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Abstract Objective and design In this cross-sectional study, evaluation of the association between four dietary patterns, nutrients and food intakes and an array of systemic inflammation biomarkers and lipid profile among 80 New Zealand postmenopausal women were conducted. Materials Eighty postmenopausal women participated in the study. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to collect nutrients and food intake. Four dietary patterns were identified by principal component analysis (PCA) and plasma samples collected for inflammatory biomarkers and lipid profile measures. Results There were negative correlations between intake of dietary fibre, soluble and insoluble non-starch polysaccharides (NSP), vitamin C and niacin and with almost all the inflammatory markers for the whole group. Vegetables, tea/coffee and especially fruit intake were negatively correlated with the inflammatory biomarkers in the whole group. A high intake of Pattern 1 (potato, bread, and fruit pattern) was associated with a low risk of high interferon (IFN)-α2, IFN-λ, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 levels while a high intake of Pattern 3 (fast-food pattern) was associated high risk of IFN-α2 levels. Multiple linear regression showed a negative correlation between Pattern 2 (soups and vegetables pattern) and levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) as well as ferritin. A positive association was observed between Pattern 3 (fast-food pattern) and CRP levels. Positive correlation was also observed between Pattern 2 and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and total cholesterol (TC) levels, Pattern 4 (meat and vegetables pattern) was however negatively correlated with TC, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and TC/HDL ratio. Conclusions The result of this study reinforces the contribution and role of diet in modifying inflammation in postmenopausal women.

The present study aimed to determine the effect of whole meat GSM powder on gut microbiota abundance, body composition and iron status markers in healthy overweight or obese postmenopausal women. This was a 3-months trial involving forty-nine healthy postmenopausal women with body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 35 kg/m2 who were randomly assigned to receive 3 g/d of either GSM powder (n 25) or placebo (n 24). The gut microbe abundance, serum iron status markers and body composition were measured at the baseline and the end of the study. The between-group comparison at the baseline showed a lower abundance of Bacteroides and Clostridium XIVa in the GSM group compared with the placebo (P = 0⋅04). At the baseline, the body fat (BF)% and gynoid fat% were higher in the GSM group compared with the placebo (P < 0⋅05). No significant changes were found in any of the outcome measures, except for ferritin levels that showed a significant reduction over time (time effect P = 0⋅01). Some trend was observed in bacteria including Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium which tended to increase in the GSM group while their abundance decreased or remained at their baseline level in the control group. Supplementation with GSM powder did not result in any significant changes in gut microbe abundance, body composition and iron markers compared with placebo. However, some commensal bacteria such as Bacteroides and Bifidobacteria tended to increase following supplementation with GSM powder. Overall, these findings can expand the knowledge surrounding the effects of whole GSM powder on these outcome measures in healthy postmenopausal women.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of whole greenshell mussel (GSM) powder on biomarkers of cartilage metabolism, inflammatory cytokines, and joint symptoms in postmenopausal women with overweight/obesity and joint discomfort.DesignFifty-five postmenopausal women with overweight/obesity were randomly assigned to receive 3 g/day whole GSM powder or placebo for 12 weeks. Cartilage turnover biomarkers urinary C-telopeptide of type II collagen (CTX-II) and serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) were measured at baseline, week 6 and 12. Plasma cytokines were measured at baseline and week 12. Joint pain and knee-related problems were assessed at baseline and week 12 using a 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire, respectively.ResultsForty-nine participants completed the study (GSM n = 25, placebo n = 24). After 12 weeks, urinary CTX-II showed no significant change over time or between the groups (interaction effect P = 0.1). However, in women with symptomatic knees, a significant difference was noted between the group (treatment effect P = 0.04), as it was lower in the GSM group compared to placebo group at week 6 (P = 0.04) and week 12 (P = 0.03). Serum COMP and plasma cytokines were not affected. GSM supplementation showed greater reduction in the VAS pain score than placebo (−13.2 ± 20.3 vs. −2.9 ± 15.9; P = 0.04). No significant change in KOOS domains between the two groups was observed.ConclusionOral supplementation of whole GSM powder at 3 g/day may slow down the degradation of type II collagen in postmenopausal women with symptomatic knees. GSM treatment conferred clinical benefit on overall joint pain. No significant effect was noted for inflammatory cytokines, suggesting that GSM may act within the joint microenvironment rather than at the systemic level.Clinical trial registration[www.australianclinicaltrials.gov.au/clinical-trialregistries], identifier [ACTRN12620000413921p].

The gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota has co-evolved with the host in an intricate relationship for mutual benefit, however, inappropriate development of this relationship can have detrimental effects. The developing GI microbiota plays a vital role during the first 1,000 days of postnatal life, during which occurs parallel development and maturation of the GI tract, immune system, and brain. Several factors such as mode of delivery, gestational age at birth, exposure to antibiotics, host genetics, and nutrition affect the establishment and resultant composition of the GI microbiota, and therefore play a role in shaping host development. Nutrition during the first 1,000 days is considered to have the most potential in shaping microbiota structure and function, influencing its interactions with the immune system in the GI tract and consequent impact on brain development. The importance of the microbiota-GI-brain (MGB) axis is also increasingly recognized for its importance in these developmental changes. This narrative review focuses on the importance of the GI microbiota and the impact of nutrition on MGB axis during the immune system and brain developmental period in early postnatal life of infants.

