Effects of weight loss intervention on anxiety, depression and quality of life in women with severe obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women that is associated with an increased risk of anxiety and depression and with a lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL). PCOS is closely associated with obesity, which per se can lead to symptoms of anxiety and depression and lower HRQoL. The first-line treatment for PCOS is weight loss through lifestyle intervention, which has been shown to improve all symptoms of the syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate symptoms of anxiety and depression and HRQoL in women with severe obesity (BMI ≥ 35) with and without PCOS, and to evaluate the effect of a one-year structured weight loss intervention. A total of 246 women with severe obesity (PCOS n = 63, non-PCOS n = 183) were included. The comprehensive psychopathological rating scale self-rating scale for affective symptoms (CPRS-S-A) and the short form-36 (SF-36) were used to assess symptoms of anxiety and depression and HRQoL. In total 72 women of the 246 women with severe obesity completed a one-year weight loss programme and were followed up and compared with baseline data. In women with severe obesity, there were no differences in symptoms of anxiety and depression and HRQoL between women with and without PCOS at baseline. Clinically relevant anxiety symptoms were present in 71.3% (PCOS) and 65.6% (non-PCOS), and depression symptoms were present in 56.4% (PCOS) and 52.2% (non-PCOS). Significant weight loss improved physical HRQoL in all women, but reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression only in women without PCOS. There were no differences when comparing the changes between the groups. Women with severe obesity are severely affected by symptoms of anxiety and depression, independent of PCOS. Weight loss improved symptoms of anxiety and depression in women without PCOS, but there were no differences between groups in change from baseline to follow-up.Trial registration number: Clinical trial.gov: NCT01319162, March 18, 2011. Date of registration and enrolment of the first subject September 2011.

Metabolic Processes and Biological Macromolecules Defined the Positive Effects of Protein-Rich Biostimulants on Sugar Beet Plant Development.

Protein-based biostimulants (PBBs) have a positive effect on plant development, although the biological background for this effect is not well understood. Here, hydrolyzed wheat gluten (HWG) and potato protein film (PF) in two levels (1 and 2 g/kg soil) and in two different soils (low and high nutrient; LNC and HNC) were used as PBBs. The effect of these PBBs on agronomic traits, sugars, protein, and peptides, as well as metabolic processes, were evaluated on sugar beet in comparison with no treatment (control) and treatment with nutrient solution (NS). The results showed a significant growth enhancement of the plants using HWG and PF across the two soils. Sucrose and total sugar content in the roots were high in NS-treated plants and correlated to root growth in HNC soil. Traits related to protein composition, including nitrogen, peptide, and RuBisCO contents, were enhanced in PBB-treated plants (mostly for HWG and PF at 2 g/kg soil) by 100% and >250% in HNC and LNC, respectively, compared to control. The transcriptomic analysis revealed that genes associated with ribosomes and photosynthesis were upregulated in the leaf samples of plants treated with either HWG or PP compared to the control. Furthermore, genes associated with the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites were largely down-regulated in root samples of HWG or PF-treated plants. Thus, the PBBs enhanced protein-related traits in the plants through a higher transcription rate of genes related to protein- and photosynthesis, which resulted in increased plant growth, especially when added in certain amounts (2 g/kg soil). However, sucrose accumulation in the roots of sugar beet seemed to be related to the easy availability of nitrogen.

Simple Sequence Repeat Markers Reveal Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Bolivian Wild and Cultivated Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.).

The western part of South America is a centre of diversity for tomatoes, but genetic diversity studies are lacking for parts of that region, including Bolivia. We used 11 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers (including seven novel markers) to evaluate genetic diversity and population structure of 28 accessions (four modern cultivars, four advanced lines, nine landraces, 11 wild populations), and to compare their genetic variation against phenotypic traits, geographical origin and altitude. In total, 33 alleles were detected across all loci, with 2-5 alleles per locus. The top three informative SSRs were SLM6-11, LE20592 and TomSatX11-1, with polymorphism information content (PIC) of 0.65, 0.55 and 0.49, respectively. The genetic diversity of Bolivian tomatoes was low, as shown by mean expected heterozygosity (He) of 0.07. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that 77.3% of the total variation was due to variation between accessions. Significant genetic differentiation was found for geographical origin, cultivation status, fruit shape, fruit size and growth type, each explaining 16-23% of the total variation. Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) tree and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) scatter plot both revealed differentiation between accessions with determinate flowers and accessions with indeterminate flowers, regardless of cultivation status. The genetic profiles of the accessions suggest that the Bolivian tomato gene pool comprises both strictly self-pollinating and open-pollinating genotypes.

