Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent-Based Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Total Flavonoid Compounds from Spent Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Leaves: Optimization and Antioxidant and Bacteriostatic Activity.

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) coupled with microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) were applied to extract total flavonoid compounds from spent sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) leaves. In this study, ten different NADESs were successfully synthesized for the MAE. Based on single-factor experiments, the response surface methodology (RSM) was applied, and the microwave power, extraction temperature, extraction time, and solid−liquid ratio were further evaluated in order to optimize the yields of total flavonoid compounds. Besides, the extracts were recovered by macroporous resin for the biological activity detection of flavonoid compounds. As a result, NADES-2, synthesized by choline chloride and malic acid (molar ratio 1:2), exhibited the highest extraction yield. After that, the NADES-2-based MAE process was optimized and the optimal conditions were as follows: microwave power of 470 W, extraction temperature of 54 °C, extraction time of 21 min, and solid−liquid ratio of 70 mg/mL. The extraction yield (40.21 ± 0.23 mg rutin equivalents/g sweet potato leaves) of the model validation experiment was demonstrated to be in accordance with the predicted value (40.49 mg rutin equivalents/g sweet potato leaves). In addition, flavonoid compounds were efficiently recovered from NADES-extracts with a high recovery yield (>85%) using AB-8 macroporous resin. The bioactivity experiments in vitro confirmed that total flavonoid compounds had good DPPH and O2−· radical-scavenging activity, as well as inhibitory effects on E. coli, S. aureus, E. carotovora, and B. subtilis. In conclusion, this study provides a green and efficient method to extract flavonoid compounds from spent sweet potato leaves, providing technical support for the development and utilization of sweet potato leaves' waste.

Characterization and differentiation of pollen lipidomes and proteomes from different intrafloral stamens in heterantherous Senna bicapsularis.

Numerous compounds in pollen can affect the foraging decision-making of bees. Clarification of phytochemical components and identification of key substances for bee foraging preference in pollen are essential steps for apiculture and developing a conservation strategy. Senna bicapsularis, a heterantherous plant that possesses three different stamen types in the same flower, among which bees forage selectively, provides us with an ideal research model for identification of potential substances of bee foraging preference. The lipid and protein compositions of pollen from the anthers of different stamens of S. bicapsularis were investigated and compared. The polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs) were highest among lipid molecules in pollen from short (S) stamens than from long (L) and medium (M) stamens. This result is consistent with the FA content measurement, showing the highest FAs and UFAs content in S pollen, especially α-linolenic acid. We inferred that α-linolenic acid might be one of the key substances for bee foraging preference in pollen. Moreover, proteomic analysis showed that several differentially expressed proteins involved in lipid biosynthesis were highly accumulated in S pollen, such as choline kinase 2, 3-oxoacyl-ACP synthase-like protein and choline/ethanolamine phosphotransferase 1, in line with the highest FA content of S pollen. Additionally, DEPs involved in 'starch and sucrose metabolism', 'phenylpropanoid biosynthesis' and 'cyanoamino acid metabolism' were more represented in S compared with L and M pollen. The study suggests that differences in proteomic and lipidomic profiling among the three different stamen types might affect foraging decision-making of bumblebees.

