The artificial sweetener erythritol and cardiovascular event risk

The effect of mango aroma in low-sugar beverage: A sensory study on odor induced sweetness enhancement

Excessive intake of sugar has become a public concern. However, it is challenging for food industries to decrease sugar level without sacrificing safety and sensory profile. Odor-induced sweetness enhancement (OISE) is believed to be a novel and promising strategy for sugar reduction. In order to investigate the OISE effect of mango aroma and evaluate its degree of sugar reduction in low-sugar beverages, a mathematical model was constructed through sensory evaluation in this study. The results showed that the maximum liking of low-sugar model beverages was 4.28 % sucrose and 0.57 % mango flavor. The most synergistic of OISE was at the concentration level of 2.24 % sucrose + 0.25 % mango flavor, which was equivalent to 2.96 % pure sucrose solution. With 32.14 % sugar reduction, the mango aroma was suggested to generate the OISE effect. However, the same level of garlic aroma was not able to enhance sweetness perception, suggesting that the congruency of aroma and taste is a prerequisite for the OISE effect to occur. This study demonstrated that the cross-modal interaction of mango aroma on sweetness enhancement in low-sugar model beverages could provide practical guidance for developing sugar-reduced beverages without applying sweeteners.

Acesulfame potassium upregulates PD-L1 in HCC cells by attenuating autophagic degradation

Artificial sweeteners, which contain no or few calories, have been widely used in various foods and beverages, and are regarded as safe alternatives to sugar by the Food and Drug Administration. While several studies suggest that artificial sweeteners are not related to cancer development, some research has reported their potential association with the risk of cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we investigated whether acesulfame potassium (Ace K), a commonly used artificial sweetener, induces immune evasion of HCC cells by upregulating programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1). Ace K elevated the protein levels of PD-L1 in HCC cells without increasing its mRNA levels. The upregulation of PD-L1 protein levels in HCC cells by Ace K was induced by attenuated autophagic degradation of PD-L1, which was mediated by the Ace K-stimulated ERK1/2-mTORC1 signaling pathway. Ace K-induced upregulation of PD-L1 attenuated T cell-mediated death of HCC cells, thereby promoting immune evasion of HCC cells. In summary, the present study suggests that Ace K promotes HCC progression by upregulating the PD-L1 protein level.

Risks and benefits of nonsugar sweeteners: conflicting evidence between observational studies and randomized controlled trials

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Recommendations on the use of nonsugar sweeteners are contradictory, even if they come from official sources. The aim is to review and discuss recent findings on the potential impact of nonsugar sweeteners on human health.

RECENT FINDINGS

While randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with short duration and risk factors endpoints mostly show favourable effects on body weight and cardiometabolic parameters when nonsugar sweeteners are used to replaced sugar-sweetened products, observational studies mostly show a positive association between the consumption of nonsugar sweeteners and cardiometabolic diseases. The conflicting results may be explained by the heterogenous nature of nonsugar sweeteners but also likely is a consequence of serious weaknesses of available studies.

SUMMARY

For more evidence-based recommendations for practice and policy, scientifically sound studies with long follow-up are required.

Food contamination and cardiovascular disease: a narrative review

Cardiovascular disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among non-communicable diseases worldwide. Evidence shows that a healthy dietary pattern positively influences many risk factors of cardiometabolic health, stroke, and heart disease, supported by the effectiveness of healthy diet and lifestyles for the prevention of CVD. High quality and safety of foods are prerequisites to ensuring food security and beneficial effects. Contaminants can be present in foods mainly because of contamination from environmental sources (water, air, or soil pollution), or artificially introduced by the human. Moreover, the cross-contamination or formation during food processing, food packaging, presence or contamination by natural toxins, or use of unapproved food additives and adulterants. Numerous studies reported the association between food contaminants and cardiovascular risk by demonstrating that (1) the cross-contamination or artificial sweeteners, additives, and adulterants in food processing can be the cause of the risk for major adverse cardiovascular events and (2) environmental factors, such as heavy metals and chemical products can be also significant contributors to food contamination with a negative impact on cardiovascular systems. Furthermore, oxidative stress can be a common mechanism that mediates food contamination-associated CVDs as substantiated by studies showing impaired oxidative stress biomarkers after exposure to food contaminants.This narrative review summarizes the data suggesting how food contaminants may elicit artery injury and proposing oxidative stress as a mediator of cardiovascular damage.

Ultra-processed food consumption and mortality among patients with stages I-III colorectal cancer: a prospective cohort study

Background

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are emerging as a risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC), yet how post-diagnostic UPF intake may impact CRC prognosis remains unexplored.

Methods

Data collected from food frequency questionnaires were used to estimate intakes of total UPFs and UPF subgroups (serving/d) at least 6 months but less than 4 years post-diagnosis among 2498 patients diagnosed with stages I-III CRC within the Nurses' Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-up Study during 1980-2016. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of all-cause, CRC- and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-specific mortality in association with UPF consumption were estimated using an inverse probability weighted multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model, adjusted for confounders.

Findings

The mean (SD) age of patients at diagnosis was 68.5 (9.4) years. A total of 1661 deaths were documented, including 321 from CRC and 335 from CVD. Compared to those in the lowest quintile (median = 3.6 servings/d), patients in the highest quintile (median = 10 servings/d) of post-diagnostic UPF intake had higher CVD mortality (HR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.13-2.40) but not CRC or all-cause mortality. Among UPF subgroups, higher consumption of fats/condiments/sauces was associated with a higher risk of CVD-specific mortality (highest vs. lowest quintile of intake, HR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.41-2.73), and higher intake of ice cream/sherbet was associated with an increased risk of CRC-specific mortality (highest vs. lowest quintile, HR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.33-2.61). No statistically significant association was found between UPF subgroups and overall mortality.

