Objective To investigate the dining-out frequency, food consumption patterns, and nutritional intake among adult urban residents in China. Methods Data were collected by the 2022-2023 Chinese Urban Residents’ Food Consumption Survey. A total of 1837 participants aged 18 and over were included in the final analysis. The 24-hour dietary recall method was used to record residents’ food consumption. The dining behaviors of the individuals with different characteristics were compared using Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results During 2022-2023, urban residents in China dined out an average of 7.3 times per month. Among the three main meals, lunch accounted for the highest proportion of dining out at 69.3%, while dinner was the lowest at 22.4%. When dining out, breakfast and lunch were most often consumed in the workplace canteen, whereas dinner was predominantly eaten in the restaurants. Food consumed while dining out accounted for 30%-55% of the total food consumption. Beans, fruits, and meat were the most frequently consumed food categories when dining out, with the proportions at 53.59%, 52.45%, and 47.82%, respectively. Eating out contributed 44% -50% of nutrient intake, with higher proportions of fat, manganese, carotenoids, and sodium consumed during dining out. Conclusion Dinning out has become a primary way of eating for urban residents, and is a main channel for the consumption of beans, fruits, meat, contributing nearly 50% of daily intakes.

Objective To investigated the consumption of aquatic foods and safety awareness in Jiangxi Province in 2021. Methods A total of 1071 people were selected from A, B, C, and D regions in Jiangxi Province using the multi-stage random sampling method. The dietary survey was conducted using a combination of discontinuous 3 d 24 h recall and family weighing method. The aquatic product safety awareness survey was conducted by the questionnaire method. Results The consumption rate of aquatic food among residents in the four regions of Jiangxi Province was 60.88 %（652/1071）. The consumption of aquatic foods was 44.03 g/d. Among the consumption of various aquatic products, freshwater fish (49.02%) was the most consumed, followed by crabs, shrimp and shellfish (15.03%) and marine fish (13.07%). There were significant differences in nutrient intakes at different levels of aquatic product consumption(P<0.05). The intake and consumption rate of aquatic foods in cities, highly educated, professional and technical personnel, clerical workers and those with higher incomes were relatively high. There were some misconceptions related to the aquatic foods in residents. Conclusion The intake of aquatic foods basically meets the recommended intake with a large gap between urban and rural areas. Some residents have misunderstandings about the safety of aquatic products. It is recommended to strengthen the popularization and publicity of aquatic food nutrition and safety knowledge, and encourage residents to increase the intake of aquatic foods.

Objective To explore the association between dietary patterns during pregnancy and excessive gestational weight gain (eGWG). Methods All participants were from the Tongji Maternal and Child Health Cohort (TMCHC), which enrolled pregnant women during early pregnancy. Height and weight were measured, and pre-pregnancy weight and other basic information were collected through questionnaires at enrollment. Regular follow-up visits were conducted to monitor participants’ weight. Total eGWG was calculated by subtracting the pre-pregnancy weight from the last weight measured before delivery. Participants were categorized into appropriate, excessive, or insufficient weight gain. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Principal component analysis was used to identify dietary patterns during pregnancy, and logistic regression was utilized to estimate the association between dietary patterns and the risk (OR) of eGWG. The Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) method was used to validate the association between dietary patterns and eGWG. Results Among 4815 pregnant women, 3010 (62.5%) experienced eGWG. Five major dietary patterns were identified: Vegetable, Meat-Rice-Wheat, Egg-Dairy-Nut, Bean-Fish, and Grain-Fruit-Snack-Mushroom. Compared to the lowest quartile (Q1), in the Vegetable pattern, the OR for eGWG in the Q4 group was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.68, 0.99, P-trend=0.033), but in the Egg-Dairy- Nut pattern, the OR for eGWG in the Q4 group was 1.46 "Egg-Dairy-Nut" was an (95% CI: 1.21, 1.75, P-trend<0.001) when compared to Q1. The BKMR model confirmed that excessive intake of independent risk factor for eGWG, with dairy and nuts, especially excessive yogurt intake, significant contributing to eGWG. While increased intake of "Vegetable" was an independent protective factor, with the protective effect of orange-colored vegetables being particularly notable. Conclusion Pregnant women should be encouraged to follow a balanced dietary regimen,which includes avoiding excessive nut intake and limiting yogurt consumption, and increasing intake of vegetables, especially orange-colored vegetables in their diet.

