scholarly journals A High Amylose Wheat Diet Improves Gastrointestinal Health Parameters and Gut Microbiota in Male and Female Mice

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 220
Author(s):  
See Meng Lim ◽  
Jocelyn M. Choo ◽  
Hui Li ◽  
Rebecca O’Rielly ◽  
John Carragher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Bacterial Load ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Gastrointestinal Health ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Specific Effects ◽  
Beneficial Impact ◽  
Bacteroidetes Phylum ◽  
Group Sex ◽  
High Amylose

High amylose wheat (HAW) contains more resistant starch than standard amylose wheat (SAW) and may have beneficial effects on gastrointestinal health. However, it is currently unclear whether these effects differ according to the level of HAW included in the diet or between males and females. Male and female C57BL/6 mice (n = 8/group/sex) were fed SAW65 (65% SAW; control), HAW35 (35% HAW), HAW50 (50% HAW) or HAW65 (65% HAW) diet for eight weeks. Female but not male, mice consuming any amount of HAW exhibited accelerated gastric emptying compared to SAW65 group. In both sexes, relative colon weights were higher in the HAW65 group compared to SAW65 group and in females, relative weights of the small intestine and cecum were also higher in the HAW65 group. In females only, colonic expression of Pyy and Ocln mRNAs were higher in the HAW65 group compared to HAW35 and HAW50 groups. In both sexes, mice consuming higher amounts of HAW (HAW50 or HAW65) had increased fecal bacterial load and relative abundance of Bacteroidetes phylum and reduced relative abundance of Firmicutes compared to SAW65 group. These data are consistent with a beneficial impact of HAW on gastrointestinal health and indicate dose-dependent and sex-specific effects of HAW consumption.

scholarly journals Important Properties of Grapes and Wine from the Dobrogea Area for Therapeutic Use

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 59
Author(s):  
Rodica Sirbu ◽  
Ticuta Negreanu-Pirjol ◽  
Bogdan Stefan Negreanu-Pirjol
Keyword(s):  
Natural Products ◽  
Succinic Acid ◽  
Malic Acid ◽  
Reducing Sugars ◽  
Alternative Therapies ◽  
Viable Alternative ◽  
Know How ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Specific Effects ◽  
Beneficial Impact

Starting from Herodotus who states that: No cure can cure like wine and can not inspire like it. From antiquity until now grapes and wine represent a viable alternative in multiple therapies if we know how and when to consume these products. This paper is a study that comes to present concretely the beneficial impact of the products that the vine offers us, the plant cultivated in the location of our Dobrogean area. Grapes contain reducing sugars, malic acid, succinic acid, flavonic derivatives, lecithin, choline, leucine, wax and minerals. Wine also has special properties in cellular and mental balance, being a good anti-stress remedy. Medicinal wines are elixirs with beneficial effects on health only if they are prepared correctly. In this paper important properies of wine and grapes are analised and application of wines and their specific effects in different therapies was systematized. The paper aims to open interest in this topic for scientifically controlled consumption and for the use of these natural products in beneficial alternative therapies.

scholarly journals Graded Dietary Resistant Starch Concentrations on Apparent Total Tract Macronutrient Digestibility and Fecal Fermentative End-Products and Microbial Populations of Healthy Adult Dogs

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison N Beloshapka ◽  
Tzu-Wen L Cross ◽  
Kelly S Swanson
Keyword(s):  
Resistant Starch ◽  
Healthy Adult ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Gastrointestinal Health ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Gross Energy ◽  
Quadratic Effects ◽  
Fecal Ph ◽  
High Level

