Jessica Bihuniak - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Jessica Bihuniak
We undertook a randomized, double-blind, crossover study in 14 healthy women who were required to... more We undertook a randomized, double-blind, crossover study in 14 healthy women who were required to ingest a 6-day low protein diet supplemented with CaSR-AAA (calcium-sensing receptor-activating amino acids), DAA (dibasic amino acids) or methylcellulose capsules (control). All subjects ingested all three diets in random order. Prior to each experimental diet subjects consumed an 11 day adjustment diet. Calcium absorption was measured on day 5 of each dietary intervention using dual-stable calcium isotopes. The clinical trial tested the hypothesis that dietary protein affects the efficiency of intestinal calcium absorption by activating the calcium sensing receptor (CaSR). Supplementation with CaSR-AAA did not significantly increase Ca absorption. However, a trend towards improved Ca absorption was observed with DAA (25.2±1.4% vs. 22.3±1.4%, P=0.094). To further elucidate the mechanisms by which dietary protein improves Ca absorption, we established and validated a 45 Ca in vitro transport model. Differentiated Caco-2 cells were exposed to different concentrations of amino acids for 6 and 72 hours. Prolonged amino acid treatment significantly enhanced total transepithelial Ca transport (P=0.0048). Subsequent in vitro studies utilized our recently validated transport model and focused on the functional role of Cldn-2 in total transepithelial Ca transport. Cldn-2 is a tight junction protein that was previously shown to be upregulated by dietary protein in rats. Total transepithelial Ca transport was significantly reduced when Cldn-2 was stably knocked down in Caco-2 cells (P<
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Current Developments in Nutrition
Objectives Perceived insufficient milk is a common reason that mothers wean prior to the Academy ... more Objectives Perceived insufficient milk is a common reason that mothers wean prior to the Academy of Pediatrics recommended 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding with continued breastfeeding through ≥ 12 months. Prior research indicates that mothers modify their dietary intake to address milk supply concerns. The current study fills a gap in the literature regarding the prevalence, perceived efficacy, and predictors of foods, beverages, and herbal supplements that U.S. mothers consume to increase milk supply. Methods Paid Facebook advertisements were used to recruit breastfeeding mothers (≥18 years, living in the U.S.) into an online, cross-sectional survey. Participants self-reported their demographic characteristics, breastfeeding experiences, and consumption and perceived efficacy of 11 foods, 7 beverages, and 9 herbal supplements for increasing milk supply. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all study variables. The association between maternal perceived insufficient milk a...
Current Developments in Nutrition
Objectives The estimated prevalence of food insecurity among college students is approximately 41... more Objectives The estimated prevalence of food insecurity among college students is approximately 41%. In response, colleges are implementing food support programs such as campus food pantries and free meals through campus cafeterias. However, there is limited research on prevalence estimates of food insecurity on campuses that have adopted support programs, and if food insecurity on such campuses is associated with known demographic risk factors and health behaviors. The purpose of this study was to assess food insecurity and associated demographics, grade point average (GPA) and health behaviors among undergraduate students attending a 4-year urban university that has a short-term food support program. Methods Undergraduate students (≥18 years of age, NYU) were recruited via email to participate in a Qualtrics survey, which included: 1) the U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module (6-item short form), 2) the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, 3) the Fruit & Vegetable Intake Screener i...
Current Developments in Nutrition
Objectives Emerging adults attending 2- and 4-year tertiary institutions are at high risk for wei... more Objectives Emerging adults attending 2- and 4-year tertiary institutions are at high risk for weight gain/excess weight. Developing effective, tailored interventions requires an understanding of behavioral/environmental differences between student populations. The objective of this study was to describe eating behaviors/the food environment of students with overweight/obesity enrolled in 2- and 4-year tertiary institutions. Methods Students ages 18–24, with a BMI ≥25, enrolled in LaGuardia Community College (N = 41) or New York University (N = 51) were recruited. Height and weight were objectively measured. Participants completed a Qualtrics survey, which included: 1) Produce Consumption Self-Efficacy (SEPC) subscale, 2) Fruit and Vegetable Consumption subscale, and 3) questions regarding usual meal location/meal preparer. Descriptive, Mann-Whitney U and chi-square analyses were conducted. Results Ninety-two students (64.8% female, age = 19.6 ± 1.7, BMI 31.4 ± 5.8) from 2- and 4-yea...
Current Developments in Nutrition
Objectives College students with overweight/obesity previously reported a lack of confidence in m... more Objectives College students with overweight/obesity previously reported a lack of confidence in meal planning/production, which may contribute to current weight status and subsequent weight gain. The objectives of this study were to: 1) determine cooking beliefs of students with overweight/obesity from different environments and 2) assess interest in a culinary-focused, weight loss program. Methods Students with overweight or obesity (BMI > 25), ages 18–24, enrolled in New York University (NYU) or LaGuardia Community College (LCC) were recruited. Participants completed a Qualtrics survey that included: 1) Cooking Attitudes Subscale, 2) Cooking Behaviors Subscale, 3) Cooking Self-Efficacy Scale (SEC), 4) Self-Efficacy for Using Basic Cooking Techniques Scale (SECT) and 5) a culinary program preference questionnaire. Height and weight were objectively measured. Descriptive, Chi square, Kruskal-Wallis, and post hoc Dunn test statistics were conducted. Results Students (N = 91; 19.6 ...
Nutrients
Background: This pilot study collected preliminary data for the modification of the VioScreen Foo... more Background: This pilot study collected preliminary data for the modification of the VioScreen Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), an adult-validated, self-administered, web-based dietary assessment tool for use in older children. Methods: A convenience sample of 55 children, aged 6–14 years, completed the VioScreen FFQ and 3-day diet record (reference standard). Caregivers completed a short sociodemographic questionnaire. Reported dietary intakes from the VioScreen FFQ and 3-day diet record were calculated using standard nutrient databases, and descriptive statistics were used to examine differences in food/beverage items and portion sizes between the two methods. Informal focus groups obtained user feedback and identified components of the VioScreen FFQ that required modifications. Results: The highest de-attenuated Pearson correlation coefficients between the VioScreen FFQ and 3-day diet record were observed for iron (r = 0.69), saturated fat (r = 0.59), and vegetables (r = 0.56),...
Nutrients
Controversy exists as to whether high glycemic index/glycemic load (GI/GL) diets increase the ris... more Controversy exists as to whether high glycemic index/glycemic load (GI/GL) diets increase the risk of chronic inflammation, which has been postulated as a pathogenic intermediary between such diets and age-related alterations in body composition and insulin resistance. We conducted an ancillary study to a randomized, double-blind trial comparing the effects of a whey protein supplement (PRO, n = 38) and a maltodextrin supplement (CHO, n = 46) on bone density to evaluate the impact of a calibrated increase in GI/GL on inflammation, insulin resistance, and body composition in a healthy aging population. Markers of inflammation, HOMA, body composition, and GI/GL (estimated from 3-day food records) were assessed at baseline and 18 months. By 18 months, the GL in the CHO group increased by 34%, 88.4 ± 5.2 → 118.5 ± 4.9 and did not change in the PRO group, 86.5 ± 4.1 → 82.0 ± 3.6 (p < 0.0001). Despite this change there were no differences in serum CRP, IL-6, or HOMA at 18 months between the two groups, nor were there significant associations between GL and inflammatory markers. However, trunk lean mass (p = 0.0375) and total lean mass (p = 0.038) were higher in the PRO group compared to the CHO group at 18 months There were also significant associations for GL and change in total fat mass (r = 0.3, p = 0.01), change in BMI (r = 0.3, p = 0.005), and change in the lean-to-fat mass ratio (r = −0.3, p = 0.002). Our data suggest that as dietary GL increases within the moderate range, there is no detectable change in markers of inflammation or insulin resistance, despite which there is a negative effect on body composition.
