Morin as an imminent functional food ingredient: an update on its enhanced efficacy in the treatment and prevention of metabolic syndromes.

Flavonoids represent polyphenolic plant secondary metabolites with a general structure of a 15-carbon skeleton comprising two phenyl rings and a heterocyclic ring. Over 5000 natural flavonoids (flavanones, flavanonols, and flavans) from various plants have been characterized. Several studies provide novel and promising insights into morin hydrate for its different biological activities against a series of metabolic syndromes. The present review is a rendition of its sources, chemistry, functional potency, and protective effects on metabolic syndromes ranging from cancer to brain injury. Most importantly this systematic review article also highlights the mechanisms of interest to morin-mediated management of metabolic disorders. The key mechanisms (anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory) responsible for its therapeutic potential are well featured after collating the in vitro and in vivo study reports. As a whole, based on the prevailing information rationalizing its medicinal use, morin can be identified as a therapeutic agent for the expansion of human health.

Should 'Omics' education be a part of allied health profession curricula?

Sequencing of human genome followed by monumental progress in omics sciences within last two decades has made personalized nutrition for better health is a reality for near future. The complexity of underlying science in making personalized nutrition recommendation has led to the need for training of health care providers. The International Society of Nutrigenetics/Nutrigenomics (ISNN) has mission to increase the understanding among both professionals and the general public of the role of genetic variation and nutrients in gene expression. To bring this mission to fruition, we need trained healthcare professionals ready to educate public. With this in mind, we have surveyed allied health students for their omics knowledge, desire to learn more and their perception of the need of omics education. The results show a need for training in omics in all allied health disciplines and desire of the students to learn more.

"Omics" Education in Dietetic Curricula: A Comparison between Two Institutions in the USA and Mexico.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The completion of sequencing of the human genome and a better understanding of epigenomic regulation of gene expression have opened the possibility of personalized nutrition in the near future. This has also created an immediate need for trained personnel qualified to administer personalized nutrition education. Of all the allied healthcare personnel, dietitians are the most likely to undertake this role. However, dietitians and dietetic students are still deficient in their knowledge of nutrigenomics and other "omics" technologies. Therefore, with the eventual goal of dietetic curriculum reorganization, the International Society of Nutrigenetics/Nutrigenomics (ISNN) has set out to evaluate nutrigenomic knowledge among dietetic students from different countries. In this study, we compared nutrition and dietetic students from Texas Woman's University (TWU) and the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL) for their perceived need for, interest in, and knowledge of different topics within nutritional genomics. METHODS: Students from both universities were sent an e-mail link to the survey which was located at psychdata.com. One hundred twenty-seven students completed the survey. The survey assessed the students' knowledge of, perceived need for, and interest in different omics technologies, as well as their basic knowledge of basic nutrition and genetic topics. Differences were assessed using the χ2 test for homogeneity and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Students from TWU and UANL exhibited differences in their knowledge, desire to learn more, and perceived need for omics science in some but not all categories. CONCLUSIONS: Undergraduate nutrition students from both the USA and Mexico lack a high level of knowledge in different omics topics but recognize the role that omics will play in their future as dietitians. There were differences between the 2 universities in terms of the desire to learn more about different omics technologies and to take more classes covering different topics with nutritional genomic components. In order to make personalized nutrition a reality, future dietitians will need to become fluent in different omics technologies.

Assessment of anti-cancerous potential of 6-gingerol (Tongling White Ginger) and its synergy with drugs on human cervical adenocarcinoma cells.

The anti-cancerous activity of 6-gingerol extracted from Tongling White Ginger was investigated. 6-Gingerol inhibited the growth of HeLa cells with IC50 (96.32 µM) and IC80 (133.01 µM) and led to morphological changes, induced the cell cycle arrest in G0/G1-phase and ultimately resulted into apoptosis. Among cell cycle-related genes and proteins, the expression of cyclin (A, D1, E1) reduced, while of CDK-1, p21 and p27 showed slight decrease, except cyclin B1 and E1 (protein). Western blotting reported the induction of apoptosis with an increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, release of cytochrome c, cleavage of caspase-3, -8, -9 and PRPP in treated cells. 6-Gingerol activated AMPK, but inhibited PI3K/AKT phosphorylation with reduced P70S6K expression and also suppressed the mTOR phosphorylation. 6-Gingerol with 5-FU and Ptx resulted in 83.2% and 52% inhibition respectively, this synergy have stimulated apoptosis proteins more efficiently as compared to 6-Gingerol alone (10.75%) under in vitro conditions.