Yellow loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris var. davurica) ameliorates liver fibrosis in db/db mice with methionine- and choline-deficient diet-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a liver disease caused by a nonalcoholic fatty liver, is increasing in incidence worldwide. Owing to the complexity of its pathogenic mechanisms, there are no therapeutic agents for this disease yet. The ideal drug for NASH needs to concurrently decrease hepatic lipid accumulation and exert anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and antioxidative effects in the liver. Because of their multipurpose therapeutic effects, we considered that medicinal herbs are suitable for treating patients with NASH. METHODS: We determined the efficacy of the alcoholic extract of Lysimachia vulgaris var. davurica (LV), an edible medicinal herb, for NASH treatment. For inducing NASH, C57BLKS/J lar-Leprdb/Leprdb (db/db) male mice were fed with a methionine-choline deficient (MCD) diet ad libitum. After 3 weeks, the LV extract and a positive control (GFT505) were administered to mice by oral gavage for 3 weeks with a continued MCD diet as needed. RESULTS: In mice with diet-induced NASH, the LV extract could relieve the disease symptoms; that is, the extract ameliorated hepatic lipid accumulation and also showed antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. The LV extract also activated nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression, leading to the upregulation of antioxidants and detoxification signaling. Moreover, the extract presented remarkable efficacy in alleviating liver fibrosis compared with GFT505. This difference was caused by significant LV extract-mediated reduction in the mRNA expression of fibrotic genes like the alpha-smooth muscle actin and collagen type 3 alpha 1. Reduction of fibrotic genes may thus relate with the downregulation of transforming growth factor beta (TGFß)/Smad signaling by LV extract administration. CONCLUSIONS: Lipid accumulation and inflammatory responses in the liver were alleviated by feeding LV extract to NASH-induced mice. Moreover, the LV extract strongly prevented liver fibrosis by blocking TGFß/Smad signaling. Hence, LV showed sufficient potency for use as a therapeutic agent against NASH.

Novel choline selective electrochemical membrane sensor with application in milk powders and infant formulas.

Choline (Ch+), is a vitamin-like essential water-soluble organic micronutrient. The US-FDA requires that infant formula not made from cow's milk must be supplemented with Ch+. Direct determination of Ch+ in milk powders and infant formulas is a challenging task due to the lack of a detectable chromophore, its existence in free and complexed forms as well as the presence of multi-analytes in these complex matrices. Here, an enzyme-free potentiometric ion selective electrode (ISE) with high selectivity for Ch+, a linear range from 0.03 µM up to 1 mM, a 0.061 µM detection limit (LOD) and a typical response time less than 5 and no greater than 60 s is developed for monitoring of Ch+ in infant formula and milk powders. To achieve these ISE parameters we relied on the ability of calixarenes and its derivatives to form host-guest complexes with the positively charged quaternary ammonium moiety of Ch+. We employed a lipophilic (membrane-compatible) calixarene as an ionophore in the sensing membrane phase to provide a molecular receptor for Ch+ capable of selective binding; while utilizing, hydrophilic (water-soluble) p-sulfonated calixarene as a buffering agent to optimize the inner filling solution to reduce transmembrane Ch+ fluxes. All the calixarene structures and their complexes with Ch+ were optimized at the density functional theory (DFT) level and the Gibbs free energies for the inclusion of Ch+ into the calixarenes were calculated. The prepared sensor was shown to selectively respond only to Ch+ in the presence of all other interferents in the tested matrices with results that are not statistically significantly different for either accuracy or precision relative to the much more laborious official AOAC 1999 coupled enzymatic-spectrophotometric method. The proposed method is highly selective, non-enzymatic, requires no derivatization or incubation steps, offers a fast response time, and has the potential of portability for in situ analysis, while being relatively cost effective and non-laborious.

Black American Maternal Prenatal Choline, Offspring Gestational Age at Birth, and Developmental Predisposition to Mental Illness.

Black Americans have increased risk for schizophrenia and other mental illnesses with prenatal origins. Prenatal choline promotes infant brain development and behavioral outcomes, but choline has not been specifically assessed in Black Americans. Pregnant women (N = 183, N = 25 Black Americans) enrolled in a study of prenatal stressors and interactions with prenatal choline. Black American women had lower 16-week gestation plasma choline than Whites. Lower choline was not related to obesity, income, or metabolic genotypes. Pregnant women in rural Uganda have higher choline levels than Black American women. Black Americans' lower choline was associated with higher hair cortisol, indicative of higher stress. Lower maternal choline was associated with offsprings' lower gestational age at birth and with decreased auditory P50 inhibition, a marker of inhibitory neuron development. Behavioral development was assessed on the Infant Behavior Questionnaire-R-SF (IBQ-R) at 3 months. Lower Black American maternal gestational choline was associated with lower infant IBQ-R Orienting/Regulation, indicating decreased attention and relation to caregivers. Additional evidence for developmental effects of choline in Black Americans comes from a randomized clinical trial of gestational phosphatidylcholine supplementation versus placebo that included 15 Black Americans. Phosphatidylcholine increased gestational age at birth and newborn P50 inhibition and decreased Social Withdrawn and Attention problems at 40 months of age in Black Americans' offspring compared to placebo. Inhibitory and behavioral deficits associated with lower prenatal choline in offspring of Black American women indicate potential developmental predispositions to later mental illnesses that might be ameliorated by prenatal choline or phosphatidylcholine supplementation.

