Macroautophagy and its role in nutrient homeostasisStipanuk, Martha H
doi: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2009.00252.xpmid: 19941614
Autophagy, a process by which cells degrade their own components within lysosomes, is a major homeostatic mechanism that favors adaptation and survival under nutrient-deficient conditions. Starvation increases the number and size of autophagosomes in many tissues, suggesting that autophagy is a critical component of the body's response to nutrient deprivation and amino acid/fuel homeostasis. In addition, autophagy has been shown to play a critical role in maintaining amino acid and energy homeostasis in neonates during the transitional hours immediately following birth. The recent identification of functional mammalian orthologues of Atg14 and Atg17 has completed the identification of mammalian orthologues of all of the core yeast autophagy genes. In addition, the recent placement of the Atg1•Atg13•Atg17 complex downstream of mTORC1 has provided at least one pathway by which changes in nutrient availability regulate autophagy.
Physiological and performance effects of glycerol hyperhydration and rehydrationVan Rosendal, Simon P; Osborne, Mark A; Fassett, Robert G; Coombes, Jeff S
doi: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2009.00254.xpmid: 19941615
Studies have shown that beverages containing glycerol can enhance and maintain hydration status and may improve endurance exercise performance by attenuating adverse physiological changes associated with dehydration. Improvements to performance include increased endurance time to exhaustion by up to 24%, or a 5% increase in power or work. However, some studies have found no performance benefits during either prolonged exercise or specific skill and agility tests. In studies that have shown benefits, the improvements have been associated with thermoregulatory and cardiovascular changes. These include increased plasma volume and sweat rates, as well as reduced core temperature and ratings of perceived exertion. In a very small number of subjects, glycerol consumption has been associated with side-effects including nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, dizziness, and headaches. In summary, while glycerol and fluid ingestion results in hyperhydration, the documented benefits to exercise performance remain inconsistent.
Impact of fortified blended food aid products on nutritional status of infants and young children in developing countriesPérez-Expósito, Ana B; Klein, Barbara P
doi: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2009.00255.xpmid: 19941616
Fortified blended foods were developed in the 1960s to improve the nutritional status of children suffering from malnutrition. The present review was conducted to examine the impact that fortified blended foods used in humanitarian relief programs have had on the health and nutritional status of infants and young children with moderate malnutrition, or at risk of undernutrition, in developing countries. Published articles were identified using electronic databases and general Web searches. Search terms included commodity types and names and terms related to food assistance and fortification programs. Positive effects on recovery from moderate acute malnutrition and weight gain were observed when fortified blended foods were distributed as dietary supplements. Prevention of severe micronutrient deficiencies in populations reliant on food aid has been reported, but measurements of micronutrient status have rarely been conducted. Evidence of the efficacy of fortified blended foods for improving nutritional outcomes is currently limited and weak.
Role of nutrition, lifestyle factors, and genes in the pathogenesis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia: human and animal studiesBeurskens, Leonardus Wje; Tibboel, Dick; Steegers-Theunissen, Régine Pm
doi: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2009.00247.xpmid: 19941617
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a severe malformation with a largely unknown pathogenesis. Because an unequivocal genetic relation is diagnosed only in a minority of patients, the involvement of multiple genetic and environmental factors is suggested. Although periconceptional environmental exposures, such as maternal malnutrition and unhealthy lifestyle factors, are associated with several birth defects, they have scarcely been investigated in CDH. Nutrition and lifestyle factors can be modified and may, therefore, contribute to the prevention of CDH. This review provides an overview of the human studies in which the influences of nutrition and some related lifestyle factors during embryogenesis of the diaphragm are described. In addition, the findings in humans are further substantiated by animal studies and the nutrient-gene interactions involved are elaborated upon. The information presented here contributes to the elucidation of the pathogenesis of CDH and will assist the development of preventive nutritional strategies in the future.
Potential health benefits of avenanthramides of oatsMeydani, Mohsen
doi: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2009.00256.xpmid: 19941618
Oats are known to be a healthy food for the heart due mainly to their high β-glucan content. In addition, they contain more than 20 unique polyphenols, avenanthramides, which have shown strong antioxidant activity in vitro and in vivo. The polyphenols of oats have also recently been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and anti-itching activity, which may provide additional protection against coronary heart disease, colon cancer, and skin irritation.