Metabolomic changes in fatty liver can be modified by dietary protein and calcium during energy restriction

AIM： To characterise the effect of energy restriction （ER） on liver lipid and primary metabolite profile by using metabolomic approach. We also investigated whether the effect of energy restriction can be further enhanced by modification of dietary protein source and calcium. METHODS： Liver metabolomic profile of lean and obese C57BI/6J mice （n = 10/group） were compared with two groups of weight-reduced mice. ER was performed on control diet and whey protein-based high-calcium diet （whey ＋ Ca）. The metabolomic analyses were performed using the UPLC/MS based lipidomic platform and the HPLC/MS/MS based primary metabolite platform.RESULTS： ER on both diets significantly reduced hepatic lipid accumulation and lipid droplet size, while only whey ＋ Ca diet significantly decreased blood glucose （P 〈 0.001） and serum insulin （P 〈 0.01）. In hepatic lipid species the biggest reduction was in the level of triacylglycerols and cerarnides while the level of cholesterol esters was significantly increased during ER. Interestingly, diacylglycerol to phospholipid ratio, an indicator of relative amount of diabetogenic diglyceride species, was increased in the control ER group, but decreased in the whey ＋ Ca ER group （P 〈 0.001, vs obese）. ER on whey ＋ Ca diet also totally reversed the obesity induced increase in the relative level of lipotoxic cerarnides （P 〈 0.001, vs obese; P 〉 0.05, vs lean）. These changes were accompanied with up-regulated TCA cycle and pentose phosphate pathway rnetabolites. CONCLUSION： ER-induced changes on hepatic rnetabolornic profile can be significantly affected by dietary protein source. The therapeutic potential of whey protein and calcium should be further studied.

Dietary branched-chain amino acids modulate the dynamics of calcium absorption and reabsorption in proteinrestricted pigs

Background:Very low-protein(VLP)diets negatively impact calcium(Ca)metabolism and absorption.The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of supplemental branched-chain amino acids(BCAA)and limiting amino acids(LAA)on Ca digestibility,absorption and reabsorption in pigs fed with VLP diets.Forty-eight piglets were assigned to six treatments:positive control(PC),negative control(NC),and NC containing LAA 25%,LAA 50%,LAA+BCAA 25%(LB25)and LAA+BCAA 50%(LB50)more than recommendations.Results:Relative to PC or NC,LB25 and LB50 had higher digestibility of Ca and plasma Ca and phosphorus(P),but lower plasma vitamin D3.LB50 tended to increase vitamin D receptor transcript and protein in the gut,but decreased mRNA or protein abundance of parathyroid hormone 1 receptor(PTH1R),calbindin 1(CALB1),cytochrome P450 family 27 subfamily B member 1 and occludin in small intestine.LB50 increased the transcript of cytochrome P450 family 24 subfamily A member 1 and PTH1R but decreased the transcript of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 5,CALB1 and solute carrier family 17 member 4 in kidney.Conclusion:Overall,BCAA increased Ca digestibility through regulating the transcellular and paracellular Ca absorption in the gut and reabsorption in kidney during protein restriction.

Dietary Calcium Intake and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Southern Benin in 2014

Hypertensive and its complications during pregnancy are closely linked to maternal mortality and morbidity. Sufficient calcium intake during pregnancy reduces the risk of hypertensive disorders. The objective is to determine dietary calcium intake and associated factors in pregnant women in southern Benin. This cross-sectional study included 176 pregnant women selected by random cluster sampling. Calcium intake was determined from two non-consecutive 24 hours dietary recalls. Demographic and socioeconomic factors were collected from individual interviews. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with calcium intake controlling for energy intake. The mean daily calcium intake was 561.69 ± 183.02 mg and the median intake was 560.74 mg per day. The percentage of pregnant women with low calcium intake was 94.60%. The women in the lower economic status tercile (OR = 0.520 95% CI 0.415 - 0.653) were less likely to have calcium intakes above the median compared to the upper tercile of economic status. Women with secondary or more education level (OR = 1.961 95% CI 1.505 - 2.555) showed a higher odd ratio to have dietary calcium intake above the median value compared to those with no schooling. Low calcium intake was widespread among pregnant women. Calcium supplements and interventions to promote optimal nutrition in pregnant women are needed to protect them from low calcium intake consequences.

