Dietary emulsifiers impact the mouse gut microbiota promoting colitis and metabolic syndrome

Food additives associated with gut dysbiosis in processed and ultra-processed products commercialized in the Uruguayan market

Recent empirical evidence suggests that gut dysbiosis is one of the negative health outcomes potentially associated with chronic consumption of some food additives. In this context, the present study aimed at analyzing the disclosure of food additives associated with gut dysbiosis in the labels of products commercialized in the Uruguayan market. A cross-sectional survey of packaged products commercialized in nine supermarkets was conducted between August and September 2021. All packaged processed and ultra-processed products available in each data collection site were surveyed using a cellphone app. The information available on the labels was manually extracted and the disclosure of food additives was analyzed using a computer assisted approach. Results showed that 38.1% of the products disclosed at least one food additive associated with gut dysbiosis. Disclosure was most frequent in ice-cream and popsicles, beverages, meat products and analogues, desserts, and fats, oils and fat and oil emulsions. Potassium sorbate was the individual additive associated with gut dysbiosis most frequently disclosed on the labels, followed by mono- and di-glycerides of fatty acid, sucralose, carboxymethylcellulose, acesulphame potassium, carrageenan, and sodium benzoate. These food additives frequently co-occurred and network analysis enabled the identification of patterns of co-occurrence. Taken together, results from the present work suggest the need to conduct additional research to assess the intake of food additives associated with gut dysbiosis at the population level, as well as to evaluate potential synergistic effects of food additives.

Metabolic Regulation of Microbiota and Tissue Response

The microbiota in our gut regulates the sophisticated metabolic system that the human body has, essentially converting food into energy and the building blocks for various bodily functions. In this review, we discuss the multifaceted impact of the microbiota on host nutritional status by producing short-chain fatty acids, influencing gut hormones and mediating bile acid metabolism, and the key role in maintaining intestinal barrier integrity and immune homeostasis. Understanding and leveraging the power of the gut microbiome holds tremendous potential for enhancing human health and preventing various diseases.

Modulation of gut-microbiota through probiotics and dietary interventions to improve host health

Dietary patterns play an important role in regards to the modulation and control of the gut microbiome composition and function. The interaction between diet and microbiota plays an important role in order to maintain intestinal homeostasis, which ultimately affect the host's health. Diet directly impacts the microbes that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), which then contributes to the production of secondary metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, neurotransmitters, and antimicrobial peptides. Dietary consumption with genetically modified probiotics can be the best vaccine delivery vector and protect cells from various illnesses. A holistic approach to disease prevention, treatment, and management takes these intrinsically linked diet-microbes, microbe-microbe interactions, and microbe-host interactions into account. Dietary components, such as fiber can modulate beneficial gut microbiota, and they have resulting ameliorative effects against metabolic disorders. Medical interventions, such as antibiotic drugs can conversely have detrimental effects on gut microbiota by disputing the balance between Bacteroides and firmicute, which contribute to continuing disease states. We summarize the known effects of various dietary components, such as fibers, carbohydrates, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, proteins, phenolic acids, and antibiotics on the composition of the gut microbiota in this article in addition to the beneficial effect of genetically modified probiotics and consequentially their role in regards to shaping human health. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Modulation of gut microbiota on intestinal permeability: A novel strategy for treating gastrointestinal related diseases

Accumulating evidence emphasizes the critical reciprocity between gut microbiota and intestinal barrier function in maintaining the gastrointestinal homeostasis. Given the fundamental role caused by intestinal permeability, which has been scrutinized as a measurable potential indicator of perturbed barrier function in clinical researches, it seems not surprising that recent decades have been marked by augmented efforts to determine the interaction between intestinal microbes and permeability of the individual. However, despite the significant progress in characterizing intestinal permeability and the commensal bacteria in the intestine, the mechanisms involved are still far from being thoroughly revealed. In the present review, based on multiomic methods, high-throughput sequencing and molecular biology techniques, the impacts of gut microbiota on intestinal permeability as well as their complex interaction networks are systematically summarized. Furthermore, the diseases related to intestinal permeability and main causes of changes in intestinal permeability are briefly introduced. The purpose of this review is to provide a novel prospection to elucidate the correlation between intestinal microbiota and permeability, and to explore a promising solution for diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal related diseases.

Polystyrene microplastics aggravate radiation-induced intestinal injury in mice

Radiotherapy is a common treatment for abdominal and pelvic tumors, while the radiation-induced intestinal injury (RIII) is one of the major side-effects of radiotherapy, which reduces the life quality and impedes the treatment completion of cancer patients. Previous studies have demonstrated that environmental pollutant microplastics led to various kinds of injury in the gut, but its effects on RIII are still uncovered. In this study, we fed the C57BL/6J mice with distilled water or 50 μg/d polystyrene microplastics (PSMPs) for 17 days and exposed the mice to total abdominal irradiation (TAI) at day 14. Then the severity of RIII was examined by performing histopathological analysis and microbial community analysis. The results demonstrated that PSMPs significantly aggravated RIII in small intestine rather than colon of mice upon TAI. PSMPs increased levels of the histopathological damage and the microbial community disturbance in mice small intestine, shown by the overabundance of Akkermansiaceae and the decrease of microflora including Lactobacillaceae, Muribaculaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae. In conclusion, our results suggested that more microplastics exposure might led to more severe RIII, which should be considered in patients' daily diet adjustment and clinical radiotherapy plan evaluation. Furthermore, this study also called for the further researches to uncover the underlying mechanism and develop novel strategies to attenuate RIII in mice intestine.

Ultraprocessing and presence of additives in commercially produced complementary foods in seven Southeast Asian countries: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

There has been a dramatic shift in food systems, and the consumption of commercially processed and packaged foods has grown globally, including among older infants and young children. Many of these products are ultraprocessed and contain additives, with concerning implications for the health and nutrition of children.

OBJECTIVES

The study objectives were as follows: 1) to assess the levels of processing among different commercially produced complementary food product (CPCF) categories marketed in the Southeast Asia region, 2) to compare the nutrient content of CPCF products across levels of processing, and 3) to assess the types of additives present in different CPCF categories.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study involved secondary analysis of a cross-sectional dataset of product label information from CPCF purchased in 2021 in Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam. Ingredient lists were reviewed to determine the level of processing-based on the Nova classification-and the presence of additives. Nutrient declaration panels were reviewed to determine total sugar, sodium, and total fat.

RESULTS

Nearly half of all CPCF were ultraprocessed, with total sugar and sodium content significantly higher among ultraprocessed CPCF than unprocessed/minimally processed products. Almost half of CPCF contained additives, with a median of 6 per product. More than 30% of all CPCF made use of cosmetic additives to enhance the products' appearance, flavor, or texture, with emulsifiers, colors, and thickeners the most prevalent. Almost one-third of products contained additives not permitted in Codex Alimentarius standards and guidelines for CPCF.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this study should alert national governments to both adopt and ensure enforcement of Codex guidance on additives and regulations enacted to encourage lower levels of processing for CPCF.

Overview of cloning in lactic acid bacteria: Expression and its application of probiotic potential in inflammatory bowel diseases

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) imposes a significant impact on the quality of life for affected individuals. However, there was a current lack of a systematic summary regarding the latest epidemic trends and the underlying pathogenesis of IBD. This highlights the need for a thorough examination of both the epidemiological aspects of IBD and the specific mechanisms by which lactic acid bacteria (LAB) contribute to mitigating this condition. In developed countries, higher incidences and death rates of IBD have been observed, influenced by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. LAB offer significant advantages and substantial potential for enhancing IBD treatment. LAB's capabilities include the production of bioactive metabolites, regulation of gut immunity, protection of intestinal mechanical barriers, inhibition of oxidative damage, and restoration of imbalanced gut microbiota. The review suggests that screening effective LAB using cell models and metabolites, optimizing LAB intake through dose-effect studies, enhancing utilization through nanoencapsulation and microencapsulation, investigating mechanisms to deepen the understanding of LAB, and refining clinical study designs. These efforts aim to contribute to comprehending the epidemic trend, pathogenesis, and treatment of IBD, ultimately fostering the development of targeted therapeutic products, such as LAB-based interventions.

