Effects of lysophospholipid supplementation to reduced energy, crude protein, and amino acid diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood profiles in broiler chickens.

Two experiments investigated the effects of lysophospholipid (LPL) supplementation on low-energy and low-nitrogenous diets for broilers. A total of 300 one-day-old male chicks (Ross 308) was allotted to 5 treatments in a completely randomized design. Each group consisted of 6 replicates with 10 birds each. Experimental diet I included positive control (PC) having 3,025 (starter), 3,150 (grower), and 3,200 kcal/kg (finisher) of ME; negative control (NC) was 150 kcal/kg of ME lower than PC, and LPL-05, LPL-10, and LPL-15 treatments were NC + 0.05%, 0.10%, and 0.15% of LPL supplementation, respectively. Experimental diet II included positive control (PC) having a formulated amount of crude protein including Lys and Met + Cys that met the Ross 308 standards; negative control (NC) was 4% lower CP and AA than PC; other treatments were supplemented with LPL at 0.05% (LPL-05), 0.10% (LPL-10), and 0.15% (LPL-15) into the NC, respectively. Experiment I showed that growth performance linearly increased as the LPL inclusion increased (P < 0.001). Broilers fed LPL-10 and LPL-15 increased digestibility of DM (P < 0.05), crude protein (P < 0.01), and total amino acids (P < 0.01) compared to NC. Serum glucose (P < 0.01) and high-density lipoprotein (P < 0.05) concentrations were greater in groups fed LPL-10 than those fed PC. Furthermore, leg muscle increased in birds fed LPL-10 compared with NC (P < 0.05). Experiment II observed a linear response to LPL supplementation in the whole period, in terms of body weight gain (P = 0.015) and feed conversion ratio (P = 0.027). Feeding of 0.15% LPL had promising effects on digestibility of crude protein and ether extract compared with NC (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). Overall, LPL could be considered as a feed additive to reduced energy (-150 kcal/kg) or nitrogenous diets (-5%) in order to improve growth performance and nutrient digestibility without adverse effects on lymphoid organs and hepatic enzyme of broilers.

Translational genomic research: the role of genetic polymorphisms in MBSR program among breast cancer survivors (MBSR[BC]).

Genetic variations of breast cancer survivors (BCS) may contribute to level of residual symptoms, such as depression, stress, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. The objective of this study was to investigate whether particular single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) moderated symptom improvement resulting from the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Breast Cancer (MBSR[BC]) program. An overarching goal of personalized medicine is to identify individuals as risk for disease and tailor interventions based on genetic profiles of patients with diseases including cancer. BCS were recruited from Moffitt Cancer Center and University of South Florida's Breast Health Program and were randomized to either the 6-week MBSR(BC) program (n = 92) or Usual Care (n = 93). Measures of symptoms, demographic, and clinical history data were attained at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. A total of 10 SNPs from eight genes known to be related to these symptoms were studied using genomic DNA extracted from blood. Our results were examined for effect sizes, consistency, and statistical significance (p < .05). Three SNPs (rs4680 in COMT, rs6314 in HTR2A, and rs429358 in APOE) emerged as having the strongest (though relatively weak) and most consistent effects in moderating the impact of the MBSR program on symptom outcomes. Although effects were generally weak, with only one effect withstanding multiple comparisons correction for statistical significance, this translational behavioral research may help start the identification of genetic profiles that moderate the impact of MBSR(BC). The ultimate goal of this study is the development of personalized treatment programs tailored to the genetic profile of each patient.

Levodopa-Reduced Mucuna pruriens Seed Extract Shows Neuroprotective Effects against Parkinson's Disease in Murine Microglia and Human Neuroblastoma Cells, Caenorhabditis elegans, and Drosophila melanogaster.

Mucuna pruriens (Mucuna) has been prescribed in Ayurveda for various brain ailments including 'kampavata' (tremors) or Parkinson's disease (PD). While Mucuna is a well-known natural source of levodopa (L-dopa), published studies suggest that other bioactive compounds may also be responsible for its anti-PD effects. To investigate this hypothesis, an L-dopa reduced (<0.1%) M. pruriens seeds extract (MPE) was prepared and evaluated for its anti-PD effects in cellular (murine BV-2 microglia and human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells), Caenorhabditis elegans, and Drosophila melanogaster models. In BV-2 cells, MPE (12.5⁻50 µg/mL) reduced hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity (15.7-18.6%), decreased reactive oxygen species production (29.1-61.6%), and lowered lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide species release by 8.9⁻60%. MPE (12.5-50 µg/mL) mitigated SH-SY5Y cell apoptosis by 6.9-40.0% in a non-contact co-culture assay with cell-free supernatants from LPS-treated BV-2 cells. MPE (12.5-50 µg/mL) reduced 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced cell death of SH-SY5Y cells by 11.85⁻38.5%. Furthermore, MPE (12.5-50 µg/mL) increased median (25%) and maximum survival (47.8%) of C. elegans exposed to the dopaminergic neurotoxin, methyl-4-phenylpyridinium. MPE (40 µg/mL) ameliorated dopaminergic neurotoxin (6-OHDA and rotenone) induced precipitation of innate negative geotaxis behavior of D. melanogaster by 35.3 and 32.8%, respectively. Therefore, MPE contains bioactive compounds, beyond L-dopa, which may impart neuroprotective effects against PD.