Abstract Background New Zealand Greenshell™ mussels (GSM; Perna canaliculus) have recently been shown to decrease cartilage degradation in a rat model of induced metabolic osteoarthritis (MetOA). However, this effect has not been investigated in human subjects. This study aims to determine the effect of GSM powder on biomarkers of cartilage metabolism, bone resorption, and inflammation in New Zealand healthy overweight/obese postmenopausal women who are at early stage or at high risk of OA. Method Fifty overweight or obese (BMI 25–35 kg/m2) postmenopausal women (aged 55–75 years) will be recruited by advertisement. Participants will be randomized based on a double-blind randomization schedule and stratified randomization based on BMI and age distribution. The participant will be assigned with a 1:1 allocation ratio to receive 3 g/d whole meat GSM powder or placebo (sunflower seed protein) for 12 weeks. Data on socio-demographics, physical activity, and dietary intake will be collected for each subject. Cartilage turnover biomarkers [(C-telopeptide of type II collagen (CTX-II), C-propeptide of type II procollagen (CPII), Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP)], and bone resorption marker (CTX-I) will be measured in blood and urine samples. Inflammatory status (hs-CRP and cytokine panel) will be assessed and iron status will be measured. Body composition including fat mass (FM), lean mass (LM), and fat percentage will be measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Joint pain and knee function will be assessed using a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire, respectively. Discussion This trial will be the first to explore the effects of whole meat GSM powder on cartilage turnover, bone resorption, and inflammation biomarkers in overweight/obese postmenopausal women. The results from this trial will provide evidence on the efficacy of GSM in the prevention of OA. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12620000413921p . Registration on 27 March 2020.

Abstract Background Asian Chinese are more susceptible to deposition of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) development than European Caucasians when matched for gender, age and body mass index (BMI). Our aims were: (i) characterise the ethnicity-specific metabolomic signature of visceral adiposity measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and (ii) identify individuals susceptible to worse metabolic health outcomes. Methods Fasting plasma samples from normoglycaemic (n = 274) and prediabetic (n = 83) participants were analysed with liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry using untargeted metabolomics. Multiple linear regression adjusting for age, gender and BMI was performed to identify metabolites associated with FPG and VAT calculated as percentage of total body fat (%VATTBF) in each ethnic group. Metabolic risk groups in each ethnicity were stratified based on the joint metabolomic signature for FPG and %VATTBF and clinically characterised using partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and t-tests. Results FPG was correlated with 40 and 110 metabolites in Caucasians and Chinese respectively, with diglyceride DG(38:5) (adjusted β = 0.29, p = 3.00E−05) in Caucasians and triglyceride TG(54:4) (adjusted β = 0.28, p = 2.02E−07) in Chinese being the most significantly correlated metabolite based on the p-value. %VATTBF was correlated with 85 and 119 metabolites in Caucasians and Chinese respectively, with TG(56:2) (adjusted β = 0.3, p = 8.25E−09) in Caucasians and TG(58:3) (adjusted β = 0.25, p = 2.34E−08) in Chinese being the most significantly correlated. 24 metabolites associated with FPG were common to both ethnicities including glycerolipid species. 67 metabolites associated with %VATTBF were common to both ethnicities including positive correlations with dihydroceramide, sphingomyelin, glycerolipid, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethnolamine, and inverse correlations with ether-linked phosphatidylcholine. Participant re-stratification found greater total and central adiposity, worse clinical lipid profiles, higher serum glucoregulatory peptides and liver enzymes in normal fasting glucose (NFG) individuals with a prediabetic metabolomic profile than NFG individuals with a normoglycaemic metabolomic profile in both ethnicities. Conclusions Untargeted metabolomics identified common and disparate metabolites associated with FPG and %VATTBF, with an ethnic-dimorphic signature for these metabolic traits. These signatures could improve risk stratification and identify NFG individuals with an adverse cardiometabolic and T2D risk profile.

The osteoclast-dependent bone resorption process is a crucial part of the bone regulatory system. The excessive function of osteoclasts can cause diseases of bone, joint, and other tissues such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Greenshell mussel oil (GSM), a good source of long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn-3PUFAs), was fractionated into total lipid, polar lipid, and non-polar lipid components and their anti-osteoclastogenic activity tested in RAW 264.7 cell cultures. Osteoclast differentiation process was achieved after 5 days of incubation with RANKL in 24-well culture plates. Introducing the non-polar lipid fraction into the culture caused a lack of cell differentiation, and a reduction in tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity and TRAP cell numbers in a dose-dependent manner (50% reduction at the concentration of 20 μg/mL, p

