Acute Effects of Dried Apple Consumption on Metabolic and Cognitive Responses in Healthy Individuals

Kara Sansone,Mark Kern,홍미영,Changqi Liu,Shirin Hooshmand 한국식품영양과학회 2018 Journal of medicinal food Vol.21 No.11

The objective of this study was to assess the potential of dried apple to regulate acute blood glucose, insulin, satiety, and total plasma antioxidant levels, and to explore the effect of dried apple on cognitive responses. Twenty-one healthy, normal-weight subjects completed the study which used a randomized crossover design with repeated measures. After a fast of 10 h, a standardized serving size of either dried apple or muffins was consumed. Blood glucose, insulin, and antioxidant concentrations were measured at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min postprandial, and satiety was assessed every 15 min for 2 h. Cognitive tests were administered before and 2 h after consumption of the test food. The dried apple had significantly higher phenolic content and antioxidant activities than the muffin (P ≤ .05). Consumption of the dried apples produced significantly lower glucose concentrations at 30- (P ≤ .01; 95% CI [2.93–16.64]), 45- (P ≤ .02; 95% CI [2.41–17.88]), 60- (P ≤ .02; 95% CI [2.10–14.56]), and 120-min (P ≤ .01; 95% CI [8.16–16.80]) time points, and significantly lower (P ≤ .03; 95% CI [0.60–8.70]) insulin concentrations at a 15-min time point than the muffins but offered little consistent differences in antioxidant status, satiety, and cognitive function. These findings suggested that the intake of dried apples could reduce postprandial blood glucose and potentially increase the effectiveness of insulin responses in healthy individuals but offered little consistent differences in antioxidant status, satiety, and cognitive function.

Dried Plum Consumption Improves Total Cholesterol and Antioxidant Capacity and Reduces Inflammation in Healthy Postmenopausal Women

Mee Young Hong,Mark Kern,Michelle Nakamichi-Lee,Nazanin Abbaspour,Arshya Ahouraei Far,Shirin Hooshmand 한국식품영양과학회 2021 Journal of medicinal food Vol.24 No.11

Dried plums contain bioactive components that have demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The objective of this study was to determine if dried plum consumption reduces the risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in postmenopausal women, specifically examining lipid profiles, oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity, and inflammation in a dose-dependent manner. We conducted a 6-month, parallel-design controlled clinical trial, where 48 postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to consume 0, 50, or 100 g of dried plum each day. After 6 months of intervention, total cholesterol (TC) in the 100 g/day treatment group (P = .002) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the 50 g/day treatment group (P = .005) improved significantly compared to baseline. Inflammatory biomarkers interleukin-6 (P = .044) and tumor necrosis factor-α (P = .040) were significantly lower after 6 months within the 50 g/day dried plum group compared to baseline. Moreover, total antioxidant capacity increased significantly within the 50 g/day group (P = .046), and superoxide dismutase activity increased significantly within both 50 and 100 g/day groups (P = .044 and P = .027, respectively) after 6 months compared to baseline. In addition, plasma activities of alanine transaminase (P = .046), lactate dehydrogenase (P = .039), and creatine kinase (P = .030) were significantly lower after 6 months in the 50 g/day dried plum group. These findings suggest that daily consumption of 50–100 g dried plum improves CVD risk factors in postmenopausal women as exhibited by lower TC, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers with no clear dose dependence.

Mixed Nuts May Promote Satiety While Maintaining Stable Blood Glucose and Insulin in Healthy, Obese, and Overweight Adults in a Two-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial

Natasha Godwin, Traci Roberts,Shirin Hooshmand,Mark Kern,홍미영 한국식품영양과학회 2019 Journal of medicinal food Vol.22 No.4