Low serum magnesium is associated with coronary artery calcification in a Korean population at low risk for cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Previous studies suggested an association between low serum magnesium levels and metabolic or cardiovascular disease. Additionally, several studies have shown that low serum magnesium is associated with vascular calcification, but there are no studies exploring its relation to coronary artery calcification (CAC). We investigated the relationship between low serum magnesium and CAC by using health examination data. METHODS AND RESULTS: We cross-sectionally analyzed 34,553 participants who underwent coronary multi-detector computed tomography and serum magnesium level measurement in 2010-2012 as part of a health examination program at a tertiary hospital in Korea. CAC was defined as a coronary artery calcium score > 100. Participants were divided into three groups according to their serum magnesium level as follows: low < 1.9 mg/dL (n = 931), normal = 1.9-2.3 mg/dL (n = 32,341), and high > 2.3 mg/dL (n = 1281). The percentages of participants with CAC were 3.7, 1.5, and 2.3 in each group, respectively. According to multivariate analysis, low serum magnesium was associated with CAC after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, systolic BP, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, eGFR, serum calcium and phosphorus, hsCRP, current smoking status, alcohol intake and vigorous exercise frequency. The odds ratio for CAC in the low serum magnesium group compared to the normal group was 2.10 (1.40-3.15, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Low serum magnesium level is associated with CAC in a Korean population at low risk for cardiovascular disease. Further studies are needed to generalize this finding and to verify the causal relationship between low serum magnesium and CAC.

Moderating Effects of Genetic Polymorphisms on Improvements in Cognitive Impairment in Breast Cancer Survivors Participating in a 6-Week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program.

Breast cancer (BC) survivors often report cognitive impairment, which may be influenced by single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The purpose of this study was to test whether particular SNPs were associated with changes in cognitive function in BC survivors and whether these polymorphisms moderated cognitive improvement resulting from the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Breast Cancer (MBSR[BC]) program. BC survivors recruited from Moffitt Cancer Center and the University of South Florida's Breast Health Program, who had completed adjuvant radiation and/or chemotherapy treatment, were randomized to either the 6-week MBSR(BC) program (n = 37) or usual care (UC; n = 35) group. Measures of cognitive function and demographic and clinical history data were attained at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks. A total of 10 SNPs from eight genes known to be related to cognitive function were analyzed using blood samples. Results showed that SNPs in four genes (ankyrin repeat and kinase domain containing 1 [ANKK1], apolipoprotein E [APOE], methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase [MTHFR], and solute carrier family 6 member 4 [SLC6A4]) were associated with cognitive impairment. Further, rs1800497 in ANKK1 was significantly associated with improvements in cognitive impairment in response to MBSR(BC). These results may help to identify individuals who would be better served by MBSR(BC) or other interventions.

Influence of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on telomerase activity in women with breast cancer (BC).

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) reduces symptoms of depression, anxiety, and fear of recurrence among breast cancer (BC) survivors. However, the effects of MBSR (BC) on telomere length (TL) and telomerase activity (TA), known markers of cellular aging, psychological stress, and disease risk, are not known. This randomized, wait-listed, controlled study, nested within a larger trial, investigated the effects of MBSR (BC) on TL and TA. BC patients (142) with Stages 0-III cancer who had completed adjuvant treatment with radiation and/or chemotherapy at least 2 weeks prior to enrollment and within 2 years of completion of treatment with lumpectomy and/or mastectomy were randomly assigned to either a 6-week MBSR for BC program or a usual care. Assessments of TA and TL were obtained along with psychological measurements at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after completing the MBSR(BC) program. The mean age of 142 participants was 55.3 years; 72% were non-Hispanic White; 78% had Stage I or II cancer; and 36% received both chemotherapy and radiation. In analyses adjusted for baseline TA and psychological status, TA increased steadily over 12 weeks in the MBSR(BC) group (approximately 17%) compared to essentially no increase in the control group (approximately 3%, p < .01). In contrast, no between-group difference was observed for TL (p = .92). These results provide preliminary evidence that MBSR(BC) increases TA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from BC patients and have implications for understanding how MBSR(BC) may extend cell longevity at the cellular level.

