SuperJump training in eumenorrheic women and gut peptides: a randomized controlled study about the mechanism of action on bone and glucose homeostasis

The role played by physical activity in promoting bone health is now widely recognized. Physical activity limits and slows down the physiological demineralization that occurs over the years and plays an important role in the prevention of osteoporosis. SuperJump, a high-impact training activity performed on a mini-trampoline characterized by alternating between aerobic and anaerobic exercises, has been shown to be able to generate a substantial osteogenic response and increase bone balance and strength in eumenorrheic women. In this study it was analyzed whether gastrointestinal peptides play a role in the regulation of bone metabolism and their impact on glucose homeostasis. Methods Using …

Ecklonia maxima-derivate seaweed extract supply as mitigation strategy to alleviate drought stress in chicory plants

Extreme climatic conditions have a severe repercussion on agriculture and on food availability. Ecological means to overcome drought are important to improve agroecosystems sustainability and resilience. The use of an Ecklonia maxima-derivate seaweed extract (SwE) as a tool to mitigate drought constrain in chicory plants grown in greenhouse was evaluated. Plants were cultivated in plastic pots filled with peat and subjected to drought stress by retaining moisture range at 90–100% of water holding capacity (WHC) [well-watered (WW)], 60–70% WHC [moderate drought stress (MDS)] or 30–40% WHC [severe drought stress (SDS)]. Drought stress decreased plant growth traits and yield. However, in plant…

Biofortification: Effect of Iodine Fortified Food in the Healthy Population, Double-Arm Nutritional Study

It is estimated that one-third of the world’s population lives in areas where iodine (I) is scarce and its deficiency is responsible for many related disorders, such as goiter, reproductive failure, hearing loss, growth impairment, congenital I deficiency syndrome, and numerous kinds of brain injury. Mineral deficiencies can be overcomeviadietary diversification and mineral supplementation. An alternative or even complementary way is represented by the intake of biofortified foods, which can tackle this lack of micronutrients. In this short-term double-arm nutritional intervention study, a cohort of ten people was supplemented with curly endive leaf biofortified with I and ten people with c…

Stand-Alone or Combinatorial Effects of Grafting and Microbial and Non-Microbial Derived Compounds on Vigour, Yield and Nutritive and Functional Quality of Greenhouse Eggplant.

The current research investigated the effects of endophytic fungi such as Trichoderma atroviride (Ta) or Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract (An) and their combination on growth, yield, nutritive and functional features, and mineral profile of ‘Birgah’ F1 eggplant either ungrafted, self-grafted or grafted onto the Solanum torvum rootstock. Eggplant exposed to An or An+Ta had a significant increase in root collar diameter 50 days after transplanting (RCD50), total yield (TY), marketable yield (MY), ascorbic acid (AA) content, Mg, Cu, and Zn concentration, and a reduction in glycoalkaloids (GLY) compared with the control. Furthermore, grafted plants had a higher TY, MY, number of marketable f…

GLP2: An underestimated signal for improving glycaemic control and insulin sensitivity

Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP2) is a proglucagon-derived peptide produced by intestinal enteroendocrine L-cells and by a discrete population of neurons in the brainstem, which projects mainly to the hypothalamus. The main biological actions of GLP2 are related to the regulation of energy absorption and maintenance of mucosal morphology, function and integrity of the intestine; however, recent experimental data suggest that GLP2 exerts beneficial effects on glucose metabolism, especially in conditions related to increased uptake of energy, such as obesity, at least in the animal model. Indeed, mice lacking GLP2 receptor selectively in hypothalamic neurons that express proopiomelanocortin show…

Involvement of CB1 and CB2 receptors in the modulation of cholinergic neurotransmission in mouse gastric preparations.

Abstract While most of the studies concerning the role of cannabinoids on gastric motility have focused the attention on the gastric emptying in in vivo animal models, there is little information about the cannabinoid peripheral influence in the stomach. In addition, the functional features of CB2 receptors in the gastrointestinal tract have been poorly characterized. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of cannabinoid drugs on the excitatory cholinergic and inhibitory non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) neurotransmission in mouse isolated gastric preparations. Intraluminal pressure from isolated whole stomach was recorded and mechanical responses induced by ele…

Food intake in lean and obese mice after peripheral administration of glucagon-like peptide 2

We investigated the potential anorectic action of peripherally administered glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP2) in lean and diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. Mice, fasted for 16 h, were injected i.p. with native GLP2 or [Gly2]GLP2, stable analog of GLP2, before or after GLP2 (3–33), a GLP2 receptor (GLP2R) antagonist, or exendin (9–39), a GLP1R antagonist. Food intake was measured at intervals 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 h postinjection. In addition, we tested in lean mice the influence of [Gly2]GLP2 on gastric emptying and the effects of GLP1 alone or in combination with [Gly2]GLP2 on food intake. [Gly2]GLP2 dose dependently and significantly inhibited food intake in lean and DIO mice. The reduction of foo…

Dare to jump: The effect of the new high impact activity SuperJump on bone remodeling. A new tool to maintain fitness during COVID-19 home confinement

SuperJump is a high impact activity performed on an elastic trampoline that mixes aerobic and anaerobic exercises already proposed as home-based activity for preventing a sedentary lifestyle. We determined in a randomized controlled trial whether 20 weeks of SuperJump activity would promote bone formation and reduce resorption in eumenorrheic women. Twenty-four women were randomized to a non-exercise group (control group) or an exercise group that performed SuperJump activity three times a week for 20 weeks. Blood samples were collected in both groups at baseline and at the end of the 20 weeks and compared within and between the groups for C-terminal telopeptide (CTX), a marker of bone reso…

Neuronostatin: peripheral site of action in mouse stomach.

