Nutrients

Editorial

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3 pages, 201 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Nutrition and Specific Diseases in Women during the Life Course

by Nataliya Makarova and Birgit-Christiane Zyriax

Nutrients 2023, 15(15), 3401; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15153401 - 31 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 864

Abstract

In Western countries, the prevalence rates of risk factors for premature mortality and early non-communicable diseases are growing due to the increasing prevalence of poor nutrition habits, increasing levels of stress, and sedentary lifestyles [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Specific Diseases by Women during the Life Course)

Research

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15 pages, 1305 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sex-Specific Dietary Patterns and Social Behaviour in Low-Risk Individuals

by Daniel Engler, Renate B. Schnabel, Felix Alexander Neumann, Birgit-Christiane Zyriax and Nataliya Makarova

Nutrients 2023, 15(8), 1832; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15081832 - 11 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2212

Abstract

Dietary and social behaviour are non-medical factors that influence health outcomes. Non-communicable diseases are related to dietary patterns. To date, little is known about how social behaviour is associated with health-related dietary patterns, and, in particular, we lack information about the role of [...] Read more.

Dietary and social behaviour are non-medical factors that influence health outcomes. Non-communicable diseases are related to dietary patterns. To date, little is known about how social behaviour is associated with health-related dietary patterns, and, in particular, we lack information about the role of sex within this possible relation. Our cross-sectional study investigated associations between dietary patterns and social behaviour including personality traits (self-control, risk taking), political preferences (conservative, liberal, ecological, social) and altruism (willingness to donate, club membership, time discounting) in men and women. We performed sex-specific correlation analyses to investigate relationships between dietary patterns based on self-reported protocols from the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) and the validated Healthy Eating Index (HEI) from the EPIC Study and a self-reported social behaviour questionnaire. In linear regression models, we analysed associations between dietary and social behaviour patterns. Sex differences were measured by interaction analysis for each social behaviour item. The study sample consisted of N = 102 low-risk individuals. The median age of the study participants was 62.4 (25th/75th percentile 53.6, 69.1) years, and 26.5% were women. Analyses showed that a lower HEI score was correlated with a higher BMI in both women and men. MEDAS and HEI showed a positive correlation with each other in men. In men, a higher MEDAS showed a positive correlation when they estimated their ability as high, with the same for self-control and preference for ecological politics and MEDAS. A weak negative correlation has been shown between men with a preference for conservative politics and MEDAS. HEI showed a positive significant correlation with age in men. Male participants without club membership scored significantly higher in the HEI compared to non-members. A negative correlation was shown for time discounting in men. Linear regression models showed positive associations between preferences for ecological-oriented politics and nutrition for both HEI and MEDAS. No sex interactions were observed. We faced a few limitations, such as a small sample size, particularly for women, and a limited age spectrum in a European cohort. However, assuming that individuals with a preference for ecological-oriented politics act ecologically responsibly, our findings indicate that ecological behaviour in low-risk individuals might determine, at least in part, a healthy diet. Furthermore, we observed dietary patterns such as higher alcohol consumption in men or higher intake of butter, margarine and cream in women that indicate that women and men may have different needs for nutritional improvement. Thus, further investigations are needed to better understand how social behaviour affects nutrition, which could help to improve health. Our findings have the potential to inform researchers and practitioners who investigate the nature of the relationship between social behaviour and dietary patterns to implement strategies to create first-stage changes in health behaviour for individuals with a low cardiovascular risk profile. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Specific Diseases by Women during the Life Course)

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15 pages, 852 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cross-Sectional Association of Dietary Patterns and Supplement Intake with Presence and Gray-Scale Median of Carotid Plaques—A Comparison between Women and Men in the Population-Based Hamburg City Health Study

by Julia Maria Assies, Martje Dorothea Sältz, Frederik Peters, Christian-Alexander Behrendt, Annika Jagodzinski, Elina Larissa Petersen, Ines Schäfer, Raphael Twerenbold, Stefan Blankenberg, David Leander Rimmele, Götz Thomalla, Nataliya Makarova and Birgit-Christiane Zyriax

Nutrients 2023, 15(6), 1468; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15061468 - 18 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1733

Abstract

This population-based cross-sectional cohort study investigated the association of the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) diet as well as supplement intake with gray-scale median (GSM) and the presence of carotid plaques comparing women and men. Low GSM is associated with [...] Read more.

