Marlena Kruger | Massey University (original) (raw)

Papers by Marlena Kruger

Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, 2015

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is caused by estrogen deficiency and leads to an increase in risk for... more Postmenopausal osteoporosis is caused by estrogen deficiency and leads to an increase in risk for bone fracture. Hormone replacement therapy is most effective for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis (1); however, it increases the risk for breast and uterine cancers (2). Therefore, the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis is important to maintain health and quality of life. Recently, researchers have demonstrated beneficial health effects of kiwifruit on human health. In male smokers fed 3 green kiwifruit (GRK) per day for 8 wk, systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly reduced (3). Consumption of 2 GRK per day for 4 wk significantly increased plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and significantly decreased plasma total cholesterol (TC)/HDL-C ratios in hypercholesterolaemic men compared to a control diet (4). Furthermore, freeze-dried kiwifruit (equivalent of 2 fresh kiwifruit) had a prebiotic effect by promoting the content of faecal lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in healthy female adults for as long as the kiwifruit was consumed (5). Kiwifruit is a good source of dietary components such as vitamin C, fiber, and phytochemicals (6-9), all of which are known to provide beneficial effects on human health. However, there have been few studies regarding the effects of kiwifruit on bone metabolism. We have recently examined the synergistic effects of soybean isoflavones and several food components from New Zealand on isoflavone metabolism, gut microflora, and bone health. In the series of studies, kiwifruit had protective effects with daidzein on bone metabolism in ovariectomized (OVX) rats (10). The results showed that the combination of daidzein with either GRK or gold kiwifruit (GOK) prevented an ovariectomy-induced decline in bone mineral density (BMD). However, the effect of kiwifruit alone was not assessed and the effects of kiwifruit on bone metabolism are not well known, as stated above. Therefore, the current study investigated the effects of two types of kiwifruit, GRK and GOK, on bone metabolism in OVX mice. We determined the changes in bone metabolism in OVX mice fed diets containing GRK or GOK using markers of bone turnover and bone resorption-related molecular markers by realtime reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Materials and Methods This study was approved by the Massey University Animal Ethics Committee (approval number 13/38).

Nutrition Research, 2011

Globally, rural to urban migration is accompanied by changes in dietary patterns and lifestyle th... more Globally, rural to urban migration is accompanied by changes in dietary patterns and lifestyle that have serious health implications, including development of low bone mass. We hypothesized that serum 25 (OH) vitamin D3 (25[OH]D3) levels will be lower, bone turnover higher, and nutrition inadequate in urban postmenopausal black women, increasing risk for low bone mass. We aimed to assess the prevalence of risk factors for low bone mass in 1261 black women from rural and urban areas in the North West Province of South Africa (Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology-South Africa project). Fasting blood samples were taken; and participants were interviewed to complete questionnaires on self-reported diseases, fractures, and dietary intakes. Bone health markers were assessed in a subgroup of 658 women older than 45 years. Specific lifestyle risk factors identified were inactivity, smoking, injectable progestin contraception use, and high alcohol consumption. Dietary risk factors identified were low calcium and high animal protein, phosphorous, and sodium intakes. The 25(OH)D3 and C-terminal telopeptide (CTX) levels were significantly higher in the rural vs the urban women older than 50 years. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels increased with age in both groups. The 25(OH)D levels were inversely correlated with CTX and PTH in rural women. In urban women, PTH and CTX were correlated while dietary calcium was inversely correlated with CTX and PTH with 25(OH)D3. The combination of low dietary calcium (<230 mg/d), marginally insufficient 25(OH)D3 status, and raised PTH may result in increased bone resorption. Further research is required to assess bone health and fracture risk in black African women.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been reported to have an anabolic effect on bone in vivo... more Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been reported to have an anabolic effect on bone in vivo, but comparative studies to identify inhibitors of osteoclast formation amongst ω3-and ω6-PUFAs are still lacking. Here we assessed the effects of the ω3-PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and the ω6-PUFAs, arachidonic acid (AA) and γ-linolenic acid (GLA) on a RAW264.7 osteoclast differentiation model. The effects of PUFAs on RANKL-induced osteoclast formation were evaluated by counting tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinucleated cells. PUFAs significantly inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast formation in a dose-dependent manner with AA-and DHA-mediated inhibition being the strongest. Furthermore, RANKL-induced mRNA-and protein expression of the key osteoclastogenic genes cathepsin K and TRAP were inhibited by AA and more potently by DHA. Owing to the attenuated osteoclastogenesis by DHA and AA, actin ring formation and bone resorptive activity of these cells as evaluated on bone-mimetic plates were severely compromised. Hence, of the tested PUFAs, AA and DHA were found to be the most effective in inhibiting RANKL-induced osteoclast formation with the latter providing the

