Dietary oleic acid supplementation and blood inflammatory markers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

On the Path to a Sustainable Diet: Native Brazilian Fruits of the Caryocar spp. (Pequi and Piquiá) and Potential Health Benefits in Chronic Kidney Disease

The Caryocar genus includes Caryocar brasiliense, Caryocar villosum, and Caryocar coriaceum, known as pequi, piquiá, and piqui, respectively. They grow in the Cerrado and Amazonian biomes, significantly impacting the local economy. Caryocar spp. fruits are rich in carotenoids, lipids (oleic and palmitic acid), dietary fiber, zinc, magnesium, calcium, and polyphenols. These bioactive compounds potentially prevent and treat several non-communicable diseases, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). This narrative review discusses the potential advantages of Caryocar spp. including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and the effects on renal insufficiency. The literature review shows that nutritional interventions are essential for CKD patients. Previous studies with Caryocar spp. demonstrate that cardiovascular protective effects due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of biodiversity in human health promotion. In conclusion, this review offers a theoretical foundation for Caryocar spp. as a potential nutraceutical in the context of CKD and highlights its value as a key component of a sustainable diet.

Modulation of Gut Mycobiome and Serum Metabolome by a MUFA-Rich Diet in Sprague Dawley Rats Fed a High-Fructose, High-Fat Diet

The intake of oleic acid-rich fats, a hallmark of the Mediterranean diet, has well-documented beneficial effects on human metabolic health. One of the key mechanisms underlying these effects is the regulation of gut microbiota structure and function. However, most existing studies focus on gut bacteria, while gut fungi, as a vital component of the gut microbiota, remain largely unexplored. This study compared the effects of regular peanut oil (PO) and high-oleic acid peanut oil (HOPO) on the gut mycobiome and serum metabolome employing ITS high-throughput sequencing and UPLC-MS/MS metabolomics to explore how dietary fatty acid composition influences gut microecology. Both HOPO and PO effectively reversed high-fat, high-fructose diet (HFFD)-induced reductions in gut fungal diversity, with HOPO showing superior efficacy in restoring gut microbiome balance, as reflected by an improved fungal-to-bacterial diversity ratio and reduced abundance of pathogenic fungi such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Candida. Furthermore, HOPO demonstrated a greater ability to normalize serum bile acid levels, including taurochenodesoxycholic acid, and to reverse elevated pantothenol levels, suggesting its potential role in maintaining bile acid metabolism and CoA biosynthesis. In summary, HOPO is more effective than PO in maintaining the normal structure and function of gut mycobiome in HFFD-fed SD rats.

Impact of Dietary Fatty Acid Composition on the Intestinal Microbiota and Fecal Metabolism of Rats Fed a High-Fructose/High-Fat Diet

Background/Objectives: An inappropriate intake of dietary fats can disrupt the homeostasis of intestinal microbiota, affect the host's metabolic status, and increase the risk of chronic diseases. The impact of dietary fat types on the composition and metabolic functionality of the intestinal microbiota has become a research focus over recent years. The objective of this study was to explore the effects of regular peanut oil (PO) and high-oleic-acid peanut oil (HOPO) on the composition and metabolic function of the intestinal microbiota. Methods: A dietary intervention test was conducted on SD rats fed a high-fat/high-fructose (HFF) diet. The composition and metabolic functionality of the intestinal microbiota of the experimental rats were investigated by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and fecal metabolomics. Results: Compared with saturated fat, PO and HOPO enhanced the diversity of intestinal microbiota in HFF diet-fed rats. Compared with PO, HOPO significantly increased the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Harryflintia (p < 0.05), which are able to generate butyrate and acetate. Compared with saturated fat, 318 and 271 fecal biomarkers were identified in PO and HOPO groups, respectively. In contrast, 68 fecal biomarkers were identified between the PO and HOPO groups. The inhibition of harmful proteolytic fermentation in the colon may represent the main regulatory mechanism. With regard to metabolic status, HOPO provided better control of body weight and insulin sensitivity than PO. Conclusions: Compared with saturated fat, peanut oils better regulated the composition and metabolic function of the intestinal microbiota. In addition, HOPO exhibited better regulatory effects than PO.

