Apple and blackcurrant polyphenol-rich drinks decrease postprandial glucose,insulin and incretin response to a high-carbohydrate meal in healthy men and women

Postprandial glycemic responses to meals are inhibited by polyphenol-rich plant foods. Combinations of polyphenols may be particularly effective through complementary mechanisms. A randomized, controlled, double-blinded cross-over trial was conducted in healthy volunteers to test the hypothesis that apple and blackcurrant polyphenol-rich drinks would reduce postprandial blood glucose concentrations. Secondary outcomes included insulin and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) secretion. Twenty men (mean age 26 y, SD 8) and 5 postmenopausal women (mean age 57 y, SD 3) consumed a placebo drink (CON) and 2 polyphenol-rich drinks containing fruit extracts: either 1200 mg apple polyphenols (AE), or 600 mg apple polyphenols+600 mg blackcurrant anthocyanins (AE+BE), in random order with a starch and sucrose meal. Incremental areas under the curve (iAUC) for plasma glucose concentrations were lower following AE+BE over 0–30 and 0–120 min compared with CON; mean differences (95% CI) −32 mmol/L·min (−41, −22, P<.0005) and −52 mmol/L min (−94, −9, P<.05), respectively. AE significantly reduced iAUC 0–30 min (mean difference −26 mmol/L min, −35, −18, P<.0005) compared with CON, but the difference over 120 min was not significant. Postprandial insulin, C-peptide and GIP concentrations were significantly reduced relative to CON. A dose response inhibition of glucose transport was demonstrated in Caco-2 cells, including total and GLUT-mediated transport, and SGLT1-mediated glucose transport was strongly inhibited at all doses in Xenopus oocytes, following 10 min incubation with 0.125–4 mg apple polyphenols/ml. In conclusion, ingestion of apple and blackcurrant polyphenols decreased postprandial glycemia, which may be partly related to inhibition of intestinal glucose transport.     

Drinks containing anthocyanin-rich blackcurrant extract decrease postprandial blood glucose,insulin and incretin concentrations

Blackcurrants are rich in polyphenolic glycosides called anthocyanins, which may inhibit postprandial glycemia. The aim was to determine the dose-dependent effects of blackcurrant extract on postprandial glycemia. Men and postmenopausal women (14 M, 9 W, mean age 46 years, S.D.=14) were enrolled into a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial. Low sugar fruit drinks containing blackcurrant extract providing 150-mg (L-BE), 300-mg (M-BE) and 600-mg (H-BE) total anthocyanins or no blackcurrant extract (CON) were administered immediately before a high-carbohydrate meal. Plasma glucose, insulin and incretins (GIP and GLP-1) were measured 0–120 min, and plasma 8-isoprostane F_2α, together with arterial stiffness by digital volume pulse (DVP) was measured at 0 and 120 min. Early plasma glucose response was significantly reduced following H-BE (n=22), relative to CON, with a mean difference (95% CI) in area over baseline (AOB) 0-30 min of −0.34 mmol/l.h (−0.56, −0.11, P<.005); there were no differences between the intermediate doses and placebo. Plasma insulin concentrations (AOB 0–30 min) were similarly reduced. Plasma GIP concentrations (AOB 0–120 min) were significantly reduced following H-BE, with a mean difference of −46.6 ng/l.h (−66.7, −26.5, P<.0001) compared to CON. Plasma GLP-1 concentrations were reduced following H-BE at 90 min. There were no effects on 8-isoprostane F_2α or vascular function. Consumption of blackcurrant extract in amounts roughly equivalent to 100-g blackcurrants reduced postprandial glycemia, insulinemia and incretin secretion, which suggests that inclusion of blackcurrant polyphenols in foods may provide cardio-metabolic health benefits. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01706653.     

Predictions of methane emission levels and categories based on milk fatty acid profiles from dairy cows

Milk fatty acid (MFA) have already been used to model methane (CH₄) emissions from dairy cows. However, the data sets used to develop these models covered limited variation in dietary conditions, reducing the robustness of the predictions. In this study, a data set containing 140 observations from nine experiments (41 Holstein cows) was used to develop models predicting CH₄ expressed as g/day, g/kg dry matter intake (DMI) and g/kg milk. The data set was divided into a training (n=112) and a test data set (n=28) for model development and validation, respectively. A generalized linear mixed model was fitted to the data using the marginal R²_(m) and the Akaike information criterion to evaluate the models. The coefficient of determination of validation (R²_(v)) for different models developed ranged between 0.18 and 0.41. Form the intake-related parameters, only inclusion of total DMI improved the prediction (R²_(v)=0.58). In addition, in an attempt to further explore the relationships between MFA and CH₄ emissions, the data set was split into three categories according to CH₄ emissions: LOW (lowest 25% CH₄ emissions); HIGH (highest 25% CH₄ emissions); and MEDIUM (50% remaining observations). An ANOVA revealed that concentrations of several MFA differed for observations in HIGH compared with observations in LOW. Furthermore, the Gini coefficient was used to describe the MFA distribution for groups of MFA in each CH₄ emission category. The relative distribution of the MFA, particularly of the odd- and branched-chain fatty acids and mono-unsaturated fatty acids of observations in category HIGH differed from those in the other categories. Finally, in an attempt to validate the potential of MFA to identify cases of high or low emissions, the observations were re-classified into HIGH, MEDIUM and LOW according to the proportion of each individual MFA. The proportion of observations correctly classified were recorded. This was done for each individual MFA and for the calculated Gini coefficients, finding that a maximum of 67% of observations were correctly classified as HIGH CH₄ (trans-12 C18:1) and a maximum of 58% of observations correctly classified as LOW CH₄ (cis-9 C17:1). Gini coefficients did not improve this classification. These results suggest that MFA are not yet reliable predictors of specific amounts of CH₄ emitted by a cow, while holding a modest potential to differentiate cases of high or low emissions.     

