Differential response to a 6-month energy-restricted treatment depending on SH2B1 rs7359397 variant in NAFLD subjects: Fatty Liver in Obesity (FLiO) Study.

PURPOSE: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is worldwide recognized as the most common cause of chronic liver disease. Current NAFLD clinical management relies on lifestyle change, nevertheless, the importance of the genetic make-up on liver damage and the possible interactions with diet are still poorly understood. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of the SH2B1 rs7359397 genetic variant on changes in body composition, metabolic status and liver health after 6-month energy-restricted treatment in overweight/obese subjects with NAFLD. In addition, gene-treatment interactions over the course of the intervention were examined. METHODS: The SH2B1 genetic variant was genotyped in 86 overweight/obese subjects with NAFLD from the FLiO study (Fatty Liver in Obesity study). Subjects were metabolically evaluated at baseline and at 6-months. Liver assessment included ultrasonography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, elastography, a lipidomic test (OWL®-test) and specific blood liver biomarkers. Additionally, body composition, general biochemical markers and dietary intake were determined. RESULTS: Both genotypes significantly improved their body composition, general metabolic status and liver health after following an energy-restricted strategy. Liver imaging techniques showed a greater decrease in liver fat content (- 44.3%, p < 0.001) and in serum ferritin levels (p < 0.001) in the carriers of the T allele after the intervention. Moreover, lipidomic analysis, revealed a higher improvement in liver status when comparing risk vs. no-risk genotype (p = 0.006 vs. p = 0.926, respectively). Gene-treatment interactions showed an increase in fiber intake and omega-3 fatty acid in risk genotype (p interaction = 0.056 and p interaction = 0.053, respectively), while a significant increase in MedDiet score was observed in both genotype groups (p = 0.020). Moreover, no-risk genotype presented a relevant decrease in hepatic iron as well as in MUFA intake (p = 0.047 and p = 0.034, respectively). CONCLUSION: Subjects carrying the T allele of the rs7359397 polymorphism may benefit more in terms of hepatic health and liver status when prescribed an energy-restricted treatment, where a Mediterranean dietary pattern rich in fiber and other components such as omega-3 fatty acids might boost the benefits. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Fatty Liver in Obesity was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the University of Navarra and retrospectively registered (NCT03183193; www.clinicaltrials.gov ); June 2017.

Dietary intake of specific amino acids and liver status in subjects with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: fatty liver in obesity (FLiO) study.

PURPOSE: Identification of dietary factors involved in the development and progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is relevant to the current epidemics of the disease. Dietary amino acids appear to play a key role in the onset and progression of NAFLD. The aim of this study was to analyze potential associations between specific dietary amino acids and variables related to glucose metabolism and hepatic status in adults with overweight/obesity and NAFLD. METHODS: One hundred and twelve individuals from the Fatty Liver in Obesity (FLiO) study were evaluated. Liver assessment was carried out by ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging and analysis of biochemical parameters. Dietary amino acid intake (aromatic amino acids (AAA); branched-chain amino acids (BCAA); sulfur amino acids (SAA)) was estimated by means of a validated 137-item food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: Higher consumption of these amino acids was associated with worse hepatic health. Multiple adjusted regression models confirmed that dietary AAA, BCAA and SAA were positively associated with liver fat content. AAA and BCAA were positively associated with liver iron concentration. Regarding ferritin levels, a positive association was found with BCAA. Dietary intake of these amino acids was positively correlated with glucose metabolism (glycated hemoglobin, triglyceride and glucose index) although the significance disappeared when potential confounders were included in the model. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the consumption of specific dietary amino acids might negatively impact on liver status and, to a lesser extent on glucose metabolism in subjects with overweight/obesity and NAFLD. A control of specific dietary amino acid composition should be considered in the management of NAFLD and associated insulin resistance. NCT03183193; June 2017.

Diffusion Model for Describing the Regional Spread of Huanglongbing from First-Reported Outbreaks and Basing an Area Wide Disease Management Strategy.

