A11 ISOLATION OF NON-POLAR METABOLITES IN EXCRETORY/SECRETORY PRODUCTS FROM PARASITIC HELMINTHS AND THEIR POTENTIAL AS IMMUNOTHERAPY IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

Background

Parasitic helminths are known to modulate host immune responses. This is thought to be mediated by their secretome. We are interested in the excretory/secretory products and mechanisms for modulating immune dysfunction in autoinflammatory diseases.

Aims

This research studies the mechanisms of immune modulation by parasitic helminths in the context of IBD. We aim to describe immunomodulatory helminth-derived metabolites (ESM).

Methods

Helminth-conditioned media was used to isolate ESM, which were further purified using column chromatography.

Bone marrow (BM) derived macrophages (BMDM) from C57BL6 mice, were treated with ESP fractions from Trichuris suis, Ascaris suum, Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri or Dirofilaria immitis, stimulated with LPS, and secreted cytokine levels measured. Moreover, BM was cultured with or without ESM throughout differentiation to BMDM.

Colitic mice (3% DSS, 5 days) were treated with A. suum ESM or PBS once daily IP. Colon lengths and TNFα mRNA were measured, and histological preparations were scored to assess pathology.

Bioactive D. immitis ESM were fractionated using preparatory HPLC and assayed for bioactivity. Active fractions were analysed using MS/MS and fragmentation patterns and molecular weights were obtained. The active fractions are currently being studied by NMR to deduce a structure of an active metabolite.

Results

BMDM treated with crude ESM decreased TNFα secretion and increased IL-10. BMDM precursors which were treated with A. suum ESM throughout differentiation had reduced proliferation in a dose dependent manner. These BMDM showed remodeling of BMDM metabolic pathways. Intracellular ROS production was inversely proportional to Alamar blue oxidation.

We found that ESM from A. suum improved DSS-colitis. Specifically, mice with DSS-induced colitis given IP ESM had longer colons, lower histolopathology score, and lower TNFα mRNA expression in gut tissue.

HPLC-fractionated D. immitis ESM used to treat BMDM yielded varying suppression of TNFα with LPS stimulation. MS/MS of TNFα suppressive fractions contained masses with fragmentation patterns which were detected in fractions of several of the above-mentioned parasite species. Preliminary NMR studies will determine if this represents a conserved structure.

Conclusions

Helminth-derived components can immunologically polarize a response in vitro, as well as favour recovery in DSS colitis. Through multiple purification steps, a nearly pure fraction is found to have bioactivity, suggesting a single, bioactive molecule that is conserved across several parasitic helminths. These data are important in understanding the host-parasite interaction modulated by ESM, as well as provide therapeutic potential in IBD.

Funding Agencies

NSERC, FRQNT

Recording drug responses from adult Dirofilaria immitis pharyngeal and somatic muscle cells

Despite being considered one of the most pathogenic helminth infections of companion animals, members of macrocyclic lactone class are the only drugs available for the prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis. Alarmingly, heartworm prevention is at risk; several studies confirm the existence of macrocyclic lactone resistance in D. immitis populations across the United States. To safeguard the long term prevention and control of this disease, the identification and development of novel anthelmintics is urgently needed. To identify novel, resistance-breaking drugs, it is highly desirable to: Unfortunately, none of the three above statements can be answered sufficiently for D. immitis and most of our hypotheses derive from surrogate species and/or in vitro studies. Therefore, the present study aims to improve our fundamental understanding of the neuromuscular system of the canine heartworm by establishing new methods allowing the investigation of body wall and pharyngeal muscle responses and their modulation by anthelmintics. We found that the pharynx of adult D. immitis responds to both ivermectin and moxidectin with EC₅₀s in the low micromolar range. We also demonstrate that the somatic muscle cells have robust responses to 30 μM acetylcholine, levamisole, pyrantel and nicotine. This is important preliminary data, demonstrating the feasibility of electrophysiological studies in this important parasite.

Global Research Alliance N2 O chamber methodology guidelines: Recommendations for air sample collection, storage, and analysis

Certain aspects in the collection, handling, storage, and subsequent analysis of discrete air samples from non-steady-state flux chambers are critical to generating accurate and unbiased estimates of nitrous oxide (N₂ O) fluxes. The focus of this paper is on air sample collection and storage in small vials (<12 ml) primarily for gas chromatography (GC) analysis. Sample integrity is assured through following simple procedures including storage under pressure and analysis within a few months of collection. Concurrent storage of standards in an identical manner to samples is recommended and allows the storage period to be reliably extended. In the laboratory, an autosampler is typically used in batch analysis of ∼200 sequentially analyzed samples by GC with an electron capture detector (ECD). Some comparisons are given between GC and alternatives including optical N₂ O detectors that are increasingly being used for high-precision N₂ O measurement. The importance of calibration and traceability of gas standards is discussed, where high-quality standards ensure the most accurate assessment of N₂ O concentration and comparability between laboratories. The calibration allows a consistent and best estimate of flux to be derived.

Pomegranate juice and extract extended lifespan and reduced intestinal fat deposition in Caenorhabditis elegans

Pomegranate juice with a high content of polyphenols, pomegranate extract, ellagic acid, and urolithin A, have anti-oxidant and anti-obesity effects in humans. Pomegranate juice extends lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) (n = 6) compared to the control group in each treatment, lifespan was increased by pomegranate juice in wild type (N2, 56 %, P < 0.001) and daf-16 mutant (daf-16(mgDf50)I) (18 %, P = 0.00012), by pomegranate extract in N2 (28 %, P = 0.00004) and in daf-16(mgDf50)I (10 %, P < 0.05), or by ellagic acid (11 %, P < 0.05). Pomegranate juice reduced intestinal fat deposition (IFD) in C. elegans (n = 10) N2 (-68 %, P = 0.0003) or in the daf-16(mgDf50)I (-33 %, P = 0.0034). The intestinal fat deposition was increased by pomegranate extract in N2 (137 %, P < 0.0138) and in daf-16(mgDf50)I (26 %, P = 0.0225), by ellagic acid in N2 (66 %, P < 0.0001) and in daf-16(mgDf50)I (74 %, P < 0.0001), or by urolithin A in N2 (57 %, P = 0.0039) and in daf-16(mgDf50)I (43 %, P = 0.0001). These effects were partially mediated by the daf-16 pathway. The data may offer insights to human aging and obesity due to homology with C. elegans.

Metaproteomics reveals potential mechanisms by which dietary resistant starch supplementation attenuates chronic kidney disease progression in rats

BACKGROUND

Resistant starch is a prebiotic metabolized by the gut bacteria. It has been shown to attenuate chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression in rats. Previous studies employed taxonomic analysis using 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics profiling. Here we expand these studies by metaproteomics, gaining new insight into the host-microbiome interaction.

METHODS

Differences between cecum contents in CKD rats fed a diet containing resistant starch with those fed a diet containing digestible starch were examined by comparative metaproteomics analysis. Taxonomic information was obtained using unique protein sequences. Our methodology results in quantitative data covering both host and bacterial proteins.

