Choline: Dietary Requirements and Role in Brain Development.ACTA ACUST UNITED AC. 2007;42:181-186. [PMID: 18716669 DOI: 10.1097/01.NT.0000286155.55343.fa]

NMR-based metabolomics identification of potential serum biomarkers of disease progression in patients with multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and progressive neurological disorder, characterized by neuroinflammation and demyelination within the central nervous system (CNS). The etiology and the pathogenesis of MS are still unknown. Till now, no satisfactory treatments, diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers are available for MS. Therefore, we aimed to investigate metabolic alterations in patients with MS compared to controls and across MS subtypes. Metabolic profiles of serum samples from patients with MS (n = 90) and healthy control (n = 30) were determined by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H-NMR) Spectroscopy using cryogenic probe. This approach was also utilized to identify significant differences between the metabolite profiles of the MS groups (primary progressive, secondary progressive, and relapsing-remitting) and the healthy controls. Concentrations of nine serum metabolites (adenosine triphosphate (ATP), tryptophan, formate, succinate, glutathione, inosine, histidine, pantothenate, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)) were significantly higher in patients with MS compared to control. SPMS serum exhibited increased pantothenate and tryptophan than in PPMS. In addition, lysine, myo-inositol, and glutamate exhibited the highest discriminatory power (0.93, 95% CI 0.869-0.981; 0.92, 95% CI 0.859-0.969; 0.91, 95% CI 0.843-0.968 respectively) between healthy control and MS. Using NMR- based metabolomics, we identified a set of metabolites capable of classifying MS patients and controls. These findings confirmed untargeted metabolomics as a useful approach for the discovery of possible novel biomarkers that could aid in the diagnosis of the disease.

Paradoxes: Cholesterol and Hypoxia in Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia, a hypertensive disease of pregnancy of unknown etiology, is intensely studied as a model of cardiovascular disease (CVD) not only due to multiple shared pathologic elements but also because changes that develop over decades in CVD appear and resolve within days in preeclampsia. Those affected by preeclampsia and their offspring experience increased lifetime risks of CVD. At the systemic level, preeclampsia is characterized by increased cellular, membrane, and blood levels of cholesterol; however, cholesterol-dependent signaling, such as canonical Wnt/βcatenin, Hedgehog, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase, is downregulated indicating a cholesterol deficit with the upregulation of cholesterol synthesis and efflux. Hypoxia-related signaling in preeclampsia also appears to be paradoxical with increased Hypoxia-Inducible Factors in the placenta but measurably increased oxygen in maternal blood in placental villous spaces. This review addresses the molecular mechanisms by which excessive systemic cholesterol and deficient cholesterol-dependent signaling may arise from the effects of dietary lipid variance and environmental membrane modifiers causing the cellular hypoxia that characterizes preeclampsia.

Cations impact the biodegradation of iodosulfuron-methyl herbicidal ionic liquids by fungi

In the framework of this study, six fungal isolates which demonstrated a high capability for biodegrading iodosulphuron-methyl sodium as well as herbicidal ionic liquids based on this herbicide were isolated from different soil samples. The isolates were identified based on the ITS region, whereas biodegradation residues were determined based on LC-MS/MS. Depending on the isolate, the half-lives values of the biodegraded herbicide or herbicidal ionic liquid ranged significantly from just 1.25 days to more than 40 days. The research findings unveiled that the structure of cations is a central limiting factor affecting fungal growth and herbicide transformation in case of ionic liquids. The length of the alkyl chain has been identified as the primary driver of herbicide toxicity, emphasizing the importance of structural factors in herbicide design. In cases when dodecyl(2-hydroxyethyl)dimethyl cation was used, its biodegradation ranged from 0 to approx. 20% and the biodegradability of the iodosulfuron-methyl was notably limited for the majority of the studied isolates. This knowledge provides guidance for development and selection of herbicides with reduced environmental impact. This study highlights the ecological importance of soil fungi, their potential role in herbicide biodegradation, the influence of cations on fungal growth and herbicide transformation, and the structural factors governing herbicide toxicity. Further research in these areas may lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly approaches to herbicide management.

The Role of One-Carbon Metabolism and Methyl Donors in Medically Assisted Reproduction: A Narrative Review of the Literature

One-carbon (1-C) metabolic deficiency impairs homeostasis, driving disease development, including infertility. It is of importance to summarize the current evidence regarding the clinical utility of 1-C metabolism-related biomolecules and methyl donors, namely, folate, betaine, choline, vitamin B12, homocysteine (Hcy), and zinc, as potential biomarkers, dietary supplements, and culture media supplements in the context of medically assisted reproduction (MAR). A narrative review of the literature was conducted in the PubMed/Medline database. Diet, ageing, and the endocrine milieu of individuals affect both 1-C metabolism and fertility status. In vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques, and culture conditions in particular, have a direct impact on 1-C metabolic activity in gametes and embryos. Critical analysis indicated that zinc supplementation in cryopreservation media may be a promising approach to reducing oxidative damage, while female serum homocysteine levels may be employed as a possible biomarker for predicting IVF outcomes. Nonetheless, the level of evidence is low, and future studies are needed to verify these data. One-carbon metabolism-related processes, including redox defense and epigenetic regulation, may be compromised in IVF-derived embryos. The study of 1-C metabolism may lead the way towards improving MAR efficiency and safety and ensuring the lifelong health of MAR infants.

SPOOC (Sensor for Periodic Observation of Choline): An Integrated Lab-on-a-Spoon Platform for At-Home Quantification of Choline in Infant Formula

Choline is an essential micronutrient for infants' brain development and health. To ensure that infants receive the needed daily dose of choline, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set requirements for choline levels in commercialized infant formulas. Unfortunately, not all families can access well-regulated formulas, leading to potential inadequacies in choline intake. Economic constraints or difficulties in obtaining formulas, exacerbated by situations like COVID-19, prompt families to stretch formulas. Accurate measurement of choline in infant formulas becomes imperative to guarantee that infants receive the necessary nutritional support. Yet, accessible tools for this purpose are lacking. An innovative integrated sensor for the periodic observation of choline (SPOOC) designed for at-home quantification of choline in infants' formulas and milk powders is reported. This system is composed of a choline potentiometric sensor and ionic-liquid reference electrode developed on laser-induced graphene (LIG) and integrated into a spoon-like device. SPOOC includes a micro-potentiometer that conducts the measurements and transmits results wirelessly to parents' mobile devices. SPOOC demonstrated rapid and accurate assessment of choline levels directly in pre-consuming infant formulas without any sample treatment. This work empowers parents with a user-friendly tool for choline monitoring promoting informed nutritional decision-making in the care of infants.

Brain metabolic derangements examined using 1H MRS and their (in)consistency among different rodent models of depression

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is underlined by neurochemical changes in the brain. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) is a useful tool for their examination as it provides information about the levels of metabolites. This review summarises the current knowledge of 1H MRS findings from rodent models of MDD, assesses the results from both a biological and a technical perspective, and identifies the main sources of bias. From a technical point of view, bias-introducing factors are the diversity of the measured volumes and their positioning in the brain, the data processing, and the metabolite concentration expression. The biological variables are strain, sex, and species, as well as the model itself, and in vivo vs. ex vivo exploration. This review identified some consistency in the 1H MRS findings in the models of MDD: lower levels of glutamine, glutamate + glutamine, and higher levels of myo-inositol and taurine in most of the brain regions of MDD models. This may suggest changes in regional metabolism, neuronal dysregulation, inflammation, and a compensatory effect reaction in the MDD rodent models.