Huanglongbing (HLB), a recent worldwide spreading disease on citrus, was detected in July 2009 in Yucatan State of Mexico. The objective of this study was to evaluate the fit of diffusion and classic disease gradient models to large-scale HLB spatial data originated from initial foci to improve sampling, monitoring, and control strategies for Diaphorina citri, vector of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), putative agent of HLB. Four transect routes were selected: Yuc-1, Yuc-2, QRoo-1, and QRoo-2, based on the directionality of the prevailing winds and foci location of HLB infected plants. In these routes, 35 sites, 5 to 20 km apart, were selected for monthly evaluation during a 12-month period. A 10-insect sample and disease incidence and severity of HLB, further confirmed by PCR, were assessed per site. Mexican lime was more vulnerable (67.5%) than sweet orange (14%). Also, leaf symptoms were mostly found with homogeneous distribution but rarely reaching 100% of the tree canopy during the 12-month period. The diffusion model provided the best fit among the family of time-gradient curves (r2 = 0.90 to 0.99) due to the flexibility of a three-parameter model. The gradients were well conformed to the model in a 25 to 82.6 km range, having the east-west direction the longest effect. Yuc-2 and QRoo-2 transects showed 82.6 and 43.9 km gradients with a diffusion coefficient (Do) of 0.15 and 0.09, respectively. This study constitutes the first quantitative evidence of the regional spread of CLas from a single focus and the application of a flexible model that improved the fit and allowed to better compare different gradients. These results are useful to determine the size of Regional Areas of Diaphorina citri Control (ARCO), a management program currently implemented in Mexico to combat HLB.

Root phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase activity is essential for Sorghum bicolor tolerance to ammonium nutrition.

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC; EC 4.1.1.31) is an enzyme family with pivotal roles in plant carbon and nitrogen metabolism. A main role for non-photosynthetic PEPC is as anaplerotic enzyme to load tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle with carbon skeletons that compensate the intermediates diverted for biomolecule synthesis such as amino acids. When plants are grown under ammonium (NH4+) nutrition, the excessive uptake of NH4+ often provokes a stress situation. When plants face NH4+ stress, N assimilation is greatly induced and thus, requires the supply of carbon skeletons coming from TCA cycle. In this work, we addressed the importance of root PEPC and TCA cycle for sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), a C4 cereal crop, grown under ammonium nutrition. To do so, we used RNAi sorghum lines that display a decrease expression of SbPPC3 (Ppc3 lines), the main root PEPC isoform, and reduced root PEPC activity. SbPPC3 silencing provoked ammonium hypersensitivity, meaning lower biomass accumulation in Ppc3 respect to WT plants when growing under ammonium nutrition. The silenced plants presented a deregulation of primary metabolism as highlighted by the accumulation of NH4+ in the root and the alteration of normal TCA functioning, which was evidenced by the accumulation of organic acids in the root under ammonium nutrition. Altogether, our work evidences the importance of non-photosynthetic PEPC, and root TCA cycle, in sorghum to deal with high external NH4+ availability.

Isoliquiritigenin in combination with visceral adipose tissue and related markers as a predictive tool for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent form of chronic liver disease in the world. New non-invasive diagnostic tools are needed to promptly treat this disease and avoid its complications. This study aimed to find key metabolites and related variables that could be used to predict and diagnose NAFLD. Ninety-eight subjects with NAFLD and 45 controls from the Fatty Liver in Obesity (FLiO) Study (NCT03183193) were analyzed. NAFLD was diagnosed and graded by ultrasound and classified into two groups: 0 (controls) and ≥ 1 (NAFLD). Hepatic status was additionally assessed through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), elastography, and determination of transaminases. Anthropometry, body composition (DXA), biochemical parameters, and lifestyle factors were evaluated as well. Non-targeted metabolomics of serum was performed with high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-TOF-MS). Isoliquiritigenin (ISO) had the strongest association with NAFLD out of the determinant metabolites. Individuals with higher concentrations of ISO had healthier metabolic and hepatic status and were less likely to have NAFLD (OR 0.13). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves demonstrated the predictive power of ISO in panel combination with other NAFLD and IR-related variables, such as visceral adipose tissue (VAT) (AUROC 0.972), adiponectin (AUROC 0.917), plasmatic glucose (AUROC 0.817), and CK18-M30 (AUROC 0.810). Individuals with lower levels of ISO have from 71 to 82% more risk of presenting NAFLD compared to individuals with higher levels. Metabolites such as ISO, in combination with visceral adipose tissue, IR, and related markers, constitute a potential non-invasive tool to predict and diagnose NAFLD.