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2016
A Mediterranean-style diet (MedSD) is associated with positive health outcomes, particularly redu... more A Mediterranean-style diet (MedSD) is associated with positive health outcomes, particularly reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. It is of interest to assess the feasibility of adherence to a MedSD in a subset of older adults in the United States. To assess the efficacy of implementing a MedSD intervention in a subset of postmenopausal women living in the United States, and to detect the influence of this dietary pattern on blood lipid levels. A partial feeding, nutrition counseling, pilot study with a one-group longitudinal design. Sixteen healthy, postmenopausal, American women living in suburban communities in Farmington, CT, with a mean±standard deviation age of 77±6.8 years and a body mass index of 26.1±3.1. Participants were counseled by a registered dietitian nutritionist on how to follow a MedSD, which included increased sources of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, fruits, and vegetables, and decreased saturated fat, n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and simple sugars for 12 weeks. To maintain isocaloric conditions, participants were asked to substitute sources of saturated fat and refined carbohydrates for extra virgin olive oil (3 T/day), walnuts (1.5 oz/day), and fatty fish (3 to 5 servings/wk), which were provided at 3-week intervals. Dietary adherence measures included the Mediterranean Diet Score, 3-day diet records, and serum fatty acid and lipid profiles. Mixed model longitudinal analyses were conducted to assess changes over time (Weeks 0, 12, and 24) in the outcome variables. Mediterranean Diet Score increased by 8.9 points (P<0.001) after the MedSD phase. Dietary sugar decreased by 10.8 g (P<0.05), total dietary n-3 increased by 1.6 g (P<0.01), total dietary n-6 increased by 5.5 g (P<0.01), and dietary n-6:n3 ratio decreased by 3.6 units (P<0.01). In serum, 22:6 (n-3), 20:5 (n-3), and 18:3 (n-3) increased (P<0.001, P<0.01, and P<0.001, respectively), and 14:0, 16:0, 17:0, 20:4 (n-6), 22:4 (n-6) declined after the intervention (P<0.01, P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.01, and P<0.001, respectively), which support a change in dietary intake toward a MedSD. Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased by 3.8 mg/dL (0.098 mmol/L) (P<0.05) and serum triglyceride levels decreased by 11.6 mg/dL (0.131 mmol/L) (P<0.10). A pilot study of a 12-week MedSD intervention with counseling from a registered dietitian nutritionist can favorably influence the dietary pattern and lipid profile of postmenopausal women living in the United States.
The Faseb Journal, Apr 1, 2015
The Faseb Journal, Apr 1, 2015
The Faseb Journal, Apr 1, 2015
Nutrients, 2016
The Mediterranean-style diet (MedSD) has gained attention for its positive effects on health outc... more The Mediterranean-style diet (MedSD) has gained attention for its positive effects on health outcomes, including metabolic risk factors. However, it is unknown as to which components of MedSD interventions are most beneficial in reducing risk. The objective of this meta-analysis was to obtain effect sizes for metabolic risk factors and explain the variability across the current literature based on study design, sample, and diet characteristics. Six electronic databases were searched from inception until 9 February 2016. Data from 29 studies (N = 4133) were included. There were significant effects in favor of the MedSD for waist circumference, triglycerides, blood glucose, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure (d + =´0.54; d + =´0.46; d + =´0.50; d + =´0.72; d + =´0.94, respectively). The MedSD was significantly beneficial when the intervention was longer in duration, was conducted in Europe, used a behavioral technique, and was conducted using small groups. The traditional MedSD had significant beneficial effects on five of the six metabolic risk factors. Results from this study provide support for population specific dietary guideline for metabolic risk reduction.