Mechanism of action of pre-meal consumption of whey protein on glycemic control in young adults

Whey protein (WP), when consumed in small amounts prior to a meal, improves post-meal glycemic control more than can be explained by insulin-dependent mechanisms alone. The objective of the study was to identify the mechanism of action of WP beyond insulin on the reduction of post-meal glycemia. In a randomized crossover study, healthy young men received preloads (300 ml) of WP (10 and 20 g), glucose (10 and 20 g) or water (control). Paracetamol (1.5 g) was added to the preloads to measure gastric emptying. Plasma concentrations of paracetamol, glucose, and β-cell and gastrointestinal hormones were measured before preloads (baseline) and at intervals before (0–30 min) and after (50–230 min) a preset pizza meal (12 kcal/kg). Whey protein slowed pre-meal gastric emptying rate compared to the control and 10 g glucose (P<.0001), and induced lower pre-meal insulin and C-peptide than the glucose preloads (P<.0001). Glucose, but not WP, increased pre-meal plasma glucose concentrations (P<.0001). Both WP and glucose reduced post-meal glycemia (P=.0006) and resulted in similar CCK, amylin, ghrelin and GIP responses (P<.05). However, compared with glucose, WP resulted in higher post-meal GLP-1 and peptide tyrosine-tyrosine (PYY) and lower insulin concentrations, without altering insulin secretion and extraction rates. For the total duration of this study (0–230 min), WP resulted in lower mean plasma glucose, insulin and C-peptide, but higher GLP-1 and PYY concentrations than the glucose preloads. In conclusion, pre-meal consumption of WP lowers post-meal glycemia by both insulin-dependent and insulin-independent mechanisms.     

Changes in the bacterial populations of the highly alkaline saline soil of the former lake Texcoco (Mexico) following flooding

Flooding an extreme alkaline-saline soil decreased alkalinity and salinity, which will change the bacterial populations. Bacterial 16S rDNA libraries were generated of three soils with different electrolytic conductivity (EC), i.e. soil with EC 1.7 dS m⁻¹ and pH 7.80 (LOW soil), with EC 56 dS m⁻¹ and pH 10.11 (MEDIUM soil) and with EC 159 dS m⁻¹ and pH 10.02 (HIGH soil), using universal bacterial oligonucleotide primers, and 463 clone 16S rDNA sequences were analyzed phylogenetically. Library proportions and clone identification of the phyla Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Cloroflexi showed that the bacterial communities were different. Species and genera of the Rhizobiales, Rhodobacterales and Xanthomonadales orders of the α- and γ-subdivision of Proteobacteria were found at the three sites. Species and genera of the Rhodospirillales, Sphingobacteriales, Clostridiales, Oscillatoriales and Caldilineales were found only in the HIGH soil, Sphingomonadales, Burkholderiales and Pseudomonadales in the MEDIUM soil, Myxococcales in the LOW soil, and Actinomycetales in the MEDIUM and LOW soils. It was found that the largest diversity at the order and species level was found in the MEDIUM soil as bacteria of both the HIGH and LOW soils were found in it.     

Effect of pre-slaughter handling,exercise and the presence of a dog on lamb welfare and meat quality

