The expression of essential selenoproteins during zebrafish development requires SECIS binding protein 2-like

The dietary requirement for selenium is based on its incorporation into selenoproteins, which contain the amino acid selenocysteine (Sec). The Sec insertion sequence (SECIS) is an RNA structure found in the 3' UTR of all selenoprotein mRNAs, and it is required to convert in-frame UGA codons from termination to Sec-incorporating codons. There are two proteins that bind to SECIS elements, but only one, SECIS binding protein 2 (Sbp2), has been shown to be required for Sec incorporation. The Sbp2 paralogue, SECIS binding protein 2-like (Secisbp2l) is conserved in all vertebrates and shares many features with Sbp2, but its function is unknown. Here we set out to determine the relative roles of Sbp2 and Secisbp2l by introducing CRISPR mutations in both genes in zebrafish. By monitoring selenoprotein synthesis with 75Se labeling during embryogenesis, we found that sbp2-/- embryos still make a select subset of selenoproteins but secisbp2l-/- embryos retain the full complement. Abrogation of both genes completely prevents selenoprotein synthesis and juveniles die at 14 days post fertilization. Embryos lacking Sbp2 are sensitive to oxidative stress and express the stress marker Vtg1. We propose a model where Secisbp2l is required to promote essential selenoprotein synthesis during stress.

Pharmacological and Toxicological evaluation of selenium in combination with thiamine in chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is currently holding the second rank as a fatal cancer globally. Our hypothesis projects the combined effect of selenium (3mg/kg) and thiamine in combination as an effective treatment for DENA induced carcinogenesis in Wistar rats with an intra-peritoneal single dose of 200mg/kg body weight. Data obtained proved to show a remarkable alteration in body weight and liver profile of DENA exposed rats which were restored by administration of selenium and thiamine combination; our histological reports also revealed reparative changes in the trabaculie mesh work of hepatic cells at higher doses than the normal dietary requirement. Outcomes of the protocol showed remarkable fruitful results for the justification of combined selenium and thiamine as anticancer therapy.

Comparative Study of Dietary Nutrition Index of Players of Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Tribal Schools of Kanker Chhattisgarh India

Nutritional assessment of the adolescent is very important, as it provides the status of health. Calculating Dietary Nutrition Index (DNI) is an ideal method to the study nutritional status of any population. In the present study dietary index of the players who are studying in tribal schools of Chhattisgarh and players who are residing in urban area and training under Sports Authority of India was assessed. Total of 200 subjects aged between 14 to 17 years participated in this study. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA were used to compare the nutritional status of different groups. The result of the study revealed that DNI of tribal boys and girls and SAI girls is inadequate. Further it was found that there was a significant difference between the groups. SAI boys and girls showed better values as compared to tribal boys and girls. It is suggested that intervention to meet the dietary requirement of the players should be planned for optimal performance.

Dispensable Amino Acids, except Glutamine and Proline, Are Ideal Nitrogen Sources for Protein Synthesis in the Presence of Adequate Indispensable Amino Acids in Adult Men

ABSTRACT Background Nutritionally, there is a dietary requirement for indispensable amino acids (IAAs) but also a requirement for nitrogen (N) intake for the de novo synthesis of the dispensable amino acids (DAAs). It has been suggested that there might be a dietary requirement for specific DAAs. Objectives Experiment 1 tested whether 9 of the DAAs (Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Gln, Glu, Gly, Pro, Ser) are ideal N sources using the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) technique. Experiment 2 examined whether there is a dietary requirement for Glu in adult men. Methods Seven healthy men (aged 20–24 y) participated in 11 or 2 test diet intakes, in experiment 1 and 2, respectively, in a repeated measures design. In experiment 1, a base diet consisting of the IAA provided at the RDA was compared with test intakes with the base diet plus addition of individual DAAs to meet a 50:50 ratio of IAA:DAA on an N basis. In experiment 2, the diets corresponded to the amino acid pattern present in egg protein, in which all Glu and Gln was present as Glu, or removed, with Ser used to make the diets isonitrogenous. On each study day the IAAO protocol with l-[1-13C]phenylalanine was used to measure whole-body protein synthesis. Results In experiment 1, repeated measures ANOVA with post hoc multiple comparisons showed that 7 of the 9 DAAs (Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Glu, Gly, Ser) decreased IAAO significantly (P < 0.05) compared with base IAA diet, the exceptions being Gln and Pro. In experiment 2, a paired t test did not find significant (P > 0.05) differences in the IAAO in response to removal and replacement of Glu intake. Conclusions The results suggest that in healthy men most DAAs are ideal N sources for protein synthesis, in the presence of adequate IAAs, and that endogenous synthesis of Glu is sufficient. Registered clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02009917.

