The association between prepregnancy dietary fatty acids and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Epidemiologic studies have examined the association between dietary fatty acids and type 2 diabetes risk in general populations. Evidence regarding their associations with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate prepregnancy fatty acids intake in relation to GDM risk. METHODS: 3,725 pregnant women from the Xi'an Birth Cohort Study who were free of previous GDM or pre-existing chronic diseases were included. Dietary intake of total fat and individual fatty acids (including saturated fatty acids [SFA], monounsaturated fatty acids [MUFA], polyunsaturated fatty acids [PUFA], and trans fatty acids) during the year preceding pregnancy was assessed by a validated food-frequency questionnaire before 16 weeks of gestation. GDM was confirmed based on the 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. Log-binomial or modified Poisson regression models were applied to estimate the relative risks (RRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (95%CIs) of GDM for fatty acids intake. Generalized linear regression was adopted for blood glucose levels with fatty acids intake. RESULTS: 644 (17.3 %) incident GDM cases were confirmed in our study. Participants in the highest intake of total fat substituting for carbohydrates had a 33 % reduced risk of GDM than those in the lowest intake (RR:0.67; 95%CI:0.55,0.81). For individual fatty acids, only PUFA intake was associated with a lower risk of GDM, with RR comparing extreme tertiles of 0.61 (95%CI:0.49,0.76). Each 2 % increase in energy from total fat and PUFA replacing carbohydrates decreased the risk of GDM by 6 % (95%CI:3 %,9 %) and 15 % (95%CI:9 %,21 %), respectively. Similar inverse associations with intake of total fat and PUFA were observed for blood glucose levels. Further analyses of SFA substitution showed that replacement of 2 % energy from SFA with PUFA and MUFA was associated with 26 % (RR:0.74; 95%CI:0.62,0.88) and 30 % (RR:0.70; 95%CI:0.50, 0.98) decreased risk of GDM, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Greater intake of total fat and PUFA before pregnancy was associated with lower risk of GDM when replacing carbohydrates. Substitution SFA with PUFA and MUFA was also inversely associated with GDM risk. These findings support the important role of optimal dietary fatty acids composition in the prevention of GDM.

Exploring the mechanism of curcumin in the treatment of colon cancer based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.

Objective: Curcumin is a plant polyphenol extracted from the Chinese herb turmeric. It was found that curcumin has good anti-cancer properties in a variety of cancers, but the exact mechanism is not clear. Based on the network pharmacology and molecular docking to deeply investigate the molecular mechanism of curcumin for the treatment of colon cancer, it provides a new research direction for the treatment of colon cancer. Methods: Curcumin-related targets were collected using PharmMapper, SwissTargetPrediction, Targetnet and SuperPred. Colon cancer related targets were obtained using OMIM, DisGeNET, GeneCards and GEO databases. Drug-disease intersection targets were obtained via Venny 2.1.0. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of drug-disease common targets were performed using DAVID. Construct PPI network graphs of intersecting targets using STRING database as well as Cytoscape 3.9.0 and filter core targets. Molecular docking via AutoDockTools 1.5.7. The core targets were further analyzed by GEPIA, HPA, cBioPortal and TIMER databases. Results: A total of 73 potential targets of curcumin for the treatment of colon cancer were obtained. GO function enrichment analysis yielded 256 entries, including BP(Biological Progress):166, CC(celluar component):36 and MF(Molecular Function):54. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis yielded 34 signaling pathways, mainly involved in Metabolic pathways, Nucleotide metabolism, Nitrogen metabolism, Drug metabolism - other enzymes, Pathways in cancer,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, etc. CDK2, HSP90AA1, AURKB, CCNA2, TYMS, CHEK1, AURKA, DNMT1, TOP2A, and TK1 were identified as core targets by Cytoscape 3.9.0. Molecular docking results showed that the binding energies of curcumin to the core targets were all less than 0 kJ-mol-1, suggesting that curcumin binds spontaneously to the core targets. These results were further validated in terms of mRNA expression levels, protein expression levels and immune infiltration. Conclusion: Based on network pharmacology and molecular docking initially revealed that curcumin exerts its therapeutic effects on colon cancer with multi-target, multi-pathway. Curcumin may exert anticancer effects by binding to core targets. Curcumin may interfere with colon cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis by regulating signal transduction pathways such as PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,IL-17 signaling pathway, Cell cycle. This will deepen and enrich our understanding of the potential mechanism of curcumin against colon cancer and provide a theoretical basis for subsequent studies.

