Mallory Boylan

Bioavailability of Selenium from Veal, Chicken, Beef, Pork, Lamb, Flounder, Tuna, Selenomethionine, and Sodium Selenite Assessed in Selenium-Deficient Rats

The bioavailability of selenium (Se) from veal, chicken, beef, pork, lamb, flounder, tuna, selenomethionine (SeMet), and sodium selenite was assessed in Se-deficient Fischer-344 rats. Se as veal, chicken, beef, pork, lamb, flounder, tuna, SeMet, and sodium selenite was added to torula yeast (TY) basal diets to comprise Se-inadequate (0.05 mg Se/kg) diets. Se as sodium selenite was added to a TY basal diet to comprise a Se-adequate (0.10 mg Se/kg), Se-control diet. The experimental diets were fed to weanling Fischer-344 rats that had been subjected to dietary Se depletion for 6 wk. After 9 wk of the dietary Se repletion, relative activity of liver glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) from the different dietary groups compared with control rats (100%) was: flounder 106%, tuna 101%, pork 86%, sodium selenite 81%, SeMet 80%, beef 80%, chicken 77%, veal 77%, and lamb 58%. Se from flounder was the most efficient at restoring Se concentrations in the liver and skeletal muscle. Se from sodium selenite, SeMet, beef, veal, chicken, pork, lamb, and tuna was not dietarily sufficient to restore liver and muscle Se after 9 wk of recovery following a 6-wk period of Se depletion.

Effect of selenium compounds and thiols on human mammary tumor cells.

The effect on cell viability and growth rate of sodium selenite, selenocystine, sodium selenate, and selenomethionine at selenium concentrations of 6.25 and 12.5 uM was studied in vitro on cells of the human mammary tumor cell line HTB123/DU4475. Selenite and selenocystine affected both cell viability and growth rate of the tumor cells at these selenium concentrations. Selenite and selenocystine decreased intracellular glutathione concentrations, but did not affect tumor cell glutathione peroxidase activity. After six days of exposure to either selenate or selenomethionine, the viability of tumor cells remained stable, but cell growth, as measured by numbers of cells, was retarded. Neither selenate nor selenomethionine produced changes in concentrations of intracellular glutathione.The toxic effect of selenite on tumor cells was enhanced by addition of 0.25 mM glutathione to the growth medium. Preincubation of the tumor cells with 62.5 uM buthionine sulfoximine decreased cellular glutathione to 15% of controls at 24 h and enhanced the toxicity of selenite toward the tumor cells. Glutathione, 2-mercaptoethanol, andl-cysteine were all toxic to the tumor cells in a dose-dependent manner.

Effects of Bariatric Surgery on Adipokine-Induced Inflammation and Insulin Resistance

Over a third of the US population is obese and at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and other metabolic disorders. Obesity is considered a chronic low-grade inflammatory condition that is primarily attributed to expansion and inflammation of adipose tissues. Indeed, adipocytes produce and secrete numerous proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines known as adipokines. When the balance of these adipokines is shifted toward higher production of proinflammatory factors, local inflammation within adipose tissues and subsequently systemic inflammation occur. These adipokines including leptin, visfatin, resistin, apelin, vaspin, and retinol binding protein-4 can regulate inflammatory responses and contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetes. These effects are mediated by key inflammatory signaling molecules including activated serine kinases such as c-Jun N-terminal kinase and serine kinases inhibitor κB kinase and insulin signaling molecules including insulin receptor substrates, protein kinase B (PKB, also known as Akt), and nuclear factor kappa B. Bariatric surgery can decrease body weight and improve insulin resistance in morbidly obese subjects. However, despite reports suggesting reduced inflammation and weight-independent effects of bariatric surgery on glucose metabolism, mechanisms behind such improvements are not yet well understood. This review article focuses on some of these novel adipokines and discusses their changes after bariatric surgery and their relationship to insulin resistance, fat mass, inflammation, and glucose homeostasis.

Associations between Tissue Visfatin/Nicotinamide, Phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt), Retinol Binding Protein-4, and Vaspin Concentrations and Insulin Resistance in Morbidly Obese Subjects

Visfatin/Nampt, vaspin, and retinol binding protein-4 (RBP-4) play an important role in insulin resistance. The objectives of this study were to measure visfatin/Nampt, vaspin, and RBP-4 concentrations in blood, liver, muscle, subcutaneous, omental, and mesenteric adipose tissues in morbidly obese subjects and investigate their relationship to insulin resistance. Blood and tissue samples were collected from 38 morbidly obese subjects during Roux-en-Y surgery. Insulin resistance biomarkers were measured using standard kits. Visfatin/Nampt, vaspin, and RBP-4 gene expression levels in tissues were measured using real-time PCR. Their protein concentrations in blood and tissues were measured using ELISA kits. Diabetic subjects had significantly higher homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance and age and lower blood HDL-cholesterol concentrations than nondiabetic and prediabetic subjects. Diabetic and prediabetic subjects had significantly higher blood concentrations of visfatin/Nampt and vaspin than nondiabetic subjects. Liver RBP-4 concentrations were positively associated with blood glucose concentrations. Blood insulin resistance biomarker levels were positively associated with visfatin/Nampt concentrations in omental adipose tissue and liver, and vaspin concentrations in mesenteric adipose tissue. In conclusion, the correlations of visfatin/Nampt, vaspin, and RBP-4 with insulin resistance are tissue dependent.