We undertook a randomized, double-blind, crossover study in 14 healthy women who were required to... more We undertook a randomized, double-blind, crossover study in 14 healthy women who were required to ingest a 6-day low protein diet supplemented with CaSR-AAA (calcium-sensing receptor-activating amino acids), DAA (dibasic amino acids) or methylcellulose capsules (control). All subjects ingested all three diets in random order. Prior to each experimental diet subjects consumed an 11 day adjustment diet. Calcium absorption was measured on day 5 of each dietary intervention using dual-stable calcium isotopes. The clinical trial tested the hypothesis that dietary protein affects the efficiency of intestinal calcium absorption by activating the calcium sensing receptor (CaSR). Supplementation with CaSR-AAA did not significantly increase Ca absorption. However, a trend towards improved Ca absorption was observed with DAA (25.2±1.4% vs. 22.3±1.4%, P=0.094). To further elucidate the mechanisms by which dietary protein improves Ca absorption, we established and validated a 45 Ca in vitro transport model. Differentiated Caco-2 cells were exposed to different concentrations of amino acids for 6 and 72 hours. Prolonged amino acid treatment significantly enhanced total transepithelial Ca transport (P=0.0048). Subsequent in vitro studies utilized our recently validated transport model and focused on the functional role of Cldn-2 in total transepithelial Ca transport. Cldn-2 is a tight junction protein that was previously shown to be upregulated by dietary protein in rats. Total transepithelial Ca transport was significantly reduced when Cldn-2 was stably knocked down in Caco-2 cells (P<
The American journal of clinical nutrition, Jan 10, 2016
Several systematic reviews/meta-analyses published within the past 10 y have examined the associa... more Several systematic reviews/meta-analyses published within the past 10 y have examined the associations of Mediterranean-style diets (MedSDs) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, these reviews have not been evaluated for satisfying contemporary methodologic quality standards. This study evaluated the quality of recent systematic reviews/meta-analyses on MedSD and CVD risk outcomes by using an established methodologic quality scale. The relation between review quality and impact per publication value of the journal in which the article had been published was also evaluated. To assess compliance with current standards, we applied a modified version of the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTARMedSD) quality scale to systematic reviews/meta-analyses retrieved from electronic databases that had met our selection criteria: 1) used systematic or meta-analytic procedures to review the literature, 2) examined MedSD trials, and 3) had MedSD interventions independently or ...
Cell, 2015
Highlights d Glucose deprivation suppresses anti-tumor T cell effector functions d Glycolytic met... more Highlights d Glucose deprivation suppresses anti-tumor T cell effector functions d Glycolytic metabolite PEP sustains Ca 2+ and NFAT signaling by blocking SERCA d Ca 2+ signaling is an integrator of glycolytic activity and TCR signaling d T cell metabolic reprogramming enhances anti-tumor effector functions
Obesity, 2015
Objective-To examine whether overweight social network members and normative influence for obesit... more Objective-To examine whether overweight social network members and normative influence for obesity are associated with weight loss outcomes during obesity treatment. Design and Methods-Participants (N=214) in a behavioral weight loss trial reported (a) the weight status of various members of their social network and (b) level of obesogenic normative influence within their social network. Weight was objectively assessed before and after treatment. Results-At baseline, participants with partners and best friends who were overweight and those with more children and relatives who were overweight had higher BMIs (p's<.03). However, social norms for obesity were not associated with baseline BMI. During treatment, participants lost an average of 4.4% of initial body weight, and social influence factors were adversely associated with weight loss outcomes. Having more casual friends who were overweight at baseline and being part of a social network with stronger social norms for unhealthy eating predicted poorer weight losses (p's<.023). Remaining social influence factors and changes in social influence were not associated with treatment outcomes. Conclusions-Whereas weight status may "cluster" in social networks, only weight status of casual friends and normative influence for unhealthy eating were associated with obesity treatment outcomes.
Endocrine Abstracts, 2015
Molecular and cellular endocrinology, Jan 2, 2015
Dietary protein is required for optimal skeletal growth and maturation. Although Recommended Diet... more Dietary protein is required for optimal skeletal growth and maturation. Although Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) exist for global dietary protein intake, the level and source of dietary protein that are optimal for skeletal health over the life continuum have not been established. This is partly due to the difficulty in quantifying the effects of variable levels of a nutrient's intake over a lifetime as well as the complex nature of the relationships between dietary protein and calcium economy. Areas of current uncertainty include the precise source and amount of dietary protein required for optimal skeletal accretion and maintenance of skeletal mass, as well as the site-specific effects of dietary protein. The cellular and molecular mechanisms that underpin the actions of dietary protein on mineral metabolism and skeletal homeostasis remain unclear. This review attempts to summarize recent data bearing on these questions.
