Anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects of pinolenic acid in rheumatoid arthritis
Objectives: In pre-clinical studies, pinolenic acid (PNLA), an omega-6-polyunsaturated fatty acid from pine nuts has shown anti-inflammatory effects. We aimed to investigate the effect of PNLA in human cell lines and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and healthy controls (HCs). Methods: Modified Boyden chamber was used to assess chemokine-induced migration of THP-1 monocytes. Macropinocytosis was assessed using lucifer yellow and ox-LDL uptake using Dil-oxLDL in THP-1 macrophages and human monocyte-derived macrophages (HMDM). IL6, TNFα and PGE2 release by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated PBMCs from RA patients and HCs were measured by ELISA. The transcriptomic profile of PNLA treated, LPS activated PBMCs was investigated by RNA-sequencing. Results: PNLA reduced THP-1 cell migration by 55% (p< 0.001). Macropinocytosis and Dil-oxLDL uptake were reduced by 50% (p< 0.001) and 40% (p< 0.01) in THP-1 macrophages and 40% (p< 0.01) and 25% (p< 0.05) in HMDM, respectively. PNLA reduced IL6 and TNFα release from LPS stimulated PBMCs from RA by 60% (p< 0.001) and by 50% and 35% respectively (p< 0.01) for HCs. PNLA also reduced PGE2 levels in such PBMCs from RA patients and HCs (p< 0.0001). Differentially expressed genes included upregulated expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase-4, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, fructose bisphosphatase 1 and N-Myc downstream-regulated gene, which have potential roles in regulating immune and metabolic pathways. Pathway analysis predicted upstream activation of nuclear receptors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors involved in anti-inflammatory processes, and inhibition of NF-κB and STAT1. Conclusions: PNLA has immune-metabolic effects on monocytes and PBMC which are pathogenic in RA and atherosclerosis. Dietary PNLA supplementation may be beneficial in RA. 10.1093/rheumatology/keab467
X International Congress on Hazelnut
The International Society for Horticultural Sciences (ISHS) is planning the X International Congress on Hazelnut, and the Congress will be held in Corvallis, Oregon.
The International Congress on Hazelnut has been organized every 4 years in different countries for over 30 years. Academics, researchers, farmers, private companies, and governmental organizations from many countries attend the congress.
Pine nut antioxidant peptides ameliorate the memory impairment in a scopolamine-induced mouse model via SIRT3-induced synaptic plasticity.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of a pine nut albumin hydrolysate (fraction <3 kDa) and of its short peptide derivative, Trp-Tyr-Pro-Gly-Lys (WYPGK), on synaptic plasticity and memory function in scopolamine-induced memory-impaired mice, as well as the potential underlying mechanism in PC12 cells. In the scopolamine-induced mouse model, the results revealed that the fraction <3 kDa and WYPGK enhanced synaptic plasticity and improved learning and memory function. H&E and Nissl staining analysis showed that the damage in hippocampal neurons was decreased. Golgi staining and transmission electron microscopy further revealed that the enhanced synaptic plasticity was associated with increased dendritic spine abundance and synaptic density. In an H2O2-induced PC12 cell model, treatment with mitochondrial sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) inhibitor and inducer molecules confirmed that the <3 kDa fraction and WYPGK activated SIRT3, leading to the decrease in Ace-SOD2 acetylation and increasing the expression of SYP, SYN-1, SNAP25, and PSD95, thus enhancing synaptic plasticity. The <3 kDa fraction and WYPGK also activated the ERK/CREB pathway and upregulated the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Our results show that fraction <3 kDa and WYPGK improve learning and memory ability through SIRT3-induced synaptic plasticity in vitro and in vivo. https://doi.org/10.1039/D1FO01817E
Effect of Walnut Predinner Snack on Mealtime Hunger and Nutrient Intake Among University Students.
Freshman-15 is a phenomenon of first-year university students resulting in weight gain partly due to new cafeteria eating patterns and stress. This study determined if a premeal walnut snack alters planned eating behavior and mealtime nutrient intake during a subsequent buffet-model meal. Healthy university students (n = 36; 18.1 ± 0.5 years; body mass index: 23.6 ± 3.9) received three treatments (90 min premeal) in randomized order on 3 consecutive days: (1) snack of 190 Cal (1 oz) of walnuts (WS), (2) snack of 190 Cal of gummy candy (GS), or (3) no snack (NS; control) before a standard cafeteria dinner (1760 Cal). Visual analog scale (VAS) surveys were administered before and after dinner, and caloric intake was determined. Premeal VAS desire to eat was lower after WS and GS than NS, whereas the sense of hunger and sense of fullness were higher after WS and GS compared with NS. Postmeal VAS was not different between treatments. Mealtime calories, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, protein, sodium, fiber, and sugar consumed after WS were significantly less than NS. Total fat and sodium consumed after GS did not significantly differ from NS. Mealtime total fat, sodium, and fiber for WS were significantly less than GC, and a trend was observed for total calories. Differences in calorie intake were not observed between treatments when snack calories were included as part of the mealtime caloric intake. These findings could be helpful for promoting WS and to a lesser degree GS for increased satiety before meals possibly leading to reduced food intake during dinner by university students. 10.1089/jmf.2021.0092
Plant-based snacking: research and practical applications of pistachios for health benefits.
