Effect of alcohol consumption on food energy intake: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The relationship between alcohol consumption and body weight is complex and inconclusive being potentially mediated by alcohol type, habitual consumption levels and sex differences. Heavy and regular alcohol consumption has been positively correlated with increasing body weight, although it is unclear whether this is due to alcohol consumption per se or to additional energy intake from food. This review explores the effects of alcohol consumption on food energy intake in healthy adults. CINAHL Plus, EMBASE, Medline and PsycINFO were searched through February 2018 for crossover and randomised controlled trials where an alcohol dose was compared with a non-alcohol condition. Study quality was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project tool. A total of twenty-two studies involving 701 participants were included from the 18 427 papers retrieved. Studies consistently demonstrated no compensation for alcoholic beverage energy intake, with dietary energy intake not decreasing due to alcoholic beverage ingestion. Meta-analyses using the random-effects model were conducted on twelve studies and demonstrated that alcoholic beverage consumption significantly increased food energy intake and total energy intake compared with a non-alcoholic comparator by weighted mean differences of 343 (95 % CI 161, 525) and 1072 (95 % CI 820, 1323) kJ, respectively. Generalisability is limited to younger adults (18-37 years), and meta-analyses for some outcomes had substantial statistical heterogeneity or evidence of small-study effects. This review suggests that adults do not compensate appropriately for alcohol energy by eating less, and a relatively modest alcohol dose may lead to an increase in food consumption.

Do marine algal polyphenols have antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic or anti-inflammatory effects in humans? A systematic review.

Cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes are leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally. Marine algal polyphenols have potential to reduce the risk of these conditions, however, little is known about their impact in humans. This systematic review investigates the antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and anti-inflammatory effects of marine polyphenols in humans. Scopus, Medline, PsychInfo, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched in November 2016. Eligible studies included (1) human adults, (2) marine polyphenol intervention, (3) blood lipid, glucose, insulin or inflammatory marker outcomes, and (4) were a randomized-controlled trial. One postprandial cross-over trial and four parallel design trials were included involving 271 adults. Analysis across studies was performed using Cohen's d effect sizes. Supplementation with polyphenol-rich extracts had small-to-medium positive effects on fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol; however, there is inadequate evidence as yet to confirm if these are consistent effects. Further randomized-controlled trials should investigate polyphenols from Ecklonia cava and other macroalgal sources, to determine if there is a role for marine polyphenols in reducing the risk factors of chronic disease in humans. (PROSPERO registration number CRD42015016890).

An emerging trend in functional foods for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and diabetes: Marine algal polyphenols.

Marine macroalgae are gaining recognition among the scientific community as a significant source of functional food ingredients. Due to the harsh environments in which macroalgae survive, they produce unique bioactive compounds that are not found in terrestrial plants. Polyphenols are the predominant bioactive compound in brown algae and are accountable for the majority of its biological activity. Phlorotannins are a type of polyphenol that are unique to marine sources and have exhibited protective effects against hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, inflammation and oxidative stress, known risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetic complications, in cell culture, animal studies and some human studies. This review updates the information on marine polyphenols, with a particular focus on phlorotannins and their potential health benefits in relation to the prevention and treatment of risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Evaluation of a Commercially Delivered Weight Management Program for Adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a commercially available, structured short-term weight management program designed for adolescents with obesity delivered by nonhealth professionals. STUDY DESIGN: A multisite parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate a commercial 12-week lifestyle behavioral program in commercial weight management centers in Australia. Eligible participants (13-17 years, body mass index (BMI) z score ?1.282 with no presenting morbidities) were randomized (n?=?88) to intervention or wait-list, and the program was delivered by consultants at participating weight management centers. The primary outcome was change in BMI z score. Secondary outcomes included the psychometric variables quality of life, body-esteem, and self-esteem. Data was analyzed according to intention-to-treat principles. RESULTS: Of 74 participants who consented to enter the study, 66 provided baseline anthropometric data and 12-week data were available for 55 individuals (74%). A significantly greater decrease in BMI z score in the intervention group (n?=?32) was observed when compared with the wait-list control group, mean difference (MD)?=??0.27?kg/m2; 95% CI, ?0.37,?0.17; P?