Neuronostatin is a 13-amino acid peptide encoded by somatostatin gene. It is distributed in different organs including gastrointestinal tract and has been involved in the control of food intake and gastroin-testinal motility, likely through an action in the brain. So far, there are no reports about the occurrence of peripheral action sites in the gut. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to examine, in the mouse, the effects of peripheral administration of neuronostatin on food intake within 24 h and on gastrointestinal motility and to analyse neuronostatin actions on the gastric and intestinal mechanical activity in isolated preparations in vitro. When compared with PBS-treated …

Does GLP-2 receptor expression change dynamically in fed and fasted states?

The Impact of Diet and Physical Activity on Bone Health in Children and Adolescents.

There is growing recognition of the role of diet and physical activity in modulating bone mineral density, bone mineral content, and remodeling, which in turn can impact bone health later in life. Adequate nutrient composition could influence bone health and help to maximize peak bone mass. Therefore, children’s nutrition may have lifelong consequences. Also, physical activity, adequate in volume or intensity, may have positive consequences on bone mineral content and density and may preserve bone loss in adulthood. Most of the literature that exists for children, about diet and physical activity on bone health, has been translated from studies conducted in adults. Thus, there are still man…

Glucagon-like peptide-2 and mouse intestinal adaptation to a high-fat diet.

Endogenous glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP2) is a key mediator of refeeding-induced and resection-induced intestinal adaptive growth. This study investigated the potential role of GLP2 in mediating the mucosal responses to a chronic high-fat diet (HFD). In this view, the murine small intestine adaptive response to a HFD was analyzed and a possible involvement of endogenous GLP2 was verified using GLP2 (3–33) as GLP2 receptor (GLP2R) antagonist. In comparison with animals fed a standard diet, mice fed a HFD for 14 weeks exhibited an increase in crypt–villus mean height (duodenum, 27.5±3.0%; jejunum, 36.5±2.9%;P<0.01), in the cell number per villus (duodenum, 28.4±2.2%; jejunum, 32.0±2.9%;P&l…

GLUCAGON-LIKE PEPTIDE-1 MODULATES EXCITATORY CHOLINERGIC NEUROTRANSMISSION OF MOUSE DUODENUM AND COLON

The incretin Glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) is produced by enterendocrine L cells of the small intestine. It delays gastric emptying and reduces intestinal transit by inhibiting vagal activity. To date, no evidences are available about a direct peripheral influence on gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells. The purpose of the present study was to investigate in vitro the effects of GLP-1 on the spontaneous and evoked mechanical activity of murine duodenum and colon, recording intraluminal pressure, index of the circular mechanical activity, and isometric tension, index of the longitudinal mechanical activity. In both intestinal segments GLP-1 (up to 1 μM) did not affect spontaneous mechanica…

Gastric relaxation induced by glucagon-like peptide-2 and receptorial expression in fasted or high-fat diet fed mice.

EFFECT OF LONG-TERM SUPERJUMP® TRAINING ON BONE REMODELING AND METABOLISM IN WOMEN

Glucagon-like peptide-2 relaxes mouse stomach through vasoactive intestinal peptide release.

Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) influences different aspects of the gastrointestinal function, including epithelial growth, digestion, absorption, motility, and blood flow. Intraluminal pressure from isolated mouse stomach was recorded to investigate whether GLP-2 affects gastric tone and to analyze its mechanism of action. Regional differences between diverse parts of the stomach were also examined using circular muscular strips from fundus and antrum. In the whole stomach, GLP-2 (0.3–100 nM) produced concentration-dependent relaxation with a maximum that was about 75% of relaxation to 1 μM isoproterenol (IC50 = 2.5 nM). This effect was virtually abolished by desensitization of GLP-2 rece…

Effect of training with Supejump® on bone metabolism in women

Physical exercise is recommended to decrease bone loss in elderly women. Supejump® is a new workout activity performed on a modified elastic mini trampoline that mixes aerobic and anaerobic exercises. The aim of the study was to investigate the long-term effects of training with Supejump® on bone metabolism in women. Twelve women were involved in the study. They performed Supejump®, three times a week, each session lasting 60 mins for a total of 20-weeks. Blood samples were collected at baseline and at the end of the 20-weeks of training. The biomarkers of bone resorption (c-terminal telopeptide region of collagen type 1 (β-CTX)), bone formation (osteocalcin), and calcitonin, parathyroid ho…

GLP-2 as Beneficial Factor in the Glucose Homeostasis in Mice Fed a High Fat Diet

Glucagon like peptide-2 (GLP-2) is a gastrointestinal hormone released in response to dietary nutrients, which acts through a specific receptor, the GLP-2 receptor (GLP-2R). The physiological effects of GLP-2 are multiple, involving also the intestinal adaptation to high fat diet (HFD). In consideration of the well-known relationship between chronic HFD and impaired glucose metabolism, in the present study we examined if the blocking of the GLP-2 signaling by chronic treatment with the GLP-2R antagonist, GLP-2 (3-33), leads to functional consequences in the regulation of glucose metabolism in HFD-fed mice. Compared with animals fed standard diet (STD), mice at the 10th week of HFD showed hy…

Pistachio Consumption Alleviates Inflammation and Improves Gut Microbiota Composition in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet.

