies cited in this report also support intake of certain types of F&V, particularly cruciferous vegetables, dark-green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, and dark-colored berries, which have superior effects on biomarkers, surrogate endpoints, and outcomes of chronic disease.

Plasticity of intestinal gene expression profile signatures reflected by nutritional interventions in piglets

BACKGROUND

Immediately after birth, the porcine intestine rapidly develops morphologically, functionally, and immunologically. The jejunum, the second part of the small intestine, is of importance for nutrient uptake and immune surveillance. To study the early postnatal development of the jejunum, a meta-analysis was performed on different transcriptomic datasets. These datasets were acquired from different experimental in-house studies or from experiments described in literature of porcine jejunum mucosa. Gene expression was measured under different experimental interventions, such as nutritional intervention, at various time-points (age).

RESULTS

The studies included in the meta-analysis provided gene expression data for various time-points (piglet ages) for piglets that had received a treatment versus control piglets. In separate studies, treatments were administered to the sow (i.e. amoxicillin), or nutritional supplementation directly to the piglets with medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), and oral administration of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) or a high dose of zinc-oxide, respectively. In the meta-analysis, genes were grouped into 16 clusters according to their temporal gene expression profiles for control piglets, i.e. the changes of gene expression level over time. Functional analysis showed that these temporal profile clusters had different dominant processes, such as immune related processes or barrier function. Transcriptomics data of treatment piglets was subsequently superimposed over the control temporal profiles. In this way we could investigate which temporal profile clusters (and which biological processes) were modulated by the treatments. Interestingly, not all 16 temporal profiles were modulated.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that it is possible to re-use (publicly available) transcriptomics data and produce temporal gene expression profiles for control piglets with overexpression of genes representing specific biological processes. Subsequently, by superimposing gene expression data from (nutritional) intervention studies we observed deviations from some of these reference profile(s) and thus the plasticity of the system. By employing this meta-analysis approach we highlighted the importance of birth and weaning and the underlying biological processes.

Combined Chemoradiotherapy-induced Weight Loss Decreases Survival in Locally Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND/AIM

The aim of the study was to investigate the prognostic impact and predictors of weight loss during definitive radiotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 125 NSCLC patients (2003-2016) who had received definitive radiotherapy were included in the study. Multivariate analyses were performed to estimate prognostic values. Predictors for weight loss were analyzed.

RESULTS

The median survival of patients with weight loss (>5%) during radiotherapy and for those without any significant weight loss was 15.6 and 33 months, respectively (p=0.015). Non-intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) technique was the only factor associated with weight loss (p=0.039). Weight loss was a poor prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR] 2.072, p=0.018), and IMRT was a favorable prognostic factor (HR=0.192, p=0.029).

CONCLUSION

During definitive radiotherapy, weight loss of >5% resulted in decreased OS rate in locally advanced NSCLC. IMRT might increase OS rate by minimizing weight loss.

Virgin olive oil and its phenol fraction modulate monocyte/macrophage functionality: a potential therapeutic strategy in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus

Monocytes and macrophages are critical effectors and regulators of inflammation and innate immune response, which appear altered in different autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Recent studies suggested that virgin olive oil (VOO) and particularly its phenol compounds might possess preventive effects on different immune-inflammatory diseases, including SLE. Here, we evaluated the effects of VOO (and sunflower oil) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated peritoneal macrophages from a model of pristane-induced SLE in BALB/c mice, as well as those of the phenol fraction (PF) from VOO on the immune-inflammatory activity and plasticity in monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages from healthy volunteers. The release of nitrite and inflammatory cytokines was lower in LPS-treated peritoneal macrophages from pristane-SLE mice fed the VOO diet when compared with the sunflower oil diet. PF from VOO similarly decreased the secretion of nitrite and inflammatory cytokines and expression of inducible nitric oxide, PPARγ and Toll-like receptor 4 in LPS-treated human monocytes. PF from VOO also prevented the deregulation of human monocyte subset distribution by LPS and blocked the genetic signature of M1 macrophages while favouring the phenotype of M2 macrophages upon canonical polarisation of naïve human macrophages. For the first time, our study provides several lines of in vivo and in vitro evidence that VOO and PF from VOO target and counteract inflammatory pathways in the monocyte–macrophage lineage of mice with pristane-induced SLE and of healthy subjects, which is a meaningful foundation for further development and application in preclinical and clinical use of PF from VOO in patients with SLE.

