Showing papers in "Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology in 2019"

Rice: Importance for Global Nutrition.

Abstract: Rice, a staple food for more than half of the world's population, is grown in >100 countries with 90% of the total global production from Asia. Although there are more than 110,000 cultivated varieties of rice that vary in quality and nutritional content, after post-harvest processing, rice can be categorized as either white or brown. Regional and cultural preferences as well as need for stability during storage and transport are the final determinants of market availability and final consumption. In addition to calories, rice is a good source of magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, selenium, iron, folic acid, thiamin and niacin; but it is low in fiber and fat. Although brown rice is promoted as being "healthier" because of bioactive compounds, including minerals and vitamins not present in white rice after polishing, white rice is more widely consumed than brown. This is for several reasons, including cooking ease, palatability, and shelf life. Polished rice has a higher glycemic load and may impact glucose homeostasis but when combined with other foods, it can be considered part of a "healthy" plate. With the projected increase in the global population, rice will remain a staple. However, it will be important to encourage intake of the whole grain (brown rice) and to identify ways to harness the phytonutrients that are lost during milling. Furthermore, as the world faces environmental challenges, changing demographics and consumer demands, farmers, healthcare providers, food manufacturers and nutritionists must work collaboratively to assure adequate supply, nutritional integrity and sustainability of rice production systems globally.

FAO and the Situation of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (Rice Science in Global Health : Proceedings of the 3rd International Symposium)

Abstract: New evidence shows that the number of hungry people in the world is growing, reaching more than 820 million in 2018 (one in every nine people), up from 812 million in 2017. There are three main causes of food insecurity: high exposure and vulnerability to climate extremes, conflicts, and economic slowdown. Paradoxically, every year, roughly one third of the food produced in the world for human consumption-approximately 1.3 billion tonnes-is lost or wasted. It is estimated that, if the food lost or wasted globally could be reduced by just one quarter, this would be sufficient to feed the people suffering from chronic hunger in the world. Rice, an important staple food for over half the world's population, is also affected. At the same time, evidence shows that the food lost or wasted is a major cause of greenhouse gas emission, which itself feeds into climate change and extreme weather, resulting in further food insecurity and malnutrition. This paper briefly introduces the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), presents the recent findings on the current situation of food security and nutrition in the world, and highlights the issue of food loss and waste and its impact on food security, with particular emphasis on the constraints it poses to the achievement of key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

FAO and the Situation of Food Security and Nutrition in the World.

Abstract: New evidence shows that the number of hungry people in the world is growing, reaching more than 820 million in 2018 (one in every nine people), up from 812 million in 2017. There are three main causes of food insecurity: high exposure and vulnerability to climate extremes, conflicts, and economic slowdown. Paradoxically, every year, roughly one third of the food produced in the world for human consumption-approximately 1.3 billion tonnes-is lost or wasted. It is estimated that, if the food lost or wasted globally could be reduced by just one quarter, this would be sufficient to feed the people suffering from chronic hunger in the world. Rice, an important staple food for over half the world's population, is also affected. At the same time, evidence shows that the food lost or wasted is a major cause of greenhouse gas emission, which itself feeds into climate change and extreme weather, resulting in further food insecurity and malnutrition. This paper briefly introduces the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), presents the recent findings on the current situation of food security and nutrition in the world, and highlights the issue of food loss and waste and its impact on food security, with particular emphasis on the constraints it poses to the achievement of key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Effective Timing of Curcumin Ingestion to Attenuate Eccentric Exercise-Induced Muscle Soreness in Men.

Abstract: Curcumin is known to have potent anti-inflammatory effects. We have reported that acute curcumin ingestion attenuates eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage. This study aimed to examine the effect of curcumin ingestion timing (before or after exercise) on the changes in muscle damage markers after eccentric exercise. In this randomized, single-blind, parallel design study, 24 healthy young men performed 30 maximal isokinetic (120o/s) eccentric contractions of the elbow flexors using an isokinetic dynamometer. Subjects were randomly assigned to ingest 180 mg/d of oral curcumin either 7 d before (PRE) or 4 d after exercise (POST) or 180 mg/d of oral placebo 4 d after exercise (CON). The maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque of the elbow flexors, elbow joint range of motion (ROM), muscle soreness, and serum creatine kinase (CK) activity were measured before, immediately after, and 1-4 d after exercise. Changes in these variables were compared over time. In the POST group, ROM were higher at 3-4 d and muscle soreness was lower at 3 d after exercise compared with the CON group (p<0.05). However, in the PRE group, there were no significant differences compared with the CON group in changes in ROM and muscle soreness. Meanwhile, there were no significant differences among the groups in terms of changes in MVC torque and serum CK activity. Our results suggest that curcumin ingestion after exercise had a more beneficial effect in attenuating muscle soreness.