Higher intake of certain nutrients among older adults is associated with better cognitive function: an analysis of NHANES 2011-2014

BACKGROUND

An increasing number of adults are over the age of 65, and there is concern about the increasing prevalence of age-associated cognitive decline and poor mental health status in older adults in the United States. Several nutrients are known to have important biological roles in brain health and neurological function, but many individuals fall short of recommended intake levels. The objective of this study was to examine the association between nutrient intake and cognitive function. We also explored whether nutrient intake was associated with depression.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014 and included participants ≥ 60 years of age who had reliable day 1 dietary recall data and either valid cognitive function data (n = 2713) or valid depression score data (n = 2943). The sample was stratified by gender, and cognitive functioning test (CFT) composite z-scores were analyzed by quartiles. Depression status was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).

RESULTS

Higher intake and adequacy of a number of different nutrients from food were associated with higher cognitive function in both males and females. Nutrients that showed the most consistent associations with cognitive function across intake and adequacy analyses for food in both males and females were vitamin A, vitamin E, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, folate, magnesium, potassium, zinc, vitamin K, and lutein and zeaxanthin (p < 0.05 for all). These associations were positive with increasing intake and adequacy being associated with higher CFT composite z-scores. Analysis of nutrient intake and depression yielded results that differed by gender. In females, the nutrients that showed consistent inverse associations with depression scores across both intake and adequacy analyses for food were vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, vitamin K, potassium, and dietary fiber (p < 0.05 for all). In males, no significant associations between nutrient intake from food and depression scores were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that older adults with sufficient intakes of certain essential nutrients have higher cognitive function. Future studies are needed to confirm whether a well-balanced diet and/or dietary supplements which emphasize these nutrients are effective for prevention of age-related declines in cognitive function and mood.

Metabolomics profiling reveals differences in proliferation between tumorigenic and non-tumorigenic Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells

Background

Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells are a cellular matrix in the production of influenza vaccines. The proliferation rate of MDCK cells is one of the critical factors that determine the vaccine production cycle. It is yet to be determined if there is a correlation between cell proliferation and alterations in metabolic levels. This study aimed to explore the metabolic differences between MDCK cells with varying proliferative capabilities through the use of both untargeted and targeted metabolomics.

Methods

To investigate the metabolic discrepancies between adherent cell groups (MDCK-M60 and MDCK-CL23) and suspension cell groups (MDCK-XF04 and MDCK-XF06), untargeted and targeted metabolomics were used. Utilizing RT-qPCR analysis, the mRNA expressions of key metabolites enzymes were identified.

Results

An untargeted metabolomics study demonstrated the presence of 81 metabolites between MDCK-M60 and MDCK-CL23 cells, which were mainly affected by six pathways. An analysis of MDCK-XF04 and MDCK-XF06 cells revealed a total of 113 potential metabolites, the majority of which were impacted by ten pathways. Targeted metabolomics revealed a decrease in the levels of choline, tryptophan, and tyrosine in MDCK-CL23 cells, which was in accordance with the results of untargeted metabolomics. Additionally, MDCK-XF06 cells experienced a decrease in 5'-methylthioadenosine and tryptophan, while S-adenosylhomocysteine, kynurenine, 11Z-eicosenoic acid, 3-phosphoglycerate, glucose 6-phosphate, and phosphoenolpyruvic acid concentrations were increased. The mRNA levels of MAT1A, MAT2B, IDO1, and IDO2 in the two cell groups were all increased, suggesting that S-adenosylmethionine and tryptophan may have a significant role in cell metabolism.

Conclusions

This research examines the effect of metabolite fluctuations on cell proliferation, thus offering a potential way to improve the rate of MDCK cell growth.

Algorithmic Programming of Sequential Logic and Genetic Circuits for Recording Biochemical Concentration in a Probiotic Bacterium

Through the implementation of designable genetic circuits, engineered probiotic microorganisms could be used as noninvasive diagnostic tools for the gastrointestinal tract. For these living cells to report detected biomarkers or signals after exiting the gut, the genetic circuits must be able to record these signals by using genetically encoded memory. Complex memory register circuits could enable multiplex interrogation of biomarkers and signals. A theory-based approach to create genetic circuits containing memory, known as sequential logic circuits, was previously established for a model laboratory strain of Escherichia coli, yet how circuit component performance varies for nonmodel and clinically relevant bacterial strains is poorly understood. Here, we develop a scalable computational approach to design robust sequential logic circuits in probiotic strain Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN). In this work, we used TetR-family transcriptional repressors to build genetic logic gates that can be composed into sequential logic circuits, along with a set of engineered sensors relevant for use in the gut environment. Using standard methods, 16 genetic NOT gates and nine sensors were experimentally characterized in EcN. These data were used to design and predict the performance of circuit designs. We present a set of genetic circuits encoding both combinational logic and sequential logic and show that the circuit outputs are in close agreement with our quantitative predictions from the design algorithm. Furthermore, we demonstrate an analog-like concentration recording circuit that detects and reports three input concentration ranges of a biochemical signal using sequential logic.

Association between choline supplementation and Alzheimer's disease risk: a systematic review protocol

Background and aims

There is growing evidence suggesting choline intake might have beneficial effects on cognitive function in the elderly. However, some studies report no relationship between choline intake and cognitive function or improvement in Alzheimer's disease patients. This protocol is for a systematic review of choline intake and Alzheimer's disease that aims to assess the comparative clinical effectiveness of choline supplementation on Alzheimer's disease risk.

Methods and analysis

literature search will be performed in PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane, and the Web of Science electronic databases from inception until October 2023. We will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies will be included if they compared two different time points of choline biomarkers measures in men or women (65+) with Alzheimer's Disease. The risk of bias in the included studies will be assessed within the Covidence data-management software.

Results

This review will summarize the clinical trial and quasi-experimental evidence of choline intake on Alzheimer's disease risk for adults aged 65+. The results from all eligible studies included in the analysis will be presented in tables, text, and figures. A descriptive synthesis will present the characteristics of included studies (e.g., age, sex of participants, type, length of intervention and comparator, and outcome measures), critical appraisal results, and descriptions of the main findings.

Discussion

This systematic review will summarize the existing evidence on the association between Choline intake and AD and to make recommendations if appropriate. The results of this review will be considered with respect to whether there is enough evidence of benefit to merit a more definitive randomized controlled trial. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals population.

Conclusion

This protocol outlines the methodology for a systematic review of choline intake and AD. The resulting systematic review from this protocol will form an evidence-based foundation to advance nutrition care for individuals with AD or poor cognitive function.

Systematic review registration

http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023395004.

Total choline intake and working memory performance in adults with phenylketonuria

BACKGROUND

Despite early diagnosis and compliance with phenylalanine (Phe)-restricted diets, many individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) still exhibit neurological changes and experience deficits in working memory and other executive functions. Suboptimal choline intake may contribute to these impairments, but this relationship has not been previously investigated in PKU. The objective of this study was to determine if choline intake is correlated with working memory performance, and if this relationship is modified by diagnosis and metabolic control.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study that included 40 adults with PKU and 40 demographically matched healthy adults. Web-based neurocognitive tests were used to assess working memory performance and 3-day dietary records were collected to evaluate nutrient intake. Recent and historical blood Phe concentrations were collected as measures of metabolic control.

