Prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders in children with celiac disease on different types of gluten-free diets

BACKGROUND Functional gastrointestinal disorders(FGIDs)are common during the pediatric age.FGIDs are not related to biochemical or structural abnormalities.However,since they have a high prevalence,several studies have evaluated an overlap between FGIDs and organic diseases.Individuals with celiac disease(CD)have been shown to be at an increased risk for functional abdominal pain,even if they adhere well to a gluten-free diet(GFD).Little information is available for the pediatric age group.The aims of our study were to evaluate the prevalence of FGIDS in CD children 1 year after diagnosis and to compare the prevalence of FGIDs in CD children on a GFD with processed foods compared with those on a GFD with natural products.AIM To assess the prevalence of FGIDs in children with CD after 1 year of follow-up and to compare the prevalence of FGIDs in children with CD on a GFD with processed foods and in children on a GFD with natural products.METHODS We recruited pediatric patients aged 1-18 years with a new CD diagnosis.Participants were randomized to two groups:Group A on a GFD with processed foods(diet 1);and group B on a GFD with natural products(diet 2).Clinical monitoring,diet assessment and the questionnaire on pediatric gastrointestinal symptoms-Rome IV version were performed at diagnosis(T0)and after 12 mo of follow-up(T1).Dietary intake was assessed using a 3-d food diary record.Data from the diaries were evaluated using WinFood nutrient analysis software.We assessed the prevalence of FGIDs at T1 and the correlation with the type of GFD.RESULTS We registered 104 CD children,with 55 patients in group A(53.0%)and 49 patients in group B(47.0%).Initially,30 of the 55(54.5%)CD children were symptomatic in group A,while 25 of 49(51.0%)were symptomatic in group B.At T1,in spite of a low or negative serology for CD,FGIDs prevalence was 10/55(18.0%)in group A and 8/49(16.3%)in group B,with no statistically significant difference between the two groups(P=0.780).At T1 the macro-and micronutrient intake was similar across the two groups with no significant differences in nutrient analysis.However,in both groups at T1 we found that a lower prevalence of FGIDs(P=0.055)was associated with an inferior caloric(odds ratio=0.99,95%confidence interval:0.99-1.00)and fat(odds ratio=0.33,95%confidence interval:0.65-0.95)intake.CONCLUSION Our results showed that CD children on a GFD have gastrointestinal symptoms with an elevated prevalence of FGIDs.Our study suggests that developing FGIDs may be linked to caloric intake and percentage of food fat,but it does not change between a GFD with processed foods or a GFD with natural products.However,long-term monitoring is required to evaluate a correlation between FGIDs and various types of GFDs.

Coeliac Disease: Gluten Free Diet and… What Else?

Coeliac Disease (CD) is a permanent gluten intolerance, whose pathogenesis involves multiple factors including genetics and environment. CD has different representations and non-specific symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, pain, flatulence and constipation may sometimes be misleading. Once diagnosed of CD, patients must adhere to Gluten Free Diet, which consists in the lifelong avoidance of gluten containing foods and of those naturally gluten free but at risk of contamination. This dietary approach is considered the only therapy in order to avoid symptoms exacerbation and to reduce the digestive mucosa inflammation, which has been related to higher risks of lymphoproliferative malignancy and other immunological disorders. However, being on a Gluten Free Diet is not as resolving as it may seem since it has several criticalities. First of all, excluding gluten means limiting food variety so that coeliac patients may have unbalanced intake of several nutrients and develop clinical or subclinical deficiencies. This can be due to scarce attention to qualitative and quantitative composition of diets and poor information about gluten-containing foods, which only patient-tailored dietetic protocol and long-term follow-up can achieve. Secondly, Gluten Free Diet may not result in complete remission of mucosal damage or in resolution of symptoms. Unintentional contamination of gluten or poor adherence to diet are the main culprits of the incomplete mucosal healing but other triggers may be involved. Recent research has focused on the role of FODMAPs in changing gut microbiota and on the improvement of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms after their dietary avoidance or reduction. Since CD and IBS may share many clinical presentations, further studies are needed to evaluate if a subgroup of CD patients whose symptoms are not improved by Gluten Free Diet could benefit from a new therapeutic approach consisting in both gluten/wheat and FODMAPs avoidance.