Objective To compare the difference of serum vitamin levels in umbilical vein and artery, and to analyze the relationship between serum vitamin levels in umbilical vein and artery and birth weight. Methods A total of 101 pairs of mothers and infants who were hospitalized in Danyang People's Hospital, Jiangsu Province from June to September, 2021 were recruited as the research participants. After delivery, umbilical vein and artery blood samples of the newborns were collected. The levels of vitamin A, vitamin B₁, vitamin B₂, niacinamide, folic acid, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin K₁ were detected by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The level of vitamin B₁₂ was detected by electrochemical luminescence method. The serum vitamin levels of umbilical artery and vein were compared by matching method, and the relationship between birth weight and the serum vitamin levels of umbilical artery and vein was analyzed by linear regression. Results The levels of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, vitamin B₂, niacinamide, vitamin A, vitamin E, 25-(OH) D₃ in the serum of umbilical vein were higher than those in the serum of umbilical artery, and the level of vitamin B₁ was lower. After correcting for serum albumin levels, the levels of vitamin B₂, vitamin A, vitamin E and 25-(OH) D₃ in the serum of umbilical vein were higher than those in the serum of umbilical artery, and the levels of vitamin B₁₂, folic acid and vitamin B₁ were lower. Linear regression results showed that after adjusting for pregnancy weight gain, newborn sex, gestational age, the logarithmic value of vitamin A in the serum of umbilical vein and artery was positively correlated with birth weight, while the difference of vitamin A levels between umbilical vein and artery was not statistically correlated with birth weight before and after adjustment. Conclusion There were differences in serum vitamin levels between umbilical vein and artery. Serum vitamin A levels in umbilical vein and artery were positively correlated with birth weight.

Objective To investigate the effects of excessive methionine (Met) on hepatic genome-wide methylated status in rats. Methods Twenty-four Wistar rats were allocated into two groups and were fed AIN-93M diet and 1.0% Met-supplemented AIN-93M diet, respectively, for 6 weeks. Hepatic samples were analyzed by Arraystar Rat 4 × 180K RN4 RefSeq Promoter Microarray for genome-wide methylated status. Microarray data was processed by NimbleScan v2.5 software. GO and PATHWAY analysis was performed by the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) software. Hepatic mRNA and protein expressions of Ednra, Mrvi1 and Gucy1A3 were further assayed by quantitative PCR analysis and ELISA method, respectively. Results A total of 1,092 differentially methylated promoters were found in rat liver after 1.0% Met supplementation. Genes related to smooth muscle contraction, platelet aggregation, and regulation function of blood pressure were changed potentially in expression by excessive Met exposure. Six down-methylated and 13 up-methylated genes were found in several biological pathways after Met treatment, including Mrvi1, Ednra and Gucy1A3. The DNA methylation status of Mrvi1, Ednra and Gucy1A3 were up-regulated, and the mRNA and protein expressions were decreased after Met treatment. Conclusions Excessive methionine supplementation affects hepatic genomic DNA methylation status; Mrvi1, Ednra and Gucy1A3 which is closely associated with smooth muscle contraction, are targets of methylation modulation induced by excessive methionine exposure.

Objective To investigate the protective effect and the underlying mechanism of stigmasterol on inflammatory injury in steatotic hepatocytes induced by oleic acid and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Methods LO2 cells were divided into 4 groups. The control group (CON) was cultured in the DMEM high-glucose medium, and the model group (MOD) was cultured in the DMEM high-glucose medium supplemented with 200 μmol/L oleic acid and 50 mg/L LDL-C for 36 h to induce the steatohepatitis cell model. In the stigmasterol intervention group (STG), 50 μmol/L of stigmasterol was added on the basis of the culture medium of the MOD group. In the transfection group (si-CYP7B1), 50 nmol/L of si-RNA was used to silence oxysterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7B1) gene expression in the STG-treated cells for 24 h. Results The contents of total cholesterol and free cholesterol in the STG group were significantly lower than those in the MOD group (P<0.05). The activities of alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase and gene expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1 and interleukin-1β in the STG group were significantly decreased compared with those in the MOD group (P<0.05). Compared with the MOD group, the relative mRNA expression levels of CYP7B1 and bile salt export pump in hepatocytes of the STG group were significantly increased (P<0.05). After CYP7B1 gene expression was specifically silenced by the si-RNA for CYP7B1, stigmasterol intervention no longer had significant effects on cellular cholesterol deposition and inflammatory injury. Conclusions tigmasterol alleviates cholesterol deposition in steatotic hepatocytes induced by oleic acid and LDL-C through increasing CYP7B1 expression and inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway activation, thereby protecting against cellular inflammatory injury.

Objective To investigate the ameliorative effect of plant sterol ester of α-linolenic acid (PS-ALA) on steatosis and oxidative stress in HepG2 cells exposed to ethanol (EtOH), and the underlying mechanism associated with the regulation of SIRT3 expression. Methods HepG2 cells were treated with EtOH and intervened by PS-ALA. The lipid accumulation in the cells was evaluated by Oil Red O staining. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by DCFH-DA fluorescent probe. The expression of SIRT3 was assessed by immunofluorescence staining. The protein expressions of SIRT3, PPARα, CPT-1A, SOD2 and CYP2E1 were measured by Western blot. Results Compared with the control group, the cells in the EtOH group showed a significant increase in intracellular lipid accumulation and ROS production. PS-ALA intervention significantly decreased lipid accumulation and suppressed ROS production. The results of further molecular mechanism studies showed that PS-ALA treatment significantly increased the protein expressions of SIRT3, PPARα, and CPT-1A. Meanwhile, PS-ALA treatment significantly increased the protein expression of SOD2 and decreased the protein expression of CYP2E1. Conclusion PS-ALA can inhibit EtOH-induced steatosis and oxidative stress in HepG2 cells, and its molecular mechanism is related to promoting β-oxidation of fatty acid and inhibiting oxidative stress by up-regulating SIRT3 expression.

Objective To explore the improvement effects of C2C12 myotube cells pre-treated with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on lipid metabolism of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Methods Myotube cells were pre-treated with 50, 100, 200, 400 μmol/L EPA or DHA for 24 hours, and a control group was set up at the same time. Myotube cells were co-cultured with mature adipocytes in the transwell chamber for 24 hours after the treatment. Oil red O staining was used to quantify lipid accumulation in the adipocytes, and PCR was used to determine the expressions of lipid metabolism genes adipose triglyceride lipase (Atgl), hormone-sensitive lipase (Hsl), PPARG coactivator 1 alpha (Pgc-1α), Uncoupling protein-1 (Ucp-1) and Sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (Srebp-1c). Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of adenosine 5‘-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and signal transduction and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathways. Results Myotube cells pre-treated with 100, 200, and 400 μmol/L EPA significantly reduced lipid accumulation in the adipocytes (P<0.05 or P<0.001), while myotube cells pre-treated with DHA showed no improvement of lipid accumulation. EPA or DHA at certain concentrations can significantly upregulated the expressions of adipocyte lipolysis genes Atgl and Hsl and lipid oxidation genes Ucp-1 and Pgc-1α (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Myotube cells pre-treated with certain concentrations of EPA significantly increased the expression of the lipid synthesis gene Srebp-1c (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while myotube cells pre-treated with certain concentrations of DHA significantly reduced the expression of the lipid synthesis gene Srebp-1c(P<0.01 or P<0.001). Myotube cells pre-treated with EPA significantly increased the p-STAT3/STAT3 ratio, but had no significant effect on the p-AMPK/AMPK ratio. Myotube cells pre-treated with 200 and 400 μmol/L DHA significantly increased the p-AMPK/AMPK ratio, but had no significant effect on the p-STAT3/STAT3 ratio. Conclusion At appropriate concentrations, both EPA and DHA can activate myotube cells to improve lipid decomposition and lipid oxidation of the adipocytes. Myotube cells pre-treated with EPA can increase lipid synthesis to a certain extent through the STAT3 pathway, and those pre-treated with DHA can reduce lipid synthesis to a certain extent through the AMPK pathway.

