Showing papers by "Duo Li published in 2021"

Effect of different phosphatidylcholines on high fat diet-induced insulin resistance in mice.

Abstract: Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is the most abundant phospholipid in natural products and exhibits various bioactivities in vivo. However, the beneficial effects of PC on IR and the potential mechanisms are rarely reported. PCs from different biological sources vary greatly in their fatty acid compositions. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of EPA/DHA-PC derived from Sthenototeuthis oualaniensis on high fat diet (HFD)-induced IR in comparison with terrestrial soybean PC (Soy-PC) and egg yolk PC (Egg-PC) in C57BL/6J mice. The results indicated that EPA/DHA-PC, but not Soy-PC or Egg-PC, reversed HFD-induced obesity, IR and hyperglycemia. This improvement was accompanied by enhanced IRS/PI3K/AKT insulin signaling pathway in peripheral tissue, ameliorated JNK and NF-κB inflammatory pathway in white adipose tissue, and changes in the gut microbial composition. Microbiological analysis showed that EPA/DHA-PC treatment prevented the loss of Bacteroidetes, Verrucomicrobia, Akkermansia, Coriobacteriaceae_UCG-002, Lactobacillus, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Bacteroides and inhibited the increase of Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Ileibacterium. The gut microbiota-derived metabolites LPS and TMAO were also reduced by EPA/DHA-PC. In summary, the improvement effect of PCs on IR is largely related to their fatty acid composition. EPA/DHA-PC prevented IR probably by modulating the gut microbiota composition, ameliorating the chronic inflammation in the adipose tissue and promoting transduction of insulin signaling pathways.

Effects of α-linolenic acid intake on blood lipid profiles：a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract: To investigate the effect of ALA intake on blood lipid profiles, including triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein choleste...

Deoiled sunflower seeds ameliorate depression by promoting the production of monoamine neurotransmitters and inhibiting oxidative stress

Abstract: We aimed to evaluate the antidepressant activity of deoiled sunflower seeds (SFS), which are rich in tryptophan, in our mouse model and explored a possible mechanism of action. Male C57BL/6J mice were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and were administered a diet containing SFS as the main protein source. SFS alleviated CUMS-induced depression-like behaviors, compared to the effects of a whey protein-based diet. This effect was related to increases in the levels of serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in SFS-fed mice. These changes accompanied the amelioration of inflammatory abnormalities and oxidative stress. SFS increased the aromatic amino acid levels, and the ratio of tryptophan to neutral amino acids. Furthermore, the antidepressant-like effects of SFS were involved in lipid, nucleotide, and amino acid metabolism. In summary, SFS was found to attenuate depression-like symptoms in mice. These antidepressant effects may be related to the increase in the levels of aromatic amino acids and neurotransmitters, amelioration of oxidative stress and inflammation, and the regulation of the levels of abnormal metabolites to the normal levels.

5-Hydroxymethylcytosine Signatures in Circulating Cell-Free DNA as Diagnostic Biomarkers for Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract: Background: 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is an epigenetic DNA modification that is highly abundant in nervous system. It has been reported that 5hmC is significant associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Changes in 5hmC signatures can be detected in circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA), which has shown potential as a non-invasive liquid biopsy material. However, there is no research about genome-wide profiling of 5hmC in cfDNA and its potential for the diagnosis of AD to date. Methods: We carried out a case-control study and used a highly sensitive and selective high-throughput sequencing of chemical labels to detect the genome-wide profiles of 5hmC in human cfDNA and identified differentially hydroxymethylated regions (DhMRs) in AD patients and the control. Results: We detected a significant difference of 5hmC enrichment in gene bodies which were linked to multiple AD pathogenesis-associated signaling pathways in AD patients compared with cognitively normal controls. AD patients can be well distinguished from cognitively normal controls by differentially hydroxymethylated regions (DhMRs) in cfDNA. Specially, we found 7 distinct genes (RABEP1, CPNE4, DNAJC15, REEP3, ROR1, CAMK1D, and RBFOX1) had prediction diagnostic potential based on their significant correlations with MMSE and MoCA scores. Conclusions: The present results suggest that 5hmC markers derived from plasma cfDNA can be served as an effective, minimally invasive biomarkers for clinical auxiliary diagnosis of late-onset AD. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100042537, registered 13 January 2021-retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=120582.

