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Current evidence indicates that foods with added plant sterols or stanols can lower serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. This review summarizes the recent findings and deliberations of 31 experts in the field who participated in a scientific meeting in Winnipeg, Canada, on the health effects of plant sterols and stanols. Participants discussed issues including, but not limited to, the health benefits of plant sterols and stanols beyond cholesterol lowering, the role of plant sterols and stanols as adjuncts to diet and drugs, and the challenges involved in measuring plant sterols and stanols in biological samples. Variations in interindividual responses to plant sterols and stanols, as well as the personalization of lipid-lowering therapies, were addressed. Finally, the clinical aspects and treatment of sitosterolemia were reviewed. Although plant sterols and stanols continue to offer an efficacious and convenient dietary approach to cholesterol management, long-term clinical trials investigating the endpoints of cardiovascular disease are still lacking.

Current global estimation suggests that about 10% of adults worldwide have diabetes, thus, various strategies are needed to address the issue, including dietary factors such as vitamin D. Various studies have suggested an inverse associations between vitamin D and the risks and pathogenesis of all forms of diabetes (type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes). The underlying mechanism is not fully understood; however, the expression of vitamin D receptors in pancreatic beta cells suggests an important physiological role for vitamin D in beta cell function. Vitamin D deficiency may impair blood glucose control and decrease insulin sensitivity by reducing insulin secretion from beta cells. Many studies suggest that vitamin D intervention may be beneficial; however, there is inconclusive evidence of the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation on reducing the risks or managing the pathogenesis of all forms of diabetes. Part of the pathogenesis of vitamin D for reducing diabetes is thought to be related to its impact on gut microbiota profile, via the suggested prebiotic properties of vitamin D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skeletal muscle is critical for mobility and many metabolic functions integral to survival and long-term health. Alcohol can affect skeletal muscle physiology and metabolism, which will have immediate and long-term consequences on health. While skeletal muscle abnormalities, including morphological, biochemical, and functional impairments, are well-documented in adults that excessively consume alcohol, there is a scarcity of information about the skeletal muscle in the offspring prenatally exposed to alcohol ('prenatal alcohol exposure'; PAE). This minireview examines the available studies addressing skeletal muscle abnormalities due to PAE. Growth restriction, fetal alcohol myopathy, and abnormalities in the neuromuscular system, which contribute to deficits in locomotion, are some direct, immediate consequences of PAE on skeletal muscle morphology and function. Long-term health consequences of PAE-related skeletal abnormalities include impaired glucose metabolism in the skeletal muscle, resulting in glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, leading to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. In general, there is limited information on the morphological, biochemical, and functional features of skeletal abnormalities in PAE offspring. There is a need to understand how PAE affects muscle growth and function at the cellular level during early development to improve the immediate and long-term health of offspring suffering from PAE. Key words: muscle fiber, fetal alcohol myopathy, cytoskeleton proteins, amino acids, insulin resistance. Le muscle squelettique est un element cle de la mobilite et de plusieurs fonctions metaboliques necessaires a la survie et a la sante a long terme. L'alcool peut affecter la physiologie et le metabolisme du muscle squelettique, ce qui aura des consequences immediates et a long terme sur la sante. Alors que les anomalies du muscle squelettique, qui comprennent des deficits morphologiques, biochimiques et fonctionnels, sont bien documentees chez les adultes qui abusent d'alcool, l'information sur le muscle squelettique d'enfants soumis a une exposition prenatale a l'alcool (EPA) est rare. Cette synthese examine les etudes disponibles qui portent sur les anomalies du muscle squelettique provoquees par l'EPA. Le retard de croissance, la myopathie alcoolique foetale et les anomalies du systeme neuromusculaire qui contribuent aux problemes de locomotion constituent quelques unes des consequences directes et immediates de l'EPA sur la morphologie et la fonction du muscle squelettique. Les consequences sur lasante a long terme des anomalies dumuscle squelettique lieesal'EPA comprennent une diminutiondumetabolismedu glucose dans lemuscle, resultantenune intoleranceau glucose etune resistance al'insuline qui menent a un risque accru de developper un diabete de type 2. En general, l'information sur les caracteristiques morphologiques, biochimiques et fonctionnelles des anomalies squelettiques des enfants soumis a une EPA est limitee. Il est necessaire de comprendre comment l'EPA affecte la croissance et la fonction du muscle au niveau cellulaire durant le developpement precoce afin d'ameliorer la sante immediate et a long terme des enfants soumis a une EPA. [Traduit par la Redaction] Mots-cles : fibre musculaire, myopathie alcoolique foetale, proteines du cytosquelette, acides amines, resistance a l'insuline., Introduction Skeletal muscle, comprising about 30% of the body mass in the neonate, is critical for mobility and many metabolic functions integral tosurvival and long-term health (Davis and Fiorotto 2009; [...]