We undertook a randomized, double-blind, crossover study in 14 healthy women who were required to... more We undertook a randomized, double-blind, crossover study in 14 healthy women who were required to ingest a 6-day low protein diet supplemented with CaSR-AAA (calcium-sensing receptor-activating amino acids), DAA (dibasic amino acids) or methylcellulose capsules (control). All subjects ingested all three diets in random order. Prior to each experimental diet subjects consumed an 11 day adjustment diet. Calcium absorption was measured on day 5 of each dietary intervention using dual-stable calcium isotopes. The clinical trial tested the hypothesis that dietary protein affects the efficiency of intestinal calcium absorption by activating the calcium sensing receptor (CaSR). Supplementation with CaSR-AAA did not significantly increase Ca absorption. However, a trend towards improved Ca absorption was observed with DAA (25.2±1.4% vs. 22.3±1.4%, P=0.094). To further elucidate the mechanisms by which dietary protein improves Ca absorption, we established and validated a 45 Ca in vitro transport model. Differentiated Caco-2 cells were exposed to different concentrations of amino acids for 6 and 72 hours. Prolonged amino acid treatment significantly enhanced total transepithelial Ca transport (P=0.0048). Subsequent in vitro studies utilized our recently validated transport model and focused on the functional role of Cldn-2 in total transepithelial Ca transport. Cldn-2 is a tight junction protein that was previously shown to be upregulated by dietary protein in rats. Total transepithelial Ca transport was significantly reduced when Cldn-2 was stably knocked down in Caco-2 cells (P<
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Current Developments in Nutrition
Objectives Perceived insufficient milk is a common reason that mothers wean prior to the Academy ... more Objectives Perceived insufficient milk is a common reason that mothers wean prior to the Academy of Pediatrics recommended 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding with continued breastfeeding through ≥ 12 months. Prior research indicates that mothers modify their dietary intake to address milk supply concerns. The current study fills a gap in the literature regarding the prevalence, perceived efficacy, and predictors of foods, beverages, and herbal supplements that U.S. mothers consume to increase milk supply. Methods Paid Facebook advertisements were used to recruit breastfeeding mothers (≥18 years, living in the U.S.) into an online, cross-sectional survey. Participants self-reported their demographic characteristics, breastfeeding experiences, and consumption and perceived efficacy of 11 foods, 7 beverages, and 9 herbal supplements for increasing milk supply. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all study variables. The association between maternal perceived insufficient milk a...
Current Developments in Nutrition
Objectives The estimated prevalence of food insecurity among college students is approximately 41... more Objectives The estimated prevalence of food insecurity among college students is approximately 41%. In response, colleges are implementing food support programs such as campus food pantries and free meals through campus cafeterias. However, there is limited research on prevalence estimates of food insecurity on campuses that have adopted support programs, and if food insecurity on such campuses is associated with known demographic risk factors and health behaviors. The purpose of this study was to assess food insecurity and associated demographics, grade point average (GPA) and health behaviors among undergraduate students attending a 4-year urban university that has a short-term food support program. Methods Undergraduate students (≥18 years of age, NYU) were recruited via email to participate in a Qualtrics survey, which included: 1) the U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module (6-item short form), 2) the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, 3) the Fruit & Vegetable Intake Screener i...
Current Developments in Nutrition
Objectives Emerging adults attending 2- and 4-year tertiary institutions are at high risk for wei... more Objectives Emerging adults attending 2- and 4-year tertiary institutions are at high risk for weight gain/excess weight. Developing effective, tailored interventions requires an understanding of behavioral/environmental differences between student populations. The objective of this study was to describe eating behaviors/the food environment of students with overweight/obesity enrolled in 2- and 4-year tertiary institutions. Methods Students ages 18–24, with a BMI ≥25, enrolled in LaGuardia Community College (N = 41) or New York University (N = 51) were recruited. Height and weight were objectively measured. Participants completed a Qualtrics survey, which included: 1) Produce Consumption Self-Efficacy (SEPC) subscale, 2) Fruit and Vegetable Consumption subscale, and 3) questions regarding usual meal location/meal preparer. Descriptive, Mann-Whitney U and chi-square analyses were conducted. Results Ninety-two students (64.8% female, age = 19.6 ± 1.7, BMI 31.4 ± 5.8) from 2- and 4-yea...
