Bioavailability of a Novel Form of Microencapsulated Bovine Lactoferrin and Its Effect on Inflammatory Markers and the Gut Microbiome: A Pilot Study

Bovine lactoferrin, extracted from milk or whey, is used in a range of products to enhance immunity and support digestive health, iron absorption, and homeostasis. This study examined the absorption and effect of Progel (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) microencapsulated bovine lactoferrin (InferrinTM, Bega Bionutrients, Victoria, Australia) on immune markers and the microbiome. A double-blind randomised, cross-over trial was conducted with 12 healthy males randomised to one of two doses, equivalent to 200 mg or 600 mg lactoferrin, for two four-week supplementation arms, with a two-week washout period. Subjects received either standard bovine lactoferrin or InferrinTM for each arm. Baseline and post each trial arm, CD69+ activation on CD4+ and CD8+ cells was analysed, bovine and human lactoferrin contents of faecal and serum samples were reported, and the gut microbiome was analysed using 16S sequencing and metagenomic sequencing. The mean level of CD69+ activation on the CD4+ cells was lower after supplementation regardless of the form or dose of lactoferrin. This was statistically significant for the 200 mg dose. A higher level of bovine lactoferrin was found post-supplementation in those taking InferrinTM, although this was not statistically significant. Changes in phylum-level microbial community profiling were detected post-supplementation in the second trial arm, particularly in those receiving InferrinTM. Metagenomic sequencing showed changes in the volumes of the top 100 species of bacteria present before and after all treatment arms. Results suggest that lactoferrin supplementation may have beneficial effects on the microbiome and immune system, and that the use of InferrinTM improves absorption. Larger detailed studies are needed to ascertain the potential positive effects of bovine lactoferrin supplementation.

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Effects of acute caffeine, theanine and tyrosine supplementation on mental and physical performance in athletes

Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition ◽

10.1186/s12970-019-0326-3 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Javier Zaragoza ◽

Grant Tinsley ◽

Stacie Urbina ◽

Katelyn Villa ◽

Emily Santos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Performance ◽

Linear Models ◽

Dynamic Testing ◽

Collegiate Athletes ◽

Performance Testing ◽

The Body ◽

Double Blind ◽

Movement Accuracy ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Before And After

Abstract Background A limited amount of research has demonstrated beneficial effects of caffeine and theanine supplementation for enhancement of mental performance. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether the acute ingestion of a supplement containing caffeine, theanine and tyrosine improves mental and physical performance in athletes. Methods Twenty current or former male collegiate athletes (age: 20.5 ± 1.4 y; height: 1.82 ± 0.08 m; weight: 83.9 ± 12.6 kg; body fat: 13.8 ± 5.6%) completed this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial. After familiarization, each participant completed two identical testing sessions with provision of a proprietary dietary supplement (SUP) containing caffeine theanine and tyrosine or a placebo (PL). Within each testing session, participants completed assessments of mental and physical performance before and after provision of SUP or PL, as well as after two rounds of exercise. Assessments were performed using a performance testing device (Makoto Arena) that evaluated multiple aspects of mental and physical performance in response to auditory and visual stimuli. Testing was performed both with the body in a static position and during dynamic movement. General linear models were used to evaluate the effects of SUP and PL on performance. Results Changes in movement accuracy during performance assessment were greater following SUP ingestion as compared to PL for both static and dynamic testing (SUP: + 0.4 to 7.5%; PL: − 1.4 to 1.4% on average; p < 0.05). For dynamic testing, the change in number of targets hit was higher and the change in average hit time was lower with SUP as compared to PL (p < 0.05). However, there were no differences between conditions for the changes in number of targets hit or average hit time during static testing. There were no differences in changes of subjective variables during either condition, and performance measures during the two rounds of exercise did not differ between conditions (p > 0.05). Discussion The present results indicate that a combination of a low-dose of caffeine with theanine and tyrosine may improve athletes’ movement accuracy surrounding bouts of exhaustive exercise without altering subjective variables. Based on this finding, supplementation with caffeine, theanine and tyrosine could potentially hold ergogenic value for athletes in sports requiring rapid and accurate movements. Trial registration NCT03019523. Registered 24 January 2017.