Sandalwood seed oil ameliorates hepatic insulin resistance by regulating the JNK/NF-κB inflammatory and PI3K/AKT insulin signaling pathways.

Abstract: Sandalwood (santalum spicatum) seed oil (SSO) is rich in ximenynic acid The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of SSO on high-fat/high-sucrose diet (HFHSD) induced insulin resistance (IR) in comparison with fish oil (FO), sunflower oil (SO) and linseed oil (LO) Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five dietary groups: standard chow diet (controls), HFHSD plus 7% SSO, HFHSD plus 7% FO, HFHSD plus 7% SO and HFHSD plus 7% LO After 12 weeks of feeding, the rats were sacrificed, and the serum parameters, hepatic lipids and underlying molecular mechanisms were studied SSO, FO or LO significantly prevented glucose intolerance, hyperglycaemia, obesity, and hepatic lipid accumulation, and decreased the homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) and the serum levels of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α) compared with SO In addition, SSO activated the PI3K/AKT insulin signaling pathway and down-regulated the JNK/NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway in the liver In summary, our results proved that SSO exerted an ameliorative effect on IR by regulating the hepatic inflammation related blockage of the insulin signaling pathway in the rats

Neuroprotective Effects and Mechanisms of Procyanidins In Vitro and In Vivo.

Abstract: This study evaluated the neuroprotective effects and mechanisms of procyanidins (PCs). In vitro, rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC12 cells) were exposed to PCs (1, 2 or 4 μg/mL) or N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) (20 μM) for 24 h, and then incubated with 200 μM of H2O2 for 24 h. Compared with H2O2 alone, PCs significantly increased antioxidant activities (e.g., glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT)), decreased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and increased nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) accumulation and increased the expression of quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit (GCLM), and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC). In vivo, zebrafish larvae (AB strain) 3 days post-fertilization (dpf) were exposed to NAC (30 μM) or PCs (4, 8 or 16 μg/mL) in the absence or presence of 300 μM of H2O2 for 4 days. Compared with H2O2 alone, PCs enhanced antioxidant activities (e.g., GSH-Px, CAT, and SOD), decreased levels of ROS and MDA, and enhanced Nrf2/ antioxidant response element (ARE) activation and raised expression levels of NQO1, HO-1, GCLM, and GCLC. In conclusion, these results indicated that PCs exerted neuroprotective effects via activating the Nrf2/ARE pathway and alleviating oxidative damage.

Effects of brown seaweed polyphenols, a class of phlorotannins, on metabolic disorders via regulation of fat function

Abstract: It is well known that fat dysfunction is the main driver of development of metabolic disorders. Changes in diet and lifestyle are particularly important to reverse the current global rise in obesity-related metabolic disorders. Seaweed has been consumed for thousands of years, and it is rich in bioactive compounds, especially unique polyphenols. The aim of the present review is to summarize the effects of different seaweed polyphenols on fat function in metabolic disorders and the related mechanisms. Seaweed polyphenols activate white adipose tissue to "brown" or "beige" adipose tissue to enhance energy consumption. In addition, the amelioration of fat factor imbalance and inflammatory response is also considered as an important reason for the regulation of lipid function with seaweed polyphenols. The present review provides an important basis for using seaweed polyphenols as potential dietary supplements to prevent metabolic disorders.