Choline Intake as Supplement or as a Component of Eggs Increases Plasma Choline and Reduces Interleukin-6 without Modifying Plasma Cholesterol in Participants with Metabolic Syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by low-grade inflammation and insulin resistance, which increase the risk of heart disease. Eggs have numerous nutrients including choline, carotenoids, and fat-soluble vitamins that may protect against these conditions. Egg phosphatidylcholine (PC) is a major contributor of dietary choline in the American diet. However, uncertainty remains regarding eggs due to their high concentration of cholesterol. In this study, we evaluated the effect of two sources of choline, whole eggs (a source of PC) and a choline supplement (choline bitartrate, CB), on plasma lipids, glucose, insulin resistance, and inflammatory biomarkers. We recruited 23 subjects with MetS to participate in this randomized cross-over intervention. After a 2-week washout, with no choline intake, participants were randomly allocated to consume three eggs/day or CB (~400 mg choline/d for both) for 4 weeks. After a 3-week washout period, they were allocated to the alternate treatment. Dietary records indicated higher concentrations of vitamin E and selenium during the egg period (p < 0.01). Interestingly, there were no changes in plasma total, low density lipoprotein (LDL)- or high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, triglycerides, or glucose, compared either to baseline or between treatments. In contrast, interleukin-6 was reduced, with both sources of choline compared to baseline, while eggs also had an effect on lowering C-reactive protein, insulin, and insulin resistance compared to baseline. This study demonstrates that in a MetS population, intake of three eggs per day does not increase plasma LDL cholesterol, and has additional benefits on biomarkers of disease compared to a choline supplement, possibly due to the presence of other antioxidants in eggs.

Citrus reticulata Blanco peel extract ameliorates hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress and inflammation in HF and MCD diet-induced NASH C57BL/6 J mice.

Excessive lipid deposition, oxidative stress and inflammation in liver tissues are regarded as crucial inducers of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is the most frequent chronic liver disease and closely related to obesity and insulin resistance. In this work, the preventive and therapeutic effects of Citrus reticulata Blanco (Jizigan) peel extract (JZE) on NASH induced by high fat (HF) diet and methionine choline-deficient (MCD) diet in C57BL/6 mice were investigated. We found that daily supplementation of JZE with an HF diet effectively ameliorated glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. In addition, the key indexes of lipid profiles, oxidative stress, hepatic steatosis and inflammatory factors were also ameliorated in both NASH mouse models. Furthermore, JZE treatment activated nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in the livers of diet- induced NASH mice. Our study suggests that JZE might alleviate NASH via the activation of Nrf2 signaling and that citrus Jizigan could be used as a dietary therapy for NASH and related metabolic syndrome.

Short echo-time Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in ALS, simultaneous quantification of glutamate and GABA at 3 T.

