Carbohydrate restriction and dietary cholesterol modulate the expression of HMG-CoA reductase and the LDL receptor in mononuclear cells from adult men

The liver is responsible for controlling cholesterol homeostasis in the body. HMG-CoA reductase and the LDL receptor (LDL-r) are involved in this regulation and are also ubiquitously expressed in all major tissues. We have previously shown in guinea pigs that there is a correlation in gene expression of HMG-CoA reductase and the LDL-r between liver and mononuclear cells. The present study evaluated human mononuclear cells as a surrogate for hepatic expression of these genes. The purpose was to evaluate the effect of dietary carbohydrate restriction with low and high cholesterol content on HMG-CoA reductase and LDL-r mRNA expression in mononuclear cells. All subjects were counseled to consume a carbohydrate restricted diet with 10–15% energy from carbohydrate, 30–35% energy from protein and 55–60% energy from fat. Subjects were randomly assigned to either EGG (640 mg/d additional dietary cholesterol) or SUB groups [equivalent amount of egg substitute (0 dietary cholesterol contributions) per day] for 12 weeks. At the end of the intervention, there were no changes in plasma total or LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) compared to baseline (P > 0.10) or differences in plasma total or LDL-C between groups. The mRNA abundance for HMG-CoA reductase and LDL-r were measured in mononuclear cells using real time PCR. The EGG group showed a significant decrease in HMG-CoA reductase mRNA (1.98 ± 1.26 to 1.32 ± 0.92 arbitrary units P < 0.05) while an increase was observed for the SUB group (1.13 ± 0.52 to 1.69 ± 1.61 arbitrary units P < 0.05). Additionally, the LDL-r mRNA abundance was decreased in the EGG group (1.72 ± 0.69 to 1.24 ± 0.55 arbitrary units P < 0.05) and significantly increased in the SUB group (1.00 ± 0.60 to 1.67 ± 1.94 arbitrary units P < 0.05). The findings indicate that dietary cholesterol during a weight loss intervention alters the expression of genes regulating cholesterol homeostasis

A Nutrient Formulation Affects Developmental Myelination in Term Infants: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background and Objectives: Observational studies suggest differences between breast-fed and formula-fed infants in developmental myelination, a key brain process for learning. The study aims to investigate the efficacy of a blend of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), arachidonic acid (ARA), iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, and sphingomyelin (SM) from a uniquely processed whey protein concentrate enriched in alpha-lactalbumin and phospholipids compared with a control formulation on myelination, cognitive, and behavioral development in the first 6 months of life. Methods: These are 6-month results from an ongoing two-center, randomized controlled trial with a 12-month intervention period (completed for all participants). In this study, full term, neurotypical infants of both sexes (N = 81) were randomized into investigational (N = 42) or control groups (N = 39). In addition, non-randomized breast-fed children (N = 108) serve as a natural reference group. Main outcomes are myelination (MRI), cognitive (Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd edition [Bayley-III]), social-emotional development (Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional, 2nd edition [ASQ:SE-2]), sleep (Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire [BISQ]), and safety (growth and adverse events [AEs]). Results: The full analyses set comprises N = 66 infants. Significant differences in myelin structure, volume, and rate of myelination were observed in favor of the investigational myelin blend at 3 and 6 months of life. Effects were demonstrated for whole brain myelin and for cerebellar, parietal, occipital, and temporal regions, known to be functionally involved in sensory, motor, and language skills. No statistically significant differences were found for early behavior and cognition scores. Conclusions: This is the first study demonstrating the efficacy of a myelin nutrient blend in well-nourished, term infants on developmental myelination, which may be foundational for later cognitive and learning outcomes.publishedVersio

Potential of eggs in enhancing the cardioprotective effects of carbohydrate restricted diets (CRD) in weight loss interventions

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the contribution of dietary cholesterol from eggs in the context of a carbohydrate restricted diet (CAD) on lipoprotein metabolism and circulating carotenoids. This was a randomized single blinded study conducted in 28 overweight/obese male subjects (BMI: 25-37 kg/m2), 40-70 y. Subjects were counseled to consume 10-15% energy from carbohydrate (CHO) and were allocated either to the EGG group [intake of 3 eggs (640 mg/d additional dietary cholesterol)] or the SUB group [equivalent amount of egg substitute (0 additional mg dietary cholesterol/d) for 12 wk. ^ During the intervention a decrease in energy intake and energy from CHO (P \u3c 0.05) was observed for all subjects when compared to habitual intake. In addition, reductions in body weight (P \u3c 0.001), waist circumference (P \u3c 0.0001) and plasma triglycerides (TG) (P \u3c 0.001) were observed in all subjects after 12 wk. Total and LDL cholesterol as well as the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio did not change during the intervention. In contrast, the EGG group had a significant increase in HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) (P \u3c 0.001) while there were no changes in HDL-C for the SUB group. Decreases in large and medium very low density lipoprotein subclasses (P \u3c 0.001) and apolipoprotein (apo) B (P \u3c 0.01) were observed for both groups. In agreement with the reduction in plasma TG, a 133% increase in apo C-II and a 65% decrease in apo C-III were observed. Subjects from the EGG group had a higher concentration of large HDL and large LDL subclasses compared to the SUB group (P \u3c 0.01). ^ Intake of carotenoids including lutein, zeaxanthin, criptoxanthine, β-carotene and α-carotene were similar between the EGG and SUB groups at baseline, 6 and 12 wk. However, only the EGG group presented an increase in plasma lutein (P \u3c 0.0001) and zeaxanthin (P \u3c 0.025) after 12 wk. ^ From these studies, we conclude that intake of 3 eggs per day enhances the beneficial effects of CRD in lipoprotein metabolism and carotenoid absorption as demonstrated by the higher concentrations of HDL–C, the increased formation of large HDL and LDL subclasses and the higher concentrations of circulating lutein and zeaxanthine in the EGG group.