Calcium is well known to be integral to bone and muscle health, with deleterious effects such as osteoporosis associated with inadequate calcium intake. Recent studies have also highlighted the significant effects of calcium in extra-musculoskeletal functioning, including the cardiovascular system, obesity, and cancer. Calcium impacts the cardiovascular system as an antagonist associated with a reduction in hypertension, increase vasodilation, and improvement in blood vessel function when obtained in the diet as an organic source, through food. However, the inorganic source of calcium, found in supplements, may be negatively associated with the cardiovascular system due to plaque deposits and atherogenesis when taken in excess. Some studies suggest that calcium intake may impact obesity by regulation of adipogenesis and reducing fat deposits with resulting weight loss. The pathogenesis of calcium for reducing obesity is thought to be related in part to its impact on gut microbiota profile, with the suggestion that calcium may have prebiotic properties. Animal and some human studies propose that calcium may also have a role in cancer prevention and/or treatment due to its function in the cell proliferation process and the impact on hormonal regulation, and thus warrants more investigations in the human population. Some prospective and small clinical studies suggest that calcium may be beneficial for colorectal cancer. Overall, emerging research in various areas continues to highlight the essentiality of dietary calcium for functioning at the molecular and biochemical level toward improvement in health and some chronic disease conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death worldwide. Elevated concentrations of serum total cholesterol (TC) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) are major lipid biomarkers that contribute to the risk of CVD. Phytosterols well known for their cholesterol‐lowering ability, are non‐nutritive compounds that are naturally found in plant‐based foods and can be classified into plant sterols and plant stanols. Numerous clinical trials demonstrated that 2 g phytosterols per day have LDL‐C lowering efficacy ranges of 8–10%. Some observational studies also showed an inverse association between phytosterols and LDL‐C reduction. Beyond the cholesterol‐lowering beneficial effects of phytosterols, the association of phytosterols with CVD risk events such as coronary artery disease and premature atherosclerosis in sitosterolemia patients have also been reported. Furthermore, there is an increasing demand to determine the association of circulating phytosterols with vascular health biomarkers such as arterial stiffness biomarkers. Therefore, this review aims to examine the ability of phytosterols for CVD risk prevention by reviewing the current data that looks at the association between dietary phytosterols intake and serum lipid biomarkers, and the impact of circulating phytosterols level on vascular health biomarkers. The clinical studies in which the impact of phytosterols on vascular function is investigated show minor but beneficial phytosterols effects over vascular health. The aforementioned vascular health biomarkers are pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, and arterial blood pressure. The current review will serve to begin to address the research gap that exists between the association of dietary phytosterols with CVD risk biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 3.0 g/d of omega-3 fatty acid (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) supplementation combined with progressive resistance training to improve body composition and lower inflammatory cytokines in older men when compared to placebo and resistance training. We hypothesized that completing a 12-week omega-3 supplementation period along with whole body resistance exercise (3 times/wk) would result in a significantly greater improvement in lean tissue mass as well as a significant decrease in interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor- α when compared to placebo. A total of 23 older men (≥65 years old) were randomized to an omega-3 supplementation group (n = 11) or placebo group (n = 12), and all the participants completed the same whole body progressive resistance training program. Baseline and 12-week data collection included body composition, muscle strength, functional ability, and inflammatory cytokines. Results indicated a significant main effect for time (all P <.05) for percent body fat (−2.5%), lean tissue mass (+1.1%), lumbar bone mineral density (+1.1%), hip bone