Submit to Nutrients Review for Nutrients Propose a Special Issue

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Nutrition in Medicine

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Published Papers

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 February 2015) | Viewed by 48464

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Alison M. Coates

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
Interests: meal timing; eating patterns; circadian rhythm; shift work; cardiovascular risk factors
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (ACNEM), in collaboration with the Preventative Health Flagship of CSIRO and the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA), held the 4th International Conference on the Science of Nutrition in Medicine and Healthcare in early May, 2014. This conference was held in conjunction with the 8th Congress of the International Society of Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics (ISNN). Conference themes included: nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics, cancer risk factors, endocrine and autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, neurological and cognitive decline.

This Special Issue will contain manuscripts submitted by presenters at the conference and selected manuscripts of relevance to the theme.

Dr. Alison M. Coates
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers

Research

2984 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Fiber Intake is Associated with Increased Colonic Mucosal GPR43+ Polymorphonuclear Infiltration in Active Crohn’s Disease

by Mingli Zhao, Weiming Zhu, Jianfeng Gong, Lugen Zuo, Jie Zhao, Jing Sun, Ning Li and Jieshou Li

Nutrients 2015, 7(7), 5327-5346; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7075223 - 01 Jul 2015

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 6945

Abstract

G protein-coupled receptor 43/free fatty acid receptor 2 (GPR43/FFAR2) is essential for polymorphonuclear (PMN) recruitment. We investigated the expression of GPR43/FFAR2 in the colon from Crohn’s disease patients and whether dietary fiber in enteral nutrition increases GPR43+ polymorphonuclear infiltration in mucosa. Segments of ascending colon and white blood cells from peripheral blood were obtained from 46 Crohn’s disease patients and 10 colon cancer patients. The Crohn’s disease patients were grouped by the activity of disease (active or remission) and enteral nutrition with or without dietary fiber. Histological feature, expression and location of GPR43/FFAR2 and level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukine-6 (IL-6) and myeloperoxidase were assessed. The results of hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemistry staining revealed that the infiltration of immune cells, including GPR43+ PMN, was more severe in active Crohn’s disease patients who consumed normal food or enteral nutrition with dietary fiber than in remission patients and colon cancer patients. This finding was supported by the results of GPR43 and myeloperoxidase expression. Active Crohn’s disease (CD) patients who consumed enteral nutrition without dietary fiber exhibited severe immune cell infiltration similar to the other active CD patients, but GPR43+ PMNs were rarely observed. The level of TNF-α mRNA in active Crohn’s disease patients was higher than those of the other patients. In conclusion, the use of dietary fiber in enteral nutrition by active Crohn’s disease patients might increase GPR43+ PMNs infiltration in colon mucosa. This effect was not observed in Crohn’s disease patients in remission. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in Medicine)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

462 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Leucine Supplementation on Exercise Training Induced Anti-Cardiac Remodeling Effect in Heart Failure Mice

by Wilson Max Almeida Monteiro De Moraes, Thaís Plasti Melara, Pamella Ramona Moraes De Souza, Fabiana De Salvi Guimarães, Luiz Henrique Marchesi Bozi, Patricia Chakur Brum and Alessandra Medeiros

Nutrients 2015, 7(5), 3751-3766; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7053751 - 15 May 2015

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6846

Abstract

Leucine supplementation potentiates the effects of aerobic exercise training (AET) on skeletal muscle; however, its potential effects associated with AET on cardiac muscle have not been clarified yet. We tested whether leucine supplementation would potentiate the anti-cardiac remodeling effect of AET in a genetic model of sympathetic hyperactivity-induced heart failure in mice (α_2A/α_2CARKO). Mice were assigned to five groups: wild type mice treated with placebo and sedentary (WT, n = 11), α_2A/α_2CARKO treated with placebo and sedentary (KO, n = 9), α_2A/α_2CARKO treated with leucine and sedentary (KOL, n = 11), α_2A/α_2CARKO treated with placebo and AET (KOT, n = 12) or α_2A/α_2CARKO treated with leucine and AET (KOLT, n = 12). AET consisted of four weeks on a treadmill with 60 min sessions (six days/week, 60% of maximal speed) and administration by gavage of leucine (1.35 g/kg/day) or placebo (distilled water). The AET significantly improved exercise capacity, fractional shortening and re-established cardiomyocytes’ diameter and collagen fraction in KOT. Additionally, AET significantly prevented the proteasome hyperactivity, increased misfolded proteins and HSP27 expression. Isolated leucine supplementation displayed no effect on cardiac function and structure (KOL), however, when associated with AET (KOLT), it increased exercise tolerance to a higher degree than isolated AET (KOT) despite no additional effects on AET induced anti-cardiac remodeling. Our results provide evidence for the modest impact of leucine supplementation on cardiac structure and function in exercised heart failure mice. Leucine supplementation potentiated AET effects on exercise tolerance, which might be related to its recognized impact on skeletal muscle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in Medicine)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

1194 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hepatoprotective Effect of Herb Formula KIOM2012H against Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

by Hwayong Park, Youn-Hwan Hwang, Dong-Gun Kim, Jongwook Jeon and Jin Yeul Ma

Nutrients 2015, 7(4), 2440-2455; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7042440 - 02 Apr 2015

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 7183

Abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a hepatic ailment with a rapidly increasing incidence due to dietary hypernutrition and subsequent obesity. Fatty liver disease can lead to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even cancer, which is associated with various complications. Discovering effective natural materials and herbs can provide alternative and complementary medical treatments to current chemical pharmaceuticals. To develop an effective natural agent for NAFLD, we formulated a combination of four herb mixtures (KIOM2012H) and observed lipid-lowering efficacy. The inhibitory effects of KIOM2012H on free fatty acid-induced lipid accumulation, triglyceride contents, and gene expressions were analyzed in HepG2 cells. Using high fat diet-fed mice, body weight changes, gross liver appearances, hepatic triglyceride contents, and gene expressions were evaluated. KIOM2012H dose-dependently inhibited lipid accumulation and gene expressions involved in lipogenesis and related regulators. Experimental animals also showed a decrease in body weight changes and lipid-associated physiological parameters. This study shows that KIOM2012H has an alleviating effect on fatty acid and lipid accumulation, and therefore can be applied for development of new therapeutic pharmaceuticals for treatment of NAFLD using natural products and herbs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in Medicine)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

155 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oral Cancer Malnutrition Impacts Weight and Quality of Life

by Nils-Claudius Gellrich, Jörg Handschel, Henrik Holtmann and Gertrud Krüskemper

Nutrients 2015, 7(4), 2145-2160; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7042145 - 27 Mar 2015

Cited by 89 | Viewed by 10860

Abstract

Diet is important for both quality of life (QoL) and survival of patients with oral cancer. Their intake of food is impeded by functional restrictions in chewing and swallowing. In the DÖSAK REHAB STUDY 1652 patients from 38 hospitals within the German-language area of Germany; Austria and Switzerland were examined with regard to functional and psychological variables having an impact on diet. Chewing and swallowing are correlated with mobility of the tongue and the mandible as well as opening of the mouth. Thirty five percent of the patients lost weight; 41% maintained their weight and 24% gained weight. The QoL of patients who were able to maintain their weight and of those who gained weight was significantly better than that of patients who lost weight. A normal diet was important for maintaining weight. Mashed food; liquid food and loss of appetite were closely associated with loss of weight; although it was possible for nutritional counseling and dietary support to be implemented particularly favorably in this respect. Due to problems with eating patients’ strength deteriorated; thus restricting activity. Radiotherapy had a negative impact on diet and weight. It influenced sense of taste; dryness of the mouth; swelling and discomfort when ingesting food. Pain and scars in the region of the operation also cause patients to dislike hard; spicy and sour food. Support from a nutritional counselor in implementing a calorie-rich diet remedied this and such support needs to be integrated into patient management. The fact that a poor nutritional status is of such great importance is well-known; but what is often lacking is the systematic implementation of continued professional nutritional counseling over a long period of time; weight control and psycho-social support of the operated patients; particularly those who also have had radiotherapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in Medicine)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

436 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Maltese Mushroom (Cynomorium coccineum L.) as Source of Oil with Potential Anticancer Activity

by Antonella Rosa, Mariella Nieddu, Alessandra Piras, Angela Atzeri, Danilo Putzu and Antonio Rescigno

Nutrients 2015, 7(2), 849-864; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7020849 - 26 Jan 2015

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 8593

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the potential anticancer properties of fixed oil obtained from Maltese mushroom (Cynomorium coccineum L.), an edible, non-photosynthetic plant, used in traditional medicine of Mediterranean countries to treat various ailments and as an emergency food during the famine. We investigated the effect of the oil, obtained from dried stems by supercritical fractioned extraction with CO₂, on B16F10 melanoma and colon cancer Caco-2 cell viability and lipid profile. The oil, rich in essential fatty acids (18:3n-3 and 18:2n-6), showed a significant growth inhibitory effect on melanoma and colon cancer cells. The incubation (24 h) with non-toxic oil concentrations (25 and 50 μg/mL) induced in both cancer cell lines a significant accumulation of the fatty acids 18:3n-3 and 18:2n-6 and an increase of the cellular levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3) with anticancer activity. Moreover, the oil exhibited the ability to potentiate the growth inhibitory effect of the antitumor drug 5-fluorouracil in Caco-2 cells and to influence the melanin content in B16F10 cells. The results qualify C. coccineum as a resource of oil, with potential benefits in cancer prevention, for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in Medicine)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

460 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Glycyrrhizic Acid Can Attenuate Metabolic Deviations Caused by a High-Sucrose Diet without Causing Water Retention in Male Sprague-Dawley Rats

by Hamish Alexander Fernando, Chanchal Chandramouli, Dayang Rosli, Yi Lyn Lam, Sheau Ting Yong, Hui Ping Yaw, So Ha Ton, Khalid Abdul Kadir and Amanda Sainsbury

Nutrients 2014, 6(11), 4856-4871; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu6114856 - 04 Nov 2014

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 7337

Abstract

Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) ameliorates many components of the metabolic syndrome, but its potential therapeutic use is marred by edema caused by inhibition of renal 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 (11β-HSD2). We assessed whether 100 mg/kg per day GA administered orally could promote metabolic benefits without causing edema in rats fed on a high-sucrose diet. Groups of eight male rats were fed on one of three diets for 28 days: normal diet, a high-sucrose diet, or a high-sucrose diet supplemented with GA. Rats were then culled and renal 11β-HSD2 activity, as well as serum sodium, potassium, angiotensin II and leptin levels were determined. Histological analyses were performed to assess changes in adipocyte size in visceral and subcutaneous depots, as well as hepatic and renal tissue morphology. This dosing paradigm of GA attenuated the increases in serum leptin levels and visceral, but not subcutaneous adipocyte size caused by the high-sucrose diet. Although GA decreased renal 11β-HSD2 activity, it did not affect serum electrolyte or angiotensin II levels, indicating no onset of edema. Furthermore, there were no apparent morphological changes in the liver or kidney, indicating no toxicity. In conclusion, it is possible to reap metabolic benefits of GA without edema using the current dosage and treatment time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in Medicine)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Nutrition in Medicine

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Published Papers (6 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI