Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Taylor S. Campbell, Katelyn M. Donoghue, Urmi Ghosh, Christina M. Nelson, Tania L. Roth
Summary: Early life stress has negative effects on brain development and increases the risk of behavioral and neuropsychiatric disorders. Aerobic exercise shows potential as a treatment to reverse these effects by promoting the expression of Brain derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf). It is a readily available behavioral intervention that can be used to mitigate the impact of early life stress.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Fan Yao, Liyun Zhao, Yuxiang Yang, Wei Piao, Hongyun Fang, Lahong Ju, Qiya Guo, Dongmei Yu
Summary: The study found a relationship between famine exposure at different stages of early life and the risk of developing metabolic syndrome in adulthood, especially in females, overweight or obese participants, and those who lived in areas of severe famine, city areas, and southern China.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Soujanya S. Karanth, Shuofei Sun, Huanjing Bi, Kaiming Ye, Sha Jin
Summary: A newly discovered angiopoietin signal promotes the generation of mature islets from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The stimulated islets show enhanced glucose responsiveness and regulated insulin exocytosis through actin-filament polymerization and depolymerization. Angiopoietins act as signaling molecules to endorse in vitro islet development from iPSCs.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Yankun Lu, Yichao Wang, Jing Wang, Adrian J. J. Lowe, Luke E. E. Grzeskowiak, Yanhong J. J. Hu
Summary: Early-life antibiotic exposure is common and can affect the development of the child's microbiome and immune system. This study investigated the impact of early-life antibiotics exposure on childhood asthma development using data from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. The results showed that any early-life antibiotic exposure increased the risk of early-persistent asthma among all children by 2.3-fold.
Article
Physiology
Yu Han, Meng Zhang, Jiahui Duan, Leyi Li, Jinge Du, Hui Cheng, Sheng Zhang, Yanhui Zhai, Xinglan An, Qi Li, Xueming Zhang, Ziyi Li, Bo Tang
Summary: Maternal exposure to 5-HT before pregnancy may affect fetal development, leading to reduced hormonal secretion and placental inflammation.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Simin Wang, Qixing Zhou, Yingze Tian, Xiangang Hu
Summary: This study demonstrates a close correlation between alterations in the pulmonary microbiota and pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress caused by PM2.5 exposure. Transfer of the microbiota and antibiotic intervention can affect the severity of pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress. These results reveal the important role of the pulmonary microbiota.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kristen E. Rohli, Cierra K. Boyer, Sandra E. Blom, Samuel B. Stephens
Summary: Pancreatic islet beta-cells have the ability to adapt their secretory program to match nutrient availability and peripheral insulin signaling cues. However, as Type 2 diabetes progresses, these adaptive mechanisms fail, leading to a decline in beta-cell function and impaired insulin secretion.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hyun Seung Shin, Soo Min Choi, Seung Hyun Lee, Ha Jung Moon, Eui-Man Jung
Summary: In this study, a novel early life stress (ELS) model was established, which led to negative effects on the offspring's brain and behavioral development, including anxiety, depression, social deficits, and memory impairment. The novel model induced more severe depression-like behavior and memory impairment compared to the established ELS model. Additionally, the novel ELS model caused upregulation of arginine vasopressin expression and downregulation of GABAergic interneuron markers in the mice's brains.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Belinda Yau, Sheyda Naghiloo, Alexis Diaz-Vegas, Austin V. Carr, Julian Van Gerwen, Elise J. Needham, Dillon Jevon, Sing-Young Chen, Kyle L. Hoehn, Amanda E. Brandon, Laurence Macia, Gregory J. Cooney, Michael R. Shortreed, Lloyd M. Smith, Mark P. Keller, Peter Thorn, Mark Larance, David E. James, Sean J. Humphrey, Melkam A. Kebede
Summary: Pancreatic islets are crucial for maintaining blood glucose levels, with declining function being a characteristic of type 2 diabetes. A detailed proteomic analysis of mouse islets from various genetic or diet-induced models revealed that most proteins are expressed in all strains and diets, but with varying levels due to genetics. Islet mitochondrial function was identified as a major positive indicator of metabolic health across different strains.
