Browsing by Author "Kruger MC"

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Associations between dietary patterns and an array of inflammation biomarkers and plasma lipid profile in postmenopausal women.
(BioMed Central, 2023-05-12) Ilesanmi-Oyelere BL; Kruger MC
OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: In this cross-sectional study, evaluation of the association between four dietary patterns, nutrients and food intakes and an array of systemic inflammation biomarkers and lipid profile among 80 New Zealand postmenopausal women were conducted. MATERIALS: Eighty postmenopausal women participated in the study. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to collect nutrients and food intake. Four dietary patterns were identified by principal component analysis (PCA) and plasma samples collected for inflammatory biomarkers and lipid profile measures. RESULTS: There were negative correlations between intake of dietary fibre, soluble and insoluble non-starch polysaccharides (NSP), vitamin C and niacin and with almost all the inflammatory markers for the whole group. Vegetables, tea/coffee and especially fruit intake were negatively correlated with the inflammatory biomarkers in the whole group. A high intake of Pattern 1 (potato, bread, and fruit pattern) was associated with a low risk of high interferon (IFN)-α2, IFN-λ, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 levels while a high intake of Pattern 3 (fast-food pattern) was associated high risk of IFN-α2 levels. Multiple linear regression showed a negative correlation between Pattern 2 (soups and vegetables pattern) and levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) as well as ferritin. A positive association was observed between Pattern 3 (fast-food pattern) and CRP levels. Positive correlation was also observed between Pattern 2 and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and total cholesterol (TC) levels, Pattern 4 (meat and vegetables pattern) was however negatively correlated with TC, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and TC/HDL ratio. CONCLUSIONS: The result of this study reinforces the contribution and role of diet in modifying inflammation in postmenopausal women.
Effect of green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) supplementation on faecal microbiota, body composition and iron status markers in overweight and obese postmenopausal women: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
(Cambridge University Press, 2023-05-18) Abshirini M; Coad J; Wolber FM; von Hurst P; Miller MR; Tian HS; Kruger MC
The present study aimed to determine the effect of whole meat GSM powder on gut microbiota abundance, body composition and iron status markers in healthy overweight or obese postmenopausal women. This was a 3-months trial involving forty-nine healthy postmenopausal women with body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 35 kg/m2 who were randomly assigned to receive 3 g/d of either GSM powder (n 25) or placebo (n 24). The gut microbe abundance, serum iron status markers and body composition were measured at the baseline and the end of the study. The between-group comparison at the baseline showed a lower abundance of Bacteroides and Clostridium XIVa in the GSM group compared with the placebo (P = 0⋅04). At the baseline, the body fat (BF)% and gynoid fat% were higher in the GSM group compared with the placebo (P < 0⋅05). No significant changes were found in any of the outcome measures, except for ferritin levels that showed a significant reduction over time (time effect P = 0⋅01). Some trend was observed in bacteria including Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium which tended to increase in the GSM group while their abundance decreased or remained at their baseline level in the control group. Supplementation with GSM powder did not result in any significant changes in gut microbe abundance, body composition and iron markers compared with placebo. However, some commensal bacteria such as Bacteroides and Bifidobacteria tended to increase following supplementation with GSM powder. Overall, these findings can expand the knowledge surrounding the effects of whole GSM powder on these outcome measures in healthy postmenopausal women.
Greenshell Mussel Products: A comprehensive review of sustainability, traditional use and efficacy
(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2023-02-21) Miller MR; Abshirini M; Wolber FM; Tuterangiwhiu TR; Kruger MC; Kraemer GP
GreenshellTM mussels (GSMs), Perna canaliculus, are Aotearoa/New Zealand’s most important aquaculture species and is sold as a variety of food products worldwide. GSMs are a traditional and culturally valuable food of the Māori people. Following the development of a series of nutraceutical products (dried powders and extracted oils) by the GSM aquaculture industry in the 1960s, there has been an increased scientific interest in the clinical health benefits of GSM products. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in GSMs have exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity, and the clinical evidence has led to GSM powders and oils being extensively promoted as treatments for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. This review defines the nutritional composition of GSMs and describes the sustainability of GSMs and their traditional uses. The review also details the health benefits of GSMs in clinical applications and identifies potential mechanisms and molecular pathways initiated by the various bioactive components of GSMs.
Hepatotoxicity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles.
