Vitamin C and fibre consumption from fruits and vegetables improves oxidative stress markers in healthy young adults

Association between vitamin C in serum and trouble sleeping based on NHANES 2017-2018

Vitamin C is an important micronutrient for human. Association between vitamin C and trouble sleeping was less studied. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the possible link between vitamin C in serum and trouble sleeping. The cross-sectional data was derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2017-2018). Trouble sleeping was measured by asking participants: "Have you ever told doctor had trouble sleeping". Responses to this question was "yes" or "no". vitamin C in serum was obtained by measuring the serum samples. We used multivariable binary logistic regressions to examine the possible link between vitamin C in serum and trouble sleeping, and then a subgroup analysis was performed. Moreover, the non-linear relationship between vitamin C in serum and trouble sleeping was further detected using a restricted cubic spline (RCS) model. A total of 3227 participants were included in the study. After adjusting all potential confounders, the results of multivariable logistic regression showed the significant negative association between vitamin C in serum and trouble sleeping(OR = 0.816; 95% CI:0.669 ~ 0.995). The significant inverse association was also found in female(OR = 0.713; 95% CI:0.546 ~ 0.931), age ≤ 65 years(OR = 0.773; 95% CI:0.600 ~ 0.996), and in participants with high cholesterol level(OR = 0.738; 95% CI:0.548 ~ 0.994). In addition, the RCS model demonstrated the significant non-linear relationship between vitamin C in serum and trouble sleeping (P value of nonlinear = 0.010). Our study demonstrates the significant negative association between vitamin C in serum and trouble sleeping.

Diet diversity and food quality score in male football players and healthy non-athlete controls in relation to oxidative stress biomarkers: a descriptive-analytical study

BACKGROUND

Dietary patterns that include high-quality and varied food groups have the potential to modulate oxidative status. This research was conducted to determine dietary diversity score (DDS) and food quality score (FQS) in football players and their matched non-athletes, also their associations with oxidative indicators assessed by the urinary levels of F2alpha-isoprostane (F2a-IP) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG).

METHODS

Participants consisted of 45 male football players and 45 male non-athletes in two age-and body mass index (BMI)-matched groups from Shiraz City, Iran. Anthropometric measurements were performed, and urine samples were analyzed to determine oxidative biomarkers. Dietary data derived from a reliable food frequency questionnaire with 168 items was completed to determine DDS and FQS. For data analysis, an appropriate generalized estimating equation model was set up.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that FQS (β = 5.46; P < 0.001) and DDS (β = 1.30; P < 0.001) scores were significantly higher in the footballers in comparison to the non-athletes. Moreover, FQS was negatively associated with 8-OHdG (β=-0.35; P = 0.008) and F2a-IP (β=-4.30; P = 0.01) levels in all participants. In addition, DDS was inversely related to 8-OHdG (β=-1.25; P = 0.01) and F2a-IP (β=-11.67; P = 0.04) levels in all participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Food quality scores and dietary diversity of footballers' diets were found to be higher in comparison to the non-athletes. Furthermore, a higher FQS and DDS were associated with lower levels of oxidative biomarkers in all participants.

Dietary phytochemical index is favorably associated with oxidative stress status and cardiovascular risk factors in adults with obesity

Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds found in plant-based foods. Consumption of phytochemical-rich foods has been associated with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases prevention in various populations. To quantify the phytochemical content of the diet, dietary phytochemical index (DPI) was established which is defined as the proportion of daily energy intake derived from foods rich in phytochemicals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between the DPI and oxidative stress markers and cardiovascular risk factors in obese adults. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 140 adults aged 20-60 years and body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 30 kg/m² were included. A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to collect information on dietary intakes. The DPI was calculated based on the following formula: DPI = [daily energy obtained from foods rich in phytochemicals (kcal)/total daily energy intake (kcal) × 100]. There was an inverse association between DPI and serum concentrations of Malondialdehyde (MDA) (P = 0.004), triglyceride (TG) (P-trend = 0.003), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (P = 0.017), and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (P = 0.024). Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was positively associated with DPI score (P = 0.045). No significant relationship was found between the DPI score and fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total oxidant status (TOS), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and anthropometric parameters as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The current study found that there was a significant inverse association between DPI and oxidative stress, inflammation, and hypertriglyceridemia as cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in obese population. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Efficacy of High-Dose Vitamin C Infusion on Outcomes in Sepsis Requiring Mechanical Ventilation: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Background. Critically ill patients have an increased requirement for vitamin C in sepsis and these patients have low levels of vitamin C. The researchers validated the efficacy of high-dose vitamin C intravenous infusion (IVI) in patients with sepsis requiring mechanical ventilation. Methods. Forty patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups (20 each) in a 1 : 1 ratio in accordance with the vitamin C treatment regimen: Group I (GI): patients received 1.5 g/6 h vitamin C in 50 ml of dextrose 5% in water (D5W) IVI over 30 minutes for 4 consecutive days; Group II (GII): patients received 100 mg vitamin C/day as a first single dose in 50 ml of D5W IVI over 30 minutes and the other three subsequent doses were 50 ml of plain D5W IVI over 30 minutes for 4 consecutive days. Primary outcomes were the change in sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score at day 7, the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and the plasma vitamin C level. The glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, duration of vasopressor therapy, and 28-day mortality were secondary outcomes. Results. The change in SOFA score at day 7 showed a significant difference between GI and GII ( $p<0.001$ ). The incidence of early VAP was significantly lower in GI ( $p=0.044$ ). Vitamin C levels showed a significant rise in GI at day 1 and day 4 ( $p<0.001$ and $p<0.001$ , respectively). GPX activity of day 4 and day 7 was significantly higher in GI ( $p=0.005$ and $p=0.014$ , respectively). CRP levels of day 4 and day 7 were significantly higher in GII ( $p<0.001$ and $p<0.001$ , respectively). There was a significant difference in 28-day mortality ( $p=0.038$ ) and duration of vasopressor therapy ( $p=0.033$ ) in GI compared to GII. Conclusion. The early use of high-dose vitamin C intravenous infusion in patients with sepsis requiring mechanical ventilation in combination with the standard treatment for sepsis lowered the incidence of VAP, increased the antioxidant status, and improved the illness severity. Trial Registration. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier (NCT04029675).

Acute exposure to traffic-related air pollution alters antioxidant status in healthy adults

BACKGROUND

Exposure to traffic-related air pollution is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory disease. Evidence suggests that inhaled pollutants precipitate these effects via multiple pathways involving oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVE

Postulating that a decrease in circulating antioxidant levels reflect an oxidative response, we investigated the effect of inhaled diesel exhaust (DE) on the ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) in healthy adults, and whether pre-exposure antioxidant supplementation blunted this response. We also examined exposure-related changes in antioxidant/stress response leukocyte gene expression (GCLc, HMOX-1, IL-6, TGFβ) and plasma IL-6 levels.

METHODS

Nineteen nonsmoking adults participated in a double-blind, randomized, four-way crossover study. Each subject completed 120-min exposures to filtered air and DE (200 μg/m3), with and without antioxidant pretreatment. Antioxidant comprised 1000 mg ascorbate for 7 days and 1200 mg N-acetylcysteine 1 day prior to exposure, with 1000 mg and 600 mg, respectively, administered 2 h prior to exposure. Whole blood glutathione was measured pre- and post-exposure; plasma IL-6 and mRNA expression were quantified pre, during and post exposure.

