The Impact of the High-Fructose Corn Syrup on Cardiac Damage via SIRT1/PGC1-α Pathway: Potential Ameliorative Effect of Selenium.

High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has been a subject of intense debate due to its association with cardiovascular risks. This study investigates the potential protective effects of selenium (Se) supplementation against cardiac damage induced by HFCS. Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats were divided into four equal groups: control, CS (20%-HFCS), CS with Se (20%-HFCS, 0.3 mg/kg-Se), and Se (0.3 mg/kg-Se) only. After a 6-week period, heart and aorta tissues were collected for histopathological, immunohistochemical, biochemical, and genetic analyses. HFCS consumption led to severe cardiac pathologies, increased oxidative stress, and altered gene expressions associated with inflammation, apoptosis, and antioxidant defenses. In the CS group, pronounced oxidative stress within the cardiac tissue was concomitant with elevated Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) expression and diminished expressions of B-cell-lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1-α), and silenced information regulator 1 (SIRT1). Se supplementation mitigated these effects, showing protective properties. Immunohistochemical analysis supported these findings, demonstrating decreased expressions of caspase-3, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-1ß, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the CS + Se group compared to the CS group. The study suggests that Se supplementation exerts anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic effects, potentially attenuating HFCS-induced cardiovascular toxicity. These findings highlight the importance of dietary considerations and selenium supplementation in mitigating cardiovascular risks associated with HFCS consumption.

Circulating mir-200c and mir-33a may be used as biomarkers for predicting high fructose corn syrup-induced fatty liver and vitamin D supplementation-related liver changes.

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver is one of the most common forms of liver disease and role of microRNAs (miRNAs) on this illness is currently unclear. It was aimed to evaluate the predictive role of circulating miR-33a and mir-200c on high fructose corn syrup (HFCS)-induced fatty liver and vitamin D3 supplementation-related hepatic changes. METHODS: Twenty-four rats were randomized into three groups: sham (n = 8), experimental fatty liver group (n = 8), and fatty liver + vitamin D3 supplementation group (n = 8). In the treatment group, 10 µg/kg/week of vitamin D3 was given by orogastric tube weekly for 4 weeks in addition to a high fructose diet. Serum AST, ALT, TNF-α, and MDA levels were tested. Liver tissue samples were examined using hematoxylin/eosin, periodic acid-Schif (PAS) and Masson's Trichrome staining. Circulating miR-33a and mir-200c were quantified by qRT-PCR method. Moreover, in silico analyses were accomplished. RESULTS: In the vitamin D3 group, results of biochemical parameters were significantly different than those of the fatty liver group (p < 0.001). Moreover, significant differences in serum levels of circulating miR-33a and mir-200c were identified among all groups (p < 0.05). Finally, more favorable histopathological changes were noticed in the vitamin D3 supplementation group. The expressions of Ki-67 were also considerably reduced in the vitamin D3 group. According to KEGG pathway analysis, mir-33a and mir-200c were found to play a common role in the Hippo signaling pathway, lysine degradation, and protein processing. DISCUSSION: Our current experimental fatty liver study showed that, in a specified dose, vitamin D3 supplementation could alleviate adverse undesirable hepatic effects of HFCS via miR-33a and mir-200c.

The Effects of Probiotics and Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Liver Steatosis Induced in Rats by High-Fructose Corn Syrup.

