02/01/17

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

NOTCH1 and NOTCH2 regulate epithelial cell proliferation in mouse and human gastric corpus

The Notch signaling pathway is known to regulate stem cells and epithelial cell homeostasis in gastrointestinal tissues; however, Notch function in the corpus region of the stomach is poorly understood. In this study we examined the consequences of Notch inhibition and activation on cellular proliferation and differentiation and defined the specific Notch receptors functioning in the mouse and human corpus. Notch pathway activity was observed in the mouse corpus epithelium, and gene expression analysis revealed NOTCH1 and NOTCH2 to be the predominant Notch receptors in both mouse and human. Global Notch inhibition for 5 days reduced progenitor cell proliferation in the mouse corpus, as well as in organoids derived from mouse and human corpus tissue. Proliferation effects were mediated through both NOTCH1 and NOTCH2 receptors, as demonstrated by targeting each receptor alone or in combination with Notch receptor inhibitory antibodies. Analysis of differentiation by marker expression showed no change to the major cell lineages; however, there was a modest increase in the number of transitional cells coexpressing markers of mucous neck and chief cells. In contrast to reduced proliferation after pathway inhibition, Notch activation in the adult stomach resulted in increased proliferation coupled with reduced differentiation. These findings suggest that NOTCH1 and NOTCH2 signaling promotes progenitor cell proliferation in the mouse and human gastric corpus, which is consistent with previously defined roles for Notch in promoting stem and progenitor cell proliferation in the intestine and antral stomach.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Here we demonstrate that the Notch signaling pathway is essential for proliferation of stem cells in the mouse and human gastric corpus. We identify NOTCH1 and NOTCH2 as the predominant Notch receptors expressed in both mouse and human corpus and show that both receptors are required for corpus stem cell proliferation. We show that chronic Notch activation in corpus stem cells induces hyperproliferation and tissue hypertrophy, suggesting that Notch may drive gastric tumorigenesis.

From: Demitrack, E. S., Gifford, G. B., Keeley, T. M., Horita, N., Todisco, A., Turgeon, D. K., Siebel, C. W., Samuelson, L. C. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/312/2/G133?rss=1

miR-200b inhibits TNF-{alpha}-induced IL-8 secretion and tight junction disruption of intestinal epithelial cells in vitro

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic, inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract with unclear etiologies. Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), containing crypt and villus enterocytes, occupy a critical position in the pathogenesis of IBDs and are a major producer of immunoregulatory cytokines and a key component of the intact epithelial barrier. Previously, we have reported that miR-200b is involved in the progression of IBDs and might maintain the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier via reducing the loss of enterocytes. In this study, we further investigated the impact of miR-200b on intestinal epithelial inflammation and tight junctions in two distinct differentiated states of Caco-2 cells after TNF-α treatment. We demonstrated that TNF-α-enhanced IL-8 expression was decreased by microRNA (miR)-200b in undifferentiated IECs. Simultaneously, miR-200b could alleviate TNF-α-induced tight junction (TJ) disruption in well-differentiated IECs by reducing the reduction in the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), inhibiting the increase in paracellular permeability, and preventing the morphological redistribution of the TJ proteins claudin 1 and ZO-1. The expression levels of the JNK/c-Jun/AP-1 and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK)/phosphorylated myosin light chain (p-MLC) pathways were attenuated in undifferentiated and differentiated enterocytes, respectively. Furthermore, a dual-luciferase reporter gene detection system provided direct evidence that c-Jun and MLCK were the specific targets of miR-200b. Collectively, our results highlighted that miR-200b played a positive role in IECs via suppressing intestinal epithelial IL-8 secretion and attenuating TJ damage in vitro, which suggested that miR-200b might be a promising strategy for IBD therapy.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This was the first time that the inhibitory role of miR-200b on intestinal epithelial inflammation and paracellular permeability has been reported. Moreover, we further divided the intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) into two differentiated conditions and investigated the distinct impacts of miR-200b. Finally, we put forward and proved that myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) was a novel target of miR-200b.