High-fat diet (HFD) induces inflammation and microbial dysbiosis, which are components of the metabolic syndrome. Nutritional strategies can be a valid tool to prevent metabolic and inflammatory diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate if the chronic intake of pistachio prevents obesity-associated inflammation and dysbiosis in HFD-fed mice. Three groups of male mice (four weeks old

Identification of a new molecule with readthrough activity to rescue CFTR protein function

In Cystic fibrosis (CF) disease nonsense mutations in the CFTR gene cause absence of the CFTR protein expression and a more severe form of the disease. About 10% of patient affected by CF show a nonsense mutation. A potential treatment of this alteration is to promote translational readthrough of premature termination codons (PTCs) by translational readthrough inducing drugs such as Ataluren. In this context we aimed to compare the 1,2,4-oxadiazole core of Ataluren with a slightly different scaffold, the 1,3,4oxadiazole core. By a validated protocol consisting of computational screening, synthesis and biological tests we identified, a new small molecule with 1,3,4-oxadiazole core (2a/NV2445…

Influence of endogenous glucagon-like peptide-2 on lipid disorders in mice fed a high-fat diet

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of endogenous glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) on lipid profile in mice fed a standard diet (STD) or a high-fat diet (HFD). Materials and methods: HFD- and age-matched STD mice were injected once a day with GLP-2 (3-33), a GLP-2 receptor (GLP-2R) antagonist, or vehicle for 4 weeks. Results: HFD mice displayed increased intrahepatic lipid concentration and hepatic steatosis and higher plasma concentrations of cholesterol, LDL, AST, and ALT than STD mice. No difference was observed in lipid fecal elimination. In STD mice, the chronic treatment with GLP-2 (3-33) did not affect any parameter, while in HFD mice, it enhanced pl…

Insulin resistance as common molecular denominator linking obesity to Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an aging-related multi-factorial disorder to which metabolic factors contribute at what has canonically been considered a centrally mediated process. Although the exact underlying mechanisms are still unknown, obesity is recognized as a risk factor for AD and the condition of insulin resistance seems to be the link between the two pathologies. Using mice with high fat diet (HFD) obesity we dissected the molecular mechanisms shared by the two disorders. Brains of HFD fed mice showed elevated levels of APP and Aβ 40 /Aβ 42 together with BACE, GSK3β and Tau proteins involved in APP processing and Aβ accumulation. Immunofluorescence, Thioflavin T staining experiments…

Effects of a Resistance Training Protocol on Physical Performance, Body Composition, Bone Metabolism, and Systemic Homeostasis in Patients Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease: A Pilot Study

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor impairments and it is correlated with loss of bone mineral density. This study aimed to analyze the effects of resistance training on bone metabolism, systemic homeostasis, body composition, and physical performance in people with PD. Thirteen subjects (age 64.83 ± 5.70) with PD diagnosis were recruited. Participants performed neuromuscular tests, body composition assessment, and blood sample analysis at baseline, and after an 11 weeks-training period. Each training session lasted 90 min, three times a week. The participants had significant improvements in the timed up and go (p < 0.01), sit to stand (p < …

Glucagon-like peptide-2 treatment improves glucose dysmetabolism in mice fed a high fat diet

Previous studies suggested that endogenous glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) is dispensable for the regulation of glucose homeostasis under normal conditions, while it can play a beneficial role in obesity conditions. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether chronic treatment with Gly2-GLP-2, a stable analogue of GLP-2, can have an impact on glycaemic and lipid control in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD), an animal model of human obesity and insulin resistance. HFD mice were treated once a day with Gly2-GLP-2 for 4 weeks. Body weight, food intake, fasting glucose, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance, insulin-induced glucose clearance, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, β-cel…

Modulatory role of cannabinoids on the spontaneous mechanical activity of mouse ileal longitudinal muscle. Acta Physiologica

Physical activity, nutrition, and bone health

This review aims to describe the roles that physical activity and nutrition have in bone metabolism and to examine their effects on bone in a situation of altered metabolism as a consequence of inadequate nutrition and/or excessive physical activity. Referring to the recent studies and the main guidelines in the literature on athlete nutrition, the paper also focuses on essential nutrients for bone health during performance. Finally, it discusses the negative effect of some nutrients on bone mineral density.

GLP-2: What do we know? What are we going to discover?

Glucagon-like peptide 2 [GLP-2] is a 33-amino acid peptide released from the mucosal enteroendocrine L-cells of the intestine. The actions of GLP-2 are transduced by the GLP-2 receptor [GLP-2R], which is localized in the neurons of the enteric nervous system but not in the intestinal epithelium, indicating an indirect mechanism of action. GLP-2 is well known for its trophic role within the intestine and interest in GLP-2 is now reviving based on the approval of the GLP-2R agonist for treatment of short bowel syndrome [SBS]. Recently it also seems to be involved in glucose homeostasis. The aim of this review is to outline the importance of neuroendocrine peptides, specifically of GLP-2 in th…

Chronic treatment with GLP-2 (3-33) exacerbates glucose metabolism disorders in mice fed a high fat diet.

NAFLD and Atherosclerosis Are Prevented by a Natural Dietary Supplement Containing Curcumin, Silymarin, Guggul, Chlorogenic Acid and Inulin in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) confers an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. NAFDL is associated with atherogenic dyslipidemia, inflammation and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) imbalance, which in turn lead to atherosclerotic lesions. In the present study, the impact of a natural dietary supplement (NDS) containing Curcuma longa, silymarin, guggul, chlorogenic acid and inulin on NAFLD and atherosclerosis was evaluated, and the mechanism of action was examined. C57BL/6 mice were fed an HFD for 16 weeks; half of the mice were simultaneously treated with a daily oral administration (os) of the NDS. NAFLD and atherogenic lesions in aorta and carotid artery (histological analys…

Inhibition of the mechanical activity of mouse ileum by cactus pear (Opuntia Ficus Indica, L, Mill.) fruit extract and its pigment indicaxanthin.