Before slaughter, lambs may experience several stressors such as feed and water deprivation, handling and transport that have the potential to negatively impact welfare and meat quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of pre-slaughter handling, exercise and the presence of a dog on the behaviour and physiology of lambs and meat quality at slaughter. At 6 months of age, 60 lambs (n=20 lambs/replicate; three replicates) were allocated to one of the two treatment groups (n=30 lambs/treatment): low (LOW) intensive handling or high (HIGH) intensive handling. LOW lambs were moved short distances, quietly and without the use of a dog before transport. HIGH lambs were moved quickly, long distances and with a dog present before transport. Lamb behaviour (standing, lying, rumination and panting) was recorded for 1 h before (post-treatment) and after transport (post-transport), and for 30 min before slaughter (pre-slaughter). Blood samples were collected before (baseline), after transport (post-transport) and at exsanguination (at slaughter) to assess cortisol, lactate and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations. At slaughter, lamb carcases (M. longissimus lumborum) were evaluated for pH levels, drip and cook loss, and tenderness. HIGH lambs spent more time standing (P<0.001) and panting (P<0.001) and less time lying (P<0.001) and ruminating (P<0.001) post-treatment than LOW lambs, but more (P<0.001) time ruminating post-transport. All lambs spent more time standing (P<0.001) and less time lying (P<0.001) and panting (P<0.001) post-transport and pre-slaughter than post-treatment. Cortisol concentrations were greater (P<0.001) in lambs post-transport and at slaughter compared with baseline values. Lactate concentrations were lower (P=0.002) in HIGH than LOW lambs. In addition, NEFA concentrations were higher (P<0.001) post-transport and at slaughter in HIGH compared with LOW lambs. Ultimate pH was higher (P<0.001) in HIGH than LOW lambs and pH declined quicker (P=0.012) in LOW than HIGH lambs. Cook loss, drip loss and shear force were lower (P⩽0.05) in HIGH than LOW lambs. The HIGH intensive pre-slaughter handling regime used in the present study caused stress in lambs and increased ultimate pH that could potentially negatively impact welfare, product quality and consistency.     

Improvement in Pancreatic β-Cell Function with Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation in Vitamin D-Deficient Nondiabetic Subjects

ObjectiveThere are varied reports on the effect of vitamin D supplementation on β-cell function and plasma glucose levels. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on β-cell function and plasma glucose levels in subjects with vitamin D deficiency.MethodsNondiabetic subjects (N = 48) were screened for their serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), albumin, creatinine, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) status. Subjects with 25-OHD deficiency underwent a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. Cholecalciferol (9,570 international units [IU]/day; tolerable upper intake level, 10,000 IU/day; according to the Endocrine Society guidelines for vitamin D supplementation) and calcium (1 g/day) were supplemented.ResultsThirty-seven patients with 25-OHD deficiency participated in the study. The baseline and postvitamin D/calcium supplementation and the difference (corrected) were: serum calcium, 9 ± 0.33 and 8.33 ± 1.09 mg/dL (− 0.66 ± 1.11 mg/dL); 25-OHD, 8.75 ± 4.75 and 36.83 ± 18.68 ng/mL (28.00 ± 18.33 ng/mL); PTH, 57.9 ± 29.3 and 36.33 ± 22.48 pg/mL (− 20.25 ± 22.45 pg/mL); fasting plasma glucose, 78.23 ± 7.60 and 73.47 ± 9.82 mg/dL (− 4.88 ± 10.65 mg/dL); and homeostasis model assessment-2–percent β-cell function C-peptide secretion (HOMA-2–%B C-PEP), 183.17 ± 88.74 and 194.67 ± 54.71 (11.38 ± 94.27). Significant differences were observed between baseline and post-vitamin D/calcium supplementation serum levels of corrected calcium (Z, − 3.751; P < .0001), 25-OHD (Z, − 4.9; P < .0001), intact PTH (Z, − 4.04; P < .0001), fasting plasma glucose (Z, − 2.7; P < .007), and HOMA-2–%B C-PEP (Z, − 1.923; P < .05) as determined by Wilcoxon signed rank test. Insulin resistance as measured by HOMA was unchanged.ConclusionOptimizing serum 25-OHD concentrations and supplementation with calcium improves fasting plasma glucose levels and β-cell secretory reserve. Larger randomized control studies are needed to determine if correction of 25-OHD deficiency will improve insulin secretion and prevent abnormalities of glucose homeostasis. (Endocr Pract. 2014;20:129-138)     

Effects of muscle glycogen and plasma FFA availability on human metabolic responses in cold water.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether simultaneous alterations in the availability of plasma free fatty acids and muscle glycogen would impair the maintenance of thermal balance during cold water immersion in humans. Eight seminude subjects were immersed on two occasions in 18 degrees C water for 90 min or until rectal temperature (Tre) decreased to 35.5 degrees C. Each immersion followed 2.5 days of a specific dietary and exercise regimen designed to elicit low (LOW) or high glycogen levels (HIGH) in large skeletal muscle groups. Nicotinic acid (1.6 mg/kg) was administered for 2 h before and during immersion to inhibit white adipose tissue lipolysis. Biopsies from the vastus lateralis showed that the glycogen concentration before the immersion was significantly lower in LOW than in HIGH (223 +/- 19 vs. 473 +/- 24 mmol glucose units/kg dry muscle). However, the mean rates of glycogen utilization were not significantly different between trials (LOW 0.62 +/- 0.14 vs. HIGH 0.88 +/- 0.15 mmol glucose units.kg-1.min-1). Nicotinic acid dramatically reduced plasma free fatty acid levels in both trials, averaging 127 +/- 21 mumol/l immediately before the immersion. Cold water immersion did not significantly alter those levels. Plasma glucose levels were significantly reduced after cold water immersion to a similar extent in both trials (18 +/- 4%). Mean respiratory exchange ratio at rest and during immersion was greater in HIGH than LOW, whereas there were no intertrial differences in O2 uptake. The calculated average metabolic heat production during immersion tended to be lower (P = 0.054) in LOW than in HIGH (15.3 +/- 1.9 vs. 17.5 +/- 1.9 kJ/min).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effect of Sitagliptin on Post-Prandial Glucagon and GLP-1 Levels in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes: Investigator-Initiated,Double-Blind,Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