From: Shen, Y., Zhou, M., Yan, J., Gong, Z., Xiao, Y., Zhang, C., Du, P., Chen, Y. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/312/2/G123?rss=1

Critical role of microbiota within cecal crypts on the regenerative capacity of the intestinal epithelium following surgical stress

Cecal crypts represent a unique niche that are normally occupied by the commensal microbiota. Due to their density and close proximity to stem cells, microbiota within cecal crypts may modulate epithelial regeneration. Here we demonstrate that surgical stress, a process that invariably involves a short period of starvation, antibiotic exposure, and tissue injury, results in cecal crypt evacuation of their microbiota. Crypts devoid of their microbiota display pathophysiological features characterized by abnormal stem cell activation as judged by leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5) staining, expansion of the proliferative zone toward the tips of the crypts, and an increase in apoptosis. In addition, crypts devoid of their microbiota display loss of their regenerative capacity as assessed by their ability to form organoids ex vivo. When a four-member human pathogen community isolated from the stool of a critically ill patient is introduced into the cecum of mice with empty crypts, crypts become occupied by the pathogens and further disruption of crypt homeostasis is observed. Fecal microbiota transplantation restores the cecal crypts’ microbiota, normalizes homeostasis within crypts, and reestablishes crypt regenerative capacity. Taken together, these findings define an emerging role for the microbiota within cecal crypts to maintain epithelial cell homeostasis in a manner that may enhance recovery in response to the physiological stress imposed by the process of surgery.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study provides novel insight into the process by which surgical injury places the intestinal epithelium at risk for colonization by pathogenic microbes and impairment of its regenerative capacity via loss of its microbiota. We show that fecal transplant restores crypt homeostasis in association with repopulation of the microbiota within cecal crypts.

From: Zaborin, A., Krezalek, M., Hyoju, S., Defazio, J. R., Setia, N., Belogortseva, N., Bindokas, V. P., Guo, Q., Zaborina, O., Alverdy, J. C. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/312/2/G112?rss=1

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) promotes inflammation-induced tumorigenesis by enhancing epithelial cell proliferation

We have demonstrated that neuropeptide Y (NPY), abundantly produced by enteric neurons, is an important regulator of intestinal inflammation. However, the role of NPY in the progression of chronic inflammation to tumorigenesis is unknown. We investigated whether NPY could modulate epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis, and thus regulate tumorigenesis. Repeated cycles of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) were used to model inflammation-induced tumorigenesis in wild-type (WT) and NPY knockout (NPY^–/–) mice. Intestinal epithelial cell lines (T84) were used to assess the effects of NPY (0.1 µM) on epithelial proliferation and apoptosis in vitro. DSS-WT mice exhibited enhanced intestinal inflammation, polyp size, and polyp number (7.5 ± 0.8) compared with DSS-NPY^–/– mice (4 ± 0.5, P < 0.01). Accordingly, DSS-WT mice also showed increased colonic epithelial proliferation (PCNA, Ki67) and reduced apoptosis (TUNEL) compared with DSS-NPY^–/– mice. The apoptosis regulating microRNA, miR-375, was significantly downregulated in the colon of DSS-WT (2-fold, P < 0.01) compared with DSS-NPY^–/–-mice. In vitro studies indicated that NPY promotes cell proliferation (increase in PCNA and β-catenin, P < 0.05) via phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase (PI3-K)-β-catenin signaling, suppressed miR-375 expression, and reduced apoptosis (increase in phospho-Bad). NPY-treated cells also displayed increased c-Myc and cyclin D1, and reduction in p21 (P < 0.05). Addition of miR-375 inhibitor to cells already treated with NPY did not further enhance the effects induced by NPY alone. Our findings demonstrate a novel regulation of inflammation-induced tumorigenesis by NPY-epithelial cross talk as mediated by activation of PI3-K signaling and downregulation of miR-375.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our work exemplifies a novel role of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in regulating inflammation-induced tumorigenesis via two modalities: first by enhanced proliferation (PI3-K/pAkt), and second by downregulation of microRNA-375 (miR-375)-dependent apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells. Our data establish the existence of a microRNA-mediated cross talk between enteric neurons producing NPY and intestinal epithelial cells, and the potential of neuropeptide-regulated miRNAs as potential therapeutic molecules for the management of inflammation-associated tumors in the gut.