Interpretation

Higher post-diagnostic intake of total UPFs and fats/condiments/sauces in CRC survivors is associated with higher CVD mortality, and higher ice cream/sherbet intake is linked to higher CRC mortality.

Funding

US National Institutes of Health and the American Cancer Society.

Engineering the β-galactosidase from Aspergillus oryzae for making lactose-free and no-sugar-added yogurt

Yogurt usually contains 5-7% sugar and 3-5% lactose. As β-galactosidases can hydrolyze lactose and improve sweetness, they have the potential to produce lactose-free (LF) and no-sugar-added (NSA) yogurt. In this study, β-galactosidase AoBgal35A from Aspergillus oryzae was engineered by site-saturation mutagenesis. Results of 19 variants of T955 residue showed that lactose hydrolysis rate of T955R-AoBgal35A was up to 90.7%, much higher than 78.5% of the wild type. Moreover, the optimal pH of T955R-AoBgal35A was shifted from pH 4.5 to pH 5.5 and the optimal temperature decreased from 60°C to 50°C. The mutant T955R-AoBgal35A was successfully expressed in Komagatella pastoris, which produced extracellularly 4528 U/mL of β-galactosidase activity. The mutant T955R-AoBgal35A was used to produce LF yogurt. Streptococcus thermophilus counts of LF yogurt increased from 7.9 to 9.5 lg cfu/g, significantly higher than that of the control group (8.9 lg cfu/g). Residual lactose content of LF yogurt was 0.13%, meeting the requirement of "lactose-free" label (<0.5%, GB 28050-2011, China). Furthermore, sugar in yogurt was replaced by whey powder to produce LF-NSA yogurt. The optimal addition content of whey powder was 7.5%. The texture, WHC and titratable acidity of LF and LF-NSA yogurt achieved good stability during the shelf life. Therefore, this study provides an insight for technological implications of β-galactosidases in the dairy industry.

The causal association between artificial sweeteners and the risk of cancer: a Mendelian randomization study

Artificial sweeteners (ASs) have been widely added to food and beverages because of their properties of low calories and sweet taste. However, whether the consumption of ASs is causally associated with cancer risk is not clear. Here, we utilized the two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method to study the potential causal association. Genetic variants like single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with exposure (AS consumption) were extracted from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) database including 64 949 Europeans and the influence of confounding was removed. The outcome was from 98 GWAS data and included several types of cancers like lung cancer, colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, and so on. The exposure-outcome SNPs were harmonized and then MR analysis was performed. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) with random effects was used as the main analytical method accompanied by four complementary methods: MR Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode. Sensitivity analyses consisted of heterogeneity, pleiotropy, and leave-one-out analysis. Our results demonstrated that ASs added to coffee had a positive association with high-grade and low-grade serous ovarian cancer; ASs added to tea had a positive association with oral cavity and pharyngeal cancers, but a negative association with malignant neoplasm of the bronchus and lungs. No other cancers had a genetic causal association with AS consumption. Our MR study revealed that AS consumption had no genetic causal association with major cancers. Larger MR studies or RCTs are needed to investigate small effects and support this conclusion.

Multi-omics-based investigation of Bifidobacterium's inhibitory effect on glioma: regulation of tumor and gut microbiota, and MEK/ERK cascade

Glioma, the most prevalent primary tumor of the central nervous system, is characterized by a poor prognosis and a high recurrence rate. The interplay between microbes, such as gut and tumor microbiota, and the host has underscored the significant impact of microorganisms on disease progression. Bifidobacterium, a beneficial bacterial strain found in the human and animal intestines, exhibits inhibitory effects against various diseases. However, the existing body of evidence pertaining to the influence of Bifidobacterium on glioma remains insufficient. Here, we found that Bifidobacterium reduces tumor volume and prolongs survival time in an orthotopic mouse model of glioma. Experiments elucidated that Bifidobacterium suppresses the MEK/ERK cascade. Additionally, we noted an increase in the α-diversity of the tumor microbiota, along with an augmented relative abundance of Bifidobacterium in the gut microbiota. This rise in Bifidobacterium levels within the intestine may be attributed to a concurrent increase in Bifidobacterium within the glioma. Additionally, Bifidobacterium induced alterations in serum metabolites, particularly those comprised of organonitrogen compounds. Thus, our findings showed that Bifidobacterium can suppress glioma growth by inhibiting the MEK/ERK cascade and regulating tumor, and gut microbiota, and serum metabolites in mice, indicating the promising therapeutic prospects of Bifidobacterium against glioma.

Plasma Metabolic Profiling and Multiclass Diagnostic Model Development for Stable Angina Pectoris and Acute Myocardial Infarction

Coronary heart disease remains a major global health challenge, with a clear need for enhanced early risk assessment. This study aimed to elucidate metabolic signatures across various stages of coronary heart disease and develop an effective multiclass diagnostic model. Using metabolomic approaches, gas chromatography-mass and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry were used to analyze plasma samples from healthy controls, patients with stable angina pectoris, and those with acute myocardial infarction. Pathway enrichment analysis was conducted on metabolites exhibiting significant differences. The key metabolites were identified using Random Forest and Recursive Feature Elimination strategies to construct a multiclass diagnostic model. The performance of the model was validated through 10-fold cross-validation and evaluated using confusion matrices, receiver operating characteristic curves, and calibration curves. Metabolomics was used to identify 1491 metabolites, with 216, 567, and 295 distinctly present among the healthy controls, patients with stable angina pectoris, and those with acute myocardial infarction, respectively. This implicated pathways such as the glucagon signaling pathway, d-amino acid metabolism, pyruvate metabolism, and amoebiasis across various stages of coronary heart disease. After selection, testosterone isobutyrate, N-acetyl-tryptophan, d-fructose, l-glutamic acid, erythritol, and gluconic acid were identified as core metabolites in the multiclass diagnostic model. Evaluating the diagnostic model demonstrated its high discriminative ability and accuracy. This study revealed metabolic pathway perturbations at different stages of coronary heart disease, and a precise multiclass diagnostic model was established based on these findings. This study provides new insights and tools for the early diagnosis and treatment of coronary heart disease.