Abstract. Nebulin, a family of giant proteins with size-variants from 600 to 900 kD in various sk... more Abstract. Nebulin, a family of giant proteins with size-variants from 600 to 900 kD in various skeletal muscles, have been proposed to constitute a set of inextensible filaments anchored at the Z line (Wang, K., and J. Wright. 1988. J. Cell Biol. 107:2199-2212). This newly discovered filament of the skeletal muscle sarcomere is an attractive candidate for a lengthregulating template of thin filaments. To evaluate this hypothesis, we address the question of coextensiveness of nebulin and the thin filament by searching for a correlation between the size of nebulin variants and the length distribution of the thin filaments in several skeletal muscles. A, positive linear correlation indeed exists for a group of six skeletal muscles that display narrow thin filament length distributions.

Background: Maintaining optimal status of folate and metabolically related vitamins (riboflavinan... more Background: Maintaining optimal status of folate and metabolically related vitamins (riboflavinand vitamins B6 and B12) is increasingly important for older adults [...]

Objectives Intervention studies using New Zealand green-lipped or greenshell™ mussel (GSM) (Perna... more Objectives Intervention studies using New Zealand green-lipped or greenshell™ mussel (GSM) (Perna canaliculus) extract in osteoarthritis (OA) patients have shown effective pain relief. This systematic review summarises the efficacy of GSM extracts in the treatment of OA. Methods A literature search of the three databases EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Scopus was performed to identify relevant articles published up to March 2020. Inclusion criteria were clinical trials published in English measuring the effect of supplementation of whole or a lipid extract from GSM on pain and mobility outcomes in OA patients. Results A total of nine clinical trials were included in systematic review, from which five studies were considered appropriate for inclusion in a forest plot. Pooled results showed that GSM extracts (lipid extract or whole powder) provide moderate and clinically significant treatment effects on a visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score (effect size: − 0.46; 95% CI − 0.82 to − 0.10; p = 0...

Background New Zealand Greenshell™ mussels (GSM; Perna canaliculus ) have recently been shown to ... more Background New Zealand Greenshell™ mussels (GSM; Perna canaliculus ) have recently been shown to decrease cartilage degradation in a rat model of induced metabolic osteoarthritis (MetOA). However, this effect has not been investigated in human subjects. This study aims to determine the effect of GSM powder on biomarkers of cartilage metabolism, bone resorption, and inflammation in New Zealand healthy overweight/obese postmenopausal women who are at early stage or at high risk of OA. Method Fifty overweight or obese (BMI 25–35 kg/m 2 ) postmenopausal women (aged 55–75 years) will be recruited by advertisement. Participants will be randomized based on a double-blind randomization schedule and stratified randomization based on BMI and age distribution. The participant will be assigned with a 1:1 allocation ratio to receive 3 g/d whole meat GSM powder or placebo (sunflower seed protein) for 12 weeks. Data on socio-demographics, physical activity, and dietary intake will be collected for...

Electrochemical Biosensor: Point-of-Care for Early Detection of Bone Loss

This chapter provides a complete literature review on the available biochemical markers of bone t... more This chapter provides a complete literature review on the available biochemical markers of bone turnover and focuses on the recent advancements in bone biosensing technologies for monitoring bone chemical markers, as well as the biomechanical assessment of bone.