The Effects of BCAAs on Insulin Resistance in Athletes

Abstract: The toxic catabolic intermediates of branched chain amino acids can cause insulin resistance, and are involved in different mechanisms in different metabolic tissues. In skeletal muscle, 3-hydroxy-isobutyrate produced by valine promotes skeletal muscle fatty acid uptake, resulting in the accumulation of incompletely oxidized lipids in skeletal muscle, causing skeletal muscle insulin resistance. In the liver, branched-chain α-keto acids decompose in large amounts, promote hepatic gluconeogenesis, and lead to the accumulation of multiple acylcarnitines, which damages the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle, resulting in the accumulation of incomplete oxidation products, oxidative stress in mitochondria, and hepatic insulin resistance. In adipose tissue, the expression of branched-chain amino acid catabolic enzymes (branched-chain amino acid transaminase, branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase) is reduced, resulting in an increased level of plasma branched-chain amino acids, thereby causing massive decomposition of branched-chain amino acids in tissues such as skeletal muscle and liver, and inducing insulin resistance. However, branched-chain amino acids, as a common nutritional supplement for athletes, do not induce insulin resistance. A possible explanation for this phenomenon is that exercise can enhance the mitochondrial oxidative potential of branched-chain amino acids, alleviate or even eliminate the accumulation of branched-chain amino acid catabolic intermediates, and promotes branched-chain amino acids catabolism into beta-aminoisobutyric acid, increasing plasma beta-aminoisobutyric acid concentration, improving insulin resistance. This article reveals the mechanism of BCAA-induced insulin resistance and the relationship between exercise and BCAAs metabolism, adds a guarantee for the use of BCAAs, and provides a new explanation for the occurrence of diabetes and how exercise improves diabetes.

Association between Vitamin D Status and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Population-Based Study.

Abstract: The relationship between vitamin D levels and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains unestablished. In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship between vitamin D levels and NAFLD based on population survey data. This cross-sectional study was conducted based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Liver steatosis was diagnosed by ultrasonography. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship between vitamin D status and NAFLD. A total of 9,782 participants were identified in this analysis, with 46.8% male and an average age of 44.41±0.16 y old. Among them, 6,047 (61.8%) cases were without NAFLD, 1,357 (13.9%) had mild NAFLD, 1,594 (16.3%) had moderate and 784 (8.0%) had severe NAFLD. Compared to those with non-NAFLD or mild NAFLD, patients in the moderate to severe NAFLD group had higher vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency rates (12.4% vs 11.5% and 36.8% vs 33.2%, respectively). After adjustment for male gender, older age, race, BMI, history of diabetes and vitamin D intake, vitamin D levels were independently associated with the severity of NAFLD (vitamin D deficiency group OR: 1.314, 95% CI: 1.129 to 1.529, vitamin D insufficiency group OR: 1.203, 95% CI: 1.090 to 1.328). Besides that, cold season was also found to be an independent factor for NAFLD (OR: 0.896, 95% CI: 0.820 to 0.979). Lower vitamin D level is an independent risk factor for NAFLD. Vitamin D levels are inversely associated with the severity of NAFLD. Cold season increases the risk of NAFLD independently.

Alteration of Bile Acid Metabolism by a High-Fat Diet Is Associated with Plasma Transaminase Activities and Glucose Intolerance in Rats.

Abstract: Ingestion of a high-fat (HF) diet is known to enhance bile acid (BA) secretion, but precise information about the BA molecular species is lacking, especially information on the conjugated BAs in enterohepatic circulation. As cholesterol is the precursor of BAs, we analyzed alterations of the entire BA metabolic pathway in response to a HF diet without the addition of cholesterol and BA in the diet. Additionally, we evaluated the relationships between BA metabolism and some disorders, such as plasma transaminase activities and glucose intolerance induced by the HF diet. Acclimated WKAH/HkmSlc male rats (3 wk old) were divided into two groups fed a control or the HF diet for 22 wk. Fasting blood glucose was measured during the experimental period, and an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test was performed at week 21. As a result, ingestion of the HF diet selectively increased the concentration of taurocholic acid in the bile and small intestinal contents as well as deoxycholic acid in the large intestinal contents and feces. These results indicated a selective increase of 12α-hydroxylated BA concentrations in response to the HF diet. Moreover, fecal 12α-hydroxylated BA concentration was positively correlated with cumulative energy intake, visceral adipose tissue weight, and glucose intolerance. The present study suggests that fecal 12α-hydroxylated BA is a non-invasive marker that can detect the early phase of glucose intolerance.

