Pea Starch-Lauric Acid Complex Alleviates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in C57BL/6J Mice.

The previous documentation has shown the role of resistant starch in promoting intestinal health, while the effect of starch-lipid complex (RS5) on colitis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect and potential mechanism of RS5 in colitis. We prepared RS5 complexes by combining pea starch with lauric acid. Mice with dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis were treated with either RS5 (3.25 g/kg) or normal saline (10 mL/kg) for seven days, and the effects of pea starch-lauric acid complex on mice were observed. The RS5 treatment significantly attenuated weight loss, splenomegaly, colon shortening, and pathological damage in mice with colitis. Compare with the DSS group, cytokines levels, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 in both serum and colon tissue was significantly decreased in RS5 treatment group, while the gene expression of interleukin-10 and the expression of mucin 2, zonula occludens-1, Occludin, and claudin-1 in the colon was significantly upregulated in RS5 treatment group. In addition, RS5 treatment altered the gut microbiota structure of colitis mice by increasing the abundance of Bacteroides and decreasing Turicibacter, Oscillospira, Odoribacter, and Akkermansia. The dietary composition could be exploited to manage colitis by attenuating inflammation, restoring the intestinal barrier, and regulating gut microbiota.

Effects of reducing postprandial hyperglycemia and metabolism of acetate wheat starch on healthy mice

Abstract Recently, the acetate wheat starch (AWS) has been prepared by acetylation with an acetyl content of 2.42%, containing of rapidly digestible starch (RDS), slowly digestible starch (SDS) and resistant starch (RS) with 25.0%; 22.9% and 34.5%, respectively. In this study, this kind of starch was continuously evaluated with the postprandial blood glucose response and determined short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) metabolized from AWS in the gastrointestinal tract of healthy mice by HPLC. The result showed that the mice fed with AWS exhibited a very limited increase in blood glucose level and remained stable for 2 hours after meals efficiently comparing with the control group fed with natural wheat starch (NWS). Simultaneously, the content of SCFAs produced in the caecum of the mice fed with AWS was significantly higher than mice fed with NWS, especially with acetic and propionic acids by 28% and 26%, respectively. Thus, AWS has shown to limit the postprandial hyperglycemia in mice effectively through the resistance to amylase hydrolysis in the small intestine. When going into the caecum, it is fermented to form SCFAs providing a part of energy for the body's activities, avoiding rotten fermentation causing digestive disorders which are inherent restrictions of normal high cellulose and fiber food.

Starchy Vegetables and Metabolic Syndrome in Costa Rica.

Only a few studies primarily examined the associations between starchy vegetables (other than potatoes) and metabolic syndrome (MetS). We aimed to evaluate the association between starchy vegetables consumption and MetS in a population-based sample of Costa Rican adults. We hypothesized that a higher overall intake of starchy vegetables would not be associated with higher MetS prevalence. In this cross-sectional study, log-binomial regression models were used to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) of MetS across quintiles of total, unhealthy, healthy starchy vegetables, and individual starchy vegetables (potatoes, purple sweet potatoes, etc.), among 1881 Costa Rican adults. Least square means and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from linear regression models were estimated for each MetS component by categories of starchy vegetable variables. Higher intakes of starchy vegetables were associated with a higher prevalence of MetS in crude models, but no significant trends were observed after adjusting for confounders. A significant inverse association was observed between total starchy and healthy starchy vegetables consumption and fasting blood glucose. In this population, starchy vegetables might be part of a healthy dietary pattern.

Starch digestibility modulation significantly improves glycemic variability in type 2 diabetic subjects: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients, the reduction of glycemic variability and postprandial glucose excursions is essential to limit diabetes complications, beyond HbA1c level. This study aimed at determining whether increasing the content of Slowly Digestible Starch (SDS) in T2D patients' diet could reduce postprandial hyperglycemia and glycemic variability compared with a conventional low-SDS diet. METHODS AND RESULTS: For this randomized cross-over pilot study, 8 subjects with T2D consumed a controlled diet for one week, containing starchy products high or low in SDS. Glycemic variability parameters were evaluated using a Continuous Glucose Monitoring System. Glycemic variability was significantly lower during High-SDS diet compared to Low-SDS diet for MAGE (Mean Amplitude of Glycemic Excursions, p < 0.01), SD (Standard Deviation, p < 0.05), and CV (Coefficient of Variation, p < 0.01). The TIR (Time In Range) [140-180 mg/dL[ was significantly higher during High-SDS diet (p < 0.0001) whereas TIRs ≥180 mg/dL were significantly lower during High-SDS diet. Post-meals tAUC (total Area Under the Curve) were significantly lower during High-SDS diet. CONCLUSION: One week of High-SDS Diet in T2D patients significantly improves glycemic variability and reduces postprandial glycemic excursions. Modulation of starch digestibility in the diet could be used as a simple nutritional tool in T2D patients to improve daily glycemic control. REGISTRATION NUMBER: in clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03289494.