Transcriptome analysis reveals multiple targets of erythritol-related transcription factor EUF1 in unconventional yeast Yarrowia Lipolytica

BACKGROUND

Erythritol is a four-carbon polyol with an unclear role in metabolism of some unconventional yeasts. Its production has been linked to the osmotic stress response, but the mechanism of stress protection remains unclear. Additionally, erythritol can be used as a carbon source. In the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica, its assimilation is activated by the transcription factor Euf1. The study investigates whether this factor can link erythritol to other processes in the cell.

RESULTS

The research was performed on two closely related strains of Y. lipolytica: MK1 and K1, where strain K1 has no functional Euf1. Cultures were carried out in erythritol-containing and erythritol-free media. Transcriptome analysis revealed the effect of Euf1 on the regulation of more than 150 genes. Some of these could be easily connected with different aspects of erythritol assimilation, such as: utilization pathway, a new potential isoform of transketolase, or polyol transporters. However, many of the upregulated genes have never been linked to metabolism of erythritol. The most prominent examples are the degradation pathway of branched-chain amino acids and the glyoxylate cycle. The high transcription of genes affected by Euf1 is still dependent on the erythritol concentration in the medium. Moreover, almost all up-regulated genes have an ATGCA motif in the promoter sequence.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings may be particularly relevant given the increasing use of erythritol-induced promoters in genetic engineering of Y. lipolytica. Moreover, use of this yeast in biotechnological processes often takes place under osmotic stress conditions. Erythritol might be produce as a by-product, thus better understanding of its influence on cell metabolism could facilitate processes optimization.

Directed Evolution of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 to Utilize Allulose as Sole Carbon Source

Sugar substitutes are popular due to their akin taste and low calories. However, excessive use of aspartame and erythritol can have varying effects. While D-allulose is presently deemed a secure alternative to sugar, its excessive consumption is not devoid of cellular stress implications. In this study, the evolution of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) is directed to utilize allulose as sole carbon source through a combination of adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) and fluorescence-activated droplet sorting (FADS) techniques. Employing whole genome sequencing (WGS) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats interference (CRISPRi) in conjunction with compensatory expression displayed those genetic mutations in sugar and amino acid metabolic pathways, including glnP, glpF, gmpA, nagE, pgmB, ybaN, etc., increased allulose assimilation. Enzyme-substrate dynamics simulations and deep learning predict enhanced substrate specificity and catalytic efficiency in nagE A247E and pgmB G12R mutants. The findings evince that these mutations hold considerable promise in enhancing allulose uptake and facilitating its conversion into glycolysis, thus signifying the emergence of a novel metabolic pathway for allulose utilization. These revelations bear immense potential for the sustainable utilization of D-allulose in promoting health and well-being.

Magnetic Hydroxyapatite-Coated Iron-Chromium Microspheres for Dental Surface Polishing and Plaque Removal

This research aimed to engineer magnetic hydroxyapatite-coated iron-chromium (HAp-FeCr) microspheres to enhance dental surface polishing and plaque elimination. Utilizing a tailored sol-gel approach, the HAp-FeCr microspheres were synthesized and exhaustively characterized via scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, ζ-potential, X-ray diffractometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy methodologies. Key findings showcased that these microspheres retained their magnetic properties post-HAp coating, as evidenced by the magnetization curves. An innovative magnetic polishing system was developed, incorporating these microspheres and a 2000 rpm magnet. Comparative evaluations between traditional air-powder polishing and the proposed magnetic technique demonstrated the latter's superiority. Notably, the magnetic polishing led to a substantial reduction in dental plaque on the tooth surface, decreasing bacterial adhesion and early biofilm formation by Streptococcus gordonii and Lactobacillus acidophilus, where the most pronounced effects were observed in samples with elevated HAp content. A significant 60% reduction in dental plaque was achieved with the magnetic method relative to air-powder polishing. Furthermore, the HAp-FeCr microspheres' biocompatibility was verified through cytotoxicity tests and animal studies. In essence, the magnetic HAp-FeCr microspheres present a novel and efficient strategy for dental treatments, holding immense potential for improving oral health.

Erythritol as a Potential Causal Contributor to Cardiometabolic Disease: A Mendelian Randomization Study

People with type 2 diabetes frequently use low-calorie sweeteners to manage glycemia and reduce caloric intake. Use of erythritol, a low-calorie sweetener, has increased recently. Higher circulating concentration associates with major cardiac events and metabolic disease in observational data, prompting some concern. As observational data may be prone to confounding and reverse causality, we undertook bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate potential causal associations between erythritol and coronary artery disease (CAD), BMI, waist-hip-ratio (WHR), and glycemic and renal traits in cohorts of European ancestry. Analyses were undertaken using instruments comprising genome-wide significant variants from three cohorts with erythritol measurement. Across instruments, we did not find supportive evidence that increased erythritol increases CAD (b = -0.033 ± 0.02, P = 0.14; b = 0.46 ± 0.37, P = 0.23). MR indicates erythritol may decrease BMI (b = -0.04 ± 0.018, P = 0.03; b = -0.04 ± 0.0085, P = 1.23 × 10-5; b = -0.083 ± 0.092, P = 0.036), with potential evidence from one instrument of increased BMI adjusted for WHR (b = 0.046 ± 0.022, P = 0.035). No evidence of causal association was found with other traits. In conclusion, we did not find supportive evidence from MR that erythritol increases cardiometabolic disease. These findings await confirmation in well-designed prospective studies.

