The Effect of Wild Blueberries on Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

The effect of wild blueberries on major endothelium-dependent vasodilation pathways and arterial blood pressure (BP) was examined in the young adult Spontaneously Hypertensive rat (SHR), used as a model of endothelial dysfunction, and the Wistar Kyoto (WK) rat, with functional endothelium, used as the control. Male SHR and WK rats were fed a control (SHR-C and WK-C), or a wild blueberry-enriched (SHR-B and WK-B) diet for nine weeks. By the age of 21 weeks, thoracic aortae were excised and 3mm arterial rings were prepared and immersed in Radnoti tissue baths. Rings were precontractred with phenylephrine (Phe) (10 6M), followed by cumulative acetylcholine (Ach) doses (10 9M to 3x10 6M) to generate dose-response curves in the absence or in the presence of either a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor (L-NMMA at 10 4M), a cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor (MFA at 10 5M) or both inhibitors added simultaneously. The maximum Ach-induced vasodilation force (Fmax) and vessel sensitivity (pD2) were determined for each treatment group. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated no significant difference in the Fmax between the WK-B and WK-C groups. However, wild blueberries were found to reduce the pD2 in response to Ach in the young adult WK rat (WKB: 7.41 ± 0.02 vs. WK-C 7.49 ± 0.02, p\u3c0.05, n=9). In the young adult SHR, wild blueberries were shown to reduce Fmax in response to Ach (SHR-B: 92.13 ± 0.56 vs. SHR-C: 94.63 ± 0.56, p\u3c0.05, n=10). This effect is mediated by the COX pathway, as shown by the increased Fmax in response to Ach with the COXpathway inhibition (SHR-B: 102.17 ± 0.57 vs. SHR-C: 97.76 ± 0.57, p\u3c0.05, n=10). Furthermore, wild blueberries were shown to increase the pD2 of the young adult SHR aorta, when COX and NO pathways were inhibited separately, SHR-B: 7.72 ± 0.02 vs. SHR-C: 7.63 ± 0.02, p\u3c0.05, n=10, and SHR-B: 7.17 ± 0.02 vs. SHR-C: 7.04 ± 0.02,

Malnutrition and Cardiometabolic Risk among Turkish Adolescents: a Public Health Concern during Epidemiological Transition

Abstract Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a chronic disease prevalent both in developing and developed countries. Numerous CVD risk factors associated with nutritional behavior and status in children and adolescents set the stage for adult CVD. A significant body of evidence suggests that there is opportunity for abolishment of at least some of the adverse manifestations of CVD and ability for health improvement if proper nutritional practice is followed during young age. Turkey is a country with a large overall population of which a significant part is children and adolescents. Moreover, Turkey is in epidemiological transition exhibiting health and nutritional issues of both the developing and the developed world, with more than half of all deaths in Turkey related to CVD. Furthermore, Turkey is a country of significant and unusual diversity in terms of geography, socio-economic status and origin among others. However, there are not many studies assessing the cardiometabolic risk in adolescent and the ones that assess a few risk factors of CVD are localized in certain areas. In this work we gather, organize and compare the results of several studies on the topic and reach certain conclusions as per the current condition of adolescents in Turkey in regards to malnutrition and cardiometabolic risk

Mechanism(s) of Dietary Wild Blueberry Action on Vasoconstriction in Adult Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