Avaliação in vitro e in vivo do potencial imunomodulador de frações polissacarídicas extraídas do chuchu / In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the immunomodulatory potential of polysaccharide fractions extracted from chayote

Os polissacarídeos não amido constituem importante parcela das fibras dietéticas, e podem ser considerados modificadores de resposta biológica (MRBs), uma vez que são capazes de interagir com o sistema imune, e suas características estruturais estão atreladas aos efeitos biológicos gerados. O potencial imunomodulador dos polissacarídeos do chuchu já foi demonstrado, entretanto, informações sobre suas características estruturais e sua relação com o perfil imunológico são limitadas a ensaios in vitro, não havendo, até o momento, estudos in vivo. Assim, o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar, in vitro e in vivo, o perfil imunomodulador de frações isoladas do polissacarídeo do chuchu. Por meio da filtração tangencial foram obtidas as frações de estudo, SeRI<50 e SeSE<50, respectivamente as frações isoladas do polissacarídeo do chuchu extraídas do resíduo insolúvel e do sobrenadante pós-tratamento enzimático para retirada do amido com peso molecular menor que 50 kDa. A caracterização por meio da determinação da composição monossacarídica e da análise de ligação apontou que ambas as frações são formadas por galacturonanos, arabinanos, arabinogalactanos e glicomananos. A SeRI<50 é menos ramificada e, provavelmente, composta por galactanos, enquanto SeSE<50 é mais ramificada e, provavelmente, composta por galactuglucomananos. Essas frações foram capazes de estimular os macrófagos murinos RAW 264.7 e as células mononucleares do baço, do sangue e do intestino delgado de camundongos Balb/c, sugerindo um perfil de ação mais pró-inflamatório, com base nos efeitos produzidos pelas espécies reativas de oxigênio, citocinas e pelos marcadores de ativação de linfócitos. Ambas as amostras, SeRI<50 e SeSE<50, mostraram ser eficientes em ativar a cascata imunológica, não sendo citotóxicas mesmo com a maior concentração testada no ensaio in vitro

Non-starch polysaccharides are important components of dietary fibers, and they may be considered biological response modifiers (MRBs), as they may interact with the immune system, depending on their structural characteristics. The immunomodulatory potential of chayote polysaccharides has already been demonstrated, however, information on their structural characteristics and their relationship with the immunological profile are limited to in vitro assays, with no reports on in vivo studies. Thus, the objective of the study was to evaluate, in vitro and in vivo, the immunomodulatory profile of polysaccharide from chayote. Through tangential filtration two fractions, SeRI <50 and SeSE <50, were obtained, respectively the fraction isolated from the chayote polysaccharide extracted from the insoluble residue and the fraction from the enzymatic post-treatment supernatant to remove starch, both under molecular weight 50 kDa. The monosaccharide composition and linkage analysis showed that both fractions are formed by galacturonans, arabinans, arabinogalactans and glycomanans. SeRI <50 is less branched and probably composed of galactans, while SeSE <50 is more branched and probably composed of galactuglucomannans. These fractions were able to stimulate murine macrophages RAW 264.7 and mononuclear cells of the spleen, blood and small intestine of Balb / c mice, suggesting a more proinflammatory action profile, based on the reactive oxygen species production, cytokines and lymphocyte activation markers. Both samples, SeRI <50 and SeSE <50, were able to efficiently activate the immunological cascade, not being cytotoxic even at the highest concentration tested in the in vitro assay

DSM-TACE of HCC: Evaluation of Tumor Response in Patients Ineligible for Other Systemic or Loco-Regional Therapies.

