Association between dietary branched-chain amino acid intake and skeletal muscle mass index among Korean adults: Interaction with obesity

Chickpea Seed Flours Improve the Nutritional and the Antioxidant Profiles of Traditional Shortbread Biscuits: Effects of In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion

Functional gluten-free biscuits enriched with commercial and landrace non-commercial chickpea flours were designed and compared with a traditional shortbread biscuit. They were analyzed in sensory attributes, amino acid profile, and antioxidant properties. Subsequently, the biscuits were digested in vitro to evaluate protein hydrolysis, amino acid bioaccessibility, phenolic compounds release, and antioxidant markers. The presence of chickpea flours provided golden color and heightened biscuit hardness and fracturability (especially in non-commercial), increasing crispness and reducing brittleness. The protein hydrolysis was similar among samples (≈15%), except for one of the non-commercial (≈20%). Amino acids such as arginine, phenylalanine, leucine, tyrosine, and lysine exhibited the highest bioaccessibilities. Incorporating chickpea flour improved the antioxidant activity and polyphenol content in undigested samples and bioaccesible fractions, with higher levels of p-coumaric and ferulic acids after digestion, regardless of the chickpea seed. Non-commercial flours increased the presence of resveratrol and/or catechin in the bioaccessible fraction. Antioxidant action assessed in the Caco-2 cell line showed that the protective effect against reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation did not always correlate with the in vitro antioxidant capacity. Our data support that the inclusion of chickpea flours in the formulation of functional biscuits provides the consumer with products of added nutritional value with attractive organoleptic features.

Genetic and Lifestyle-Related Factors Influencing Serum Hyper-Propionylcarnitine Concentrations and Their Association with Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Disease Risk

The genetic and environmental determinants of serum propionylcarnitine concentrations (PC) remain largely unexplored. This study investigated the impact of genetic and environmental factors on serum propionylcarnitine levels in middle-aged and elderly participants from the Ansan/Ansung cohort of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. Our goal was to understand the role of PC on the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) leading to cardiovascular disease, particularly concerning branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism. We analyzed participants' demographic, lifestyle, and biochemical data with and without MetS. Serum metabolite concentrations, including carnitine, acylcarnitine, and amino acid concentrations, were measured, and the components of MetS were evaluated. Genetic variants associated with low and high PC were selected using genome-wide association studies after adjusting for MetS-related parameters. Further, genetic variants and lifestyle factors that interacted with the polygenic risk score (PRS) were analyzed. Participants with MetS were older and less educated, and their alcohol intake was higher than non-MetS participants. PC was significantly associated with the MetS risk and increased the serum levels of BCAAs and other amino acids. Higher PC positively correlated with MetS components, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular risk factors. Intake of calcium, sodium, and vitamin D were inversely associated with PC, but coffee consumption was positively linked to PC. Multiple C2 And Transmembrane Domain Containing-1 (MCTP1)_rs4290997, Kinesin Family Member-7 (KIF7)_rs2350480, Coagulation Factor-II (F2)_rs2070850, Peroxisomal Biogenesis Factor-3 (PEX3)_rs223231, TBC1 Domain Family Member-22A (TBC1D22A)_rs910543, and Phospholipase A2 Group-IV-C (PLA2G4C)_rs7252136 interact with each other to have a threefold influence on PC. The PRS for the six-genetic variant model also interacted with age; the diet rich in beans, potato, and kimchi; and smoking status, influencing PC. In conclusion, elevated PC was associated with MetS and cardiovascular disease risk, suggesting their potential as disease biomarkers.

