The impact of high-salt diet on asthma in humans and mice: Effect on specific T-cell signatures and microbiome.

BACKGROUND: The rise in asthma has been linked to different environmental and lifestyle factors including dietary habits. Whether dietary salt contributes to asthma incidence, remains controversial. We aimed to investigate the impact of higher salt intake on asthma incidence in humans and to evaluate underlying mechanisms using mouse models. METHODS: Epidemiological research was conducted using the UK Biobank Resource. Data were obtained from 42,976 participants with a history of allergies. 24-h sodium excretion was estimated from spot urine, and its association with asthma incidence was assessed by Cox regression, adjusting for relevant covariates. For mechanistic studies, a mouse model of mite-induced allergic airway inflammation (AAI) fed with high-salt diet (HSD) or normal-salt chow was used to characterize disease development. The microbiome of lung and feces (as proxy for gut) was analyzed via 16S rRNA gene based metabarcoding approach. RESULTS: In humans, urinary sodium excretion was directly associated with asthma incidence among females but not among males. HSD-fed female mice displayed an aggravated AAI characterized by increased levels of total IgE, a TH2-TH17-biased inflammatory cell infiltration accompanied by upregulation of osmosensitive stress genes. HSD induced distinct changes in serum short chain fatty acids and in both gut and lung microbiome, with a lower Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes ratio and decreased Lactobacillus relative abundance in the gut, and enriched members of Gammaproteobacteria in the lung. CONCLUSIONS: High dietary salt consumption correlates with asthma incidence in female adults with a history of allergies. Female mice revealed HSD-induced T-cell lung profiles accompanied by alterations of gut and lung microbiome.

Dietary digestible carbohydrates are associated with higher prevalence of asthma in humans and with aggravated lung allergic inflammation in mice.

BACKGROUND: Dietary carbohydrates and fats are intrinsically correlated within the habitual diet. We aimed to disentangle the associations of starch and sucrose from those of fat, in relation to allergic sensitization, asthma and rhinoconjuctivitis prevalence in humans, and to investigate underlying mechanisms using murine models. METHODS: Epidemiological data from participants of two German birth cohorts (age 15) were used in logistic regression analyses testing cross-sectional associations of starch and sucrose (and their main dietary sources) with aeroallergen sensitization, asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis, adjusting for correlated fats (saturated, monounsaturated, omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated) and other covariates. For mechanistic insights, murine models of aeroallergen-induced allergic airway inflammation (AAI) fed with a low-fat-high-sucrose or -high-starch versus a high-fat diet were used to characterize and quantify disease development. Metabolic and physiologic parameters were used to track outcomes of dietary interventions and cellular and molecular responses to monitor the development of AAI. Oxidative stress biomarkers were measured in murine sera or lung homogenates. RESULTS: We demonstrate a direct association of dietary sucrose with asthma prevalence in males, while starch was associated with higher asthma prevalence in females. In mice, high-carbohydrate feeding, despite scant metabolic effects, aggravated AAI compared to high-fat in both sexes, as displayed by humoral response, mucus hypersecretion, lung inflammatory cell infiltration and TH 2-TH 17 profiles. Compared to high-fat, high-carbohydrate intake was associated with increased pulmonary oxidative stress, signals of metabolic switch to glycolysis and decreased systemic anti-oxidative capacity. CONCLUSION: High consumption of digestible carbohydrates is associated with an increased prevalence of asthma in humans and aggravated lung allergic inflammation in mice, involving oxidative stress-related mechanisms.

Dietary Macronutrient Composition in Relation to Circulating HDL and Non-HDL Cholesterol: A Federated Individual-Level Analysis of Cross-Sectional Data from Adolescents and Adults in 8 European Studies.