Guide and Position of the International Society of Nutrigenetics/Nutrigenomics on Personalised Nutrition: Part 1 - Fields of Precision Nutrition.

Diversity in the genetic profile between individuals and specific ethnic groups affects nutrient requirements, metabolism and response to nutritional and dietary interventions. Indeed, individuals respond differently to lifestyle interventions (diet, physical activity, smoking, etc.). The sequencing of the human genome and subsequent increased knowledge regarding human genetic variation is contributing to the emergence of personalized nutrition. These advances in genetic science are raising numerous questions regarding the mode that precision nutrition can contribute solutions to emerging problems in public health, by reducing the risk and prevalence of nutrition-related diseases. Current views on personalized nutrition encompass omics technologies (nutrigenomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, foodomics, metabolomics, metagenomics, etc.), functional food development and challenges related to legal and ethical aspects, application in clinical practice, and population scope, in terms of guidelines and epidemiological factors. In this context, precision nutrition can be considered as occurring at three levels: (1) conventional nutrition based on general guidelines for population groups by age, gender and social determinants; (2) individualized nutrition that adds phenotypic information about the person's current nutritional status (e.g. anthropometry, biochemical and metabolic analysis, physical activity, among others), and (3) genotype-directed nutrition based on rare or common gene variation. Research and appropriate translation into medical practice and dietary recommendations must be based on a solid foundation of knowledge derived from studies on nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics. A scientific society, such as the International Society of Nutrigenetics/Nutrigenomics (ISNN), internationally devoted to the study of nutrigenetics/nutrigenomics, can indeed serve the commendable roles of (1) promoting science and favoring scientific communication and (2) permanently working as a 'clearing house' to prevent disqualifying logical jumps, correct or stop unwarranted claims, and prevent the creation of unwarranted expectations in patients and in the general public. In this statement, we are focusing on the scientific aspects of disciplines covering nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics issues. Genetic screening and the ethical, legal, social and economic aspects will be dealt with in subsequent statements of the Society.

Bioactive Plant Metabolites in the Management of Non-Communicable Metabolic Diseases: Looking at Opportunities beyond the Horizon.

There has been an unprecedented worldwide rise in non-communicable metabolic diseases (NCDs), particularly cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and diabetes. While modern pharmacotherapy has decreased the mortality in the existing population, it has failed to stem the rise. Furthermore, a large segment of the world population cannot afford expensive pharmacotherapy. Therefore, there is an urgent need for inexpensive preventive measures to control the rise in CVD and diabetes and associated co-morbidities. The purpose of this review is to explore the role of food bioactives in prevention of NCDs. To this end, we have critically analyzed the possible utility of three classes of food bioactives: (a) resistant starch, a metabolically resistant carbohydrate known to favorably modulate insulin secretion and glucose metabolism; (b) cyclo (His-Pro), a food-derived cyclic dipeptides; and (c) polyphenol-rich berries. Finally, we have also briefly outlined the strategies needed to prepare these food-bioactives for human use.

Lifestyle and Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) Burden: Its Relevance to Healthy Aging.

Uncontrolled continued exposure to oxidative stress is a precursor to many chronic diseases including cancer, diabetes, degenerative disorders and cardiovascular diseases. Of the many known mediators of oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are the most studied. In the present review, we have summarized current data on the origin of circulating AGEs, discussed issues associated with reliable assessment of its steady state level, and changes in its level with age and select metabolic diseases. Lastly, we have made recommendations about life style changes that may decrease AGEs burden to promote healthy aging.