Dietary Emulsifier Exposure in People With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Compared With Healthy Controls: Is There a Cause for Concern?

BACKGROUND

Emulsifiers are implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Few studies have examined emulsifier intake in people with existing IBD. We aimed to describe the frequency of exposure to 6 selected emulsifiers in a contemporary cohort of people with IBD and compare intake with healthy controls (HCs).

METHODS

Baseline food records from participants in an Australian prospective cohort study examining the microbiome of IBD patients and HCs were analyzed. Exposure to inflammatory emulsifiers polysorbate-80 (P80); carboxymethylcellulose (CMC); carrageenan; xanthan gum (XG); lecithin (soy and sunflower) and mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (MDGs) were determined by examining ingredient lists. Frequency of emulsifier exposure between groups (IBD vs HC, Crohn's disease [CD] vs ulcerative colitis [UC], IBD children vs adults, active disease vs remission) was examined after controlling for confounders.

RESULTS

Records from 367 participants were analyzed (n = 176 IBD, of which there were 101 CD, 75 UC, and 191 HC patients). In total, 5022 unique food items were examined, with 18% containing 1 or more emulsifier of interest. Inflammatory bowel disease participants had significantly higher total daily emulsifier exposure compared with HCs (2.7 ± 1.8 vs 2.3 ± 1.6, P = .02). In IBD participants, emulsifiers with the highest daily exposure were MDGs (1.2 ± 0.93), lecithin (0.85 ± 0.93), and XG (0.38 ± 0.42). There were no recorded exposures to P80.

CONCLUSIONS

Inflammatory bowel disease participants were exposed to more emulsifiers than HCs. Intake of inflammatory emulsifiers were low or nonexistent, suggesting their presence in the food supply are not as common as frequently stated.

Western diets and chronic diseases

'Westernization', which incorporates industrial, cultural and dietary trends, has paralleled the rise of noncommunicable diseases across the globe. Today, the Western-style diet emerges as a key stimulus for gut microbial vulnerability, chronic inflammation and chronic diseases, affecting mainly the cardiovascular system, systemic metabolism and the gut. Here we review the diet of modern times and evaluate the threat it poses for human health by summarizing recent epidemiological, translational and clinical studies. We discuss the links between diet and disease in the context of obesity and type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, gut and liver diseases and solid malignancies. We collectively interpret the evidence and its limitations and discuss future challenges and strategies to overcome these. We argue that healthcare professionals and societies must react today to the detrimental effects of the Western diet to bring about sustainable change and improved outcomes in the future.

The effect of dietary emulsifiers and thickeners on intestinal barrier function and its response to acute stress in healthy adult humans: A randomised controlled feeding study

BACKGROUND

Although dietary emulsifiers are implicated in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease, their effect has not been studied in humans.

AIM

To determine the effects of high- and low-emulsifier diets (HED, LED) on intestinal barrier function in healthy subjects in unstressed and acutely stressed states.

METHODS

We conducted a single-blinded, cross-over, controlled feeding trial in 22 healthy adults. After recording 7 days of their habitual diet, we randomised participants to HED or LED with ≥3-week washout between diets. On dietary completion, acute stress was induced via intravenous corticotrophin-releasing hormone. We assessed dietary adherence, effects on 2-h urinary lactulose: rhamnose ratio (LRR), serum concentrations of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, soluble-CD14 and markers of epithelial injury and inflammation.

RESULTS

Dietary adherence was excellent. In an unstressed state, median (interquartile range) LRR during HED was 0.030 (0.018-0.042); on LED, this was 0.042 (0.029-0.078; p = 0.04). LPB concentrations were lower on HED than LED (p = 0.026), but no differences were observed for epithelial injury or inflammation. Under acute stress, LRR increased by 89% (-1% to 486%) on HED (p = 0.004), differing (p = 0.001) from 39% (1%-90%) decrease on LED (p = 0.009). Soluble-CD14 also increased (p < 0.001). The LED had a prolonged carry-over effect on suppressing HED-induced changes during stress. Similar changes in LRR and soluble-CD14 were observed when HED was used as the first diet (both p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

High intake of emulsifiers improved barrier function in the unstressed state, but increased intestinal permeability to stress, without evidence of inflammation. A LED was protective of the stress effect.

Digesting the complex metabolic effects of diet on the host and microbiome

The past 50 years of interdisciplinary research in humans and model organisms has delivered unprecedented insights into the mechanisms through which diet affects energy balance. However, translating these results to prevent and treat obesity and its associated diseases remains challenging. Given the vast scope of this literature, we focus this Review on recent conceptual advances in molecular nutrition targeting the management of energy balance, including emerging dietary and pharmaceutical interventions and their interactions with the human gut microbiome. Notably, multiple current dietary patterns of interest embrace moderate-to-high fat intake or prioritize the timing of eating over macronutrient intake. Furthermore, the rapid expansion of microbiome research findings has complicated multiple longstanding tenets of nutrition while also providing new opportunities for intervention. Continued progress promises more precise and reliable dietary recommendations that leverage our growing knowledge of the microbiome, the changing landscape of clinical interventions, and our molecular understanding of human biology.

Chronic oral LPS administration does not increase inflammation or induce metabolic dysregulation in mice fed a western-style diet

Introduction

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) present in the intestine are suggested to enter the bloodstream after consumption of high-fat diets and cause systemic inflammation and metabolic dysregulation through a process named "metabolic endotoxemia." This study aimed to determine the role of orally administered LPS to mice in the early stage of chronic low-grade inflammation induced by diet.

Methods

We supplemented the drinking water with E. coli derived LPS to mice fed either high-fat Western-style diet (WSD) or standard chow (SC) for 7 weeks (n = 16-17). Body weight was recorded weekly. Systemic inflammatory status was assessed by in vivo imaging of NF-κB activity at different time points, and glucose dysregulation was assessed by insulin sensitivity test and glucose tolerance test near the end of the study. Systemic LPS exposure was estimated indirectly via quantification of LPS-binding protein (LBP) and antibodies against LPS in plasma, and directly using an LPS-sensitive cell reporter assay.

Results and discussion

Our results demonstrate that weight development and glucose regulation are not affected by LPS. We observed a transient LPS dependent upregulation of NF-κB activity in the liver region in both diet groups, a response that disappeared within the first week of LPS administration and remained low during the rest of the study. However, WSD fed mice had overall a higher NF-κB activity compared to SC fed mice at all time points independent of LPS administration. Our findings indicate that orally administered LPS has limited to no impact on systemic inflammation and metabolic dysregulation in mice fed a high-fat western diet and we question the capability of intestinally derived LPS to initiate systemic inflammation through a healthy and uncompromised intestine, even when exposed to a high-fat diet.

Heavy arch: from inflammatory bowel diseases to metabolic disorders

BACKGROUND

Metabolic disorders and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) have captured the globe during Westernisation of lifestyle and related dietary habits over the last decades. Both disease entities are characterised by complex and heterogeneous clinical spectra linked to distinct symptoms and organ systems which, on a first glimpse, do not have many commonalities in clinical practice. However, experimental studies indicate a common backbone of inflammatory mechanisms in metabolic diseases and gut inflammation, and emerging clinical evidence suggests an intricate interplay between metabolic disorders and IBD.

OBJECTIVE

We depict parallels of IBD and metabolic diseases, easily overlooked in clinical routine.

DESIGN

We provide an overview of the recent literature and discuss implications of metabolic morbidity in patients with IBD for researchers, clinicians and healthcare providers.

CONCLUSION

The Western lifestyle and diet and related gut microbial perturbation serve as a fuel for metabolic inflammation in and beyond the gut. Metabolic disorders and the metabolic syndrome increasingly affect patients with IBD, with an expected negative impact for both disease entities and risk for complications. This concept implies that tackling the obesity pandemic exerts beneficial effects beyond metabolic health.

