1
|
Hu S, Tang S, Liu D, Xia R, Wang X. Walnut oil as a dietary intervention for atherosclerosis: Efficacy and mechanistic pathways. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2025; 1870:159607. [PMID: 40064415 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2025.159607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2025] [Accepted: 03/06/2025] [Indexed: 03/14/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Walnut oil (WO) and peanut oil (PO) are common vegetable oils rich in unsaturated fatty acids, known to alleviate atherosclerosis (AS) and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). WO contains a higher proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) compared to PO. This study aimed to explore the influence of WO on AS and elucidate its potential mechanisms, providing a theoretical basis for enhancing the application of WO in functional foods and pharmaceuticals. METHODS AS was established in rats using a high-fat diet and vitamin D3 injections. Rats with AS were administered WO or PO via gavage at a dose of 1.2 g/kg for 4 weeks. Serum lipid levels and arterial injury were assessed, and transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of the rat vasculature were performed. RESULTS Both WO and PO significantly lowered serum lipid levels and the atherogenic index (AI) in rats, reducing arterial wall injury and plaque formation. WO exhibited a more pronounced effect, particularly in decreasing serum levels of TG, TC, HDLC, and LDL-C. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that fatty acid, amino acid metabolism were crucial in AS development due to a high-fat diet. Metabolomic analysis indicated significant changes in the metabolism of arginine, proline, cysteine, methionine, glycine, serine and threonine in rats treated with WO. CONCLUSION WO and PO help alleviate AS by regulating lipid metabolism and influencing pivotal metabolic pathways like TCA cycle and cysteine-methionine metabolism. The more significant impact of WO indicates its potential as a dietary supplement for preventing and treating AS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shujuan Hu
- School of Education and Physical Education, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, China
| | - Si Tang
- Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, China
| | - Dang Liu
- Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, China
| | - Ruohan Xia
- Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, China
| | - Xianwang Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, China; Shannan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shannan, Xizang 856100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Peters JC, Breen JA, Pan Z, Nicklas J, Cornier MA. A Randomized, Crossover Trial Assessing Appetite, Energy Metabolism, Blood Biomarkers, and Ad Libitum Food Intake Responses to a Mid-Morning Pecan Snack vs. an Equicaloric High-Carbohydrate Snack in Healthy Volunteers with Overweight/Obesity. Nutrients 2024; 16:2084. [PMID: 38999832 PMCID: PMC11243619 DOI: 10.3390/nu16132084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The differential effects of pecans versus other popular snack foods on appetite and blood markers of metabolism and satiety have not been well studied. This study investigated the effects of a single mid-morning snack of pecans or tortilla chips on subjective appetite, food intake, blood measures of hormones and metabolites, and resting energy expenditure. METHODS Twenty participants with overweight and obesity were enrolled in a within-participants, randomized crossover trial. Participants had indwelling catheters placed for blood sampling and were fed a standardized breakfast, followed two hours later by a 250 kcal snack of either pecans or tortilla chips, and then by a self-selected lunch. Visual analog scale (VAS) appetite measures, blood markers, and energy expenditure were taken at intervals after food consumption. RESULTS VAS ratings, energy, food intake and macronutrient composition did not differ between treatment conditions, but glucose and insulin were significantly more elevated after tortilla chips. Free fatty acids (FFA), triglycerides (TG), peptide YY (PYY), and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) were higher after consuming pecans compared to tortilla chips. CONCLUSIONS Pecan consumption improves postprandial glucose and insulin profiles which would be beneficial to individuals at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Further studies are needed to investigate whether increased relative secretion of PYY and GLP-1 after eating pecans versus tortilla chips may affect subjective appetite and energy intake if consumed chronically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John C. Peters
- Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, 12348 E. Montview Blvd., MailStop C263, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (J.A.B.); (J.N.)
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12801 E. 17th Ave., RC1 South Rm 7103, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Jeanne Anne Breen
- Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, 12348 E. Montview Blvd., MailStop C263, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (J.A.B.); (J.N.)
| | - Zhaoxing Pan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13123 E. 16th Ave., B065, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Jacinda Nicklas
- Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, 12348 E. Montview Blvd., MailStop C263, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (J.A.B.); (J.N.)