Revealing metabolic alterations in brucellosis patients by targeted metabolomics

Brucellosis, a zoonotic disease caused by brucella infection, presents metabolic profile changes in patients that have not been extensively explored. This study utilized an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry based targeted metabolomic approach to comprehensively investigated metabolic changes in Brucella patients. Serum samples of brucellosis 50 patients and 50 well-matched healthy controls were analyzed for 228 metabolites, revealing significant alterations in 83 metabolites in brucellosis patients. Notably, disruptions were observed in key metabolite pathways, such as amino acid metabolism, urea cycle, tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), and fatty acid metabolism. Patients diagnosed with Brucellosis exhibited distinct differences in the levels of aspartate, glutamate, β-alanine, and asparagine when compared to controls. Within the urea cycle, a significant downregulation of arginine was observed, whereas ornithine levels were considerably upregulated. In the TCA cycle, concentrations of 2-oxoglutarate, succinate, and malate were significantly elevated, while citrate levels demonstrated a notable decrease. Due to the interruption of the TCA cycle, glycolysis was accelerated to compensate for the resultant energy deficit in Brucella patients. Concurrently, there was a significant increase in the levels of short and medium-chain fatty acids, while long-chain fatty acids showed a marked decrease. The study systematically revealed significant metabolic alterations in Brucellosis patients and further explored the potential correlation between these changes and clinic symptoms, including fatigue, muscle soreness and prolonged fever. The results enhanced our understanding of Brucellosis, offering valuable insights potentially beneficial in formulating more effective treatment strategies and improving prognostic approaches.

Probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis Probio-M8 improves the fermentation and probiotic properties of fermented milk

Probiotics are increasingly used as starter cultures to produce fermented dairy products; however, few studies have investigated the role of probiotics in milk fermentation metabolism. The current study aimed to investigate whether adding Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis Probio-M8 (Probio-M8) as a starter culture strain could improve milk fermentation by comparing the physicochemical characteristics and metabolomes of fermented milks produced by a commercial starter culture with and without Probio-M8. Our results showed that adding Probio-M8 shortened the milk fermentation time and improved the fermented milk texture and stability. Metabolomics analyses revealed that adding Probio-M8 affected mostly organic acid, AA, and fatty acid metabolism in milk fermentation. Targeted quantitative analyses revealed significant increases in various metabolites related to the sensory quality, nutritive value, and health benefits of the probiotic fermented milk, including 5 organic acids (acetic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, succinic acid, and tartaric acid), 5 EAA (valine, arginine, leucine, isoleucine, and lysine), glutamic acid, and 2 essential fatty acids (α-linolenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid). Thus, applying probiotics in milk fermentation is desirable. This study has generated useful information for developing novel functional dairy products.

Health Outcomes Associated with Olive Oil Intake: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses

Several studies suggested a negative association between olive oil (OO) consumption and the risk of several chronic diseases. However, an attempt to systematically search, organize, and evaluate the existing evidence on all health outcomes associated with OO consumption is lacking. The objective of this review is to describe the multiple health outcomes associated with OO consumption. The Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched through 5 April 2024. The selected studies met all of the following criteria: (1) a meta-analysis of both observational (case-control and cohort studies) and interventional studies (trials), (2) an evaluation of the association between OO consumption, mortality, and/or the incidence of non-communicable/chronic degenerative diseases, and (3) a study population ≥18 years old. Two independent reviewers extracted the relevant data and assessed the risk of bias of individual studies. The PRISMA statement and guidelines for the Integration of Evidence from Multiple Meta-Analyses were followed. The literature search identified 723 articles. After selection, 31 articles were included in this umbrella review. The primary health benefits of OO were observed in cardiovascular diseases and risk factors, cancer, mortality, diabetes, and specific biomarkers related to anthropometric status and inflammation. As a key component of the Mediterranean diet, OO can be considered a healthy dietary choice for improving positive health outcomes.

Daily intake of baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.), a Cerrado native almond, promotes changes in the intestinal microbiota of individuals with obesity: A pilot study

The Brazilian Cerrado biome is rich in plant biodiversity, with fruits that have unique sensory characteristics and high nutritional quality. Among the various fruits, baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.) has attracted the attention of researchers because of its high lipid, protein, carbohydrate, fiber, and micronutrient (minerals and vitamins) contents. The present study evaluated the effects of regular consumption of baru almonds for over 60 days on the biochemical and anthropometric profiles and fecal microbiota of obese individuals. A pilot study was conducted on 15 individuals with obesity who were instructed to consume a 20-gram portion of baru almonds throughout the day. The body composition was assessed using anthropometric measurements. Blood pressure, glucose levels, lipid profile, serum insulin and iron contents, and fecal microbiota composition were determined at baseline (day 0) and after 60 days. Baru almond consumption contributed to changes in biochemical parameters, improved HDL cholesterol levels, and reduced total and LDL cholesterol levels. Some positive changes in the microbiota composition after consuming baru almonds include a decrease in the Faecalibacterium family and an increase in the Provotella genus. Therefore, ingesting baru almonds can modulate gut microbiota of individuals with obesity.

