Nutrients

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13 pages, 1841 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pregnancy and Lactation Alter Vitamin A Metabolism and Kinetics in Rats under Vitamin A-Adequate Dietary Conditions

by Yaqi Li, Ayasa Tajima, Floyd J. Mattie, Michael H. Green and A. Catharine Ross

Nutrients 2021, 13(8), 2853; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082853 - 19 Aug 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1993

Abstract

Background: Vitamin A (VA) plays critical roles in prenatal and postnatal development; however, limited information is available regarding maternal VA metabolism during pregnancy and lactation. Objectives: We investigated the impact of pregnancy and lactation on VA metabolism and kinetics in rats, hypothesizing that [...] Read more.

Background: Vitamin A (VA) plays critical roles in prenatal and postnatal development; however, limited information is available regarding maternal VA metabolism during pregnancy and lactation. Objectives: We investigated the impact of pregnancy and lactation on VA metabolism and kinetics in rats, hypothesizing that changes in physiological status would naturally perturb whole-body VA kinetics. Methods: Eight-week old female rats (n = 10) fed an AIN-93G diet received an oral tracer dose of ³H-labeled retinol to initiate the kinetic study. On d 21 after dosing, six female rats were mated. Serial blood samples were collected from each female rat at selected times after dose administration until d 14 of lactation. Model-based compartmental analysis was applied to the plasma tracer data to develop VA kinetic models. Results: Our compartmental model revealed that pregnancy resulted in a gradual increase in hepatic VA mobilization, presumably to support different stages of fetal development. Additionally, the model indicates that during lactation, VA derived from dietary intake was the primary source of VA delivered to the mammary gland for milk VA secretion. Conclusion: During pregnancy and lactation in rats with an adequate VA intake and previous VA storage, the internal redistribution of VA and increased uptake from diet supported the maintenance of VA homeostasis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Nutrients on Immune and Inflammatory Responses)

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15 pages, 2226 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inflammation and the Association of Vitamin D and Depressive Symptomatology

by Ezgi Dogan-Sander, Roland Mergl, Anja Willenberg, Ronny Baber, Kerstin Wirkner, Steffi G. Riedel-Heller, Susanne Röhr, Frank M. Schmidt, Georg Schomerus and Christian Sander

Nutrients 2021, 13(6), 1972; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13061972 - 8 Jun 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4988

Abstract

Depression and vitamin D deficiency are major public health problems. The existing literature indicates the complex relationship between depression and vitamin D. The purpose of this study was to examine whether this relationship is moderated or mediated by inflammation. A community sample ( [...] Read more.

Depression and vitamin D deficiency are major public health problems. The existing literature indicates the complex relationship between depression and vitamin D. The purpose of this study was to examine whether this relationship is moderated or mediated by inflammation. A community sample (n = 7162) from the LIFE-Adult-Study was investigated, for whom depressive symptoms were assessed via the German version of CES-D scale and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and inflammatory markers (IL-6 and CRP levels, WBC count) were quantified. Mediation analyses were performed using Hayes’ PROCESS macro and regression analyses were conducted to test moderation effects. There was a significant negative correlation between CES-D and 25(OH)D, and positive associations between inflammatory markers and CES-D scores. Only WBC partially mediated the association between 25(OH)D levels and depressive symptoms both in a simple mediation model (ab: −0.0042) and a model including covariates (ab: −0.0011). None of the inflammatory markers showed a moderation effect on the association between 25(OH)D levels and depressive symptoms. This present work highlighted the complex relationship between vitamin D, depressive symptoms and inflammation. Future studies are needed to examine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on inflammation and depressive symptomatology for causality assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Nutrients on Immune and Inflammatory Responses)

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13 pages, 25791 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Dietary Protein Intake on Cutaneous and Systemic Inflammation in Mice with Acute Experimental Psoriasis

by Tanja Knopp, Tabea Bieler, Rebecca Jung, Julia Ringen, Michael Molitor, Annika Jurda, Thomas Münzel, Ari Waisman, Philip Wenzel, Susanne Helena Karbach and Johannes Wild

Nutrients 2021, 13(6), 1897; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13061897 - 31 May 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3288

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disorder, primarily characterized by skin plaques. It is linked to co-morbidities including cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Several studies demonstrate that dietary habits can influence psoriasis development and severity. However, the effect of different dietary protein levels [...] Read more.