RESULTS

Diesel exhaust exposure was associated with significantly decreased GSH/GSSG (p = 0.001) and a 4-fold increase in IL-6 mRNA (p = 0.01) post exposure. Antioxidant pretreatment did not significantly mediate the effect of DE exposure on GSH/GSSG, though appeared to decrease the effect of exposure on IL-6 mRNA expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute DE inhalation induced detectable oxidative effects in healthy adults, which were not significantly attenuated by the selected antioxidant pre-treatment. This finding supports the premise that oxidative stress is one mechanism underlying the adverse effects of traffic-related air pollution.

The effect of high dietary fiber intake on gestational weight gain, fat accrual, and postpartum weight retention: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Interventions to prevent excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) have had limited success This pilot study examined the effectiveness of a single goal (SG) high dietary fiber intervention to prevent excessive GWG.

METHODS

Twelve weekly lessons focused on consuming a high fiber diet (≥30 g/day). Snacks containing 10-12 g of dietary fiber were given for the first 6 weeks only. Body composition was measured at baseline and at the end of the intervention. At one-year postpartum, body weight retention and dietary practices were assessed. A p-value is reported for the primary analysis only. For all other comparisons, Cohen's d is reported to indicate effect size.

RESULTS

The SG group increased fiber intake during the study (32 g/day at 6 weeks, 27 g/day at 12 weeks), whereas the UC group did not (~ 17 g/day). No differences were found for the proportion of women classified as excessive gainers (p = 0.13). During the intervention, the SG group gained less body weight (- 4.1 kg) and less fat mass (- 2.8 kg) (d = 1.3). At 1 year postpartum, the SG group retained less weight (0.35 vs. 4.4 kg, respectively, d = 1.8), and reported trying to currently eat high fiber foods.

CONCLUSION

The SG intervention resulted in less weight gain, fat accrual, and weight retention at 1 year postpartum. A residual intervention effect was detected postpartum with the participants reporting continued efforts to consume a high fiber diet.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT03984630; Trial registered June 13, 2019 (retrospectively registered).

Influences of environmental factors during preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific disorder that impacts 5-8% of pregnancies and has long-term cardiovascular and metabolic implications for both mother and fetus. The mechanisms are unclear; however, it is believed that preeclampsia is characterized by abnormal vascularization during placentation resulting in the manifestation of clinical signs such as hypertension, proteinuria, and endothelial dysfunction. Although there is no current cure to alleviate the clinical signs, an emerging area of interest in the field is the influence of environmental factors including diet on the risk of preeclampsia. Because preeclampsia has serious cardiovascular implications to both the mother and fetus and most antihypertensive medications are contraindicated in pregnancy, it is important to investigate other potential therapeutic options such as dietary manipulation. The emerging field of nutrigenomics links diet with the gene expression of known pathways such as oxidative stress and inflammation via microbiome-mediated metabolites and could serve as one potential avenue of therapeutic targets for preeclampsia. Although the exact role of nutrition in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia is unknown, this review will focus on known pathways involved in the development of preeclampsia and how dietary intake modulates the microbiome, oxidative stress, and inflammation with an emphasis on nutrigenomics as a potential avenue of further investigation to better understand this pathology.

Association between the Degree of Processing of Consumed Foods and Sleep Quality in Adolescents

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between food consumption by the degree of processing and sleep quality in adolescents from São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil. A cross-sectional study with 2499 adolescents (aged 18 to 19 years) was developed. Exposure variables included energy contributions of food groups stratified by the NOVA classification: fresh or minimally processed foods (FMPF), processed foods (PF), and ultra-processed foods (UPF), categorized into quartiles. The outcome variable was sleep quality assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Associations between these variables were estimated by Poisson regression, with robust estimation of variance. Most of the adolescents had poor sleep quality (57.1%). There were associations between FMPF in the third (57.1%-66.0% of total calories; prevalence ratio PR = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.80, 0.97) and fourth quartile (66.1%-95.8% of total calories; PR = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.78, 0.96) and lower prevalence of poor sleep quality. The fourth quartile of UPF (44.3%-81.8% of total calories; PR = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.27) was associated with a higher prevalence of poor sleep quality. Higher intake of FMPF is a protective factor for poor sleep quality, whereas higher UPF consumption is a risk factor for poor sleep quality.

Cognitive Function and Consumption of Fruit and Vegetable Polyphenols in a Young Population: Is There a Relationship?

Scientific evidence has shown the relationship between consumption of fruits and vegetables and their polyphenols with the prevention or treatment of diseases. The aim of this review was to find out whether the same relationship exists between fruits and vegetables and cognitive function, especially memory, in a young population. The mechanisms by which polyphenols of fruits and vegetables can exert cognitive benefits were also evaluated. These compounds act to improve neuronal plasticity through the protein CREB (Camp Response Element Binding) in the hippocampus, modulating pathways of signaling and transcription factors (ERK/Akt). In the same way, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is implicated in the maintenance, survival, growth, and differentiation of neurons. All these effects are produced by an increase of cerebral blood flow and an increase of the blood’s nitric oxide levels and oxygenation.

Healthy Dietary Patterns and Incidence of CKD: A Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Whether a healthy dietary pattern may prevent the incidence of developing CKD is unknown. This study evaluated the associations between dietary patterns and the incidence of CKD in adults and children.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

This systematic review and meta-analysis identified potential studies through a systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase and references from eligible studies from database inception to February 2019. Eligible studies were prospective and retrospective cohort studies including adults and children without CKD, where the primary exposure was dietary patterns. To be eligible, studies had to report on the primary outcome, incidence of CKD (eGFR<60 ml/min per 1.73 m²). Two authors independently extracted data, assessed risk of bias and evidence certainty using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and GRADE.

RESULTS

Eighteen prospective cohort studies involving 630,108 adults (no children) with a mean follow-up of 10.4±7.4 years were eligible for analysis. Included studies had an overall low risk of bias. The evidence certainty was moderate for CKD incidence and low for eGFR decline (percentage drop from baseline or reduced by at least 3 ml/min per 1.73 m² per year) and incident albuminuria. Healthy dietary patterns typically encouraged higher intakes of vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts, whole grains, fish and low-fat dairy, and lower intakes of red and processed meats, sodium, and sugar-sweetened beverages. A healthy dietary pattern was associated with a lower incidence of CKD (odds ratio [OR] 0.70 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.60 to 0.82); I²=51%; eight studies), and incidence of albuminuria (OR 0.77, [95% CI, 0.59 to 0.99]; I²=37%); four studies). There appeared to be no significant association between healthy dietary patterns and eGFR decline (OR 0.70 [95% CI, 0.49 to 1.01], I²=49%; four studies).

CONCLUSIONS

A healthy dietary pattern may prevent CKD and albuminuria.

