Maternal iron kinetics and maternal–fetal iron transfer in normal-weight and overweight pregnancy

Background Inflammation during pregnancy may aggravate iron deficiency (ID) by increasing serum hepcidin and reducing iron absorption. This could restrict iron transfer to the fetus, increasing risk of infant ID and its adverse effects. Objectives We aimed to assess whether iron bioavailability and/or iron transfer to the fetus is impaired in overweight/obese (OW) pregnant women with adiposity-related inflammation, compared with normal-weight (NW) pregnant women. Methods In this prospective study, we followed NW (n = 43) and OW (n = 40) pregnant women who were receiving iron supplements from the 14th week of gestation to term and followed their infants to age 6 mo. We administered 57Fe and 58Fe in test meals mid-second and mid-third trimester, and measured tracer kinetics throughout pregnancy and infancy. Results In total, 38 NW and 36 OW women completed the study to pregnancy week 36, whereas 30 NW and 27 OW mother–infant pairs completed the study to 6 mo postpartum. Both groups had comparable iron status, hemoglobin, and serum hepcidin throughout pregnancy. Compared with the NW, the OW pregnant women had 1) 43% lower fractional iron absorption (FIA) in the third trimester (P = 0.033) with median [IQR] FIA of 23.9% [11.4%–35.7%] and 13.5% [10.8%–19.5%], respectively; and 2) 17% lower maternal–fetal iron transfer from the first tracer (P = 0.051) with median [IQR] maternal–fetal iron transfer of 4.8% [4.2%–5.4%] and 4.0% [3.6%–4.6%], respectively. Compared with the infants born to NW women, infants born to OW women had lower body iron stores (BIS) with median [IQR] 7.7 [6.3–8.8] and 6.6 [4.6–9.2] mg/kg body weight at age 6 mo, respectively (P = 0.024). Prepregnancy BMI was a negative predictor of maternal–fetal iron transfer (β = −0.339, SE = 0.144, P = 0.025) and infant BIS (β = −0.237, SE = 0.026, P = 0.001). Conclusions Compared with NW, OW pregnant women failed to upregulate iron absorption in late pregnancy, transferred less iron to their fetus, and their infants had lower BIS. These impairments were associated with inflammation independently of serum hepcidin

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Bioaccessible Fraction from Eryngium foetidum Leaves

Eryngium foetidum (EF) has long been used as a medicinal plant and culinary spice in tropical regions. Phytochemicals in its leaves have been proposed to be responsible for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The present study used in vitro digestion coupled with Caco-2 cells to assess such activities. Caco-2 cells were incubated with aqueous fraction from simulated digestion (bioaccessible fraction) of EF leaves with/without bile extract prior to stimulation with interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and IL-8 in culture media and the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured. Approximately 24% β-carotene and 35% lutein of leaves were present in the aqueous fraction. The transfer of caffeic and chlorogenic acids to the aqueous fraction was 76%–81%, while that of kaempferol was 48%. Prior incubation of Caco-2 cells with the bioaccessible fraction suppressed IL-1β activated IL-8 and MCP-1 by 33%, but the fraction lacking mixed micelles decreased IL-8 and MCP-1 levels only by 11%. The pretreatment of Caco-2 cells with the bioaccessible fraction of EF reduced ROS by 34%; the fraction lacking mixed micelles decreased ROS by 28%. These data suggest that bioactive compounds partitioning in mixed micelles play a significant role to suppress the proinflammatory insult but with a modest antioxidant effect

Anti-Inflammatory Activity and Mechanism of Sweet Corn Extract on Il-1β-Induced Inflammation in a Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Line (ARPE-19)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease associated with aging. Development of AMD is related to degeneration and dysfunction of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) caused by low-grade chronic inflammation in aged RPE cells leading to visual loss and blindness. Sweet corn is a good source of lutein and zeaxanthin, which were reported to exert various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory activity. The present study aims to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity and mechanisms of SCE to inhibit the production of inflammatory biomarkers related to AMD development. Cells were pretreated with SCE for 1 h followed by stimulation with IL-1β for another 24 h. The results demonstrated that SCE attenuated IL-1β-induced production of IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 and the expression of ICAM-1 and iNOS in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, SCE suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, SAPK/JNK, p38, and NF-κB (p65) in IL-1β-stimulated ARPE-19 cells. These results proved that SCE protected ARPE-19 cells from IL-1β-induced inflammation by inhibiting inflammatory markers partly via suppressing the activation of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Overall, SCE is a potential agent for the prevention of AMD development, which should be further evaluated in animals