Background: Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disorder, primarily characterized by skin plaques. It is linked to co-morbidities including cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Several studies demonstrate that dietary habits can influence psoriasis development and severity. However, the effect of different dietary protein levels on psoriasis development and severity is poorly understood. In this study, we examine the influence of dietary protein on psoriasis-like skin disease in mice. Methods: We fed male C57BL/6J mice with regular, low protein and high protein chow for 4 weeks. Afterwards, we induced psoriasis-like skin disease by topical imiquimod (IMQ)-treatment on ear and back skin. The local cutaneous and systemic inflammatory response was investigated using flow cytometry analysis, histology and quantitative rt-PCR. Results: After 5 days of IMQ-treatment, both diets reduced bodyweight in mice, whereas only the high protein diet slightly aggravated IMQ-induced skin inflammation. IMQ-treatment induced infiltration of myeloid cells, neutrophils, and monocytes/macrophages into skin and spleen independently of diet. After IMQ-treatment, circulating neutrophils and reactive oxygen species were increased in mice on low and high protein diets. Conclusion: Different dietary protein levels had no striking effect on IMQ-induced psoriasis but aggravated the systemic pro-inflammatory phenotype. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Nutrients on Immune and Inflammatory Responses)

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20 pages, 2698 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Intake of n-3 PUFA-Enriched Hen Eggs Changes Inflammatory Markers’ Concentration and Treg/Th17 Cells Distribution in Blood of Young Healthy Adults—A Randomised Study

by Nikolina Kolobarić, Ines Drenjančević, Anita Matić, Petar Šušnjara, Zrinka Mihaljević and Martina Mihalj

Nutrients 2021, 13(6), 1851; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13061851 - 28 May 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3721

Abstract

In the present study, we aimed to determine the effects of n-3 polyunsaturated acid (PUFA) supplementation (~1053 mg/per day), i.e., α-linolenic (~230 mg), eicosapentaenoic (~15 mg), and docosahexaenoic acid (~105 mg), through hen eggs, on pro- and anti-inflammatory parameters in healthy individuals [...] Read more.

In the present study, we aimed to determine the effects of n-3 polyunsaturated acid (PUFA) supplementation (~1053 mg/per day), i.e., α-linolenic (~230 mg), eicosapentaenoic (~15 mg), and docosahexaenoic acid (~105 mg), through hen eggs, on pro- and anti-inflammatory parameters in healthy individuals (23.8 ± 2.57 years old). Here, we demonstrate differential effects of regular hen eggs (N = 21; W/M = 10/11) and n-3 PUFA-enriched hen eggs (N = 19; W/M = 10/9) consumption on the serum levels of lipid mediators, representation of peripheral T helper cell subsets (recently activated T-helper cells, nTreg, Th17 and non-Th17-IL-17A secreting T-helper lymphocytes) and their functional capacity for cytokine secretion. Both diets significantly altered systemic levels of pro-inflammatory and inflammation resolving lipid mediators; however, only the n-3 PUFAs group showed a significant shift towards anti-inflammatory prostanoids and increased levels of pro-resolving oxylipins. Both study groups showed reduced frequencies of peripheral nTreg lymphocytes and decreased rates of peripheral Th17 cells. Their functional capacity for cytokine secretion was significantly altered only in the n-3 PUFAs group in terms of increased transforming growth factor β-1 and reduced interleukin 6 secretion. Diet supplemented with n-3 PUFAs alters immune response towards inflammation resolving conditions through effects on lipid mediators and cytokine secretion by T lymphocytes in human model without underlying comorbidities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Nutrients on Immune and Inflammatory Responses)

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13 pages, 889 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Serum Concentration of Antibodies to Mumps, but Not Measles, Rubella, or Varicella, Is Associated with Intake of Dietary Fiber in the NHANES, 1999–2004

by Cynthia B. Van Landingham, Debra R. Keast and Matthew P. Longnecker

Nutrients 2021, 13(3), 813; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13030813 - 2 Mar 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2366

Abstract

Treatment with prebiotics, a type of dietary fiber, was recently shown to increase antibody concentrations following influenza vaccination in a meta-analysis of clinical trials. In observational epidemiologic studies it is not possible to estimate intake of prebiotics, but quantifying intake of dietary fiber [...] Read more.

Treatment with prebiotics, a type of dietary fiber, was recently shown to increase antibody concentrations following influenza vaccination in a meta-analysis of clinical trials. In observational epidemiologic studies it is not possible to estimate intake of prebiotics, but quantifying intake of dietary fiber is routine. Our objective was to investigate the potential effect of dietary fiber on immunogenicity. We examined serum antibody concentrations (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella) in relation to dietary fiber in more than 12,000 subjects in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for the period 1999–2004. Data from one (1999–2002) or two (2003–2004) dietary recalls were used to calculate fiber intake. For Mumps the adjusted percentage difference in antibody concentration per interquartile range intake in energy-adjusted dietary fiber was 6.34% (95% confidence interval, 3.10, 9.68). Fiber from grain-based foods was more positively associated than fiber from other fiber-containing food groups. The association was slightly larger among subgroups with higher fiber intake, greater interquartile range in fiber intake, and less measurement error. Furthermore, based on the reliability of the diet recalls in 2003–2004, we calculated that the percentage difference per interquartile increment was substantially attenuated by measurement error. Dietary fiber may have a favorable influence on the immunogenicity of some vaccines or natural infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Nutrients on Immune and Inflammatory Responses)

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20 pages, 2640 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on CD4⁺ T Cell Subsets and mTOR Signaling Pathway in High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obese Mice

by Jeong Hee An, Da Hye Cho, Ga Young Lee, Min Su Kang, So Jeong Kim and Sung Nim Han

Nutrients 2021, 13(3), 796; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13030796 - 28 Feb 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3041

Abstract

Obesity is associated with an impaired balance of CD4⁺ T cell subsets. Both vitamin D and obesity have been reported to affect the mTOR pathway. In this study, we investigated the effects of vitamin D on CD4⁺ T cell subsets and [...] Read more.