Assessment of serum calcium in relation to dietary calcium intake in a rural population in Cameroon

The serum calcium levels of patients were assessed as they attended a district hospital in a rural population for a period of one month. A majority of the patients were between the age group of 38-77 years. 55 cases were studied. The ratio of males to females was 3:8. The results show an increase in abnormal serum calcium level with age. The abnormality in serum calcium was higher in females than in males. The demonstration of poor nutritional intake and lack of other calcium supplements was a predisposing factor to the abnormal calcium levels. It was concluded that the abnormal levels of calcium were as a result of lack of calcium diet.

EFFECT OF ADDED DIETARY CALCIUM ON ESOPHAGEAL EPITHELIAL-CELL PROLIFERATION IN SUBJECTS AT HIGH RISK FOR ESOPHAGEAL CANCER: A DOUBLE-BLIND INTER-VENTION STUDY

A randomized double-blind intervention trial was carried determine whether oral calcium supplementation could lower the proliferation of epithelial cells of the esophagus. 41 subjects identified with precancerous lesions by histopathology were randomized to receive oral supplementation of their conventional diets with 0.6 g of calcium as calcium carbonate or placebo. Both at the entry to the study and at the end of the treatment, seven months later, the subjects were examined, with an emphasis on the frequency and distribution of proliferating epithelial cells of the esophagus. Patterns of cell proliferation was defined by dividing the esophageal epithelium into cell columns oriented perpendicularly to the basal cell layer and by comparing the numbers and fractions of tritiated thymidine-labeled epithelial cells in the various cell columns and cell compartments.Before dietary supplementation with calcium, the profile of proliferating epithelial cells in the esophageal compartments in calcium group is similar to that in the placebo group, which is comparable to that previously observed in subjects with high risk for esophageal cancer. Seven months after supplementation having been started, in calcium group, proliferation was significantly reduced and the profile of the esophageal columns approached to that previously observed in subjects at low risk for esophageal cancer, however, in the placebo group, the proliferation and profile maintain at the same level as that before supplementation. Our findings indicate that oral calcium supplementation induces a more quiescent equilibrium in epithelial-cell proliferation in the esophageal mucosa of the subjects at high-risk for esophageal cancer, similar to that observed in subjects at low risk.

Influence of the concentration of dietary digestible calcium on growth performance,bone mineralization, plasma calcium, and abundance of genes involved in intestinal absorption of calcium in pigs from 11 to 22 kg fed diets with different concentrations of

Background: A 21-day experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that Ca requirements to maximize growth performance expressed as the standardized total tract digestible(STTD) Ca to STTD P ratio is less than 1.40:1. The second hypothesis was that increasing dietary Ca increases plasma Ca concentration and downregulates abundance of genes related to Ca absorption(TRPV6, S100 G, and ATP2 B1) in the duodenum, and tight junction proteins(OCLN, CLDN1, and ZO1) in the duodenum and ileum.Methods: Twenty corn-soybean meal diets were formulated using a 4 × 5 factorial design with diets containing 0.16%, 0.33%, 0.42%, or 0.50% STTD P, and 0.14%, 0.29%, 0.44%, 0.59%, or 0.74% STTD Ca. Six hundred and forty pigs(initial weight: 11.1 ± 1.4 kg) were allotted to 20 diets and 5 blocks in a randomized complete block design. On day21, weights of pigs and feed left in feeders were recorded and blood, duodenal tissue, ileal mucosa, and the right femur were collected from 1 pig per pen. Abundance of m RNA was determined in duodenal and ileal tissue via quantitative RT-PCR. Data were analyzed using a response surface model.Results: The predicted maximum ADG(614 g), G:F(0.65), and bone ash(11.68 g) was obtained at STTD Ca:STTD P ratios of 1.39:1, 1.25:1, and 1.66:1, respectively, when STTD P was provided at the requirement(0.33%). If dietary STTD P was below the requirement, increasing dietary Ca resulted in reduced(P < 0.05) ADG and G:F. However, if dietary STTD P was above the requirement, negative effects(P < 0.05) on ADG and G:F of increasing STTD Ca were observed only if dietary STTD Ca exceeded 0.6%. Plasma Ca concentration was positively affected by STTD Ca over the range studied(quadratic, P < 0.01) and negatively affected by increasing STTD P(linear, P < 0.01). There was a linear negative effect(P < 0.05) of STTD Ca on the abundance of S100 G, TRPV6, OCLN, and ZO1 in duodenum, and CLDN and ZO1 in ileum.Conclusions: The STTD Ca:STTD P ratio needed to maximize growth performance of 11-to 25-kg pigs is less than1.40:1, if P is at the estimated requirement. Increasing dietary Ca reduces transcellular absorption of Ca and increases paracellular absorption of Ca.