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

A terminal metabolite of niacin promotes vascular inflammation and contributes to cardiovascular disease risk

Despite intensive preventive cardiovascular disease (CVD) efforts, substantial residual CVD risk remains even for individuals receiving all guideline-recommended interventions. Niacin is an essential micronutrient fortified in food staples, but its role in CVD is not well understood. In this study, untargeted metabolomics analysis of fasting plasma from stable cardiac patients in a prospective discovery cohort (n = 1,162 total, n = 422 females) suggested that niacin metabolism was associated with incident major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Serum levels of the terminal metabolites of excess niacin, N1-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide (2PY) and N1-methyl-4-pyridone-3-carboxamide (4PY), were associated with increased 3-year MACE risk in two validation cohorts (US n = 2,331 total, n = 774 females; European n = 832 total, n = 249 females) (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval) for 2PY: 1.64 (1.10-2.42) and 2.02 (1.29-3.18), respectively; for 4PY: 1.89 (1.26-2.84) and 1.99 (1.26-3.14), respectively). Phenome-wide association analysis of the genetic variant rs10496731, which was significantly associated with both 2PY and 4PY levels, revealed an association of this variant with levels of soluble vascular adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1). Further meta-analysis confirmed association of rs10496731 with sVCAM-1 (n = 106,000 total, n = 53,075 females, P = 3.6 × 10-18). Moreover, sVCAM-1 levels were significantly correlated with both 2PY and 4PY in a validation cohort (n = 974 total, n = 333 females) (2PY: rho = 0.13, P = 7.7 × 10-5; 4PY: rho = 0.18, P = 1.1 × 10-8). Lastly, treatment with physiological levels of 4PY, but not its structural isomer 2PY, induced expression of VCAM-1 and leukocyte adherence to vascular endothelium in mice. Collectively, these results indicate that the terminal breakdown products of excess niacin, 2PY and 4PY, are both associated with residual CVD risk. They also suggest an inflammation-dependent mechanism underlying the clinical association between 4PY and MACE.

Plasma metabolite predictors of metabolic syndrome incidence and reversion

BACKGROUND

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a progressive pathophysiological state defined by a cluster of cardiometabolic traits. However, little is known about metabolites that may be predictors of MetS incidence or reversion. Our objective was to identify plasma metabolites associated with MetS incidence or MetS reversion.

METHODS

The study included 1468 participants without cardiovascular disease (CVD) but at high CVD risk at enrollment from two case-cohort studies nested within the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea (PREDIMED) study with baseline metabolomics data. MetS was defined in accordance with the harmonized International Diabetes Federation and the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute criteria, which include meeting 3 or more thresholds for waist circumference, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose. MetS incidence was defined by not having MetS at baseline but meeting the MetS criteria at a follow-up visit. MetS reversion was defined by MetS at baseline but not meeting MetS criteria at a follow-up visit. Plasma metabolome was profiled by LC-MS. Multivariable-adjusted Cox regression models and elastic net regularized regressions were used to assess the association of 385 annotated metabolites with MetS incidence and MetS reversion after adjusting for potential risk factors.

RESULTS

Of the 603 participants without baseline MetS, 298 developed MetS over the median 4.8-year follow-up. Of the 865 participants with baseline MetS, 285 experienced MetS reversion. A total of 103 and 88 individual metabolites were associated with MetS incidence and MetS reversion, respectively, after adjusting for confounders and false discovery rate correction. A metabolomic signature comprised of 77 metabolites was robustly associated with MetS incidence (HR: 1.56 (95 % CI: 1.33-1.83)), and a metabolomic signature of 83 metabolites associated with MetS reversion (HR: 1.44 (95 % CI: 1.25-1.67)), both p < 0.001. The MetS incidence and reversion signatures included several lipids (mainly glycerolipids and glycerophospholipids) and branched-chain amino acids.

CONCLUSION

We identified unique metabolomic signatures, primarily comprised of lipids (including glycolipids and glycerophospholipids) and branched-chain amino acids robustly associated with MetS incidence; and several amino acids and glycerophospholipids associated with MetS reversion. These signatures provide novel insights on potential distinct mechanisms underlying the conditions leading to the incidence or reversion of MetS.

IDSL.GOA: Gene Ontology Analysis for Interpreting Metabolomic datasets

Biological interpretation of metabolomic datasets often ends at a pathway analysis step to find the over-represented metabolic pathways in the list of statistically significant metabolites. However, definitions of biochemical pathways and metabolite coverage vary among different curated databases, leading to missed interpretations. For the lists of genes, transcripts and proteins, Gene Ontology (GO) terms over-presentation analysis has become a standardized approach for biological interpretation. But, GO analysis has not been achieved for metabolomic datasets. We present a new knowledgebase (KB) and the online tool, Gene Ontology Analysis by the Integrated Data Science Laboratory for Metabolomics and Exposomics (IDSL.GOA) to conduct GO over-representation analysis for a metabolite list. The IDSL.GOA KB covers 2,393 metabolic GO terms and associated 3,144 genes, 1,492 EC annotations, and 2,621 metabolites. IDSL.GOA analysis of a case study of older vs young female brain cortex metabolome highlighted 82 GO terms being significantly overrepresented (FDR <0.05). We showed how IDSL.GOA identified key and relevant GO metabolic processes that were not yet covered in other pathway databases. Overall, we suggest that interpretation of metabolite lists should not be limited to only pathway maps and can also leverage GO terms as well. IDSL.GOA provides a useful tool for this purpose, allowing for a more comprehensive and accurate analysis of metabolite pathway data. IDSL.GOA tool can be accessed at https://goa.idsl.me/.

