Diet

Cytokine responses, non-specific immune activity and growth promotion effect of dietary caper (Capparis spinosa) supplementation were examined in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Rainbow trout (12.04 ± 0.71 g) were fed diets containing three doses of caper methanolic extract [0 (Control), 0.1 and 0.5 g kg(-1) of feed] for 30 days. At the end of the feeding trial, expression levels of cytokine genes that included IL-1β, IL-8, TGF-β, IL-12p40, TNF-α1 and IL-10 in head kidney was analyzed using qRT-PCR, and blood and serum were collected to determine superoxide anion production (SAP), phagocytic, lysozyme and myeloperoxidase activities. Expression levels of all cytokines, except TNF-α1 were elevated in the 0.1 g kg(-1) caper extract fed fish group compared to other groups. In 0.5 g kg(-1) caper extract treated fish, only IL-12p40 and IL-10 genes were up-regulated compared to control group fish. SAP was increased in both caper extract treated groups compared to the control, and the highest level was observed in the 0.1 g kg(-1) group. Phagocytic activity in both the caper extract treated groups was increased compared to control with no differences observed between those groups. Lysozyme and myeloperoxidase activities were recorded to be the highest in the 0.1 g kg(-1) fed fish group compared to other groups. Growth promotion was affected positively when caper doses were increased. Survival rate was significantly higher in 0.1 and 0.5 g kg(-1) caper extract treated fish groups compared to control (P < 0.05) after challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila. These results indicate that caper extract stimulates innate immunity through cytokine-mediated responses and promote growth in rainbow trout.

The food and macronutrient intake of elite Kenyan runners was compared to recommendations for endurance athletes. Estimated energy intake (EI: 2987 +/- 293 kcal; mean +/- standard deviation) was lower than energy expenditure (EE: 3605 +/- 119 kcal; P < 0.001) and body mass (BM: 58.9 +/- 2.7 kg vs. 58.3 +/- 2.6 kg; P < 0.001) was reduced over the 7-d intense training period. Diet was high in carbohydrate (76.5%, 0.4 g/kg BM per day) and low in fat (13.4 %). Protein intake (10.1 %; 1.3 g/kg BM per day) matched recommendations for protein intake. Fluid intake was modest and mainly in the form of water (1113 +/- 269 mL; 0.34 +/- 0.16 mL/kcal) and tea (1243 +/- 348 mL). Although the diet met most recommendations for endurance athletes for macronutrient intake, it remains to be determined if modifying energy balance and fluid intake will enhance the performance of elite Kenyan runners.

To investigate the association between dietary habits and pancreatic cancer. Between 1991 and 2008, we conducted a hospital-based case-control study in northern Italy. 326 patients (median age 63 years) with incident pancreatic cancer admitted to general hospitals in the areas of Milan and Pordenone, northern Italy. 652 patients (median age 63 years) with acute non-neoplastic conditions admitted to the same hospital network of cases. Diet was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Frequent meat consumption was associated to a twofold increased risk of pancreatic cancer (95% CI: 1.18-3.36); the risk was significant for meat cooked by boiling/stewing or broiling/roasting. Added table sugar (OR = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.34-3.71) and potatoes (OR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.12-2.86) were related to pancreatic cancer. An inverse association emerged for non-citrus fruits (OR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.24-0.69), cooked vegetables (OR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.36-0.92), and, possibly, for pulses (OR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.35-1.00). The present study supports an inverse association between fruits and vegetables and pancreatic cancer risk, and it confirms a direct relation with meat. The increased risk for table sugar suggests that insulin resistance may play a role in pancreatic carcinogenesis.