Brown Rice, a Diet Rich in Health Promoting Properties

Abstract: As a staple food crop rice caters to the energy needs of more than 4 billion people around the globe. Since the 1980s, rice breeding focused on breeding for superior grain quality with good texture, taste, palatability and aroma. The recent rise in double burden nutrition challenges suggests that there is a pressing need to focus on incorporating nutritional traits also in rice breeding efforts. The present rice based diet contains nutritional gaps mainly due to the milling process which removes health promoting compounds present in rice bran. Therefore, less milled or brown rice consumption is highly recommended to achieve nutrition sustainability. Brown rice contains relatively higher amounts of dietary fibre, moderate amount of proteins, unsaturated lipids, micronutrients and several bioactive compounds. Some landraces consumed as brown rice have low glycemic index properties; hence they might be helpful to counter the growing type II diabetes. Colored rice varieties with red or purple pericarps are known to possess high levels of bioactive compounds such as cyanidin-3-glucoside, various flavanoids and γ-oryzanol. Germinated brown rice has more potential health benefits, for example, 10-fold of γ-aminobutyric acid than milled rice. For future nutritional intervention, we recommend further explorations into the nutritional value of brown rice as well as to modify the endosperm for enhanced nutrition without altering the texture to ensure consumer acceptance.

Anticancer Properties of Inositol Hexaphosphate and Inositol: An Overview.

Abstract: Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) and its parent compound myo-inositol (Ins) are active compounds from rice and other grains, with a broad spectrum of biological activities important in health and diseases. However, the most striking is the anticancer effect of IP6 and Ins that has been actively investigated during the last decades. A consistent and reproducible anticancer action of IP6 has been demonstrated in various experimental models. IP6 reduces cell proliferation, induces apoptosis and differentiation of malignant cells via PI3K, MAPK, PKC, AP-1 and NF-kappaB. Very few clinical studies in humans and case reports have indicated that IP6 is able to enhance the anticancer effect of conventional chemotherapy, control cancer metastases, and improve quality of life. Reduced burden of chemotherapy side-effects in patients receiving IP6 alone or in combination with Ins has been reported. Because of the highly promising preclinical and emerging clinical data, large clinical trials and further mechanistic studies are warranted.

The Protective Effects of Myricetin against Cardiovascular Disease.

Abstract: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally, except Africa, and poses a severe health burden worldwide. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the protective effects of myricetin for preventing CVD. For this review, we have assessed the literature from 2009 to 2019 at home and abroad to uncover the protective roles of myricetin for preventing CVD. Myricetin exhibits cardioprotective, anti-hypertensive, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-hyperglycemic, and anti-hyperlipidemic effects. In addition, myricetin may alleviate some of the complications caused by adult-onset diabetes. The combined functions of myricetin allow for the prevention of CVD. This review describes the possible therapeutic benefits of myricetin, along with its potential mechanisms of action, to support the clinical use of the myricetin for the prevention of CVD.

Effects of Cooking Methods on Free Amino Acid Contents in Vegetables.

Abstract: Vegetables are rich sources of nutrients such as fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Vegetables also contain various free-form amino acids, which improves their nutritional and palatable value. Cooking alters the content of free amino acids in vegetables, which affects their nutritional values. In this study, free amino acid levels were evaluated after cooking vegetables by different methods, boiling, roasting in an oven, and using a microwave. Results showed that many vegetables analyzed contain aspartate and glutamine abundantly. On the other hand, hydroxyproline, cysteine, ornithine and citrulline are the free amino acids existing at low or undetectable levels in all vegetables tested. The total free amino acid content in vegetables tended to decrease after boiling, and almost the same amount of free amino acids was obtained in the cooking liquid. Roasting of vegetables in an oven resulted in an increase in the content of specific amino acids, including γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Thus, it is important to choose the right cooking methods to prevent the loss of free amino acids. The results of the present study emphasize the changes in the contents of free amino acids during cooking with methods that are typically used on a daily basis. Our study on the dynamics of free amino acids caused by various cooking methods provides ample information for future nutritional studies.

Absorption and Metabolism of γ-Oryzanol, a Characteristic Functional Ingredient in Rice Bran.

Abstract: γ-Oryzanol (OZ), a functional substance found in rice bran, consists of multiple molecular species. In both in vitro and in vivo studies, the researches exploring the various function of rice bran OZ have been conducted for a long time, and it has become clear that OZ has a lot of pharmaceutical activities. It is assumed that each type of OZ molecular species may have different effects. In contrast, the profile behaviour of OZ inside the body has not been fully understood. This article reviews the previous studies about the digestion, absorption, metabolism, and effects of rice bran OZ and also introduces the new method to evaluate the OZ metabolic fate by using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) combined with tandem mass-spectrometry (MS/MS) which has higher selectivity and sensitivity.

Significance of Squalene in Rice Bran Oil and Perspectives on Squalene Oxidation.

Abstract: As an intermediate metabolite during the biosynthesis of sterols, squalene is found ubiquitously in plants and animals. In rice, squalene is contained in rice bran, and consequently, squalene in rice bran oil has gained attention. Studies have shown that the intake of squalene from food sources demonstrate various physiological benefits such as the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Squalene is also known as an effective antioxidant in edible oils. However, due to its chemical structure, squalene is susceptible to oxidation, which may cause a decline in the nutraceutical and antioxidative effects of squalene in edible oils. Oxidative degradation of squalene also results in the formation of scission products (i.e., aldehydes and ketones) which may lead to off-flavor. Since the rate of squalene oxidation depends on the factors that induce its oxidation (i.e., light or heat), emphasis on oxidation mechanisms is necessary. It has been demonstrated in previous studies that the oxidation products formed by the singlet oxygen oxidation and free radical oxidation of squalene are different, and more recently, we demonstrated that different squalene monohydroperoxide isomers are formed by each oxidation mechanism. We herein discuss the significance of squalene in rice bran oil as well as the oxidative degradation of squalene in edible oils with focus on oxidation mechanisms.

Relationship between Homocysteine, Folate, Vitamin B12 and Physical Performance in the Institutionalized Elderly.

Abstract: Hyperhomocysteinemia causes various diseases including cardiovascular disease, osteoporotic fracture and dementia. Although there have been reports that hyperhomocysteinemia decreases physical performance, findings are inconsistent on the association of homocysteine, folate, vitamin B12 and physical performance. Considering that lower physical performance increases the risk of fall and fracture in the elderly, the effect of nutritional status on physical function must be clarified. This is a cross-sectional study conducted from April 2015 to November 2016. Eighty-six residents and users in five care facilities were evaluated for their blood homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 concentrations and indices for physical performance; lower limb muscle strength, handgrip strength and gait speed. Analyses of physical performance were done in women only, considering the high proportion of women in the study population and the muscular gender difference. In the third tertile of plasma homocysteine concentration, handgrip strength was significantly lower than in the first tertile (p=0.027). In the first tertile of serum folate concentration, handgrip strength was significantly lower than in the third tertile (p=0.002). Although not statistically significant, lower limb muscle strength in the third tertile of folate was higher than in the first (p=0.061) and second (p=0.057) tertile. In the multiple regression analysis, however, only serum folate concentration was a significant contributor except for age. In subjects with their serum folate and vitamin B12 concentrations both exceeding the median, lower limb muscle strength was higher. Low serum folate concentration is a risk factor for lower physical performance independent of homocysteine in elderly women.

Ginger-Degraded Collagen Hydrolysate Exhibits Antidepressant Activity in Mice.

Abstract: Collagen is the most abundant protein in animals. Collagen hydrolysate has been found to have multiple functions in the skin, bones, joints, muscles, and blood vessels. Recently, it has been reported that the low molecular weight fraction of collagen hydrolysate exhibited anxiolytic activity, suggesting that collagen peptides affect brain functions. In the present study, we found that oral administration of ginger-degraded collagen hydrolysate (GDCH) significantly decreased depression-like behavior in a forced swim test, suggesting that GDCH exhibited antidepressant activity in mice. The antidepressant activity of GDCH was abolished by pre-treatment with an antagonist of the dopamine receptor, but not treatment with a serotonin receptor antagonist. GDCH significantly increased gene expression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) in the hippocampus, molecules that affect the differentiation and survival of neurons, relative to that in the control condition. Meanwhile, there were no changes in the gene expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor, and neurotrophin-3, major factors related to depression-like behavior. We also found that GDCH exhibited antidepressant activity in corticosterone-administered mice in a model of stress. In addition, GDCH increased GDNF and CNTF expression in the stressed condition, suggesting that mechanisms of the antidepressant activity of GDCH were the same in unstressed and stressed conditions. These results imply that GDCH exhibits antidepressant activity in unstressed and stressed conditions in mice. The upregulation of neurotrophic genes in the hippocampus may contribute to the reduction of depression-like behavior via a dopamine signal pathway modulated by GDCH.

