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Because of their role in regulating and fine-tuning gene expression in the posttranscriptional period, microRNA (miRNA) may represent a mediating factor that connects diet and metabolic regulation. Given the vast number of miRNAs and that modulations in miRNA happen in response to a variety of stimuli, a comprehensive registry of miRNAs impacted by diet and the food items that modulate them, would have utility in the identification of miRNA complements for analysis of diet interventions and in helping to establish linkages between the specific impacts of diet components. A scoping literature search of online databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and Web of Science) was performed. Only studies in human populations, those that used a diet intervention or meal challenge, and those that measured miRNA profiles in the same subject at multiple time points were included. Of the 6167 studies screened, only 25 met the study criteria and were included in the review. Seven studies examined miRNA following a meal challenge, whereas 18 investigated miRNA following a sustained diet intervention. The results demonstrated that miRNA are modulated following a variety of diet interventions and that intensity of miRNA response is greater in metabolically healthy subjects. Heterogeneity in the intensity and length of the diet intervention, the study populations being observed, and the methodology through which target miRNA are identified contribute to a lack of comparability across studies. The findings of this review highlight the need for more study of miRNA responsiveness to intake and provide recommendations for future research.

Background and Aim: Collecting accurate dietary information in the research setting is challenging due to the inherent biases, duration, and resource-intensive nature of traditional data collection methods. Diet ID™ is a novel, rapid assessment method that uses an image-based algorithm to identify dietary patterns and estimate nutrient intake. The purpose of this analysis was to explore the criterion validity between Diet ID™ and additional measures of dietary intake. Methods: This prospective cohort study (n = 42) collected dietary information using Diet ID™, the Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR), plasma carotenoid concentrations, and the Veggie Meter® to estimate carotenoid levels in the skin. Results: There were significant correlations between Diet ID™ and NDSR for diet quality, calories, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and cholesterol. Vitamin A and carotenoid intake were significantly correlated, with the exception of α-carotene and lycopene. Significant correlations were observed for calcium, folate, iron, sodium, potassium, Vitamins B2, B3, B6, C, and E. Skin carotenoid scores and plasma carotenoids were correlated with carotenoid intake from Diet ID™. Conclusions: Diet ID™ may be a useful tool in nutrition research as a less time-intensive and minimally burdensome dietary data collection method for both participants and researchers.

As a crucial part of the symbiotic system, the gut microbiome is metabolically connected to many diseases and conditions, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Trimethylamine (TMA) is produced by gut bacteria from dietary choline, betaine, or L-carnitine, and is then converted in the liver to Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), which in turn affects hepatic and intestinal lipid metabolism. Circulating TMAO is positively associated with CVD risk. Because eggs are rich in choline, it has been speculated that their consumption may increase plasma TMAO. In this study, we hypothesized that 2 eggs per day increases plasma TMAO level by altering gut microbiome composition in mildly hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal women. In this randomized, cross-over study, 20 overweight, postmenopausal women were given 2 whole eggs and the equivalent amount of yolk-free substitute as breakfast for 4 weeks, in randomized order, with a 4-week washout in between. Fasting blood draws and stool were collected at the beginning and end of each treatment period. Plasma TMAO, choline, betaine and other metabolites were analyzed using LC/MS, while gut microbiome composition was analyzed using 16S amplicon sequencing. Plasma choline and betaine were significantly increased after whole egg but not yolk-free substitute, however TMAO level was not significantly affected by treatments. Gut microbiome composition showed large inter-individual variability at baseline and in response to the treatments. The consumption of 2 eggs per day in overweight, postmenopausal mildly hypercholesterolemic women significantly increased plasma choline and betaine, but did not increase plasma TMAO or alter gut microbiome composition.

