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IScience Jun 2024To study neurovascular function in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), we established a high-fat diet/streptozotocin (HFD/STZ) rat model. Electrocorticography-laser speckle...
To study neurovascular function in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), we established a high-fat diet/streptozotocin (HFD/STZ) rat model. Electrocorticography-laser speckle contrast imaging (ECoG-LSCI) revealed that the somatosensory-evoked potential (SSEP) amplitude and blood perfusion volume were significantly lower in the HFD/STZ group. Cortical spreading depression (CSD) velocity was used as a measure of neurovascular function, and the results showed that the blood flow velocity and the number of CSD events were significantly lower in the HFD/STZ group. In addition, to compare changes during acute hyperglycemia and hyperglycemia, we used intraperitoneal injection (IPI) of glucose to induce transient hyperglycemia. The results showed that CSD velocity and blood flow were significantly reduced in the IPI group. The significant neurovascular changes observed in the brains of rats in the HFD/STZ group suggest that changes in neuronal apoptosis may play a role in altered glucose homeostasis in T2DM.
PubMed: 38952685
DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110108 -
Ecology and Evolution Jul 2024Migratory birds experience changes in their environment and diet during seasonal migrations, thus requiring interactions between diet and gut microbes. Understanding the...
Migratory birds experience changes in their environment and diet during seasonal migrations, thus requiring interactions between diet and gut microbes. Understanding the co-evolution of the host and gut microbiota is critical for elucidating the rapid adaptations of avian gut microbiota. However, dynamics of gut microbial adaptations concerning elevational migratory behavior, which is prevalent but understudied in montane birds remain poorly understood. We focused on the Himalayan bluetail () in the montane forests of Mt. Gongga to understand the diet-gut microbial adaptations of elevational migratory birds. Our findings indicate that elevational migratory movements can rapidly alter gut microbial composition and function within a month. There was a significant interaction between an animal-based diet and gut microbiota across migration stages, underscoring the importance of diet in shaping microbial communities. Furthermore, the gut microbial composition of may be potentially altered by high-altitude acclimatization. An increase in fatty acid and amino acid metabolism was observed in response to low temperatures and limited resources, resulting in enhanced energy extraction and nutrient utilization. Moreover, microbial communities in distinct gut segments varied in relative abundance and responses to environmental changes. While the bird jejunum exhibited greater susceptibility to food and environmental fluctuations, there was no significant difference in metabolic capacity among gut segments. This study provides initial evidence of rapid diet-gut microbial changes in distinct gut segments of elevational migratory birds and highlights the importance of seasonal sample collection. Our findings provide a deeper understanding of the unique high-altitude adaptation patterns of the gut microbiota for montane elevational migratory birds.
PubMed: 38952660
DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11617 -
Cureus Jun 2024Background Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune thyroid disease characterized by inflammation and dysfunction of the thyroid gland, resulting in hypothyroidism,...
Background Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune thyroid disease characterized by inflammation and dysfunction of the thyroid gland, resulting in hypothyroidism, it results in impaired thyroid hormone generation and mimics hypothyroidism. The disease involves complex interactions among genetic, environmental, and epigenetic factors, particularly affecting the regulation of T regulatory (Treg) cells, including CD4 + + T cells. Treg cells, defined as CD4 + T cells, rely on the expression of the transcription factor, which is crucial for their development and differentiation. Disruptions in this regulation can lead to immune dysregulation and potential proinflammatory responses. The study focuses on investigating the impact of dietary patterns on the epigenetic changes in the gene, a key player in the development of HT. The primary aim was to evaluate how eliminating gluten and casein proteins from dietary regimens may influence the methylation levels of the gene, considering the potential link between these dietary components and the triggering of autoimmune diseases. Methods An epigenetic analysis of the gene in HT patients who were strictly following a dietary plan compared with the control group. For the epigenetic study, a methylation analysis experiment was conducted. Results Our findings revealed a notable reduction in gene methylation levels among HT patients who adhered to a diet excluding casein and gluten. The control maintained normal dietary guidelines and showed no significant alterations in methylation levels. Discussion The laboratory values showed a decrease in methylation levels of the gene, with statistical significance indicated as *p<0.005, **p<0.001, ***p<0.0001, suggesting a potential enhancement in its expression which could have profound implications for immune system regulation. Disruptions in the pathway are crucial in the development of autoimmune disorders, where altered activity hinders the regulation of T cell (Treg) development, ultimately contributing to conditions like HT disease. These findings imply that nutritional interventions, especially for individuals with HT, could potentially be a strategy for mitigating autoimmunity through epigenetic mechanisms.
PubMed: 38952602
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.63208 -
Frontiers in Allergy 2024The diagnosis and management of cow's milk allergy (CMA) is a topic of debate and controversy. Our aim was to compare the opinions of expert groups from the Middle East...