Dietary Intake of Immature Citrus tumida Hort. ex Tanaka Peels Suppressed Body Weight Gain and Fat Accumulation in a Mouse Model of Acute Obesity

Abstract: Citrus fruits have several potential benefits for maintaining our health. In this study, we investigated the anti-obesity effects of immature Citrus tumida hort. ex Tanaka (C. tumida) peels using an acute obesity mice model. C57BL/6J male mice were divided into 2 groups; HFD-LL subjected to a high fat diet (HFD) and constant light exposure (LL), and HFDC-LL subjected to a HFD containing immature peel powder of C. tumida (5% w/w) and LL. Dietary ingestion of immature C. tumida peels significantly suppressed body weight gain following decreased epidydimal, perirenal, and subcutaneous fat weights. Blood levels of triglyceride and total cholesterol in the HFDC-LL were significantly lower than those in the HFD-LL group; however, there was no significant difference in food or calorie intake between the 2 groups. These results suggested that immature C. tumida peels have a beneficial effect on the prevention of obesity and metabolic syndrome via its biochemical activities of lipid metabolism.

Influence of Ultra-High Hydrostatic Pressurizing Brown Rice on Cognitive Functions and Mental Health of Elderly Japanese Individuals: A 2-Year Randomized and Controlled Trial.

Abstract: Brown rice contains many ingredients that might protect against cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. However, brown rice is very hard, difficult to cook, and is poorly digested; thus, it is difficult to eat long-term. To solve these problems, ultra-high hydrostatic pressurizing brown rice (UHHPBR) was prepared. We investigated the effects of dietary UHHPBR administration for 24 mo on cognitive function and mental health in the elderly. Healthy elderly participants (n=52) were randomized into UHHPBR and polished white rice (WR) groups. The UHHPBR group consumed 100 g of UHHPBR per day for 24 mo and the WR group consumed white rice. At baseline, and after 12 and 24 mo, cognitive functions were assessed using the Revised Hasegawa's Dementia Scale, Mini-Mental State Examination, Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), and the Cognitive Assessment for Dementia, iPad version (CADi). Mental health condition was also assessed using the Apathy Scale and the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, and serum biochemical parameters were determined. From baseline to month 24, the mean change in the FAB-sub item 1 scores was higher in the UHHPBR group compared to the WR group. Furthermore, apathy scores decreased, as well as the time required to answer all questions of the CADi, and plasma epinephrine levels increased. These results indicate that a 2-y oral consumption of UHHPBR increases information processing speed (as a measure of cognitive function) and improves apathy in the elderly, suggesting a protective effect of UHHPBR administration against age-related decline in brain cognition and motivation.

Dietary Heat-Killed Lactobacillus brevis SBC8803 Attenuates Chronic Sleep Disorders Induced by Psychophysiological Stress in Mice

Abstract: We previously reported that dietary heat-killed Lactobacillus brevis SBC8803 affects sleep in mice and humans. The present study examined whether SBC8803 improves psychophysiological stress-induced chronic sleep disorders (CSD) using a mouse model characterized by disrupted circadian rhythms of wheel-running activity and sleep-wake cycles. Mice were fed with a diet supplemented with 0.5% heat-killed SBC8803 for 6 wk and imposed stress-induced CSD for last 2 wk. Dietary SBC8803 suppressed the reduction in wheel-running activity induced by CSD. Electroencephalography (EEG) revealed that SBC8803 significantly restored wakefulness and increased non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep during the second half of the active phase during CSD. The CSD-induced reduction in EEG slow wave activity, a marker of NREM sleep intensity, during the beginning of the inactive phase was significantly improved by SBC8803 supplementation. These findings suggest that dietary heat-killed SBC8803 confers beneficial effects on insomnia and circadian sleep disorders induced by psychophysiological stress.

Glutamate Decarboxylase (GAD) Extracted from Germinated Rice: Enzymatic Properties and Its Application in Soymilk.

Abstract: Glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) is an important enzyme in biological metabolisms acting on catalyzing the irreversible α-decarboxylation of L-glutamic acid to γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and CO2, which was focused in this study. Three rice varieties different in color were germinated at different times and used for crude GAD extraction. Crude GADs with an optimal germination time from germinated black (GBR), red (GRR), and white (GWR) rice were evaluated for enzymatic properties, including the effect of pHs, temperatures, and concentrations of both L-glutamic acid and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP). Crude GAD with optimum enzymatic properties was selected to be partially purified using ammonium sulfate (AMS) precipitation. The obtained GAD was supplemented to soymilk and determined for GABA content. All crude GADs from germinated rice at 10 germination days presented the highest enzyme activity. For enzymatic properties, crude GADs showed the highest activity at pH in a range of 5.6-6.0 at 60oC. The Km values of crude GADs were in the range of 7.68-8.06 mM for L-glutamic acid and 0.15-0.20 μM for PLP and were the lowest in crude GAD from GBR. GAD from GBR presented the highest enzyme activity in the fraction with 50% saturation (v/v) after AMS precipitation and it was purified for 14.61 folds. The addition of this GAD (1.0%, v/v) resulted in the increasing of GABA content in soymilk to 53.79 mg/100 mL, accounted for 1.23 times compared with control.

