In order to reveal the main nutrients and functional ingredients in the shoots of Polygonatum cyrtonema, the polysaccharides, proteins, amino acids, and total phenols were determined. The tested samples cultured in Ma'nijiaonong, Hengtang village, Tianmushan town, Lin'an, Zhejiang, which were collected from three provenances(Pan'an and Longquan in Zhejiang and Qingyang in Anhui). The results showed that the polysaccharide content of the shoots varied from 2.34% to 12.73%, roughly one-third of rhizomes. The protein content varied from 107.75 to 192.49 mg·g~(-1), nearly 5.50 times more than rhizomes. Moreover, the average of total amino acid content was 193.13-248.74 mg·g~(-1), approximately 4.16 times of rhizomes. And the essential amino acids account for 35.57%-39.44% of the total amino acids content, which was close to the standard of the ideal protein proposed by FAO/WHO(the essential amino acid/total amino acid is about 40%). In addition, the taste amino acids(TaAA) changed from 160.12 to 208.29 mg·g~(-1), revealing the material basis of "shoots were extremely delicious" in Chinese ancient herbal medicine. Additionally, the total phenols varied from 51.21-58.76 mg·g~(-1), about 2.96 times of rhizomes. The DPPH free radical scavenging rate of tested shoots was over 95%, which obviously superior to rhizomes. Therefore, the shoots of P. cyrtonema is a very high-quality vegetable and functional food with good development potential. Furthermore, the main nutrients and functional substances in P. cyrtonema shoots are closely related to the provenances and harvesting seasons. It is important to improve the quality and yield of the shoots by strengthening the variety of breeding and cultivation techniques.
Amino Acids, Essential/analysis* ; Functional Food ; Nutrients/analysis* ; Plant Proteins, Dietary/analysis* ; Plant Shoots/chemistry* ; Polygonatum/chemistry* ; Polysaccharides/analysis* ; Rhizome

Hyperhomocysteinemia (Hhcy) is an independent risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Visual dysfunction is commonly found and is positively correlated with the severity of cognitive defects in AD patients. Our previous study demonstrated that Hhcy induces memory deficits with AD-like tau and amyloid-β (Aβ) pathologies in the hippocampus, and supplementation with folate and vitamin B12 (FB) prevents the Hhcy-induced AD-like pathologies in the hippocampus. Here, we investigated whether Hhcy also induces AD-like pathologies in the retina and the effects of FB. An Hhcy rat model was produced by vena caudalis injection of homocysteine for 14 days, and the effects of FB were assessed by simultaneous supplementation with FB in drinking water. We found that Hhcy induced vessel damage with Aβ and tau pathologies in the retina, while simultaneous supplementation with FB remarkably attenuated the Hhcy-induced tau hyperphosphorylation at multiple AD-related sites and Aβ accumulation in the retina. The mechanisms involved downregulation of amyloid precursor protein (APP), presenilin-1, beta-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1, and protein phosphatase-2A. Our data suggest that the retina may serve as a window for evaluating the effects of FB on hyperhomocysteinemia-induced Alzheimer-like pathologies.
Alzheimer Disease ; etiology ; metabolism ; pathology ; therapy ; Amyloid beta-Peptides ; metabolism ; Animals ; Dietary Supplements ; Disease Models, Animal ; Folic Acid ; therapeutic use ; Homocysteine ; Hyperhomocysteinemia ; complications ; metabolism ; pathology ; therapy ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Retina ; metabolism ; pathology ; Retinal Vessels ; metabolism ; pathology ; Vitamin B 12 ; therapeutic use ; tau Proteins ; metabolism

