Gastrointestinal Transit Time, Glucose Homeostasis and Metabolic Health: Modulation by Dietary Fibers

Diet shapes the metabolite profile in the intact human ileum, which affects PYY release

The human ileum contains a high density of enteroendocrine L-cells, which release the appetite-suppressing hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY) in response to food intake. Recent evidence highlighted the potential role of food structures in PYY release, but the link between food structures, ileal metabolites, and appetite hormone release remains unclear owing to limited access to intact human ileum. In a randomized crossover trial (ISRCTN11327221; isrctn.com), we investigated the role of human ileum in GLP-1 and PYY release by giving healthy volunteers diets differing in fiber and food structure: high-fiber (intact or disrupted food structures) or low-fiber disrupted food structures. We used nasoenteric tubes to sample chyme from the intact distal ileum lumina of humans in the fasted state and every 60 min for 480 min postprandially. We demonstrate the highly dynamic, wide-ranging molecular environment of the ileum over time, with a substantial decrease in ileum bacterial numbers and bacterial metabolites after food intake. We also show that high-fiber diets, independent of food structure, increased PYY release compared with a low-fiber diet during 0 to 240 min postprandially. High-fiber diets also increased ileal stachyose, and a disrupted high-fiber diet increased certain ileal amino acids. Treatment of human ileal organoids with ileal fluids or an amino acid and stachyose mixture stimulated PYY expression in a similar profile to blood PYY concentrations, confirming the role of ileal metabolites in PYY release. Our study demonstrates the diet-induced changes over time in the metabolite environment of intact human ileum, which play a role in PYY release.

Precision nutrition impact on metabolic health and quality of life in aging population after a 3-month intervention: A randomized intervention

OBJECTIVES

Innovative precision dietary procedures are required to promote healthy aging. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a personalised strategy based on the inclusion of individualised foods and digital tools on overall health status and quality of life within a follow-up of 3 months in older adults with overweight or obesity.

METHODS

127 men and women aged between 50 and 80 years with overweight/obesity participated in the study-between January 2020 and September 2020 at the Center for Nutrition Research-University of Navarra and IMDEA-ALIMENTACIÓN-and were randomly assigned to a usual-care group (standard recommendations) or precision group (precision nutrition strategy based on the inclusion of individualised foods and a mobile application). Anthropometry, body fat percentage, biochemical parameters, diet, and quality of life (SF-36 Health Survey) were assessed at baseline and after 3 months.

RESULTS

Both strategies were found to improve overall metabolic health; however, the precision approach demonstrated significantly better outcomes. The precision strategy reduced body weight at 3 months (-4.3 kg; p < 0.001) with significant improvements in body fat percentage, blood pressure and general metabolic health (glycated haemoglobin; alanine aminotransferase; aspartate aminotransferase; hepatic steatosis index) in comparison with the standard recommendations. The precision approach significantly enhanced the quality of life (SF-36) of individuals, with additional improvements in emotional well-being (p = 0.024) and vitality (p = 0.008). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was significantly associated with a higher quality of life and vitality.

CONCLUSION

These results support the benefit of precision nutrition approaches for promoting healthy aging and emotional well-being, enhancing the quality of life in aging populations, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dietary fiber as a wide pillar of colorectal cancer prevention and adjuvant therapy

Colorectal cancer is the third most incident and second most lethal type of cancer worldwide. Lifestyle and dietary patterns are the key factors for higher disease development risk. The dietary fiber intake from fruits and vegetables, mainly formed by food hydrocolloids, can help to lower the incidence of this type of neoplasia. Different food polysaccharides have applications in anti-tumoral therapy, such as coadjuvant to mainstream drugs, carriage-like properties, or direct influence on tumoral cells. Some classes include inulin, β-glucans, pectins, fucoidans, alginates, mucilages, and gums. Therefore, it is fundamental to discuss colorectal cancer mechanisms and the roles played by different polysaccharides in intestinal health. Genetic, environmental, and immunological modulation of mutated pathways regarding colorectal cancer has been explored before. Microbial diversity, byproduct formation (primarily short-chain fatty acids), inflammatory profile control, and tumoral mutated pathways regulation are thoroughly explored mechanisms by which dietary fiber sources influence a healthy gut ambiance.

Fermented dietary fiber from soy sauce residue exerts antidiabetic effects through regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and gut microbiota-SCFAs-GPRs axis in type 2 diabetic mellitus mice

The gut plays a crucial role in the development and progression of metabolic disorders, particularly in relation to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). While a high intake of dietary fiber is inversely associated with the risk of T2DM, the specific effects of various dietary fibers on T2DM are not fully understood. This study investigated the anti-diabetic properties of fermented dietary fiber (FDF) derived from soy sauce residue in T2DM mice, demonstrating its ability to lower blood glucose levels and ameliorate insulin resistance. Our findings revealed that FDF could enhance hepatic glucose metabolism via the IRS-1/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Additionally, the anti-diabetic effect of FDF was correlated with alterations in gut microbiota composition in T2DM mice, promoting a healthier gut environment. Specifically, FDF increased the abundance of beneficial flora such as Dubosiella, Butyricimonas, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Lactobacillus and Osillibacter, while reducing harmful bacteria including Bilophila, Parabacteroides and Enterorhabdus. Further analysis of microbial metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bile acids (BAs), provided evidence of FDF's regulatory effects on cecal contents in T2DM mice. Importantly, FDF treatment significantly restored the G-protein-coupled receptors (GPRs) expression in the colon of T2DM mice. In conclusion, our study suggests that the anti-diabetic effects of FDF are associated with the regulation of both the liver-gut axis and the gut microbiota-SCFAs-GPRs axis.

Impact of a daily legume-based meal on blood and anthropometric parameters in a group of omnivorous adults: A pilot study

This pilot study aimed to assess the impact of substituting a traditional lunch for a vegetarian legume-based meal on blood and anthropometric parameters in a group of omnivorous adults. A one-group comparison, quasi-experimental dietary intervention was designed. A vegetarian legume-based meal was offered for 8 consecutive weeks (weekdays) to non-vegetarian individuals (n = 26), (28 years [P25 = 20.0, P75 = 35.5]; 21.9 kg/m2 [P25 = 21.3, P75 = 24.8]). Sociodemographic data, health status and lifestyle-related information were recorded. Three-day food records were used to collect food intake at baseline and at the end of the intervention. Anthropometric parameters were recorded and fasting blood analyses were performed following standard procedures. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for statistical comparisons. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Participants showed a median intake of 79.8 g of cooked legumes per meal, meaning 13 (50.0%) subjects met the Portuguese daily legume intake recommendations during the intervention days. There were no statistically significant differences in anthropometric parameters. Transferrin concentration increased after 8 weeks (+12.5 mg/dL; p = 0.001). Total cholesterol concentration reduced after 8 weeks (-6 mg/dL; p = 0.041), as well as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (-7 mg/dL; p = 0.003). Triglycerides (+9 mg/dL; p = 0.046), fasting glucose (+2 mg/dL; p = 0.037) and HbA1c (+0.1 mg/dL; p = 0.010) concentration increased after the 2-month legume-based trial. Results suggest a cholesterol-lowering potential of legume-rich diets. However, unfavourable results regarding the impact on glucose metabolism-related biomarkers and triglyceride levels were observed. The study's limitations in design and sample size emphasise the importance of conducting further research with larger cohorts to attain more conclusive findings.