Current Developments in Nutrition
Objectives College students with overweight/obesity previously reported a lack of confidence in m... more Objectives College students with overweight/obesity previously reported a lack of confidence in meal planning/production, which may contribute to current weight status and subsequent weight gain. The objectives of this study were to: 1) determine cooking beliefs of students with overweight/obesity from different environments and 2) assess interest in a culinary-focused, weight loss program. Methods Students with overweight or obesity (BMI > 25), ages 18–24, enrolled in New York University (NYU) or LaGuardia Community College (LCC) were recruited. Participants completed a Qualtrics survey that included: 1) Cooking Attitudes Subscale, 2) Cooking Behaviors Subscale, 3) Cooking Self-Efficacy Scale (SEC), 4) Self-Efficacy for Using Basic Cooking Techniques Scale (SECT) and 5) a culinary program preference questionnaire. Height and weight were objectively measured. Descriptive, Chi square, Kruskal-Wallis, and post hoc Dunn test statistics were conducted. Results Students (N = 91; 19.6 ...
Nutrients
Background: This pilot study collected preliminary data for the modification of the VioScreen Foo... more Background: This pilot study collected preliminary data for the modification of the VioScreen Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), an adult-validated, self-administered, web-based dietary assessment tool for use in older children. Methods: A convenience sample of 55 children, aged 6–14 years, completed the VioScreen FFQ and 3-day diet record (reference standard). Caregivers completed a short sociodemographic questionnaire. Reported dietary intakes from the VioScreen FFQ and 3-day diet record were calculated using standard nutrient databases, and descriptive statistics were used to examine differences in food/beverage items and portion sizes between the two methods. Informal focus groups obtained user feedback and identified components of the VioScreen FFQ that required modifications. Results: The highest de-attenuated Pearson correlation coefficients between the VioScreen FFQ and 3-day diet record were observed for iron (r = 0.69), saturated fat (r = 0.59), and vegetables (r = 0.56),...
Nutrients
Controversy exists as to whether high glycemic index/glycemic load (GI/GL) diets increase the ris... more Controversy exists as to whether high glycemic index/glycemic load (GI/GL) diets increase the risk of chronic inflammation, which has been postulated as a pathogenic intermediary between such diets and age-related alterations in body composition and insulin resistance. We conducted an ancillary study to a randomized, double-blind trial comparing the effects of a whey protein supplement (PRO, n = 38) and a maltodextrin supplement (CHO, n = 46) on bone density to evaluate the impact of a calibrated increase in GI/GL on inflammation, insulin resistance, and body composition in a healthy aging population. Markers of inflammation, HOMA, body composition, and GI/GL (estimated from 3-day food records) were assessed at baseline and 18 months. By 18 months, the GL in the CHO group increased by 34%, 88.4 ± 5.2 → 118.5 ± 4.9 and did not change in the PRO group, 86.5 ± 4.1 → 82.0 ± 3.6 (p < 0.0001). Despite this change there were no differences in serum CRP, IL-6, or HOMA at 18 months between the two groups, nor were there significant associations between GL and inflammatory markers. However, trunk lean mass (p = 0.0375) and total lean mass (p = 0.038) were higher in the PRO group compared to the CHO group at 18 months There were also significant associations for GL and change in total fat mass (r = 0.3, p = 0.01), change in BMI (r = 0.3, p = 0.005), and change in the lean-to-fat mass ratio (r = −0.3, p = 0.002). Our data suggest that as dietary GL increases within the moderate range, there is no detectable change in markers of inflammation or insulin resistance, despite which there is a negative effect on body composition.