Low starch/low dairy diet results in successful treatment of obesity and co-morbidities linked to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Background Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately 15% of reproductive-age women and increases risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, cancer and infertility. Hyperinsulinemia is believed to contribute to or worsen all of these conditions, and increases androgens in women with PCOS. Carbohydrates are the main stimulators of insulin release, but research shows that dairy products and starches elicit greater postprandial insulin secretion than non-starchy vegetables and fruits. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an 8-week low-starch/low-dairy diet results in weight loss, increased insulin sensitivity, and reduced testosterone in women with PCOS. Methods Prospective 8-week dietary intervention using an ad libitum low starch/low dairy diet in 24 overweight and obese women (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 and ≤ 45 kg/m2) with PCOS. Diagnosis of PCOS was based on the Rotterdam criteria. Weight, BMI, Waist Circumference (WC), Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR), fasting and 2-hour glucose and insulin, homeostasis model assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), HbA1c, total and free testosterone, and Ferriman-Gallwey scores were measured before and after the 8-week intervention. Results There was a reduction in weight (−8.61 ± 2.34 kg, p<0.001), BMI (−3.25 ± 0.88 kg/m2, p<0.001), WC (−8.4 ± 3.1 cm, p<0.001), WHtR (−0.05 ± 0.02 inches, p<0.001), fasting insulin (−17.0 ± 13.6 μg/mL, p<0.001) and 2-hour insulin (−82.8 ± 177.7 μg/mL, p=0.03), and HOMA-IR (−1.9 ± 1.2, p<0.001) after diet intervention. Total testosterone (−10.0 ± 17.0 ng/dL, p=0.008), free testosterone (−1.8 pg/dL, p=0.043) and Ferriman-Gallwey scores (−2.1 ± 2.7 points (p=0.001) were also reduced from pre- to post-intervention. Conclusion An 8-week low-starch/low-dairy diet resulted in weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity and reduced testosterone in women with PCOS.

Effect of a low-starch/low-dairy diet on fat oxidation in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects between 4%-18% of reproductive-aged women and is associated with increased risk of obesity and obesity-related disease. PCOS is associated with hyperinsulinemia, which is known to impair fat oxidation. Research shows that carbohydrates from dairy and starch-based foods cause greater postprandial insulin secretion than carbohydrates from nonstarchy vegetables and fruits. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an ad libitum 8-week low-starch/low-dairy diet would improve fasting and postprandial fat oxidation after a high saturated fat liquid meal (HSFLM) in overweight and obese women with PCOS. Prospective 8-week dietary intervention using a low-starch/low-dairy diet in 10 women (body mass index ≥25 kg/m(2) and ≤45 kg/m(2)) with PCOS. Indirect calorimetry was used at fasting and for 5 h following consumption of the HSFLM to determine respiratory exchange ratio (RER), macronutrient oxidation, and energy expenditure (EE) at week 0 and week 8. Participants had a reduction in body weight (-8.1 ± 1.8 kg, p < 0.05) and fasting insulin (-19.5 ± 8.9 μg/mL, p < 0.05) after dietary intervention; however, these were not significantly correlated with improved fat oxidation. There was a reduction in fasting RER, and fasting and postprandial carbohydrate oxidation, and an increase in fasting and postprandial fat oxidation after adjusting for body weight. There was also significant difference in incremental area under the curve from pre- to post-diet for fat (0.06 ± 0.00 g/kg per 5 h; p < 0.001) and carbohydrate oxidation (-0.29 ± 0.06 g/kg per 5 h; p < 0.001), but not for RER or EE. In conclusion, an 8-week low-starch/low-dairy diet increased fat oxidation in overweight and obese women with PCOS.

In-hospital Breastfeeding and Intention to Return to Work Influence Mothers' Breastfeeding Intentions.