Dietary Phenylalanine and Tyrosine Requirements in Healthy Human Pregnancy

Objectives Phenylalanine (PHE), an indispensable amino acid, is required for protein synthesis and is fundamental for proper fetal development. PHE is the precursor for tyrosine (TYR), a conditionally indispensable amino acid that is crucial for synthesis of dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. The current recommendation for PHE + TYR during pregnancy is 36 mg/kg/d, which is factorially determined and not based on experimental studies. Our objective was to experimentally determine PHE + TYR requirements during early (13–19 wks) and late (33–39 wks) gestation, accounting for potential changes in requirement since metabolism and rate of growth are not static throughout pregnancy. Methods 20 women (22–39 y) were studied using the non-invasive stable isotope based indicator amino acid oxidation technique (with L-[1–,13C]Leucine as indicator) for a total of 51 study days. A range of PHE intakes (5 to 100 mg/kg/d) were provided in early and late pregnancy as isonitrogenous and isocaloric meals on separate study days, in the absence of dietary tyrosine. Breath samples were collected at baseline and isotopic steady state. Samples were analyzed for ,13C enrichment on an Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer, and the PHE + TYR requirement was determined using two-phase linear regression crossover analysis to identify a breakpoint in ,13CO2 production (represents the minimum dietary requirement) in response to changes in PHE intake. Results Results suggest the PHE + TYR requirement is 43 and 55 mg/kg/d in early and late pregnancy respectively. Conclusions Our preliminary results suggest that PHE + TYR requirements in pregnancy are higher compared to current recommendations, and are different between gestational stages. These results are similar to our previous findings of increased requirements for dietary protein, lysine and PHE (in the presence of excess TYR) in late compared to early pregnancy. They also highlight the need to investigate the dietary requirement of the remaining indispensable amino acids during this life stage. Funding Sources Canadian Institute of Health Research.

Calories delivered by nonhuman primate foraging enrichment: Data and methods to inform decisions concerning the dietary consequences of enrichment

Foraging opportunities are a key component of enrichment in captive nonhuman primates providing manipulative opportunities in which animals can engage in species-typical behaviors. Recent studies suggest captive NHP populations have increased body weight over time leading to negative health outcomes. Increasing food foraging opportunities provides added calories that can be estimated but often are not directly measured. We assessed 10 commonly used foraging puzzles for the amount of foraging material they held; evaluated the range of caloric content delivered; and determine the labor and usage cost of each. Five preparation areas were sampled. The amount of foraging material contained in each prepared puzzle was calculated by subtracting the average empty puzzle weight from the loaded puzzle weight. A detailed description of food content was used to illustrate caloric content. Larger prepared puzzles held more food (M=104.9 g) as compared to small volumes puzzles (M=59.8 g). Analysis of the weight of food applied and caloric content suggest larger puzzles do have the potential to provide increased caloric load; however, the added food from large foraging puzzles constitutes only 5%-10% of the daily k/cal dietary requirement. The study illustrates the importance of considering puzzle characteristics when selecting foraging toys and discusses the considerations of cost of puzzle deployment, maintenance and interactive benefit. The broad significance of our assessment suggests that calories from foraging opportunities are not excessive and can be managed by adopting standard serving sizes and scheduling intermitted presentation of non-nutritive enrichment options.

Dietary Intake and Micronutrient Status of School Children in Enugu-South L.G.A., Enugu State, Nigeria

This study sought to assess the dietary intake and serum Zinc, Iron and Copper status of primary school children aged 5-13 years living in Enugu- South Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. This study is a community-based cross-sectional study, adopting multistage random sampling techniques. Dietary intakes of the micronutrients were assessed using the 24 hours dietary recall. The micronutrient intakes of the children were evaluated using Dietary Requirement Intake as a reference. Two milliliters (2 ml) of non-fasting venous blood was taken from the children for serum micronutrient analysis. Three hundred and thirty (330) children were analyzed for serum micronutrient status; 155 (47%) were male while 175 (53%) were females, with their mean age 8 ± 1.09: The mean micronutrient intakes of the subjects were 4.98 ± 3.7, 4.53 ± 1.63, and 0.42 ± 0.20 mg/d for Fe, Zn and Cu respectively. Only the male group aged 5-9 years met 100% of the DRI for Zn while the 5-9 years females, 10-13 years males and 10-13 years female did not meet up with the DRI for Zn, Fe and Cu. The mean serum micronutrients of the total children were 63.16 ± 18.06, 62.27 ± 17.3 and 69.9 ± 14.99µg/dl for Fe, Zn and Cu respectively. Of the 330 children studied, 32%, 43% and 23% of them seem to be deficient in Fe, Zn and Cu respectively. The food intakes of the children did not supply the recommended Dietary Requirement Intake for school children. There is, therefore, an urgent need to educate the public on good eating habits and the need for diversification of diets with animal products, fruits and vegetables to ensure adequate intake of these essential micronutrients.

A new approach for quantifying phosphorus requirement in an Amazonian fish using CT-scanning

Phosphorus (P) is an essential mineral for fish growth, as it plays pivotal roles in skeletal development and energy transfer reactions. However, the dietary requirement of this mineral is variable among fish species and the growth stages. Thus, this study aimed to determine the digestible P (dP) requirement for tambaqui in the initial growth stage (± 17 to 150g) using growth data, mineralization of the whole body, vertebrae and scales, as well as blood chemistry as response parameters. A total of 192 tambaqui juveniles of approximately 17 ± 0.85 g were stocked into a water recirculation system. Fish were assigned to 24 70L-tanks using randomized block design (two floors) with six treatments (1.3, 2.4, 4.8, 6.3, 7.8 and 8.8 g kg−1 dP) and four replicates. Fish were fed six semipurified diets with increasing levels of dP for 90 days. The dietary requirement of P was estimated using regression models (P < 0.05). Duncan and SNK multiple range tests were used when regression models were not fitted. No mortality or apparent signs of P deficiency were observed. All performance variables were improved with increasing levels of dP in the diet. Based on weight gain, the P requirement was 6.3g kg−1 diet while for increased carcass mineral deposition was 6.6g kg−1 diet and for adequate mineralization of vertebrae the requirement was 4.75 g dP kg−1 diet. The blood chemistry parameters were greatly affected by the dietary P level, except for serum calcium. Thus, the dietary dP requirement for tambaqui juveniles in the early stage was 6.3 g kg−1 diet based on growth and bone mineralization.