Total dietary fiber intake is inversely associated with metabolically unhealthy status in adolescents with excess weight

Little is known about the relationship between dietary fiber and metabolic health status in adolescents. This study was performed to investigate total dietary fiber intake and metabolic health status in a sample of Iranian adolescents with overweight/obesity. We hypothesized that higher total dietary fiber intake would reduce odds of metabolically unhealthy status. In this cross-sectional study, 203 adolescents (aged 12-18 years) with overweight/obesity were randomly recruited from several educational areas with different socioeconomic statuses using a multistage cluster sampling approach. Dietary intakes were evaluated by a validated food frequency questionnaire. Demographic, anthropometric, and cardiometabolic data were gathered through standard methods. Adolescents were categorized as having either metabolically healthy overweight/obesity or metabolically unhealthy overweight/obesity (MUO) phenotypes according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and IDF/Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) criteria. Subjects had mean age of 13.97 (years) and mean fiber intake of 19.5 (g/d). After considering potential confounders, adolescents with the highest fiber intake, compared with the lowest intake, had decreased odds of MUO based on IDF (odds ratio [OR] = 0.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.04-0.46) and IDF/HOMA-IR (OR = 0.16; 95% CI, 0.04-0.56) definitions. Also, each additional unit of total dietary fiber intake (1 g/d) was associated with lower chance of MUO phenotype considering IDF and IDF/HOMA-IR criteria. Individuals with higher intakes of dietary fiber were also less likely to have hyperglycemia (in fully adjusted model: OR = 0.17; 95% CI, 0.06-0.52). We found that consumption of total dietary fiber was inversely associated with odds of MUO among Iranian adolescents. Further prospective studies are required for confirming our results.

Impact of Physiological Fluctuations of Sex Hormones During the Menstrual Cycle on Glucose Metabolism and the Gut Microbiota

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases. Previous studies have shown differences in glucose metabolism between males and females. Moreover, difficulties in medication adherence have been reported in females with type 2 diabetes. These observations are believed to be caused by fluctuations in sex hormone concentrations during the menstrual cycle. Furthermore, gut microbiota is linked to female host metabolism and sex hormone production. Understanding the interactions between fluctuating hormone concentrations during the menstrual cycle, gut microbiota, and glucose metabolism in humans is significant because of the increasing prevalence of diabetes and the consequent need to expand preventive efforts. A literature search was performed to determine and summarize the existing evidence, deduce future research needs to maintain female health, and investigate the relationship between the physiological menstrual cycle and glucose metabolism. Studies from 1967 to 2020 have already examined the relationship between variations during the menstrual cycle and glucose metabolism in healthy female subjects using an oral-glucose tolerance test or intravenous glucose tolerance test. However, the overall number of studies is rather small and the results are contradictory, as some studies detected differences in glucose concentrations depending on the different cycle phases, whereas others did not. Some studies reported lower glucose levels in the follicular phase than in the luteal phase, whereas another study detected the opposite. Data on gut microbiota in relation to the menstrual cycle are limited. Conflicting results exist when examining the effect of hormonal contraceptives on the gut microbiota and changes in the course of the menstrual cycle. The results indicate that the menstrual cycle, especially fluctuating sex hormones, might impact the gut microbiota composition.The menstrual cycle may affect the gut microbiota composition and glucose metabolism. These results indicate that glucose tolerance may be the greatest in the follicular phase; however, further well-conducted studies are needed to support this assumption.

High pressure homogenization: A promising approach to expand food applications of chia mucilage

Two chia mucilages with different viscosities, obtained by extraction conditions optimized in a previous work, were homogenized by high pressure homogenization (HPH). Particle size, molecular weight, zeta potential, FTIR spectrum, rheological properties, water absorption capacity, water holding capacity and iron binding capacity were determined on both mucilages treated and without treatment. Homogenization led to a significant reduction in viscosity respect to chia mucilage controls, which can be related to the decrease in particle size and molecular weight. A high iron binding capacity was obtained for both mucilages. FTIR spectra of both mucilages with iron showed displacements in bands related with stretching of carboxylic uronic acids, suggesting the interaction site with this mineral. This interaction was also verified by particle size determination with a displacement to higher sizes in the presence of iron. Potential zeta showed a significant reduction in the presence of iron. A model to explain the binding between chia mucilage and iron is proposed. HPH appears as an alternative to expand chia mucilage functionality reducing the viscosity of chia mucilage solutions for the offer of a new ingredient also with optimal levels of hydration and iron binding capacity.

Generally-healthy individuals with aberrant bowel movement frequencies show enrichment for microbially-derived blood metabolites associated with reduced kidney function

Bowel movement frequency (BMF) has been linked to changes in the composition of the human gut microbiome and to many chronic conditions, like metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and other intestinal pathologies like irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Lower BMF (constipation) can lead to compromised intestinal barrier integrity and a switch from saccharolytic to proteolytic fermentation within the microbiota, giving rise to microbially-derived toxins that may make their way into circulation and cause damage to organ systems. However, the connections between BMF, gut microbial metabolism, and the early-stage development and progression of chronic disease remain underexplored. Here, we examined the phenotypic impact of BMF variation in a cohort of generally-healthy, community dwelling adults with detailed clinical, lifestyle, and multi-omic data. We showed significant differences in microbially-derived blood plasma metabolites, gut bacterial genera, clinical chemistries, and lifestyle factors across BMF groups that have been linked to inflammation, cardiometabolic health, liver function, and CKD severity and progression. We found that the higher plasma levels of 3-indoxyl sulfate (3-IS), a microbially-derived metabolite associated with constipation, was in turn negatively associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a measure of kidney function. Causal mediation analysis revealed that the effect of BMF on eGFR was significantly mediated by 3-IS. Finally, we identify self-reported diet, lifestyle, and psychological factors associated with BMF variation, which indicate several common-sense strategies for mitigating constipation and diarrhea. Overall, we suggest that aberrant BMF is an underappreciated risk factor in the development of chronic diseases, even in otherwise healthy populations.

YouTube as a Source of Information for Food, Diet-Related Items, and Advisory Comments for the Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often use the Internet to seek information beyond that received from healthcare professionals. This study assessed the perceptions of YouTube presenters on the role of diet in the management of IBD.

METHODS

Videos discussing dietary aspects (food, diet-related items, and advisory comments [FODRIACs]) in the management of IBD were included. The perceptions of presenters toward each FODRIAC were labeled as positive, negative, or neutral/intermediate, and FODRIACs were classified according to their underlying role in the management of IBD (eg, symptom management, gut inflammation). Subgroup analysis was performed by type of video presenter (patients vs healthcare professionals), type of IBD (Crohn's disease vs ulcerative colitis), and reporting of scientific evidence supporting presenters' perceptions.

RESULTS

We identified 122 FODRIACs within 160 videos. Patient videos received a higher number of likes (median 85 [interquartile range, 35-156]) than healthcare professional videos (median 44 [interquartile range, 16-1440]) (P = .01). Scientific evidence was cited in 2 (3%) of 76 patient videos compared with 25 (35%) of 71 healthcare professional videos (P < .001). Positive perceptions were expressed about avocadoes, salmon, bananas, white bread, and rice, whereas negative perceptions were reported for processed, high-fat and high-sugar foods and carbonated drinks. Fewer negative perceptions were expressed in videos supported by scientific evidence than in videos that lacked evidence (scientific: 4 positive, 0 negative vs nonscientific: 7 positive, 20 negative; P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

We have identified FODRIACs proposed as beneficial or detrimental in the management of IBD. The effect this information has on dietary practice as patients with IBD self-manage their condition needs further exploration.

PETR: A novel peristaltic mixed tubular bioreactor simulating human colonic conditions

A novel bioreactor simulating human colonic conditions for in vitro cultivation of intestinal microbiota is presented. The PEristaltic mixed Tubular bioReactor (PETR) is modular designed and periodically kneaded to simulate intestinal peristalsis. The reactor is introduced, characterized from a bioprocess engineer's perspective and discussed in its ability to mimic colon conditions. PETR provides physiological temperature and appropriate anaerobic conditions, simulates intestinal peristalsis, and has a mean residence time of 32.8 ± 0.8 h comparable to the adult human colon. The single-tube design enables a time-constant and longitudinally progressive pH gradient from 5.5 to 7.0. Using a dialysis liquid containing high molecular weight polyethylene glycol, the integrated dialysis system efficiently absorbs short chain fatty acids (up to 60%) and water (on average 850 mL d-1 ). Cultivation of a typical gut bacterium (Bifidobacterium animalis) was performed to demonstrate the applicability for controlled microbiota cultivation. PETR is unique in combining simulation of the entire colon, peristaltic mixing, dialytic water and metabolite absorption, and a progressive pH gradient in a single-tube design. PETR is a further step to precise replication of colonic conditions in vitro for reliable and reproducible microbiota research, such as studying the effect of food compounds, prebiotics or probiotics, or the development and treatment of infections with enteric pathogens, but also for further medical applications such as drug delivery studies or to study the effect of drugs on and their degradation by the microbiota.