This population-based cross-sectional cohort study investigated the association of the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) diet as well as supplement intake with gray-scale median (GSM) and the presence of carotid plaques comparing women and men. Low GSM is associated with plaque vulnerability. Ten thousand participants of the Hamburg City Health Study aged 45–74 underwent carotid ultrasound examination. We analyzed plaque presence in all participants plus GSM in those having plaques (n = 2163). Dietary patterns and supplement intake were assessed via a food frequency questionnaire. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used to assess associations between dietary patterns, supplement intake and GSM plus plaque presence. Linear regressions showed an association between higher GSM and folate intake only in men (+9.12, 95% CI (1.37, 16.86), p = 0.021). High compared to intermediate adherence to the DASH diet was associated with higher odds for carotid plaques (OR = 1.18, 95% CI (1.02, 1.36), p = 0.027, adjusted). Odds for plaque presence were higher for men, older age, low education, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and smoking. In this study, the intake of most supplements, as well as DASH or Mediterranean diet, was not significantly associated with GSM for women or men. Future research is needed to clarify the influence, especially of the folate intake and DASH diet, on the presence and vulnerability of plaques. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Specific Diseases by Women during the Life Course)

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16 pages, 342 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Does Dietary Intake Relate to Dispositional Optimism and Health-Related Quality of Life in Germline BRCA1/2 Mutation Carriers?

by Anne Esser, Leonie Neirich, Sabine Grill, Stephan C. Bischoff, Martin Halle, Michael Siniatchkin, Maryam Yahiaoui-Doktor, Marion Kiechle and Jacqueline Lammert

Nutrients 2023, 15(6), 1396; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15061396 - 14 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1978

Abstract

Background: The Mediterranean diet (MD) is an anti-inflammatory diet linked to improved health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Germline (g)BRCA1/2 mutation carriers have an increased risk of developing breast cancer and are often exposed to severe cancer treatments, thus the improvement of [...] Read more.

Background: The Mediterranean diet (MD) is an anti-inflammatory diet linked to improved health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Germline (g)BRCA1/2 mutation carriers have an increased risk of developing breast cancer and are often exposed to severe cancer treatments, thus the improvement of HRQoL is important. Little is known about the associations between dietary intake and HRQoL in this population. Methods: We included 312 gBRCA1/2 mutation carriers from an ongoing prospective randomized controlled lifestyle intervention trial. Baseline data from the EPIC food frequency questionnaire was used to calculate the dietary inflammatory index (DII), and adherence to MD was captured by the 14-item PREDIMED questionnaire. HRQoL was measured by the EORTC QLQ-C30 and LOT-R questionnaires. The presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) was determined using anthropometric measurements, blood samples and vital parameters. Linear and logistic regression models were performed to assess the possible impact of diet and metabolic syndrome on HRQoL. Results: Women with a prior history of cancer (59.6%) reported lower DIIs than women without it (p = 0.011). A greater adherence to MD was associated with lower DII scores (p < 0.001) and reduced odds for metabolic syndrome (MetS) (p = 0.024). Women with a more optimistic outlook on life reported greater adherence to MD (p < 0.001), whereas a more pessimistic outlook on life increased the odds for MetS (OR = 1.15; p = 0.023). Conclusions: This is the first study in gBRCA1/2 mutation carriers that has linked MD, DII, and MetS to HRQoL. The long-term clinical implications of these findings are yet to be determined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Specific Diseases by Women during the Life Course)

15 pages, 1811 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Human Milk-Derived Levels of let-7g-5p May Serve as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Marker of Low Milk Supply in Breastfeeding Women

by Steven D. Hicks, Desirae Chandran, Alexandra Confair, Anna Ward and Shannon L. Kelleher

Nutrients 2023, 15(3), 567; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15030567 - 21 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3085

Abstract

Low milk supply (LMS) is associated with early breastfeeding cessation; however, the biological underpinnings in the mammary gland are not understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally downregulate gene expression, and we hypothesized the profile of miRNAs secreted into milk reflects [...] Read more.