Nature versus nurture in the spectrum of rheumatic diseases: Classification of spondyloarthritis as autoimmune or autoinflammatory

Spondyloarthritides (SpA) include inflammatory joint diseases with various clinical phenotypes that may also include the axial skeleton and/or entheses. SpA include psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, enteropathic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis; the latter is frequently associated with extra-articular manifestations, such as uveitis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease. SpA are associated with the HLA-B27 allele and recognize T cells as key pathogenetic players. In contrast to other rheumatic diseases, SpA affect women and men equally and are not associated with detectable serum autoantibodies. In addition, but opposite to rheumatoid arthritis, SpA are responsive to treatment regimens including IL-23 or IL-17-targeting biologics, yet are virtually unresponsive to steroid treatment. Based on these differences with prototypical autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or connective tissue diseases, SpA may be better classified among autoinflammatory diseases, with a predominant innate immunity involvement. This would rank SpA closer to gouty arthritis and periodic fevers in the spectrum of rheumatic diseases, as opposed to autoimmune-predominant diseases. We herein provide available literature on risk factors associated with SpA in support of this hypothesis with a specific focus on genetic and environmental factors.

The influence of diet on anti-cancer immune responsiveness

Immunotherapy has matured into standard treatment for several cancers, but much remains to be done to extend the reach of its effectiveness particularly to cancers that are resistant within each indication. This review proposes that nutrition can affect and potentially enhance the immune response against cancer. The general mechanisms that link nutritional principles to immune function and may influence the effectiveness of anticancer immunotherapy are examined. This represents also the premise for a research project aimed at identifying the best diet for immunotherapy enhancement against tumours (D.I.E.T project). Particular attention is turned to the gut microbiota and the impact of its composition on the immune system. Also, the dietary patterns effecting immune function are discussed including the value of adhering to a healthy diets such as the Mediterranean, Veg, Japanese, or a Microbiota-regulating diet, the very low ketogenic diet, which have been demonstrated to lower the risk of developing several cancers and reduce the mortality associated with them. Finally, supplements, as omega-3 and polyphenols, are discussed as potential approaches that could benefit healthy dietary and lifestyle habits in the context of immunotherapy.

From Infections to Anthropogenic Inflicted Pathologies: Involvement of Immune Balance

A temporal trend can be seen in recent human history where the dominant causes of death have shifted from infectious to chronic diseases in industrialized societies. Human influences in the current "Anthropocene" epoch are exponentially impacting the environment and consequentially health. Changing ecological niches are suggested to have created health transitions expressed as modifications of immune balance from infections inflicting pathologies in the Holocene epoch (12,000 years ago) to human behaviors inflicting pathologies beginning in the Anthropocene epoch (300 years ago). A review of human immune health and adaptations responding to environmental (biological, chemical, physical, and psychological) stresses, which are influenced by social conditions, emphasize the involvement of fluctuations in immune cell subsets affecting influential gene-environment interactions. The literature from a variety of fields (anthropological, immunological, and environmental) is incorporated to present an expanded perspective on shifts in diseases within the context of immune balance and function and environmental immunology. The influences between historical and contemporary human ecology are examined in relation to human immunity. Several examples of shifts in human physiology and immunity support the premise that increased incidences of chronic diseases are a consequence of human modification of environment and lifestyle. Although the development of better health care and a broader understanding of human health have helped with better life quality and expectancy, the transition of morbidity and mortality rates from infections to chronic diseases is a cause for concern. Combinations of environmental stressors/pollutants and human behaviors and conditions are modulating the immune-neuroendocrine network, which compromises health benefits.