We investigated, using an organ bath technique, the effects of a hydrophilic extract from Opuntia ficus indica fruit pulp (cactus fruit extract, CFE) on the motility of mouse ileum, and researched the extract component(s) responsible for the observed responses. CFE (10-320 mg of fresh fruit pulp equivalents/mL of organ bath) reduced dose-dependently the spontaneous contractions. This effect was unaffected by tetrodotoxin, a neuronal blocker, N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, a nitric oxide synthase blocker, tetraethylammonium, a potassium channel blocker, or atropine, a muscarinic receptor antagonist. CFE also reduced the contractions evoked by carbachol, without affecting the contrac…

Peripheral Glucagon-like peptide 2 administration inhibits food intake in mice: Analysis of the mechanism of action.

OBJECTIVE: Previously we showed that, in mice, peripheral administration of glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) or [Gly2]GLP-2, the degradation-resistant analogue of GLP-2, reduces food intake in the short term. The purposes of the present study were to compare the influence of [Gly2]GLP-2 with the anorectic effect induced by glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and to analyze the mechanism of action responsible for GLP-2-induced effects. METHODS: Food intake was measured in mice, fasted for 16-18 h, at the first hour following peptide or vehicle intraperitoneally (i.p.) administration. The effects of GLP-2 (3-33), GLP-2 receptor (GLP-2R) antagonist, and exendin (9-39), GLP-1R antagonist were also e…

Pancreatic polypeptide stimulates mouse gastric motor activity through peripheral neural mechanisms

Background Pancreatic polypeptide (PP) is supposed to be one of the major endogenous agonists of the neuropeptide Y4 receptor. Pancreatic polypeptide can influence gastrointestinal motility, acting mainly through vagal mechanisms, but whether PP acts directly on the stomach has not been explored yet. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of PP on mouse gastric emptying, on spontaneous tone of whole stomach in vitro and to examine the mechanism of action. Methods Gastric emptying was measured by red phenol method after i.p. PP administration (1–3 nmol per mouse). Responses induced by PP (1–300 mmol L−1) on gastric endoluminal pressure were analyzed in vitro in the presence o…

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Modulates Neurally-Evoked Mucosal Chloride Secretion in the Guinea Pig Ileum In Vitro

IS HYPOXIA-INDUCIBLE FACTOR (HIF-1) ALPHA INVOLVED IN TARAVANA SYNDROME?

Breath holding diving (BH) is a discipline practiced by an increasing number of people. BH-divers are exposed to extreme environmental conditions such as: increased hyperbaric pressure and low temperature that caused change in arterial blood gases (1-2) and induced an human diving response which includes bradycardia, reduced cardiac output, increased arterial blood pressure and peripheral vasoconstriction (3). Some of these adaptations are still not fully understood, so we decided to investigate some biomarkers that should be involved in this disorders starting to analyse Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α). We enrolled in our study 31 healthy free divers from different part of Sicily…

Increased Body Weight and Fat Mass After Subchronic GIP Receptor Antagonist, but Not GLP-2 Receptor Antagonist, Administration in Rats

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) are hormones secreted from the enteroendocrine cells after a meal. They exert their actions through activation of G protein-coupled receptors (R), the GIPR and GLP-2R, respectively. Both have been reported to influence metabolism. The purpose of the study was to investigate the role of the hormones in the regulation of lipid and bone homeostasis by subchronic treatment with novel GIPR and GLP-2R antagonists. Rats were injected once daily with vehicle, GIPR, or GLP-2R antagonists for 3 weeks. Body weight, food intake, body composition, plasma lipoprotein lipase (LPL), adipokines, triglycerides and the mark…

Fighting the Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Mindfulness, Exercise, and Nutrition Practices to Reduce Eating Disorders and Promote Sustainability

Over the past two years, the world’s population has been tested by the COVID-19 health emergency. This has changed population habits worldwide by encouraging a sedentary lifestyle and overnutrition. Isolation and reduction of social life, for most of the population, was mandatory but it quickly became a new lifestyle. Nowadays, we are encountering the consequences with an increase in nutritional associated disorders and conditions that cause illnesses in the general population. These disorders include diet excesses that lead to obesity and diet deficiencies and malnutrition which could rapidly lead to death. These eating disorders are very complex to manage because they become mental disord…

Glucagon-like peptide-2 modulates neurally evoked mucosal chloride secretion in guinea pig small intestine in vitro

Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) is an important neuroendocrine peptide in intestinal physiology. It influences digestion, absorption, epithelial growth, motility, and blood flow. We studied involvement of GLP-2 in intestinal mucosal secretory behavior. Submucosal-mucosal preparations from guinea pig ileum were mounted in Ussing chambers for measurement of short-circuit current ( Isc) as a surrogate for chloride secretion. GLP-2 action on neuronal release of acetylcholine was determined with ELISA. Enteric neuronal expression of the GLP-2 receptor (GLP-2R) was studied with immunohistochemical methods. Application of GLP-2 (0.1–100 nM) to the serosal or mucosal side of the preparations evoke…

Obesità e resistenza all'insulina: due fattori di rischio per l'insorgenza della malattia di Alzheimer

Gastric relaxation induced by glucagon-like peptide-2 in mice fed a high-fat diet or fasted.

Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) is a nutrient-responsive gut hormone that increases the intestinal absorption. Exogenous GLP-2 also induces gastric fundus relaxation with possible implications for emptying rate or feeling of satiety. GLP-2 actions are mediated by GLP-2 receptor (GLP-2R), located on enteric neurons and myofibroblasts in murine gastrointestinal tract. Because it is not known whether changes in the endogenous GLP-2R levels occur in different nutritional states, we examined the GLP-2R gene and protein expression in gastric fundus from standard diet (STD)-fed, 12-h and 24-h fasted and re-fed, or high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice and we analyzed the mechanical responses to exogenous G…

Influence of glucagon-like peptide-2 on mouse proximal colon motility.