Pistachio nuts are a nutrient-dense source of good quality plant protein, commonly consumed as a minimally processed snack food or ingredient. The present paper is based on a symposium held during the 13th FENS (Federation of European Nutrition Societies) 2019 conference in Dublin that explored recent research and practical applications of pistachios as a plant-based snack, in particular, for appetite control and healthy weight management; and for glycaemic control during pregnancy. Individual nut types, whilst similar in nutritional composition, have unique characteristics which may have a significant impact on potential health effects. Recognising this, the further purpose here is to explore future research needs for pistachios, based on work completed to date and the discussion that ensued among researchers at this event, in order to advance the full scope of health benefits from pistachios, in particular, taking into account of both sustainability and nutritional health. 10.1017/jns.2021.77
Modulatory effect of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) nut supplemented diet on fertility activity of clomiphene citrate in male rats.
Background: Increasing concern has been expressed about the declining sperm count of humans and the potential fertility effects of clomiphene citrate, a synthetic oestrogen-antagonist on human reproductive health in the last few decades. This study aims to investigate the influence of cashew nut supplemented diet on fertility activity of clomiphene citrate in male rats. Methods: The rats were divided into six groups n = 6: rats fed basal diet; rats fed basal diet and then given clomiphene citrate (cc) orally; rats fed diet supplemented with 10% processed cashew nut and given cc orally; and rat fed diet supplemented with 20% processed cashew nut and given cc orally; rats fed diet supplemented with 10% processed cashew nut and rat fed diet supplemented with 20% processed cashew nut for fourteen days. Results: The results revealed that there was a significant (p < 0.05) improvement of total testosterone level and epididymal sperm count, viability and progressive motility in all the groups, in comparison to control, with more significance in combination therapy groups. Similarly, increased testicular and epididymal total antioxidant capacity (TAC), nitric oxide (NO), total thiol (T-SH), non protein thiol (NPSH) levels, Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and steroidogenic enzymes activities with concomitant decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) production and arginase activity, as well as non-observable histopathologic changes in the testes were observed in all the groups when compared with control, with more significance in combination therapy groups. Conclusion: Therefore, this present study shows that the combination of cashew nut supplemented diet and clomiphene citrate could modulate vital biomolecules associated with male reproductive function. Thus, this finding supports the concept that the combination therapy of cashew nut and clomiphene citrate may be used to treat male partners suffering from infertility. 10.1016/j.bj.2019.12.005
Relationship Between a Plant‐Based Dietary Portfolio and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: Findings From the Women's Health Initiative Prospective Cohort Study
Background: The plant-based Dietary Portfolio combines established cholesterol-lowering foods (plant protein, nuts, viscous fiber, and phytosterols), plus monounsaturated fat, and has been shown to improve low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and other cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. No studies have evaluated the relation of the Dietary Portfolio with incident CVD events. Methods and Results: We followed 123 330 postmenopausal women initially free of CVD in the Women's Health Initiative from 1993 through 2017. We used Cox proportional-hazard models to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CI of the association of adherence to a Portfolio Diet score with CVD outcomes. Primary outcomes were total CVD, coronary heart disease, and stroke. Secondary outcomes were heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Over a mean follow-up of 15.3 years, 13 365 total CVD, 5640 coronary heart disease, 4440 strokes, 1907 heart failure, and 929 atrial fibrillation events occurred. After multiple adjustments, adherence to the Portfolio Diet score was associated with lower risk of total CVD (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.83-0.94), coronary heart disease (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.78-0.95), and heart failure (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.71-0.99), comparing the highest to lowest quartile of adherence. There was no association with stroke (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.87-1.08) or atrial fibrillation (HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.87-1.38). These results remained statistically significant after several sensitivity analyses. Conclusions: In this prospective cohort of postmenopausal women in the United States, higher adherence to the Portfolio Diet was associated with a reduction in incident cardiovascular and coronary events, as well as heart failure. These findings warrant further investigation in other populations. 10.1161/JAHA.121.021515