RESULTS

Working memory performance was 0.32 z-scores (95% CI 0.06, 0.58) lower, on average, in participants with PKU compared to participants without PKU, and this difference was not modified by total choline intake (F[1,75] = 0.85, p = 0.36). However, in a subgroup with complete historical blood Phe data, increased total choline intake was related to improved working memory outcomes among participants with well controlled PKU (Phe = 360 µmol/L) after adjusting for intellectual ability and mid-childhood Phe concentrations (average change in working memory per 100 mg change in choline = 0.11; 95% CI 0.02, 0.20; p = 0.02). There also was a trend, albeit nonsignificant (p = 0.10), for this association to be attenuated with increased Phe concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical monitoring of choline intake is essential for all individuals with PKU but may have important implications for working memory functioning among patients with good metabolic control. Results from this study should be confirmed in a larger controlled trial in people living with PKU.

Dietary choline and betaine intake, cardio-metabolic risk factors and prevalence of metabolic syndrome among overweight and obese adults

BACKGROUND

Choline is an important metabolite involved in phospholipids synthesis, including serum lipids, and is the immediate precursor of betaine. There are numerous studies with inconsistent results that evaluated the association between dietary choline intakes with cardiovascular risk factors. In addition, the association between dietary betaine and choline intakes with cardio-metabolic risk factors is not well studied. In the current study, our aim was to evaluate dietary choline and betaine intakes in the usual diet of obese individuals and to assess its association with serum lipids, blood pressure and glycemic markers among obese individuals.

METHODS

We recruited a total number of 359 obese people aged between 20 and 50 years in the present study. A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used for dietary assessment; dietary choline and betaine intakes were calculated using the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) database. National cholesterol education program adult treatment panel (NCEP-ATP)-III criteria was used metabolic syndrome (MetS) definition. Enzymatic methods were used to assess biochemical variables. Body composition was measured with the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) method.

RESULTS

Higher body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR), fat-free mass (FFM) and basal metabolic rate (BMR) were observed in higher tertiles of dietary choline intake (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in terms of biochemical parameters among different tertiles of dietary choline intake, while systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were reduced in higher betaine tertiles (P < 0.05). For total dietary choline and betaine intakes, there was a reduction in DBP and low density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations (P < 0.05). Also, a non-significant reduction in serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and MetS prevalence was observed in higher tertiles of dietary choline and betaine intakes. After classification of the study population according to MetS status, there was no significant difference in biochemical variables in subjects with MetS (P > 0.05), while in the non-MetS group, SBP, DBP, TG and insulin levels reduced in higher tertiles of dietary betaine and choline (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

According to our findings, higher dietary intakes of choline and betaine were associated with lower levels of blood pressure and LDL concentrations among obese individuals. Further studies are warranted to confirm the results of the current study.

The Role of Citicoline and Coenzyme Q10 in Retinal Pathology

Ocular neurodegenerative diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration are common retinal diseases responsible for most of the blindness causes in the working-age and elderly populations in developed countries. Many of the current treatments used in these pathologies fail to stop or slow the progression of the disease. Therefore, other types of treatments with neuroprotective characteristics may be necessary to allow a more satisfactory management of the disease. Citicoline and coenzyme Q10 are molecules that have neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, and their use could have a beneficial effect in ocular neurodegenerative pathologies. This review provides a compilation, mainly from the last 10 years, of the main studies that have been published on the use of these drugs in these neurodegenerative diseases of the retina, analyzing the usefulness of these drugs in these pathologies.

Gut-Liver Axis and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Vicious Circle of Dysfunctions Orchestrated by the Gut Microbiome

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent, multifactorial, and poorly understood liver disease with an increasing incidence worldwide. NAFLD is typically asymptomatic and coupled with other symptoms of metabolic syndrome. The prevalence of NAFLD is rising in tandem with the prevalence of obesity. In the Western hemisphere, NAFLD is one of the most prevalent causes of liver disease and liver transplantation. Recent research suggests that gut microbiome dysbiosis may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD by dysregulating the gut-liver axis. The so-called "gut-liver axis" refers to the communication and feedback loop between the digestive system and the liver. Several pathological mechanisms characterized the alteration of the gut-liver axis, such as the impairment of the gut barrier and the increase of the intestinal permeability which result in endotoxemia and inflammation, and changes in bile acid profiles and metabolite levels produced by the gut microbiome. This review will explore the role of gut-liver axis disruption, mediated by gut microbiome dysbiosis, on NAFLD development.

ToxCast chemical library Wnt screen identifies diethanolamine as an activator of neural progenitor proliferation

Numerous autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk genes are associated with Wnt signaling, suggesting that brain development may be especially sensitive to genetic perturbation of this pathway. Additionally, valproic acid, which modulates Wnt signaling, increases risk for ASD when taken during pregnancy. We previously found that an autism-linked gain-of-function UBE3A T485A mutant construct hyperactivated canonical Wnt signaling, providing a genetic means to elevate Wnt signaling above baseline levels. To identify environmental use chemicals that enhance or suppress Wnt signaling, we screened the ToxCast Phase I and II libraries in cells expressing this autism-linked UBE3A T485A gain-of-function mutant construct. Using structural comparisons, we identify classes of chemicals that stimulated Wnt signaling, including ethanolamines, as well as chemicals that inhibited Wnt signaling, such as agricultural pesticides, and synthetic hormone analogs. To prioritize chemicals for follow-up, we leveraged predicted human exposure data, and identified diethanolamine (DEA) as a chemical that stimulates Wnt signaling in UBE3A T485A -transfected cells, and has a high potential for prenatal exposure in humans. DEA enhanced proliferation in primary human neural progenitor cell lines (phNPC), but did not affect expression of canonical Wnt target genes in NPCs or primary mouse neuron cultures. Instead, we found DEA increased expression of the H3K9 methylation sensitive gene CALB1, consistent with competitive inhibition of the methyl donor enzymatic pathways.

Non-Targeted Dried Blood Spot-Based Metabolomics Analysis Showed Rice Bran Supplementation Effects Multiple Metabolic Pathways during Infant Weaning and Growth in Mali

Rice bran contains essential nutrients, antioxidants, and bioactives with anti-inflammatory and diarrheal protective properties important for infants. This 6-month randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of heat-stabilized rice bran supplementation during Malian infant weaning. Fifty healthy 6-month-old infants were randomized to a rice bran intervention (N = 25) or non-intervention control group (N = 25). Intervention infants received dose-escalating rice bran supplementation for 6 months (1–5 g/day). Monthly infant dried blood spot and anthropometric measurements were collected. Dried blood spot metabolite abundances were compared monthly according to diet for six months. Supplementation resulted in favorable weight-for-age and weight-for-length z-score changes. Non-targeted dried blood spot-based metabolomics identified 796 metabolites, of which 33% had significant fold differences between groups (7–12 months). Lipids and amino acids represented 70.6% of the metabolites identified. Rice bran supplementation during infant weaning significantly modulated the metabolites involved in antioxidant defenses and with neuroactive properties including reduced glutathione, glycine, glutamate, cysteinylglycine, tryptophan betaine, and choline. These findings support rice bran as a weaning ingredient to meet infant nutritional requirements and with the potential to reduce oxidative stress and improve cognitive outcomes. This study provides evidence for dried blood spots as a cost-effective tool to detect infant biomarkers of nutritional and metabolic status.