mineral content (+1.1%), chest press strength (+31%), leg press strength (+37%), timed-up-and-go (−6.6%), and 6-minute walk distance (+4.5%) from baseline to post 12 weeks. No significant effects were noted for the 2 inflammatory cytokines measured (P >.05). We conclude that progressive resistance training exercise is an excellent method to enhance parameters of body composition, skeletal muscle strength, and functional ability in older men, whereas omega-3 supplementation did nothing to enhance these parameters or influence inflammatory biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early nutrition has critical influences on cardiovascular disease risk in adulthood. The study objectives were to evaluate the impact of low birth weight on fasting and postprandial lipid metabolism and endothelium function in Yucatan miniature pigs. Intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) piglets ( n = 6; 3 days old, 0.73 ± 0.04 kg) were paired with normal-weight (NW) same-sex littermates ( n = 6; 1.11 ± 0.05 kg) and fed milk replacer ad libitum for 4 weeks. Thereafter, all pigs were fed a standard diet ad libitum for 5 h/day with growth, intakes, and blood samples collected for 8 months. At 9 months old, pigs were surgically fitted with venous catheters and an oral fat tolerance test was performed. At 10 months old, pigs were killed and endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilations of isolated coronary arteries were measured using wire-myographs. IUGR pigs demonstrated catch-up growth ( P < 0.05) in body weight and abdominal circumference prior to sexual maturity (<7 months old) and had more ( P < 0.05) subcutaneous fat at 10 months old compared with NW pigs. IUGR pigs had consistently higher fasting plasma triglyceride concentrations from 5 to 10 months old and higher liver triglyceride and total cholesterol concentrations at 10 months old ( P < 0.05). The fat tolerance test revealed delayed postprandial triglyceride clearance in IUGR pigs, but no differences in plaque formation or vascular reactivity. To conclude, IUGR and early postnatal catch-up growth are associated with increased overall body fat deposition and altered triglyceride metabolism in adult Yucatan miniature swine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Omega-3 fatty acids (LC n-3PUFAs) have become increasingly successful and important components of diet regimens used for improving and/or maintaining muscle mass, strength, and functional ability, especially in older adults, for certain illnesses or during traumatic injury. Using data from human, cell culture and animal model-based studies, various investigators suggest that LC n-3PUFAs are extremely potent in either directly stimulating muscle protein anabolism or reducing muscle and plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, a few others report that such benefits from LC n-3PUFAs are at best minimal. In recognition of the growing importance of LC n-3PUFAs in nutritional strategies aimed at maintaining adequate muscle mass, strength, and function during various circumstances, this work provides an examination of available data, reviews certain limitations of available studies on this theme, and suggests areas of focus for future research. Practical applications As the largest tissue in the body, skeletal muscle metabolism has a substantial impact on an individual's overall health, thus dietary strategies are critical to help optimize its metabolic functions. This review will contribute toward increasing awareness of the growing efforts and strategies to incorporate LC n-3PUFAs in diet regimens and supplements used to counteract diminishing muscle mass, strength, and function due to sarcopenia and other muscle impairment conditions such as cancers, traumatic injury, and infection (sepsis). More research is needed in this area to address issues such as the minimum dose of LC n-3PUFAs supplementation required to maintain and/or increase muscle protein synthesis or lean body mass, and what ratio of administered LC n-3PUFAs is absorbed into the blood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcopenia is a progressive degenerative disorder affecting ≥40% of older adults over the age of 70 years. It is characterized by involuntary muscle loss leading to functional disability, weakness, and frailty in the elderly. Numerous mechanisms have been suggested as potential contributors to sarcopenia onset, including anorexia of aging, protein imbalances, and oxidative stress. While consensus preventive and management approaches for sarcopenia are not yet clearly defined, it is