Cortical hyperexcitability has been found in early Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and is hypothesized to be a key factor in pathogenesis. The current pilot study aimed to investigate cortical inhibitory/excitatory balance in ALS using short-echo Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS). Patients suffering from ALS were scanned on a 3 T Trio Siemens MR scanner using Spin Echo Full Intensity Acquired Localized (SPECIAL) Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in primary motor cortex and the occipital lobe. Data was compared to a group of healthy subjects. Nine patients completed the scan. MRS data was of an excellent quality allowing for quantification of a range of metabolites of interest in ALS. In motor cortex, patients had Glutamate/GABA and GABA/Cr- ratios comparable to healthy subjects. However, Glutamate/Cr (p = 0.002) and the neuronal marker N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA/Cr) (p = 0.034) were low, possibly due to grey-matter atrophy, whereas Glutathione/Cr (p = 0.04) was elevated. In patients, NAA levels correlated significantly with both hand strength (p = 0.027) and disease severity (p = 0.016). In summary SPECIAL MRS at 3 T allows of reliable quantification of a range of metabolites of interest in ALS, including both excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters. The method is a promising new technique as a biomarker for future studies on ALS pathophysiology and monitoring of disease progression.

Natural deep eutectic solvents and aqueous solutions as an alternative extraction media for propolis.

Ethanolic extracts of propolis are consumed for their health benefits even though direct consumption of alcoholic extracts is not always ideal. Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) can potentially extract similar compounds as alcoholic extracts while being better for direct consumption. Therefore, in this work alternative solvents for the extraction of green propolis including its biomarker artepillin C were examined. Sixteen NADES made from low toxicity chemicals, including the essential amino acid l-lysine, were explored along with twelve individual NADES components and honey, which showed similar physical-chemical properties to NADES. At 50 °C NADES made from choline chloride-propylene glycol or lactic acid proved to be equal or better than the benchmark EtOH:Water 7:3 (v/v). Alternatively, aqueous l-lysine appeared as a potential solvent for the preparation of aqueous propolis extracts. From these findings NADES, honey and aqueous l-lysine solutions all demonstrated the potential to replace ethanol or water for extracting green propolis.

Analysis of magnetic resonance spectroscopy relative metabolite ratios in mild traumatic brain injury and normative controls.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in United States military personnel with persistent symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), comparing over time two groups randomized to receive hyperbaric oxygen or sham chamber sessions and a third group of normative controls. METHODS: Active-duty or veteran military personnel and normative controls underwent MRS outcome measures at baseline, 13 weeks (mTBI group only), and six months. Participants received 3.0 Tesla brain MRS for analysis of water-suppressed two-dimensional (2D) multivoxel 1H-MRS of the brain using point resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) with volume selection localized above the lateral ventricles and within the brain parenchyma, of which one voxel was chosen in each hemisphere without artifact. Script-based automatic data processing was used to assess N-acetylaspartate (NAA), creatine (Cr), and choline (Cho). Metabolite ratios for white matter were then calculated for NAA/Cr (Area), Cho/Cr (Area), and Cho/NAA (Area). These ratios were compared using standard analysis methodology. RESULTS: There were no observable differences between participants with mTBI and normative controls nor any observable changes over time in the NAA/Cr (area), Cho/Cr (area), and Cho/NAA (area) ratios. Similarly, the control and injured participants were indistinguishable. DISCUSSION: While participants with mild TBI showed no difference in MRS compared to normative controls, our results are limited by the few voxels chosen and potentially by less sensitive MRS markers.

Identification of Sinapine-Derived Choline from a Rapeseed Diet as a Source of Serum Trimethylamine N-Oxide in Pigs.

Choline and its metabolites have diverse and important functions in many physiological processes, especially for anabolic metabolism in growth and reproduction. Besides endogenous biosynthesis and direct choline supplement, choline esters in the diet are another source of choline in the body. Phenolic choline esters are a group of unique dietary choline esters rich in the seeds of Brassicaceae plants, among which sinapine is a choline ester of sinapic acid abundant in rapeseed. In this study, 40 nursery pigs were fed with rapeseed-derived feed ingredients (RSF) or soybean meal for 3 weeks (20 pigs/diet). The metabolic fate of sinapine-derived choline in RSF was examined by comparing the distribution of choline and its metabolites in digesta, liver, and serum samples by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. The results showed that choline was released from extensive hydrolysis of sinapine in the small intestine. However, sinapine-derived choline did not increase the levels of choline and its major metabolites, including betaine, phosphocholine, and glycerophosphocholine, in the liver and serum. Instead, RSF feeding increased trimethylamine (TMA), the microbial metabolite of choline, in the large intestine and further increased trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), the oxidation metabolite of TMA, in the liver and serum. Overall, these results suggested that sinapine-derived choline from rapeseed feeding had limited influences on the post-absorption choline pool as a result of its low bioavailability but may serve as a major source of TMAO through microbial metabolism in nursery pigs. Improving the bioavailability of sinapine-derived choline might have the potential to modify the nutritional values and functionalities of rapeseed meal in swine feeding.