Effect of flavonoid intake on circulating levels of adiponectin and leptin: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.

This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to explore the effects of flavonoid intake on adiponectin and leptin levels. The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched on March 1, 2021. Random-effects, subgroup, sensitivity, and meta-regression analyses were conducted on 40 publications. Flavonoid intake significantly increased circulating adiponectin (0.54 µg/ml, 95% CI [0.20, 0.88], p = .002; I2  = 86.4%) and significantly reduced leptin levels (weighted mean difference: -0.79 ng/ml, 95% CI [-1.33, -0.25], p = .004; I2  = 87.7%). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that flavonoid intervention produced a significant elevation in adiponectin levels only in studies that lasted more than 12 weeks, conducted in Asian regions, were parallel-designed, involved obese or overweight participants and participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or cardiovascular diseases, used tea catechins, and used a dietary supplement intervention. A significantly negative effect on leptin levels was observed in studies conducted in Asian countries, with healthy participants and participants with T2DM, used whole food interventions, and involved participants with lower baseline leptin levels. In conclusion, flavonoid intake significantly increased circulating adiponectin and decreased leptin levels; however, study heterogeneity was very high. Future well-designed trials are required to address heterogeneous study designs and clarify the efficacy of plants in regulating adiponectin and leptin levels.

Calcium-Phosphate Combination Enhances Spinosad Production in Saccharopolyspora spinosa via Regulation of Fatty Acid Metabolism.

Phosphate concentration above 10 mM reduces the production of many secondary metabolites; however, the phenomenon is not mechanistically understood yet. Specifically, the problem of phosphorus limitation in antibiotic production remains unresolved. This study investigates the phosphorus inhibition effect on spinosad production and alleviates it by calcium and phosphate supplementation to fermentation media. Furthermore, we examined the mechanism of fatty acids-induced increase in polyketides production. Four phosphates that were supplemented into the fermentation media include NaH2PO4, Na2HPO4, KH2PO4, and K2HPO4 and NaH2PO4 was found to be the most effective phosphate. Under the optimal phosphate condition of supplementing 20 mM NaH2PO4 on the fourth day and 5 g/L CaCO3, the maximal spinosad production reached 520 mg/L, showing a 1.65-fold increase over the control treatment. In the NaH2PO4-CaCO3 system, the de novo fatty acid biosynthesis was significantly downregulated while spinosad biosynthesis and ß-oxidation were upregulated. The coordination of de novo fatty acid biosynthesis and ß-oxidation promoted intracellular acetyl-CoA concentration. The results demonstrate that NaH2PO4-CaCO3 combined addition is a simple and effective strategy to alleviate phosphorus inhibition effect through the regulation of fatty acid metabolism and accumulation of immediate precursors. This information improves our understanding of phosphates' influence on the large-scale production of polyketides.

Factors associated with awareness, treatment and control of hypertension among 3579 hypertensive adults in China: data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of hypertension is high and rising in China, but most people with hypertension do not have their blood pressure under control. This study investigated hypertension awareness, treatment, and control and their associated factors among Chinese adults. METHODS: Data collected from the 2011 China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) from 12,991 Chinese adults were used. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg, self-reported prior diagnosed hypertension, or taking antihypertensive medications. Hypertension awareness, treatment, and control were defined as a self-reported diagnosis of hypertension, current use of antihypertensive medication, and blood pressure < 140/90 mmHg, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to examine factors associated with hypertension awareness, treatment, and control. RESULTS: Overall, 3579 (27.6%) of the CHNS adult participants had hypertension, of whom 55.7% were aware of their diagnosis, 46.5% were treated with antihypertensive medications, but only 20.3% had their blood pressure under control. Higher hypertension treatment was associated with older age (OR = 2.57; 95%CI, 1.65-4.02), urban residency (1.50; 1.14-1.97), living in the Eastern region (1.52; 1.14-2.01), and being overweight/obese (1.99; 1.39-2.84). Hypertension awareness was associated with similar factors as hypertension treatment but was also associated with being female (1.37, 1.12-1.66). Poor hypertension control was associated with being overweight/obese (0.56; 0.42-0.76) and minority ethnicity (0.52; 0.31-0.86). CONCLUSION: Hypertension is a major public health challenge in China. The prevalence of hypertension awareness, treatment, and control are still low despite existing public health policies and programs to reduce the burden of hypertension. More intensive hypertension screening and treatment programs are warranted in China.