Background: Heterogeneous laborious analytical methodologies for the determination of urinary lactulose and mannitol limit their utility in intestinal permeability testing. Methods: We developed an assay using a Shimadzu HPLC system, an Aminex HPX87C column, and refractive index detection. The test was calibrated using a series of dilutions from standard stock solutions of lactulose and mannitol ‘spiked’ into urine samples. The utility to quantify urinary excretion during the dual sugar absorption test over 6 h was also determined. Results: Lactulose and mannitol were eluted isocratically at 5.7 and 10.1 min, respectively, with water as a mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.3 mL min−1, 858 psi, 60 °C. The calibration curves for both sugars were linear up to 500 µg mL−1 with a limit of detection in standard solutions at 4 µg mL−1 and in ‘spiked’ urine samples at 15 µg mL−1. The intra-assay and inter-assay CVs were between 2.0–5.1% and 2.0–5.1% for lactulose and 2.5–4.4% and 2.8–3.9% for mannitol. The urinary profiles of the 6 h absorption of lactulose and mannitol showed similar peak-retention times to standard solutions and were well-resolved at 5.9 and 10.4 min, respectively. Conclusions: The assay was easy to automate, using commonly available equipment and convenient requiring no prior laborious sample derivatization. The simplicity, reproducibility, and robustness of this assay facilitates its use in routine clinical settings for the quantification of intestinal permeability.

Nutrition affects bone health status. However, analysis of the dietary patterns gives insights into which particular combination of foods may influence nutritional status and bone health. The aim of this study was to explore the associations between dietary patterns, bone mineral density (BMD) and T-scores, and body composition in New Zealand postmenopausal women. This cross-sectional study examined 125 postmenopausal women aged between 54 and 81 years. Body composition, BMD and T-scores were determined using dual-energy X-ray a bsorptiometry (DXA). Diet composition was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) composed of 108 food items, from which 34 food groups were created. Dietary patterns were identified by principal component analysis. The bone and body composition data including skeletal sites T-scores, waist circumference, BMI and body fat percentage were regressed onto the dietary patterns. Four dietary patterns were identified; the milk and milk-rich beverages dietary pattern, the dessert, cheese and red meat dietary pattern, the fruit-rich, biscuit and crackers dietary pattern and the oily fish, sports drink and seafood-rich dietary pattern. The milk and milk-rich beverages dietary pattern was significantly positively associated with spine T-score (r = 0.247, P = 0.008), and not whole-body BMD (r = 0.182, P = 0.051). The oily fish, sports drink and seafood-rich dietary pattern was marginally negatively associated with waist circumference (r = −0.157, P = 0.094) and body mass index (r = −0.163, P = 0.081) and significantly associated with body fat percentage (r = −0.247, P = 0.008). Binary logistic regression indicated that intake of the milk and milk-rich beverages dietary pattern reduced the occurrence of osteoporosis [adjusted odds ratio OR (95% CI): 0.589 (0.353, 0.982)]. A dietary pattern characterized by a high factor loading of milk and milk-rich beverages was positively associated with whole-body BMD and spine T-score, while the oily fish, sports drink, seafood-rich dietary pattern was inversely associated with total body fat percentage. Consumption of milk, even with coffee showed a positive association with bone health among postmenopausal women. Further longitudinal intervention studies is warranted to confirm effects of dietary patterns on skeletal body sites such as hip and femoral neck T-scores.

Increasing peak bone mass during adolescence and reducing bone loss in later life are two approaches to reduce the risk of osteoporosis with aging. Osteoporosis affects a large proportion of the elderly population worldwide and the incidence is increasing. Milk consumption is an accepted strategy in building peak bone mass and therefore may reduce the risk of osteoporosis. In childhood calcium, phosphorous, and growth factors are the important components to support bone growth but in adults the positive influence on bone density/maintenance may also be due to other bioactive proteins/peptides or lipids in milk acting directly in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Lactose has been known to increase calcium absorption; galactooligosaccharides (GOS) are derived from lactose and are non-digestible oligosaccharides. They have been shown to improve mineral balance and bone properties as well as causing increases in bifidobacteria in the gut, therefore a prebiotic effect. Supplementation with fortified milk and dairy products with added prebiotics, increased both calcium and magnesium absorption and caused some modulation of gut microbiota in animals and humans. Fermented milk is now also recognized to contain highly active components such as vitamins, peptides, oligosaccharides, and organic acids. In this review, the role of milk and milk components in improving calcium absorption and thereby supporting bone health is discussed. In addition, some reference is made to the significance of combining the inherent beneficial components from milk with fortificants/nutrients that will support bone health through adulthood. Novel data suggesting differences in diversity of the microbiota between healthy and osteoporotic women are provided.

This study aimed to examine the changes in lipid and metabolite profiles of ovariectomized (OVX) rats with diet-induced metabolic syndrome-associated osteoarthritis (MetOA) after supplementation with greenshell mussel (GSM) using an untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomics approach. Ninety-six rats were fed with one of four diets: control, control supplemented with GSM + GSM, high fat/high sugar (HFHS), or high fat/high sugar enriched with GSM (HFHS + GSM). After 8 weeks on experimental diets, half of the rats in each group underwent OVX and the other half were sham operated. After being fed for an additional 28 weeks, blood samples were collected for the metabolomics analysis. Lipid and polar metabolites were extracted from plasma and analysed by LC-MS. We identified 29 lipid species from four lipid subclasses (phosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylcholine, diacylglycerol, and triacylglycerol) and a set of eight metabolites involved in amino acid metabolism (serine, threonine, lysine, valine, histidine, pipecolic acid, 3-methylcytidine, and cholic acid) as potential biomarkers for the effect of HFHS diet and GSM supplementation. GSM incorporation more specifically in the control diet generated significant alterations in the levels of several lipids and metabolites. Further studies are required to validate these findings that identify potential biomarkers to follow OA progression and to monitor the impact of GSM supplementation.