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia has become a major concern owing to its association with a high risk of fall or fracture and metabolic impairments. There is insufficient evidence to support the role of dietary protein intake in reducing the prevalence of sarcopenia. This study was conducted to investigate the variation in low skeletal muscle index (SMI) with the dietary levels of protein intake.METHODS: This study analyzed data of 3,482 male and 4,838 female aged 50 years or older from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHNES) database (2008–2011). Low SMI was indicated by a value <0.789 in male and <0.512 in female. Multiple logistic regression was performed to analyze the association of SMI with protein intake, whereby it was tested whether the dietary intake of proteins met the estimated average requirement (EAR) or the reference nutrient intake (RNI) as stated in the dietary reference intake (DRI) for Koreans, 2015.RESULTS: Irrespective of sex, the prevalence of low SMI was significantly high when the protein intake did not meet the EAR or RNI. Following adjustment for covariates, the odds ratio (OR) for low SMI in subjects with unmet EARs was 1.63 (1.28–2.09) in male and 1.35 (1.10–1.66) in female. The OR for low SMI in subjects with unmet RNI was 1.74 (1.38–2.18) in male and 1.39 (1.14–1.69) in female.CONCLUSION: The prevalence of low SMI was significantly higher when the protein intake did not meet the EAR or RNI as stated in the DRI for Koreans.
Dietary Proteins ; Ear ; Female ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Muscle, Skeletal ; Nutrition Surveys ; Odds Ratio ; Prevalence ; Protein Deficiency ; Recommended Dietary Allowances ; Sarcopenia

Adult ; Body Mass Index ; Dietary Proteins/administration & dosage* ; Dietary Supplements ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; Male ; Physical Conditioning, Human ; Pilot Projects ; Prospective Studies ; Sperm Motility ; Spermatozoa/drug effects*

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Available data suggest that seasonal changes may influence the nutritional status and overall health of elderly individuals. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of seasonal changes and related factors on energy and nutrient intake of older adults. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Individuals aged 65 years or over were prospectively enrolled in this single-center study (male: 11, female: 20). Data were collected between May 2013 and February 2014 during winter, spring, summer and autumn. Food consumption and biochemical parameters were taken during each season to assess the seasonal nutrition status of the elderly. Upon analysis of biochemical parameters (retinol, vitamin D and vitamin C), an high-performance liquid chromatography device was utilized whereas an Immulite 2000 device was utilized during analysis of serum folic acid and parathyroid hormone. RESULTS: Fruit, fat, egg and bread consumption varied seasonally in males and females (P < 0.05). During winter, daily energy intake was found to be greater than in other seasons in males (557 kcal) and females (330 kcal) (P < 0.05). Additionally, carbohydrates, vegetable protein, n-3 fatty acid and sodium intake increased in winter, while the n-6/n-3 ratio increased in summer among males (P < 0.05). Dietary fiber and sodium intake in winter, vitamin C, iron and zinc intake in spring, and cholesterol, retinol, vitamin D and niacin intake in autumn were found to be higher in females when compared to other seasons (P < 0.05). Serum parathyroid hormone level was higher in winter, and vitamin D level was higher in autumn in both genders (P < 0.05). In males, blood folic acid level was higher in winter, while vitamin C level was higher in females, and there was no seasonal variation in retinol concentration (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Food consumption and biochemical parameters showed significant seasonal variations in older adults. It is not clear if nutrition plans in older adults will benefit from consideration of seasonal changes in eating habits.
Adult* ; Aged ; Ascorbic Acid ; Bread ; Carbohydrates ; Cholesterol ; Chromatography, Liquid ; Dietary Fiber ; Eating ; Energy Intake ; Female ; Folic Acid ; Fruit ; Humans ; Iron ; Male ; Niacin ; Nutritional Status* ; Ovum ; Parathyroid Hormone ; Prospective Studies ; Seasons* ; Sodium ; Vegetable Proteins ; Vitamin A ; Vitamin D ; Vitamins ; Zinc

BACKGROUND: For phosphate control, patient education is essential due to the limited clearance of phosphate by dialysis. However, well-designed randomized controlled trials about dietary and phosphate binder education have been scarce. METHODS: We enrolled maintenance hemodialysis patients and randomized them into an education group (n = 48) or a control group (n = 22). We assessed the patients’ drug compliance and their knowledge about the phosphate binder using a questionnaire. RESULTS: The primary goal was to increase the number of patients who reached a calcium-phosphorus product of lower than 55. In the education group, 36 (75.0%) patients achieved the primary goal, as compared with 16 (72.7%) in the control group (P = 0.430). The education increased the proportion of patients who properly took the phosphate binder (22.9% vs. 3.5%, P = 0.087), but not to statistical significance. Education did not affect the amount of dietary phosphate intake per body weight (education vs. control: −1.18 ± 3.54 vs. −0.88 ± 2.04 mg/kg, P = 0.851). However, the dietary phosphate-to-protein ratio tended to be lower in the education group (−0.64 ± 2.04 vs. 0.65 ± 3.55, P = 0.193). The education on phosphate restriction affected neither the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment score (0.17 ± 4.58 vs. −0.86 ± 3.86, P = 0.363) nor the level of dietary protein intake (−0.03 ± 0.33 vs. −0.09 ± 0.18, P = 0.569). CONCLUSION: Education did not affect the calcium-phosphate product. Education on the proper timing of phosphate binder intake and the dietary phosphate-to-protein ratio showed marginal efficacy.
Body Weight ; Compliance ; Dialysis ; Diet* ; Dietary Proteins ; Education* ; Humans ; Hyperphosphatemia ; Patient Education as Topic ; Phosphates ; Renal Dialysis*