Metabolites

This study aimed to examine the changes in lipid and metabolite profiles of ovariectomized (OVX) ... more This study aimed to examine the changes in lipid and metabolite profiles of ovariectomized (OVX) rats with diet-induced metabolic syndrome-associated osteoarthritis (MetOA) after supplementation with greenshell mussel (GSM) using an untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomics approach. Ninety-six rats were fed with one of four diets: control, control supplemented with GSM + GSM, high fat/high sugar (HFHS), or high fat/high sugar enriched with GSM (HFHS + GSM). After 8 weeks on experimental diets, half of the rats in each group underwent OVX and the other half were sham operated. After being fed for an additional 28 weeks, blood samples were collected for the metabolomics analysis. Lipid and polar metabolites were extracted from plasma and analysed by LC-MS. We identified 29 lipid species from four lipid subclasses (phosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylcholine, diacylglycerol, and triacylglycerol) and a set of eight metabolites involved in amino acid metab...

Marine Drugs

Greenshell™ mussel (GSM, Perna canaliculus) is New Zealand’s most important aquaculture species. ... more Greenshell™ mussel (GSM, Perna canaliculus) is New Zealand’s most important aquaculture species. They are a good source of long chain-polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC PUFA). Beyond a traditional food product, GSMs are also sold as mussel powders and oil extract formats in the nutraceutical markets. In this study, a four-sequence, single dose, randomized crossover human trial with eight evaluable healthy male participants was undertaken to determine the bioavailability of the n-3 LC PUFA in four different GSM formats (oil, powder, food ingredient and half-shell unprocessed whole mussel) by measuring area under the curve (AUC) and maximal concentration (CMax). Blood samples were collected at baseline and up to 48 h after initiation of product consumption in each administration period. There were minor differences between the bioavailability of FA (fatty acid) between the different GSM formats. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) peak concentrations and plasma exposures were significantly l...

Proceedings

Background: Vitamin D and omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated. [...]

Nutrients

Optimal bone health is important in children to reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life. Bo... more Optimal bone health is important in children to reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life. Both body composition and vitamin D play an important role in bone health. This study aimed to describe bone health, body composition, and vitamin D status, and the relationship between these among a group of conveniently sampled black preadolescent South African children (n = 84) using a cross-sectional study. Body composition, bone mineral density (BMD), and bone mineral content (BMC) were assessed using dual x-ray absorptiometry. Levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) (n = 59) were assessed using dried blood spots. A quarter (25%) of children presented with low bone mass density for their chronological age (BMD Z-score < −2) and 7% with low BMC-for-age (BMC Z-score < −2), while only 34% of the children had sufficient vitamin D status (25(OH)D ≥ 30 ng/mL). Lean mass was the greatest body compositional determinant for variances observed in bone health measures. Body composition and...

Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, 2015

New Zealand is a rich source of food components that may have bioactivity on bone. Docosahexaenoi... more New Zealand is a rich source of food components that may have bioactivity on bone. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from fish oil has been shown to maintain bone in ovariectomised (OVX) rats. Kiwifruit, a source of fibre and carotenoids 2 may also affect bone via a prebiotic as well as direct cell based mechanisms. We aimed to 1) ascertain the effects of DHA on two cell models, including interactions with soy isoflavones; 2) and investigate the specific effects of carotenoids from kiwifruit as well as whole kiwifruit in cell based and rodent models as well as in a human study. RAW 264.7 mouse monocytes or mouse bone marrow were used to generate osteoclasts (OC). Cells were exposed to the agents between 5 and 21 days and formation and activity of OC measured, including molecular markers. DHA inhibited OC formation in both cell models, including expression of cathepsin K, NFATc1 as well as actin ring formation. Combination with isoflavones enhanced these effects. In OVX rats and mice fed with kiwifruit for 8 weeks, green kiwifruit reduced rate of bone loss after OVX, and in mice it reduced C-telopeptide of Type 1 collagen (CTX) levels and RANKL expression while in menopausal women, green kiwifruit affected blood lipids and bone markers positively.

