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Background High caloric diet and lack of physical activity are considered main causes of NAFLD, and a change in the diet is still the only effective treatment of this disease. However, molecular mechanism of the effectiveness of diet change in treatment of NAFLD is poorly understood. We aimed to assess the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms of gene expression regulation in treatment of NAFLD. Eighteen participants with medium- to high-grade steatosis were recruited and trained to follow the Mediterranean diet modified to include fibre supplements. At three timepoints (baseline, after 30 and 60 days), we evaluated adherence to the diet and measured a number of physiological parameters such as anthropometry, blood and stool biochemistry, liver steatosis and stiffness. We also collected whole blood samples for genome-wide methylation profiling and histone acetylation assessment. Results The diet change resulted in a decrease in liver steatosis along with statistically significant, but a minor change in BMI and weight of our study participants. The epigenetic profiling of blood cells identified significant genome-wide changes of methylation and acetylation with the former not involving regions directly regulating gene expression. Most importantly, we were able to show that identified blood methylation changes occur also in liver cells of NAFLD patients and the machine learning-based classifier that we build on those methylation changes was able to predict the stage of liver fibrosis with ROC AUC = 0.9834. Conclusion Methylomes of blood cells from NAFLD patients display a number of changes that are most likely a consequence of unhealthy diet, and the diet change appears to reverse those epigenetic changes. Moreover, the methylation status at CpG sites undergoing diet-related methylation change in blood cells stratifies liver biopsies from NAFLD patients according to fibrosis grade.

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a wide spectrum condition characterized by excessive liver fat accumulation in people who do not abuse alcohol. There is no effective medical treatment for NAFLD; therefore, most important recommendations to reduce liver steatosis are diet and lifestyle, including proper physical activity. The aim of our study was to analyze the fatty acids and eicosanoids changes in the serum of patients who consumed high-fiber rolls for 8 weeks. Materials and Methods: The group of 28 Caucasian participants was randomly divided into two groups, those who received 24 g of fiber/day—from 2 buns of 12 g each (n = 14), and those who received 12 g of fiber/day—from 2 buns of 6 g (n = 14). At the beginning and on the last visit of the 8-week intervention, all patients underwent NAFLD evaluation, biochemical parameter measurements, and fatty acids and eicosanoids evaluation. Results: Patients who received 12 g of fiber had significantly reduced liver steatosis and body mass index. In the group who received 24 g of fiber/day, we observed a trend to liver steatosis reduction (p = 0.07) and significant decrease in aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.03) and total cholesterol (p = 0.03). All changes in fatty acid and eicosanoids profile were similar. Fatty acids analysis revealed that extra fiber intake was associated with a significant increase in monounsaturated fatty acids and decrease in saturated fatty acids. Moreover, both groups showed increased concentration of gamma linoleic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. We also observed reduction in prostaglandin E2. Conclusions: Our study revealed that a high amount of fiber in the diet is associated with a reduction in fatty liver, although this effect was more pronounced in patients in the lower fiber group. However, regardless of the amount of fiber consumed, we observed significant changes in the profile of FAs, which may reflect the positive changes in the lipids liver metabolism. Regardless of the amount of fiber consumed, patients decreased the amount of PGE2, which may indicate the lack of disease progression associated with the development of inflammation.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system in which there is a multifocal damage to the nerve tissue. Additionally, the literature emphasizes the excessive accumulation of iron in the central nervous system of patients, which is negatively correlated with their psychophysical fitness. Iron metabolism genes polymorphisms may modulate iron deposition in the body and thus affect the clinical course of MS. We aimed to assess the frequency of HAMP, TFR2, and TF polymorphisms in MS patients and their impact on the clinical course of the disease. The studied polymorphisms were identified by the Real-Time PCR using TaqMan technology. Neurological assessment by means of EDSS scale was conducted. This cross-sectional study included 176 patients, with the mean age of onset of symptoms at 30.6 years. The frequency of alleles of the studied polymorphisms was as follows: (a) HAMP rs10421768: A 75.9% (n = 267), G 24.1% (n = 65), (b) TF rs1049296: C 89.2% (n = 314), T 10.8% (n = 38), (c) TF rs3811647: A 39.8% (n = 140), G 60.2% (n = 212), (d) TFR2 rs7385804: A 59.1% (n = 59.1%), C 40.9% (n = 144). In the codominant inheritance model of TF rs1049269, it was shown that people with the CT genotype scored statistically significantly lower points in the EDSS scale at the time of diagnosis than those with the CC genotype (CC Me = 1.5, CT Me = 1.0 p = 0.0236). In the recessive model of TF inheritance rs3811647, it was noticed that the primary relapses were significantly more frequent in patients with at least one G allele compared with those with the AA genotype (AG + GG = 81.2%, AA = 18.8%, p = 0.0354). In the overdominant model rs7385804 TFR2, it was shown that among patients with the AA genotype, multiple sclerosis occurs significantly more often in relatives in a straight line compared with people with the AC and CC genotypes (AA = 100.0%, AC + CC = 0.0%, p = 0.0437). We concluded that the studied polymorphisms might affect the clinical course of MS.