Ergothioneine exhibits longevity-extension effect in Drosophila melanogaster via regulation of cholinergic neurotransmission, tyrosine metabolism, and fatty acid oxidation

Many studies have demonstrated the protective effect of ergothioneine (EGT), the unique sulfur-containing antioxidant found in mushrooms, on several aging-related diseases. Nevertheless, to date, no single study has explored the potential role of EGT in the lifespan of animal models. We show here that EGT consistently extends fly lifespan in diverse genetic backgrounds and both sexes, as well as in a dose and gender-dependent manner. Additionally, EGT is shown to increases the climbing activity of flies, enhance acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity, and maintain the ratio of reduced glutathione (GSH) to oxidized glutathione (GSSG)of aged flies. The increase in lifespan by EGT is gut microorganism dependent. We proposed potential mechanisms of lifespan extension in Drosophila by EGT through RNA-seq analysis: preservation of the normal status of the central nervous system via the coordination of cholinergic neurotransmission, tyrosine metabolism, and peroxisomal proteins, regulation of autophagic activity by altering the lysosomal protein CTSD, and the preservation of normal mitochondrial function through controlled substrate feeding into the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, the major energy-yielding metabolic process in cells.

Assessment of Dietary Choline Intake, Contributing Food Items, and Associations with One-Carbon and Lipid Metabolites in Middle-Aged and Elderly Adults: The Hordaland Health Study

BACKGROUND

Choline is an essential nutrient for humans and is involved in various physiologic functions. Through its metabolite betaine, it is closely connected to the one-carbon metabolism, and the fat-soluble choline form phosphatidylcholine is essential for VLDL synthesis and secretion in the liver connecting choline to the lipid metabolism. Dietary recommendations for choline are not available in the Nordic countries primarily due to data scarcity.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the dietary intake of total choline and individual choline forms, dietary sources, and the association of total choline intake with circulating one-carbon metabolites and lipids.

METHODS

We included 5746 participants in the Hordaland Health Study, a survey including community-dwelling adults born in 1925-1927 (mean age 72 y, 55% women) and 1950-1951 (mean age 48 y, 57% women). Dietary data were obtained using a 169-item FFQ, and choline content was calculated using the USDA Database for Choline Content of Common Foods, release 2. Metabolites of the one-carbon and lipid metabolism were measured in a nonfasting blood sample obtained at baseline, and the association with total choline intake was assessed using polynomial splines.

RESULTS

The geometric mean (95% prediction interval) energy-adjusted total choline intake was 260 (170, 389) mg/d, with phosphatidylcholine being the main form (44%). The major food items providing dietary choline were eggs, low-fat milk, potatoes, and leafy vegetables. Dietary total choline was inversely associated with circulating concentrations of total homocysteine, glycine, and serine and positively associated with choline, methionine, cystathionine, cysteine, trimethyllysine, trimethylamine-N-oxide, and dimethylglycine. A weak association was observed between choline intake and serum lipids.

CONCLUSIONS

Phosphatidylcholine was the most consumed choline form in community-dwelling adults in Norway. Our findings suggest that choline intake is associated with the concentration of most metabolites involved in the one-carbon and lipid metabolism.

Alcoholic liver disease: Current insights into cellular mechanisms

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) due to chronic alcohol consumption is a significant global disease burden and a leading cause of mortality. Alcohol abuse induces a myriad of aberrant changes in hepatocytes at both the cellular and molecular level. Although the disease spectrum of ALD is widely recognized, the precise triggers for disease progression are still to be fully elucidated. Oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, gut dysbiosis and altered immune system response plays an important role in disease pathogenesis, triggering the activation of inflammatory pathways and apoptosis. Despite many recent clinical studies treatment options for ALD are limited, especially at the alcoholic hepatitis stage. We have therefore reviewed some of the key pathways involved in the pathogenesis of ALD and highlighted current trials for treating patients.

Post-weaning A1/A2 β-casein milk intake modulates depressive-like behavior, brain μ-opioid receptors, and the metabolome of rats

The postnatal period is critical for brain and behavioral development and is sensitive to environmental stimuli, such as nutrition. Prevention of weaning from maternal milk was previously shown to cause depressive-like behavior in rats. Additionally, loss of dietary casein was found to act as a developmental trigger for a population of brain opioid receptors. Here, we explore the effect of exposure to milk containing A1 and A2 β-casein beyond weaning. A1 but not A2 β-casein milk significantly increased stress-induced immobility in rats, concomitant with an increased abundance of Clostridium histolyticum bacterial group in the caecum and colon of A1 β-casein fed animals, brain region-specific alterations of μ-opioid and oxytocin receptors, and modifications in urinary biochemical profiles. Moreover, urinary gut microbial metabolites strongly correlated with altered brain metabolites. These findings suggest that consumption of milk containing A1 β-casein beyond weaning age may affect mood via a possible gut-brain axis mechanism.

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Postnatal brain development is sensitive to nutritional exposures

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Consumption of A1 but not A2 β-casein milk post-weaning affects mood in rats

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Gut microbial, biochemical, and neurochemical changes accompany mood alterations

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Urinary gut microbial metabolites correlate with brain metabolites

Induced pluripotent stem cells as suitable sensors for fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome

BACKGROUND

Fibromyalgia (FM) and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) are devastating metabolic neuroimmune diseases that are difficult to diagnose because of the presence of numerous symptoms and a lack of specific biomarkers. Despite patient heterogeneity linked to patient subgroups and variation in disease severity, anomalies are found in the blood and plasma of these patients when compared with healthy control groups. The seeming specificity of these “plasma factors”, as recently reported by Ron Davis and his group at Stanford University, CA, United States, and observations by our group, have led to the proposal that induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) may be used as metabolic sensors for FM and ME/CFS, a hypothesis that is the basis for this in-depth review.

AIM

To identify metabolic signatures in FM and/or ME/CFS supporting the existence of disease-associated plasma factors to be sensed by iPSCs.

METHODS

A PRISMA (Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis)-based systematic review of the literature was used to select original studies evaluating the metabolite profiles of FM and ME/CFS body fluids. The MeSH terms “metabolomic” or “metabolites” in combination with FM and ME/CFS disease terms were screened against the PubMed database. Only original studies applying omics technologies, published in English, were included. The data obtained were tabulated according to the disease and type of body fluid analyzed. Coincidences across studies were searched and P-values reported by the original studies were gathered to document significant differences found in the disease groups.

RESULTS

Eighteen previous studies show that some metabolites are commonly altered in ME/CFS and FM body fluids. In vitro cell-based assays have the potential to be developed as screening platforms, providing evidence for the existence of factors in patient body fluids capable of altering morphology, differentiation state and/or growth patterns. Moreover, they can be further developed using approaches aimed at blocking or reversing the effects of specific plasma/serum factors seen in patients. The documented high sensitivity and effective responses of iPSCs to environmental cues suggests that these pluripotent cells could form robust, reproducible reporter systems of metabolic diseases, including ME/CFS and FM. Furthermore, culturing iPSCs, or their mesenchymal stem cell counterparts, in patient-conditioned medium may provide valuable information to predict individual outcomes to stem-cell therapy in the context of precision medicine studies.