A high fiber diet intervention during pregnancy: The SPROUT (Single goal in PRegnancy to optimize OUTcomes) protocol paper

BACKGROUND

Interventions to prevent excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) have had a limited impact on maternal and infant outcomes. Dietary fiber is a nutrient with benefits that counters many of the metabolic and inflammatory changes that occur during pregnancy. We will determine if a high dietary fiber (HFib) intervention provides benefit to maternal and infant outcomes.

METHODS AND DESIGN

Pregnant women will be enrolled in an 18-week intervention and randomized in groups of 6-10 women/group into the intervention or control group. Weekly lessons will include information on high-dietary fiber foods and behavior change strategies. Women in the intervention group will be given daily snacks high in dietary fiber (10-12 g/day) to facilitate increasing dietary fiber intake. The primary aim will assess between-group differences for the change in maternal weight, dietary fiber intake, dietary quality, and body composition during pregnancy and up to two months post-partum. The secondary aim will assess between-group differences for the change in maternal weight, dietary fiber intake, and dietary quality from two months to one year post-partum and infant body composition from birth to one-year-old.

DISCUSSION

Effective and simple intervention strategies to improve maternal and offspring outcomes are lacking. Changes during the perinatal period are related to the risk of disease development in the mother and offspring. However, it is unknown which changes can be successfully targeted to have a meaningful impact. We will test the effect of an intervention designed to counter many of the metabolic and inflammatory changes that occur during pregnancy.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The University of Kansas Medical Center Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved the study protocol (STUDY00145397). The results of the trial will be disseminated at conferences and in peer reviewed publications.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04868110.

Dietary Patterns and Lifestyle Factors Associated with the Risk of Colorectal Cancer: A Hospital-Based Case-Control Study among Malaysians

Background

This study aimed to examine the association between dietary patterns, lifestyle factors, and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk among the Malaysian population.

Methods

We recruited 100 patients and 100 controls from two selected government hospitals. Principal component analysis was used to identify dietary patterns using a 123-item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption questionnaires were modified from the WHO STEPS Survey questionnaire. Physical activity levels were assessed using the revised Global Physical Activity questionnaire. Associations between dietary patterns, lifestyle factors and CRC risk were assessed using logistic regression with SPSS version 24.0.

Results

Three dietary patterns were derived from factor analysis: i) vegetables; ii) meat, seafood and processed food; and iii) grains and legumes. High vegetable diet intake was independently and significantly associated with an 81% decreased risk of CRC (odds ratio [OR]: 0.19; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.08, 0.46). Both recreational-related physical activity (OR: 2.04; 95% CI: 1.14, 3.64) and vigorous physical activity (OR: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.13, 3.74) are significantly associated with decreased risk of CRC. Increasing the number of cigarettes smoked (≥ 16 cigarettes) per day significantly increased the odds of developing CRC (OR: 2.58; 95% CI: 1.95, 6.75). The duration of alcohol consumption cessation was inversely associated with CRC risk (OR: 2.52; 95% CI: 2.30, 10.57).

Conclusion

The protective effects of a fruit and vegetable diet, and a healthy lifestyle can be used to develop interventions that help reduce the risk of CRC in the Malaysian population.

Cell-penetrating peptides for transmucosal delivery of proteins

Enabling non-invasive delivery of proteins across the mucosal barriers promises improved patient compliance and therapeutic efficacies. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are emerging as a promising and versatile tool to enhance protein and peptide permeation across various mucosal barriers. This review examines the structural and physicochemical attributes of the nasal, buccal, sublingual, and oral mucosa that hamper macromolecular delivery. Recent development of CPPs for overcoming those mucosal barriers for protein delivery is summarized and analyzed. Perspectives regarding current challenges and future research directions towards improving non-invasive transmucosal delivery of macromolecules for ultimate clinical translation are discussed.

The Impact of Fiber Source on Digestive Function, Fecal Microbiota, and Immune Response in Adult Dogs

This study evaluated the impact of different fiber sources on intestinal function, fecal microbiota, and overall health in dogs. Twelve dogs were used in a crossover design, involving three periods of 6 weeks and three diets: a low-fiber diet (CTR), a cereal-fiber and beet-pulp-supplemented diet (BRA), and a fruit-fiber-supplemented diet (FRU). Each period included a digestibility trial and fecal and blood sampling in the last week. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and microbiota taxonomy (16S rRNA Illumina-MiSeq) and functionality (Shotgun-NovaSeq 6000) were determined in the feces. General biochemistry, complete blood cells, and lymphocyte subsets were also analyzed. The fiber-supplemented diets showed lower digestibility without significant changes in the fecal consistency. The BRA diet showed higher total SCFA concentrations (p = 0.056), with increases in alpha diversity and particular beneficial genera, such as Lachnospira, Bifidobacterium, and Faecalibacterium. The BRA microbiota was also associated with an overabundance of genes related to carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. The FRU diet had a distinct impact on the microbiota composition and functionality, leading to higher levels of CD8 lymphocytes. These findings emphasize the importance of selecting the right fiber source when formulating dog diets, as it can have a differential impact on gut microbiota and animal health.

Associations Between Physical Activity and Gastrointestinal Transit Times in People with Normal Weight, Overweight, and Obesity

BACKGROUND

Rapid gastric emptying is associated with obesity and overeating, whereas delayed gastric emptying is associated with anorexia. Acute effects of exercise on gastric emptying have been investigated extensively, but the influence of habitual physical activity on gastric emptying and transit time in other regions of the gastrointestinal tract is poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to investigate associations between objectively measured habitual physical activity and gastrointestinal transit times in adults with varying degrees of adiposity.

METHODS

50 adults (58% women) were included in this cross-sectional study. Physical activity was measured by an accelerometer placed on the lower back for 7 d. Gastric emptying time, small bowel transit time, colonic transit time, and whole gut transit time were simultaneously evaluated by a wireless motility capsule, which was ingested together with a standardized mixed meal. Linear regression models were applied to assess the associations of total activity counts and time spent at different intensities-sedentary activity (0-100 counts/min), low light activity (101-759 counts/min), high light activity (760-1951 counts/min); moderate and vigorous activity (≥1952 counts/min)) with gastrointestinal transit times.

RESULTS

Median [Q1; Q3] age was 56.5 [46.6-65.5] y, and body mass index (BMI) was 32.1 [28.5-35.1] kg/m2. For every additional hour spent performing high light intensity physical activity, colonic transit time was 25.5 % [95% CI: 3.10, 42.7] more rapid (P = 0.028), and whole gut transit time was 16.2 % [95% CI: 1.84, 28.4] more rapid (P = 0.028) when adjusted for sex, age, and body fat. No other associations were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

More time spent on physical activity at high light intensity was associated with more rapid colonic and whole gut transit time, independent of age, sex, and body fat, whereas other intensities of physical activity and gastrointestinal transit times were not associated.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov IDs (NCT03894670, NCT03854656).