Vitamin D Dependent Rickets Type 1A Caused by CYP27B1 Mutation

Vitamin D dependent rickets type 1A (VDDR1A) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in CYP27B1 . Clinical findings are growth retardation, hypotonia, muscle weakness, hypocalcemic seizures, and radiological features of rickets. We aimed to present the VDDR1A case with a genetic study of CYP27B1 . The 14-month-old boy was admitted to the hospital due to a seizure. Serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25(OH) vitamin D, and 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D values were 5.1 mg/dL, 3.7 mg/dL, 705 IU/L, 429 pg/mL, 24.9 ng/mL, and 8.8 pg/mL, respectively. Radiological study showed cupping and fraying of the distal ulna and radius. The molecular genetic study revealed that the patient had a compound heterozygous mutation, Phe443Profs*24 and c.589+1G>A, in CYP27B1 . Genetic analysis of the family members presented that the mother was heterozygous for the mutation c.589+1G>A, and that the father was heterozygous for Phe443Profs*24. The patient was treated with calcium lactate and calcitriol. Until now, six Korean patients with VDDR1A have been studied. Including this case, Korean patients with VDDR1A were found to have only three different mutations in 14 alleles, indicating that the mutation in the CYP27B1 gene is homogeneous in the Korean population.

The effects of green tea (Camellia sinensis) flower extracton melanin synthesis in B16-F10 melanoma cells / 대한수의학회지

The present study observed the effects of a green tea (Camellia sinensis) flower extract (GTFE) on melanin synthesis in B16-F10 melanoma cells. GTFE exhibited antioxidant activity on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and inhibited mushroom tyrosinase activity in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, GTFE significantly diminished α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) stimulated cellular melanin content and tyrosinase activity throughout the concentration range evaluated. Based on RNA sequencing analysis, differential gene expression patterns observed in α-MSH stimulated B16-F10 melanoma cells were normalized by the addition of GTFE. In particular, the expression levels of melanoregulin and tyrosinase genes which are key regulating genes in melanin synthesis were up-regulated by 3.5 and 3 fold respectively by α-MSH, and were normalized to control levels by the addition of GTFE. The results suggest that GTFE inhibits melanin synthesis in α-MSH stimulated B16-F10 melanoma cells by normalizing expression of genes that are essential for melanin synthesis. Overall, the results suggest that GTFE could be applied in the development of a whitening agent for the treatment of dermal hyperpigmentation.

Evaluation of the allergenic relationship between Humulus japonicus and Humulus lupulus pollen allergens

PURPOSE: Humulus japonicus pollen (Hop J) is a major cause of inhalant allergy in autumn of the Far East countries, and its allergenic potency has been increasing with climate changes. Allergen immunotherapy has been considered in Hop J-sensitized allergic patients; however, Hop J allergen extracts for immunotherapy are not commercially available. We speculate that Humulus lupulus pollen (Hop L) belonged to the same genus may share cross-reacting allergens with Hop J and evaluated allergenic relationships between these 2 pollens. METHODS: Thirteen patients with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma sensitive to Hop J pollens were enrolled in Ajou University Hospital, Suwon, Korea. Hop J pollens were collected locally and lyophilized extracts were prepared, while lyophilized Hop L extracts were provided by Lofarma S.p.A. IgE-ELISA/enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) inhibition tests, sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and IgE-immunoblot/immunoblot inhibition analysis using sera from the enrolled subjects were performed. RESULTS: All patients had high serum specific IgE to both Hop J and Hop L extracts by ELISA, but no significant correlation was found between these 2 extracts. ELISA inhibition tests showed significant dose-dependent inhibitions on IgE-bindings to Hop L with serial additions of Hop J extracts in a dose-dependent manner, while minimal inhibitions of IgE binding to Hop J were noted with additions of Hop L. IgE-immunoblot analysis demonstrated that the major allergenic component of Hop J at 12 kDa was inhibited by Hop J, while no inhibitions were noted by Hop L extracts on IgE-immunoblot inhibition analysis. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that there may not be a significant cross-allergenicity between Hop J and Hop L.

Velvet antler peptide prevents pressure overload-induced cardiac fibrosis via transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 pathway inhibition.

