Molecular, Genetic, and Biochemical Nutrition Commons^™

The Effect Of Heating On The Antioxidants Content In Edible Oil., Premanand Krishnan

Student Works (2010-2019)

There are many types edible oils with various brand found in the market. The types of oils involved in the analysis for the antioxidants content were palm oil, olive oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, soy bean oil, corn oil, gingerly oil, rice bran oil, mixed oil and ayurvedic oil. The method used to evaluate the amount antioxidants in this study was 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). In this test, the scavenging of the DPPH radicals was followed by monitoring the decrease in absorbance at 515 nm. Heating the oil samples to various temperatures shows negative effect on the antioxidants content. The antioxidants …

Liver Injury In Acute Fatty Liver Of Pregnancy: Possible Link To Placental Mitochondrial Dysfunction And Oxidative Stress, Sathish Kumar Natarajan, Kavitha R. Thangaraj, C. E. Eapen, Anup Ramachandran, Ashis Mukhopadhya, Mathews Mathai, Lakshmi Seshadri, Abraham Peedikayil, Banumathi Ramakrishna, Kunnissery A. Balasubramanian

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is a rare disorder which is fatal if not recognized and treated early. Delivery of the feto-placental unit results in dramatic improvement in maternal liver function, suggesting a role for the placenta. However, the mechanisms by which defects in the fetus or placenta lead to maternal liver damage are not well understood and form the focus of this study. Placenta and serum were obtained at delivery from patients with AFLP, and placental mitochondria and peroxisomes were isolated. Placental mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and fatty acid composition as well asserumantioxidants, oxidativeandnitrosative stress markers,andfatty acid analysis …

Targeted Deletion Of Hepatocyte Abca1 Leads To Very Low Density Lipoprotein Triglyceride Overproduction And Low Density Lipoprotein Hypercatabolism, Soonkyu Chung, Jenelle M. Timmins, Myngan Duong, Chiara Degirolamo, Shunxing Rong, Janet K. Sawyer, Roshni R. Singaraja, Michael R. Hayden, Nobuyo Maeda, Lawrence L. Rudel, Gregory S. Shelness, John S. Parks

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Loss of ABCA1 activity in Tangier disease (TD) is associated with abnormal apoB lipoprotein (Lp) metabolism in addition to the complete absence of high density lipoprotein (HDL). We used hepatocyte-specific ABCA1 knock-out (HSKO) mice to test the hypothesis that hepatic ABCA1 plays dual roles in regulating Lp metabolism and nascent HDL formation. HSKO mice recapitulated the TD lipid phenotype with postprandial hypertriglyceridemia, markedly decreased LDL, and near absence of HDL. Triglyceride (TG) secretion was 2-fold higher in HSKO compared with wild type mice, primarily due to secretion of larger TG-enriched VLDL secondary to reduced hepatic phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling. HSKO mice …

Nutrition-Related Practices And Attitudes Of Kansas Skipped-Generation(S) Caregivers And Their Grandchildren, Mary Meck Higgins, Bethany J. Murray

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Despite growing numbers, the nutrition practices and attitudes of skipped-generation(s) kinship caregivers regarding feeding the dependent children in their care have not been examined. In this qualitative study, transcriptions of semi-structured interviews with 19 female and four male skipped-generation(s) Kansas caregivers (ages 47 to 80, 92% non-Hispanic whites, 83% female, 78% grandparents and 22% great-aunt or great-grandparent caregivers; caring for a range of one to four children, ages three to 18, for an average of nine years) were content analyzed for how their nutrition-related practices and attitudes had changed since parenting the first time. Sub-themes regarding practices included: being more …

Predicting Successful Aging In A Population-Based Sample Of Georgia Centenarians, Jonathan Arnold, Jianliang Dai, Lusine Nahapetyan, Ankit Arte, Mary Ann Johnson, Dorothy Hausman, Willard L. Rodgers, Robert Hensley, Peter Martin, Maurice Macdonald, Adam Davey, Ilene C. Siegler, S. Michal Jazwinski, Leonard W. Poon

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Used a population-based sample (Georgia Centenarian Study, GCS), to determine proportions of centenarians reaching 100 years as (1) survivors (43%) of chronic diseases first experienced between 0–80 years of age, (2) delayers (36%) with chronic diseases first experienced between 80–98 years of age, or (3) escapers (17%) with chronic diseases only at 98 years of age or older. Diseases fall into two morbidity profiles of 11 chronic diseases; one including cardiovascular disease, cancer, anemia, and osteoporosis, and another including dementia. Centenarians at risk for cancer in their lifetime tended to be escapers (73%), while those at risk for cardiovascular disease …