Potential of eggs in enhancing the cardioprotective effects of carbohydrate restricted diets (CRD) in weight loss interventions

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the contribution of dietary cholesterol from eggs in the context of a carbohydrate restricted diet (CAD) on lipoprotein metabolism and circulating carotenoids. This was a randomized single blinded study conducted in 28 overweight/obese male subjects (BMI: 25-37 kg/m2), 40-70 y. Subjects were counseled to consume 10-15% energy from carbohydrate (CHO) and were allocated either to the EGG group [intake of 3 eggs (640 mg/d additional dietary cholesterol)] or the SUB group [equivalent amount of egg substitute (0 additional mg dietary cholesterol/d) for 12 wk. ^ During the intervention a decrease in energy intake and energy from CHO (P \u3c 0.05) was observed for all subjects when compared to habitual intake. In addition, reductions in body weight (P \u3c 0.001), waist circumference (P \u3c 0.0001) and plasma triglycerides (TG) (P \u3c 0.001) were observed in all subjects after 12 wk. Total and LDL cholesterol as well as the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio did not change during the intervention. In contrast, the EGG group had a significant increase in HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) (P \u3c 0.001) while there were no changes in HDL-C for the SUB group. Decreases in large and medium very low density lipoprotein subclasses (P \u3c 0.001) and apolipoprotein (apo) B (P \u3c 0.01) were observed for both groups. In agreement with the reduction in plasma TG, a 133% increase in apo C-II and a 65% decrease in apo C-III were observed. Subjects from the EGG group had a higher concentration of large HDL and large LDL subclasses compared to the SUB group (P \u3c 0.01). ^ Intake of carotenoids including lutein, zeaxanthin, criptoxanthine, β-carotene and α-carotene were similar between the EGG and SUB groups at baseline, 6 and 12 wk. However, only the EGG group presented an increase in plasma lutein (P \u3c 0.0001) and zeaxanthin (P \u3c 0.025) after 12 wk. ^ From these studies, we conclude that intake of 3 eggs per day enhances the beneficial effects of CRD in lipoprotein metabolism and carotenoid absorption as demonstrated by the higher concentrations of HDL–C, the increased formation of large HDL and LDL subclasses and the higher concentrations of circulating lutein and zeaxanthine in the EGG group.

Eggs modulate the inflammatory response to carbohydrate restricted diets in overweight men

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Carbohydrate restricted diets (CRD) consistently lower glucose and insulin levels and improve atherogenic dyslipidemia [decreasing triglycerides and increasing HDL cholesterol (HDL-C)]. We have previously shown that male subjects following a CRD experienced significant increases in HDL-C only if they were consuming a higher intake of cholesterol provided by eggs compared to those individuals who were taking lower concentrations of dietary cholesterol. Here, as a follow up of our previous study, we examined the effects of eggs (a source of both dietary cholesterol and lutein) on adiponectin, a marker of insulin sensitivity, and on inflammatory markers in the context of a CRD.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Twenty eight overweight men [body mass index (BMI) 26–37 kg/m²] aged 40–70 y consumed an ad libitum CRD (% energy from CHO:fat:protein = 17:57:26) for 12 wk. Subjects were matched by age and BMI and randomly assigned to consume eggs (EGG, n = 15) (640 mg additional cholesterol/day provided by eggs) or placebo (SUB, n = 13) (no additional dietary cholesterol). Fasting blood samples were drawn before and after the intervention to assess plasma lipids, insulin, adiponectin and markers of inflammation including C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-8 (IL-8), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Body weight, percent total body fat and trunk fat were reduced for all subjects after 12 wk (P < 0.0001). Increases in adiponectin were also observed (P < 0.01). Subjects in the EGG group had a 21% increase in this adipokine compared to a 7% increase in the SUB group (P < 0.05). Plasma CRP was significantly decreased only in the EGG group (P < 0.05). MCP-1 levels were decreased for the SUB group (P < 0.001), but unchanged in the EGG group. VCAM-1, ICAM-1, TNF-α, and IL-8 were not modified by CRD or eggs.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>A CRD with daily intake of eggs decreased plasma CRP and increased plasma adiponectin compared to a CRD without eggs. These findings indicate that eggs make a significant contribution to the anti-inflammatory effects of CRD, possibly due to the presence of cholesterol, which increases HDL-C and to the antioxidant lutein which modulates certain inflammatory responses.</p