ObjectivePeripheral insulin resistance in type 1 diabetes may be related to a paradoxical postprandial glucagon increase. This study evaluated the effects of sitagliptin (dipeptidyl peptidase-IV [DPP-IV] inhibitor, approved for patients with type 2 diabetes), in adults with type 1 diabetes to improve glycemic control through decreasing postprandial glucagon.MethodsThis investigator-initiated, double-blind, randomized-parallel 20-week study enrolled 141 subjects. Subjects received sitagliptin 100 mg/day or placebo for 16 weeks. A subset of 85 patients wore blinded continuous glucose monitors (CGM) for 5 separate 7-day periods. The primary outcome was post-meal (Boost™) reduction in 4-hour glucagon area under the curve (AUC). Secondary endpoints included changes in glycated hemoglobin (A1c), CGM data, insulin dose, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), and C-peptide levels.ResultsThere were no differences at screening between groups; however, after a 4-week run-in phase, A1c was significantly lower in the sitagliptin vs. placebo group. Post-meal GLP-1 levels were higher (P<.001) and GIP levels lower (P = .03), with glucagon suppression at 30 minutes (LS means 23.2 ± 1.9 versus 16.0 ± 1.8; P = .006) in the sitagliptin group at 16 weeks. There were no differences between the groups in change in A1c, insulin dose, weight, or C-peptide after 16 weeks of treatment. However, C-peptide positive patients randomized to sitagliplin had a non-significant trend toward decrease in A1c, mean glucose, and time spent in hyperglycemia.ConclusionSitagliptin use in type 1 diabetes did not change glucagon AUC, A1c, insulin dose, or weight despite post-meal rise in GLP-1 levels. C-peptide positive subjects treated with sitagliptin had a nonsignificant trend in decreasing hyperglycemia, which needs further evaluation. (Endocr Pract. 2013;19:19-28)     

Patient-Led Versus Physician-Led Titration of Insulin Glargine in Patients with Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Multinational Atlas Study

ObjectiveSelf-adjustment of insulin dose is commonly practiced in Western patients with type 2 diabetes but is usually not performed in Asian patients. This multinational, 24-week, randomized study compared patient-led with physician-led titration of once-daily insulin glargine in Asian patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes who were on 2 oral glucose-lowering agents.MethodsPatient-led (n = 275) or physician-led (n = 277) subjects followed the same dose-titration algorithm guided by self-monitored fasting blood glucose (FBG; target, 110 mg/dL [6.1 mmol/L]). The primary endpoint was change in mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) at week 24 in the patient-led versus physician-led titration groups.ResultsPatient-led titration resulted in a significantly higher drop in HbA_1c value at 24 weeks when compared with physician-led titration (− 1.40% vs. − 1.25%; mean difference, − 0.15; 95% confidence interval, − 0.29 to 0.00; P = .043). Mean decrease in FBG was greatest in the patient-led group (− 2.85 mmol/L vs. − 2.48 mmol/L; P = .001). The improvements in HbA_1c and FBG were consistent across countries, with similar improvements in treatment satisfaction in both groups. Mean daily insulin dose was higher in the patient-led group (28.9 units vs. 22.2 units; P < .001). Target HbA_1c of < 7.0% without severe hypoglycemia was achieved in 40.0% and 32.9% in the patient-led and physician-led groups, respectively (P = .086). Severe hypoglycemia was not different in the 2 groups (0.7%), with an increase in nocturnal and symptomatic hypoglycemia in the patient-led arm.ConclusionPatient-led insulin glargine titration achieved near-target blood glucose levels in Asian patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes who were on 2 oral glucose-lowering drugs, demonstrating that Asian patients can self-uptitrate insulin dose effectively when guided. (Endocr Pract. 2015;21:143-157)     

The reduction in hepatic insulin clearance after oral glucose is not mediated by gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP)

Since the C-peptide/insulin ratio is reduced after oral glucose ingestion, the incretin hormone gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) has been assumed to decrease hepatic insulin extraction. It was the aim of the present study to evaluate the effects of GIP on insulin extraction. Seventy-eight healthy subjects (27 male, 51 female, 43+/-11 years) were subjected to (a). an oral glucose tolerance test and (b). an intravenous injection of 20 pmol GIP/kg body weight, with capillary and venous blood samples collected over 30 min for insulin, C-peptide and GIP (specific immunoassays). Following GIP administration, plasma concentrations of total and intact GIP reached to peak levels of 80+/-7 and 54+/-5 pmol/l, respectively (p<0.0001). The rise in insulin after oral glucose and after intravenous GIP administration significantly exceeded the rise in C-peptide (p<0.0001). Estimating insulin extraction from the total integrated insulin and C-peptide concentrations (AUCs), only the oral glucose load (p<0.0001), but not the intravenous GIP administration (p=0.18) significantly reduced insulin clearance. Therefore, insulin clearance is reduced after an oral glucose load. This effect does not appear to be mediated by GIP.     

Effects of cholecystokinin, secretin, and pancreatic polypeptide on secretion of gastric inhibitory polypeptide, insulin, and glucagon

Although the capacity of food components to cause more insulin secretion when given orally than when given intravenously is related significantly to increased plasma concentration of gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), stimulated only by the oral route, questions arise as to what extent other gastrointestinal hormones modify insulin secretion either directly or by influencing the secretion of GIP. The triacontatriapeptide form of cholecystokinin (CCK₃₃), infused in dose gradients intravenously in dogs increases insulin secretion, and comparably to equimolar doses of the carboxy-terminal octapeptide of cholecystokin (CCK₈); neither compound changes fasting plasma levels of GIP or glucose. Glucagon was increased only by the largest dose of CCK₈ (0.27 ug/kg). Unlike the situation with GIP, it is not necessary to increase the plasma glucose above fasting level to obtain the insulin-releasing action of CCK. When glucose is infused intravenously (2 g in 0.5 min) at the beginning of a 15-minute infusion of CCK₈ (10 ng/kg/min), the amount of insulin release is greater than is produced by CCK₈ or glucose alone. In the same type of experiment, the infusion of GIP, in equimolar amounts as CCK₈, plus glucose causes no more insulin secretion than is stimulated by glucose alone. Secretin has only a small stimulating action on insulin release, and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) has no effect. Neither secretin nor PP affects GIP secretion, whether either is given alone, or together, or with CCK₈. Either secretin or CCK₈ inhibits oral glucose-stimulated increase in plasma GIP. These inhibitory effects are probably very much related to the hormone-induced decrease in gastric emptying, but changes in somatostatin secretion and other hormones possibly exert contributory actions. In conclusion, GIP in certain dose ranges has been reported to cause major increase in insulin secretion, but we showed that the insulin-releasing action of a small dose of glucose (2 g) infused intravenously was not augmented by GIP (44.5 ng/kg/min), although it was significantly increased by an equimolar dose of CCK₈. When plasma glucose was maintained at a fasting level, gradient equimolar dosages of CCK₈ and CCK₃₃ had comparable insulin-releasing action; GIP had no effect.     

Mechanism of action of whole milk and its components on glycemic control in healthy young men

Milk reduces post-meal glycemia when consumed either before or within an ad libitum meal. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of each of the macronutrient components and their combination with whole milk on postprandial glycemia, glucoregulatory and gastrointestinal hormones and gastric emptying in healthy young men. In a randomized, crossover study, 12 males consumed beverages (500ml) of whole milk (3.25% M.F.) (control), a simulated milk beverage based on milk macronutrients, complete milk protein (16g), lactose (24g) or milk fat (16g). Whole and simulated milk was similar in lowering postprandial glycemia and slowing gastric emptying while increasing insulin, C-peptide, peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY) and cholecystokinin (CCK), but simulated milk resulted in higher (41%) glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and lower (43%) ghrelin areas under the curve (AUC) than whole milk (P=.01 and P=.04, respectively). Whole and simulated milk lowered glucose (P=.0005) more than predicted by the sum of AUCs for their components. Adjusted for energy content, milks produced lower glucose and hormone responses than predicted from the sum of their components. The effect of protein/kcal on the AUCs was higher than fat/kcal for insulin, C-peptide, insulin secretion rate, GLP-1, CCK and paracetamol (P<.0001), but similar to lactose except for CCK and paracetamol, which were lower. The response in PYY and ghrelin was similar per unit of energy for each macronutrient. In conclusion, milk lowers postprandial glycemia by both insulin and insulin-independent mechanisms arising from interactions among its macronutrient components and energy content.     

Effects of Changes in Water Intake on Mood of High and Low Drinkers

Objective

To evaluate the effects of a change in water intake on mood and sensation in 22 habitual high-volume (HIGH; 2-4 L/d) and 30 low-volume (LOW; <1.2 L/d) drinkers who were asked to respectively decrease and increase their daily water intake.

Method

During baseline HIGH consumed 2.5 L and LOW 1 L of water/day. During 3 controlled intervention days HIGH''s water intake was restricted to 1 L/day whereas LOW''s was increased to 2.5 L water/day. Several mood scales (Bond & Lader Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Profile of Mood States, Karolinska Sleepiness Scale, Thirst & Emotional VAS) were administered at different time points during the study. ANOVA including intervention, time point and intervention by time point as fixed effects on mean values (i.e.; baseline data vs. mean of 3 intervention days) for each mood scale was performed.

Results

At baseline HIGH and LOW were comparable in mood state, except for thirst scores (estimate = 17.16, p<0.001) and POMS depression-dejection scores (estimate = 0.55, p<0.05) which were both higher in the HIGH vs. LOW. In HIGH the restricted water intake resulted in a significant increase in thirst (p<0.001) and a decrease in contentedness (p<0.05), calmness (p<0.01), positive emotions (p<0.05) and vigor/activity (p<0.001). In LOW, increased water consumption resulted in a significant decrease in fatigue/inertia (p<0.001), confusion/bewilderment (p = 0.05) and thirst (p<0.001) and a trend to lower sleepiness (p = 0.07) compared to baseline.

Conclusion

Increasing water intake has beneficial effects in LOW, especially sleep/wake feelings, whereas decreasing water intake has detrimental effects on HIGH''s mood. These deleterious effects in HIGH were observed in some sleep/wake moods as well as calmness, satisfaction and positive emotions.     

The influence of maternal nutrition on expression of genes responsible for adipogenesis and myogenesis in the bovine fetus

The objective of this study was to determine whether altered maternal energy supply during mid-gestation results in differences in muscle histology or genes regulating fetal adipose and muscle development. In total, 22 Angus cross-bred heifers (BW=527.73±8.3 kg) were assigned randomly to the three dietary treatments providing 146% (HIGH; n=7), 87% (INT; n=7) or 72% (LOW; n=8) of the energy requirements for heifers from day 85 to day 180 of gestation. Fetuses were removed via cesarean section at day 180 of gestation and longissimus muscle (LM) and subcutaneous fat were collected and prepared for analysis of gene expression. Samples from the LM and semitendinosus (ST) were evaluated for muscle fiber diameter, area and number. The right hind limb was dissected and analyzed to determine compositional analysis. Fetal growth and muscle histology characteristics of the LM and ST were similar among treatments. Preadipocyte factor-1 expression was up-regulated in fetal LM (P<0.05) of HIGH fetuses as compared with INT, whereas LOW fetuses showed increased CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-β (C/EBP-β) expression in LM as compared with INT (P<0.05). Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γand C/EBP-α did not differ as a result of dietary treatment in LM or subcutaneous fat samples. There was a tendency for increased expression of fatty acid synthase in LM of LOW fetuses as compared with INT (P<0.10). Myogenin was more highly expressed (P<0.05) in LM of the LOW fetuses, whereas μ-calpain expression was increased in the HIGH treatment compared with INT. A tendency for increased expression of IGF-II was observed for both LOW and HIGH fetuses compared with INT (P<0.10). Expression of stearoyl-CoA desaturase, myoblast determination protein 1, myogenic factor 5, myogenic regulatory factor-4, m-calpain, calpastatin, IGF-I and myostatin was similar between treatments. Collectively, these results suggest that fetal growth characteristics are not affected by the level of maternal nutritional manipulation imposed in this study during mid-gestation. However, differences in expression of fetal genes regulating adipose and muscle tissue growth and development could lead to differences in postnatal composition and warrants further investigation.     

Markedly Delayed Insulin Secretion and a High Rate of Undetected Overt Diabetes Characterize Glucose Metabolism in Adult Patients with Cystic Fibrosis After Lung Transplantation

Objective: Cystic fibrosis–related diabetes (CFRD) is associated with adverse clinical outcomes and should be screened for by an annual oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Since pathophysiologic studies have mainly been performed in a pediatric/adolescent, nontransplanted collective, we aimed to assess parameters of insulin secretion and sensitivity in adult cystic fibrosis (CF) patients after lung transplantation (LT).Methods: Twelve adult CF patients after LT without known diabetes (33.3 ± 11.5 years; body mass index &lsqb;BMI] 21.5 ± 3.3 kg/m²) and 8 control subjects matched by age (36.0 ± 6.6 years; P>.05), BMI (22.3 ± 1.5 kg/m²; P>.05), and gender (CON group) underwent a 3-hour OGTT with glucose, insulin, and C-peptide measurements. Parameters of insulin secretion and sensitivity as well as lipid profiles were assessed.Results: In the CF group, 4 patients were diagnosed with overt diabetes (CFRD) compared to CF patients without diabetes (CF-noDM), of whom 6 had indeterminate glycemia with 1-h glucose values >200 mg/dL. The insulin peak after glucose load occurred after 30 minutes in CON, after 90 minutes in CF-noDM, and was missing in CFRD. Insulin sensitivity was comparable between the groups. Beta-cell glucose sensitivity was markedly reduced in CFRD (10.7 ± 5.8 pmol/min*m²*mM), higher in CF-noDM (39.9 ± 23.4 pmol/min*m²*mM), but still significantly lower compared to CON (108.3 ± 53.9 pmol/min*m²*mM; P = .0008). CFRD patients exhibited increased triglyceride levels and decreased high-density lipoprotein levels.Conclusion: Adult CF patients after LT have profound disturbances in glucose metabolism, with a high rate of undetected diabetes and markedly delayed insulin secretion. Curbed beta-cell glucose sensitivity rather than insulin resistance explains postprandial hyperglycemia and is accompanied by abnormalities in lipid metabolism.Abbreviations: AUC = area under the curve; BMI = body mass index; CF = cystic fibrosis; CFRD = cystic fibrosis–related diabetes; CFTR = cystic fibrosis transmembrane-conductance regulator; CF-TX = cystic fibrosis patients who underwent lung transplantation; CGM = continuous glucose monitoring; HbA1c = glycated hemoglobin; HDL = high-density lipoprotein; INDET = indeterminate glycemia; LDL = low-density lipoprotein; LT = lung transplantation; OGIS = oral glucose sensitivity index; OGTT = oral glucose tolerance test; QUICKI = quantitative insulin sensitivity check index     

