Nutrition Commons^™

Studies Of The Role Of Mtorc1 In Modulating Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Function, Isaac Adediji

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling impacts intestinal inflammation by modulating the production of cytokines in both intestinal epithelial cells and macrophages. Recent evidence revealed that THP-1-derived macrophages with elevated mTORC1 activity (THP-1shTSC2 macrophages), exhibited increased proinflammatory cytokine production when stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) compared to counterpart macrophages with repressed or baseline mTORC1 activity. Furthermore, it has been shown that mTORC1 governs intestinal barrier function as evidenced by elevated transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and para/transcellular permeability in Raptor-depleted Caco-2 cells (cells with repressed mTORC1 activity) compared to Caco-2 cells with elevated or baseline mTORC1 activity. The present study …

Bovine Mammary Alveolar Mac-T Cells Afford A Tool For Studies Of Bovine Milk Exosomes In Drug Delivery., Mojisola Ogunnaike

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Bovine milk exosomes (BMEs) have attracted attention as vehicles for delivering RNA therapeutics. BMEs originate in mammary alveolar cells. Here, we determined whether bovine mammary alveolar MAC-T cells are a promising tool to assess RNA delivery by BMEs. MAC-T cells exosomes (MAC-T BMEs) and BMEs were harvested by differential ultracentrifugation. Exosome size, morphology, microRNA content and marker proteins were assessed using nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy, real-time PCR and immunoblot analysis, respectively. MAC-T cells were genetically engineered to secrete MAC-T BMEs endogenously labeled with a near-infrared fluorescent protein and tissue distribution was compared to fluorophore-labeled BMEs following intravenous injection …

Metabolic Benefits Of Plant-Based N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids On Brown Thermogenesis, Kyung Ho Park

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

There are two essential fatty acids for humans, a-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA), which should be taken from foods to maintain health. Once incorporated into cells, ALA and LA, which are omega-3 poly unsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) and n-6 PUFA respectively, undergo elongation and desaturation to generate longer and more unsaturated fatty acids influencing inflammation and immunological responses. Numerous studies showed a dietary reduction of n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio improves cardiovascular health, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Fish oil, the main resource for n-3 PUFA, is shown to increase these health benefits. In our lab, we investigated the efficacy …

Mothers’ Experience With Infant Complementary Feeding Practices: A Phenomenological Study., Tyler Martin

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Background. Complementary feeding practices include what, when, and how to feed (Birch and Doub, 2014). The gradual transition from feeding exclusively human milk, formula milk, or a combination of both to complementary foods over the first 24 months of life is necessary to ensure proper growth and development (Dewey, 2001; Pearce & Langley-Evans, 2013). While research does exist on complementary feeding, such as infant diet composition, limited research exists on exploring complementary feeding practices from first-time mothers’ experiences.

Methods. This study utilized transcendental phenomenological qualitative research methodology. A pilot tested semi-structured interview guide was used to examine demographics as …

Transport And Distribution Of Bovine Milk Exosomes And Mir-34a Cargo In Murine Cerebral Cortex Endothelial Bend.3 Cells And Bv2 Microglia, Pearl Ebea

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) poses an obstacle in the delivery of drugs to the brain. Bovine milk exosomes (BME) are explored for delivering antisense oligonucleotides to tumors, because BME are bioavailable and protect RNA cargos against degradation in the gastrointestinal tract. This study had the following objectives: 1) assess the transport kinetics of BME and their RNA cargos and secretion of RNA across the apical membrane in murine cerebral cortex endothelial bEnd.3 cells and 2) determine whether murine brain BV2 microglia have the potential to accumulate and, therefore, eliminate BME that crossed the BBB. The uptake of BME labeled with …

3-Hydroxy Fatty Acids Induce Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Lipoapoptosis, Mona Hadidi

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (FAO) plays an important role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis, especially during catabolic stress. Genetic mutation in gene that encodes for mitochondrial FAO enzymes could result in metabolic stress especially during fasting or hypoglycemic condition. Mutation in the active site residue (1528G>C) of long chain 3-hydroxy acyl CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD) results in the loss of LCHAD enzyme activity. Children’s with LCHAD mutation were known to accumulate 3-hydroxy fatty acids such as 3-hydroxy palmitic acid and 3-hydroxy myristic acids, long chain free fatty acids, acyl carnitine and 3-hydroxy dicarboxylic acid due to their defective enzyme activity. These …