Computational Prediction Of The Agregated Structure Of Denatured Lysozyme, Pongsathorn Chotikasemsri

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Mis-folded proteins and their associated aggregates are a contributing factor in some human diseases. In this study we used the protein lysozyme as a model to define aggregation structures under denaturing conditions. Sasahara et al. (2007), Frare et al. (2009, 2006), and Rubin et al. (2008) observed conditions where heat denatured lysozyme formed fibril structures that were observed to be 8-17 nanometers in diameter under the electron microscope. Even though the crystal structure of lysozyme is known, the denatured form of this protein is still unknown. Therefore, we used Rosetta++ protein folding and blind docking software to create in silico …

Alteration Of The Gastrointestinal Microbiota Of Mice By Edible Blue-Green Algae, H. E. Rasmussen, I. Martínez, J. Y. Lee, J. Walter

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Aims: To characterize the effect of edible blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) on the gastrointestinal microbiota of mice. Methods and Results: C57BL⁄6J mice were fed a diet supplemented with 0% or 5% dried Nostoc commune, Spirulina platensis, or Aphanizominon flos-aquae (w⁄w) for 4 weeks. Molecular fingerprinting of the colonic microbiota using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis revealed that administration of N. commune induced major alterations in colonic microbiota composition, while administration of S. platensis or A. flos-aquae had a more subtle impact. Community profile analysis revealed that administration of N. commune did not reduce microbial diversity indices of the colonic microbiota. …

Hypocholesterolemic Effect Of Nostoc Commune Var. Sphaeroides Kützing, An Edible Blue-Green Alga, Heather E. Rasmussen, Kara R. Blobaum, Elliot D. Jesch, Chai Siah Ku, Young-Ki Park, Fan Lu, Timothy P. Carr, Ji-Young Li

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Background Intake of an edible blue-green alga Nostoc commune var. sphaeroides Kützing (N. commune) has been shown to lower plasma total cholesterol concentration, but the mechanisms behind the hypocholesterolemic effect have not been elucidated. Aim of the study To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the cholesterol-lowering effect of N. commune in mice. Methods Male C57BL/6J mice were fed the AIN-93 M diet supplemented with 0 or 5% (wt/wt) dried N. commune for 4 weeks. Lipid levels in the plasma and liver, intestinal cholesterol absorption, and fecal sterol excretion were measured. Expression of hepatic and intestinal genes involved in cholesterol …

Adding Upstream Sequence And A Downstream Reporter To The Bile Acid Inducible Promoter Of Clostridium Scindens Vpi 12708, Bryan Patrick Mason

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Bile acids in the small intestines of animals serve to breakdown fats and fatsoluble vitamins. Most of the bile acids are reabsorbed into the enterohepatic circulation, but approximately five percent of these bile acids pass into the large intestine. These bile acids are swiftly deconjugated by the bacterial population, and then subjected to further intestinal bacterial chemical modifications. The most significant of these modifications are 7α-dehydroxylations which form secondary bile acids (deoxycholate and lithocholate). Much research has illuminated the 7α-dehydroxylation pathway: of particular interest is the bile acid inducible operon, for which Clostridium scindens VPI 12708 serves as the model …

The Effects Of Dietary N-3 Polyunsaturated Fat From Plant Versus Marine Sources On Bochemical Markers Of Bone Turnover In Healthy Adults, Lan Nguyen

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Objective: To investigate the effects of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fat from plant versus marine sources on biochemical markers of bone turnover.

Design: Both studies were controlled, single blind, randomized trials using Latin-square crossover designs.

Subjects/Methods:Twenty-five (12 females and 13 males) and 24 (9 females and 15 males) healthy participants completed the Fish-Walnut Study and the Omega-3 Study, respectively. The Fish-Walnut Study included three diets: [1] control, [2] ALA-rich diet (1.5 oz of walnuts/day, 6 times/week), and [3] EPA/DHA-rich diet (8 oz of salmon/week). The Omega-3 Study included four diets: [1] control, [2] ALA-rich diet (42-49 g flaxseed oil/wk; lOg …

The Role Of Antioxidants In Combating The Aging Process, Kwangli Park

Inquiry Journal 2009

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Β-Alanine Supplementation And High-Intensity Interval Training On Endurance Performance And Body Composition In Men; A Double-Blind Trial, Abbie E. Smith, Ashley A. Walter, Jennifer L. Graef, Kristina L. Kendall, Jordan R. Moon, Christopher M. Lockwood, David H. Fukuda, Travis W. Beck, Joel T. Cramer, Jeffrey R. Stout

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Background: Intermittent bouts of high-intensity exercise result in diminished stores of energy substrates, followed by an accumulation of metabolites, promoting chronic physiological adaptations. In addition, β-alanine has been accepted has an effective physiological hydrogen ion (H⁺) buffer. Concurrent high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and β-alanine supplementation may result in greater adaptations than HIIT alone. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of combining β-alanine supplementation with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on endurance performance and aerobic metabolism in recreationally active college-aged men.