Stay Home, Stay Active with SuperJump®: A Home-Based Activity to Prevent Sedentary Lifestyle during COVID-19 Outbreak

The purpose of this study was to investigate the intensity of SuperJump® workout as a home-based activity for fulfilling physical activity recommendations during COVID-19 home-confinement. Seventeen (males: n = 10; females: n = 7) college students (age: 25.8 ± 2.7 years; height: 1.7 ± 0.1 m; weight: 66.2 ± 12.1 kg) participated in the study. To assess the intensity of the activity (30-min), heart rate (HR), expressed as percentages of age-predicted maximal HR (%HRmax), and session ratings of perceived exertion (sRPE), collected on a CR10 scale, were used. %HRmax data were categorically separated in five classes of intensity according to the American College of Sport…

Prejunctional modulation by CB2 receptor agonists on cholinergic evoked responses in mouse stomach.

Beta-glucans and cancer: The influence of inflammation and gut peptide

Dietary β-glucans are soluble fibers with potentially health-promoting effects. Gut peptides are important signals in the regulation of energy and glucose homeostasis. This article reviews the effects of different enriched β-glucan food consumption on immune responses, inflammation, gut hormone and cancer. Gut hormones are influenced by enriched β-glucan food consumption and levels of such peptide as YY, ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide 1 and 2 in humans influence serum glucose concentration as well as innate and adaptive immunity. Cancer cell development is also regulated by obesity and glucose dishomeostasy that are influenced by β-glucan food consumption that in turn regulated gut hormones.

Rescuing CFTR Protein Function: 1,3,4-oxadiazoles versus 1,2,4-oxadiazoles as readthrough inducing drugs

In Cystic fibrosis (CF) disease nonsense mutations in the CFTR gene cause the absence of the CFTR protein expression and a more severe form of the disease. About 10% of patient affected by CF show a nonsense mutation. A potential treatment of this alteration is to promote translational readthrough of premature termination codons (PTCs) by translational readthrough inducing drugs such as Ataluren (1). We reported a rationale for Ataluren promoted readthrough of PTCs by computational approach and GFP-reporter cell-based assay (2) and the observed enhancement of readthrough activity by some Ataluren derivatives (3, 4). In this context we aimed to compare the 1,2,4-oxadiazole core of Ataluren w…

Biological and biophysics aspects of metformin-induced effects: cortex mitochondrial dysfunction and promotion of toxic amyloid pre-fibrillar aggregates

The onset of Alzheimer disease (AD) is influenced by several risk factors comprising diabetes. Within this context, antidiabetic drugs, including metformin, are investigated for their effect on AD. We report that in the C57B6/J mice, metformin is delivered to the brain where activates AMP-activated kinase (AMPK), its molecular target. This drug affects the levels of β- secretase (BACE1) and β-amyloid precursor protein (APP), promoting processing and aggregation of β-amyloid (Aβ), mainly in the cortex region. Moreover, metformin induces mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death by affecting the level and conformation of Translocase of the Outer Membrane 40 (TOM40), voltage-dependent anion-sel…

Impact on Glucose Homeostasis: Is Food Biofortified with Molybdenum a Workable Solution? A Two-Arm Study

Diabetes is expected to increase up to 700 million people worldwide with type 2 diabetes being the most frequent. The use of nutritional interventions is one of the most natural approaches for managing the disease. Minerals are of paramount importance in order to preserve and obtain good health and among them molybdenum is an essential component. There are no studies about the consumption of biofortified food with molybdenum on glucose homeostasis but recent studies in humans suggest that molybdenum could exert hypoglycemic effects. The present study aims to assess if consumption of lettuce biofortified with molybdenum influences glucose homeostasis and whether the effects would be due to c…

Peripheral Glucagon Like Peptide 2 Analogue Administration Reduces Food Intake in Lean and Diet-Induced Obese Mice

DEVELOPMENT OF A HOME-BASED TRAINING PROGRAM FOR PATIENTS WITH PARKINSON DISEASE: NEUROBIOLOGICAL AND MOTOR SKILLS EFFECT

Neurodegenerative diseases are inherited diseases of the central nervous system, which cause progressive damage to specific populations of neurons and lead to a deterioration in the quality of life (1,2). Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and is the second most common after AD, and is characterized by postural instability, tremor and rigidity. Moreover, physical activity can reduces risk of other geriatric diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, which may also contribute to PD pathogenesis (3). We enrolled 12 subjects (age: 62.74 ± 4.94; height: 175,5cm ± 7,41 cm; weight: 75,5 ± 17,95 kg) affected by PD. An home-based…

Cannabinoid CB1 receptor activation modulates spontaneous contractile activity in mouse ileal longitudinal muscle.

The purpose of the present study was to examine whether cannabinoid receptor agonists influence spontaneous contractile activity of longitudinal muscle in mouse ileum in vitro. Isolated segments of mouse ileum displayed spontaneous contractions with an amplitude and frequency of about 300 mg and 30 cpm, respectively. The endocannabinoid anandamide (1-100 microM), the selective cannabinoid CB(1) receptor agonist, ACEA (0.1 microM-10 microM), but not the selective cannabinoid CB(2) receptor agonist, JWH 133 (0.1 microM-10 microM), reduced in a concentration-dependent manner the spontaneous mechanical activity. The inhibitory effect consisted in a decrease of the mean amplitude of longitudinal…

Health benefits of pistachios consumption

The health benefits of nuts, mainly in relation to the improvement of dysmetabolic conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and the related cardiovascular diseases, have been widely demonstrated. Compared to other nuts, pistachios have a lower fat and caloric content, and contain the highest levels of unsaturated fatty acids, potassium, γ-tocopherol, phytosterols and xanthophyll carotenoids, all substances that are well known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. This variety of nutrients contributes to the growing body of evidence that the consumption of pistachios improves health, leading to a greater potential of healthy antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activi…