Therapeutic potential of oleic acid supplementation in myotonic dystrophy muscle cell models

BACKGROUND

We recently reported that upregulation of Musashi 2 (MSI2) protein in the rare neuromuscular disease myotonic dystrophy type 1 contributes to the hyperactivation of the muscle catabolic processes autophagy and UPS through a reduction in miR-7 levels. Because oleic acid (OA) is a known allosteric regulator of MSI2 activity in the biogenesis of miR-7, here we sought to evaluate endogenous levels of this fatty acid and its therapeutic potential in rescuing cell differentiation phenotypes in vitro. In this work, four muscle cell lines derived from DM1 patients were treated with OA for 24 h, and autophagy and muscle differentiation parameters were analyzed.

RESULTS

We demonstrate a reduction of OA levels in different cell models of the disease. OA supplementation rescued disease-related phenotypes such as fusion index, myotube diameter, and repressed autophagy. This involved inhibiting MSI2 regulation of direct molecular target miR-7 since OA isoschizomer, elaidic acid (EA) could not cause the same rescues. Reduction of OA levels seems to stem from impaired biogenesis since levels of the enzyme stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), responsible for converting stearic acid to oleic acid, are decreased in DM1 and correlate with OA amounts.

CONCLUSIONS

For the first time in DM1, we describe a fatty acid metabolism impairment that originated, at least in part, from a decrease in SCD1. Because OA allosterically inhibits MSI2 binding to molecular targets, reduced OA levels synergize with the overexpression of MSI2 and contribute to the MSI2 > miR-7 > autophagy axis that we proposed to explain the muscle atrophy phenotype.

Association between the dietary inflammatory index and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Inflammation is pivotal in atherosclerosis development. The dietary inflammatory index (DII) is a tool to quantify the overall inflammatory potential of diet. The association between DII and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in ASCVD patients remains undetermined.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Participants included individuals with ASCVD from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2018. A total of 5006 participants were included, during a median of 6.6 years of follow-up, of which 2220 (44.4 %) were dead. The Cox proportional hazard model evaluated the association between DII and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Participants in the higher DII quartile exhibited a higher mortality of ASCVD. Compared with the patients in quartile 1, those in quartile 4 had a 34 % increased risk for all-cause mortality (HR = 1.34, 95 % CI = 1.21-1.61, p = 0.001). Cardiovascular mortality showed a similar trend, however the correlation is not significant. The restricted cubic spline (RCS) showed that the relationship between DII and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality was linear. Subgroup analysis revealed a persistently positive association between DII and all-causemortality across population subgroups. However, an interaction was detected between DII and alcohol history in relation to cardiovascular mortality.

CONCLUSION

DII was positively correlated with the all-cause mortality of ASCVD patients. The intake of a pro-inflammatory diet may increase mortality in ASCVD patients.

No Observed Difference in Inflammatory and Coagulation Markers Following Diets Rich in n-6 Polyunsaturated Fat vs Monounsaturated Fat in Adults With Untreated Hypercholesterolemia: A Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory and prothrombotic responses are hallmark to the progression of cardiovascular disease and may be influenced by the type of dietary fat. Cottonseed oil (CSO) is rich in n-6 polyunsaturated fats and improves traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors such as cholesterol profiles. However, some clinicians are still hesitant to promote n-6 polyunsaturated fats consumption despite growing evidence suggesting they may not be independently pro-inflammatory.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the inflammatory and coagulation marker responses to an 8-week diet intervention rich in either CSO or olive oil (OO) (OO is rich in monounsaturated fat) in adults with untreated hypercholesterolemia.

DESIGN

This was a secondary analysis of a parallel-arm randomized clinical trial with the main outcome of cholesterol measures.

PARTICIPANTS/SETTING

Participants included in this analysis were 42 sedentary adults aged 30 to 75 years (62% women) in the Athens, GA, area, between May 2018 and June 2021, with untreated hypercholesterolemia or elevated blood lipids and body mass index >18.5. Hypercholesterolemia was defined as at least two blood lipid levels in a borderline undesirable/at risk range (total cholesterol level ≥180 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level ≥110 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level <50 mg/dL, or triglyceride level ≥130 mg/dL), or at least one in an undesirable range (total cholesterol level ≥240 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level ≥160 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level <40 mg/dL, or triglyceride level ≥200 mg/dL).