In vitro analysis has indicated that sorghum condensed tannins (SCT) survive simulated gastric digestion and inhibit digestive amylases when encapsulated in sorghum kafirin protein microparticles (SCT-KEMS). This study investigated SCT-KEMS as a potential anti-hyperglycaemic nutraceutical agent in vivo. Oral starch tolerance tests were performed on healthy rats. SCT-KEMS prevented a blood glucose spike and decreased the maximum blood glucose level by 11.8% compared to the water control, the same reduction as the acarbose standard. Neither SCT-KEMS nor acarbose elevated serum insulin levels. Further, the rats took the SCT-KEMS willingly, unlike the case with the unencapsulated SCTs. SCT-KEMS are potentially effective nutraceuticals for the management of hyperglycaemia because of the high affinity of SCT for the proline-rich kafirin and kafirin's slow digestibility, which enables SCT bitterness to be masked and delivered to the small intestine to inhibit carbohydrate hydrolysis, thus reducing glycaemic response.

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease characterized by reduced bone mineral density, which affects the quality of life of the aging population. Furthermore, disruption of bone microarchitecture and the alteration of non-collagenous protein in bones lead to higher fracture risk. This is most common in postmenopausal women. Certain medications are being used for the treatment of osteoporosis; however, these may be accompanied by undesirable side effects. Phytochemicals from fruits and vegetables are a source of micronutrients for the maintenance of bone health. Among them, lycopene has recently been shown to have a potential protective effect against bone loss. Lycopene is a lipid-soluble carotenoid that exists in both all-trans and cis-configurations in nature. Tomato and tomato products are rich sources of lycopene. Several human epidemiological studies, supplemented by in vivo and in vitro studies, have shown decreased bone loss following the consumption of lycopene/tomato. However, there are still limited studies that have evaluated the effect of lycopene on the prevention of bone loss in postmenopausal women. Therefore, the aim of this review is to summarize the relevant literature on the potential impact of lycopene on postmenopausal bone loss with molecular and clinical evidence, including an overview of bone biology and the pathophysiology of osteoporosis.

The prevalence of metabolic osteoarthritis has been increasing worldwide, particularly among women. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the New Zealand greenshell mussel (Perna canaliculus; GSM) on osteoarthritis (OA) prevention in a rat model. One-hundred-and-eight female rats aged 12 weeks were divided into four test groups, containing 24 rats each, plus an additional control group. Each test group received one of the four experimental diets: normal control diet (ND), normal control diet supplemented with GSM (ND + GSM), high fat/high sugar diet (HFHS), or high fat/high sugar diet supplemented GSM (HFHS + GSM), for 36 weeks (end of the study). After 8 weeks on experimental diets, half of each group was subjected to ovariectomy (OVX) and the remaining half received a sham operation (ovaries left intact). The study evaluated body composition, bone mass, plasma cytokines, adipokines, HbA1c, CTX-II, and knee joint’s histopathology. HFHS diet and OVX significantly induced body weight gain and leptin production. OVX rats lost bone mineral density but increased adiponectin, HbA1C, and MCP-1. The OVX rats fed HFHS showed the highest Mankin scores. Importantly, inclusion of GSM reduced these pathological features. In conclusion, GSM might be beneficial in halting the progression of OA.

Postmenopausal women tend to be susceptible to primary osteoporosis due to its association with oestrogen deficiency. There is emerging evidence that an unhealthy dietary pattern drives an increase in the risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PO), whereas a healthy dietary pattern may decrease its occurrence. In this narrative literature review, we sought to review the role of nutrient and dietary patterns in the pathogenesis of PO. Therefore, we searched and reported all research articles from 2001 to May 2020 in Web of Science, Cinahl and Scopus that have researched a relationship between nutrient and/or dietary patterns and postmenopausal osteoporosis. Nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and vitamin D have been proven to be beneficial for bone health. Meanwhile, for the dietary patterns, foods such as dairy products especially milk, fibre and protein-rich foods, e.g., meat were directly linked to a positive association with bone mineral density (BMD). Likewise, fruits, vegetables and probiotic and prebiotic foods were reported for its positive relationship with BMD. Therefore, aside from physical activity, nutrition and diet in adequate proportions are suggested to be an important tool for ameliorating osteoporosis and bone health issues in older age.