Immune response and gut microbiota of mice on a diet mimicking eating habits of elderly with risk of malnutrition development.

The number of elderlies is increasing but prevalence of malnutrition has been reported. The aim of the study was to determine the significance of short-term nutritional deficiencies in mice. Immune status was assessed through flow cytometry of leucocytes in Peyer's patches (PP) and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), and intestinal microbiota was evaluated by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP). C57BL/6NCrl mice fed standard diet (StD) or experimental diet high in fat, and low in carbohydrates, protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals (ExpD) for 2 or 4 weeks. ExpD-animals gained less weight, increased liver lipids, and developed splenomegaly. Diet affected regulatory T-cells, gut homing receptors and TLR2 and TLR4 in PP and MLN and the microbiota was influenced. Partial least squares models on flow cytometry- and T-RFLP data demonstrated correlations between microbial communities and immune phenotyping. Our model shows similarities to malnourished elderly and interactions between intestinal bacteria and the immune system.

Side Streams of Broccoli Leaves: A Climate Smart and Healthy Food Ingredient.

Human consumption of fruits and vegetables are generally below recommended levels. Waste from the production, e.g., of un-used parts such as broccoli leaves and stem when producing broccoli florets for food, is a sustainability issue. In this study, broccoli leaves were analyzed for the content of various dietary fibre and phenolics, applying the Uppsala method and HPLC analyses, respectively. The results showed that broccoli leaves had comparable levels of dietary fibre (26%-32% of dry weight (DW)) and phenolic compounds (6.3-15.2 mg/g DW) to many other food and vegetables considered valuable in the human diet from a health perspective. A significant positive correlation was found among soluble dietary fibre and phenolic acids indicating possible bindings between these components. Seasonal variations affected mainly the content of conjugated phenolics, and the content of insoluble dietary fibre. This study verified the importance of the use of broccoli production side streams (leaves) as they may contribute with health promoting components to the human diet and also socio-economic and environmental benefits to the bioeconomic development in the society.

Determination of free and esterified carotenoid composition in rose hip fruit by HPLC-DAD-APCI(+)-MS.

Rose hip fruit, which contains high concentration of carotenoids is commonly used for different food products in Europe and it is considered to have medical properties. In this study, a simple, rapid and efficient HPLC-DAD-APCI(+)-MS method was developed and applied to identify and quantify the carotenoids in rose hip fruit of four rose species, including both unsaponified and saponified extract. In the unsaponified extract 23 carotenoid esters were detected, in which either rubixanthin ester or violaxanthin ester was the dominant component of the ester composition. In the saponified extract 21 carotenoids, including 11 xanthophylls and 10 carotenes were detected. This is the first time the total carotenoid composition, including the carotenoid esters in rose hip fruit were identified and quantified. This work reveals the potential of rose hip fruit to be utilized as a healthy dietary material and give chemical information for the possible future development in the pharmacology field.

Correlations between Polyacetylene Concentrations in Carrot (Daucus carota L.) and Various Soil Parameters.

This study assessed the concentrations of three falcarinol-type polyacetylenes (falcarinol, falcarindiol, falcarindiol-3-acetate) in carrots and the correlations between these and different soil traits. A total of 144 carrot samples, from three different harvests taken a single season, were analysed in terms of their polyacetylene concentrations and root development. On one of the harvesting occasions, 48 soil samples were also taken and analysed. The chemical composition of the soil was found to influence the concentrations of falcarinol-type polyacetylenes in carrots. When the total soil potassium level was 200 mg/100 g soil, the concentration of falcarindiol (FaDOH) in the carrot samples was 630 µg/g DW, but when carrots were grown in soil with a total potassium level of 300 mg/100 g soil, the FaDOH concentration in the carrots fell to 445 µg/g DW. Carrots grown in soils generally low in available phosphorus exhibited higher levels of falcarindiol if the soil was also low in available magnesium and calcium. The concentrations of polyacetylenes in carrots were positively correlated with total soil phosphorus level, but negatively correlated with total soil potassium level. Of the three polyacetylenes analysed, FaDOH concentrations were influenced most by changes in soil chemical composition.