RESULTS

5,834 proteins were quantified, with 947 proteins originating from the host organism. Taxonomic information derived from metaproteomics data surpassed previous 16S RNA analysis, and reached species resolutions for moderately abundant taxonomic groups. In particular, the Ruminococcaceae family becomes well resolved-with butyrate producers and amylolytic species such as R. bromii clearly visible and significantly higher while fibrolytic species such as R. flavefaciens are significantly lower with resistant starch feeding. The observed changes in protein patterns are consistent with fiber-associated improvement in CKD phenotype. Several known host CKD-associated proteins and biomarkers of impaired kidney function were significantly reduced with resistant starch supplementation. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD008845.

CONCLUSIONS

Metaproteomics analysis of cecum contents of CKD rats with and without resistant starch supplementation reveals changes within gut microbiota at unprecedented resolution, providing both functional and taxonomic information. Proteins and organisms differentially abundant with RS supplementation point toward a shift from mucin degraders to butyrate producers.

Effect of 12 wk of resistant starch supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with prediabetes: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Type 2 resistant starch (RS2) has been shown to improve glycemic control and some cardiovascular endpoints in rodent and human studies.

Objective

The aim of this study was to perform one of the first randomized clinical trials in adults with prediabetes and one of the longest trials to test whether RS2 can improve cardiometabolic health.

Design

68 overweight [body mass index (BMI) ≥27 kg/m2] adults aged 35-75 y with prediabetes were randomized to consume 45 g/d of high-amylose maize (RS2) or an isocaloric amount of the rapidly digestible starch amylopectin (control) for 12 wk. At baseline and postintervention, ectopic fat depots (visceral adipose tissue, intrahepatic lipids, and intramyocellular lipids) were measured by magnetic resonance imaging/spectroscopy, energy metabolism by respiratory chamber, and carbohydrate metabolism by glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), an intravenous glucose tolerance test, and a meal tolerance test. Cardiovascular risk factors-serum lipids, blood pressure, heart rate, and inflammatory markers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP], interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α)-were also measured. The primary endpoints were insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, ectopic fat, and markers of inflammation. Data were primarily analyzed as treatment effects via a linear mixed model both with and without the addition of covariates.

Results

Relative to the control group, RS2 lowered HbA1c by a clinically insignificant 0.1 ± 0.2% (Δ = -1 ± 2 mmol/mol; P = 0.05) but did not affect insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity, the disposition index, or glucose or insulin areas under the curve relative to baseline (P ≥ 0.23). RS2 decreased heart rate by 5 ± 9 beats/min (P = 0.02) and TNF-α concentrations by 2.1 ± 2.7 pg/mL (P = 0.004), relative to the control group. Ectopic fat, energy expenditure, substrate oxidation, and all other cardiovascular risk factors were unaffected (P ≥ 0.06).

Conclusions

12 wk of supplementation with resistant starch reduced the inflammatory marker TNF-α and heart rate, but it did not significantly improve glycemic control and other cardiovascular disease risk factors, in adults with prediabetes. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01708694.

Role of resistant starch on diabetes risk factors in people with prediabetes: Design, conduct, and baseline results of the STARCH trial

Dietary resistant starch (RS) might alter gastrointestinal tract function in a manner that improves human health, particularly among adults at risk for diabetes. Here, we report the design and baseline results (with emphasis on race differences) from the STARCH trial, the first comprehensive metabolic phenotyping of people with prediabetes enrolled in a randomized clinical trial testing the effect of RS on risk factors for diabetes. Overweight/obese participants (BMI≥27kg/m2 and weight≤143kg), age 35-75y, with confirmed prediabetes were eligible. Participants were randomized to consume 45g/day of RS (RS=amylose) or amylopectin (Control) for 12weeks. The study was designed to evaluate the effect of RS on insulin sensitivity and secretion, ectopic fat, and inflammatory markers. Secondary outcomes included energy expenditure, substrate oxidation, appetite, food intake, colonic microbial composition, fecal and plasma levels of short-chain fatty acids, fecal RS excretion, and gut permeability. Out of 280 individuals screened, 68 were randomized, 65 started the intervention, and 63 were analyzed at baseline (mean age 55y, BMI 35.6kg/m2); 2 were excluded from baseline analyses due to abnormal insulin and diabetes. Sex and race comparisons at baseline were reported. African-Americans had higher baseline acute insulin response to glucose (AIRg measured by frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test) compared to Caucasians, despite having less visceral adipose tissue mass and intrahepatic lipid; all other glycemic variables were similar between races. Sleep energy expenditure was ~90-100kcal/day lower in African-Americans after adjusting for insulin sensitivity and secretion. This manuscript provides an overview of the strategy used to enroll people with prediabetes into the STARCH trial and describes methodologies used in the assessment of risk factors for diabetes. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: STARCH (NCT01708694). The present study reference can be found here: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01708694. Submission Category: "Study Design, Statistical Design, Study Protocols".

Simultaneous delivery of antibiotics neomycin and ampicillin in drinking water inhibits fermentation of resistant starch in rats

SCOPE

Antibiotics ampicillin 1 g/L and neomycin 0.5 g/L were added to drinking water before or during feeding of resistant starch (RS) to rats to inhibit fermentation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In a preliminary study, antibiotics and no RS were given prior to rats receiving a transplant of cecal contents via gavage from donor rats fed RS (without antibiotics) or a water gavage before feeding resistant starch to both groups. Antibiotics given prior to feeding RS did not prevent later fermentation of RS regardless of either type of gavage. In the second study, antibiotics were given simultaneously with feeding of RS. This resulted in inhibition of fermentation of RS with cecal contents pH >8 and low amounts of acetate and butyrate. Rats treated with antibiotics had reduced Bifidobacteria spp., but similar Bacteroides spp. to control groups to reduce acetate and butyrate and preserve the production of propionate. Despite reduced fermentation, rats given antibiotics had increased glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and cecum size, measures that are usually associated with fermentation.

CONCLUSIONS

A simultaneous delivery of antibiotics inhibited fermentation of RS. However, increased GLP-1 and cecum size would be confounding effects in assessing the mechanism for beneficial effects of dietary RS by knocking out fermentation.

Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet Supplemented with Resistant Starch Display Marked Shifts in the Liver Metabolome Concurrent with Altered Gut Bacteria

BACKGROUND

High-amylose-maize resistant starch type 2 (HAMRS2) is a fermentable dietary fiber known to alter the gut milieu, including the gut microbiota, which may explain the reported effects of resistant starch to ameliorate obesity-associated metabolic dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE

Our working hypothesis was that HAMRS2-induced microbiome changes alter gut-derived signals (i.e., xenometabolites) reaching the liver via the portal circulation, in turn altering liver metabolism by regulating gene expression and other pathways.

METHODS

We used a multi-omics systems biology approach to characterize HAMRS2-driven shifts to the cecal microbiome, liver metabolome, and transcriptome, identifying correlates between microbial changes and liver metabolites under obesogenic conditions that, to our knowledge, have not previously been recognized. Five-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were fed an energy-dense 45% lard-based-fat diet for 10 wk supplemented with either 20% HAMRS2 by weight (n = 14) or rapidly digestible starch (control diet; n = 15).