Elucidating the Pharmacological Properties of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Ginger) on Muscle Ageing by Untargeted Metabolomic Profiling of Human Myoblasts

(1) Background: Muscle loss is associated with frailty and a reduction in physical strength and performance, which is caused by increased oxidative stress. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is a potential herb that can be used to reduce the level of oxidative stress. This study aimed to determine the effect of ginger on the expression of metabolites and their metabolic pathways in the myoblast cells to elucidate the mechanism involved and its pharmacological properties in promoting myoblast differentiation. (2) Methods: The myoblast cells were cultured into three stages (young, pre-senescent and senescent). At each stage, the myoblasts were treated with different concentrations of ginger extract. Then, metabolomic analysis was performed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS). (3) Results: Nine metabolites were decreased in both the pre-senescent and senescent control groups as compared to the young control group. For the young ginger-treated group, 8-shogaol and valine were upregulated, whereas adipic acid and bis (4-ethyl benzylidene) sorbitol were decreased. In the pre-senescent ginger-treated group, the niacinamide was upregulated, while carnitine and creatine were downregulated. Ginger treatment in the senescent group caused a significant upregulation in 8-shogaol, octadecanamide and uracil. (4) Conclusions: Ginger extract has the potential as a pharmacological agent to reduce muscle loss in skeletal muscle by triggering changes in some metabolites and their pathways that could promote muscle regeneration in ageing.

Influence of body composition assessment with bioelectrical impedance vector analysis in cancer patients undergoing surgery

Background

Malnutrition is common in patients undergoing surgery for cancers and is a risk factor for postoperative outcomes. Body composition provides information for precise nutrition intervention in perioperative period for improving patients' postoperative outcomes.

Objection

The aim was to determine changes in parameters of body composition and nutritional status of cancer patients during perioperative period.

Methods

A total of 92 patients diagnosed with cancer were divided into gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal cancer group according to different cancer types. The patients body composition assessed by bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) on the day before surgery, postoperative day 1 and 1 day before discharge. The changes between two groups were compared and the correlation between body composition and preoperative serum nutritional indexes was analyzed.

Results

The nutritional status of all patients become worse after surgery, and phase angle (PA) continued to decrease in the perioperative period. Fat-free mass (FFM), fat-free mass index (FFMI), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), extracellular water (ECW), total body water (TBW), hydration, and body cell mass (BCM) rise slightly and then fall in the postoperative period in patients with gastrointestinal cancer, and had a sustained increase in non-gastrointestinal patients, respectively (P<0.05). Postoperative body composition changes in patients with gastrointestinal cancer are related to preoperative albumin, pre-albumin, hemoglobin, and C-reactive protein (P<0.05), whereas postoperative body composition changes in patients with non-gastrointestinal cancer are related to age (P<0.05).

Conclusions

Significant changes in body composition both in patients with gastrointestinal cancer and non-gastrointestinal cancer during perioperative period are observed. Changes in body composition for the cancer patients who undergoing surgery are related to age and preoperative serum nutrition index.

Amino acid intake with protein food source and incident dyslipidemia in Korean adults from the Ansan and Ansung Study and the Health Examinee Study

Background

Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and appropriate intake of amino acids may be helpful for the management of dyslipidemia. However, evidence of an association between amino acid intake and dyslipidemia in Korean adults is limited.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate how the incidence of dyslipidemia in Korean adults is associated with the consumption of amino acids, essential and nonessential types, as well as the sources of these amino acids from food.

Methods

Data from 35,478 study participants without dyslipidemia at baseline from the Ansan and Ansung Study and the Health Examinee Study were used for the analysis. Dyslipidemia and its components such as hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, hyper-low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterolemia and hypo-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterolemia were the main outcome in this study. The participants were categorized into quartiles, based on the intake of amino acids and plant-/animal-based proteins.

Results

On average, the follow-up period lasted for 5.7 years. The two major food groups that contributed to one-half of the intake for each type of amino acid were whole grain mixed rice and white rice. Compared to the lowest quartile group, the highest quartile groups of essential amino acid intake [men: hazard ratio (HR) = 0.78; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.63-0.97; P for trend = 0.0088; women: HR = 0.86; 95% CI, 0.76-0.99; P for trend = 0.0201] and nonessential amino acid intake (men: HR = 0.75; 95% CI, 0.60-0.94; P for trend = 0.0069; women: HR = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.71-0.93; P for trend = 0.0024) had a decreased risk of dyslipidemia. Plant-based protein intake had a negative association and animal-based protein intake had a nonsignificant association with dyslipidemia after adjustment for energy-adjusted fat intake. Furthermore, the essential and nonessential amino acid intake showed stronger negative associations with dyslipidemia after further adjustment for energy-adjusted fat intake.