Multiple studies have examined the impacts of various nuts on appetitive and metabolic effects; however, fewer studies have addressed the impacts of mixed nuts. The objective was to examine the acute effects of consumption of an isocaloric (253 kcal) snack of mixed nuts or pretzels on appetite hormones, glucose and insulin responses, and subjective appetite ratings in overweight and obese adults. In a two-arm randomized controlled trial, overweight and obese adults consumed either mixed nuts (n = 27) or pretzels (n = 27) with 16 men and 11 women per group. After an overnight fast, blood glucose, insulin, and appetite hormone were measured at baseline and 60 min post snack consumption. Appetite/satiety questionnaires were completed at baseline and 20, 40, 60, 90, 120 min after snack consumption. Both snacks increased satiety and reduced hunger over time. The pretzels group exhibited higher subjective satiety and lower hunger (P < .001) following consumption than the mixed nuts group. Pretzel consumption increased glucose and insulin (P < .001), while no elevation was detected in the mixed nuts at 60 min post snack consumption. Leptin and ghrelin concentrations were significantly lower for the mixed nuts group at 60 min compared with baseline (P < .05). Mixed nuts promote satiety in overweight and obese adults while maintaining stable blood glucose and insulin levels. These results suggest that mixed nuts snack may be beneficial for those who are overweight or obese. Future mixed nuts studies are warranted to examine long-term effects.s

Dried Plum Ingestion Increases the Osteoblastogenic Capacity of Human Serum

Paulina Delgado Cuenca,Lama Almaiman,Simon Schenk,Mark Kern,Shirin Hooshmand 한국식품영양과학회 2017 Journal of medicinal food Vol.20 No.7

In cell culture studies, dried plum (Prunus domestica L.) polyphenols increased osteoblast alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mineralized nodule formation, and the expression of the bone marker genes runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and osterix. The purpose of this study was to determine whether human serum collected 1 and 2 h after dried plum ingestion influenced osteoblast cell activity and gene expression. Five healthy women ingested 100 g of dried plum, and serum samples were collected at baseline (before dried plum ingestion) and 1 and 2 h postingestion of dried plum. MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cells were treated (2% of medium) with these serum samples for 3 or 9 days. Intracellular and extracellular ALP activities were significantly increased after 3 or 9 days of treatment with serum both postingestion time points, with no effect seen in baseline samples. Also, serum obtained 1 and 2 h postingestion significantly increased the mRNA expression of bone markers RUNX2 and connexin43 (CX43) after both 3 and 9 days of incubation periods. Finally, serum obtained 1 and 2 h postingestion increased the mRNA expression of β-catenin after 9 days of incubation. We conclude that osteoblast activity and function are increased by dried plum ingestion, which may, in part, explain its beneficial effects on bone health.

Significance of Facet Fluid Index in Anterior Cervical Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

Lee Yunsoo,Heard Jeremy C.,Lambrechts Mark J.,Kern Nathaniel,Wiafe Bright,Goodman Perry,Mangan John J.,Canseco Jose A.,Kurd Mark F.,Kaye Ian D.,Hilibrand Alan S.,Vaccaro Alexander R.,Kepler Christophe 대한척추외과학회 2024 Asian Spine Journal Vol.18 No.1

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.Purpose: To correlate cervical facet fluid characteristics to radiographic spondylolisthesis, determine if facet fluid is associated with instability in cervical degenerative spondylolisthesis, and examine whether vertebral levels with certain facet fluid characteristics and spondylolisthesis are more likely to be operated on.Overview of Literature: The relationship between facet fluid and lumbar spondylolisthesis is well-documented; however, there is a paucity of literature investigating facet fluid in degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis.Methods: Patients diagnosed with cervical degenerative spondylolisthesis were identified from a hospital’s medical records. Demographic and surgical characteristics were collected through a structured query language search and manual chart review. Radiographic measurements were made on preoperative MRIs for all vertebral levels diagnosed with spondylolisthesis and adjacent undiagnosed levels between C3 and C6. The facet fluid index was calculated by dividing the facet fluid measurement by the width of the facet. Bivariate analysis was conducted to compare facet characteristics based on radiographic spondylolisthesis and spondylolisthesis stability.Results: We included 154 patients, for whom 149 levels were classified as having spondylolisthesis and 206 levels did not. The average facet fluid index was significantly higher in patients with spondylolisthesis (0.26±0.07 vs. 0.23±0.08, p <0.001). In addition, both fluid width and facet width were significantly larger in patients with spondylolisthesis (p <0.001 each). Cervical levels in the fusion construct demonstrated a greater facet fluid index and were more likely to have unstable spondylolisthesis than stable spondylolisthesis (p <0.001 each).Conclusions: Facet fluid index is associated with cervical spondylolisthesis and an increased facet size and fluid width are associated with unstable spondylolisthesis. While cervical spondylolisthesis continues to be an inconclusive finding, vertebral levels with spondylolisthesis, especially the unstable ones, were more likely to be included in the fusion procedure than those without spondylolisthesis.