Quaternary ammonium compounds in roots and leaves of Capparis spinosa L. from Saudi Arabia and Italy: investigation by HPLC-MS and 1H NMR.

Capparis spinosa L. is a perennial plant typical of the Mediterranean flora and a multipurpose plant used for curing various human ailments. Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), as constituents of Capparaceae, play important roles in protecting against abiotic stress. Aim of this work was to determine QACs in root and leaves of caper from two proveniences. The presence of stachydrine, choline, glycine betaine and homo-stachydrine has been confirmed by high resolution MS, while 1H NMR was applied to quantify the main QACs in the aqueous extracts. Stachydrine was quantified at 20.2 mg/g and 32.3 mg/g on dry leaves from South of Italy and Saudi Arabia, respectively, while a minor content was in dry roots (from 10.4 to 12.5 mg/g). Choline was considerably lower both in leaves and roots (from 0.3 to 1.2 mg/g). To our knowledge, this is the first report on the determination of QACs both in root and leaves of C. spinosa.

Dual-channeled capillary electrophoresis coupled with contactless conductivity detection for rapid determination of choline and taurine in energy drinks and dietary supplements.

In this study is reported a simple and inexpensive method for concurrent determination of taurine and choline in different supplementary nutrient samples using dual-channeled capillary electrophoresis (CE) instrument with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (C4D). The objective of the work is to propose a tool for food control activities that allows screening of different target compounds (having different characteristics) in a single run for high throughput and can be realizable even with modest infrastructure. Taurine was analyzed in the first CE channel using the background electrolyte (BGE) composed of 150 mM tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane/lactic acid (pH 8.96) whereas choline was simultaneously separated in the second CE channel using a BGE containing 150 mM tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane/acetic acid (pH 9.5). The best achieved detection limit was 0.27 mg/L and 0.45 mg/L for taurine and choline, respectively, using the developed CE-C4D method. Good agreement between results obtained from CE-C4D and those with the standard confirmation methods (HPLC-DAD for taurine and LC/MS for choline) was achieved, with the result deviation for the two pairs of data being less than 12%.

Determination of sinapine in rapeseed pomace extract: Its antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibition properties.

Sinapine is the main secondary metabolite present in rapeseed pomace (RSP) with its concentration being dependent on rapeseed processing, growing conditions, extraction parameters and the country of origin. Here we report, the concentration of sinapine from an extract of defatted RSP harvested in the North East of Scotland. Using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, the most abundant phenolic compound in the RSP extract was, as expected, sinapine (109.1 mg/g RSP extract). Additionally, sinapic, caffeic, ferulic and syringic acids were identified (0.159-3.91 mg/g RSP extract). Sinapine together with the phenolics at the concentration present in the RSP extract, exhibited ≥50% activity relative to the extract in antioxidant assays. Furthermore, sinapine provided plasmid DNA (pBR322) protection, from 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride and inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity by 85%. Molecular docking was utilised to explain the inhibitory activity. RSP can be an excellent source of bioactive compounds for pharmaceuticals, food additive and nutraceutical applications.

Triticum aestivum ethanolic extract improves non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice fed a choline-deficient or high-fat diet.