Dietary calcium requirements of broilers fed a conventional corn-soybean meal diet from 1 to 21 days of age

Background:The current calcium(Ca)recommendation for broilers is primarily based on studies conducted more than 30 years ago with birds of markedly different productive potentials from those which exist today.And the response indicators in these studies are mainly growth performance and bone ash percentage.Therefore,the present study was carried out to investigate the effect of dietary Ca level on growth performance,serum parameters,bone characteristics and Ca metabolism-related gene expressions,so as to estimate dietary Ca requirements of broilers fed a conventional corn-soybean meal diet from 1 to 21 days of age.Methods:A total of 4201-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers were randomly assigned to 1 of 7 treatments with 6 replicates(10 birds per cage)and fed the corn-soybean meal diets containing 0.60%,0.70%,0.80%,0.90%,1.00%,1.10%or 1.20%Ca for 21 days.Each diet contained the constant non-phytate phosphorus content of about 0.39%.Results:The average daily gain decreased linearly(P<0.001)as dietary Ca level increased.The serum and tibia alkaline phosphatase(ALP)activities,tibia bone mineral density(BMD),middle toe BMD,tibia ash percentage,tibia breaking strength,and tibia ALP protein expression level were affected(P<0.05)by dietary Ca level,and showed significant quadratic responses(P<0.02)to dietary Ca levels.The estimates of dietary Ca requirements were 0.80 to 1.00%based on the best fitted broken-line or quadratic models(P<0.03)of the above serum and bone parameters,respectively.Conclusions:The results from the present study indicate that the Ca requirements would be about 0.60%to obtain the best growth rate,and 1.00%to meet all of the Ca metabolisms and bone development of broilers fed a conventional corn-soybean meal diet from 1 to 21 days of age.

Dietary Calcium Decreases Plasma Cholesterol Level only in Female but not in Male Hamster Fed a High Cholesterol Diet

Objective To investigate the effect of dietary calcium on plasma lipoprotein profile in castrated and ovariectomized hamsters. Methods Male, castrated, female and ovariectomized hamsters （n=36 each group） were randomly divided into three sub-groups （n=12） and fed one of the three diets containing O, 2, and B g calcium per kg diet for a period of six weeks. Changes in plasma lipoprotein profile were monitored at the end of week O, 3 and 6. Results Plasma total cholesterol （TC）, non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol （non-HDL-C）, triacylglycerols （TG） and TC/HDL-C were decreased only in intact female and ovariectomized hamsters. In contrast, three levels of dietary calcium had no effect on lipoprotein profiles in both intact male and castrated hamsters. Conclusion Beneficial modification of lipoprotein profile by dietary calcium was gender-dependent at least in hamsters.

Effect of Supplemental Calcium Levels on Feedlot Growth Performance and Dietary Net Energy Utilization during the Receiving Feeding Period of Calf-Fed Holstein Steers