BACKGROUND: Associations between increased dietary fat and decreased carbohydrate intake with circulating HDL and non-HDL cholesterol have not been conclusively determined. OBJECTIVE: We assessed these relations in 8 European observational human studies participating in the European Nutritional Phenotype Assessment and Data Sharing Initiative (ENPADASI) using harmonized data. METHODS: Dietary macronutrient intake was recorded using study-specific dietary assessment tools. Main outcome measures were lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations: HDL cholesterol (mg/dL) and non-HDL cholesterol (mg/dL). A cross-sectional analysis on 5919 participants (54% female) aged 13-80 y was undertaken using the statistical platform DataSHIELD that allows remote/federated nondisclosive analysis of individual-level data. Generalized linear models (GLM) were fitted to assess associations between replacing 5% of energy from carbohydrates with equivalent energy from total fats, SFAs, MUFAs, or PUFAs with circulating HDL cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol. GLM were adjusted for study source, age, sex, smoking status, alcohol intake and BMI. RESULTS: The replacement of 5% of energy from carbohydrates with total fats or MUFAs was statistically significantly associated with 0.67 mg/dL (95% CI: 0.40, 0.94) or 0.99 mg/dL (95% CI: 0.37, 1.60) higher HDL cholesterol, respectively, but not with non-HDL cholesterol concentrations. The replacement of 5% of energy from carbohydrates with SFAs or PUFAs was not associated with HDL cholesterol, but SFAs were statistically significantly associated with 1.94 mg/dL (95% CI: 0.08, 3.79) higher non-HDL cholesterol, and PUFAs with -3.91 mg/dL (95% CI: -6.98, -0.84) lower non-HDL cholesterol concentrations. A statistically significant interaction by sex for the association of replacing carbohydrates with MUFAs and non-HDL cholesterol was observed, showing a statistically significant inverse association in males and no statistically significant association in females. We observed no statistically significant interaction by age. CONCLUSIONS: The replacement of dietary carbohydrates with fats had favorable effects on lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations in European adolescents and adults when fats were consumed as MUFAs or PUFAs but not as SFAs.

Association between dietary patterns and prediabetes, undetected diabetes or clinically diagnosed diabetes: results from the KORA FF4 study.

PURPOSE: Diet is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for the development of type 2 diabetes. Here, we aim to identify dietary patterns and to investigate their association with prediabetes, undetected diabetes and prevalent diabetes. METHODS: The present study included 1305 participants of the cross-sectional population-based KORA FF4 study. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) measurements together with a physician-confirmed diagnosis allowed for an accurate categorization of the participants according to their glucose tolerance status into normal glucose tolerance (n = 698), prediabetes (n = 459), undetected diabetes (n = 49), and prevalent diabetes (n = 99). Dietary patterns were identified through principal component analysis followed by hierarchical clustering. The association between dietary patterns and glucose tolerance status was investigated using multinomial logistic regression models. RESULTS: A Prudent pattern, characterized by high consumption of vegetables, fruits, wholegrains and dairy products, and a Western pattern, characterized by high consumption of red and processed meat, alcoholic beverages, refined grains and sugar-sweetened beverages, were identified. Participants following the Western pattern had significantly higher chances of having prediabetes (odds ratio [OR] 1.92; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35, 2.73), undetected diabetes (OR 10.12; 95% CI 4.19, 24.43) or prevalent diabetes (OR 3.51; 95% CI 1.85, 6.67), compared to participants following the Prudent pattern. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, the present study is one of the few investigating the association between dietary patterns and prediabetes or undetected diabetes. The use of a reference group exclusively including participants with normal glucose tolerance might explain the strong associations observed in our study. These results suggest a very important role of dietary habits in the prevention of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Association of sugar-sweetened drinks with caries in 10- and 15-year-olds.

BACKGROUND: Sugar-sweetened drinks (SSDs) are known to be cariogenic, but this association has not been well investigated in population-based repeated cross-sectional studies in recent years. Therefore, this study examined whether SSD intake is associated with higher caries experience in 10- and 15-year-olds. METHODS: The study sample included participants from the Munich study centre of two birth cohorts with data on non-cavitated caries lesions (NCCL/S), caries experience (DMF/S index), overall caries burden (DMF + NCCL/S) and SSD intake. In total, 915 and 996 children were included from the 10- and 15-year follow-ups, respectively. Intake (g/day) of SSDs, comprising cola, lemonade, ice-tea, sport/energy drinks, fruit squashes and nectars, was calculated from food frequency questionnaires. For analyses, the SSD intake was converted into portions (250 ml/day). Multiple logistic regression and prospective analysis models were performed to test associations between SSD intake and various definitions of caries, adjusting for sex, parental education, body mass index (BMI) categories, study cohort, plaque-affected sextants, mode of SSD consumption, energy content of SSDs, and total energy intake. RESULTS: The mean overall caries burden at 10 and 15 years of age was 1.81 (SD: 2.71) and 6.04 (SD: 8.13), respectively. The average consumption of SSDs at the 10- and 15-year follow-ups was 0.48 (SD: 0.85) and 0.83 (SD 1.40) portions/day, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, in 10-year-olds, SSD intake was significantly associated with higher caries experience based on the indices DMF/S (adjusted odds ratio: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.06-1.57), NCCL/S (1.24; 1.03-1.49) and DMF + NCCL/S (1.27; 1.05-1.55). At the 15-year follow-up, SSD consumption was significantly associated with increased DMF/S index (1.12; 1.01-1.25) only. Prospective model associating 10-year SSD intake with 15-year caries experience was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: SSD intake significantly increases the caries burden in 10-year-olds, with attenuated effects in 15-year-olds. To prevent caries, SSD consumption should be reduced, especially in children and adolescents.