PURPOSE: To analyze tumor response, survival and safety in patients with non-resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with transarterial hepatic chemoembolization using degradable starch microspheres (DSM-TACE) combined with doxorubicin who had no local interventional or systemic therapy alternative according to an interdisciplinary conference. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 28 patients (23 male, 5 female, median age 67 years) with unresectable HCC, serum bilirubin levels < 3 mg/dl and contraindications to Sorafenib, RFA, SIRT or cTACE were included. DSM-TACE was performed using Embocept® S (15 ml) and doxorubicin (50 mg/25 ml) three times every 4-6 weeks. Patients were initially staged using the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer System (BCLC). Basic liver function was evaluated with the MELD-score. Tumor response was assessed using the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST). RESULTS: DSM-TACE could be technically successfully performed in all 28 patients. At control imaging after three treatments, the overall rates of complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD), and progressive disease (PD) were 14.3 %, 25 %, 39.3 % and 21.4 %, respectively, according to mRECIST. With regard to BCLC stages, the results were as follows (CR, PR, PD): BCLC A (n = 8): 7.1 %, 7.1 %, 10.7 %, 1.2 %; BCLC B (n = 12): 0 %, 10.7 %, 17.9 %, 14.3 %; BCLC C (n = 5): 0 %, 3.6 %, 10.7 %, 3.6 %; BCLC D (n = 3): 3.6 %, 3.6 %, 0 %, 3.6 %. According to this, DSM-TACE showed an overall good median survival of 682 days, although the patients' survival was strictly dependent on BCLC stage. CONCLUSION: DSM-TACE is a safe and promising treatment alternative for patients with unresectable HCC who are ineligible for other loco-regional therapies. KEY POINTS: · DSM-TACE is a safe treatment alternative for patients ineligible for other local or systemic treatments.. · DSM-TACE did not influence the MELD-score in our study population.. · Patients treated with DSM-TACE showed an overall good median survival of 682 days, strictly dependent on BCLC stage.. CITATION FORMAT: · Haubold J, Reinboldt MP, Wetter A et al. DSM-TACE of HCC: Evaluation of Tumor Response in Patients Ineligible for Other Systemic or Loco-Regional Therapies. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2020; 192: 862 - 869.

The Effects of Gelatinized Wheat Starch and High Salt Diet on Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Disorder.

Diets high in gelatinized starch and high in gelatinized starch supplemented with salt-induced metabolic disorders and changes in gut microbiota have scarcely been studied. In this study, mice on wheat starch diets (WD) exhibited significantly higher body weight, white adipose tissue (WAT), and gut permeability compared to those on normal diet (ND). However, gelatinized wheat starch diet (GWD) and NaCl-supplemented gelatinized wheat starch diet (SGW) mice did not increase body and WAT weights or dyslipidemia, and maintained consistent colon pH at ND levels. WD mice showed higher levels of Desulfovibrio, Faecalibaculum, and Lactobacillus and lower levels of Muribaculum compared to ND mice. However, GWD and SGW mice showed a significantly different gut microbial composition, such as a lower proportion of Lactobacillus and Desulfovibrio, and higher proportion of Faecalibaculum and Muribaculum compared to WD mice. High starch diet-induced dysbiosis caused increase of lipid accumulation and inflammation-related proteins' expression, thereby leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, GWD and SGW showed lower levels than that, and it might be due to the difference in the gut microbial composition compared to WD. Taken together, diets high in gelatinized starch and high in gelatinized starch supplemented with salt induced mild metabolic disorders compared to native starch.

Degradable starch microspheres transarterial chemoembolization (DSMs-TACE) in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): long-term results from a single-center 137-patient cohort prospective study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate safety and efficacy of degradable starch microspheres (DSMs) TACE in a large clinical cohort of patients with unresectable HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a single-center consecutive patients cohort study. The study was approved by local institutional ethics committee. Written informed consent was obtained. From December 2013 to March 2018, 137 cirrhotic patients with unresectable HCC were enrolled. For DSMs-TACE, a mixture of 4 mL of DSMs, 6 mL of non-ionic contrast and doxorubicin at a dose of 50 mg/m2 were used. Primary end point was long-term outcome, in terms of time to progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints were: safety, liver toxicity, 1-month percentage of tumor necrosis according to the modified RECIST criteria. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty-seven DSMs-TACE were performed in 137 HCC patients (33 patients in BCLC stage A, 84 patients in BCLC stage B, and 20 in stage C). Patients had a mean nodule number of 3.5 ± 1.2 (SD). Major complications were observed in 6.8% of cases. Post-embolization syndrome was common (101 patients 73.7%). According to mRecist criteria, a high objective response rate was obtained even after just one treatment (84.3% of patients showed complete response or partial response). The median TTP and OS after DSMs-TACE were 12 months and 36 months, respectively. OS at 6 months, 1 year, 2 and 3 years was 98%, 81.3%, 57.9%, 34.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: DSMs-TACE is a safe and effective therapy for patients with HCC, allowing to obtain a good rate of OS with excellent local tumor control.