INTERVENTION

Participants were randomly assigned to either the CSO or OO group in a partial outpatient feeding trial. Meals from the study provided approximately 60% of their energy needs with 30% of energy needs from either CSO or OO for 8 weeks. Participants fulfilled their remaining energy needs with meals of their choosing.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Fasting plasma concentrations of inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β were measured at baseline and 8 weeks. Markers of coagulation potential, including plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and tissue factor were measured at the same time points.

STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED

Repeated measures linear mixed models were used with treatment and visit in the model for analyses of all biochemical markers.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in fasting C-reactive protein (P = 0.70), tumor necrosis factor-α (P = 0.98), interleukin-6 (P = 0.21), interleukin-1β (P = 0.13), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (P = 0.29), or tissue factor (P = 0.29) between groups across the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Inflammation and coagulation marker responses to diets rich in CSO vs OO were not significantly different between groups, and neither group showed changes in these markers in adults with untreated hypercholesterolemia. This provides additional evidence suggesting that dietary n-6 polyunsaturated fats may not promote inflammation compared with monounsaturated fatty acids, even in adults at increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

A lipidomic and metabolomic signature of a very low-carbohydrate high-fat diet and high-intensity interval training: an additional analysis of a randomized controlled clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Regular physical activity and dietary variety are modifiable and influential factors of health outcomes. However, the cumulative effects of these behaviors are not well understood. Metabolomics may have a promising research potential to extend our knowledge and use it in the attempts to find a long-term and sustainable personalized approach in exercise and diet recommendations.

OBJECTIVE

The main aim was to investigate the effect of the 12 week very low carbohydrate high fat (VLCHF) diet and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on lipidomic and metabolomic profiles in individuals with overweight and obesity.

METHODS

The participants (N = 91) were randomly allocated to HIIT (N = 22), VLCHF (N = 25), VLCHF + HIIT (N = 25) or control (N = 19) groups for 12 weeks. Fasting plasma samples were collected before the intervention and after 4, 8 and 12 weeks. The samples were then subjected to untargeted lipidomic and metabolomic analyses using reversed phase ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

The VLCHF diet affected plasma lipids considerably while the effect of HIIT was unremarkable. Already after 4 weeks of intervention substantial changes of plasma lipids were found in both VLCHF diet groups. The changes persisted throughout the entire 12 weeks of the VLCHF diet. Specifically, acyl carnitines, plasmalogens, fatty acyl esters of hydroxy fatty acid, sphingomyelin, ceramides, cholesterol esters, fatty acids and 4-hydroxybutyric were identified as lipid families that increased in the VLCHF diet groups whereas lipid families of triglycerides and glycerophospholipids decreased. Additionally, metabolomic analysis showed a decrease of theobromine.

CONCLUSIONS

This study deciphers the specific responses to a VLCHF diet, HIIT and their combination by analysing untargeted lipidomic and metabolomic profile. VLCHF diet caused divergent changes of plasma lipids and other metabolites when compared to the exercise and control group which may contribute to a better understanding of metabolic changes and the appraisal of VLCHF diet benefits and harms.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER

NCT03934476, registered 1st May 2019 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03934476?term=NCT03934476&draw=2&rank=1 .

Reassessing the Effects of Dietary Fat on Cardiovascular Disease in China: A Review of the Last Three Decades

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of global mortality, and is considered one of diseases with the most rapid growth rate in China. Numerous studies have indicated a closed relationship between an increased incidence of CVD and dietary factors. Dietary fat is one of the three primary nutrients of consumption; however, high fat dietary in causing CVD has been neglected in some official dietary guidelines. Our present review has analyzed the relationship between dietary fat consumption and CVD in China over the past 30 years (from 1990 to 2019). There is a significant correlation between CVD incidence and mortality for consumption of both vegetable oils and animal fats, per capita consumption, and the relative weight of dietary fat exceeding that of other food ingredients (e.g., salt, fruit, and marine food). For fatty acid species, the proportion of ω6 fatty acid consumption increased, causing a significant increase in the ratios of ω6/ω3 fatty acids, whereas the proportion of monounsaturated fatty acid consumption decreased. Such changes have been considered a characteristic of dietary fat consumption in Chinese residents over the past 30 years, and are closely related to the incidence of CVD. Therefore, we suggest that the government should spread awareness regarding the consumption of dietary fat intake to prevent CVD and related health disorders. The public should be educated to avoid high fat diet and increase the intake of monounsaturated fatty acids and ω3 fatty acids.