Cardiovascular disease risk factor profiles in children with celiac disease on gluten-free diets

AIM:To describe the cardiovascular disease(CVD)risk factors in a population of children with celiac disease(CD)on a gluten-free diet(GFD).METHODS:This cross-sectional multicenter study was performed at Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel(Petach Tiqva,Israel),and San Paolo Hospital(Milan,Italy).We enrolled 114 CD children in serologic remission,who were on a GFD for at least one year.At enrollment,anthropometric measurements,blood lipids and glucose were assessed,and compared to values at diagnosis.The homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance was calculated as a measure of insulin resistance.RESULTS:Three or more concomitant CVD risk factors[body mass index,waist circumference,low density lipoprotein(LDL)cholesterol,triglycerides,blood pressure and insulin resistance]were identified in 14%of CD subjects on a GFD.The most common CVD risk factors were high fasting triglycerides(34.8%),elevated blood pressure(29.4%),and high concentrations of calculated LDL cholesterol(24.1%).On a GFD,four children(3.5%)had insulin resistance.Fasting insulin and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in the Italian cohort compared to the Israeli cohort(P<0.001).Children on a GFD had an increased prevalence of borderline LDL cholesterol(24%)when compared to values(10%)at diagnosis(P=0.090).Trends towards increases in overweight(from 8.8%to 11.5%)and obesity(from 5.3%to 8.8%)were seen on a GFD.CONCLUSION:This report of insulin resistance and CVD risk factors in celiac children highlights the importance of CVD screening,and the need for dietary counseling targeting CVD prevention.

Celiac disease: Alternatives to a gluten free diet

Celiac disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the small intestine caused by the ingestion of gluten or related rye and barley proteins. At present, the only available treatment is a strict gluten-exclusion diet. However, recent understanding of the molecular basis for this disorder has improved and enabled the identif ication of targets for new therapies. This article aims to critically summarize these recent studies.

Resolution of metabolic syndrome after following a gluten free diet in an adult woman diagnosed with celiac disease

Adult celiac disease(CD) presents with very diverse symptoms that are clearly different from those typically seen in pediatric patients,including ferropenic anemia,dyspepsia,endocrine alterations and elevated transaminase concentration. We present the case of a 51-year-old overweight woman with altered basal blood glucose,hypercholesterolemia,hypertriglyceridemia and persisting elevated transaminase levels,who showed all the symptoms for a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. Because she presented iron deficiency anemia,she was referred to the gastroenterology department and subsequently diagnosed with celiac disease after duodenal biopsies and detection of a compatible HLA haplotype. Gluten-free diet(GFD) was prescribed and after 6 mo the patient showed resolution of laboratory abnormalities(including recovering anemia and iron reserves,normalization of altered lipid and liver function parameters and decrease of glucose blood levels) . No changes in weight or waist circumference were observedand no significant changes in diet were documented apart from the GFD. The present case study is the first reported description of an association between CD and metabolic syndrome,and invites investigation of the metabolic changes induced by gluten in celiac patients.

Cardiometabolic risk factors in children with celiac disease on a gluten-free diet

Celiac disease(CD) is an immune-mediated systemic condition evoked by gluten and related prolamines in genetically predisposed subjects. It is characterised by a variable combination of gluten-dependent clinical symptoms, CDspecific antibodies, HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 haplotypes, and enteropathy. The only therapy of CD consists of a life-long gluten free diet(GFD). Strict GFD adherence results in full clinical, serological and histological remission, avoiding long-term complications in CD patients. However, this diet is not without problems. Gluten free products have high levels of lipids, sugar and salt to improve food palatability and consistency, and subjects with CD show an excessive consumption of hypercaloric and hyperlipidic foods to compensate dietetic restriction. GFD may therefore have a negative impact on cardiometabolic risk factors such as obesity, serum lipid levels, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and atherosclerosis. In adults, some studies have suggested that GFD have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular profile, whereas others have shown an atherogenic effect of GFD. In children, very few studies are available on the issue. Thus, the aim of the present narrative review was to analyze the current clinical evidence on the impact of GFD on cardiometabolic risk factors in children with CD.

