Assessement of Nutritional Status of Households Using Weighed Food Intake in North West Region of Cameroon

This study determined the nutritional status of households in North western region of Cameroon using weighed food intake. Twenty–two rural and 106 urban households were randomly selected for weighed food intake Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze collected data and significance at p < 0.05 accepted. Corn fufu with huckleberry was the most frequently consumed meal with little or no animal-source protein. Protein and B group vitamins intake of respondents in both communities were below the FAO/WHO recommended values while energy, iron, and vitamins A and C were in excess for most age groups. Adolescents 10 - 19 years and adults 20 years and above failed to meet at least 85% of RNI for calcium.

Metformin inhibits food intake and neuropeptide Y gene expression in the hypothalamus

Metformin may reduce food intake and body weight, but the anorexigenic effects of metformin are still poorly understood. In this study, Sprague-Dawley rats were administered a single intracere- broventricular dose of metformin and compound C, in a broader attempt to investigate the regula- tory effects of metformin on food intake and to explore the possible mechanism. Results showed that central administration of metformin significantly reduced food intake and body weight gain, par- ticularly after 4 hours. A reduction of neuropeptide Y expression and induction of AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation in the hypothalamus were also observed 4 hours after metformin administration, which could be reversed by compound C, a commonly-used antagonist of AMP-activated protein kinase. Furthermore, metformin also improved lipid metabolism by reducing plasma low-density lipoprotein. Our findings suggest that under normal physiological conditions, central regulation of appetite by metformin is related to a decrease in neuropeptide Y gene expres- sion, and that the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase may simply be a response to the anorexigenic effect of metformin.

Effects of Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery with Modified Jejunoileal Bypass on Body Weight, Food Intake and Metabolic Hormone Levels of Rats

This study examined the effects of a combined surgery of sleeve gastrectomy （SG） and modified jejunoileal bypass （JIB） on the body weight, food intake, and the plasma levels of active glucagon-like peptide-1 （GLP-1） and total ghrelin of rats. Rats were divided into 3 groups in terms of different surgical protocol： SG-JIB （n=12）, SG （n=12）, JIB （n=12） and sham surgery groups （n-10）. In SG-JIB group, rats was subjected to sleeve gastrectomy and end to side anastomosis of part of the jejunum （25 cm from the ligament of Treitz） to the ileum 25 cm proximal to the cecum. The body weight and food intake were evaluated during 10 consecutive weeks postoperatively. The levels of active GLP-1 and total ghrelin in the plasma of the rats were measured by ELISA assay. The results showed that the SG-JIB treated rats relative to SG- or JIB-treated ones produced a sustained reduction in food intake and weight gain. The level of active GLP-1 was elevated and total ghrelin level decreased in SG-JIB-treated rats as compared with SG- or JIB-treated ones. It was concluded that SG-JIB could efficiently reduce the body weight and food intake, alter obesity-related hormone levels of the rats, indicating that SG-JIB may be potentially used for the treatment of obesity.

Can adiponectin have an additional effect on the regulation of food intake by inducing gastric motor changes?

The regulation of food intake is a complex mechanism,and the hypothalamus is the main central structure implicated.In particular,the arcuate nucleus appears to be the most critical area in the integration of multiple peripheral signals.Among these signals,those originating from the white adipose tissue and the gastrointestinal tract are known to be involved in the regulation of food intake.The present paper focuses on adiponectin,an adipokine secreted by white adipose tissue,which is reported to have a role in the control of feeding by acting centrally.The recent observation that adiponectin is also able to influence gastric motility raises the question of whether this action represents an additional peripheral mechanism that concurs with the central effects of the hormone on food intake.This possibility,which represents an emerging aspect correlating the central and peripheral effects of adiponectin in the hunger-satiety cycle,is discussed in the present paper.

Food intake rate and delivery strategy in aquaculture

In aquaculture,it is important to estimate in advance how much food cultured animals would take.The rate of food consumption by cultured animals to available food amount is defined as the food intake rate(FIR) in this paper.To some extents,FIR reflects the quality of food,the health of cultured animals and the delivery efficiency.In practice,it is difficult to estimate in advance the accurate quantity of food that cultured animal needs.Usually,food is provided more than the need by animals,causing excess food that may pollute water and environment.Our experiments in past years show that FIR at 80% is recommended.