Genetic parameters for carcase measurements and age at slaughter in commercial cattle

Genetic parameters were estimated for cold carcase weight (CCW), carcase conformation (CON), carcase fat class (FAT), age at slaughter (AGE) and average daily carcase gain (ADCG) in 14 common UK breeds of cattle. These included crossbred animals but purebred datasets were also analysed for the most populous sire-breeds. Heritability estimates for beef breeds that were significant ranged from 0.24 to 0.44, 0.12 to 0.35, 0.12 to 0.36, 0.15 to 0.38 and 0.26 to 0.43 for CCW, CON, FAT, AGE and ADCG, respectively. For Holstein-Friesian, a dairy breed, heritability estimates were consistently lower than most beef breeds with estimates of 0.12, 0.13, 0.13, 0.06 and 0.15 for CCW, CON, FAT, AGE and ADCG, respectively. In all breed groups, genetic correlations were positive between CCW, CON and ADCG. In general, genetic correlations were moderate between CCW and CON (0.13 to 0.77), moderate to strong between CCW and ADCG (0.57 to 0.98) and weak or moderate between CON and ADCG (0.12 to 0.82). Genetic correlations for FAT with CCW (−  0.20 to −  0.42) and CON (−  0.16 to −  0.52) tended to be negative in the beef breed but were positive in the dairy breed, although not significant between CCW and FAT. For most beef breeds genetic correlations between AGE and carcase traits were not significant with the exceptions of AGE and CCW for Simmental (−  0.15) and Salers (−  0.24), AGE and CON for Limousin (0.15) and Simmental (0.14) and AGE and FAT from three sire-breeds (−  0.17 to −  0.35). However, the correlation between AGE and ADCG was negative and moderate to strong in magnitude (−  0.23 to −  0.67) in all beef breeds as expected since faster-growing animals reach slaughter age earlier. For Holstein-Friesian, all genetic correlations with AGE were negative and moderate to strong. Genetic correlations indicate that selection for increased carcase weight should simultaneously increase growth rate and improve conformation in all breeds and reduce carcase fatness in the majority of beef breeds. The results indicate that there is genetic variation in all five traits suitable for undertaking genetic improvement of carcase traits and age at slaughter; however, there are apparent breed differences. The use of abattoir-derived phenotypes for undertaking genetic improvement is an example where the supply chain can work together to share information to enable the cattle industry to move forward.     

Long-term effect of linseed plus nitrate fed to dairy cows on enteric methane emission and nitrate and nitrite residuals in milk

A previous study showed the additive methane (CH₄)-mitigating effect of nitrate and linseed fed to non-lactating cows. Before practical application, the use of this new strategy in dairy cows requires further investigation in terms of persistency of methanogenesis reduction and absence of residuals in milk products. The objective of this experiment was to study the long-term effect of linseed plus nitrate on enteric CH₄ emission and performance in dairy cows. We also assessed the effect of this feeding strategy on the presence of nitrate residuals in milk products, total tract digestibility, nitrogen (N) balance and rumen fermentation. A total of 16 lactating Holstein cows were allocated to two groups in a randomised design conducted in parallel for 17 weeks. Diets were on a dry matter (DM) basis: (1) control (54% maize silage, 6% hay and 40% concentrate; CON) or (2) control plus 3.5% added fat from linseed and 1.8% nitrate (LIN+NIT). Diets were equivalent in terms of CP (16%), starch (28%) and NDF (33%), and were offered twice daily. Cows were fed ad libitum, except during weeks 5, 16 and 17 in which feed was restricted to 95% of dry matter intake (DMI) to ensure complete consumption of meals during measurement periods. Milk production and DMI were measured weekly. Nitrate and nitrite concentrations in milk and milk products were determined monthly. Daily CH₄ emission was quantified in open circuit respiration chambers (weeks 5 and 16). Total tract apparent digestibility, N balance and rumen fermentation parameters were determined in week 17. Daily DMI tended to be lower with LIN+NIT from week 4 to 16 (−5.1 kg/day on average). The LIN+NIT diet decreased milk production during 6 non-consecutive weeks (−2.5 kg/day on average). Nitrate or nitrite residuals were not detected in milk and associated products. The LIN+NIT diet reduced CH₄ emission to a similar extent at the beginning and end of the trial (−47%, g/day; −30%, g/kg DMI; −33%, g/kg fat- and protein-corrected milk, on average). Diets did not affect N efficiency and nutrients digestibility. In the rumen, LIN+NIT did not affect protozoa number but reduced total volatile fatty acid (−12%) and propionate (−31%) concentrations. We concluded that linseed plus nitrate may have a long-term CH₄-mitigating effect in dairy cows and that consuming milk products from cows fed nitrate may be safe in terms of nitrate and nitrite residuals. Further work is required to optimise the doses of linseed plus nitrate to avoid reduced cows performance.     