Nutrients

In women, the menopausal transition is characterized by acid-base imbalance, estrogen deficiency ... more In women, the menopausal transition is characterized by acid-base imbalance, estrogen deficiency and rapid bone loss. Research into nutritional factors that influence bone health is therefore necessary. In this study, the relationship between nutrient patterns and nutrients important for bone health with bone mineral density (BMD) was explored. In this cross-sectional analysis, 101 participants aged between 54 and 81 years were eligible. Body composition and BMD analyses were performed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Nutrient data were extracted from a 3-day diet diary (3-DDD) using Foodworks 9 and metabolic equivalent (MET-minutes) was calculated from a self-reported New Zealand physical activity questionnaire (NZPAQ). Significant positive correlations were found between intakes of calcium (p = 0.003, r = 0.294), protein (p = 0.013, r = 0.246), riboflavin (p = 0.020, r = 0.232), niacin equivalent (p = 0.010, r = 0.256) and spine BMD. A nutrient pattern high in ribofla...

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

We evaluated the efficacy of vitamin D (VID), omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (ome... more We evaluated the efficacy of vitamin D (VID), omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 LCPUFA, OM), or both (VIDOM) on core symptoms of ASD. New Zealand children with ASD (n = 73; aged 2.5-8.0 years) received daily 2000 IU vitamin D 3 , 722 mg docosahexaenoic acid, both, or placebo. Outcome measures were Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and Sensory Processing Measure (SPM). Of 42 outcome measures comparisons (interventions vs. placebo), two showed greater improvements (P = 0.03, OM and VIDOM for SRS-social awareness) and four showed trends for greater improvements (P < 0.1, VIDOM for SRS-social communicative functioning, OM for SRS-total, VIDOM for SPM-taste/smell and OM for SPM-balance/motion). Omega-3 LCPUFA with and without vitamin D may improve some core symptoms of ASD but no definitive conclusions can be made.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD AND NUTRITIONAL SCIENCE, 2015

Honey has antimicrobial, antitumor, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, there ha... more Honey has antimicrobial, antitumor, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, there have been few studies regarding the effects of manuka honey on bone metabolism and gut microflora. This study investigated the effects of manuka honey combined with α-cyclodextrin, Manuka Honey with Cyclopower TM (MHCP) on bone metabolism and caecal bacterial contents in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. Seven-week-old female Balb/c-strain mice were divided into four groups: sham-operated (sham) group, OVX group, and OVX mice that were fed a diet containing 5% or 10% (w/w) MHCP. After 9 weeks, the mice were sacrificed, and serum, uterus, caecum, and femur samples were obtained. Successful removal of the ovaries and induction of the osteoporotic process in OVX mice were demonstrated by a significant decrease in uterine weight and a significant increase in receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) mRNA expression of the femur, compared to sham, respectively. Compared to the OVX group, MHCP reduced serum C-terminal telopeptide of type Ι collagen concentration as well as RANKL and nuclear factor of activated T-cells c1 (NFATc1) mRNA expression of the femur. Furthermore, MHCP increased caecal bifidobacteria and bacteroides contents. These results suggest that the MHCP expressed prebiotic effects, which might reduce bone resorption in OVX mice.

Applied Sciences

The prevalence of metabolic osteoarthritis has been increasing worldwide, particularly among wome... more The prevalence of metabolic osteoarthritis has been increasing worldwide, particularly among women. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the New Zealand greenshell mussel (Perna canaliculus; GSM) on osteoarthritis (OA) prevention in a rat model. One-hundred-and-eight female rats aged 12 weeks were divided into four test groups, containing 24 rats each, plus an additional control group. Each test group received one of the four experimental diets: normal control diet (ND), normal control diet supplemented with GSM (ND + GSM), high fat/high sugar diet (HFHS), or high fat/high sugar diet supplemented GSM (HFHS + GSM), for 36 weeks (end of the study). After 8 weeks on experimental diets, half of each group was subjected to ovariectomy (OVX) and the remaining half received a sham operation (ovaries left intact). The study evaluated body composition, bone mass, plasma cytokines, adipokines, HbA1c, CTX-II, and knee joint’s histopathology. HFHS diet and OVX significantly i...

Proceedings

Introduction: The gut microbiome, the totality of micro-organisms and their collective genetic ma... more Introduction: The gut microbiome, the totality of micro-organisms and their collective genetic makeup plays a significant role in bone health. [...]

Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, 2015

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is caused by estrogen deficiency and leads to an increase in risk for... more Postmenopausal osteoporosis is caused by estrogen deficiency and leads to an increase in risk for bone fracture. Hormone replacement therapy is most effective for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis (1); however, it increases the risk for breast and uterine cancers (2). Therefore, the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis is important to maintain health and quality of life. Recently, researchers have demonstrated beneficial health effects of kiwifruit on human health. In male smokers fed 3 green kiwifruit (GRK) per day for 8 wk, systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly reduced (3). Consumption of 2 GRK per day for 4 wk significantly increased plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and significantly decreased plasma total cholesterol (TC)/HDL-C ratios in hypercholesterolaemic men compared to a control diet (4). Furthermore, freeze-dried kiwifruit (equivalent of 2 fresh kiwifruit) had a prebiotic effect by promoting the content of faecal lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in healthy female adults for as long as the kiwifruit was consumed (5). Kiwifruit is a good source of dietary components such as vitamin C, fiber, and phytochemicals (6-9), all of which are known to provide beneficial effects on human health. However, there have been few studies regarding the effects of kiwifruit on bone metabolism. We have recently examined the synergistic effects of soybean isoflavones and several food components from New Zealand on isoflavone metabolism, gut microflora, and bone health. In the series of studies, kiwifruit had protective effects with daidzein on bone metabolism in ovariectomized (OVX) rats (10). The results showed that the combination of daidzein with either GRK or gold kiwifruit (GOK) prevented an ovariectomy-induced decline in bone mineral density (BMD). However, the effect of kiwifruit alone was not assessed and the effects of kiwifruit on bone metabolism are not well known, as stated above. Therefore, the current study investigated the effects of two types of kiwifruit, GRK and GOK, on bone metabolism in OVX mice. We determined the changes in bone metabolism in OVX mice fed diets containing GRK or GOK using markers of bone turnover and bone resorption-related molecular markers by realtime reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Materials and Methods This study was approved by the Massey University Animal Ethics Committee (approval number 13/38).

Nutrition Research, 2011

Globally, rural to urban migration is accompanied by changes in dietary patterns and lifestyle th... more Globally, rural to urban migration is accompanied by changes in dietary patterns and lifestyle that have serious health implications, including development of low bone mass. We hypothesized that serum 25 (OH) vitamin D3 (25[OH]D3) levels will be lower, bone turnover higher, and nutrition inadequate in urban postmenopausal black women, increasing risk for low bone mass. We aimed to assess the prevalence of risk factors for low bone mass in 1261 black women from rural and urban areas in the North West Province of South Africa (Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology-South Africa project). Fasting blood samples were taken; and participants were interviewed to complete questionnaires on self-reported diseases, fractures, and dietary intakes. Bone health markers were assessed in a subgroup of 658 women older than 45 years. Specific lifestyle risk factors identified were inactivity, smoking, injectable progestin contraception use, and high alcohol consumption. Dietary risk factors identified were low calcium and high animal protein, phosphorous, and sodium intakes. The 25(OH)D3 and C-terminal telopeptide (CTX) levels were significantly higher in the rural vs the urban women older than 50 years. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels increased with age in both groups. The 25(OH)D levels were inversely correlated with CTX and PTH in rural women. In urban women, PTH and CTX were correlated while dietary calcium was inversely correlated with CTX and PTH with 25(OH)D3. The combination of low dietary calcium (&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;230 mg/d), marginally insufficient 25(OH)D3 status, and raised PTH may result in increased bone resorption. Further research is required to assess bone health and fracture risk in black African women.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been reported to have an anabolic effect on bone in vivo... more Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been reported to have an anabolic effect on bone in vivo, but comparative studies to identify inhibitors of osteoclast formation amongst ω3-and ω6-PUFAs are still lacking. Here we assessed the effects of the ω3-PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and the ω6-PUFAs, arachidonic acid (AA) and γ-linolenic acid (GLA) on a RAW264.7 osteoclast differentiation model. The effects of PUFAs on RANKL-induced osteoclast formation were evaluated by counting tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinucleated cells. PUFAs significantly inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast formation in a dose-dependent manner with AA-and DHA-mediated inhibition being the strongest. Furthermore, RANKL-induced mRNA-and protein expression of the key osteoclastogenic genes cathepsin K and TRAP were inhibited by AA and more potently by DHA. Owing to the attenuated osteoclastogenesis by DHA and AA, actin ring formation and bone resorptive activity of these cells as evaluated on bone-mimetic plates were severely compromised. Hence, of the tested PUFAs, AA and DHA were found to be the most effective in inhibiting RANKL-induced osteoclast formation with the latter providing the