Effects of Transglutaminase-Induced β-Conglycinin Gels on Intestinal Morphology and Intestinal Flora in Mice at Different High-Intensity Ultrasound Pretreatment Time

TGase-7S gels prepared after different HIU pretreatment times were used to intervene in healthy mice to analyze their effects on growth characteristics and intestinal morphology, and 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing was applied to fecal samples to investigate the effects of the gel on the structure and diversity of intestinal flora in mice. The results showed that the intestinal tissues of mice in different treatment groups showed better integrity, and the intake of gel increased the length of small intestinal villi in mice, among which the 30-gel group had the highest value of villi length (599.27 ± 44.28) μm (p < 0.05) and showed the neatest and tightest arrangement, indicating that the intake of gel did not have adverse effects on the intestinal tract. The effect of gel ingestion on the diversity of the intestinal microbial community structure was more significant, positively promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Desferriobacterium, Synechococcus, and Bifidobacterium. In addition, the ingestion of the gel improved the intestinal health of mice by altering the physiological functions of the intestinal flora and modulating their participation in various metabolic pathways. The above findings provide some theoretical value for the safety of 7S gel in food applications.

Urolithin A-mediated augmentation of intestinal barrier function through elevated secretory mucin synthesis

Maintaining the mucus layer is crucial for the innate immune system. Urolithin A (Uro A) is a gut microbiota-derived metabolite; however, its effect on mucin production as a physical barrier remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the protective effects of Uro A on mucin production in the colon. In vivo experiments employing wild-type mice, NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-deficient mice, and wild-type mice treated with an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) antagonist were conducted to investigate the physiological role of Uro A. Additionally, in vitro assays using mucin-producing cells (LS174T) were conducted to assess mucus production following Uro A treatment. We found that Uro A thickened murine colonic mucus via enhanced mucin 2 expression facilitated by Nrf2 and AhR signaling without altering tight junctions. Uro A reduced mucosal permeability in fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran experiments and alleviated dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis. Uro A treatment increased short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and propionic acid concentration. LS174T cell studies confirmed that Uro A promotes mucus production through the AhR and Nrf2 pathways. In conclusion, the enhanced intestinal mucus secretion induced by Uro A is mediated through the actions of Nrf-2 and AhR, which help maintain intestinal barrier function.

Food emulsifiers aggravate inflammation and oxidative stress induced by food contaminants in zebrafish

Food emulsifiers like glycerol monostearate (G) and Tween 80 (TW) are commonly used to help formation and maintain stability of emulsions. However, certain food contaminants and emulsifiers often co-occur in the same food item due to food culture and cooking methods. For this reason, the present study investigated interaction of toxic effect of emulsifiers (G and TW) and process contaminants (acrylamide (AA) and benzo [a]pyrene (BAP)) on zebrafish. Adult zebrafish were exposed to emulsifiers, food contaminants, or the combination through diet for 2 h and 7 days. Oxidative stress and inflammation caused by food contaminants were increased when food emulsifiers were present. These combined treatments also induced more severe morphological changes than the contaminant alone treatments. In the gut, disruption of villi structure and increased number of goblet cells was observed and in the liver there were increased lipid deposition, infiltration of immune cells, glycogen depletion and focal necrosis. Increased accumulation of AA and BAP in the liver and gut were detected after addition of emulsifiers, suggesting that emulsifiers can enhance absorption of diet-borne contaminants. Our results showed food emulsifiers and contaminants can interact synergistically and increase risk.

Microbiota, natural products, and human health: exploring interactions for therapeutic insights

The symbiotic relationship between the human digestive system and its intricate microbiota is a captivating field of study that continues to unfold. Comprising predominantly anaerobic bacteria, this complex microbial ecosystem, teeming with trillions of organisms, plays a crucial role in various physiological processes. Beyond its primary function in breaking down indigestible dietary components, this microbial community significantly influences immune system modulation, central nervous system function, and disease prevention. Despite the strides made in microbiome research, the precise mechanisms underlying how bacterial effector functions impact mammalian and microbiome physiology remain elusive. Unlike the traditional DNA-RNA-protein paradigm, bacteria often communicate through small molecules, underscoring the imperative to identify compounds produced by human-associated bacteria. The gut microbiome emerges as a linchpin in the transformation of natural products, generating metabolites with distinct physiological functions. Unraveling these microbial transformations holds the key to understanding the pharmacological activities and metabolic mechanisms of natural products. Notably, the potential to leverage gut microorganisms for large-scale synthesis of bioactive compounds remains an underexplored frontier with promising implications. This review serves as a synthesis of current knowledge, shedding light on the dynamic interplay between natural products, bacteria, and human health. In doing so, it contributes to our evolving comprehension of microbiome dynamics, opening avenues for innovative applications in medicine and therapeutics. As we delve deeper into this intricate web of interactions, the prospect of harnessing the power of the gut microbiome for transformative medical interventions becomes increasingly tantalizing.

Ultraprocessed food consumption and risk of gallstone disease: analysis of 3 prospective cohorts

BACKGROUND

Majority of dietary intake in United States adults comes from ultraprocessed foods (UPFs), which have been linked to several adverse health outcomes. Gallstone disease is highly prevalent and constitutes a significant burden to the United States health system but remains understudied.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the association between UPF consumption and incident gallstone disease risk.

METHODS

In this analysis, 44,149 males in the Health Professionals' Follow-up Study (HPFS: 1986-2022), 71,145 females in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS: 1986-2021), and 90,932 females in the NHS II (1991-2021) were prospectively followed. Dietary intake was quadrennially assessed with semiquantitative food frequency questionnaires and used to identify UPFs. The primary outcome was defined as cholecystectomy. Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Baseline median age was 54 y in HPFS, 53 y in NHS, and 36 y in NHS II. We identified 32,374 incident gallstone disease cases over 5,077,059 person-years. Participants in the highest UPF quintile had a higher incidence of gallstone disease than those in the lowest quintile (aHR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.24, 1.36; P < 0.001). Incremental risk of incident gallstone disease was 2.8% per daily serving (95% CI: 2.4%, 3.2%; P < 0.001). This risk was driven by sugar-sweetened beverages and artificially sweetened beverages on UPF subgroup analyses. The proportion of risk mediated by obesity was 12.8% (95% CI: 7.7%, 20.5%; P < 0.001) in HPFS, 14.3% (95% CI: 10.4%, 19.4%; P < 0.001) in NHS, and 39.4% (95% CI: 31.2%, 48.1%; P < 0.001) in NHS II. The partial population attributable risk was estimated at 15.9% (95% CI: 13.4%, 18.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

UPF consumption is associated with a higher risk of gallstone disease, particularly consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and artificially sweetened beverages. A substantial proportion of this risk is potentially mediated by obesity in younger females.

Antibacterial Agents May Have Shifted Impacts on Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Along with Decrease in Gut Bacteria

This article discussed the likely bell-shaped complicated impacts of antibacterial agents such as food additives like some artificial sweeteners on inflammatory bowel diseases including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease along with decrease in gut bacteria.

New insights into the interplay between autophagy, gut microbiota and insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a widespread and multifactorial disorder, and the study of its pathogenesis and treatment remains challenging. Autophagy, an intracellular degradation system that maintains cellular renewal and homeostasis, is essential for maintaining antimicrobial defense, preserving epithelial barrier integrity, promoting mucosal immune response, maintaining intestinal homeostasis, and regulating gut microbiota and microbial metabolites. Dysfunctional autophagy is implicated in the pathological mechanisms of MetS, involving insulin resistance (IR), chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, with IR being a predominant feature. The study of autophagy represents a valuable field of research with significant clinical implications for identifying autophagy-related signals, pathways, mechanisms, and treatment options for MetS. Given the multifactorial etiology and various potential risk factors, it is imperative to explore the interplay between autophagy and gut microbiota in MetS more thoroughly. This will facilitate the elucidation of new mechanisms underlying the crosstalk among autophagy, gut microbiota, and MetS, thereby providing new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of MetS.