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The benefit of a supplement with the antioxidant melatonin on redox status and muscle damage in resistance-trained athletes

Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1139/apnm-2016-0677 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 42 (7) ◽

pp. 700-707 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Roberto C. Leonardo-Mendonça ◽

Javier Ocaña-Wilhelmi ◽

Tomás de Haro ◽

Carlos de Teresa-Galván ◽

Eduardo Guerra-Hernández ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Muscle Damage ◽

Antioxidant Properties ◽

Redox Status ◽

Absorption Capacity ◽

Double Blind ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Before And After ◽

High Doses ◽

Exercise Induced

Previous data showed that the administration of high doses of melatonin improved the circadian system in athletes. Here, we investigated in the same experimental paradigm whether the antioxidant properties of melatonin has also beneficial effects against exercise-induced oxidative stress and muscle damage in athletes. Twenty-four athletes were treated with 100 mg·day−1 of melatonin or placebo 30 min before bedtime during 4 weeks in a randomized double-blind scheme. Exercise intensity was higher during the study that before starting it. Blood samples were collected before and after treatment, and plasma was used for oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC), lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitrite plus nitrate (NOx), and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) determinations. Glutathione (GSH), glutathione disulphide (GSSG) levels, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reductase (GRd) activities, were measured in erythrocytes. Melatonin intake increased ORAC, reduced LPO and NOx levels, and prevented the increase of AOPP, compared to placebo group. Melatonin was also more efficient than placebo in reducing GSSG·GSH−1 and GPx·GRd−1 ratios. Melatonin, but not placebo, reduced creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine, and total cholesterol levels. Overall, the data reflect a beneficial effect of melatonin treatment in resistance-training athletes, preventing extra- and intracellular oxidative stress induced by exercise, and yielding further skeletal muscle protection against exercise-induced oxidative damage.

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Changes in Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Following Treatment with Mifepristone in Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia

Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1080/00048670701213211 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 41 (4) ◽

pp. 321-326 ◽

Cited By ~ 35

Author(s):

Paul Mackin ◽

Peter Gallagher ◽

Stuart Watson ◽

Allan H. Young ◽

I. Nicol Ferrier

Keyword(s):

Bipolar Disorder ◽

Neurotrophic Factor ◽

Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor ◽

Crossover Design ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Double Blind ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Before And After ◽

Patient Groups ◽

Cortisol Levels

Objective: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is stress-responsive and has been implicated in a number of disparate neuropsychiatric disorders. Glucocorticoid antagonists have been shown to have beneficial effects on mood and cognitive function in bipolar disorder but not in schizophrenia. The aim of the present study was to investigate BDNF levels in patients with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia before and after treatment with the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist mifepristone. Methods: Peripheral BDNF levels were measured in patients with bipolar disorder (n=20), schizophrenia (n=20) and 14 matched healthy controls following 7 days of adjunctive mifepristone (600 mg day−1) treatment in a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design study. Results: Baseline BDNF values were similar in both patient groups and in healthy controls. Following treatment with mifepristone, cortisol levels were significantly increased and BDNF levels decreased in both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. A significant correlation existed between change in cortisol level and change in BDNF levels following mifepristone treatment in schizophrenia, but not in bipolar disorder. Conclusion: Differing BDNF responses to increasing cortisol levels between patients with schizophrenia and with bipolar disorder may reflect underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.

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Effect of Probiotic Supplementation Along With Calorie Restriction on Metabolic Endotoxemia, and Mega Inflammation in Coronary Artery Disease Patients: A Double Blind Placebo Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial

10.21203/rs.3.rs-71445/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

jalal moludi ◽

Hossein Samadi Kafil ◽

Pourya Gholizadeh ◽

Mohammad Alizadeh ◽

Hamed Jafari Vayghyan

Keyword(s):

Lactobacillus Rhamnosus ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Interleukin 10 ◽

Preliminary Evidence ◽

Probiotic Supplementation ◽

Double Blind ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Before And After ◽

Artery Disease ◽

Metabolic Endotoxemia

Abstract Purpose: Dysbiosis has been associated with increased microbial translocation, leading to chronic inflammation in cardiovascular diseases (CVD). It has been proposed that modulation of gut microbiota by probiotic might modify metabolic endotoxemia. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) on metabolic endotoxemia, and marker of inflammation in CVD subjects. Methods: This study was a 12-weeks randomized, double-blind, and intervention on 44 patients with CVD. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either one LGG capsule 1.6 ×109 colony-forming unit (CFU) or the placebo capsules for 12 weeks. Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: A significant decrease in IL1-Beta concentration (-1.88 ± 2.25, vs. 0.56 ± 1.58 mmol/L, P=0.027), and LPS levels (-5.20 ±2.70 vs. 2.96+ 5.27 mg/L, P=0.016), was observed after the probiotic supplementation compared with the placebo. Subjects who had ≥2.5 kg weight loss showed signiﬁcantly improved in some variables, compared to patients with <2.5 kg weight reduction, regardless of the supplement they receive.Conclusion: These data provide preliminary evidence that probiotic supplementation has beneficial effects on metabolic endotoxemia, and mega inflammation in subjects with CVD.

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Quyushengxin Formula Causes Differences in Bacterial and Phage Composition in Ulcerative Colitis Patients

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2020/5859023 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-13

Author(s):

Haojie Yang ◽

Dan Gan ◽

Ying Li ◽

Xiaosu Wang ◽

Lei Jin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ulcerative Colitis ◽

Gut Microbiome ◽

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Chronic Inflammatory Disease ◽

Metagenomic Sequencing ◽

Healthy Donors ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Therapeutic Mechanism ◽

Before And After ◽

Normal Controls

Background. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the colon and the rectum. Recently, some studies have shown that microorganisms in the gut play important roles in many chronic diseases such as UC. Methods. To study the candidate viruses and bacteria involved in UC and to investigate the therapeutic mechanism of Quyushengxin formula (QYSX) in UC patients, metagenomic sequencing was performed on the feces from healthy donors and UC patients before and after QYSX treatment. Results. QYSX improved the symptoms of UC. In all participants, Caudovirales and Herpesvirales were the most dominant viruses. The abundance of Caudovirales in UC patients was significantly higher than that in the normal controls, while QYSX restored Caudovirales abundance. Furthermore, the abundance of crAssphage was enhanced in UC patients compared with the normal control, while the diversity was then decreased after QYSX treatment. However, there was no significant difference (P>0.05). Additionally, other non-crAssphage bacteriophages including phiST, SP-10, and phi17:2 were higher in UC patients and QYSX decreased these viruses, while the trends of MED4−213, P-HM1, and P−HM2 were adverse. Interestingly, PhiDP23.1 was only found in UC patients before and after QYSX treatment. In addition, Bifidobacterium, Bacteroidetes, Prevotellaceae, Actinobacteria, and Corynebacteriales were the biomarkers in UC patients after QYSX treatment due to their high abundance. GO terms and KEGG analysis showed that the identified gut microbiome was involved in many biological processes and pathways. Conclusions. QYSX could regulate disordered gut microbiome and phages, indicating that QYSX has great therapeutic potential for UC.

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Exploratory analysis of covariation of microbiota-derived vitamin K and cognition in older adults

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition ◽

10.1093/ajcn/nqz220 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 110 (6) ◽

pp. 1404-1415 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Angela McCann ◽

Ian B Jeffery ◽

Bouchra Ouliass ◽

Guylaine Ferland ◽

Xueyen Fu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Ability ◽

Vitamin K ◽

Gut Microbiome ◽

Metagenomic Sequencing ◽

Intestinal Microbes ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing ◽

Ability Levels ◽

State Examination ◽

The Brain

ABSTRACT Background Vitamin K has multiple important physiological roles, including blood coagulation and beneficial effects on myelin integrity in the brain. Some intestinal microbes possess the genes to produce vitamin K in the form of menaquinone (MK). MK appears in higher concentration in tissues, such as the brain, particularly MK4, than the dietary form of phylloquinone (PK). Lower PK concentrations have been reported in patients with Alzheimer disease while higher serum PK concentrations have been positively associated with verbal episodic memory. Despite knowledge of the importance of vitamin K for various health parameters, few studies have measured MK concentration and biosynthesis by gut commensals. Objective The aim of the current study was to investigate the relation between genes involved in gut-microbiota derived MK, concentrations of MK isoforms, and cognitive function. Methods Shotgun metagenomic sequencing of the gut microbiome of 74 elderly individuals with different cognitive ability levels was performed. From this, gene counts for microbial MK biosynthesis were determined. Associations between clusters of individuals, grouped based on a similar presence and prevalence of MK biosynthesis genes, and cognitive ability were investigated. Fecal MK concentrations were quantified by HPLC to investigate correlations with subject clusters. Results Separation of subject groups defined by banded quantification of the genetic potential of their microbiome to biosynthesize MK was associated with significant differences in cognitive ability [assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)]. Three MK isoforms were found to be positively associated with MMSE, along with the identification of key components of the MK pathway that drive this association. Although the causality and direction of these associations remain unknown, these findings justify further studies. Conclusions This study provides evidence that although total concentrations of MK did not covary with cognition, certain MK isoforms synthesized by the gut microbiome, particularly the longer chains, are positively associated with cognition.

