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The effects of a fibre-enriched bakery product on glucose, insulin values and appetite. A pilot randomised cross-over trial.
Ponzo, V, Ojeda-Mercado, D, Finocchiaro, C, Goitre, I, Favaro, E, Lamberti, L, Bo, S
International journal of food sciences and nutrition. 2024;:1-9
Abstract
Brewers spent grain (BSG) is a valuable source of arabinoxylans with potential beneficial effects on glucose values. This pilot randomised crossover double-blind trial compared the effects of panettone, a sweet baked-product, enriched with BSG-fibre (p-rich) to unenriched panettone (p-standard) on glucose and insulin blood values and appetite scores. Ten healthy volunteers consumed each food in a random order. Blood variables and appetite scores were assessed at fasting and at different intervals after each food consumption. Glucose values were significantly higher after p-standard intake at 90-min (89.9 ± 16.1 vs 74.6 ± 19.4 mg/dL) and 120-min (81.1 ± 9.85 vs 72.1 ± 14.0 mg/dL). The areas-under-the-curve (AUCs) were lower for both glucose (p = .043) and insulin values (p = .036) with p-rich. At 240-min, satiety was higher (p = .006), and desire-to-eat lower (p = .008) with p-rich; desire-to-eat AUC was lower with p-rich too (p = .029). The integration of a small amount of BSG-derived fibre into a sweet food led to improved glycaemic control and appetite regulation.
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Mediterranean Diet and SARS-COV-2 Infection: Is There Any Association? A Proof-of-Concept Study.
Ponzo, V, Pellegrini, M, D'Eusebio, C, Bioletto, F, Goitre, I, Buscemi, S, Frea, S, Ghigo, E, Bo, S
Nutrients. 2021;(5)
Abstract
The aim of this observational study was investigating the possible correlation between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MeD) and SARS-COV-2 infection rates and severity among healthcare professionals (HCPs). An online self-administrated questionnaire (evaluating both MeD adherence and dietary habits) was filled out by HCPs working in Piedmont (Northern Italy) from 15 January to 28 February 2021. Out of the 1206 questionnaires collected, 900 were considered reliable and analyzed. Individuals who reported the SARS-COV-2 infection (n = 148) showed a significantly lower MeD score, with a lower adherence in fruit, vegetables, cereals, and olive oil consumption. In a logistic regression model, the risk of infection was inversely associated with the MeD score (OR = 0.88; 95% CI 0.81-0.97) and the consumption of cereals (OR = 0.64; 0.45-0.90). Asymptomatic individuals with SARS-COV-2 infection reported a lower intake of saturated fats than symptomatic; individuals requiring hospitalization were significantly older and reported worse dietary habits than both asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals. After combining all symptomatic individuals together, age (OR = 1.05; 1.01-1.09) and saturated fats intake (OR = 1.09; 1.01-1.17) were associated with the infection severity. HCPs who reported a SARS-COV-2 infection showed a significantly lower MeD score and cereal consumption. The infection severity was directly associated with higher age and saturated fat intake.
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Non-Celiac Gluten/Wheat Sensitivity: Clinical Characteristics and Microbiota and Mycobiota Composition by Response to the Gluten Challenge Test.
Ponzo, V, Ferrocino, I, Goitre, I, Pellegrini, M, Bruno, M, Astegiano, M, Cadario, G, Castellana, E, Bioletto, F, Corvaglia, MR, et al
Nutrients. 2021;(4)
Abstract
The aims of this observational "proof-of-concept" study were to analyze the clinical/psychological characteristics and gut microbiota/mycobiota composition of individuals with suspected non-celiac gluten/wheat sensitivity (NCGS/WS) according to responses to the double-blind-placebo-controlled (DBPC) crossover gluten challenge test. Fifty individuals with suspected NCGS/WS were subjected to the DBPC challenge test; anthropometric measurements, psychometric questionnaires, and fecal samples were collected. Twenty-seven (54%) participants were gluten responsive (NCGS), and 23 were placebo responsive, with an order effect. NCGS individuals displayed a significantly lower risk of eating disorders and a higher mental health score when compared to placebo-responsive participants, confirmed by multiple logistic regression analyses (OR = 0.87; 95% CI 0.76-0.98, p = 0.021, and OR = 1.30; 95% CI 1.06-1.59, p = 0.009, respectively). Principal coordinate analyses based on microbiota composition showed a separation by the DBPC response (p = 0.039). For Bacteroides (p = 0.05) and Parabacteroides (p = 0.007), the frequency of amplicon sequence variants was lower, and that for Blautia (p = 0.009) and Streptococcus (p = 0.004) was higher in NCGS individuals at multiple regression analyses. No difference in the mycobiota composition was detected between the groups. In conclusion, almost half of the individuals with suspected gluten sensitivity reported symptoms with placebo; they showed lower mental health scores, increased risk for eating disorders, and a different gut microbiota composition.
