Objectives: Hispanics represent the largest racial/ethnic minority group in the USA and exhibit a high prevalence of obesity, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Prior studies indicate that variation in fatty acid desaturase (FADS) gene cluster linked to an ancestral haplotype are associated with a reduced capacity to produce circulating omega-3 (n-3) highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs). These FADS variants occur at high frequencies in Amerind Ancestry populations, such as Mexican Americans (MxAm). The aim of this study was to determine the influence of variation in FADS and other related genes (ELOVL5 and ELOVL2) in the HUFA biosynthetic pathway on the risk of cardiometabolic disease (CMD) a MxAm population.

Methods: To discern associations between genotypes, fatty acids, and cardiometabolic indicators, regression models were employed, with adjustments for covariates, using data from 493 self-identified Mexican American (MxAm) participants. We analyzed 20 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the FADS cluster region as well as SNPs from ELOVL5 and ELOVL2. The levels of 37 fatty acids present in complex lipids were quantified using GC/FID. Cardiometabolic markers included lipoproteins, anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist-hip ratio, adiponectin) and biomarkers including AST/ALT, insulin, glucose, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, Matsuda and disposition indices.

Results: Individuals with ancestral FADS genotypes exhibited lower levels of the n-6 HUFA arachidonic acid (ARA), and significantly diminished levels of n-3 HUFAs, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). This resulted in an ARA/EPA of ~20:1. Furthermore, SNPs in both FADS and ELOVL2/5 were linked to MetS phenotypic expressions. For example, the FADS SNP rs174455 demonstrated a strong association with fasting insulin and HOMA-IR. The presence of two ancestral alleles corresponded to a 45% and 41% increase in these levels, respectively.

Conclusions: The marked associations between FADS variants, extremely low n-3 HUFA levels, and CMD biomarkers highlight the potential influence genetically-impacted HUFAs regulation on CMD risk within MxAm. This provides a strong rationale for future studies and clinical trials to explore a precision nutrition approach that utilizes n-3 HUFA supplementation for this population.

Cocoa-enriched diets, which provide specific flavonoids depending on their origin, have garnered interest for their potential metabolism benefits. The aim of the present study was to characterize two Peruvian cocoa populations and to determine their influence on rat metabolism. For this purpose, after characterizing the phytochemical composition and the in vitro antioxidant activity of CCN51 and JL2 Peruvian cocoa populations, Wistar rats were fed with one of these cocoa populations (10% W/W) or a standard diet for 4 weeks. At the end, an oral glucose tolerance test was carried out. Moreover, visceral adiposity index and fecal pH (indicative of microbiota changes) were measured. The JL2 cocoa showed a higher content of total polyphenols, catechin and epigallocatechin-3-gallate than CCN51 cocoa. Furthermore, it demonstrated higher in vitro antioxidant activity than CCN51 cocoa. In vivo effects showed no significant differences in glycemia among the three groups of rats fed different diets, but animals fed any cocoa diet showed lower visceral adiposity than those fed with standard diet. In addition, lower fecal pH was observed after both cocoa diets. In conclusion, two distinct Peruvian cocoa populations with varying polyphenol composition did induce similar effects on rat metabolism when administered as 10% of the diet for 4 weeks.

Funding: Fondo Especial USIL 2022-02 and INSA Maria de Maeztu Unit of Excellence grant (CEX2021-001234-M) by MICIN/AEI/FEDER, UE.

Synbiotics, a combination of prebiotics and probiotics, are growing in popularity with consumers desiring improved gastrointestinal health. Prebiotics are non-digestible nutrients that can be metabolized by microbiota to exert a beneficial effect while probiotics are live microorganisms themselves that can also exert beneficial effects when consumed. Due to the rise in prebiotic and probiotic usage, there has been concern from some experts that not all synbiotics indicated for use as nutritional supplements are properly evaluated for their biological efficacy. AG1 is a novel foundational nutrition supplement that has been designed to exert a synbiotic effect. In its formulation, AG1 contains traditional prebiotics, phytonutrients from wholefood sources and botanical extracts, and two probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus UALa-01 and Bifidobacterium bifidum UABb-10). Alongside ingredient evidence that AG1 exerts synbiotic effects, efficacy testing was performed using the Simulator of Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME^®) model. Physical and metabolic evidence of fermentation were used to evaluate the success of AG1 as a synbiotic. Data from the SHIME^® model showed a significant increase (p < 0.01) in the total amount of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), specifically with significant increases on total acetate (p < 0.001) and propionate (p < 0.0001) production, as well as These results were expected as both SCFAs and gas are the major byproducts of bacterial carbohydrate fermentation These data suggest that AG1 exerts preclinical evidence of a synbiotic effect by human microbiota.