unquestionable that nutrition plays a critical role. This review focuses on the more widely studied, potent nutrients used to attenuate sarcopenia: protein/amino acids, vitamin D and calcium, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. In efforts to achieve optimum delivery of these nutrients to target tissues in older adults it is important to also consider the issue of compromised digestive system that occurs with aging, which will contribute to suboptimal nutrients absorption and utilization. Therefore, this review aims to summarize key sarcopenia-attenuating nutrients and to distinguish for each identified nutrient whether a dietary or a supplemental form is the most effective therapy for nutrient delivery in sarcopenic older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate if resistance training can reach Moderate to Vigorous Intensity (MVI) and contribute to the aerobic component of the international physical activity guidelines. Sixteen participants aged between 20 and 35 were recruited. Heart rate was recorded by heart rate monitor during a resistance training program. Based on maximal heart rate, time spent at MVI (55-69% of maximal heart rate) was calculated. Participants displayed a HR equal or above MVI for 51.5% ± 21.7% of time. When stratifying by lower and upper body sessions, that proportion was median (25-75th); 75.0% (32.5%-89.2%) and 45.8% (30.0%-66.8%) respectively. Body mass (r=.68; p<.01), body mass index (r=.54; p=.03), and leg press strength (r=.59; p=02) were positively associated with time spent at MVI. Assuming 10-minute bouts of aerobic exercise are not needed to achieve health benefits, it is possible to reach MVI with resistance training. Emphasis on the importance of performing resistance training should be done to reach the aerobic component of the physical activity guidelines and optimize health benefits. This provides an alternative option to those who may have difficulty or be unable to reach the required aerobic intensity by traditional aerobic exercises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sitosterolemia (STSL) is a rare autosomal recessive disease, manifested by extremely elevated plant sterols (PS) in plasma and tissue, leading to xanthoma and premature atherosclerotic disease. Therapeutic approaches include limiting PS intake, interrupting enterohepatic circulation of bile acid using bile acid binding resins such as cholestyramine, and/or ileal bypass, and inhibiting intestinal sterol absorption by ezetimibe (EZE). The objective of this review is to evaluate sterol metabolism in STSL and the impact of the currently available treatments on sterol trafficking in this disease. The role of PS in initiation of xanthomas and premature atherosclerosis is also discussed. Blocking sterols absorption with EZE has revolutionized STSL patient treatment as it reduces circulating levels of non-cholesterol sterols in STSL. However, none of the available treatments including EZE have normalized plasma PS concentrations. Future studies are needed to: (i) explore where cholesterol and non-cholesterol sterols accumulate, (ii) assess to what extent these sterols in tissues can be mobilized after blocking their absorption, and (iii) define the factors governing sterol flux. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We previously demonstrated that intra-uterine growth-restricted (IUGR) Yucatan miniature pigs develop modestly elevated blood pressure (BP) as young adults. The present study evaluated the effects of a post-weaning Western-style, high-salt-fat-sugar (HSFS) diet on early programming of BP. IUGR piglets (3d old, 0.77 (SEM 0.04)kg, n 6) were paired with normal weight (NW) same-sex littermates (1.14 (SEM 003)kg, n 6) and fed milk replacer for 4 weeks. A third littermate was left with the sow (SF; 1.01 (SEM 005)kg, n 6). When 4 weeks old, all pigs were placed on a HSFS diet ad libitum for 5h/d. When 11 months old, telemeters were implanted to measure BP in pigs before (4.5% NaCl) and after (0.5% NaCl) a 7 d reduced salt challenge. At necropsy, nephron numbers were determined. Before sexual maturity, IUGR pigs had greater relative feed intake (P<0.05), and experienced catch-up growth with greater adiposity, with correlations between adiposity and BP (P<0.05). Adult IUGR pigs had 26.34% fewer nephrons and higher diastolic BP (107.7 (SEM 49)mmHg, P=0.044) than NW (97.2 (SEM 1.8)mmHg) and SF (98-9 (SEM 53)mmHg) pigs. Systolic BP was similar among the three groups, but was significantly elevated compared with levels previously reported for a control diet. Salt restriction reduced BP in