Comparison between Fast Fourier Transform and Autoregressive Model on Analysis of Autonomic Nervous Function after Food Intake in Women

Purpose: Heart rate variability (HRV) is acknowledged as a useful tool to estimate autonomic function. Fast Fourier transform (FFT) and autoregressive model (AR) are used for power spectral analysis of HRV. However, there is little evidence of agreement between FFT and AR in relation to HRV following food intake in females. In the present study, we applied both FFT and AR after food intake during the follicular and luteal phases, and compared raw low-frequency (LF) and high- frequency (HF) powers, and LF/HF ratio obtained with the two power-spectral analytical methods. Methods: All subjects participated in two sessions: follicular phase session and luteal phase session. In each session, R-R intervals were continuously recorded before and after meals, and power spectral analysis of heart rate variability was performed. We analyzed low-frequency power (LF: 0.04 - 0.15 Hz) and high-frequency power (HF: 0.15 - 0.40 Hz) by using FFT and AR. LF and HF power were computed for each 30 sec, 1 min, 2.5 min, and 5 min of the 5-min R-R data before meal intake and at 20, 40, 60 and 80 min after meal intake. The LF/HF ratio was calculated as an index of sympathovagal balance. Results: In the present study, after 30 sec and 1 min of segment analysis, there was little interchangeability between AR and FFT in LF, HF, and LF/HF ratio in both follicular and luteal phases. In 2.5 min or 5 min of segment analysis, there was interchangeability between FFT and AR in LF and HF, but not in the LF/HF ratio in both follicular and luteal phases. Additionally, FFT underestimated HRV compared with AR, and the extent of underestimation increased with increasing AR value. Conclusion: FFT underestimated HRV compared with AR, and FFT correlated poorly with AR when the analysis segment was shortened.

Long Term Low Salt Feeding Led to the Changes in Food Intake, Body Weight and Depressive-Like Behavior in Mice

Low salt intake is associated with depression, but the experimental evidence is not clear. Sixty adult mice were randomly divided into four groups (mild, moderate and severe salt deficiency groups and control) during the seasonal splitting from winter to spring. The mice in the control group were fed with standard ordinary diet (salt content 0.26%), while in the mild, moderate and severe groups, the mice were fed with 10%, 30% and 50% salt deficient feedstuff, lasting for approximately 3 months. The results showed that the salt content of feed was negatively correlated with the food intake and body weight of mice. The sucrose preference test found that only the mild salt deficiency group had no differ-ence between the beginning and the end of the experiment, and the other three groups in-cluding the control, showed a significant decrease. These results suggest that dietary salt content has an impact on the food intake and body weight of mice and is associated with the emergence of depressive-like behavior. Furthermore, the seasonal splitting from winter to spring may also have a differential synergistic effect on the change of depression-like behavior associated with low salt intake in mice.

Food Intake Habit and Cardiovascular Risk

To determine the relationshipof dietary factors to cardiovascular disease, surveys were carried out in 1985 (pilot study) and 1989 (core study) as a part of the International Cooperative Cardiovascular Diseases and Alimentary Comparison (CARDIAC) study. Food pattern was observed and blood pressure was measured with an automatic electronic sphygromanometer. The diet in Guangzhou seems more refined, fresher and offers more variety than that in the other areas in China. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure have risen in the period of socioeco-nomic development. Food intake habits are changing in Guangdong, China, with a trend toward an unhealthy diet which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Association of food intake with a risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease:a cross-sectional study

Background:Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)is a common liver disease,the risk of which can be increased by poor diet.The objective of this study was to evaluate the associations between food items and MAFLD,and to propose reasonable dietary recommendations for the prevention of MAFLD.Methods:Physical examination data were collected from April 2015 through August 2017 at Nanping First Hospital(n=3,563).Dietary intakes were assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire.The association between food intake and the risk of MAFLD was assessed by using the inverse probability weighted propensity score.Results:Beverages(soft drinks and sugar-sweetened beverages)and instant noodles were positively associated with MAFLD risk,adjusting for smoking,drinking,tea intake,and weekly hours of physical activity[adjusted odds ratio(ORadjusted):1.568;P=0.044;ORadjusted:4.363;P=0.001].Milk,tubers,and vegetables were negatively associated with MAFLD risk(ORadjusted:0.912;P=0.002;ORadjusted:0.633;P=0.007;ORadjusted:0.962;P=0.028).In subgroup analysis,the results showed that women[odds ratio(OR):0.341,95%confidence interval(CI):0.172–0.676]had a significantly lower risk of MAFLD through consuming more tubers than men(OR:0.732,95%CI:0.564–0.951).Conclusions:These findings suggest that reducing consumption of beverages(soft drinks and sugar-sweetened beverages)and instant noodles,and consuming more milk,vegetables,and tubers may reduce the risk of MAFLD.

Internal States Influence the Representation and Modulation of Food Intake by Subthalamic Neurons

Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus(STN)is an effective therapy for motor deficits in Parkinson’s disease(PD),but commonly causes weight gain in late-phase PD patients probably by increasing feeding motivation.It is unclear how STN neurons represent and modulate feeding behavior in different internal states.In the present study,we found that feeding caused a robust activation of STN neurons in mice(GCaMP6 signal increased by 48.4%±7.2%,n=9,P=0.0003),and the extent varied with the size,valence,and palatability of food,but not with the repetition of feeding.Interestingly,energy deprivation increased the spontaneous firing rate(8.5±1.5 Hz,n=17,versus 4.7±0.7 Hz,n=18,P=0.03)and the depolarization-induced spikes in STN neurons,as well as enhanced the STN responses to feeding.Optogenetic experiments revealed that stimulation and inhibition of STN neurons respectively reduced(by 11%±6%,n=6,P=0.02)and enhanced(by 36%±15%,n=7,P=0.03)food intake only in the dark phase.In conclusion,our results support the hypothesis that STN neurons are activated by feeding behavior,depending on energy homeostatic status and the palatability of food,and modulation of these neurons is sufficient to regulate food intake.

Effect of disrupted episodic memory on food consumption:no impact of neuronal loss of endophilin A1 on food intake and energy balance

Food intake is generally assumed to reflect a regulatory tension between homeostatic and hedonic drivers.Information from individuals with memory dysfunction suggests that episodic memory may also play a significant role.We reasoned that if memory influences food intake,then disrupting a genetic factor that is important in episodic memory formation should affect food intake and energy balance.We performed spatial learning tests on neuronal specific endophilin A1(EENA1)KO mice using the four-arm baited version of the radial arms maze(RAM).Energy regulation has also been evaluated.As anticipated neuronal EENA1 KO mice had impaired spatial memory.However,loss of endophilin A1 did not result in greater food intake,or altered energy absorption efficiency,relative to wild-type(WT)mice,when fed either low or high fat diets.Moreover,loss of EENA1 did not significantly affect other features of energy balance—physical activity and energy expenditure.No statistically significant changes were observed in the expression of hypothalamic neuropeptides related to food intake regulation,or circulating levels of leptin.We conclude that food intake and energy balance are largely governed by homeostatic and hedonic processes,and when these processes are intact memory probably plays a relatively minor role in food intake regulation.

Characteristics and outcomes of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder in Japanese elementary-school students on total parenteral nutrition

The clinical outcomes of adolescents with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder(ARFID)remain unclear.Furthermore,no report has compared the characteristics of ARFID and restricting-type anorexia nervosa(R-AN)in elementary-school students on total parenteral nutrition(TPN).This study retrospectively reviewed inpatients diagnosed with ARFID or R-AN between 2005 and 2019.Patients with ARFID(two boys and seven girls)and R-AN(13 girls)were hospitalized because of rapid physical deterioration,and nutrition therapy was continued without withdrawal.The ARFID group exhibited significantly lower body weights at admission than the R-AN group and gained an average of 6.5 kg during hospitalization;furthermore,the monthly weight gain during hospitalization was significantly higher,and no relapse was observed.Early physical improvement in ARFID resulted in good recovery.In conclusion,TPN can be easily introduced to patients with ARFID,in whom aversive eating is a concern,and is a suitable treatment for ARFID.

Platelet-activating factor receptor affects food intake and body weight

“Let’s Move!”is a comprehensive initiative,launched by the First Lady,Michelle Obama,dedicates to solving problems of obesity,which is growing in child.The life behaviors do affect obesity;however,the mechanistic insight in molecular level is still not clear.In this study,by continually monitoring mouse body weight under chow and high fat western diets as well as metabolic,physical activity and food intake behaviors assessed in a CLAMS Comprehensive Lab Animal Monitoring System,we demonstrated that the platelet-activating factor receptor(PTAFR)contributes to modification of life behaviors.PTAFR does not affect metabolism of ingested dietary fat and carbohydrate in young animals;however,Ptafr ablation dramatically increased weight gain without affecting adipose tissue accumulation.Ptafr/mice possess new habits that increased food intake and decreased movement.Our studies suggest that regulation of PTAFR activity may be a novel strategy to control obesity in children or young adults.