5. Facilitating Positive Health Behaviors and Well-being to Improve Health Outcomes: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2024

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, an interprofessional expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations and a full list of Professional Practice Committee members, please refer to Introduction and Methodology. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

The Influence of Caramel Carbon Quantum Dots and Caramel on Platelet Aggregation, Protein Glycation and Lipid Peroxidation

Caramel, defined as a coloring agent and as an antioxidant, is used in several kinds of food products and is consumed by many people in different amounts. In our research we showed that the caramelization of sucrose under special conditions leads to the formation of carbon quantum dots (CQDs). So, it makes sense that humans also consume this type of CQDs, and it is theoretically possible for these particles to affect the body. Despite an increasing number of studies describing different types of CQDs, their biosafety is still not clearly understood. In our in vitro research, we examined the effects on platelet aggregation, protein glycation and lipid peroxidation of CQDs and caramel formed from a 20% sucrose solution. In vitro aggregation tests were conducted using freshly collected whole rat blood in a multiplate platelet function analyzer and measurer of electric impedance. The cytotoxic effect of the tested solutions on blood platelets was evaluated based on the release of lactate dehydrogenase. The formation of glycated bovine serum albumin was measured as fluorescence intensity and fructosamine level. The reducing power of the solutions was determined in adipose tissue, and their effect on lipid peroxidation in adipose tissue in vitro was also assessed. By measuring the intensity of hemolysis after incubation in solutions with red blood cell, we assessed their influence on the integration of the red blood cell membrane. All tests were performed in comparison with glucose and fructose and other frequently used sweeteners, such as erythritol and xylitol. Our study showed that caramel and CQDs formed from caramel may influence the glycation process and integrity of the red blood cell membrane, but unlike glucose and fructose, they decrease lipid peroxidation and may reduce Fe (III). Additionally, it is unlikely that they affect platelet aggregation. Compared to glucose and fructose, they may be safer for patients with metabolic disorders; however, further research is needed on the safety and biological activity of caramel and CQD.

Re-evaluation of erythritol (E 968) as a food additive

This opinion addresses the re-evaluation of erythritol (E 968) as food additive and an application for its exemption from the laxative warning label requirement as established under Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011. Erythritol is a polyol obtained by fermentation with Moniliella pollinis BC or Moniliella megachiliensis KW3-6, followed by purifications and drying. Erythritol is readily and dose-dependently absorbed in humans and can be metabolised to erythronate to a small extent. Erythritol is then excreted unchanged in the urine. It does not raise concerns regarding genotoxicity. The dataset evaluated consisted of human interventional studies. The Panel considered that erythritol has the potential to cause diarrhoea in humans, which was considered adverse because its potential association with electrolyte and water imbalance. The lower bound of the range of no observed adverse effect levels (NOAELs) for diarrhoea of 0.5 g/kg body weight (bw) was identified as reference point. The Panel considered appropriate to set a numerical acceptable daily intake (ADI) at the level of the reference point. An ADI of 0.5 g/kg bw per day was considered by the Panel to be protective for the immediate laxative effect as well as potential chronic effects, secondary to diarrhoea. The highest mean and 95th percentile chronic exposure was in children (742 mg/kg bw per day) and adolescents (1532 mg/kg bw per day). Acute exposure was maximally 3531 mg/kg bw per meal for children at the 99th percentile. Overall, the Panel considered both dietary exposure assessments an overestimation. The Panel concluded that the exposure estimates for both acute and chronic dietary exposure to erythritol (E 968) were above the ADI, indicating that individuals with high intake may be at risk of experiencing adverse effects after single and repeated exposure. Concerning the new application, the Panel concluded that the available data do not support the proposal for exemption.

Effects of a 5-week intake of erythritol and xylitol on vascular function, abdominal fat and glucose tolerance in humans with obesity: a pilot trial

Introduction

Previous studies in humans and rats suggest that erythritol might positively affect vascular function, xylitol decrease visceral fat mass and both substances improve glycaemic control. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of a 5-week intake of erythritol and xylitol on vascular function, abdominal fat and blood lipids, glucose tolerance, uric acid, hepatic enzymes, creatinine, gastrointestinal tolerance and dietary patterns in humans with obesity.

Methods

Forty-two participants were randomised to consume either 36 g erythritol, 24 g xylitol, or no substance daily for 5 weeks. Before and after the intervention, arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity, arteriolar-to-venular diameter ratio), abdominal fat (liver volume, liver fat percentage, visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue, blood lipids), glucose tolerance (glucose and insulin concentrations), uric acid, hepatic enzymes, creatinine, gastrointestinal tolerance and dietary patterns were assessed. Data were analysed by linear mixed effect model.