Factors affecting the content of the ursolic and oleanolic acid in apple peel: influence of cultivars, sun exposure, storage conditions, bruising and Penicillium expansum infection.

BACKGROUND: For health promotion and as part of natural plant protection, it might be of interest to increase the content of oleanolic acid (OA) and ursolic acid (UA) by biofortification in breeding programs, although the extent of the influence of genetic and environmental factors needs to be clarified. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of cultivar, sun exposure, storage, bruising and fungal infection on the OA and UA content in apple peel. RESULTS: Three apple cultivars with different ripening times--'Discovery' (early), 'Aroma' (middle) and 'Gloster' (late)--were investigated. The content of OA and UA was mainly influenced by cultivar and side subjected to sun exposure, and to a minor extent by storage and seasonal year. 'Gloster' had the highest OA and UA content of the investigated cultivars. OA and UA content on the shaded side was higher than that on the sun-exposed side in all three cultivars. Inoculation with Penicillium expansum did not have any consistent effect on OA or UA, except in a few cases where the levels decreased. CONCLUSION: OA and UA content can be increased by choice of cultivar in the breeding process and to some extent by cultural practice.

Carotenoid Content in Organically Produced Wheat: Relevance for Human Nutritional Health on Consumption.

In this study, 33 spring and winter wheat genotypes were analyzed for carotenoid content and composition. Investigated genotypes were divided into four genotype groups i.e., spelt, landraces, old cultivars and primitive wheat. The results showed a high level of variation among the genotypes in amount of carotenoids in the grain with high values (around 4 mg/Kg) especially in one of the genotypes-Öland 8. Lutein was the most common carotenoid in all the investigated genotypes, contributing 70%-90% of the carotenoids in the grain. Variation in carotenoid content and composition was found not only among genotypes, but also between genotype groups and wheat type, although there is a need to analyze more genotypes to confirm the differences found between groups and types. This study showed that 40% of the daily requirements of lutein can be achieved from the genotypes with the highest lutein content (Öland 8) produced using organic farming through the average human consumption of 200 grams of wheat per day. Furthermore, this study showed, by the use of principal component analyses, an opportunity to select genotypes combining high values of certain nutritional compounds. By a further breeding and commercial production of such genotypes, the nutritional value of wheat flour for human consumption can be improved.

Contribution of organically grown crops to human health.

An increasing interest in organic agriculture for food production is seen throughout the world and one key reason for this interest is the assumption that organic food consumption is beneficial to public health. The present paper focuses on the background of organic agriculture, important public health related compounds from crop food and variations in the amount of health related compounds in crops. In addition, influence of organic farming on health related compounds, on pesticide residues and heavy metals in crops, and relations between organic food and health biomarkers as well as in vitro studies are also the focus of the present paper. Nutritionally beneficial compounds of highest relevance for public health were micronutrients, especially Fe and Zn, and bioactive compounds such as carotenoids (including pro-vitamin A compounds), tocopherols (including vitamin E) and phenolic compounds. Extremely large variations in the contents of these compounds were seen, depending on genotype, climate, environment, farming conditions, harvest time, and part of the crop. Highest amounts seen were related to the choice of genotype and were also increased by genetic modification of the crop. Organic cultivation did not influence the content of most of the nutritional beneficial compounds, except the phenolic compounds that were increased with the amounts of pathogens. However, higher amounts of pesticide residues and in many cases also of heavy metals were seen in the conventionally produced crops compared to the organic ones. Animal studies as well as in vitro studies showed a clear indication of a beneficial effect of organic food/extracts as compared to conventional ones. Thus, consumption of organic food seems to be positive from a public health point of view, although the reasons are unclear, and synergistic effects between various constituents within the food are likely.