CONCLUSION

This opinion review explains our hypothesis that iPSCs could be developed as a screening platform to provide evidence of a metabolic imbalance in FM and ME/CFS.

Altered neurochemistry in the anterior white matter of bipolar children and adolescents: a multivoxel 1H MRS study

Abnormalities within frontal lobe gray and white matter of bipolar disorder (BD) patients have been consistently reported in adult and pediatric studies, yet little is known about the neurochemistry of the anterior white matter (AWM) in pediatric BD and how medication status may affect it. The present cross-sectional 3T ¹H MRS study is the first to use a multivoxel approach to study the AWM of BD youth. Absolute metabolite levels from four bilateral AWM voxels were collected from 49 subjects between the ages of 8 and 18 (25 healthy controls (HC); 24 BD) and quantified. Our study found BD subjects to have lower levels of N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and glycerophosphocholine plus phosphocholine (GPC + PC), metabolites that are markers of neuronal viability and phospholipid metabolism and have also been implicated in adult BD. Further analysis indicated that the observed patterns were mostly driven by BD subjects who were medicated at the time of scanning and had an ADHD diagnosis. Although limited by possible confounding effects of mood state, medication, and other mood comorbidities, these findings serve as evidence of altered neurochemistry in BD youth that is sensitive to medication status and ADHD comorbidity.

Gut Microbiota and NAFLD: Pathogenetic Mechanisms, Microbiota Signatures, and Therapeutic Interventions

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease. Its worldwide prevalence is rapidly increasing and is currently estimated at 24%. NAFLD is highly associated with many features of the metabolic syndrome, including obesity, insulin resistance, hyperlipidaemia, and hypertension. The pathogenesis of NAFLD is complex and not fully understood, but there is increasing evidence that the gut microbiota is strongly implicated in the development of NAFLD. In this review, we discuss the major factors that induce dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and disrupt intestinal permeability, as well as possible mechanisms leading to the development of NAFLD. We also discuss the most consistent NAFLD-associated gut microbiota signatures and immunological mechanisms involved in maintaining the gut barrier and liver tolerance to gut-derived factors. Gut-derived factors, including microbial, dietary, and host-derived factors involved in NAFLD pathogenesis, are discussed in detail. Finally, we review currently available diagnostic and prognostic methods, summarise latest knowledge on promising microbiota-based biomarkers, and discuss therapeutic strategies to manipulate the microbiota, including faecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics and prebiotics, deletions of individual strains with bacteriophages, and blocking the production of harmful metabolites.

Role of Choline in Ocular Diseases

Choline is essential for maintaining the structure and function of cells in humans. Choline plays an important role in eye health and disease. It is a precursor of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system, and it is involved in the production and secretion of tears by the lacrimal glands. It also contributes to the stability of the cells and tears on the ocular surface and is involved in retinal development and differentiation. Choline deficiency is associated with retinal hemorrhage, glaucoma, and dry eye syndrome. Choline supplementation may be effective for treating these diseases.

Cholinergic System and Its Therapeutic Importance in Inflammation and Autoimmunity

Neurological and immunological signals constitute an extensive regulatory network in our body that maintains physiology and homeostasis. The cholinergic system plays a significant role in neuroimmune communication, transmitting information regarding the peripheral immune status to the central nervous system (CNS) and vice versa. The cholinergic system includes the neurotransmitter\ molecule, acetylcholine (ACh), cholinergic receptors (AChRs), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) enzyme, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme. These molecules are involved in regulating immune response and playing a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis. Most innate and adaptive immune cells respond to neuronal inputs by releasing or expressing these molecules on their surfaces. Dysregulation of this neuroimmune communication may lead to several inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Several agonists, antagonists, and inhibitors have been developed to target the cholinergic system to control inflammation in different tissues. This review discusses how various molecules of the neuronal and non-neuronal cholinergic system (NNCS) interact with the immune cells. What are the agonists and antagonists that alter the cholinergic system, and how are these molecules modulate inflammation and immunity. Understanding the various functions of pharmacological molecules could help in designing better strategies to control inflammation and autoimmunity.

Insights in the regulation of trimetylamine N-oxide production using a comparative biomimetic approach suggest a metabolic switch in hibernating bears

Experimental studies suggest involvement of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) in the aetiology of cardiometabolic diseases and chronic kidney disease (CKD), in part via metabolism of ingested food. Using a comparative biomimetic approach, we have investigated circulating levels of the gut metabolites betaine, choline, and TMAO in human CKD, across animal species as well as during hibernation in two animal species. Betaine, choline, and TMAO levels were associated with renal function in humans and differed significantly across animal species. Free-ranging brown bears showed a distinct regulation pattern with an increase in betaine (422%) and choline (18%) levels during hibernation, but exhibited undetectable levels of TMAO. Free-ranging brown bears had higher betaine, lower choline, and undetectable TMAO levels compared to captive brown bears. Endogenously produced betaine may protect bears and garden dormice during the vulnerable hibernating period. Carnivorous eating habits are linked to TMAO levels in the animal kingdom. Captivity may alter the microbiota and cause a subsequent increase of TMAO production. Since free-ranging bears seems to turn on a metabolic switch that shunts choline to generate betaine instead of TMAO, characterisation and understanding of such an adaptive switch could hold clues for novel treatment options in burden of lifestyle diseases, such as CKD.

Synthesis and efficacy of herbicidal ionic liquids with chlorsulfuron as the anion

In the framework of this research, four new herbicidal ionic liquids (HILs) comprising chlorsulfuron as the anion were synthesized and characterized. The new salts with chlorsulfuron contained the following cations: tetramethylammonium, didecyldimethylammonium, benzyltrimethylammonium and cholinium. All products were obtained with high yields exceeding 90% via acid–base reaction or ion exchange reaction, by the use of environment-friendly solvents. The structures of all synthesized HILs were confirmed by FT-IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR analyses. Their efficacy against weeds has been studied under field conditions in fiber flax. All HILs showed herbicidal activity but efficiency was highly dependent on the type of cation and weed species. There were no statistically significant differences in the effectiveness of HILs toward common lambsquarters compared to the reference herbicide, except for salt with cholinium cation that showed significantly lower efficiency. As regards barnyard grass control, all HILs exhibited significantly lower efficacy than that of the reference herbicide, except for didecyldimethylammonium salt that showed similar activity. The synthesized products did not cause damage to flax plants. The obtained results confirmed that the herbicidal effectiveness of the active ingredient (chlorsulfuron) in the form of an ionic liquid can be adjusted by the selection of an appropriate cation in the synthesis.

Cytidine 5'-Diphosphocholine (Citicoline): Evidence for a Neuroprotective Role in Glaucoma

Glaucoma, a heterogeneous set of progressively degenerative optic neuropathies characterized by a loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and typical visual field deficits that can progress to blindness, is a neurodegenerative disease involving both ocular and visual brain structures. Although elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) remains the most important modifiable risk factor of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and is the main therapeutic target in treating glaucoma, other factors that influence the disease course are involved and reaching the optimal IOP target does not stop the progression of glaucoma, as the visual field continues to narrow. In addition to a managed IOP, neuroprotection may be beneficial by slowing the progression of glaucoma and improving the visual defects. Citicoline (cytidine 5'-diphosphocholine) is a naturally occurring endogenous compound that has been investigated as a novel therapeutic agent for the management of glaucoma. Citicoline has demonstrated activity in a range of central neurodegenerative diseases, and experimental evidence suggests a it performs a neuromodulator and neuroprotective role on neuronal cells, including RGCs, associated with improvement in visual function, extension of the visual field and central benefits for the patient. This review aims to critically summarize the current evidence for the neuroprotective properties of citicoline in glaucoma.