Intra-arterial EmboCept S® and DC Bead® effectively inhibit tumor growth of colorectal rat liver metastases.

BACKGROUND: Intra-arterial therapy with embolics is established for the treatment of malignancies of the liver. However, there are no studies comparing the different effects of various embolics used in clinical practice. Herein, we analyzed the effect of 3 different embolics on tumor growth in a rat model of colorectal liver metastases. METHODS: Eight days after subcapsular implantation of 5 × 105 colorectal cancer cells (CC531) in the left liver lobe of WAG/Rij rats were randomized into 4 groups (n = 8) and underwent intra-arterial hepatic therapy. Animals received either EmboCept S®, DC Bead® or Lipiodol® Ultra-Fluid. Animals of the control group received a comparable amount of saline. Tumor growth was measured on day 8 and 11 using a three-dimensional 40 MHz ultrasound device. On day 11 tumor and liver tissue were removed for histological and immunohistochemical analyses. RESULTS: On day 11 animals of the control group showed a tumor growth of ~ 60% compared to day 8. Application of Lipiodol Ultra-Fluid® did not significantly influence tumor growth (~ 40%). In contrast, treatment with EmboCept S® or DC Bead® completely inhibited tumor growth. Of interest, application of EmboCept S® did not only completely inhibit tumor growth but even decreased tumor size. Immunohistochemical analysis showed a significant increase of necrotic areas within the tumors after application of EmboCept S® and DC Bead® compared to Lipiodol® Ultra-Fluid. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that an intra-arterial therapy with EmboCept S® and DC Bead®, but not Lipiodol® Ultra-Fluid, results in a complete inhibition of rat colorectal liver metastatic growth.

High starchy food intake may increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes: a nested case-control study in the Shaanxi province of Northwestern China.

BACKGROUND: There was a wider disparity in the diet characterization among most studies on diet and pregnancy outcomes in different countries, and the research in northern China is limited. Therefore, the purpose of the present study that was conducted in northwest China was to understand the dietary characteristics of periconceptional women and to explore the relationship between and specific dietary patterns with adverse pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: A nested case-control study was conducted from October 2017 to November 2018 in Shaanxi, China. Based on a prospective cohort of 368 women who were pregnant or prepared for pregnancy, 63 participants who developed the outcomes of gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, low birth weight, and birth defects were included in the case group. A total of 237 healthy pregnant women were included during the same period in the control group. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire for the three months before pregnancy and the first trimester. Information on delivery details and antenatal pregnancy complications was obtained from the hospital maternity records. Dietary patterns were derived using factor analysis. Stratified analysis was performed on the overall, single and multiple adverse pregnancy outcomes categories. Adjustment was made for sociodemographic characteristics and nutritional supplement status. RESULTS: Six major dietary patterns were identified. The 'starchy' dietary pattern, composed of high intake in noodle and flour products and/or rice and its products, was associated with the odds of developing of adverse pregnancy outcomes (OR: 2.324, 95% CI: 1.293-4.178). This risk remained significant following adjustment for potential confounders of maternal demographic characteristics and nutritional status (aOR: 2.337, 95% CI:1.253-4.331). Strong association were found during the first trimester of pregnancy, but showed no association during the three months before pregnancy (aOR:1.473, 95% CI: 0.682-3.234). CONCLUSIONS: High starchy food intake was associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly during the first trimester of pregnancy. Health education focusing on periconceptional dietary patterns could be a practical strategy for preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes.

High Levels of Prebiotic Resistant Starch in Diet Modulate Gene Expression and Metabolomic Profile in Pancreatic Cancer Xenograft Mice.