Discrimination of conventional and organic white cabbage from a long-term field trial study using untargeted LC-MS-based metabolomics.

The influence of organic and conventional farming practices on the content of single nutrients in plants is disputed in the scientific literature. Here, large-scale untargeted LC-MS-based metabolomics was used to compare the composition of white cabbage from organic and conventional agriculture, measuring 1,600 compounds. Cabbage was sampled in 2 years from one conventional and two organic farming systems in a rigidly controlled long-term field trial in Denmark. Using Orthogonal Projection to Latent Structures-Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA), we found that the production system leaves a significant (p = 0.013) imprint in the white cabbage metabolome that is retained between production years. We externally validated this finding by predicting the production system of samples from one year using a classification model built on samples from the other year, with a correct classification in 83 % of cases. Thus, it was concluded that the investigated conventional and organic management practices have a systematic impact on the metabolome of white cabbage. This emphasizes the potential of untargeted metabolomics for authenticity testing of organic plant products.

Dietary glucose regulates yeast consumption in adult Drosophila males.

The adjustment of feeding behavior in response to hunger and satiety contributes to homeostatic regulation in animals. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster feeds on yeasts growing on overripe fruit, providing nutrients required for adult survival, reproduction and larval growth. Here, we present data on how the nutritional value of food affects subsequent yeast consumption in Drosophila adult males. After a period of starvation, flies showed intensive yeast consumption. In comparison, flies stopped feeding after having access to a nutritive cornmeal diet. Interestingly, dietary glucose was equally efficient as the complex cornmeal diet. In contrast, flies fed with sucralose, a non-metabolizable sweetener, behaved as if they were starved. The adipokinetic hormone and insulin-like peptides regulate metabolic processes in insects. We did not find any effect of the adipokinetic hormone pathway on this modulation. Instead, the insulin pathway was involved in these changes. Flies lacking the insulin receptor (InR) did not respond to nutrient deprivation by increasing yeast consumption. Together these results show the importance of insulin in the regulation of yeast consumption in response to starvation in adult D. melanogaster males.

The glycosylation profile of osteoadherin alters during endochondral bone formation.

Endochondral bone formation involves the dynamic interplay between the cells and their extracellular environment to facilitate the deposition of a calcified matrix. Numerous molecules are involved within this process, including collagens and non-collagenous proteins, and their post-translational modifications have been shown to effect their biomolecular interactions. Osteoadherin (OSAD), a keratin sulfate (KS)-substituted small leucine-rich proteoglycan has been isolated from mineralized tissues and is considered to be a mineralized tissue-specific protein. However, to date, information is limited concerning the dynamic expression and role of this proteoglycan during bone formation and the biomineralization process. The current study aimed to examine the dynamic expression of this protein throughout mouse metatarsal long bone development, from the cartilage anlagen (E15) to the fully formed bone (Adult). Using quantitative gene expression analysis we observed that OSAD was produced with the onset of mineralization and the formation of the ossification center. This finding was reflected in the localization studies, using both light and electron microscopy, and showed that initial OSAD localization was restricted to the endosteal surfaces of the diaphysis and forming metaphysis. Furthermore, we analyzed protein extracts, both mineral and non-mineral associated fractions, and showed that OSAD was substituted with varying patterns of glycosylation during bone development. Sequential enzymatic digestions of the non-mineral bound protein extracts demonstrated that OSAD lacked any KS chains throughout all development stages. Whereas, in the mineral bound fractions, with long bone maturation the substitution with KS became more apparent with development. Therefore, it can be concluded that different pools of OSAD are produced during endochondral bone formation and these may have specific roles in directing the mineralization process.

A possible association between panic disorder and a polymorphism in the preproghrelingene.