Velvet antlers (VAs) are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine and invigorant and contain many functional components for health promotion. The velvet antler peptide sVAP32 is one of active components in VAs; based on structural study, the sVAP32 interacts with TGF-ß1 receptors and disrupts the TGF-ß1 pathway. We hypothesized that sVAP32 prevents cardiac fibrosis from pressure overload by blocking TGF-ß1 signaling. Sprague-Dawley rats underwent transverse aortic constriction (TAC) or a sham operation. After one month, rats received either sVAP32 (15mg/kg/day) or vehicle for an additional one month. TAC surgery induced significant cardiac dysfunction, fibroblast activation and fibrosis; these effects were improved by treatment with sVAP32. In the heart tissue, TAC remarkably increased the expression of TGF-ß1 and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), reactive oxygen species levels, and the phosphorylation levels of Smad2/3 and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2). SVAP32 inhibited the increases in reactive oxygen species levels, CTGF expression and the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and ERK1/2, but not TGF-ß1 expression. In cultured cardiac fibroblasts, angiotensin II (Ang II) had similar effects compared to TAC surgery, such as increases in α-SMA-positive cardiac fibroblasts and collagen synthesis. SVAP32 eliminated these effects by disrupting TGF-ß1 binding to its receptors and blocking Ang II/TGF-ß1 downstream signaling. These results demonstrated that sVAP32 has anti-fibrotic effects by blocking the TGF-ß1 pathway in cardiac fibroblasts.

Effects of Music Therapy on the Cardiovascular and Autonomic Nervous System in Stress-Induced University Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Stress is caused when a particular relationship between the individual and the environment emerges. Specifically, stress occurs when an individual's abilities are challenged or when one's well-being is threatened by excessive environmental demands. The aim of this study was to measure the effects of music therapy on stress in university students. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-four students were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 33) or the control group (n = 31). INTERVENTION: Music therapy. OUTCOME MEASURES: Initial measurement included cardiovascular indicators (blood pressure and pulse), autonomic nervous activity (standard deviation of the normal-to-normal intervals [SDNN], normalized low frequency, normalized high frequency, low/high frequency), and subjective stress. After the first measurement, participants in both groups were exposed to a series of stressful tasks, and then a second measurement was conducted. The experimental group then listened to music for 20 minutes and the control group rested for 20 minutes. A third and final measurement was then taken. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups in the first or second measurement. However, after music therapy, the experimental group and the control group showed significant differences in all variables, including systolic blood pressure (p = .026), diastolic blood pressure (p = .037), pulse (p < .001), SDNN (p = .003), normalized low frequency (p < .001), normalized high frequency (p = .010), and subjective stress (p = .026). CONCLUSION: Classical music tends to relax the body and may stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. These results suggest music therapy as an intervention for stress reduction.

[Effects of a fall prevention program on falls in frail elders living at home in rural communities].

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to determine the effects of a fall prevention program on falls, physical function, psychological function, and home environmental safety in frail elders living at home in rural communities. METHODS: The design of this study was a nonequivalent control group pre posttest design. The study was conducted from July to November, 2012 with 30 participants in the experimental group and 30 in the control group. Participants were registered at the public health center of E County. The prevention program on falls consisted of laughter therapy, exercise, foot care and education. The program was provided once a week for 8 weeks and each session lasted 80 minutes. RESULTS: The risk score for falls and depression in the experimental group decreased significantly compared with scores for the control group. Compliance with prevention behavior related to falls, knowledge score on falls, safety scores of home environment, physical balance, muscle strength of lower extremities, and self-efficacy for fall prevention significantly increased in the experimental group compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the prevention program on falls is effective for the prevention of falls in frail elders living at home.

Effects of a Fall Prevention Program on Falls in Frail Elders Living at Home in Rural Communities

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to determine the effects of a fall prevention program on falls, physical function, psychological function, and home environmental safety in frail elders living at home in rural communities. METHODS: The design of this study was a nonequivalent control group pre posttest design. The study was conducted from July to November, 2012 with 30 participants in the experimental group and 30 in the control group. Participants were registered at the public health center of E County. The prevention program on falls consisted of laughter therapy, exercise, foot care and education. The program was provided once a week for 8 weeks and each session lasted 80 minutes. RESULTS: The risk score for falls and depression in the experimental group decreased significantly compared with scores for the control group. Compliance with prevention behavior related to falls, knowledge score on falls, safety scores of home environment, physical balance, muscle strength of lower extremities, and self-efficacy for fall prevention significantly increased in the experimental group compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the prevention program on falls is effective for the prevention of falls in frail elders living at home.