Is the Secret in the Gut? SuperJump Activity Improves Bone Remodeling and Glucose Homeostasis by GLP-1 and GIP Peptides in Eumenorrheic Women

We showed that twenty weeks of SuperJump activity, an innovative workout training performed on an elastic minitrampoline, reduced bone resorption and increased bone formation in eumenorrheic women acting on the key points of the regulation of bone metabolism. The present study analyzed whether the gastrointestinal hormones are involved in the mechanism of action and if it has an impact on glucose homeostasis. The control group was composed of twelve women, similar to the exercise group that performed SuperJump activity for twenty weeks. The analysis was performed on blood samples and investigated GLP-1, GIP, GLP-2, PYY, ghrelin, glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, β-cell function, and ins…

Canonical Transient Receptor Potential Channels (TRPC Channels) in Regulation of Mucosal Chloride Secretion in Guinea Pig Ileum.

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Modulates Neurally-Evoked Mucosal Chloride Secretion in Guinea Pig Small Intestine In Vitro.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) acts at the G protein-coupled receptor, GLP-1R, to stimulate secretion of insulin and to inhibit secretion of glucagon and gastric acid. Involvement in mucosal secretory physiology has received negligible attention. We aimed to study involvement of GLP-1 in mucosal chloride secretion in the small intestine. Ussing chamber methods, in concert with transmural electrical field stimulation (EFS), were used to study actions on neurogenic chloride secretion. ELISA was used to study GLP-1R effects on neural release of acetylcholine (ACh). Intramural localization of GLP-1R was assessed with immunohistochemistry. Application of GLP-1 to serosal or mucosal sides of fla…

Interaction between cannabinoid CB1 receptors and endogenous ATP in the control of spontaneous mechanical activity in mouse ileum

Background and purpose Although it is well accepted that cannabinoids modulate intestinal motility by reducing cholinergic neurotransmission mediated by CB(1) receptors, it is not known whether the endocannabinoids are involved in more complex circuits and if they interact with other systems. The aim of the present study was to examine possible interactions between cannabinoid CB(1) receptors and purines in the control of spontaneous contractility of longitudinal muscle in mouse ileum. Experimental approach The mechanical activity of longitudinally oriented ileal segments from mice was recorded as isometric contractions. Key results The selective CB(1) receptor agonist, N-(2-chloroethyl)5,8…

Glucagon-like peptide-2: Gut signal and lipid parameters in obese mice

Evidence for region-specific effects of glucagone-like peptide-2 in mouse stomach

Rescuing the CFTR protein function: Introducing 1,3,4-oxadiazoles as translational readthrough inducing drugs.

Nonsense mutations in the CFTR gene prematurely terminate translation of the CFTR mRNA leading to the production of a truncated protein that lacks normal function causing a more severe form of the cystic fibrosis (CF) disease. About 10% of patients affected by CF show a nonsense mutation. A potential treatment of this alteration is to promote translational readthrough of premature termination codons (PTCs) by Translational Readthrough Inducing Drugs (TRIDs) such as PTC124. In this context we aimed to compare the activity of PTC124 with analogues differing in the heteroatoms position in the central heterocyclic core. By a validated protocol consisting of computational screening, synthesis an…

Glucagon-like peptide-2 reduces the obesity-associated inflammation in the brain.

Growing evidence suggests a link between obesity and neurodegeneration. The purpose of the present study was to explore the neuroprotective potential of glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) in the brain of high fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Markers of inflammation and oxidative stress were analysed in the brains of obese mice chronically treated with [Gly2]-GLP-2 (teduglutide), the stable analogue of the GLP-2, and they were compared to age-matched untreated obese and lean animals. Neurodegeneration was examined by TUNEL assay. HFD feeding increased the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators (NF-kB, IL-8, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), index of gliosis and neurodege…

Exogenous glucagon-like peptide-1 reduces contractions in human colon circular muscle.

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) is a naturally occurring peptide secreted by intestinal L-cells. Though its primary function is to serve as an incretin, GLP1 reduces gastrointestinal motility. However, only a handful of animal studies have specifically evaluated the influence of GLP1 on colonic motility. Consequently, the aims of this study were to investigate the effects induced by exogenous GLP1, to analyze the mechanism of action, and to verify the presence of GLP1 receptors (GLP1Rs) in human colon circular muscular strips. Organ bath technique, RT-PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence were used. In human colon, exogenous GLP1 reduced, in a concentration-dependent manner, the ampl…

Modulation of the spontaneous mechanical activity of mouse ileum: interplay between cannabinoids and purines

Glucagon-like peptide-2 analog and inflammatory state in obese mice

Obesity is characterized by chronic low grade of systemic inflammation that develops in response to nutrient excess and plays a key role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. It is characterized by macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue (AT) and abnormal cytokine production. These factors damage the metabolic homeostasis leading to alteration in the insulin signaling in specific tissues and organs such as AT and liver. Thus, obese subjects develop over the time resistance to the cellular actions of insulin. Glucagon like peptide-2 (GLP-2) is an intestinal proglucagon-derived hormone released together with GLP1, in response to the passage of food by the distal small intestine. Once…

Effects of protein supplementation in fitness world: A 12-week cross-over studio

The aim of this project was to evaluate the effect of isolated protein supplementation in young amateur athletes. Sixteen subjects aged between 20 and 30 were recruited for this study. Before to start sports performance was assessed at T0, in all subjects, using physical performance test and evaluated body composition. Therefore, the subjects were randomly assigned in two groups (group A and B) of 8 subjects each. The group A start to intake 30 g of protein powder diluted in water after each training session (3 times a week) for six weeks (T0) whilst the group B was the placebo. After 6 weeks (T1), the measurement were repeated for all subjects and the group A became placebo and the group B…