Methods: Forty-six men (Age: 22.2 ± 2.7 yrs; Ht: 178.1 ± 7.4 cm; Wt: …

Effects Of Β-Alanine Supplementation And High-Intensity Interval Training On Endurance Performance And Body Composition In Men; A Double-Blind Trial, Abbie E. Smith, Ashley A. Walter, Jennifer L. Graef, Kristina L. Kendall, Jordan R. Moon, Christopher M. Lockwood, David H. Fukuda, Travis W. Beck, Joel T. Cramer, Jeffrey R. Stout

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Background: Intermittent bouts of high-intensity exercise result in diminished stores of energy substrates, followed by an accumulation of metabolites, promoting chronic physiological adaptations. In addition, β-alanine has been accepted has an effective physiological hydrogen ion (H⁺) buffer. Concurrent high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and β-alanine supplementation may result in greater adaptations than HIIT alone. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of combining β-alanine supplementation with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on endurance performance and aerobic metabolism in recreationally active college-aged men.

Methods: Forty-six men (Age: 22.2 ± 2.7 yrs; Ht: 178.1 ± 7.4 cm; Wt: …

Acute Effects Of A Thermogenic Nutritional Supplement On Cycling Time To Exhaustion And Muscular Strength In College-Aged Men, Ashley A. Walter, Trent J. Herda, Eric D. Ryan, Pablo B. Costa, Katherine M. Hoge, Travis W. Beck, Jeffrey R. Stout, Joel T. Cramer

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Background: The purpose of the present study was to examine the acute effects of a thermogenic nutritional supplement containing caffeine, capsaicin, bioperine, and niacin on muscular strength and endurance performance.

Methods: Twenty recreationally-active men (mean ± SD age = 21.5 ± 1.4 years; stature = 178.2 ± 6.3 cm; mass = 76.5 ± 9.9 kg; VO_{2 PEAK} = 3.05 ± 0.59 L/min^-1) volunteered to participate in this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. All testing took place over a three-week period, with each of the 3 laboratory visits separated by 7 days (± 2 hours). During the initial …

Initial Interaction Of Apoa-I With Abca1 Impacts In Vivo Metabolic Fate Of Nascent Hdl, Anny Mulya, Ji-Young Lee, Abraham K. Gebre, Elena Y. Boudyguina, Soonkyu Chung, Thomas L. Smith, Perry L. Colvin, Xian-Cheng Jiang, John S. Parks

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

We investigated the in vivo metabolic fate of preb HDL particles in human apolipoprotein A-I transgenic (hA-I Tg) mice. Pre-b HDL tracers were assembled by incubation of [125I]tyramine cellobiose-labeled apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) with HEK293 cells expressing ABCA1. Radiolabeled pre-b HDLs of increasing size (pre-b1, -2, -3, and -4 HDLs) were isolated by fast-protein liquid chromatography and injected into hA-I Tg-recipient mice, after which plasma decay, in vivo remodeling, and tissue uptake were monitored. Pre-b2, -3, and -4 had similar plasma die-away rates, whereas pre-b1 HDL was removed 7-fold more rapidly. Radiolabel recovered in liver and kidney 24 h after tracer …

Lipid Extract Of Nostoc Commune Var. Sphaeroides Kützing, A Blue-Green Alga, Inhibits The Activation Of Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Proteins In Hepg2 Cells, Heather E. Rasmussen, Kara R. Blobaum, Young-Ki Park, Sarah J. Ehlers, Fan Lu, Ji-Young Lee