Ultra-Processed food intake and risk of Helicobacter pylori infection: A case-control study

The components in our food are known as one of the important risk factors for the development of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. A balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, and free of fat, sugar, and salt, might protect people from the consequences of H. pylori infection. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between ultra-processed foods (UPFs) intake and the risk of H. pylori infection. The case-control study was conducted to assess the intake of UPFs in patients with H. pylori infection compared with healthy individuals. The dietary data of the contributors were collected by a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). To estimate the UPFs intake, the classification of the NOVA food group was utilized. The associations of intake UPFs with H. pylori infection were assessed using binary logistic regression. Finally, dietary data of 150 cases and 302 controls (mean age: 39.5 ± 10.95 years) were analyzed. UPFs intake was associated with higher risk of H. pylori infection (odds ratio (OR) = 1.71; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05, 2.79). The association remained constant after adjustment for age, body mass index (BMI), sex, energy intake, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol status (OR = 2.17; 95% CI: 1.22, 3.86). Our data declare that UPFs consumption could have a role in increasing the likelihood of the risk of H. pylori infection. To confirm the current findings, prospective studies are suggested.

Dietary emulsifier polysorbate 80 exposure accelerates age-related cognitive decline

Gut microbial homeostasis is crucial for the health of cognition in elderly. Previous study revealed that polysorbate 80 (P80) as a widely used emulsifier in food industries and pharmaceutical formulations could directly alter the human gut microbiota compositions. However, whether long-term exposure to P80 could accelerate age-related cognitive decline via gut-brain axis is still unknown. Accordingly, in this study, we used the senescence accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mouse model to investigate the effects of the emulsifier P80 intake (1 % P80 in drinking water for 12 weeks) on gut microbiota and cognitive function. Our results indicated that P80 intake significantly exacerbated cognitive decline in SAMP8 mice, along with increased brain pathological proteins deposition, disruption of the blood-brain barrier and activation of microglia and neurotoxic astrocytes. Besides, P80 intake could also induce gut microbiota dysbiosis, especially the increased abundance of secondary bile acids producing bacteria, such as Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Clostridium scindens. Moreover, fecal microbiota transplantation from P80 mice into 16-week-old SAMP8 mice could also exacerbated cognitive decline, microglia activation and intestinal barrier impairment. Intriguingly, the alterations of gut microbial composition significantly affected bile acid metabolism profiles after P80 exposure, with markedly elevated levels of deoxycholic acid (DCA) in serum and brain tissue. Mechanically, DCA could activate microglial and promote senescence-associated secretory phenotype production through adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) importing lysosomal cholesterol. Altogether, the emulsifier P80 accelerated cognitive decline of aging mice by inducing gut dysbiosis, bile acid metabolism alteration, intestinal barrier and blood brain barrier disruption as well as neuroinflammation. This study provides strong evidence that dietary-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis may be a risk factor for age-related cognitive decline.

Ultraprocessed Food Intake and Risk of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Among Women Observed in the Nurses' Health Study Cohorts

OBJECTIVE

We assessed ultraprocessed food (UPF) intake and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) incidence within the prospective Nurses' Health Study (NHS) cohorts.

METHODS

A total of 204,175 women were observed (NHS 1984-2016; NHSII 1991-2017). Semiquantitative food frequency questionnaires were completed every two to four years. UPF intake was determined as per the Nova classification. Nurses self-reported new doctor-diagnosed SLE, confirmed by medical records. Time-varying Cox regressions estimated hazard ratios (HRs; 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for patients with incident SLE and SLE by anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibody at diagnosis, according to cumulatively updated daily (a) UPF servings, (b) total intake (in grams and milliliters), and (c) percentage of total intake. Analyses adjusted for age, race, cohort, caloric and alcohol intakes, household income, smoking, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, menarchal age, and oral contraceptive use. We tested for interaction with BMI and examined UPF categories.

RESULTS

Mean baseline age was ~50 years (NHS) and ~36 years (NHSII); 93% self-reported White race. A total of 212 patients with incident SLE were identified. SLE risk was higher in the third versus first UPF tertile (servings per day pooled multivariable [MV] HR 1.56, 95% CI 1.04-2.32; P = 0.03). Results were stronger for dsDNA antibody in patients with SLE (servings per day pooled MV HR 2.05, 95% CI 1.15-3.65; P = 0.01) and for absolute (servings or total) than percentage of total intake. Sugar-sweetened/artificially sweetened beverages were associated with SLE risk (third vs first tertile MV HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.01-2.09). No BMI interactions were observed.

CONCLUSION

Higher cumulative average daily UPF intake was associated with >50% increased SLE risk and with doubled risk for anti-dsDNA antibody in patients with SLE. Many deleterious effects on systemic inflammation and immunity are postulated.

Common dietary emulsifiers promote metabolic disorders and intestinal microbiota dysbiosis in mice

Dietary emulsifiers are linked to various diseases. The recent discovery of the role of gut microbiota-host interactions on health and disease warrants the safety reassessment of dietary emulsifiers through the lens of gut microbiota. Lecithin, sucrose fatty acid esters, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), and mono- and diglycerides (MDG) emulsifiers are common dietary emulsifiers with high exposure levels in the population. This study demonstrates that sucrose fatty acid esters and carboxymethylcellulose induce hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia in a mouse model. Lecithin, sucrose fatty acid esters, and CMC disrupt glucose homeostasis in the in vitro insulin-resistance model. MDG impairs circulating lipid and glucose metabolism. All emulsifiers change the intestinal microbiota diversity and induce gut microbiota dysbiosis. Lecithin, sucrose fatty acid esters, and CMC do not impact mucus-bacterial interactions, whereas MDG tends to cause bacterial encroachment into the inner mucus layer and enhance inflammation potential by raising circulating lipopolysaccharide. Our findings demonstrate the safety concerns associated with using dietary emulsifiers, suggesting that they could lead to metabolic syndromes.

Development of Novel High and Low Emulsifier Diets Based upon Emulsifier Distribution in the Australian Food Supply for Intervention Studies in Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

The aims of this study were to develop and evaluate a high/low-emulsifier diet and compare emulsifier content with preclinical studies that have associated Crohn's disease with emulsifiers.

METHODS

Supermarkets were audited with a seven-day high- (HED) and low-emulsifier diet (LED) meal plan developed. The emulsifier content of food was sought from food manufacturers, compared to acceptable daily intake (ADI), and doses were provided in trials. Nutritional composition analysis was completed. Healthy adults ate these diets for seven days in a randomized single-blinded cross-over feeding study to assess palatability, tolerability, satiety, food variety, dietary adherence, blinding and the ease of following the meal plan via visual analogue scale.

RESULTS

A database of 1680 foods was created. There was no difference in nutritional content between the HED and LED, except HED had a higher ultra-processed food content (p < 0.001). The HED contained 41 emulsifiers, with 53% of the products able to be quantified for emulsifiers (2.8 g/d), which did not exceed the ADI, was similar to that in observational studies, and was exceeded by doses used in experimental studies. In ten participants, diets were rated similarly in palatability-HED mean 62 (5% CI 37-86) mm vs. LED 68 (54-82) mm-in tolerability-HED 41 (20-61) mm vs. LED 55 (37-73) mm-and in satiety HED 57 (32-81) mm vs. LED 49 (24-73) mm. The combined diets were easy to follow (82 (67-97) mm) with good variety (65 (47-81)) and excellent adherence.

CONCLUSION

Nutritionally well-matched HED and LED were successfully developed, palatable and well tolerated.

Skeletal muscle metabolic dysfunction with circulating carboxymethyl-lysine in dietary food additive-induced leaky gut

Impaired intestinal permeability induces systemic inflammation and metabolic disturbance. The effect of a leaky gut on metabolism in skeletal muscle, a major nutrient consumer, remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the glucose metabolic function of the whole body and skeletal muscles in a mouse model of diet-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction. At Week 2, we observed higher intestinal permeability in mice fed a titanium dioxide (TiO2)-containing diet than that of mice fed a normal control diet. Subsequently, systemic glucose and insulin tolerance were found to be impaired. In the skeletal muscle, glucose uptake and phosphorylation levels in insulin signaling were lower in the TiO2 group than those in the control group. Additionally, the levels of pro-inflammatory factors were higher in TiO2-fed mice than those in the control group. We observed higher carboxymethyl-lysin (CML) levels in the plasma and intestines of TiO2-fed mice and lower insulin-dependent glucose uptake in CML-treated cultured myotubes than those in the controls. Finally, soluble dietary fiber supplementation improved glucose and insulin intolerance, suppressed plasma CML, and improved intestinal barrier function. These results suggest that an impaired intestinal barrier leads to systemic glucose intolerance, which is associated with glucose metabolism dysfunction in the skeletal muscles due to circulating CML derived from the intestine. This study highlights that the intestinal condition regulates muscle and systemic metabolic health.