Abstract Resistant starch (RS) is fermentable by gut microbiota and effectively modulates fecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations in pigs, mice, and humans. RS may have similar beneficial effects on the canine gut, but has not been well studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4% dietary RS (Hi-maize 260) on apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility, and fecal characteristics, fermentative end-product concentrations, and microbiota of healthy adult dogs. An incomplete 5 x 5 Latin square design with 7 dogs and 5 experimental periods was used, with each treatment period lasting 21 d (d 0-17 adaptation; d 18-21 fresh and total fecal collection) and each dog serving as its own control. Seven dogs (mean age = 5.3 yr; mean BW = 20 kg) were randomly allotted to one of five treatments formulated to be iso-energetic and consisting of graded amounts of 100% amylopectin cornstarch, RS, and cellulose, and fed as a top dressing on the food each day. All dogs were fed the same amount of a basal diet throughout the study and fresh water was offered ad libitum. The basal diet contained 6.25% RS (DM basis), contributing approximately 18.3 g of RS/d based on their daily food intake (292.5 g DM/d). Data were evaluated for linear and quadratic effects using SAS. The treatments included 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% of an additional RS source. Because Hi-maize 260 is approximately 40% digestible and 60% indigestible starch, the dogs received the following amounts of RS daily: 0% = 18.3 g (18.3 g + 0 g); 1% = 20.1 g (18.3 g + 1.8 g); 2% = 21.9 g (18.3 g + 3.6 g); 3% = 23.7 g (18.3 g + 5.4 g); and 4% = 25.5 g (18.3 g + 7.2 g). Apparent total tract dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, fat, and gross energy digestibilities and fecal pH were linearly decreased (P < 0.05) with increased RS consumption. Fecal output was linearly increased (P < 0.05) with increased RS consumption. Fecal scores and fecal fermentative end-product concentrations were not affected by RS consumption. Although most fecal microbial taxa were not altered, Faecalibacterium were increased (P < 0.05) with increased RS consumption. The decrease in fecal pH and increase in fecal Faecalibacterium would be viewed as being beneficial to gastrointestinal health. Although our results seem to indicate that RS is poorly and/or slowly fermentable in dogs, the lack of observed change may have been due to the rather high level of RS contained in the basal diet.

scholarly journals Sex-Specific Effects of Dietary Methionine Restriction on the Intestinal Microbiome

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 781 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine F. Wallis ◽  
Stepan B. Melnyk ◽  
Isabelle R. Miousse
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Intestinal Microbiota ◽  
Methylation Status ◽  
Intestinal Microbiome ◽  
Protein Methylation ◽  
Restricted Diet ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Specific Effects ◽  
Methionine Restriction

Dietary methionine restriction is associated with improved health outcomes and an increase in lifespan in animal models. We have previously shown that an increase in dietary methionine induces alteration in the intestinal microbiome. The composition of the intestinal microbiota is a determinant of health and we, therefore, hypothesized that dietary methionine restriction would also induce changes in the murine microbiome. After one month on a methionine-restricted diet, five-month-old male and female C57BL/6 mice had decreased levels of serum methionine, without changes in body weight. We identified a decrease in the hepatic methylation status of animals fed a methionine-restricted diet compared to controls. This decrease was not associated with changes in DNA or protein methylation in the liver. In males, we saw an increase in families Bacteroidaceae and Verrucoccaceae (mostly A. mucinophila) and a decrease in Rumminococcaceae in animals fed a methionine-restricted diet compared to controls. In females, Bacteroidales family S24-7 was increased two-fold, while families Bacteroidaceae, Verrucoccaceae, Rumminococcaceae, and Rikenellaceae were decreased compared to controls. In summary, feeding a methionine-restricted diet for one month was associated with significant and sex-specific changes in the intestinal microbiome.

Enhancing the employer-employee relationship through corporate social responsibility (CSR) engagement

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (7) ◽  
pp. 1479-1498 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daraneekorn Supanti ◽  
Ken Butcher ◽  
Liz Fredline
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Hotel Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Specific Effects ◽  
Employee Relationship ◽  
Hotel Managers ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Csr Engagement

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to understand how hotel managers perceive the benefits that may accrue to employees and hotels through their engagement in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. Design/methodology/approach – In-depth interviews with 23 hotel managers, representing various functional responsibilities, were undertaken across four provinces in Thailand. The sample included local and international chain hotels. Findings – Hotel managers from all functional areas and levels acknowledged that CSR substantially enhanced the employer–employee relationship. Five themes depicting the beneficial effects were identified: a relationship unifying process, having fun, feeling pride, developing skills and building teamwork. These themes reflect three core factors of emotional responses, social capital and task-related skills. Practical implications – The paper illustrates that CSR activities can be customised to elicit specific effects that will engender beneficial outcomes for both hotel management and employees. Originality/value – This paper provides new insights into how hotel managers perceive the employer-employee relationship is enhanced through CSR engagement. In addition, the paper presents a practical model that will be of interest to both academics and practitioners.