From Small Peptides to Large Proteins against Alzheimer'sDisease.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder in the elderly. The two cardinal neuropathological hallmarks of AD are the senile plaques, which are extracellular deposits mainly constituted by beta-amyloids, and neurofibrillary tangles formed by abnormally phosphorylated Tau (p-Tau) located in the cytoplasm of neurons. Although the research has made relevant progress in the management of the disease, the treatment is still lacking. Only symptomatic medications exist for the disease, and, in the meantime, laboratories worldwide are investigating disease-modifying treatments for AD. In the present review, results centered on the use of peptides of different sizes invol…

Mast Cell Proteases Stimulate Neurogenic and Non-Neurogenic Mucosal Chloride Secretion in Guinea Pig Distal Ileum.

Effects of CB1 and CB2 receptor agonists on the neurally-evoked responses in mouse stomach.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 modulates neurally evoked mucosal chloride secretion in guinea pig small intestine in vitro

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) acts at the G protein-coupled receptor, GLP-1R, to stimulate secretion of insulin and to inhibit secretion of glucagon and gastric acid. Involvement in mucosal secretory physiology has received negligible attention. We aimed to study involvement of GLP-1 in mucosal chloride secretion in the small intestine. Ussing chamber methods, in concert with transmural electrical field stimulation (EFS), were used to study actions on neurogenic chloride secretion. ELISA was used to study GLP-1R effects on neural release of acetylcholine (ACh). Intramural localization of GLP-1R was assessed with immunohistochemistry. Application of GLP-1 to serosal or mucosal sides of fla…

The efficacy of anaerobic training on multiple sclerosis symptoms management

Purpose: the aim of this study was to investigated the improvement of physical health status and reduce the chronic fatigue associated with that pathology in people with multiple sclerosis following lactacid anaerobic training protocol. Methods: 8 subjects (age: 34,88 ± 4,45) affected by multiple sclerosis (EDSS < 3.5) were involved in our study. An anaerobic lactacid training was administered for 12 weeks, 2 times a week, an hour and a half for each session. At the beginning (T0), at the end of the study (T1) and after 9 months from the end of the study (Follow-up, FU) physical parameters (body compositions analysis; strength, balance and reaction tests; Visual Analog Fatigue Scale, VAF…

Can specific pre-workout meals reduce bone resorption in young gymnasts?

The pre-adolescence in woman is a key stage to obtain adequate bone mineral content and to decrease the risk of osteoporosis in adulthood. Exercise and adequate nutrition can influence the bone growth process. The aim of this paper was to verify if a different pre-exercise meal can change exercise-induced bone resorption in female child artistic gymnasts. Twenty-eight preadolescent female were requited for this study. Training was preceded by high-carbohydrate meal (HCM; 300 kcal, 88% carbohydrates, 9% protein, 3% fat) or high protein meal (HPM; 300 kcal, 55% carbohydrates, 31% protein, 13% fat) ninety minutes before the start of the training session. Bone resorption biomarker, C-terminal t…

Activation of the Glucagon-Like Peptide-2 Receptor Inhibits Neurally-Evoked Mucosal Chloride Secretion in the Guinea Pig Ileum In Vitro.

Tetrodotoxin-dependent effects of menthol on mouse gastric motor function.

Menthol, the main active constituent of peppermint oil, exerts gut spasmolytic effects, although its mechanism of action remains unclear. We investigated the effects of menthol on gastric emptying and spontaneous- or evoked- mechanical activity of whole murine stomach. Gastric emptying was calculated after i.p. administration of menthol (50mg/Kg). Responses induced by menthol on gastric intraluminal pressure and evoked-cholinergic contractions were analyzed in vitro. Menthol decreased the gastric emptying rate. In vitro, menthol (0.3-30 mM) produced a concentration-dependent relaxation of whole stomach, that was significantly reduced by tetrodotoxin or ω-conotoxin GVIA. The gastric relaxant…

Inhibitory effects of indicaxanthin on mouse ileal contractility: analysis of the mechanism of action.

Recently, we have showed that indicaxanthin, the yellow betalain pigment abundant in the fruit of Opuntia ficus indica, has remarkable spasmolytic effects on the intestinal contractility in vitro. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the mechanism of action underlying the observed response. We used organ bath technique to record the mechanical activity of the mouse ileum longitudinal muscle and ELISA to measure the levels of cAMP. Indicaxanthin induced inhibitory effects on spontaneous mechanical activity, which were unaffected by indomethacin, a non-selective inhibitor of cycloxygenase; 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one, a selective inhibitor of nitric oxide-…

β-Glucans and Post Prandial Satiety: The Role of Intestinal Hormones in Healthy Volunteers

Recent interest in intestinal hormones has risen with the idea that they modulate glucose tolerance and food intake through a variety of mechanisms, and such hormones like peptide YY (PYY), ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 and 2, and cholecystokinin (CKK) are therefore excellent therapeutic candidates for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. Furthermore, in the recent years, multiple studies suggest that the microbiota is critically important for normal host functions, while impaired host microbiota interactions contribute to the pathogenesis of numerous common metabolic disorders. In this study, we considered the nutraceutical effects of β-glucans added to pasta at the con…

Glucagon-like peptide-2 relaxes mouse gastric fundus in vitro.