Psychometric instruments for the assessment of depressive symptoms in patients with delusional disorder: A systematic review.

Patients with delusional disorder (DD) are at an increased risk for the development of depressive symptoms. We aimed to examine the literature dealing with assessment tools to assess depressive symptoms in DD. A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, Scopus and clinicaltrials.gov databases from inception until June 2021 (PRISMA guidelines). From 1863 initial retrieved records, 11 studies were included (N = 715 DD patients). Depressive comorbidity ranged from 20.9% to 53.5%. Seven studies used semistructured/structured interviews: OPCRIT 4.0 (n = 1), Manual for Assessment and Documentation of Psychopathology in Psychiatry (AMDP System) (n = 2), the MINI interview (n = 1), DSM-IV (n = 1), ICD-10 (n = 1); and the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS-R) (n = 1). Seven studies used at least one observer-rated scale: Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)-depressive component (n = 2), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD, n = 3), Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS, n = 1), Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI, n = 1) and the Bipolar Affective Disorder Dimension Scale (BADDS, n = 1). Assessment scales administered in depressive disorders and schizophrenia are applied to DD. This is the first systematic review exploring the use of assessment tools for depressive symptoms in DD. The use of the MADRS to assess depressive symptoms can be recommended in combination with other clinical scales, for instance, the CGI.

A nutrigenetic tool for precision dietary management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease deeming insulin resistance markers.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) development is linked to insulin resistance and influenced by environmental factors, but it also underlined a genetic predisposition. The aim of this research was to build a predictive model based on genetic and hepatic health information, deeming insulin resistance markers in order to personalize dietary treatment in overweight/obese subjects with NAFLD. METHODS: A 6-month nutritional intervention was conducted in 86 overweight/obese volunteers with NAFLD randomly assigned to 2 energy-restricted diets: the American Heart Association (AHA) diet and the Fatty Liver in Obesity (FLiO) diet. Individuals were genotyped using a predesigned panel of 95 genetic variants. A Genetic Risk Score (GRS) for each diet was computed using statistically relevant SNPs for the change on Fatty Liver Index (FLI) after 6-months of nutritional intervention. Body composition, liver injury and insulin resistance markers, as well as physical activity and dietary intake were also assessed. RESULTS: Under energy restriction, both the AHA and FLiO diets induced similar significant improvements on body composition, insulin resistance markers, hepatic health and dietary and lifestyle outcomes. The calculated score included in the linear mixed regression model was able to predict the change of FLI adjusted by diet, age and sex. This model allowed to personalize the most suitable diet for 72% of the volunteers. Similar models were also able to predict the changes on Triglycerides and Glucose (TyG) Index and retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) levels depending on diet. CONCLUSIONS: Models integrating genetic screening and insulin resistance markers can be useful for the personalization of NAFLD weight loss treatments.

