Food & Nutrition Research最新文献

{"title":"Legumain level in patients with gestational diabetes to promote ferroptosis through liver gluconeogenesis by HSP90 and GPX4.","authors":"Yingda Yan, Huafang Liu, Xiaodi Kang, Hongli Jiang, Wenjing Wang, Yanli Xu, Fanwen Yang","doi":"10.29219/fnr.v70.12939","DOIUrl":"10.29219/fnr.v70.12939","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the first diabetes in pregnancy and has gradually increased worldwide, increasing the burden of social healthcare systems. In GDM, oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) can disrupt the integrity of the cell membrane through lipid peroxidation reactions and trigger ferroptosis, further exacerbating pancreatic islet β-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance. Lipid peroxidation products related to ferroptosis (such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE)), along with the decrease in glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) activity, may be involved in the placental oxidative damage and adverse fetal outcomes in GDM, suggesting that targeting the antioxidant pathway or regulating ferroptosis may serve as an intervention strategy. Legumain (LGMN) can serve as novel targets in diabetes mellitus genetic therapy.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study investigated the mechanism and effects of LGMN in GDM.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>All blood samples of normal or patients with GDM were collected by Beijing Ditan Hospital Affiliated Capital Medical University. C57BL/6J female mice were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin. Sh-LGMN virus (20 μg of each) or control vector virus (20 μg of each) was injected into GDM mice. GDM mice randomly assigned to three groups (Number = 10). Sh-LGMN virus (20 μg of each) + HSP90 inhibitor or Sh-LGMN virus (20 μg of each) or control vector virus (20 μg of each) was injected into GDM mice. LGMN or si-LGMN Plasmids were transfected into HepG2 cells using Lipofectamine 2000. HepG2 cells were incubated by different insulin concentrations (100 nmol/L) treatment for 24 h. Microarray analysis, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, proliferation assay, ethynyl deoxyuridine staining, bioluminescence imaging, and Western blot were used in this study.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Serum LGMN mRNA expression was significantly elevated in patients with GDM. LGMN mRNA and protein expression were also elicited in the liver tissue of GDM mice. LGMN mRNA expression exhibited a positive correlation with Body Mass Index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose, 1-h plasma glucose, or 2-h plasma glucose in patients. Sh-LGMN virus reduced blood glucose levels and body weight, inhibited fasting insulin (FINS) levels and Homeostatic Model Assessment of Beta-cell function (HOMA-β), enhanced Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG)/FINS/Total Cholesterol/Triglycerides levels, improved hepatic fibrosis (HE staining), and also upgraded HbAIc and HOMA-IR in mice of GDM. LGMN exacerbated ROS-induced oxidative stress in the in vitro model of GDM. LGMN promoted ferroptosis in vitro model of GDM. LGMN expanded ROS-induced mitochondrial damage in vitro model of GDM. LGMN inhibited the HSP90/GPX4 Signaling Pathway in the model of GDM. The inhibition of HSP90 reduced LGMN on GDM in the mice model or the in vitro","PeriodicalId":12119,"journal":{"name":"Food & Nutrition Research","volume":"70 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13366808/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148445162","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"PRSS22 promotes the immune evasion of gastric cancer via inhibiting ANXA1-mediated degradation of PD-1.","authors":"Jifan Wang, Jing Zhou, Xiaoping Chen","doi":"10.29219/fnr.v69.13155","DOIUrl":"10.29219/fnr.v69.13155","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Gastric cancer (GC) ranks as the third most prevalent cause of mortality among malignant tumors globally. This study endeavors to uncover the protective function and underlying mechanism of PRSS22 on the immune evasion of GC.