Low-fat Dietary Pattern and Pancreatic Cancer Risk in the Women's Health Initiative Dietary Modification Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Observational studies suggest that diet may influence pancreatic cancer risk. We investigated the effect of a low-fat dietary intervention on pancreatic cancer incidence.

Methods

The Women's Health Initiative Dietary Modification (WHI-DM) trial is a randomized controlled trial conducted in 48 835 postmenopausal women age 50 to 79 years in the United States between 1993 and 1998. Women were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 19 541), with the goal of reducing total fat intake and increasing intake of vegetables, fruits, and grains, or to the usual diet comparison group (n = 29 294). The intervention concluded in March 2005. We evaluated the effect of the intervention on pancreatic cancer incidence with the follow-up through 2014 using the log-rank test and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model. All statistical tests were two-sided.

Results

In intention-to-treat analyses including 46 200 women, 92 vs 165 pancreatic cancer cases were ascertained in the intervention vs the comparison group (P = .23). The multivariable hazard ratio (HR) of pancreatic cancer was 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.67 to 1.11). Risk was statistically significantly reduced among women with baseline body mass indexes (BMIs) of 25 kg/m2 or higher (HR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.53 to 0.96), but not among women with BMIs of less than 25 kg/m2 (HR = 1.62, 95% CI = 0.97 to 2.71, Pinteraction = .01).

Conclusions

A low-fat dietary intervention was associated with reduced pancreatic cancer incidence in women who were overweight or obese in the WHI-DM trial. Caution needs to be taken in interpreting the findings based on subgroup analyses.

Effect of fermentation times and extracting solvents on the in vitro immune potentials of the soluble extracts of mucor-fermented Mao-tofu

Mucor-fermented Mao-tofu at 3-7 days was extracted using water (pH 4.5 and pH 6.5) and ethanol solutions (40 and 80%, v/v). At protein concentration of 40 μg/mL, all the extracts showed immune activities via activating macrophages, splenocytes, and natural killer cells, which enhances the secretion of interleukin (IL)-2, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, IL-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and lysozyme, but inhibits the secretion of IL-4. All the extracts exhibited higher activities than that of soybean protein, demonstrating that Mucor-mediated fermentation enhanced the immune potentials of Mao-tofu. Fermentation time of 6 days ensured the extracts the highest activities, whereas lower activities were detected. The highest and lowest activities were detected on using a solution of water (pH 6.5) and 40% ethanol, respectively. The extract obtained using water (pH 6.5) contained more Arg and Cys with immune significance, which partially contributed to its high activities. Both fermentation times and extracting solvents were thus proved to affect the immune activities of soluble Mao-tofu extracts.

4,4'-Diaponeurosporene-Producing Bacillus subtilis Increased Mouse Resistance against Salmonella typhimurium Infection in a CD36-Dependent Manner

Deficient mucosal innate immunity is a hallmark of infectious diarrhea, such as Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium)-induced gastroenteritis. Here, we report that oral administration of a 4,4′-diaponeurosporene-producing Bacillus subtilis (B.s-Dia) could improve mice mucosal immunity, as showed by an increased resistance against S. typhimurium infection. Intragastric administration of B.s-Dia for 7 days could increase the secretion of CCL20 by intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and then recruit more dendritic cells. Meanwhile, the number of CD8αα⁺ intraepithelial lymphocytes, which play a critical role in downregulating immune responses, was also reduced, probably as a consequence of the decrease of IEC-derived TGFβ. Further study showed that CD36 played a critical role in B.s-Dia-induced immune enhancement, as blocking CD36 signal with a specific antagonist, sulfo-N-succinimidyl oleate, led to the inability of B.s-Dia to enhance mucosal innate immunity.

Modulation of T Cell Activation in Obesity

SIGNIFICANCE

Immune T cells are present in adipose tissues (AT), and the stoichiometry of the different T cell subsets is altered during diet-induced obesity (DIO). T cells contribute to the early steps of AT inflammation during DIO. Recent Advances: Many factors could potentially be responsible for this altered pro-inflammatory versus anti-inflammatory T cell balance.