Ninety-six calf-fed Holstein steer (127 kg) were used to evaluate the influence of supplemental dietary calcium (Ca) on growth-performance, and dietary net energy (NE) utilization during the initial 112-d of receiving period. Treatments consisted of steam flake corn-based growing-finishing diets supplemented with limestone to achieve 0.60%, 0.70%, 0.80%, or 0.90% dietary Ca (DM basis). Morbidity was low (6.3%) and it was not affected (P > 0.87) by dietary treatments. During the initial 84-d period (181 kg average BW), increasing dietary Ca did not influence (P > 0.10) DMI, ADG, gain efficiency or observed/expected DMI. Observed DMI was 19% greater than expected based on diet formulation and growth. Estimated metabolizable protein and methionine supply during the initial 84-d period averaged 92% and 79% of the required, respectively. The apparent decrease in efficiency of energy utilization in the present study is in close agreement with previous studies involving calf-fed Holstein steers in the early growing phase fed conventional growing-finishing diet that is otherwise deficient in metabolizable amino acids. Thus, it is considered that the anticipated growth-performance responses to dietary Ca treatments may have been masked by expected inefficiencies due to metabolizable amino acid deficiency. During the final 28-d period (256 kg of average BW), increasing supplemental Ca reduced feed intake (linear effect, P = 0.04) and enhanced gain efficiency (linear effect, P = 0.03). During this period, predicted ([1] Level 1) metabolizable protein and methionine supply were 110% and 94% of the required, respectively. Nevertheless, improvements in gain efficiency during the final 28-d period with increasing levels of supplemental Ca were not sufficient to influence (P > 0.10) overall 112-d growth-performance. It is concluded dietary Ca requirements of calf-fed Holstein steers during the initial 112-d feeding period appear to be secondary to deficiencies of conventional steam-flaked corn-based diets in meeting metabolizable amino acid requirements. However, when those requirements are met during the early growing phase, gain efficiency responses are optimized at approximately 0.90% dietary Ca.

Effect of dietary calcium or phosphorus deficiency on bone development and related calcium or phosphorus metabolic utilization parameters of broilers from 22 to 42 days of age

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary calcium(Ca)or phosphorus(P)deficiency on bone development and related Ca or P metabolic utilization parameters of broilers from 22 to 42 days of age based on our previous study,which indicated that dietary Ca or P deficiency impaired the bone development by regulating related Ca or P metabolic utilization parameters of broilers from 1 to 21 days of age.A total of 504 one-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments with 7 replicates in a completely randomized design,and fed the normal control and Ca-or P-deficient diets from 1 to 21 days of age.At 22 days of age,the broilers were further fed the normal control diet(0.90%Ca+0.35%non-phytate P(NPP)),the P-deficient diet(0.90%Ca+0.18%NPP),the Ca-deficient diet(0.30%Ca+0.35%NPP)or the Ca and P-deficient diet(0.30%Ca+0.18%NPP),respectively.The results showed that dietary Ca or P deficiency decreased(P<0.05)tibia bone mineral density(BMD),bone breaking strength(BBS),ash content,tibia ash Ca content and serum P content on days 28 and 42,but increased(P<0.05)tibia alkaline phosphatase(ALP)activity of broilers on day 42 compared with the control group.Furthermore,the broilers fed the P-deficient diet had the lowest(P<0.05)tibia BMD,BBS,ash content,serum P content and the highest(P<0.05)serum Ca content on day 28 compared with those fed the Ca-deficient or Ca and P-deficient diets.The results from the present study indicated that the bone development and related Ca or P metabolic utilization parameters of broilers were the most sensitive to dietary P deficiency,followed by dietary Ca deficiency or Ca and P-deficiency;dietary Ca or P deficiency impaired the bone development possibly by regulating serum Ca and P contents as well as tibia Ca content and ALP activity of broilers from 22 to 42 days of age.

Effects of Dietary Mannan Oligosaccharides and Calcium Formate on Performance and Egg Quality of Japanese Quail （Coturnixjaponica）

The aim of this experiment was to study the effects of dietary supplementation of mannan oligosaccharides （MOS）, extracted from yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and acidifier calcium formate （CF） on some performance parameters and egg quality characteristics of Japanese quail （Coturnixjaponica）. During the experimental period, which lasted 90 days, one hundred eighty three, 42-day-old quail, were distributed into 4 groups of 3 replications each and were placed in separate wire suspended cages. The birds of control group received a commercial feed, while the birds of the other 3 groups received the same feed, to which either 6 g CF kg^-1 or 1 g MOS kg^-1 or both 6 g CF kg^-1 plus 1 g MOS kg^-1 were added. The live weight, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio and mortality of birds were not significantly affected. The addition of MOS in the feed significantly （P 〈 0.05） increased palmitic acid percentage of egg yolk. Also, the addition of CF significantly （P 〈 0.05） decreased egg shape index and palmitic acid percentage of egg yolk. Furthermore, significant （P 〈 0.05） interaction between MOS and CF was observed on palmitic acid percentage, egg shape index and egg shell thickness. No significant effect was observed for egg： weight, specific weight, parts percentage （yolk, albumen, shell）, shell deformation, yolk diameter and yolk colour （L＊a＊b＊ colour space）.

