Joanne Curran-Celentano

Sex Differences in Macular Pigment Optical Density:: Relation to Plasma Carotenoid Concentrations and Dietary Patterns

Sex differences in macular pigment (MP) optical density (measured psychophysically) were examined. Concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin (L and Z) (non-separated) and beta-carotene (BC) in the blood were determined using reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Dietary intake of L and Z, BC, fat, and iron were estimated by questionnaire. Males had 38% higher MP density than females (P < 0.001) despite similar plasma carotenoid concentrations and similar dietary intake (except for fat). Dietary intake of carotenoids, fat and iron, as well as plasma concentrations of L and Z were positively related to MP density in males. Conversely, only plasma L and Z was related to MP density for females, and dietary fat was negatively related to MP density. Sex differences in protection of the retina by MP and in the relationship between the retina, blood and diet could be a factor in the incidence of retinal diseases, especially age-related macular degeneration.

Variability in Elemental Accumulations Among Leafy Brassica oleracea Cultivars and Selections

Abstract The vegetable brassicas are consumed in part for their nutritional values of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn). However, information on the genetic variability of elemental accumulation within kale and collards (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala DC) is limited. Therefore, 22 kale and collard cultivars and selections suitable for the northeastern United States were field grown under similar fertility regimes over two years and evaluated for elemental accumulation. Leaf tissues were analyzed using inductively coupled argon plasma–atomic emission spectrometry. Significant variability among cultivars and selections was observed for tissue Ca, Mg, K, Fe, and Zn. On average, a two-fold difference in elemental accumulation among the cultivars and selections was measured. Tissue Ca levels ranged from 1.2 (“Crimson Garden”) to 3.1% (“NZ Thousand Head”), tissue Mg ranged from 0.3 (“Crimson Garden”) to 0.6% (“NZ Thousand Head”), tissue K ranged from 2.1 (“NZ Thousand Head”) to 3.5% (30665-96G11), tissue Fe ranged from 53.1 (“Winterbor F1”) to 114.2 mg/kg (“Giant Jersey Kale”), and tissue Zn ranged from 29.1 (“Shetland”) to 71.9 mg/kg (“Redbor F1”). Significant year-to-year variability occurred for Ca, Mg, Fe, and Zn accumulation. Despite these yearly changes, ranking of the cultivars and selections for elemental accumulation, as determined by Spearmans rank correlation coefficient, did not change from year 1 to year 2. Overall, the cultivar with the highest elemental leaf accumulation was “Redbor F1”. Information on genotypic variability for elemental accumulation may be important for producers and consumers looking to select kale and collards with higher nutritional levels of beneficial dietary elements.

NUTRITIONAL MANAGEMENT OF EATING DISORDERS

Abnormal nutritional status and dietary patterns are central features of the eating disorders. Normalization of these features are key components of treatment and recovery because they are powerful perpetuating factors. Restrictive diets, fat avoidance, and abnormal cognitive and perceptual patterns are typically present, in addition to altered nutritional parameters because of hormonal and metabolic factors. The primary goal of nutrition intervention in the patient with anorexia nervosa is to promote weight gain through increased energy intake, expansion of the diet, and knowledgeable and empathetic dietary counseling. A regular pattern of nutritionally balanced, planned meals and snacks, and the avoidance of restrictive dieting, are essential elements of treatment for the patient with bulimia nervosa. As a member of the multidisciplinary treatment team, the dietitian or nutrition professional with knowledge of nutritional science, counseling skills, and a nonjudgmental attitude can provide expertise in this area.

Macular pigment optical density and photophobia light threshold

Light absorption by macular pigment may attenuate visual discomfort, or photophobia, for targets composed of short-wavelength light. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and photophobia light thresholds were measured psychophysically in 10 subjects. The energy necessary to induce photophobia for a short-wavelength target relative to a long-wavelength target was linearly related to MPOD, as well as estimates of peak MPOD and integrated macular pigment. In four subjects who consumed lutein supplements, increases in MPOD corresponded to increases in photophobia light thresholds. Light absorption by macular pigment appears to influence the amount of short-wavelength light necessary to elicit photophobia.