Three Different Genetic Risk Scores Based on Fatty Liver Index, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Lipidomic for a Nutrigenetic Personalized Management of NAFLD: The Fatty Liver in Obesity Study.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects 25% of the global population. The pathogenesis of NAFLD is complex; available data reveal that genetics and ascribed interactions with environmental factors may play an important role in the development of this morbid condition. The purpose of this investigation was to assess genetic and non-genetic determinants putatively involved in the onset and progression of NAFLD after a 6-month weight loss nutritional treatment. A group of 86 overweight/obese subjects with NAFLD from the Fatty Liver in Obesity (FLiO) study were enrolled and metabolically evaluated at baseline and after 6 months. A pre-designed panel of 95 genetic variants related to obesity and weight loss was applied and analyzed. Three genetic risk scores (GRS) concerning the improvement on hepatic health evaluated by minimally invasive methods such as the fatty liver index (FLI) (GRSFLI), lipidomic-OWLiver®-test (GRSOWL) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (GRSMRI), were derived by adding the risk alleles genotypes. Body composition, liver injury-related markers and dietary intake were also monitored. Overall, 23 SNPs were independently associated with the change in FLI, 16 SNPs with OWLiver®-test and 8 SNPs with MRI, which were specific for every diagnosis tool. After adjusting for gender, age and other related predictors (insulin resistance, inflammatory biomarkers and dietary intake at baseline) the calculated GRSFLI, GRSOWL and GRSMRI were major contributors of the improvement in hepatic status. Thus, fitted linear regression models showed a variance of 53% (adj. R2 = 0.53) in hepatic functionality (FLI), 16% (adj. R2 = 0.16) in lipidomic metabolism (OWLiver®-test) and 34% (adj. R2 = 0.34) in liver fat content (MRI). These results demonstrate that three different genetic scores can be useful for the personalized management of NAFLD, whose treatment must rely on specific dietary recommendations guided by the measurement of specific genetic biomarkers.

Effects of a 6-month dietary-induced weight loss on erythrocyte membrane omega-3 fatty acids and hepatic status of subjects with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: The Fatty Liver in Obesity study.

BACKGROUND: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been suggested as important biomolecules in the management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 6-month weight loss diets on erythrocyte membrane omega-3 PUFA composition of NAFLD adults, and to evaluate the potential relationship between erythrocyte membrane omega-3 PUFAs and hepatic health markers. METHODS: In this secondary analysis of the Fatty Liver in Obesity study, erythrocyte membranes were analyzed by gas chromatography in 54 subjects with liver steatosis detected by ultrasonography who achieved a weight loss >5% after the follow-up. Baseline and 6-month evaluation included hepatic acoustic radiation force impulse elastography and magnetic resonance imaging, anthropometry, body composition, and biochemical determinations. RESULTS: After the follow-up, α-linolenic acid (ALA) proportion significantly increased in erythrocyte membranes, whereas eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) showed no statistical difference and docosapentaenoic acid decreased. Both the changes in erythrocyte membrane ALA and EPA were positively associated with dietary ALA. Regression analyses evidenced that the changes in erythrocyte membrane ALA and EPA were inversely associated with the changes in liver stiffness and liver iron content, respectively. CONCLUSION: The adherence to weight loss strategies for 6 months led to changes in erythrocyte membrane omega-3 PUFA composition, which in turn were associated with changes in hepatic markers, suggesting that these fatty acids accompany the improvements in the liver during a dietary treatment. These findings show that beyond weight loss, the composition of the diet has an important role in the management of NAFLD.

Predictive Value of Serum Ferritin in Combination with Alanine Aminotransferase and Glucose Levels for Noninvasive Assessment of NAFLD: Fatty Liver in Obesity (FLiO) Study.

The identification of affordable noninvasive biomarkers for the diagnosis and characterization of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major challenge for the research community. This study aimed to explore the usefulness of ferritin as a proxy biomarker of NAFLD condition, alone or in combination with other routine biochemical parameters. Subjects with overweight/obesity and ultrasound-confirmed liver steatosis (n = 112) from the Fatty Liver in Obesity (FLiO) study were assessed. The hepatic evaluation considered magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography, and credited routine blood liver biomarkers. Anthropometry and body composition, dietary intake (by means of a validated 137-item food frequency questionnaire), and specific biochemical markers were also determined. Serum ferritin levels were analyzed using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay kit. Lower serum ferritin concentrations were associated with general better liver health and nutritional status. The evaluation of ferritin as a surrogate of liver damage by means of quantile regression analyses showed a positive association with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (ß = 19.21; p ≤ 0.001), liver fat content (ß = 8.70; p = 0.008), and hepatic iron (ß = 3.76; p ≤ 0.001), after adjusting for potential confounders. In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses, the panel combination of blood ferritin, glucose, and ALT showed the best prediction for liver fat mass (area under the curve (AUC) 0.82). A combination of ferritin and ALT showed the higher predictive ability for estimating liver iron content (AUC 0.73). This investigation demonstrated the association of serum ferritin with liver health as well as with glucose and lipid metabolism markers in subjects with NAFLD. Current findings led to the identification of ferritin as a potential noninvasive predictive biomarker of NAFLD, whose surrogate value increased when combined with other routine biochemical measurements (glucose/ALT).