Abstract. Nebulin, a family of giant proteins with size-variants from 600 to 900 kD in various sk... more Abstract. Nebulin, a family of giant proteins with size-variants from 600 to 900 kD in various skeletal muscles, have been proposed to constitute a set of inextensible filaments anchored at the Z line (Wang, K., and J. Wright. 1988. J. Cell Biol. 107:2199-2212). This newly discovered filament of the skeletal muscle sarcomere is an attractive candidate for a lengthregulating template of thin filaments. To evaluate this hypothesis, we address the question of coextensiveness of nebulin and the thin filament by searching for a correlation between the size of nebulin variants and the length distribution of the thin filaments in several skeletal muscles. A, positive linear correlation indeed exists for a group of six skeletal muscles that display narrow thin filament length distributions.

Background: Maintaining optimal status of folate and metabolically related vitamins (riboflavinan... more Background: Maintaining optimal status of folate and metabolically related vitamins (riboflavinand vitamins B6 and B12) is increasingly important for older adults [...]

Objectives Intervention studies using New Zealand green-lipped or greenshell™ mussel (GSM) (Perna... more Objectives Intervention studies using New Zealand green-lipped or greenshell™ mussel (GSM) (Perna canaliculus) extract in osteoarthritis (OA) patients have shown effective pain relief. This systematic review summarises the efficacy of GSM extracts in the treatment of OA. Methods A literature search of the three databases EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Scopus was performed to identify relevant articles published up to March 2020. Inclusion criteria were clinical trials published in English measuring the effect of supplementation of whole or a lipid extract from GSM on pain and mobility outcomes in OA patients. Results A total of nine clinical trials were included in systematic review, from which five studies were considered appropriate for inclusion in a forest plot. Pooled results showed that GSM extracts (lipid extract or whole powder) provide moderate and clinically significant treatment effects on a visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score (effect size: − 0.46; 95% CI − 0.82 to − 0.10; p = 0...

Background New Zealand Greenshell™ mussels (GSM; Perna canaliculus ) have recently been shown to ... more Background New Zealand Greenshell™ mussels (GSM; Perna canaliculus ) have recently been shown to decrease cartilage degradation in a rat model of induced metabolic osteoarthritis (MetOA). However, this effect has not been investigated in human subjects. This study aims to determine the effect of GSM powder on biomarkers of cartilage metabolism, bone resorption, and inflammation in New Zealand healthy overweight/obese postmenopausal women who are at early stage or at high risk of OA. Method Fifty overweight or obese (BMI 25–35 kg/m 2 ) postmenopausal women (aged 55–75 years) will be recruited by advertisement. Participants will be randomized based on a double-blind randomization schedule and stratified randomization based on BMI and age distribution. The participant will be assigned with a 1:1 allocation ratio to receive 3 g/d whole meat GSM powder or placebo (sunflower seed protein) for 12 weeks. Data on socio-demographics, physical activity, and dietary intake will be collected for...

Electrochemical Biosensor: Point-of-Care for Early Detection of Bone Loss

This chapter provides a complete literature review on the available biochemical markers of bone t... more This chapter provides a complete literature review on the available biochemical markers of bone turnover and focuses on the recent advancements in bone biosensing technologies for monitoring bone chemical markers, as well as the biomechanical assessment of bone.