[The effects of a Korean traditional dance movement program in elderly women].

PURPOSE: This study was aimed to identify the effects of a 12 week Korean traditional dance movement program on balance, depression, medical cost, medical institution's utilization and fall among elderly women. METHODS: Using a quasi-experimental design, the experimental group was composed of 130 subjects and the control group was composed of 123 subjects. The experimental group participated in a 12 week Korean traditional dance movement program 3 times a week from December 2002 to February 2003. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, paired t-test and t-test. RESULTS: There was significant improvement in balance (right leg p=.000, left leg p=.004), depression (p=.000), and the medical institution's utilization (p=.001) and fall (p=.002) in the experimental group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: A Korean traditional dance movement program improved balance, depression, and decreased fall and medical cost in elderly women. Therefore, we recommend this program be utilized as a health promoting program and falls preventing program for the elderly in the community.

The Effects of a Korean Traditional Dance Movement Program in Elderly Women / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was amied to identify the effects of a 12 week Korean traditional dance movement program on balance, depression, medical cost, medical institution's utilization and fall among elderly women. METHODS: Using a quasi-experimental design, the experimental group was composed of 130 subjects and the control group was composed of 123 subjects. The experimental group participated in a 12 week Korean traditional dance movement program 3 times a week from December 2002 to February 2003. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, paired t-test and t-test. RESULTS: There was siginificant improvement in balance(right leg p=.000, left leg p=.004), depression(p=.000), and the medical institution's utilization(p=.001) and fall(p=.002) in the experimental group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: A Korean traditional dance movement program improved balance, depression, and decreased fall and medical cost in elderly women. Therefore, we recommend this program be utilized as a health promoting program and falls preventing program for the elderly in the community.

Comparisons of motivation, health behaviors, and functional status among elders in residential homes in Korea.

This study compared the changes in health behaviors, motivation, and functional status between motivation enhancement exercise-program participants and program dropouts over 6 months. A total of 73 older adults living in residential homes participated in the study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted at pretest and then at 10 weeks and 6 months in the program. The participants exercised using traditional Korean dance movements for 50 min, 4 times per week, for 6 months. The subjects were classified as participants or dropouts by using a cutoff attendance rate of 80%. Repeated ANOVA revealed the following results over 6 months: 1 The motivation to perform health behaviors, especially for perceived benefits, improved significantly for the participants than for the dropouts. 2 Significant differences in the performance of overall health behaviors and exercise-related behaviors were found between the participants and the dropouts. 3 The sickness impact profile (SIP) of the participants improved significantly, compared with the dropouts. Significant group differences were found for total SIP, physical dimensions, and enjoyment of recreation and pastimes. In conclusion, the study found that the 6-month motivation enhancement program was effective in motivating older adults to perform health behaviors and to improve their functional status.

A Study on Validity of a Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire for Korean Adults / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study was conducted to validate the semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire that was developed to assess the intakes of fatty acids, as well as energy, carbohydrates, fat, protein, minerals and vitamins in Korean adults. The validity of the semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was tested on 78 subjects (31 men, 47 women) aged 34 to 66 years. The semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire included 93 food items and was validated on two 3-day dietary records. The mean intakes and the Spearman Correlation Coefficients between the semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and the two 3-day dietary records were analyzed for each nutrient and food group level. The mean nutrient intakes obtained from the semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire were estimated to be greater than those of the two 3-day dietary records. The Spearman Correlation Coefficients between the energy-adjusted nutrient intakes from the semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and the two 3-day dietary records ranged from 0.24 for polyunsaturated fatty acids to 0.55 for fat in men and from 0.29 for polyunsaturated fatty acids to 0.55 for saturated fatty acids in women, respectively. The Spearman Correlation Coefficients for food intake ranged from 0.11 for teas and beverages to 0.58 for grains and their products in men, -0.04 for potatoes and starches to 0.73 for milk and dairy products in women. Foods consumed regularly had lower intra-person variation and tended to have higher observed correlation coefficients. These results indicate that the semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire is a useful tool for estimating nutrient intakes, particularly of total fat and saturated fatty acid intakes.