Ferulic Acid Supplementation Improves Lipid Profiles, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammatory Status in Hyperlipidemic Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Ferulic acid is the most abundant phenolic compound found in vegetables and cereal grains. In vitro and animal studies have shown ferulic acid has anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-oxidative, and anti-inflammatory effects. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of ferulic acid supplementation on lipid profiles, oxidative stress, and inflammatory status in hyperlipidemia. The study design is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Subjects with hyperlipidemia were randomly divided into two groups. The treatment group (n = 24) was given ferulic acid (1000 mg daily) and the control group (n = 24) was provided with a placebo for six weeks. Lipid profiles, biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation were assessed before and after the intervention. Ferulic acid supplementation demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in total cholesterol (8.1%; p = 0.001), LDL-C (9.3%; p < 0.001), triglyceride (12.1%; p = 0.049), and increased HDL-C (4.3%; p = 0.045) compared with the placebo. Ferulic acid also significantly decreased the oxidative stress biomarker, MDA (24.5%; p < 0.001). Moreover, oxidized LDL-C was significantly decreased in the ferulic acid group (7.1%; p = 0.002) compared with the placebo group. In addition, ferulic acid supplementation demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the inflammatory markers hs-CRP (32.66%; p < 0.001) and TNF-α (13.06%; p < 0.001). These data indicate ferulic acid supplementation can improve lipid profiles and oxidative stress, oxidized LDL-C, and inflammation in hyperlipidemic subjects. Therefore, ferulic acid has the potential to reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors

Anti-Inflammatory Activity and Mechanism of Sweet Corn Extract on Il-1β-Induced Inflammation in a Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Line (ARPE-19)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease associated with aging. Development of AMD is related to degeneration and dysfunction of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) caused by low-grade chronic inflammation in aged RPE cells leading to visual loss and blindness. Sweet corn is a good source of lutein and zeaxanthin, which were reported to exert various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory activity. The present study aims to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity and mechanisms of SCE to inhibit the production of inflammatory biomarkers related to AMD development. Cells were pretreated with SCE for 1 h followed by stimulation with IL-1β for another 24 h. The results demonstrated that SCE attenuated IL-1β-induced production of IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 and the expression of ICAM-1 and iNOS in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, SCE suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, SAPK/JNK, p38, and NF-κB (p65) in IL-1β-stimulated ARPE-19 cells. These results proved that SCE protected ARPE-19 cells from IL-1β-induced inflammation by inhibiting inflammatory markers partly via suppressing the activation of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Overall, SCE is a potential agent for the prevention of AMD development, which should be further evaluated in animals

Development of Chrysin Loaded Oil-in-Water Nanoemulsion for Improving Bioaccessibility

Chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone) is a remarkable flavonoid exhibiting many health-promoting activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Nevertheless, chrysin has been addressed regarding its limited applications, due to low bioaccessibility. Therefore, to improve chrysin bioaccessibility, a colloidal delivery system involving nanoemulsion was developed as chrysin nanoemulsion (chrysin-NE) using an oil-in-water system. Our results show that chrysin can be loaded by approximately 174.21 µg/g nanoemulsion (100.29 ± 0.53% w/w) when medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil was used as an oil phase. The nanocolloidal size, polydispersity index, and surface charge of chrysin-NE were approximately 161 nm, 0.21, and −32 mV, respectively. These properties were stable for at least five weeks at room temperature. Furthermore, in vitro chrysin bioactivities regarding antioxidant and anti-AD were maintained as pure chrysin, suggesting that multistep formulation could not affect chrysin properties. Interestingly, the developed chrysin-NE was more tolerant of gastrointestinal digestion and significantly absorbed by the human intestinal cells (Caco-2) than pure chrysin. These findings demonstrate that the encapsulation of chrysin using oil-in-water nanoemulsion could enhance the bioaccessibility of chrysin, which might be subsequently applied to food and nutraceutical industries

Iron from nanostructured ferric phosphate: absorption and biodistribution in mice and bioavailability in iron deficient anemic women