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 24 GC patients and 7 normal volunteer were recruited. The gene chip data GSE291766 in GC was downloaded to analyze the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). DAVID database was used to perform the gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. TIMER database was used to quantify PRSS22 in different cancers as well as the correlation between the PRSS22 expression and the abundance of immune infiltration by gene module. GEPIA2 was used to analyze the prognostic significance of PRSS22 in GC patients. GC cells (NCI-N87, MKN-45, MKN-28, and AGS) were used to compare the PRSS22 expression with GES-1. Jurkat cells transfected with negative, PRSS22, si-NC, or si-PRSS22 were cultivated with AGS to establish the in vitro coculture system. All mice were inoculated with AGS and injected with negative or sh-PRSS22 lentivirus. qPCR was used to analyze the PRSS22, TP53, Cox2, MYC, TNF-α, CD28, GLUT1, Granzyme B, TCF-1, LAG-3, NR4A, and TIM-3 mRNA levels. Western blotting was used to measure the PRSS22, ANXA1, and PD-1 proteins levels. The commercial kits were used to determine the caspase-3/7/9, LDH, TGF-β, TNF-α, IFNγ, and IL-10 levels. Cell viability, migration, and proliferation were determined using CCK-8, PI fluorescent stain, transwell, and EdU assays. TNFα/CD8 and CD4<sup>+</sup>CD25<sup>+</sup>FoxP3<sup>+</sup> levels were measured by flow analysis. In vivo imaging and immunohistochemical analysis were used to detect the ANXA1 expression. Immunofluorescence analysis was used to determine the PRSS22 and ANXA1 expressions. IP assay was used to analyze the interaction of PRSS22 protein with ANXA1 protein along with PD-1 ubiquitination.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>PRSS22 was highly expressed in GC patients. The overall survival in GC patients (high-PRSS22) was lower than GC patients (low-PRSS22). PRSS22 mRNA and protein expressions were significantly upregulated in AGS cells. In the GC mouse model, PRSS22 downregulation decreased tumor volume and weight. PRSS22 was manifested in T cells of GC patients. In coculture with AGS and Jurkat cell, PRSS22 could significantly promote cell proliferation, migration, and EdU positivity but reduced LDH activity and PI levels. We discovered that the PRSS22 promoted the immune evasion in T cells of GC. ANXA1 and PD-1 were DEGS in sh-PRSS22 GC samples, and ANXA1/PD-1 pathway might be important for the functions of PRSS22 on immune evasion in the GC model. PRSS22 knockout upregulated ANXA1 but downmodulated PD-1 in <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> experiments. PRSS22 WT protein could interact with the ANXA1 WT protein, and ANXA1 upregulation could promote the ubiquitination of PD-1 ","PeriodicalId":12119,"journal":{"name":"Food & Nutrition Research","volume":"69 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12767678/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145911216","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The prevalence and co-occurrence of emulsifiers, thickeners and stabilizers in food products on the Norwegian market.","authors":"Åsne Skram Trømborg, Jon Olav Vik, Monica Hauger Carlsen, Harald Carlsen","doi":"10.29219/fnr.v69.12986","DOIUrl":"10.29219/fnr.v69.12986","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>As the intake of food that has undergone substantial processing increases, the intake of common additives like Emulsifiers, Thickeners, and Stabilizers (ETSs) also increases. Several ETSs have drawn attention due to potential negative health effects.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to map the prevalence and co-occurrence patterns of ETSs across food products on the Norwegian market, examining their distribution across different food groups and products with varying nutritional profiles, including those classified as hyper-palatable.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Food product information, including ingredient lists and nutritional information, was obtained from two online databases used by major grocery chains, thus representative of the Norwegian market and analyzed for presence or absence of ETSs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thirty-two percent of food products contained at least one ETS, 60% of these contained more than one ETS, and many ETSs were found more frequently in combinations with others than individually. ETSs were present in a broad range of food products, with the highest percentage seen in the food groups Bakery, Cakes & Pastries, and Desserts & Ice cream. Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (E471) and diphosphates (E450) were the most used food additives. Fifty-eight percent of the food products analyzed were classified as hyper-palatable, though relationships with ETSs were variable across food groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This is the first comprehensive analysis of its kind, providing a basemap for future research on the potential health effects of modern food products, particularly considering the limited understanding of how multiple ETSs may interact within biological systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":12119,"journal":{"name":"Food & Nutrition Research","volume":"69 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12767680/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145911272","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fermented pine pollen formula: Effective antioxidant capable of decreasing cellular triglyceride","authors":"Qiutong Xu, Ebeydulla Rahman, Beijun