Plasma Clearance of Lovastatin Versus Chinese Red Yeast Rice in Healthy Volunteers

Objectives: It is now accepted that inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis is effective in the primary and secondary prevention of heart disease. However, the perceived side-effects on muscle and liver reduce the general acceptance of statin drug therapy as well as compliance over the long term, which is necessary for prevention efforts to be successful. Chinese red yeast rice (CRYR) is a supplement containing lovastatin (monacolin K), eight other monacolins, pigments, tannins, and other phytochemicals. The authors previously reported on a double- blind placebo-controlled trial of CRYR supplement in 80 individuals demonstrating a significant decrease in cholesterol levels from 250 mg/dL to 210 mg/dL over 8 weeks independent of diet. The current study compared the pharmacokinetics of CRYR with lovastatin at the same bioeffective dose for lowering cholesterol. Methods: Eleven (11) healthy volunteers were randomized to a crossover study taking 2400 mg CRYR or 20 mg of lovastatin. Results: The Cmax and area under the curve (AUC) of lovastatin were 22.42 ng/mL, and 80.47 higher than CRYR (p = 0.001 and 0.002, respectively). The Cmax for lovastatin hydroxy-acid was 36.63 ng/mL higher than the Cmax of CRYR hydroxy-acid (p = 0.001). The AUC of lovastatin hydroxy-acid was 258.5 greater than that of CRYR (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The results suggested that the effect of CRYR on the cholesterol concentration might be caused by the additive and/or synergistic effects of monacolin K with other monacolins and substances in CRYR. It may lead to the ultimate development of a botanical supplement based on CRYR

Mixed Spices at Culinary Doses Have Prebiotic Effects in Healthy Adults: A Pilot Study.

Spices were used as food preservatives prior to the advent of refrigeration, suggesting the possibility of effects on microbiota. Previous studies have shown prebiotic activities in animals and in vitro, but there has not been a demonstration of prebiotic or postbiotic effects at culinary doses in humans. In this randomized placebo-controlled study, we determined in twenty-nine healthy adults the effects on the gut microbiota of the consumption daily of capsules containing 5 g of mixed spices at culinary doses by comparison to a matched control group consuming a maltodextrin placebo capsule. The 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing data were used for microbial characterization. Spice consumption resulted in a significant reduction in Firmicutes abundance (p < 0.033) and a trend of enrichment in Bacteroidetes (p < 0.097) compared to placebo group. Twenty-six operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were different between the spice and placebo groups after intervention. Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation between fecal short-chain fatty acid propionate concentration and Firmicutes abundance in spice intervention group (p < 0.04). The production of individual fecal short-chain fatty acid was not significantly changed by spice consumption in this study. Mixed spices consumption significantly modified gut microbiota, suggesting a prebiotic effect of spice consumption at culinary doses

Pomegranate Juice and Extract Consumption Increases the Resistance to UVB-induced Erythema and Changes the Skin Microbiome in Healthy Women: a Randomized Controlled Trial.

In vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that topical application and oral consumption of pomegranate reduces UVB-induced skin damage. We therefore investigated if oral pomegranate consumption will reduce photodamage from UVB irradiation and alter the composition of the skin microbiota in a randomized controlled, parallel, three-arm, open label study. Seventy-four female participants (30-45 years) with Fitzpatrick skin type II-IV were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to 1000 mg of pomegranate extract (PomX), 8 oz of pomegranate juice (PomJ) or placebo for 12 weeks. Minimal erythema dose (MED) and melanin index were determined using a cutometer (mexameter probe). Skin microbiota was determined using 16S rRNA sequencing. The MED was significantly increased in the PomX and PomJ group compared to placebo. There was no significant difference on phylum, but on family and genus level bacterial composition of skin samples collected at baseline and after 12 week intervention showed significant differences between PomJ, PomX and placebo. Members of the Methylobacteriaceae family contain pigments absorbing UV irradiation and might contribute to UVB skin protection. However, we were not able to establish a direct correlation between increased MED and bacterial abundance. In summary daily oral pomegranate consumption may lead to enhanced protection from UV photodamage

A controlled trial of protein enrichment of meal replacements for weight reduction with retention of lean body mass

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>While high protein diets have been shown to improve satiety and retention of lean body mass (LBM), this study was designed to determine effects of a protein-enriched meal replacement (MR) on weight loss and LBM retention by comparison to an isocaloric carbohydrate-enriched MR within customized diet plans utilizing MR to achieve high protein or standard protein intakes.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Single blind, placebo-controlled, randomized outpatient weight loss trial in 100 obese men and women comparing two isocaloric meal plans utilizing a standard MR to which was added supplementary protein or carbohydrate powder. MR was used twice daily (one meal, one snack). One additional meal was included in the meal plan designed to achieve individualized protein intakes of either 1) 2.2 g protein/kg of LBM per day [high protein diet (HP)] or 2) 1.1 g protein/kg LBM/day standard protein diet (SP). LBM was determined using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Body weight, body composition, and lipid profiles were measured at baseline and 12 weeks.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Eighty-five subjects completed the study. Both HP and SP MR were well tolerated, with no adverse effects. There were no differences in weight loss at 12 weeks (-4.19 ± 0.5 kg for HP group and -3.72 ± 0.7 kg for SP group, p > 0.1). Subjects in the HP group lost significantly more fat weight than the SP group (HP = -1.65 ± 0.63 kg; SP = -0.64 ± 0.79 kg, P = 0.05) as estimated by BIA. There were no significant differences in lipids nor fasting blood glucose between groups, but within the HP group a significant decrease in cholesterol and LDL cholesterol was noted at 12 weeks. This was not seen in the SP group.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Higher protein MR within a higher protein diet resulted in similar overall weight loss as the standard protein MR plan over 12 weeks. However, there was significantly more fat loss in the HP group but no significant difference in lean body mass. In this trial, subject compliance with both the standard and protein-enriched MR strategy for weight loss may have obscured any effect of increased protein on weight loss demonstrated in prior weight loss studies using whole food diets.</p