RESULTS

Despite no differences in food intake, body weight, glucose tolerance, fasting plasma insulin, or liver triglycerides, the HAMRS2 mice showed a 15-58% reduction in all measured liver amino acids, except for Gln, compared with control mice. These metabolites were equivalent in the plasma of HAMRS2 mice compared with controls, and transcripts encoding key amino acid transporters were not different in the small intestine or liver, suggesting that HAMRS2 effects were not simply due to lower hepatocyte exposure to systemic amino acids. Instead, alterations in gut microbial metabolism could have affected host nitrogen and amino acid homeostasis: HAMRS2 mice showed a 62% increase (P < 0.0001) in 48-h fecal output and a 41% increase (P < 0.0001) in fecal nitrogen compared with control mice. Beyond amino acid metabolism, liver transcriptomics revealed pathways related to lipid and xenobiotic metabolism; and pathways related to cell proliferation, differentiation, and growth were affected by HAMRS2 feeding.

CONCLUSION

Together, these differences indicate that HAMRS2 dramatically alters hepatic metabolism and gene expression concurrent with shifts in specific gut bacteria in C57BL/6J mice.

Effect of Long-Term Somatotropin Treatment on Body Composition and Life Span in Aging Obese Zucker Rats

The objective of this work was to test the hypothesis that a somatotropin (STH)-induced reduction in body fat would prolong the life span of the obese Zucker rat. Two experiments were conducted. In the first experiment, male and female, lean and obese Zucker rats were treated with STH (0 or 2 mg/d bovine STH) for 4 weeks, beginning at 7 months of age. Across phenotypes, STH treatment increased the growth rate by 159%, muscle weights by 14%, and circulating insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 by 23%, and decreased carcass fat by 21% (P < 0.05). The second experiment was a longevity trial to determine whether these changes in body composition would increase the life span of the obese rat. Beginning at 7 months of age, individually housed, male and female, lean and obese rats were assigned to daily STH treatments (0 or 2 mg/d). Rats were monitored daily, and sick or moribund rats were euthanized and necropsied to determine existing pathologies. The average life span of the lean rats was 661 days and was unaffected by STH treatment (639 days, NS) or gender. Average life span of the vehicle-injected obese rats (435 days) was less than that of the lean group (P < 0.001). STH treatment of the obese rats resulted in a further reduction of life span (349 days, P < 0.02). The predominant pathology observed across the treatment groups was renal disease, characterized by progressive glomerulonephropathy. Thus, although exogenous STH was able to reduce carcass lipid and to increase lean tissue mass in obese rats, there was no improvement in longevity. In contrast to the hypothesis, STH actually reduced the life span of the obese rat. It is likely that STH treatment accelerated the development of progressive glomerulonephropathy in the obese rat.

Impact of Dietary Fibers on Nutrient Management and Detoxification Organs: Gut, Liver, and Kidneys

Increased dietary fiber (DF) intake elicits a wide range of physiologic effects, not just locally in the gut, but systemically. DFs can greatly alter the gut milieu by affecting the gut microbiome, which in turn influences the gut barrier, gastrointestinal immune and endocrine responses, and nitrogen cycling and microbial metabolism. These gut-associated changes can then alter the physiology and biochemistry of the body's other main nutrient management and detoxification organs, the liver and kidneys. The molecular mechanisms by which DF alters the physiology of the gut, liver, and kidneys is likely through gut-localized events (i.e., bacterial nitrogen metabolism, microbe-microbe, and microbe-host cell interactions) coupled with specific factors that emanate from the gut in response to DF, which signal to or affect the physiology of the liver and kidneys. The latter may include microbe-derived xenometabolites, peptides, or bioactive food components made available by gut microbes, inflammation signals, and gut hormones. The intent of this review is to summarize how DF alters the gut milieu to specifically affect intestinal, liver, and kidney functions and to discuss the potential local and systemic signaling networks that are involved.

Impact of Different Fecal Processing Methods on Assessments of Bacterial Diversity in the Human Intestine

The intestinal microbiota are integral to understanding the relationships between nutrition and health. Therefore, fecal sampling and processing protocols for metagenomic surveys should be sufficiently robust, accurate, and reliable to identify the microorganisms present. We investigated the use of different fecal preparation methods on the bacterial community structures identified in human stools. Complete stools were collected from six healthy individuals and processed according to the following methods: (i) randomly sampled fresh stool, (ii) fresh stool homogenized in a blender for 2 min, (iii) randomly sampled frozen stool, and (iv) frozen stool homogenized in a blender for 2 min, or (v) homogenized in a pneumatic mixer for either 10, 20, or 30 min. High-throughput DNA sequencing of the 16S rRNA V4 regions of bacterial community DNA extracted from the stools showed that the fecal microbiota remained distinct between individuals, independent of processing method. Moreover, the different stool preparation approaches did not alter intra-individual bacterial diversity. Distinctions were found at the level of individual taxa, however. Stools that were frozen and then homogenized tended to have higher proportions of Faecalibacterium, Streptococcus, and Bifidobacterium and decreased quantities of Oscillospira, Bacteroides, and Parabacteroides compared to stools that were collected in small quantities and not mixed prior to DNA extraction. These findings indicate that certain taxa are at particular risk for under or over sampling due to protocol differences. Importantly, homogenization by any method significantly reduced the intra-individual variation in bacteria detected per stool. Our results confirm the robustness of fecal homogenization for microbial analyses and underscore the value of collecting and mixing large stool sample quantities in human nutrition intervention studies.

Obese Mice Fed a Diet Supplemented with Enzyme-Treated Wheat Bran Display Marked Shifts in the Liver Metabolome Concurrent with Altered Gut Bacteria

BACKGROUND

Enzyme-treated wheat bran (ETWB) contains a fermentable dietary fiber previously shown to decrease liver triglycerides (TGs) and modify the gut microbiome in mice. It is not clear which mechanisms explain how ETWB feeding affects hepatic metabolism, but factors (i.e., xenometabolites) associated with specific microbes may be involved.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to characterize ETWB-driven shifts in the cecal microbiome and to identify correlates between microbial changes and diet-related differences in liver metabolism in diet-induced obese mice that typically display steatosis.

METHODS

Five-week-old male C57BL/6J mice fed a 45%-lard-based fat diet supplemented with ETWB (20% wt:wt) or rapidly digestible starch (control) (n = 15/group) for 10 wk were characterized by using a multi-omics approach. Multivariate statistical analysis was used to identify variables that were strong discriminators between the ETWB and control groups.

RESULTS

Body weight and liver TGs were decreased by ETWB feeding (by 10% and 25%, respectively; P < 0.001), and an index of liver reactive oxygen species was increased (by 29%; P < 0.01). The cecal microbiome showed an increase in Bacteroidetes (by 42%; P < 0.05) and a decrease in Firmicutes (by 16%; P < 0.05). Metabolites that were strong discriminators between the ETWB and control groups included decreased liver antioxidants (glutathione and α-tocopherol); decreased liver carbohydrate metabolites, including glucose; lower hepatic arachidonic acid; and increased liver and plasma β-hydroxybutyrate. Liver transcriptomics revealed key metabolic pathways affected by ETWB, especially those related to lipid metabolism and some fed- or fasting-regulated genes.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, these changes indicate that dietary fibers such as ETWB regulate hepatic metabolism concurrently with specific gut bacteria community shifts in C57BL/6J mice. It is proposed that these changes may elicit gut-derived signals that reach the liver via enterohepatic circulation, ultimately affecting host liver metabolism in a manner that mimics, in part, the fasting state.