Ang, Qiang Qiao, Lei Yin, Zhiyong He, Qiuming Chen, Zhaojun Wang, Jie Chen, Xinya Wang, Maomao Zeng","doi":"10.1016/j.fnutr.2025.100052","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fnutr.2025.100052","url":null,"abstract":"Pine pollen has attracted significant attention due to its potent bioactivity, and is widely utilized in the field of functional foods. Microbial fermentation is widely used to promote the release of nutrients and enhance bioactivity in herbal materials. This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant effects of different edible strains-fermented pine pollen and medicinal-food homologous composite materials (including lotus leaf, mulberry leaves, eucommia leaves, cassia seeds, and hawthorn), to screen potential microbial strains, and to investigate their lipid-lowering effects on MDI-induced 3T3-L1 cells. Fermented pine pollen and medicinal plant materials were prepared using Kluyveromyces lactis (CICC1572), Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (CICC6244), Rhizopus oryzae (CICC3010), and Morchella sp. strain CICC14033. The results showed that Kluyveromyces lactis fermented pine pollen-lotus leaf, pine pollen-eucommia leaf, and pine pollen-mulberry leaf formulas increase ABTS scavenging rates by approximately 3.8-fold, 2.8-fold, and 2.9-fold, respectively, while DPPH scavenging rates rose by approximately 1.6-fold, 1.6-fold, and 1.5-fold. Morchella sp. fermented pine pollen-eucommia leaf and Kluyveromyces lactis fermented pine pollen-eucommia leaf formulas increase TPC by approximately 2.2-fold and 2.2-fold, and TFC by approximately 6.4-fold and 8.6-fold, respectively. Fermentation substantially elevated the antioxidant capacity and phenolic compound content of the pine pollen formulas. Antioxidant activities (ABTS and DPPH) were found positively correlated with TPC and TFC. In the cell and toxicity studies, 200 μg/mL Morchella sp. and Kluyveromyces lactis fermented pine pollen-lotus leaf formulas showed no cytotoxicity toward 3T3-L1 cells while significantly inhibiting lipid accumulation (P < 0.01), reducing TG content by 86.6% and 79.2%. These findings indicate that the fermented pine pollen formula has promising applicability as a functional food with antioxidant and lipid-lowering properties. • Fermented PP formulas notably increased total phenolic and flavonoid levels. • Fermented PP formulas demonstrated remarkable antioxidant activity. • Fermented PP-lotus leaf formulas most effectively inhibit lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. • K. lactis and Morchella sp. significantly enhance the bioactivity of PP formula.","PeriodicalId":12119,"journal":{"name":"Food & Nutrition Research","volume":"2 1","pages":"100052-100052"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147904128","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diet and nutrition key factors for oral microbiota composition: a systematic review.","authors":"Heriberto Castro García, Vania Urias Orona, Luis Fernando Méndez, Andrea Arreguin Coronado, Marcela Alejandra Gloria Garza","doi":"10.29219/fnr.v69.11956","DOIUrl":"10.29219/fnr.v69.11956","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Diet and nutrition are essential in preserving oral health as they influence the microbiota balance and modulate inflammatory responses. The relationship between dietary patterns (DPs) and oral diseases such as caries and periodontitis has garnered significant scientific attention. Objective. This review aims to analyze the impact of various DPs, nutrients, and supplementation with probiotics and prebiotics on oral health and microbiota modulation.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for clinical studies published between 2010 and 2024. A total of 514 articles were retrieved, 78 were evaluated at the full-text level, and 22 original clinical studies were included based on eligibility criteria. These studies were grouped into three categories: dietary interventions without supplementation, probiotic/prebiotic supplementation, and combined strategies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Healthy DPs, such as the Mediterranean and vegetarian diets, showed anti-inflammatory effects and positively modulated oral microbiota by reducing pathogenic species linked to oral diseases. In contrast, high sugar consumption was associated with increased acidogenic bacterial species and dental caries. Probiotics, particularly strains of <i>Lactobacillus</i> and <i>Bifidobacterium</i>, demonstrated therapeutic benefits in managing gingivitis, halitosis, and caries, while prebiotics supported the growth of beneficial bacteria, complementing probiotic efficacy.