Low milk supply (LMS) is associated with early breastfeeding cessation; however, the biological underpinnings in the mammary gland are not understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally downregulate gene expression, and we hypothesized the profile of miRNAs secreted into milk reflects lactation performance. Longitudinal changes in milk miRNAs were measured using RNAseq in women with LMS (n = 47) and adequate milk supply (AMS; n = 123). Relationships between milk miRNAs, milk supply, breastfeeding outcomes, and infant weight gain were assessed, and interactions between milk miRNAs, maternal diet, smoking status, and BMI were determined. Women with LMS had lower milk volume (p = 0.003), were more likely to have ceased breast feeding by 24 wks (p = 0.0003) and had infants with a lower mean weight-for-length z-score (p = 0.013). Milk production was significantly associated with milk levels of miR-16-5p (R = −0.14, adj p = 0.044), miR-22-3p (R = 0.13, adj p = 0.044), and let-7g-5p (R = 0.12, adj p = 0.046). Early milk levels of let-7g-5p were significantly higher in mothers with LMS (adj p = 0.0025), displayed an interaction between lactation stage and milk supply (p < 0.001), and were negatively related to fruit intake (p = 0.015). Putative targets of let-7g-5p include genes important to hormone signaling, RNA regulation, ion transport, and the extracellular matrix, and down-regulation of two targets (PRLR and IGF2BP1/IMP1) was confirmed in mammary cells overexpressing let-7g-5p in vitro. Our data provide evidence that milk-derived miRNAs reflect lactation performance in women and warrant further investigation to assess their utility for predicting LMS risk and early breastfeeding cessation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Specific Diseases by Women during the Life Course)

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14 pages, 738 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modifiable Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease among Women with and without a History of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

by Kaylee Slater, Tracy L. Schumacher, Ker Nee Ding, Rachael M. Taylor, Vanessa A. Shrewsbury and Melinda J. Hutchesson

Nutrients 2023, 15(2), 410; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15020410 - 13 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2712

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in women. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) affect 5–10% of pregnancies worldwide, and are an independent risk factor for CVD. A greater understanding of the rates of modifiable CVD risk factors in [...] Read more.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in women. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) affect 5–10% of pregnancies worldwide, and are an independent risk factor for CVD. A greater understanding of the rates of modifiable CVD risk factors in women with a history of HDP can inform CVD prevention priorities in this group. The aim of this study was to understand the rates of individual and multiple modifiable risk factors for CVD (body mass index, fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, sitting time, smoking, alcohol consumption and depressive symptoms) among women with a history of HDP, and assess whether they differ to women without a history of HDP. This study is a cross-sectional analysis of self-reported data collected for the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women’s Health (ALSWH). The sample included 5820 women aged 32–37 years old, who completed survey 7 of the ALSWH in 2015. Women with a history of HDP had a higher multiple CVD modifiable risk factor score compared to those without HDP (mean (SD): 2.3 (1.4) vs. 2.0 (1.3); p < 0.01). HDP history was significantly associated with a higher body mass index (p < 0.01), high-risk alcohol consumption (p = 0.04) and more depressive symptoms (p < 0.01). Understanding that women with a history of HDP have higher CVD risk factors, specifically body mass index, alcohol consumption and depressive symptoms, allows clinicians to provide appropriate and tailored CVD interventions for this group of women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Specific Diseases by Women during the Life Course)

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9 pages, 1040 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Dextrose or Protein Ingestion on Circulating Growth Differentiation Factor 15 and Appetite in Older Compared to Younger Women

by Catrin Herpich, Stephanie Lehmann, Bastian Kochlik, Maximilian Kleinert, Susanne Klaus, Ursula Müller-Werdan and Kristina Norman

Nutrients 2022, 14(19), 4066; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14194066 - 30 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1611

Abstract

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a stress signal that can be induced by protein restriction and is associated with reduced food intake. Anorexia of aging, insufficient protein intake as well as high GDF15 concentrations often occur in older age, but it is [...] Read more.

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a stress signal that can be induced by protein restriction and is associated with reduced food intake. Anorexia of aging, insufficient protein intake as well as high GDF15 concentrations often occur in older age, but it is unknown whether GDF15 concentrations change acutely after meal ingestion and affect appetite in older individuals. After an overnight fast, appetite was assessed in older (n = 20; 73.7 ± 6.30 years) and younger (n = 20; 25.7 ± 4.39 years) women with visual analogue scales, and concentrations of circulating GDF15 and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) were quantified before and at 1, 2 and 4 h after ingestion of either dextrose (182 kcal) or a mixed protein-rich meal (450 kcal). In response to dextrose ingestion, appetite increased in both older and younger women, whereas GDF15 concentrations increased only in the older group. In older women, appetite response was negatively correlated with the GDF15 response (rho = −0.802, p = 0.005). Following high-protein ingestion, appetite increased in younger women, but remained low in the old, while GDF15 concentrations did not change significantly in either age group. GLP-1 concentrations did not differ between age groups or test meals. In summary, acute GDF15 response differed between older and younger women. Associations of postprandial appetite and GDF15 following dextrose ingestion in older women suggest a reduced appetite response when the GDF15 response is high, thus supporting the proposed anorectic effects of high GDF15 concentrations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Specific Diseases by Women during the Life Course)