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Nostoc commune var. sphaeroides Kützing (N. commune), a blue-green alga, has been used as both a food ingredient and in medicine for centuries. To determine the effect of N. commune on cholesterol metabolism, N. commune lipid extract was incubated at increasing concentrations (25–100 mg/L) with HepG2 cells, a human hepatoma cell line. The addition of N. commune lipid extract markedly reduced mRNA abundance of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) and LDL receptor (LDLR) (P < 0.05), with a concomitant decrease in their protein expression (P < 0.001). Reduced HMGR activity by 90% with N. commune lipid extract confirmed the inhibitory role of N. commune in cholesterol synthesis (P < 0.006). To elucidate a molecular mechanism underlying the repression of HMGR and LDLR by N. commune lipid extract, expression of sterol regulatory …

Effects Of A Supplement Designed To Increase Atp Levels On Muscle Strength, Power Output, And Endurance, Trent J. Herda, Eric D. Ryan, Jeffrey R. Stout, Joel T. Cramer

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Background: The present study examined the acute effects of a nutritional supplement intended to improve adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentrations on vertical jump height, isometric strength of the leg extensors, leg extension endurance, and forearm flexion endurance.

Methods: Twenty-four healthy men (mean age ± SD = 23 ± 4 yrs, stature = 181 ± 7 cm, and body mass = 82 ± 12 kg) volunteered to complete a familiarization trial plus 2 randomly-ordered experimental trials separated by a 7-day washout period. Participants received either 6 (body mass < 91 kg) or 8 (body mass ≥ 91 kg) tablets of the treatment (TR; 625 mg of adenylpyrophosphoric acid and calcium pyruvate, 350.8 mg of cordyceps sinensis extract and yohimbine hydrochloride) or placebo (PL; 980 mg of microcrystalline cellulose) 1 hour prior to the following tests: countermovement vertical jump (CVJ), forearm flexion repetitions to exhaustion, isometric maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) of the leg extensors, and a 50-repetition maximal concentric isokinetic leg extension endurance test.

Results: There were no differences between the TR and PL trials for CVJ height …

The Effect Of Beta-Alanine Supplementation On Neuromuscular Fatigue In Elderly (55–92 Years): A Double-Blind Randomized Study, Jeffrey R. Stout, B. Sue Graves, Abbie E. Smith, Michael J. Hartman, Joel T. Cramer, Travis W. Beck, Roger C. Harris

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Background: Ageing is associated with a significant reduction in skeletal muscle carnosine which has been linked with a reduction in the buffering capacity of muscle and in theory, may increase the rate of fatigue during exercise. Supplementing beta-alanine has been shown to significantly increase skeletal muscle carnosine. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to examine the effects of ninety days of beta-alanine supplementation on the physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold (PWC_FT) in elderly men and women.

Methods: Using a double-blind placebo controlled design, twenty-six men (n = 9) and women (n = 17) (age ± …

Inhibition Of Stearoyl-Coa Desaturase 1 (Scd1) Dissociates Insulin Resistance And Obesity From Atherosclerosis, J. Mark Brown, Soonkyu Chung, Janet K. Sawyer, Chiara Degirolamo, Heather M. Alger, Tam Nguyen, Xuewei Zhu, My-Ngan Duong, Amanda L. Wibley, Ramesh Shah, Matthew A. Davis, Kathryn Kelley, Martha D. Wilson, Carol Kent, John S. Parks, Lawrence L. Rudel

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Background—Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase 1 (SCD1) is a well-known enhancer of the metabolic syndrome. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of SCD1 in lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis progression.

Methods and Results—Antisense oligonucleotides were used to inhibit SCD1 in a mouse model of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis (LDLr^-/-Apob^100/100). In agreement with previous reports, inhibition of SCD1 protected against diet-induced obesity, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis. However, unexpectedly SCD1 inhibition strongly promoted aortic atherosclerosis, which could not be reversed by dietary oleate. Further analyses revealed that SCD1 inhibition promoted accumulation of saturated fatty acids …

Total Body Water Estimations In Healthy Men And Women Using Bioimpedance Spectroscopy: A Deuterium Oxide Comparison, Jordan R. Moon, Sarah E. Tobkin, Michael D. Roberts, Vincent J. Dalbo, Chad M. Kerksick, Michael G. Bemben, Joel T. Cramer, Jeffrey R. Stout

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Background: Total body water (TBW) estimations have been used to estimate body composition, particularly fat-free mass, to aid in nutritional interventions, and to monitor hydration status. In the past, bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) devices have been used to estimate TBW. Previous investigations have examined the validity of the XiTRON 4000B (XiTRON Technologies) BIS device for estimating TBW. Recently, a new BIS device (Imp™ SFB7) has become available, claiming greater precision when estimating TBW. The Imp™ SFB7 (SFB7) is based on similar BIS principles, while offering increased portability and a greater range of frequencies when compared to older devices, such as the …