Obese ZDF rats fermented resistant starch with effects on gut microbiota but no reduction in abdominal fat

SCOPE

To determine if whole-grain (WG) flour with resistant starch (RS) will produce greater fermentation than isolated RS in obese Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats, and whether greater fermentation results in different microbiota, reduced abdominal fat, and increased insulin sensitivity.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This study utilized four groups fed diets made with either isolated digestible control starch, WG control flour (6.9% RS), isolated RS-rich corn starch (25% RS), or WG corn flour (25% RS). ZDF rats fermented RS and RS-rich WG flour to greatest extent among groups. High-RS groups had increased serum glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) active. Feeding isolated RS showed greater Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes phyla among groups, and rats consuming low RS diets possessed more bacteria in Lactobacillus genus. However, no differences in abdominal fat were observed, but rats with isolated RS had greatest insulin sensitivity among groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Data demonstrated ZDF rats (i) possess a microbiota that fermented RS, and (ii) WG high-RS fermented better than purified RS. However, fermentation and microbiota changes did not translate into reduced abdominal fat. The defective leptin receptor may limit ZDF rats from responding to increased GLP-1 and different microbiota for reducing abdominal fat, but did not prevent improved insulin sensitivity.

Resistant starch alters gut microbiome and metabolomic profiles concurrent with amelioration of chronic kidney disease in rats

Patients and animals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) exhibit profound alterations in the gut environment including shifts in microbial composition, increased fecal pH, and increased blood levels of gut microbe-derived metabolites (xenometabolites). The fermentable dietary fiber high amylose maize-resistant starch type 2 (HAMRS2) has been shown to alter the gut milieu and in CKD rat models leads to markedly improved kidney function. The aim of the present study was to identify specific cecal bacteria and cecal, blood, and urinary metabolites that associate with changes in kidney function to identify potential mechanisms involved with CKD amelioration in response to dietary resistant starch. Male Sprague-Dawley rats with adenine-induced CKD were fed a semipurified low-fiber diet or a high-fiber diet [59% (wt/wt) HAMRS2] for 3 wk (n = 9 rats/group). The cecal microbiome was characterized, and cecal contents, serum, and urine metabolites were analyzed. HAMRS2-fed rats displayed decreased cecal pH, decreased microbial diversity, and an increased Bacteroidetes-to-Firmicutes ratio. Several uremic retention solutes were altered in the cecal contents, serum, and urine, many of which had strong correlations with specific gut bacteria abundances, i.e., serum and urine indoxyl sulfate were reduced by 36% and 66%, respectively, in HAMRS2-fed rats and urine p-cresol was reduced by 47% in HAMRS2-fed rats. Outcomes from this study were coincident with improvements in kidney function indexes and amelioration of CKD outcomes previously reported for these rats, suggesting an important role for microbial-derived factors and gut microbe metabolism in regulating host kidney function.

Prowashonupana barley dietary fibre reduces body fat and increases insulin sensitivity in Caenorhabditis elegans model

Prowashonupana barley (PWB) is high in β-glucan with moderate content of resistant starch. PWB reduced intestinal fat deposition (IFD) in wild type Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans, N2), and in sir-2.1 or daf-16 null mutants, and sustained a surrogate marker of lifespan, pharyngeal pumping rate (PPR), in N2, sir-2.1, daf-16, or daf-16/daf-2 mutants. Hyperglycaemia (2% glucose) reversed or reduced the PWB effect on IFD in N2 or daf-16/daf-2 mutants with a sustained PPR. mRNA expression of cpt-1, cpt-2, ckr-1, and gcy-8 were dose-dependently reduced in N2 or daf-16 mutants, elevated in daf-16/daf-2 mutants with reduction in cpt-1, and unchanged in sir-2.1 mutants. mRNA expressions were increased by hyperglycaemia in N2 or daf-16/daf-2 mutants, while reduced in sir-2.1 or daf-16 mutants. The effects of PWB in the C. elegans model appeared to be primarily mediated via sir-2.1, daf-16, and daf-16/daf-2. These data suggest that PWB and β-glucans may benefit hyperglycaemia-impaired lipid metabolism.

Improving healthspan via changes in gut microbiota and fermentation

Dietary resistant starch impact on intestinal microbiome and improving healthspan is the topic of this review. In the elderly population, dietary fiber intake is lower than recommended. Dietary resistant starch as a source of fiber produces a profound change in gut microbiota and fermentation in animal models of aging. Dietary resistant starch has the potential for improving healthspan in the elderly through multiple mechanisms as follows: (1) enhancing gut microbiota profile and production of short-chain fatty acids, (2) improving gut barrier function, (3) increasing gut peptides that are important in glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism, and (4) mimicking many of the effects of caloric restriction including upregulation of genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism.

Oat consumption reduced intestinal fat deposition and improved health span in Caenorhabditis elegans model

In addition to their fermentable dietary fiber and the soluble β-glucan fiber, oats have unique avenanthramides that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that reduce coronary heart disease in human clinical trials. We hypothesized that oat consumption will increase insulin sensitivity, reduce body fat, and improve health span in Caenorhabditis elegans through a mechanism involving the daf-2 gene, which codes for the insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1–like receptor, and that hyperglycemia will attenuate these changes. Caenorhabditis elegans wild type (N2) and the null strains sir-2.1, daf-16, and daf-16/daf-2 were fed Escherichia coli (OP50) and oat flakes (0.5%, 1.0%, or 3%) with and without 2% glucose. Oat feeding decreased intestinal fat deposition in N2, daf-16, or daf-16/daf-2 strains (P < .05); and glucose did not affect intestinal fat deposition response. The N2, daf-16, or sir-2.1 mutant increased the pharyngeal pumping rate (P < .05), a surrogate marker of life span, following oat consumption. Oat consumption increased ckr-1, gcy-8, cpt-1, and cpt-2 mRNA expression in both the N2 and the sir-2.1 mutant, with significantly higher expression in sir-2.1 than in N2 (P < .01). Additional glucose further increased expression 1.5-fold of the 4 genes in N2 (P < .01), decreased the expression of all except cpt-1 in the daf-16 mutant, and reduced mRNA expression of the 4 genes in the daf-16/daf-2 mutant (P < .01). These data suggest that oat consumption reduced fat storage and increased ckr-1, gcy-8, cpt-1, or cpt-2 through the sir-2.1 genetic pathway. Oat consumption may be a beneficial dietary intervention for reducing fat accumulation, augmenting health span, and improving hyperglycemia-impaired lipid metabolism.

Does Whole Grain Consumption Alter Gut Microbiota and Satiety?