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: The Impact of Multicomponent Weight Management Interventions on Self-Esteem in Overweight and Obese Adolescents.

Objective: Building self-esteem in overweight adolescents is key to long-term weight management; yet, self-esteem is rarely a key outcome of adolescent weight management interventions. This systematic review investigates the impact of multicomponent weight management interventions on self-esteem in overweight and obese adolescents. Method: Six databases were searched in December 2014. Eligible studies met the following criteria: (1) randomized controlled trial, (2) overweight or obese participants, (3) adolescents (10-19 years), (4) multicomponent weight management intervention, (5) reported self-esteem and weight changes. Results: Thirteen studies with 1,157 overweight or obese adolescents, aged 10-19 years, were included. Meta-analyses showed no significant change in self-esteem (0.27 [-0.04, 0.59]), but body mass index z -score reduced following intervention (-0.17 [-0.22, -0.11]). Conclusion: The lack of change in self-esteem suggests weight loss alone is insufficient to improve self-esteem. Multicomponent weight management interventions require a specific focus on self-esteem to improve this outcome in overweight and obese adolescents.

Study protocol: evaluation of 'JenMe', a commercially-delivered weight management program for adolescents: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Early lifestyle intervention with overweight and obese adolescents could help to avoid serious health events in early adulthood, ultimately alleviating some of the strain on the public health system due to obesity-related morbidity. Commercial weight loss programs have wide reach into the community setting, and have demonstrated success in long term weight management in adults, beyond that of current public health care. Commercial weight-management programs have not been evaluated as a method of delivery for overweight and obese adolescents. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a new adolescent weight management program in a commercial environment. METHODS: One hundred and forty adolescents, 13 to 17 years old, will be randomised to either a weight management program intervention or a wait-listed group for 12 weeks. The commercial program will consist of a combined dietary and lifestyle approach targeting improved health behaviours for weight-loss or weight-stability. Participants will be overweight or obese (above the 85(th) percentile for BMI) and without existing co-morbidities. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Primary outcome measures will be changes in BMI Z-score and waist-height ratio. Secondary outcome measures will include changes in behaviour, physical activity and psychosocial wellbeing. Intervention participants will be followed up at 6 months following completion of the initial program. Ethics approval has been granted from the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (CF11/3687-2011001940). DISCUSSION: This independent evaluation of a weight management program for adolescents, delivered in a commercial setting, will provide initial evidence for the effectiveness of such programs; which may offer adolescents an avenue of weight-management with ongoing support prior to the development of obesity related co-morbidities. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol for this study is registered with the International Clinical Trials Registry ISRCTN13602313.

Exploring the short-term impact of swapping consumption from standard protein snacks to higher protein snacks on energy intake in social drinkers: Is protein worth a nudge?

Drinking alcoholic beverages stimulates food intake and contributes to the passive overconsumption of dietary energy. As protein is the most satiating of all the macronutrients, increased levels in snacks taken with alcohol have the potential to minimize excess energy consumption. We hypothesized that swapping consumption from retail-available standard protein (SP) snacks to higher protein (HP) snack foods would increase satiety and reduce acute food energy intake in social drinkers. A randomized single-blind crossover trial with 19 healthy participants aged 19-31 years was conducted. Participants attended two separate testing sessions, where they ingested white wine (30 g alcohol) and were offered ad libitum access to either HP snacks with a protein-fortified dip or SP snacks with a dip. There were no significant differences in mean food mass, food energy intake, or subjective appetite ratings between the high and SP snacks (all p > .05). Mean protein intake was significantly increased with HP snacks compared with standard snacks (p < .001). Plasma glucose median incremental area under the curve and mean peak were significantly higher with the SP snacks (all p < .05) but remained within the reference range. This study demonstrated that consumption of a higher amount of protein after a moderate alcohol dose does not result in a change in food mass and energy intake or promote satiety in healthy young adults. The potential for a simple swap to different snack types is unlikely to bring substantial benefits to social drinkers and reduce passive energy consumption.

Advancing the decadal plan for the science of nutrition: Progressing a framework for implementation.