The aim of the study was to investigate whether polymorphisms in the preproghrelin gene are associated with anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, in humans. Panic disorder is a severe anxiety disorder, characterized by sudden attacks of intense fear or anxiety in combination with somatic symptoms. The preproghrelin gene codes for two gut-derived circulating peptides that have been linked to anxiety-like behaviour in rodents: ghrelin (an orexigenic, pro-obesity hormone) and obestatin. In the present study, we genotyped three missense mutations in the preproghrelin gene in 215 patients suffering from panic disorder and in 451 controls. The A allele of the rs4684677 polymorphism was significantly associated with panic disorder, while there were no significant associations with the two other polymorphisms studied. We conclude that the rs4684677 (Gln90Leu) polymorphism in the preproghrelin gene may be associated with increased risk of panic disorder. It will be important to confirm these findings in additional panic disorder patient groups.

Low-dose radiation with 80-kVp computed tomography to diagnose pulmonary embolism: a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Mounting collective radiation doses from computed tomography (CT) implies an increased risk of radiation-induced cancer in exposed populations, especially in the young. PURPOSE: To evaluate radiation dose and image quality at 80-kVp CT to diagnose acute pulmonary embolism (PE) compared with a previous study at 100 and 120 kVp with all other scanning parameters unchanged. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A custom-made chest phantom with a 12 mg I/mL-syringe was scanned at 80/100/120 kVp to evaluate relative changes in computed tomographic dose index (CTDI(vol)), attenuation, image noise, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Fifty patients underwent 80 kVp 16-row detector CT at 100 "Quality reference" mAs. A total of 350 mg I/kg were injected to compensate for increased CNR at 80 kVp, while 300 mg I/kg had been used at 100/120 kVp. CTDI(vol), dose-length product (DLP), and estimated effective dose were evaluated including Monte Carlo simulations. Pulmonary artery attenuation and noise were measured and CNR calculated. Two radiologists evaluated subjective image quality using a four-grade scale. RESULTS: Switching from 120 to 80 kVp in the phantom study decreased radiation dose by 67% while attenuation and noise increased 1.6 and 2.0 times, respectively, and CNR decreased by 16%. Switching from 120 to 80 kVp in the patient studies decreased estimated effective dose from 4.0 to 1.2 mSv (70% decrease) in median while pulmonary artery attenuation and noise roughly doubled from 332 to 653 HU and from 22 to 49 HU, respectively, resulting in similar CNR (13 vs. 12). At 80 kVp all examinations were regarded as adequate (8%) or excellent (92%). CONCLUSION: Switching from 120 to 80 kVp CT without increased mAs but slightly increased iodine dose may be of special benefit to diagnose PE in younger individuals with preserved renal function where the primary aim is to minimize radiation dose and reaching levels below that of scintigraphy.

Tocopherols in rose hips (Rosa spp.) during ripening.

BACKGROUND: Rose hips are used as a food ingredient and in health products. They are rich in various bioactive compounds such as carotenoids and vitamin C, but data on their vitamin E content (tocopherols and tocotrienols) are limited. In this study, four different species of Rosa were analysed for tocopherol and tocotrienol content during ripening in three different years. RESULTS: Only α- and γ-tocopherol were found in the fleshy parts of the rose hips, and the tocopherol content and vitamin E activity varied depending on date of harvesting, species and year. The amount of vitamin E activity differed between species of Rosa and years, whereas the changes during ripening were relatively small. CONCLUSION: The choice of species must be considered if tocopherol content is to be optimised when rose hips are used as a food ingredient.

Osteoadherin accumulates in the predentin towards the mineralization front in the developing tooth.

BACKGROUND: Proteoglycans (PG) are known to be involved in the organization and assembly of the extracellular matrix (ECM) prior to mineral deposition. Osteoadherin (OSAD), a keratan sulphate PG is a member of the small leucine-rich (SLRP) family of PGs and unlike other SLRPs, OSAD expression is restricted to mineralized tissues. It is proposed to have a high affinity for hydroxyapatite and has been shown to be expressed by mature osteoblasts but its exact role remains to be elucidated. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We investigated the protein distribution of OSAD in the developing mouse tooth using immunohistochemistry and compared its expression with other SLRPs, biglycan (BGN), decorin (DCN) and fibromodulin (FMD). OSAD was found to be specifically localized in the predentin layer of the tooth and focused at the mineralization front. These studies were confirmed at the ultrastructural level using electron microscopy (iEM), where the distribution of immunogold labeled OSAD particles were quantified and significant amounts were found in the predentin, forming a gradient towards the mineralization front. In addition, iEM results revealed OSAD to lie in close association with collagen fibers, further suggesting an important role for OSAD in the organization of the ECM. The expression profile of mineralization-related SLRP genes by rat dental pulp cells exposed to mineralization inducing factors, showed an increase in all SLRP genes. Indeed, OSAD expression was significantly increased during the mineralization process, specifically following, matrix maturation, and finally mineral deposition. Alizarin Red S staining for calcium deposition showed clear bone-like nodules, which support matrix maturation and mineralization. CONCLUSIONS: These studies provide new evidence for the role of OSAD in the mineralization process and its specific localization in the predentin layer accumulating at the mineralization front highlighting its role in tooth development.