scholarly journals Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) as source of bioactive compounds: a review

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blanca Hernández-Ledesma
Keyword(s):  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Chenopodium Quinoa ◽  
Essential Amino Acids ◽  
Gastrointestinal Health ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Bioactive Proteins ◽  
Production And Consumption ◽  
Proteins And Peptides

Background: Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a pseudocereal traditionally cultivated by Andean cultures which production and consumption has increased worldwide in the last decades. Quinoa was defined as “one of the grains of the 21st century” because of its resistance to extreme environmental conditions and its nutritional and functional properties. In addition to its high content in protein, lipids, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and its excellent balance of essential amino acids, quinoa contains a plethora of phytochemicals including saponins, phytosterols, phytoecdysteroids, phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, and bioactive proteins and peptides. The recent investigations demonstrating the beneficial effects of these compounds on metabolic, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal health have made quinoa to gain recognition as a functional food and nutraceutical. This review summarizes the available data on the nutritional and functional role of quinoa emphasizing on the bioactive compounds mainly responsible for the health benefits attributed to this crop. Keywords: quinoa, pseudocereal, nutritional value, bioactive compounds, health benefits

scholarly journals Dual Role of Metallic Trace Elements in Stress Biology—From Negative to Beneficial Impact on Plants

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (13) ◽  
pp. 3117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ewa Muszyńska ◽  
Mateusz Labudda
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Plant Protection ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Elevated Concentration ◽  
Metallic Ions ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Metallic Trace Elements ◽  
Beneficial Impact ◽  
Evolutionary Consequences

Heavy metals are an interesting group of trace elements (TEs). Some of them are minutely required for normal plant growth and development, while others have unknown biological actions. They may cause injury when they are applied in an elevated concentration, regardless of the importance for the plant functioning. On the other hand, their application may help to alleviate various abiotic stresses. In this review, both the deleterious and beneficial effects of metallic trace elements from their uptake by roots and leaves, through toxicity, up to the regulation of physiological and molecular mechanisms that are associated with plant protection against stress conditions have been briefly discussed. We have highlighted the involvement of metallic ions in mitigating oxidative stress by the activation of various antioxidant enzymes and emphasized the phenomenon of low-dose stimulation that is caused by non-essential, potentially poisonous elements called hormesis, which is recently one of the most studied issues. Finally, we have described the evolutionary consequences of long-term exposure to metallic elements, resulting in the development of unique assemblages of vegetation, classified as metallophytes, which constitute excellent model systems for research on metal accumulation and tolerance. Taken together, the paper can provide a novel insight into the toxicity concept, since both dose- and genotype-dependent response to the presence of metallic trace elements has been comprehensively explained.

scholarly journals The Intestinal Fate of Citrus Flavanones and Their Effects on Gastrointestinal Health

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yala Stevens ◽  
Evelien Van Rymenant ◽  
Charlotte Grootaert ◽  
John Van Camp ◽  
Sam Possemiers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Barrier Function ◽  
Intestinal Inflammation ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Intestinal Barrier ◽  
Intestinal Bacteria ◽  
Intestinal Microbiome ◽  
Intestinal Barrier Function ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Gastrointestinal Health ◽  
Beneficial Effects

Citrus flavanones, with hesperidin and naringin as the most abundant representatives, have various beneficial effects, including anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. Evidence also indicates that they may impact the intestinal microbiome and are metabolized by the microbiota as well, thereby affecting their bioavailability. In this review, we provide an overview on the current evidence on the intestinal fate of hesperidin and naringin, their interaction with the gut microbiota, and their effects on intestinal barrier function and intestinal inflammation. These topics will be discussed as they may contribute to gastrointestinal health in various diseases. Evidence shows that hesperidin and naringin are metabolized by intestinal bacteria, mainly in the (proximal) colon, resulting in the formation of their aglycones hesperetin and naringenin and various smaller phenolics. Studies have also shown that citrus flavanones and their metabolites are able to influence the microbiota composition and activity and exert beneficial effects on intestinal barrier function and gastrointestinal inflammation. Although the exact underlying mechanisms of action are not completely clear and more research in human subjects is needed, evidence so far suggests that citrus flavanones as well as their metabolites have the potential to contribute to improved gastrointestinal function and health.