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Resistant maltodextrin intake reduces virulent metabolites in the gut environment: randomized control study in a Japanese cohort

10.1101/2020.05.25.20112508 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yuichiro Nishimoto ◽

Yoshinori Mizuguchi ◽

Yuka Mori ◽

Masaki Ito ◽

Shoko Miyazato ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Controlled Trial ◽

Causative Factor ◽

Intestinal Microbiome ◽

Rrna Gene ◽

Double Blind ◽

Intestinal Environment ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Japanese Cohort ◽

Before And After ◽

Resistant Maltodextrin

AbstractObjectiveIn recent years, there have been many reports on the effects of prebiotics on intestinal health. In particular, consuming resistant maltodextrin (RMD) has been reported to be beneficial. However, there has been no comprehensive quantification of the effect of RMD on the intestinal environment. Therefore, this study aimed to quantify the effects of RMD on the intestine, especially the intestinal microbiome and metabolome profiles.DesignA randomized, double-blind controlled trial was conducted in 29 Japanese subjects with relatively high hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Subjects consumed RMD or placebo twice per day for 24 weeks. Blood and fecal samples were collected before and after intake. The intestinal environment was assessed by a metabologenomics approach combined with 16S rRNA gene-based microbiome and mass spectrometry-based metabologenomics analyses.ResultsThe intake of RMD increased the levels of Bifidobacterium and Fusicatenibacter, and decreased deoxycholate. In addition, intake of the RMD lowered the levels of some virulent metabolites, such as imidazole propionate and trimethylamine, in subjects with an initially high amount of those metabolites.ConclusionRMD may have beneficial effects on the gut environment such as commensal microbiota modulation and reduction of virulence metabolites, known as a causative factor in metabolic disorders. However, its effect partially depends on the gut environmental baseline.

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AMP kinase expression and activity in human skeletal muscle: effects of immobilization, retraining, and creatine supplementation

Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1152/japplphysiol.00665.2004 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 98 (4) ◽

pp. 1228-1233 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Bert O. Eijnde ◽

Wim Derave ◽

Jørgen F. P. Wojtaszewski ◽

Erik A. Richter ◽

Peter Hespel

Keyword(s):

Protein Expression ◽

Vastus Lateralis ◽

Creatine Supplementation ◽

Knee Extensor ◽

Double Blind ◽

Α Subunit ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Before And After ◽

Subunit Expression ◽

The Right

The effects of leg immobilization and retraining in combination with oral creatine intake on muscle AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) protein expression and phosphorylation status were investigated. A double-blind trial was performed in young healthy volunteers ( n = 22). A cast immobilized the right leg for 2 wk, whereafter the knee-extensor muscles of that leg were retrained for 6 wk. Half of the subjects received creatine monohydrate throughout the study (Cr; from 15 g down to 2.5 g daily), and the others ingested placebo (P; maltodextrin). Before and after immobilization and retraining, needle biopsies were taken from the right and left vastus lateralis muscles. In the right leg of P and Cr, immobilization did not affect AMPK α1-, α2-, and β2-subunit expression or AMPK α-subunit phosphorylation status. However, irrespective of the treatment received, retraining increased the degree of α-subunit phosphorylation by ∼25% ( P < 0.05) and increased AMPK α1-subunit expression ( P < 0.05) in both groups. From the start to the end of the study, AMPK subunit protein expression and α-subunit phosphorylation status were unchanged in the contralateral control leg. It is concluded that immobilization-induced muscle inactivity for 2 wk does not alter AMPK α1-, α2-, and β2-subunit expression or α-AMPK phosphorylation status. Furthermore, the present observations indicate that AMPK probably is not implicated in the previously reported beneficial effects of oral creatine supplementation on muscle during immobilization and rehabilitative weight training.

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The Effect of Cromolyn Sodium on Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm Using a Free Running System

PEDIATRICS ◽

10.1542/peds.56.5s.923 ◽

1975 ◽

Vol 56 (5s) ◽

pp. 923-926

Author(s):

Gall G. Shapiro ◽

William E. Pierson ◽

C. Warren Blerman

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Function Tests ◽

Airway Disease ◽

Forced Expiratory Volume ◽

Double Blind ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Running System ◽

Volume Curve ◽

Before And After ◽

Free Running ◽

Exercise Induced

This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of comolyn sodium in modifying exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB). Twenty children and adolescents with EIB were given either cromolyn or placebo in a prerandomized double-blind fashion. They then performed a free running maneuver. Pulmonary function tests were obtained before and after this exercise. Patients returned one week later to repeat the same procedure. This time subjects took placebo if they had previously taken cromolyn and vice versa. Significant beneficial effects of cromolyn were noted in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in one second measurements but not in forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of the flow-volume curve) (FEF 25%-75%). This suggests that larger airway disease is preferentially helped by cromolyn when subjects are stressed maximally as with a free running system. Subjects who received placebo on study day 1 and cromolyn on study day 2 showed the most striking benefit from cromolyn. This may be related to the better baseline status of subjects on day 2 as well as to familiarity with the procedure and medication.

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