Dietary total antioxidant capacity is positively associated with muscular strength in cirrhotic outpatients: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Cirrhosis is the end-stage of progressive fibrosis, in which oxidative stress and inflammation-related pathways can modulate the cellular and tissue events involved in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Dietary intake of antioxidants has been suggested to protect against oxidative damage and related clinical complications. The present study aimed to investigate the potential association of the dietary total antioxidant capacity (dTAC) with anthropometric, functional and biochemical markers, as well as the severity of the disease, in cirrhotic outpatients.

METHODS

Sixty-two outpatients (38 men and 24 women) with a mean (SD) age of 59.1 (9.9) years were evaluated. Dietary TAC was estimated from a food frequency questionnaire. Aetiology and severity of liver cirrhosis, lifestyle characteristics, occurrence of comorbidities and oedema, and anthropometric, functional and biochemical markers were all assessed.

RESULTS

Cirrhotic outpatients with higher dTAC also had higher values of the hand-grip strength (P = 0.029) and arm muscle area (P = 0.027). After adjusting by sex, age, smoking and alcohol intake, the addition of 1 mmol day^-1 of dTAC contributed to increase 0.552 kg f^-1 in hand-grip strength (P < 0.05). The addition of one mmol day^-1 of dTAC contributed to an arm muscle area increase 0.565 cm² (P < 0.05) on average.

CONCLUSIONS

The dTAC was positively associated with hand-grip strength and arm muscle area in cirrhotic outpatients. The implications of the present study are important in clinical practice because a diet rich in antioxidants may be an ally in the control of excessive reactive oxygen species production in cirrhotic outpatients with repercussion on muscle mass and strength.

Effects of a lifestyle intervention on markers of cardiometabolic risk and oxidized lipoproteins among obese adolescents with prediabetes

OBJECTIVE

Obesity and hyperglycaemia contribute to the atherosclerotic process in part through oxidative modifications to lipoprotein particles. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of a lifestyle intervention on markers of oxidized lipoproteins in obese Latino adolescents with prediabetes.

DESIGN

Pre-post design.

SETTING

Participants were enrolled into a 12-week lifestyle intervention. Measurements pre- and post-intervention included anthropometrics and body composition, lipid panel, oxidized LDL (oxLDL), oxidized HDL (oxHDL), intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, and cardiorespiratory fitness.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-five obese Latino adolescents (seventeen females, eighteen males; mean age 15·5 (sd 1·0) years; mean BMI percentile 98·5 (sd 1·2)) with prediabetes.

RESULTS

Intervention participation resulted in significant reductions in weight (-1·2 %, P = 0·042), BMI and BMI percentile (-2·0 and -0·4 %, respectively, P < 0·001), body fat (-7·0 %, P = 0·025), TAG (-11·8 %, P = 0·032), total cholesterol (-5·0 %, P = 0·002), VLDL-cholesterol (-12·5 %, P = 0·029), and non-HDL-cholesterol (-6·7 %, P = 0·007). Additionally, fitness (6·4 %, P < 0·001) and intake of fruits and vegetables (42·4 %, P = 0·025) increased significantly. OxLDL decreased significantly after the intervention (51·0 (sd 14·0) v. 48·7 (sd 12·8) U/l, P = 0·022), while oxHDL trended towards a significant increase (395·2 (sd 94·6) v. 416·1 (sd 98·4) ng/ml, P = 0·056).

CONCLUSIONS

These data support the utility of lifestyle intervention to improve the atherogenic phenotype of Latino adolescents who are at high risk for developing premature CVD and type 2 diabetes.

Relationship of fruit and vegetable intake to dietary antioxidant capacity and markers of oxidative stress: A sex-related study

OBJECTIVES

Oxidative stress contributes to the development of chronic diseases. Fruits and vegetables contain several phytonutrients (carotenoids, polyphenols) that exert antioxidant effects. The aim of this study was to investigate sex differences in fruit and vegetable intake, and the relationship to plasma levels of carotenoids as well as to total antioxidant capacity (pTAC). We studied also sex differences in the relationship between fruit and vegetables intake and plasma levels of lipid hydroperoxides, as well as of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL).

METHODS

This study included 83 healthy adults (35 men and 48 women, mean age 40 ± 10 y). Dietary intake of carotenoids and total antioxidant capacity (dTAC) were evaluated on the basis of a 15-d food frequency questionnaire. Plasma levels of β-carotene, lutein, and pTAC were studied. Moreover, levels of plasma lipid hydroperoxides and ox-LDL were evaluated using the ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange 2 (FOX2) assay and a monoclonal antibody-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay procedure, respectively.

RESULTS

Dietary habits were sex-related with a higher intake of fruits and vegetables (P < 0.05) and β-carotene (P < 0.001) in women than in men. Mean values of plasma lutein and β-carotene were higher in women than in men. Mean values of ox-LDL and lipid hydroperoxides were higher in men than in women (P < 0.05). Significant negative correlations were established between the individual values of ox-LDL and the levels of lutein versus β-carotene and versus pTAC values in plasma in both groups. Individuals belonging to the tertile with the highest daily intake of fruits and vegetables or the highest daily dTAC showed the lowest levels of plasma ox-LDL. In each category, sex-related differences were observed with men showing higher levels of ox-LDL than women. Moreover, lower levels of plasma β-carotene were observed in men in each tertile of daily intake of fruits and vegetables compared with females.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the data obtained, we confirm that high fruit and vegetable consumption exerts a positive effect on antioxidant defenses and decreases oxidative damage of plasma lipoproteins for both sexes. The results suggest that the protective effect can be found to a higher extent in women than in men. Sex-based differences are apparent in many chronic diseases. Thus, a higher consumption of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables should be recommended in efforts to prevent diseases in which sex-related differences in oxidative stress play a considerable role.

Recent Trends in Potential Therapeutic Applications of the Dietary Flavonoid Didymin

Didymin (isosakuranetin 7-O-rutinoside) is an orally bioactive dietary flavonoid glycoside first found in citrus fruits. Traditionally, this flavonoid has long been used in Asian countries as a dietary antioxidant. Recent studies have provided newer insights into this pleiotropic compound, which could regulate multiple biological activities of many important signaling molecules in health and disease. Emerging data also presented the potential therapeutic application of dietary flavonoid glycoside didymin against cancer, neurological diseases, liver diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and other diseases. In this review, we briefly introduce the source and extraction methods of didymin, and summarize its potential therapeutic application in the treatment of various diseases, with an emphasis on molecular targets and mechanism that contributes to the observed therapeutic effects. The dietary flavonoid didymin can be used to affect health and disease with multiple therapeutic targets, and it is anticipated that this review will stimulate the future development of this potential dietary medicine.