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Nutritional interventions modulate oral microbiota by shifting microbial profiles toward eubiosis and attenuating inflammatory responses. The effectiveness of probiotics appears to be strain-dependent and may vary with host conditions, while prebiotics support their colonization and metabolic activity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Dietary interventions directly influence oral health by modulating microbiota composition and inflammatory responses. Probiotics show clinical promise, though their long-term, strain-specific effects need further study. Prebiotics may enhance these benefits by supporting probiotic activity. A diet rich in plant-based foods and bioactive compounds, combined with targeted supplementation, represents a viable strategy to promote oral health and microbiota balance.</p>","PeriodicalId":12119,"journal":{"name":"Food & Nutrition Research","volume":"69 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12664299/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145647874","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Causal relationships between 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and laryngeal cancer risk: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study.","authors":"Dapeng Wang, Li Zhang, Yanfen Cui, Ruyuan Guo, Fuli Zhang, Junjie Zhang, Xiaotang Yang","doi":"10.29219/fnr.v69.11489","DOIUrl":"10.29219/fnr.v69.11489","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and the risk of laryngeal cancer (LC) is unclear. This study aimed to explore the causal association between 25(OH)D levels and LC risk using the two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Single-nucleotide polymorphisms for 25(OH)D levels and LC were extracted from published genome-wide association studies (GWAS) or the Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit (MRC-IEU) Open GWAS project. Univariable MR and multivariable MR analyses were performed. Five MR methods including MR-Egger, weighted-median, inverse-variance weighted (IVW), simple mode, and weighted mode were applied.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Univariable MR analysis identified the fact that genetically predicted higher levels of 25(OH)D were associated with lower odds of LC [IVW: (odds ratio (OR) = 0.9993, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.9987-0.9999; <i>P</i> = 0.019)]. Multivariable MR analyses suggested that genetically predicted higher levels of 25(OH)D were correlated with lower risk of LC after adjusting for pack-years of cigarette smoking (CS) [IVW: (OR = 0.9993, 95% CI, 0.9987-0.9998; <i>P</i> = 0.006)] or both pack-years of CS and weekly alcoholic drinks [IVW: (OR = 0.9993, 95% CI, 0.9988-0.9998; <i>P</i> = 0.011)], but this was not significant after adjusting only for weekly alcoholic drinks [IVW: (OR = 0.9995, 95% CI, 0.9989-1.0001; <i>P</i> = 0.077)].</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This MR analyses supported a slight protective effect of higher levels of 25(OH)D on the risk of LC.</p>","PeriodicalId":12119,"journal":{"name":"Food & Nutrition Research","volume":"69 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12664297/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145647835","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fructose-containing sugars and metabolic risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Prasetya Guntari, Astina Junaida, Palupi Eny, Namkieat Pichamon, Jiamjarasrangsi Wiroj, Sapwarobol Suwimol","doi":"10.29219/fnr.v69.11062","DOIUrl":"10.29219/fnr.v69.11062","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Fructose-containing sugars are widely consumed, yet their metabolic effects remain debated.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of different fructose-containing sugars on glycaemic control, lipid profiles, and uric acid levels in adults.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 17 study codes from seven clinical trials were included, with intervention durations ranging from 7 h to 49 days. Interventions were classified as fructose, fructose-glucose mixtures (F/G), honey, or sucrose. Comparators varied and included unsweetened beverages, artificial sweeteners, and habitual diets. Meta-analyses using random-effects models assessed outcomes including fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum insulin, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-c), and uric acid. Effect sizes were reported as Hedges' <i>g</i>.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fructose-glucose mixtures intake significantly increased FBG (Hedges' <i>g</i> = 0.474, <i>P</i> = 0.002) and serum insulin (Hedges' <i>g</i> = 0.592, <i>P</i> < 0.001), while fructose, honey, and sucrose showed no significant effects. Monosaccharide intake modestly increased insulin (<i>P</i> = 0.006). Fructose and sucrose alone did not affect TC, but their combined intake resulted in a significant increase (Hedges' <i>g</i> = 0.412, <i>P</i> = 0.009). No significant changes were observed in LDL-c, VLDL-c, or pooled metabolic outcomes. Fructose intake was strongly associated with increased uric acid (Hedges' <i>g</i> = 1.628, <i>P</i> < 0.001), and pooled analysis of fructose, F/G, and honey also showed a significant increase (Hedges' <i>g</i> = 0.550, <i>P</i> = 0.028).