Undaria pinnatifida fucoidan contributes to anti-inflammation activity of Bacteroides in fiber-deficient mice via modulation of gut microbiota and protection of intestinal barrier integrity

Bacteroides as potential probiotics has several health benefits to the host, but its practical application faces many challenges due to its inherent properties. In this study, Bacteroides strains isolated from human feces alleviated colonic inflammation in mice, as evidenced by increased colon length and reduced tissue damage. Further study showed that anti-inflammation activity of Bacteroides strains was disturbed by dietary fiber deficiency (FD), which disrupted the balance between gut microbiota and colonic mucus layer, leading to a thinning of colonic mucus layer. A combination of Bacteroides strains and Undaria pinnatifida fucoidan (UPF) better alleviated colonic inflammation than either of them, including increases in the densities of goblet cells and glycoproteins and reduction in intestinal epithelial damage, pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. The underlying mechanisms can be attributed to that UPF-induced alterations of mucosal microbiota cannot only directly benefit host health but also create an ecological condition that facilitates Bacteroides strains exert their healthy properties. In addition, both Bacteroides strains and UPF improved FD-induced lipid metabolism abnormality, mainly involving glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway. This study suggests that the application of Bacteroides has certain limitations, and UPF can be developed as a probiotic adjuvant for Bacteroides to enhance human health.

Adipokines and Bacterial Metabolites: A Pivotal Molecular Bridge Linking Obesity and Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis to Target

Adipokines are essential mediators produced by adipose tissue and exert multiple biological functions. In particular, adiponectin, leptin, resistin, IL-6, MCP-1 and PAI-1 play specific roles in the crosstalk between adipose tissue and other organs involved in metabolic, immune and vascular health. During obesity, adipokine imbalance occurs and leads to a low-grade pro-inflammatory status, promoting insulin resistance-related diabetes and its vascular complications. A causal link between obesity and gut microbiota dysbiosis has been demonstrated. The deregulation of gut bacteria communities characterizing this dysbiosis influences the synthesis of bacterial substances including lipopolysaccharides and specific metabolites, generated via the degradation of dietary components, such as short-chain fatty acids, trimethylamine metabolized into trimethylamine-oxide in the liver and indole derivatives. Emerging evidence suggests that these bacterial metabolites modulate signaling pathways involved in adipokine production and action. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the molecular links between gut bacteria-derived metabolites and adipokine imbalance in obesity, and emphasizes their roles in key pathological mechanisms related to oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin resistance and vascular disorder. Given this interaction between adipokines and bacterial metabolites, the review highlights their relevance (i) as complementary clinical biomarkers to better explore the metabolic, inflammatory and vascular complications during obesity and gut microbiota dysbiosis, and (ii) as targets for new antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and prebiotic triple action strategies.

Gut microbiota response to in vitro transit time variation is mediated by microbial growth rates, nutrient use efficiency and adaptation to in vivo transit time

BACKGROUND

Transit time is an important modulator of the human gut microbiome. The inability to modify transit time as the sole variable hampers mechanistic in vivo microbiome research. We singled out gut transit time in an unprecedented in vitro approach by subjecting faecal microbial communities from six individuals with either short, medium or long in vivo transit times, to three different colonic transit times of 21, 32 and 63 h in the validated human gut in vitro model, SHIME.

RESULTS

Transit time was identified as the single most important driver of microbial cell concentrations (52%), metabolic activity (45%) and quantitative (24%) and proportional (22%) community composition. Deceleration of transit was characterised by a significant decrease of specific Bifidobacterium and Veillonella spp. and increase of specific fibre degrading bacteria and nutrient specialists, such as Bacteroides, Prevotella, Ruminococcus, Bilophila and Akkermansia spp. These microbial communities reached a higher population density and net carbohydrate fermentation, leading to an increased SCFA production at longer transit times. In contrast, the carbohydrate-to-biomass production efficiency was increased at shorter transits, particularly in well-adapted faecal microbiomes from donors with short in vivo transit. Said adaptation was also reflected in the carbohydrate-to-SCFA conversion efficiency which varied with donor, but also colon region and SCFA chain length. A long transit time promoted propionate production, whereas butyrate production and butyrate producers were selectively enriched in the proximal colon at medium transit time.

CONCLUSION

Microbial growth rates and nutrient utilisation efficiency mediate the species-specific gut microbiota response to in vitro transit time variation, which is the main driver of in vitro microbial load, metabolism and community composition. Given the in vivo transit time variation within and between individuals, the personalisation of in vitro transit time based on in vivo data is required to accurately study intra- and inter-individual differences in gut microbiome structure, functionality and interactions with host and environmental modulators. Video Abstract.

Recent research advances on oral colon-specific delivery system of nature bioactive components: A review

Oral colon-specific delivery system (OCDS) is a targeted approach that aims to directly deliver bioactive compounds directly to the colon following oral administration, thereby enhancing the colonic release of bioactive substances and minimizing adverse reactions. The effectiveness of bioactive substances in the colon hinges on the degree of release, which are affected by various factors including pH, mucosal barrier, delivery time and so on. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the key factors affecting oral colon-specific release of bioactive components firstly. Considering the oral safety, this review then mainly focuses on the types of carriers with edible OCDS and preparation strategies for OCDS. Finally, several preparation strategies for loading typical natural bioactive ingredients into oral safe OCDS are reviewed, along with future development prospects.

Effects of Blanching, Freezing and Canning on the Carbohydrates in Sweet Corn

Sweet corn is frequently consumed in the US and contains carbohydrates as major macronutrients. This study examined the effects of blanching, freezing, and canning on carbohydrates in sweet corn. Fresh bi-color sweet corn was picked in the field and processed immediately into frozen and canned samples. Simple sugars, starch, and dietary fiber (DF) (including total DF (TDF), insoluble DF (IDF) and two fractions of soluble DF (SDF)) were measured according to the AOAC methods. Additional glycomic analysis including oligosaccharides, monosaccharide composition of total polysaccharides (MCTP) and glycosidic linkage of total polysaccharides (GLTP) were analyzed using UHPLC-MS. Sucrose is the major simple sugar, and IDF is the main contributor to TDF. Sucrose and total simple sugar concentrations were not altered after blanching or freezing but were significantly reduced in canned samples. Kestose was the only oligosaccharide identified in sweet corn and decreased in all heat-treated or frozen samples. Starch content decreased in frozen samples but increased in canned samples. While two SDF fractions did not differ across all samples, blanching, freezing and canning resulted in increases in TDF and IDF. Six monosaccharides were identified as major building blocks of the total polysaccharides from MCTP analysis. Glucose and total monosaccharide concentrations increased in two canned samples. GLTP was also profoundly altered by different food processing methods. This study provided insights into the changes in the content and quality of carbohydrates in sweet corn after food processing. The data are important for accurate assessment of the carbohydrate intake from different sweet corn products.

Dietary fiber - a scoping review for Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023

Dietary fiber is a term crudely defined as carbohydrates (CHOs) that escape digestion and uptake in the small intestine. Lignin, which is not a CHO, is also a part of the dietary fiber definition. Dietary fibers come in different sizes and forms, with a variety of combinations of monomeric units. Health authorities worldwide have for many years recommended a diet rich in dietary fibers based on consistent findings that dietary fibers are associated with reduced incidences of major non-communicable diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and colorectal cancer. Most fibers come from common edible foods from the plant kingdom, but fibers are also found in food additives, supplements, and breast milk. The recommended intake in Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2012 (NNR2012) is 25 g/d for women and 35 g/d for men, whereas the actual intake is significantly lower, ranging from 16 g/d to 22 g/d in women and 18 g/d to 26 g/d in men. New studies since NNR2012 confirm the current view that dietary fiber is beneficial for health, advocating intakes of at least 25 g/day.

Vegetarian and vegan diets: benefits and drawbacks

Plant-based diets have become increasingly popular thanks to their purported health benefits and more recently for their positive environmental impact. Prospective studies suggest that consuming vegetarian diets is associated with a reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, hypertension, dementia, and cancer. Data from randomized clinical trials have confirmed a protective effect of vegetarian diets for the prevention of diabetes and reductions in weight, blood pressure, glycosylated haemoglobin and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, but to date, no data are available for cardiovascular event rates and cognitive impairment, and there are very limited data for cancer. Moreover, not all plant-based foods are equally healthy. Unhealthy vegetarian diets poor in specific nutrients (vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and calcium) and/or rich in highly processed and refined foods increase morbidity and mortality. Further mechanistic studies are desirable to understand whether the advantages of healthy, minimally processed vegetarian diets represent an all-or-nothing phenomenon and whether consuming primarily plant-based diets containing small quantities of animal products (e.g. pesco-vegetarian or Mediterranean diets) has beneficial, detrimental, or neutral effects on cardiometabolic health outcomes. Further, mechanistic studies are warranted to enhance our understanding about healthy plant-based food patterns and the biological mechanisms linking dietary factors, CVD, and other metabolic diseases.