Effects of Dried Apple Consumption on Body Composition, Serum Lipid Profile, Glucose Regulation, and Inflammatory Markers in Overweight and Obese Children

Ashley Eisner,Pavithra Ramachandran,Conralyn Cabalbag,Dina Metti,Pouneh Shamloufard,Mark Kern,Mee Young Hong,Shirin Hooshmand 한국식품영양과학회 2020 Journal of medicinal food Vol.23 No.3

Consumption of fruits reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease; however, very few studies have investigated the effect of fruit consumption in overweight and obese children. We examined whether consuming dried apple as a snack is a practical solution for weight loss and improves body composition and metabolic markers. Thirty-eight overweight or obese children aged 10 to 16 years were randomly assigned to one of two groups consuming twice daily 120 kcal serving per day of either dried apple or a control snack (muffin) for 8 weeks. Body weight, height, waist circumference, and body composition were determined during an initial visit and after 8 weeks of intervention. Blood samples were collected to measure serum concentrations of blood lipids, glucose, insulin, proinsulin, total adiponectin, and C-reactive protein, as well as total antioxidant capacity and activity of glutathione peroxidase. Body weight increased in the muffin group (P = .01). BodPod and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry showed that fat-free mass increased (P < .05) only in the muffin group. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration increased (P = .04) after the 8-week treatment within the apple group. Overall, minor differences were detected in growing children who consumed snacks of either dried apples or muffins with similar macronutrient profiles for 8 weeks. Future research should evaluate the effects of consuming fresh apples that include the peel.

Fresh Mango Consumption Promotes Greater Satiety and Improves Postprandial Glucose and Insulin Responses in Healthy Overweight and Obese Adults

Sherry Pinneo,Celeste O’Mealy,Martin Rosas Jr.,Michelle Tsang,Changqi Liu,Mark Kern,Shirin Hooshmand,Mee Young Hong 한국식품영양과학회 2022 Journal of medicinal food Vol.25 No.4

Mangos are an understudied fruit rich in fiber and polyphenols that have been linked to better metabolic outcomes and promotion of satiety. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of mango consumption on postprandial glucose, insulin, and satiety responses. Using a randomized crossover study design, 23 overweight and obese men and women consumed 100 kcal snacks of fresh mangos or isocaloric low-fat cookies on two separate occasions. Insulin and satiety hormones were measured at baseline and 45 min post-snack consumption. Glucose was measured at baseline, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after snack consumption. Satiety questionnaires were completed at baseline and every 20 min for 120 min post-consumption. Both mangos and low-fat cookies increased insulin, with a significantly lower increase for mangos compared with low-fat cookies at 45 min post-snack consumption (P ≤ .05). Glucose increased at 30 min for both snacks; however, the increase was significantly higher for low-fat cookie consumption (P ≤ .05). Cholecystokinin increased after mangos and low-fat cookie consumption (P ≤ .05); however, no differences were detected between the snacks. Adiponectin increased after mango consumption (P ≤ .05) but not after low-fat cookies. Mango consumption reduced hunger, anticipated food consumption and thirst, and increased feelings of fullness (P ≤ .05). Low-fat cookie consumption increased fullness for a shorter time period and did not reduce participants' desire to eat. These results suggest that relative to a refined cookie snack, mangos promote greater satiety and improve postprandial glycemic responses. Future research on long-term effects of mango consumption on food intake, weight control, and glucose homeostasis is warranted. Clinical Trial Registration number: #NCT03957928.