Transfer of modified gut viromes improves symptoms associated with metabolic syndrome in obese male mice

Metabolic syndrome encompasses amongst other conditions like obesity and type-2 diabetes and is associated with gut microbiome (GM) dysbiosis. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been explored to treat metabolic syndrome by restoring the GM; however, concerns on accidentally transferring pathogenic microbes remain. As a safer alternative, fecal virome transplantation (FVT, sterile-filtrated feces) has the advantage over FMT in that mainly bacteriophages are transferred. FVT from lean male donors have shown promise in alleviating the metabolic effects of high-fat diet in a preclinical mouse study. However, FVT still carries the risk of eukaryotic viral infections. To address this, recently developed methods are applied for removing or inactivating eukaryotic viruses in the viral component of FVT. Modified FVTs are compared with unmodified FVT and saline in a diet-induced obesity model on male C57BL/6 N mice. Contrasted with obese control, mice administered a modified FVT (nearly depleted for eukaryotic viruses) exhibits enhanced blood glucose clearance but not weight loss. The unmodified FVT improves liver pathology and reduces the proportions of immune cells in the adipose tissue with a non-uniform response. GM analysis suggests that bacteriophage-mediated GM modulation influences outcomes. Optimizing these approaches could lead to the development of safe bacteriophage-based therapies targeting metabolic syndrome through GM restoration.

Cadmium modulates intestinal Wnt/β-catenin signaling ensuing intestinal barrier disruption and systemic inflammation

The intricate architecture of the intestinal epithelium, crucial for nutrient absorption, is constantly threatened by environmental factors. The epithelium undergoes rapid turnover, which is essential for maintaining homeostasis, under the control of intestinal stem cells (ISCs). The central regulator, Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays a key role in intestinal integrity and turnover. Despite its significance, the impact of environmental factors on this pathway has been largely overlooked. This study, for the first time, investigates the influence of Cd on the intestinal Wnt signaling pathway using a mouse model. In this study, male BALB/c mice were administered an environmentally relevant Cd dose (0.98 mg/kg) through oral gavage to investigate the intestinal disruption and Wnt signaling pathway. Various studies, including histopathology, immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, western blotting, ELISA, intestinal permeability assay, and flow cytometry, were conducted to study Cd-induced changes in the intestine. The canonical Wnt signaling pathway experienced significant downregulation as a result of sub-chronic Cd exposure, which caused extensive damage throughout the small intestine. Increased intestinal permeability and a skewed immune response were also observed. To confirm that Wnt signaling downregulation is the key driver of Cd-induced gastrointestinal toxicity, mice were co-exposed to LiCl (a recognized Wnt activator) and Cd. The results clearly showed that the harmful effects of Cd could be reversed, which is strong evidence that Cd mostly damages the intestine through the Wnt/β-catenin signalling axis. In conclusion, this research advances the current understanding of the role of Wnt/β catenin signaling in gastrointestinal toxicity caused by diverse environmental pollutants.

Characterization of high-internal-phase emulsions based on soy protein isolate with varying concentrations of soy hull polysaccharide and their capabilities for probiotic delivery: In vivo and in vitro release and thermal stability

In this study, the impact of soy hull polysaccharide (SHP) concentration on high-internal-phase emulsions (HIPEs) formation and the gastrointestinal viability of Lactobacillus plantarum within HIPEs were demonstrated. Following the addition of SHP, competitive adsorption with soy protein isolate (SPI) occurred, leading to increased protein adhesion to the oil-water interface and subsequent coating of oil droplets. This process augmented viscosity and enhanced HIPEs stability. Specifically, 1.8 % SHP had the best encapsulation efficiency and delivery efficiency, reaching 99.3 % and 71.1 %, respectively. After 14 d of continuous zebrafishs feeding, viable counts of Lactobacillus plantarum and complex probiotics in the intestinal tract was 1.1 × 107, 1.3 × 107, respectively. In vitro experiments further proved that HIPEs' ability to significantly enhance probiotics' intestinal colonization and provided targeted release for colon-specific delivery. These results provided a promising strategy for HIPEs-encapsulated probiotic delivery systems in oral food applications.

Ultra-processed foods and food additives in gut health and disease

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and food additives have become ubiquitous components of the modern human diet. There is increasing evidence of an association between diets rich in UPFs and gut disease, including inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer and irritable bowel syndrome. Food additives are added to many UPFs and have themselves been shown to affect gut health. For example, evidence shows that some emulsifiers, sweeteners, colours, and microparticles and nanoparticles have effects on a range of outcomes, including the gut microbiome, intestinal permeability and intestinal inflammation. Broadly speaking, evidence for the effect of UPFs on gut disease comes from observational epidemiological studies, whereas, by contrast, evidence for the effect of food additives comes largely from preclinical studies conducted in vitro or in animal models. Fewer studies have investigated the effect of UPFs or food additives on gut health and disease in human intervention studies. Hence, the aim of this article is to critically review the evidence for the effects of UPF and food additives on gut health and disease and to discuss the clinical application of these findings.

Gas-propelled nanomotors alleviate colitis through the regulation of intestinal immunoenvironment-hematopexis-microbiota circuits

The progression of ulcerative colitis (UC) is associated with immunologic derangement, intestinal hemorrhage, and microbiota imbalance. While traditional medications mainly focus on mitigating inflammation, it remains challenging to address multiple symptoms. Here, a versatile gas-propelled nanomotor was constructed by mild fusion of post-ultrasonic CaO2 nanospheres with Cu2O nanoblocks. The resulting CaO2-Cu2O possessed a desirable diameter (291.3 nm) and a uniform size distribution. It could be efficiently internalized by colonic epithelial cells and macrophages, scavenge intracellular reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, and alleviate immune reactions by pro-polarizing macrophages to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. This nanomotor was found to penetrate through the mucus barrier and accumulate in the colitis mucosa due to the driving force of the generated oxygen bubbles. Rectal administration of CaO2-Cu2O could stanch the bleeding, repair the disrupted colonic epithelial layer, and reduce the inflammatory responses through its interaction with the genes relevant to blood coagulation, anti-oxidation, wound healing, and anti-inflammation. Impressively, it restored intestinal microbiota balance by elevating the proportions of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Odoribacter and Bifidobacterium) and decreasing the abundances of harmful bacteria (e.g., Prevotellaceae and Helicobacter). Our gas-driven CaO2-Cu2O offers a promising therapeutic platform for robust treatment of UC via the rectal route.

Western diet components that increase intestinal permeability with implications on health

Intestinal permeability is a physiological property that allows necessary molecules to enter the organism. This property is regulated by tight junction proteins located between intestinal epithelial cells. However, various factors can increase intestinal permeability (IIP), including diet. Specific components in the Western diet (WD), such as monosaccharides, fat, gluten, salt, alcohol, and additives, can affect the tight junctions between enterocytes, leading to increased permeability. This review explains how these components promote IIP and outlines their potential implications for health. In addition, we describe how a reduction in WD consumption may help improve dietary treatment of diseases associated with IIP. Research has shown that some of these components can cause changes in the gut microbiota, leading to dysbiosis, which can promote greater intestinal permeability and displacement of endotoxins into the bloodstream. These endotoxins include lipopolysaccharides derived from gram-negative bacteria, and their presence has been associated with various diseases, such as autoimmune, neurological, and metabolic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, nutrition professionals should promote the reduction of WD consumption and consider the inclusion of healthy diet components as part of the nutritional treatment for diseases associated with increased intestinal permeability.