This study examined the mechanism of action of wild blueberries (WB) on key signaling steps of the nitric oxide (NO) and cyclooxygenase (COX) pathways of vascular tone upon stimulation of aortic rings with the α1-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine (Phe) in adult Spontaneously Hypertensive rats (SHR) with endothelial dysfunction. Adult SHRs were sacrificed at the age of 20 weeks after eight weeks on a control diet (C) or a WB-enriched diet. Phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction was examined in the absence or presence of inhibitors targeting NO synthase (NOS), soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) and phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5), enzymes of the NO pathway or inhibitors targeting COX, prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) synthase and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) synthase, enzymes of the COX pathway. The maximum response (Fmax) and the vessel sensitivity (pD2) to the agonist were estimated. Concentration of NO, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and the prostanoids PGI2 and TXA2 were measured in plasma, aortic tissue and aortic medium, respectively, to further assess the effect of the WB diet on the NO and COX pathways. The reduced response of aortic rings to the Phe-induced vasoconstriction observed in the SHRs that consumed the WB diet, was abolished when NOS was inhibited, suggesting the involvement of the NO pathway in the lower response to the α1-adrenergic agonist. Additionally, the higher Fmax observed in the WB rings when sGC activity was blocked reflects a critical role of sGC in the reduced adrenergic constriction of the WB group. Phosphodiesterase-5 may also play a role in the WB response, and finally an increased concentration of the vasorelaxant cGMP in the WB aorta represents further evidence of the role of the NO-cGMP signaling in the lower tension elicited by the WB diet. Functional studies with inhibitors of COX, PGI2 and TXA2 synthase do not point to a major effect of wild blueberries on the COX pathway, despite an increased concentration of PGI2 in aortic media. This is the first study to document that a WB diet reduces vascular tone in response to an α1-adrenergic adrenergic agonist via enhancing NO-sGC-cGMP signaling in the adult SHR model of endothelial dysfunction with implications for cardiovascular protection

Technological Devices and Their Effect on Preschool Children’s Eating Habits in Communities of Mixed Socioeconomic Status in Istanbul; a Pilot Cross-Sectional Study

The use of technological devices is increasing in all age groups, especially in preschool-aged children. However, there is a limiting number of studies investigating the relationship between the use of technological devices, eating behavior, and weight status in preschool children. The aim of this study was (1) to describe total usage of technological devices, (2) to evaluate level of exclusive use of such devices by children, (3) to investigate children’s eating behaviors and diet in relation to screen time and type. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 104 children aged 2–5 years in Küçükçekmece and Bakırköy, Istanbul. Data collection consisted of a validated parental questionnaire on demographics and the child’s use of technology and eating behavior, while associations in children were examined using logistic regression analysis. The analysis of the obtained data uncovered a strong association between children’s TV and tablet/smart phone use and the foods consumed by children when using these devices (p = 0.0001; p = 0.012). Also, there was a significant association between children’s eating habits and TV, and tablet/smart phone durations of use (p = 0.015; p = 0.025), but not with computer duration of use (p > 0.05). Obesity and associated health problems can arise as results of suboptimal eating behavior, such as the ones observed in our study, which are also intensified with an increased duration of use of technological devices. The attitude of families towards prudent use of technological equipment is of great importance in impacting present and future health

Nutrition THE EFFECT OF WILD BLUEBERRIES ON ENDOTHELIUM-DEPENDENT

The effect of wild blueberries on major endothelium-dependent vasodilation pathways and arterial blood pressure (BP) was examined in the young adult Spontaneously Hypertensive rat (SHR), used as a model of endothelial dysfunction, and the Wistar Kyoto (WK) rat, with functional endothelium, used as the control. Male SHR and WK rats were fed a control (SHR-C and WK-C), or a wild blueberry-enriched (SHR-B and WK-B) diet for nine weeks. By the age of 21 weeks, thoracic aortae were excised and 3mm arterial rings were prepared and immersed in Radnoti tissue baths. Rings were precontractred with phenylephrine (Phe) (10 " 6 M), followed by cumulative acetylcholine (Ach) doses (10 " 9 M to 3x10" 6 M) to generate dose-response curves in the absence or in the presence of either a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor (L-NMMA at 10 " 4 M), a cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor (MFA at 10 " 5 M) or both inhibitors added simultaneously. The maximum Ach-induced vasodilation force (Fmax) and vessel sensitivity (pD2) were determined for each treatment group. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated no significant difference in the Fmax between the WK-B and WK-C groups. However, wild blueberries were found to reduce the pD2 in response to Ach in the young adult WK rat (WK