Intake of Anthocyanins and Gastric Cancer Risk: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis on Cohort and Case-Control Studies.

Abstract: This meta-analysis aimed to explore the association between anthocyanins intake and the risk of gastric cancer. All the relative articles have been searched in the online databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library until June 11th, 2018. Risk ratios (RRs) or odds ratio (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated and pooled through the STATA 12.0. A total of 6 studies were finally selected in the meta-analysis. No significant association was found between total anthocyanins consumption and gastric cancer risk (RR=0.92, 95%CI: 0.81-1.04). Likewise, there was also no significant evidence of the relationship between anthocyanins intake and gastric cancer in tumor site (cardia: RR=0.90, 95%CI: 0.62-1.31; noncardia: RR=0.86, 95%CI: 0.69-1.07) and gender (men: RR=1.02, 95%CI: 0.73-1.40; women: RR=0.80, 95%CI: 0.52-1.23). The dose-response relationship was also not found in this meta-analysis. The Grades of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) quality in our study was very low. The results of our meta-analysis suggested the intake of anthocyanins had no association with the risk of gastric cancer and further studies are needed.

The Relationship between Functional Constipation and Dietary Habits in School-Age Japanese Children.

Abstract: Functional constipation negatively affects school-related quality of life for children and adolescents. We investigated the association between functional constipation, defined according to the Rome criteria version III, and dietary habits. The subjects of this cross-sectional study were 1,140 5th graders and 1,054 8th graders attending schools in Shunan City, Japan in 2012. Functional constipation was defined as having two or more symptoms of constipation. Dietary habits were assessed using a brief questionnaire. Self-reported biological, demographic and lifestyle information was obtained. Using multiple logistic models, dose-dependent associations among subgroups stratified with quintiles of nutrient and food intake were examined. The prevalence of functional constipation ranged from 3.7% to 8.3% across the grades. The most prevalent symptom was pain or hard stools. There was a link between higher rates of functional constipation and lower levels of dietary fiber intake, vegetables, and fruits (ptrend=0.010-0.030). Associations with vegetables and fruits attenuated when controlling for dietary fiber intake (ptrend=0.074-0.150). When 5th and 8th graders were separately analyzed, intake of dietary fiber, water from foods, and vegetables had beneficial effects on functional constipation in 8th graders (ptrend=0.005-0.038), and fruit intake had a beneficial effect in 5th graders (ptrend=0.012). Modification of dietary habits may have a positive effect in reducing functional constipation in school-age children. Diets rich in fiber, vegetables, and fruits, have the potential to improve functional constipation in Japanese children and adolescents.

Diosgenin Supplementation Prevents Lipid Accumulation and Induces Skeletal Muscle-Fiber Hypertrophy in Rats.

Abstract: Diosgenin (Dio) is a steroid sapogenin found in plants such as Dioscorea species, and is recognized as a phytochemical against various disorders as well as a natural precursor of steroidal drugs. The present study used rats fed high-cholesterol (Chol) diets supplemented with or without 0.5% Dio for 6 wk to investigate the effects of dietary Dio on lipid metabolism. Dio supplementation significantly increased serum high-density lipoprotein Chol concentrations and fecal Chol content, and significantly decreased fecal bile acid content compared rats fed a high-Chol diet alone, showing that dietary Dio may facilitate excretion of Chol rather than bile acids. A reduction in the liver triglyceride content and intra-abdominal visceral fat was observed in Dio-supplemented rats. Interestingly, dietary Dio also significantly increased the skeletal muscle-fiber diameter and area in the thigh muscles of the rats. Mouse myoblast-derived C2C12 cells were used to examine whether Dio directly affected skeletal muscle. Dio promoted fusion of myoblasts into multinucleated cells or myotubes. Furthermore, in myotube C2C12 cells, protein levels of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) increased with Dio treatment in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that Dio may not only induce myoblast fusion and enhance skeletal muscle as an energy expenditure organ, but may also activate the catabolic pathway via AMPK in skeletal muscle cells. Thus, these effects of Dio on skeletal muscles may contribute to inhibition of visceral fat accumulation.

The Dietary Intake and Its Features across Four Seasons in the Metropolis of China.