Aims: This study was designed to reveal the effect of probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids in a fatty liver model in rats induced by high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Methods: In the study, 40 male Wistar Albino rats were used, and these rats were divided into five groups. HFCS was added to the drinking water (30% solution) of four groups (Groups 2, 3, 4, and 5) for three weeks, and the animals were fed ad libitum. At the end of three weeks, the rats in Groups 3, 4, and 5 were administered omega-3 fatty acids (400 mg/kg) and probiotics (1.5 × 109 cfu/mL/day) with the gavage method for four weeks. The body weights of rats were weighed and recorded before starting the experiment, at the end of the third week, and before the animals were sacrificed at the last week, all at the same hour. By subtracting the remaining amount of food and water from the daily food and water amount, the amount of food and water consumed was calculated. These values were recorded for seven weeks. At the end of the seven weeks, the rats were sacrificed after blood specimens and tissues were taken. Results: Analyzing the changes in the food intake of each group within itself throughout the experiment, it was observed that there was an increase in the food intake in the control group; from the starting week to the last week, the food intake amount of the HFCS group began to decrease particularly after the second week; and it began to decrease after the third week in the groups that were administered probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids. The changes in the sacrifice weights in the HFCS + omega-3 fatty acid, HFCS + probiotic, and HFCS + probiotic + omega-3 fatty acid groups were found to be lower than that in the HFCS group. The maximum levels of glucose, ALT, ALP, serum cholesterol, triglyceride and AST were found to be in the HFCS group. It was determined that the minimum mean steatosis level was in the control group, while the maximum steatosis level was in the HFCS group. Conclusions: As a result, there was a protective effect of probiotic and omega-3 fatty acid.

Masseter muscle and gingival tissue inflammatory response following treatment with high-fructose corn syrup in rats: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of kefir.

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) intake (20% beverages) impacts antioxidative structures and inflammation in the gingival tissue and masseter muscle of rats. Kefir was tested for its potential utility on changes induced by HFCS. Animals were randomly divided into four groups as control, kefir, HFCS, and HFCS plus kefir. HFCS was given as 20% solutions in drinking water while kefir supplementations were given by gastric gavage for 8 weeks. It has been clearly determined that the HFCS diet increased expressions of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß, and tumor necrosis factor-α proinflammatory structures via lymphocyte infiltration by suppressing antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase in both tissues. Kefir improved these undesirable changes in rats fed with HFCS. The results of this current study, the first investigation to examine the effects of kefir on masseter muscle and gingival tissue, may provide new access to the restorative effects of kefir consumption on oral health disorders caused by high fructose in the diet. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In this study, at an early age, the effects of kefir on improving inflammation via antioxidation in the masseter muscle and gingival tissue were investigated for the first time. We showed that kefir feeding ameliorates lymphocyte infiltration on the high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS)-induced masseter muscle and gingival tissue inflammation in rats. The mRNA expressions of inflammatory parameters measured in the study were supported by protein measurements via ELISA or immunohistochemistry. In the present study, kefir may play an important role in the antioxidation and inflammation process on the masseter muscle and gingival tissue against HFCS.

Fructose-Induced Intestinal Microbiota Shift Following Two Types of Short-Term High-Fructose Dietary Phases.

High consumption of fructose and high-fructose corn syrup is related to the development of obesity-associated metabolic diseases, which have become the most relevant diet-induced diseases. However, the influences of a high-fructose diet on gut microbiota are still largely unknown. We therefore examined the effect of short-term high-fructose consumption on the human intestinal microbiota. Twelve healthy adult women were enrolled in a pilot intervention study. All study participants consecutively followed four different diets, first a low fructose diet (< 10 g/day fructose), then a fruit-rich diet (100 g/day fructose) followed by a low fructose diet (10 g/day fructose) and at last a high-fructose syrup (HFS) supplemented diet (100 g/day fructose). Fecal microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. A high-fructose fruit diet significantly shifted the human gut microbiota by increasing the abundance of the phylum Firmicutes, in which beneficial butyrate producing bacteria such as Faecalibacterium, Anareostipes and Erysipelatoclostridium were elevated, and decreasing the abundance of the phylum Bacteroidetes including the genus Parabacteroides. An HFS diet induced substantial differences in microbiota composition compared to the fruit-rich diet leading to a lower Firmicutes and a higher Bacteroidetes abundance as well as reduced abundance of the genus Ruminococcus. Compared to a low-fructose diet we observed a decrease of Faecalibacterium and Erysipelatoclostridium after the HFS diet. Abundance of Bacteroidetes positively correlated with plasma cholesterol and LDL level, whereas abundance of Firmicutes was negatively correlated. Different formulations of high-fructose diets induce distinct alterations in gut microbiota composition. High-fructose intake by HFS causes a reduction of beneficial butyrate producing bacteria and a gut microbiota profile that may affect unfavorably host lipid metabolism whereas high consumption of fructose from fruit seems to modulate the composition of the gut microbiota in a beneficial way supporting digestive health and counteracting harmful effects of excessive fructose.