This research delves into Nutriomics Approaches in Precision Nutrition through an exploration of self-care habits among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, carried out at District General Hospital Chilaw, Sri Lanka. The study aims to uncover the factors shaping these practices, assess their prevalence, and establish their correlation with blood sugar levels. Analyzing 187 participants in a cross-sectional manner, the study reveals intriguing findings. The majority (80.9%) of patients are male, primarily aged 56-65 (35.6%), with a prevailing educational attainment of primary education (29.8%). About 51.1% have been living with diabetes mellitus for 1-5 years. Examination of self-care practices demonstrates limited adherence to healthy eating plans (1.1%) and daily physical activity (8%). While a fraction (5.7%) incorporate fruits/vegetables, a significant portion (23.4%) do not follow a health regimen. Consumption of high-fat diets is observed among 13.8%. While rare, some engage in specific exercise sessions beyond routine activities (0.5%). Blood sugar testing frequency is infrequent (1.6%), and only 10.6% perform daily foot examinations. A considerable portion administers insulin shots 1-2 times daily (26.1%), while 37.2% rely on diabetes pills for sugar control. These outcomes underscore inadequate self-care behaviors among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, emphasizing the demand for precision nutrition interventions rooted in nutriomics insights. The study underscores the vital role of dietary choices and consistent self-care in maintaining stable blood sugar levels, revealing a complex interplay between these behaviors and blood sugar control. By illuminating this relationship, the research contributes to the broader theme of the conference, offering valuable perspectives for precision nutrition strategies aimed at managing type 2 diabetes mellitus.

This cross-sectional investigation intricately dissects the interrelationships among maternal demographic attributes, dietary patterns, levels of physical activity, and their collective repercussions on pregnancy outcomes, with a specific emphasis on mitigating the risks associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and excessive weight gain. The dataset, encompassing 224 antenatal mothers attending a Sri Lankan Medical Officer of Health Clinic, illuminates the panorama. Demographic dissection unveils heterogeneous age strata, comprising 16% below 25 years, 68% aged 25-34, and 16% surpassing 35. Conjugal status unveils 88% married, 4% single, 5% divorced, and 4% classified as "Other." The educational spectrum spans from an absence of formal schooling (3%) to Advanced Level (A/L) qualifications (46%). Ethnically, 75% are Sinhalese, 4% Tamil, and 22% Muslim. Financially, 9% reported incomes below LKR 10,000, 60% within LKR 10,000-50,000, and 32% exceeding LKR 50,000. Pregnancy dynamics depict trimester distribution (21%, 44%, 36%), parity (46% nulliparous, 26% primiparous, 15% multiparous, 14% with three or more pregnancies), and body mass index (BMI) classifications (48% normal, 32% overweight, 21% obese). Hemoglobin levels span a spectrum (43% normal, 36% within non-pregnant norm, 20% mild anemia, 3% anemia). Nutritional scrutiny exposes divergent consumption patterns encompassing fruits, vegetables, dairy, and carbohydrates. Strikingly, 65% reported negligible exercise engagement. Pertinent correlations unravel connections between dietary constituents and hemoglobin levels, along with consumption tendencies and BMI. A detailed physical activity profile discloses variances in involvement across tasks. Noteworthy, robust correlations manifest between gestational weight gain and discrete activities, hinting at potential ramifications for pregnancy outcomes. This study elucidates the intricate orchestration of maternal demographics, dietary composition, and physical engagement in molding pregnancy outcomes, empowering healthcare practitioners to bespoke interventions that optimize maternal well-being and pregnancy consequences.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Mediterranean Diet (MD) is very rich in bioactive components such as fiber and polyphenols. Some of these have demonstrated its immunomodulatory effect and its activity in inflammation models.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a diet rich in polyphenols and fibers on the animal's innate immunity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The intervention was performed in two groups of 7-week-old rats, one receiving a experimental MD-like diet (MD) and the other serving as the reference diet (REF). Animals were followed during nine weeks. The feed and water consumption were monitored three times a week, and fecal samples were collected weekly to assess pH and humidity content. At the end of the study, a local inflammation was induced by injecting the rat's paw with carragenine. The inflammatory process was monitored for six hours by pletismometry. Finally, the rats were euthanized, and tissue samples were obtained for further analysis.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

