Sarcopenic obesity is part of obesity paradox in dementia development: evidence from a population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenic obesity, a clinical and functional condition characterized by the coexistence of obesity and sarcopenia, has not been investigated in relation to dementia risk and its onset. METHODS: We included 208,867 participants from UK biobank, who aged 60 to 69 years at baseline. Dementia diagnoses were identified using hospital records and death register data. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate the associations of obesity, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity with dementia risk, stratified by sex. Stratified analyses were performed across dementia-related polygenic risk score (PRS). Restricted mean survival time models were established to estimate the difference and 95%CIs of dementia onset across different status. Additionally, linear regression models were employed to estimate associations of different status with brain imaging parameters. The mediation effects of chronic diseases were also examined. RESULTS: Obese women with high PRS had a decreased risk (HR = 0.855 [0.761-0.961]), but obese men with low PRS had an increased risk (HR = 1.223 [1.045-1.431]). Additionally, sarcopenia was associated with elevated dementia risk (HRwomen = 1.323 [1.064-1.644]; HRmen = 2.144 [1.753-2.621]) in those with low PRS. Among those with high PRS, however, the association was only significant in early-life (HRwomen = 1.679 [1.355-2.081]; HRmen = 2.069 [1.656-2.585]). Of note, sarcopenic obesity was associated with higher dementia risk (HRwomen = 1.424 [1.227-1.653]; HRmen = 1.989 [1.702-2.323]), and results remained similar stratified by PRS. Considering dementia onset, obesity was associated with dementia by 1.114 years delayed in women, however, 0.170 years advanced in men. Sarcopenia (women: 0.080 years; men: 0.192 years) and sarcopenic obesity (women: 0.109 years; men: 0.511 years) respectively advanced dementia onset. Obesity, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity were respectively related to alterations in different brain regions. Association between sarcopenic obesity and dementia was mediated by chronic diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenic obesity and sarcopenia were respectively associated with increased dementia risk and advanced dementia onset to vary degree. The role of obesity in dementia may differ by sex and genetic background.

Galactooligosaccharide Mediates NF-κB Pathway to Improve Intestinal Barrier Function and Intestinal Microbiota.

The use of antibiotics to treat diarrhea and other diseases early in life can lead to intestinal disorders in infants, which can cause a range of immune-related diseases. Intestinal microbiota diversity is closely related to dietary intake, with many oligosaccharides impacting intestinal microorganism structures and communities. Thus, oligosaccharide type and quantity are important for intestinal microbiota construction. Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) are functional oligosaccharides that can be supplemented with infant formula. Currently, information on GOS and its impact on intestinal microbiota diversity and disorders is lacking. Similarly, GOS is rarely reported within the context of intestinal barrier function. In this study, 16S rRNA sequencing, gas chromatography, and immunohistochemistry were used to investigate the effects of GOS on the intestinal microbiota and barrier pathways in antibiotic-treated mouse models. The results found that GOS promoted Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia proliferation, increased short-chain fatty acid levels, increased tight junction protein expression (occludin and ZO-1), increased secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) and albumin levels, significantly downregulated NF-κB expression, and reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interleukin-IL-1ß (IL-1ß), and IL-6 levels. Also, a high GOS dose in ampicillin-supplemented animals provided resistance to intestinal damage.

Microbiome-metabolomic analyses of the impacts of dietary stachyose on fecal microbiota and metabolites in infants intestinal microbiota-associated mice.

BACKGROUND: The intestinal microbiota and metabolites play an important role in human health and immunity. However, few studies have investigated the long-term effects of stachyose on the human intestinal microbiota and metabolism. Therefore, in this study, the feces of infants were transplanted into germ-free mice, and the effect of long-term stachyose intake on intestinal metabolism was examined by comparing the results of microbiome and metabolome analyses. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was used to study the effects of stachyose intake on the metabolites and metabolic pathways of the transplanted human intestinal microbiota. RESULTS: We observed that stachyose significantly altered the composition of the intestinal microbiota and metabolites, up-regulated production of the metabolite taurocholic acid, down-regulated amino acid metabolism, and significantly regulated the metabolism of taurine and hydroxytaurine, pantothenate and coenzyme A (CoA) biosynthesis, and other signaling pathways. CONCLUSION: These findings may provide a basis for elucidating the mechanism by which stachyose promotes host health. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Short-chain fatty acids in breast milk and their relationship with the infant gut microbiota.

Introduction: The short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) contained in breast milk play a key role in infant growth, affecting metabolism and enhancing intestinal immunity by regulating inflammation. Methods: In order to examine the associations between the microbiota and SCFA levels in breast milk, and explore the roles of SCFAs in regulating the infant gut microbiota, we enrolled 50 paired mothers and infants and collected both breast milk and infant fecal samples. Breast milk SCFA contents were determined by UPLC-MS, and whole genome shotgun sequencing was applied to determine the microbial composition of breast milk and infant feces. The SCFA levels in breast milk were grouped into tertiles as high, medium, or low, and the differences of intestinal microbiota and KEGG pathways were compared among groups. Results: The results demonstrated that breast milk butyric acid (C4) is significantly associated with Clostridium leptum richness in breastmilk. Additionally, the specific Bifidobacterium may have an interactive symbiosis with the main species of C4-producing bacteria in human milk. Women with a low breast milk C4 tertile are associated with a high abundance of Salmonella and Salmonella enterica in their infants' feces. KEGG pathway analysis further showed that the content of C4 in breast milk is significantly correlated with the infants' metabolic pathways of lysine and arginine biosynthesis. Discussion: This study suggests that interactive symbiosis of the microbiota exists in breast milk. Certain breast milk microbes could be beneficial by producing C4 and further influence the abundance of certain gut microbes in infants, playing an important role in early immune and metabolic development.