Minimal Nutrition Intervention With High-Protein/Low-Carbohydrate And Low-Fat, Nutrient-Dense Food Supplement Improves Body Composition And Exercise Benefits In Overweight Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Christopher M. Lockwood, Jordan R. Moon, Sarah E. Tobkin, Ashley A. Walter, Abbie E. Smith, Vincent J. Dalbo, Joel T. Cramer, Jeffrey R. Stout

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Background: Exercise and high-protein/reduced-carbohydrate and -fat diets have each been shown separately, or in combination with an energy-restricted diet to improve body composition and health in sedentary, overweight (BMI > 25) adults. The current study, instead, examined the physiological response to 10 weeks of combined aerobic and resistance exercise (EX) versus exercise + minimal nutrition intervention designed to alter the macronutrient profile, in the absence of energy restriction, using a commercially available high-protein/low-carbohydrate and low-fat, nutrient-dense food supplement (EXFS); versus control (CON).

Methods: Thirty-eight previously sedentary, overweight subjects (female = 19; male = 19) were randomly assigned to either CON (n …

Pre-Workout Consumption Of Celsius® Enhances The Benefits Of Chronic Exercise On Body Composition And Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Jeffrey R. Stout, Jordan R. Moon, Sarah E. Tobkin, Christopher M. Lockwood, Abbie E. Smith, Jennifer L. Graef, Kristina L. Kendall, Travis W. Beck, Joel T. Cramer

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

The functional beverage Celsius®, has recently been shown, after acute and chronic (28 days) consumption, to increase resting metabolism and serum blood markers of lipolysis in healthy, college-aged men and women. The purpose of this study was to examine the combined effects of a 10-week exercise program while consuming Celsius® on body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness changes in sedentary men and women.

Beta-Alanine Supplementation And High-Intensity Interval Training Augments Metabolic Adaptations And Endurance Performance In College-Aged Men, Abbie E. Smith, Ashley A. Walter, Kristina L. Kendall, Jennifer L. Graef, Christopher M. Lockwood, Jordan R. Moon, Travis W. Beck, Joel T. Cramer, Jeffery R. Stout

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to evaluate the effects β-alanine supplementation and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on endurance performance.

Cholesterol-Lowering Properties Of Plant Sterols Esterified With Beef Tallow Fatty Acids In Hamsters, David M. Guderian Jr., Heather E. Rasmussen, Curtis A. Wray, Patrick Dussault, Timothy P. Carr

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Plant sterol esters (PSE) reduce plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration by inhibiting cholesterol absorption. Previous work in our laboratory indicated that PSE containing stearic acid (SA), compared to linoleic acid, were significantly more effective at reducing cholesterol absorption. We tested the cholesterol lowering properties of PSE containing fatty acids from beef tallow, a natural and abundant source of SA. Male hamsters were fed diets containing 0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, or 5.0% beef tallow PSE for 4 weeks. Dose-dependent reductions (P < .05) were observed in cholesterol absorption, liver esterified cholesterol, and plasma nonhigh-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration; hamsters fed 5.0% PSE exhibited reductions of 56%, 98%, and 38%, respectively, compared to controls. Concurrent increases (P < .05) in fecal sterol excretion were also observed. In a second hamster study, the cholesterol-lowering properties of beef tallow PSE were compared to hamsters fed molar equivalents of free plant sterols (PS) and free SA. Beef tallow PSE were significantly more effective at reducing liver and plasma cholesterol concentrations than PS and SA consumed individually. Whether PS and SA act through independent or synergistic mechanisms will require further research, although the present findings support the use of dietary PSE containing beef tallow fatty acids in the management of hypercholesterolemia.

Aromatic Compounds In Three Varieties Of Turnip Greens Harvested At Three Maturity Levels, Georgia Jones, Ola Goode Sanders, Casey Grimm

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Turnip greens (Brassica rapa) are commonly consumed in the southern U.S.A. Typically, they have a bitter taste, which increases with maturity, probably because of increased levels of glucosinolates. While glucosinolate degradation products have been isolated from various members of the Brassica family, the effect of variety and maturity on these products has not been determined. This study focused on the glucosinolate degradation products of three varieties of turnip greens: Purple Top, Seven Top and Tokyo Cross, harvested 45, 60 and 75 days after planting. Four volatile components (benzene acetonitrile, benzene propane nitrile, 1H-indole-3-acetonitrile and benzene ethyl isothiocyanate) were isolated, identified …