Background: The role of vitamin D and omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 LCPUFA) in improving core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children has been investigated by a few randomised controlled trials and the results are mixed and inconclusive. The response to treatment with these nutrients is heterogenous and may be influenced by inflammatory state. As an exploratory analysis, we investigated whether inflammatory state would modulate the effect of these nutrients on core symptoms of ASD. Methods: Seventy-three New Zealand children with ASD (2.5−8.0 years) completed a 12-month randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of vitamin D (VID, 2000 IU/day), omega-3 LCPUFA; (OM, 722 mg/day docosahexaenoic acid), or both (VIDOM). Non-fasting baseline plasma interleukin-1β (IL-1β) was available for 67 children (VID = 15, OM = 21, VIDOM = 15, placebo = 16). Children were categorised as having undetectable/normal IL-1β (n=15) or elevated IL-1β (≥3.2 pg/mL, n = 52). The Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) questionnaire was used to assess core symptoms of ASD (baseline, 12-month). Mixed model repeated measure analyses (including all children or only children with elevated IL-1β) were used. Results: We found evidence for an interaction between baseline IL-1β and treatment response for SRS-total, SRS-social communicative functioning, SRS-awareness and SRS-communication (all Pinteraction < 0.10). When all children were included in the analysis, two outcome comparisons (treatments vs. placebo) showed greater improvements: VID, no effect (all P > 0.10); OM and VIDOM (P = 0.01) for SRS-awareness. When only children with elevated IL-1β were included, five outcomes showed greater improvements: OM (P = 0.01) for SRS-total; OM (P = 0.03) for SRS-social communicative functioning; VID (P = 0.01), OM (P = 0.003) and VIDOM (P = 0.01) for SRS-awareness. Conclusion: Inflammatory state may have modulated responses to vitamin D and omega-3 LCPUFA intervention in children with ASD, suggesting children with elevated inflammation may benefit more from daily vitamin D and omega-3 LCPUFA supplementation.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing rapidly in Africa. An appropriate therapeutic approach is to inhibit intestinal carbohydrate digesting enzymes using plant polyphenols. A crude preparation of sorghum condensed tannins (SCT) was highly effective (approx. 20,000 times) at inhibiting α-glucosidase compared to acarbose, while acarbose was a better α-amylase inhihitor (approx. 180 times). Kafirin microparticles (KEMS) were investigated as an oral delivery system for SCT. Using a simple aqueous alcohol coacervation method, the encapulation efficiency of SCT in the KEMS was approx. 48%. Quantitative data and electron microscopy revealed that KEMS encapsulating SCT were digested to only a limited extent during simulated gastrointestinal digestion with pepsin and trypsin–chymotrypsin. Hence, SCT encapsulated in KEMS retained their inhibitory activity against both amylases, throughout simulated gastrointestinal digestion, whereas unencapsulated SCT lost most of their inhibitory activity. Thus, KEMS encapsulating SCT have potential as a nutraceutical to attenuate hyperglycaemia and control T2D.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been reported to have an anabolic effect on bone in vivo, but comparative studies to identify inhibitors of osteoclast formation amongst ω3- and ω6-PUFAs are still lacking. Here we assessed the effects of the ω3-PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and the ω6-PUFAs, arachidonic acid (AA) and γ-linolenic acid (GLA) on a RAW264.7 osteoclast differentiation model. The effects of PUFAs on RANKL-induced osteoclast formation were evaluated by counting tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinucleated cells. PUFAs significantly inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast formation in a dose-dependent manner with AA- and DHA-mediated inhibition being the strongest. Furthermore, RANKL-induced mRNA- and protein expression of the key osteoclastogenic genes cathepsin K and TRAP were inhibited by AA and more potently by DHA. Owing to the attenuated osteoclastogenesis by DHA and AA, actin ring formation and bone resorptive activity of these cells as evaluated on bone-mimetic plates were severely compromised. Hence, of the tested PUFAs, AA and DHA were found to be the most effective in inhibiting RANKL-induced osteoclast formation with the latter providing the strongest inhibitory effects. Collectively, the data indicates that these PUFAs may play an important role in regulating bone diseases characterized by excessive osteoclast activity.

This prospective study investigated the association between nutrient intake, dietary patterns, and changes in bone turnover and bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal urban black South African women over two years. These women (n = 144) underwent BMD measurements at the distal radius, lumbar spine, femoral neck (FN), as well as a biochemical analysis which included the parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25-hydroxyvitamin D, C-Telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-1) in 2010 and 2012. Their dietary intake was assessed in 2010 using a food frequency questionnaire, and sociodemographic and health information was collected. Four dietary patterns explained 54.4% of the variance of dietary intake, namely staple foods and processed meats, home cooking, snacking, and high sugar. Dietary magnesium negatively correlated with CTx-1 in 2012 (r = −0.21, p = 0.02), calcium correlated with distal radius BMD in 2010 (r = 0.22, p = 0.01) and 2012 (r = 0.24, p = 0.005), and the snacking dietary pattern score correlated with FN BMD in 2010 (r = 0.18, p = 0.03) and 2012 (r = 0.21, p = 0.02). The baseline CTx-1 and dietary magnesium intake predicted 22% of the variance in percentage change of CTx-1 over two years (p < 0.001).The magnesium intake predicted short-term bone resorption over two years.