This study examined the sociodemographic factors, health-related habits, chronic diseases, dietary habits, and nutrient intake according to the self-rated health status in a group aged over 65 years by analyzing the nationally representative Korean survey data. A total of 1,510 subjects were analyzed among the participants of the 2016 Korean National Health and Examination Survey (KNHANES). Statistical analyses for complex samples were performed using the SPSS software package (version 19.0) The study subjects were divided into two groups (healthy group vs. unhealthy group) based on their self-rated health status. The percentage of the healthy group was 66.5%. Gender, age, education level, household income, job (P < 0.001, respectively), marital status, and basic living allowance (P < 0.05, respectively) were significant sociodemographic variables of the self-rated health status. Alcohol consumption (P < 0.01), aerobic physical activity, stress, quality of life, not feeling very well, depression and activity restriction (P < 0.001, respectively) were also significant health-related variables of the self-rated health status. Blood glucose, anemia (P < 0.05, respectively), and chewing problems (P < 0.001) were significant chronic disease-related variables of the self-rated health status. Adequate intakes of protein, dietary fiber, phosphorus, thiamin, niacin, vitamin C (P < 0.001, respectively), calcium, sodium, potassium (P < 0.01, respectively), iron, vitamin A, and riboflavin (P < 0.05, respectively) were also significant variables of the self-rated health status. In complex samples multiple logistic regression analysis, the self-rated health status was influenced significantly by the aerobic physical activity (P < 0.01), stress level (P < 0.05), depression (P < 0.001), quality of life (P < 0.001), not feeling very well (P < 0.001), activity restriction (P < 0.001), chewing problem (P < 0.05), and adequate intake of iron (P < 0.05). These results suggest that activity restriction, mental health, adequate iron intake, and physical activity may be associated with the self-rated health status in the elderly.
Aged ; Alcohol Drinking ; Anemia ; Ascorbic Acid ; Blood Glucose ; Calcium ; Chronic Disease ; Depression ; Dietary Proteins ; Education ; Family Characteristics ; Food Habits ; Humans ; Iron ; Logistic Models ; Marital Status ; Mastication ; Mental Health ; Motor Activity ; Niacin ; Nutrition Surveys ; Phosphorus ; Potassium ; Quality of Life ; Riboflavin ; Sodium ; Vitamin A

Chronic inflammation is a major etiology of cancer. Accumulating epidemiological and experimental evidences suggest that intake of high protein diet (HPD) is associated with colitis-associated colon cancer, however, most of the studies were confined in colon. Systemic influence of HPD on inflammation indices in different tissues of an organism has never been studied. We therefore investigated the effect of HPD on mouse skin and colonic inflammation using the well characterized inflammation induction protocol in both tissues (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate [TPA] for skin and dextran sodium sulfate [DSS] for colon). ICR mice were grouped to normal diet (ND, 20% casein) or HPD (50% casein) groups. In each diet group, mice were treated with either vehicle (acetone or H₂O), TPA, TPA and DSS, or DSS. Experimental diet was fed for total 4 weeks. After 1 week of diet feeding, 6.5 nmol of TPA was topically applied twice a week for 2 weeks on the shaved mouse dorsal skin. Drinking water containing 2% DSS was administered for 7 days at the final week of experiment. The results showed that TPA-induced skin hyperplasia, epidermal cell proliferation, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression were reduced in HPD group compared to ND group. In contrast, HPD increased DSS-induced colon mucosal hyperplasia, colonocyte proliferation, COX-2 expression, and plasma nitric oxide compared to ND group. This suggests that HPD exerts differential effect on different tissue inflammation which implies efficacy of protein intervention to human also should be monitored more thoroughly.
Animals ; Cell Proliferation ; Colon ; Colonic Neoplasms ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; Dextrans ; Diet ; Dietary Proteins ; Drinking Water ; Humans ; Hyperplasia ; Inflammation ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Nitric Oxide ; Plasma ; Skin ; Sodium