ObjectiveAlmonds are a rich source of fatty acids and antioxidants, and their supplementation is known to significantly modulate serum lipids. The effects of almond on the skin's lipid barrier and the appearance of wrinkles have not yet been elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of almond consumption on facial sebum production and wrinkles.MethodsThis was a prospective, investigator-blinded, randomized controlled trial in which subjects consumed 20% of their daily energy consumption in either almonds or a calorie-matched snack for 16 weeks. This study was completed at the UC Davis Dermatology clinic. Participants were a volunteer sample of generally healthy postmenopausal females with Fitzpatrick skin types 1 and 2. A facial photograph and image analysis system was used to obtain standardized photographs and information on wrinkle width and severity at 0, 8, and 16 weeks. Measurements of transepidermal water loss and sebum production were also completed at 0, 8, and 16 weeks.ResultsFifty healthy postmenopausal females were recruited, 31 participants were enrolled, and 28 completed the study. Under photographic analysis, the almond group had significantly decreased wrinkle severity and width compared with the control group at 16 weeks (p < .02). Changes in skin barrier function were nonsignificant, measured by the transepidermal water loss (p = .65) between the almond and control groups relative to baseline after 16 weeks. No adverse effects were reported.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that daily almond consumption may reduce wrinkle severity in postmenopausal females to potentially have natural antiaging benefits.

BackgroundPostmenopausal women are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) than their younger counterparts. HDL cholesterol is a biomarker for CVD risk, but the function of HDL may be more important than HDL cholesterol in deciphering disease risk. Although diet continues to be a cornerstone of treatment and prevention of CVD, little is known about how diet affects the functionality of HDL.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to characterize the effects of whole eggs compared with yolk-free eggs on HDL function and composition in overweight, postmenopausal women and determine how changes in HDL composition are related to HDL functional parameters.MethodsThe study was a 14-wk, single-blind, randomized crossover dietary trial with two 4-wk intervention periods in 20 overweight, postmenopausal women. The crossover treatments were frozen breakfast meals containing 100 g of liquid (∼2) whole eggs compared with 100 g of (∼2) yolk-free eggs per day, separated by a 4-wk washout. Fasting blood samples were taken at the beginning and end of each treatment period to determine the effects on HDL composition and function.ResultsCholesterol efflux capacity increased in the whole-egg treatment (mean ± SD percentage change: +5.69% ± 9.9%) compared with the yolk-free egg treatment (-3.69% ± 5.3%) (P

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death around the world. Overall diet quality and dietary behaviors are core contributors to metabolic health. While therapeutic targets have traditionally focused on levels of lipoprotein cholesterol when evaluating cardiovascular risk, current perspectives on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) have shifted to evaluating the functionality of this lipoprotein particle. Effects of diet on cardiovascular health are mediated through multiple pathways, but the impact on HDL composition and function deserves greater attention. Potential areas of investigation involve changes in particle characteristics, distribution, microRNA cargo, and other functional changes such as improvements to cholesterol efflux capacity. Various dietary patterns like the Mediterranean diet and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health and may prevent cardiovascular events. These healthful dietary patterns tend to be rich in plant-based foods, with cardiovascular benefits likely resulting from synergistic effects of the individual dietary components. The purpose of this review is to summarize current perspectives on selected functions of HDL particles and how various dietary patterns affect cardiovascular health biomarkers, with a focus on HDL functionality.

Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) contain bioactive components with functional properties that may modify cardiovascular risk. The aims of this pilot study were to evaluate the ability of black beans to attenuate postprandial metabolic, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses and determine relative contribution of dietary fiber and antioxidant capacity of beans to the overall effect. In this randomized, controlled, crossover trial, 12 adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS) consumed one of three meals (black bean (BB), fiber matched (FM), and antioxidant capacity matched (AM)) on three occasions that included blood collection before (fasting) and five hours postprandially. Insulin was lower after the BB meal, compared to the FM or AM meals (p < 0.0001). A significant meal × time interaction was observed for plasma antioxidant capacity (p = 0.002) revealing differences over time: AM > BB > FM. Oxidized LDL (oxLDL) was not different by meal, although a trend for declining oxLDL was observed after the BB and AM meals at five hours compared to the FM meal. Triglycerides and interleukin-6 (IL-6) increased in response to meals (p < 0.0001). Inclusion of black beans with a typical Western-style meal attenuates postprandial insulin and moderately enhances postprandial antioxidant endpoints in adults with MetS, which could only be partly explained by fiber content and properties of antioxidant capacity.

ScopeSystemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and oxidative stress are involved in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Epidemiological evidence supports an association between whole soy food consumption and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The objective of this randomized, controlled, cross-over study was to evaluate the effects of soy nut consumption on inflammatory biomarkers and endothelial function and to assess whether isoflavone metabolism to secondary products, equol, and/or O-desmethylangolensin (ODMA), modifies these responses.Methods and resultsn = 17 adults at cardiometabolic risk were randomly assigned to the order of two snack interventions, soy nuts, and macronutrient-matched control snack, for four weeks each, separated by a two week washout period. Outcome measures included biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and glycemic control (ELISA and clinical analyzers), endothelial function, and arterial stiffness (peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT)), and isoflavone metabolites (LC-MS/MS). Results revealed that consuming soy nuts improved arterial stiffness as assessed by the augmentation index using PAT (p = 0.03), despite lack of improvement in inflammatory biomarkers. Addition of equol and/or ODMA production status as covariates did not significantly change these results.ConclusionSoy nuts when added to a usual diet for one month provide some benefit on arterial stiffness in adults at cardiometabolic risk.

Diet and lifestyle choices are major factors contributing to the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is responsible for more deaths in the United States than any other cause. One dietary component that has received considerable attention for its potential cardioprotective effects is soybeans, which contain lean vegetable protein, dietary fiber and bioactive compounds known as isoflavones. Recent research investigating the relationship between soy and cardiovascular disease has identified several potential mechanisms for the observed protective effects, including cholesterol-lowering properties, antioxidant activity and gene regulation. This review highlights current understanding of the complex relationship between soy and the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Type 2 diabetes is increasing rapidly in the United States and Latin America and contributes significantly to the rise in health care spending. Diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, renal failure and blindness, and leads to other complications. Type 2 diabetes and its complications can be delayed in high-risk individuals through a healthy lifestyle and ongoing medical care. Some research suggests a relationship between diabetes and other underlying metabolic conditions, either as predisposing factors or as adverse outcomes of occupational exposures in farmworkers. UC Cooperative Extension can have a greater impact on the health and safety of California’s workforce by filling in research gaps and strengthening collaborations.

The Healthy Rewards study tested the effectiveness of goal setting to encourage behavior change in Latino and African American adults in three northern California counties. Four groups of adults were alternately assigned to receive either 1) basic health promotion and nutrition education without goal setting (control) or 2) the same education with personal goal setting. Participants (n = 31) attended four 2-hour weekly sessions over 1 month. While the community-based education was effective in promoting participant behavior change overall, the goal-setting groups reported even greater change than groups who did not engage in goal setting. (Contains 1 figure and 2 tables.)

Soy isoflavones have functional similarity to human estrogens and may protect against breast cancer as a result of their antiestrogenic activity or increase risk as a result of their estrogen-like properties. We examined the relation between isoflavone supplementation and mammographic density, a strong marker for breast cancer risk, among postmenopausal women. The Osteoporosis Prevention Using Soy (OPUS) study, a multi-site, randomized, double-blinded, and placebocontrolled trial assigned 406 postmenopausal women to 80 or 120 mg/d of isoflavones each or a placebo for 2 y. Percent densities were assessed in digitized mammograms using a computer-assisted method. The mammogram reader did not know the treatment status and the time of mammograms. We applied mixed models to compare breast density by treatment while considering the repeated measures. The mammographic density analysis included 358 women, 88.2 % of the OPUS participants; 303 had a complete set of 3 mammograms, 49 had 2, and 6 had only 1 mammogram. At baseline, the groups were similar in age, BMI, and percent density, but mean breast density differed by study site (P = 0.02). A model with all mammograms did not show a treatment effect on any mammographic measure, but the change over time was significant; breast density decreased by 1.6%/y across groups (P< 0.001). Stratification by age and BMI did not reveal any effects in subgroups. In this randomized 2-y trial, isoflavone supplements did not modify breast density in postmenopausal women. These findings offer reassurance that isofiavones do not act like hormone replacement medication on breast density.