Evolution and the critical role of the microbiota in the reduced mental and physical health associated with low socioeconomic status (SES)

The evolution of the gut-microbiota-brain axis in animals reveals that microbial inputs influence metabolism, the regulation of inflammation and the development of organs, including the brain. Inflammatory, neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders are more prevalent in people of low socioeconomic status (SES). Many aspects of low SES reduce exposure to the microbial inputs on which we are in a state of evolved dependence, whereas the lifestyle of wealthy citizens maintains these exposures. This partially explains the health deficit of low SES, so focussing on our evolutionary history and on environmental and lifestyle factors that distort microbial exposures might help to mitigate that deficit. But the human microbiota is complex and we have poor understanding of its functions at the microbial and mechanistic levels, and in the brain. Perhaps its composition is more flexible than the microbiota of animals that have restricted habitats and less diverse diets? These uncertainties are discussed in relation to the encouraging but frustrating results of attempts to treat psychiatric disorders by modulating the microbiota.

Gut bacteria exacerbates TNBS-induced colitis and kidney injury through oxidative stress

Gut microbiota has been implicated in the initiation and progression of various diseases; however, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive and effective therapeutic strategies are scarce. In this study, we investigated the role and mechanisms of gut microbiota in TNBS-induced colitis and its associated kidney injury while evaluating the potential of dietary protein as a therapeutic intervention. The intrarectal administration of TNBS induced colitis in mice, concurrently with kidney damage. Interestingly, this effect was absent when TNBS was administered intraperitoneally, indicating a potential role of gut microbiota. Depletion of gut bacteria with antibiotics significantly attenuated the severity of TNBS-induced inflammation, oxidative damage, and tissue injury in the colon and kidneys. Mechanistic investigations using cultured colon epithelial cells and bone-marrow macrophages unveiled that TNBS induced cell oxidation, inflammation and injury, which was amplified by the bacterial component LPS and mitigated by thiol antioxidants. Importantly, in vivo administration of thiol-rich whey protein entirely prevented TNBS-induced colonic and kidney injury. Our findings suggest that gut bacteria significantly contribute to the initiation and progression of colitis and associated kidney injury, potentially through mechanisms involving LPS-induced exaggeration of oxidative cellular damage. Furthermore, our research highlights the potential of dietary thiol antioxidants as preventive and therapeutic interventions.

Eating away cancer: the potential of diet and the microbiome for shaping immunotherapy outcome

The gut microbiome (GMB) plays a substantial role in human health and disease. From affecting gut barrier integrity to promoting immune cell differentiation, the GMB is capable of shaping host immunity and thus oncogenesis and anti-cancer therapeutic response, particularly with immunotherapy. Dietary patterns and components are key determinants of GMB composition, supporting the investigation of the diet-microbiome-immunity axis as a potential avenue to enhance immunotherapy response in cancer patients. As such, this review will discuss the role of the GMB and diet on anti-cancer immunity. We demonstrate that diet affects anti-cancer immunity through both GMB-independent and GMB-mediated mechanisms, and that different diet patterns mold the GMB's functional and taxonomic composition in distinctive ways. Dietary modulation therefore shows promise as an intervention for improving cancer outcome; however, further and more extensive research in human cancer populations is needed.

Challenges in IBD Research 2024: Environmental Triggers

Environmental factors play an important role in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD; Crohn's disease, [CD], ulcerative colitis [UC]). As part of the Crohn's & Colitis Challenges 2024 agenda, the Environmental Triggers workgroup summarized the progress made in the field of environmental impact on IBD since the last Challenges cycle in this document. The workgroup identified 4 unmet gaps in this content area pertaining to 4 broad categories: (1) Epidemiology; (2) Exposomics and environmental measurement; (3) Biologic mechanisms; and (4) Interventions and Implementation. Within epidemiology, the biggest unmet gaps were in the study of environmental factors in understudied populations including racial and ethnic minority groups and in populations witnessing rapid rise in disease incidence globally. The workgroup also identified a lack of robust knowledge of how environmental factors may impact difference stages of the disease and for different disease-related end points. Leveraging existing cohorts and targeted new prospective studies were felt to be an important need for the field. The workgroup identified the limitations of traditional questionnaire-based assessment of environmental exposure and placed high priority on the identification of measurable biomarkers that can quantify cross-sectional and longitudinal environmental exposure. This would, in turn, allow for identifying the biologic mechanisms of influence of environmental factors on IBD and understand the heterogeneity in effect of such influences. Finally, the working group emphasized the importance of generating high-quality data on effective environmental modification on an individual and societal level, and the importance of scalable and sustainable methods to deliver such changes.

Obesogens in Adolescence: Challenging Aspects and Prevention Strategies

Childhood obesity has become a global epidemic, with significant increases in prevalence over recent decades. While excessive calorie consumption and physical inactivity are known factors, emerging research highlights the role of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), particularly obesogens, in obesity's pathogenesis. This review explores the historical context of the environmental obesogens hypothesis, their sources, mechanism of action, impact on prenatal and postnatal development, and epigenetics. Additionally, it discusses the long-term consequences of childhood obesity and proposes prevention strategies that will mitigate negative health effects. Obesogens were found to disrupt hormonal balance and metabolic processes through various mechanisms such as altering gene expression, hormonal interference, and inflammation. Especially significant was exposure during critical windows of development, which correlates with an increased risk of obesity in childhood or adolescence. Long-term effects of childhood obesity include chronic health conditions and psychosocial issues. A comprehensive approach is necessary to address childhood obesity encompassing genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Prevention strategies should focus on reducing obesogen exposure, promoting healthy lifestyles, and implementing regulatory policies. Future research should investigate obesogens-diet interactions, microbiome impacts, and combined obesogens effects. Long-term human studies are also crucial for validating findings from animal models and allowing for informed decision-making to combat the obesity pandemic.

Rheology and gelation of aqueous carboxymethylated curdlan solution: Impact of the degree of substitution

Curdlan is a unique (1,3)-β-D-glucan with bioactivity and exceptional gelling properties. By chemical functionalization such as carboxymethylation, the physicochemical properties of curdlan can be significantly tailored. However, how the carboxymethylation extent of curdlan affects its rheology and gelation characteristics has yet to be fully understood. Herein, we investigated the impact of the degree of substitution (DS, ranging from 0.04 to 0.97) on the rheological and gelation behavior of carboxymethylated curdlan (CMCD). It was found that CMCD with DS below 0.20, resembling native curdlan, still retained its gelling capability. As the DS increased beyond 0.36, there was a significant increase in its water solubility instead of gelation, resulting in transparent solutions with steady/complex viscosities adhering to the Cox-Merz rule. Moreover, CMCD with high DS demonstrated the ability to undergo in-situ gelation in the presence of metal ions, attributed to the nonspecific electrostatic binding. Additionally, in vitro cytocompatibility testing showed positive compatibility across varying DS in CMCD. This research offers a holistic understanding of the viscosifying and gelling behaviors of CMCD with varying DS, thereby fostering their practical application as thickeners and gelling agents in fields ranging from food and biomedicine to cosmetics and beyond.

Food contamination and cardiovascular disease: a narrative review

Cardiovascular disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among non-communicable diseases worldwide. Evidence shows that a healthy dietary pattern positively influences many risk factors of cardiometabolic health, stroke, and heart disease, supported by the effectiveness of healthy diet and lifestyles for the prevention of CVD. High quality and safety of foods are prerequisites to ensuring food security and beneficial effects. Contaminants can be present in foods mainly because of contamination from environmental sources (water, air, or soil pollution), or artificially introduced by the human. Moreover, the cross-contamination or formation during food processing, food packaging, presence or contamination by natural toxins, or use of unapproved food additives and adulterants. Numerous studies reported the association between food contaminants and cardiovascular risk by demonstrating that (1) the cross-contamination or artificial sweeteners, additives, and adulterants in food processing can be the cause of the risk for major adverse cardiovascular events and (2) environmental factors, such as heavy metals and chemical products can be also significant contributors to food contamination with a negative impact on cardiovascular systems. Furthermore, oxidative stress can be a common mechanism that mediates food contamination-associated CVDs as substantiated by studies showing impaired oxidative stress biomarkers after exposure to food contaminants.This narrative review summarizes the data suggesting how food contaminants may elicit artery injury and proposing oxidative stress as a mediator of cardiovascular damage.