Multiple-metal exposure, diet, and oxidative stress in Uruguayan school children

Oxidative stress (OS) is an important consequence of exposure to toxic metals but it is unclear to what extent low-level metal exposures contribute to OS in children. We examined the cross-sectional association between urinary concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) and urinary markers of OS: F₂-8α isoprostane and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxy-guanosine (8-OHdG). We also tested effect modification by dietary intakes. Of the 211 children aged 6-8 years living in Montevideo who were eligible for the study because they had at least one OS marker measured via ELISA, 143 were included in a complete-case analysis. Urinary metals were measured with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS: Pb, Cd) and high-performance liquid chromatography online with hydride generation ICP-MS (As-metabolites); concentrations were log₂-transformed. All urinary markers were adjusted for specific gravity of urine. Two 24-h dietary recalls were conducted to estimate children's dietary intakes, including total fruit and vegetable consumption and vitamin C, zinc and fiber intake. Ordinary least square (OLS) and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regressions were used to estimate the association between metals and each OS marker as outcome. Metal exposure was generally low: median urinary As, Cd, Pb 9.6 μg/L, 0.06 μg/L and 1.9 μg/L, respectively. Median 8-isoprostane concentration was 1.1 and 8-OHdG 39.6 ng/mL. Log₂-transformed urinary As concentrations were positively associated with 8-OHdG concentrations (10.90 [3.82, 17.97]) in covariate-adjusted OLS models which also took account of exposure to Cd and Pb. In WQS, a mixture index was also associated with higher 8-OHdG (8.71 [1.12, 16.3] for each 25% increase in index value), mostly driven by As exposure. There was little evidence of effect modification by dietary antioxidants. In sum, even at low-level, As exposure is associated with detectable oxidative damage to the DNA.

Association between dietary total antioxidant capacity and hepatocellular ballooning in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: a cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by steatosis, lobular inflammation, ballooning, and in some cases, fibrosis, which can progress to cirrhosis and carcinoma. The progression of NASH is closely related to oxidative stress. Dietary intake of antioxidants has been suggested in protection against oxidative damage and related clinical complications. Thus, we evaluated the potential association of dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) with disease severity in NASH patients, as well as with anthropometric and body composition markers and biochemical parameters.

METHODS

Thirty-three outpatients with a mean age of 48.4 ± 1.9 years were evaluated. Dietary TAC was estimated from a quantitative food frequency questionnaire. NASH severity, determined by liver biopsy, lifestyle characteristics, occurrence of comorbidities, anthropometry, body composition, and biochemical parameters were assessed.

RESULTS

NASH patients who had a higher dietary TAC had fewer ballooned hepatocytes compared to those with a lower TAC (p = 0.024). The patients with the highest dietary TAC had a reduction of approximately 20% in the risk of having many ballooned hepatocytes (OR 0.791; 95% CI 0.643-0.974; p = 0.027). There was no association of steatosis, lobular inflammation, and fibrosis with dietary TAC. The same occurred for lifestyle characteristics, occurrence of comorbidities, anthropometry, body composition, and biochemical parameters.

CONCLUSION

Dietary TAC is higher in patients with lower hepatic injury (ballooning), suggesting a possible role of food intake naturally high in its antioxidant capacity in reducing free radical production and, consequently, oxidative stress.

Orange juice modulates proinflammatory cytokines after high-fat saturated meal consumption

We aimed to evaluate the postprandial secretion of inflammatory markers induced by SFA or MUFA high-fat meal consumption and whether orange juice intake could modulate this induction. This study included 55 healthy women (aged 20 to 40 years): 33 participants received an SFA high-fat meal (≈1000 kcal, 37.6% of energy intake (E) from SFA) and 22 participants received an MUFA high-fat meal (≈1000 kcal, 56.3% E from MUFA). Both interventions were accompanied by 500 ml of orange juice (test) or water (control). The plasma concentrations of inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) and CRP were determined before (fasting) and 2, 3 and 5 hours after the test meal intake. The SFA high-fat meal induced a significant increase in AUC values (for TNF-α, IL-12, IL-10, IL-6 and IL-2 adjusted for baseline concentrations) in comparison with MUFA high-fat meal intervention. The results were independent of the drink which accompanied the meal (water or orange juice). Both IL-4 and IL-17A AUC values were significantly increased after an SFA high-fat meal intake, accompanied by water, but not by orange juice. In addition, these values were higher in relation to MUFA high-fat meal interventions. Also, IL-17A significantly increased at 3 h after an SFA high-fat meal intake accompanied by water, but not by orange juice. Overall, our conclusions indicate an anti-inflammatory effect of MUFA compared to SFA high-fat meal intake, while orange juice intake was able to mitigate the subclinical increase of postprandial inflammation, induced by SFA high-fat meal consumption, for a particular biomarker (IL-17A).

Depression is related to dietary diversity score in women: a cross-sectional study from a developing country

BACKGROUND

Substantial evidence provides support for the role of diet in the prevention and control of mental disorders. However, since there is no study regarding the relationship between dietary diversity and stress or depression, we aimed to determine the relationship between the dietary diversity score (DDS) and stress and depression in women.

METHODS

This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was performed on 360 women aged 20-49 years attending health centers in the south of Tehran. The dietary intake and score of depression, anxiety, and stress were measured using a 24-h dietary recall and the 42-item depression, anxiety, stress scales questionnaire, respectively. The DDS was calculated based on the FAO 2013 guidelines. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, analysis of variance, Spearman correlation coefficient, and multivariable logistic regression tests.

RESULTS

In total, 31.4 and 25.8% of the subjects suffered from depression and stress, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, a one-unit increase in DDS was associated with a 39% reduction in the risk of severe depression. The DDS was not significantly associated with mild or moderate depression, and no significant relationship was observed between the DDS and stress.

CONCLUSIONS

The DDS could be inversely associated with depression in women. Since we observed no significant relationship between stress and DDS, further studies are needed in this regard.

Elevated Serum Retinol and Low Beta-Carotene but not Alpha-Tocopherol Concentrations Are Associated with Dyslipidemia in Brazilian Adolescents

The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of retinol, beta-carotene, and alpha-tocopherol serum concentrations in adolescents with dyslipidemia. A case series dyslipidemia study was conducted, with an attached control group, including 104 adolescents of public schools in Recife during the months of March/April 2013. Retinol, beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol serum concentrations were analysed by high efficiency liquid chromatography. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, clinical and biochemical variables were analysed. Dyslipidemic adolescents had high serum concentrations of both retinol (p=0.007) and beta-carotene/apolipoprotein A-I ratio (p=0.034); they also had low concentrations of beta-carotene/total cholesterol (p<0.0001) and beta-carotene/apolipoprotein B ratios (p=0.033) when compared to the controls. The alpha-tocopherol serum status was not associated with dyslipidemia. Overweight, abdominal obesity, lipid profile markers, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures were more prevalent in dyslipidemic adolescents. The findings show an association between vitamin A and dyslipidemia in adolescents. However, additional investigations of this risk group are necessary to clarify the mechanisms of action of this nutrient in the pathogenesis of this syndrome, aiming at reducing cardiometabolic risks as of earlier ages.