Characterization and Pharmacological Evaluation of Anti-Cellulite Herbal Product(s) Encapsulated in 3D-Fabricated Polymeric Microneedles.

Skin health is vital for a healthy body. Herbal remedies have long been used for skin care, and their global use has tremendously increased over the past three decades. Although cellulite is seen as a normal condition by the medical community, it is considered a serious cosmetic concern for most affected women. Many topical anti-cellulite creams are available on the market, but unfortunately, their efficacy has not been proven scientifically. Microneedles (MNs) represent a new approach to enhance the permeation of loaded medication through the skin. In this study, the anti-cellulite effects of Vitex agnus-castus and Tamarindus indica extracts were compared using safe and effective polymeric MNs. This delivery system offers a painless alternative to the combined treatment strategy of microneedling devices and anti-cellulite products. The selected standardized extracts were evaluated for their mineral, phenolic and flavonoid contents, which are correlated to a promising antioxidant effect, as demonstrated by an in vitro radical scavenging activity assay. 3D-printing techniques were chosen for fabrication of a micromold, which is inexpensive for mass production. To ensure that MNs were sufficiently strong to perforate the skin without breaking, axial failure force was measured using a micro-mechanical test machine. The anticellulite effects of MNs were assessed using an in vivo diet-induced obesity guinea pig model. Skin properties, histopathology and inflammatory markers were examined. MNs loaded with plant extracts were statistically comparable in normalizing the oxidative state and reducing inflammation, while myeloperoxidase levels were more significantly reduced by T. indica than by V. agnus-castus. This novel delivery system opens the door for new transdermal strategies for cellulite management.

ß-Sitosterol Shows Potential to Protect Against the Development of High-Fructose Diet-Induced Metabolic Dysfunction in Female Rats.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a combination of risk factors that include insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. The consumption of high-fructose diets contributes to the development of MetS. ß-sitosterol a naturally occurring phytosterol possesses antiobesogenic and antidiabetic effects. This study evaluated the potential protective effect of ß-sitosterol against the development of metabolic dysfunction in growing female rats fed a high-fructose diet, mimicking children fed obesogenic diets. Thirty-five 21-day-old female Sprague Dawley rat pups were randomly allocated to and administered the following treatments: group 1-standard rat chow (SRC) + plain drinking water (PW) + plain gelatine cube (PC); group 2-SRC + 20% w/w fructose solution (FS) as drinking fluid + PC; group 3-SRC + FS + 100 mg/kg fenofibrate in gelatine cubes; group 4-SRC + FS + 20 mg/kg ß-sitosterol gelatine cube (Bst); and group 5-SRC + PW + Bst. Following 12 weeks of feeding, the rats were fasted overnight, weighed, and then euthanized. Plasma cholesterol, insulin, glucose, triglyceride, and adiponectin concentrations were determined. Visceral fat was dissected out and weighed. The high-fructose diet increased (P < .05) visceral adiposity and plasma triglyceride concentration but decreased (P < .05) plasma adiponectin concentration. ß-sitosterol prevented the high-fructose diet-induced visceral obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypoadiponectinemia. ß-sitosterol alone increased plasma adiponectin concentration and reduced plasma insulin concentration and homeostatic model assessment index. In conclusion, ß-sitosterol could be potentially used to prevent high-fructose diet-induced metabolic dysfunction.