Association Between Ultraprocessed Foods Consumption and Leucocyte Telomere Length: A Cross-Sectional Study of UK Biobank

BACKGROUND

□ OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the association between consumption of ultraprocessed foods and leucocyte telomere length (LTL).

METHODS

This cross-sectional study utilized data from the UK Biobank, including a total of 64,690 participants. LTL was measured using qPCR with natural logarithmic conversion and z-score normalization. Dietary data were collected through a 24-h recall questionnaire from 2009 to 2010. Ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) were identified using the NOVA food classification as either a continuous or a categorical variable. Multiple linear regression models were employed to analyze the association between UPF consumption and LTL.

RESULTS

The included participants had an average age of 56.26 y, of whom 55.2% were female. After adjusting for demographic and health-related variables, LTL exhibited a decrease of 0.005 (95% CI: -0.007, -0.002) with 1 UPF serving increase. Compared with participants consuming ≤3.5 servings/d, those consuming 3.5 to <6 servings showed a shortening of LTL by 0.025 (95% CI: -0.046, -0.003). Participants consuming 6 to ≤8 servings/d and >8 servings/d had LTL shortening of 0.032 (95% CI: -0.054, -0.011) and 0.037 (95% CI: -0.060, -0.014), respectively (P for trend = 0.002). Subgroup analyses by UPF subclasses revealed that the consumption of ready-to-eat/heated food (β: -0.010; 95% CI: -0.016, -0.004), beans and potatoes (β: -0.027; 95% CI: -0.043, -0.012), animal-based products (β: -0.012; 95% CI: -0.020, -0.005), artificial sugar (β: -0.014; 95% CI:-0.025,-0.003), and beverages (β: -0.005; 95% CI: -0.009, -0.001) showed negative associations with LTL. Conversely, breakfast cereals (β: 0.022; 95% CI: 0.006, 0.038) and vegetarian alternatives (β: 0.056; 95% CI:0.026,0.085) showed positive correlations with LTL.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study found that a higher consumption of total UPF was associated with a shorter LTL. However, some UPFs may be associated with longer LTL, depending on their nutritional composition.

Effect of incorporating white pepper (Piper nigrum L.) oleoresin on starch/alginate films

The development of films based on natural components has demonstrated their potential for food preservation. In this research, the effect of the inclusion of white pepper oleoresin (WPO) in a film made from cassava starch and sodium alginate (FWPO) on the antimicrobial, physicochemical, mechanical, optical, and structural properties was evaluated. The films were formulated with different concentrations of WPO (0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%). The results obtained indicated that the incorporation of WPO in the film increased the antioxidant activity against the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical (DPPH), and an inhibitory effect against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria was also observed. Elongation at break (EB), water vapor permeability (WVP), moisture content, solubility, and luminosity (L*) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with the addition of WPO. On the other hand, the tensile strength (TS), the value of b* (tendency toward yellow) and the opacity increased. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed a smooth, uniform appearance, and continuous dispersion between cassava starch, alginate and WPO. FTIR spectra showed the interactions between the film components. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed that the addition of WPO did not affect the structural stability of the films. The results obtained indicate the possible use of WPO in the packaging of food products, contributing to the improvement of food quality and safety.

Long-term exposure to dietary emulsifier Tween 80 promotes liver lipid accumulation and induces different-grade inflammation in young and aged mice

With the advent of industrialization, there has been a substantial increase in the production and consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). These processed foods often contain artificially synthesized additives, such as emulsifiers. Emulsifiers constitute approximately half of the total amount of food additives, with Tween 80 being a commonly used emulsifier in the food industry. Concurrently, China is undergoing significant demographic changes, transitioning into an aging society. Despite this demographic shift, there is insufficient research on the health implications of food emulsifiers, particularly on the elderly population. In this study, we present novel findings indicating that even at low concentrations, Tween 80 suppressed the viability of multiple cell types. Prolonged in vivo exposure to 1 % Tween 80 in drinking water induced liver lipid accumulation and insulin resistance in young adult mice under a regular chow diet. Intriguingly, in mice with high-fat diet (HFD) induced metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), this inductive effect was masked. In aged mice, liver lipid accumulation was replicated under prolonged Tween 80 exposure. We further revealed that Tween 80 induced inflammation in both adult and aged mice, with a more pronounced inflammation in aged mice. In conclusion, our study provides compelling evidence that Tween 80 could contribute to a low-grade inflammation and liver lipid accumulation. These findings underscore the need for increasing attention regarding the consumption of UPFs with Tween 80 as the emulsifier, particularly in the elderly consumers.

Ultraprocessed Food Consumption and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Children

Importance

High intake of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) has been associated with higher cardiometabolic risk in adults; however, the evidence in children is limited.

Objective

To investigate the association between UPF consumption and cardiometabolic risk factors in the Childhood Obesity Risk Assessment Longitudinal Study (CORALS).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This baseline cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the data of CORALS participants recruited between March 22, 2019, and June 30, 2022. Preschool children (aged 3-6 years) were recruited from schools and centers in 7 cities in Spain. Inclusion criteria included informed consent signed by parents or caregivers and having a completed a set of questionnaires about the child's prenatal history at home. Exclusion criteria included low command of Spanish or unstable residence.

Exposure

Energy-adjusted UPF consumption (in grams per day) from food frequency questionnaires and based on the NOVA food classification system.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Age- and sex-specific z scores of adiposity parameters (body mass index [BMI], fat mass index, waist-to-height ratio, and waist circumference) and cardiometabolic parameters (diastolic and systolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides) were estimated using linear regression models.

Results

Of 1509 enrolled CORALS participants, 1426 (mean [SD] age, 5.8 [1.1] years; 698 boys [49.0%]) were included in this study. Mothers of children with high UPF consumption were younger, had a higher BMI, were more likely to have overweight or obesity, and had lower education levels and employment rates. Compared with participants in the lowest tertile of energy-adjusted UPF consumption, those in the highest tertile showed higher z scores of BMI (β coefficient, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.05-0.35), waist circumference (β coefficient, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.05-0.35), fat mass index (β coefficient, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.00-0.32), and fasting plasma glucose (β coefficient, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.06-0.37) and lower z scores for HDL cholesterol (β coefficient, -0.19; 95% CI, -0.36 to -0.02). One-SD increments in energy-adjusted UPF consumption were associated with higher z scores for BMI (β coefficient, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.05-0.17), waist circumference (β coefficient, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.02-0.15), fat mass index (β coefficient, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.04-1.18), and fasting plasma glucose (β coefficient, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.03-0.17) and lower HDL cholesterol (β coefficient, -0.07; 95% CI, -0.15 to -0.00). Substituting 100 g of UPFs with 100 g of unprocessed or minimally processed foods was associated with lower z scores of BMI (β coefficient, -0.03; 95% CI, -0.06 to -0.01), fat mass index (β coefficient, -0.03; 95% CI, -0.06 to 0.00), and fasting plasma glucose (β coefficient, -0.04; 95% CI, -0.07 to -0.01).

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest that high UPF consumption in young children is associated with adiposity and other cardiometabolic risk factors, highlighting the need for public health initiatives to promote the replacement of UPFs with unprocessed or minimally processed foods.

Food additive emulsifiers and the risk of type 2 diabetes: analysis of data from the NutriNet-Santé prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Experimental studies have suggested potential detrimental effects of emulsifiers on gut microbiota, inflammation, and metabolic perturbations. We aimed to investigate the associations between exposures to food additive emulsifiers and the risk of type 2 diabetes in a large prospective cohort of French adults.