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The short-term consumption of added sugars - fructose, sucrose, and F/G mixtures - had minimal effects on FBG, insulin, triglycerides (TG), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and VLDL-c. However, significant increases in TC and LDL-c were observed, particularly with fructose and sucrose, indicating adverse effects on lipid metabolism. Some fructose interventions, especially those using high-fructose corn syrup, also showed marked increases in uric acid. While acute metabolic changes were limited, these findings suggest that regular intake of added sugars may elevate cardiometabolic risk. Long-term studies are warranted to clarify chronic effects and inform dietary guidelines.</p>","PeriodicalId":12119,"journal":{"name":"Food & Nutrition Research","volume":"69 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12664302/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145647546","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Food procurement in upper secondary schools in a Norwegian county: nutritional quality and environmental impacts.","authors":"Marie M Bjøntegaard, Mari Mohn Paulsen, Bob van Oort, Lene Frost Andersen","doi":"10.29219/fnr.v69.12600","DOIUrl":"10.29219/fnr.v69.12600","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Public food procurement has the potential to play a significant role in transforming the food system.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to investigate the nutritional quality and environmental impacts of food procurement in public upper secondary schools within a large county in Norway.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>A cross-sectional study with food procurement data from 35 upper secondary school canteens, analysed using a food-and-nutrient calculation system at the University of Oslo, which also includes a life cycle assessment (LCA) food database.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Food procurement amongst school canteens did not align with guidelines for food and meals in upper secondary schools and recommendations for nutritional considerations in public food procurement. There was considerable variability between the schools' food procurement regarding nutritional quality and environmental impacts. However, on average, high levels of saturated fat and added sugar, as well as inadequate levels of folate, vitamin D, iron and iodine, were observed. Red meat and dairy products exhibited the most significant environmental impacts between the food groups.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Few studies have utilised food procurement data to evaluate nutritional quality and environmental impacts of school meals. Using food procurement instead of actual consumption data introduces some uncertainties, including limited knowledge about the amount of food waste, quantities actually consumed and demographics of the canteen users. Identifying key nutrients of concern can be invaluable in guiding meal planning and food procurement, especially in a school setting. Our environmental analysis supported current literature by illustrating the high impact of animal-based foods relative to plant-based foods.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The present study found both nutritional and environmental limitations in food procurement in public upper secondary schools in a large Norwegian county. Encouraging procurement of plant-based proteins and sustainably sourced fish whilst reducing purchases of full-fat dairy products would better align with the guidelines for food and meals in schools and reduce the environmental impact. Moreover, significant variability in procurement practices that do not comply with the guidelines suggests a need for clearer guidance and follow-up.</p>","PeriodicalId":12119,"journal":{"name":"Food & Nutrition Research","volume":"69 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12664301/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145647840","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors affecting food security and poverty analysis among rural households in the North-Eastern Highlands of Ethiopia.","authors":"Umar Demisse Mohammed, Arega Bazezew Berlie","doi":"10.29219/fnr.v69.12014","DOIUrl":"10.29219/fnr.v69.12014","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Ethiopia frequently experiences food insecurity due to recurrent droughts, food shortages, and famine. Understanding the determinants of food security and the extent of poverty is crucial for effective intervention.