High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Allergic Endpoints in German Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Assessing high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in relation to allergic endpoints can shed light on both the mechanisms of allergic disease development and early non-communicable disease prevention. However, only a few epidemiological studies so far have investigated the relationship in children and adolescents, and the results were mixed. OBJECTIVES: We sought to examine the interrelation between hs-CRP levels and allergic outcomes using a larger population size and a longitudinal study design. METHODS: Complete data were available on 1,955 participants from the 15-years follow-up of the 2 large population-based German birth cohorts - GINIplus and LISA. Serum hs-CRP concentrations were measured using the immunoturbidimetric high-sensitive assay. Six allergic endpoints were used - doctor-diagnosed asthma, doctor-diagnosed eczema, doctor-diagnosed allergic rhinitis, food sensitization, aeroallergen sensitization, and any sensitization. We used generalized estimation equation models to assess the associations between hs-CRP levels and allergic endpoints. RESULTS: Our longitudinal analyses did not detect any significant association between hs-CRP levels and any of the studied allergic outcomes (e.g., asthma, eczema, allergic rhinitis, food sensitization, aeroallergen sensitization, and any sensitization). The results were consistent in a series of sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that there is no association between hs-CRP levels and any of the allergic endpoints in German adolescents. However, whether allergic diseases are inflammatory conditions and which markers might be most sensitive, remain to be confirmed in future studies.

Dietary saturated fat and low-grade inflammation modified by accelerometer-measured physical activity in adolescence: results from the GINIplus and LISA birth cohorts.

BACKGROUND: Saturated fatty acids (SFA) have been reported to promote inflammation. Nevertheless, evidence linking dietary SFA and low-grade inflammation in adolescents is scarce and inconsistent. The modulatory role of physical activity (PA) on fat metabolism and inflammation may provide a potential explanation. Thus, we assessed the association of dietary SFA with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), a marker of low-grade inflammation, in 15-year-olds, and evaluated possible interactions between dietary SFA and different levels of PA. METHODS: Children participating in the 15-year follow-ups of the GINIplus and LISA German birth cohort studies were included (N = 824). SFA intake was estimated by means of a food frequency questionnaire and PA recorded by accelerometers. Average daily minutes of PA were classified into "sedentary", "light" and "moderate-to-vigorous" (MVPA), using Freedson's cut-offs. HsCRP concentrations were measured in serum and categorized into 3 sex-specific levels (below detection limit (I), above 75th percentile (III), in between (II)). Sex-stratified cross-sectional associations between SFA and hsCRP were assessed using multinomial logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders. Interaction terms were included between SFA and the different PA levels; and if significant interactions were observed, analyses stratified by tertiles of the relevant PA levels were performed. Relative risk ratios (RRR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were presented for a 1% increase in SFA. RESULTS: An inverse association was observed between SFA intake and hsCRP (II vs. I) in males (RRR = 0.85 [95%CI = 0.76;0.96], p = 0.008), whereas no significant association was observed in females. A significant interaction was observed with "sedentary" and "light" PA but not with MVPA in both sexes (p < 0.05). Stratified analyses indicated a significant inverse association between SFA and medium hsCRP levels in males in the highest light PA tertile (hsCRP II vs. I: 0.67 [0.517;0.858], p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Our findings do not support a detrimental role of dietary SFA in low-grade inflammation among adolescents. In males, higher dietary SFA was associated with lower hsCRP, although this should be interpreted in the context of possibly correlated nutrients. Children spending the most time in light PA drove the observed inverse association, suggesting a synergistic effect of SFA and lifestyle PA in the resultant inflammatory response.