Cancer initiation and protection mainly derives from a systemic metabolic environment regulated by dietary patterns. Less is known about the impact of nutritional interventions in people with a diagnosis of cancer. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of a diet rich in resistant starch (RS) on cell pathways modulation and metabolomic phenotype in pancreatic cancer xenograft mice. RNA-Seq experiments on tumor tissue showed that 25 genes resulted in dysregulated pancreatic cancer in mice fed with an RS diet, as compared to those fed with control diet. Moreover, in these two different mice groups, six serum metabolites were deregulated as detected by LC⁻MS analysis. A bioinformatic prediction analysis showed the involvement of the differentially expressed genes on insulin receptor signaling, circadian rhythm signaling, and cancer drug resistance among the three top canonical pathways, whilst cell death and survival, gene expression, and neurological disease were among the three top disease and biological functions. These findings shed light on the genomic and metabolic phenotype, contributing to the knowledge of the mechanisms through which RS may act as a potential supportive approach for enhancing the efficacy of existing cancer treatments.

Sucrose and starch intake contribute to reduced alveolar bone height in a rodent model of naturally occurring periodontitis.

While there is a burgeoning interest in the effects of nutrition on systemic inflammatory diseases, how dietary macronutrient balance impacts local chronic inflammatory diseases in the mouth has been largely overlooked. Here, we used the Geometric Framework for Nutrition to test how the amounts of dietary macronutrients and their interactions, as well as carbohydrate type (starch vs sucrose vs resistant starch) influenced periodontitis-associated alveolar bone height in mice. Increasing intake of carbohydrates reduced alveolar bone height, while dietary protein had no effect. Whether carbohydrate came from sugar or starch did not influence the extent of alveolar bone height. In summary, the amount of carbohydrate in the diet modulated periodontitis-associated alveolar bone height independent of the source of carbohydrates.

Metaproteomics reveals potential mechanisms by which dietary resistant starch supplementation attenuates chronic kidney disease progression in rats.

BACKGROUND: Resistant starch is a prebiotic metabolized by the gut bacteria. It has been shown to attenuate chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression in rats. Previous studies employed taxonomic analysis using 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics profiling. Here we expand these studies by metaproteomics, gaining new insight into the host-microbiome interaction. METHODS: Differences between cecum contents in CKD rats fed a diet containing resistant starch with those fed a diet containing digestible starch were examined by comparative metaproteomics analysis. Taxonomic information was obtained using unique protein sequences. Our methodology results in quantitative data covering both host and bacterial proteins. RESULTS: 5,834 proteins were quantified, with 947 proteins originating from the host organism. Taxonomic information derived from metaproteomics data surpassed previous 16S RNA analysis, and reached species resolutions for moderately abundant taxonomic groups. In particular, the Ruminococcaceae family becomes well resolved-with butyrate producers and amylolytic species such as R. bromii clearly visible and significantly higher while fibrolytic species such as R. flavefaciens are significantly lower with resistant starch feeding. The observed changes in protein patterns are consistent with fiber-associated improvement in CKD phenotype. Several known host CKD-associated proteins and biomarkers of impaired kidney function were significantly reduced with resistant starch supplementation. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD008845. CONCLUSIONS: Metaproteomics analysis of cecum contents of CKD rats with and without resistant starch supplementation reveals changes within gut microbiota at unprecedented resolution, providing both functional and taxonomic information. Proteins and organisms differentially abundant with RS supplementation point toward a shift from mucin degraders to butyrate producers.

Tissue reaction after subcutaneous implants of a new material composed of ethylene-vinyl acetate and starch for future use as a biomaterial.

This study aimed to evaluate the tissue reaction of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) in 4 different compositions and processing: EVA foamed at high pressure with ultrasound (EVACU); EVA with 15% starch foamed at high pressure with ultrasound (EVAMCU); EVA with 15% starch foamed at high pressure without ultrasound and EVA foamed at high pressure without ultrasound as future use as a porous scaffold. Scanning electron microscopy images showed the influence of starch, reducing the diameter of pores. The number of open pores was also reduced with the addition of starch. The ultrasound applied during the manufacturing of composites does not affect these characteristics. Eighteen rats were used to test the tissue reaction of materials and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), proven biocompatible material. After 7, 15, and 60 days of surgery, the materials were removed and processed for microscopic evaluation and counting of the inflammatory infiltrate. The data shows inflammatory reaction similar to PTFE. However, in the quantitative analysis at 60 days, the EVACU and EVAMCU showed less quantity of mononuclear cells (p < 0.05). Thus, the results suggest that the use of ultrasound in the production method (EVA) seems to have improved cell behavior regarding the reduction of infiltration over the period, with tissue response equivalent to the PTFE. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 107B: 400-407, 2019.