Effects of Agave Nectar Versus Sucrose on Weight Gain, Adiposity, Blood Glucose, Insulin, and Lipid Responses in Mice

Shirin Hooshmand,Brittany Holloway,Tricia Nemoseck,Sarah Cole,Yumi Petrisko,Mee Young Hong,Mark Kern 한국식품영양과학회 2014 Journal of medicinal food Vol.17 No.9

Agave nectar is a fructose-rich liquid sweetener derived from a plant, and is often promoted as a low glycemic alternative to refined sugar. However, little scientific research has been conducted in animals or humans to determine its metabolic and/or health effects. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of agave nectar versus sucrose on weight gain, adiposity, fasting plasma blood glucose, insulin, and lipid levels. Eighteen (n = 18) male ICR mice (33.8 – 1.6 g) were divided into two groups (n = 6 for agave nectar and n = 12 for sucrose) and provided free access to one of two diets of equal energy densities differing only in a portion of the carbohydrate provided. Diets contained 20% carbohydrate (by weight of total diet) from either raw agave nectar or sucrose. Epididymal fat pads were excised, and blood was collected after 34 days. Weight gain (4.3 – 2.2 vs. 8.4 – 3.4 g), fat pad weights (0.95 – 0.54 vs. 1.75 – 0.66 g), plasma glucose (77.8 – 12.2 vs. 111.0 – 27.9 mg/dL), and insulin (0.61 – 0.29 vs. 1.46 – 0.81 ng/mL) were significantly lower (P £ .05) for agave nectar-fed mice compared to sucrose-fed mice respectively. No statistically significant differences in total cholesterol or triglycerides were detected. These results suggest that in comparison to sucrose, agave nectar may have a positive influence on weight gain and glucose control. However, more research with a larger sample of animals and/or with human subjects is warranted.

Biochemical, Anthropometric, and Physiological Responses to Carbohydrate-Restricted Diets Versus a Low-Fat Diet in Obese Adults: A Randomized Crossover Trial

Mayumi Petrisko,Rebecca Kloss,Patricia Bradley,Erika Birrenkott,Audrey Spindler,Zachary S. Clayton,Mark Kern 한국식품영양과학회 2020 Journal of medicinal food Vol.23 No.3

Some research supports high-fat carbohydrate (CHO)-restricted diets for weight and fat loss and improvement of cardiovascular disease risk factors. To test this, a randomized crossover study was designed. Subjects (17 obese men and women [BMI: 30–38 kg/m2]) were fed three diets (supplying 1600 and 2200 kilocalories (kcal)/day for women and men, respectively) for 4 weeks, with each trial separated by 4-week washout periods. One CHO-restricted diet (10% CHO, 50% fat, and 40% protein content) was rich in plant foods and mushrooms, while the other CHO-restricted diet included more animal foods (10% CHO, 60% fat, and 30% protein content). The third diet was lower in fat and protein content (LF) and higher in CHOs (61% CHO, 21% fat, and 18% protein content). Body composition was assessed through hydrostatic weighing before and after each diet trial. Fasting blood samples were collected weekly for analysis of hormones and lipids. Data were analyzed through repeated measures analysis of variance with post hoc paired comparison t-tests. Weight and fat loss were similar (P > .05) among trials. Subjects lost lean mass (P < .05) during CHO-restricted trials, but not in the LF trial. Insulin concentrations decreased (P < .05) during the CHO-restricted trial and tended (P = .05) to decrease during the LF trial. Total cholesterol decreased (P < .05) for all trials; however, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased (P < .05) and triacylglycerols were higher (P < .05) following the LF trial. Taken together, energy restriction regardless of diet composition promoted similar weight loss; however, CHO-restricted diets based on either plants/mushrooms or animal foods elicited a more beneficial lipid-altering effect in comparison with the LF diet.