Residential greenness and blood lipids in children: A longitudinal analysis in GINIplus and LISAplus.

INTRODUCTION: There is some evidence of decreased cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and morbidity among adults residing in greener places. Among others, blood lipids are well established risk factors for CVD. In our previous study, we observed the inverse association between greenness and blood pressure in 10-year-old children. In the current study, we investigated whether there is also a link between residential greenness and blood lipids in 10- and 15-year-old children. METHODS: Complete data on blood lipids (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglyceride), residential greenness (NDVI in 100-m, 300- and 500-m buffers around residences) and confounders were available for 1,552 participants at 10 and 15 years of age, residing in two study areas of two German birth cohorts - GINIplus and LISAplus. Longitudinal associations between NDVI and blood lipids were assessed by generalized estimation equations. RESULTS: No associations were observed between residential greenness in any of the chosen buffers and blood lipids in children (e.g., change in blood lipids per interquartile increase in NDVI in 100-m buffer for total cholesterol and LDL: means ratio=1.00 (95% confidence interval: 0.99-1.01), for triglyceride: 0.98 (0.96-1.00)). No area- or sex-varying effects were evident. Change of the residence between 10 and 15 years also did not yield any consistent associations. CONCLUSIONS: There is no evidence of an association between greenness and blood lipids in 10- and 15-years old children.

Prospective associations of meat consumption during childhood with measures of body composition during adolescence: results from the GINIplus and LISAplus birth cohorts.

BACKGROUND: Higher meat and protein intakes have been associated with increased body weight in adults, but studies evaluating body composition are scarce. Furthermore, our knowledge in adolescents is limited. This study aimed to investigate the prospective associations of intakes of different meat types, and their respective protein contents during childhood, with body composition during adolescence. METHODS: Dietary (using food frequency questionnaires) and body composition (measured by bioelectrical impedance) data were collected from the 10- and 15-year follow-up assessments respectively, of the GINIplus and LISAplus birth cohort studies. Sex-stratified prospective associations of meat and meat protein intakes (total, processed, red meat and poultry) with fat mass index (FMI) and fat free mass index (FFMI), were assessed by linear regression models (N = 1610). RESULTS: Among males, higher poultry intakes at age 10 years were associated with a higher FMI at age 15 years [ß = 0.278 (SE = 0.139), p = 0.046]; while higher intakes of total and red meat were prospectively associated with higher FFMI [0.386 (0.143), p = 0.007, and 0.333 (0.145), p = 0.022, respectively]. Additionally in males, protein was associated with FFMI for total and red meat [0.285 (0.145) and 0.356 (0.144), respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: Prospective associations of meat consumption with subsequent body composition in adolescents may differ by sex and meat source.