Matcha green tea beverage moderates fatigue and supports resistance training-induced adaptation

BACKGROUND

Resistance training adaptively increases muscle strength and mass, contributing to athletic performance and health promotion. Dietary intervention with natural foods provides nutrients that help accelerate muscle adaptation to training. Matcha green tea contains several bioactive factors such as antioxidants, amino acids, and dietary fibers; however, its effect on muscle adaptation is unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of matcha beverage intake on muscle adaptation to resistance training.

METHODS

Healthy, untrained men were randomized into placebo and matcha groups. Participants consumed either a matcha beverage containing 1.5 g of matcha green tea powder or a placebo beverage twice a day and engaged in resistance training programs for 8 (trial 1) or 12 weeks (trial 2).

RESULTS

In trial 1, maximum leg strength after training tended to increase more in the matcha group than that in the placebo group. In the matcha group, subjective fatigue after exercise at 1 week of training was lower than that in the placebo group. Gut microbe analysis showed that the abundance of five genera changed after matcha intake. The change in Ruminococcus, Butyricimonas, and Oscillospira compositions positively correlated with the change in maximum strength. In trial 2, the change in skeletal muscle mass in response to training was larger in the matcha group. In addition, the salivary cortisol level was lower in the matcha group than that in the placebo group.

CONCLUSION

Daily intake of matcha green tea beverages may help in muscle adaptation to training, with modulations in stress and fatigue responses and microbiota composition.

Bowel movement frequency, stool consistency, and risk of disabling dementia: a population-based cohort study in Japan

OBJECTIVES

This population-based study aimed to evaluate the association between bowel habits from midlife and dementia.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a cohort study using certification records for national long-term care insurance in Japan.

METHODS

Participants aged 50 to 79 years who reported bowel habits from eight districts within the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study (JPHC Study) were followed from 2006 to 2016 for incident dementia. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated for men and women separately using Cox proportional hazards models accounting for various lifestyle factors and medical histories.

RESULTS

Among 19,396 men and 22,859 women, 1889 men and 2685 women were diagnosed with dementia. In men, the multivariable-adjusted HRs compared with bowel movement frequency (BMF) of once/day were 1.00 (95% CI: 0.87-1.14) for twice/day or more, 1.38 (1.16-1.65) for 5-6 times/week, 1.46 (1.18-1.80) for 3-4 times/week, and 1.79 (1.34-2.39) for <3 times/week (P for trend <0.001). In women, the corresponding HRs were 1.14 (0.998-1.31), 1.03 (0.91-1.17), 1.16 (1.01-1.33), and 1.29 (1.08-1.55) (P for trend = 0.043). Harder stool was associated with higher risk (P for trend: 0.0030 for men and 0.024 for women), with adjusted HRs compared to normal stool of 1.30 (1.08-1.57) for hard stool and 2.18 (1.23-3.85) for very hard stool in men, and 1.15 (1.002-1.32) and 1.84 (1.29-2.63) in women.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower BMF and harder stool were each associated with higher risk of dementia.

Comparison and the lipid-lowering ability evaluation method discussion of Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides from different origins based on principal component analysis

As typical acetylated glucomannans, Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides (DOPs) from different origins differ in their structural characteristics and some of their physicochemical properties. To rapidly select D. officinale plants, we systematically investigate the differences among DOPs from different origins and analyzed the structural characteristics, such as the degree of acetylation and monosaccharide composition; the physicochemical properties, such as solubility, water absorption and apparent viscosity; and the lipid-lowering activity of the obtained DOPs. Principal component analysis (PCA), a method for analyzing multiple variables, was used to analyze the relationship between the physicochemical and structural properties, and lipid-lowering activity. It was found that the structural and physicochemical characteristics had significant effects on lipid-lowering activity, and DOPs with a high degree of acetylation, high apparent viscosity and large D-mannose-to-d-glucose ratio were associated with greater lipid-lowering activity. Therefore, this study provides a reference for the selection and application of D. officinale.

Mfge8 is expressed by pericytes in gastric antrum submucosa from patients with obesity

The main function of the stomach is to digest ingested food. Gastric antrum muscular contractions mix ingested food with digestive enzymes and stomach acid and propel the chyme through the pyloric sphincter at a rate in which the small intestine can process the chyme for optimal nutrient absorption. Mfge8 binding to α8β1 integrins helps regulate gastric emptying by reducing the force of antral smooth muscle contractions. The source of Mfge8 within gastric muscles is unclear. Since Mfge8 is a secreted protein, Mfge8 could be delivered via the circulation, or be locally secreted by cells within the muscle layers. In this study, we identify a source of Mfge8 within human gastric antrum muscles using spatial transcriptomic analysis. We show that Mfge8 is expressed in subpopulations of Mef2c+ perivascular cells within the submucosa layer of the gastric antrum. Mef2c is expressed in subpopulations of NG2+ and PDGFRB+ pericytes. Mfge8 is expressed in NG2+/Mef2c+ pericytes, but not in NG2+/Mef2c-, PDGFRB+/Mef2c-, or PDGFRB+/Mef2c+ pericytes. Mfge8 is absent from CD34+ endothelial cells but is expressed in a small population of perivascular ACTA2+ cells. We also show that α8 integrin is not expressed by interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), supporting the findings that Mfge8 attenuates gastric antrum smooth muscle contractions by binding to α8β1 integrins on enteric smooth muscle cells. These findings suggest a novel, supplementary mechanism of regulation of gastric antrum motility by cellular regulators of capillary blood flow, in addition to the regulation of gastric antrum motility by the enteric nervous system and the SMC, ICC, and PDGFRα+ cell (SIP) syncytium.

Oral bioavailability of bioactive compounds; modulating factors, in vitro analysis methods, and enhancing strategies

Foods are complex biosystems made up of a wide variety of compounds. Some of them, such as nutrients and bioactive compounds (bioactives), contribute to supporting body functions and bring important health benefits; others, such as food additives, are involved in processing techniques and contribute to improving sensory attributes and ensuring food safety. Also, there are antinutrients in foods that affect food bioefficiency and contaminants that increase the risk of toxicity. The bioefficiency of food is evaluated with bioavailability which represents the amount of nutrients or bioactives from the consumed food reaching the organs and tissues where they exert their biological activity. Oral bioavailability is the result of some physicochemical and biological processes in which food is involved such as liberation, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination (LADME). In this paper, a general presentation of the factors influencing oral bioavailability of nutrients and bioactives as well as the in vitro techniques for evaluating bioaccessibility and is provided. In this context, a critical analysis of the effects of physiological factors related to the characteristics of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) on oral bioavailability is discussed, such as pH, chemical composition, volumes of gastrointestinal (GI) fluids, transit time, enzymatic activity, mechanical processes, and so on, and the pharmacokinetics factors including BAC and solubility of bioactives, their transport across the cell membrane, their biodistribution and metabolism. The impact of matrix and food processing on the BAC of bioactives is also explained. The researchers' recent concerns for improving oral bioavailability of nutrients and food bioactives using both traditional techniques, for example, thermal treatments, mechanical processes, soaking, germination and fermentation, as well as food nanotechnologies, such as loading of bioactives in different colloidal delivery systems (CDSs), is also highlighted.

Pro- and Antioxidant Effect of Food Items and Matrices during Simulated In Vitro Digestion

The digestive tract can be considered a bioreactor. High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during digestion may predispose for local and/or systemic oxidative stress and inflammation, e.g., inflammatory bowel diseases. Food items rich in antioxidants may prevent such aggravation. This investigation analyzed pro-and antioxidant patterns of food matrices/items following in vitro digestion. Gastrointestinal digestion reflecting typically consumed quantities was performed on nine food items (orange and tomato juice, soda, coffee, white chocolate, sausage, vitamin C and E, and curcumin) and their combinations (n = 24), using the INFOGEST model. Antioxidant potential was measured by FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS, and pro-oxidant aspects by MDA (malondialdehyde) and peroxide formation. An anti-pro-oxidant score was developed, combining the five assays. Liquid food items showed moderately high antioxidant values, except for coffee and orange juice, which exhibited a high antioxidant potential. Solid matrices, e.g., white chocolate and sausage, showed both high pro-oxidant (up to 22 mg/L MDA) and high antioxidant potential (up to 336 mg/L vitamin C equivalents) at the same time. Individual vitamins (C and E) at physiological levels (achievable from food items) showed a moderate antioxidant potential (<220 mg/L vitamin C equivalents). Overall, both antioxidant and pro-oxidant assays correlated well, with correlation coefficients of up to 0.894. The effects of food combinations were generally additive, i.e., non-synergistic, except for combinations with sausage, where strong quenching effects for MDA were observed, e.g., with orange juice. In conclusion, as especially highlighted by complex matrices demonstrating both pro- and antioxidant potential, only measuring one aspect would result in physiological misinterpretations. Therefore, it is imperative to employ a combination of assays to evaluate both pro- and antioxidant properties of food digesta to ensure physiological relevance.

Vegan diets from an allergy point of view - Position paper of the DGAKI working group on food allergy

Vegan diets are currently attracting a great deal of attention. However, avoiding animal-based foods restricts the diet and is associated with risks, the extent and medical implications of which are at present not sufficiently understood. Elimination diets represent the usual therapeutic long-term management in the presence of food allergy. In order to understand the risks of vegan diets and to discuss these critically from the perspective of food allergies, the expertise of a nutritionist/dietitian with expertise in this area is indispensable. This position paper deals with the incentives behind and the benefits of a plant-based diet. The knowledge required to cover macro- and micronutrient dietary requirements is presented. Using the avoidance of cow's milk as an example, the challenges of adequately meeting nutritional needs are identified and (so-called) milk alternatives are evaluated from an allergy and nutritional point of view. Finally, other plant-based (substitute) products are evaluated from the same perspective, as significant protein sources in vegan diets (e.g., legumes, nuts, and seeds) are at the same time potential and potent triggers of allergic reactions. However, the allergic potential of many substitute products cannot be fully assessed at present due to gaps in research. Wheat as the most important trigger for anaphylaxis in adults is also evaluated. Finally, the increase in ultra-processed products in the (vegan) food sector and their potential consequences for the immune system are discussed.

Determination of the level of evidence for the association between different food groups/items and dietary fiber intake and the risk of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension: An umbrella review

Evidence has suggested that nutrition is a preventive factor against cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Because of a sharp growth in published meta-analyses and pooled analyses in recent years, a reassessment of old evidence is needed. We aimed to determine the level of evidence for the association between the consumption of different food groups/items and dietary fiber and the incidence risk of CVDs, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation from meta-analyses and pooled analyses of observational studies. Databases Scopus, PubMed/Medline, and Web of Science were searched for related studies. Fifty-eight articles met the inclusion criteria for evidence grading. In summary, grading the level of evidence showed a suggestive inverse association between the higher consumption of fruits, whole grains, fish, legumes, nuts, and dietary fibers with the incidence risk of hypertension and different types of CVD. Also, there was a probable inverse association between the higher consumption of total and low-fat dairy products and the risk of hypertension. Higher red meat consumption had a probable association with the increased risk of ischemic stroke. Higher consumption of processed meat and poultry also had a suggestive direct association with the incidence risk of stroke and hypertension. We have tried to present a comprehensive and useful overview of the level of evidence based on the most updated findings. The summary of results in the current umbrella review can be a helpful tool for nutritionists, dietitians, and researchers to establish new studies and identify research gaps in related issues.

A review on curcumin colon-targeted oral drug delivery systems for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Synthetic drugs and monoclonal antibodies are the typical treatments to combat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, side effects are present when these treatments are used, and their continued application could be restricted by the high relapse rate of the disease. One potential alternative to these treatments is the use of plant-derived products. The use curcumin is one such treatment option that has seen an increase in usage in treating IBD. Curcumin is derived from a rhizome of turmeric (Curcuma longa), and the results of studies on the use of curcumin to treat IBD are promising. These studies suggest that curcumin interacts with cellular targets such as NF-κB, JAKs/STATs, MAPKs, TNF-α, IL-6, PPAR, and TRPV1 and may reduce the progression of IBD. Potentially, curcumin can be used as a therapeutic agent for patients with IBD when it reduces the incidence of clinical relapse. This review discusses the strategies utilized in designing and developing an oral colonic delivery dosage form of curcumin.

Naringenin modulates Cobalt activities on gut motility through mechanosensors and serotonin signalling

IntroductionCobalt chloride-(CoCl₂) exerts beneficial and toxic activities depending on dose however Naringenin-(Nar) a flavonoid, chelates heavy metals. Absorption of ingested heavy metals, or chelates are dependent on gut motility (gastric emptying and intestinal transit time) and mechanosensor regulation. Literature is vague on CoCl₂ activities on gut motility and mechanosensor nor probable chelating actions with naringenin which was investigated in this study.MethodOne hundred male Wistar rats were grouped viz; A to D (25, 62, 150 and 300 mg/kg CoCl₂), E to H doses of CoCl₂+Nar (50 mg/kg), I-Narigenin and J-Control. Gastric emptying and intestinal transit time were evaluated by day eight, intestinal tissue assayed for biochemical, histological and immunohistochemistry reactivity.ResultCoCl₂ significantly increased Gastric emptying (150 and 300 mg/kg) and Intestinal transit time unlike Naringenin. CoCl₂ (150 mg/kg) significantly increased Catalase and Nitric oxide but ameliorated by Naringenin. ATPase activities significantly increased in 150 mg/kg-CoCl₂ but ameliorated by Naringenin. Carbonyl levels increased in all CoCl₂+Nar groups. High Enterochromaffin-cell count in 25 and 62 mg/kg-CoCl₂ were ameliorated by Naringenin. Serotonin immunoreactivity increased in CoCl₂ (25, 62, 300 mg/kg) but reduced in CoCl₂+Nar groups.ConclusionCobalt chloride enhanced gastric motility via increased mechanosensor activities and serotonin expression at low doses. Naringenin ameliorated toxicity of high cobalt chloride via metal-flavonoid chelates.

Advanced Strategies of Drug Delivery via Oral, Topical, and Parenteral Administration Routes: Where Do Equine Medications Stand?

While the global market for veterinary products has been expanding rapidly, there is still a lack of specialist knowledge of equine pharmaceutics. In many cases, the basic structure of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and integumentary system of the horse shares similarities with those of humans. Generally, the dosage form developed for humans can be repurposed to deliver equine medications; however, due to physiological variation, the therapeutic outcomes can be unpredictable. This is an area that requires more research, as there is a clear deficiency in literature precedence on drug delivery specifically for horses. Through a careful evaluation of equine anatomy and physiology, novel drug delivery systems (NDDSs) can be developed to adequately address many of the medical ailments of the horse. In addition to this, there are key considerations when delivering oral, topical, and parenteral drugs to horses, deriving from age and species variation. More importantly, NDDSs can enhance the duration of action of active drugs in animals, significantly improving owner compliance; and ultimately, enhancing the convenience of product administration. To address the knowledge gap in equine pharmaceutical formulations, this paper begins with a summary of the anatomy and physiology of the equine gastrointestinal, integumentary, and circulatory systems. A detailed discussion of potential dosage-form related issues affecting horses, and how they can be overcome by employing NDDSs is presented.