Epigenetics in Cardiac Hypertrophy and Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a complex syndrome affecting millions of people around the world. Over the past decade, the therapeutic potential of targeting epigenetic regulators in HF has been discussed extensively. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing techniques have contributed substantial progress in our understanding of the role of DNA methylation, post-translational modifications of histones, adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent chromatin conformation and remodeling, and non-coding RNAs in HF pathophysiology. In this review, we summarize epigenomic studies on human and animal models in HF.

Comparative Effectiveness of Agmatine and Choline Treatment in Rats with Cognitive Impairment Induced by AlCl3 and Forced Swim Stress

AIM

Endogenous agmatine has a significant role in learning and memory processes as a neurotransmitter. Various studies described the physiological role of endogenous agmatine in learning and memory of multiple cognitive tasks suggesting elevated levels of agmatine during the learning process in the rat brain. Dietary intake of choline showed correlation with cognitive functions in human subjects and treatment with choline supplements validated the ability to diminish learning and cognitive impairment dementias.

METHODS

36 Albino rats were equally divided into three groups previously: a) control-water, b) Test I - AlCl3 (100 mg/Kg body weight), and c) Test II - Forced swim stress (FSS) for 14 days. On the next day of AlCl3 and FSS last administration, animals were allocated into further three groups and received the following treatments: a. water was given orally to the control group, b. Agmatine (100 mg/Kg Body Weight) group, and c. Choline (100 mg/Kg Body Weight) group for the next 14 days. Behaviors were assessed in Light/Dark Box, Open Field, Novel Object Recognition Test (NOR), T Maze Test, and Morris Water Maze Test.

RESULTS

Animals administered with agmatine demonstrated increased time spent in bright areas of light/dark box and square crossed while improved spatial memory in Morris water maze and T maze test and enhanced discrimination of novel object in NOR were observed in learning and memory paradigms along with choline.

CONCLUSION

The present study determines that agmatine at the dose of (100 mg/kg body weight) attenuates memory and cognitive impairment in comparison with choline supplements.

Can krill oil be of use for counteracting neuroinflammatory processes induced by high fat diet and aging?

Most neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, demonstrate preceding or on-going inflammatory processes. Therefore, discovering effective means of counteracting detrimental inflammatory mediators in the brain could help alter aging-related disease onset and progression. Fish oil and marine-derived omega-3, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3) have shown promising anti-inflammatory effects both systemically and centrally. More specifically, krill oil (KO), extracted from small Antarctic crustaceans, is an alternative type of LC n-3 with reported health benefits including improvement of spatial memory and learning, memory loss, systemic inflammation and depression symptoms. Similar to the more widely studied fish oil, KO contains the long chain fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which are essential for basic brain functions. Moreover, the phospholipid bound nature of fatty acids found in KO improves bioavailability and efficiency of absorption, thus supporting the belief that KO may offer a superior method of dietary n-3 delivery. Finally, KO contains astaxanthin, an antioxidant capable of reducing potentially excessive oxidative stress and inflammation within the brain. This review will discuss the potential benefits of KO over other marine-based LC n-3 on brain inflammation and cognitive function in the context of high fat diets and aging.

Quantification of B-vitamins from different fresh milk samples using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry/selected reaction monitoring methods

Absolute quantification of B-vitamins in milk is becoming imperative to correlate its impact on child/human health. In today's world of changing food habits and environmental pollution, there is concern if milk is what we think it to be. In the present work, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry/selected reaction monitoring (UPHPLC-MS/SRM) methods have been developed and validated for quantitative estimation of 21 different B-vitamins [B1-3, B2-3, B3-2, B5-1, B6-5, B8-1, B9-2 vitamins, total choline (betaine, choline and acetylcholine)] from a drop (50 µL) and B12 from 500 µL of milk. These two methods qualify all essential bio-analytical parameters (recovery >80%, accuracy <±15%, variation <±10%) and are highly reproducible. By using these developed methods, B-vitamins in different fresh milk samples from cow, goat, buffalo and pasteurized cow milk (each 10 and total n = 40) were analysed. Total choline is the highest (6.5-10.5 µg/mL) and vitamin B8 is the lowest (16.1-32.9 ng/mL) in all milk samples. Inverse correlation between vitamin B2 and B5 was observed in milk samples. The ratio of vitamin B5/B2 was checked in all milk samples, it is higher in cow (2.64), equal in goat (1.04) and lower in buffalo (0.42) milk. Total B-vitamin content in cow milk is higher (10.5 µg/mL) compared to other three (goat-7.2, buffalo-6.5, pasteurized-8.8 µg/mL). Vitamin B12 is higher in cow milk (3.6 ng/mL) compared to other two fresh milk samples. Different isomers for vitamin B6 were noticed in the fresh milk samples. The complete profile of water soluble vitamins and the ratio of two abundant B vitamins (B5/B2) in milk will be useful to check the nutritional quality and to differentiate the kind of animal milk.

Consolidated Biochemical Profile of Subacute Stage Traumatic Brain Injury in Early Development

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in general has varied neuropathological consequences depending upon the intensity and biomechanics of the injury. Furthermore, in pediatric TBI, intrinsic developmental changes add further complexity, necessitating a biochemical dimension for improved TBI characterization. In our earlier study investigating the subacute stage TBI metabolome (72 h post-injury) in a developmental rat model, significant ipsilateral brain biochemical changes occurred across 25 metabolite sets as determined by metabolite set enrichment analysis (MSEA). The broad metabolic perturbation was accompanied by behavioral deficits and neuronal loss across the ipsilateral hemisphere containing the injury epicenter. In order to obtain a consolidated biochemical profile of the TBI assessment, a subgrouping of the 190 identified brain metabolites was performed. Metabolites were divided into seven major subgroups: oxidative energy/mitochondrial, glycolysis/pentose phosphate pathway, fatty acid, amino acid, neurotransmitters/neuromodulators, one-carbon/folate and other metabolites. Subgroups were based on the chemical nature and association with critically altered biochemical pathways after TBI as obtained from our earlier untargeted analysis. Each metabolite subgroup extracted from the ipsilateral sham and TBI brains were modeled using multivariate partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) with the model accuracy used as a measurable index of TBI neurochemical impact. Volcano plots of each subgroup, corrected for multiple comparisons, determined the TBI neurochemical specificity. The results provide a ranked biochemical profile along with specificity of changes after developmental TBI, enabling a consolidated biochemical template for future classification of different TBI intensities and injury types in animal models.

Investigation of graded-level soybean meal diets in red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) using NMR-based metabolomics analysis

We investigated changes in the metabolome in juvenile red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) induced by increasing amounts of soybean meal (0% to 60%) in extruded, fishmeal-free diets using a nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR)-based metabolomics approach in a 12-week feeding trial. All of the diets were composed of ≈40% total crude protein, ≈11% total crude lipid and were energetically balanced. A fishmeal-containing, commercial extruded diet was used as a control diet throughout the trial. Each week, liver, muscle, intestine and plasma samples were collected and analyzed by NMR to provide a "snapshot" of the metabolome at different time points. Results indicate significant time-dependence of the metabolic profiles in various tissues with stable metabolomic profiles forming after about 9-weeks on the experimental diets. We identify a previously unexploited biomarker of potential dietary stress (N‑formimino‑l‑glutamate (FIGLU)) in the fish that may prove to be useful for optimization of alternative diet formulations.