AIMS: In 2019, the Australian Academy of Science in collaboration with the nutrition community published the decadal plan for the science of nutrition. This article aims to review progress towards each of its pillar goals (societal determinants, nutrition mechanisms, precision and personalised nutrition, and education and training) and two enabling platforms (a national data capability and a trusted voice for nutrition science), prioritise actions, and conceptualise program logic implementation models. This process also brought together public health nutrition researchers to reflect on societal determinants of health, and advise how the next 5 years of the decadal plan could reflect contemporary issues. METHODS: Two engagement events, in 2023, brought together experienced and mid- and early-career nutrition professionals for co-creation of implementation logic models. RESULTS: One hundred and nine early and mid-career professionals were involved. A revised model for the decadal plan pillars emerged from synthesis of all logic models. This new model integrated the precision and personalised nutrition pillar with nutrition mechanisms pillar. These combined pillars build towards the national data capability enabling platform and created new cross-cutting themes for education and training. The need arose for greater focus on respectful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and sustained effort to build cross-disciplinary collaboration to realise the plan's societal determinants goals. A new alliance for nutrition science is proposed to become a unified advocacy voice and build trust in nutrition professionals. CONCLUSIONS: A programmatic approach provides a road map for implementing the decadal plan for the final 5 years.

Exploring the physiological factors relating to energy balance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a scoping review.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) occurs in 8%-13% of reproductive-aged women and is associated with reproductive, metabolic, and psychological dysfunction. Overweight and obesity are prevalent and exacerbate the features of PCOS. The aim of this review is to evaluate the extent of evidence examining the physiological factors affecting energy homeostasis, which may impact weight gain, weight loss, and weight maintenance in PCOS, and identify research gaps and recommendations for future research. Literature searches using MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycInfo, AMED, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were conducted up to June 22, 2022. Abstracts, non-English-language articles, and reviews were excluded. A total of n = 78 (n = 55 energy intake and n = 23 energy expenditure) primary research papers were included. Papers with multiple outcomes of interest were counted as separate studies. Energy-intake studies (n = 89) focussed on assessing food, nutrient, or supplements stimuli and were grouped into the outcomes of gastrointestinal appetite hormones (n = 43), adipokines (n = 34), subjective appetite (n = 9), functional brain imaging (n = 3), and neuropeptides (n = 0). Energy-expenditure studies (n = 29) were grouped into total energy expenditure (n = 1), resting energy expenditure (n = 15), meal-induced thermogenesis (n = 3), nutrient oxidation (n = 5), and metabolic flexibility (n = 5). Across both energy-intake and -expenditure papers, 60% of the studies compared outcome responses in women with PCOS with a control group. Results were inconsistent, with 57% reporting no differences and 43% reporting altered responses in PCOS compared with controls, including blunted appetite hormone responses, metabolic inflexibility, and reduced energy expenditure. The authors identified that there is inconsistent, yet preliminary, evidence of possible altered physiological factors, which may impact energy balance and weight management. Further work is needed to act on the identified clinical and research gaps to support women with PCOS and health professionals in informing and achieving realistic weight-management goals for women with PCOS. Systematic Review Registration: The protocol was prospectively registered on the Open Science Framework on February 16, 2021 (https://osf.io/9jnsm).

Systematic Review and Quantitative Data Synthesis of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Transcriptomics Reveals Consensus Gene Expression Changes in Response to a High Fat Meal.

SCOPE: Metabolic flexibility is essential for a healthy response to a high fat meal, and is assessed by measuring postprandial changes in blood markers including peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs; lymphocytes and monocytes). However, there is no clear consensus on postprandial gene expression and protein changes in these cells. METHOD AND RESULTS: The study systematically reviews the literature reporting transcriptional and proteomic changes in PBMCs after consumption of a high fat meal. After re-analysis of the raw data to ensure equivalence between studies, ≈85 genes are significantly changed (defined as in the same direction in ≥3 studies) with about half involved in four processes: inflammation/oxidative stress, GTP metabolism, apoptosis, and lipid localization/transport. For meals consisting predominantly of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), notable additional processes are phosphorylation and glucocorticoid response. For saturated fatty acids (SFA), genes related to migration/angiogenesis and platelet aggregation are also changed. CONCLUSION: Despite differences in study design, common gene changes are identified in PBMCs following a high fat meal. These common genes and processes will facilitate definition of the postprandial transcriptome as part of the overall postcibalome, linking all molecules and processes that change in the blood after a meal.