The Impact of Gluten-Free Diet on Hormonal Balance

This study investigated how a gluten-free diet affects hormones, with particular emphasis on cortisol, thyroid, insulin, and sex hormones. Background: For medical diseases such as non-celiac gluten sensitivity, wheat allergy, and celiac disease, a gluten-free diet is important. The main area of concern for research is how a gluten-free diet can affect hormone levels and related health consequences. A review of the body of research on this topic, including studies on hormone regulation and the impact of dietary modifications, is a part of the methodology. These findings imply that a gluten-free diet may have an impact on hormone levels, which may affect metabolism, weight, and general health. These implications include the need for additional studies, particularly in those with autoimmune illnesses, to completely comprehend the relationship between a gluten-free diet and hormone regulation.

Effects of protein sources and levels in antibiotic-free diets on diarrhea,intestinal morphology, and expression of tight junctions in weaned piglets

This study examined effects of dietary protein sources and levels on intestinal health of 21 to 35 d-old weaned piglets fed antibiotics-free diets. A total of 150 weaned piglets(21 d of age) were allotted to 5 dietary treatment groups. Diets were formulated, based on corn-soybean meal, with different protein sources(fish meal and soy protein concentrate) to provide different dietary CP levels. Piglets within 5 dietary treatments were fed diets as follows, respectively: 1) control diet of 17% CP(control); 2) 19% CP diets formulated with more soy protein concentrate(SPC19); 3) fish meal(FM19); 4) 23.7% CP diets formulated with more soy protein concentrate(SPC23); 5) fish meal(FM23). The results showed that piglets from control group had higher ADG and lower incidence of diarrhea compared with those of other groups(P < 0.05). The incidence of diarrhea of piglets in FM19 group was lower than those from SPC23 group and FM23 group(P < 0.05). With the higher CP levels, villous height and villous height to crypt depth ratio of piglets in the duodenum and jejunum were decreased(P < 0.05), but crypt depth was increased(P < 0.05). Comparing control group and other groups, we found the expression of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β(IL-1β) and interferon-γ(IFN-γ) were increased(P < 0.05) in the jejunum and colon of piglets, as did cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulators(CFTR) in the distal colon. The relative transcript abundance of Zonula occludens-1(ZO-1) in the jejunum, and occludin in the jejunum and ileum of piglets fed 23.7% CP diets were reduced compared with those fed control diet(P < 0.05). In conclusion, the 17% CP diet without in-feed antibiotics helped improve growth performance and relief of diarrhea of 21 to 35 d-old weaned piglets. Dietary CP level, rather than its source(either fish meal or soy protein concentrate), has more significant impacts on the growth performance and intestinal health of 21 to 35 d-old weaned piglets when fed antibiotics-free diets.

Effect of gluten free diet on gastrointestinal and behavioral indices for children with autism spectrum disorders:a randomized clinical trial

Background:Genetic and environmental factors are both responsible for the etiology of autism spectrum disorders(ASD).Although epidemiological studies have been conducted to clarify the association between restriction diets and ASD,the conclusion remains unclear.This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of gluten free diet(GFD)on gastrointestinal symptoms and behavioral indices in children with ASD.Methods:In this randomized clinical trial,80 children diagnosed with ASD by the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised(ADI-R)were assigned into GFD(n=40)and regular diet(RD)(n=40)groups for 6 weeks.At the beginning and end of the intervention,the ROMEШquestionnaire for evaluating gastrointestinal symptoms and Gilliam Autism Rating Scale 2 questionnaire(GARS-2)for assessing psychometric properties were completed.Results:Of the 80 children,53.9%had gastrointestinal abnormalities.In the GFD group,the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms decreased significantly(P<0.05)after intake of GFD(40.57%vs.17.10%)but increased insignificantly in the RD group(42.45%vs.44.05%).GFD intervention resulted in a significant decrease in behavioral disorders(80.03±14.07 vs.75.82±15.37,P<0.05)but an insignificant increase in the RD group(79.92±15.49 vs.80.92±16.24).Conclusion:This study suggested that GFD may be effective in controlling gastrointestinal symptoms and ASD behaviors.