Effects of delta-aminolevulinic acid and vitamin C supplementation on feed intake, backfat, and iron status in sows.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary administered delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and vitamin C on the hematological profiles and performance of sows and sucking pigs and to determine if iron status could be improved by dietary administration of ALA. Seven days before parturition, 120 sows (Landrace x Yorkshire) were randomly assigned within parities to 1 of 4 dietary treatments. The lactation treatments were arranged as a 2 x 2 factorial with 2 ALA concentrations (0 or 10 mg/kg of feed, as fed) and 2 vitamin C concentrations (0 or 500 mg/kg of feed, as fed). After farrowing, daily feed allowance increased gradually, and sows had ad libitum access to feed by wk 2. Sows provided diets with ALA tended to consume more feed (P < 0.10) than sows fed diets that did not contain ALA. Conversely, backfat losses were less in sows that received the diets with ALA compared with those received the nonsupplemented diets (P < 0.05). Supplementation with ALA and vitamin C resulted in improved hematological profiles (total protein, albumin, and IgG) in sows (P < 0.05). The iron status in the blood and milk were also improved by ALA supplementation (P < 0.05). Moreover, the BW at weaning and the ADG during the sucking period increased in response to supplementation of ALA and vitamin C (P < 0.05). The blood iron status of piglets was also improved by ALA supplementation (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of ALA can increase the blood iron status of sows and sucking pigs, as well as the iron transfer efficiency from sows to piglets through elevated milk iron concentrations.

Effect of dietary supplementation of n-3 fatty acids and elevated concentrations of dietary protein on the performance of sows.

A study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary supplementation of n-3 fatty acids (O3FA) with or without elevated concentrations of protein on the performance of sows during the first and the subsequent parity. Sixty-four pregnant gilts with BW of 195.0 +/- 2.1 kg and backfat (BF) thickness of 12.9 +/- 0.2 mm were assigned to 4 dietary treatments from d 60 of gestation (late gestation) to d 21 of lactation. Dietary treatments were 1) a control diet; 2) a high-protein diet (HP); 3) the control diet + 0.2% O3FA (O3); and 4) the HP diet + 0.2% O3FA (HPO3). For the control and O3 treatments, CP contents were 12.3% for late gestation and 17.9% for lactation, and for the HP and HPO3 treatments, CP contents were 18.4% for late gestation and 19.5% for lactation. On d 60 and 110 of gestation and after farrowing (within 12 h postfarrowing), on d 10 and 21 of lactation, BW, BF thickness, and blood samples were obtained. The total number of piglets and the number of piglets born alive and their birth weights were measured within 12 h postfarrowing. Colostrum and milk samples were obtained on d 2 and 21 of lactation, respectively. All piglets were weaned at 21 d. The wean-to-estrus interval and ADFI were recorded. The same measurements were obtained from the control and O3 groups during the subsequent parity. Dietary treatment did not affect BW, BF thickness, ADFI, and the wean-to-estrus interval of sows during their first reproductive cycle. Supplementation of O3FA increased both eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid contents (P < 0.05) in colostrum and mature milk. First-parity litter size and piglet birth weight did not differ among treatment groups. Piglet BW was greater (P < 0.05) for the O3 group compared with both the control and HPO3 groups at d 10 and 21 of lactation. The same pattern was also noted for overall piglet BW gain. Both piglet and litter characteristics of the HP group did not differ from those of other groups throughout lactation. During the subsequent parity, both total and live piglet birth weights tended (P < 0.07) to be greater for the O3 group than for the control group. Compared with the control group, piglet BW and BW gain in the O3 group showed a pattern similar to the previous parity. Results indicated that O3FA alone during lactation improved the growth of nursing piglets, regardless of parity. However, the O3FA diet, with or without elevated protein, did not affect first-parity gestation performance, although O3FA alone may have improved piglet birth weight in the subsequent litter.

Effect of vitamin E, low dose irradiation, and display time on the quality of pork.

A 4×2×3 factorial experiment was designed to investigate the effect of supplemental vitamin E (0, 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg feed), irradiation and days in display on quality characteristics of aerobically packaged ground pork and vacuum packaged loin chops. Color, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), olfactory and sensory characteristics were evaluated. Samples held in display for 3 d were used for sensory evaluation. In the ground pork, irradiation (1.9 kGy) increased "wetdog" flavor, increased a(*) (redness) and decreased L(*) (lightness) and b(*) (yellowness) values but had no effect on TBARS. However, as display time (0, 4, and 8 days) increased; the differences in a(*) values diminished and putrefying and fishy odors were higher in non-irradiated samples than irradiated. Supplemented vitamin E had no effect on TBARS, odor, and color measures; but increased the juiciness of ground pork regardless of irradiation. Similarly, in the loin chops, irradiation (1.5 kGy) increased a(*) value and "wetdog" flavor; but decreased b(*) value regardless of vitamin E supplementation. Also, irradiation reduced putrefying, and fishy odors during longer display times. TBARS increased with increased display time but was not affected by vitamin E supplementation. These results indicate that in aerobically packaged ground pork and vacuum packaged loin chops, radiolytic odors and color changes cannot be mediated with vitamin E supplementation. Display time and irradiation are significant in determining color and odor changes.