Conclusion

To conclude, the intake of amino acids may have a protective effect against dyslipidemia in Korean adults who are aged 40 years or older, regardless of their protein food sources.

Association between Branched-Chain Amino Acid Intake and Physical Function among Chinese Community-Dwelling Elderly Residents

This study aimed to evaluate the potential associations of dietary BCAAs (isoleucine, leucine, and valine) with physical function in the elderly Chinese population. A validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire and anthropometric and physical function measurements were used to collect data. We modeled trends in physical function indicators for BCAA quartiles using multivariate linear regression models. Among 4336 (43.97% men) participants aged 72.73 ± 5.48 years, a higher dietary intake of BCAAs was positively associated with increased handgrip strength (all p trends < 0.001), shorter times for 4-m fast walking (all p trends < 0.001) and repeated chair rises (all p trends < 0.001). No linear association was found between subtypes of amino acids and any physical functions (all p trends > 0.05). Individuals in the highest quartiles of BCAA intake had a reduced risk of developing low muscle strength, and the multiadjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for women and men were 0.50 (0.38−0.65) and 0.67 (0.50−0.91), respectively. Similarly, higher BCAA consumption was associated with a lower risk of developing low physical performance (4-m walking speed: OR = 0.68 [0.50−0.93]; repeated chair rises: OR = 0.66 [0.54−0.81]). Higher dietary BCAA intake might be beneficial for physical function in the elderly population.

The Effect of Leucine Supplementation on Sarcopenia-Related Measures in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 17 Randomized Controlled Trials

Background

The role of leucine in sarcopenia prevention remains unclear. We aimed to summarize the published data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to estimate the effect of leucine supplementation on sarcopenia-related measures in older adults.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed using the electronic databases PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science with restriction to randomized controlled trials design from January 1, 2009 to March 19, 2022. Sarcopenia-related measures included handgrip strength, total lean mass, gait speed, leg press, 6-min walk test, short-physical performance battery, timed up-and-go test and 30-s chair-stand test. Fixed- and random-effects meta-analysis models were used to generate pooled weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% CIs. Heterogeneity was examined in subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Publication bias assessments were performed.

Results

A total of 17 RCTs enrolling 1418 subjects were identified. Leucine-isolated supplementation showed no effect on total lean mass (WMD = 0.03 kg, 95% CI: –0.51, 0.57, P = 0.917), handgrip strength (WMD = 1.23 kg, 95% CI: –0.58, 3.03, P = 0.183) and leg press (WMD = –1.35 kg, 95% CI: –7.46, 4.77, P = 0.666). However, leucine-combined supplementation including vitamin D showed a significant improvement in handgrip strength (WMD = 2.17 kg, 95% CI: 0.24, 4.10, P = 0.027) and gait speed (WMD = 0.03 m/s, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.05, P = 0.008).

Conclusion

Leucine-isolated supplementation did not improve muscle mass and strength in elderly. However, leucine-combined supplementation including vitamin D exhibited a significant benefit for muscle strength and performance including handgrip strength and gait speed in older adults. A combination of nutritional supplements would be a viable option for improving sarcopenia.

Dietary branched-chain amino acids and odds of obesity among immigrant Filipino women: the Filipino women's diet and health study (FiLWHEL)

Background

The dietary environment promoting adiposity keeps evolving and of interest is the significance of dietary branched-chain amino acids (BCAA). This study assessed the association between dietary BCAA intakes and odds of obesity among immigrant Filipino women in Korea.

Method

We included 423 immigrant Filipino women enrolled in the Filipino Women’s diet and health study in the Republic of Korea. Dietary BCAA intakes were estimated from 24 hour recalls and adjusted for energy intake using the residual method. General obesity was derived from direct anthropometric measurements (height, weight and waist circumference – WC) and defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m² and abdominal obesity as WC ≥80 cm. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) by tertile distribution of energy-adjusted BCAA intakes were estimated using multivariable logistic regression with a two-sided P < 0.05.

Results

Median (interquartile range) for BCAA intakes in g/day were; 7.9 (5.8, 10.3) g/day for total BCAA; 2.0 (1.5, 2.6) g/day for isoleucine, 3.5(2.5, 4.6) g/day for leucine and 2.4 (1.8, 3.1) g/day for valine. Mean BMI and WC were 23.6 ± 3.8 kg/m² and 79.8 ± 9.3 cm, respectively. Also, 30.2% (128) had BMI ≥25 kg/m² and 42.0% (178) had WC ≥80 cm. ORs (95%CIs) of general obesity across tertile distribution of energy-adjusted total BCAA intakes were 1.00, 0.81 (0.47, 1.37) and 0.62 (0.36, 1.07; P for trend = 0.08). A similar trend was observed across tertile distribution of energy-adjusted isoleucine, leucine and valine intakes. However, there was a statistically significant inverse association between total BCAA intake and odds of general obesity in a subset of non-smokers; 1.00, 0.68 (0.39, 1.20) and 0.55 (0.31, 0.98; P for trend = 0.04).

Conclusion

We found a suggestive inverse association between higher dietary BCAA intake and odds of obesity in this sample of immigrant Filipino women, particularly among non-smokers. Prospective cohort studies among the immigrant population will be necessary to verity these findings.

Effects of branched-chain amino acid-rich supplementation on EWGSOP2 criteria for sarcopenia in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

According to criteria recommended by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP2), we analyzed the effects of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA)-rich supplements on muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical performance in older people.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL from inception until March 2021. Randomized controlled trials that examined the effect of BCAA-rich supplements on older people were included. Random-effects meta-analyses and sensitivity analyses were performed. Subgroup analyses were stratified by participant and supplementation characteristics. Meta-regression analyses were performed to examine the effect of continuous variables.

RESULTS

Thirty-five studies were included in this meta-analysis. Quality assessment revealed that 14 of 35 RCTs had some potential bias. The overall standardized mean difference (SMD) in muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical performance between the supplement and control groups was 0.35 (95% CI = [0.15, 0.55], P = 0.0007), 0.25 (95% CI = [0.10, 0.40], P = 0.0008), and 0.29 (95% CI = [0.00, 0.57], P = 0.05), respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that essential amino acid supplementation improved handgrip strength more significantly than whey protein supplementation in older people. Meta-regression analysis revealed a significant linear relationship between improvements in handgrip strength and body mass index.

CONCLUSIONS

BCAA-rich supplementation by older people may have beneficial effects on muscle mass and strength. However, the included studies had high heterogeneity, and the results must be interpreted with caution.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42020206674.

Daily Leucine Intake Is Positively Associated with Lower Limb Skeletal Muscle Mass and Strength in the Elderly

Higher daily protein intake, with an emphasis on leucine content, is thought to mitigate age-related anabolic resistance, potentially counteracting age-related morphological and functional declines. The present study investigated potential associations between total daily leucine intake and dependent variables, including quadriceps muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and maximum dynamic muscle strength (1-RM) in a cohort of healthy free-living older individuals of both sexes (n = 67; 34/33 men/women). Participants performed three 24 h dietary recalls and underwent a magnetic resonance imaging exam followed by 1-RM tests. Our results demonstrate moderate associations between total daily leucine and both quadriceps CSA (r = 0.42; p = 0.004) and 1-RM (r = 0.45; p = 0.001). Furthermore, our exploratory biphasic linear regression analyses, adjusted for sex, age, and protein intake relative to body weight, revealed a plateau for daily leucine intake and muscle mass and muscle strength (~7.6–8.0 g·day⁻¹) in older adults. In conclusion, we demonstrated that total daily leucine intake is associated with muscle mass and strength in healthy older individuals and this association remains after controlling for multiple factors, including overall protein intake. Furthermore, our breakpoint analysis revealed non-linearities and a potential threshold for habitual leucine intake, which may help guide future research on the effects of chronic leucine intake in age-related muscle loss.