Insoluble fibers affect digesta transit behavior in the upper gastrointestinal tract of growing pigs, regardless of particle size

Physicochemical characteristics of dietary fibers may modulate digesta transit behavior. The present study was conducted to clarify the effect of level and particle size (PS) of insoluble fibers on digesta mean retention time (MRT) in the proximal gastrointestinal tract (mouth-ileocecal junction). Six ileal-cannulated pigs (26.8 ± 2.08 kg) were assigned to 3 dietary treatments in a 3 × 3 replicated Latin-square design. Finely ground (1 mm screen) or coarse (intact) oat husks (OH) and soybean hulls (SBH) were added (50:50, w/w) to a maize-whey protein-wheat-based diet at 50 (low) or 250 g/kg (high) inclusion levels to obtain a low-fine fiber (LF), high-fine fiber (HF), and high-coarse fiber (HC) diet. Markers to follow liquids (Co-EDTA), fine solids (Y3O2), or fibrous particles (Yb-mordanted OH and Cr-mordanted SBH) were given as a single pulse dose and marker concentrations were subsequently measured hourly in digesta for 13 h after administration. Mean retention time values were obtained from the concentration of markers in digesta observed over time by fitting a generalized Michaelis-Menten equation and calculating the time of peak. Fiber addition and fiber particle size neither affected the MRT of liquid nor solid digesta phases (P = 0.903). Segregation between solid and liquid digesta phases was observed for all diets (P < 0.0001), although the extent of segregation was greater for LF compared with HF and HC (P = 0.0220). The MRT of SBH particles, but not of OH-particles was longer for coarse vs fine PS (96 min, P < 0.05). In conclusion, digesta MRT was influenced by the dietary concentration but not by PS of insoluble fibers. The addition of insoluble fibers reduces digesta phase segregation from mouth to distal ileum in growing pigs.

Effects of overfeeding on the digestive efficiency, voluntary physical activity levels, and fecal characteristics and microbiota of adult cats

The incidence of feline obesity continues to rise despite it being a preventable disease. There are many risks and health perturbations associated with obesity, with several of those impacting a pet's quality of life, wellness, and longevity. Feline obesity is commonly studied, but most research has been focused on weight loss rather than weight gain. To our knowledge, feline studies have not examined the implications of overfeeding and weight gain on gastrointestinal transit time (GTT) nor the association it has with the fecal microbiota. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of overfeeding and weight gain on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), GTT, blood hormones, serum metabolites, hematology, fecal microbiota populations, and voluntary physical activity of cats. Eleven lean adult spayed female cats [body weight (BW) = 4.11 ± 0.43 kg; body condition score = 5.41 ± 0.3; age = 5.22 ± 0.03 y] were used in a longitudinal weight gain study. After a 2-wk baseline phase, cats were allowed to overeat for 18 wk. A commercially available complete and balanced diet was fed during the baseline phase to identify the intake needed to maintain BW. Cats were then fed the same diet ad libitum to induce weight gain. Fecal samples, blood samples, and voluntary physical activity data were collected at baseline (week 0) and 6, 12, and 18 wk after weight gain. Fecal samples were collected for microbiota analysis, determination of ATTD, and GTT measurement while blood samples were collected for serum chemistry, hematology, and insulin and leptin measurements. Microbiota data were evaluated using QIIME2. All other measures were evaluated statistically using the mixed models procedure of SAS using repeated measures analysis, with time effects being the focus. A P < 0.05 was considered significant. The ATTD of dry matter (P = 0.0061), organic matter (P = 0.0130), crude protein (P < 0.0001), fat (P = 0.0002), and gross energy (P = 0.0002), and GTT (P = 0.0418) decreased with overfeeding and weight gain. Fecal bacterial alpha diversity measures were unchanged, but fecal bacterial beta diversity was impacted (P < 0.05) with overfeeding and weight gain. The relative abundances of 16 bacterial genera, including Bifidobacterium, Collinsella, Erysipelatoclostridium were affected (P < 0.05) by overfeeding and weight gain. In conclusion, overfeeding and subsequent weight gain reduced ATTD, reduced GTT, and caused changes to the fecal microbial community of adult cats.

Colonic drug delivery: Formulating the next generation of colon-targeted therapeutics

Colonic drug delivery can facilitate access to unique therapeutic targets and has the potential to enhance drug bioavailability whilst reducing off-target effects. Delivering drugs to the colon requires considered formulation development, as both oral and rectal dosage forms can encounter challenges if the colon's distinct physiological environment is not appreciated. As the therapeutic opportunities surrounding colonic drug delivery multiply, the success of novel pharmaceuticals lies in their design. This review provides a modern insight into the key parameters determining the effective design and development of colon-targeted medicines. Influential physiological features governing the release, dissolution, stability, and absorption of drugs in the colon are first discussed, followed by an overview of the most reliable colon-targeted formulation strategies. Finally, the most appropriate in vitro, in vivo, and in silico preclinical investigations are presented, with the goal of inspiring strategic development of new colon-targeted therapeutics.

All Fiber is Not Fiber

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Epidemiologic studies and clinical trials have demonstrated the benefits of dietary fiber. This occurs through a combination of the physiochemical properties of fiber and through microbial fermentation that occurs in the colon which result in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). The purpose of this review is to highlight the physiochemical properties of fiber that result in the range of physiologic effects and to review the literature on the health benefits of acetate, propionate, and butyrate.

RECENT FINDINGS

Of the variety of properties and functions exerted by dietary fibers, the fermentability and production of SCFA's are emphasized in this review. Studies done in both animal and humans reveal the anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, and possible anti-neoplastic roles SCFAs exert at the mucosal level. Many clinical questions remain regarding the optimal dose, type, and method of delivery of fiber to exert the desired beneficial effects. It has the potential to be used in the management of clinical symptoms, prevention of disease, and improvement in human health. Further studies to address this novel use of fiber has the potential to make a large impact in clinical practice.

Hydrogel Derived from Glucomannan-Chitosan to Improve the Survival of Lactobacillus acidophilus FNCC 0051 in Simulated Gastrointestinal Fluid

The probiotic encapsulating hydrogel derived from porang (Amorphophallus oncophyllus) glucomannan and chitosan was investigated with regard to its encapsulation efficiency, physical properties, prebiotic activity, and survival under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The hydrogel's encapsulation efficiency was improved by varying the number of the Lactobacillus acidophilus FNCC 0051, which also served to increase the diameter (2-3 mm), polydispersity index (1.23-1.65), positive zeta potential, whiteness, and brightness of the hydrogel. Moreover, the hydrogel's prebiotic activity score was higher than that of inulin after 24 h of incubation, reflecting its role as a cell encapsulant, particularly when it comes to maintaining cells during exposure to simulated gastrointestinal fluid. The cell viability increased from 86% to 100% when immersed in intestinal juice, which is comparable to the increase achieved using alginate and konjac glucomannan hydrogels. Future animal studies are required to determine the cell viability in actual gastrointestinal conditions and assess the health effects of the hydrogel.

Development of Citrus-Based Functional Jelly and an Investigation of Its Anti-Obesity and Antioxidant Properties

Intervention with natural products is becoming a promising obesity control strategy as healthy eating becomes increasingly popular. The present study aimed to prepare a citrus-based functional jelly (CFJ) from citrus by-products and investigate its bioactive effects in mice. The results of the CFJ preparation showed that the optimal formula of CFJ was 29.12%, 20%, and 3.61% for chenpi, orange juice, and pectin, respectively. The optimized CFJ can be personalized and designed with jelly shapes using 3D food printing technology. The evaluation of the biological activity of the CFJ showed that it was low in calories, with a total phenolic content of 12.44 ± 0.26 mg GAE/g. Moreover, the CFJ has a good free radical scavenging ability for ABTS. The results of the mouse experiments showed that the CFJ significantly suppressed the body weight gain and fat deposits with a dose-dependent effect, compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, the activities of the antioxidant-related enzymes (CAT and SOD) of the mice were also enhanced after a supplementation with the CFJ. In short, the CFJ is a functional snack enriched in phenolic substances with low-calorie, antioxidant and anti-obesity properties. This work promotes the utilization of citrus by-products and the healthy development of its processing industry.