In our previous investigation, delphinidin, one of the most abundant anthocyanins found in vegetables and berry fruits, had been shown to inhibit osteoclasts and prevent bone loss in mouse models of osteoporosis. In the present study, we investigated whether a delphinidin glycoside-enriched maqui berry extract (MBE, Delphinol®) exhibits beneficial effects on bone metabolism both in vitro and in vivo. MBE stimulated the osteoblastic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells, as indicated by enhanced mineralized nodule formation, and increased alkaline phosphatase activity, through the upregulation of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (Bmp2), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), Osterix (Osx), osteocalcin (Ocn), and matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (Mepe) mRNA expression. Immunostaining and immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that MBE suppressed NF-κB transnucleation through acting as a superoxide anion/peroxynitrite scavenger in MC3T3-E1 cells. Simultaneously, MBE inhibited both osteoclastogenesis in primary bone marrow macrophages and pit formation by maturated osteoclasts on dentine slices. Microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) and bone histomorphometry analyses of femurs demonstrated that the daily ingestion of MBE significantly increased BV/TV (ratio of bone volume to tissue volume), Tb.Th (trabecular thickness), Tb.N (trabecular number), N.Nd/N.Tm (node to terminus ratio), OV/TV (ratio of osteoid volume to tissue volume), BFR/TV (bone formation rate per tissue volume), and significantly decreased Tb.Sp (trabecular separation), ES/BS (ratio of eroded surface to bone surface) and N.Oc/BS (number of osteoclast per unit of bone surface), compared to vehicle controls in osteopenic mouse models. These findings suggest that MBE can be a promising natural agent for the prevention of bone loss in osteopenic conditions by not only inhibiting bone resorption, but also stimulating bone formation.

The prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) is rising worldwide, with the most pronounced increase being in the category of metabolic-associated osteoarthritis (MetOA). This is predicted to worsen with the global rise in aging societies and obesity. To address this health burden, research is being conducted to identify foods that can reduce the incidence or severity of MetOA. Oil from the Greenshell mussel (Perna canaliculus) (GSM), a native New Zealand shellfish, has been successfully used to reduce OA symptoms. The current study assessed the effect of including flash-dried powder from whole GSM meat as part of a normal (control) versus high-fat/high-sugar (HFHS) diet for 13 weeks on the development of MetOA in rats. Rats fed a HFHS diet developed metabolic dysregulation and obesity with elevated plasma leptin and HbA1C concentrations. Visible damage to knee joint cartilage was minimal, but plasma levels of C telopeptide of type II collagen (CTX-II), a biomarker of cartilage degradation, were markedly higher in HFHS-fed rats compared to control-fed rats. However, rats fed the HFHS diet containing GSM had significantly reduced serum CTX-II. Inclusion of GSM in rats fed the control diet also lowered CTX-II. These findings suggest that dietary GSM can reduce the incidence or slow the progression of early MetOA.

When developing a sample preparation protocol for LC−MS untargeted metabolomics of a new sample matrix unfamiliar to the laboratory, selection of a suitable injection concentration is rarely described. Here we developed a simple workflow to address this issue prior to untargeted LC−MS metabolomics using pig adipose tissue and liver tissue. Bi-phasic extraction was performed to enable simultaneous optimisation of parameters for analysis of both lipids and polar extracts. A series of diluted pooled samples were analysed by LC−MS and used to evaluate signal linearity. Suitable injected concentrations were determined based on both the number of reproducible features and linear features. With our laboratory settings, the optimum concentrations of tissue mass to reconstitution solvent of liver and adipose tissue lipid fractions were found to be 125 mg/mL and 7.81 mg/mL respectively, producing 2811 (ESI+) and 4326 (ESI−) linear features from liver, 698 (ESI+) and 498 (ESI−) linear features from adipose tissue. For analysis of the polar fraction of both tissues, 250 mg/mL was suitable, producing 403 (ESI+) and 235 (ESI−) linear features from liver, 114 (ESI+) and 108 (ESI−) linear features from adipose tissue. Incorrect reconstitution volumes resulted in either severe overloading or poor linearity in our lipid data, while too dilute polar fractions resulted in a low number of reproducible features (

Several lines of evidence suggest that oxidative stress is one of the key pathogenic mechanisms of osteoporosis. We aimed to elucidate the bone protective effects of petunidin, one of the most common anthocyanidins, considering its potent antioxidative activity. Petunidin (>5 μg/mL) significantly inhibited osteoclastogenesis and downregulated c-fos, Nfatc1, Mmp9, Ctsk, and Dc-stamp mRNA expression in RAW264.7 cells. Conversely, petunidin (>16 μg/mL) stimulated mineralized matrix formation and gene expression of Bmp2 and Ocn, whereas it suppressed Mmp13, Mmp2, and Mmp9 mRNA expression and proteolytic activities of MMP13 and MMP9 in MC3T3-E1 cells. Micro-CT and bone histomorphometry analyses of sRANKL-induced osteopenic C57BL/6J mice showed that daily oral administration of petunidin (7.5 mg/kg/day) increased bone volume to tissue volume (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular number (Tb.N), the ratio of osteoid volume to tissue volume (OV/TV), osteoid thickness (O.Th), the ratio of osteoid surface to bone surface (OS/BS), the ratio of osteoblast surface to bone surface (Ob.S/BS), and the number of osteoblast per unit of bone surface (N.Ob/BS), and decreased trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), the ratio of eroded surface to bone surface (ES/BS), the ratio of osteoclast surface to bone surface (Oc.S/BS), and number of osteoclast per unit of bone surface (N.Oc/BS), compared to untreated mice. Furthermore, histological sections of the femurs showed that oral administration of petunidin to sRANKL-induced osteopenic mice increased the size of osteoblasts located along the bone surface and the volume of osteoid was consistent with the in vitro osteoblast differentiation and MMP inhibition. These results suggest that petunidin is a promising natural agent to improve sRANKL-induced osteopenia in mice through increased osteoid formation, reflecting accelerated osteoblastogenesis, concomitant with suppressed bone resorption.