PURPOSE: Although it is well known thatmortality and morbidity due to cardiovascular diseases are higher in salt-sensitive subjects than in salt-resistant subjects, their underlying mechanisms related to obesity remain unclear. Here, we focused on salt-sensitive gene variants unrelated to monogenic obesity that interacted with sodium intake in humans. METHODS: This review was written based on the modified 3(rd) step of Khans' systematic review. Instead of the literature, subject genes were based on candidate genes screened from our preliminary Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS). Finally, literature related to five genes strongly associated with salt sensitivity were analyzed to elucidate the mechanism of obesity. RESULTS: Salt sensitivity is a measure of how blood pressure responds to salt intake, and people are either salt-sensitive or salt-resistant. Otherwise, dietary sodium restriction may not be beneficial for everyone since salt sensitivity may be associated with inherited susceptibility. According to our previous GWAS studies, 10 candidate genes and 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with salt sensitivity were suggested, including angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), α-adducin1 (ADD1), angiotensinogen (AGT), cytochrome P450 family 11-subfamily β-2 (CYP11β-2), epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), G-protein b3 subunit (GNB3), G protein-coupled receptor kinases type 4 (GRK4 A142V, GRK4 A486V), 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type-2 (HSD 11β-2), neural precursor cell-expressed developmentally down regulated 4 like (NEDD4L), and solute carrier family 12(sodium/chloride transporters)-member 3 (SLC 12A3). We found that polymorphisms of salt-sensitive genes such as ACE, CYP11β-2, GRK4, SLC12A3, and GNB3 may be positively associated with human obesity. CONCLUSION: Despite gender, ethnic, and age differences in genetics studies, hypertensive obese children and adults who are carriers of specific salt-sensitive genes are recommended to reduce their sodium intake. We believe that our findings can contribute to the prevention of early-onset of chronic diseases in obese children by facilitating personalized diet-management of obesity from childhood to adulthood.
Adult ; Angiotensinogen ; Blood Pressure ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Child ; Chronic Disease ; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System ; Epithelial Sodium Channels ; Genetics ; Genome-Wide Association Study ; GTP-Binding Proteins ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Obesity* ; Oxidoreductases ; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A ; Phosphotransferases ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Sodium ; Sodium, Dietary

Despite overall reductions in heart disease prevalence, the risk of developing heart failure has remained 2-fold greater among people with diabetes. Growing evidence has supported that fluctuations in glucose level and uptake contribute to cardiovascular disease (CVD) by modifying proteins, DNA, and gene expression. In the case of glucose, clinical studies have shown that increased dietary sugars for healthy individuals or poor glycemic control in diabetic patients further increased CVD risk. Furthermore, even after decades of maintaining tight glycemic control, susceptibility to disease progression can persist following a period of poor glycemic control through a process termed "glycemic memory." In response to chronically elevated glucose levels, a number of studies have identified molecular targets of the glucose-mediated protein posttranslational modification by the addition of an O-linked N-acetylglucosamine to impair contractility, calcium sensitivity, and mitochondrial protein function. Additionally, elevated glucose contributes to dysfunction in coupling glycolysis to glucose oxidation, pentose phosphate pathway, and polyol pathway. Therefore, in the "sweetened" environment associated with hyperglycemia, there are a number of pathways contributing to increased susceptibly to "breaking" the heart of diabetics. In this review we will discuss the unique contribution of glucose to heart disease and recent advances in defining mechanisms of action.
Calcium ; Cardiomyopathies ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Diabetic Cardiomyopathies* ; Dietary Sucrose ; Disease Progression ; DNA ; Gene Expression ; Glucose* ; Glycolysis ; Heart ; Heart Diseases ; Heart Failure ; Humans ; Hyperglycemia ; Metabolism ; Mitochondrial Proteins ; Pentose Phosphate Pathway ; Prevalence ; Protein Processing, Post-Translational