Diet diversity (defined as the number of different foods consumed) has been considered an indicator of a healthy diet, and favorably related to the risk of several digestive tract cancers. We analyzed the relation between diet diversity and the risk of laryngeal cancer using data from a case-control study carried out between 1992 and 2000 in Italy and Switzerland. The subjects of the study were 527 patients with histologically confirmed incident cancers of the larynx and 1297 patients admitted for acute, non-neoplastic diseases, unrelated to tobacco or alcohol consumption. Total diversity was computed as the number of different foods (overall and within four food groups, i.e., vegetables, fruit, meat, and cereals) consumed at least once per week. A significant inverse association was observed for vegetable diversity (OR=0.41, 95% CI: 0.28-0.59, for the highest versus the lowest quartile) and fruit diversity (OR=0.40, 95% CI: 0.27-0.59). Conversely, a direct association was found for meat diversity (OR=1.67, 95% CI: 1.11-2.50), while no meaningful association was found for total diet and cereal diversity. The results were consistent across strata of age, alcohol drinking and tobacco smoking. This study suggests that a diet not only rich but also varied in fruit and vegetables is related to a decreased risk of laryngeal cancer risk.

We reviewed data from six cohort studies and approximately 40 case-control studies on the relation between selected aspects of diet and the risk of oral and pharyngeal cancer. Fruit and vegetables were inversely related to the risk: the pooled relative risk (RR) for high vegetable consumption was 0.65 from three cohort studies on upper aerodigestive tract cancers and 0.52 from 18 case-control studies of oral and pharyngeal cancer; corresponding RRs for high fruit consumption were 0.78 and 0.55. beta-carotene, vitamin C and selected flavonoids have been inversely related to the risk, but it is difficult to disentangle their potential effect from that of fruit and vegetables. Whole grain, but not refined grain, intake was also favorably related to oral cancer risk. The results were not consistent with reference to other foods beverages, and nutrients, but it is now possible to exclude a strong relation between these foods and oral and pharyngeal cancer risk. In western countries, selected aspects of diet may account for 20-25% of oral and pharyngeal cancer, and the population attributable risk increases to 85-95% when tobacco and alcohol consumption are also considered.

To investigate the association between dietary habits and pancreatic cancer. Between 1991 and 2008, we conducted a hospital-based case-control study in northern Italy. 326 patients (median age 63 years) with incident pancreatic cancer admitted to general hospitals in the areas of Milan and Pordenone, northern Italy. 652 patients (median age 63 years) with acute non-neoplastic conditions admitted to the same hospital network of cases. Diet was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Frequent meat consumption was associated to a twofold increased risk of pancreatic cancer (95% CI: 1.18-3.36); the risk was significant for meat cooked by boiling/stewing or broiling/roasting. Added table sugar (OR = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.34-3.71) and potatoes (OR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.12-2.86) were related to pancreatic cancer. An inverse association emerged for non-citrus fruits (OR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.24-0.69), cooked vegetables (OR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.36-0.92), and, possibly, for pulses (OR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.35-1.00). The present study supports an inverse association between fruits and vegetables and pancreatic cancer risk, and it confirms a direct relation with meat. The increased risk for table sugar suggests that insulin resistance may play a role in pancreatic carcinogenesis.

The multidisciplinary guideline 'Diagnostics and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)' provides the basis for a properly coordinated collaboration between the patient suffering from IBS and all healthcare providers involved in his or her treatment, such as the general practitioner, gastroenterologist, internist, occupational-health physician, dietitian and psychologist. The diagnosis 'IBS' is often made in accordance with diagnostic criteria, such as the Rome III criteria, but a somatic condition needs to be excluded first. If there are no indications for this, additional diagnostic tests are not necessary. Management of the condition consists primarily of advice on life-style plus non-pharmacological interventions, in addition to explaining the condition and providing information. Drug treatment is rarely indicated. If the IBS symptoms have a significant impact on quality of life and patients do not respond to the measures taken in accordance with this genera...