Changes in dietary intake during puberty and their determinants: results from the GINIplus birth cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Understanding changes in dietary intake during puberty could aid the mapping of dietary interventions for primary prevention. The present study describes dietary changes from childhood to adolescence, and their associations with parental education, family income, child education, body mass index (BMI), pubertal onset and screen-time sedentary behaviour. METHODS: Dietary data (n = 1232) were obtained from food frequency questionnaires at the 10- and 15-year follow-ups of the GINIplus birth cohort study. Intakes of 17 food groups, macronutrients and antioxidant vitamins, were described by a) paired Wilcoxon rank sum tests, comparing average intakes at each time-point, and b) Cohen's kappa "tracking" coefficients, measuring stability of intakes (maintenance of relative tertile positions across time). Further, associations of changes (tertile position increase or decrease vs. tracking) with parental education, family income, child education, pubertal onset, BMI, and screen-time, were assessed by logistic regression and multinomial logistic regression models stratified by baseline intake tertile. RESULTS: Both sexes increased average intakes of water and decreased starchy vegetables, margarine and dairy. Females decreased meat and retinol intakes and increased vegetables, grains, oils and tea. Males decreased fruit and carbohydrates and increased average intakes of meat, caloric drinks, water, protein, fat, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), vitamin C and alpha-tocopherol. Both sexes presented mainly "fair" tracking levels [κw = 0.21-0.40]. Females with high (vs. low) parental education were more likely to increase their nut intake [OR = 3.8; 95 % CI = (1.7;8.8)], and less likely to decrease vitamin C intakes [0.2 (0.1;0.5)], while males were less likely to increase egg consumption [0.2 (0.1;0.5)] and n3 PUFAs [0.2 (0.1;0.5)]. Females with a higher (vs. low) family income were more likely to maintain medium wholegrain intakes [0.2 (0.1;0.7) for decrease vs. tracking, and 0.1 (0.0;0.5) for increase vs. tracking], and were less likely to decrease vitamin C intakes [0.2 (0.1;0.6)]. Males with high education were less likely to increase sugar-sweetened foods [0.1 (0.1;0.4)]. Finally, BMI in females was negatively associated with decreasing protein intakes [0.7 (0.6;0.9)]. In males BMI was positively associated with increasing margarine [1.4 (1.1;1.6)] and vitamin C intakes [1.4 (1.1;1.6)], and negatively associated with increasing n3 PUFA. CONCLUSIONS: Average dietary intakes changed significantly, despite fair tracking levels, suggesting the presence of trends in dietary behaviour during puberty. Family income and parental education predominantly influenced intake changes. Our results support the rationale for dietary interventions targeting children, and suggest that sex-specific subpopulations, e.g. low socio-economic status, should be considered for added impact.

Accelerometry-assessed sleep clusters and cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify sleep clusters based on objective multidimensional sleep characteristics and test their associations with adolescent cardiometabolic health. METHODS: The authors included 1090 participants aged 14.3 to 16.4 years (mean = 15.2 years) who wore 7-day accelerometers during the 15-year follow-up of the German Infant Study on the influence of Nutrition Intervention PLUS environmental and genetic influences on allergy development (GINIplus) and the Influence of Lifestyle factors on the development of the Immune System and Allergies in East and West Germany (LISA) birth cohorts. K-means cluster analysis was performed across 12 sleep characteristics reflecting sleep quantity, quality, schedule, variability, and regularity. Cardiometabolic risk factors included fat mass index (FMI), blood pressure, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and insulin resistance (n = 505). Linear and logistic regression models were examined. RESULTS: Five sleep clusters were identified: good sleep (n = 337); delayed sleep phase (n = 244); sleep irregularity and variability (n = 108); fragmented sleep (n = 313); and prolonged sleep latency (n = 88). The "prolonged sleep latency" cluster was associated with increased sex-scaled FMI (ß = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.15-0.62) compared with the "good sleep" cluster. The "sleep irregularity and variability" cluster was associated with increased odds of high triglycerides only in male individuals (odds ratio: 9.50, 95% CI: 3.22-28.07), but this finding was not confirmed in linear models. CONCLUSIONS: The prolonged sleep latency cluster was associated with higher FMI in adolescents, whereas the sleep irregularity and variability cluster was specifically linked to elevated triglycerides (≥1.7 mmol/L) in male individuals.

Novel Interactions of Myristic Acid and FADS3 Variants Predict Atopic Dermatitis among Indonesian Infants.

Fatty acids exert a range of different biological activities that could be relevant in the development of atopic dermatitis (AD). This study investigated the association of glycerophospholipid fatty acids (GPL-FA) with AD, and their interactions with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of the FADS1-3 gene cluster. Among 390 infants of the Indonesian ISADI study, GPL-FA were measured in umbilical plasma (P-0y) and in buccal cells at birth (B-0y), and again in buccal cells at AD onset or one year (B-1y). Prospective and cross-sectional associations with AD were assessed by logistic regression. Interactions of GPL-FA with 14 SNP were tested assuming an additive model. AD was diagnosed in 15.4% of participants. In B-1y, C18:2n-6 was inversely associated with AD; and positive associations were observed for C18:1n-9, C20:4n-6, C22:6n-3 and C20:4n-6/C18:2n-6. There were no prospective associations with AD, however, a significant interaction between the SNP rs174449 and B-0y C14:0 (myristic acid) was observed. This study indicates that Indonesian infants with AD have increased rates of endogenous long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid production, as well as higher C18:1n-9 levels. GPL-FA measured at birth do not predict later AD incidence; however, genotype interactions reveal novel effects of myristic acid, which are modified by a FADS3 variant.