Association of the SH2B1 rs7359397 Gene Polymorphism with Steatosis Severity in Subjects with Obesity and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major cause of liver disease worldwide. Some genetic variants might be involved in the progression of this disease. The study hypothesized that individuals with the rs7359397 T allele have a higher risk of developing severe stages of NAFLD compared with non-carriers where dietary intake according to genotypes could have a key role on the pathogenesis of the disease. SH2B1 genetic variant was genotyped in 110 overweight/obese subjects with NAFLD. Imaging techniques, lipidomic analysis and blood liver biomarkers were performed. Body composition, general biochemical and dietary variables were also determined. The SH2B1 risk genotype was associated with higher HOMA-IR p = 0.001; and Fatty Liver Index (FLI) p = 0.032. Higher protein consumption (p = 0.028), less mono-unsaturated fatty acid and fiber intake (p = 0.045 and p = 0.049, respectively), was also referred to in risk allele genotype. Lipidomic analysis showed that T allele carriers presented a higher frequency of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (69.1% vs. 44.4%; p = 0.006). In the genotype risk group, adjusted logistic regression models indicated a higher risk of developing an advanced stage of NAFLD measured by FLI (OR 2.91) and ultrasonography (OR 4.15). Multinomial logistic regression models showed that risk allele carriers had higher liver fat accumulation risk (RRR 3.93) and an increased risk of NASH (RRR 7.88). Consequently, subjects carrying the T allele were associated with a higher risk of developing a severe stage of NAFLD. These results support the importance of considering genetic predisposition in combination with a healthy dietary pattern in the personalized evaluation and management of NAFLD.

Segregation of distinct variants from Citrus tristeza virus isolate SY568 using aphid transmission.

A well-studied severe isolate of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) known as SY568 has previously been shown to contain multiple variants of the virus which differ in their genetic and biological characters. Aphid transmission was used in an attempt to segregate some of these variants for further characterization. Resulting infections gave symptoms which varied from asymptomatic to more severe than the inoculum source. RNase protection assays (RPAs) were used to compare nine regions of the CTV genome and determine whether unique strains could be identified. Five aphid-transmitted subcultures, with fingerprints that were different from those of the inoculum sources in at least one genomic area, were then cloned, sequenced, and compared with known isolates. An asymptomatic strain was shown to be different in every area of the CTV genome when examined by RPA and sequencing of selected regions. Mixed-infection studies using graft transmission of the asymptomatic subculture and two of the more severe aphid-transmitted subcultures showed that the mild strain was not able to compete well when in the presence of any of the severe variants tested, and its titer was significantly reduced from that seen in single infection. The mild strain and a selected severe strain were singly graft inoculated into five different citrus hosts (sweet orange, grapefruit, sour orange, lemon, and lime), where they maintained their distinct biological and genetic characteristics.