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2016
A Mediterranean-style diet (MedSD) is associated with positive health outcomes, particularly redu... more A Mediterranean-style diet (MedSD) is associated with positive health outcomes, particularly reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. It is of interest to assess the feasibility of adherence to a MedSD in a subset of older adults in the United States. To assess the efficacy of implementing a MedSD intervention in a subset of postmenopausal women living in the United States, and to detect the influence of this dietary pattern on blood lipid levels. A partial feeding, nutrition counseling, pilot study with a one-group longitudinal design. Sixteen healthy, postmenopausal, American women living in suburban communities in Farmington, CT, with a mean±standard deviation age of 77±6.8 years and a body mass index of 26.1±3.1. Participants were counseled by a registered dietitian nutritionist on how to follow a MedSD, which included increased sources of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, fruits, and vegetables, and decreased saturated fat, n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and simple sugars for 12 weeks. To maintain isocaloric conditions, participants were asked to substitute sources of saturated fat and refined carbohydrates for extra virgin olive oil (3 T/day), walnuts (1.5 oz/day), and fatty fish (3 to 5 servings/wk), which were provided at 3-week intervals. Dietary adherence measures included the Mediterranean Diet Score, 3-day diet records, and serum fatty acid and lipid profiles. Mixed model longitudinal analyses were conducted to assess changes over time (Weeks 0, 12, and 24) in the outcome variables. Mediterranean Diet Score increased by 8.9 points (P<0.001) after the MedSD phase. Dietary sugar decreased by 10.8 g (P<0.05), total dietary n-3 increased by 1.6 g (P<0.01), total dietary n-6 increased by 5.5 g (P<0.01), and dietary n-6:n3 ratio decreased by 3.6 units (P<0.01). In serum, 22:6 (n-3), 20:5 (n-3), and 18:3 (n-3) increased (P<0.001, P<0.01, and P<0.001, respectively), and 14:0, 16:0, 17:0, 20:4 (n-6), 22:4 (n-6) declined after the intervention (P<0.01, P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.01, and P<0.001, respectively), which support a change in dietary intake toward a MedSD. Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased by 3.8 mg/dL (0.098 mmol/L) (P<0.05) and serum triglyceride levels decreased by 11.6 mg/dL (0.131 mmol/L) (P<0.10). A pilot study of a 12-week MedSD intervention with counseling from a registered dietitian nutritionist can favorably influence the dietary pattern and lipid profile of postmenopausal women living in the United States.
The Faseb Journal, Apr 1, 2015
The Faseb Journal, Apr 1, 2015
The Faseb Journal, Apr 1, 2015
Nutrients, 2016
The Mediterranean-style diet (MedSD) has gained attention for its positive effects on health outc... more The Mediterranean-style diet (MedSD) has gained attention for its positive effects on health outcomes, including metabolic risk factors. However, it is unknown as to which components of MedSD interventions are most beneficial in reducing risk. The objective of this meta-analysis was to obtain effect sizes for metabolic risk factors and explain the variability across the current literature based on study design, sample, and diet characteristics. Six electronic databases were searched from inception until 9 February 2016. Data from 29 studies (N = 4133) were included. There were significant effects in favor of the MedSD for waist circumference, triglycerides, blood glucose, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure (d + =´0.54; d + =´0.46; d + =´0.50; d + =´0.72; d + =´0.94, respectively). The MedSD was significantly beneficial when the intervention was longer in duration, was conducted in Europe, used a behavioral technique, and was conducted using small groups. The traditional MedSD had significant beneficial effects on five of the six metabolic risk factors. Results from this study provide support for population specific dietary guideline for metabolic risk reduction.