Amygdala, an important regulator for food intake

Amygdala plays a critical role in the regulation of emotional behavior and food intake.Neuropeptides are short chains of amino acids secreted by neurons as intercellular messengers,which regulate different functions such as emotion,food intake,learning and memory.In this review,we summarize the recent progress on the regulation of food intake by amygadala,which is mediated by those neuropeptides known to be critical in the regulation of this process.

Oxidative stress-elevated high gamma glutamyl transferase levels, and aging, intake of tropical food plants, migration and visual disability in Central Africans

·AIM:To investigate the independent pathogenic role of high serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels, sociodemographic data, dietary and environmental risk factors for visual disability (VD). ·METHODS:This was a case-control study, run in 200 black Congolese patients managed in Saint Joseph Hospital Ophthalmology Division from Kinshasa town. Logistic regression model was used to identify determinants of VD (n = 58) among sex, age, cigarette smoking, alcohol abuse, rural-urban migration, education levels, aging ≥60 years, intake of red Beans, Safou fruit and Taro leaves, lipid profile, residence, socioeconomic status, and GGT. ·RESULTS:After adjusting for confounding factors, we identified migration (OR=3.7 95% CI:1.2-11.3; P =0.023), low education level (OR=3.1 95% CI 1.1-8.5; P =0.026), no intake of Safou fruit (OR=34.2 95% CI 11.5-102; P < 0.0001), age ≥60 years (OR=2.5 95% CI 1.01-6.5; P = 0.049), and serum GGT ≥10U/L (OR=3.6 95% CI 1.3-9.6; P = 0.012) as the significant and independent determinants of VD. ·CONCLUSION:VD appears as a major public health problem in Central Africa to be prevented or delayed by control of migration, lifestyle changes, antioxidant supplements, appropriate diet, nutrition education, and blocking of oxidative stress.

Effects of stochastic food deprivation on energy budget,body mass and activity in Swiss mice

When small animals are faced with an unpredictable food supply,they can adapt by altering different components of their energy budget such as energy intake,metabolic rate,rate of non-shivering thermogenesis(NST)or behaviour.The present study examined the effect of stochastic food deprivation(FD)on body mass,food intake,resting metabolic rate(RMR),NST and behaviour in male Swiss mice.During a period of 4 weeks' FD,animals were fed ad libitum for a randomly assigned 4 days each week,but were deprived of food for the other 3 days.The results showed that body mass significantly dropped on FD days compared to controls.Food intake of FD mice increased significantly on ad libitum days,ensuring cumulative food intake,final body mass,fat mass,RMR and NST did not differ significantly from controls.Moreover,gastrointestinal tract mass increased in FD mice,but digestibility decreased.In general,activity was higher on deprived days,and feeding behaviour was higher on ad libitum days suggesting that Swiss mice are able to compensate for stochastic FD primarily by increasing food intake on ad libitum days,and not by reducing energy expenditure related to RMR or NST.

Verification of Macro-and Micronutrient Intake in the First Year of Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass Using MSM Method

Background: Bariatric surgery is an alternative treatment for obesity. However, physicians need to be aware of the possible consequences of nutritional deficiencies with this type of surgery. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of inadequacy of macro- and micronutrients from the diet in patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass after 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Methods: We performed a longitudinal, observational, clinical study during preoperatively and 3-, 6-, and 12-month postoperatively (n = 95 patients). We collected information from medical records of patients in a Reference Clinic of Bariatric Surgery. Quantitative food intake was analyzed by ADS Nutri? and Multiple Source Method? software. The obtained data were compared with the daily-recommended intake in accordance with specific guidelines for bariatric surgery. Data were analyzed using t-tests, Mann-Whitney test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey’s test. Results: There was a high prevalence of inadequacy of macronutrients and micronutrients from food in the postoperatively period. However, only vitamin B12 intake was adequate based on the daily recommended intake. Conclusions: Our study suggests that the intake of nutrients by feeding is below current recommendations. Individual nutritional counseling with a therapeutic plan for adequate nutrition and prescription supplements are important to ensure that nutritional recommendations are adhered to.