Pre-Pregnancy Body Mass Index Is Associated with Dietary Inflammatory Index and C-Reactive Protein Concentrations during Pregnancy

There have been a limited number of studies examining the association between pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and dietary inflammation during pregnancy. Our aim is to examine the association between pre-pregnancy BMI and the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII)™ and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations during pregnancy. The study included 631 pregnant American women from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cross-sectional examinations from 2003 to 2012. Pre-pregnancy BMI was calculated based on self-reported pre-pregnancy weight and measured height. The cut-offs of <18.5 (underweight), 18.5-24.9 (normal), 25.0-29.9 (overweight), and ≥30 kg/m² (obese) were used to categorize the weight status of pregnant women prior to pregnancy. The DII, a literature-based dietary index to assess the inflammatory properties of diet, was estimated based on a one-day 24-h recall. Multivariable linear and logistic regressions were performed to estimate beta coefficients and the adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) on the association of pre-pregnancy BMI categories with the DII and CRP concentrations during pregnancy. After controlling for variables including: race/ethnicity, family poverty income ratio, education, marital status, month in pregnancy, and smoking status during pregnancy; women who were obese before pregnancy (n = 136) had increased odds for being in the highest tertile of the DII and CRP concentrations compared to women with normal weight (AORs 2.40, 95% CIs 1.01-5.71; AORs 24.84, 95% CIs 6.19-99.67, respectively). These findings suggest that women with pre-pregnancy obesity had greater odds of reporting higher DII and having elevated CRP. In conclusion, high pre-pregnancy BMI was associated with increased odds of pro-inflammatory diet and elevated CRP levels during pregnancy in the USA.

Effects of exogenous vitamins A, C, and E and NADH supplementation on proliferation, cytokines release, and cell redox status of lymphocytes from healthy aged subjects

Aging is an inevitable biological event that is associated with immune alterations. These alterations are related to increased cellular oxidative stress and micronutrient deficiency. Antioxidant supplementation could improve these age-related abnormalities. The aim of this study was to determine in vitro effects of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) on T cell proliferation, cytokine release, and cell redox status in the elderly compared with young adults. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were isolated using a density gradient of Histopaque. They were cultured in vitro and stimulated with concanavalin A in the presence or absence of vitamins. Cell proliferation was determined by conducting MTT assays, and based on interleukin-2 and interleukin-4 secretions. Cell oxidant/antioxidant balance was assessed by assaying reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde, carbonyl protein levels, and catalase activity. The present study demonstrated that T-lymphocyte proliferation was decreased with aging and was associated with cytokine secretion alterations, GSH depletion, and intracellular oxidative stress. In the elderly, vitamin C, vitamin E, and NADH significantly improved lymphocyte proliferation and mitigated cellular oxidative stress, whereas vitamin A did not affect cell proliferation or cell redox status. In conclusion, vitamin C, vitamin E, and NADH supplementation improved T-lymphocytes response in the elderly, and could contribute to the prevention of age-related immune alterations. Consumption of food items containing these vitamins is recommended, and further investigation is necessary to evaluate the effect of vitamin supplementation in vivo.

Higher Fruit Intake Is Related to TNF-α Hypomethylation and Better Glucose Tolerance in Healthy Subjects

BACKGROUND/AIM

This study hypothesized an association between healthy dietary patterns, hypermethylation of the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) promoter and decreased risk of metabolic changes.

METHODS

Forty normal-weight young women were involved in this cross-sectional study. DNA was isolated from white blood cells, and CpG site methylation in TNF-α was analyzed by Sequenom EpiTyper. The quality of the diet was assessed by Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2005).

RESULTS

Contradicting our hypothesis, HEI-2005 score was negatively associated with CpG5 (r = -0.460, p = 0.003) and TNF-α total methylation (r = -0.355, p = 0.026). A higher intake of fruits was related to lower insulin, HOMA-IR, and TNF-α methylation. No other dietary pattern was related to TNF-α methylation. TNF-α total methylation correlated positively with systolic blood pressure (r = 0.323; p = 0.042) and CpG5 methylation with body mass index (r = 0.333, p = 0.036). Furthermore, fiber intake was negatively associated with the CpG5 (r = -0.324, p = 0.041) and TNF-α total methylation (r = -0.434, p = 0.005), whereas vitamin C intake was negatively associated with TNF-α total methylation (r = -0.411, p = 0.009). Intakes of apples and citrus fruits were negatively associated with TNF-α total methylation.

CONCLUSION

A healthy dietary pattern and higher fruit intake (particularly apples and citrus fruits) were related to better glucose tolerance in healthy subjects, which could be mediated by lower TNF-α methylation.

Ambient particulate air pollution and circulating antioxidant enzymes: A repeated-measure study in healthy adults in Beijing, China

The association of systemic antioxidant activity with ambient air pollution has been unclear. A panel of 40 healthy college students underwent repeated blood collection for 12 occasions under three exposure scenarios before and after relocating from a suburban area to an urban area in Beijing, China in 2010-2011. We measured various air pollutants including fine particles (PM2.5) and determined circulating levels of antioxidant enzymes extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) in the laboratory. An interquartile range increase of 63.4 μg/m(3) at 3-d PM2.5 moving average was associated with a 6.3% (95% CI: 0.6, 12.4) increase in EC-SOD and a 5.5% (95% CI: 1.3, 9.8) increase in GPX1. Several PM2.5 chemical constituents, including negative ions (nitrate and chloride) and metals (e.g., iron and strontium), were consistently associated with increases in EC-SOD and GPX1. Our results support activation of circulating antioxidant enzymes following exposure to particulate air pollution.

Association of dietary diversity score with anxiety in women

Evidence suggests that diet plays an important role in the development of mental disorders, especially anxiety. Dietary diversity score is an indicator for assessing diet quality. However, its association with anxiety has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the association of dietary diversity score with anxiety. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 360 women attending health centers in the south of Tehran in 2014. General information among others were collected. Weight, height and waist circumference were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Dietary intake and anxiety score were assessed using a 24-h dietary recall and Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales (DASS) questionnaires, respectively. Dietary diversity score was computed according to the guidelines of FAO. About 35% of the participants were found to exhibit anxiety. The dietary diversity score in 12.5% of the subjects were between 1 and 3 (low dietary diversity score) but 87.5% scored between 4 and 7 (high dietary diversity score). The adjusted mean of anxiety score in subjects with high dietary diversity score was significantly lower than those with low dietary diversity score. Dietary diversity score was found to be inversely associated with anxiety. However, the causality between anxiety and dietary diversity could not be determined.

Dietary factors and biomarkers of systemic inflammation in older people: the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936

Epidemiological studies have reported inverse associations between various single healthy diet indices and lower levels of systemic inflammation, but rarely are they examined in the same sample. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential relationships between biomarkers of systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen) and overall foods (dietary patterns), single foods (fruits and vegetables), and specific nutritive (antioxidants) and non-nutritive (flavonoids) food components in the same narrow-age cohort of older adults. The dietary intake of 792 participants aged 70 years from the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 was assessed using a 168-item FFQ. Models were adjusted for age, sex, childhood cognitive ability, lifestyle factors and history of disease. Using logistic regression analyses, CRP (normal v. elevated) was favourably associated (at P< 0·05) with the ‘health-aware’ (low-fat) dietary pattern (unstandardised β = (0·200, OR 0·82, 95 % CI 0·68, 0·99) and fruit intake (unstandardised β = (0·100, OR 0·91, 95 % CI 0·82, 0·99), including flavonoid-rich apples (unstandardised β = (0·456, OR 0·63, 95 % CI 0·439, 0·946). Using linear regression analyses, fibrinogen (continuous) was inversely associated (at P< 0·05) with the Mediterranean dietary pattern (standardised β = (0·100), fruit intake (standardised β = (0·083), and combined fruit and vegetable intake (standardised β = (0·084). We observed no association between food components (antioxidant nutrients or specific flavonoid subclasses) and inflammatory markers. In the present cross-sectional study, nutrient-dense dietary patterns were associated with lower levels of systemic inflammation in older people. The results are consistent with dietary guidelines that promote a balanced diet based on a variety of plant-based foods.