Inhibitory Effects Of Shiitake-Derived Exosome-Like Nanoparticles On Nlrp3 Inflammasome Activation, Yizhu Lu

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The NLRP3 inflammasome is a critical mediator of inflammation and consists of the sensor NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), the adaptor apoptotic speck protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC), and the effector caspase-1. Dysregulated or excessive activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to pathogenesis of diverse inflammatory diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis. Therefore, the NLRP3 inflammasome is a promising therapeutic target for treating these diseases. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-enclosed tiny particles released by almost any type of cells and they are involved in the intercellular communication by transferring their cargos including RNAs, …

Maternal N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Supplementation Potentiates Brown Adipose Tissue Development And Reduces The Risk Of Childhood Obesity, Rong Fan

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a crucial regulator in energy expenditure by dissipating energy in the form of heat through mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). Previously, we demonstrated that n-3 PUFA (Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids) increase brown adipogenesis by miRNA-mediated epigenetic mechanisms. Given that BAT is formed at the late stage of pregnancy, we hypothesized prenatal exposure of n-3 PUFA through maternal nutrition potentiates BAT development. To test this hypothesis, Female C57BL/6 mice were fed a diet containing n-3 PUFA (3%) derived from fish oil (FO), or an isocaloric diet devoid of n-3 PUFA (Cont), and same diet was maintained …

The Effect Of Change In Middle School Lunchroom Setting On Student’S Intake Of Broccoli, Mia Wood Angst

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Introduction: Over the past three decades, childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents. One possible solution to combating this growing epidemic is by making small changes to prevent obesity during childhood that will influence children to follow a healthy lifestyle into adulthood. The Smarter Lunchrooms Movement aims to increase healthy eating by incorporating low-cost to no-cost alterations to the school lunchroom in an effort to increase consumption of healthier foods by making them more attractive and convenient.

Purpose: This research study assessed broccoli consumption among 6^th – 8^th grade students in a selected …

The Relationship Between Habitual Physical Activity And Food Choices, Safiya E. Beckford

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Physical activity (PA) and exercise aid in prevention and treatment of obesity and its comorbidities. Previous research has demonstrated a J-shaped curve between activity level and food intake, but minimal research examines whether PA and exercise affect food choices. As such, the aim of this study was to determine the relationship between habitual PA and exercise with food choices. 174 participants completed an electronic survey involving a series of binary choices among food options (aided by visual food cues) with varying reward values and time points. Participants also completed monetary binary choice questions and an exercise and activity questionnaire, with …

Champs: Child Health And Methods Of Parenting Study, Megan Fletcher

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The range of different contexts in which children learn and develop dietary and physical activity habits varies greatly, yet there is limited research on the role of the family structure and parenting style in the development of childhood obesity. CHAMPS (Child Health and Methods of Parenting Study), was designed to explore the relationships between parenting style, family structure, and child health status through a new lens and novel application of the Unified Theory of Behavior model. Surveys were administered to families at two partner locations to examine these relationships. 51 parents/legal guardians and 57 children completed the survey. Results were …

Choose Healthy Here Pilot Program: A Secondary Analysis Of Consumers' Behaviors And Perceptions To Access And Affordability Of Healthy Foods, Lindsey R. Anderson

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Over one-third of adults in the United States are obese. Recent shifts in research have focused on environmental issues to understand and address this epidemic, primarily within the food environment. The goal of this study included examining customer perceptions and behaviors towards access and affordability of healthy foods in rural food retail venues across Nebraska. Differences were assessed between stores, with the Choose Healthy Here (CHH) pilot program implemented at treatment stores only. Process surveys were completed by participants ≥19 years of age. Statistical analysis was performed with a p≤0.05 level of significance used.