Grain free diets for utility dogs during training work: Evaluation of the nutrient digestibility and faecal characteristics

Two different diets characterized by the absence of cereals or by the presence of conventional cereals were evaluated on the nutrient digestibility and faecal characteristics and faecal fermentative endproduct concentrations of 8 neutered adult Labrador retrievers housed at the Regional Centre Helen Keller(Messina,Italy)during the training work for the service guide for the blind.Dogs(age = 17 ± 1 months,initial body weight [BW]= 26.3 ± 1 kg.and body condition score [BCS]= 4.5 ± 0.11)were divided into 2 homogeneous groups for sex(half males and half females).Dogs in the grain free(GF)group were fed a commercial diet characterized by the absence of grain cereals,and dogs in the control(CTR)group were fed a super-premium pet food characterized by conventional grains as the carbohydrate source.The trial lasted 84 d.preceded by a 7-d of adaption period.Physical examination,digestibility.and faecal characteristics were studied.The statistical model included the effects of diet(GF vs.CTR),time(from d 0 to 84.end of the trial)and the interaction(diet x time).The high-protein,lowcarbohydrate dry diet(GF)offered higher apparent nutrient digestibility of protein(+10%;P =0.002)and fat(+7%;P<0.001)and more stable large intestinal fermentation of carbohydrate compared to the commercial high-carbohydrate dry diet,enabling dogs to use nutrients from the diet more efficiently and thus requiring less food(-13%)to satisfy their nutrient requirements,producing less excrement(-33%;P= 0.033).and reaching a higher final BW(+8%;P<0.0001)and a higher final BCS(+15%;P= 0.003).Therefore,the GF diet appears the nutritional plan most suitable for these animals taking due account not only of the training work done by animals with their increased nutrient and energy needs,but also of the gastrointestinal disorders consequent to stress coming from work and life in kennels,which cause in the Labrador retrievers an unusual weight loss.

Utilization of Chickpea Split (Cicer arietinum L.) in Preparing Some Gluten-Free Casein-Free Food Products for Autism Children

This study aimed to prepare and evaluate some gluten-free and casein-free (GFCF) food products for autism children from rice and chickpea split. Like-milk beverages and snacks (bakery) were prepared by replacing rice with chickpea at a ratio of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, and in a ratio of 25% and 50% with fried snacks. Chemical composition, antioxidant activity, the energy content of ingredients and final products, as well as the viscosity, texture profile analysis, and sensory evaluation of final products, were determined. The results showed that chickpea contains higher values of protein, fat, fiber, and ash compared with rice. Also, the antioxidant activity (total phenolic (TP), DPPH scavenging activity, and FRAP value) of chickpea was higher than rice. The addition of chickpea to rice caused a significant increase in protein (%), fat (%), minerals (Ca, Fe, K, Zn, and Mg) (%), and antioxidant activity of all products, and these values were increased with the increased of chickpea amount added, while the viscosity of rice-chickpea milk samples and the hardness of snacks (fried and bakery) were significantly decreased with the increase of chickpea amount added. According to the recommended daily allowances (RDA), it was found that 100 mL of chickpea milk (100%) could provide autism children with 99.5%, 32%, and 36% of the daily required iron, Ca, and Zn, respectively. Also, the daily intake of 100 g of snacks (sample BS5) could provide autism children with 75%, 7%, 42%, 125%, 1.7%, and 52% of the daily required of protein, fiber, Ca, iron, Mg, and Zn, respectively. On the other hand, 100 g fried snacks (sample FS3) could provide autism children with 59.9%, 42%, and 64% of the daily required protein, calcium, and iron, respectively. The best sensory evaluation scores were obtained with rice milk (100%), bakery snacks sample BS4 (25% rice: 75% chickpea), and fried snacks sample FS2 (75% rice: 25% chickpea).