This study determined whether a "Contract for Change" goal-setting exercise enhanced the effectiveness of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education/Food Stamp Nutrition Education programs to increase produce consumption in low-income (<130% of poverty) women after 4 weeks. Thirty-eight participants were randomized in this three-group parallel arm study: (a) control group participants received life-skills lessons, (b) the education group received the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education/Food Stamp Nutrition Education "Food Guide Pyramid" lessons, and (c) the contract group also received the "Food Guide Pyramid" series and completed a "Contract for Change." It was hypothesized that the contract group would have the greatest increases in advancement toward dietary change and produce consumption. Compared with controls, the contract group significantly moved toward acceptance of vegetable consumption (P[less than or equal to].05). Compared with the education group, the contract group significantly increased fruit consumption. Results suggest that nutrition professionals can effectively use goal-setting to assist low-income populations with dietary change. J Am Diet Assoc. 2005;105:1793-1796.

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1053/jada.2003.50028 Byline: Francene M Steinberg, Monica M Bearden, Carl L Keen Abstract: This paper offers a review of current scientific research regarding the potential cardiovascular health benefits of flavonoids found in cocoa and chocolate. Recent reports indicate that the main flavonoids found in cocoa, flavan-3-ols and their oligomeric derivatives, procyanidins, have a variety of beneficial actions, including antioxidant protection and modulation of vascular homeostasis. These findings are supported by similar research on other flavonoid-rich foods. Other constituents in cocoa and chocolate that may also influence cardiovascular health are briefly reviewed. The lipid content of chocolate is relatively high; however, one third of the lipid in cocoa butter is composed of the fat stearic acid, which exerts a neutral cholesterolemic response in humans. Cocoa and chocolate contribute to trace mineral intake, which is necessary for optimum functioning of all biologic systems and for vascular tone. Thus, multiple components in chocolate, particularly flavonoids, can contribute to the complex interplay of nutrition and health. Applications of this knowledge include recommendations by health professionals to encourage individuals to consume a wide range of phytochemical-rich foods, which can include dark chocolate in moderate amounts. J Am Diet Assoc. 2003;103:215-223. Author Affiliation: F. M. Steinberg is an assistant professor and Director, Didactic Program in Dietetics, Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, CA; M. M. Bearden is Assistant External Relations Manager, Mars Inc., Hackettstown, NJ; and C. L. Keen is a professor of the Departments of Nutrition and Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA Article Note: (miscellaneous) 0002-8223/03/10302-0016$35.00/0

Recent epidemiologic studies have associated nut consumption with a reduced incidence of cardiovascular mortality. However, little is known about the contribution of nut polyphenols to antioxidant and cardiovascular protection. In this investigation, polyphenol-rich extracts from English walnuts (Juglans regia) were studied and compared with ellagic acid for their ability to inhibit in vitro plasma and LDL oxidation, as well as their effects on LDL [alpha]-tocopherol during oxidative stress. In addition, the Trolox equivalent antioxidant activity (TEAC) was determined and liquid chromatography electrospray detection mass spectrometry (LC-ELSD/MS) analyses of the walnut extracts were performed. 2,2'-Azobis'(2-amidino propane) hydrochloride (AAPH)-induced LDL oxidation was significantly inhibited by 87 and 38% with the highest concentration (1.0 [micro]mol/L) of ellagic acid and walnut extract, respectively. In addition, copper-mediated LDL oxidation was inhibited by 14 and 84% in the presence of ellagic acid and walnut extract, respectively, with a modest, significant LDL [alpha]-tocopherol sparing effect observed. Plasma thiobarbituric acid reacting substance (TBARS) formation was significantly inhibited by walnut extracts and ellagic acid in a dose-dependent manner, and the extracts exhibited a TEAC value greater than that of [alpha]-tocopherol. LC-ELSD/MS analysis of the walnut extracts identified ellagic acid monomers, polymeric ellagitannins and other phenolics, principally nonflavonoid compounds. These results demonstrate that walnut polyphenolics are effective inhibitors of in vitro plasma and LDL oxidation. The polyphenolic content of walnuts should be considered when evaluating their antiatherogenic potential. J. Nutr. 131: 2837-2842, 2001. KEY WORDS: * polyphenol * ellagic acid * LDL * antioxidant * English walnuts

Lysyl oxidase levels were estimated in rat tissues using an enzyme-linked immunosorption assay (ELISA) and a functional assay standardized against known amounts of purified lysyl oxidase. High concentrations of lysyl oxidase ([greater than or equal to]150 [[micro]gram]/g of tissue or packed cells) were detected in connective tissues, such as tendon and skin. Values for aorta, kidney, lung and liver ranged from 30 to 150 [[micro]gram]/g of tissue; values for skeletal muscle and diaphragm were 0.9). When egg white-based experimental diets containing 2 or 10 [[micro]gram]/g added copper were fed to weanling rats, values for skin lysyl oxidase functional activity in the group fed 2 [[micro]gram]/g added copper were one-third to one-half the values for skin lysyl oxidase functional activity in rats fed 10 [[micro]gram]/g copper. This reduction in lysyl oxidase activity, however, had minimal effect on indices of collagen maturation in rat skin, e.g., collagen solubility in neutral salt and dilute acid or the levels of acid stable cross-links. Moreover, copper deficiency did not influence the steady-state levels of lysyl oxidase specific mRNA in rat skin or the apparent amounts of lysyl oxidase in rat skin as determined by ELISA. These observations underscore that the concentration of lysyl oxidase is relatively high in dense corrective tissues, and although decreasing dietary copper influences functional activity, there is little apparent effect on the production of lysyl oxidase protein. INDEXING KEY WORDS: copper; lysyl oxidase; collagen; elastin; rats

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is proposed as a nutritionally important growth factor, and we provide evidence that PQQ improves reproduction performance in BALB/c mice and stimulates neonatal growth. In the first experiment, weanling female BALB/c mice were adapted to a chemically-defined diet containing 0, 100, 200, 300, 1000, or 5000 ng PQQ/g of diet. The mice were bred and their reproductive performance and surviving offspring were assessed for 20-wk. Reproductive outcome was markedly compromised for the groups most deprived of PQQ. Supplemented groups (greater than or equal to 1000 ng PQQ/g diet) had 8 pups/litter compared with 4-5 pups/litter in the PQQ-deprived groups (less than or equal to 300 ng PQQ/g diet). Of the pups surviving to weaning, 8 of 10 survived when PQQ was added to the diet (greater than or equal to 300 ng PQQ/g diet) compared with 4 of 10 in the PQQ-deficient group. The apparent requirement for PQQ for optimal growth of surviving neonates was estimated to be greater than or equal to 300 ng PQQ/g of diet. Moreover, splenic cell response to the mitogens concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharide, appeared related to PQQ intake. In a second experiment, female BALB/c mice were fed diets containing PQQ added at 0 or 1000 ng/g of diet, and interleukin 1 and 2 production were assessed. In particular, levels of interleukin 2, an autocrine and paracrine growth factor, were reduced in mice fed the deficient diet at a time when T-cell proliferation occurs in neonates. Results suggest that PQQ or similar compounds may play nutritionally important roles at critical stages in development.

The article offers practical tips for nurses working with the families and caregivers of older adults. Topics discussed include supported evidence that family caregivers aren't given the information they need to manage the complex care regimens of family members; and help nurses provide caregivers with the tools they need to manage their family member's health care at home.