Statins and menopausal health

2002 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 141-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfred O Mueck ◽  
Harald Seeger
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Vascular Tissue ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Vascular Effects ◽  
Important Conclusion ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Specific Effects ◽  
Smooth Muscle Proliferation

Cardiovascular disease is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Cholesterol-lowering statins can reduce health risks both in men and women. While this benefit has thus far been attributed to the lipid-lowering effects of these drugs, the importance of their direct actions on vascular tissue is gaining more recognition. Furthermore, recent studies suggest that statins might also be effective in preventing osteoporosis and Alzheimer's disease. Equally interesting are experimental results showing that statins may inhibit growth of certain malignancies such as the breast. When statins are combined with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), even greater beneficial effects on the lipid profile can be obtained. To our knowledge we have investigated for the first time direct vascular effects by combining statins with HRT. We were able to identify significant beneficial effects on endothelial function and vascular smooth muscle proliferation. In the context of current discussions on the benefits and risks of HRT in treating patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, it appears particularly important that interventional studies should be conducted to evaluate the therapeutic relevance of statin/HRT combinations. At present, this is the most important conclusion drawn from the data collected thus far on the combination of these two drug types. There is some evidence suggesting drug-specific effects, particularly adverse reactions and statin interactions, which should be considered when using this combination therapy.

Evidence for Sex-specific Effects of TCDD on Male and Female Progeny Exposed in Utero

Epidemiology ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 17 (Suppl) ◽  
pp. S93
Author(s):  
B Le Magueress-Battistoni ◽  
F Odet ◽  
C Guigon ◽  
A Vérot ◽  
R Guyot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
In Utero ◽  
Female Progeny ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Specific Effects

Effects of histone hyperacetylation on the preimplantation development of male and female bovine embryos

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 1041 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clara S. Oliveira ◽  
Naiara Z. Saraiva ◽  
Marcela M. de Souza ◽  
Tatiane A. D. Tetzner ◽  
Marina R. de Lima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Histone Deacetylases ◽  
Trichostatin A ◽  
Preimplantation Development ◽  
Bovine Embryos ◽  
In Vitro Production ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Histone Hyperacetylation ◽  
Vitro Production

Trichostatin A (TSA) induces histone hyperacetylation by inhibiting histone deacetylases and consequently increasing gene expression. The hypothesis was that TSA supplementation during the in vitro culture (IVC) of bovine embryos would increase the blastocyst rate, particularly in low-quality and female embryos. Oocytes were fertilised separately with X and Y spermatozoa and, 70 h after IVF, the IVC medium was supplemented with 5 nM and 15 nM TSA for 48 or 144 h. Incubation of female embryos with 5 nM and 15 nM TSA resulted in similar increases in acetylated histone H3K9 levels. However, to see comparable effects on acetylated histone H3K9 levels in male embryos, the culture medium needed to be supplemented with 15 nM TSA (as opposed to 5 nM TSA for female embryos). Treatment of male and female embryos with 5 nM TSA for 48 h or female embryos with 5 nM for 144 h had no effect on blastocyst rates, although 15 nM TSA compromised embryonic development. The terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP–digoxigenin nick end-labelling (TUNEL) assay revealed increased apoptosis in female embryos treated with 5 nM TSA for 144 h, as well as in male and female embryos treated with 15 nM TSA for 48 h, but this increase in apoptosis was not observed in low-quality embryos. The results of the present study suggest that TSA treatment promotes histone hyperacetylation, but has no beneficial effects on the in vitro production of male and female bovine embryos during preimplantation development.

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