all groups CP<0.05), but with no differences (P>0.05) in the degree of salt sensitivity among groups. In conclusion, a post-weaning Western-style diet exacerbates early programming of diastolic BP in Yucatan miniature swine, whereas systolic BP is more sensitive to postnatal diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidemiological studies have linked small birth weight and lack of breastfeeding to type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to determine if ( i) small birth weight promotes and ( ii) suckling prevents the development of adiposity and diabetes biomarkers in a Yucatan miniature pig model. At 3 days of age, the intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) piglet ( n = 6) was paired with a normal weight (NW), same-sex littermate ( n = 6) and fed milk replacer for 4 weeks. A sow-fed normal weight littermate ( n = 6) was also compared with the NW littermate to assess the effects of suckling. All pigs were fed a standard diet ad libitum for 5 h·day-1 from week 4. At 9.5 months, pigs underwent intravenous glucose tolerance (IVGTT) and insulin sensitivity tests (IST). At 10 months, tissues were harvested for fat analysis and pancreas histology. IUGR pigs demonstrated compensatory growth before sexual maturity and had greater subcutaneous fat depth; birth weight also negatively correlated with visceral fat content. Visceral and subcutaneous adiposity were greater in females than males. IVGTT and IST outcomes were not different due to birth weight or suckling. However, visceral adiposity was associated with several glucose tolerance outcomes and females were more glucose intolerant due to their greater adiposity. Pancreas insulin content or histology outcomes were not different. This model did not develop markers of type 2 diabetes mellitus because of small birth weight or formula feeding. However, visceral adiposity and sex were associated with glucose intolerance, which is consistent with data in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Impaired fetal growth and rapid postnatal growth are associated with programming of hypertension and metabolic syndrome in adulthood. Objectives: This study evaluated this phenomenon in a novel spontaneous intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) model in Yucatan miniature pigs. Methods: IUGR piglets (n = 6, 3 days old, 0.73 ± 0.11 kg) were paired with a normal weight (NW) same-sex littermate (n = 6, 1.11 ± 0.13 kg), fed milk replacer for 4 weeks followed by a standard diet ad libitum for 5 h/day. At 9 months of age, arterial blood pressure (BP) telemeters were implanted to assess BP before (0.5% NaCl) and after (4.5% NaCl) a 7-day salt-loading period. At 10 months of age, nephron numbers were determined. Results: Prior to sexual maturity, IUGR pigs showed greater (p < 0.05) relative feed intake and experienced significant catch-up growth. Adult IUGR pigs also had higher BP (diastolic BP: 93.8 ± 5.5 vs. 90.0 ± 8.7 mm Hg, p < 0.05) and 43% fewer nephrons per kidney (p < 0.05). Nephron number was positively associated with birth weight and negatively correlated with BP (p < 0.05). Acute salt loading increased BP in both groups (p < 0.05); however, the degree of salt sensitivity was similar between groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, IUGR piglets have reduced nephron endowment associated with a modest BP increase in early adulthood. This new model can be used to conduct longitudinal mechanistic studies on the early programming phenomenon. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, small birth weight and rapid compensatory growth have been linked to chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. We sought to develop a Yucatan miniature pig model to study how neonatal changes in metabolism can lead to the development of chronic disease. Runt piglets (<800g) (N=6) were paired with the largest same sex littermate (>1100g) (N=6) and fed milk replacer ad lib from 3 to 31 d of age; thereafter pigs were fed chow ad lib. At 8 mo, pigs were fitted with venous catheters and an arterial blood pressure (BP) telemeter to measure BP continuously in unrestrained pigs. During formula feeding, runts demonstrated more efficient compensatory growth and by 8 mo, runts (62.6±6.6 kg) caught up in body weight to littermates (67.5±4.7) (P>0.05), but with more back fat (P=0.03). At 8 mo, runts had 2x higher plasma triglycerides (P<0.001), 45% slower clearance of triglycerides after a fat tolerance test (P=0.045), and higher (P<0.05) mean arterial pressure (MAP) (115.6 vs 110.7 mmHg) and systolic pressure (SP) (140.8 vs 134.3 