Rates of breastfeeding or chestfeeding and influencing factors among transgender and gender-diverse parents: a cross sectional study.

Background: Breastfeeding is essential for the growth and development of all infants. Despite the large transgender and gender-diverse population size, there is no comprehensive research of breastfeeding or chestfeeding practices in this group. This study was designed aimed to investigate the status of breastfeeding or chestfeeding practices in transgender and gender-diverse parents and to explore the possible influencing factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January 27 2022 and February 15 2022 online in China. A representative sample of 647 transgender and gender-diverse parents was enrolled. Validated questionnaires were used to investigate breastfeeding or chestfeeding practices and its associated factors, including physical factors, psychological factors and socio-environmental factors. Findings: The exclusive breastfeeding or chestfeeding rate was 33.5% (214) and only 41.3% (244) of infants could be continuously fed until 6 months. Accepting hormonotherapy after having this child (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.664, 95% confidential interval (CI) = 1.014∼2.738) and receiving feeding education (AOR = 2.161, 95% CI = 1.363∼3.508) were associated with a higher exclusive breastfeeding or chestfeeding rate, while higher gender dysphoria scores (37-47: AOR = 0.549, 95% CI = 0.364∼0.827; >47: AOR = 0.474, 95% CI = 0.286∼0.778), experiencing family violence (15-35: AOR = 0.388, 95% CI = 0.257∼0.583; >35: AOR = 0.335; 95% CI = 0.203∼0.545), experiencing partner violence (≥30: AOR = 0.541, 95% CI = 0.334∼0.867), using artificial insemination (AOR = 0.269, 95% CI = 0.12∼0.541), or surrogacy (AOR = 0.406, 95% CI = 0.199∼0.776) and being discriminated against during seeking of childbearing health care (AOR = 0.402, 95% CI = 0.28∼0.576), are significantly associated with a lower exclusive breastfeeding or chestfeeding rate. Participants who had feeding education were more likely to feed their child with human milk as the first food intake (AOR = 1.644, 95% CI = 1.015∼2.632), while those who had suffered from family violence (>35: AOR = 0.47; 95% CI = 0.259∼0.84), discrimination (AOR = 0.457, 95% CI = 0.284∼0.721) and chose artificial insemination (AOR = 0.304, 95% CI = 0.168∼0.56) or surrogacy (AOR = 0.264, 95% CI = 0.144∼0.489), were less likely to give their child human milk as first food intake. Besides, discrimination is also related to a shorter breastfeeding or chestfeeding duration (AOR = 0.535, 95% CI = 0.375∼0.761). Interpretation: Breastfeeding or chestfeeding are neglected health problems in the transgender and gender-diverse population and many socio-demographic factors, transgender and gender-diverse-related factors, and family environment are correlated with it. Better social and family support is necessary to improve breastfeeding or chestfeeding practices. Funding: There are no funding sources to declare.

The Association between Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Male Pattern Hair Loss in Young Men.

We performed this study to investigate the association between sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption and male pattern hair loss (MPHL) in young men. We conducted this cross-sectional study from January to April 2022 in mainland China. Young people aged 18-45 years (n = 1951) were recruited from 31 provinces in China. We used a self-reported online survey for data collection. We explored the associations between the amount/frequency of SSB consumption and MPHL by using a binary logistic regression model, with adjustments for sociodemographic, hair status, dietary intake, lifestyle, and psychological factors. Among the 1028 participants (27.8 ± 7.2 years) in the final analysis, we found that high SSB consumption is associated with a higher risk of MPHL. We recommend more support to decrease SSB consumption among young people to minimize negative health outcomes.

Functional proteins in breast milk and their correlation with the development of the infant gut microbiota: a study of mother-infant pairs.

Introduction: Proteins in breast milk play an important role in the growth and development of infants. This study aims to explore the correlation between functional proteins in breast milk and the infant gut microbiota. Methods: Twenty-three mothers and their infants were enrolled and breast milk samples and infant fecal samples were collected. Breast milk protein content was determined by UPLC-MS/MS, and 16S rRNA sequencing was employed to analyze the gut microbiota of infant. Results: The results indicated that the secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) content in breast milk was positively correlated with the abundance of Veillonella parvula. The κ-casein content was positively correlated with the abundance of Clostridium butyricum. The osteopontin (OPN) and lactalbumin contents were positively correlated with the abundance of Parabacteroides distasonis at 42 days. Functional pathway analysis showed that the OPN and κ-casein contents in breast milk were significantly correlated with amino acid, pyruvate, propionic acid, linoleic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid metabolic pathways in early life. Discussion: The results of this study suggest that specific proteins in breast milk can influence the abundance of certain gut microbes in infants, playing an important role in early immune and metabolic development.

