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Ruiz-Martínez SM, Guzmán-Gerónimo RI, Alvarado-Olivarez M, Santiago-Roque I, Palma-Jacinto JA. Effect of Blackberry Juice Consumption by Pregnant Rats on Brain Length and Cell Density of Dentate Gyrus in Male Wistar Pups. J Med Food 2024; 27:901-904. [PMID: 37792428 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2023.0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of blackberry juice consumption during pregnancy on the length of the brain, as well as on the cell density of the dentate gyrus in Wistar rat pups. Pregnant rats were divided into three groups: control (C), fed with standard diet and water ad libitum; BJ1, which received blackberry juice containing polyphenols (7.8 mg/kg) and anthocyanins (1.9 mg/kg); and BJ2, receiving blackberry juice containing polyphenols (9.3 mg/kg) and anthocyanins (3.54 mg/kg). On postnatal day 0, pups per litter, body weight, and length were measured, and cells in the dentate gyrus of male pups were quantified. Maternal body weight and pups per litter were statistically equal across experimental groups during pregnancy. Pups in BJ1 and BJ2 groups showed an increase in body weight (20%) and length (5%) when comparing to controls. An increase in brain length was observed in BJ2 group (8%) as compared to the control. A significant increase in the number of cells/mm2 was observed in the dentate gyrus of the offspring in BJ1 (21.8%) and BJ2 (23.7%) groups when compared to the control group. Given the above, blackberry juice may be considered a potential functional food during pregnancy, while further research on prenatal and postnatal development must be done.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosa Isela Guzmán-Gerónimo
- Laboratorio de Innovación y Desarrollo de Alimentos, Instituto de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, México
| | - Mayvi Alvarado-Olivarez
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología, Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, México
| | - Isela Santiago-Roque
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica y Neurotoxicología, Facultad de Bioanálisis, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, México
| | - José Antonio Palma-Jacinto
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica y Neurotoxicología, Facultad de Bioanálisis, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, México
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Bell V, Rodrigues AR, Ferrão J, Varzakas T, Fernandes TH. The Policy of Compulsory Large-Scale Food Fortification in Sub-Saharan Africa. Foods 2024; 13:2438. [PMID: 39123628 PMCID: PMC11312076 DOI: 10.3390/foods13152438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Food fortification with micronutrients was initially justified in developed countries by a lack of availability of micronutrients in staple crops, mainly due to soil exhaustion. However, in Sub-Saharan arable lands, soil fatigue is not predominant, and communities consume mostly home-grown, organic, non-processed crops. Sub-Saharan food systems are nevertheless deeply entwined with food insecurity, driver of illnesses. Family production can promote subsistence, food stability, and self-sufficiency, the main SSA setback being the vicious cycle of poverty and the lack of dietary variety, contributing to malnutrition. Poverty reduction and women's education are significant strategies for reducing child and adolescent undernourishment. Fortification of foods consumed daily by individuals makes sense and can minimize, if not entirely, eliminate deficiencies. Compulsory mass fortification of foods in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) with single micronutrients is, however, controversial since they work in synergy among each other and with the food matrix, for optimal absorption and metabolism. Since the causes of malnutrition are many, caused by diverse, unequal, and unjust food distribution, interrelated with political, social, cultural, or economic factors, education status of the population, season and climatic changes, and effectiveness of nutrition programs, just food fortification cannot solve the composite of all these elements. Further, compulsory fortification is excessive, unproductive, and likely harmful to human health, while many challenges remain in assessing the quality of available premixes. Furthermore, aiming at dietary diversification is the best approach of increasing trace element intake from commonly accessible and easily available food sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Bell
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Polo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Stª Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (V.B.)
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Coimbra, Polo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Stª Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Rodrigues
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Polo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Stª Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (V.B.)