Analysis of Metabolic Alterations Related to Pathogenic Process of Diabetic Encephalopathy Rats

Diabetic encephalopathy (DE) is a diabetic complication characterized by alterations in cognitive function and nervous system structure. The pathogenic transition from hyperglycemia to DE is a long-term process accompanied by multiple metabolic disorders. Exploring time-dependent metabolic changes in hippocampus will facilitate our understanding of the pathogenesis of DE. In the present study, we first performed behavioral and histopathological experiments to confirm the appearance of DE in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. We then utilized nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabonomics to analyze metabolic disorders in the hippocampus at different stages of DE. After 1 week, we observed no cognitive or structural impairments in diabetic rats, although some metabolic changes were observed in local hippocampal extracts. At 5 weeks, while cognitive function was still normal, we then examined initial levels of neuronal apoptosis. The characteristic metabolic changes of this stage included elevated levels of energy metabolites (i.e., ATP, ADP, AMP, and creatine phosphate/creatine). At 9 weeks, significant cognitive decline and histopathological brain damage were observed, in conjunction with reduced levels of some amino acids. Thus, this stage was classified as the DE period. Our findings indicated that the pathogenesis of DE is associated with time-dependent alterations in metabolic features in hippocampal regions, such as glycolysis, osmoregulation, energy metabolism, choline metabolism, branched-chain amino acid metabolism, and the glutamate-glutamine cycle. Furthermore, we observed alterations in levels of lactate and its receptor in hippocampal cells, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of DE.

Maternal protein malnutrition: effects on prostate development and adult disease

Well-controlled intrauterine development is an essential condition for many aspects of normal adult physiology and health. This process is disrupted by poor maternal nutrition status during pregnancy. Indeed, physiological adaptations occur in the fetus to ensure nutrient supply to the most vital organs at the expense of the others, leading to irreversible consequences in tissue formation and differentiation. Evidence indicates that maternal undernutrition in early life promotes changes in key hormones, such as glucocorticoids, growth hormones, insulin-like growth factors, estrogens and androgens, during fetal development. These alterations can directly or indirectly affect hormone release, hormone receptor expression/distribution, cellular function or tissue organization, and impair tissue growth, differentiation and maturation to exert profound long-term effects on the offspring. Within the male reproductive system, maternal protein malnutrition alters development, structure, and function of the gonads, testes and prostate gland. Consequently, these changes impair the reproductive capacity of the male offspring. Further, permanent alterations in the prostate gland occur at the molecular and cellular level and thereby affect the onset of late life diseases such as prostatitis, hyperplasia and even prostate cancer. This review assembles current thoughts on the concepts and mechanisms behind the developmental origins of health and disease as they relate to protein malnutrition, and highlights the effects of maternal protein malnutrition on rat prostate development and homeostasis. Such insights on developmental trajectories of adult-onset prostate disease may help provide a foundation for future studies in this field.

Association of neural tube defects with gene polymorphisms in one-carbon metabolic pathway

PURPOSE

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are common congenital malformations. In this study, we aimed to explore the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to one-carbon metabolism (OCM) and NTDs in Han population of Northern China.

METHODS

A case-control study was conducted in 152 children with NTDs and 169 controls. Twenty-nine SNPs in five genes were genotyped by Sequenom MassARRAY technology, and haplotype analysis was done by Haploview4.2 software.

RESULTS

The allele frequency of rs3733890 in betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT) gene was statistically different between NTDs and control groups (P = 0.041), and the children with A allele had higher risk for NTDs than G allele (OR = 1.408, 95%CI 1.013-1.956). In addition, there was a statistical difference in the allele and genotype frequencies of rs1051266 in reduced folate carrier1 (RFC1) gene between cases and controls (P = 0.013, 0.034), and the risk for NTDs was also higher in children with G allele and GG genotype, compared with A allele and AA genotype, respectively (OR = 1.492, 95%CI 1.089-2.044; OR = 2.020, 95%CI 1.081-3.780). The statistical significant difference was also found in allele frequency of rs1805087 in methionine synthetase (MTR) gene between cases and controls (P = 0.031), and the children with G allele were associated with an increased NTDs risk, compared with A allele (OR = 1.664, 95%CI 1.045-2.647). Meanwhile, haplotype analysis showed C-A-A-A haplotype of BHMT, and G-G-G-T haplotype of RFC1 was correlated with an increased risk of NTDs, but C-G-A-A haplotype of BHMT and G-G-C-A haplotype of MTR might decrease the risk of NTDs.

CONCLUSIONS

The BHMT gene rs3733890, RFC1 gene rs1051266 and MTR gene rs1805087 were associated with the occurrence of NTDs in Han population of Northern China. It was confirmed that the gene variation related to OCM was one of the susceptibility factors for NTDs.

Chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal toxicity is associated with changes in serum and urine metabolome and fecal microbiota in male Sprague-Dawley rats

Purpose

Chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal toxicity (CIGT) is a complex process that involves multiple pathophysiological mechanisms. We have previously shown that commonly used chemotherapeutics 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan damage the intestinal mucosa and increase intestinal permeability to iohexol. We hypothesized that CIGT is associated with alterations in fecal microbiota and metabolome. Our aim was to characterize these changes and examine how they relate to the severity of CIGT.

Methods

A total of 48 male Sprague–Dawley rats were injected intraperitoneally either with 5-fluorouracil (150 mg/kg), oxaliplatin (15 mg/kg), or irinotecan (200 mg/kg). Body weight change was measured daily after drug administration and the animals were euthanized after 72 h. Blood, urine, and fecal samples were collected at baseline and at the end of the experiment. The changes in the composition of fecal microbiota were analyzed with 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Metabolic changes in serum and urine metabolome were measured with 1 mm proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR).

Results

Irinotecan increased the relative abundance of Fusobacteria and Proteobacteria, while 5-FU and oxaliplatin caused only minor changes in the composition of fecal microbiota. All chemotherapeutics increased the levels of serum fatty acids and N(CH₃)₃ moieties and decreased the levels of Krebs cycle metabolites and free amino acids.

Conclusions

Chemotherapeutic drugs, 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan, induce several microbial and metabolic changes which may play a role in the pathophysiology of CIGT. The observed changes in intestinal permeability, fecal microbiota, and metabolome suggest the activation of inflammatory processes.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00280-017-3364-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

1H-NMR-based metabolomic studies of bisphenol A in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) spectroscopy was used to study the response of zebrafish (Danio rerio) to increasing concentrations of bisphenol A (4,4'-(propane-2,2-diyl)diphenol, BPA). Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was applied to detect aberrant metabolomic profiles after 72 h of BPA exposure at all levels tested (0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 mg/L). The OPLS-DA score plots showed that BPA exposure caused significant alterations in the metabolome. The metabolomic changes in response to BPA exposure generally exhibited nonlinear patterns, with the exception of reduced levels of several metabolites, including glutamine, inosine, lactate, and succinate. As the level of BPA exposure increased, individual metabolite patterns indicated that the zebrafish metabolome was subjected to severe oxidative stress. Interestingly, ATP levels increased significantly at all levels of BPA exposure. In the present study, we demonstrated the applicability of ¹H-NMR-based metabolomics to identify the discrete nature of metabolic changes.