Optimal bone health is important in children to reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life. Both body composition and vitamin D play an important role in bone health. This study aimed to describe bone health, body composition, and vitamin D status, and the relationship between these among a group of conveniently sampled black preadolescent South African children (n = 84) using a cross-sectional study. Body composition, bone mineral density (BMD), and bone mineral content (BMC) were assessed using dual x-ray absorptiometry. Levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) (n = 59) were assessed using dried blood spots. A quarter (25%) of children presented with low bone mass density for their chronological age (BMD Z-score < −2) and 7% with low BMC-for-age (BMC Z-score < −2), while only 34% of the children had sufficient vitamin D status (25(OH)D ≥ 30 ng/mL). Lean mass was the greatest body compositional determinant for variances observed in bone health measures. Body composition and bone health parameters were not significantly different across vitamin D status groups (p > 0.05), except for lumbar spine bone mineral apparent density (LS-BMAD) (p < 0.01). No association was found between bone parameters at all sites and levels of 25(OH)D (p > 0.05). Further research, using larger representative samples of South African children including all race groups is needed before any conclusions and subsequent recommendation among this population group can be made.

Osteoclasts are the sole bone resorbing cell in the body and their over activity is key in the development of osteoporosis. Osteoclastogenesis is mediated by receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) signalling pathways. Unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) are known to inhibit osteoclastogenesis by targeting RANKL signalling. However, the mechanisms of action remain unclear. Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) are a family of nuclear receptors, with three known isoforms (PPAR-α, PPAR-β/δ and PPAR-γ), that are known to bind UFAs and are expressed in osteoclasts. In this study, we aimed to determine how different families of UFAs activate PPARs and how PPAR activation influences osteoclast signalling. Human CD14+ monocytes were seeded into cluster plates with RANKL and macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) in the presence of PPAR agonists or different types of UFAs. All the PPAR agonists were shown to upregulate the activity of their respective receptors. Polyunsaturated fatty acids increased PPAR-α to a greater extent than monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), which favoured PPAR-β/δ activation. All PPAR agonists inhibited osteoclastogenesis. The activation of RANKL signalling pathways and expression of key osteoclast genes were downregulated by PPAR agonists. This study reveals that PPAR activation can inhibit osteoclastogenesis through modulation of RANKL signalling.

Background: The efficacy of vitamin D and omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated [...]

Background: Obesity-induced chronic inflammation is associated with metabolic syndrome, andoften leads to the development of osteoarthritis [...]

Background: Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a well-regarded device for primarilymeasuring bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition. [...]

Iodine and selenium are required for thyroid function. This study investigated iodine and selenium intakes in healthy, women aged 50–70 years (n = 97) from three cities in the North Island of New Zealand, after mandatory fortification of bread with iodised salt. Iodine and selenium concentrations were determined in 24-h urine samples; daily intakes were extrapolated from amounts in urine (90% and 55% of daily intake, respectively). Three day diet diaries (3DDD) also estimated selenium and iodine (excluding iodised salt) intake. Median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was 57 (41, 78) µg/L, indicating mild iodine deficiency. Estimated median iodine intake based on urine was 138 (100, 172) µg/day, below Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) (150 µg/day) with 25% below Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) (100 µg/day). Estimated median selenium intake was 50 (36, 71) µg/day based on urine and 45 (36, 68) µg/day using 3DDD, below RDI (60 µg/day) with 49%–55% below EAR (50 µg/day). Median bread intakes were low at 1.8 (1.1, 2.7) serves/day; 25% consumed ≤1 serve/day. Although population iodine intakes improved following mandatory fortification, some had low intakes. Selenium intakes remain low. Further research should investigate thyroid function of low consumers of iodine fortified bread and/or selenium in New Zealand.

Omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation (n-3 LCPUFA) for treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is popular. The results of previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses of n-3 LCPUFA supplementation on ASD outcomes were inconclusive. Two meta-analyses were conducted; meta-analysis 1 compared blood levels of LCPUFA and their ratios arachidonic acid (ARA) to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), ARA to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), or total n-6 to total n-3 LCPUFA in ASD to those of typically developing individuals (with no neurodevelopmental disorders), and meta-analysis 2 compared the effects of n-3 LCPUFA supplementation to placebo on symptoms of ASD. Case-control studies and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were identified searching electronic databases up to May, 2016. Mean differences were pooled and analysed using inverse variance models. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistic. Fifteen case-control studies (n = 1193) were reviewed. Compared with typically developed, ASD populations had lower DHA (−2.14 [95% CI −3.22 to −1.07]; p < 0.0001; I2 = 97%), EPA (−0.72 [95% CI −1.25 to −0.18]; p = 0.008; I2 = 88%), and ARA (−0.83 [95% CI, −1.48 to −0.17]; p = 0.01; I2 = 96%) and higher total n-6 LCPUFA to n-3 LCPUFA ratio (0.42 [95% CI 0.06 to 0.78]; p = 0.02; I2 = 74%). Four RCTs were included in meta-analysis 2 (n = 107). Compared with placebo, n-3 LCPUFA improved social interaction (−1.96 [95% CI −3.5 to −0.34]; p = 0.02; I2 = 0) and repetitive and restricted interests and behaviours (−1.08 [95% CI −2.17 to −0.01]; p = 0.05; I2 = 0). Populations with ASD have lower n-3 LCPUFA status and n-3 LCPUFA supplementation can potentially improve some ASD symptoms. Further research with large sample size and adequate study duration is warranted to confirm the efficacy of n-3 LCPUFA.

Acute doses of Ca rapidly increase serum Ca and reduce bone resorption concomitant with a reduction in serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. The physiological response to a dose of Ca in milk and to a Ca salt may be different. The present study investigated Ca absorption patterns with increasing levels of fortification in milk, and the response to one dose of a Ca salt. A group of twenty-eight Asian women aged 20–45 years volunteered to attend the laboratory over several weeks. The fasted volunteers were randomised to one of three experimental drinks: 200 ml skimmed milk containing 250, 500 or 1000 mg Ca. A subgroup of seven volunteers also received a calcium gluconate/carbonate salt containing 1000 mg Ca in 200 ml water. Serial blood samples and urine were collected for 5 h from baseline. Different doses of Ca in milk resulted in a graded response in serum corrected Ca, PTH and C-telopeptide of type I collagen (CTx) but not ionised Ca. Serum Ca increased in response to all milk drinks and from 2 to 5 h the blood Ca levels were significantly different for the 250 and 1000 mg doses, as was the integrated response between the loads. The PTH response to the two higher doses was significantly more than following the 250 mg dose. The integrated response for CTx and urinary Ca between all three doses of Ca in milk was significantly different. A dose of Ca salt elicited a more immediate response reaching a plateau faster, and declining faster to baseline. Fortified milk is a safe matrix for delivering larger doses of Ca.

Allergic asthma is an inflammatory lung disease that is partly sustained by the chemokine eotaxin-3 (CCL26), which extends eosinophil migration into tissues long after allergen exposure. Modulation of CCL26 could represent a means to mitigate airway inflammation. Here we evaluated procyanidin A2 as a means of modulating CCL26 production and investigated interactions with the known inflammation modulator, Interferon γ (IFNγ). We used the human lung epithelial cell line A549 and optimized the conditions for inducing CCL26. Cells were exposed to a range of procyanidin A2 or IFNγ concentrations for varied lengths of time prior to an inflammatory insult of interleukin-4 (IL-4) for 24 h. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure CCL26 production. Exposing cells to 5 μM procyanidin A2 (prior to IL-4) reduced CCL26 production by 35% compared with control. Greatest inhibition by procyanidin A2 was seen with a 2 h exposure prior to IL-4, whereas IFNγ inhibition was greatest at 24 h. Concomitant incubation of procyanidin A2 and IFNγ did not extend the inhibitory efficacy of procyanidin A2. These data provide evidence that procyanidin A2 can modulate IL-4-induced CCL26 production by A549 lung epithelial cells and that it does so in a manner that is different from IFNγ.

The skeleton is a metabolically active organ undergoing continuously remodelling. With ageing and menopause the balance shifts to increased resorption, leading to a reduction in bone mineral density and disruption of bone microarchitecture. Bone mass accretion and bone metabolism are influenced by systemic hormones as well as genetic and lifestyle factors. The classic paradigm has described osteoporosis as being a “brittle bone” disease that occurs in post-menopausal, thin, Caucasian women with low calcium intakes and/or vitamin D insufficiency. However, a study of black women in Africa demonstrated that higher proportions of body fat did not protect bone health. Isoflavone interventions in Asian postmenopausal women have produced inconsistent bone health benefits, due in part to population heterogeneity in enteric bacterial metabolism of daidzein. A comparison of women and men in several Asian countries identified significant differences between countries in the rate of bone health decline, and a high incidence rate of osteoporosis in both sexes. These studies have revealed significant differences in genetic phenotypes, debunking long-held beliefs and leading to new paradigms in study design. Current studies are now being specifically designed to assess genotype differences between Caucasian, Asian, African, and other phenotypes, and exploring alternative methodology to measure bone architecture.

Low vitamin D status in early development has been hypothesised as an environmental risk factor for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), given the concurrent increase in the prevalence of these two conditions, and the association of vitamin D with many ASD-associated medical conditions. Identification of vitamin D-ASD factors may provide indications for primary and secondary prevention interventions. We systematically reviewed the literature for studies on vitamin D-ASD relationship, including potential mechanistic pathways. We identified seven specific areas, including: latitude, season of conception/birth, maternal migration/ethnicity, vitamin D status of mothers and ASD patients, and vitamin D intervention to prevent and treat ASD. Due to differences in the methodological procedures and inconsistent results, drawing conclusions from the first three areas is difficult. Using a more direct measure of vitamin D status—that is, serum 25(OH)D level during pregnancy or childhood—we found growing evidence for a relationship between vitamin D and ASD. These findings are supported by convincing evidence from experimental studies investigating the mechanistic pathways. However, with few primary and secondary prevention intervention trials, this relationship cannot be determined, unless randomised placebo-controlled trials of vitamin D as a preventive or disease-modifying measure in ASD patients are available.