This review summarizes recent studies examining whole grain consumption and its effect on gut microbiota and satiety in healthy humans. Studies comparing whole grains to their refined grain counterparts were considered, as were studies comparing different grain types. Possible mechanisms linking microbial metabolism and satiety are described. Clinical trials show that whole grain wheat, maize, and barley alter the human gut microbiota, but these findings are based on a few studies that do not include satiety components, so no functional claims between microbiota and satiety can be made. Ten satiety trials were evaluated and provide evidence that whole oats, barley, and rye can increase satiety, whereas the evidence for whole wheat and maize is not compelling. There are many gaps in the literature; no one clinical trial has examined the effects of whole grains on satiety and gut microbiota together. Once understanding the impact of whole grains on satiety and microbiota is more developed, then particular grains might be used for better appetite control. With this information at hand, healthcare professionals could make individual dietary recommendations that promote satiety and contribute to weight control.

Induction of Energy Expenditure by Sitagliptin Is Dependent on GLP-1 Receptor

Sitagliptin (SG) increases serum GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) through inhibition of the hormone degradation. Resistant starch (RS) induces GLP-1 expression by stimulating L-cells in the intestine. Sitagliptin and resistant starch may have a synergistic interaction in the induction of GLP-1. This possibility was tested in current study in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes. Hyperglycemia was induced in the diet-induced obese mice by a signal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Sitagliptin (0.4g/100g diet) was tested in the mice (n = 55) with dietary RS (HAM-RS2) at three dosages (0, 15, or 28g/100g diet). Energy and glucose metabolism were monitored in the evaluation of synergistic activity, and GLP-1 activity was determined in the GLP-1 receptor knockout (KO) mice. In the wild type mice, body weight and adiposity were reduced by sitagliptin, which was enhanced by RS (28g). Serum GLP-1 was induced and energy expenditure was enhanced by sitagliptin. Fasting glucose, insulin, and leptin levels were decreased by sitagliptin. The sitagliptin effects were lost in the KO mice (n = 25) although induction of serum GLP-1 by sitagliptin was even stronger in KO mice. The data suggests that sitagliptin is able to reduce adiposity and insulin resistance through induction of energy expenditure. The effect of sitagliptin is partially enhanced by RS. GLP-1 receptor may regulate serum GLP-1 by facilitating the hormone clearance.

The importance of GLP-1 and PYY in resistant starch's effect on body fat in mice

Resistant starch (RS) is a dietary fermentable fiber that decreases body fat accumulation, and stimulates the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY) in rodents. GLP-1 and PYY are gut-secreted hormones with antiobesity effect. Thus, blocking the signals of increased GLP-1 and PYY may also block the effect of dietary RS on body fat. In a 10-week study, C57BL/6J and GLP-1 receptor null (GLP-1R KO) mice were fed control or 30% RS diet, and received daily intraperitoneal injection of either saline or PYY receptor antagonist (BIIE0246, 20 μg/kg body weight). Dietary RS significantly decreased body fat accumulation only in wild-type mice that has saline injection, but not in GLP-1R KO mice. PYY receptor antagonist diminished RS action on body fat in wild-type mice, but did not interfere with GLP-1R KO mice response to RS. Regardless of genotype and injection received, all RS-fed mice had increased cumulative food intake, cecal fermentation, and mRNA expression of proglucagon and PYY. Thus, our results suggest that increased GLP-1 and PYY is important in RS effects on body fat accumulation.

Role of resistant starch in improving gut health, adiposity, and insulin resistance

The realization that low-glycemic index diets were formulated using resistant starch led to more than a decade of research on the health effects of resistant starch. Determination of the metabolizable energy of the resistant starch product allowed for the performance of isocaloric studies. Fermentation of resistant starch in rodent studies results in what appears to be a healthier gut, demonstrated by increased amounts of short-chain fatty acids, an apparent positive change in the microbiota, and increased gene expression for gene products involved in normal healthy proliferation and apoptosis of potential cancer cells. Additionally, consumption of resistant starch was associated with reduced abdominal fat and improved insulin sensitivity. Increased serum glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) likely plays a role in promoting these health benefits. One rodent study that did not use isocaloric diets demonstrated that the use of resistant starch at 8% of the weight of the diet reduced body fat. This appears to be approximately equivalent to the human fiber requirement. In human subjects, insulin sensitivity is increased with the feeding of resistant starch. However, only 1 of several studies reports an increase in serum GLP-1 associated with resistant starch added to the diet. This means that other mechanisms, such as increased intestinal gluconeogenesis or increased adiponectin, may be involved in the promotion of improved insulin sensitivity. Future research may confirm that there will be improved health if human individuals consume the requirement for dietary fiber and a large amount of the fiber is fermentable.

Role of resistant starch in improving gut health, adiposity, and insulin resistance

The realization that low-glycemic index diets were formulated using resistant starch led to more than a decade of research on the health effects of resistant starch. Determination of the metabolizable energy of the resistant starch product allowed for the performance of isocaloric studies. Fermentation of resistant starch in rodent studies results in what appears to be a healthier gut, demonstrated by increased amounts of short-chain fatty acids, an apparent positive change in the microbiota, and increased gene expression for gene products involved in normal healthy proliferation and apoptosis of potential cancer cells. Additionally, consumption of resistant starch was associated with reduced abdominal fat and improved insulin sensitivity. Increased serum glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) likely plays a role in promoting these health benefits. One rodent study that did not use isocaloric diets demonstrated that the use of resistant starch at 8% of the weight of the diet reduced body fat. This appears to be approximately equivalent to the human fiber requirement. In human subjects, insulin sensitivity is increased with the feeding of resistant starch. However, only 1 of several studies reports an increase in serum GLP-1 associated with resistant starch added to the diet. This means that other mechanisms, such as increased intestinal gluconeogenesis or increased adiponectin, may be involved in the promotion of improved insulin sensitivity. Future research may confirm that there will be improved health if human individuals consume the requirement for dietary fiber and a large amount of the fiber is fermentable.

High amylose resistant starch diet ameliorates oxidative stress, inflammation, and progression of chronic kidney disease

Inflammation is a major mediator of CKD progression and is partly driven by altered gut microbiome and intestinal barrier disruption, events which are caused by: urea influx in the intestine resulting in dominance of urease-possessing bacteria; disruption of epithelial barrier by urea-derived ammonia leading to endotoxemia and bacterial translocation; and restriction of potassium-rich fruits and vegetables which are common sources of fermentable fiber. Restriction of these foods leads to depletion of bacteria that convert indigestible carbohydrates to short chain fatty acids which are important nutrients for colonocytes and regulatory T lymphocytes. We hypothesized that a high resistant starch diet attenuates CKD progression. Male Sprague Dawley rats were fed a chow containing 0.7% adenine for 2 weeks to induce CKD. Rats were then fed diets supplemented with amylopectin (low-fiber control) or high fermentable fiber (amylose maize resistant starch, HAM-RS2) for 3 weeks. CKD rats consuming low fiber diet exhibited reduced creatinine clearance, interstitial fibrosis, inflammation, tubular damage, activation of NFkB, upregulation of pro-inflammatory, pro-oxidant, and pro-fibrotic molecules; impaired Nrf2 activity, down-regulation of antioxidant enzymes, and disruption of colonic epithelial tight junction. The high resistant starch diet significantly attenuated these abnormalities. Thus high resistant starch diet retards CKD progression and attenuates oxidative stress and inflammation in rats. Future studies are needed to explore the impact of HAM-RS2 in CKD patients.

