Diet-associated inflammation modulates inflammation and WNT signaling in the rectal mucosa, and the response to supplementation with dietary fiber

Inflammation drives colorectal cancer development, and colorectal cancer risk is influenced by dietary factors, including dietary fiber. Hyperactive WNT signaling occurs in colorectal cancer and may regulate inflammation. This study investigated (i) relationships between the inflammatory potential of diet, assessed using the Energy-adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (E-DII), and markers of WNT signaling, and (ii) whether DII status modulated the response to supplementation with two types of dietary fiber. Seventy-five healthy participants were supplemented with resistant starch and/or polydextrose (PD) or placebo for 50 days. Rectal biopsies were collected before and after intervention and used to assess WNT pathway gene expression and crypt cell proliferation. E-DII scores were calculated from food frequency questionnaire data. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and fecal calprotectin concentrations were quantified. hsCRP concentration was significantly greater in participants with higher E-DII scores [least square means (LSM) 4.7 vs. 2.4 mg/L, P = 0.03]. Baseline E-DII score correlated with FOSL1 (b = 0.503, P = 0.003) and WNT11 (b = 0.472, P = 0.006) expression, after adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, endoscopy procedure, and smoking status. WNT11 expression was more than 2-fold greater in individuals with higher E-DII scores (LSM 0.131 vs. 0.059, P = 0.002). Baseline E-DII modulated the effects of PD supplementation on FOSL1 expression (P = 0.04). More proinflammatory diets were associated with altered WNT signaling and appeared to modulate the effects of PD supplementation on expression of FOSL1. This is the first study to investigate relationships between the E-DII and molecular markers of WNT signaling in rectal tissue of healthy individuals

Intuitive eating in youth: Its relationship with nutritional status [Alimentação intuitiva na juventude: Sua relação com o estado nutricional]

Objective To determine intuitive eating in young adults and the effects of factors such as gender, Body Mass Index and dietary intake, and dietary adequacy on intuitive eating. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted with students at Gazi University in Ankara (N=665; 17.6% men; 82.4% women). The questionnaire, including the general characteristics, anthropometric measurements, Intuitive Eating Scale-2, and 24-H Dietary Recall sections, were applied to all participants. For the evaluation of the diet, Nutrient Adequacy Ratio and Mean Adequacy Ratio were used. Results The mean Intuitive Eating Scale-2 score was 3.2±0.33; men's and women's scores were 3.3±0.37 and 3.2±0.32, respectively (p < 0.05). According to linear regression analysis, gender, age and mean adequacy ratio had an effect on the model for the score (p < 0.05). In addition, there was a negative correlation between Intuitive Eating Scale-2 scores and Body Mass Index values in women (rp=-0.095, p=0.026). Conclusions The intuitive eating scores varied according to gender, dietary adequacy and age. Intuitive eating may be effective in the formation of long-term behavioral changes, which is beneficial for the treatment of obesity. The result of this study may encourage the development of this behavior in groups (may vary according to gender), that is thought to be effective by considering the changes of intuitive eating behavior. © 2018 Revista de Nutricao.Objetivo Determinar a alimentação intuitiva em adultos jovens e os efeitos de fatores como sexo, índice de massa corporal, ingestão alimentar e adequação da dieta na alimentação intuitiva. Métodos Este estudo transversal foi realizado em estudantes da Universidade de Gazi, em Ancara (N=665; 17,6% homens; 82,4% mulheres). O questionário, incluindo as características gerais, medidas antropométricas, Escala de Alimentação Intuitiva 2 e recordatório alimentar de 24 horas foi aplicado aos participantes. Para a avaliação da dieta, foram utilizados o índice de Adequação de Nutrientes e a Razão de Adequação Média. Resultados A Escala Média de Escala de Comportamento Intuitivo-2 foi de 3,2±0,33, dos homens e das mulheres, foi de 3,3±0,37 e 3,2±0,32, respectivamente (p < 0,05). De acordo com a análise de regressão linear, sexo, idade a Razão de Adequação Média tiveram efeito no modelo formado pelo escore (p < 0,05). Além disso, houve uma correlação negativa entre os escores da Escala de Alimentação Intuitiva-2 e os valores do índice de massa corporal nas mulheres (rp=-0,095, p=0,026). Conclusão Os escores alimentares intuitivos variaram de acordo com o gênero, com adequação da dieta e com a idade. A alimentação intuitiva pode ser eficaz na formação de mudanças a longo prazo no comportamento, o que é benéfico para o tratamento da obesidade. O resultado deste estudo pode encorajar o desenvolvimento deste comportamento em grupos (talvez variar de acordo com o gênero) que é considerado efetivo considerando-se as mudanças do comportamento alimentar intuitivo. © 2018 Revista de Nutricao