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Effects of time-restricted feeding on body weight and metabolism. A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Pellegrini, M, Cioffi, I, Evangelista, A, Ponzo, V, Goitre, I, Ciccone, G, Ghigo, E, Bo, S
Reviews in endocrine & metabolic disorders. 2020;(1):17-33
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Abstract
Restriction in meal timing has emerged as a promising dietary approach for the management of obesity and dysmetabolic diseases. The present systematic review and meta-analysis summarized the most recent evidence on the effect of time-restricted feeding (TRF) on weight-loss and cardiometabolic variables in comparison with unrestricted-time regimens. Studies involving TRF regimen were systematically searched up to January 2019. Effect size was expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). A total of 11 studies, 5 randomized controlled trials and 6 observational, were included. All selected studies had a control group without time restriction; hours of fasting ranged from 12-h until 20-h and study duration from 4 to 8-weeks. Most studies involved the Ramadan fasting. TRF determined a greater weight-loss than control regimens (11 studies, n = 485 subjects) (WMD: -1.07 kg, 95%CI: -1.74 to -0.40; p = 0.002; I2 = 56.2%), unrelated to study design. The subgroup analysis showed an inverse association between TRF and fat free mass in observational studies (WMD: -1.33 kg, 95%CI: -2.55 to -0.11; p = 0.03; I2 = 0%). An overall significant reduction in fasting glucose concentrations was observed with TRF regimens (7 studies, n = 363 subjects) (WMD: -1.71 mg/dL, 95%CI: -3.20 to -0.21; p = 0.03; I2 = 0%), above all in trials (WMD:-2.45 mg/dL, 95%CI: -4.72 to -0.17; p = 0.03; I2 = 0%). No between-group differences in the other variables were found. TRF regimens achieved a superior effect in promoting weight-loss and reducing fasting glucose compared to approaches with unrestricted time in meal consumption. However, long-term and well-designed trials are needed to draw definitive conclusions.
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Changes in Weight and Nutritional Habits in Adults with Obesity during the "Lockdown" Period Caused by the COVID-19 Virus Emergency.
Pellegrini, M, Ponzo, V, Rosato, R, Scumaci, E, Goitre, I, Benso, A, Belcastro, S, Crespi, C, De Michieli, F, Ghigo, E, et al
Nutrients. 2020;12(7)
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The pandemic of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has caused significant disruption in everyday lifestyle. The aim if this study was to evaluate the changes in weight and dietary habits in a sample of individuals with obesity attending the Obesity Unit after 1 month of enforced lockdown. This is an observational retrospective study were patients followed a 12-month multidisciplinary weight loss program. Results showed that patients with obesity attending an Obesity Unit in Northern Italy showed a ≈1.5 kg self-reported weight gain after the first month of lockdown. Lower education level, self-reported anxiety/depression, and not paying attention to the healthiness of food choices were significantly associated with weight and body mass index increase. Authors conclude that the adverse mental burden linked to the COVID-19 pandemic might be associated with their increased weight.