Protein-enriched meal replacements do not adversely affect liver, kidney or bone density: an outpatient randomized controlled trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>There is concern that recommending protein-enriched meal replacements as part of a weight management program could lead to changes in biomarkers of liver or renal function and reductions in bone density. This study was designed as a placebo-controlled clinical trial utilizing two isocaloric meal plans utilizing either a high protein-enriched (HP) or a standard protein (SP) meal replacement in an outpatient weight loss program.</p> <p>Subjects/methods</p> <p>100 obese men and women over 30 years of age with a body mass index (BMI) between 27 to 40 kg/m²were randomized to one of two isocaloric weight loss meal plans 1). HP group: providing 2.2 g protein/kg of lean body mass (LBM)/day or 2). SP group: providing 1.1 g protein/kg LBM/day. Meal replacement (MR) was used twice daily (one meal, one snack) for 3 months and then once a day for 9 months. Body weight, lipid profiles, liver function, renal function and bone density were measured at baseline and 12 months.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Seventy subjects completed the study. Both groups lost weight (HP -4.29 ± 5.90 kg vs. SP -4.66 ± 6.91 kg, p < 0.01) and there was no difference in weight loss observed between the groups at one year. There was no significant change noted in liver function [AST (HP -2.07 ± 10.32 U/L, p = 0.28; SP 0.27 ± 6.67 U/L, p = 0.820), ALT (HP -1.03 ± 10.08 U/L, p = 0.34; SP -2.6 ± 12.51 U/L, p = 0.24), bilirubin (HP 0.007 ± 0.33, U/L, p = 0.91; SP 0.07 ± 0.24 U/L, p = 0.120), alkaline phosphatase (HP 2.00 ± 9.07 U/L, p = 0.240; SP -2.12 ± 11.01 U/L, p = 0.280)], renal function [serum creatinine (HP 0.31 ± 1.89 mg/dL, p = 0.380; SP -0.05 ± 0.15 mg/dL, p = 0.060), urea nitrogen (HP 1.33 ± 4.68 mg/dL, p = 0.130; SP -0.24 ± 3.03 mg/dL, p = 0.650), 24 hour urine creatinine clearance (HP -0.02 ± 0.16 mL/min, p = 0.480; SP 1.18 ± 7.53 mL/min, p = 0.400), and calcium excretion (HP -0.41 ± 9.48 mg/24 hours, p = 0.830; SP -0.007 ± 6.76 mg/24 hours, p = 0.990)] or in bone mineral density by DEXA (HP 0.04 ± 0.19 g/cm², p = 0.210; SP -0.03 ± 0.17 g/cm², p = 0.320) in either group over one year.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>These studies demonstrate that protein-enriched meals replacements as compared to standard meal replacements recommended for weight management do not have adverse effects on routine measures of liver function, renal function or bone density at one year. Clinicaltrial.gov: NCT01030354.</p

2017 Research & Innovation Day Program

A one day showcase of applied research, social innovation, scholarship projects and activities.https://first.fanshawec.ca/cri_cripublications/1004/thumbnail.jp

The Effects of Combined Exercise Training on Flow-Mediated Dilation and C-Reactive Protein in Overweight, Postmenopausal Women