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13 pages, 284 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Associations between Metalloestrogens, GSTP1, and SLC11A2 Polymorphism and the Risk of Endometrial Cancer

by Kaja Michalczyk, Patrycja Kapczuk, Grzegorz Witczak, Mateusz Bosiacki, Mateusz Kurzawski, Dariusz Chlubek and Aneta Cymbaluk-Płoska

Nutrients 2022, 14(15), 3079; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14153079 - 27 Jul 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1872

Abstract

Background: The incidence of endometrial cancer (EC) is still rising. Numerous risk factors including patient characteristics and molecular instability have been identified for EC. The presence of specific molecular markers allows specific diagnostic and prognostic approaches. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been [...] Read more.

Background: The incidence of endometrial cancer (EC) is still rising. Numerous risk factors including patient characteristics and molecular instability have been identified for EC. The presence of specific molecular markers allows specific diagnostic and prognostic approaches. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified to influence endometrial cancer risk. Metalloestrogens are metal ions which can mimic estrogen activity; however, their role in uterine pathologies remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate total blood trace elements levels and evaluate the distribution of selected genotypes in GSTP1 and SLC11A2 genes. Methods: This retrospective case-control analysis was carried out in peripheral blood samples of 110 women with endometrial cancer (EC; n = 21), uterine fibroma (n = 25), endometrial polyp (n = 48), and normal endometrium (n = 16). Analysis included measurement of metals and phosphor in serum, and of genetic polymorphisms in GST (rs1695) and SLC11A2 (rs224589) in DNA from white blood cells. Serum trace elements were measured using ICP-OES spectrometry. SNPs were identified using Taq Man real-time PCR genotyping assays. Results: The study confirmed higher age (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.69–2.24), post-menopausal status (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.36–1.94), and diabetes type 2 (OR 1.54; 95% CI 0.97–1.72) as independent risk factors for EC. We also found a high level of Cd (OR 1.49; 95% CI 1.31–1.63) and a low level of Co (OR 0.76; 95% CI 0.53–0.59) to be independent risk factors of EC. None of the tested polymorphisms of GSTP1 and SLC11A2 were associated with EC risk. However, high Cd (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.15–1.29) and Ni (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.05–1.18) serum levels were significantly associated with a SLC1A2 TG genotype, and high Cd levels with GSTP1 (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01–1.13). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Specific Diseases by Women during the Life Course)

12 pages, 274 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Limiting Postpartum Weight Retention in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Women: Secondary Analysis of the HeLP-her Randomized Controlled Trial

by Mingling Chen, Siew Lim and Cheryce L. Harrison

Nutrients 2022, 14(14), 2988; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14142988 - 21 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1813

Abstract

Postpartum weight retention (PPWR) contributes to maternal obesity development and is more pronounced in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women. Our antenatal healthy lifestyle intervention (HeLP-her) demonstrated efficacy in reducing PPWR in non-Australian-born CALD women compared with Australian-born women. In this secondary analysis, [...] Read more.