Dietary whole grain–microbiota interactions: insights into mechanisms for human health

This article summarizes the presentations from the “Dietary Whole Grain–Microbiota Interactions: Insights into Mechanisms for Human Health” symposium held at the ASN Scientific Sessions and Annual Meeting at Experimental Biology 2014 in San Diego, CA, on 28 April 2014. The symposium focused on the interactive effects of whole grains and nondigestible carbohydrates with the gut microbiota with the goal of identifying the benefits of whole grains that are mediated through their effects on the gut microbiome. This theme was addressed by 4 speakers, each with their own unique perspective. Dr. Michael Lefevre reviewed the impact of whole grains on markers of subclinical inflammation, drawing examples from epidemiologic literature, clinical trials, and animal experiments. Dr. Knud Erik Bach Knudsen discussed data from studies he conducted to identify specific carbohydrates that enhance colonic butyrate production. Dr. Michael Keenan presented a chronology of his research program devoted to understanding the mechanisms underlying the metabolic effects of resistant starch, particularly high-amylose maize. Dr. Jens Walter emphasized that whole grains can impact gut microbial ecology by increasing microbial diversity and inducing compositional alterations, some of which are considered to have beneficial effects on the host.

Methylxanthine use for apnea of prematurity among an international cohort of neonatologists

BACKGROUND

A recent multinational clinical trial in preterm infants has demonstrated pulmonary and neurodevelopmental benefits from caffeine therapy. Indications for caffeine use in that study were predominantly for treatment of apnea and facilitation of extubation rather than prophylaxis. There are no recent studies that describe current practice of neonatologists and regional differences in regards to indications for starting, monitoring and discontinuing methylxanthine therapy in premature infants.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the spectrum of current practice and demonstrate the extent to which methylxanthine therapy varies by location.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of all neonatologists in Thailand, Lebanon, Australia, and a representative sample in the USA regarding management of apnea of prematurity.

RESULTS

The response rate was 50% (342/681). The methylxanthine of choice varied greatly across study locations. Prophylactic methylxanthine use is common (62%) among neonatologists in all four study locations. Significant variation exists in almost all aspects of apnea pharmacotherapy practice among neonatologists in different international locations.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic use of methylxanthine therapy for apnea of prematurity is widespread. We speculate that this expanded use is possibly attributed to the beneficial effects of caffeine therapy in the Caffeine for Apnea of Prematurity (CAP) Trial.

Leucine acts in the brain to suppress food intake but does not function as a physiological signal of low dietary protein

Intracerebroventricular injections of leucine are sufficient to suppress food intake, but it remains unclear whether brain leucine signaling represents a physiological signal of protein balance. We tested whether variations in dietary and circulating levels of leucine, or all three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), contribute to the detection of reduced dietary protein. Of the essential amino acids (EAAs) tested, only intracerebroventricular injection of leucine (10 μg) was sufficient to suppress food intake. Isocaloric low- (9% protein energy; LP) or normal- (18% protein energy) protein diets induced a divergence in food intake, with an increased consumption of LP beginning on day 2 and persisting throughout the study (P < 0.05). Circulating BCAA levels were reduced the day after LP diet exposure, but levels subsequently increased and normalized by day 4, despite persistent hyperphagia. Brain BCAA levels as measured by microdialysis on day 2 of diet exposure were reduced in LP rats, but this effect was most prominent postprandially. Despite these diet-induced changes in BCAA levels, reducing dietary leucine or total BCAAs independently from total protein was neither necessary nor sufficient to induce hyperphagia, while chronic infusion of EAAs into the brain of LP rats failed to consistently block LP-induced hyperphagia. Collectively, these data suggest that circulating BCAAs are transiently reduced by dietary protein restriction, but variations in dietary or brain BCAAs alone do not explain the hyperphagia induced by a low-protein diet.

Resistant starch from high amylose maize (HAM-RS2) and dietary butyrate reduce abdominal fat by a different apparent mechanism

OBJECTIVE

Obesity is a health concern. Resistant starch (RS) type 2 from high-amylose maize (HAM-RS2) and dietary sodium butyrate (SB) reduce abdominal fat in rodents. RS treatment is associated with increased gut hormones peptide YY (PYY) and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), but it is not known if SB increases these hormones.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This was investigated in a 2 × 2 rat study with HAM-RS2 (0 or 28% weight) and dietary sodium butyrate (0 and 3.2%) resulting in isocaloric treatments: energy control (EC), sodium butyrate (SB), HAM-RS2 (RS), and the combination (SBRS).

RESULTS

RS and SB reduced abdominal fat and the combination reduced abdominal fat compared to SB and RS. RS was associated with increased fermentation in the cecum. Serum PYY and GLP-1 total were increased with RS treatment. RS treatment was associated with increased cecal butyrate produced from fermentation of RS, but there was no cecal increase for dietary SB.

CONCLUSIONS

SB after its absorption into the blood appears to not affect production of PYY and GLP-1, while butyrate from fermentation in the cecum promotes increased PYY and GLP-1. Future studies with lower doses of RS and SB are warranted and the combination may be beneficial for human health.

Hypoxia-hyperoxia paradigms in the development of oxygen-induced retinopathy in a rat pup model

BACKGROUND

Retinopathy of prematurity [ROP] continues to be a significant clinical problem in preterm infants. There is a need for animal models to better understand the roles of hypoxia/hyperoxia in the pathogenesis and management of ROP.

OBJECTIVES

To test the hypothesis that multiple daily cycles of intermittent hypoxia, followed by brief hyperoxia, would provide a clinically relevant protocol for generation of ROP in a rat pup.

METHODS

Rat pups were exposed for the first 14 days to one of three protocols: room air [RA], sustained cycles of hyperoxia/hypoxia [SHH] as previously employed to produce ROP in rat pups, and intermittent hypoxia/hyperoxia [IHH] in order to more closely simulate clinical conditions in preterm infants. Retinae were obtained at 18 days and imaged for both avascularization and neovascularization.

RESULTS

As expected, the SHH group demonstrated significantly increased avascularity [40.9 ± 7.9% of retina] which was minimal in both RA and IHH groups. All SHH exposed pups exhibited neovascularization which occurred in 5/7 IHH exposed retinae versus 0 in the RA group [p = 0.02]. However, mean number of clock hours of neovascularization after IHH was 1.9 ± 2.1 which did not differ from the RA group, and was less than in the SHH group [8.3 ± 1.9, p < 0.001].

CONCLUSION

A more clinically relevant intermittent hypoxia/hyperoxia [IHH] protocol does not produce the same degree of ROP as the traditional sustained hypoxia/hyperoxia [SHH] paradigm. Nonetheless, further refinement of our model may provide a suitable model for understanding the lesser degrees of ROP which predominate in preterm infants.