After 6 hours of monitoring, a statistically significant decrease in the paw volume of rats from the MD-like diet group (MD) was observed compared to the reference group (REF). The immunoglobulin profile, the faecal pH and humidity were also affected. These results could be correlated with the anti-inflammatory effect of both fibers and polyphenols. However, more studies are necessary to evaluate the specific mechanisms of this process to gain a better understanding.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, a Mediterranean diet, which is characterized by being enriched in polyphenols and fiber, may have an anti-inflammatory effect, and can also modulate immunity. Changes at epigenetic level and on microbiota composition could be involved.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors thank the project PID2020-119602RB-I00 funded by the MCIN/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 and the INSA Maria de Maeztu Unit of Excellence grant (CEX2021-001234-M) funded by MICIN/AEI/FEDER, UE.

The use of food and its nutrients as a remedy for diseases is historically, and culturally well-rooted in plenty of societies. An example of this it’s the use of Hibiscus sabdariffa to treat conditions like hypertension or high blood glucose. Furthermore, the natural biocompounds present in this plant have been associated by several authors as hypotensive, anti-oxidant, anticarcinogenic, antiobesogenic, etc. One of those compounds it’s Delphinidin-3-Sambubiosid (DS3) its the most representative anthocyanin of Hibiscus sabdariffa, and as such, it has by large been attributed with the beneficial effects previously mentioned. However, little is known about the molecular targets that DS3 actually has. Therefore, we made an in-silico analysis using different bioinformatic tools in order to see the possible molecular targets of this molecule and the potential impact the modification of its targets could have on protein and/or pathways of humans as a whole. We used the Swiss Target Prediction site to identify all the molecular targets of DS3, then, ShinnyGo 0.77, KEGG, and Stringdb were helpful to identify key pathways and hub genes related to them. Also, a literature search was made in PubMed where each of the hub genes were linked to DS3 so we could gather information that complemented the results of the bioinformatic tools. The results showed that DS3 can modify the behavior of genes related to nitrogen and glucose metabolism, inflammation, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation. Additionally, DS3 directly affects the PI3K-AKT pathway, which could be a key finding to promote further research, especially in the implications associated with changes in the pathway as mentioned earlier.

Selenium was discovered in the first quarter of the 19th century and classified as a chalcogen belonging to the 16th group, along with oxygen, sulfur, tellurium, and polonium. Selenium plays a role in the activation of antioxidant enzymes in the body and helps reduce oxidative stress by preventing cell damage. It is believed to have cancer-protective effects, including mechanisms such as reducing DNA damage, regulating cell growth, supporting the immune system, and engaging in epigenetic interactions. These are attributed to the antioxidant properties of selenium. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the effect of selenium exposure on the incidence and mortality of various cancer types utilizing the meta-meta-analysis method. A comprehensive and systematic literature search was performed using renowned databases including PubMed/Medline, Web of Science (WoS), and Scopus. The search utilized predefined keywords to ensure a comprehensive exploration of the subject matter. A total of 22 reports from 16 eligible meta-analyses met the inclusion criteria in assessing the risk of selenium exposure in relation to cancer incidence and mortality. In the pooled analysis of 18 reports from a total of 16 meta-analyses evaluating selenium exposure and cancer risk, higher selenium exposure was associated with a 22% lower risk of cancer (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.72-0.85, p < 0.001). Similarly, in the pooled analysis of four meta-analyses evaluating selenium exposure and cancer-related mortality, higher selenium exposure was associated with lower mortality (RR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.83-0.94, p < 0.001). This highlights the potential beneficial effects of selenium in reducing cancer-related mortality. This paper also suggests that higher levels of selenium exposure may be an effective strategy for the prevention and management of cancer. The findings support the potential role of selenium in cancer prevention and highlight its importance as a possible intervention for improving health outcomes in individuals at risk of cancer.

Vitamin D can favor the state of iron metabolism, and testosterone and cortisol as an indicator of the athlete's muscle recovery and therefore improve sports performance. Deficient levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) (<30 ng/mL) may compromise health, lead to musculoskeletal disorders, and decrease athletic performance. We evaluated the impact and presence of a possible linkage between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) CYP2R1 (rs10741657), GC (rs2282679), and VDR (rs2228570), serum 25-OH/D concentrations and the link with the degree sports performance in 19 elite cyclists’ men not supplemented with vitamin D Levels of 25-OH vitamin D were quantified with a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit and 3 SNPs were genotyped with KASPar assays. A performance level was established based on the sum of three physical performance tests such as test time, average power, and blood lactate level. Significant differences in 25-OH/D concentration were determined between the bi-allelic combinations of rs228679 and rs228570. We detected statistically significant weak positive correlations between the AA (rs10741657 and rs228570) and TT (rs228679) and alleles and 25-OH/D and the probability of having higher 25-OH/D concentrations was 2- to 3-fold higher. However, the GG alleles of the 3 SNPs showed that the probability of having optimal 25-0H/D concentrations decreases by 32% for rs10741657, 38% for rs228679, and 74% for rs228570, showing a strong negative correlation between the level of sports performance and 25-OH/D levels. Allelic variations in CYP2R1 (rs10741657), GC (rs2282679), and VDR (rs10741657) affect vitamin D levels and decisively influence sports performance in elite athletes. These results could highlight that the evaluation of genetic factors is key to designing a vitamin D supplementation strategy to improve sports performance.

29.5 million people aged 12 and older met the diagnostic criteria for alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the United States in 2021, which presents a significant social and economic burden to the modern society. Impaired nutritional status has been frequently documented in patients with AUDs and could contribute to escalated alcohol consumption and behavioral impairments commonly observed in AUD. Interestingly, increased highly palatable food intake during recovery has been reported in patients with AUD, suggesting the importance of understanding the relationship between palatable food and problematic alcohol drinking. We have previously shown that patterned feeding of a palatable diet attenuated alcohol drinking in Long Evans rats. Present study evaluated the impact of patterned feeding on high and low alcohol drinking. Individually housed male high drinking (P), moderate drinking (Long Evans), and low drinking (Wistar) rats received intermittent access (24 hours, Tuesdays, and Thursdays) to a nutritionally complete high fat diet (Int-HFD) or standard chow (controls). Normal chow and water were available ad libitum to all groups of rats. Intermittent HFD access induced a feeding pattern in which Int-HFD group of rats escalated their caloric intake on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Two weeks of Int-HFD pre-exposure preceded any alcohol access, after which all rats were given unsweetened alcohol (20% v/v) in their home cages via a two-bottle choice paradigm of voluntary alcohol drinking. Alcohol was available for 24 hours on chow only days (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays) while Int-HFD feeding continued. Long Evans rats receiving Int-HFD displayed a significant (p<0.05) ~50% reduction in alcohol drinking when compared to controls. The Int-HFD group of P rats also reduced their alcohol intake significantly (p<0.05), ~20%, when to the respective chow controls. Interestingly, alcohol drinking in Wistar rats was not significantly affected (p>0.05) by intermittent HFD exposure. These data highlight rat strain specific differences in alcohol intake following patterned feeding of a palatable diet and identify Long Evans as an ideal model to evaluate impact of palatable diet on alcohol drinking.