Postpartum weight retention (PPWR) contributes to maternal obesity development and is more pronounced in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women. Our antenatal healthy lifestyle intervention (HeLP-her) demonstrated efficacy in reducing PPWR in non-Australian-born CALD women compared with Australian-born women. In this secondary analysis, we aimed to examine differences in the intervention effect on behavioral and psychosocial outcomes between Australian-born and non-Australian-born women and explore factors associated with the differential intervention effect on PPWR. Pregnant women at risk of gestational diabetes (Australian-born n = 86, non-Australian-born n = 142) were randomized to intervention (four lifestyle sessions) or control (standard antenatal care). PPWR was defined as the difference in measured weight between 6 weeks postpartum and baseline (12–15 weeks gestation). Behavioral (self-weighing, physical activity (pedometer), diet (fat-related dietary habits questionnaire), self-perceived behavior changes), and psychosocial (weight control confidence, exercise self-efficacy, eating self-efficacy) outcomes were examined by country of birth. Multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to assess factors associated with PPWR. The intervention significantly increased self-weighing, eating self-efficacy, and self-perceived changes to diet and physical activity at 6 weeks postpartum in non-Australian-born women, compared with no significant changes observed among Australian-born women. Intervention allocation and decreased intake of snack foods were predictors of lower PPWR in non-Australian-born women. Results indicate that the HeLP-her intervention improved dietary behaviors, contributing to the reduction of PPWR in CALD women. Future translations could prioritize targeting diet while developing more effective strategies to increase exercise engagement during pregnancy in this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Specific Diseases by Women during the Life Course)

14 pages, 878 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association of Dietary Pattern with Cardiovascular Risk Factors among Postmenopausal Women in Taiwan: A Cross-Sectional Study from 2001 to 2015

by Sabrina Aliné, Chien-Yeh Hsu, Hsiu-An Lee, Rathi Paramastri and Jane C.-J. Chao

Nutrients 2022, 14(14), 2911; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14142911 - 15 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2201

Abstract

Unhealthy diet and inappropriate lifestyle contribute to an imbalance in cardiometabolic profiles among postmenopausal women. This research aimed to analyze the association between dietary pattern and changes in cardiovascular risk factors among postmenopausal Taiwanese women using binary logistic regression. This cross-sectional study involved [...] Read more.

Unhealthy diet and inappropriate lifestyle contribute to an imbalance in cardiometabolic profiles among postmenopausal women. This research aimed to analyze the association between dietary pattern and changes in cardiovascular risk factors among postmenopausal Taiwanese women using binary logistic regression. This cross-sectional study involved 5689 postmenopausal Taiwanese women aged 45 years and above, and the data were obtained from Mei Jau Health Management Institution database between 2001 and 2015. The cardiovascular risk dietary pattern characterized by high intakes of processed food, rice/flour products, organ meat, and sauce was derived by reduced rank regression. Participants in the highest quartile of the cardiovascular risk dietary pattern were more likely to have high levels of systolic blood pressure (OR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.08–1.53), diastolic blood pressure (OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.01–1.62), atherogenic index of plasma (OR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.06–1.49), triglycerides (OR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.17–1.62), and fasting blood glucose (Q3: OR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.07–1.97). However, this dietary pattern was not correlated with total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and C-reactive protein. Therefore, adherence to the cardiovascular risk dietary pattern increases the risk of having higher levels of blood pressure, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose in postmenopausal Taiwanese women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Specific Diseases by Women during the Life Course)

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14 pages, 968 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutritional Risk Factors Associated with Vasomotor Symptoms in Women Aged 40–65 Years

by Alexandra Tijerina, Yamile Barrera, Elizabeth Solis-Pérez, Rogelio Salas, José L. Jasso, Verónica López, Erik Ramírez, Rosario Pastor, Josep A. Tur and Cristina Bouzas

Nutrients 2022, 14(13), 2587; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14132587 - 22 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4105

Abstract

Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are the most common symptoms among menopausal women; these include hot flashes and night sweats, and palpitations often occur along with hot flashes. Some studies in Mexico reported that around 50% of women presented with VMS mainly in the menopausal [...] Read more.

Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are the most common symptoms among menopausal women; these include hot flashes and night sweats, and palpitations often occur along with hot flashes. Some studies in Mexico reported that around 50% of women presented with VMS mainly in the menopausal transition. It has been proven that VMS are not only triggered by an estrogen deficiency, but also by nutritional risk factors. Evidence of an association between nutritional risk factors and VMS is limited in Mexican women. The aim of this study is to identify nutritional risk factors associated with VMS in women aged 40–65 years. This is a comparative cross-sectional study, undertaken in a retrospective way. A sample group (n = 406 women) was divided into four stages according to STRAW+10 (Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop): late reproductive, menopausal transition, early postmenopause, and late postmenopause. Hot flashes were present mainly in the early postmenopause stage (38.1%, p ≤ 0.001). Two or more VMS were reported in 23.2% of women in the menopausal transition stage and 29.3% in the early postmenopause stage (p < 0.001). The presence of VMS was associated with different nutritional risk factors (weight, fasting glucose levels, cardiorespiratory fitness, and tobacco use) in women living in the northeast of Mexico. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Specific Diseases by Women during the Life Course)

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12 pages, 4826 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of a High-Fat, High-Fructose Diet on Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Prepubertal Mice

by Joanna Maria Pieczyńska, Ewa Pruszyńska-Oszmałek, Paweł Antoni Kołodziejski, Anna Łukomska and Joanna Bajerska

Nutrients 2022, 14(12), 2478; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14122478 - 15 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2429

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effects of a high-fat, high-fructose (HF/HFr) diet on metabolic/endocrine dysregulations associated with letrozole (LET)-induced Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) in prepubertal female mice. Thirty-two prepubertal C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups of eight and implanted with [...] Read more.

This study aims to investigate the effects of a high-fat, high-fructose (HF/HFr) diet on metabolic/endocrine dysregulations associated with letrozole (LET)-induced Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) in prepubertal female mice. Thirty-two prepubertal C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups of eight and implanted with LET or a placebo, with simultaneous administration of an HF/HFr/standard diet for five weeks. After sacrifice, the liver and blood were collected for selected biochemical analyses. The ovaries were taken for histopathological examination. The LET+HF/HFr group gained significantly more weight than the LET-treated mice. Both the LET+HF/HFr and the placebo-treated mice on the HF/HFr diet developed polycystic ovaries. Moreover the LET+HF/HFr group had significantly elevated testosterone levels, worsened lipid profile and indices of insulin sensitivity. In turn, the HF/HFr diet alone led to similar changes in the LET-treated group, except for the indices of insulin sensitivity. Hepatic steatosis also occurred in both HF/HFr groups. The LET-treated group did not develop endocrine or metabolic abnormalities, but polycystic ovaries were seen. Since the HF/HFr diet can cause substantial metabolic and reproductive dysregulation in both LET-treated and placebo mice, food items rich in simple sugar—particularly fructose—and saturated fat, which have the potential to lead to PCOS progression, should be eliminated from the diet of young females. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Specific Diseases by Women during the Life Course)

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17 pages, 948 KiB

Open AccessReview

Dietary Natural Compounds and Vitamins as Potential Cofactors in Uterine Fibroids Growth and Development

by Iwona Szydłowska, Jolanta Nawrocka-Rutkowska, Agnieszka Brodowska, Aleksandra Marciniak, Andrzej Starczewski and Małgorzata Szczuko

Nutrients 2022, 14(4), 734; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14040734 - 09 Feb 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 7494

Abstract

An analysis of the literature generated within the past 20 year-span concerning risks of uterine fibroids (UFs) occurrence and dietary factors was carried out. A link between Vitamin D deficiency and UFs formation is strongly indicated, making it a potent compound in leiomyoma [...] Read more.

An analysis of the literature generated within the past 20 year-span concerning risks of uterine fibroids (UFs) occurrence and dietary factors was carried out. A link between Vitamin D deficiency and UFs formation is strongly indicated, making it a potent compound in leiomyoma therapy. Analogs of the 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, not susceptible to degradation by tissue 24-hydroxylase, appear to be especially promising and tend to show better therapeutic results. Although research on the role of Vitamin A in the formation of fibroids is contradictory, Vitamin A-enriched diet, as well as synthetic retinoid analogues, may be preventative or limit the growth of fibroids. Unambiguous conclusions cannot be drawn regarding Vitamin E and C supplementation, except for alpha-tocopherol. Alpha-tocopherol as a phytoestrogen taking part in the modulation of estrogen receptors (ERs) involved in UF etiology, should be particularly avoided in therapy. A diet enriched in fruits and vegetables, as sources of carotenoids, polyphenols, quercetin, and indole-3-carbinol, constitutes an easily modifiable lifestyle element with beneficial results in patients with UFs. Other natural substances, such as curcumin, can reduce the oxidative stress and protect against inflammation in leiomyoma. Although the exact effect of probiotics on uterine fibroids has not yet been thoroughly evaluated at this point, the protective role of dairy products, i.e., yogurt consumption, has been indicated. Trace elements such as selenium can also contribute to antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of a recommended diet. In contrast, heavy metals, endocrine disrupting chemicals, cigarette smoking, and a diet low in antioxidants and fiber were, alongside genetic predispositions, associated with UFs formation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Specific Diseases by Women during the Life Course)

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