Evaluating a 10-Week Family-Focused E-Health Healthy Lifestyle Program for School-Aged Children with Overweight or Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial Study Protocol.

E-Health childhood obesity treatment interventions may serve as favorable alternatives to conventional face-to-face programs. More studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of such interventions beyond immediately post-program completion, including exploring program features impacting effectiveness. This randomized controlled trial with a qualitative component and waitlisted control group will evaluate the effectiveness of a 10-week family-focused e-Health program for school-aged children with overweight/obesity and explore the experience of families completing the program. The primary outcome is the change in BMI z-score and will be assessed from baseline to 10 weeks. Secondary outcomes include (the change in) waist circumference, dietary intake, physical activity, quality of life, and experiences, and will be assessed at baseline, post-10 weeks, and/or immediately, 3-, 6-, and/or 12-months post-program completion. Independent t-tests will be used to compare the differences in means and analyses of variances (ANOVAs) will be conducted to investigate the impact of the program or of being waitlisted and the effect size of the program on quantitative outcome measures. Reflexive thematic analysis will be used with qualitative data. Findings from this study are expected to provide learnings to upscale conventional childhood obesity treatment services, in the hopes of curbing the rising rate of childhood obesity.

A single, high-fat meal adversely affects postprandial endothelial function: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction is a predictive risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis and is assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Although it is known that NO-dependent endothelial dysfunction occurs after consuming a high-fat meal, the magnitude of the effect and the factors that affect the response are unquantified. OBJECTIVES: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis exploring the quantitative effects of a single high-fat meal on endothelial function and determined the factors that modify the FMD response. METHODS: Six databases were systematically searched for original research published up to January 2022. Eligible studies measured fasting and postprandial FMD following consumption of a high-fat meal. Meta-regression was used to analyze the effect of moderator variables. RESULTS: There were 131 studies included, of which 90 were suitable for quantitative meta-analysis. A high-fat meal challenge transiently caused endothelial dysfunction, decreasing postprandial FMD at 2 hours [-1.02 percentage points (pp); 95% CI: -1.34 to -0.70 pp; P < 0.01; I2 = 93.3%], 3 hours [-1.04 pp; 95% CI: -1.48 to -0.59 pp; P < 0.001; I2 = 84.5%], and 4 hours [-1.19 pp; 95% CI: -1.53 to -0.84 pp; P < 0.01; I2 = 94.6%]. Younger, healthy-weight participants exhibited a greater postprandial reduction in the FMD percentage change than older, heavier, at-risk groups after a high-fat meal ( P < 0.05). The percentage of fat in the meals was inversely associated with the magnitude of postprandial changes in FMD at 3 hours (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A single, high-fat meal adversely impacts endothelial function, with the magnitude of the impact on postprandial FMD moderated by the fasting FMD, participant age, BMI, and fat content of the meal. Recommendations are made to standardize the design of future postprandial FMD studies and optimize interpretation of results, as high-fat meals are commonly used in clinical studies as a challenge to assess endothelial function and therapeutics. This trial was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42020187244.

The Effect of Dietary Patterns on Clinical Pregnancy and Live Birth Outcomes in Men and Women Receiving Assisted Reproductive Technologies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The nutritional status of reproductive-aged couples can have a significant impact on fertility status, but the effect of dietary patterns on pregnancy outcomes in people using assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) is currently unknown. This review aimed to synthesize the published research investigating the relation between preconception dietary patterns and clinical pregnancy or live birth in men and women of reproductive age undergoing ART. Six electronic databases were systematically searched for original research published between January 1978 and June 2021. Original research reporting on the effect of predefined dietary patterns on either clinical pregnancy and/or live birth rates following in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in men and women aged 18-49 y was eligible for inclusion. Studies were assessed for risk of bias according to the Cochrane guidelines. Included studies underwent qualitative and quantitative synthesis using random-effects model meta-analyses. Thirteen studies (12 cohort studies, 1 randomized controlled trial) reporting on 3638 participants (93% female) were included in the review. All studies had a moderate-high risk of bias. In individual studies, maternal adherence to 4 dietary patterns [Mediterranean diet (RR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.43), novel profertility diet (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.19, 1.72), Iranian traditional medicine diet (OR: 3.9; 95% CI: 1.2, 12.8), Dutch national dietary recommendations diet (OR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.08, 2.52)] was associated with increased likelihood of achieving a clinical pregnancy, while 2 dietary patterns [novel profertility diet (OR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.26, 1.85), Mediterranean diet (RR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.45)] were associated with increased probability of live birth. Meta-analyses showed an association between adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern and live birth across 2 studies (OR: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.17, 3.35; I2 = 29%, n = 355), but no association with clinical pregnancy. As the relation between dietary patterns and ART outcomes is currently inconsistent, higher-quality nutrition research is required to further explore this emerging field of interest (PROSPERO registration: CRD42020188194).