Metabolites

This study aimed to examine the changes in lipid and metabolite profiles of ovariectomized (OVX) ... more This study aimed to examine the changes in lipid and metabolite profiles of ovariectomized (OVX) rats with diet-induced metabolic syndrome-associated osteoarthritis (MetOA) after supplementation with greenshell mussel (GSM) using an untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomics approach. Ninety-six rats were fed with one of four diets: control, control supplemented with GSM + GSM, high fat/high sugar (HFHS), or high fat/high sugar enriched with GSM (HFHS + GSM). After 8 weeks on experimental diets, half of the rats in each group underwent OVX and the other half were sham operated. After being fed for an additional 28 weeks, blood samples were collected for the metabolomics analysis. Lipid and polar metabolites were extracted from plasma and analysed by LC-MS. We identified 29 lipid species from four lipid subclasses (phosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylcholine, diacylglycerol, and triacylglycerol) and a set of eight metabolites involved in amino acid metab...

Marine Drugs

Greenshell™ mussel (GSM, Perna canaliculus) is New Zealand’s most important aquaculture species. ... more Greenshell™ mussel (GSM, Perna canaliculus) is New Zealand’s most important aquaculture species. They are a good source of long chain-polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC PUFA). Beyond a traditional food product, GSMs are also sold as mussel powders and oil extract formats in the nutraceutical markets. In this study, a four-sequence, single dose, randomized crossover human trial with eight evaluable healthy male participants was undertaken to determine the bioavailability of the n-3 LC PUFA in four different GSM formats (oil, powder, food ingredient and half-shell unprocessed whole mussel) by measuring area under the curve (AUC) and maximal concentration (CMax). Blood samples were collected at baseline and up to 48 h after initiation of product consumption in each administration period. There were minor differences between the bioavailability of FA (fatty acid) between the different GSM formats. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) peak concentrations and plasma exposures were significantly l...

Proceedings

Background: Vitamin D and omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated. [...]

Nutrients

Optimal bone health is important in children to reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life. Bo... more Optimal bone health is important in children to reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life. Both body composition and vitamin D play an important role in bone health. This study aimed to describe bone health, body composition, and vitamin D status, and the relationship between these among a group of conveniently sampled black preadolescent South African children (n = 84) using a cross-sectional study. Body composition, bone mineral density (BMD), and bone mineral content (BMC) were assessed using dual x-ray absorptiometry. Levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) (n = 59) were assessed using dried blood spots. A quarter (25%) of children presented with low bone mass density for their chronological age (BMD Z-score < −2) and 7% with low BMC-for-age (BMC Z-score < −2), while only 34% of the children had sufficient vitamin D status (25(OH)D ≥ 30 ng/mL). Lean mass was the greatest body compositional determinant for variances observed in bone health measures. Body composition and...

Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, 2015

New Zealand is a rich source of food components that may have bioactivity on bone. Docosahexaenoi... more New Zealand is a rich source of food components that may have bioactivity on bone. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from fish oil has been shown to maintain bone in ovariectomised (OVX) rats. Kiwifruit, a source of fibre and carotenoids 2 may also affect bone via a prebiotic as well as direct cell based mechanisms. We aimed to 1) ascertain the effects of DHA on two cell models, including interactions with soy isoflavones; 2) and investigate the specific effects of carotenoids from kiwifruit as well as whole kiwifruit in cell based and rodent models as well as in a human study. RAW 264.7 mouse monocytes or mouse bone marrow were used to generate osteoclasts (OC). Cells were exposed to the agents between 5 and 21 days and formation and activity of OC measured, including molecular markers. DHA inhibited OC formation in both cell models, including expression of cathepsin K, NFATc1 as well as actin ring formation. Combination with isoflavones enhanced these effects. In OVX rats and mice fed with kiwifruit for 8 weeks, green kiwifruit reduced rate of bone loss after OVX, and in mice it reduced C-telopeptide of Type 1 collagen (CTX) levels and RANKL expression while in menopausal women, green kiwifruit affected blood lipids and bone markers positively.