Association between dairy consumption and the risk of diabetes: A prospective cohort study from the China Health and Nutrition Survey.

Diet is closely related to the risk of diabetes; yet the relationship between dairy consumption and the risk of diabetes is unclear with conflicting evidence from previous studies. This study used data from the Chinese Health and Nutrition Survey to investigate the association between dairy consumption and diabetes. A total of 15,512 adults were included; dairy consumption at each survey was assessed by the 3-day 24-h recall and weighed food record methods, and diabetes occurrence was derived from self-reported information. The association between dairy consumption and diabetes was explored using Cox regression and further stratified with BMI and energy intake. Results indicated that 12,368 (79.7%) participants had no dairy consumption, while 2,179 (14.0%) and 947 (6.1%) consumed dairy at 0.1-100 and >100 g/day, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, dairy consumption of 0.1-100 g/day was associated with lower risk of diabetes in all participants (HR 0.53, 95% CI:0.38 -0.74; P < 0.001) and males (HR 0.50, 95% CI: 0.31-0.80; P = 0.004). According to the restricted cubic splines (RCS), the protective effect on diabetes was significant in the total population with dairy consumption ranging from 25 to 65 g/day (HR <1, P = 0.025). In the stratified analysis, consuming 30-80 g/day was associated with reduced diabetes risk among the ≤ 2,000 kcal/day energy intake group (HR <1, P = 0.023). In conclusion, dairy consumption was inversely associated with a reduced diabetes risk in Chinese population. Further studies are required to examine the optimal level of dairy consumption for preventing diabetes in the Chinese population.

Maternal diet associated with infants' intestinal microbiota mediated by predominant long-chain fatty acid in breast milk.

Introduction: Long-chain fatty acids in breast milk are affected by the mother's diet and play an important role in the growth, development, and immune construction of infants. This study aims to explore the correlation between maternal diet, breast milk fatty acids (FAs), and the infant intestinal flora. Methods: We enrolled 56 paired mothers and their infants; both breast milk samples and infants' fecal samples were collected to determine the long-chain FA content of breast milk by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS), and metagenomic technology was applied to determine the microbial composition of infant feces. The maternal diet was also investigated using a 24-h dietary recall. Results: The results indicated that the fat contribution rates of edible oils in the maternal diet are significantly positively correlated with the contents of certain long-chain fatty acids (C16:0, C18:1, C16:1, and C22:4) in breast milk, which mainly regulate the abundance of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Lacticaseibacillus fermentum, and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei in the infant gut. Through KEGG pathway analysis, our data revealed that the long-chain FAs in different groups of breast milk were significantly correlated with the pathways of biotin metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism, and starch and sucrose metabolism. Discussion: The results of this study suggest a pathway in which the diets of lactating mothers may affect the composition of the infant intestinal microbiota by influencing breast milk FAs and then further regulating infant health.

Stachyose increases intestinal barrier through Akkermansia muciniphila and reduces gut inflammation in germ-free mice after human fecal transplantation.

Early life is a crucial period for the development of the intestinal microbiota and is related to the body's immunity. Yet research is lacking regarding the effect of stachyose on infants gut microbiomes at this stage and the mechanism is not clear. Therefore, in this experiment, feces samples collected from infants were transplanted into germ-free mice, to explore the effect of stachyose on the intestinal microbiota and host gut barrier. We found that stachyose promoted the relative abundance of A. muciniphila in human feces; enhanced the symbiotic relationships of A. muciniphila; increased the short-chain fatty acid level, and secretory immunoglobulin A level; reduced the levels of lipopolysaccharide, IL-1, IL-17 and TNF-α through downregulated the expression of NF-κB; increased expression of tight junction proteins (occludin and ZO-1) and goblet cell through A. muciniphila. The intake of stachyose is conducive to promoting the proliferation of beneficial bacteria and enhancing the intestinal barrier in germ-free mice. This research provides a theoretical basis for the use of prebiotics to improve intestinal microbiota and barrier in humans.

Purification and characterization of a naringinase from a newly isolated strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 11568 suitable for the transformation of flavonoids.

An intracellular naringinase from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 11568 isolated from soil was purified, identified, and characterized. The sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis of the purified enzyme gave a single protein band corresponding to a molecular mass of 32kDa. The optimum pH and temperature for naringinase and its α-l-rhamnosidase and ß-d-glucosidase activities were pH 7.5 and 45°C, respectively. The enzymes were stable below 45°C between pH 3.5 and 8.5. The Km and the Vmax of the isolated naringinase were 0.95mmol/L and 3847.3mmol/(L·min), respectively. The isolated naringinase was capable of hydrolyzing naringin, neohesperidin, and other glycosides. Additionally, a concentration of 4U/mL of the enzyme in citrus juice was sufficient to remove the naringin and alleviate the bitterness of the juice. These results provide an in-depth insight into the structure of the naringinase and the hydrolysis of naringin and other flavonoids.