Dietary approach and gut microbiota modulation for chronic hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhosis

Hepatic encephalopathy(HE)is a common and serious neuropsychiatric complication of cirrhosis,acute liver failure,and porto-systemic shunting.HE largely contributes to the morbidity of patients with liver disease,severely affecting the quality of life of both patients and their relatives and being associated with poor prognosis.Its presentation is largely variable,manifesting with a broad spectrum of cognitive abnormalities ranging from subtle cognitive impairment to coma.The pathogenesis of HE is complex and has historically been linked with hyperammonemia.However,in the last years,it has become evident that the interplay of multiple actors,such as intestinal dysbiosis,gut hyperpermeability,and neuroinflammation,is of crucial importance in its genesis.Therefore,HE can be considered a result of a dysregulated gut-liverbrain axis function,where cognitive impairment can be reversed or prevented by the beneficial effects induced by“gut-centric”therapies,such as non-absorbable disaccharides,non-absorbable antibiotics,probiotics,prebiotics,and fecal microbiota transplantation.In this context dietary modifications,by modulating the intestinal milieu,can also provide significant benefit to cirrhotic patients with HE.This review will provide a comprehensive insight into the mechanisms responsible for gut-liver-brain axis dysregulation leading to HE in cirrhosis.Furthermore,it will explore the currently available therapies and the most promising future treatments for the management of patients with HE,with a special focus on the dietary approach.

Gluten immunogenic peptide excretion detects dietary transgressions in treated celiac disease patients

BACKGROUND Life-long removal of gluten from the diet is currently the only way to manage celiac disease(CeD). Until now, no objective test has proven useful to objectively detect ingested gluten in clinical practice. Recently, tests that determine consumption of gluten by assessing excretion of gluten immunogenic peptides(GIP) in stool and urine have been developed. Their utility, in comparison with conventional dietary and analytical follow-up strategies, has not been fully established.AIM To assess the performance of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) and point-of-care tests(PoCTs) for GIP excretion in CeD patients on gluten-free diet(GFD).METHODS We conducted an observational, prospective, cross-sectional study in patients following a GFD for at least two years. Using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale questionnaire, patients were classified at enrollment as asymptomatic or symptomatic. Gluten consumption was assessed twice by 3-d dietary recall and GIP excretion(by ELISA in stool and PoCTs(commercial kits for stool and urine) in two consecutive samples. These samples and dietary reports were obtained 10 day apart one from the other. Patients were encouraged to follow their usual GFD during the study period.RESULTS Forty-four patients were enrolled, of which 19(43.2%) were symptomatic despite being on a GFD. Overall, 83 sets of stool and/or urine samples were collected.Eleven out of 44 patients(25.0%) had at least one positive GIP test. The occurrence of at least one positive test was 32% in asymptomatic patients compared with 15.8% in symptomatic patients. GIP was concordant with dietary reports in 65.9% of cases(Cohen′s kappa: 0.317). PoCT detected dietary indiscretions. Both ELISA and PoCT in stool were concordant(concomitantly positive or negative) in 67 out of 74(90.5%) samples. Excretion of GIP was detected in 7(8.4%) stool and/or urine samples from patients considered to be strictly compliant with the GFD by dietary reports.CONCLUSION GIP detects dietary transgressions in patients on long-term GFD, irrespective of the presence of symptoms. PoCT for GIP detection constitutes a simple homebased method for self-assessment of dietary indiscretions.

Non-dietary forms of treatment for adult celiac disease

At present,treatment for celiac disease includes a strict gluten-free diet.Compliance,however,is difficult and gluten-free food products are costly,and,sometimes very inconvenient.A number of potential alternative measures have been proposed to either replace or supplement gluten-free diet therapy.In the past,non-dietary forms of treatment were used(e.g.,corticosteroids) by some clinicians,often to supplement a gluten-free diet in patients that appeared to be poorly responsive to a gluten-free diet.Some of new and novel non-dietary measures have already advanced to a clinical trial phase.There are still some difficulties even if initial studies suggest a particularly exciting and novel form of non-dietary treatment.In particular,precise monitoring of the response to these agents will become critical.Symptom or laboratory improvement may be important,but it will be critical to ensure that ongoing inflammatory change and mucosal injury are not present.Therapeutic trials will be made more difficult because there is already an effective treatment regimen.

