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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Malnutrition in Relation with Dietary, Geographical, and Socioeconomic Factors among Older Chinese

Objective Nutrition is closely related to the health of the elderly population. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive picture of the nutrition status of elderly Chinese and its related dietary,geographical, and socioeconomic factors.Methods A total of 13,987 ≥ 60-year-old persons from the 2010–2013 Chinese National Nutrition and Health Survey were included to evaluate various aspects of malnutrition, including underweight,overweight or obesity, and micronutrient inadequacy.Results Overall, the prevalence of obesity, overweight, and underweight was 12.4%, 34.8%, and 5.7%,respectively, with disparities both geographically and socioeconomically. The prevalence of underweight was higher among the older old(≥ 75 years), rural residents and those with low income, with low education status, and residing in undeveloped West areas. More than 75% of the elderly do not meet the Dietary Reference Intakes for vitamins A, B1, B2, and E, folate, calcium, selenium, potassium, biotin,and choline, with the prevalence of inadequate intake increasing with age for most nutrients. At the population level, the mean intakes of numerous food groups did not meet the recommendations by the Chinese Dietary Guideline.Conclusions Obesity epidemic, inadequacy of micronutrient intake, and high prevalence of underweight and anemia in susceptible older people are the major nutrition challenges for the rapidly aging population in China.

Changes of Neuronal Activities after Gut Electrical Stimulation with Different Parameters and Locations in Lateral Hypothalamus Area of Obese Rats

This study tested the effects of the gastrointestinal pulse train electrical stimulation with different parameters and at different locations on the neuronal activities of the lateral hypothalamus area（LHA） in obese rats in order to find the optimal stimulation parameter and location. Eight gastric electrical stimulations（GES） with different parameters were performed and the neuronal activities of gastric-distension responsive（GD-R） neurons in LHA were observed. The effects of stimulations with 8 parameters were compared to find the optimal parameter. Then the optimal parameter was used to perform electrical stimulation at duodenum and ileum, and the effects of the duodenal and ileac stimulation on the GD-R neurons in LHA were compared with the gastric stimulation of optimal parameter. The results showed that GES with the lowest energy parameter（0.3 ms, 3 mA, 20 Hz, 2 s on, 3 s off） activated the least neurons. The effects of GES with other parameters whose pulse width was 0.3 ms were not significantly different from those of the lowest energy parameter. Most gastric stimulations whose pulse width was 3 ms activated more LHA neurons than the smallest energy parameter stimulation, and the effects of those 3 ms gastric stimulations were similar. Accordingly, the lowest energy parameter was recognized as the optimal parameter. The effects of stimulations with the optimal parameter at stomach, duodenum and ileum on the LHA neuronal activities were not different. Collectively, gastrointestinal electrical stimulation（GIES） with relatively large pulse width might have stronger effects to the neuronal activities of GD-R neurons in LHA of obese rats. The effects of the GIES at different locations（stomach, duodenum and ileum） on those neurons are similar, and GES is preferential because of its easy clinical performance and safety.

The Effect of Energy on Serotonin-Like Neurons in Duck Hypothalamus

In the present study, immunohistochemical method (SABC method) was used to examine the distribution of serotonin-like neurons in hypothalamus of Cherry Valley ducks bred with high energy diet and low energy diet respectively. All films were analysed by using a computer-assisted image analysis system. In high energy group, labelled neurons are widely distributed in paraventricular nucleus(PVN, 17.73±1.41 neurons/19.46×103 μm2) and ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH, 15.8±1.71 neurons/19.46×103 μm2); in low energy group, labelled cells are widely distributed in lateral hypothalamus (LH, 11.25±1.53 neurons/19.46×103 μm2), yet there is no positive neuron in PVN. These results indicate that serotonin-like neurons in hypothalamus are involved in the regulation of food intake and energy metabolism.

Effects of Hypoxic Environment on Life Rhythm of Apodemus peninsulae

[Objective] The paper was to investigate the effect of hypoxic environment on life rhythm of Apodemus peninsulae. [Method] A. peninsulae were captured and fed in indoor hypoxic environment from May 2015 to October 2016. The respiratory frequency, activity level, food intake and water intake of A. peninsulae were analyzed under different oxygen concentrations. [Result] With the decrease of oxygen concentration, the respiratory frequency of A. peninsulae decreased, and the respiratory depth deepened, while the activity level, food intake and water intake de-creased. [Conclusion] The hypoxic environment had an impact on the respiratory frequency, activity level, food intake and water intake of A. peninsulae.