Association of Maternal Diet during Pregnancy and Metabolite Profile in Cord Blood.

Cord blood metabolites can be predictive of long-term disease risk, but how levels of different metabolites might vary with respect to maternal diet is not well understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations of different dietary patterns during pregnancy with cord blood metabolites (including glycerophospholipid fatty acids, polar lipids, non-esterified fatty acids, amino acids, and the sum of hexoses). Participants from the German LISA birth cohort study, with available data on targeted cord blood metabolomics and maternal diet, were included (n = 739). Maternal diet during the last 4 weeks of pregnancy was assessed by a non-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Using factor analysis, ten dietary patterns were identified, which were used in linear regression models exploring associations with cord blood metabolites. After correction for multiple hypothesis testing and adjustment for basic covariates, "fish and shellfish" was associated with higher glycerophospholipid fatty acid C20:5 n3 and lower C22:5 n6, whereas the "meat and potato" pattern was directly associated with propionylcarnitine (C3:0). The observed associations highlight potential metabolic pathways involved in the early programming of health and disease through maternal diet, as well as the potential for establishing quantitative biomarkers for dietary patterns of pregnant women.

Obesogenic eating behaviour and dietary intake in German children and adolescents: results from the GINIplus and LISA birth cohort studies.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The transition to adolescence is characterised by considerable behavioural changes, including diet. This study describes the level of obesogenic eating behaviours in 10- and 15-year-olds, and their association with dietary intake. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Participants of the 10- and 15-year follow-ups of the German GINIplus and LISA birth cohort studies were included (N10 = 2257; N15 = 1880). Eating behaviours and dietary intake were assessed via self-report questionnaires. Sex-stratified, cross-sectional associations of "external eating", "emotional eating" and "dietary restraint" (the latter at age 15 years only) with dietary intake (17 food groups-categorised into tertiles, macronutrients, and total energy) were assessed using multinomial logistic or multiple linear regression as required, adjusting for covariates and correcting for multiple testing. RESULTS: Reported levels of eating behaviours were low in both age-groups. External eating was higher in 10-year-old males than females, while all eating behaviours were most pronounced in 15-year-old females. At 10 years, emotional eating was associated with medium vegetable intake in females (Relative Risk Ratio (RRR) = 1.84, p = 0.0017). At 15 years, external eating was associated with total energy (kJ) in females (ß = 718, p = 0.0002) and high butter intake in males (RRR = 1.96, p = 0.0019). Dietary restraint in females was inversely associated with total energy (ß = -967, p < 0.0001) and omega-3 fatty acids (Means Ratio (MR) = 0.94, p = 0.0017), and positively associated with high fruit (RRR = 2.20, p = 0.0003) and whole grains (RRR = 1.94, p = 0.0013). CONCLUSION: Obesogenic eating behaviour scores are low among children and adolescents of a predominantly high socioeconomic status population and present only few associations with specific aspects of diet, mainly among adolescent females.

Association Study on Nutrition in the First Year of Life and Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH)-Results from the GINIplus and LISA Birth Cohort Studies.

Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a condition with specific clinical presentation whose etiology to date still remains unknown. This study prospectively investigated the association between nutrition during the 1st year of life and the presence of MIH in the permanent dentition. Data from 1070 10-year-old children from two prospective birth cohort studies were included. Information on exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and introduction of 48 food items into the child's diet was assessed at 4-, 6-, and 12-month time-points. Food diversity was defined according to the number of food items or food groups introduced into the child's diet and then subsequent categorization into low-, middle- and high-diversity groups was performed. MIH was scored in the permanent dentition at age of 10 years. The statistical analysis included logistic and Poisson hurdle regression models adjusted for potential confounders. EBF, food item and food group diversity at 4-, 6-, 12-month time-points were found to be non-significant in most of the categories for the development of MIH. However, significantly higher odds for the presence of MIH were found for certain categories. Despite the limitation of this study, such as arbitrary cut-offs for categorization of food items, the results of this study suggest the lack of an association between early nutrition in the first year of life and MIH in the permanent dentition.

Association of Dietary Fatty Acids with Blood Lipids is Modified by Physical Activity in Adolescents: Results from the GINIplus and LISA Birth Cohort Studies.