Overall, participants (n=148) were rural residents, …

Effects Of Vagotomy And Fenugreek On Hyperlipidemia And Insulin Resistance, Rituraj Khound

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Hyperlipidemia is the impairment of lipid metabolism marked by abnormally high levels of lipid in circulation. This has been implicated in a number of metabolic diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Insulin resistance is the impairment of insulin action, which leads to several diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. New clinical and therapeutic approaches are warranted for the prevention and treatment of hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance. In our study, we investigated the mechanism underlying the effect of complete disruption of the sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve (vagotomy) on hyperlipidemia and insulin sensitivity. We observed that vagotomy …

Adaptive Thermogenesis And Metabolic Changes Following Diet- And Exercise- Induced Weight Loss, Alexandra R. Martin

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

With more than two-thirds of adults in the United States considered as overweight or obese, a myriad of weight loss programs and products that promise quick results have infiltrated the market. While many individuals successfully lose weight over the short term, almost half of the initial weight lost is regained within one year, indicating a general predisposition for weight cycling and fat replenishment. As weight is lost, fat-free mass (FFM) also decreases, and resting metabolic rate (RMR) declines, decreasing energy expenditure. After accounting for decreases in FFM, there remains a greater-than- predicted decrease in RMR, referred to as adaptive thermogenesis …

Red Grain Sorghum Whole Kernel Crude Lipid Protects Energy Metabolism And Short Chain Fatty Acid Profile In A Hamster Model To Minimize Intestinal Stress Caused By A High Fat Diet, Haowen Qiu

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Multiple studies have shown throughout the past 10+ years that grain sorghum (GS) lipid extract protects against high plasma and hepatic cholesterol and, to a lesser degree, positively modulate the gut microbiota in response to a high fat (HF) diet. However, the impact of GS lipids on intestinal stress induced by such a diet remains largely unknown. The objective of this project was to determine the ability of GS crude lipid (GS-CL) obtained from the surface of GS whole kernel to protect energy metabolism and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) profile produced by the gut microbiome that may be negatively …

Mechanism Of Triglyceride Lowering Action Of Akkermansia Muciniphila And Fenugreek In A Genetic Induced Hyperlipidemia, Jing Shen

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Hyperlipidemia is a condition of abnormally elevated levels of lipids and/or lipoproteins in the blood circulation. It is usually accompanied with obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, hypertension and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD) and has become a great threat to human health. New therapeutic strategies are needed for the prevention and treatment of both genetic intervention-induced hyperlipidemia and environmentally induced hyperlipidemia. In this study, we determined the therapeutic effects of a diseaseprotecting gut bacteria, Akkermansia muciniphila, and an annual legume, fenugreek, on hypertriglyceridemia induced by genetic depletion of cAMP responsive binding protein H (CREBH KO) in mice. We found …

Characterization Of Extraction Methods To Recover Phenolic-Rich Extracts From Black Beans (Phaseolus Vulgaris) That Inhibit Alpha-Amylase And Alpha-Glucosidase Using Response Surface Approaches, Mazen Alharbi

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Black beans contain high phenolic contents that are considered potent antioxidants. Relatively little is known about their ability to inhibit the carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase from releasing glucose from starch and/or disaccharides. The objective of this project was to determine the optimum procedures for extracting total phenols (TP), total flavonoids (TF) and total condensed tannins (TCT) from black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), and then to determine the ability of the phenolic rich extracts to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Due to their high phenolic levels, it was hypothesized that black beans would be an effective inhibitor of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, which …

Synbiotic Ice Cream As A Probiotic Carrier Tested In A Human Blind Crossover Trial, Erin M. Mcnamara

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Diet is an important factor in gastrointestinal health. A synbiotic food option utilizing prebiotic and probiotic ingredients may be beneficial for improving gastrointestinal health. To conduct a human subject study of synbiotic ice cream containing prebiotic (inulin) and two strains of probiotics (Lactobacillus casei KE99 and Bifidobacterium bifidum) to determine its effectiveness as a carrier for a these ingredients and to identify any negative gastrointestinal side effects.