CRITICAL ISSUES

T cells are potentially activated in AT, which vitamin D might contribute to, as will be discussed in this article. In addition, we will review the different possible contributors to T cell activation in AT, such as the CD28 and CD154 T cell costimulatory molecules in AT.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

The potential antigen presentation capacities of adipocytes should be further investigated. Moreover, the properties of these AT resident (or migrating to AT) T cells must be further assessed. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 26, 489-500.

Nutritional control of IL-23/Th17-mediated autoimmune disease through HO-1/STAT3 activation

The nutritional curcumin (CUR) is beneficial in cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. The molecular mechanisms underlying this food-mediated silencing of inflammatory immune responses are poorly understood. By investigating antigen-specific immune responses we found that dietary CUR impairs the differentiation of Th1/Th17 cells in vivo during encephalomyelitis and instead promoted Th2 cells. In contrast, feeding CUR had no inhibitory effect on ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation. Mechanistically, we found that CUR induces an anti-inflammatory phenotype in dendritic cells (DC) with enhanced STAT3 phosphorylation and suppressed expression of Il12b and Il23a. On the molecular level CUR readily induced NRF2-sensitive heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) mRNA and protein in LPS-activated DC. HO-1 enhanced STAT3 phosphorylation, which enriched to Il12b and Il23a loci and negatively regulated their transcription. These findings demonstrate the underlying mechanism through which a nutritional can interfere with the immune response. CUR silences IL-23/Th17-mediated pathology by enhancing HO-1/STAT3 interaction in DC.

Predictors and patterns of weight gain during treatment for tuberculosis in the United States of America

OBJECTIVES

Patients with tuberculosis (TB) often present with weight loss. Lack of weight gain with TB treatment has been associated with treatment failure. The purpose of this study was to examine patterns of weight gain in patients with TB and determine the disease characteristics that predict weight gain.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of adults with TB treated in a county health system in the USA. Demographic, clinical, radiographic, and microbiological data were recorded in addition to monthly weights during treatment.

RESULTS

Overall, patients had a significant change in weight over the course of treatment (p<0.0001). After 2 months of treatment, 31.9% of patients had gained at least 5% body weight; by the end of treatment, 62.4% of patients had gained at least 5% weight. Patients who gained weight did so in a linear fashion throughout treatment. Cavitary and extensive disease, a positive smear, and a positive culture were predictors of weight gain (p<0.05). No patients had relapses during the time period of the study.

CONCLUSIONS

Only a subset of patients treated for TB gain significant weight. A greater burden of disease was predictive of weight gain.

Long-term activation of the innate immune system in atherosclerosis

Efforts to reverse the pathologic consequences of vulnerable plaques are often stymied by the complex treatment resistant pro-inflammatory environment within the plaque. This suggests that pro-atherogenic stimuli, such as LDL cholesterol and high fat diets may impart longer lived signals on (innate) immune cells that persist even after reversing the pro-atherogenic stimuli. Recently, a series of studies challenged the traditional immunological paradigm that innate immune cells cannot display memory characteristics. Epigenetic reprogramming in these myeloid cell subsets, after exposure to certain stimuli, has been shown to alter the expression of genes upon re-exposure. This phenomenon has been termed trained innate immunity or innate immune memory. The changed responses of 'trained' innate immune cells can confer nonspecific protection against secondary infections, suggesting that innate immune memory has likely evolved as an ancient mechanism to protect against pathogens. However, dysregulated processes of immunological imprinting mediated by trained innate immunity may also be detrimental under certain conditions as the resulting exaggerated immune responses could contribute to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, such as atherosclerosis. Pro-atherogenic stimuli most likely cause epigenetic modifications that persist for prolonged time periods even after the initial stimulus has been removed. In this review we discuss the concept of trained innate immunity in the context of a hyperlipidemic environment and atherosclerosis. According to this idea the epigenome of myeloid (progenitor) cells is presumably modified for prolonged periods of time, which, in turn, could evoke a condition of continuous immune cell over-activation.