Meals That Differ in Nutrient Composition and Inflammatory Potential Do Not Differentially Impact Postprandial Circulating Cytokines in Older Adults above a Healthy Weight.

In this exploratory study, mixed meals specifically formulated to differ in inflammatory potential were tested to determine whether they could differentially impact circulating levels of inflammatory markers in adults above a healthy weight. Complete data were analyzed from 11 adults (6 males and 5 females) aged 54−63 years with median BMI of 30.0 (27.1−31.6) kg/m². In a crossover study design, each participant consumed an isocaloric (2.2 MJ) meal with either a low (Anti-meal), moderate (Neutr-meal), or high (Pro-meal) inflammatory potential. Fasting and postprandial blood samples were analyzed for plasma levels of IL-6, IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-10, and metabolic makers. Postprandial plasma IL-6, IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-10 incremental areas under the curve (iAUC) were not different between the three meals (p > 0.05). There was a trend of an increase in IL-6 with time in all three meals, but no changes were obvious for the other measured cytokines. The Pro-meal induced an increased postprandial iAUC for triglycerides compared to the Anti-meal and Neutr-meal (p = 0.004 and p = 0.012, respectively). Single meals, regardless of their theoretical inflammatory potential, did not substantially shift circulating inflammatory markers, suggesting that longer-term dietary patterns are important rather than single dietary exposures in the pathology of metabolic conditions.

Transcriptomic changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells with weight loss: systematic literature review and primary data synthesis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) have shown promise as a tissue sensitive to subtle and possibly systemic transcriptomic changes, and as such may be useful in identifying responses to weight loss interventions. The primary aim was to comprehensively evaluate the transcriptomic changes that may occur during weight loss and to determine if there is a consistent response across intervention types in human populations of all ages. METHODS: Included studies were randomised control trials or cohort studies that administered an intervention primarily designed to decrease weight in any overweight or obese human population. A systematic search of the literature was conducted to obtain studies and gene expression databases were interrogated to locate corresponding transcriptomic datasets. Datasets were normalised using the ArrayAnalysis online tool and differential gene expression was determined using the limma package in R. Over-represented pathways were explored using the PathVisio software. Heatmaps and hierarchical clustering were utilised to visualise gene expression. RESULTS: Seven papers met the inclusion criteria, five of which had raw gene expression data available. Of these, three could be grouped into high responders (HR, ≥ 5% body weight loss) and low responders (LR). No genes were consistently differentially expressed between high and low responders across studies. Adolescents had the largest transcriptomic response to weight loss followed by adults who underwent bariatric surgery. Seven pathways were altered in two out of four studies following the intervention and the pathway 'cytoplasmic ribosomal proteins' (WikiPathways: WP477) was altered between HR and LR at baseline in the two datasets with both groups. Pathways related to 'toll-like receptor signalling' were altered in HR response to the weight loss intervention in two out of three datasets. CONCLUSIONS: Transcriptomic changes in PBMCs do occur in response to weight change. Transparent and standardised data reporting is needed to realise the potential of transcriptomics for investigating phenotypic features. REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO: CRD42019106582.

Does timing of phytonutrient intake influence the suppression of postprandial oxidative stress? A systematic literature review.