Abstract: Chinese diet pattern known as plant-based is more linked with seasonal supply, but it is lack of study on seasonal difference in dietary intakes in China. Our study was to assess seasonal variation in the absolute dietary intake among general population in a metropolis, Shanghai, China. A representative sample of general population aged 15 and older (n=1,704) were randomly stratified-sampled from communities in Shanghai. Dietary survey included consecutive 3-day-24-hour diet record recall and household condiments weighing. Data was collected across four seasons during 2012-2014. Most of food and condiments consumption differed across seasons in Shanghai. Intakes of grains, legumes and cooking oil were highest in spring; vegetables, fruit and non-alcoholic beverage highest, but cooking oil and cooking salt lowest in summer; red meat, nuts and cooking salt highest in winter. Seasonality existed in the intakes of energy and energy contributed from macronutrients that fat contributed more in winter but less in summer. Seasonal variations were also found in beta-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin K, thiamin, folate and sodium intakes. Seasonal changes of dietary intake were extensively observed in Shanghai, a highly-developed metropolis in China. Given the seasonal differences and their features described in current article, the estimation methods of the average dietary intake across whole year by just conducting dietary survey in one single season warrants further study.

Rubiscolin-6, a δ-Opioid Peptide from Spinach RuBisCO, Exerts Antidepressant-Like Effect in Restraint-Stressed Mice

Abstract: Rubiscolin-6 (Tyr-Pro-Leu-Asp-Leu-Phe) is produced by a pepsin digest of spinach d-ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) and known to act as an agonist on δ-opioid receptor. Here, we showed that administration of rubiscolin-6 reduced immobility time in the tail suspension test in restraint-stressed mice without effect on locomotor activity. The antidepressant-like effect of rubiscolin-6 was blocked by a δ-opioid receptor antagonist, naltrindole. These results indicate that rubiscolin-6 exerts antidepressant-like effect through activation of δ-opioid receptor.

Okara Improved Blood Glucose Level in Vietnamese with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Abstract: Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been increasing rapidly in Vietnam. We hypothesized that the main reason may be low fiber intake. Regarding sources, fiber comes mainly from vegetables. However, vegetables popular in Vietnam have low fiber (<2 g fiber/100 g vegetable), so it is difficult to supply sufficient fiber only from vegetables. Therefore, in this study we tried to increase fiber intake a day by using 60 g of Okara foods, containing about 6 g of fiber per day, and assess the effects on the blood glucose levels of DM patients. We contacted 300 type 2 DM outpatients at a hospital and selected 60 of them. We formed 30 pairs matched by gender, age, BMI and years with DM and divided them randomly into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group consumed about 6 g of fiber from Okara per day for 2 wk. At the baseline and final periods, anthropometric measurements, blood withdrawal and a 3-d weighing method nutrition survey were conducted. Dietary fiber intake increased from 6.9 to 12.6 g (p<0.01) in the intervention group, but there was no change in the control group. Fasting blood glucose and fructosamine in the intervention group dropped from 6.3 to 5.4 mmol/L (p<0.05) and from 319 to 301 μmol/L (p<0.05), respectively but they remained unchanged in the control group. Vietnamese people consumed about 60 g of Okara per day from various menus and increased fiber intake to 6 g/d in 2 wk, which improved blood glucose in DM patients.

Novel Antioxidative Activity of Astaxanthin and Its Synergistic Effect with Vitamin E.

Abstract: Astaxanthin (Asx) is known to be a potent quencher of singlet oxygen and an efficient scavenger of superoxide anion. However, the scavenging activity of Asx toward the hydroxyl radical was currently unclear because the high lipophilicity of Asx prevents analysis of such activity in water. Liposomes containing Asx (Asx-lipo) were previously shown to be dispersed in water. Analysis of the hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of Asx-lipo demonstrated a dose-dependence in water, with the effect of Asx being more potent than the vitamin E α-tocopherol (α-T). Furthermore, liposomes co-encapsulating Asx and vitamin E derivatives, namely tocotrienols (T3), showed a synergistic elimination effect on singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radical, although the antioxidative activity of liposomes co-encapsulating Asx and α-T was lower than the calculated additive value of each independent activity. A calculation of the most stable structure of Asx in the presence of α-T or T3, suggested that only T3 was able to hydrogen bond with Asx, and the Asx polyene chain partially interacting with the α-T3 triene chain, which could explain the synergistic effect between Asx and T3, but not Asx and α-T. This review introduces the hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of Asx, and its synergistic effect with T3.

Japanese Diet Score Is Associated with Gut Microbiota Composition in Young Japanese Adults.