METHODS

We analysed data from 104 139 adults enrolled in the French NutriNet-Santé prospective cohort study from May 1, 2009, to April 26, 2023; 82 456 (79·2%) were female and the mean age was 42·7 years (SD 14·5). Dietary intakes were assessed with three 24 h dietary records collected over three non-consecutive days, every 6 months. Exposure to additive emulsifiers was evaluated through multiple food composition databases and ad-hoc laboratory assays. Associations between cumulative time-dependent exposures to food additive emulsifiers and the risk of type 2 diabetes were characterised with multivariable proportional hazards Cox models adjusted for known risk factors. The NutriNet-Santé study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03335644).

FINDINGS

Of 104 139 participants, 1056 were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes during follow-up (mean follow-up duration 6·8 years [SD 3·7]). Intakes of the following emulsifiers were associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes: total carrageenans (hazard ratio [HR] 1·03 [95% CI 1·01-1·05] per increment of 100 mg per day, p<0·0001), carrageenans gum (E407; HR 1·03 [1·01-1·05] per increment of 100 mg per day, p<0·0001), tripotassium phosphate (E340; HR 1·15 [1·02-1·31] per increment of 500 mg per day, p=0·023), acetyl tartaric acid esters of monoglycerides and diglycerides of fatty acids (E472e; HR 1·04 [1·00-1·08] per increment of 100 mg per day, p=0·042), sodium citrate (E331; HR 1·04 [1·01-1·07] per increment of 500 mg per day, p=0·0080), guar gum (E412; HR 1·11 [1·06-1·17] per increment of 500 mg per day, p<0·0001), gum arabic (E414; HR 1·03 [1·01-1·05] per increment of 1000 mg per day, p=0·013), and xanthan gum (E415, HR 1·08 [1·02-1·14] per increment of 500 mg per day, p=0·013).

INTERPRETATION

We found direct associations between the risk of type 2 diabetes and exposures to various food additive emulsifiers widely used in industrial foods, in a large prospective cohort of French adults. Further research is needed to prompt re-evaluation of regulations governing the use of additive emulsifiers in the food industry for better consumer protection.

FUNDING

European Research Council, French National Cancer Institute, French Ministry of Health, IdEx Université de Paris, and Bettencourt-Schueller Foundation.

Fecal microbiota transplantation ameliorates abdominal obesity through inhibiting microbiota-mediated intestinal barrier damage and inflammation in mice

Abdominal obesity (AO), characterized by the excessive abdominal fat accumulation, has emerged as a significant public health concern due to its metabolic complications and escalating prevalence worldwide, posing a more pronounced threat to human health than general obesity. While certain studies have indicated that intestinal flora contributed to diet-induced general obesity, the precise involvement of gut microbiota in the development of AO, specifically the accumulation of abdominal fat, remains inadequately explored. In this study, the 16 S rDNA sequencing was employed to analyze gut flora alterations, and the intestinal microbiota dysbiosis characterized by a vanishing decline of Akkermansia was found in the AO group. Along with notable gut microbiota changes, the intestinal mucosal barrier damage and metabolic inflammation were detected, which collectively promoted metabolic dysregulation in AO. Furthermore, the metabolic inflammation and AO were ameliorated after the intestinal microbiota depletion with antibiotics (ABX) drinking, underscoring a significant involvement of gut microbiota dysbiosis in the progression of AO. More importantly, our findings demonstrated that the transplantation of healthy intestinal flora successfully reversed the gut microbiota dysbiosis, particularly the decline of Akkermansia in the AO group. The gut flora reshaping has led to the repair of gut barrier damage and mitigation of metabolic inflammation, which ultimately ameliorated abdominal fat deposition. Our study established the role of interactions between gut flora, mucus barrier, and metabolic inflammation in the development of AO, thereby offering a theoretical foundation for the clinical application of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as a treatment for AO.

Supplementation of Clostridium butyricum Alleviates Vascular Inflammation in Diabetic Mice

BACKGRUOUND

Gut microbiota is closely related to the occurrence and development of diabetes and affects the prognosis of diabetic complications, and the underlying mechanisms are only partially understood. We aimed to explore the possible link between the gut microbiota and vascular inflammation of diabetic mice.

METHODS

The db/db diabetic and wild-type (WT) mice were used in this study. We profiled gut microbiota and examined the and vascular function in both db/db group and WT group. Gut microbiota was analyzed by 16s rRNA sequencing. Vascular function was examined by ultrasonographic hemodynamics and histological staining. Clostridium butyricum (CB) was orally administered to diabetic mice by intragastric gavage every 2 days for 2 consecutive months. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and expression of nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were detected by fluorescence microscopy. The mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines was tested by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Compared with WT mice, CB abundance was significantly decreased in the gut of db/db mice, together with compromised vascular function and activated inflammation in the arterial tissue. Meanwhile, ROS in the vascular tissue of db/db mice was also significantly increased. Oral administration of CB restored the protective microbiota, and protected the vascular function in the db/db mice via activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

CONCLUSION

This study identified the potential link between decreased CB abundance in gut microbiota and vascular inflammation in diabetes. Therapeutic delivery of CB by gut transplantation alleviates the vascular lesions of diabetes mellitus by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

The gut commensal Blautia maintains colonic mucus function under low-fiber consumption through secretion of short-chain fatty acids

Beneficial gut bacteria are indispensable for developing colonic mucus and fully establishing its protective function against intestinal microorganisms. Low-fiber diet consumption alters the gut bacterial configuration and disturbs this microbe-mucus interaction, but the specific bacteria and microbial metabolites responsible for maintaining mucus function remain poorly understood. By using human-to-mouse microbiota transplantation and ex vivo analysis of colonic mucus function, we here show as a proof-of-concept that individuals who increase their daily dietary fiber intake can improve the capacity of their gut microbiota to prevent diet-mediated mucus defects. Mucus growth, a critical feature of intact colonic mucus, correlated with the abundance of the gut commensal Blautia, and supplementation of Blautia coccoides to mice confirmed its mucus-stimulating capacity. Mechanistically, B. coccoides stimulated mucus growth through the production of the short-chain fatty acids propionate and acetate via activation of the short-chain fatty acid receptor Ffar2, which could serve as a new target to restore mucus growth during mucus-associated lifestyle diseases.

Impact of Oil Bodies on Structure, Rheology and Function of Acid-Mediated Soy Protein Isolate Gels

Oil bodies (OBs) are naturally occurring pre-emulsified oil droplets that have broad application prospects in emulsions and gels. The main purpose of this research was to examine the impact of the OB content on the structure and functional aspects of acid-mediated soy protein isolate (SPI) gel filled with OBs. The results indicated that the peanut oil body (POBs) content significantly affected the water holding capacity of the gel. The rheological and textural analyses showed that POBs reduced the gel strength and hardness. The scanning electron and confocal laser scanning microscopy analyses revealed that POBs aggregated during gel formation and reduced the gel network density. The Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR) analysis demonstrated that POBs participated in protein gels through hydrogen bonds, steric hindrance and hydrophobic interactions. Therefore, OBs served as inactive filler in the acid-mediated protein gel, replaced traditional oils and provided alternative ingredients for the development of new emulsion-filled gels.

Opposing diet, microbiome, and metabolite mechanisms regulate inflammatory bowel disease in a genetically susceptible host

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic conditions characterized by periods of spontaneous intestinal inflammation and are increasing in industrialized populations. Combined with host genetics, diet and gut bacteria are thought to contribute prominently to IBDs, but mechanisms are still emerging. In mice lacking the IBD-associated cytokine, interleukin-10, we show that a fiber-deprived gut microbiota promotes the deterioration of colonic mucus, leading to lethal colitis. Inflammation starts with the expansion of natural killer cells and altered immunoglobulin-A coating of some bacteria. Lethal colitis is then driven by Th1 immune responses to increased activities of mucin-degrading bacteria that cause inflammation first in regions with thinner mucus. A fiber-free exclusive enteral nutrition diet also induces mucus erosion but inhibits inflammation by simultaneously increasing an anti-inflammatory bacterial metabolite, isobutyrate. Our findings underscore the importance of focusing on microbial functions-not taxa-contributing to IBDs and that some diet-mediated functions can oppose those that promote disease.