Dietary Calcium and Overweight in Preschoolers: Is There an Association?

Background: Several observational and experimental studies in humans and animals have noted an inverse relationship between calcium intake, particularly dairy products, and body weight and adiposity. However, these effects have not been consistently observed. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between calcium intake and anthropometric measures and adiposity in preschoolers. Methods: Cross-sectional study nested in a cohort born of 232 preschoolers from Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The preschoolers underwent anthropometric (body mass index and waist circumference), adiposity (triceps and subscapular skinfold) and dietary (three 24-hour dietary recalls) evaluations. The association between calcium intake, adiposity and anthropometric measurements was performed using a logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of overweight (overweight and obesity) among preschoolers was 17.24%. The average calcium intake was 480.51 mg/day. Only 7.7% of children reached their daily recommended intake value (800 mg/day), and calcium intake was equally low for both groups studied (p = 0.74). This study did not find a relationship between calcium intake and overweight or adiposity. Conclusions: Calcium intake was far below the recommendations for the age group studied, and no was identified association between low calcium intake and overweight or adiposity.

Dietary calcium supplementation promotes the accumulation of intramuscular fat

Background:In the livestock industry,intramuscular fat content is a key factor affecting meat quality.Many studies have shown that dietary calcium supplementation is closely related to lipid metabolism.However,few studies have examined the relationship between dietary calcium supplementation and intramuscular fat accumulation.Methods:Here,we used C2C12 cells,C57BL/6 mice(n=8)and three-way cross-breeding pigs(Duroc×Landrace×Large white)(n=10)to study the effect of calcium addition on intramuscular fat accumulation.In vitro,we used calcium chloride to adjust the calcium levels in the medium(2 mmol/L or 3 mmol/L).Then we measured various indicators.In vivo,calcium carbonate was used to regulate calcium levels in feeds(Mice:0.5%calcium or 1.2%calcium)(Pigs:0.9%calcium or 1.5%calcium).Then we tested the mice gastrocnemius muscle triglyceride content,pig longissimus dorsi muscle meat quality and lipidomics.Results:In vitro,calcium addition(3 mmol/L)had no significant effect on cell proliferation,but promoted the differentiation of C2C12 cells into slow-twitch fibers.Calcium supplementation increased triglyceride accumulation in C2C12 cells.Calcium addition increased the number of mitochondria and also increased the calcium level in the mitochondria and reduced the of key enzymes activity involved inβ-oxidation such as acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase.Decreasing mitochondrial calcium level can alleviate lipid accumulation induced by calcium addition.In addition,calcium addition also reduced the glycolytic capacity and glycolytic conversion rate of C2C12 cells.In vivo,dietary calcium supplementation(1.2%)promoted the accumulation of triglycerides in the gastrocnemius muscle of mice.Dietary calcium supplementation(1.5%)had no effect on pig weight,but significantly improved the flesh color of the longissimus dorsi muscle,reduced the backfat thickness and increased intramuscular fat content in pigs.Besides,calcium addition had no effect on longissimus dorsi pH,electrical conductivity and shear force.Conclusions:These results suggest that calcium addition promotes intramuscular fat accumulation by inhibiting the oxidation of fatty acids.These findings provide a new tool for increasing intramuscular fat content and an economical strategy for improving meat quality.

Maternal inappropriate calcium intake aggravates dietary-induced obesity in male offspring by affecting the differentiation potential of mesenchymal stem cells