Plant Toxic Proteins: Their Biological Activities, Mechanism of Action and Removal Strategies

Plants evolve to synthesize various natural metabolites to protect themselves against threats, such as insects, predators, microorganisms, and environmental conditions (such as temperature, pH, humidity, salt, and drought). Plant-derived toxic proteins are often secondary metabolites generated by plants. These proteins, including ribosome-inactivating proteins, lectins, protease inhibitors, α-amylase inhibitors, canatoxin-like proteins and ureases, arcelins, antimicrobial peptides, and pore-forming toxins, are found in different plant parts, such as the roots, tubers, stems, fruits, buds, and foliage. Several investigations have been conducted to explore the potential applications of these plant proteins by analyzing their toxic effects and modes of action. In biomedical applications, such as crop protection, drug development, cancer therapy, and genetic engineering, toxic plant proteins have been utilized as potentially useful instruments due to their biological activities. However, these noxious metabolites can be detrimental to human health and cause problems when consumed in high amounts. This review focuses on different plant toxic proteins, their biological activities, and their mechanisms of action. Furthermore, possible usage and removal strategies for these proteins are discussed

Microbiota alteration and modulation in Alzheimer's disease by gerobiotics: The gut-health axis for a good mind

The role of the gut microbiota in human health is one of the most important research topics. There is a strong relationship between the microbiota-gut-brain axis and cognitive functions. Since Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a disease characterized by cognitive impairment, the influence of the gut microbiota in the development and treatment of the disease attracts considerable attention. Gerobiotics is a new concept that includes probiotics or derived postbiotics involved in delaying the aging process. Increasing evidence in the literature suggests that gerobiotics has important roles in the pathogenesis and progression of AD, and even in its treatment, through various mechanisms of action. Several researchers have established the linkage between ingestion of gerobiotics and improved gut dysbiosis and cognitive functions, nevertheless the dose and duration of treatment differ based on strain. Furthermore, oxidative-inflammatory pathways are mainly involved in the neuroprotective effects caused by gerobiotics. This review provides the effects of gerobiotics on microbiota alteration and modulation in AD

A comprehensive review on food hydrocolloids as gut modulators in the food matrix and nutrition: The hydrocolloid-gut-health axis

Background: Food hydrocolloids are versatile natural food ingredients, which can be authentically present in food matrices or can be added as functional food ingredients and/or food additives. All hydrocolloids are common in industrial use with enhancers of viscosity, emulsifiers, coating, gelling agents, stabilizing agents and/or thermodynamic stability providers. While safety issues of hydrocolloids in the food industry have been discussed until now, research has turned to their effects on gut modulation, human health and wellbeing. Scope and approach: This review focuses on a comprehensive discussion of certain food hydrocolloids in gut modulation and their potential interaction with health through gut modulation. Key findings and conclusions: Novel literature suggests that certain food hydrocolloids could substantially change the range and structure of the microbiota of the gut and the primary bioactive metabolites. Besides, hydrocolloids show important outcomes on gut microbiota because of their physicochemical and structural properties. Moreover, they may have various impacts, and the mechanisms of gut microbiota activity are quite diverse depending on their polymeric structure and source. Despite some discrepancies and divergences in their impacts on the gut microbiota-health axis, their reassuring outcomes on health are mainly associated with their prebiotic or prebiotic-like effects. In this way, it can directly/indirectly affect host health. Therefore, while investigating the possible health and safety effects of the use of hydrocolloids in the form of food additives, it may be useful to investigate the benefits and side effects on the gut