Food fortification with iron nanoparticles (NPs) could help prevent iron deficiency anemia, but the absorption pathway and biodistribution of iron-NPs and their bioavailability in humans is unclear. Dietary non-heme iron is physiologically absorbed via the divalent metal transporter-1 (DMT1) pathway. Using radio- iron isotope labelling in mice with a partial knockdown of intestine-specific DMT1, we assessed oral absorption and tissue biodistribution of nanostructured ferric phosphate (FePO4-NP; specific surface area [SSA] 98 m2g-1) compared to to ferrous sulfate (FeSO4), the reference compound. We show that absorption of iron from FePO4-NP appears to be largely DMT1 dependent and that its biodistribution after absorption is similar to that from FeSO4, without abnormal deposition of iron in the reticuloendothelial system. Furthermore, we demonstrate high bioavailability from iron NPs in iron deficient anemic women in a randomized, cross-over study using stable-isotope labelling: absorption and subsequent erythrocyte iron utilization from two 57Fe-labeled FePO4-NP with SSAs of 98 m2g-1 and 188 m2g-1 was 2.8-fold and 5.4-fold higher than from bulk FePO4 with an SSA of 25 m2g-1 (P < 0.001) when added to a rice and vegetable meal consumed by iron deficient anemic women. The FePO4-NP 188 m2g-1 achieved 72% relative bioavailability compared to FeSO4. These data suggest FePO4-NPs may be useful for nutritional applications.ISSN:2045-232

Iron from nanostructured ferric phosphate:absorption and biodistribution in mice and bioavailability in iron deficient anemic women

Food fortification with iron nanoparticles (NPs) could help prevent iron deficiency anemia, but the absorption pathway and biodistribution of iron-NPs and their bioavailability in humans is unclear. Dietary non-heme iron is physiologically absorbed via the divalent metal transporter-1 (DMT1) pathway. Using radio- iron isotope labelling in mice with a partial knockdown of intestine-specific DMT1, we assessed oral absorption and tissue biodistribution of nanostructured ferric phosphate (FePO(4)-NP; specific surface area [SSA] 98 m(2)g(-1)) compared to to ferrous sulfate (FeSO(4)), the reference compound. We show that absorption of iron from FePO(4)-NP appears to be largely DMT1 dependent and that its biodistribution after absorption is similar to that from FeSO(4), without abnormal deposition of iron in the reticuloendothelial system. Furthermore, we demonstrate high bioavailability from iron NPs in iron deficient anemic women in a randomized, cross-over study using stable-isotope labelling: absorption and subsequent erythrocyte iron utilization from two (57)Fe-labeled FePO(4)-NP with SSAs of 98 m(2)g(−1) and 188 m(2)g(−1) was 2.8-fold and 5.4-fold higher than from bulk FePO(4) with an SSA of 25 m(2)g(−1) (P < 0.001) when added to a rice and vegetable meal consumed by iron deficient anemic women. The FePO(4)-NP 188 m(2)g(-1) achieved 72% relative bioavailability compared to FeSO(4). These data suggest FePO(4)-NPs may be useful for nutritional applications

South East Asian Nutrition Surveys II (SEANUTS II) Thailand: Triple burden of malnutrition among Thai children aged 6 months to 12 years

Abstract Objective: This study assessed nutritional status among Thai children using anthropometry, dietary intakes, and micronutrient status. Design: Cross-sectional survey with multi-stage cluster sampling. Body weight and height were measured in all children. Dietary intakes were assessed using 24-hour dietary recall. Biochemical assessment was performed in one-third of the children. Setting: The study was conducted in Thailand’s four geographical regions and Bangkok. Participants: 3478 Thai children aged 0.5-12.9 years. Results: Stunting showed a downward trend by age group and was most prevalent among infants and toddlers. Overweight and obesity showed a significant upward trend by age group, location, and sex, and was highest among children aged 7-12.9 years. Risks of inadequate micronutrient intakes (calcium, iron, zinc, vitamins A, C, and D) were high (53.2-93.6%). Prevalence of zinc and mild vitamin A deficiencies were low; vitamin D and B12 deficiencies were nil. Vitamin D insufficiency was significantly higher in the urban area and among girls aged 7-12.9 years. Anemia was very high in infants and toddlers (56.6 and 35.2%), but showed a significant downward trend by age group. There was an overall high prevalence of iron deficiency without anemia (25%) versus iron deficiency anemia (4.2%) among children aged 4-12.9 years old. Conclusions: The high prevalence of stunting and anemia among children aged 1-3.9 years and overweight and obesity among children aged 7-12.9 years requires continued attention. While prevalence of biochemical micronutrient deficiencies was not high (except for iron), high prevalence of dietary inadequacies for several micronutrients warrants further in-depth investigations