Vulnerability of neonatal respiratory neural control to sustained hypoxia during a uniquely sensitive window of development

The first postnatal weeks represent a period of development in the rat during which the respiratory neural control system may be vulnerable to aberrant environmental stressors. In the present study, we investigated whether sustained hypoxia (SH; 11% O2) exposure starting at different postnatal ages differentially modifies the acute hypoxic (HVR) and hypercapnic ventilatory response (HCVR). Three different groups of rat pups were exposed to 5 days of SH, starting at either postnatal age 1 (SH1-5), 11 (SH11-15), or 21 (SH21-25) days. Whole body plethysmography was used to assess the HVR and HCVR the day after SH exposure ended. The primary results indicated that 1) the HVR and HCVR of SH11-15 rats were absent or attenuated (respectively) compared with age-matched rats raised in normoxia; 2) there was a profoundly high (∼84% of pups) incidence of unexplained mortality in the SH11-15 rats; and 3) these phenomena were unique to the SH11-15 group with no comparable effect of the SH exposure on the HVR, HCVR, or mortality in the younger (SH1-5) or older (SH21-25) rats. These results share several commonalities with the risk factors thought to underlie the etiology of sudden infant death syndrome, including 1) a vulnerable neonate; 2) a critical period of development; and 3) an environmental stressor.

Expression Levels of Genes Likely Involved in Glucose-sensing in the Obese Zucker Rat Brain

It has been suggested that certain cells in the brain, like pancreatic beta-cells, use glucose transporter-2 (GLUT-2), glucokinase and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) to sense glucose in the service of multiple aspects of energy balance. The obese Zucker rat displays numerous disturbances in energy homeostasis and may provide a model of dysfunctional expression of genes related to nutrient control systems. Using real-time RT-PCR we measured gene expression for three of the pancreatic glucose-sensing markers and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the medial, lateral hypothalamus and hindbrain of lean and obese Zucker rats of both genders. Additionally, we measured circulating levels of glucose, leptin, insulin, corticosterone and glucagon. The results indicate that GLUT-2 mRNA expression is decreased, whereas glucokinase is increased in the hindbrain of obese rats. NPY mRNA level is significantly higher, whereas GLP-1R is significantly lower in the medial hypothalamus in obese individuals. Gender-related differences were found in the hindbrain and medial hypothalamus for GLUT-2 and in the lateral hypothalamus for GLP-1R and they may be related to the fact that the female Zucker rats do not develop diabetes as readily as males. Furthermore, the hindbrain may be an important site for glucose-sensing where major phenotypic changes occur for glucose-sensing genes expression.

High fat diet partially attenuates fermentation responses in rats fed resistant starch from high-amylose maize

OBJECTIVE

The effects of type 2 resistant starch from high-amylose maize (HAM-RS2) in rodents fed with low-fat diets were demonstrated in previous studies. Fish oil is also reported to reduce body fat. In the current study, the effects of high fat and fish oil on HAM-RS2 feeding in rats were investigated.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Rats were fed 0 or 27% (weight) HAM-RS2 with low (15% energy) or high fat (42% energy) diets that included 0 or 10% (energy) tuna oil to test the effect of HAM-RS2 in diet-induced obesity and effects of tuna oil. Data were analyzed as 2 × 2 × 2 factorial.

RESULTS

Rats fed HAM-RS2 had decreased cecal contents pH, increased cecal and cecal contents weight, increased cecal contents acetate, propionate, and butyrate, increased GLP-1 and PYY, and decreased abdominal fat. However, high fat partially attenuated effects of HAM-RS2, but increased GLP-1 active. Dietary tuna oil had limited effects at concentration used.

CONCLUSIONS

Results demonstrated that a high fat diet partially attenuates the response to HAM-RS2. The mechanism may center on reduced levels of cecal contents propionate and butyrate and reduced serum PYY. This study demonstrated that with consumption of high fat, HAM-RS2 produces fermentation but results in partial attenuation of effects.

Dietary resistant starch improves selected brain and behavioral functions in adult and aged rodents

Resistant starch (RS) is a dietary fiber that exerts multiple beneficial effects. The current study explored the effects of dietary RS on selected brain and behavioral functions in adult and aged rodents. Because glucokinase (GK) expression in hypothalamic arcuate nucleus and area postrema of the brainstem is important for brain glucose sensing, GK mRNA was measured by brain nuclei microdissection and PCR. Adult RS-fed rats had a higher GK mRNA than controls in both brain nuclei, an indicator of improved brain glucose sensing. Next, we tested whether dietary RS improve selected behaviors in aged mice. RS-fed aged mice exhibited (i) an increased eating responses to fasting, a behavioral indicator of improvement in aged brain glucose sensing; (ii) a longer latency to fall from an accelerating rotarod, a behavioral indicator of improved motor coordination; and (iii) a higher serum active glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Then, GLP-1 receptor null (GLP-1RKO) mice were used to test the role of GLP-1 in brain glucose sensing, and they exhibited impaired eating responses to fasting. We conclude that in rodents (i) dietary RS improves two important indicators of brain function: glucose sensing and motor coordination, and (ii) GLP-1 is important in the optimal feeding response to a fast.

Resistant starch from high amylose maize (HAM-RS2) reduces body fat and increases gut bacteria in ovariectomized (OVX) rats

OBJECTIVE

Obesity after menopause is a health concern for older females. Changes in the microbiota are likely to occur with this condition. Modifying the microbiota with a prebiotic is a plausible strategy for improving the health of menopausal females.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Resistant starch type 2 from high-amylose maize (HAM-RS2) was used as a prebiotic in rats in a 2 × 2 factorial study with two levels of HAM-RS2 (0 or 29.7% of weight of diet) referred to as energy control (EC) and HAM-RS2 diets, respectively; and two levels of surgery, ovariectomized (OVX) and sham.

RESULTS

In a 6-week, postsurgery recovery period, OVX rats gained more body weight with consumption of a similar amount of food. Subsequently, consumption of HAM-RS2 versus EC diets resulted in reduced abdominal fat in both OVX and sham rats; but when normalized for disemboweled body weight (body weight minus GI tract), there was no effect of surgery, only reduction with HAM-RS2. Targeted bacterial populations were estimated that are known to ferment HAM-RS2 or metabolize the products of that initial fermentation. OVX and sham rats demonstrated increased bacterial levels with dietary HAM-RS2 for all bacteria. Additionally, culture techniques and qPCR provided similar results.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that, as expected, OVX increases adiposity. However, contrary to previous effects seen in obese mice, this did not prevent fermentation of HAM-RS2 and consequently, the fat gain associated with OVX was attenuated.

Impaired hypoxic ventilatory response following neonatal sustained and subsequent chronic intermittent hypoxia in rats

Neonatal chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) enhances the ventilatory sensitivity to acute hypoxia (acute hypoxic ventilatory response, HVR), whereas sustained hypoxia (SH) can have the opposite effect. Therefore, we investigated whether neonatal rats pre-treated with SH prior to CIH exhibit a modified HVR. Rat pups were exposed to CIH (5% O2/5min, 8h/day) between 6 and 15 days of postnatal age (P6-15) after pre-treatment with either normoxia or SH (11% O2; P1-5). Using whole-body plethysmography, the acute (5min, 10% O2) HVR at P16 (1 day post-CIH) was unchanged following CIH (67.9±6.7% above baseline) and also SH (58.8±10.5%) compared to age-matched normoxic rats (54.7±6.3%). In contrast, the HVR was attenuated (16.5±6.0%) in CIH exposed rats pre-treated with SH. These data suggest that while neonatal SH and CIH alone have little effect on the magnitude of the acute HVR, their combined effects impose a synergistic disturbance to postnatal development of the HVR. These data could provide important insight into the consequences of not maintaining adequate levels of oxygen saturation during the early neonatal period, especially in vulnerable preterm infants susceptible to frequent bouts of hypoxemic events (CIH) that are commonly associated with apnea of prematurity.