Results

The 5-week intake of erythritol and xylitol showed no statistically significant effect on vascular function. Neither the time nor the treatment effects were significantly different for pulse wave velocity (time effect: p=0.079, Cohen's D (95% CI) -0.14 (-0.54-0.25); treatment effect: p=0.792, Cohen's D (95% CI) control versus xylitol: -0.11 (-0.61-0.35), control versus erythritol: 0.05 (0.44-0.54), erythritol versus xylitol: 0.07 (-0.41-0.54)). There was no statistically significant effect on abdominal fat, glucose tolerance, uric acid, hepatic enzymes and creatinine. Gastrointestinal tolerance was good except for a few diarrhoea-related symptoms. Participants of all groups reduced their consumption of sweetened beverages and sweets compared with preintervention.

Conclusions

The 5-week intake of erythritol and xylitol showed no statistically significant effects on vascular function, abdominal fat, or glucose tolerance in people with obesity.

Clinical trial registration

NCT02821923.

Associations of sugar-sweetened beverages, artificially sweetened beverages, and natural juices with cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease in a prospective cohort study

Background

Beverage consumption was found to be associated with cardiovascular disease and mortality in the general population. However, it is unclear whether this association still exists in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Objectives

To investigate the associations of sugar-sweetened beverages, artificially sweetened beverages, and natural juices with cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality among individuals with IBD.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

We included 1981 participants with IBD in the UK Biobank. Consumption of beverages was measured using a validated 24-h diet recall. Outcomes of interest were overall cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

During a mean (SD) follow-up of 10.1 (1.7) years, we documented 205 cardiovascular events and 133 deaths. Compared to non-consumers, those consuming sugar-sweetened beverages more than 1 unit/day (reported in glasses/cans/250 ml/cartons) were associated with 64% (95% CI: 5-155, p = 0.030) and 97% (95% CI: 16-233, p = 0.012) increased risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality, respectively. We also observed a 78% (95% CI: 3-205, p = 0.038) increased risk of cardiovascular disease in participants who consumed artificially sweetened beverages more than 1 unit/day when compared with non-consumers. We did not observe significant associations between natural juice consumption and the two outcomes in IBD.

Conclusion

Higher sugar- and artificially sweetened beverage consumption were associated with adverse cardiovascular and mortality outcomes in IBD. These exploratory results were consistent with the evidence in the general population and highlighted the importance of diet management in individuals with IBD.

Erythritol aggravates gut inflammation and anxiety-like behavioral disorders induced by acute dextran sulfate sodium administration in mice

Erythritol is a widely used sugar substitute in food and beverages with beneficial and detrimental roles in obesity and cardiovascular diseases, respectively; however, its influence on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and related behavioral disorders is not well understood. Here, we found that erythritol exacerbated gut inflammation by promoting macrophage infiltration and inducing M1 macrophage polarization, thus increasing gut leakage during colitis triggered by acute dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) treatment. Increased gut permeability can cause neuroinflammation and anxiety-like behavioral disorders. In conclusion, our results revealed a negative role for erythritol in gut inflammation and anxiety-like behavioral disorders induced by erythritol administration in a mouse model of acute colitis, suggesting that erythritol intake control may be necessary for IBD treatment.

Consumption of ultra-processed foods and all-cause and cause-specific mortality in the Southern Community Cohort Study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Higher intake of ultra-processed foods (UPF) has been linked with higher risks of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, as well as all-cause mortality. However, studies on UPF and cause-specific mortality remain limited, especially among disadvantaged populations. We aimed to examine associations of UPF intake with all-cause and cause-specific mortality among low-income Americans.

METHODS

In the Southern Community Cohort Study (SCCS), a prospective cohort of mostly low-income Black and White Americans, we included 77,060 participants who completed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) at baseline (2002-2009) and had at least 1 year follow-up. All 89 items in the FFQ were categorized using the Nova classification. UPF intake was calculated as % of daily foods intake by weight (grams). Cox regression was used to estimate HR (95% CI) for the association of UPF intake (quartile or per 10% increase) with total and cause-specific mortality (cancer, coronary heart disease [CHD], stroke, and diabetes) after adjusting for sociodemographics, lifestyles, and disease history.

RESULTS

Of 77,060 participants, 46,175 (59.9%) were women, 49,857 were Black (64.7%), and mean age was 52.4 (SD: 8.8) years at baseline. The mean intake of UPF was 41.0% (SD: 15.7%). UPF intake was inversely associated with Healthy Eating Index and intakes of fiber, minerals, and vitamins but positively associated with intakes of sugars and fats (all PFDR<0.0001). During an average follow-up of 12.2 years, we documented 17,895 total deaths, including 4267 from cancer, 2208 from CHD, 867 from stroke, and 997 from diabetes. In the fully adjusted model, higher UPF intake was not associated with all-cause, cancer, CHD, or stroke mortality but showed a significant association with increased diabetes mortality (HR [95% CI] = 1.32 [1.07, 1.62] for the highest versus lowest quartiles [>51.1% vs. <29.3%] and 1.09 [1.04, 1.15] per 10% increase). The adverse UPF-diabetes mortality association was noted regardless of sex, race, income, neighborhood deprivation, lifestyles, and cardiometabolic disease history, while particularly evident in participants with no more than high school education or a history of hypercholesterolemia (HR [95% CI] per 10% increase = 1.12 [1.05, 1.18] and 1.14 [1.07, 1.22], respectively; both Pinteraction<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Among predominantly low-income Black and White American adults, UPF intake was associated with increased diabetes mortality, especially for individuals with limited education or hypercholesterolemia. Our findings suggest the potential impact of increasing access and intake of un/minimally processed food to replace UPF on reducing diabetes-related mortality among populations facing socioeconomic and health disparities.