Carotenoid consumption is related to lower lipid oxidation and DNA damage in middle-aged men

The present cross-sectional study assessed the potential relationships of carotenoid intake with lipid and oxidative stress markers in middle-aged men. A total of 296 apparently healthy middle-aged men (mean age 50.5 (SD 5.0) years, BMI 25.8 (SD 3.5) kg/m(2)) were recruited to participate in the study. Dietary intake, anthropometry, blood pressure, lifestyle features, blood and urine biomarkers were assessed using validated procedures. The lipid markers included NEFA, Castelli index, and TAG:HDL ratio; oxidative stress markers included urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 8-iso-PGF2α and plasma oxidised-LDL (ox-LDL). We observed a significant inverse association (P < 0.05) between NEFA concentrations and consumption of lutein plus zeaxanthin, β-carotene, α-carotene and total carotenoid, while Castelli index was negatively associated with daily intake of lycopene, β-carotene and total carotenoids. Regarding oxidative stress biomarkers, urinary 8-OHdG and ox-LDL concentrations were also inversely associated (P < 0.05) with consumption of lycopene, lutein plus zeaxanthin, β-carotene, α-carotene and total carotenoids, regardless of confounding variables. Moreover, there was a negative association of urinary 8-iso-PGF2α concentration with dietary lutein plus zeaxanthin (β - 0.135, 95% CI - 0.268, - 0.001), β-carotene (β - 0.156, 95% CI - 0.277, - 0.034) and with the sum of all carotenoids (β - 0.189, 95% CI - 0.333, - 0.046). In conclusion, total daily carotenoid intake based on five investigated carotenoid types (β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein plus zeaxanthin, β-carotene and α-carotene) was inversely associated with relevant lipid and oxidative stress markers in middle-aged men, with emphasis on β-carotene that was negatively associated with five of the six lipid and oxidative stress markers evaluated in the present study.

Effects of lifestyle factors on urinary oxidative stress and serum antioxidant markers in pregnant Japanese women: A cohort study

Oxidative stress plays a major pathological role in pregnancy-related complications. Although oxidative stress is induced by exogenous toxins in association with a poor lifestyle in normal subjects, there is little information on the factors altering oxidative stress and antioxidant levels during pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between lifestyle factors and oxidative stress/antioxidant levels during each trimester and 1-month postpartum. This prospective cohort study followed 54 healthy women through pregnancy; first, second, and third trimester and 1-month postpartum. Participants were administered a questionnaire on characteristics and lifestyle factors. Morning blood and urine samples were obtained to measure urinary biopyrrins and serum coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) levels. The levels of urinary biopyrrins and serum CoQ10 increased significantly throughout pregnancy, with peak values registered during the third trimester. Higher biopyrrin levels were significantly associated with non-consumption of morning meal during the first trimester, smoking during the third trimester and 1-month postpartum, alcohol consumption during the third trimester, high food-based polyunsaturated fatty acid intake during the third trimester, and poor mental health scores during the first and third trimesters. Higher CoQ10 levels were significantly associated with no smoking during pregnancy and at 1-month postpartum, and with a high frequency of exercise during the third trimester and 1-month postpartum. Thus, pregnancy represents a state of oxidative stress, which can be counterbalanced by increased levels of antioxidants, such as CoQ10. We speculate that certain lifestyle choices such as avoiding smoking can reduce oxidative stress and increase antioxidant levels during pregnancy.

Dietary diversity as a proxy measure of blood antioxidant status in women

OBJECTIVE

Dietary diversity is recognized as a key indicator of dietary quality. However, its association with blood antioxidant levels has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to assess the association of the dietary diversity score (DDS) with blood antioxidant status in women who attend the sports clubs of a municipality in western Tehran, Iran.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 397 randomly selected women from the sport clubs of a Tehran municipality. Sociodemographic data were recorded and the women's weight and height were measured. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated by dividing the weight (kg) by height squared (m(2)). A 24-h recall questionnaire was used to estimate food intake. Biochemical indices, including serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and erythrocyte activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were measured in 90 women selected randomly from all participants. DDS was computed according to the guidelines of the Food and Agriculture Organization. The mean of SOD, TAC and GPx were compared across DDS quartiles after adjustment for age, education level, physical activity, energy intake, and BMI using analysis of covariance test.

RESULTS

The mean of TAC, SOD, and GPx was linearly increased with increasing the quartile of DDS, after adjustment for age, education level, physical activity, energy intake, and BMI (Ptrend < 0.001). Significant differences were observed for intake of different food groups, except cereals and white roots, between the DDS quartiles.

CONCLUSION

DDS is associated with blood antioxidant markers. Increasing the dietary diversity might be associated with a reduction in oxidative stress.

Modulators of erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity in healthy adults: an observational study

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential modulators of erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in young and apparently healthy individuals. One hundred one individuals (53 women and 48 men) were evaluated for anthropometric measurements, biochemical markers, clinical, dietary, and endogenous and exogenous components of the antioxidant defense system. Statistical analysis was performed to detect differences among subjects by the median of GPx activity. A linear regression model and Spearman correlation coefficients were used to screen the associations between GPx activity and interest variables. Individuals with higher GPx enzymatic activity were older and higher circulating levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) values, but conversely lower nail concentrations of selenium and copper (P < 0.05). The GPx activity was positively correlated to truncal fat percentage values (r = 0.24, P = 0.016), circulating levels of ox-LDL (r = 0.28, P = 0.004), and daily vitamin C intake (r = 0.28, P = 0.007), and negatively correlated to the nail concentration of selenium (r = -0.24, P = 0.026). Interesting, it was noticed that the truncal fat percentage and circulating levels of ox-LDL explained 5.9 and 7.4% of the GPx enzymatic activity. Thus, preventive measures such as adequate antioxidant intake and proper fat percentage would be a priority in the nutritional care of young and apparently healthy individuals.

Association of fruits and vegetables consumption and related-vitamins with inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in prediabetic individuals

BACKGROUND

Dietary guidelines of 5 servings per day of fruits and vegetables (FV) offer a reasonable amount of vitamins to control organic processes, which may contribute to a favorable cardiometabolic profile. This study aimed at investigating whether the intake of the FV group as well as pro-vitamin A carotenoids and vitamins C and E were associated with circulating markers of oxidative stress, inflammation and insulin resistance in Brazilians individuals at cardiometabolic risk.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 205 individuals screened for diabetes prevention program in a healthcare center from the School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, conducted in 2008. Possible associations of consumption of FV group, as well as pro-vitamin A carotenoids and vitamins C and E, with circulating markers of oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase - SOD and oxidized LDL - oxLDL), inflammation (C reactive protein, TNF-α and adiponectin) and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were investigated. Pearson correlation coefficient, ANOVA and multiple linear regression were employed.