The role of consuming different types of fatty acids (FA) at the expense of carbohydrates (CHO), on the blood lipid profile of adolescents is largely unknown, as is the modulating effect of different levels of physical activity (PA). Children from the GINIplus and LISA birth cohorts, with complete data on dietary FA (assessed by food-frequency questionnaires), objectively-measured PA (assessed by accelerometers) and blood lipids (lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides) at age 15 years, were included (N = 837). Sex-stratified associations between dietary FA and blood lipids were assessed by linear regression in substitution models which represented isocaloric replacements of CHO with saturated FA (SFA), monounsaturated FA (MUFA), n-3 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) or n-6 PUFA. To assess the interactions with PA, analyses were then performed stratified by tertiles of different PA levels (sedentary, lifestyle, moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA)). Both sexes presented a significant inverse association between MUFA and triglycerides, and females a direct association between n-3 PUFA and high-density lipoprotein. Stratifying by PA tertiles, associations were mainly restricted to participants with the lowest levels of lifestyle PA, or the highest time spent sedentary. The effects of dietary FA on the lipid profile vary in an activity-specific manner, emphasizing possible synergistic roles of diet and PA.

Dietary Acid Load and Mental Health Outcomes in Children and Adolescents: Results from the GINIplus and LISA Birth Cohort Studies.

High dietary acid load may have detrimental effects on mental health during childhood and adolescence. We examined cross-sectional and prospective associations of dietary acid load and mental health problems in a population-based sample, using data from the German birth cohort studies GINIplus (German Infant Nutritional Intervention plus environmental and genetic influences on allergy development) and LISA (Influences of lifestyle-related factors on the immune system and the development of allergies in childhood). These studies included detailed assessments of dietary intake through a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), mental health outcomes measured through the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and covariates. Using logistic regression, cross-sectional associations between dietary acid load measured as potential renal acid load (PRAL) and SDQ subscales were assessed at age 10 years (N = 2350) and 15 years (N = 2061). Prospective associations were assessed, considering PRAL at 10 years as exposure and SDQ subscales at 15 years as outcome (N = 1685). Results indicate that children with a diet higher in PRAL have more emotional problems (OR = 1.33 (95% CI = 1.15; 1.54); p < 0.001), and show hyperactivity more often (1.22 (1.04; 1.43); p = 0.014) at 10 years. No significant associations were present either cross-sectionally at age 15 years, nor prospectively. Results were confirmed in sensitivity analyses. These findings reveal first evidence for potential relationships between PRAL and mental health in childhood, although we cannot exclude reverse causality, i.e., that dietary behavior and PRAL are influenced by mental status. Future studies should address confirmation and identify biological mechanisms.

Políticas Públicas Odontológicas y su Relación con Historial de Caries en Menores Controlados en Atención Pública de Chile (2008-2017)

RESUMEN: Las enfermedades que afectan la salud bucodental en Chile son de alta prevalencia, severidad y afectan la calidad de vida de las personas. El Estado chileno ha implementado políticas públicas destinadas a mejorar la salud bucodent al, que benefician principalmente a niños y embarazadas. El trabajo consistió en un estudio observacional analítico. Se analizaron los índices COPD y ceod de las edades: 2, 4, 6 y 12 años, obtenidos de los Registros Estadísticos Mensuales (REM) de los años 2008-2017 (n=3.415.720). Análisis de datos: Excel 2011, EPIDAT 4.2 y SPSS; pruebas de Chi cuadrado y T-student (IC 95% y p<0,05). Disminución en prevalencia y severidad de caries durante los 10 años en estudio (p <0,05). Disminución estadísticamente significativa en la prevalencia y severidad de caries posterior a la implementación del programa que beneficia a los niños de 6 años. En cuanto a los programas Salud Oral Integral para la embarazada y Sembrando Sonrisas, solo tuvieron una disminución estadísticamente significativa en la severidad de caries. Se pudo observar impacto positivo de todas las políticas públicas estudiadas principalmente en la severidad de caries a lo largo de los años en estudio. No se pueden hacer comparaciones estadísticas con estudios previos por presentar metodologías muy disimiles con el presente. Se debe destacar la relevancia de un correcto registro de los índices en el REM. Es necesario realizar vigilancia epidemiológica según las metodologías y tiempos indicados para evaluar que papel ha jugado la prevención y promoción planteada en los objetivos estratégicos de la década que recién terminó.