Whole-cell patch-clamp recording of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in adult Brugia malayi muscle

Lymphatic filariasis is a debilitating disease caused by clade III parasites like Brugia malayi and Wuchereria bancrofti. Current recommended treatment regimen for this disease relies on albendazole, ivermectin and diethylcarbamazine, none of which targets the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in these parasitic nematodes. Our aim therefore has been to develop adult B. malayi for electrophysiological recordings to aid in characterizing the ion channels in this parasite as anthelmintic target sites. In that regard, we recently demonstrated the amenability of adult B. malayi to patch-clamp recordings and presented results on the single-channel properties of nAChR in this nematode. We have built on this by recording whole-cell nAChR currents from adult B. malayi muscle. Acetylcholine, levamisole, pyrantel, bephenium and tribendimidine activated the receptors on B. malayi muscle, producing robust currents ranging from >200 pA to ~1.5 nA. Levamisole completely inhibited motility of the adult B. malayi within 10 min and after 60 min, motility had recovered back to control values.

The Influence of Human Growth Hormone (GH) and Thyroxine (T4) on the Differentiation of Adipose Tissue in the Fetus

Late term fetuses from genetically obese dams have slightly larger fat cells, greater adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activities, elevated levels of thyroid hormones, and depressed growth hormone (GH) levels when compared to fetuses from lean dams. We have investigated the influence of thyroid hormone and GH status per se on these and other adipose tissue traits by chronically treating hypophysectomized (hypox) fetuses (day 70) between day 90 and 105 of gestation with either thyroxine (T4) or human GH. Treatment with T4 decreased body weights (P<.05), increased serum T4 levels (P<.05), and enhanced skin and hair development (P<.05). Quantitative analysis of sections of perirenal and subcutaneous adipose tissue indicated that T4 increased LPL activity (P<.05), slightly increased fat cell size, and more than doubled (P<.05) lipid accretion. A hypox induced deficit in fat cell cluster number in the outer layer of subcutaneous tissue was normalized by T4 (P<.05). Conversely, human GH (hGH) treatment had no influence on body weight, increased serum hGH levels, decreased fat cell size (P<.05) and LPL activity (P<.05) but had no influence on lipid accretion. Quantitative analysis of adipose tissue sections provided direct and indirect evidence of a "critical" or "sensitive" period between 90 and 105 days, since fetal hypox at day 70 severely impeded preadipocyte recruitment/replication during this period. Furthermore, T4 but not GH effectively normalized this hypox-induced deficiency in preadipocyte development. Therefore, T4 may have a major role in preadipocyte recruitment/replication during late fetal life.

Effects of a Fat Substitute, Sucrose Polyester, on Food Intake, Body Composition, and Serum Factors in Lean and Obese Zucker Rats

Sucrose polyester, a fat substitute, has shown promise in reducing blood cholesterol and body weight of obese individuals. Effects of this compound in the Zucker rat, a genetic model of obesity, are unknown. Thus, we examined food intake, body weight, body composition, and several metabolic parameters in sera of lean and obese female Zucker rats. Eight-week-old lean and obese animals were given a choice between a control diet (15% corn oil) and fat substitute diet (5% corn oil and 10% sucrose polyester) for 2 days. Next, one-half of the lean and obese groups received control diet; the remaining lean and obese rats received fat substitute diet for 18 days. Cumulative food intake was depressed in fat substitute groups relative to control-fed animals; however, this effect was more predominant in obese animals. Obese rats consuming fat substitute diet (O-FS) gained less weight as compared to obese control-fed animals (O-C). Lean rats given fat substitute (L-FS) did not have significantly different body weights as compared to the L-C group. Fat substitute groups, combined, had lower body fat and higher body water as compared to controls. The O-FS group had lower serum glucose and insulin and higher fatty acid levels compared to the O-C group. There were no differences in serum cholesterol, HDL, or triglyceride levels due to fat substitute diet. These data suggest that the obese Zucker rat is unable to defend its body weight when dietary fat is replaced with sucrose polyester.

Endocrine Regulation of Fetal Adipose Tissue Metabolism in the Pig: Role of Hydrocortisone

Glucocorticoids have been shown to be essential for the excessive fat deposition and development of obesity in several animal models. This study was performed to characterize the role of glucocorticoids in the developmental regulation of adipose tissue metabolism. On day 70 of gestation, pig fetuses were hypophysectomized by micro-cauterization. Hypophysectomized fetuses were implanted subcutaneously with hydrocortisone pellets or received no hormone replacement. Fetuses were removed by laparotomy on day 90 of gestation. Additional fetuses were hypophysectomized on day 70, implanted with hydrocortisone pellets on day 90 and removed on day 105 of gestation. Several intact fetuses were also implanted subcutaneously with hydrocortisone pellets during this later gestational period. Serum cortisol concentrations were reduced in hypophysectomized pigs at both fetal ages and were restored to intact levels by hydrocortisone treatment. Hydrocortisone supplementation enhanced lipolytic response to isoproterenol in intact fetuses but failed to restore lipolytic response to isoproterenol in hypophysectomized animals at either fetal age. Hydrocortisone induced a slight increase in lipogenesis in hypophysectomized fetuses when administered from 70 to 90 days of gestation and a more dramatic increase when administered from days 90 to 105 of gestation. However, hydrocortisone had no effect on basal or insulin stimulated lipogenesis in intact fetuses when administered from days 90 to 105 of gestation. These results indicate that hydrocortisone may have a primary influence on adipose tissue metabolism during late fetal development only in the absence of inhibition from counterregulatory hormones of pituitary origin.

High-amylose resistant starch increases hormones and improves structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract: a microarray study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Type 2 resistant starch from high-amylose maize (HAM-RS2) is associated with increased fermentation, increased expression of proglucagon (gene for GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY) genes in the large intestine, and improved health. To determine what other genes are up- or downregulated with feeding of HAM-RS2, a microarray was performed.

METHODS

Adult, male Sprague Dawley rats were fed one of the following three diets for a 4-week study period: cornstarch control (CC, 3.74 kcal/g), dietary energy density control (EC, 3.27 kcal/g), and 30% HAM-RS2 (RS, 3.27 kcal/g). Rat microarray with ∼27,000 genes and validation of 94 representative genes with multiple qPCR were used to determine gene expression in total RNA extracts of cecal cells from rats. The RS versus EC comparison tested effects of fermentation as energy density of the diet was controlled.

RESULTS

For the RS versus EC comparison, 86% of the genes were validated from the microarray and the expression indicates promotion of cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Gut hormones GLP-1 and PYY were increased.

CONCLUSIONS

Gene expression results predict improved structure and function of the GI tract. Production of gut hormones may promote healthy functions beyond the GI tract.