Nutritional disorder of anorexia nervosa: A review

In the treatment of anorexia nervosa, the importance of weight restoration has been well documented. Resting energy expenditure, which is initially reduced, often increases markedly in association with refeeding. Previous studies that have examined micronutrient status in anorexia nervosa have reported inconsistent and sometimes contradictory conclusions, due to the heterogeneity of the population, the cross-sectional nature of these investigations, and, at times, the use of inappropriate methods to determine nutrient status. Abnormal nutritional findings in patients with anorexia nervosa are primarily a consequence of semistarvation. Neuroendocrine abnormalities, degree of recovery, and phase of treatment affect interpretation of data. Despite the importance of nutritional rehabilitation, few controlled studies that address the clinical efficacy of various dietary treatment regimens have been conducted.

Macular pigment optical density at four retinal loci during 120 days of lutein supplementation

Background:  Increased consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin has been shown to increase macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in some individuals. Most interventions either obtained infrequent measures of MPOD or measured MPOD at a single retinal locus.

The lack of effect of β-carotene on restenosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits

Abstract The success of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty is limited by restenosis in 30–50% of cases. Cellular production of reactive oxygen species at the site of injury has been implicated as a contributing factor in the process of restenosis. β-Carotene is a lipid-soluble antioxidant whose effects on this process have not been previously investigated. We attempted to elucidate whether β-carotene treatment was capable of reducing restenosis. Femoral artery stenoses were produced by nitrogen-desiccation in rabbits fed a high-cholesterol diet. The animals were randomized to receive either a parenteral bolus of β-carotene immediately prior to angioplasty, followed by 5 days of subcutaneous treatment (Acute Treatment); 5 days of subcutaneous pretreatment with β-carotene followed by a parenteral bolus immediately prior to angioplasty and then another 5 days of subcutaneous treatment (Pretreatment); or vehicle only (Control). Angiography was performed immediately before and after angioplasty, and 28 days after angioplasty. The animals were then sacrificed, and the femoral arteries were harvested for histopathology. By quantitative angiography, the late loss of luminal diameter between angioplasty and final angiography was not significantly different between the acute treatment group, the pretreatment group and the control group. By histopathology, the area of intimal hyperplasia and the percent cross-sectional area stenosis were also not significantly different. The late loss in luminal diameter after angioplasty correlated significantly with the acute gain in luminal diameter produced by angioplasty. The amount of intimal hyperplasia correlated significantly with the arterial injury score assessed by histopathology. In summary, in this animal model of restenosis, parenteral β-carotene failed to significantly reduce the amount of either intimal hyperplasia or late loss in luminal diameter after angioplasty.

A case study of carotenemia in anorexia nervosa may support the interrelationship of vitamin A and thyroid hormone

Abstract Elevated serum carotenoids (carotenemia) of unknown etiology is associated with anorexia nervosa. This case study reports a subject with anorexia nervosa and carotenemia who was followed while consuming a carotene-free enteral feeding for 34 days. Blood was collected periodically for clinical evaluation. Thyroid hormones, T 4 and T 3 , were analyzed by RIA and serum carotene was analyzed by HPLC. Despite the carotene-free diet, serum betacarotene (the provitamin A carotenoid) remained elevated concommitted with low T3. The carotenemia of anorexia nervosa is compared with that seen in normal individuals chronically consuming purified beta-carotene supplements and normal subjects receiving a carotene-free diet. Recent studies suggest that vitamin A and thyroid hormone interaction may be linked at the level of gene expression. The argument is presented that the carotenemia of anorexia nervosa together with the alteration in thyroid hormone may represent a biochemical marker for the molecular events altering the physiological profile of this starvation-like syndrome.