Consumption of a diet rich in cottonseed oil (CSO) lowers total and LDL cholesterol in normo-cholesterolemic subjects.

Animal data indicates that dietary cottonseed oil (CSO) may lower cholesterol; however, the effects of a CSO-rich diet have not been evaluated in humans. Thirty-eight healthy adults (aged 18-40; 12 males, 26 females) consumed a CSO rich diet (95 g CSO daily) for one week. Anthropometric measurements were obtained, and blood was drawn pre- and post-intervention. Serum lipids (total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride (TG), and free fatty acids (FFA)) were assayed. There was no change in weight or waist circumference among participants. There was no change in HDL (Pre: 1.27 ± 0.4 mmol/L; Post: 1.21 ± 0.3 mmol/L) or TG (Pre: 0.91 ± 0.6 mmol/L; Post: 1.06 ± 1.0 mmol/L). Total cholesterol and LDL were reduced (TC Pre: 4.39 ± 0.9 mmol/L; Post: 4.16 ± 0.8 mmol/L; LDL Pre: 2.70 ± 0.8 mmol/L; Post: 2.47 ± 0.6 mmol/L). When data were grouped by sex, total cholesterol was reduced in female participants (Pre: 4.34 ± 0.9 mmol/L; Post: 4.09 ± 0.8 mmol/L). Consumption of a high fat, CSO-rich diet for one week reduced total cholesterol in female participants without reducing HDL.

A mouse model for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a hepatic manifestation of the growing metabolic syndrome epidemic that could progress to cirrhosis. Animal models adequately mimicking this condition in humans are scanty. AIM: The objective of our study was to investigate whether high-fat diets (HFD) with adequate methionine and choline levels can induce pathophysiological features typical of human NASH in C57BL/6J mice. METHODS: Forty C57BL/6J mice, divided into control and high-fat (HF) groups, were fed low-fat diet and HFD, ad libitum respectively for 20 weeks. At the end of 20 weeks, animals were sacrificed and assays were performed for blood biomarkers typical of human NASH. Adipose tissue depots were collected and liver samples were processed for histological examination. RESULTS: High-fat feeding led to increased triglyceride accumulation in the liver (8.9 µmol/100 mg liver tissue vs. 2.6 µmol/100 mg for control) and induced histopathological features of human NASH including hepatic steatosis, ballooning inflammation and fibrosis. Expressions of proteins and chemokines predominant in NASH including collagens I, III and IV and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) A and B were significantly higher in animals fed the HFD. Liver enzymes alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase were significantly (P<.05) elevated in the HF group compared to controls. Mice on HFD also developed hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, hypoadiponectinemia along with elevated tumor necrosis factor α, resistin, leptin, free fatty acids, transforming growth factor ß and malondialdehyde levels that characterize NASH in humans. CONCLUSION: Long-term HF feeding with adequate methionine and choline can induce many of the pathophysiological features typical of human NASH in C57BL/6J mice.

Analyzing data in which the outcome is time to an event part II: The presence of multiple covariates.

In this article, the second of a series on the analysis of time to event data, we address the case in which multiple predictors (covariates) that may influence the time to an event are taken into account. The hazard function is introduced, and is given in a form useful for assessing the impact of multiple covariates on time to an event. Methods for the assessment of model fitting are also discussed and an example with cancer survival as outcome with the presence or absence of multiple genes as covariates is presented.

Azaftig stimulates in vitro lipolysis by rodent and human adipocytes.

Azaftig is an urinary proteoglycan present in some cancer and AIDS patients experiencing weight loss. Administration of azaftig to mice results in weight loss that is associated with loss of fat depot. So far, very little is known about the mechanism underlying loss of fat depot in mice or weight loss in patients excreting azaftig. Augmentation of lipolysis may be one mechanism that can cause reduction of fat depot. Therefore, the present study was designed to examine the effect of azaftig on lipolysis by adipocytes derived from obese rats and humans. Results show a dose-dependent potentiation of lipolysis by azaftig in both rat and human adipocytes.