BACKGROUND The effects of inappropriate dietary calcium intake in early life on later obesity have not been fully elucidated.AIM To raise the mechanism of maternal calcium intake on the multi-differentiation potential of mesenchymal stem cells among their male offspring.METHODS Four-week-old female C57BL/6N mice were fed by deficient,low,normal and excessive calcium reproductive diets throughout pregnancy and lactation.Bone MSCs(BMSCs)were obtained from 7-day-old male offspring to measure the adipogenic differentiation potential by the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.The other weaning male pups were fed a high-fat diet for 16 wk,along with normalfat diet as the control.Then the serum was collected for the measurement of biochemical indicators.Meanwhile,the adipose tissues were excised to analyze the adipocyte sizes and inflammatory infiltration.And the target gene expressions on the adipogenic differentiation and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the adipose tissues and BMSCs were determined by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS Compared with the control group,maternal deficient,low and excessive calcium intake during pregnancy and lactation aggravated dietary-induced obesity,with larger adipocytes,more serious inflammatory infiltration and higher serum metabolism indicators by interfering with higher expressions of adipogenic differentiation(PPARγ,C/EBPα,Fabp4,LPL,Adiponectin,Resistin and/or Leptin)among their male offspring(P<0.05).And there were significantly different expression of similar specific genes in the BMSCs to successfully polarize adipogenic differentiation and suppress osteogenic differentiation in vivo and in vitro,respectively(P<0.05).Meanwhile,it was accompanied by more significant disorders on the expressions of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway both in BMSCs and adulthood adipose tissues among the offspring from maternal inappropriate dietary calcium intake groups.CONCLUSION Early-life abnormal dietary calcium intake might program the adipogenic differentiation potential of BMSCs from male offspring,with significant expressions on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to aggravate high-fat-diet-induced obesity in adulthood.

Towards carbon neutrality of calcium carbide-based acetylene production with sustainable biomass resources

Acetylene is produced from the reaction between calcium carbide(CaC_(2))and water,while the production of CaC_(2) generates significant amount of carbon dioxide not only because it is an energy-intensive process but also the raw material for CaC_(2) synthesis is from coal.Here,a comprehensive biomass-to-acetylene process was constructed that integrated several units including biomass pyrolysis,oxygen-thermal CaC_(2) fabrication and calcium looping.For comparison,a coal-to-acetylene process was also established by using coal as feedstock.The carbon efficiency,energy efficiency and environmental impacts of the bio-based calcium carbide acetylene(BCCA)and coal-based calcium carbide acetylene(CCCA)processes were systematically analyzed.Moreover,the environmental impacts were further evaluated by applying thermal integration at system level and energy substitution in CaC_(2) furnace.Even though the BCCA process showed lower carbon efficiency and energy efficiency than that of the CCCA process,life cycle assessment demonstrated the BCCA(1.873 kgCO_(2eq) kg-prod^(-1))a lower carbon footprint process which is 0.366 kgCO_(2eq) kg-prod^(-1) lower compared to the CCCA process.With sustainable energy(biomass power)substitution in CaC_(2) furnace,an even lower GWP value of 1.377 kgCO_(2eq) kg-prod^(-1) can be achieved in BCCA process.This work performed a systematic analysis on integrating biomass into industrial acetylene production,and revealed the positive role of biomass as raw material(carbon)and energy supplier.

Dietary Surveys Carried out among Diabetic Patients Hospitalized in the Metabolic and Endocrine Diseases Department of the C.H.U-B

A varied and balanced diet has always been essential in the optimal management of diabetes. The objective of this work was to evaluate dietary surveys among 50 diabetic patients hospitalized in the metabolic and endocrine diseases department of the Brazzaville Hospital and University Center. This survey was carried out using two methods: dietary history and 24-hour recall. The results relating to the dietary history revealed in the patients a dietary imbalance characterized by snacking at meals, non-compliance with a balanced diet and a high frequency of consumption of foods rich in simple sugar. and saturated fats. Regarding the 24-hour recall, the survey showed that the average blood sugar levels of hospitalized patients increased depending on the number of meals. This meant that these hyperglycemias (2 to 5 g/L) observed in these patients exceeded three meals per day and required, among other things, an increase in insulin intake or doses. The age groups of diabetic patients were also divided. These age groups had partly defined the types of diabetes encountered. Regarding body mass index, women had a body mass index greater than 30 kg/m2 compared to men. This increase in body mass index was explained by being overweight or even obese due to excess body fat.