Effects of Starch on Oral Health: Systematic Review to Inform WHO Guideline.

A systematic review was conducted to update evidence on the effect of total dietary starch and of replacing rapidly digestible starches (RDSs) with slowly digestible starches (SDSs) on oral health outcomes to inform updating of World Health Organization guidance on carbohydrate intake. Data sources included MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, LILACS, and Wanfang. Eligible studies were comparative and reported any intervention with a different starch content of diets or foods and data on oral health outcomes relating to dental caries, periodontal disease, or oral cancer. Studies that reported total dietary starch intake or change in starch intake were included or where comparisons or exposure included diets and foods that compared RDSs and/or SDSs. The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analyses) statement, and evidence was assessed with the GRADE Working Group guidelines. From 6,080 papers identified, 33 (28 studies) were included in the RDS versus SDS comparison: 15 (14 studies) assessed the relationship between SDS and/or RDS and dental caries; 16 (12 studies) considered oral cancer; and 2 studied periodontal disease. For total starch, 23 papers (22 studies) were included: 22 assessed the effects on dental caries, and 1 considered oral cancer. GRADE assessment indicated low-quality evidence, suggesting no association between total starch intake and caries risk but that RDS intake may significantly increase caries risk. Very low-quality evidence suggested no association between total starch and oral cancer risk, and low-quality evidence suggested that SDS decreases oral cancer risk. Data on RDS and oral cancer risk were inconclusive. Very low-quality data relating to periodontitis suggested a protective effect of whole grain starches (SDS). The best available evidence suggests that only RDS adversely affects oral health.

Direct and Long-Term Metabolic Consequences of Lowly vs. Highly-Digestible Starch in the Early Post-Weaning Diet of Mice.

Starches of low and high digestibility have different metabolic effects. Here, we examined whether this gives differential metabolic programming when fed in the immediate post-weaning period. Chow-fed mice were time-mated, and their nests were standardized and cross-fostered at postnatal days 1⁻2. After postnatal week (PW) 3, individually housed female and male offspring were switched to a lowly-digestible (LDD) or highly-digestible starch diet (HDD) for three weeks. All of the mice received the same high-fat diet (HFD) for nine weeks thereafter. Energy and substrate metabolism and carbohydrate fermentation were studied at the end of the HDD/LDD and HFD periods by extended indirect calorimetry. Glucose tolerance (PW 11) and metabolic flexibility (PW14) were analyzed. Directly in response to the LDD versus the HDD, females showed smaller adipocytes with less crown-like structures in gonadal white adipose tissue, while males had a lower fat mass and higher whole body fat oxidation levels. Both LDD-fed females and males showed an enlarged intestinal tract. Although most of the phenotypical differences disappeared in adulthood in both sexes, females exposed to LDD versus HDD in the early post-weaning period showed improved metabolic flexibility in adulthood. Cumulatively, these results suggest that the type of starch introduced after weaning could, at least in females, program later-life health.