Role of cholinergic neurons in the motor effects of glucagon-like peptide-2 in mouse colon

Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) reduces mouse gastric tone and small intestine transit, but its action on large intestine motility is still unknown. The purposes of the present study were 1) to examine the influence of GLP-2 on spontaneous mechanical activity and on neurally evoked responses, by recording intraluminal pressure from mouse isolated colonic segments; 2) to characterize GLP-2 mechanism of action; and 3) to determine the distribution of GLP-2 receptor (GLP-2R) in the mouse colonic muscle coat by immunohistochemistry. Exogenous GLP-2 (0.1–300 nM) induced a concentration-dependent reduction of the spontaneous mechanical activity, which was abolished by the desensitization of GLP-…

Role of Endogenous GLP-2 in the Intestinal Adaptation to a Chronic High Fat Diet

A New Potential Dietary Approach to Supply Micronutrients to Physically Active People through Consumption of Biofortified Vegetables

Micronutrients are required in many reactions involved in physical activity and exercise. Most physically active people do not meet the body’s needs in terms of micronutrients through diet. The novelty of the present manuscript is the use of an innovative dietary approach to supply micronutrients to physically active people through biofortified food. Therefore, the key point of this study was to verify whether supplementation with biofortified vegetables—and specifically molybdenum (Mo)-enriched lettuce—in healthy volunteers affects essential regulators of body homeostasis and, specifically, hematological parameters, iron and lipid metabolism, and hepatic function. Twenty-…

Evidence for region-specific effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 in mouse stomach.

Ruolo del peptide glucagone simile-2 nell'adattamento intestinale ad una dieta iperlipidica

Effects of cannabinoids on spontaneous mechanical activity of mouse ileal longitudinal muscle.

Modulatory role of glucagon-like peptidi-1 on neurally-evoked mucosal chloride secretion in the guinea-pig ileum.

Interplay between cannabinoids and purines in the modulation of the spontaneous mechanical activity of mouse ileum.

Evidence for a modulatory role of cannabinoids on the excitatory NANC neurotransmission in mouse colon

Abstract It is well accepted that endogenous cannabinoids and CB1 receptors are involved in the regulation of smooth muscle contractility and intestinal motility, through a mechanism mainly related to reduction of acetylcholine release from cholinergic nerve endings. Because, few data exist on a possible modulatory action of the cannabinoid agents on the non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of cannabinoid drugs on the NANC responses elicited by electrical field stimulation (EFS) in the circular muscle of mouse proximal colon. Colonic contractions were monitored as changes in endoluminal…

Fibres as functional foods and the effects on gut hormones: The example of β-glucans in a single arm pilot study

Abstract Nutritional styles as Mediterranean and DASH diets are associated with lower incidences of certain chronic diseases and long life expectancy. The reason lays on their different contribution in fibers, polyphenols (from vegetables and fruit) and proteins. Barley is high fiber cereal that contains high amount of β-glucans and insoluble fibers that it was recognized having healthy benefits. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of β-glucans intake on glycaemic response, cholesterol and intestinal hormones levels. A single arm pilot study was performed with ten healthy individual which, consumed pasta enriched with 6% β-glucans for 30 days. Blood was collected at fasting and…

Current Acquaintance on Agronomic Biofortification to Modulate the Yield and Functional Value of Vegetable Crops: A Review

Fresh vegetables and fruits have always been the mainstays of good nutrition as providers of fiber, beneficial phytochemicals (such as vitamins and phenolic compounds), and minerals. Today and in the future, biofortification is a promising strategy to increase the concentration of these compounds. Considering the importance of minerals in human health, the enrichment of fresh produce for consumption has been considered through specific agronomic approaches. This review discusses, in detail, the latest findings on vegetable agronomic biofortification, aimed at increasing the concentration of crucial minerals, such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), iodine (I), selenium (Se), molybdenum (Mo), and silic…

Glucagon-like peptide-1 relaxes gastric antrum through nitric oxide in mice.

Abstract Glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a proglucagon-derived peptide expressed in the intestinal enteroendocrine-L cells and released after meal ingestion. GLP-1 reduces postprandial glycemia not only by its hormonal effects, but also by its inhibitory effects on gastrointestinal motility. Recently, we showed that GLP-1 acts in the enteric nervous system of mouse intestine. Therefore our working hypothesis was that GLP-1 may have also a direct influence on the gastric mechanical activity since the major part of experimental studies about its involvement in the regulation of gastric motility have been conducted in in vivo conditions. The purposes of this study were (i) to examine exogen…

Influence of glucagon-like peptide 2 on energy homeostasis

Glucagon like peptide-2 (GLP-2) is a gastrointestinal hormone released from enteroendocrine L-type cells together with glucagon like peptide-1 in response to dietary nutrients. GLP-2 acts through a specific receptor, the GLP-2 receptor, mainly located in the gut and in the brain. Classically, GLP-2 is considered a trophic hormone involved in the maintenance of intestinal epithelial morphology and function. This role has been targeted for therapies promoting repair and adaptive growth of the intestinal mucosa. Recently, GLP-2 has been shown to exert beneficial effects on glucose metabolism specially in conditions related to increased uptake of energy, such as obesity. Several actions of GLP-…

Effects of extract from Opuntia Ficus Indica Fruits on mouse ileal motility in vitro.

GLUCAGON-LIKE PEPTIDE 2: INTESTINAL PEPTIDE INVOLVED IN NUTRITIONAL HOMEOSTASIS

Analysis of Body Perception, Preworkout Meal Habits and Bone Resorption in Child Gymnasts

The beneficial effects of physical activity on body image perception and bone are debated among artistic gymnasts. Gymnasts seem to be at greater risk of developing body dissatisfaction, eating disorders and osteoporosis due to inadequate nutrition and attention to the appearance of the body. The objective of this work was to investigate the association between the artistic gymnast and a more favorable body image compared to their sedentary peers and if a preworkout high-carbohydrate meal (HCM