Mass spectrometry-based analysis of gut microbial metabolites of aromatic amino acids

Small molecules derived from gut microbiota have been increasingly investigated to better understand the functional roles of the human gut microbiome. Microbial metabolites of aromatic amino acids (AAA) have been linked to many diseases, such as metabolic disorders, chronic kidney diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, and cancer. Important microbial AAA metabolites are often discovered via global metabolite profiling of biological specimens collected from humans or animal models. Subsequent metabolite identity confirmation and absolute quantification using targeted analysis enable comparisons across different studies, which can lead to the establishment of threshold concentrations of potential metabolite biomarkers. Owing to their excellent selectivity and sensitivity, hyphenated mass spectrometry (MS) techniques are often employed to identify and quantify AAA metabolites in various biological matrices. Here, we summarize the developments over the past five years in MS-based methodology for analyzing gut microbiota-derived AAA. Sample preparation, method validation, analytical performance, and statistical methods for correlation analysis are discussed, along with future perspectives.

Impact of Replacing Soft Drinks with Dairy Products on Micronutrient Intakes of Chinese Preschool Children: A Simulation Study

At present, energy surplus and micronutrient deficiency coexist in preschool children in China. The low intake of dairy products accompanied by an increased consumption of soft drinks in this age group reveals some of the reasons for this phenomenon. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the improvement of key micronutrients in preschool children by quantifying the dietary nutritional gap before and after simulating the use of dairy products instead of equal amounts of soft drinks. In the cross-sectional dietary intake survey of infants and young children in China (2018-2019), 676 preschool children aged 3-6 years were randomly selected. Four days of dietary data were collected through an online diary for simulation. The individual intake of soft drinks was substituted at a corresponding volume by soymilk, cow's milk, or formulated milk powder for preschool children (FMP-PSC). In these three models, the simulated nutrient intake and nutrient inadequacy or surplus were compared with the actual baseline data of the survey. The results of this study indicated that all three models made the nutrient intakes of this group more in line with the recommendations. For the whole population, the replacement of soymilk improved the intake of zinc (from 4.80 to 4.85 mg/d), potassium (from 824.26 to 836.82 mg/d), vitamin A (from 211.57 to 213.92 μg retinol activity equivalent/d), and vitamin B9 (from 115.94 to 122.79 μg dietary folate equivalent/d); the simulation of cow's milk improved the intake of calcium (from 311.82 to 330.85 mg/d), zinc (from 4.80 to 4.87 mg/d), potassium (from 824.26 to 833.62 mg/d), vitamin A (from 211.57 to 215.12 μg retinol activity equivalent/d), vitamin B2 (from 0.53 to 0.54 mg/d), and vitamin B12 (from 1.63 to 1.67 μg/d); and the substitution of FMP-PSC improved the intake of calcium (from 311.82 to 332.32 mg/d), iron (from 9.91 to 9.36 mg/d), zinc (from 4.80 to 4.96 mg/d), potassium (from 824.26 to 828.71 mg/d), vitamin A (from 211.57 to 217.93 μg retinol activity equivalent/d), vitamin B2 (from 0.53 to 0.54 mg/d), vitamin B9 (from 115.94 to 118.80 μg RA dietary folate equivalent/d), and vitamin B12 (from 1.63 to 1.70 μg/d). Therefore, correct nutritional information should be provided to parents and preschool children. In addition to changing the consumption behavior of soft drinks, it is also necessary to have a diversified and balanced diet. When necessary, the use of food ingredients or nutritional fortifiers can be encouraged.

Elevated Erythritol: A Marker of Metabolic Dysregulation or Contributor to the Pathogenesis of Cardiometabolic Disease?

Erythritol is a non-nutritive sugar replacement that can be endogenously produced by humans. Witkowski et al. reported that elevated circulating erythritol is associated with adverse cardiovascular events in three independent cohorts, demonstrated in vitro and ex vivo that erythritol promotes platelet activation, and showed faster clotting time in mice injected with erythritol. It was concluded that erythritol fosters enhanced thrombosis. This narrative review presents additional evidence that needs to be considered when evaluating these data and conclusions. We conducted a search of all studies related to erythritol exposure with focus on those that reported vascular health outcomes. Patients with chronically elevated erythritol levels due to inborn errors of metabolism do not exhibit higher platelet activation or thrombosis risk. Most long-term studies in which animals consumed high levels of erythritol do not support its role in platelet activation and thrombosis formation. Clinical data on the effects of chronic intake of erythritol are limited. Erythritol may be merely a marker of dysregulation in the Pentose Phosphate Pathway caused by impaired glycemia. However, this suggestion and the findings of Witkowski et al. need to be further examined. Clinical trials examining the long-term effects of erythritol consumption on cardiometabolic outcomes are required to test the causality between dietary erythritol and cardiometabolic risk. Until supportive data from these trials are available, it cannot be concluded that dietary erythritol promotes platelet activation, thrombosis, and cardiometabolic risk.

Mutation in yl-HOG1 represses the filament-to-yeast transition in the dimorphic yeast Yarrowia lipolytica

BACKGROUND

Yarrowia lipolytica is a dimorphic fungus, which switches from yeast to filament form in response to environmental conditions. For industrial purposes it is important to lock cells in the yeast or filamentous form depending on the fermentation process. yl-Hog1 kinase is a key component of the HOG signaling pathway, responsible for activating the osmotic stress response. Additionally, deletion of yl-Hog1 leads to increased filamentation in Yarrowia lipolytica, but causes significant sensitivity to osmotic stress induced by a high concentration of a carbon source.