Polyacetylenes in fresh and stored carrots (Daucus carota): relations to root morphology and sugar content.

BACKGROUND: Carrot roots contain polyacetylenes, reported to be both beneficial and distasteful when consumed by humans. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between polyacetylene contents, root morphology and sugar content in order to increase the opportunities to optimise the composition of polyacetylenes in carrots. RESULTS: The falcarinol/total polyacetylene ratio was positively correlated with root size, the amount of sucrose and the sucrose/total soluble sugar ratio among both fresh and stored samples. Root size was inversely correlated with the amounts of falcarindiol and falcarindiol-3-acetate, especially among stored samples. Stored carrots exhibited an inverse correlation between polyacetylenes and the amount of soluble sugar. At a falcarinol content at harvest below approximately 200 mg kg(-1) dry weight the amounts of all polyacetylenes increased during storage, but above that level the amounts of all polyacetylenes instead decreased. CONCLUSION: The results indicate similarities in the activity of the enzymes transforming sucrose to hexoses and the enzymes transforming falcarinol to falcarindiol-3-acetate and falcarindiol. The negative correlation between root size and polyacetylenes seems to be partly due to dilution but also to a higher synthetisation rate in smaller roots. The results indicate the existence of an equilibrium regulating the level of falcarinol.

Panic disorder is associated with the Val308Iso polymorphism in the hypocretin receptor gene.

BACKGROUND: Orexin A and B are neuropeptides influencing, for example, arousal and respiration. Although panic disorder is characterized by both enhanced proneness for arousal and by respiratory abnormalities, the possible influence of orexin-related genes on the risk of developing this disorder has not been studied until now. METHODS: We have analyzed the Ile408Val polymorphism in the hypocretin receptor 1 (HCRTR1) gene and the Val308Iso (G1246A) polymorphism in the hypocretin receptor 2 (HCRTR2) gene in a sample of 215 panic disorder patients and 454 controls. RESULTS: Although the polymorphism in the HCRTR1 did not differ between groups, the Iso allele of the HCRTR2 polymorphism was significantly more frequent in patients than in controls. After the population was divided according to sex, the association between the Iso allele of the Val308Iso polymorphism and panic disorder was observed only in female patients. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the HCRTR2 polymorphism may be of importance for the pathophysiology of panic disorder. The results should be regarded as preliminary until replicated in an independent sample. This indicates that further research on the possible role of orexin in panic disorder may prove rewarding.

Effects of harvesting date and storage on the amounts of polyacetylenes in carrots, Daucus carota.

The amounts of three main polyacetylenes in carrots; falcarinol, falcarindiol, and falcarindiol-3-acetate, were determined by HPLC, during three seasons, in carrots harvested several times per season and at different locations in Sweden. The amounts of falcarindiol first decreased from a relatively high level and then increased later in the harvest season. The amounts of falcarindiol-3-acetate showed similar variations, whereas the amounts of falcarinol did not exhibit any significant variation during the harvest season. During storage the amount of polyacetylenes leveled off, increasing in samples initially low and decreasing in samples initially high in polyacetylenes. The amounts of all polyacetylenes varied significantly due to external factors and between stored and fresh samples. This variation opens up possibilities to achieve a chemical composition of polyacetylenes at harvest that minimizes the risk of bitter off-taste and maximizes the positive health effects reported in connection with polyacetylenes in carrots.