Article
Biology
Xiaosha Wang, Bijun Wang, Yanchao Bi
Summary: One signature of the human brain is its ability to derive knowledge from language inputs, in addition to nonlinguistic sensory channels such as vision and touch. This study investigated how human language experience modulates the mechanism by which semantic knowledge is stored in the human brain. The results provide evidence that language experience drives neural semantic representation, highlighting the importance of language in forming human neural semantic structures beyond nonverbal sensory experiences.
Review
Immunology
Mengdi Zhang, Xiaoxi Lin, Zhou Yang, Xia Li, Zhiguang Zhou, Paul E. Love, Jiaqi Huang, Bin Zhao
Summary: Cell metabolism plays a critical role in regulating T cell development, directing different metabolic pathways and signaling networks to match the specific functional requirements of different stages. Understanding this interplay may offer new therapeutic approaches to selectively regulate T cell subset functions and modulate autoimmunity.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yu-Ting Zhou, Rui Li, Si-Hong Li, Xiang Ma, Lu Liu, Dong Niu, Xing Duan
Summary: Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) exposure during gestation was found to have potential toxic effects on ovarian function and resulted in higher meiotic defects in female offspring. PFOA exposure disrupted early embryonic cleavage and blastocyst formation by impacting spindle assembly and chromosome alignment. Moreover, PFOA exposure caused mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, DNA damage, autophagy, and apoptosis in 2-cell stage embryos.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Anthony G. E. Mathiron, Gil Gallego, Frederic Silvestre
Summary: The impacts of environmental constraints during development on the behavioural response of fishes are not well understood. This study examined how early exposure to the pyrethroid insecticide permethrin influenced phenotypic traits in mangrove rivulus fish. The results showed that larval exposure to high concentration permethrin led to slower growth, decreased activity, negative thigmotaxis, and reduced prey capture. Additionally, adult fish previously exposed to high concentration permethrin showed overcompensated growth and altered aggression behavior during contests. This study highlights the immediate and persistent effects of permethrin on phenotypic traits and suggests an interaction between pyrethroids and hormones in affecting animal behavior.
AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jingyan Li, Huimin Weng, Shuang Liu, Fan Li, Ke Xu, Shan Wen, Xi Chen, Chang Li, Yongmei Nie, Bin Liao, Jianming Wu, Fahsai Kantawong, Xiang Xie, Fengxu Yu, Guang Li
Summary: This study found the presence of micro- and nanoplastics in human blood and placentas, indicating embryonic exposure to these particles. Furthermore, the exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) was found to negatively impact the cardiac differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), leading to immature cardiomyocytes and impaired contractility. Mechanistically, PS-NPs induced mitochondrial oxidative stress, activated P38/Erk MAPK signaling pathway, and blocked autophagy flux, reducing the pluripotency of hESCs. Consistent results were observed in zebrafish embryo models, with reduced cardiac contraction and blood flow after exposure to PS-NPs.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Soner Yildiz, Beryl Mazel-Sanchez, Joao P. P. Bonifacio, Mirco Schmolke
Summary: Acute viral infections in early life may cause long-term perturbations in the composition of microbiota, affecting the physiology of the adult host. Animal models have shown that disturbance of a balanced microbiota development in infancy increases the likelihood of metabolic disorders in adulthood. These findings highlight the importance of early life infections and the potential long-term consequences on microbiota and host health.