The study started with baseline data collection including a food frequency, a three day food recall, and one stool sample. The study was a 12 week crossover design with three weeks consuming …

An Evaluation And Exploration Of Nutrition Education In Elementary Schools, Elisha M. Hall

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Childhood obesity is a significant problem in the United States. Obese children suffer from a variety of physical, emotional, and social consequences. To curb or reduce this problem, school-based nutrition education interventions have become more common. However, little research has been conducted concerning nutrition-related socioeconomic disparities in behavior change constructs for low and high income children, which is integral to forming appropriate theory-based interventions and allocating resources appropriately. Research into classroom teachers’ perspectives is also an area in need of strengthening to better inform interventions. Finally, the School Enrichment Kit Program (SEKP), a current interactive, classroom-based, nutrition and physical activity …

Assessing The Sociocultural Impact Of Special Events In The Context Of Germanfest In Nebraska, Usa, Yanli Wang

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The present study examined the sociocultural impact of special events based on the cultural festival of GermanFest in Syracuse, Nebraska. A total of 143 (71.5%) local residents responded to the self-administered survey. The dimensions of the sociocultural impact, the important reasons for celebrating the festival, the relationship among festival stakeholders, the levels of community involvement, and the improvement of the quality of life in the community as impacts of the festival and demographic information were investigated separately.

The Festival Social Impact Attitude Scale (FSIAS) was utilized to identify the dimensions of the sociocultural impact of GermanFest. Three dimensions were identified …

Discovery Neighborhood Myplate Macy: A Pilot Study, Amanda M. Robine

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Background: Obesity prevalence in United States children ages 2-19 years has been consistently high since 2003.1 These children are at a greater risk for many chronic disease. Educating children on how to make healthful food choices, and using fun characters in a classroom setting may be one step to reducing the obesity rate.

Objective: Increase knowledge about MyPlate and heathy eating in children in kindergarten through fifth grade.

Design: After the development of a nutrition lesson, an expert panel reviewed and suggested changes. Once changes were made the lesson was delivered to second and third graders at a summer camp. …

Characterizing The Effects Of Both Synthetic And Natural Inhibitors On The Function Of Holocarboxylase Synthetase And Lipid Metabolism, Elizabeth Cordonier

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The central theme of this dissertation explores enzyme inhibition, through the use of both synthetic and natural occurring inhibitors of three biotin-associated enzymes; the mammalian biotin ligase, holocarboxylase synthetase(HLCS), and acetyl-CoA carboxylases 1 and 2 (ACC1 and 2), whose activity is dependent on biotinylation by HLCS, and are involved in fatty acid synthesis and regulation of beta-oxidation, respectively. No null HLCS individual has ever been reported and individuals with inherited mutations in the HLCS gene, which render it incapable of biotinylating carboxylases, exhibit varying degrees of symptoms associated with multiple carboxylase deficiency. Little is known with regard to the reaction …

Attenuation Of Mtorc1-Driven Secretion Of Lipoproteins And Triacylglycerides By Short Chain Fatty Acids: Mechanistic Insight Into The Pathogenesis Of Hypertriglyceridemia, Joseph L. Roberts

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is a serine/threonine kinase that drives several anabolic processes including lipid synthesis, protein synthesis, and adipogenesis. mTORC1 is highly active in the livers of obese rodents, in overnutrition, and is implicated in the development of obesity related metabolic disorders, including the overproduction of atherogenic lipoproteins. Direct inhibition of mTORC1 is not a viable treatment strategy because it prevents feedback inhibition of the insulin-signaling cascade, leading to increased lipid synthesis and secretion of lipoproteins. Thus, therapeutic approaches that drive catabolic pathways are considered promising mechanisms for overcoming mTORC1-driven anabolism. Human liver HepG2 cells …

Stability And Biological Activity Of Dietary Micrornas, Katherine Howard

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

MicroRNAs play important roles in gene regulation by binding to complimentary sites at the 3’ untranslated region of target mRNA molecules. Binding results in inhibition or degradation of target mRNA. Many bovine and chicken microRNA are homologous with human counterparts enabling gene regulation. A recent study in our lab provided undisputable evidence that endogenous milk microRNAs are bioavailable in humans; resulting in regulation of human gene expression. Based on these findings, we wanted to explore the possibility that other exogenous food borne microRNAs are able to be absorbed through the diet. My thesis surrounds two aims: 1) assessing the stability …

