Probiotics, prebiotics, and combinations thereof, that is synbiotics, have been reported to modulate gut microbiota of humans. In this study, effects of a novel synbiotic on the composition and metabolic activity of human gut microbiota were investigated. Healthy volunteers (n = 18) were enrolled in a double-blinded, randomized, and placebo-controlled cross-over study and received synbiotic [Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM (10(9) CFU) and cellobiose (5 g)] or placebo daily for 3 weeks. Fecal samples were collected and lactobacilli numbers were quantified by qPCR. Furthermore, 454 tag-encoded amplicon pyrosequencing was used to monitor the effect of synbiotic on the composition of the microbiota. The synbiotic increased levels of Lactobacillus spp. and relative abundances of the genera Bifidobacterium, Collinsella, and Eubacterium while the genus Dialister was decreased (P < 0.05). No other effects were found on microbiota composition. Remarkably, however, the synbiotic increased concentrations of branched-chain fatty acids, measured by gas chromatography, while short-chain fatty acids were not affected.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1574-6941.12397 | DOI Listing |
Curr Obes Rep
January 2025
Dipartimento Psicologia e Scienze della Salute, Università Telematica Pegaso, Centro Direzionale Isola F2, Via Porzio, Naples, 80143, Italy.
Purpose Of Review: This narrative review explores the role of Medical Nutritional Therapy (MNT) in managing Metabolic-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. It aims to examine the effectiveness of specific nutritional strategies in preventing and treating this obesity-linked liver disease.
Recent Findings: Emerging evidence underscores the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, low-carbohydrate diets, and intermittent fasting in reducing liver fat, improving insulin sensitivity, and mitigating inflammation.
JACC Heart Fail
January 2025
Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKEM), Prague, Czech Republic. Electronic address:
Background: Growth differentiation factor (GDF)-15 is a pleiotropic cytokine that is associated with appetite-suppressing effects and weight loss in patients with malignancy.
Objectives: This study aims to investigate the relationships between GDF-15 levels, anorexia, cachexia, and clinical outcomes in patients with advanced heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).
Methods: In this observational, retrospective analysis, a total of 344 patients with advanced HFrEF (age 58 ± 10 years, 85% male, 67% NYHA functional class III), underwent clinical and echocardiographic examination, body composition evaluation by skinfolds and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, circulating metabolite assessment, Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, and right heart catheterization.
Lipids
January 2025
Centre for Innovation in Nutrition Health Disease, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, India.
Non-communicable diseases (NCD) are associated with inflammation and oxidative stress which is further associated with omega-6 (ω6) and omega-3 (ω3) fatty acid (FA) imbalance favoring ω6 FA. By improving ω3 FA consumption, this imbalance can be altered to control NCD. Previously we have reported blends of flaxseed oil (FSO, ω3 FA) with palm olein (PO) or coconut oil (CO) were thermo-oxidatively stable with good storage stability and could improve ω6:ω3 ratio in cell lines.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Sci Food Agric
January 2025
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Thailand.
Background: Edible insects are used for consumption and traditional medicine due to their rich bioactive compounds. This study examined the bioactive compounds and inhibitory effects of crude extracts from Bombyx mori and Omphisa fuscidentalis on α-glucosidase, α-amylase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and tyrosinase. Fatty acids, including n-hexadecanoic acid and oleic acid, were identified in the extracts and evaluated for their inhibitory potential against the enzymes in vitro and in silico.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle
February 2025
Nutrition Research Center, Department of Biochemistry and Diet Therapy, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Background: β-Hydroxy-β-methyl butyrate (HMB) is a metabolite of the amino acid leucine, known for its ergogenic effects on body composition and strength. Despite these benefits, the magnitude of these effects remains unclear due to variability among studies. This umbrella review aims to synthesize meta-analyses investigating the effects of HMB on body composition and muscle strength in adults.
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