Protective Effects and Mechanisms of Procyanidins on Parkinson's Disease In Vivo and In Vitro

Abstract: This research assessed the molecular mechanism of procyanidins (PCs) against neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and its metabolite 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) induced Parkinson’s disease (PD) models. In vitro, PC12 cells were incubated with PCs or deprenyl for 24 h, and then exposed to 1.5 mM MPP+ for 24 h. In vivo, zebrafish larvae (AB strain) 3 days post-fertilization (dpf) were incubated with deprenyl or PCs in 400 μM MPTP for 4 days. Compared with MPP+/MPTP alone, PCs significantly improved antioxidant activities (e.g., glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT)), and decreased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Furthermore, PCs significantly increased nuclear Nrf2 accumulation in PC12 cells and raised the expression of NQO1, HO-1, GCLM, and GCLC in both PC12 cells and zebrafish compared to MPP+/MPTP alone. The current study shows that PCs have neuroprotective effects, activate the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway and alleviate oxidative damage in MPP+/MPTP-induced PD models.

Depletion of gut secretory immunoglobulin A coated Lactobacillus reuteri is associated with gestational diabetes mellitus-related intestinal mucosal barrier damage.

Abstract: Changes in secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) coated bacteria from early to late pregnancy were associated with the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). SIgA coated beneficial gut bacteria, which are depleted in GDM, are potential probiotics for the prevention of GDM. We investigated blood biochemistry, chronic inflammation, mucosal barrier biomarkers and faecal SIgA coated microbiota in healthy early pregnancy (T1H, n = 50), late pregnancy (T3H, n = 30) and women with GDM (T3D, n = 27). The “leaky gut” markers, zonulin and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), significantly increased in T3D compared to the T3H group. The Shannon index of SIgA coated microbiota was elevated in late pregnancy compared to early pregnancy and was the highest in the T3D group (p < 0.001). The T3D group was enriched in SIgA coated Escherichia and Streptococcus and depleted in Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Blood glucose (BG) positively correlated with zonulin (p < 0.001) and LPS (p < 0.05). Lactobacillus reuteri negatively correlated with BG (p < 0.05), zonulin (p < 0.05) and LPS (p < 0.01). Lactobacillus reuteri QS01 isolated from the feces of T1H significantly reduced LPS released by the gut microbiota of GDM individuals in vitro. In conclusion, GDM may be related to intestinal mucosal damage and inflammation-induced dysbiosis of SIgA coated microbiota. SIgA coated L. reuteri can reduce the level of LPS of GDM in vitro.

Effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on muscle mass and function with aging: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials ✰ .

Abstract: The results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating supplemental n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on muscle mass and function have been inconsistent. The present study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the effect of n-3 PUFA supplementation on indicators of muscle mass and function in healthy subjects. A systematic literature search was conducted up to July 2020 with databases of PubMed and Web of science. The random-effects model was implemented to calculate the weighted mean difference of net change of indicators regarding muscle mass and function. A total of nine studies (thirteen treatment groups) with 2067 participants were included for data analysis. The summary estimate showed that n-3 PUFA supplementation significantly increased the grip strength (1.17 kg; 95% CI: 0.27, 2.08 kg). Non-significant effect was observed with respect to muscle mass parameters, including fat mass (-0.67 kg; 95% CI: -2.20, 0.87 kg) and lean mass (0.33 kg; 95% CI: -0.35, 1.00 kg). Regarding muscle function indicators, there were non-significant effects on walking speed (-0.01 m•s−1; 95% CI: -0.03, 0.01 m•s−1), time up and go test (-0.25 s; 95% CI: -0.55, 0.04 s), respectively. The findings of this study indicated that supplementation with n-3 PUFA might have beneficial effects to improve muscle mass and function in healthy participants. However, there was no significant improvement in the subjects' muscle mass. Whether n-3 PUFA supplementation has favorable effects in participants with sarcopenia are warranted to be further investigated.

Sandalwood seed oil improves insulin sensitivity in high-fat/high-sucrose diet-fed rats associated with altered intestinal microbiota and its metabolites.