BACKGROUND: Postprandial oxidative stress markers in blood are generated transiently from various tissues and cells following high-fat and/or high-carbohydrate (HFHC) meals, and may be suppressed by certain phytonutrients, such as polyphenols and carotenoids. However, the transient presence of phytonutrients in circulation suggests that timing of consumption, relative to the meal, could be important. This systematic review investigates the effect of timing of phytonutrient intake on blood markers of postprandial oxidative processes. METHOD: EMBASE, Medline, Scopus and Web of Science were searched up to December 2020. Eligible studies met the criteria: 1) healthy human adults; 2) phytonutrient(s) consumed in solid form within 24 h of a HFHC meal; 3) postprandial measurements of oxidative stress or antioxidants in blood; and 4) controlled study design. Cohen's d effect sizes were calculated to compare studies. RESULTS: Nine studies, involving 256 participants, were included. Phytonutrients were consumed either at the same time, 1 h before, or the day (>12 h) before a HFHC meal. Significant decreases in blood markers - plasma lipid hydroperoxides, plasma malondialdehyde, serum sNox2-dp, serum 8-iso-PGF2α, platelet p47phox phosphorylation, and Keap-1 and p47phox protein levels in mononuclear cells (MNCs) - were observed where the phytonutrient was consumed together with the challenge meal (n = 4). Lack of any effect on oxidative stress markers was observed where phytonutrients were consumed with (n = 1), 1 h before (n = 1), and the day before (n = 2) the HFHC meal. CONCLUSION: Phytonutrients consumed with a HFHC meal significantly suppressed some markers of oxidative stress in blood. Although there were only a limited number of studies, it appears that suppression appeared effective at the time of peak phytonutrient concentration in plasma. However, further studies are required to confirm the observations and systematically optimise the effect of timing.

Twelve weeks' treatment with a polyphenol-rich seaweed extract increased HDL cholesterol with no change in other biomarkers of chronic disease risk in overweight adults: A placebo-controlled randomized trial.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading global cause of death. Strategies to reduce CVD risk are urgently needed. Polyphenols represent a class of bioactive compounds with potential to moderate biochemical risk factors for CVD (cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and inflammation). This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized parallel-groups trial investigated the effect of a polyphenol-rich seaweed (Fucus vesiculosus) extract on biochemical markers of CVD risk. Thirty-four overweight and obese adults (21 female, 13 male) with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (>2.0 mmol/L) were randomized to either the seaweed extract (2000 mg/d) or placebo for twelve weeks. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline, week six and week twelve to assess biochemical markers. Tests of cognitive performance and mood were performed at baseline, week six and week twelve. A 9.5% (-2.3, 12.9) increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was identified following the seaweed extract (baseline: mean (SD) 1.28 (0.23) mmol/L, week 12: 1.35 (0.24) mmol/L) which was different to placebo (baseline: 1.38 (0.54) mmol/L, week 12: 1.35 (0.59) mmol/L) (P=.045). No changes were identified in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, insulin, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, or tumour necrosis factor-alpha levels in the blood, or in cognitive performance or mood between the treatment and placebo groups. Despite the small increase observed in HDL cholesterol, the polyphenol-rich seaweed extract did not change CVD risk factors in adults with high fasting lipids. A larger sample size would be required to confirm the clinical relevance of the changes in HDL cholesterol.

Diurnal variation in gene expression of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells after eating a standard meal compared with a high protein meal: A cross-over study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Eating at night has been linked to impaired glucose metabolism and dyslipidaemia that is likely a consequence of an underlying disrupted circadian rhythm in metabolic processes. The aim of this study was to explore the gene expression differences after eating a standard test meal or high protein test meal at night compared with the same meal in the morning. METHODS: In a cross over design, 10 healthy adults fasted for >10 h and then completed four acute meal challenges at 8am and 8pm on non-consecutive days separated by a wash out, consuming either a high protein low carbohydrate test meal or an isocaloric standard protein and carbohydrate test meal. Fasting and two-hour postprandial blood samples were collected to measure gene expression. For a subset of five participants RNA sequencing was completed on the Illumina NextSeq500. RESULTS: The time of day a meal is consumed had an effect on which genes were differentially regulated in the acute postprandial period, with only 6.5% of differentially expressed genes the same both morning and night. More genes were involved in lipid metabolic pathways in the morning and immune pathways at night. RTqPCR analysis of target genes suggested that key regulatory genes responsible for nutrient sensing and lipid and glucose metabolism are differentially expressed at night. These may play a role in improved blood glucose control in peripheral tissues that is observed after eating in the morning but to a lesser extent or not at all at night. Modulation of the macronutrient composition of a meal led to changes in expression of genes involved in the circadian clock and metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: Investigating the differences in the transcriptomic response to food at night provides a greater understanding of the mechanisms underlying the changing metabolic phenotypes, characterised by circulating metabolic biomarkers, according to the time of day.