To evaluate the effectiveness of a draft occupational health practice guideline aimed at preventing weight gain on employees' physical activity, sedentary behaviour and dietary behaviour and on body weight-related outcomes. A randomised controlled trial was performed comparing guideline-based care to usual care among 16 occupational physicians and 523 employees in the Netherlands between 2009 and 2011. Occupational physicians in the intervention group followed the draft guideline by providing advice to employers on how to assess and intervene on the obesogenic work environment and conducted five face-to-face behavioural change counselling sessions with employees to improve their lifestyle. Data of employees were collected by questionnaire and physical measurements at baseline and 6-months follow-up. Linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine effects. The intervention showed significant effects on sedentary behaviour at work (β -28 min/day, 95% CI -2 to -54) and on fruit intake (β 2.1 pieces/week; 95% CI 0.6 to 3.6). No significant intervention effects were found for physical activity, sedentary behaviour in leisure time or during weekend days, snack intake and body weight-related outcomes. Guideline-based care resulted in a more favourable sedentary behaviour at work and increased fruit intake but did not improve employees' physical activity, snack intake or body weight-related outcomes. Trial registration number ISRCTN/73545254 and NTR/1190.

Brain or blood plasma melatonin was analysed as a measure for pineal melatonin production in sea bream. Access to calcium was limited by diluting the seawater to 2.5 per thousand and removing calcium from the diet or by prolonged feeding of vitamin D-deficient diet. Interactions/relations between melatonin and calcium balance and the hypercalcemic endocrines PTHrP and calcitriol were assessed. Restricting calcium availability in both water and diet had no effect on plasma melatonin, but when calcium was low in the water or absent from food, increased and decreased plasma melatonin was observed, respectively. Fish on a vitamin D-deficient diet (D- fish) showed decreased plasma calcitriol levels and remained normocalcemic. Decreased brain melatonin was found at all sampling times (10-22 weeks) in the D- fish compared to the controls. A positive correlation between plasma Ca2+ and plasma melatonin was found (R(2)=0.19; N=41; P <0.01) and brain melatonin was negatively correlated with plasma PTHrP (R(2)=0.78; N=4; P <0.05). The positive correlation between plasma levels of melatonin and Ca2+ provides evidence that melatonin synthesis is influenced by plasma Ca2+. The decreased melatonin production in the D- fish points to direct or indirect involvement of calcitriol in melatonin synthesis by the pineal organ in teleosts. The hypercalcemic factors PTHrP and calcitriol appeared to be negatively correlated with melatonin and this substantiates an involvement of melatonin in modulating the endocrine response to cope with hypocalcemia. It further points to the importance of Ca2+ in melatonin physiology.

Insects are unable to synthesize sterols and require exogenous sterol sources for their normal development and reproduction. A few exceptions are insects associated with symbiotic yeasts or fungi. We analyzed sterols by GC-MS in two anobiid beetles (Lasioderma serricorne and Stegobium paniceum), their intracellular yeast-like symbiotes (YLS), and their diets in order to clarify the sterols synthesized by YLS and the metabolic pathways of the sterols in the beetles. Several C(27), C2(8), and C(29) saturated and unsaturated sterols were identified; the predominant sterols were cholesterol and 7-dehydrocholesterol in the anobiid beetles and ergosterol in the YLS. Most sterols detected in YLS were those known in the late pathway of the ergosterol biosynthesis in yeasts and most of the sterols in the beetles appear to be intermediate metabolites from YLS sterols to 7-dehydrocholesterol. The anobiid beetles appear to use ergosterol and 5-dihydroergosterol as sources for 7-dehydrocholesterol.

Insects are unable to synthesize sterols and require exogenous sterol sources for their normal development and reproduction. A few exceptions are insects associated with symbiotic yeasts or fungi. We analyzed sterols by GC-MS in two anobiid beetles (Lasioderma serricorne and Stegobium paniceum), their intracellular yeast-like symbiotes (YLS), and their diets in order to clarify the sterols synthesized by YLS and the metabolic pathways of the sterols in the beetles. Several C(27), C2(8), and C(29) saturated and unsaturated sterols were identified; the predominant sterols were cholesterol and 7-dehydrocholesterol in the anobiid beetles and ergosterol in the YLS. Most sterols detected in YLS were those known in the late pathway of the ergosterol biosynthesis in yeasts and most of the sterols in the beetles appear to be intermediate metabolites from YLS sterols to 7-dehydrocholesterol. The anobiid beetles appear to use ergosterol and 5-dihydroergosterol as sources for 7-dehydrocholesterol.