From: Jeppsson, S., Srinivasan, S., Chandrasekharan, B. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/312/2/G103?rss=1

Better sleep could mean better sex for older women

A new study found links between too little shuteye and less sexual satisfaction, especially around menopause

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/better-sleep-could-mean-better-sex-for-older-women/

Heart Risks May Boost Women's Colon Cancer Risk

This was true even in normal-weight women, study suggests

From: http://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/news/20170201/heart-risks-may-boost-womens-colon-cancer-risk-too?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Attention shoppers: Be wary of health claims on food packaging

If you’re like most nutrition-minded shoppers, the word “healthy” on the front of a package can be a big draw. “When you’re stuck in a situation where processed foods are the only thing available to you, it can be helpful to know which foods are healthier than others,” says Dr. Walter Willett, chair of the department of nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Yet these days you’re on shaky nutritional ground if you rely on front-of-package claims like “healthy” and “natural” to determine which soup, sauce, cereal (or other canned, bottled, boxed, or bagged food) is the best choice. In 2015 Dr. Willett was one of a dozen nutrition experts to notify the Food and Drug Administration that its definition of “healthy” was out of date and could lead consumers in the wrong direction. They petitioned the FDA to redefine “healthy,” and in September 2016 the agency reported that it was doing so the FDA is also working on defining the term “natural” as well.

What does “healthy” mean?

“Healthy” became a selling point a quarter of a century ago, when the balance of evidence indicated that what we eat plays an important role in determining how healthy we are. In those days, the major focus was on diet and heart disease, and public health officials emphasized reducing fat intake to keep our arteries open, and controlling sodium to keep our blood pressure in check. In the early 1990s, the FDA ruled that food manufacturers could use the term “healthy” on the front of a package as long as the contents contained less than a specified amount of both sodium and fat per serving.

Since then, research has determined that diets rich in unsaturated fats — those found in nuts, seeds, and fish — may actually reduce the risk cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Research has also shown that eating a lot of refined carbohydrates — which were often added to low-fat foods as flavor enhancers — may increase the risk of those conditions. The experts who crafted the 2015-2020 Dietary Recommendations for Americans advised removing the limit on total fat calories. Instead, the new recommendations limit only trans and saturated fats (to 10% of calories), added sugars (to 10% of calories), and sodium (to 2,300 grams per day).

Nutrition Facts labeling is also being updated to reflect the recent dietary recommendations. By July 26, 2018, most food packages will display an updated Nutrition Facts box that will include the amount of added sugars—a source of empty calories. They will also include realistic serving sizes, and will no longer single out calories from fat.

What can you do?

Although food labeling isn’t ideal, it still offers useful information. To get the best idea of what you’re buying you may want to do the following:

Trust, but verify. If the front of the package says “healthy,” check the Nutrition Facts on the back to make sure you’re not getting too many calories from sugars. Remember: each gram of sugar has four calories.
Do the math. The serving size on the package is likely to be an underestimate of what you’ll eat. For a more realistic idea of your potential calorie intake, multiply the number of calories in a single serving by the number of servings in the package. Then estimate how much of the package you’re likely to consume. For example, a container of hummus may have 17 servings at 35 calories each. If you usually use a fifth of the container in a sandwich wrap, you’ll be getting about 120 calories. This approach works for other ingredients like sugar and sodium. If it sounds daunting, turn to the calculator app on your smartphone.
Cut back on packaged foods. If you make your own sauces, dressings, and soups from fresh produce, spices, and vegetable oils, you’ll have more assurance that you’re eating for good health — and you’ll probably get better flavors in the bargain.

The post Attention shoppers: Be wary of health claims on food packaging appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Beverly Merz http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/attention-shoppers-be-wary-of-health-claims-on-food-packaging-2017020110963

Man credits heart surgeon with saving his life -- twice!

Alexander Mullery was all smiles as he shook hands with his heart surgeon -- a doctor he says saved his life twice

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/alexander-mullery-long-island-man-credits-heart-surgeon-with-saving-his-life-twice-20-years-apart/

Gene Discoveries Offer New Height Insights

Long and short of the findings: Scientists may better understand growth disorders

From: http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20170201/gene-discoveries-offer-new-height-insights?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Can Air Pollution Heighten Alzheimer's Risk?

