Nutrition
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Adequate nutrition among inmates at correctional facilities may prevent a variety of diseases and conditions. Vitamin D is a nutrient of particular interest to incarcerated populations; however, research in this area is sparse. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess vitamin D status among inmates in a prison in southern Arizona, a sun-replete region of the United States. ⋯ This study demonstrates the presence of vitamin D deficiency at the Fourth Avenue Jail in Maricopa County, Arizona, particularly among inmates who have been housed at the facility for >1 y. Because marked vitamin D deficiency is associated with a myriad of adverse health outcomes, consideration should be given to providing dietary or supplemental vitamin D to inmates at correctional facilities.
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The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chia seed and chia oil on heat shock protein (HSP) and related parameters in diet-induced obese rats. ⋯ Chia oil restored the antioxidant system and induced the expression of a higher number of proteins than chia seed. The present study demonstrated new properties and molecular mechanisms associated with the beneficial effects of chia seed and chia oil consumption in diet-induced obese rats.
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Previous studies have shown duodenal-jejunal exclusion (DJE) results in the rapid resolution of type 2 diabetes; however, the underlying mechanism is unknown. This study aimed to measure the hepatic expression of insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2) and glucose transporter-2 (GLUT-2) in type 2 diabetic rats post-DJE, and to investigate their roles in improved hepatic insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. ⋯ DJE led to upregulated hepatic IRS-2 and GLUT-2 expression in the hepatic insulin signaling pathway and improved insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetic rats.
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The gut-associated lymphoid tissue is continuously exposed to antigens in the gut lumen and becomes the first line of defense against enteric bacteria and associated toxin. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of parenteral glutamine (GLN) supplementation in combination with enteral nutrition (EN) on intestinal mucosal immunity in septic rats by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). ⋯ The results of this study show that parenteral glutamine supplementation in combination with enteral nutrition may attenuate PP apoptosis, increase PP cell yield and intestinal lamina propria IgA plasma cells, and subsequently improve intestinal mucosal immunity. Clinically, these results suggest therapeutic efforts at improving intestinal immunity may contribute to the prevention and treatment of sepsis.