RESULTS

The sample (64.7% women) had a mean age of 54.1 ± 12.7 years and body mass index of 30.7 ± 5.7 kg/m2. Dietary, physical activity, anthropometric and laboratory data were obtained. Participants consumed a mean of 3.8 servings/day of FV; their FV intake was categorized into three groups: <2.5, 2.5-5.0 and >5.0 servings/day. Significant trends for lower waist circumference (103.4 ± 13.6 vs. 100.1 ± 12.2 vs. 98.2 ± 12.7 cm, p-trend <0.05) and higher adiponectin concentrations (10.4 ± 1.8 vs. 11.9 ± 1.9 vs. 13.6 ± 2.1 ng/mL, p-trend <0.05) were detected across categories. Associations between SOD concentrations (β 0.172 [0.110-0.688]) with FV consumption and between oxLDL concentrations with vitamins C (β -0.333 [-2.568 - -0.218]) and E (β -0.354 [-1.131- -0.110]) intakes, adjusted for age, gender, BMI, saturated fat intake, smoking and physical activity were found. Similar results were observed for the associations between oxLDL and FV intake, but significance disappeared adding adjustment for saturated fat, smoking and physical activity.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that the intake of FV or selected vitamins may be useful for identifying the oxidative stress and inflammation involved in the genesis of cardiometabolic diseases and for motivating at-risk patients for changing dietary habits.

Effect of EPA and vitamin C on superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde in type 2 diabetic patients

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of eicosapentaenoic acid combined with vitamin C in comparison with the pure form of eicosapentaenoic acid on the serum concentration of malondialdehyde, erythrocyte activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and the serum level of total antioxidant capacity in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Eighty one male diabetic patients, aged 33-63 years, were randomly assigned to one of 4 groups. The subjects consumed 500 mg/d pure eicosapentaenoic acid, 200 mg/d vitamin C, 500 mg eicosapentaenoic acid and 200 mg/d vitamin C or placebo depending on their groups. In fasting blood samples, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were determined via the enzymatic method (Randox kit) and the serum total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde and vitamin C concentrations were estimated by colorimetric methods.

RESULTS

Administration of pure eicosapentaenoic acid in diabetic patients increased superoxide dismutase by 4%, glutathione peroxidase 53%, total antioxidant capacity 36% and decreased malondialdehyde significantly by 25%. Prescription of eicosapentaenoic acid combined with vitamin C demonstrated a significant increment for superoxide dismutase activity by 3% and for glutathione peroxidase activity by 52% during the study, but no significant change was seen for total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde, respectively. There was a significant decrease in FBS and HbA1c following prescription of eicosapentaenoic acid with/without vitamin C along the study, although these changes were not significant between the study groups.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that prescription of eicosapentaenoic acid in the pure form reduces oxidative stress in type 2 diabetic patients; albeit, it does not alleviate hyperglycemia. Combination of vitamin C and eicosapentaenoic acid does not improve antioxidant property of eicosapentaenoic acid.

Fruit and vegetable intake and related nutrients are associated with oxidative stress markers in middle-aged men

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the potential relationships between fruit and vegetable (FV) intake and oxidative stress markers in middle-aged men, with an emphasis on vitamin C, fiber, and magnesium content.

METHODS

The study was conducted with 296 healthy men, age 50.5 ± 5.0 y, and body mass index (BMI) of 25.8 ± 3.5 kg/m(2). Dietary intake, anthropometry, blood pressure, lifestyle features, and blood and urine biochemical data were assessed with validated procedures. The oxidative stress markers selected were plasma oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), urinary 8-iso-prostaglandin F2 α (8-iso-PGF2 α) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG).

RESULTS

The men included in the highest tertile of FV intake (≥341.1 g/d) displayed lower concentrations of ox-LDL, 8-iso-PGF2 α and 8-OHdG (P for trend < 0.05), regardless of confounding factors. Concentrations of ox-LDL were negatively associated with fiber from the FV intake (P for trend < 0.05) regardless of confounding factors. ox-LDL and 8-OHdG concentrations tended to be lower in the higher tertile of magnesium (P for trend = 0.06) and vitamin C from FV intake (P for trend = 0.05), respectively. Additionally, concentrations of 8-iso-PGF2 α were lower in men in the highest tertile of fiber (≥6.5 g/d; P for trend = 0.034), vitamin C (≥98.0 mg/d; P for trend = 0.007), and magnesium (≥48.9 mg/d; P for trend = 0.018) from the FV-group intake.

CONCLUSIONS

Greater FV intake was independently associated with reduced ox-LDL, 8-OHdG, and 8-iso-PGF2 α in middle-aged men. Fiber, vitamin C, and magnesium from FV seem to contribute to this beneficial relationship.

Sleep symptoms associated with intake of specific dietary nutrients

Sleep symptoms are associated with weight gain and cardiometabolic disease. The potential role of diet has been largely unexplored. Data from the 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used (n = 4552) to determine which nutrients were associated with sleep symptoms in a nationally representative sample. Survey items assessed difficulty falling asleep, sleep maintenance difficulties, non-restorative sleep and daytime sleepiness. Analyses were adjusted for energy intake, other dietary factors, exercise, body mass index (BMI) and sociodemographics. Population-weighted, logistic regression, with backwards-stepwise selection, examined which nutrients were associated with sleep symptoms. Odds ratios (ORs) reflect the difference in odds of sleep symptoms associated with a doubling in nutrient. Nutrients that were associated independently with difficulty falling asleep included (in order): alpha-carotene (OR = 0.96), selenium (OR = 0.80), dodecanoic acid (OR = 0.91), calcium (OR = 0.83) and hexadecanoic acid (OR = 1.10). Nutrients that were associated independently with sleep maintenance difficulties included: salt (OR = 1.19), butanoic acid (0.81), carbohydrate (OR = 0.71), dodecanoic acid (OR = 0.90), vitamin D (OR = 0.84), lycopene (OR = 0.98), hexanoic acid (OR = 1.25) and moisture (OR = 1.27). Nutrients that were associated independently with non-restorative sleep included butanoic acid (OR = 1.09), calcium (OR = 0.81), vitamin C (OR = 0.92), water (OR = 0.98), moisture (OR = 1.41) and cholesterol (OR = 1.10). Nutrients that were associated independently with sleepiness included: moisture (OR = 1.20), theobromine (OR = 1.04), potassium (OR = 0.70) and water (OR = 0.97). These results suggest novel associations between sleep symptoms and diet/metabolism, potentially explaining associations between sleep and cardiometabolic diseases.