Effect of blueberry extract, carriers, and combinations on the growth rate of probiotic and pathogenic bacteria.

The blueberry is recognised as a source of phenolic compounds that have beneficial effects on human health; however, they possess low bioavailability and can be degraded by gastrointestinal conditions. Encapsulation has been widely used to mitigate these disadvantages; Gum Arabic (GA) and Corn Syrup Solids (CSS) are common carriers used in this technique. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Blueberry Extract (BE), carriers and their mixtures on the kinetic growth and maximal growth rate of probiotics and pathogenic bacteria. Kinetics were performed in MRS medium with and without a carbon source through Optical Density (OD) measurements and fitting these to the logistic model to compare the maximal growth rates (µmax) of the microorganisms. Each food component and its mixtures exert a different influence on the µmax of the bacteria studied (p < 0.05). This knowledge is important to improve the design of additives and functional foods.

A validated fast difference spectrophotometric method for 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (HMF) determination in corn syrups.

Corn syrups, important ingredients used in food and beverage industries, often contain high levels of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (HMF), a toxic contaminant. In this work, an in house validation of a difference spectrophotometric method for HMF analysis in corn syrups was developed using sophisticated statistical tools by the first time. The methodology showed excellent analytical performance with good selectivity, linearity (R2=99.9%, r>0.99), accuracy and low limits (LOD=0.10mgL-1 and LOQ=0.34mgL-1). An excellent precision was confirmed by repeatability (RSD (%)=0.30) and intermediate precision (RSD (%)=0.36) estimates and by Horrat value (0.07). A detailed study of method precision using a nested design demonstrated that variation sources such as instruments, operators and time did not interfere in the variability of results within laboratory and consequently in its intermediate precision. The developed method is environmentally friendly, fast, cheap and easy to implement resulting in an attractive alternative for corn syrups quality control in industries and official laboratories.

Systemic Amyloidosis Model on Young Mice.

Subcutaneous daily injection (with neglect of aseptics) of 0.5 ml solution of soybean cream substitute (10% volume in distilled water) during 30 days caused systemic amyloidosis in 30-day-old mice. All the known methods for induction of systemic amyloidosis are based on the use of old animals, as senile tissue bradytrophy allows effective simulation of amyloidosis.

Update on Importance of Diet in Gout.

Gout is an inflammatory arthritis caused by deposition of monosodium urate crystals within synovial joints. Although it is most well-known for its arthritis, gout has an intimate relationship with many other cardiovascular and metabolic conditions. Current recommendations support aggressive medical therapy to treat gout, whereas dietary counseling has become less emphasized. This article argues for the absolute importance of dietary counseling in gout and proves why this counseling may impact the long term well-being of a patient with gout.

A Novel Production Method for High-Fructose Glucose Syrup from Sucrose-Containing Biomass by a Newly Isolated Strain of Osmotolerant Meyerozyma guilliermondii.

One osmotolerant strain from among 44 yeast isolates was selected based on its growth abilities in media containing high concentrations of sucrose. This selected strain, named SKENNY, was identified as Meyerozyma guilliermondii by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer regions and partial D1/D2 large-subunit domains of the 26S ribosomal RNA. SK-ENNY was utilized to produce high-fructose glucose syrup (HFGS) from sucrose-containing biomass. Conversion rates to HFGS from 310-610 g/l of pure sucrose and from 75-310 g/l of sugar beet molasses were 73.5-94.1% and 76.2-91.1%, respectively. In the syrups produced, fructose yields were 89.4-100% and 96.5-100% and glucose yields were 57.6-82.5% and 55.3-79.5% of the theoretical values for pure sucrose and molasses sugars, respectively. This is the first report of employing M. guilliermondii for production of HFGS from sucrose-containing biomass.

Quantification of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in North American plants and honey by LC-MS: single laboratory validation.