Association between Different Animal Protein Sources and Liver Status in Obese Subjects with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Fatty Liver in Obesity (FLiO) Study.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. Obesity and unhealthy dietary habits are described as risk factors for NAFLD. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the consumption of different animal protein sources and hepatic status in NAFLD adults. A total of 112 overweight/obese participants with NAFLD from Fatty Liver in Obesity (FLiO) study were evaluated at baseline. Diet, body composition, and biochemical variables were evaluated. Hepatic status was also assessed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging, ultrasonography, and elastography. Red meat consumption showed a positive relationship with liver iron content (r = 0.224; p = 0.021) and ferritin concentration (r = 0.196; p = 0.037). Processed meat consumption exhibited a positive association with liver iron content (r = 0.308; p = 0.001), which was also found in the quantile regression (ß = 0.079; p = 0.028). Fish consumption was related with lower concentration of ferritin (r = -0.200; p = 0.034). This association was further evidenced in the regression model (ß = -0.720; p = 0.033). These findings suggest that the consumption of different animal protein sources differentially impact on liver status in obese subjects with NAFLD, showing fish consumption as a healthier alternative for towards NAFLD features.

The Metabolic and Hepatic Impact of Two Personalized Dietary Strategies in Subjects with Obesity and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: The Fatty Liver in Obesity (FLiO) Randomized Controlled Trial.

The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing worldwide. NAFLD management is mainly focused on weight loss, but the optimal characteristics of the diet demand further investigation. This study aims to evaluate the effects of two personalized energy-restricted diets on the liver status in overweight or obese subjects with NAFLD after a 6 months follow-up. Ninety-eight individuals from the Fatty Liver in Obesity (FLiO) study were randomized into two groups and followed different energy-restricted diets. Subjects were evaluated at baseline and after 6 months. Diet, anthropometry, body composition, and biochemical parameters were evaluated. Liver assessment included ultrasonography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, elastography, and determination of transaminases. Both dietary groups significantly improved their metabolic and hepatic markers after the intervention, with no significant differences between them. Multivariate regression models evidenced a relationship between weight loss, adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet), and a decrease in liver fat content, predicting up to 40.9% of its variability after 6 months. Moreover, the antioxidant capacity of the diet was inversely associated with liver fat content. Participants in the group with a higher adherence to the MedDiet showed a greater reduction in body weight, total fat mass, and hepatic fat. These results support the benefit of energy-restricted diets, high adherence to the MedDiet, and high antioxidant capacity of the diet for the management of NAFLD in individuals with overweight or obesity.

Association between Sleep Disturbances and Liver Status in Obese Subjects with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Comparison with Healthy Controls.

The relevance of sleep patterns in the onset or evolution of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is still poorly understood. Our aim was to investigate the association between sleep characteristics and hepatic status indicators in obese people with NAFLD compared to normal weight non-NAFLD controls. Ninety-four overweight or obese patients with NAFLD and 40 non-NAFLD normal weight controls assessed by abdominal ultrasonography were enrolled. Hepatic status evaluation considered liver stiffness determined by Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse elastography (ARFI) and transaminases. Additionally, anthropometric measurements, clinical characteristics, and biochemical profiles were determined. Sleep features were evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Hepatic status parameters, anthropometric measurements, and clinical and biochemical markers differed significantly in NAFLD subjects compared to controls, as well as sleep efficiency, sleep disturbance score, and sleep quality score. In the NAFLD group, a higher prevalence of short sleep duration (p = 0.005) and poor sleep quality (p = 0.041) were found. Multivariate-adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for NAFLD considering sleep disturbance was 1.59 (1.11⁻2.28). Regression models that included either sleep disturbance or sleep quality predicted up to 20.3% and 20.4% of the variability of liver stiffness, respectively, and after adjusting for potential confounders. Current findings suggest that sleep disruption may be contributing to the pathogenesis of NAFLD as well as the alteration of the liver may be affecting sleep patterns. Consequently, sleep characteristics may be added to the list of modifiable behaviors to consider in health promotion strategies and in the prevention and management of NAFLD.

Fruit Fiber Consumption Specifically Improves Liver Health Status in Obese Subjects under Energy Restriction.