Abstract: The Japanese diet (JD) is accepted as a healthy dietary pattern, which has protective effects against cancer and cardiovascular diseases. However, it remains unclear whether there is any association between the JD and fecal microbiota composition. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between JD scores and fecal microbiota in young Japanese adults, through the analysis of fecal microbiota using the terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) method. JD scores were calculated with regard to nine food groups (rice, miso soup, pickles, green and yellow vegetables, seaweeds, fish, green tea, meat, and coffee) based on a brief self-administered diet-history questionnaire. JD total scores were categorized as low (score 0-3) or high (score 4-8). The high-scoring JD group exhibited a significantly higher relative abundance of Bacteroides than the low JD group, whereas the low JD group exhibited a significantly higher relative abundance of Prevotella than the high JD group. With regard to food group intakes, a higher consumption of rice was associated with a significantly lower relative abundance of Prevotella, whereas a higher consumption of green tea was associated with a significantly higher relative abundance of Bifidobacterium. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating an association between JD score and fecal microbiota and may allow the prediction of changes in fecal microbiota due to changes in the JD.

Evaluation and Suppression of Retrogradation of Gelatinized Rice Starch.

Abstract: Starch starts to retrograde and form a crystalline structure immediately after gelatinization upon heating with water. The retrogradation rate is affected by the starch granule size, degree of polymerization, amylose/amylopectin ratio, starch concentration, water content, and storage temperature. Retrogradation of amylose occurs over a short term, while that of amylopectin occurs over a long term. The degree of starch gelatinization and retrogradation is evaluated by the degree of crystalline structure formation, viscoelastic properties, molecular mobility, and enzymatic digestibility using thermal, rheological, spectroscopic, and chemical techniques. The addition of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, salts, acids, polyols, and enzymes changes the starch retrogradation rate, and some of these prevent retrogradation.

Rice Flour: A Promising Food Material for Nutrition and Global Health.

Abstract: Hunger and malnutrition, especially children, are still global issues today. Rice is a staple food for more than half of the world population and important nutritional source of not only carbohydrate but also protein. In recent aging societies, protein-energy malnutrition in elderly people emerges also as a social issue. Malnutrition in elderly people raises the risk of falling into age-related chronic diseases. Nutritional care can prevent elderly people from such age-related diseases. Rice and rice flour would be good foodstuff for preparation of diet suitable for and preferred by elderly people. Protein content of rice grains, like the other cereal grains, is less than 10% by weight, which is a little lower than meat and cheese, but higher than dairy milk and yoghurt. Nutritional quality of rice proteins is higher than the other cereal grains. Such relatively higher nutritional quality of rice proteins could be due to high copies of glutelin genes evolved from an ancestral gene common to soybean glycinin and resultant high content of legume-type seed storage proteins. Recently, rice flour became to be utilized for various processed food. The rice seed proteins as well as starch are accumulated in specific organelles termed protein bodies and amyloplast in the cells of endosperm and aleurone layer. By milling rice grains to flour particles consisting of protein and starch nanoparticles, processing characteristics of rice starch and proteins could be changed. To develop rice-based processed food for prevention of malnutrition, rice flour particles from various different rice sources could be blended for desired nutritional composition without spoiling the value of product food.

Volatile Aroma Compounds in Jasmine Rice as Affected by Degrees of Milling.

Abstract: Jasmine rice (Khao Dawk Mali 105) is popular because of its pleasant unique aroma. Milling is an important step in order to produce various types of edible rice. The distribution of volatile aroma compounds in rice especially, endosperm and bran fractions are different. Hence, the purpose of this study was to determine the volatile aroma compounds of low-milled and high-milled Jasmine rice that affect the aroma quality of cooked rice. The new crop of Jasmine paddy was used in this study. Volatile aroma compounds in raw and cooked rice with two degrees of milling, i.e., low-milled rice (2-4% rice bran) and high-milled rice (11-13% rice bran) were investigated. The raw and cooked samples were extracted with dichloromethane and analyzed by gas chromatography-time of flight mass spectrophotometer (GC-TOFMS). The amount of volatile aroma compounds in rice was decreased with high milling. 3-Penten-2-ol (green odor), the most abundant compound in raw rice, was the lowest amount in high-milled rice. On the other hand, the high-milled rice bran had the highest amount of this compound. After cooking, more types of volatile aroma compounds were detected. 2-Acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP) (pandan-like, popcorn-like) was the most abundant in cooked rice. Meanwhile, hexanal was the highest amount in cooked rice bran. However, 2AP was the potent aroma compound with the highest odor activity values in both raw and cooked rice with low and high milling degree as well as in rice bran.