mmHg), averaged over 24 h. Birth weight was negatively correlated to MAP (P=0.02) and SP (P=0.05). Glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity tests were not different. Using the miniature pig, we have successfully established a model for compensatory growth that can be used to investigate the mechanisms of early origins of adult disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have previously shown that runt miniature pigs demonstrate compensatory growth and develop early indicators of obesity, heart disease and hypertension, compared to large littermates. The mechanism for this programming is probably associated with methylation of DNA using methyl groups generated by sulfur amino acid (SAA) metabolism. In this study, we hypothesized that hepatic SAA metabolic enzyme capacity is different in runts. Runt piglets (850±130g) were paired with the largest littermate (1360±210g) and killed at 3 d of age (N=12). Relative (g/kg body weight) organ weights were similar between groups for liver, kidney, colon and small intestine. Specific activities of BHMT and CGL were 30% and 20% lower in runts, respectively (P<0.05, paired t-test) and not different for MAT, MS, MTHFR and CBS. Runts also had lower total liver activities for all enzymes (P<0.05). Plasma total cysteine (Cys) was lower in runts (P<0.05), consistent with lower flux through the transsulfuration pathway which includes CGL. However, total methionine (Met) and homocysteine (Hey) were not different in plasma. The lower BHMT and CGL activities in runts suggest lower remethylation (Hey to Met) and transsulfuration (Met to Cys) capacities, respectively. During compensatory growth, less Met is available for maintenance reactions which will alter methyl supply and possibly lead to epigenetic alterations in runts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytosterolemia (sitosterolemia) is a rare autosomal recessive sterol storage disease caused by mutations in either of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding cassette transporter genes; (ABC) G5 or ABCG8, leading to impaired elimination of plant sterols and stanols, with their increased accumulation in the blood and tissues. Thus the disease is characterized by substantially elevated serum plant sterols and stanols, with moderate to high plasma cholesterol levels, and increased risk of premature atherosclerosis. Hematologic abnormalities including macrothrombocytopenia, stomatocytosis and hemolysis are frequently observed in sitosterolemia patients. Currently, ezetimibe, a sterol absorption inhibitor, is used as the routine treatment for sitosterolemia, with reported improvement in plant sterol levels and hemolytic parameters. This review summarizes the research related to the health impact of plant sterols and stanols on sitosterolemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current global estimation suggests that about 10% of adults worldwide have diabetes, thus, various strategies are needed to address the issue, including dietary factors such as vitamin D. Various studies have suggested an inverse associations between vitamin D and the risks and pathogenesis of all forms of diabetes (type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes). The underlying mechanism is not fully understood; however, the expression of vitamin D receptors in pancreatic beta cells suggests an important physiological role for vitamin D in beta cell function. Vitamin D deficiency may impair blood glucose control and decrease insulin sensitivity by reducing insulin secretion from beta cells. Many studies suggest that vitamin D intervention may be beneficial; however, there is inconclusive evidence of the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation on reducing the risks or managing the pathogenesis of all forms of diabetes. Part of the pathogenesis of vitamin D for reducing diabetes is thought to be related to its impact on gut microbiota profile, via the suggested prebiotic properties of vitamin D., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Serum concentrations of lathosterol, the plant sterols campesterol and sitosterol and the cholesterol metabolite 5α-cholestanol are widely used as surrogate markers of cholesterol synthesis and absorption, respectively. Increasing numbers of laboratories utilize a broad spectrum of well-established and recently developed methods for the determination of cholesterol and non-cholesterol sterols (NCS). In order to evaluate the quality of these measurements and to identify possible sources of analytical errors our group initiated the first international