Effect of 12 wk of resistant starch supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with prediabetes: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Type 2 resistant starch (RS2) has been shown to improve glycemic control and some cardiovascular endpoints in rodent and human studies. Objective: The aim of this study was to perform one of the first randomized clinical trials in adults with prediabetes and one of the longest trials to test whether RS2 can improve cardiometabolic health. Design: 68 overweight [body mass index (BMI) ≥27 kg/m2] adults aged 35-75 y with prediabetes were randomized to consume 45 g/d of high-amylose maize (RS2) or an isocaloric amount of the rapidly digestible starch amylopectin (control) for 12 wk. At baseline and postintervention, ectopic fat depots (visceral adipose tissue, intrahepatic lipids, and intramyocellular lipids) were measured by magnetic resonance imaging/spectroscopy, energy metabolism by respiratory chamber, and carbohydrate metabolism by glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), an intravenous glucose tolerance test, and a meal tolerance test. Cardiovascular risk factors-serum lipids, blood pressure, heart rate, and inflammatory markers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP], interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α)-were also measured. The primary endpoints were insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, ectopic fat, and markers of inflammation. Data were primarily analyzed as treatment effects via a linear mixed model both with and without the addition of covariates. Results: Relative to the control group, RS2 lowered HbA1c by a clinically insignificant 0.1 ± 0.2% (Δ = -1 ± 2 mmol/mol; P = 0.05) but did not affect insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity, the disposition index, or glucose or insulin areas under the curve relative to baseline (P ≥ 0.23). RS2 decreased heart rate by 5 ± 9 beats/min (P = 0.02) and TNF-α concentrations by 2.1 ± 2.7 pg/mL (P = 0.004), relative to the control group. Ectopic fat, energy expenditure, substrate oxidation, and all other cardiovascular risk factors were unaffected (P ≥ 0.06). Conclusions: 12 wk of supplementation with resistant starch reduced the inflammatory marker TNF-α and heart rate, but it did not significantly improve glycemic control and other cardiovascular disease risk factors, in adults with prediabetes. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01708694.

Cornstarch is less allergenic than corn flour in dogs and cats previously sensitized to corn.

BACKGROUND: Corn appears to be an uncommon food source of allergens in dogs and cats. There is limited information on the nature of the corn allergens in dogs and cats and their presence in the various foodstuffs used in commercial pet foods. The aim of this study was to determine if serum IgE from corn-sensitized dogs and cats recognized proteins in corn flour and cornstarch, which are common sources of carbohydrates in pet foods. RESULTS: We selected archived sera from allergy-suspected dogs (40) and cats (40) with either undetectable, low, medium or high serum levels of corn-specific IgE. These sera were tested then by ELISA on plates coated with extracts made from corn kernels, corn flour, cornstarch and the starch used in the commercially-available extensively-hydrolyzed pet food Anallergenic (Royal Canin). Immunoblotting was then performed on the same extracts with some of the sera from moderate-to-high corn-sensitized dogs and cats. Using ELISA, it is mostly the dogs and cats with moderate and high corn-specific IgE levels that also had IgE identifying allergens in the flour (dogs: 20/30 sera, 67% - cats: 20/29, 69%). In contrast, none of the tested sera had measurable IgE against proteins isolated from the cornstarch. Immunoblotting confirmed the existence of numerous major corn allergens in the corn kernel extract, fewer in that of the corn flour, while such allergens were not detectable using this technique in the two cornstarch extracts. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, ELISA and immunoblotting results suggest that IgE from corn-sensitized dogs are less likely to recognize allergens in cornstarch than in kernel and flour extracts. As corn is not a common allergen source in dogs and cats, and as its starch seems to be less allergenic than its flour, pet foods containing cornstarch as a carbohydrate source are preferable for dogs and cats suspected of suffering from corn allergy.

CD Obesity-Prone Rats, but not Obesity-Resistant Rats, Robustly Ferment Resistant Starch Without Increased Weight or Fat Accretion.

OBJECTIVE: This study used CD obesity-prone (OP) and obesity-resistant (OR) rats to examine how weight gain and fat accretion relate to fermentation levels and microbiota composition after feeding resistant starch (RS). METHODS: After feeding OP rats and OR rats a high-fat (HF) diet for 4 weeks, rats were stratified into three groups: they were fed either an HF diet (group 1: HF-HF) or were switched to a low-fat (LF) diet (group 2: HF-LF) or an LF diet supplemented with 20% RS by weight for 4 weeks (group 3: HF-LFRS). Energy intake, body weight, fermentation variables, and microbiota composition were determined. RESULTS: In OP rats, RS elicited robust fermentation (increased cecal contents, short-chain fatty acids, and serum glucagon-like peptide 1). Total bacteria, species of the Bacteroidales family S24-7, and the archaean Methanobrevibacter smithii increased. The robust fermentation did not elicit higher weight or fat accretion when compared with that of control rats fed the same isocaloric diets (HF-LF ± RS). In OR rats, body weight and fat accretion were also not different between HF-LF ± RS diets, but RS elicited minimal changes in fermentation and microbiota composition. CONCLUSIONS: Robust fermentation did not contribute to greater weight. Fermentation levels and changes in microbiota composition in response to dietary RS differed by obesity phenotype.