The ability of yoghurt supplemented with dietary fibers or brans extracted from wheat or rice to reduce serum lipids and enhance liver function in male hypercholesterolemic rats

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of yoghurt supplementation with rice and wheat brans or dietary fibers on serum lipid profile, liver, and heart functionalities, and hepatopathological aspects of the liver of hypercholesterolemic rats. 48 male rats were divided into 8 groups. Group 1 was kept as negative control and fed with a standard diet, and groups 2 to 6 were fed a hypercholesterolemia-induced diet supplemented with brans or dietary fibers of both grains. G2 received yoghurt without supplementation. The experiment lasted for 4 weeks. Results revealed that hypercholesterolemic rats administrated yoghurt supplemented with brans or dietary fibers reduced serum glucose from 113.9 ± 2.72 to 85.5 ± 4.94 in the serum of animals that received dietary fibers of rice and wheat, respectively. In addition, lipids profile and liver antioxidant status were improved. In addition, liver and heart functionalities and liver histopathological architecture were all improved depending on the type of administrated brans or fibers added to yoghurt. The inclusion of 0.5% of rice or wheat brans could be recommended to be added to yoghurt. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Yoghurt is the most famous fermented milk in the world. Supplementation of yoghurt with rice and wheat brans or dietary fibers increased its nutritional value. We proved that this new product contributes to reducing serum glucose, improving lipids profile, and enhancing liver and heart functions in hypercholesterolemic rats. This study confirmed the suitability to add a thesis type of brans or dietary fibers as bioactive ingredients to yoghurt and increased the varieties of functional foods.

The Role of Calcium, 25-Hydroxyvitamin D, and Parathyroid Hormone in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Bidirectional Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study

Several observational studies have indicated the potential associations among calcium, vitamin D (Vit-D), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, the causal relationship deduced from these studies is subject to residual confounding factors and reverse causation. Therefore, we aimed to explore the bidirectional causal effects among serum calcium, Vit-D, PTH, and IBS at the genetic level by a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis of the datasets from IEU OpenGWAS database. Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the robustness. The estimates were presented as odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The results of the inverse variance weighted method did not reveal any causal relationship between the genetically predisposed calcium (OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.80-1.06, p = 0.25) and Vit-D (OR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.83-1.19, p = 0.94) level and the risk of IBS. The bidirectional analysis demonstrated that genetic predisposition to IBS was associated with a decreased level of PTH (beta: -0.19, 95%CI: -0.34 to -0.04, p = 0.01). In conclusion, the present study indicates no causal relationship between the serum calcium and Vit-D concentrations and the risk of IBS. The potential mechanisms via which IBS affects serum PTH need to be further investigated.

The Effect of Healthy Lifestyle Strategies on the Management of Insulin Resistance in Children and Adolescents with Obesity: A Narrative Review

Childhood obesity is characterized by an increased risk of several metabolic derangements including insulin resistance (IR). The strongest recommendations to prevent obesity and related complications are a balanced and adequate diet and practicing physical activity from early childhood. In this review, we propose to present the effects of healthy lifestyle strategies, including physical exercise and dietary approaches, on the management of IR and related metabolic derangements. All types of exercise (aerobic, resistance and combined training) effectively reduce IR in pediatric patients with obesity; it seems that aerobic and combined training stimulate greater improvements in IR compared to resistance training. Balanced normocaloric or hypocaloric dietary approaches are also valid strategies to address IR; it is not possible to assess the long-term impact of varying macronutrients on cardiometabolic risk. The glycemic index/load evaluation is a useful dietary approach to glucose metabolism control. Similarly, they should adopt the principle of the Mediterranean diet. Randomized studies with longer monitoring are needed to define the benefits of nutritional supplementation on IR. Considering that healthy style acquisition could track to later ages, programs of healthy lifestyle starting with children offer a better preventive strategy to preserve metabolic control and children's health.

Postprandial Glycemic Response to Whole Fruit versus Blended Fruit in Healthy, Young Adults

While increased intake of dietary fiber is known to reduce postprandial glycemic response, it is less understood whether the disruption of dietary fiber, in a blender, alters the postprandial glycemic response. We compared the postprandial glycemic response in 20 young, healthy college students (12 female, 8 male) after consuming whole fruit vs. blended fruit. The fruit included gala apple, with the seeds removed, and blackberries. We used a repeated measures two-way ANOVA with fruit treatment as the within-subject variable, sex as the between-subjects factor, and glucose maximum, glucose incremental area under the curve (iAUC), and 60 min glucose as dependent variables. Glucose maximum and glucose iAUC were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in blended fruit compared to whole fruit and 60 min glucose was marginally significantly lower (p = 0.057) in blended fruit compared to whole fruit. Sex was not a significant main effect and sex*treatment was not a significant interaction for any of the dependent variables. We hypothesize that a reduced glycemic response in blended apple and blackberries compared to whole apple and blackberries might be associated with the release of dietary fiber and nutritive components from ground blackberry seeds.

Dietary fiber aids in the management of canine and feline gastrointestinal disease

Dietary fiber describes a diverse assortment of nondigestible carbohydrates that play a vital role in the health of animals and maintenance of gastrointestinal tract homeostasis. The main roles dietary fiber play in the gastrointestinal tract include physically altering the digesta, modulating appetite and satiety, regulating digestion, and acting as a microbial energy source through fermentation. These functions can have widespread systemic effects. Fiber is a vital component of nearly all commercial canine and feline diets. Key features of fiber types, such as fermentability, solubility, and viscosity, have been shown to have clinical implications as well as health benefits in dogs and cats. Practitioners should know how to evaluate a diet for fiber content and the current knowledge on fiber supplementation as it relates to common enteropathies including acute diarrhea, chronic diarrhea, constipation, and hairball management. Understanding the fundamentals of dietary fiber allows the practicing clinician to use fiber optimally as a management modality.

Polyphenol-Rich Leaf of Annona squamosa Stimulates Insulin Release from BRIN-BD11 Cells and Isolated Mouse Islets, Reduces (CH2O)n Digestion and Absorption, and Improves Glucose Tolerance and GLP-1 (7-36) Levels in High-Fat-Fed Rats

Annona squamosa, commonly known as custard apple, is traditionally used for the treatment of various diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and gastritis. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of an ethanolic (80% v/v) extract of A. squamosa (EEAS) leaves in vitro on insulin secretion from clonal pancreatic BRIN BD11 β-cells and mouse islets, including mechanistic studies on the effect of EEAS on membrane potential and intracellular calcium ion concentration. Additional in vitro glucose-lowering actions were assessed. For in vivo studies, high-fat-fed (HFF) obese/normal rats were selected. EEAS increased insulin secretion in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was linked to β-cell membrane depolarisation and cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ influx. In the presence of isobutyl methylxanthine (IBMX), tolbutamide, or KCl, the insulin-releasing effect of EEAS was increased, suggesting its effect was also mediated via a K_ATP-independent pathways. EEAS inhibited insulin glycation, glucose absorption, and DPP-IV enzyme activity in vitro and enhanced glucose uptake and insulin action in 3T3L1 cells. In vivo, gut motility, food intake, glucose tolerance, plasma insulin, and active GLP-1 (7-36) levels were improved, whereas plasma DPP-IV levels were reduced in HFF rats. EEAS attenuated the absorption of sucrose and glucose as well as decreased serum glucose levels after sucrose loading and in situ intestinal perfusion in non-diabetic rats. Rutin, proanthocyanidin, and squafosacin G were putatively identified as the anti-hyperglycaemic phytomolecules in EEAS using HPLC followed by LC-MS analysis. This study illustrates the potential of A. squamosa and its phytoconstituents as a source of potential antidiabetic agents.