Traditional Societal Practices Can Avert Poor Dietary Habits and Reduce Obesity Risk in Preschool Children of Mothers with Low Socioeconomic Status and Unemployment

Healthy nutritional habits are of vital importance for good health and quality of life for all individuals in all life stages. Nutritional habits shaped in early childhood set the foundation for future dietary practices applied through lifespan, hence informing risk towards chronic diseases. A key contributor to child health is maternal impact. A healthy childhood status translates into increased lifespan, health, and life-quality, as well as better family and social interactions and improved academic performance. These conditions can contribute to a healthier and more vibrant workforce, and thus extend positive impact on the economic and overall development of a country. Evidence related to maternal impact on childhood dietary habits is limited in Turkey, an emerging economy with notable disparities and a significant segment (approximately one third) of its 83 million population under the age of 30. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the socioeconomic status (SES) of mothers on the dietary habits of their preschool children. A pilot cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving the mothers of 109 preschool children aged 4–6 years. Data on the nutritional status of children were collected through a food frequency questionnaire and a 24-h recall interview, while sociodemographic information was also collected, and statistical analyses conducted. An unexpected finding regarding the lack of association between the socioeconomic and employment status of mothers and the nutritional intakes of their children was observed. Interestingly, it appears that more traditional societal and nutritional practices typically undertaken in the case of lower SES, especially in more traditional settings like the case of Turkey, appear to extend a protective effect as per the nutritional habits and ensuing obesity risk in the case of children of women with lower SES. Another way to interpret our finding is that the difference in education and SES is not adequate to produce a significant effect in terms of children dietary intake. This is an interesting finding that warrants further study. Additionally, such studies serve to increase awareness about the importance of healthy nutritional practices in preschool children and the critical role of the mother on their nutritional status, particularly in the Turkish idiosyncratic setting

Effect of Diets Differing in Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Review of Randomized Controlled-Feeding Trials

Despite a considerable amount of data available on the relationship between dietary glycemic index (GI) or load (GL) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, in aggregate, the area remains unsettled. The aim of the present review was to summarize the effect of diets differing in GI/GL on CVD risk factors, by examining randomized controlled-feeding trials that provided all food and beverages to adult participants. The studies included a low and high GI/GL diet phase for a minimum of four weeks duration, and reported at least one outcome related to CVD risk; glucose homeostasis, lipid profile or inflammatory status. Ten publications representing five trials were identified. The low GI/GL compared to the high GI/GL diet unexpectedly resulted in significantly higher fasting glucose concentrations in two of the trials, and a lower area under the curve for glucose and insulin in one of the two studies during an oral glucose tolerance test. Response of plasma total, low density lipoprotein and high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations was conflicting in two of the studies for which data were available. There was either weak or no effect on inflammatory markers. The results of the five randomized controlled trials satisfying the inclusion criteria suggest inconsistent effects of the GI/GL value of the diet on CVD risk factors

Perception, acceptability and decision-making determinants of Soft Seltzer, a novel winegrape non-alcoholic carbonated beverage category to health-conscious College students in California