Objective To evaluate the impact of microalgae oil on hyperlipidemia induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in rats. Methods A total of 70 male SPF-grade SD rats aged 4 weeks were randomly divided into either a high-fat diet group (n=50) or a normal diet group (n=20). The rats were fed a HFD or a normal diet for 3 weeks. Subsequently, based on serum total cholesterol (TC) levels, the HFD group was further randomized into a model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose microalgae oil intervention groups, and a positive control group. The normal diet group was divided into a control group and a high-dose microalgae oil control group. Rats in the control and model groups were gavaged with corn oil, while those in the low-, medium-, and high-dose groups received 300, 600, and 1800 mg/kg of microalgae oil, respectively. The positive control group was administered 1 mg/kg of atorvastatin calcium tablets, while the diets of all groups remained unchanged. After 5 weeks of intervention, rats were anesthetized, and blood was collected from the abdominal aorta. Serum levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured. Additionally, liver, kidney, and carotid artery vessels were subjected to histopathological examination. Results After 5 weeks of intervention, there was no statistically significant difference in body weight among the groups fed the HFD (P>0.05). Compared with the model group, the TC, TG, and LDL-C levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05), while HDL-C levels were significantly increased (P<0.05) in the medium- and high-dose microalgae oil intervention groups and the positive control group. Following the intervention, TC levels in the low-, medium-, and high-dose microalgae oil intervention groups decreased by 3.10%, 9.9%, and 24.8%, and TG levels decreased by 2.7%, 5.4%, and 10.3%, while LDL-C levels decreased by 3.4%, 16.6%, and 18.4%, respectively. Conversely, HDL-C levels increased by 16.7%, 28.2%, and 30.7%, respectively. Furthermore, compared to the model group, the medium and high-dose intervention groups exhibited significant reductions in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine (CREA), and urea nitrogen (BUN) (P<0.05). However, when compared to the control group, there were no significant differences in these indicators when comparing the high-dose intervention group to the control group (P>0.05). Pathological assessments revealed normal liver and kidney structures in both the control and high-dose control groups. In contrast, the model group displayed fatty degeneration in the liver, along with pathological changes such as swelling of renal tubular cells and disordered arrangement in the kidney. The microalgae oil intervention groups showed varying degrees of improvement across different doses. Conclusion This microalgae oil exhibits adjuvant hypolipidemic effects within a specific dose range.

Objective To investigate the effects of zinc supplementation on reproductive injury induced by high fat diet (HFD) in male rats. Methods 24 male SD rats were randomly divided into the ND group (10% calories from fat), HFD group and HFD+ZnSO₄ group (60% calories from fat), with 8 rats in each group. ND rats were given a normal diet, and rats in the HFD and HFD+ZnSO₄ groups were given a high fat diet. After 8 weeks of modeling, ND group and HFD group were given the same amount of normal saline by gavage, and HFD+ZnSO₄ group was given 25 mg/(kg bw·d) zinc sulfate solution by gavage. The rats were killed at the end of 16 weeks. The fat tissues from the testis and peritestis were weighed, and the sperms from the epididymis tail were taken fresh to detect the total sperm number and motility. Serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured by an automatic biochemical analyzer. Serum testosterone (T), estradiol (E₂) and prolactin (PRL) were detected by chemiluminescence immunoassay. The content of zinc in testicular tissue was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The histopathological changes of the testis were observed after HE staining. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of zinc transporters, testosterone synthesis and apoptosis related genes in the testicular tissue. Results Compared with the ND group, body weight, peritestosterone fat weight and Lee's index in the HFD group were significantly increased (P<0.05). Serum TC, TG and LDL-C levels were significantly increased, while HDL-C was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The total sperm count and sperm motility were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Serum T level was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Testicular structure was damaged.The mRNA and protein levels of 3β-HSD1, CYP11A1, LHR and STAR were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The total zinc content in the testis was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The expressions of zinc transporters ZIP1 and ZIP2 were significantly decreased, and ZnT1 and ZnT8 were significantly increased (P<0.05). The levels of anti-apoptosis markers Bcl-2 mRNA and protein in the testis were decreased, while the levels of apoptosis markers Bax, Caspase-9, Caspase-12 mRNA and protein were increased (P<0.01). Compared with the HFD group, body weight, peritestosterone fat weight and Lee's index in the HFD+ZnSO₄ group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Serum TC, TG and LDL-C levels were significantly decreased, while HDL-C levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). The total sperm count and sperm motility were significantly increased (P<0.05). Serum T level was significantly increased (P<0.05). Testicular structure was improved. The mRNA and protein levels of testosterone synthesis related genes CYP11A1, LHR and STAR were significantly increased (P<0.01). The total zinc content in the testis was significantly increased (P<0.05). The zinc transporters ZIP1 and ZIP2 were significantly increased, and ZnT1 and ZnT8 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The levels of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein in the testis were increased, while the levels of Bax, Caspase-9 and Caspase-12 mRNA and protein were decreased (P<0.01). Conclusion Zinc supplementation ameliorates the reproductive damages induced by high fat diet in male rats by improving zinc homeostasis, increasing testosterone secretion and decreasing sperm apoptosis.

Objective To compare the effects of 7 flavonoid compounds with different structures on the of lipid metabolism and intestinal flora in high-fat fed diet mice. Methods Fifty-four 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into normal control group (NOR), high-fat diet group (HFD), luteolin group (LUT), quercetin group (QUE), naringin group (NAR), epicatechin group (EPI), genistein group (GEN), cyanidin group (CYA) and naringin dihydrochalcone group (CHA), with 6 animals in each group. NOR group was given an ordinary diet, the HFD group was fed a high-fat diet, and the LUT group, QUE group, NAR group, EPI group, GEN group, CYA group, and CHA group were fed the high-fat diet supplemented with the corresponding flavonoid compounds (2 g/kg). After 24 w feeding, mice were sacrificed and adipose tissues and livers were collected to calculate the adipose-body ratio. Pathological examination of the fat and liver tissues was performed. Serum was collected for blood lipid and liver function analysis. 16S rRNA sequencing technology was used to analyze intestinal flora's composition and diversity. Results Compared with other flavonoids, the GEN group showed a stronger action in decreasing both weight and fat weight gain and improving abnormal blood lipids and liver function induced by the high-fat diet. The LUT and QUE groups were superior in improving lipid metabolism and liver function abnormalities. The analysis of intestinal flora found that compared with the HFD group, the QUE group significantly increased the relative abundance of Actinobacteriota at the phylum level (P<0.05). At the genus level, the EPI group significantly increased the relative abundance of Alloprevotella (P<0.05). The relative abundance of Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 in the NAR group was significantly increased (P<0.05). Conclusions even flavonoid compounds had different effects on lipid metabolism and intestinal flora in the high-fat fed diet mice. Compared with other flavonoids, genistein, luteolin, and quercetin reduce the abnormal changes in body weight, fat tissues, blood lipids, and liver function caused by the high-fat diet, while epicatechin, naringin, and quercetin are beneficial to the growth of some probiotics.

In recent years, the different types of vitamin K have shown potential health effects on prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, improvement of cardiovascular disease, prevention of diabetes and some types of cancer, in addition to coagulation function. In this review, the physiological function of vitamin K, and the similarities and differences between vitamin K₁ and vitamin K₂ in terms of their absorption, transport, storage and excretion in the human body are discussed. The effects of different types of vitamin K, dietary composition and gene polymorphism (APOE, VKOR, CYP4F2, etc.) on vitamin K metabolism were also outlined to provide a reference for future study and the development of dietary reference intakes.

A large number of clinical trials have confirmed that appropriate caloric restriction can improve insulin resistance. As a way of energy restriction, intermittent fasting has similar effects to caloric restriction in terms of improving body metabolism and alleviating chronic inflammation. Moreover, the patients on intermittent fasting have better compliance than those on caloric restriction, so intemittent fasting has attracted more and more attention. This review outlines the research progress in the effects of intermittent fasting on insulin resistance, in order to provide new ideas for improving insulin resistance.