We undertook a randomized, double-blind, crossover study in 14 healthy women who were required to... more We undertook a randomized, double-blind, crossover study in 14 healthy women who were required to ingest a 6-day low protein diet supplemented with CaSR-AAA (calcium-sensing receptor-activating amino acids), DAA (dibasic amino acids) or methylcellulose capsules (control). All subjects ingested all three diets in random order. Prior to each experimental diet subjects consumed an 11 day adjustment diet. Calcium absorption was measured on day 5 of each dietary intervention using dual-stable calcium isotopes. The clinical trial tested the hypothesis that dietary protein affects the efficiency of intestinal calcium absorption by activating the calcium sensing receptor (CaSR). Supplementation with CaSR-AAA did not significantly increase Ca absorption. However, a trend towards improved Ca absorption was observed with DAA (25.2±1.4% vs. 22.3±1.4%, P=0.094). To further elucidate the mechanisms by which dietary protein improves Ca absorption, we established and validated a 45 Ca in vitro transport model. Differentiated Caco-2 cells were exposed to different concentrations of amino acids for 6 and 72 hours. Prolonged amino acid treatment significantly enhanced total transepithelial Ca transport (P=0.0048). Subsequent in vitro studies utilized our recently validated transport model and focused on the functional role of Cldn-2 in total transepithelial Ca transport. Cldn-2 is a tight junction protein that was previously shown to be upregulated by dietary protein in rats. Total transepithelial Ca transport was significantly reduced when Cldn-2 was stably knocked down in Caco-2 cells (P<
The American journal of clinical nutrition, Jan 10, 2016
Several systematic reviews/meta-analyses published within the past 10 y have examined the associa... more Several systematic reviews/meta-analyses published within the past 10 y have examined the associations of Mediterranean-style diets (MedSDs) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, these reviews have not been evaluated for satisfying contemporary methodologic quality standards. This study evaluated the quality of recent systematic reviews/meta-analyses on MedSD and CVD risk outcomes by using an established methodologic quality scale. The relation between review quality and impact per publication value of the journal in which the article had been published was also evaluated. To assess compliance with current standards, we applied a modified version of the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTARMedSD) quality scale to systematic reviews/meta-analyses retrieved from electronic databases that had met our selection criteria: 1) used systematic or meta-analytic procedures to review the literature, 2) examined MedSD trials, and 3) had MedSD interventions independently or ...
Cell, 2015
Highlights d Glucose deprivation suppresses anti-tumor T cell effector functions d Glycolytic met... more Highlights d Glucose deprivation suppresses anti-tumor T cell effector functions d Glycolytic metabolite PEP sustains Ca 2+ and NFAT signaling by blocking SERCA d Ca 2+ signaling is an integrator of glycolytic activity and TCR signaling d T cell metabolic reprogramming enhances anti-tumor effector functions
Obesity, 2015
Objective-To examine whether overweight social network members and normative influence for obesit... more Objective-To examine whether overweight social network members and normative influence for obesity are associated with weight loss outcomes during obesity treatment. Design and Methods-Participants (N=214) in a behavioral weight loss trial reported (a) the weight status of various members of their social network and (b) level of obesogenic normative influence within their social network. Weight was objectively assessed before and after treatment. Results-At baseline, participants with partners and best friends who were overweight and those with more children and relatives who were overweight had higher BMIs (p's<.03). However, social norms for obesity were not associated with baseline BMI. During treatment, participants lost an average of 4.4% of initial body weight, and social influence factors were adversely associated with weight loss outcomes. Having more casual friends who were overweight at baseline and being part of a social network with stronger social norms for unhealthy eating predicted poorer weight losses (p's<.023). Remaining social influence factors and changes in social influence were not associated with treatment outcomes. Conclusions-Whereas weight status may "cluster" in social networks, only weight status of casual friends and normative influence for unhealthy eating were associated with obesity treatment outcomes.
Endocrine Abstracts, 2015
Molecular and cellular endocrinology, Jan 2, 2015
Dietary protein is required for optimal skeletal growth and maturation. Although Recommended Diet... more Dietary protein is required for optimal skeletal growth and maturation. Although Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) exist for global dietary protein intake, the level and source of dietary protein that are optimal for skeletal health over the life continuum have not been established. This is partly due to the difficulty in quantifying the effects of variable levels of a nutrient's intake over a lifetime as well as the complex nature of the relationships between dietary protein and calcium economy. Areas of current uncertainty include the precise source and amount of dietary protein required for optimal skeletal accretion and maintenance of skeletal mass, as well as the site-specific effects of dietary protein. The cellular and molecular mechanisms that underpin the actions of dietary protein on mineral metabolism and skeletal homeostasis remain unclear. This review attempts to summarize recent data bearing on these questions.