(John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2024-05-13) Khan J; Kim ND; Bromhead C; Truman P; Kruger MC; Mallard BL
The food additive E171 (titanium dioxide, TiO2), is widely used in foods, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. It is a fine white powder, with at least one third of its particles sized in the nanoparticulate (˂100 nm range, TiO2 NPs). The use of E171 is controversial as its relevant risk assessment has never been satisfactorily accomplished. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown dose-dependent toxicity in various organs including the liver. TiO2 NPs have been shown to induce inflammation, cell death and structural and functional changes within the liver. The toxicity of TiO2 NPs in experimental models varies between organs and according to their physiochemical characteristics and parameters such as dosage and route of administration. Among these factors, ingestion is the most significant exposure route, and the liver is a key target organ. The aim of this review is to highlight the reported adverse effects of orally administered TiO2 NPs on the liver and to discuss the controversial state of its toxicity.
Plasma metabolomic response to high-carbohydrate meals of differing glycaemic load in overweight women.
(Springer Nature, 2023-04-21) Durainayagam B; Mitchell CJ; Milan AM; Kruger MC; Roy NC; Fraser K; Cameron-Smith D
BACKGROUND: Metabolomic dysregulation following a meal in overweight individuals with the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) involves multiple pathways of nutrient storage and oxidation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current study was to perform an acute cross-over intervention to examine the interactive actions of meal glycaemic load (GL) on the dynamic responses of the plasma metabolome in overweight females. METHODS: Postmenopausal women [63 ± 1.23y; Healthy (n = 20) and MetS (n = 20)] ingested two differing high-carbohydrate test meals (73 g carbohydrate; 51% energy) composed of either low glycemic index (LGI) or high (HGI) foods in a randomised sequence. Plasma metabolome was analysed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). RESULTS: In the overweight women with MetS, there were suppressed postprandial responses for several amino acids (AAs), including phenylalanine, leucine, valine, and tryptophan, p < 0.05), irrespective of the meal type. Meal GL exerted a limited impact on the overall metabolomic response, although the postprandial levels of alanine were higher with the low GL meal and uric acid was greater following the high GL meal (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MetS participants exhibited reduced differences in the concentrations of a small set of AAs and a limited group of metabolites implicated in energy metabolism following the meals. However, the manipulation of meal GL had minimal impact on the postprandial metabolome. This study suggests that the GL of a meal is not a major determinant of postprandial response, with a greater impact exerted by the metabolic health of the individual. Trial registration Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12615001108505 (21/10/2015).
Small daily doses of orange heirloom (“Moonglow”) tomatoes dose-dependently increase plasma and liver lycopene concentrations in rats
(Oxford University Press on behalf of Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Agrochemistry, 2025-03-08) Walallawita US; Wolber FM; Ziv-Gal A; Kruger MC; Heyes JA; Walallawita Kankanamge U
Lycopene in red tomatoes is mainly in the poorly bioavailable all-trans- isomeric form, while “Moonglow,” an orange heirloom tomato, contains more bioavailable cis-lycopene isomers. Consuming around 1.5 kg of red tomatoes daily is needed to achieve effective plasma lycopene levels (>0.45 µmol/L). This study hypothesized that small daily doses of “Moonglow” tomatoes could achieve beneficial lycopene levels in rats. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were supplemented with “Moonglow” tomato powder. In Study 1, rats received lycopene at 0, 0.05, 0.35, or 2.6 mg/kg body weight daily for five days. Plasma and liver lycopene concentrations increased dose-dependently. In Study 2, rats given 0.35 mg/kg daily showed dose- and time-dependent increases in lycopene. Plasma lycopene reached 0.42 µmol/L after 4 days, similar to beneficial human levels. These findings suggest that a reasonable daily intake of “Moonglow” tomatoes can achieve effective plasma lycopene concentrations.
The effect of complementary foods on the colonic microbiota of weaning infants: a systematic review.
(Taylor & Francis Group, LLC, 2024-12-16) Geniselli da Silva V; Tonkie JN; Roy NC; Smith NW; Wall C; Kruger MC; Mullaney JA; McNabb WC
The transition from breastmilk to solid foods (weaning) is a decisive stage for the development of the colonic microbiota. However, little is known about how complementary foods influence the composition and function of the colonic microbiota in infants. This systematic review collected evidence of the effect of individual foods on the fecal microbiota of weaning infants (4-12 months old) using five databases: PubMed, CENTRAL, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. A total of 3625 records were examined, and seven randomized clinical trials met the review's eligibility criteria. Altogether, 983 participants were enrolled, and plant-based foods, meats, and dairy products were used as interventions. Wholegrain cereal increased the fecal abundance of the order Bacteroidales in the two included studies. Pureed beef increased the fecal abundances of the genus Bacteroides and the Clostridium XIVa group, as well as microbial richness in two of the three included studies. However, the conclusions of this review are limited by the small number of studies included. No conclusions could be drawn about the impact of complementary foods on fecal metabolites. Further clinical trials assessing the effect of dietary interventions on both fecal microbial composition and function are needed to fill this knowledge gap in infant nutrition.