NPJ BIOFILMS AND MICROBIOMES
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Yongbo She, Kun Wang, Alexander Makarowski, Rabban Mangat, Sue Tsai, Benjamin P. Willing, Spencer D. Proctor, Caroline Richard
Summary: This study investigated the effects of consuming high-fat and low-fat dairy products on postprandial cardiometabolic risk factors and intestinal immune function using a low birthweight swine model. The results showed that dairy consumption, regardless of fat content, did not have an impact on postprandial cardiometabolic risk factors. However, low-fat dairy products were found to significantly improve intestinal T cell function compared to high-fat dairy products in this model of obesity and insulin resistance.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Andrew J. J. Forgie, Deanna M. M. Pepin, Tingting Ju, Stephanie Tollenaar, Consolato M. M. Sergi, Samantha Gruenheid, Benjamin P. P. Willing
Summary: This study found that vitamin B12 supplementation can alter the activities of certain microbial populations in the gut, promoting the colonization of a specific pathogen (Citrobacter rodentium) in mice. These changes were associated with alterations in markers of gut inflammation. The results suggest that excessive B12 supplementation may have consequences on microbial competition/sharing in the gut.
Article
Microbiology
Yi Fan, Tingting Ju, Tulika Bhardwaj, Douglas R. R. Korver, Benjamin P. P. Willing
Summary: This study demonstrated that having a microbiome with elevated levels of Bacteroides in early life may have beneficial effects on the chicken host, specifically in improving short-chain fatty acid production and gut health. However, limited information is available regarding the comparison of Bacteroides compositions in the chicken gut microbial communities and their impact on microbial functionality and host responses.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Maanasa Mudoor Sooresh, Benjamin P. Willing, Benjamin C. T. Bourrie
Summary: Spontaneous fermentations have played an important role in the early development of society and are still widely practiced today. Research on spontaneous fermentations is currently limited to observation and description, but further understanding of microbial community assembly and its impact on fermentation dynamics is crucial. This review discusses the factors influencing microbial community assembly, focusing on yeasts and bacteria isolated from spontaneously fermenting food and beverages. Controlled culture experiments provide insight into microbial interactions, and there is a need for research on the role of core microbiota and strain-level implications in fermentation outcomes. Translating these findings can improve fermentation systems and ensure consistent and high-quality products.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Fatheema B. Subhan, Dineli N. Fernando, Jessica Thorlakson, Catherine B. Chan
Summary: South Asians face a high burden of type 2 diabetes and therefore require nutrition interventions tailored to their needs. The research findings suggest that low-glycemic index and intensive counseling approaches are effective in South Asian countries, while culturally relevant nutrition therapy is needed in Western countries.
CURRENT NUTRITION REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Camila S. S. Marcolla, Tingting Ju, Benjamin P. P. Willing
Summary: This study aimed to identify bacteria that can colonize and persist in the chicken gut after a single exposure. The research found that various bacteria can successfully colonize the chicken gut, and different delivery methods such as oral gavage, spraying, and cohousing can be used for microbial transplantation. These findings will guide future research on the development of next-generation probiotics that can colonize and persist in the chicken intestinal tract.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tingting Ju, Benjamin C. T. Bourrie, Andrew J. Forgie, Deanna M. Pepin, Stephanie Tollenaar, Consolato M. Sergi, Benjamin P. Willing
Summary: Changes in the gut microbiota have been associated with metabolic endotoxemia, contributing to the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The enrichment of Enterobacteriaceae, particularly Escherichia coli, induced by a high-fat diet is linked to impaired glucose homeostasis. However, the role of Enterobacteriaceae in promoting metabolic disease in a complex gut microbial community in response to an HFD is still unclear.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Benjamin C. T. Bourrie, Andrew J. Forgie, Alexander Makarowski, Paul D. Cotter, Caroline Richard, Benjamin P. Willing
Summary: This study compared the effects of commercial kefir without traditional kefir organisms and pitched kefir containing traditional organisms on lipid levels, glucose homeostasis, and markers of endothelial function and inflammation. The findings showed that pitched kefir consumption led to reductions in LDL-C, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1, while commercial kefir consumption increased TNF-α levels.
APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY NUTRITION AND METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Dhruvesh Patel, Jaqueline Munhoz, Susan Goruk, Caroline Richard, Catherine J. Field
Summary: Early life supplementation of DHA and AA may influence the development of tolerance and immune responses in allergy-prone mice.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nathalie Irvine, Gillian J. England-Mason, Catherine Field, Nicole C. Letourneau, Rhonda F. Bell, Gerald W. Giesbrecht, David M. Kinniburgh, Amy W. MacDonald, Jonathan Martin, Deborah Dewey, APrON Study Team
Summary: Folate and choline supplementation during pregnancy may play a role in fetal brain development, but studies on the associations between maternal folate and choline levels and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children have provided conflicting results. In this study, maternal folate and choline levels during the second trimester were not found to be associated with most of the child outcomes, but an interaction effect was observed on executive function. Maternal folate status and choline intake may not directly impact children's intelligence, language, memory, or motor outcomes, but their interaction may influence executive functions.
JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL ORIGINS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tausha L. Prisnee, Rajibur Rahman, Janelle M. Fouhse, Andrew G. Van Kessel, Ryan K. Brook, Benjamin P. Willing
Summary: This study analyzed the mycobiome of pigs over the course of one production cycle and compared it to the mycobiome of feral pigs. It found that early-life fungal community composition or host genetics can influence long-term mycobiome composition. Additionally, it provided the first comparison of the mycobiome of feral pigs to intensively raised pigs.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anthony J. F. Reardon, Morteza Hajihosseini, Irina Dinu, Catherine J. Field, David W. Kinniburgh, Amy M. MacDonald, Deborah Dewey, Gillian England-Mason, Jonathan W. Martin, The APrON APrON Study
Summary: This study examined the association between prenatal exposure to PFAAs and child neurodevelopment. The findings suggest that certain PFAAs are associated with lower cognitive and language abilities. Specifically, total PFOS and its isomers were found to be related to lower language abilities. In conclusion, maternal exposure to PFAAs during pregnancy has adverse effects on child neurodevelopment.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Paola Solis Ares, Gautam Gaur, Benjamin P. Willing, Fabian Weber, Andreas Schieber, Michael G. Ganzle
Summary: This study aimed to determine the structure-function relationships of monomeric and oligomeric flavan-3-ols (procyanidins) in relation to their antimicrobial activity and inhibition of digestive enzymes. Antimicrobial activity against intestinal microorganisms increased in the order of catechin = epicatechin > epigallocatechin, and oligomeric procyanidins > epigallocatechin gallate. The inhibition of digestive enzymes from rat small intestine increased in the order of catechin < epicatechin and oligomeric procyanidins < epigallocatechin < epigallocatechin gallate.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
(2023)
Article
Gerontology
Rebecca Geary, Jessica Mantik, Valerie Moore, Jessica Schuller, Rani Fedoruk, Marlis Atkins, Catherine B. Chan
Summary: This study evaluated the feasibility of routine nutrition risk screening in community-dwelling older adults using a partnership between health care and community-based organizations. The results showed that the partnership was able to provide screening and appropriate referrals for at-risk individuals. However, sustainability requires strengthening of community resources, referral processes, and telephone assessments.
CANADIAN JOURNAL ON AGING-REVUE CANADIENNE DU VIEILLISSEMENT
(2023)
Article
Gerontology
Rani Fedoruk, Heidi Olstad, Lori Watts, Monica Morrison, Jill Ward, Naomi Popeski, Marlis Atkins, Catherine B. Chan
Summary: The objectives of this feasibility study were to measure the prevalence of nutrition risk in community-dwelling older adults and explore their perspectives on the acceptability, value, and effectiveness of nutrition risk screening in primary care and community settings. The study found that moderate and high nutrition risks affected a significant proportion of those screened. Interviewees agreed that screening is acceptable, important, and valuable, but the effectiveness of the screening needs further investigation.
CANADIAN JOURNAL ON AGING-REVUE CANADIENNE DU VIEILLISSEMENT
(2023)