INTRODUCTION
The diagnosis and management of cow's milk allergy (CMA) is a topic of debate and controversy. Our aim was to compare the opinions of expert groups from the Middle East ( = 14) and the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) ( = 13).
METHODS
These Expert groups voted on statements that were developed by the ESPGHAN group and published in a recent position paper. The voting outcome was compared.
RESULTS
Overall, there was consensus amongst both groups of experts. Experts agreed that symptoms of crying, irritability and colic, as single manifestation, are not suggestive of CMA. They agreed that amino-acid based formula (AAF) should be reserved for severe cases (e.g., malnutrition and anaphylaxis) and that there is insufficient evidence to recommend a step-down approach. There was no unanimous consensus on the statement that a cow's milk based extensively hydrolysed formula (eHF) should be the first choice as a diagnostic elimination diet in mild/moderate cases. Although the statements regarding the role for hydrolysed rice formula as a diagnostic and therapeutic elimination diet were accepted, 3/27 disagreed. The votes regarding soy formula highlight the differences in opinion in the role of soy protein in CMA dietary treatment. Generally, soy-based formula is seldom available in the Middle-East region. All ESPGHAN experts agreed that there is insufficient evidence that the addition of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics increase the efficacy of elimination diets regarding CMA symptoms (despite other benefits such as decrease of infections and antibiotic intake), whereas 3/14 of the Middle East group thought there was sufficient evidence.
DISCUSSION
Differences in voting are related to geographical, cultural and other conditions, such as cost and availability. This emphasizes the need to develop region-specific guidelines considering social and cultural conditions, and to perform further research in this area.
PubMed: 38952569
DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2024.1348769 -
Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence 2024This study investigates key factors influencing dental caries risk in children aged 7 and under using machine learning techniques. By addressing dental caries'...
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES
This study investigates key factors influencing dental caries risk in children aged 7 and under using machine learning techniques. By addressing dental caries' prevalence, it aims to enhance early identification and preventative strategies for high-risk individuals.
METHODS
Data from clinical examinations of 356 children were analyzed using Logistic Regression, Decision Trees, and Random Forests models. These models assessed the influence of dietary habits, fluoride exposure, and socio-economic status on caries risk, emphasizing accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and AUC metrics.
RESULTS
Poor oral hygiene, high sugary diet, and low fluoride exposure were identified as significant caries risk factors. The Random Forest model demonstrated superior performance, illustrating the potential of machine learning in complex health data analysis. Our SHAP analysis identified poor oral hygiene, high sugary diet, and low fluoride exposure as significant caries risk factors.
CONCLUSION
Machine learning effectively identifies and quantifies dental caries risk factors in children. This approach supports targeted interventions and preventive measures, improving pediatric dental health outcomes.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
By leveraging machine learning to pinpoint crucial caries risk factors, this research lays the groundwork for data-driven preventive strategies, potentially reducing caries prevalence and promoting better dental health in children.
PubMed: 38952410
DOI: 10.3389/frai.2024.1392597 -
Journal of the Science of Food and... Jul 2024This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of oleuropein (OLE) ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its underlying mechanisms.
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of oleuropein (OLE) ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its underlying mechanisms.
RESULTS
Male C57BL/6J mice were fed either a low-fat diet (LFD), a high-fat diet (HFD), or a HFD supplemented with 0.03% (w/w) OLE for 16 weeks. OLE supplementation decreased body weight and liver weight, improved serum lipid profiles, and ameliorated HFD-induced hepatic dysfunction. Liver metabolomics analysis revealed that OLE increased the levels of nicotinamide, tauroursodeoxycholic acid, taurine, and docosahexaenoic acid, which were beneficial for lipid homeostasis and inflammation regulation. OLE exerted its protective effects by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), a key transcription factor that regulates fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) expression and modulates lipid oxidation, lipogenesis and inflammation pathways. Importantly, OLE supplementation did not significantly affect body weight or liver weight in PPARα knockout (PPARα KO) mice, indicating that PPARα is essential for OLE-mediated NAFLD prevention.
CONCLUSION
Our results suggest that OLE alleviates NAFLD in mice by activating PPARα and modulating liver metabolites. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
PubMed: 38952322
DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.13691 -
Journal of Asian Natural Products... Jul 2024Polysaccharides (LBP) can benefit lipid parameters such as total cholesterol, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein levels and upregulate the level of , increase...
Polysaccharides (LBP) can benefit lipid parameters such as total cholesterol, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein levels and upregulate the level of , increase the diversity of gut microbiota and reduce metabolic disorders, finally relieving weight gain of obese rats. But it cannot reverse the outcome of obesity. Over 30 differential metabolites and four pathways are altered by LBP.
PubMed: 38952165
DOI: 10.1080/10286020.2024.2355130 -
Lifestyle Genomics Jul 2024This study aims to investigate if a mixture of functional lipids (FL), containing conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), tocopherols (TP) and phytosterols (PS) prevents some...