Targeting regulatory T cell metabolism in disease: Novel therapeutic opportunities

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential for immune homeostasis and suppression of pathological autoimmunity but can also play a detrimental role in cancer progression via inhibition of anti-tumor immunity. Thus, there is broad applicability for therapeutic Treg targeting, either to enhance function, for example, through adoptive cell therapy (ACT), or to inhibit function with small molecules or antibody-mediated blockade. For both of these strategies, the metabolic state of Tregs is an important consideration since cellular metabolism is intricately linked to function. Mounting evidence has shown that targeting metabolic pathways can selectively promote or inhibit Treg function. This review aims to synthesize the current understanding of Treg metabolism and discuss emerging metabolic targeting strategies in the contexts of transplantation, autoimmunity, and cancer. We discuss approaches to gene editing and cell culture to manipulate Treg metabolism during ex vivo expansion for ACT, as well as in vivo nutritional and pharmacological interventions to modulate Treg metabolism in disease states. Overall, the intricate connection between metabolism and phenotype presents a powerful opportunity to therapeutically tune Treg function.

Untargeted mass spectrometry-based metabolomics approach unveils biochemical changes in compound probiotic fermented milk during fermentation

Probiotic functional products have drawn wide attention because of their increasing popularity. However, few studies have analyzed probiotic-specific metabolism in the fermentation process. This study applied UPLC-QE-MS-based metabolomics to track changes in the milk metabolomes in the course of fermentation by two probiotic strains, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei PC-01 and Bifidobacterium adolescentis B8589. We observed substantial changes in the probiotic fermented milk metabolome between 0 and 36 h of fermentation, and the differences between the milk metabolomes at the interim period (36 h and 60 h) and the ripening stage (60 h and 72 h) were less obvious. A number of time point-specific differential metabolites were identified, mainly belonging to organic acids, amino acids, and fatty acids. Nine of the identified differential metabolites are linked to the tricarboxylic acid cycle, glutamate metabolism, and fatty acid metabolism. The contents of pyruvic acid, γ-aminobutyric acid, and capric acid increased at the end of fermentation, which can contribute to the nutritional quality and functional properties of the probiotic fermented milk. This time-course metabolomics study analyzed probiotic-specific fermentative changes in milk, providing detailed information of probiotic metabolism in a milk matrix and the potential beneficial mechanism of probiotic fermented milk.

Effect of macronutrient fertilization on olive oil composition and quality under irrigated, intensive cultivation management

BACKGROUND

Intensive olive (Olea europaea L.) orchards are fertilized, mostly with the macronutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). The effects of different application levels of these nutrients on olive oil composition and quality were studied over 6 years in a commercial intensively cultivated 'Barnea' olive orchard in Israel.

RESULTS

Oil quality and composition were affected by N, but not P or K availability. Elevated N levels increased free fatty acid content and reduced polyphenol level in the oil. Peroxide value was not affected by N, P or K levels. The relative concentrations of palmitoleic, linoleic and linolenic fatty acids increased with increasing levels of N application, whereas that of oleic acid, monounsaturated-to-polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio and oleic-to-linoleic ratio decreased.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that intensive olive orchard fertilization should be carried out carefully, especially where N application is concerned, to avoid a decrease in oil quality due to over-fertilization. Informed application of macronutrients requires leaf and fruit analyses to establish good agricultural practices, especially in view of the expansion of olive cultivation to new agricultural regions and soils. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

The Effectiveness of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and the Traditional Brazilian Diet in Reducing the Inflammatory Profile of Individuals with Severe Obesity: A Randomized Clinical Trial

We analyzed the effectiveness of two nutritional interventions alone and together, EVOO and the DieTBra, on the inflammatory profile of severely obese individuals. This study was an RCT with 149 individuals aged from 18 to 65 years, with a body mass index ≥ 35 kg/m2, randomized into three intervention groups: (1) 52 mL/day of EVOO (n = 50); (2) DieTBra (n = 49); and (3) DieTBra plus 52 mL/day of EVOO (DieTBra + EVOO, n = 50). The primary outcomes we measured were the-neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the secondary outcomes we measured were the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR); leukocytes; and C reactive protein (CRP). After 12 weeks of intervention, DieTBra + EVOO significantly reduced the total leucocytes (p = 0.037) and LMR (p = 0.008). No statistically significant differences were found for the NLR in neither the intra-group and inter-group analyses, although a slight reduction was found in the DieTBra group (-0.22 ± 1.87). We observed reductions in the total leukocytes and LMR in the three groups, though without statistical difference between groups. In conclusion, nutritional intervention with DietBra + EVOO promotes a significant reduction in inflammatory biomarkers, namely leukocytes and LMR. CRP was reduced in EVOO and DieTBra groups and NLR reduced in the DieTBra group. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under NCT02463435.