Background: Research continues to demonstrate that formula feeding is associated with numerous long-term negative outcomes for a mother and her infant. However, many women cease breastfeeding sooner than intended and recommended. Breastfeeding has been found to be related to demographics, maternal mood, and returning to work outside the home. Objectives: This study aimed to shed light on the woman’s perception of the effect of working on intended breastfeeding duration. This study used intentions to return to work and in-hospital breastfeeding to predict breastfeeding intentions. Methods: Women (N = 160) were surveyed during the first 48 hours postdelivery of healthy, full-term infants. Survey instruments included demographics (socioeconomic status, maternal age, education, and marital status), depression, fetal attachment, current exclusive breastfeeding status, as well as breastfeeding and return-to-work intentions for the next year. A path analysis was used to explore relationships and predictors of breastfeeding intentions. Results: The model had a good fit and breastfeeding intentions were predicted by exclusive breastfeeding in the hospital (β = 0.21, P < .01) and negatively predicted by return to work (β = −0.18, P < .05). Conclusion: Exclusive breastfeeding in the hospital within the first 48 hours postpartum and intention to return to work influence how long a mother intends to breastfeed. Attention to these areas can be provided immediately postpartum to support exclusive breastfeeding and provide informational support on continuing to breastfeed/express milk upon return to work if the mother intends to return to work.

25 hydroxy vitamin D is higher when a renal multivitamin is given with cholecalciferol at hemodialysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Seventy six hemodialysis (HD) patients were used in a prospective randomized and clinical trial to determine if a multivitamin with vitamin D (cholecalciferol 12,000 IU/week) given during dialysis would improve the vitamin D status of hemodialysis subjects. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: 37 subjects were in the renal multivitamin without vitamin D (MV) group and 39 subjects were in a multivitamin route with vitamin D (MVD) group (12,000 IU of cholecalciferol per week). All subjects were given 2 multivitamin tablets at their 3 HD sessions each week for 20 weeks. Serum 25(OH)D, calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) levels were evaluated. RESULTS At baseline, mean serum 25(OH)D were below adequate (<30 ng/mL) in the MV group (23.5±12.2 ng/mL) and in the MVD group (20.8±10.3 ng/mL). A significant increase was seen in serum 25(OH)D levels (37.7±11.4 ng/mL; p<0.001) in the MVD group after vitamin D supplementation with no rise in the MV group value (21.7±11.4 ng/mL; p=0.06). Prior to supplementation, 17.9% of patients in the MVD group had adequate serum 25(OH)D level and post supplementation 76.9% in the MVD group had adequate serum 25(OH)D. In the MV group, 18.9% subjects had adequate serum 25(OH)D levels at baseline with 18.9% having 25(OH)D >30 ng/mL at the end of the study. There were no significant differences in group values for serum Ca and P. CONCLUSION The majority of HD subjects given a multivitamin with cholecalciferol at dialysis had improvement in their vitamin D status.

Pilot Study: Survey toolS for ASSeSSing PArenting StyleS And fAmily ContributorS to the develoPment of obeSity in ArAb Children AgeS 6 to 12 yeArS

OBJECTIVE Our pilot study was conducted to test the reliability of the Caregivers Feeding Styles Questionnaire (CFSQ) and the Family Nutrition and Physical Activity Assessment (FNPA) in a sample of Arab mothers. DESIGN Twenty-five Arab mothers completed the CFSQ, FNPA, and the Participant Background Survey for the first administration. After 1-2 weeks, participants completed the CFSQ and the FNPA for the second administration. The two administrations of the surveys allowed for test/retest reliability of the CFSQ and the FNPA and to measure the internal consistency of the two surveys. RESULTS Pearsons correlation between the first and second administrations or the 19-item scale (demandingness) and the 7-item scale (responsiveness) of the CFSQ were .95 and .86, respectively. As for the FNPA, Pearsons correlation was .80. The estimated reliabilities (Cronbachs alpha) of the CFSQ increased from .86 for the first administration to .93 for the second administration. However, the estimated reliabilities of the FNPA slightly increased from .58 for first administration to .59 for the second administration. CONCLUSION In our pilot study of Arab mothers, the CFSQ and FNPA were shown to be promising in terms of reliability and content validity.

Fatty Acid Composition of Breast Milk from Low Income Lactating Mothers in Lubbock, Texas

Abstract Fatty acids in the n - 3 series are important in neurological and visual development in infants. The objective of this study was to evaluate fatty acid composition in the milk of lactating women from an inland area of Texas where fish consumption is rare. Methods; Twenty two breast feeding women had breast milk samples taken in a uniform manner 8 to 11 days after the birth of healthy infants. Gas chromatography was used to measure the fatty acid composition of the milk. Subjects completed a food frequency questionnaire and a 24 hour food record. Results; Nineteen of the women reported that they never eat fatty fish while the remaining women reported consumption at 1 time per year. Other characteristics of the diets of these women were low fruit and vegetable consumption (mean of 2 servings per day) and low milk consumption (mean of 1.25 servings per day). The percent of decosahexanoic acid (DHA) in the milk of these women was 0.08 ± 0.01% as compared to 0.2 to 0.4% reported in other studies. Linoleic, alpha linolenic and other fatty acids measured had values similar to those reported in the literature. Conclusions; Diets of low income women in Lubbock, Texas do not meet recommended number of servings of fruits, vegetables and milk and contain little fish. The low fish consumption appear to be reflected in the below expected levels of DHA in the breast milk.