Abstract
Our aim is evaluating the changes in weight and dietary habits in a sample of outpatients with obesity after 1 month of enforced lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Italy. In this observational retrospective study, the patients of our Obesity Unit were invited to answer to a 12-question multiple-choice questionnaire relative to weight changes, working activity, exercise, dietary habits, and conditions potentially impacting on nutritional choices. A multivariate regression analysis was performed to evaluate the associations among weight/BMI changes and the analyzed variables. A total of 150 subjects (91.5%) completed the questionnaire. Mean self-reported weight gain was ≈1.5 kg (p < 0.001). Lower exercise, self-reported boredom/solitude, anxiety/depression, enhanced eating, consumption of snacks, unhealthy foods, cereals, and sweets were correlated with a significantly higher weight gain. Multiple regression analyses showed that increased education (inversely, β = -1.15; 95%CI -2.13, -0.17, p = 0.022), self-reported anxiety/depression (β = 1.61; 0.53, 2.69, p = 0.004), and not consuming healthy foods (β = 1.48; 0.19, 2.77, p = 0.026) were significantly associated with increased weight gain. The estimated direct effect of self-reported anxiety/depression on weight was 2.07 kg (1.07, 3.07, p < 0.001). Individuals with obesity significantly gained weight 1 month after the beginning of the quarantine. The adverse mental burden linked to the COVID-19 pandemic was greatly associated with increased weight gain.
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Rs12778366 single nucleotide polymorphism of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and response to resveratrol supplementation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Gambino, R, Fanni, G, Togliatto, G, Ponzo, V, Goitre, I, Cassader, M, Brizzi, MF, Bo, S
Acta diabetologica. 2019;(8):963-966
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Diet-Gut Microbiota Interactions and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM).
Ponzo, V, Fedele, D, Goitre, I, Leone, F, Lezo, A, Monzeglio, C, Finocchiaro, C, Ghigo, E, Bo, S
Nutrients. 2019;11(2)
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Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an increasing public health concern that affects approximately 5-20% of pregnancies with rising prevalence. The potential impact of specific dietary interventions on the gut bacteria composition and function are of considerable interest to prevent and treat GDM. The aim of the study was to analyse the changes in the gut microbiota and the diet-microbiota interactions occurring during healthy pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by GDM. This study is a systemic review. Literature shows that pregnancies complicated with GDM may have an impaired gut microbiota, and this microbiota can be transmitted to the offspring. Diets can shape the gut microbiota, in fact dietary changes can rapidly change the gut microbiota. However, it generally reverts to the original status with short-term dietary modifications. Authors conclude that the optimal nutritional strategy in GDM patients remains unresolved. It is important that the potential benefits of diet are taken into consideration.
Abstract
Medical nutritional therapy is the first-line approach in managing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Diet is also a powerful modulator of the gut microbiota, whose impact on insulin resistance and the inflammatory response in the host are well known. Changes in the gut microbiota composition have been described in pregnancies either before the onset of GDM or after its diagnosis. The possible modulation of the gut microbiota by dietary interventions in pregnancy is a topic of emerging interest, in consideration of the potential effects on maternal and consequently neonatal health. To date, very few data from observational studies are available about the associations between diet and the gut microbiota in pregnancy complicated by GDM. In this review, we analyzed the available data and discussed the current knowledge about diet manipulation in order to shape the gut microbiota in pregnancy.
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Effects of resveratrol on bone health in type 2 diabetic patients. A double-blind randomized-controlled trial.
Bo, S, Gambino, R, Ponzo, V, Cioffi, I, Goitre, I, Evangelista, A, Ciccone, G, Cassader, M, Procopio, M
Nutrition & diabetes. 2018;(1):51
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are at increased fracture risk. Resveratrol has shown beneficial effects on bone health in few studies. The aim of this trial was to investigate the effects of resveratrol on bone mineral density (BMD) and on calcium metabolism biomarkers in T2DM patients. METHODS In this double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial 192 T2DM outpatients were randomized to receive resveratrol 500 mg/day (Resv500 arm), resveratrol 40 mg/day (Resv40 arm) or placebo for 6 months. BMD, bone mineral content (BMC), serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and 25-hydroxy vitamin D were measured at baseline and after 6 months. RESULTS At follow-up, calcium concentrations increased in all patients, while within-group variations in alkaline phosphatase were higher in both resveratrol arms, and 25-hydroxy vitamin D increased in the Resv500 arm only, without between-group differences. Whole-body BMD significantly decreased in the placebo group, while whole-body BMC decreased in both the placebo and Resv40 arms. No significant changes in BMD and BMC values occurred in the Resv500 arm. The adjusted mean differences of change from baseline were significantly different in the Resv500 arm vs placebo for whole-body BMD (0.01 vs -0.03 g/cm2, p = 0.001), whole-body BMC (4.04 vs -58.8 g, p < 0.001), whole-body T-score (0.15 vs -0.26), and serum phosphorus (0.07 vs -0.01 µmol/L, p = 0.002). In subgroup analyses, in Resv500 treated-patients BMD values increased to higher levels in those with lower calcium and 25-hydroxy vitamin D values, and in alcohol drinkers. CONCLUSIONS Supplementation with 500 mg resveratrol prevented bone density loss in patients with T2DM, in particular, in those with unfavorable conditions at baseline.