Obesity-related inflammation, especially coupled with a decline in estrogen post menopause, leads to endothelial dysfunction where the endothelium is unable to adequately dilate in response to sheer stress. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) may cause endothelial dysfunction through superoxide production and downregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase leading to decreased nitric oxide production. Exercise training improves endothelial function through adaptations to increase nitric oxide bioavailability and regulation of superoxide production. PURPOSE: To determine the influence of acute and chronic combined resistance and aerobic exercise on flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and CRP in overweight to obese, postmenopausal women, as well as determining potential relationships between these variables. METHODS: Overweight to obese (BMI 33.01 ± 4.60 kg·m2), postmenopausal women (64.3 ± 5.3 yr) were randomized into either an exercise (EX, n = 20) or education control (ED, n = 18) group for a 12-week intervention where EX underwent moderate intensity aerobic and resistance exercise training (25 minute treadmill walking 70-80% VO2max; 8 resistance exercises, 2 sets at 8-12 repetition maximum, respectively) 3 days per week and ED attended education sessions (talks on health, CPR certification, etc.) twice per week. Before (BT) and after (AT) the intervention, both groups underwent an experimental trial day where blood was collected before (PRE), immediately after (PO), 1 hour (1HR), and 2 hours (2HR) post exercise in EX and at the same time points for resting ED. FMD was performed PRE and 2HR for EX and at the same time points for ED. FMD was analyzed blinded using Brachial Analyzer for Research (Medical Imaging Applications, LLC; Coralville, IA). EDTA-plasma was used for CRP analysis via QuantikineÒ ELISA (R&D Human C-Reactive Protein/CRP Immunoassay, catalog no. DCRP00). RESULTS: Acute exercise improved % FMD by 2HR with BT and AT collapsed and with no change in ED (EX: PRE 9.72 ± 0.48, 2HR 11.2 ± 0.51%; ED: PRE 9.46 ± 0.51, 2HR: 8.83 ± 0.53%; p = 0.04). There was no significant effect of exercise training in EX (BT PRE 9.54 ± 0.70, AT PRE 9.86 ± 0.71%) or education session in ED (BT PRE 9.88 ± 0.73, AT PRE 9.04 ± 0.75%; p = 0.33). CRP did not change in response to exercise training (EX BT PRE 3.87±0.59, AT PRE 3.51±0.62 ng/mL; ED BT PRE 4.37±0.62, AT PRE 4.63±0.65 ng/mL; p = 0.112). There was a significant positive correlation between FMD and CRP both at BT and AT PRE (p = 0.035, r = 0.37; p = 0.038, r = 0.37, respectively). CONCLUSION: Acute exercise increased FMD 2 hours after exercise, suggesting that there is a residual effect of exercise on FMD up to at least 2 hours in our population. Resting FMD and CRP did not significantly improve in response to the 12-week moderate intensity aerobic and resistance exercise training program. The duration and intensity of the exercise training program may not have been adequate to result in significant changes in CRP and endothelial function as determined via FMD

The Effects of Combined Exercise Training on Flow-Mediated Dilation and C-Reactive Protein in Overweight, Postmenopausal Women

Obesity-related inflammation, especially coupled with a decline in estrogen post menopause, leads to endothelial dysfunction where the endothelium is unable to adequately dilate in response to sheer stress. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) may cause endothelial dysfunction through superoxide production and downregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase leading to decreased nitric oxide production. Exercise training improves endothelial function through adaptations to increase nitric oxide bioavailability and regulation of superoxide production. PURPOSE: To determine the influence of acute and chronic combined resistance and aerobic exercise on flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and CRP in overweight to obese, postmenopausal women, as well as determining potential relationships between these variables. METHODS: Overweight to obese (BMI 33.01 ± 4.60 kg·m2), postmenopausal women (64.3 ± 5.3 yr) were randomized into either an exercise (EX, n = 20) or education control (ED, n = 18) group for a 12-week intervention where EX underwent moderate intensity aerobic and resistance exercise training (25 minute treadmill walking 70-80% VO2max; 8 resistance exercises, 2 sets at 8-12 repetition maximum, respectively) 3 days per week and ED attended education sessions (talks on health, CPR certification, etc.) twice per week. Before (BT) and after (AT) the intervention, both groups underwent an experimental trial day where blood was collected before (PRE), immediately after (PO), 1 hour (1HR), and 2 hours (2HR) post exercise in EX and at the same time points for resting ED. FMD was performed PRE and 2HR for EX and at the same time points for ED. FMD was analyzed blinded using Brachial Analyzer for Research (Medical Imaging Applications, LLC; Coralville, IA). EDTA-plasma was used for CRP analysis via QuantikineÒ ELISA (R&D Human C-Reactive Protein/CRP Immunoassay, catalog no. DCRP00). RESULTS: Acute exercise improved % FMD by 2HR with BT and AT collapsed and with no change in ED (EX: PRE 9.72 ± 0.48, 2HR 11.2 ± 0.51%; ED: PRE 9.46 ± 0.51, 2HR: 8.83 ± 0.53%; p = 0.04). There was no significant effect of exercise training in EX (BT PRE 9.54 ± 0.70, AT PRE 9.86 ± 0.71%) or education session in ED (BT PRE 9.88 ± 0.73, AT PRE 9.04 ± 0.75%; p = 0.33). CRP did not change in response to exercise training (EX BT PRE 3.87±0.59, AT PRE 3.51±0.62 ng/mL; ED BT PRE 4.37±0.62, AT PRE 4.63±0.65 ng/mL; p = 0.112). There was a significant positive correlation between FMD and CRP both at BT and AT PRE (p = 0.035, r = 0.37; p = 0.038, r = 0.37, respectively). CONCLUSION: Acute exercise increased FMD 2 hours after exercise, suggesting that there is a residual effect of exercise on FMD up to at least 2 hours in our population. Resting FMD and CRP did not significantly improve in response to the 12-week moderate intensity aerobic and resistance exercise training program. The duration and intensity of the exercise training program may not have been adequate to result in significant changes in CRP and endothelial function as determined via FMD