Novel Role of Calcium-Sensitive Receptors in Chronic Hypoxia-Induced Proliferation of Pulmonary Vein Smooth Muscle Cells

Objective:Vascular remodeling due to chronic hypoxia(CH)occurs not only in the pulmonary arteries but also in the pulmonary veins.Pulmonary vascular remodeling arises from the proliferation of pulmonary vascular myocytes.However,the mechanism by which CH induces the proliferation of pulmonary vein smooth muscle cells(PVSMCs)is unknown.This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which CH affects the proliferation of PVSMCs.Methods:PVSMCs were isolated from rat distal pulmonary veins and exposed to CH(4%O2,60h),and the expression of the calcium-sensitive receptor(CaSR)was detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescence.MTT assay was used to detect the proliferation viability of the cells,and the changes in the intracellular calcium concentration were detected by laser confocal scanning technique.Results:CaSR expression was present in rat distal PVSMCs,and CaSR protein expression was upregulated under hypoxia.The positive regulator spermine not only enhanced CH-induced CaSR upregulation but also enhanced CH-induced increase in cell viability and calcium ion concentration.The negative CaSR regulator NPS2143 not only attenuated CH-induced CaSR upregulation but also inhibited CH-induced cell viability and calcium ion concentration.Conclusion:CaSR-mediated hyperproliferation is a novel pathogenic mechanism for the development of proliferation in distal PVSMCs under CH conditions.

Resilience effects for household food expenditure and dietary diversity in rural western China

A more resilient livelihood is increasingly recognized as an efficient way to improve vulnerable households’food security and optimize their dietary decisions.This study quantifies rural household resilience in western China,identifies the three pillars(absorptive capacity,adaptive capacity,and transformative capacity)contribution to resilience,and then establishes the estimated Resilience Capacity Index(RCI)linked with food security and dietary diversity supported by the multiple indicator multiple cause(MIMIC)model.Results show that,despite geographical heterogeneity,the RCI consistently increased from 2015 to 2021.Households with a higher RCI inheriting better capacity to deal with risk and shocks are significantly and positively correlated with increasing food expenditure and diversifying food choices.It can be because resilient households will allocate more money to food expenditure instead of saving for livelihood uncertainty.Thus,policymakers can provide more incentives for rural households to adopt more dynamic and effective risk management strategies.This,in turn,could yield positive spillover effects by preventing human capital loss associated with dietary-related chronic diseases and mortality.

Carbon Emission Effects Driven by Evolution of Chinese Dietary Structure from 1987 to 2020

Exploring carbon emission effects based on the evolution of residents’ dietary structure to achieve the carbon neutrality goal and mitigate climate change is an important task.This study took China as the research object(data excluding Hong Kong,Macao and Taiwan) and used the carbon emission coefficient method to quantitatively measure the food carbon emissions from 1987–2020,then analyzed the carbon emission effects under the evolution of dietary structure.The results showed that during the study period,the Chinese dietary structure gradually changed to a high-carbon consumption pattern.The dietary structure of urban residents developed to a balanced one,while that of rural residents developed to a high-quality one.During the study period,the per capita food carbon emissions and total food consumption of Chinese showed an increasing trend.The per capita food carbon emissions of residents in urban and rural showed an overall upward trend.The total food carbon emissions in urban increased significantly,while that in rural increased first and then decreased.The influence of beef and mutton on carbon emissions is the highest in dietary structure.Compared with the balanced dietary pattern,the food carbon emissions of Chinese residents had not yet reached the peak,but were evolving to a high-carbon consumption pattern.

The impact of Internet access on household dietary quality:Evidence from rural China

Over the past few decades,the Internet has rapidly diffused across China.The spread of the Internet has had a profound economic and social impact on Chinese rural areas.Existing research shows that Internet access significantly impacts agricultural production and improves smallholder farmers’income.Beyond these,the Internet can affect other dimensions of social welfare.However,research about the impact of Internet access on dietary quality in rural China remains scarce.This study utilizes multi-period panel data from Fixed Observation Point in rural China from 2009 to 2015 to estimate the impact of Internet access on dietary quality and food consumption of rural households and conducts a causal analysis.Regression models with time and household fixed effects allow robust estimation while reducing potential issues of unobserved heterogeneity.The estimates show that Internet access has significantly increased rural household dietary quality(measured by the Chinese Diet Balance Index).Further research finds that Internet access has increased the consumption of animal products,such as aquatic and dairy products.We also examine the underlying mechanisms.Internet access improves dietary quality and food consumption mainly through increasing household income and food expenditure.These results encourage the promotion of Internet access as a valuable tool for nutritional improvements,especially in rural areas.