Abstract: Sandalwood seed oil (SSO), rich in ximenynic acid, is extracted from the seed kernels of Santalum spicatum. The current work aimed to clarify the potential mechanisms of SSO in preventing insulin resistance (IR) by investigating the intestinal microbiota and its metabolites. Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a standard chow group (N), and four high-fat/high-sucrose (HFHS) diet-fed groups plus 7% of SSO, fish oil (FO), linseed oil (LO) or sunflower oil (SO), respectively. After 12 weeks, the feces were collected and subsequently the rats were sacrificed for collecting blood and tissues. The results indicated that the SSO, FO and LO groups had a lower ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B) and lower levels of Actinobacteria phylum in their feces compared to the SO group. HOMA-IR was positively correlated with F/B (r = 0.63) and Actinobacteria (r = 0.64). At the genus level, beneficial bacteria, including Oscillospira, Clostridium, Turicibacter, Ruminococcus and Coprococcus, were more abundant, while destructive bacteria, such as Collinsella, were less abundant in the SSO group than in the SO group. The concentrations of fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were higher, and the serum LPS and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) were lower in the SSO, FO and LO groups than the SO group. In addition, SCFAs were negatively (r: −0.45 to −0.82), and LPS (r: 0.12 to 0.42) and TMAO (r: 0.32 to 0.49) were positively correlated with HOMA-IR and serum IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. In summary, the prevention effect of SSO on HFHS induced IR was associated with altered intestinal microbiota composition and the production of microbial metabolites.

Palmitoleic Acid Protects against Hypertension by Inhibiting NF-κB-Mediated Inflammation

Abstract: SCOPE The role of palmitoleic acid (POA) in hypertension or blood pressure remains uncertain. This study aims to investigate the epidemiological association between circulating POA and primary hypertension in humans, and subsequently evaluate the effects of exogenous POA on blood pressure and aortic remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). METHODS AND RESULTS A case-control study of 349 hypertensive and 1396 normotensive children and adolescents is conducted, and found hypertensive cases show significant lower erythrocyte phospholipid POA than normotensive controls (p < 0.001). In conditional logistic regression model, participants in the top quartile of POA have a lower prevalence of primary hypertension than those in the bottom (multivariate-adjusted OR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.25-0.89). In animal study, 24 SHRs are randomly assigned to n-3 PUFAs (500 mg kg-1 ), POA (500 mg kg-1 ), or vehicle (olive oil) for 8 weeks. At the end of intervention, as compared to SHRs treated with vehicle, SHRs treated with POA shows significantly decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP), improved aortic remodeling, and also decreased aortic expressions of NF-κB and its downstream proinflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSIONS Circulating POA is inversely associated with risk of primary hypertension, and exogenous POA supplementation can decrease SBP and improve aortic remodeling by inhibiting NF-κB-mediated inflammation.

Flavonoid subclasses and coronary heart disease risk: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies

Abstract: Epidemiological studies have shown that higher intake of flavonoid is inversely associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. However, which flavonoid subclass could reduce CHD risk has remained controversial. The present meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies aimed to quantitatively assess the associations between flavonoid subclasses and CHD risk. A systematic literature search was implemented from PubMed and Web of Science databases up to Mar. 2021, and eligible studies were identified. Multivariate-adjust relative risks (RRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled by using a random-effects model. A restricted cubic spline regression model was performed for non-linear dose-response analysis. A total of 19 independent prospective cohort studies with 894,471 participants and 34,707 events were included. The results showed that dietary intakes of anthocyanins (RR = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.83, 0.98), proanthocyanidins (RR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.65, 0.94), flavonols (RR = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.79, 0.98), flavones (RR = 0.94; 95% CI: 0.89, 0.99) and isoflavones (RR = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.83, 0.98) were negatively associated with CHD risk. Dose-response analysis showed that increment of 50 mg/d anthocyanins, 100 mg/d proanthocyanidins, 25 mg/d flavonols, 5 mg/d flavones and 0.5 mg/d isoflavones were associated with 5% reduction in CHD risk, respectively. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were used to further support these associations. The present results indicate that dietary intakes of fruits and vegetables abundant five flavonoid subclasses, namely anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, flavones and isoflavones, are associated with a lower risk of CHD.