The beverage industry is a signifi cant market that is seeing a growth albeit certain types of beverages such as wine and soda-type drinks are seemingly declining. There is certainly seen a growing interest for novel beverages, especially when creating healthy options aiming to support health via enhanced functional food/beverage properties. Furthermore, understanding how the public perceives and makes purchasing decisions towards novel and unconventional options is of key importance. The Soft Seltzer category is an emerging category defi ned as a sparkling waterbased low calorie, no added sugar, no artifi cial sweetener, non-alcoholic, carbonated beverage. In our pilot study herein, we aimed to assess interest and willingness to pay for such a product produced in Sonoma, California, specifically H2O/H2♡, a dealcoholized wine-type beverage enriched with vitamins, potassium, and calcium, using a perception and acceptability study to health-conscious college students in California. Respectivelly, healthy college students were provided an on-line acceptability questionnaire with 38 questions to evaluate the concept of the H2O beverage. Our participants indicated that they would be signifi cantly interested in purchasing such a beverage, while as for willingness to pay, a price for $9.99/4x16oz cans was deemed less than or about what is expected from a majority of participants. Our results taken together demonstrate that there is substantial interest and traction for such a beverage, especially given its natural origin and potential health benefi ts. Further research including tasting and health-related functional properties for the beverage in discussion is suggested. Additionally, lifestyle aspects and nuances beyond alcohol that are important to wine drinkers and other consumers could be delivered by novel beverages, hence aid in their success in the beverage market

Wild blueberry consumption attenuates local inflammation in the perivascular adipose tissue of obese Zucker rats

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) has been shown to play important roles in regulating vascular tone and linking local and systemic vascular inflammation. We examined the impact of PVAT on Phenylephrine-mediated vasoconstriction in the aorta of Obese Zucker rats (OZR) and their lean littermates (LZR), by comparing aortic rings with or without PVAT. Subsequently we placed OZR and LZR on a control (C) or an 8% wild blueberry (WB) diet and evaluated the effect of WB consumption on such response. PVAT-released adipokine concentrations were also measured as a function of WB diet. Maximal constrictor force (Fmax) in aortic rings without PVAT was significantly lower in OZR-C compared to LZR-C (0.41 ± 0.05 and 0.71 ± 0.06 g, respectively). Following WB diet, Fmax significantly increased in OZR (0.54 ± 0.06 g). In aortas with intact PVAT, Fmax was significantly lower in all groups (0.31 ± 0.06 OZR-C, 0.30 ± 0.05 OZR-WB, 0.29 ± 0.03 LZR-C and 0.30 ± 0.04 g LZR-WB), but no difference was observed between treatments. PVAT concentrations of MCP-1, TNF-α and adiponectin were significantly higher in OZR compared to LZR (+102%, +108%, and +45%, respectively). Following WB diet, PVAT concentrations of IL-8 were significantly lower in both OZR (–37%) and LZR (–30%), while adiponectin concentrations significantly increased in both OZR (+11%) and LZR (+16%). MCP-1 concentrations significantly decreased (–31%) in the PVAT of OZR on WB diet. Wild blueberry consumption appears to attenuate local inflammation in PVAT, which may impact systemic vascular inflammation and endothelial function.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author

The Risk of T2DM in College Women: The Predictive Power of Financial versus Residential Status in a Cross-Sectional Pilot Study in Turkey

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the relationships between dietary habits, income levels and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk in Turkish female university students who are living with their family or in the dormitory. Materials and Methods: This work was a cross-sectional pilot study conducted during December 2016–January 2017 in Istanbul Yeni Yuzyıl University. A survey was administered to 100 female students, 60 living with their family and 40 in dormitories. Income level was determined based on TURKSTAT 2015 percentiles. T2DM risk was determined using the Finnish Diabetes Association Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Form (FINDRISC). Food frequency questionnaire and 24 h dietary recall results were analyzed by the diet analysis software Beslenme Bilgi Sistemi (BeBiS), specially developed for Turkey. Results: Results indicated inadequacies and imbalanced nutrition among female college students overall. Notably, there was a statistically significant higher diet quality for the students living with their families compared to those living in dormitories. Income level was consistently positively associated with better nutritional outcomes, while negatively associated with T2DM risk, but interestingly, only in the case of students living in the dormitory and not for those living with family. Conclusions: Our findings indicated that financial status, rather than living in the dormitory versus with family, is positively associated with increased T2DM risk as assessed via FINDRISC among Turkish female college students. This study’s results indicate a potential need for educational programs and nutritional support for students, particularly those living away from family