survey for cholesterol and NCS. The cholesterol and NCS survey was structured as a two-part survey which took place in the years 2013 and 2014. The first survey part was designed as descriptive, providing information about the variation of reported results from different laboratories. A set of two lyophilized pooled sera (A and B) was sent to twenty laboratories specialized in chromatographic lipid analysis. The different sterols were quantified either by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection, gas chromatography- or liquid chromatography-mass selective detection. The participants were requested to determine cholesterol and NCS concentrations in the provided samples as part of their normal laboratory routine. The second part was designed as interventional survey. Twenty-two laboratories agreed to participate and received again two different lyophilized pooled sera (C and D). In contrast to the first international survey, each participant received standard stock solutions with defined concentrations of cholesterol and NCS. The participants were requested to use diluted calibration solutions from the provided standard stock solutions for quantification of cholesterol and NCS. In both surveys, each laboratory used its own internal standard (5α-cholestane, epicoprostanol or deuterium labelled sterols). Main outcome of the survey was, that unacceptably high interlaboratory variations for cholesterol and NCS concentrations are reported, even when the individual laboratories used the same calibration material. We discuss different sources of errors and recommend all laboratories analysing cholesterol and NCS to participate in regular quality control programs., (Copyright © 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Creatine, a very popular supplement among athletic populations, is of growing interest for clinical applications. Since over 90% of creatine is stored in skeletal muscle, the effect of creatine supplementation on muscle metabolism is a widely studied area. While numerous studies over the past few decades have shown that creatine supplementation has many favorable effects on skeletal muscle physiology and metabolism, including enhancing muscle mass (growth/hypertrophy); the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. This report reviews studies addressing the mechanisms of action of creatine supplementation on skeletal muscle growth/hypertrophy. Early research proposed that the osmotic effect of creatine supplementation serves as a cellular stressor (osmosensing) that acts as an anabolic stimulus for protein synthesis signal pathways. Other reports indicated that creatine directly affects muscle protein synthesis via modulations of components in the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Creatine may also directly affect the myogenic process (formation of muscle tissue), by altering secretions of myokines, such as myostatin and insulin-like growth factor-1, and expressions of myogenic regulatory factors, resulting in enhanced satellite cells mitotic activities and differentiation into myofiber. Overall, there is still no clear understanding of the mechanisms of action regarding how creatine affects muscle mass/growth, but current evidence suggests it may exert its effects through multiple approaches, with converging impacts on protein synthesis and myogenesis., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.)

Radiotelemetry was used to evaluate diet-related elevation of blood pressure in adult Yucatan miniature swine. Systolic arterial blood pressure (SAP), diastolic atrial blood pressure (DAP), heart rate, and locomotor activity were assessed in 9- or 11-mo-old Yucatan miniature pigs fed a standard diet or a North American-type diet high in salt, fat, and sugar (HSFS). Compared with pigs fed standard diet, pigs fed HSFS diet showed markedly elevated SAP (132 ± 3 compared with 156 ± 6 mm Hg), whereas DAP was unchanged (92 ± 2 compared with 99 ± 5 mm Hg). In addition, all pigs were modestly sensitive to short-term changes in dietary salt, as indicated by a 6% to 7% response in blood pressure parameters. According to these data, the increase in SAP for pigs on the HSFS diet was too large to be explained by the NaCl content of the diet alone. We found no evidence of endothelial dysfunction, and the relaxation responses of isolated coronary arteries actually were enhanced in the HSFS group. In conclusion, in a Yucatan miniature pigs model chronically fed a HSFS diet, DAP did not increase, but SAP and pulse pressure appeared to be affected by high dietary levels of fat or sugar (or both).