Effects of whole grain intake on glycemic traits: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Abstract: Whole grains (WGs) may have various health benefits, including lowering blood glucose and improving insulin sensitivity. To conduct a meta-analysis of the effects of WGs compared with non-WGs on changes in fasting glucose, fasting insulin, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). A systematic literature search was performed for all published randomized controlled trials on the effects of WG intake on fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HbA1c and HOMA-IR response up to February 2021. Weighted mean differences (WMD) were calculated. Pre-specified subgroup and univariate meta-regression analyses were explored to identify the sources of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis and bias analysis were conducted to appraise study quality. Among 12,435 articles screened for eligibility, data were extracted from 48 articles. Meta-analysis of 4,118 participants showed that WG consumption resulted in a significant reduction in fasting glucose by -0.15 mmol/L, fasting insulin by -2.71 pmol/L, HbA1c by -0.44%, and HOMA-IR by -0.28, respectively. Compared with mixed grains, brown rice, and wheat, oats were significantly lower on marker of glycemic. Besides, multiple interventions per day consolidated effectiveness of WGs. WG consumption decreased the levels of fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR compared with non-WG consumption.

Maternal n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids restructure gut microbiota of offspring mice and decrease their susceptibility to mammary gland cancer.

Abstract: Our previous studies have revealed that a maternal diet rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is associated with decreased mammary cancer risk in offspring. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the possible mechanism by which maternal n-3 PUFAs decrease the mammary cancer risk of offspring in terms of gut microbiota. C57BL/6 pregnant mice were fed a control standard chow (CON), fish oil supplemented diet (n-3 Sup-FO), flaxseed oil supplemented diet (n-3 Sup-FSO) or n-3 PUFA deficient diet (n-3 Def) (n = 10) throughout gestation and lactation. After weaning, all offspring were fed a AIN-93G diet. The tumor incidence and volume were significantly increased in n-3 Def offspring compared with the other groups. Maternal n-3 PUFA supplementation resulted in a significantly increased α-diversity of the gut microbiota in n-3 Sup-FO and n-3 Sup-FSO offspring compared with that in n-3 Def offspring. The relative abundances of Akkermansia, Lactobacillus and Mucispirillum observed in adult offspring of both the n-3 Sup-FO and n-3 Sup-FSO groups were higher than those observed in the control group, whereas the maternal n-3 Def diet was associated with decreased abundances of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Barnesiella in 7-week-old offspring. The levels of the pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly lower in n-3 PUFA supplemented offspring than in n-3 Def offspring. In addition, the abundance of Mucispirillum was positively associated with the concentration of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10, whereas the abundances of Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia were negatively associated with IL-1β and IL-6, respectively. Based on the bacterial composition of the gut microbiota, metabolites were predicted and the results showed that arachidonic acid metabolism and the MAPK signaling pathways were more enriched, while the butyric acid metabolic pathway was less enriched in offspring of the n-3 Def group than in those of the other three groups. Our findings suggest that decreased pro-inflammatory factors and changed gut microbiota are associated with the protective effects of maternal n-3 PUFAs against offspring's mammary tumorigenesis.

N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids effectively protect against neural tube defects in diabetic mice induced by streptozotocin