INTRODUCTION
This study aims to investigate if a mixture of functional lipids (FL), containing conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), tocopherols (TP) and phytosterols (PS) prevents some lipid alterations induced by high-fat (HF) diets, without adverse effects.
METHODS
Male CF1 mice (n=6/group) were fed (4 weeks) with: control (C), HF or HF+FL diets.
RESULTS
FL prevented the overweight induced by the HF diet, and reduced the adipose tissues (AT) weight, associated with lower energy efficiency. After the intervention period, the serum triacylglycerol (TAG) levels, in both HF diets underwent a decrease associated with an enhanced LPL activity (mainly in muscle). The beneficial effect of the FL mixture on body weight gain and AT weight, might be attributed to the decreased lipogenesis, denoted by the lower mRNA levels of SREBP1-c and ACC in AT, as well as, by an exacerbated lipid catabolism, reflected by increased mRNA levels of PPARα, ATGL, HSL and UCP2 in adipose tissue. Liver TAG levels were reduced in the HF+FL group due to an elevated lipid oxidation associated with a higher CPT-1 activity and mRNA levels of PPARα and CPT-1a. Moreover, genes linked to fatty acid biosynthesis (SREBP1-c and ACC) showed decreased mRNA levels in both HF diets, this finding being more pronounced in the HF+FL group.
CONCLUSION
The administration of a FL mixture (CLA+TP+PS) prevented some lipid alterations induced by a HF diet, avoiding frequent deleterious effects of CLA in mice through the modulation of gene expression related to the regulation of lipid metabolism.
PubMed: 38952113
DOI: 10.1159/000539077 -
Advanced Science (Weinheim,... Jul 2024Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) represents an impending global health challenge. Current management strategies often face setbacks,...
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) represents an impending global health challenge. Current management strategies often face setbacks, emphasizing the need for preclinical models that faithfully mimic the human disease and its comorbidities. The liver disease progression aggravation diet (LIDPAD), a diet-induced murine model, extensively characterized under thermoneutral conditions and refined diets is introduced to ensure reproducibility and minimize species differences. LIDPAD recapitulates key phenotypic, genetic, and metabolic hallmarks of human MASLD, including multiorgan communications, and disease progression within 4 to 16 weeks. These findings reveal gut-liver dysregulation as an early event and compensatory pancreatic islet hyperplasia, underscoring the gut-pancreas axis in MASLD pathogenesis. A robust computational pipeline is also detailed for transcriptomic-guided disease staging, validated against multiple harmonized human hepatic transcriptomic datasets, thereby enabling comparative studies between human and mouse models. This approach underscores the remarkable similarity of the LIDPAD model to human MASLD. The LIDPAD model fidelity to human MASLD is further confirmed by its responsiveness to dietary interventions, with improvements in metabolic profiles, liver histopathology, hepatic transcriptomes, and gut microbial diversity. These results, alongside the closely aligned changing disease-associated molecular signatures between the human MASLD and LIDPAD model, affirm the model's relevance and potential for driving therapeutic development.
PubMed: 38952069
DOI: 10.1002/advs.202404326 -
Climacteric : the Journal of the... Jul 2024This study aimed to assess the possible association of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) with muscle strength and body composition.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to assess the possible association of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) with muscle strength and body composition.
METHODS
The cross-sectional study evaluated 112 postmenopausal women (aged 41-71 years). Fasting blood samples were obtained for biochemical/hormonal assessment. The Mediterranean Dietary Score (MedDietScore) was calculated and used to stratify adherence by tertiles (low [T1], moderate [T2] or high [T3]). Handgrip strength (HGS) was measured by dynamometry and body composition with dual-X-ray absorptiometry.
RESULTS
Women with low-moderate MedDietScore (T1/T2) had lower HGS values than those with higher scores (19.5 ± 4.9 kg vs. 21.9 ± 3.9 kg, = 0.023). A linear stepwise increase of HGS values per MedDietScore tertile was found (T1 vs. T2 vs. T3: 18.4 ± 4.4 kg vs. 20.6 ± 5.2 kg vs. 21.9 ± 3.9 kg, ANOVA -value for linear trend = 0.009, ANCOVA -value = 0.026). Multivariable models confirmed that HGS values were independently associated with the MedDietScore (-coefficient = 0.266, = 0.010). Lean mass values were associated with the MedDietScore (-coefficient = 0.205, = 0.040). All models were adjusted for age and cardiometabolic risk factors.
CONCLUSIONS
The data suggest that the higher the adherence to the MD, the better the muscle strength and lean mass in postmenopausal women. Prospective studies are required to evaluate the significance of these observations in cardiovascular prevention strategies at midlife.
PubMed: 38952065
DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2024.2368484