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Effects of Self-Conditioning Techniques (Self-Hypnosis) in Promoting Weight Loss in Patients with Severe Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Bo, S, Rahimi, F, Goitre, I, Properzi, B, Ponzo, V, Regaldo, G, Boschetti, S, Fadda, M, Ciccone, G, Abbate Daga, G, et al
Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.). 2018;(9):1422-1429
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The usefulness of the rapid-induction techniques of hypnosis as an adjunctive weight-loss treatment has not been defined. This randomized controlled trial evaluated whether self-conditioning techniques (self-hypnosis) added to lifestyle interventions contributed to weight loss (primary outcome), changes in metabolic and inflammatory variables, and quality of life (QoL) improvement (secondary outcomes) in severe obesity. METHODS Individuals (with BMI = 35-50 kg/m2 ) without organic or psychiatric comorbidity were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 60) or control arm (n = 60). All received exercise and behavioral recommendations and individualized diets. The intervention consisted of three hypnosis sessions, during which self-hypnosis was taught to increase self-control before eating. Diet, exercise, satiety, QoL, anthropometric measurements, and blood variables were collected and measured at enrollment and at 1 year (trial end). RESULTS A similar weight loss was observed in the intervention (-6.5 kg) and control (-5.6 kg) arms (β = -0.45; 95% CI: -3.78 to 2.88; P = 0.79). However, habitual hypnosis users lost more weight (-9.6 kg; β = -10.2; 95% CI: -14.2 to -6.18; P < 0.001) and greatly reduced their caloric intake (-682.5 kcal; β = -643.6; 95% CI: -1064.0 to -223.2; P = 0.005) in linear regression models. At trial end, the intervention arm showed lower C-reactive protein values (β = -2.55; 95% CI: -3.80 to -1.31; P < 0.001), higher satiety (β = 19.2; 95% CI: 7.71-30.6; P = 0.001), and better QoL (β = 0.09; 95% CI: 0.02-0.16; P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Self-hypnosis was not associated with differences in weight change but was associated with improved satiety, QoL, and inflammation. Indeed, habitual hypnosis users showed a greater weight loss.
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Changes in the gut microbiota composition during pregnancy in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
Ferrocino, I, Ponzo, V, Gambino, R, Zarovska, A, Leone, F, Monzeglio, C, Goitre, I, Rosato, R, Romano, A, Grassi, G, et al
Scientific reports. 2018;(1):12216
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a common pregnancy complication, is associated with an increased risk of maternal/perinatal outcomes. We performed a prospective observational explorative study in 41 GDM patients to evaluate their microbiota changes during pregnancy and the associations between the gut microbiota and variations in nutrient intakes, anthropometric and laboratory variables. GDM patients routinely received nutritional recommendations according to guidelines. The fecal microbiota (by 16S amplicon-based sequencing), was assessed at enrolment (24-28 weeks) and at 38 weeks of gestational age. At the study end, the microbiota α-diversity significantly increased (P < 0.001), with increase of Firmicutes and reduction of Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria. Patients who were adherent to the dietary recommendations showed a better metabolic and inflammatory pattern at the study-end and a significant decrease in Bacteroides. In multiple regression models, Faecalibacterium was significantly associated with fasting glucose; Collinsella (directly) and Blautia (inversely) with insulin, and with Homeostasis-Model Assessment Insulin-Resistance, while Sutterella with C-reactive protein levels. Consistent with this latter association, the predicted metagenomes showed a correlation between those taxa and inferred KEGG genes associated with lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis. A higher bacterial richness and strong correlations between pro-inflammatory taxa and metabolic/inflammatory variables were detected in GDM patients across pregnancy. Collectively these findings suggest that the development of strategies to modulate the gut microbiota might be a potentially useful tool to impact on maternal metabolic health.