The major food items of Indian cuisine include rice, wheat, diary products, and abundant fruits and vegetables. Beside these, there are several kinds of herbs and spices as important ingredients, containing many phytochemicals with medicinal properties, adding taste to Indian cuisine. An impressive body of data exists in support of the concept that Indian food ingredients can be used in preventive strategies aimed at reducing the incidence and mortality of different types of cancers because of their antioxidative, antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic properties. Vital ingredients used in Indian cooking include turmeric, cloves, ginger, aniseed, mustard, saffron, cardamom and garlic Garlic is an indispensable ingredient of Indian food and this report concerns the chemopreventive efficacy of garlic in an azoxymethane induced rodent colon carcinogenesis model. The effect of garlic was evaluated in terms of aberrant crypt foci, putative preneoplastic lesions in the colon. In addition, cel...

The major food items of Indian cuisine include rice, wheat, diary products, and abundant fruits and vegetables. Beside these, there are several kinds of herbs and spices as important ingredients, containing many phytochemicals with medicinal properties, adding taste to Indian cuisine. An impressive body of data exists in support of the concept that Indian food ingredients can be used in preventive strategies aimed at reducing the incidence and mortality of different types of cancers because of their antioxidative, antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic properties. Vital ingredients used in Indian cooking include turmeric, cloves, ginger, aniseed, mustard, saffron, cardamom and garlic Garlic is an indispensable ingredient of Indian food and this report concerns the chemopreventive efficacy of garlic in an azoxymethane induced rodent colon carcinogenesis model. The effect of garlic was evaluated in terms of aberrant crypt foci, putative preneoplastic lesions in the colon. In addition, cel...

Many natural agents including fruits and vegetables are known to provide protection from different degenerative diseases including cancer, by preventing damage to the cellular components. The effect of two important dietary agents, alpha tocopherol, and the flavonoid quercetin, along with two commonly consumed vegetables, bitter gourd and tomato, were investigated on spontaneous and dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced DNA damage in murine lymphocytes in vitro. DNA damage was determined by single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay). The rationale for such an approach for this study is that DNA damage can lead to genetic disorders that occur at different stages of carcinogenesis and protection from such damages may in the long run help to prevent development of cancer. Both alpha tocopherol and quercetin as single agents were found to be potent inhibitors of DNA damage (spontaneous and carcinogen induced) in a dose-dependent manner. Fresh juices of bitter gourd and tomato could also protect from DMBA-induced DNA damage but not as effectively as the single agents. The anticarcinogenic role of nutrients as well as non-nutrient dietary components need to be explored more extensively. The Comet assay is a simple, fast, and reliable method to determine the protective effect against DNA damage, one of the prerequisites for carcinogenesis.

Under the situation that the shortage of proteins and large quantity of corn gluten meal (CGM), which is a superior protein resource, is under-exploited, the enzymatic hydrolysis of CGM was employed to improve its bioavailability because of its special amino acid composition. The apparent faecal digestibility and true faecal digestibility of all corn gluten meal hydrolysates (CGMHs) decreased in varied amounts compared with those of CGM. However, the protein efficiency ratio, the net protein ratio, the biological value, and the net protein utilization of the CGMHs with degree of hydrolysis (DH) of 4.94% and with DH of 10.06% increased significantly (P < 0.05). The results of in vitro gastro-intestinal digestion showed that the molecular weight distribution and amino acid composition among different DHs resulted in variances in bioavailability. Partial hydrolysis of CGM can improve its bioavailability, providing a future protein supplement for protein resources.© 2014 Society of C...