Demand-oriented riboflavin supply of organic broiler using a feed material from fermentation of Ashbya gossypii

Alternatives to riboflavin (vitamin B₂) production by recombinant microorganisms are needed in organic poultry production, but are cost-intensive, so that a demand-oriented riboflavin supply is necessary. Details on the riboflavin requirements of organic poultry are not available. A feed material with high native riboflavin content from fermentation of the filamentous fungus Ashbya gossypii was studied. Two runs with 800 Ranger Gold™ broilers each (40 pens with 20 animals) were conducted. The fattening period was divided into starter (S), grower (G) and finisher (F) stage. In the first run, a basal diet without riboflavin supplementation (NATIVE; 3.27, 3.50 and 3.16 mg riboflavin/kg DM in S, G and F) was compared to diets with supplementation at low (LOW; 5.30, 4.85 and 5.19 mg/kg in S, G and F), medium (MEDIUM; 7.56, 6.88 and 7.56 mg/kg in S, G and F) and high (HIGH; 10.38, 9.14 and 9.93 mg/kg in S, G and F) dosage. In the second run, different combinations of low and medium riboflavin supplementation were used in S, G and F diets: S-LOW (4.50 mg riboflavin/kg DM), G-MEDIUM (6.66 mg/kg), F-MEDIUM (5.71 mg/kg) (Treatment A), S-LOW (4.50 mg riboflavin/kg DM); G-LOW (4.92 mg/kg), F-LOW (4.01 mg/kg) (Treatment B); S-MEDIUM (6.37 mg/kg), G-MEDIUM (7.37 mg/kg), F-MEDIUM (5.07 mg/kg) (Treatment C); S-MEDIUM (6.37 mg/kg), G-LOW (5.28 mg/kg), F-LOW (4.22 mg/kg) (Treatment D). Body weight, feed and water consumption were recorded weekly, health and welfare indicators were scored bi-weekly. Slaughter traits were assessed for five males and females per pen. In the first run, NATIVE animals showed symptoms of riboflavin deficiency and lower live weights in the second week of age. Riboflavin contents of this group were increased to avoid further deficiency and recovery was observed. Feed conversion was better in HIGH (2.07) compared with NATIVE and LOW (2.11). At slaughter, treatments differed neither for foot pad dermatitis nor plumage cleanliness. In the second run, daily weight gains did not differ between treatments in any of the weeks. Feed conversion ranged between 1.99 and 2.04. Riboflavin deficiency was not observed in the second run, while treatment D showed superior economic efficiency. In conclusion, native contents of feed components (3.27 mg/kg DM) were not sufficient to meet the riboflavin demand and a total content of 4.50 mg/kg DM was identified as safe lower threshold. The levels rather according to commercial recommendations were not additionally beneficial to performance and health.     

A Fraxinus excelsior L. seeds/fruits extract benefits glucose homeostasis and adiposity related markers in elderly overweight/obese subjects: A longitudinal,randomized, crossover,double-blind,placebo-controlled nutritional intervention study

PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate the potential benefits of an extract obtained from seeds/fruits of an Oleaceae (Fraxinus excelsior L.) on glucose homeostasis and associated metabolic markers in non-diabetic overweight/obese subjects.Materials and methodsThis study was performed in 22 participants (50–80 years-old; BMI 31.0 kg/m²). The design was a longitudinal, randomized, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled 7-week nutritional intervention. The participants received daily 3 capsules each containing either 333 mg of an extract from Fraxinus excelsior L. seeds (Glucevia^®) or placebo capsules (control) in a random order for 3 weeks with 1 week of washout between treatments. Moreover, they followed a balanced covert energy-restricted diet (−15% energy). All variables were measured at the beginning and at the end of each period.ResultsCompared to baseline, the administration of 1 g of Glucevia^® for 3 weeks resulted in significantly lower incremental glucose area under the curve (−28.2%; p < 0.01), and significantly lower 2 h blood glucose values (−14%; p < 0.01) following an oral glucose tolerance test. No significant changes were found in the control group (−7.9% AUC, −1.6% 2 h blood glucose). Furthermore, significant differences were found between responses in the control and Glucevia^® groups with respect to serum fructosamine and plasma glucagon levels (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). Interestingly, administration of Glucevia^® significantly increased the adiponectin:leptin ratio (p < 0.05) and decreased fat mass (p < 0.01) compared to control (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe administration of an extract from Fraxinus excelsior L. seeds/fruits in combination with a moderate hypocaloric diet may be beneficial in metabolic disturbances linked to impaired glucose tolerance, obesity, insulin resistance and inflammatory status, specifically in older adults.