A new dietary strategy for long-term treatment of the metabolic syndrome is compared with the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines: the MEtabolic Syndrome REduction in NAvarra (RESMENA) project

The long-term effects of dietary strategies designed to combat the metabolic syndrome (MetS) remain unknown. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of a new dietary strategy based on macronutrient distribution, antioxidant capacity and meal frequency (MEtabolic Syndrome REduction in NAvarra (RESMENA) diet) for the treatment of the MetS when compared with the American Heart Association guidelines, used as Control. Subjects with the MetS (fifty-two men and forty-one women, age 49 (se 1) years, BMI 36·11 (se 0·5) kg/m²) were randomly assigned to one of two dietary groups. After a 2-month nutritional-learning intervention period, during which a nutritional assessment was made for the participants every 15 d, a 4-month self-control period began. No significant differences were found between the groups concerning anthropometry, but only the RESMENA group exhibited a significant decrease in body weight ( - 1·7%; P= 0·018), BMI ( - 1·7%; P= 0·019), waist circumference ( - 1·8%; P= 0·021), waist:hip ratio ( - 1·4%; P= 0·035) and android fat mass ( - 6·9%; P= 0·008). The RESMENA group exhibited a significant decrease in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentrations ( - 26·8%; P= 0·008 and - 14·0%; P= 0·018, respectively), while the Control group exhibited a significant increase in glucose (7·9%; P= 0·011), AST (11·3%; P= 0·045) and uric acid (9·0%; P< 0·001) concentrations. LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations were increased (Control group: 34·4%; P< 0·001 and RESMENA group: 33·8%; P< 0·001), but interestingly so were the LDL-C:apoB ratio (Control group: 28·7%; P< 0·001, RESMENA group: 17·1%; P= 0·009) and HDL-cholesterol concentrations (Control group: 21·1%; P< 0·001, RESMENA group: 8·7; P= 0·001). Fibre was the dietary component that most contributed to the improvement of anthropometry, while body-weight loss explained changes in some biochemical markers. In conclusion, the RESMENA diet is a good long-term dietary treatment for the MetS.

Specialty supplement use and biologic measures of oxidative stress and DNA damage

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress and resulting cellular damage have been suggested to play a role in the etiology of several chronic diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. Identifying factors associated with reduced oxidative stress and resulting damage may guide future disease-prevention strategies.

METHODS

In the VITamins And Lifestyle (VITAL) biomarker study of 209 persons living in the Seattle area, we examined the association between current use of several specialty supplements and oxidative stress, DNA damage, and DNA repair capacity. Use of glucosamine, chondroitin, fish oil, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), ginseng, ginkgo, and saw palmetto was ascertained by a supplement inventory/interview, whereas the use of fiber supplements was ascertained by questionnaire. Supplements used by more than 30 persons (glucosamine and chondroitin) were evaluated as the trend across number of pills/week (non-use, <14 pills/week, 14+ pills/week), whereas less commonly used supplements were evaluated as use/non-use. Oxidative stress was measured by urinary 8-isoprostane and PGF2α concentrations using enzyme immunoassays (EIA), whereas lymphocyte DNA damage and DNA repair capacity were measured using the Comet assay. Multivariate-adjusted linear regression was used to model the associations between supplement use and oxidative stress/DNA damage.

RESULTS

Use of glucosamine (Ptrend: 0.01), chondroitin (Ptrend: 0.003), and fiber supplements (P: 0.01) was associated with reduced PGF2α concentrations, whereas CoQ10 supplementation was associated with reduced baseline DNA damage (P: 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of certain specialty supplements may be associated with reduced oxidative stress and DNA damage.

IMPACT

Further research is needed to evaluate the association between specialty supplement use and markers of oxidative stress and DNA damage.

Diet, cognition, and Alzheimer's disease: food for thought

INTRODUCTION

The prevention of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has become a real challenge due to its rising prevalence and the lack of an effective cure. Diet and nutrients have gained significant interest as potentially modifiable protective factors.

PURPOSE

The aim of this review is to provide an updated summary of evidence related to the effect of diet and nutritional factors on the risk of AD and cognitive aging, and discuss the potential mechanisms and confounding factors involved.

METHODS

A search was conducted in Medline and Web of Knowledge for epidemiological and clinical studies in the international literature from January 2000 to February 2013 using combinations of the following keywords: "Alzheimer's disease", "mild cognitive impairment", "cognitive function", "dietary factors", "omega-3", "antioxidants", "B vitamins", "dietary patterns", and "Mediterranean diet".

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Data from observational studies point to a protective role for certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants or B vitamins, and dietary patterns (Mediterranean diet). However, data from randomized controlled trials do not show a consistent effect. Whether confounding factors such as age, disease stage, other dietary components, cooking processes, and other methodological issues explain the divergent results remains to be established. Moreover, if certain nutrients protect against dementia, it is as yet unknown whether they may have a general effect on brain vascular health or directly interfere with the etiopathogenesis of AD.

Different postprandial acute response in healthy subjects to three strawberry jams varying in carbohydrate and antioxidant content: a randomized, crossover trial

PURPOSE

Dietary food composition influences postprandial glucose homeostasis. Thus, the objective was to investigate the effects of an acute intake of three different types of strawberry jam, differing in carbohydrate and antioxidants content, on postprandial glucose metabolism, lipid profile, antioxidant status, and satiety.

METHODS

Sixteen healthy adults participated in a randomized, crossover, double-blind study with three arms, receiving 60 g of three different strawberry jams. Blood samples were collected at fasting and at 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after its intake. Blood analyses were performed with validated procedures and satiety was estimated with visual analogue scale (VAS).

RESULTS

Blood glucose concentrations were maintained at normal values and without peaks within the 2 h after consumption of low-sugar jams. However, blood glucose and insulin were significantly higher at 30 and 60 min after high-sugar (HS) jam intake versus both low-sugar jams. Furthermore, HS jam produced more satisfaction at short time, but decreased as soon as blood glucose concentration began to decrease. Moreover, HS ingestion produced lower free fatty acid levels (p < 0.05) throughout the trial with respect both the low-sugar jams. However, no additional benefits on oxidative status (malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity, and uric acid), glucose, lipid, and satiety variables were observed due to the inclusion of an antioxidant to low-sugar jam.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reinforces the idea that products without added sugars are appropriate for the management of glycemic alterations and provides further insight into the effect of natural antioxidants as a functional ingredient on oxidative status and related metabolic disturbances. Registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01684332.

Beneficial effects of the RESMENA dietary pattern on oxidative stress in patients suffering from metabolic syndrome with hyperglycemia are associated to dietary TAC and fruit consumption

Hyperglycemia and oxidative stress are conditions directly related to the metabolic syndrome (MetS), whose prevalence is increasing worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a new weight-loss dietary pattern on improving the oxidative stress status on patients suffering MetS with hyperglycemia. Seventy-nine volunteers were randomly assigned to two low-calorie diets (−30% Energy): the control diet based on the American Health Association criteria and the RESMENA diet based on a different macronutrient distribution (30% proteins, 30% lipids, 40% carbohydrates), which was characterized by an increase of the meal frequency (seven-times/day), low glycemic load, high antioxidant capacity (TAC) and high n-3 fatty acids content. Dietary records, anthropometrical measurements, biochemical parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers were analyzed before and after the six-month-long study. The RESMENA (Metabolic Syndrome Reduction in Navarra) diet specifically reduced the android fat mass and demonstrated more effectiveness on improving general oxidative stress through a greater decrease of oxidized LDL (oxLDL) values and protection against arylesterase depletion. Interestingly, oxLDL values were associated with dietary TAC and fruit consumption and with changes on body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, fat mass and triacilglyceride (TG) levels. In conclusion, the antioxidant properties of the RESMENA diet provide further benefits to those attributable to weight loss on patients suffering Mets with hyperglycemia.