Abstract: Folate cannot prevent all neural tube defects (NTD), indicating that other pathogeneses still exist except for the folate deficiency. Maternal diabetes mellitus during pregnancy can increase the risk of offspring NTD. Our previous study showed that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were lower in the placenta of human NTD cases than in healthy controls, and the supplementation of fish oil (rich in long-chain (LC) n-3 PUFA, mainly C20:5n-3 and C22:6n-3) had a better prevention effect against sodium valproate induced NTD than corn oil (rich in C18:2n-6) and flaxseed oil (rich in C18:3n-3). The aim of the present study was to investigate whether PUFA could prevent diabetes-induced NTD in mice. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic pregnant mice were fed with a normal diet (DMC), a diet containing a low dose of fish oil (DMLn-3), a diet containing a high dose of fish oil (DMHn-3) or a diet rich in corn oil (DMn-6). Healthy pregnant mice were fed with a normal diet (HC). Compared with the DMC group, the rate of NTD was significantly lower in the DMHn-3 group (4.44% vs. 12.50%), but not in the DMLn-3 (11.11%) or DMn-6 group (12.03%). The NTD rate in the DMHn-3 group was comparable with that in the HC group (1.33%) (p = 0.246), and lower than that in the DMn-6 group (p = 0.052). The NTD rate in DMLn-3 and DMn-6 groups was significantly higher than that in the HC group. No significant difference was observed in NTD rate between DMLn-3 and DMHn-3 groups, and between DMLn-3 and DMn-6 groups. Compared with the HC group, the DMC group had a significantly lower C22:6n-3 in both serum and embryos. Fish oil supplementation ameliorated neuroepithelial cell apoptosis, and the apoptotic rate was comparable between DMHn-3 and HC groups. Although the apoptotic rate was significantly lower in the DMn-6 group than the DMC group, it was still much higher than that in the HC group. The proteins P53 and Bax in embryos were higher, while the proteins Bcl-2 and Pax3 were lower in the DMC group than in the HC group. The disturbance of Pax3, P53 and Bax induced by diabetes was abolished in DMLn-3, DMHn-3 and DMn-6 groups. Importantly, Bcl-2 in embryos was restored to the normal level only in the DMHn-3 group but not in the DMLn-3 or DMn-6 group. In conclusion, LC n-3 PUFA enriched fish oil has a protective effect against NTD in diabetes induced by STZ through improving neuroepithelial cell apoptosis, and the mechanism may be by increasing the anti-apoptosis protein Bcl-2 independently of Pax3 and P53.

Relationship between the n-3 index, serum metabolites and breast cancer risk

Abstract: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between the n-3 index, serum metabolites and breast cancer risk. A total of 104 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and 70 healthy controls were recruited. The erythrocyte phospholipid fatty acid composition was determined by gas-liquid chromatography, and the n-3 index was calculated with the percentage of eicosapentaenoic acid plus docosahexaenoic acid in total fatty acids. Serum metabolomic profiles were analyzed by UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/MS. The results showed that the erythrocyte phospholipid n-3 index was significantly lower in breast cancer patients than in healthy controls, and it was inversely associated with breast cancer risk (OR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.36-0.84). Metabolomics analyses showed that serum 16α-hydroxy dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) 3-sulfate, lysophatidylethanolamines (LPE) 22:0/0:0 and hexanoylcarnitine were significantly higher, while thromboxane B3, prostaglandin E3 (PGE3) and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid were significantly lower in breast cancer patients than those in healthy controls. In addition, serum 16α-hydroxy DHEA 3-sulfate was inversely correlated with the n-3 index (r = -0.412, p = 0.036). In conclusion, our findings suggest that the lack of n-3 PUFAs might be a potential risk factor for breast cancer, and the serum metabolite 16α-hydroxy DHEA 3-sulfate may play an important role in linking n-3 PUFA deficiency and breast disease etiology.

Co-occurence of Secretory Immunoglobulin A-Coated Bacteria in Maternal Gut, Breast Milk, and Infant Gut in Humans