ABSTRACT: Diseases affecting oral health in Chile are highly prevalent, severe and affect people's quality of life. The Chilean State has implemented public policies aimed at improving oral health, mainly benefiting children and pregnant women. This was an analytical observational study. DMF index for primary and permanent theeth were analyzed for ages: 2, 4, 6 and 12 years, obtained from the Monthly Statistical Records (MSR) for the years 2008-2017 (n=3.415.720). Data analysis: Excel 2011, EPIDAT 4.2 and SPSS; Chi-square and T-student tests (95% CI and p<0.05). Decrease in caries prevalence and severity during the 10 years under study (p<0.05). Statistically significant decrease in the prevalence and severity of caries after the implementation of the program benefiting 6-year-old children. As for the Oral Health Program for Pregnant Women and Sowing Smiles programs, they only had a statistically significant decrease in the severity of caries. A positive impact of all the public policies studied was observed, mainly in the severity of caries over the years under study. Statistical comparisons with previous studies cannot be made because they present very dissimilar methodologies. The relevance of a correct recording of the indices in the MSR should be emphasized. It is necessary to carry out epidemiological surveillance according to the methodologies and times indicated in order to evaluate the role played by prevention and promotion as set out in the strategic objectives of the decade that has just ended.

Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein contributes to lipid droplet maturation in adipocytes.

Previous studies in our laboratory have established the presence of MTP in both white and brown adipose tissue in mice as well as in 3T3-L1 cells. Additional studies demonstrated an increase in MTP levels as 3T3-L1 cells differentiate into adipocytes concurrent with the movement of MTP from the juxtanuclear region of the cell to the surface of lipid droplets. This suggested a role for MTP in lipid droplet biogenesis and/or maturation. To probe the role of MTP in adipocytes, we used a Cre-Lox approach with aP2-Cre and Adipoq-Cre recombinase transgenic mice to knock down MTP expression in brown and white fat of mice. MTP expression was reduced approximately 55% in white fat and 65-80% in brown fat. Reducing MTP expression in adipose tissue had no effect on weight gain or body composition, whether the mice were fed a regular rodent or high fat diet. In addition, serum lipids and unesterified fatty acid levels were not altered in the knockdown mice. Importantly, decreased MTP expression in adipose tissue was associated with smaller lipid droplets in brown fat and smaller adipocytes in white fat. These results combined with our previous studies showing MTP lipid transfer activity is not necessary for lipid droplet initiation or growth in the early stages of differentiation, suggest that a structural feature of the MTP protein is important in lipid droplet maturation. We conclude that MTP protein plays a critical role in lipid droplet maturation, but does not regulate total body fat accumulation.

Dietary Fatty Acids and Changes in Blood Lipids during Adolescence: The Role of Substituting Nutrient Intakes.

The relevance of dietary fatty acids (FA) for blood lipids should be assessed in the context of substituting nutrients. Such evidence is lacking for adolescents. This study describes prospective associations of dietary FA with changes in serum lipids during adolescence, and considers the theoretical isocaloric replacements of saturated FA (SFA) with other FA or carbohydrates (CHO). Children from the GINIplus and LISAplus birth cohorts, with data on FA intakes (at age 10 years) and serum lipids (at age 10 and 15 years), were included (n = 1398). Associations of SFA, monounsaturated FA (MUFA), n-3 polyunsaturated FA (n-3 PUFA) and n-6 PUFA, with changes in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TAG), and total cholesterol to HDL ratio (TOTAL:HDL), were assessed by linear regression. Substitution models assessed isocaloric replacements of SFA with MUFA, n-3 PUFA, n-6 PUFA or CHO. Higher SFA intakes were associated with decreasing TAG. No associations were observed for fatty acid intakes with LDL, HDL or TOTAL:HDL. In females, replacing SFA with CHO was associated with increasing LDL, TAG and TOTAL:HDL. Our findings confirm observations in adults, although sex-specific determinants seem relevant in our adolescent population. Overlooking the nutrient context when limiting SFA intakes might have detrimental consequences appreciable as early as adolescence.