Wojcieszonek Adam, Szpyt Justyna, Pajor Kacper, Hawryłkowicz Viktoria. Can aspartame-sweetened products safely help with weight loss? Journal of Education, Health and Sport. 2020;10(9):345‑348. eISSN 2391-8306. DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2020.10.09.039 https://apcz.umk.pl/czasopisma/index.php/JEHS/article/view/JEHS.2020.10.09.039 https://zenodo.org/record/4030031 The journal has had 5 points in Ministry of Science and Higher Education parametric evaluation. § 8. 2) and § 12. 1. 2) 22.02.2019. © The Authors 2020; This article is published with open access at Licensee Open Journal Systems of Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland Open Access. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author (s) and source are credited. This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non commercial license Share alike. (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) which permits unrestricted, non commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this paper. Received: 20.08.2020. Revised: 25.08.2020. Accepted: 15.09.2020. Can aspartame-sweetened products safely help with weight loss? Adam Wojcieszonek1, Justyna Szpyt1, Kacper Pajor1, Viktoria Hawryłkowicz1 Department of Human Nutrition and Metabolomics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, ul. Broniewskiego 24, 71 - 460 Szczecin, Poland Address for correspondence Adam Wojcieszonek, e-mail: adam.wojcieszonek@interia.pl Abstract One of the main causes of obesity is the high consumption of products rich in easily absorbed carbohydrates. Sweet products with lower energy value, which sweetness comes from artificial sweeteners are becoming more and more popular. One of the most examined and popular is aspartame. This sweetener is broken down in the human body among others to methanol, which is oxidized to formaldehyde and formic acid, that are toxic to the human body. Furthermore, there is an ongoing discussion about the potential carcinogenicity and the impact of aspartame on the gut microbiota. A literature review was conducted to determine whether aspartame could be considered a safe weight loss aid. European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) guidelines indicate that the toxic dose of aspartame in chronic use is 4000 mg per every kilogram of body mass per day. On the other hand, there are studies on rats that indicate that EFSA's position is overly optimistic. However, it should be noted, that so high consumption situations of this sweetener that would allow to approach the recommended daily maximum are extremely rare. The amount of methanol provided by aspartame-sweetened foods also makes it extremely difficult to achieve toxic levels. Aspartame has also been shown not to affect the gut microbiota. What is important from a dietary point of view, study that compared the consumption of "light" drinks with water showed that people on a diet and consuming "light" drinks achieved significantly greater weight reduction (approx. 1.24 kg) compared to people consuming only water. The use of aspartame as a substitute for sugar may help in reducing excess body weight. However, attention should be paid to the inconclusive results regarding the acceptable safe level of consumption of this sweetener. Keywords: Aspartame, Sweeteners, Obesity, Weight Reduction Diet

Gut microbiota plays a significant role in the human body providing many beneficial effects on the host. However, its dysbiotic alterations may affect the tumorigenic pathway and then trigger the development of pancreatic cancer. This dysbiosis can also modulate the aggressiveness of the tumor, influencing the microenvironment. Because pancreatic cancer is still one of the most lethal cancers worldwide with surgery as the only method that influences prognosis and has curative potential, there is a need to search for other strategies which will enhance the efficiency of standard therapy and improve patients’ quality of life. The administration of prebiotics, probiotics, next-generation probiotics (Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Akkermansia muciniphila), synbiotics, postbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation through multiple mechanisms affects the composition of the gut microbiota and may restore its balance. Despite limited data, some studies indicate that the aforementioned methods may allow to achieve better effect of pancreatic cancer treatment and improve therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer patients.