BACKGROUND: Although non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become more prevalent with the rapid increase of obesity worldwide, no specific treatment has been developed. Several studies have shown that wheatgrass extract Triticum aestivum (TA) improves lipid metabolism. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of GM-T (an ethanolic TA extract) in a murine NAFLD model. Mice were separated into 12 groups (n = 10): two groups of normal diet, choline-deficient diet (CDD) or high-fat diet (HFD) with vehicle, CCD or HFD with silymarin (400 mg kg-1 day-1 ), and CCD or HFD with GM-T (100, 200 or 400 mg kg-1 day-1 ). The study was performed for 8 weeks for the CDD groups and 12 weeks for the HFD groups. RESULTS: In the CDD-fed mice, GM-T improved serum liver enzyme activities and liver inflammation score compared to vehicle. In the HFD-fed mice, GM-T improved blood lipid profiles, liver inflammation score, steatosis score and obesity compared to vehicle. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that GM-T effectively improved NAFLD in mice via a mechanism that improved insulin resistance and lipid metabolism, suggesting the possibility of a functional dietary supplement to improve liver health, overall metabolic syndrome and obesity. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides improve hepatic injury through NFkappa-B and NLRP3/6 pathways in a methionine choline deficient diet steatohepatitis mouse model.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) are major bioactive constituents of wolfberry which possess several pharmacological effects such as antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities. We aimed to evaluate how LBP attenuated the hepatic injury in a non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) methionine-choline deficient (MCD) mouse model. NASH was induced in C57BL/6N mice by feeding with MCD diet for 6 weeks. During the experiments, 1 mg/kg LBP was intragastrically fed on a daily basis with or without MCD diet lasting from the 4th to 6th week. Control and vehicle-control (LBP + PBS) were fed with a regular animal chow. LBP significantly ameliorated NASH-induced injuries, including the increase of serum ALT and AST levels, hepatic oxidative stress, fibrosis, inflammation, and apoptosis. The hepatoprotective effects of LBP were accompanied by the attenuation of thioredoxin interacting protein, nod-like receptor protein 3/6 (NLRP3/6) and reduced NF-κB (nuclear factor-kappa B) activity. Vehicle LBP fed mice showed no adverse effect on the liver. In conclusion, the suppression of the NLRP3/6 inflammasome pathway and NF-κB activation may partly contribute to the reduction of the hepatic injury during the progression of NASH by therapeutic LBP treatment.

Effect of Phyllanthus emblica L. fruit on methionine and choline-deficiency diet-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Phyllanthus emblica L. fruit contains abundant bioactive components and exhibits a variety of biological activities. In this study, the hepatoprotective effect of water extract of P. emblica (WEPE) on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) was evaluated. C57BL/6 mice were fed methionine and choline-deficiency diet (MCD diet) for 4 or 8 weeks to induce NASH. Results showed that administration of WEPE could significantly reduce serum AST and ALT as compared to MCD diet-alone group. Administration of WEPE could significantly decrease lipid peroxidation and CYP2E1 mRNA expression, and elevate the antioxidant activities in mice livers. In addition, administration of WEPE after 8 weeks could significantly decrease the mRNA expressions of TNF-α and IL-1ß in mice livers, but have less improving effect of hepatic steatosis and mononuclear cell infiltration. Taken together, MCD diet might cause serious hepatic steatosis and mild inflammation in mice livers, but administration of WEPE could ameliorate the rapid progression of NASH.

Associations between executive function impairment and biochemical abnormalities in bipolar disorder with suicidal ideation.