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12801 E. 17th Ave., RC1 South Rm 7103, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Marc-Andre Cornier
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas St., CSB 822, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cogan B, Pearson RC, Jenkins NT, Paton CM, Cooper JA. A 4-Week Pecan-Enriched Diet Improves Postprandial Lipid Peroxidation in Aging Adults. J Med Food 2023; 26:654-662. [PMID: 37638838 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2023.0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pecans are rich in bioactive compounds known to reduce oxidative stress and provide glucoregulatory benefits. Few studies assessing the effect of a pecan-enriched diet on such health outcomes suggest potential improvements to cardiometabolic health; however, this has not been studied in an older adult population. Thus, we aimed to examine the effect of daily pecan consumption for 4-weeks on fasting and postmeal antioxidant status, oxidative stress, and markers of glycemia in healthy aging adults. In this randomized, parallel, controlled trial, 41 healthy adults (50-75 years) either consumed 68 g of pecans/day (pecan; n = 21) or avoided all nuts (control; n = 20). At pre- (V1) and postintervention visits (V2), blood samples were obtained at fasting, and 30, 60, and 120 min following a high saturated fat meal to assess changes in malondialdehyde, which is a measure of lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glucose, and insulin. Across the intervention, there were no differences in fasting or postprandial TAC, glucose, or insulin for pecan versus control. There was a trend for a difference in fasting lipid peroxidation from V1 to V2 by treatment (P = .06) driven by a slight reduction for pecan versus control (Δpecan: -2.0 ± 1.1 vs. Δcontrol: +0.6 ± 0.8 μM). In addition, postprandial lipid peroxidation was suppressed at V2 for pecan, and this was different from control (pecan areas under the curve (AUC): 10.6 ± 1.3 μM/h to 9.1 ± 1.2 μM/h vs. control AUC: 8.9 ± 1.3 μM/h to 9.2 ± 1.1 μM/h; P = .03). These findings suggest that a 1 month, pecan-enriched diet is protective against postmeal oxidative stress. Longer interventions or a diabetic population may be needed to observe glucoregulatory benefits. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT04385537.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Betsy Cogan
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Regis C Pearson
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Nathan T Jenkins
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Chad M Paton
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Jamie A Cooper
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cogan B, Pearson RC, Jenkins NT, Paton CM, Cooper JA. A pecan-enriched diet reduced postprandial appetite intensity and enhanced peptide YY secretion: A randomized control trial. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2023; 56:25-35. [PMID: 37344080 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Tree nuts have been shown to have satiating qualities; however, little is known concerning the effect of pecans on measures of appetite. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a pecan-enriched diet on subjective, physiological, and direct measures of appetite in older adults. METHODS This was a randomized, controlled trial in which healthy older adults (50-75 y) were randomized to either consume 68 g of pecans/day (pecan; n = 21) or avoid all nuts (control; n = 23) for 4 weeks. At pre- (V1) and post-diet (V2) visits body weight (BW) and body fat percentage (BF) were assessed and actual change in these outcomes for pecan were compared to theoretical changes if pecans were consumed without compensation. Subjective appetite was measured using visual analog scale (VAS), and blood was collected to assess changes in physiological appetite before and every 30 min for 4 h following a high-fat meal. Energy intake (EI) at a buffet meal was then assessed in the laboratory ("in-lab"). VAS assessments continued hourly for the next 7 h and EI ("at-home") was self-reported. RESULTS BW and BF did not change for pecan or control across the intervention and theoretical change in BW (theoretical: 2.2 ± 0.1 vs. actual: 0.4 ± 0.2 kg; p < 0.0001) and BF (theoretical: 0.4 ± 0.04 vs. actual: 0.2 ± 0.2%; p < 0.0001) was significantly greater than actual change for pecan. From V1 to V2, there was an increase in fasting (pecan: 77.0 ± 4.6 to 93.5 ± 6.1 vs control: 76.0 ± 5.0 to 72.5 ± 5.0 pg/mL; p = 0.01) and postprandial peptide YY for pecan vs. control (p = 0.04); however, fasting and postprandial cholecystokinin and ghrelin did not differ (p > 0.05). There were no differences in the change in subjective appetite ratings at fasting, following the high-fat meal (in-lab), at-home, or across the full day between groups (p > 0.05 for all). However, there was a significant suppression of peak desire to eat ratings for pecan vs. control (pecan: 67.9 ± 4.6 to 57.1 ± 5.2 vs. control: 61.9 ± 4.2 to 60.6 ± 4.3 mm; p = 0.04). Combined, buffet meal, and at-home EI did not differ significantly within pecan and control; however, there was a trend (p = 0.11) for a between group difference in buffet meal EI driven by increased EI for control (+137 ± 86 kcal) vs. decreased EI for pecan (-45 ± 77 kcal). CONCLUSION A 4-week pecan-enriched diet led to enhanced satietogenic metrics compared to a diet void of all nuts. As weight remained stable during the intervention, adding pecans to the daily diet may be beneficial to appetite control and weight maintenance in a healthy older population. TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04385537.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Betsy Cogan
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Regis C Pearson
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Nathan T Jenkins
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Chad M Paton
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA; Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Jamie A Cooper
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Guarneiri LL, Paton CM, Cooper JA. Angiopoietin-Like Protein Responses to Pecan-Enriched Diets Versus a Nut-Excluded Diet. J Med Food 2022; 25:1066-1072. [PMID: 36036731 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2022.0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Daily pecan consumption improves fasting and postprandial triglycerides, but its effect on angiopoietin-like proteins (ANGPTLs) is unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of daily pecan consumption for 8 weeks on fasting and postprandial ANGPTL3, -8, and -4. This was an 8-week, randomized, controlled trial with three treatments: two pecan groups and a nut-free control group (n = 16). The ADD group (n = 15) consumed pecans (68 g) as part of a free-living diet, and the SUB group (n = 16) substituted the pecans (68 g) for isocaloric foods from their habitual diet. Fifty-six participants were randomized but nine subjects did not begin or finish the 8-week intervention and/or testing visits. At pre- and post-intervention, a high saturated fat meal was consumed with 3.5 h postprandial blood draws to determine changes in ANGPTL3, -8, and -4. There was a significant suppression in postprandial ANGPTL3 from pre- to post-intervention within ADD and SUB (P = .004 and P = .002, respectively) but not control (ns). There were no other changes within or between groups for fasting and postprandial outcomes. Daily pecan consumption improved postprandial ANGPTL3, which may mediate improvements in lipid metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liana L Guarneiri
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Chad M Paton
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA.,Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Jamie A Cooper
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|