Feeding Drosophila A Biotin-Deficient Diet For Multiple Generations Increases Stress Resistance And Lifespan And Alters Gene Expression And Histone Biotinylation Patterns, Erin M. Smith, Jia Tse Hoi, Joel C. Eissenberg, James D. Shoemaker, Wendi S. Neckameyer, Anne M. Ilvarsonn, Lawrence G. Harshman, Vicki L. Schlegel, Janos Zempleni

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Caloric restriction increases stress resistance and lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster and other species. The roles of individual nutrients in stress resistance and longevity are largely unknown. The vitamin biotin is a potential candidate for mediating these effects, given its known roles in stress signaling and gene regulation by epigenetic mechanisms, i.e., biotinylation of histones. Here, we tested the hypothesis that prolonged culture of Drosophila on biotin-deficient medium increases stress resistance and lifespan. Flies were fed a biotin-deficient diet for multiple generations; controls were fed a biotin-normal diet. In some experiments, a third group of flies was fed a biotin-deficient diet …

Reduction In Cholesterol Absorption Is Enhanced By Stearate-Enriched Plant Sterol Esters In Hamsters, Heather E. Rasmussen, David M. Guderian Jr., Curtis A. Wray, Patrick H. Dussault, Vicki L. Schlegel, Timothy P. Carr

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Consumption of plant sterol esters reduces plasma LDL cholesterol concentration by inhibiting intestinal cholesterol absorption. Commercially available plant sterol esters are prepared by esterifying free sterols to fatty acids from edible plant oils such as canola, soybean, and sunflower. To determine the influence of the fatty acid moiety on cholesterol metabolism, plant sterol esters were made with fatty acids from soybean oil (SO), beef tallow (BT), or purified stearic acid (SA) and fed to male hamsters for 4 wk. A control group fed no plant sterol esters was also included. Hamsters fed BT and SA had significantly lower cholesterol absorption …

Desulfovibrio Desulfuricans G20 Tetraheme Cytochrome Structure At 1.5 A˚ And Cytochrome Interaction With Metal Complexes, Mrunalini Pattarkine, J J. Tanner, C A. Bottoms, Y H. Lee, Judy D. Wall

Faculty Works

The structure of the type I tetraheme cytochrome c3 from Desulfovibrio desulfuricans G20 was determined to 1.5 A˚ by X-ray crystallography. In addition to the oxidized form, the structure of the molybdate-bound form of the protein was determined from oxidized crystals soaked in sodium molybdate. Only small structural shifts were obtained with metal binding, consistent with the remarkable structural stability of this protein. In vitro experiments with pure cytochrome showed that molybdate could oxidize the reduced cytochrome, although not as rapidly as U(VI) present as uranyl acetate. Alterations in the overall conformation and thermostability of the metal-oxidized protein were investigated …

Renal Damage In Experimentally-Induced Cirrhosis In Rats: Role Of Oxygen Free Radicals, Sathish Kumar Natarajan, Jayasree Basivireddy, Anup Ramachandran, Simmy Thomas, Prabhu Ramamoorthy, Anna B. Pulimood, Molly Jacob, Kunissery A. Balasubramanian

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Cirrhosis with ascites is associated with impaired renal function accompanied by sodium and water retention. Although it has been suggested that mediators such as nitric oxide play a role in the development of renal failure in this situation, other mechanisms underlying the process are not well understood. This study examined the role of oxidative stress in mediating renal damage during the development of cirrhosis in order to understand mechanisms involved in the process. It was shown that carbon tetrachloride– or thioacetamide-induced cirrhosis in rats results in oxidative stress in the kidney as seen by increased lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation, …

Intestinal Mucosal Alterations In Rats With Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Cirrhosis: Changes In Glycosylation And Luminal Bacteria, Sathish Kumar Natarajan, Prabhu Ramamoorthy, Simmy Thomas, Jayasree Basivireddy, Gagandeep Kang, Anup Ramachandran, Anna B. Pulimood, K. A. Balasubramanian

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is a major cause of mortality after liver cirrhosis. Altered permeability of the mucosa and deficiencies in host immune defenses through bacterial translocation from the intestine due to intestinal bacterial overgrowth have been implicated in the development of this complication. Molecular mechanisms underlying the process are not well known. In order to understand mechanisms involved in translocation of bacteria, this study explored the role of oxidative stress in mediating changes in intestinal mucosal glycosylation and luminal bacterial content during cirrhosis. CCl₄-induced cirrhosis in rats led to prolonged oxidative stress in the intestine, accompanied by increased …