NMR-based metabolomics reveals brain region-specific metabolic alterations in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with cognitive dysfunction

Diabetes mellitus (DM) can result in cognitive dysfunction, but its potential metabolic mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we analyzed the metabolite profiling in eight different brain regions of the normal rats and the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats accompanied by cognitive dysfunction using a ¹H NMR-based metabolomic approach. A mixed linear model analysis was performed to assess the effects of DM, brain region and their interaction on metabolic changes. We found that different brain regions in rats displayed significant metabolic differences. In addition, the hippocampus was more susceptible to DM compared with other brain regions in rats. More interestingly, significant interaction effects of DM and brain region were observed on alanine, creatine/creatine-phosphate, lactate, succinate, aspartate, glutamate, glutamine, γ-aminobutyric acid, glycine, choline, N-acetylaspartate, myo-inositol and taurine. Based on metabolic pathway analysis, we speculate that cognitive dysfunction in the STZ-induced diabetic rats may be associated with brain region-specific metabolic alterations involving energy metabolism, neurotransmitters, membrane metabolism and osmoregulation.

Nutrition, One-Carbon Metabolism and Neural Tube Defects: A Review

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are a group of severe congenital malformations, induced by the combined effects of genes and the environment. The most valuable finding so far has been the protective effect of folic acid supplementation against NTDs. However, many women do not take folic acid supplements until they are pregnant, which is too late to prevent NTDs effectively. Long-term intake of folic acid–fortified food is a good choice to solve this problem, and mandatory folic acid fortification should be further promoted, especially in Europe, Asia and Africa. Vitamin B2, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, choline, betaine and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can also reduce the NTD risk by interacting with the one-carbon metabolism pathway. This suggest that multivitamin B combined with choline, betaine and n-3 PUFAs supplementation may have a better protective effect against NTDs than folic acid alone. Genetic polymorphisms involved in one-carbon metabolism are associated with NTD risk, and gene screening for women of childbearing age prior to pregnancy may help prevent NTDs induced by the risk allele. In addition, the consumption of alcohol, tea and coffee, and low intakes of fruit and vegetable are also associated with the increased risk of NTDs, and should be avoided by women of childbearing age.

Combination Therapies for Traumatic Brain Injury: Retrospective Considerations

Patients enrolled in clinical trials for traumatic brain injury (TBI) may present with heterogeneous features over a range of injury severity, such as diffuse axonal injury, ischemia, edema, hemorrhage, oxidative damage, mitochondrial and metabolic dysfunction, excitotoxicity, inflammation, and other pathophysiological processes. To determine whether combination therapies might be more effective than monotherapy at attenuating moderate TBI or promoting recovery, the National Institutes of Health funded six preclinical studies in adult and immature male rats to evaluate promising acute treatments alone and in combination. Each of the studies had a solid rationale for its approach based on previous research, but only one reported significant improvements in long-term outcomes across a battery of behavioral tests. Four studies had equivocal results because of a lack of sensitivity of the outcome assessments. One study demonstrated worse results with the combination in comparison with monotherapies. While specific research findings are reported elsewhere, this article provides an overview of the study designs, insights, and recommendations for future research aimed at therapy development for TBI.

Increased systolic blood pressure in rat offspring following a maternal low-protein diet is normalized by maternal dietary choline supplementation

An adverse prenatal environment may induce long-term metabolic consequences, in particular hypertension and cardiovascular disease. A maternal low-protein (LP) diet is well known to result in increased blood pressure (BP) in offspring. Choline has been shown to have direct BP-reducing effects in humans and animals. It has been suggested that endogenous choline synthesis via phosphatidylcholine is constrained during maternal LP exposure. The present study investigates the effect of choline supplementation to mothers fed a LP diet during pregnancy on systolic BP (SBP) in offspring as measured by tail-cuff plethysmography. Wistar rats were assigned to one of three diets to be fed ad libitum throughout pregnancy: (1) control diet (CONT, 20% protein); (2) an LP diet (9% protein); and (3) LP supplemented with choline (LP + C). Dams were fed the CONT diet throughout lactation and offspring were fed the CONT diet from weaning for the remainder of the trial. At postnatal day 150, SBP and retroperitoneal fat mass was significantly increased in LP offspring compared with CONT animals and was normalized in LP + C offspring. Effects of LP + C reduction in SBP were similar in both males and females. Plasma choline and phosphatidylcholine concentrations were not different across treatment groups, but maternal choline supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in homocysteine concentrations in LP + C offspring compared with LP and CONT animals. The present trial shows for the first time that maternal supplementation with dietary choline during periods of LP exposure can normalize increased SBP and fat mass observed in offspring in later life.

Adult emotionality and neural plasticity as a function of adolescent nutrient supplementation in male rats

The present study explored the effects of supplementing male rats with either choline, omega-3 fatty acids, or phytoestrogens, from weaning into early adulthood, on emotionality and hippocampal plasticity. Because of the neuroprotective properties of these nutrients, we hypothesized that they would positively affect both behavior and hippocampal function when compared to non-supplemented control rats. To test this hypothesis, male Sprague Dawley rats were assigned to one of four nutrient conditions after weaning: 1) control (normal rat chow); 2) choline (supplemented in drinking water); 3) omega 3 fatty acids (daily oral supplements); or 4) phytoestrogens (supplemented in chow). After 4weeks on their respective diets, a subset of rats began 3weeks of behavioral testing, while the remaining behaviorally naïve rats were sacrificed after 6weeks on the diets to assess numbers of adult-born hippocampal neurons using the immature neuron marker, doublecortin. The results revealed that choline supplementation affected emotional functioning; compared to rats in other diet conditions, rats in this group were less anxious in an open field and after exposure to predator odor and showed less behavioral despair after forced swimming. Similar behavioral findings were evident following supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and phytoestrogen supplementation, though not on all tests and not to the same magnitude. Histological findings followed a pattern consistent with the behavioral findings: choline supplementation, followed by omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, but not phytoestrogen supplementation, significantly increased the numbers of new-born hippocampal neurons. Choline and omega-3 fatty acids have similar biological functions-affecting cell membranes, growth factor levels, and epigenetically altering gene transcription. Thus, the present findings suggest that targeting nutrients with these effects may be a viable strategy to combat adult psychopathologies.

Effects of dietary choline availability on latent inhibition of flavor aversion learning

OBJECTIVE

It has been previously reported that dietary choline supplementation might affect latent inhibition (LI) using a conditioned suppression procedure in rats. We have assessed the effect of dietary choline on LI of flavor aversion learning.

METHOD

Adult male Wistar rats received a choline supplemented (5 g/kg), deficient (0 g/kg), or standard (1.1 g/kg) diet for 3 months. After this supplementation period, all rats went through a conditioned taste aversion (CTA) procedure, half of them being pre-exposed to the conditioned stimulus before the conditioning.

RESULTS

The results indicated that choline deficiency prevents LI of conditioned flavor aversion to cider vinegar (3%) induced by a LiCl (0.15 M; 2% body weight) intraperitoneal injection, while choline supplementation enhances CTA leading to slower extinction.

DISCUSSION

The role of the brain systems modulating attentional processes is discussed.