无鱼粉无豆粕饲料中补充蛋氨酸对鲤生长性能、氮循环和氨基酸沉积率的影响及补充晶体氨基酸饲料的投喂策略

本试验旨在研究无鱼粉无豆粕饲料中补充蛋氨酸对鲤生长性能、氮循环和氨基酸沉积的影响,以及投喂频率和补充蛋氨酸对鲤餐后血浆氨基酸含量的影响。选取初始体重为27 g的鲤幼鱼540尾,随机分为2组(每组9个重复,每个重复30尾),分别投喂添加0(C组)和3 g/kg蛋氨酸(DL-蛋氨酸形式,纯度为98%)(M组)的无鱼粉无豆粕饲料,2种试验饲料中蛋氨酸含量分别为3.85和6.83 g/kg饲料(1.14和1.99 g/16 g N),进行为期8周的生长试验。生长试验结束后称重,采样后继续进行1周的投喂频率试验。投喂频率试验中,将C组和M组试验鱼分别随机分为3组,投喂频率分别为1、2和3次,共6组,每组3个重复,每个重复25尾。采集餐后不同时间点血浆样品,测定血浆游离氨基酸含量。结果显示:1)在无鱼粉无豆粕饲料中补充蛋氨酸显著提高了鲤的总摄食量、特定生长率和蛋白质效率(P<0.05),显著降低了摄食率和饲料系数(P<0.05);2)与C组相比,M组鲤氮摄入量从54.33 g/桶显著提高到60.73 g/桶(P<0.05),但氮排放量从41.08 g/桶显著降低到37.93 g/桶(P<0.05),各氨基酸以及总必需氨基酸和总非必需氨基酸沉积率均显著提高(P<0.05),血浆尿素氮和总胆固醇含量显著下降(P<0.05);3)投喂频率达到3次时,饲料中补充蛋氨酸可显著提高鲤血浆蛋氨酸、赖氨酸曲线下面积(AUC)(P<0.05)。综上所述,在无鱼粉无豆粕饲料中补充蛋氨酸至鲤需求量,在日投喂3次的养殖模式下,鲤的生长性能得到显著改善,饲料效率和氮沉积率显著提高,说明提高投喂频率是提高晶体氨基酸利用率的有效方法。

Development of Lactose Free Yogurt Technology for Personalized Nutrition

Due to the widespread use of antibiotics, the bad ecological situation, fermented milk drinks are gaining more and more popularity because of associating with an array of health benefits. Fermented milk products contain a unique in its kind disaccharide of animal origin lactose, which has the ability to stimulate the development of lactic acid microorganisms that suppress the vital activity of pathogenic microflora in the human intestine, promoting the absorption of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. A significant part of the world’s population suffers from lactose intolerance, linked to a genetically determined deficiency of the β-galactosidase enzyme, which is one of the main reasons for the decrease in demand for dairy products among consumers suffering from primary or acquired intolerance to milk sugar. Lactose is a natural disaccharide contained in dairy products. Lactase deficiency is a variant of fermentopathy caused by the inability to break down lactose due to the activity decrease of lactase—the parietal digestion enzyme in the small intestine. Lactose intolerance in the gastrointestinal tract of a person suffering from hypo- and alactasia leads to dispersion, diarrhea and other undesirable phenomena. For the successful prevention and treatment of these diseases, it is necessary to reduce or completely eliminate the lactose intake. A technology for lactose-free milk production was developed using fermentation technology. On the basis of lactose-free milk, a range of lactose-free yoghurts was developed of animal origin of the following types: natural, enriched and fortified. Flax seeds, sesame seeds and chia seeds, which are rich in vitamins, were used to produce a range of enriched yogurts. To obtain fortified yoghurts, the mineral iron was used, which prevent the development of anemia and oncological pathologies. Experimental assortment of lactose-free yoghurts was assessed by physicochemical and organoleptic methods. All developed samples meet the standards of technical documentation for this type of food product. The organoleptic characteristics were highly appreciated. Developed lactose-free products are an opportunity for many people to return to a normal healthy diet.

Impact of high-fat diet on antioxidant status, vascular wall thickening and cardiac function in adult female LDLR^–/–mice

Background: Western diet, rich in saturated fatty acids and cholesterol, is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. We thus investigated in female mice the influence of this diet on plasma antioxidant status, vascular wall thickening and cardiac function. Methods and Results: Adult female C57BL/6J wild type (WT) and LDLR–/– mice were fed a normal diet (ND) or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 17 weeks. HFD induced an increase in plasma lipids and vitamin C (Vit C) levels in both groups but at a much higher level in LDLR–/– and a decrease in plasma ascorbyl free radical levels to Vit C ratio (an endogenous oxidative stress index) in LDLR–/–. We only found a slight decrease in circulating antioxidant status evaluated by the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) assay in WT, but not in LDLR–/–. Echocardiography evidenced an increase in arterial wall thickness in aortic arch at atherosclerosis predilection sites in HFD LDLR–/– as compared to ND LDLR–/– and HFD WT. This result was confirmed by histology. Further-more, histological examination of aortic valves showed an increase in atherosclerotic lesions. Our study, using echocardiography, show that chronic HFD does not induce any major modifications of systolic function in the both mice groups. Conclusions: High-fat intake in mice causes serious disturbances in lipid plasma levels associated to variations of circulating antioxidant status due, at least in part, to an increase in Vit C. At this stage, atherosclerotic lesions, observed in aortic arch and valve, do not impair cardiac function in HFD-fed mice.

乳糜泻与微量元素相关性研究进展

乳糜泻是一种由遗传易感个体摄入麸质引起的自身免疫病,主要累及小肠,引起小肠绒毛萎缩。许多乳糜泻患者因肠道炎症出现各种营养素吸收障碍,导致体内营养失衡,包括各种微量元素失衡。虽然微量元素在人体中含量很少,但因其特殊生理功能,对人体健康具有重要作用。部分乳糜泻相关并发症与不同微量元素失衡有关。此外,研究发现多种微量元素在乳糜泻发生、发展中发挥作用。本文就乳糜泻患者中一些重要微量元素水平,以及近年各种微量元素在乳糜泻发病机制、病情评估和治疗中作用的研究进展作一综述。

泰和鸡内源氨基酸排泄量的研究

分别选用4只去盲肠泰和公鸡 ,以无氮日粮法和绝食法测定了泰和鸡的内源氨基酸排泄量。结果表明 :除赖氨酸、组氨酸和精氨酸外 ,无氮日粮法其它氨基酸测值极显著(P<0.01)或显著地(P<0.05)高于绝食法 ,无氮日粮法氨基酸总量极显著高于绝食法(P<0.01)。综合前人及本试验结果 。

贵州香猪内源氮与内源氨基酸代谢规律研究

选择3.5～4.0月龄、遗传来源相似、体重(12±2)kg的贵州从江香猪、剑白香猪去势公猪各6头,采用无氮饲粮(NFD)法和NFD+5%酶解酪蛋白(EHC)法进行代谢试验,测定贵州香猪内源氮与内源氨基酸的代谢规律,探索贵州香猪的维持蛋白质和氨基酸需要量。研究显示,贵州香猪内源氮排泄量为0.212 g/d W0.75,内源氨基酸排泄量为1.463 g/d W0.75。结果表明,贵州香猪可消化粗蛋白质维持需要量(DCPm)为1.91 g/d W0.75,可消化氨基酸维持需要量为2.10 g/d W0.75,以Lys为100建立贵州香猪维持需要可消化氨基酸模型为:Lys 100、Thr 54、Val 188、Met 40、Ile 79、Leu 126、Phe 101、His 25、Arg 58、Trp 17。