Micrornas Are Absorbed In Biologically Meaningful Amounts From Nutritionally Relevant Doses Of Cow’S Milk And Chicken Eggs And Affect Gene Expression In Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells, Cell Cultures, And Mouse Livers, Scott Baier

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Throughout the twenty-first century, evidence has been continually increasing to show the importance of epigenetic regulation in health. While the term “epigenetics” can be applied to many different processes, the focus of this dissertation will be on microRNAs and chromatin structure. Ultimately, both of these forms of epigenetic regulation can be used to fine tune gene expression based on environmental cues. The first three chapters of the dissertation focus on microRNA bioavailability, stability, and function from two commonly consumed food products: cow’s milk and chicken eggs. This important work has been the first of its kind to demonstrate the bioavailability …

Peer Health Teaching Improves Nutrition Behaviors In The Teen Teacher Population, Ashlie Smith

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Peer teaching is a promising model of health education. Limited research exists on the topic of the effectiveness of peer health teaching, and even less research exists on the effects on the actual peer teachers, notably their motivations for becoming peer teachers as well as behavioral modifications and improved self-efficacy made as a result. This study examined the motivations and the health behavior modifications made by 4-H Eat 4-Health teen teachers ages 14 to 17 after delivering a peer health education program. This study investigated teen teachers’ nutrition and physical activity behavior changes as well as their leadership and confidence …

Studies On The Regulation Of Fgf21 Gene Expression By (R)-Α-Lipoic Acid: Mechanistic Insight Into The Lipid Lowering Properties Of A Dithiol Dietary Molecule, Xiaohua Yi

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Controlling blood lipids is a major public health challenge of our time. The pleiotropic hormone-like polypeptide fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) was recently recognized as a potent modulator of lipid and glucose metabolism and a promising treatment strategy for obesity related metabolic disorders, including dyslipidemia. A cost effective and practical alternative to the administration of recombinant FGF21 is to stimulate endogenous FGF21 production through diet. Our research identified (R)-a-lipoic acid (LA), a naturally occurring enzyme cofactor and dietary molecule found in green leafy vegetable and red meat, as an inducer of FGF21 expression. LA stimulated FGF21 production, demonstrated by a …

Biotinylation Of The C-Myc Promoter Binding Protein Mbp-1 Decreases C-Myc And Cox-2 Expression In Mammary Carcinoma Mcf-7 Cells, Jie Zhou

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Biotin feeding in a Balb/c mouse model of breast cancer suggest that the tumor load is ~100% greater in biotin-deficient mice compared with biotin-sufficient controls, and that the increase is associated with metastasis rather than new tumors. The oncogenes c-Myc and COX-2 are implicated in cancer metastasis, and their expressions are repressed by binding of MBP-1 to the promoter. Mass spectrometry studies, designed to discover novel biotin-containing proteins, suggest that lysine residues K10 and K12 in the c-Myc promoter binding protein (MBP-1) contains covalently bound biotin (MBP-1bio). We hypothesized that biotinylation of MBP-1 increases the binding of MBP-1 to the …

Development Of Food Safety Education And Pilot Study Specifically For Native Americans Audiences, Kristine M. Foley

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The purpose of this study was to develop and implement a culturally appropriate food safety educational program using the conceptual change teaching method while preparing a meal. The food safety educational program was based on the FightBac!™ concepts (CLEAN, SEPARATE, COOK AND CHILL). Quantitative and qualitative date were collected, compared, and analyzed. Two pilot studies were conducted with Native American participants on non-reservation sites in Omaha and Lincoln. A total of 27 participants completed a pre and post knowledge survey and were video recorded preparing a meal. The majority of the participants were female (78%), had at least a high …

Eating Patterns And Physical Activity Characteristics Among Urban And Rural Students In Saudi Arabia, Omar I. Abuzaid

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Human obesity has become a global phenomenon. The main goal of this study was to investigate the differences in food consumption and physical activity among high school age youth in two diverse geographical locations (urban and rural areas) and the relationship of some of the factors that may lead to overweight and obesity in Saudi Arabia. There were 300 (150 males and 150 females) high school senior grade level students, recruited from the urban city of Riyadh and 300 high school students recruited from the rural areas of Dawadami (150 males and 150 females). Approval for this study was given …