| | - Jorge Ferrão
- Vice-Chancellor Office, Universidade Pedagógica de Maputo, Rua João Carlos Raposo Beirão 135, Maputo 1000-001, Mozambique;
| | - Theodoros Varzakas
- Food Science and Technology, University of the Peloponnese, GR-22100 Kalamata, Greece
| | - Tito H. Fernandes
- CIISA—Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
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Bajwa N, Siddiqui M, Awais M, Rasool A, Amin A, Khan M, Afzal S. Risk Factors Associated With Low-Birth-Weight Babies in Tertiary Health Care Facilities in Lahore, Pakistan: A Case-Control Study. Cureus 2024; 16:e63832. [PMID: 39100019 PMCID: PMC11297706 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.63832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Low birth weight (LBW) is a well-known contributing factor to neonatal health, emphasizing the importance of maternal health and socio-economic conditions. The birth weight of a newborn is a major public health problem, which is more common in low-middle-income countries (LMICs). Objective The objective of this study is to assess the association of different socio-economic and maternal factors with LBW babies in Lahore. Methods This case-control study was carried out at the Obstetrics and Gynecological Department in Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan from September 25, 2023 to December 31, 2023. A total of 186 mothers who delivered in the maternity ward, categorized into two groups (93 cases and 93 controls), were included and data was collected with the help of a self-administered structured tool. A chi-square test was used to identify maternal risk factors significant for LBW babies. The strength of association between maternal risk factors and LBW babies was presented using the odds ratio (OR) with the respective 95% confidence interval (CI). Results The study revealed that maternal anemia [OR: 3.378, 95% CI: 1.568, 7.275] and inadequate nutritional status [OR: 1.031, 95% CI: 0.014, 0.071] were more likely to cause delivery of LBW babies. Regarding socio-demographic factors, household income < 25000 [OR: 5.185, 95% CI: 2.770, 9.707] and illiterate mothers [OR: 3.325, 95% CI: 1.820, 6.074] were associated with increased likelihood of LBW babies. Maternal age < 20 had a strong association [OR: 10.920, 95% CI: 2.455,48.575] with delivery of LBW children. Conclusion The study concludes that multiple risk factors including anemia, inadequate nutritional status, household income < 25000, illiterate mother, and maternal age < 20 are strongly associated with LBW babies. It is apparent that a multimodal strategy is necessary to reduce the risk of LBW babies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naila Bajwa
- Community Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, PAK
| | - Meha Siddiqui
- Community Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, PAK
| | - Muhammad Awais
- Community Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, PAK
| | - Alishba Rasool
- Community Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, PAK
| | - Ayesha Amin
- Community Medicine, Institute of Public Health, Lahore, PAK
| | - Mahnoor Khan
- Community Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, PAK
| | - Saira Afzal
- Public Health and Preventive Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, PAK
- Community Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, PAK
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Athar F, Karmani M, Templeman N. Metabolic hormones are integral regulators of female reproductive health and function. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20231916. [PMID: 38131197 PMCID: PMC10830447 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The female reproductive system is strongly influenced by nutrition and energy balance. It is well known that food restriction or energy depletion can induce suppression of reproductive processes, while overnutrition is associated with reproductive dysfunction. However, the intricate mechanisms through which nutritional inputs and metabolic health are integrated into the coordination of reproduction are still being defined. In this review, we describe evidence for essential contributions by hormones that are responsive to food intake or fuel stores. Key metabolic hormones-including insulin, the incretins (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1), growth hormone, ghrelin, leptin, and adiponectin-signal throughout the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis to support or suppress reproduction. We synthesize current knowledge on how these multifaceted hormones interact with the brain, pituitary, and ovaries to regulate functioning of the female reproductive system, incorporating in vitro and in vivo data from animal models and humans. Metabolic hormones are involved in orchestrating reproductive processes in healthy states, but some also play a significant role in the pathophysiology or treatment strategies of female reproductive disorders. Further understanding of the complex interrelationships between metabolic health and female reproductive function has important implications for improving women's health overall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faria Athar
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Muskan Karmani
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Nicole M. Templeman
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
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Beyene GM, Azale T, Gelaye KA, Ayele TA. The effect of antenatal depression on birth weight among newborns in South Gondar zone, Northwest Ethiopia: a population-based prospective cohort study. Arch Public Health 2021; 79:121. [PMID: 34225799 PMCID: PMC8256480 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-021-00643-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a high prevalence of antenatal depression and low birth weight (LBW) (< 2.5 kg) in Ethiopia. Prior evidence revealed that the association between antenatal depression and LBW in high- and low-income countries is conflicting. The effect of antenatal depression on birth weight is under-researched in Ethiopia. We aimed to examine the independent effect of antenatal depression on newborn birth weight in an urban community in Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS A total of 970 pregnant women were screened for antenatal depression in their second and third trimester of pregnancy through the use of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). A logistic regression model was used to adjust confounders and determine associations between antenatal depression and low birth weight. Information was collected on the birth weight of newborns and mother's socio-demographic, anthropometric, obstetric, clinical, psychosocial, and behavioral factors. RESULTS The cumulative incidence of LBW was found to be 27.76%. The cumulative incidence of LBW in those born from depressed pregnant women was 40% as compared to 21% in none depressed. While considering all other variables constant, mothers who had antenatal depression were 2.51 (COR = 2.51 (95 CI: 1.87, 3.37)) more likely to have a child with low birth weight. After adjusting for potential confounders, antenatal depression in the second and third trimester of pregnancy (AOR = 1.92 (95% CI: 1.31, 2.81)) remained significantly associated with LBW. Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) ≤21, lack of ANC follow up, and preterm births were also associated with LBW. CONCLUSION This study showed that antenatal depression during the second and third trimester of pregnancy is associated with LBW of newborns and replicates results found in high-income countries. Linking early screening, detection, and treatment of antenatal depression into routine antenatal care could be essential to improve pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Getnet Mihretie Beyene
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
| | - Telake Azale
- Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Kassahun Alemu Gelaye
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tadesse Awoke Ayele
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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