The Main and Interactive Effects of Fat and Salt Contents of the Diet on Characteristics of Metabolic Syndrome in Male Wistar Rats

The current Western diet contains high amounts of salt and fat. High salt and fat diets are known to have negative impacts on food intake (FI), body weight (BW), body composition (BC), glucose metabolism, and blood pressure. These factors have been studied as separate entities, but the main and interactive effects of dietary salt and fat received little study. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of sodium and fat content of the diet on FI, BW, and BC in male Wistar rats. Male Wistar Rats (n = 48) were allocated into 4 groups (n = 12) and received the following diets: 1. Normal sodium normal fat, 2. Normal sodium high fat, 3. High sodium normal fat, and 4. High sodium high-fat diet for 12 weeks. BW and FI were measured weekly. BC and organs’ weight were recorded post-termination. Regardless of sodium content, a greater FI was observed in normal-fat diet groups compared with high-fat diet groups. However, higher BW and fat (%) were observed in high-fat diet groups. Fasting blood glucose was higher in rats fed normal fat diets compared with those fed high-fat diets. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was lower in rats fed either high fat, high salt, or normal fat, normal salt diet. In conclusion, fat but not salt content in the diet is a determining factor in the regulation of FI and body weight. Moreover, glucose metabolism can be influenced by both the fat and salt content of the diet.

Body weight, lifestyle, dietary habits and gastroesophageal reflux disease

While lifestyle modifications are currently used as firstline treatment for subjects with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the pathogenetic role of lifestyle factors and consequently, the efficacy of lifestyle measures is controversial. Our aim was to systematically review the pathogenetic link between overweight/ obesity, dietary habits, physical activity and GERD, and the beneficial effect of specific recommended changes, by means of the available literature from the 1999 to the present. Obesity, in particular, abdominal obesity, plays a key role in determining GERD symptoms and complications through mechanical and metabolic effects. Controlled weight loss (by diet or surgery) is effective in improving GERD symptoms. No definitive data exist regarding the role of diet and, in particular, of specific foods or drinks, in influencing GERD clinical manifestations. Moderate physical activity seems to be beneficial for GERD, while vigorous activity may be dangerous in predisposed individuals. In conclusion, being obese/overweight and GERD-specific symptoms and endoscopic features are related, and weight loss significantly improves GERD clinical-endoscopic manifestations. The role of dietary behavior, mainly in terms of specific dietary components, remains controversial. Mild routine physical activity in association with diet modifications, i.e. a diet rich in fiber and low in fat, is advisable in preventing reflux symptoms.

Growth hormone releasing peptide 2 reverses anorexia associated with chemotherapy with 5-fluoruracil in colon cancer cell-bearing mice

The cancer-associated anorexia-cachexia syndrome is observed in 80% of patients with advanced-stage cancer, and is one of the major obstacles in chemo- therapy. Ghrelin is a orexigenic hormone that has been proposed to prevent anorexia. Aim of the study was to determine whether the addition of the ghrelin agonist growth hormone releasing peptide 2 (GHRP-2) to cytotoxic therapy with 5-fluoruracil (5-FU) prevents the anorexia associated with chemotherapy in cancer cachectic mice. Thirty-three BALB/c female tumourbearing mice were randomized to receive a solution containing: (a) placebo; (b) GHRP-2; (c) 5-FU; or (d) 5-FU + GHRP-2. Ten BALB/c no tumour-bearing mice received placebo solution. Food intake and survival were checked. Six hours after the drug injection the cumulative food intake was signifi cantly increased in mice treated with the combination of 5-FU + GHRP-2 versus the 5-FU alone (P = 0.0096). On day 3, the cumulative food intake of mice treated with GHRP-2,5-FU and 5-FU + GHRP-2 signifi cantly increased com- pared with naive and vehicle groups (P = 0.0007, P = 0.0038 and P = 0.0166, respectively). The median survival time was longer in 5-FU + GHRP-2 treated mice than in those with 5-FU, although it was not signifi cant (18 d versus 15.5 d, P = 0.7). For the fi rst time, we demonstrated that the addition of GHRP-2 to cytotoxic therapy with 5-FU improved appetite in tumour-bearing mice with anorexia/cachexia syndrome in early stage. These data suggest that GHRP-2 may improve the effi cacy of therapy and the quality of life of cancer patients thank to the amelioration of their nutritional state.