Fine particles from power plants and cars may be to blame for about 20 percent of cases, study suggests

From: http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20170201/can-air-pollution-heighten-alzheimers-risk?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Many Fast-Food Containers Have Risky Chemical

Many Fast-Food Containers Have Risky Chemical

From: http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20170201/many-fast-food-containers-have-risky-chemical?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Tooth infection led to young dad's death, family says

What started as a toothache turned quickly deadly for the 26-years-old father of two young children

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/tooth-infection-leads-to-young-dads-death-family-claims/

E-Cigarettes Linked to Potential Heart Trouble

Found users were more likely to have early indicators of disease risk

From: http://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/news/20170201/small-study-links-e-cigarettes-to-potential-heart-trouble?src=RSS_PUBLIC

What You Don't Know About Cancer Can Kill You

Too few Americans realize that obesity, alcohol and inactivity boost risk for disease, survey finds

From: http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20170201/what-you-dont-know-about-cancer-can-kill-you?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Better Sleep Could Mean Better Sex for Older Women

Study found links between too little shuteye and less sexual satisfaction, especially around menopause

From: http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20170201/better-sleep-could-mean-better-sex-for-older-women?src=RSS_PUBLIC

ADA Catalog discounts at Midwinter Meeting

The ADA Catalog team will be at the 152nd Midwinter Meeting hosted by the Chicago Dental Society Feb. 23-25 to take orders for catalog items such as the CDT 2017 manual, patient education brochures and the HIPAA and OSHA Compliance Kit.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/ada-catalog-reps-will-be-at-midwinter-meeting

Are there toxins in your fast food packaging?

Nearly half of samples from restaurants nationwide were found to contain potentially harmful fluorinated chemicals, a new study says

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/toxins-in-fast-food-packaging-pfoa-pfos/

Brain scans let "locked in" ALS patients communicate

The technology allowed patients – who were conscious and aware but unable to communicate – to answer yes-and-no questions, researchers report

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/brain-scans-let-locked-in-als-patients-communicate/

Why Are Babies Sleeping in Boxes?

These cardboard boxes help reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related causes of death.

From: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/why-babies-are-sleeping-in-boxes?src=RSS_PUBLIC

PPAR mRNA Levels Are Modified by Dietary n-3 Fatty Acid Restriction and Energy Restriction in the Brain and Liver of Growing Rats [Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions]

Background: Without dietary sources of n–3 (-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), α-linolenic acid (ALA; 18:3n–3) is the precursor for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n–3). It is not known how energy restriction (ER) affects ALA conversion to DHA.

Objective: We tested the hypothesis that ER reduces n–3 LCPUFA concentrations in tissues of growing rats fed diets replete with and deficient in ALA.

Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (23 d old) were provided AIN93G diets (4 wk) made with soybean oil (SO; ALA sufficient) or corn oil (CO; ALA deficient) providing 16% of energy as fat. For each dietary oil, ER rats were individually pair-fed 75% of another rat’s ad libitum (AL) intake. Fatty acid (FA) concentrations in brain regions, liver, and plasma were analyzed. Expression of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptors (PPARs), uncoupling proteins (UCPs), and mitochondrial DNA was analyzed in the brain and liver.

Results: AL rats consuming CO had a 65% lower concentration of n–3 docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n–3) and a 10% lower DHA concentration in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum than did the SO-AL group. ER did not alter cerebral n–3 LCPUFA status. Liver n–3 LCPUFA concentrations were reduced in rats fed CO compared with SO. ER reduced hepatic linoleic acid (18:2n–6), ALA, and arachidonic acid (20:4n–6) regardless of oil. ER and n–3 FA deficiency had independent effects on the mRNA levels of Pparα, Pparβ/, and Ppar in the liver, cerebral cortex, and cerebellum. ER reduced Ucp3 mRNA by nearly 50% in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and liver, and Ucp5 mRNA was 30% lower in the cerebellum of rats receiving the CO diet.

Conclusions: Small perturbations in PUFA concentration and ER modify the mRNA levels of Ppar and Ucp in the juvenile rat brain. More research is needed to identify the long-term physiologic and behavioral impacts of ER and PUFA restriction in the juvenile brain.