Nut intake and hyperuricemia risk in young adults
Objective: The relationship between dietary nut intake and hyperuricemia risk remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between different nut intake and hyperuricemia risk with a cross-sectional study. Design: A semi-quantitative FFQ was adopted to collect dietary information. Biochemical and anthropometric parameters were measured by standard methods. Multivariate-adjusted logistic regression models were implemented to analyse the relationship between individual nut intake and hyperuricemia risk. Setting: Qingdao University in Shandong Province, China. Participants: During 2018-2019, a total of 14 056 undergraduates (6862 males and 7194 females) aged 15-25 years participated in the study. Results: After adjusting for multiple confounding factors, compared with the lowest quartile, the highest quartile intakes of pine nut (95 % CI (0·51, 0·98)) was significantly associated with 29 % reduction in hyperuricemia risk, the highest quartile intake of walnut (OR = 0·78; 95 % CI (0·58, 1·05)) was marginally negatively associated with hyperuricemia risk. Conclusions: The present study showed that the relationships between intakes of different nuts and hyperuricemia risk were different. Increased dietary intakes of walnut and pine nut are negatively associated with the hyperuricemia. 10.1017/S1368980021002998
Adherence to a Plant-Based Diet and Consumption of Specific Plant Foods—Associations with 3-Year Weight-Loss Maintenance and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Secondary Analysis of the PREVIEW Intervention Study
Plant-based diets are recommended by dietary guidelines. This secondary analysis aimed to assess longitudinal associations of an overall plant-based diet and specific plant foods with weight-loss maintenance and cardiometabolic risk factors. Longitudinal data on 710 participants (aged 26–70 years) with overweight or obesity and pre-diabetes from the 3-year weight-loss maintenance phase of the PREVIEW intervention were analyzed. Adherence to an overall plant-based diet was evaluated using a novel plant-based diet index, where all plant-based foods received positive scores and all animal-based foods received negative scores. After adjustment for potential confounders, linear mixed models with repeated measures showed that the plant-based diet index was inversely associated with weight regain, but not with cardiometabolic risk factors. Nut intake was inversely associated with regain of weight and fat mass and increments in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Fruit intake was inversely associated with increments in diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol. Vegetable intake was inversely associated with an increment in diastolic blood pressure and triglycerides and was positively associated with an increase in HDL cholesterol. All reported associations with cardiometabolic risk factors were independent of weight change. Long-term consumption of nuts, fruits, and vegetables may be beneficial for weight management and cardiometabolic health, whereas an overall plant-based diet may improve weight management only. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/11/3916/htm
Pecan-enriched diets decrease postprandial lipid peroxidation and increase total antioxidant capacity in adults at-risk for cardiovascular disease
Pecans are a rich source of antioxidants, but the effect of regular consumption on post-meal responses is unknown. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of daily pecan consumption for 8 weeks on fasting and postprandial lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and tocopherols in adults at higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) (hypercholesterolemia or elevated adiposity). We hypothesized that daily pecan consumption would result in increased fasting γ-tocopherol, increased fasting and postprandial TAC, and decreased fasting and postprandial lipid peroxidation. This was a randomized, parallel, controlled trial with 3 treatments: two pecan groups and a nut free control (n = 16). The ADD group (n = 15) consumed pecans as part of a free-living diet, and the SUB group (n = 16) substituted the pecans for isocaloric foods from their habitual diet. At the pre- and post-intervention, a high saturated fat breakfast shake was consumed with postprandial blood draws over 2h. In the ADD and SUB groups, postprandial lipid peroxidation was suppressed (iAUC: 0.9 ± 1.3 to -2.9 ± 2.0 and 4.5 ± 1.7 to 0.7 ± 1.1 µM/2h, respectively; P <0.05) and TAC was elevated (iAUC: -240.8 ± 110.2 to 130.9 ± 131.7 and -227.6 ± 131.2 to 208.7 ± 145.7 µM Trolox Equivalents/2h, respectively; P <0.01) from pre- to post-intervention. Furthermore, there was an increase in γ-tocopherol from pre- to post-intervention within the ADD (1.4 ± 0.1 to 1.8 ± 0.1 µg/mL; P <0.001) and SUB groups (1.8 ± 0.2 to 2.1 ± 0.2 µg/mL; P <0.05). There were no changes in any variable within the control group. These findings suggest that daily pecan consumption protects against oxidative stress that occurs following a high-fat meal in adults at risk for CVD. 10.1016/j.nutres.2021.07.004