Australian Aboriginal techniques for memorization: Translation into a medical and allied health education setting.

BACKGROUND: Writing and digital storage have largely replaced organic memory for encoding and retrieval of information in the modern era, with a corresponding decrease in emphasis on memorization in Western education. In health professional training, however, there remains a large corpus of information for which memorization is the most efficient means of ensuring: A) that the trainee has the required information readily available; and B) that a foundation of knowledge is laid, upon which the medical trainee builds multiple, complex layers of detailed information during advanced training. The carefully staged progression in early- to late- years' medical training from broad concepts (e.g. gross anatomy and pharmacology) to in-depth, specialised disciplinary knowledge (e.g. surgical interventions and follow-on care post-operatively) has clear parallels to the progression of training and knowledge exposure that Australian Aboriginal youths undergo in their progression from childhood to adulthood to Tribal Elders. METHODS: As part of the Rural Health curriculum and the undergraduate Nutrition and Dietetics program in the Monash University Faculty of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences, we tested Australian Aboriginal techniques of memorization for acquisition and recall of novel word lists by first-year medical students (N = 76). We also examined undergraduate student evaluations (N = 49) of the use of the Australian Aboriginal memory technique for classroom study of foundational biomedical knowledge (the tricarboxylic acid cycle) using qualitative and quantitative analytic methods drawing from Bloom's taxonomy for orders of thinking and learning. Acquisition and recall of word lists were assessed without memory training, or after training in either the memory palace technique or the Australian Aboriginal narrative technique. RESULTS: Both types of memory training improved the number of correctly recalled items and reduced the frequency of specific error types relative to untrained performance. The Australian Aboriginal method resulted in approximately a 3-fold greater probability of improvement to accurate recall of the entire word list (odds ratio = 2.82; 95% c.i. = 1.15-6.90), vs. the memory palace technique (odds ratio = 2.03; 95% c.i. = 0.81-5.06) or no training (odds ratio = 1.5; 95% c.i. = 0.54-4.59) among students who did not correctly recall all list items at baseline. Student responses to learning the Australian Aboriginal memory technique in the context of biomedical science education were overwhelmingly favourable, and students found both the training and the technique enjoyable, interesting, and more useful than rote memorization. Our data indicate that this method has genuine utility and efficacy for study of biomedical sciences and in the foundation years of medical training.

Blunted nutrient-response pathways in adipose tissue following high fat meals in men with metabolic syndrome: A randomized postprandial transcriptomic study.

BACKGROUND: Excessive adipose tissue is central to disease burden posed by the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). Whilst much is known of the altered transcriptomic regulation of adipose tissue under fasting conditions, little is known of the responses to high-fat meals. METHODS: Nineteen middle-aged males (mean ± SD 52.0 ± 4.6 years), consumed two isocaloric high-fat, predominately dairy-based or soy-based, breakfast meals. Abdominal subcutaneous adipose biopsies were collected after overnight fast (0 h) and 4 h following each meal. Global gene expression profiling was performed by microarray (Illumina Human WG-6 v3). RESULTS: In the fasted state, 13 genes were differently expressed between control and MetS adipose tissue (≥1.2 fold-difference, p < 0.05). In response to the meals, the control participants had widespread increases in genes related to cellular nutrient responses (≥1.2 fold-change, p < 0.05; 2444 & 2367 genes; dairy & soy, respectively). There was blunted response in the MetS group (≥1.2 fold-change, p < 0.05; 332 & 336 genes; dairy & soy, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In middle-aged males with MetS, a widespread suppression of the subcutaneous adipose tissue nutrient responsive gene expression suggests an inflexibility in the transcriptomic responsiveness to both high-fat meals.