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are a class of naturally occurring compounds produced by many flowering plants around the World. Their presence as contaminants in food systems has become a significant concern in recent years. For example, PAs are often found as contaminants in honey through pollen transfer. A validated method was developed for the quantification of four pyrrolizidine alkaloids and one pyrrolizidine alkaloid N-oxide in plants and honey grown and produced in British Columbia. The method was optimised for extraction efficiency from the plant materials and then subjected to a single-laboratory validation to assess repeatability, accuracy, selectivity, LOD, LOQ and method linearity. The PA content in plants ranged from1.0 to 307.8 µg/g with repeatability precision between 3.8 and 20.8% RSD. HorRat values were within acceptable limits and ranged from 0.62 to 1.63 for plant material and 0.56-1.82 for honey samples. Method accuracy was determined through spike studies with recoveries ranging from 84.6 to 108.2% from the raw material negative control and from 82.1-106.0 % for the pyrrolizidine alkaloids in corn syrup. Based on the findings in this single-laboratory validation, this method is suitable for the quantitation of lycopsamine, senecionine, senecionine N-oxide, heliosupine and echimidine in common comfrey (Symphytum officinale), tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), blueweed (Echium vulgare) and hound's tongue (Cynoglossum officinale) and for PA quantitation in honey and found that PA contaminants were present at low levels in BC honey.

Metabolomic and Lipidomic Analysis of Serum Samples following Curcuma longa Extract Supplementation in High-Fructose and Saturated Fat Fed Rats.

We explored, using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics and fatty acids profiling, the effects of a common nutritional complement, Curcuma longa, at a nutritionally relevant dose with human use, administered in conjunction with an unbalanced diet. Indeed, traditional food supplements have been long used to counter metabolic impairments induced by unbalanced diets. Here, rats were fed either a standard diet, a high level of fructose and saturated fatty acid (HFS) diet, a diet common to western countries and that certainly contributes to the epidemic of insulin resistance (IR) syndrome, or a HFS diet with a Curcuma longa extract (1% of curcuminoids in the extract) for ten weeks. Orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) on the serum NMR profiles and fatty acid composition (determined by GC/MS) showed a clear discrimination between HFS groups and controls. This discrimination involved metabolites such as glucose, amino acids, pyruvate, creatine, phosphocholine/glycerophosphocholine, ketone bodies and glycoproteins as well as an increase of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and a decrease of n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Although the administration of Curcuma longa did not prevent the observed increase of glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol and insulin levels, discriminating metabolites were observed between groups fed HFS alone or with addition of a Curcuma longa extract, namely some MUFA and n-3 PUFA, glycoproteins, glutamine, and methanol, suggesting that curcuminoids may act respectively on the fatty acid metabolism, the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway and alcohol oxidation. Curcuma longa extract supplementation appears to be beneficial in these metabolic pathways in rats. This metabolomic approach highlights important serum metabolites that could help in understanding further the metabolic mechanisms leading to IR.

Effects of sugar solutions on hypothalamic appetite regulation.

Several hypotheses for the causes of the obesity epidemic in the US have been proposed. One such hypothesis is that dietary intake patterns have significantly shifted to include unprecedented amounts of refined sugar. We set out to determine if different sugars might promote changes in the hypothalamic mechanisms controlling food intake by measuring several hypothalamic peptides subsequent to overnight access to dilute glucose, sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, or fructose solutions. Rats were given access to food, water and a sugar solution for 24h, after which blood and tissues were collected. Fructose access (as opposed to other sugars that were tested) resulted in a doubling of circulating triglycerides. Glucose consumption resulted in upregulation of 7 satiety-related hypothalamic peptides whereas changes in gene expression were mixed for remaining sugars. Also, following multiple verification assays, 6 satiety related peptides were verified as being affected by sugar intake. These data provide evidence that not all sugars are equally effective in affecting the control of intake.