Abstract: BackgroundGut microbiota promote and maintain infant health. Vertical transmission of bacteria from the maternal gut through breast milk to an infant is an important source of microbial colonisation in human offspring. However, the causative active/culturable bacteria and mechanisms responsible for their mother-neonate vertical transfer via breastfeeding remain unclear. Secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) may mediate this vertical transmission; however, evidence supporting this hypothesis is required. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether sIgA-coated bacteria in the maternal intestine may migrate to breast milk and colonise the infant gut.ResultsMaternal faeces, breast milk, and neonatal faeces were collected from 19 mother-infant dyads during lactation stages specific to colostrum, transitional, and mature milk. sIgA-coated bacteria were enriched using magnetic-activated cell sorting, and live bacteria were cultured in lactic acid bacteria- and gut bacteria-specific medium. 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing showed that microbiota diversity in maternal faeces, breast milk, and infant faeces decreased sequentially from colostrum to transitional milk to mature milk. Significant beta diversity existed between sample types (p < 0.05). However, high similarity was found between sIgA-coated microbiota of the three types of samples at the mature milk stage. Source track analysis showed that sIgA-coated microbiota in breast milk and maternal gut are major contributors of sIgA-coated microbiota in infant gut. Genera with co-occurrence in sample types included Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, Klebsiella, Escherichia-Shigella, and an unclassified genus of Enterobacteriaceae. Shotgun sequencing of three dyads identified co-occurring species Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, including Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus jonsonii, Lactobacillus oris, Bifidobacterium longum, and Bifidobacterium breve. Conclusions Breastmilk and infant faeces samples showed unique microbial composition and diversity in the three lactation stages. The fractions of sIgA-coated microbiota in maternal faeces, breast milk, and infant gut showed similar bacterial abundance patterns. This study will facilitate development of strategies to adjust aberrant microbial establishment and reduce the risk of disease by providing essential information for effective probiotic administration to the neonate and/or breastfeeding mother.

Nut intake and hyperuricemia risk in young adults.

Abstract: Objective: The relationship between dietary nut intake and hyperuricemia risk remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between different nut intake and hyperuricemia risk with a cross-sectional study. Design: A semi-quantitative FFQ was adopted to collect dietary information. Biochemical and anthropometric parameters were measured by standard methods. Multivariate-adjusted logistic regression models were implemented to analyse the relationship between individual nut intake and hyperuricemia risk. Setting: Qingdao University in Shandong Province, China. Participants: During 2018–2019, a total of 14 056 undergraduates (6862 males and 7194 females) aged 15–25 years participated in the study. Results: After adjusting for multiple confounding factors, compared with the lowest quartile, the highest quartile intakes of pine nut (95 % CI (0·51, 0·98)) was significantly associated with 29 % reduction in hyperuricemia risk, the highest quartile intake of walnut (OR = 0·78; 95 % CI (0·58, 1·05)) was marginally negatively associated with hyperuricemia risk. Conclusions: The present study showed that the relationships between intakes of different nuts and hyperuricemia risk were different. Increased dietary intakes of walnut and pine nut are negatively associated with the hyperuricemia.

Relationship between skeletal muscle mass with metabolic syndrome in Chinese elders

Abstract: Background: The association between regional skeletal muscle mass and metabolic syndrome (MetS) remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate these associations with MetS risk among Chinese elders.Methods: On the basis of health check-up program, a case-control study was performed among participants over 65 years of age, 250 MetS participants were identified and 750 healthy subjects were randomly selected as controls. Skeletal muscle mass was estimated via bioelectric impedance analysis. Muscle mass of each region was standardized by weight to obtain its muscle mass index. Conditional logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline models were implemented to evaluate the associations between MetS and the muscle mass in different regions.Results: As compared the highest category with the lowest category, leg muscle mass index (LMI) (OR = 0.12; 95%CI: 0.05, 0.32; P for trend < 0.001), trunk muscle mass index (TMI) (OR = 0.11; 95%CI: 0.04, 0.29; P for trend < 0.001) and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) (OR = 0.11; 95%CI: 0.04, 0.29; P for trend < 0.001) were inversely associated with MetS risk after adjusting for age, gender, duration of education, exercise, smoking status, alcohol drinking status, total energy intake, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, serum fasting glucose and lipid profiles. Dose-response analysis showed that per standard deviation increment of LMI (OR = 0.45; 95%CI: 0.34, 0.58; P for trend < 0.001), TMI (OR = 0.39; 95%CI: 0.28, 0.53; P for trend < 0.001) and SMI (OR = 0.29; 95%CI: 0.19, 0.43; P for trend < 0.001) were inversely associated with MetS risk, respectively.Conclusion: The present results showed that higher LMI, TMI and SMI were associated with the low risk of MetS in Chinese elders.