Obesity is associated with an impaired balance of CD4⁺ T cell subsets. Both vitamin D and obesity have been reported to affect the mTOR pathway. In this study, we investigated the effects of vitamin D on CD4⁺ T cell subsets and the mTOR pathway. Ten-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups and fed diets with different fat (control or high-fat diets: CON or HFD) and vitamin D contents (vitamin D control or supplemented diets: vDC or vDS) for 12 weeks. T cells purified by negative selection were stimulated with anti-CD3/anti-CD28 mAbs and cultured for 48 h. The percentage of CD4⁺IL-17⁺ T cells was higher in the vDS than vDC groups. The CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ T cells percentage was higher in HFD than CON groups. The phospho-p70S6K/total-p70S6K ratio was lower in vDS than vDC, but the phospho-AKT/total-AKT ratio was higher in vDS than vDC groups. Hif1α mRNA levels were lower in vDS than vDC groups. These findings suggest HIF1α plays an important role in vitamin-D-mediated regulation of glucose metabolism in T cells, and dietary vitamin D supplementation may contribute to the maintenance of immune homeostasis by regulating the mTOR pathway in T cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Nutrients on Immune and Inflammatory Responses)

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12 pages, 969 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Dietary Replacement of Soybean Oil by Canola Oil Does Not Prevent Liver Fatty Acid Accumulation and Liver Inflammation in Mice

by Marina Masetto Antunes, Guilherme Godoy, Ingrid de Lima Fernandes, Luciana Pelissari Manin, Caroline Zappielo, Laureane Nunes Masi, Vivian Araújo Barbosa de Oliveira, Jesuí Vergílio Visentainer, Rui Curi and Roberto Barbosa Bazotte

Nutrients 2020, 12(12), 3667; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12123667 - 28 Nov 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3213

Abstract

A high-carbohydrate diet (HCD) is a well-established experimental model of accelerated liver fatty acid (FA) deposition and inflammation. In this study, we evaluated whether canola oil can prevent these physiopathological changes. We evaluated hepatic FA accumulation and inflammation in mice fed with a [...] Read more.

A high-carbohydrate diet (HCD) is a well-established experimental model of accelerated liver fatty acid (FA) deposition and inflammation. In this study, we evaluated whether canola oil can prevent these physiopathological changes. We evaluated hepatic FA accumulation and inflammation in mice fed with a HCD (72.1% carbohydrates) and either canola oil (C group) or soybean oil (S group) as a lipid source for 0, 7, 14, 28, or 56 days. Liver FA compositions were analyzed by gas chromatography. The mRNA expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1) was measured as an indicator of lipogenesis. The mRNA expression of F4/80, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-10, as mediators of liver inflammation, were also measured. The C group stored less n-6 polyunsaturated FAs (n-6 PUFAs) and had more intense lipid deposition of monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs), n-3 PUFAs, and total FAs. The C group also showed higher ACC1 expression. Moreover, on day 56, the C group showed higher expressions of the inflammatory genes F4/80, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, as well as the anti-inflammatory IL-10. In conclusion, a diet containing canola oil as a lipid source does not prevent the fatty acid accumulation and inflammation induced by a HCD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Nutrients on Immune and Inflammatory Responses)

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Review

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18 pages, 2409 KiB

Open AccessReview

Diet Modifications in Primary Prevention of Asthma. Where Do We Stand?

by Barbara Sozańska and Hanna Sikorska-Szaflik

Nutrients 2021, 13(1), 173; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13010173 - 8 Jan 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 7354

Abstract

The steep increase in asthma prevalence, observed worldwide in recent decades, has created an urgent need to search for effective methods of its prevention. Among other environmental factors, changes in diet habits and the potential influence of individual food components on immunological processes [...] Read more.

The steep increase in asthma prevalence, observed worldwide in recent decades, has created an urgent need to search for effective methods of its prevention. Among other environmental factors, changes in diet habits and the potential influence of individual food components on immunological processes have been extensively studied as a potential method of intervention in primary prevention of asthma. The preventive role of some nutrients has been confirmed: unpasteurized milk reduced the risk of asthma in epidemiological studies, vitamin D supplementation was effective in preventing the transient forms of wheezing in small children and high maternal intake of fish oil reduced the risk of persistent wheeze and asthma in children. However, not all studies provided consistent results, and many food ingredients are still pending for defining their role in asthma development. Moreover, a novel approach looking not only at single food ingredients, but the whole dietary patterns and diversity has recently been proposed. In this paper, we discuss the current role of nutrients in asthma primary prevention and the reasons for inconsistencies in the study results. We look at single diet components, but also the whole dietary patterns. We describe the proposed mechanisms of action at different stages of life, identify the role of modifiers and delineate future perspectives on the application of nutrients in targeting strategies for asthma primary prevention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Nutrients on Immune and Inflammatory Responses)

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