A Functional Inhibitory Role of Habenular Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) in Forebrain Reward Signaling

There is emerging evidence implicating glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in reward, including palatable food reinforcement and alcohol-based reward circuitry. While recent findings suggest that mesolimbic structures, such as the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the nucleus accumbens (NAc), are critical anatomical sites mediating the role of GLP-1’s inhibitory actions, the present study focused on the potential novel impact of GLP-1 within the habenula, a region of the forebrain expressing GLP-1 receptors. Given that the habenula has also been implicated in the neural control of reward and reinforcement, we hypothesized that this brain region, like the VTA and NAc, might mediate the anhedonic effects of GLP-1. Rats were stereotaxically implanted with guide cannula targeting the habenula and trained on a progressive ratio 3 (PR3) schedule of reinforcement. Separate rats were trained on an alcohol two-bottle choice paradigm with intermittent access. The GLP-1 agonist exendin-4 (Ex-4) was administered directly into the habenula to determine the effects on operant responding for palatable food as well as alcohol intake. Our results indicated that Ex-4 reliably suppressed PR3 responding and that this effect was dose-dependent. A similar suppressive effect on alcohol consumption was observed. These findings provide initial and compelling evidence that the habenula may mediate the inhibitory action of GLP-1 on reward, including operant and drug reward. Our findings further suggest that GLP-1 receptor mechanisms outside of the midbrain and ventral striatum are critically involved in brain reward neurotransmission.

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 anorectic response to growth hormone in obese rats is associated with increased ketogenesis: A short communication

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether obese rats with a strong anorectic response to growth hormone also showed signs of increased hepatic ketogenesis as reflected in circulating β-hydroxybutyrate levels. Rats with diet-induced obesity were allocated to one of two groups, receiving either vehicle (n = 7) or 4 mg/kg/d of growth hormone (n = 13) for 4 days. This latter group was later split into a group of responders (n = 8) showing a cumulated reduction of food intake of more than 4 g from base line during the last two days of administrations and a group of non-responders (n = 5). The cumulated reduction of food intake from baseline among the responders was 10.8 ±1.5 g. The corresponding marginal reductions in the non-responder and vehicle groups were 0.5 ±3.4 gand 0.5 ±3.7 g, respectively. Growth hormone administration generally increased serum levels of β-hydroxybutyrate and free fatty acids, compared with vehicle, whereas triglycerides were decreased. Among the responders this effect was statistically significant in all instances whereas the same trend was weaker among non-responders. The main finding of the present study was that the serum β-hydroxybutyrate levels of 0.76 ± 0.11 mmol/l among responders was three times higher than non-responders

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.

The Impact of Regular Diet Recovery on Postoperative Rehabilitation After Elective Cesarean Section

Objective To determine the role of regular diet recovery after restoration of normal muscle strength of both lower extremities in promoting postoperative recovery in women undergoing elective cesarean section.Methods This was a prospective observational cohort study.Patients who underwent elective cesarean section at Xiangya Hospital,Central South University,from October 2022 to December 2022,were categorized into two groups based on the duration of postoperative fasting:the observation group resumed eating after regaining lower extremity muscle strength,while the control group adhered to traditional postoperative fasting guidelines,waiting 6 hours before eating.Primary outcomes included postoperative pain levels assessed by visual analog scale(VAS)pain scores and time to first flatus.Demographic characteristics,time to first lactation,hospital stay length,and patient satisfaction were also assessed.Statistical analysis was conducted using Student’s t test and Chi-squared test,with significance set at P<0.05.Results Out of a total of 300 patients,240 were included in the analysis,comprising 112 in the control group and 128 in the observation group.There were no significant differences in baseline demographic characteristics.The median values of the first flatus time and the first lactation time were 33.37±1.22 vs.18.06±6.34 hours(P=0.003)and 26.34±8.21 vs.7.05±1.26 hours(P=0.001)in the control and observation groups,respectively.The median hospital stay duration in the control and observation groups was 6.54±0.53 vs.4.84±0.18 days(P=0.000),respectively.Median postoperative VAS pain scores and patient satisfaction values were 8.57±0.11 vs.4.91±0.27(P=0.000)and 9.36±0.16 vs.9.72±0.08(P=0.005)in the control and observation groups,respectively.There were no statistically significant differences in other postoperative outcomes,such as intestinal obstruction,infection,and readmission within 42 days(P>0.05).Conclusion Food intake after restoration of lower extremity muscle strength improves first flatus,relieves postoperative pain,shortens hospital stay,and enhances satisfaction after elective cesarean section,without adverse effects.It is crucial for postoperative rehabilitation and should be encouraged.

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.