RESULTS

In this study, we tested the effect of point mutations on the function of yl-Hog1 protein kinase. The targets of modification were the phosphorylation sites (T171A-Y173A) and the active center (K49R). Introduction of the variant HOG1-49 into the hog1∆ strain partially improved growth under osmotic stress, but did not recover the yeast-like shape of the cells. The HOG1-171/173 variant was not functional, and its introduction further weakened the growth of hog1∆ strains in hyperosmotic conditions. To verify a genetic modification in filament form, we developed a new system based on green fluorescent protein (GFP) for easier screening of proper mutants.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide new insights into the functions of yl-Hog1 protein in dimorphic transition and constitute a good starting point for further genetic modification of Y. lipolytica in filament form.

A Scoping Review of Nutritional Biomarkers Associated with Food Security

Food insecurity affects more than 40 million individuals in the United States and is linked to negative health outcomes due, in part, to poor dietary quality. Despite the emergence of metabolomics as a modality to objectively characterize nutritional biomarkers, it is unclear whether food security is associated with any biomarkers of dietary quality. This scoping review aims to summarize studies that examined associations between nutritional biomarkers and food security, as well as studies that investigated metabolomic differences between people with and without food insecurity. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and AGRICOLA were searched through August 2022 for studies describing food insecurity and metabolic markers in blood, urine, plasma, hair, or nails. The 78 studies included consisted of targeted assays quantifying lipids, dietary nutrients, heavy metals, and environmental xenobiotics as biochemical features associated with food insecurity. Among those biomarkers which were quantified in at least five studies, none showed a consistent association with food insecurity. Although three biomarkers of dietary quality have been assessed between food-insecure versus food-secure populations, no studies have utilized untargeted metabolomics to characterize patterns of small molecules that distinguish between these two populations. Further studies are needed to characterize the dietary quality profiles of individuals with and without food insecurity.

Sucrose Intake Elevates Erythritol in Plasma and Urine in Male Mice

BACKGROUND

Elevated serum erythritol concentration is a predictive biomarker of diabetes and cardiovascular incidence and complications. Erythritol is synthesized endogenously from glucose, but little is known regarding the origin of elevated circulating erythritol in vivo.

OBJECTIVES

In vitro evidence indicates that intracellular erythritol is elevated by high-glucose cell culture conditions and that final step of erythritol synthesis is catalyzed by the enzymes sorbitol dehydrogenase (SORD) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) 1. The purpose of this study was to determine whether dietary intake and/or diet-induced obesity affect erythritol synthesis in mice and whether this relationship is modified by the loss of the enzymes SORD or ADH1.

METHODS

First, 8-wk-old male Sord+/+, Sord-/-, Adh1+/+, and Adh1-/- mice were fed either low-fat diet (LFD) with 10% fat-derived calories or diet-induced obesity high-fat diet (HFD) with 60% fat-derived calories for 8 wk. Plasma and tissue erythritol concentrations were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Second, male wild-type 8-wk-old C57BL/6J mice were fed LFD or HFD with plain drinking water or 30% sucrose water for 8 wk. Blood glucose and plasma and urinary erythritol concentrations were measured in nonfasted and fasted samples. Tissue erythritol was measured after killing. Finally, male Sord+/+ and Sord-/- mice were fed LFD with 30% sucrose water for 2 wk; then, nonfasted plasma, urine, and tissue erythritol concentrations were quantified.

RESULTS

Plasma and tissue erythritol concentrations were not affected by loss of Sord or Adh1 in mice fed LFD or HFD. In wild-type mice, consumption of 30% sucrose water significantly elevated plasma and urinary erythritol concentrations on both LFD-fed and HFD-fed mice compared with that of plain water. Sord genotype did not affect plasma or urinary erythritol concentration in response to sucrose feeding, but Sord-/- mice had reduced kidney erythritol content compared with wild-type littermates in response to sucrose.

CONCLUSIONS

Sucrose intake, not HFD, elevates erythritol synthesis and excretion in mice. Loss of ADH1 or SORD does not significantly affect erythritol concentration in mice.

Intake of Artificial Sweeteners by Children: Boon or Bane?

BACKGROUND

Sugar is the main culprit in many health dysfunctions. Excessive sugar intake can negatively affect oral health, precipitate diabetes, and lead to weight gain and obesity. Sucrose is the primary form of sugar, and is strongly correlated with dental caries. Artificial sweeteners are chemically synthesized sugar substitutes that are generally regarded as being low-calorie.

OBJECTIVE

This review examines the current evidence in the literature for the need for artificial sweeteners and outlines its implications for the health of children. We briefly outline its adverse effects, and concerns regarding their safety.

REVIEW RESULTS

Artificial sweeteners are a widely used food additive. Six main artificial sweeteners are approved by the food and drug administration (FDA). The conflicting results and divergent regulatory norms of each sweetener are a constant cause of concern and debate. However, most studies have spotlighted the beneficial effects of artificial sweeteners. Dental caries diminish with the increase in sweetener intake. An increase in appetite and eventually weight gain is observed in individuals consuming artificial sweeteners.

CONCLUSION

Artificial sweeteners are indeed a bane according to present studies, although more research on recently discovered non-nutritive artificial sweeteners is required. It also has a positive effect on overall health disorders. If one curbs the onset of dental caries, then the eventual rise is highly unlikely.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Artificial sweeteners' effect on lowering dental caries will help to reduce the caries index in general. Oral hygiene is maintained, and the growth of oral bacterium is depressed. Research on novel sweeteners will help to compare their efficacy in caries prevention compared to existing ones. It is necessary to educate people on artificial sweeteners and its implication as one can use them by being aware of their properties.