BACKGROUND: Executive dysfunction and biochemical abnormalities using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) have been reported in bipolar disorder (BD). Much less is known about the information from BD with suicidal ideation (SI). This study aimed to assess alterations of execution function and biochemical metabolism in BD with SI, in BD without SI, and in healthy controls. The associations between execution function and biochemical metabolism in the two BD patient groups were also been studied. METHODS: 92 patients with bipolar disorder during a depressive episode (50 with current SI, and 42 without SI), as well as, 43 healthy controls were recruited in our study. Executive function was assessed by Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). Bilateral metabolite levels of prefrontal cortex (PFC), anterior cingulated cortex (ACC), lenticular nucleus (LN) of basal ganglia and thalamus were obtained by 1H-MRS at 3.0 T, then determined the ratios of N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), choline-containing compounds (Cho), myo-inositol (mI) to creatine (Cr). RESULTS: Number of categories completed (CC) in BD with SI was significantly less than healthy controls. NAA/Cr ratios of left PFC in the two BD patient groups (with or without SI) were significantly lower than healthy controls, and NAA/Cr ratios of left thalamus were significantly higher than healthy controls. Moreover, NAA/Cr ratio of right LN in BD without SI was higher than BD with SI and healthy controls. For BD with SI, NAA/Cr ratio of left thalamus was negatively correlated with number of CC. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that BD with or without SI may have abnormal NAA metabolism, and NAA/Cr ratio of right LN may distinguish SI from the BD patients. Further, BD with SI may have executive function impairment, which may be associated with the abnormal NAA metabolism in the left thalamus.

Intralipid/Heparin Infusion Alters Brain Metabolites Assessed With 1H-MRS Spectroscopy in Young Healthy Men.

Context: We previously demonstrated that insulin infusion altered metabolite concentrations in cerebral tissues assessed with proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) in young subjects with high insulin sensitivity, but not in those with low insulin sensitivity. Fat overload is an important factor leading to insulin resistance. Objective: The purpose of the current study was to examine the effect of elevated circulating free fatty acid (FFA) levels on metabolites in cerebral tissues assessed with 1H-MRS. Design: The study group comprised 10 young, healthy male subjects. 1H-MRS was performed at baseline and after 4-hour Intralipid (Fresenius Kabi)/heparin or saline infusions administered in random order. Voxels were positioned in the left frontal lobe, left temporal lobe, and hippocampus. The ratios of N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline (Cho)-containing compounds, myo-inositol (mI), and glutamate/glutamine/γ-aminobutyric acid complex (Glx) to creatine (Cr) and nonsuppressed water signal were determined. Results: Intralipid/heparin infusion resulted in a significant increase in circulating FFAs (P < 0.0001). Significant changes in brain neurometabolite concentrations in response to Intralipid/heparin infusion were increases in frontal mI/Cr (P = 0.041) and mI/H2O (P = 0.037), decreases in frontal and hippocampal Glx/Cr (P = 0.018 and P = 0.015, respectively) and Glx/H2O (P = 0.03 and P = 0.067, respectively), and a decrease in hippocampal NAA/Cr (P = 0.007) and NAA/H2O (P = 0.019). No changes in neurometabolites were observed during the saline infusion. Conclusions: Acute circulating FFA elevation influenced cerebral metabolites in healthy humans and lipid-induced insulin resistance could be partly responsible for these effects.

Concentrations of Water-Soluble Forms of Choline in Human Milk from Lactating Women in Canada and Cambodia.

Choline has critical roles during periods of rapid growth and development, such as infancy. In human milk, choline is mostly present in water-soluble forms (free choline, phosphocholine, and glycerophosphocholine). It is thought that milk choline concentration is influenced by maternal choline intake, and the richest food sources for choline are of animal origin. Scarce information exists on milk choline from countries differing in animal-source food availability. In this secondary analysis of samples from previous trials, the concentrations of the water-soluble forms of choline were quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in mature milk samples collected from lactating women in Canada (n = 301) and in Cambodia (n = 67). None of the water-soluble forms of choline concentrations in milk differed between Canada and Cambodia. For all milk samples (n = 368), free choline, phosphocholine, glycerophosphocholine, and the sum of water-soluble forms of choline concentrations in milk were (mean (95%CI)) 151 (141, 160, 540 (519, 562), 411 (396, 427), and 1102 (1072, 1133) µmol/L, respectively. Theoretically, only 19% of infants would meet the current Adequate Intake (AI) for choline. Our findings suggest that the concentrations in milk of water-soluble forms of choline are similar in Canada and Cambodia, and that the concentration used to set the infant AI might be inaccurate.