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to identify key factors influencing food security and analyze poverty levels among rural households in the North-Eastern Highlands of Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A mixed-methods research design was employed, utilizing both probability and non-probability sampling techniques to select 382 households, focus group discussants, and key informants. Quantitative data on food security and poverty indicators were analyzed using binary logistic regression (for determinants) and the Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) model (for poverty measurement).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The FGT analysis indicated that the incidence, depth, and severity of food insecurity were 55, 18, and 8%, respectively. The <i>Belg</i> (spring) livelihood zone and female-headed households exhibited higher food insecurity, while the <i>Meher</i> (autumn) livelihood zone demonstrated better food security. The binary logistic regression identified 12 significant determinants of food security (<i>P</i> < 0.05), including livelihood zone, education level, sex of household head, family size, off-farm income, land size, number of land plots, number of oxen, use of chemical fertilizer, household head's health status, experience of conflict, and access to remittances.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Household food security in the study area is significantly influenced by a complex interplay of socio-economic, agricultural, and environmental factors and poverty levels remain high in the study area. Interventions aimed at improving food security in the North-Eastern Highlands of Ethiopia should adopt a multi-faceted approach, addressing factors such as education, access to resources, agricultural productivity, and household vulnerability to shocks like conflict and illness. Collaborative efforts by government, non-governmental organizations, and local stakeholders are crucial for achieving sustainable improvements in food security.</p>","PeriodicalId":12119,"journal":{"name":"Food & Nutrition Research","volume":"69 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13366815/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148445164","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Causal relationships of serum iron metabolites with sepsis and cardiomyopathy: a Mendelian randomization analysis.","authors":"Jian Zhang, Jing Cui, Quanrui Li, Geng Tian","doi":"10.29219/fnr.v69.12623","DOIUrl":"10.29219/fnr.v69.12623","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The study aims to investigate the causal relationships of serum iron (SI) metabolites with sepsis and cardiomyopathy as two distinct outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data for SI, serum ferritin (SF), serum transferrin (STF), transferrin receptor (TFRC), sepsis, and cardiomyopathy were obtained from the EBI website. Transferrin saturation percentage (TSP) data were from the Genetics of Iron Status Consortium. Due to lack of GWAS for acute sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC), cardiomyopathy GWAS was used as a genetic proxy. Causal relationships were analysed using inverse-variance weighting, MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode methods. Power calculations, Cochran's Q test, MR-PRESSO, and Steiger directionality test were performed for quality control.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In the analysis of iron metabolites and cardiomyopathy, there were 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in SI (mean <i>F</i>-statistic = 12.3), 69 SNPs in SF (mean <i>F</i>-statistic = 28.7), 3 SNPs in STF (mean F-statistic = 15.2), 2 SNPs in TFRC (mean <i>F</i>-statistic = 11.8), and 24 SNPs in TSP (mean <i>F</i>-statistic = 22.4); and SF was a risk factor for cardiomyopathy (OR = 1.750, 95%CI: 1.152~2.657, <i>P</i> = 0.009). Furthermore, in the analysis of iron metabolites and sepsis, there were 2 SNPs in SI, 86 SNPs in SF, 4 SNPs in STF, 4 SNPs in TFRC, and 29 SNPs in TSP; and SF was a risk factor of sepsis (OR = 3.079, 95%CI: 1.420~6.679, <i>P</i> = 0.004). The Steiger directionality test confirmed that the causal direction was from ferritin to both outcomes. The results of quality control revealed no heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy among SNPs. In addition, there was no significant change in the MR analysis results after the removal of single SNP.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>SF may increase the risk of both sepsis and cardiomyopathy, potentially through inflammation-iron metabolism pathways rather than direct iron toxicity.</p>","PeriodicalId":12119,"journal":{"name":"Food & Nutrition Research","volume":"69 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12664298/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145647844","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}