From: Picklo, M. J., Johnson, L., Idso, J. http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/short/147/2/161?rss=1

The C-3{alpha} Epimer of 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol from Endogenous and Exogenous Sources Supports Normal Growth and Bone Mineral Density in Weanling Rats [Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions]

Background: The C-3α epimer of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol [3-epi-25(OH)D₃] is elevated in infants.

Objectives: We tested whether increasing cholecalciferol intake results in a dose-response in plasma 3-epi-25(OH)D₃. We also examined bone and mineral metabolism in response to 3-epi-25(OH)D₃ treatment.

Methods: Sprague Dawley rats (4 wk old) were randomly assigned (n = 6/group of each sex) to AIN-93G diets with cholecalciferol at 1 (control), 2, or 4 IU/g diet for objective 1 and to diets with 3-epi-25(OH)D₃ at 0.5 or 1 IU/g diet or 25-hydroxycholecalciferol [25(OH)D₃] at 0.5 IU/g diet for objective 2 for 8 wk. Measurements at weeks 0, 4, and 8 included body weight and length, plasma vitamin D metabolites, bone biomarkers, and bone mineral density determined by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Lumbar vertebra 3 (L3) geometry and volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) were measured using microcomputed tomography. Differences between groups were identified for males and females separately.

Results: Weight and food intake were not different between groups. Elevated plasma 3-epi-25(OH)D₃ was observed only in females in the 4 IU cholecalciferol/g diet group (mean ± SD: 24.7 ± 17.1 ng/mL), compared with the control group (5.3 ± 1.4 ng/mL; P = 0.001). By week 8, both male and female rats in the 3-epi-25(OH)D₃ groups had >87% greater plasma 3-epi-25(OH)D₃ concentrations relative to the 25(OH)D₃ reference group (P < 0.0001). At week 8 in males only, parathyroid hormone was significantly lower (P = 0.019) in both 3-epi-25(OH)D₃ groups than in the 25(OH)D₃ group, and L3 total vBMD was higher (P = 0.004) in the 0.5 IU 3-epi-25(OH)D₃ group than in the 25(OH)D₃ group.

Conclusions: Endogenously generated 3-epi-25(OH)D₃ is more prominent in female than in male rats. Exogenous 3-epi-25(OH)D₃ was as effective as 25(OH)D₃ in supporting bone mineral accretion in both sexes. It thus appears that 3-epi-25(OH)D₃ has biological activity and should be further explored.

From: Djekic-Ivankovic, M., Lavery, P., Agellon, S., Weiler, H. A. http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/short/147/2/141?rss=1

Metabolic Profiling Reveals Differences in Plasma Concentrations of Arabinose and Xylose after Consumption of Fiber-Rich Pasta and Wheat Bread with Differential Rates of Systemic Appearance of Exogenous Glucose in Healthy Men [Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions]

Background: The consumption of products rich in cereal fiber and with a low glycemic index is implicated in a lower risk of metabolic diseases. Previously, we showed that the consumption of fiber-rich pasta compared with bread resulted in a lower rate of appearance of exogenous glucose and a lower glucose clearance rate quantified with a dual-isotope technique, which was in accordance with a lower insulin and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide response.

Objective: To gain more insight into the acute metabolic consequences of the consumption of products resulting in differential glucose kinetics, postprandial metabolic profiles were determined.

Methods: In a crossover study, 9 healthy men [mean ± SEM age: 21 ± 0.5 y; mean ± SEM body mass index (kg/m²): 22 ± 0.5] consumed wheat bread (132 g) and fresh pasta (119 g uncooked) enriched with wheat bran (10%) meals. A total of 134 different metabolites in postprandial plasma samples (at –5, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 min) were quantified by using a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry–based metabolomics approach (secondary outcomes). Two-factor ANOVA and advanced multivariate statistical analysis (partial least squares) were applied to detect differences between both food products.