The Effects of GreenShell Mussel Powder (Brand-Named PERNAULTRA) on Physical Performance and Subjective Pain, Symptoms, and Function Measures in Knee Osteoarthritis: A 6-Mo Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
(Elsevier Inc. on behalf of American Society for Nutrition, 2024-04) Slade CAJ; Kruger MC; Miller MR; Mazahery H; Beck KL; Conlon CA; Von Hurst PR
Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) can cause disability and reduce quality of life (QoL). Objectives: This study aimed to determine whether GreenShell mussel (GSM) powder (PERNAULTRA) consumption was more effective than placebo at improving physical performance and subjective measures of symptoms and function in adults with early signs of knee OA. Methods: The Researching Osteoarthritis and GSM study was a 6-mo randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in adults aged 55–80 y, screened for signs of OA (n = 120, 65.9 ± 6.43 y, 63% female). Participants consumed either 3 g of powdered whole GSM or placebo (pea protein) daily. Baseline and end data collection included 30-s chair stand, stair test, 40-m fast-paced walk test, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire categorized into 5 subscales [pain (P), symptoms except pain (S), function in activities of daily living (ADL), function in sports/recreation (SP), and QoL], a measure of Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain, and visual analog scale of pain and symptoms. Results: Visual analog scale symptoms showed a significantly greater reduction in percentage change for GSM than that for placebo [−28.1 (−59.2, 43.2) compared with 0.00 (−28.6, 100); P = 0.03]. Further, a trend for improvement in percentage change for GSM compared with placebo was seen in 40m fast-paced walk [2.51 (−3.55, 8.12) compared with 0.20 (−6.58, 4.92); P = 0.09], KOOS-SP [11.4 (−4.48, 27.0) compared with 0.00 (−11.1, 17.7); P = 0.09], and Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain intermittent pain scale [−27.7 (−77.3, 0.00) compared with −14.6 (−50.0, 36.4); P = 0.08]. In those with body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2) <25, GSM consumption significantly improved KOOS-S compared with placebo [6.35 (3.49, 12.7) compared with 0.00 (−4.65, 4.49); P = 0.03] and showed a trend for improvement in KOOS-ADL [3.29 (1.01, 8.79) compared with 1.01 (−5.75, 4.30); P = 0.07]. Those with BMI of ≥25, consuming GSM showed a trend for improvement in KOOS-SP [13.6 (−4.76, 33.3) compared with 0.00 (−12.5, 20.0); P = 0.07]. Conclusions: This research suggests consumption of GSM has potential to alleviate symptoms and improve functionality in OA. This trial was registered at Clinical Trial Registry as ACTRN12620001112954p (https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12620001112954p.aspx).
Validity of Quantitative Ultrasound and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis against Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry for Measuring Bone Quality and Body Composition in Children
(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2019-03-07) Delshad M; Beck KL; Conlon CA; Mugridge O; Kruger MC; Von Hurst PR; Brown R; Mackay S; Eyles H
Background: Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a well-regarded device for primarily measuring bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition. However, its use is limited in children since it is expensive, time-consuming, lacks portability, and exposes children to ionizing radiation. The objective was to examine the validity of quantitative ultrasound (QUS) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) measurements against DXA for bone quality and body composition in children (8–13 years) living in Auckland, New Zealand. Methods: Whole body bone mineral content (BMC), BMD, and body composition were measured with DXA (QDR Discovery A, Hologic, USA), BMD and calcaneal stiffness index (SI) with QUS (Sahara QUS, Hologic, USA), and BIA measurements on the InBody 230 (Biospace Ltd., Seoul, Korea). Relative validity was assessed using Pearson correlation coefficients, cross-classification, and weighted ĸ-statistic Results: Healthy children (n = 127, 58 boys) were recruited. Positive correlations between QUS -SI and DXA (BMC and BMD) were observed (range = 0.40–0.45) (p < 0.05). QUS-SI correctly classified >50% of participants into the correct tertile and <10% into the opposite tertile when compared with DXA-BMD. Moderate agreement (ĸ = 0.4) was found through weighted ĸ-statistic analysis (between QUS-SI and DXA-BMD). Correlations existed between BIA and DXA for lean mass, fat mass and percentage body fat (range = 0.8–0.97) (p < 0.01). Cross-classification showed a range of 70%–84% of participants were correctly categorized into the same tertile. Weighted ĸ-statistic illustrated good agreement (ĸ = 0.6–0.8) between BIA and DXA variables. Conclusion: We found that the calcaneal QUS-SI appears to be a valid method for identifying children with low BMD as identified by DXA, and BIA is a valid method to assess children’s body composition status since there was a good relative agreement between BIA parameters and DXA values. Our results suggest that calcaneal QUS and BIA could be used to investigate bone health and body composition among children, respectively.