Background: The main nutritional consequences of COVID-19 include reduced food intake, hypercatabolism, and rapid muscle wasting. Some studies showed that malnutrition is a significant problem among patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 infection, and the outcome of patients with SARS-CoV-2 is strongly associated with their nutritional status. The purpose of this study was to collect useful information about the possible elements of nutritional and probiotic therapy in patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Methods: A narrative review of the literature, including studies published up to 13 September 2021. Results: Probiotics may support patients by inhibiting the ACE2 receptor, i.e., the passage of the virus into the cell, and may also be effective in suppressing the immune response caused by the proinflammatory cytokine cascade. In patients’ diet, it is crucial to ensure an adequate intake of micronutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids (at 2–4 g/d), selenium (300–450 μg/d) and zinc (30–50 mg/d), and vitamins A (900–700 µg/d), E (135 mg/d), D (20,000–50,000 IU), C (1–2 g/d), B6, and B12. Moreover, the daily calorie intake should amount to ≥1500–2000 with 75–100 g of protein. Conclusion: In conclusion, the treatment of gut dysbiosis involving an adequate intake of prebiotic dietary fiber and probiotics could turn out to be an immensely helpful instrument for immunomodulation, both in COVID-19 patients and prophylactically in individuals with no history of infection.

Increased triacylglycerols’ (TAG) synthesis, insulin resistance, and prolonged liver lipid storage might lead to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Global prevalence of NAFLD has been estimated to be around 25%, with gradual elevation of this ratio along with the increased content of adipose tissue in a body. The initial stages of NAFLD may be reversible, but the exposition to pathological factors should be limited. As dietary factors greatly influence various disease development, scientists try to find dietary components, helping to alleviate the steatosis. These components include n-3 polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA). This review focused on the role of resolvins, protectins and merensins in NAFLD.

So far, there have been no analyses of correlations between the level of water-soluble vitamins in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hormone and lipid profiles as well as carbohydrate metabolism. The unpopular concept that PCOS may also be conditioned by a chronic infection leads to a suspicion that water-soluble vitamins may be involved in the struggle against PCOS. This is why the aim of this research was to determine whether there are any indications that could confirm this hypothesis. The study included 64 women of Caucasian race: 50 patients aged 29.52 ± 7.01 years with PCOS, diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria. The control group consisted of 14 women aged 30.23 ± 6.3 years with correct BMI. HPLC Infinity1260 Binary LC (Agilent Technologies, Waldbronn, Germany) was used to analyze nine vitamins. The vitamins were separated using the gradient method, a buffer of 25 mM HK2PO4 with pH equal to 7.0, and 100 % methanol buffer. The acquired results were compared using Statistica 12.0 (Statsoft, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA). Non-parametric tests were used: Mann-Whitney tests for comparisons between groups (PCOS and control group, CG), in which p 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Subsequently, we performed a correlation matrix of the biochemical parameters of blood with vitamins at p ≤ 0.05. Higher concentrations of ascorbic acid were observed in PCOS. The content of the remaining vitamins was higher in the control group, and the statistical differences were significant in reference to thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine and folic acid in comparison to the control group. A significant positive correlation was observed between vitamin C and testosterone/insulin, another between riboflavin and androstenedione/testosterone, next between biotin and thyrotropic hormone (TSH), between pantothenic acid and dehydroepiandrosteron (DHEA-SO4), and finally between pyridoxine and androstenedione. A negative correlation was observed in the case of niacin with sex hormone binding protein (SHBG) and high density lipoprotein (HDL). Water-soluble vitamins play an important role in the therapy of women with PCOS through the reduction of antioxidative stress and low-intensity inflammation caused by various factors, including chronic infection.

Background. Obesity is regarded as the most common disease of affluence, gradually getting an epidemic status. Objective. The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of consumption of selected food products among the patients qualified for bariatric surgery, together with the analysis of the potential effect of the diet on the development of obesity in examined group of people. Material and Methods. The study involved 57 patients qualified for bariatric treatment of obesity. A standardized food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used and anthropometric measurements were performed. Results. In examined group of people, along with increasing BMI, the frequency of cheeses consumption decreased, whereas the frequency of consumption of vegetable and fruit - vegetable juices increased. In addition to that, it was observed that with higher frequency of consumption of animal fat (lard, bacon) and beer, the value of WHR increased, whereas the frequency of consumption of dairy products was in direct proportion to body weight of examined people. It was also noted that people living in the country consumed fruits and potatoes significantly more often than people living in the city, and that people with higher education significantly more often ate coarse grits, high quality meats and fatty fish, as compared to people with vocational training. Conclusions. Inappropriate selection of food products and numerous dietary mistakes made by the patients directly contributed to the development of extreme obesity. The patients prepared for bariatric surgery should receive a dietician support during the preparation for the procedure and afterwards, later in life, in order to maintain a reduced body weight after the surgery.