Results: Forty-two different postprandial metabolite profiles were identified, primarily representing pathways related to protein and energy metabolism, which were on average 8% and 7% lower after the men consumed pasta rather than bread, whereas concentrations of arabinose and xylose were 58% and 53% higher, respectively. Arabinose and xylose are derived from arabinoxylans, which are important components of wheat bran. The higher bioavailability of arabinose and xylose after pasta intake coincided with a lower rate of appearance of glucose and amino acids. We speculate that this higher bioavailability is due to higher degradation of arabinoxylans by small intestinal microbiota, facilitated by the higher viscosity of arabinoxylans after pasta intake than after bread intake.

Conclusion: This study suggests that wheat bran, depending on the method of processing, can increase the viscosity of the meal bolus in the small intestine and interfere with macronutrient absorption in healthy men, thereby influencing postprandial glucose and insulin responses. This trial was registered at www.controlled-trials.com as ISRCTN42106325.

From: Pantophlet, A. J., Wopereis, S., Eelderink, C., Vonk, R. J., Stroeve, J. H., Bijlsma, S., van Stee, L., Bobeldijk, I., Priebe, M. G. http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/short/147/2/152?rss=1

Vitamin B-6 Status in Unsupplemented Pregnant Women Is Associated Positively with Serum Docosahexaenoic Acid and Inversely with the n-6-to-n-3 Fatty Acid Ratio [Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions]

Background: Vitamin B-6–deficient diets decrease plasma docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and arachidonic acid (AA) concentrations in healthy adults. These fatty acids (FAs) are important for fetal neurodevelopment, but the relation between vitamin B-6 status and circulating polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) during pregnancy is unknown.

Objective: We sought to assess the relation between plasma pyridoxal 5' phosphate (PLP; the active form of vitamin B-6) and serum DHA, EPA, AA, linoleic acid, eicosadienoic, and α-linolenic acid concentrations during pregnancy.

Methods: A prospective cohort study in 186 healthy pregnant Brazilian women (aged 20–40 y) who were not using supplements was conducted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Participants were enrolled in the first trimester of pregnancy (5–13 gestational weeks) and were followed up twice between 20–26 and 30–36 wk of gestation. Longitudinal linear mixed-effects regression models were used to evaluate the associations between 1) first-trimester PLP and PUFA concentrations across pregnancy and 2) PLP (i.e., difference between third- and first-trimester plasma PLP concentrations) and PUFA concentrations across pregnancy. Models were adjusted for gestational week, first-trimester body mass index, smoking habit, and dietary intakes of vitamin B-6, fish, total fat, and PUFAs.

Results: Plasma PLP concentrations (median, IQR) substantially declined during pregnancy from 35.8 nmol/L (28.6–44.3 nmol/L) in the first trimester to 21.0 nmol/L (15.8–26.3 nmol/L) in the second trimester, and 16.8 nmol/L (12.9–20.3 nmol/L) in the third trimester (both P < 0.0001). Changes in plasma PLP concentrations across trimesters were positively associated with serum DHA concentrations (β = 0.252, P = 0.012) and inversely associated with serum n–6-to-n–3 (-6-to--3) FA ratio (β = –0.010; P = 0.015), after adjustments for confounders.

Conclusions: Maternal vitamin B-6 status during pregnancy was positively associated with the circulating concentration of DHA and inversely associated with n–6:n–3 FAs in Brazilian women who were not taking vitamin supplements. Further study is required to determine the impact of poor vitamin B-6 status on fetal neurodevelopment.

From: Mujica-Coopman, M. F., Franco-Sena, A. B., Farias, D. R., Vaz, J. S., Brito, A., Kac, G., Lamers, Y. http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/short/147/2/170?rss=1

Tom Brady and Matt Ryan's Diets: Nutrition Experts Weigh In

Nutrition experts discuss the diets of dueling NFL quarterbacks Tom Brady and Matt Ryan.

From: http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20170201/dueling-quarterback-diets-matt-ryan-vs-tom-brady?src=RSS_PUBLIC

ADA lobbies for Indian Health Service funding

To maintain current oral health care services for American Indians and Alaska Natives, the ADA is requesting Congress grant the Indian Health Service the "highest funding levels possible" in the final Interior Appropriations bill.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/ada-lobbies-for-indian-health-service-funding

Mayo Clinic Minute: Are saturated fats OK to eat?

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJKqdCvUIqs