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Liedike B, Khatib M, Tabarsi B, Harris M, Wilson SL, Ortega-Santos CP, Mohr AE, Vega-López S, Whisner CM. Evaluating the Effects of Corn Flour Product Consumption on Cardiometabolic Outcomes and the Gut Microbiota in Adults with Elevated Cholesterol: A Randomized Crossover. J Nutr 2024; 154:2437-2447. [PMID: 38880174 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Consumption of whole grains is associated with a reduction in chronic diseases and offers benefits for cardiovascular health and metabolic regulation. The relationship between whole-grain corn and corn bran with the gut microbiota (GM) remains an area of growing interest, particularly regarding their influence on cardiometabolic health. OBJECTIVES To investigate the effects of different corn flours on cardiometabolic outcomes and GM changes in adults with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) concentrations. METHODS In this crossover study, 36 adults with LDL cholesterol above 110 mg/dL consumed 48 g/d of 3 corn flour types for 4 wk: whole-grain corn meal, refined corn meal (RCM), and a blend of RCM and corn bran (RCM + B). We assessed the impact on cardiometabolic markers [LDL cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL cholesterol), total cholesterol, and triglycerides)] and GM composition and estimated function. Statistical analyses included mixed-effects modeling and responder (>5% decrease in LDL cholesterol) analysis to evaluate changes in GM related to lipid profile improvements. RESULTS Of the 3 corn flour types, only RCM + B significantly decreased LDL cholesterol over time (-10.4 ± 3.6 mg/dL, P = 0.005) and marginally decreased total cholesterol (-9.2 ± 3.9 mg/dL, P = 0.072) over time. There were no significant effects on HDL cholesterol or triglyceride concentrations. No significant changes were observed in GM alpha diversity, whereas beta diversity metrics indicated individual variability. Two genera, unclassified Lachnospiraceae and Agathobaculum (Padj ≤ 0.096), differed significantly by treatment, but only Agathobaculum remained significantly elevated in the whole-grain corn meal, compared to RCM and RCM + B, after adjustment for multiple comparisons. CONCLUSIONS The type of corn flour, particularly RCM + B, notably influenced LDL cholesterol concentrations in adults with elevated LDL cholesterol. This study suggests that incorporating milled fractions (e.g., bran) of whole-grain corn with refined corn flour may be a viable alternative to supplementing manufactured grain products with isolated or synthetic fibers for improved metabolic health. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03967990.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Liedike
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Maissa Khatib
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Baharak Tabarsi
- Community Health Center, Valleywise Health, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Michelle Harris
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Shannon L Wilson
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Carmen P Ortega-Santos
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States; Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Alex E Mohr
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States; Center for Health Through Microbiomes, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Sonia Vega-López
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States; Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States.
| | - Corrie M Whisner
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States; Center for Health Through Microbiomes, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States.
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Ferenc K, Sokal-Dembowska A, Helma K, Motyka E, Jarmakiewicz-Czaja S, Filip R. Modulation of the Gut Microbiota by Nutrition and Its Relationship to Epigenetics. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1228. [PMID: 38279228 PMCID: PMC10816208 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The intestinal microbiota is a community of microorganisms inhabiting the human intestines, potentially influencing both physiological and pathophysiological processes in the human body. Existing evidence suggests that nutrients can influence the modulation of the gut microbiota. However, there is still limited evidence regarding the effects of vitamin and mineral supplementation on the human gut microbiota through epigenetic modification. It is plausible that maintaining an adequate dietary intake of vitamin D, iron, fibre, zinc and magnesium may have a beneficial effect on alleviating inflammation in the body, reducing oxidative stress, and improving the condition of the intestinal microbiota through various epigenetic mechanisms. Moreover, epigenetics involves alterations in the phenotype of a cell without changing its fundamental DNA sequence. It appears that the modulation of the microbiota by various nutrients may lead to epigenetic regulation. The correlations between microbiota and epigenetics are potentially interdependent. Therefore, the primary objective of this review is to identify the complex relationships between diet, gut microbiota, and epigenetic regulation. These interactions could play a crucial role in systemic health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Ferenc
- Institute of Medicine, Medical College of Rzeszow University, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Aneta Sokal-Dembowska
- Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Kacper Helma
- Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Motyka
- Centre for Innovative Research in Medical and Natural Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
| | | | - Rafał Filip
- Institute of Medicine, Medical College of Rzeszow University, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
- Department of Gastroenterology with IBD Unit, Clinical Hospital No. 2, 35-301 Rzeszow, Poland
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Woolf EK, Lee SY, Ghanem N, Vazquez AR, Johnson SA. Protective effects of blueberries on vascular function: A narrative review of preclinical and clinical evidence. Nutr Res 2023; 120:20-57. [PMID: 37913730 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2023.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Blueberries are rich in nutrients and (poly)phenols, popular with consumers, and a major agricultural crop with year-round availability supporting their use in food-based strategies to promote human health. Accumulating evidence indicates blueberry consumption has protective effects on cardiovascular health including vascular dysfunction (i.e., endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffening). This narrative review synthesizes evidence on blueberries and vascular function and provides insight into underlying mechanisms with a focus on oxidative stress, inflammation, and gut microbiota. Evidence from animal studies supports beneficial impacts on vascular function. Human studies indicate acute and chronic blueberry consumption can improve endothelial function in healthy and at-risk populations and may modulate arterial stiffness, but that evidence is less certain. Results from cell, animal, and human studies suggest blueberry consumption improves vascular function through improving nitric oxide bioavailability, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Limited data in animals suggest the gut microbiome mediates beneficial effects of blueberries on vascular function; however, there is a paucity of studies evaluating the gut microbiome in humans. Translational evidence indicates anthocyanin metabolites mediate effects of blueberries on endothelial function, though this does not exclude potential synergistic and/or additive effects of other blueberry components. Further research is needed to establish the clinical efficacy of blueberries to improve vascular function in diverse human populations in a manner that provides mechanistic information. Translation of clinical research to the community/public should consider feasibility, social determinants of health, culture, community needs, assets, and desires, barriers, and drivers to consumption, among other factors to establish real-world impacts of blueberry consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K Woolf
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Sylvia Y Lee
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Nancy Ghanem
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Allegra R Vazquez
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Sarah A Johnson
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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Hill EB, Konigsberg IR, Ir D, Frank DN, Jambal P, Litkowski EM, Lange EM, Lange LA, Ostendorf DM, Scorsone JJ, Wayland L, Bing K, MacLean PS, Melanson EL, Bessesen DH, Catenacci VA, Stanislawski MA, Borengasser SJ. The Microbiome, Epigenome, and Diet in Adults with Obesity during Behavioral Weight Loss. Nutrients 2023; 15:3588. [PMID: 37630778 PMCID: PMC10458964 DOI: 10.3390/nu15163588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity has been linked to the gut microbiome, epigenome, and diet, yet these factors have not been studied together during obesity treatment. Our objective was to evaluate associations among gut microbiota (MB), DNA methylation (DNAme), and diet prior to and during a behavioral weight loss intervention. Adults (n = 47, age 40.9 ± 9.7 years, body mass index (BMI) 33.5 ± 4.5 kg/m2, 77% female) with data collected at baseline (BL) and 3 months (3 m) were included. Fecal MB was assessed via 16S sequencing and whole blood DNAme via the Infinium EPIC array. Food group and nutrient intakes and Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores were calculated from 7-day diet records. Linear models were used to test for the effect of taxa relative abundance on DNAme and diet cross-sectionally at each time point, adjusting for confounders and a false discovery rate of 5%. Mean weight loss was 6.2 ± 3.9% at 3 m. At BL, one MB taxon, Ruminiclostridium, was associated with DNAme of the genes COL20A1 (r = 0.651, p = 0.029), COL18A1 (r = 0.578, p = 0.044), and NT5E (r = 0.365, p = 0.043). At 3 m, there were 14 unique MB:DNAme associations, such as Akkermansia with DNAme of GUSB (r = -0.585, p = 0.003), CRYL1 (r = -0.419, p = 0.007), C9 (r = -0.439, p = 0.019), and GMDS (r = -0.559, p = 0.046). Among taxa associated with DNAme, no significant relationships were seen with dietary intakes of relevant nutrients, food groups, or HEI scores. Our findings indicate that microbes linked to mucin degradation, short-chain fatty acid production, and body weight are associated with DNAme of phenotypically relevant genes. These relationships offer an initial understanding of the possible routes by which alterations in gut MB may influence metabolism during weight loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily B. Hill
- Section of Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (E.B.H.)
| | - Iain R. Konigsberg
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (I.R.K.)
| | - Diana Ir
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Daniel N. Frank
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Purevsuren Jambal
- Section of Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (E.B.H.)
| | - Elizabeth M. Litkowski
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (I.R.K.)
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Eastern Colorado Veterans Affairs Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Ethan M. Lange
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (I.R.K.)
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Leslie A. Lange
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (I.R.K.)
- Eastern Colorado Veterans Affairs Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Danielle M. Ostendorf
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Jared J. Scorsone
- Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Liza Wayland
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kristen Bing
- Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Paul S. MacLean
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Edward L. Melanson
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Daniel H. Bessesen
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Victoria A. Catenacci
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Maggie A. Stanislawski
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (I.R.K.)
| | - Sarah J. Borengasser
- Section of Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (E.B.H.)
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