The prevalence of non-alcoholic-fatty-liver-disease (NAFLD) is associated with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome (MS). This study aimed to evaluate the influence of two energy-restricted diets on non-invasive markers and scores of liver damage in obese individuals with features of MS after six months of follow-up and to assess the role of fiber content in metabolic outcomes. Seventy obese individuals from the RESMENA (Reduction of Metabolic Syndrome in Navarra) study were evaluated at baseline and after six months of energy-restricted nutritional intervention (American Heart Association (AHA) and RESMENA dietary groups). Dietary records, anthropometrical data, body composition by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and routine laboratory measurements were analyzed by standardized methods. Regarding liver status, cytokeratin-18 fragments and several non-invasive scores of fatty liver were also assessed. The RESMENA strategy was a good and complementary alternative to AHA for the treatment of obesity-related comorbidities. Participants with higher insoluble fiber consumption (≥7.5 g/day) showed improvements in fatty liver index (FLI), hepatic steatosis index (HIS), and NAFLD liver fat score (NAFLD_LFS), while gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and transaminases evidenced significant improvements as a result of fruit fiber consumption (≥8.8 g/day). Remarkably, a regression model evidenced a relationship between liver status and fiber from fruits. These results support the design of dietary patterns based on the consumption of insoluble fiber and fiber from fruits in the context of energy restriction for the management of obese patients suffering fatty liver disease.

The application of acetylated Sephadex for the separation of proteolipids.

The finding that acetylated Sephadex G 200 swells in chloroform/methanol mixture and still acts as a molecular sieve has permitted for the first time the separation of several proteolipid fractions from brain white matter, two of which appear almost free of phospholipids. This new procedure will be useful not only for a rapid purification of proteolipids and separation of lipids but also for general purposes of protein chemistry in organic media. However, it is predictable that one of the main uses of the method will be in the isolation of membrane carrier and of cholinergic receptor proteins, since these components appear to be of proteolipid(-like) nature.

Protein conformational changes and myelin solubilization by anion-detergent solutions.

The addition of sodium sulfate to a myelin suspension in sodium phosphate buffer at neutral pH, containing octyl glucoside detergent (OG), increases the membrane solubility more than 5-fold by an unknown structural mechanism. FTIR spectroscopy has been applied to investigate anion effects on the conformational structure of myelin proteins. Sulfate and sulfate-phosphate media, but not phosphate alone, induce a great conformational protein disorder. The addition of the detergent to the anion mixture solution prevents the myelin from protein denaturation. The conformational transitions have also been quantified through the amide I region. Explanations of these changes and their connections with myelin solubility are also included.

Reversible thermal transition of brain myelin proteolipid. A preliminary report on a high-sensitivity differential scanning calorimetry study.

Brain myelin proteolipid has been investigated using high-sensitivity differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) under various conditions. Crude proteolipid with a 40% (w/w) content of protein gave rise to a reversible transition, centered at about 60 degrees C. The specific enthalpy of the transition was 50 +/- 5 J X g-1 with a calorimetric to van't Hoff enthalpy ratio of 5.7 +/- 0.5. To our knowledge this is the first intrinsic membrane protein in which a reversible thermal transition has been detected and investigated by DSC. Similar experiments were carried out using the recombinants of delipidated proteolipid and the pool of natural membrane lipids; in this case the transition was less enthalpic and showed lower cooperativity. The recombinants with lecithins, however, did not show any transition at 60 degrees C.

Association between novelty-seeking and the dopamine D3 receptor gene in bipolar patients: a preliminary report.

Recent studies in healthy controls suggest an association between novelty-seeking (NS) and the dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) gene. In this study, we further investigated the relationship between genes implicated in dopamine as well as serotonin neurotransmission and personality traits in bipolar (BP) disorder. Scores on the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire were examined in 37 recovered Research Diagnostic Criteria-diagnosed BP patients genotyped for DRD3, DRD4, and serotonin 2A receptor (5HTR2a) polymorphisms. Carriers of DRD3 allele 1 showed significantly lower NS values compared to patients without this allele. Scores on NS and on harm-avoidance were not related to DRD4 or 5HTR2a polymorphisms. These preliminary results suggest a role for D3 receptor in NS expression in BP patients.