Nutrients

In women, the menopausal transition is characterized by acid-base imbalance, estrogen deficiency ... more In women, the menopausal transition is characterized by acid-base imbalance, estrogen deficiency and rapid bone loss. Research into nutritional factors that influence bone health is therefore necessary. In this study, the relationship between nutrient patterns and nutrients important for bone health with bone mineral density (BMD) was explored. In this cross-sectional analysis, 101 participants aged between 54 and 81 years were eligible. Body composition and BMD analyses were performed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Nutrient data were extracted from a 3-day diet diary (3-DDD) using Foodworks 9 and metabolic equivalent (MET-minutes) was calculated from a self-reported New Zealand physical activity questionnaire (NZPAQ). Significant positive correlations were found between intakes of calcium (p = 0.003, r = 0.294), protein (p = 0.013, r = 0.246), riboflavin (p = 0.020, r = 0.232), niacin equivalent (p = 0.010, r = 0.256) and spine BMD. A nutrient pattern high in ribofla...

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

We evaluated the efficacy of vitamin D (VID), omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (ome... more We evaluated the efficacy of vitamin D (VID), omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 LCPUFA, OM), or both (VIDOM) on core symptoms of ASD. New Zealand children with ASD (n = 73; aged 2.5-8.0 years) received daily 2000 IU vitamin D 3 , 722 mg docosahexaenoic acid, both, or placebo. Outcome measures were Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and Sensory Processing Measure (SPM). Of 42 outcome measures comparisons (interventions vs. placebo), two showed greater improvements (P = 0.03, OM and VIDOM for SRS-social awareness) and four showed trends for greater improvements (P < 0.1, VIDOM for SRS-social communicative functioning, OM for SRS-total, VIDOM for SPM-taste/smell and OM for SPM-balance/motion). Omega-3 LCPUFA with and without vitamin D may improve some core symptoms of ASD but no definitive conclusions can be made.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD AND NUTRITIONAL SCIENCE, 2015

Honey has antimicrobial, antitumor, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, there ha... more Honey has antimicrobial, antitumor, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, there have been few studies regarding the effects of manuka honey on bone metabolism and gut microflora. This study investigated the effects of manuka honey combined with α-cyclodextrin, Manuka Honey with Cyclopower TM (MHCP) on bone metabolism and caecal bacterial contents in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. Seven-week-old female Balb/c-strain mice were divided into four groups: sham-operated (sham) group, OVX group, and OVX mice that were fed a diet containing 5% or 10% (w/w) MHCP. After 9 weeks, the mice were sacrificed, and serum, uterus, caecum, and femur samples were obtained. Successful removal of the ovaries and induction of the osteoporotic process in OVX mice were demonstrated by a significant decrease in uterine weight and a significant increase in receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) mRNA expression of the femur, compared to sham, respectively. Compared to the OVX group, MHCP reduced serum C-terminal telopeptide of type Ι collagen concentration as well as RANKL and nuclear factor of activated T-cells c1 (NFATc1) mRNA expression of the femur. Furthermore, MHCP increased caecal bifidobacteria and bacteroides contents. These results suggest that the MHCP expressed prebiotic effects, which might reduce bone resorption in OVX mice.

Applied Sciences

The prevalence of metabolic osteoarthritis has been increasing worldwide, particularly among wome... more The prevalence of metabolic osteoarthritis has been increasing worldwide, particularly among women. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the New Zealand greenshell mussel (Perna canaliculus; GSM) on osteoarthritis (OA) prevention in a rat model. One-hundred-and-eight female rats aged 12 weeks were divided into four test groups, containing 24 rats each, plus an additional control group. Each test group received one of the four experimental diets: normal control diet (ND), normal control diet supplemented with GSM (ND + GSM), high fat/high sugar diet (HFHS), or high fat/high sugar diet supplemented GSM (HFHS + GSM), for 36 weeks (end of the study). After 8 weeks on experimental diets, half of each group was subjected to ovariectomy (OVX) and the remaining half received a sham operation (ovaries left intact). The study evaluated body composition, bone mass, plasma cytokines, adipokines, HbA1c, CTX-II, and knee joint’s histopathology. HFHS diet and OVX significantly i...

Proceedings

Introduction: The gut microbiome, the totality of micro-organisms and their collective genetic ma... more Introduction: The gut microbiome, the totality of micro-organisms and their collective genetic makeup plays a significant role in bone health. [...]