Day 1 :
Keynote Forum
Gary D Stoner
The Ohio State University, USA
Keynote: Black raspberries for prevention of aerodigestive tract cancers
Time : 9:30 to 10:10
Biography:
Gary D Stoner completed his PhD at the University of Michigan (USA) in 1970, conducted Post-doctoral studies at the University of California-San Diego and, in 1992, joined the Department of Preventive Medicine at Ohio State University as Lucius Wing Chair in Cancer Etiology and Prevention. He has chaired the NIH Chemo/Dietary Prevention and the ACS Nutrition and Environment Study Sections. He is Professor of Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin and is conducting additional clinical trials of berries for the prevention of esophagus and colon cancer. He has more than 300 peer-reviewed publications, 55 book chapters and has edited 4 books.
Abstract:
Our laboratory has investigated the ability of different formulations of black raspberries (brb) to prevent the development of aerodigestive tract cancers. Preclinical studies have shown protective effects of dietary freeze-dried black raspberries against oral, esophageal and colon cancer in animals. Mechanistically, the berries inhibited tumor development in these sites by reducing abnormal cell proliferation, angiogenesis and inflammation, and by increasing apoptosis in carcinogen-treated premalignant tissues. Gene expression changes in these tissues correlated with the cellular events associated with tumor inhibition. Promising preclinical results have led to clinical evaluations in cancer patients or in patients at increased risk for cancer development. The initial clinical study in humans was a phase i trial in which freeze-dried brbs were administered to humans at a dose known to be chemopreventive in animal models. The berries were found to be well tolerated, however, the uptake of both brb anthocyanins and ellagic acid into blood was less than 1% of the administered dose. Thus, berries are most effective in tissues where localized absorption is possible. With this in mind, different formulations of brbs have been evaluated for their effects on preneoplastic lesions or cancers of the human oral cavity, esophagus and colon. These are follows: 1. Oral cavity: topical application of a brb gel to dysplastic lesions (oral leukoplakia) caused histologic regression associated with improved histologic grade and reduced loss of heterozygosity at tumor suppressor gene loci, as well as protective modulation of genes linked to RNA processing and growth factor recycling. 2. Esophagus: in patients with Barrett’s esophagus, oral consumption of brbs increased tissue levels of GST-pi and decreased urinary 8-isoprostane, a marker of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. There was little effect on lesion size. 3. Colon: in colorectal cancer patients, brb consumption inhibited cancer cell proliferation and angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) and caused demethylation of tumor suppressor genes associated with the Wnt signaling pathway. In patients with familial adenomatous polyposis, brb suppositories inhibited rectal polyp progression and improved plasma cytokine profiles. 4. Stomach: because we have found recently that an extract of brbs inhibits the growth of Helicobacter pylori, there is an ongoing trial to evaluate the effects of brbs on stomach cancer. Common themes across studies support that berries are anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, reduce oxidative stress and restore tumor suppressive activity.
Keynote Forum
Sima Hamadeh
Assistant Professor University of Montreal, Canada
Keynote: Smart food policies for promoting healthy lifestyle among children and adolescents
Time : 12:30 to 12:55
Biography:
Sima Hamadeh is currently an Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator of Nutrition & Dietetics Sciences at Haigazian University (Lebanon). Her interests lies in such areas as the dietary motivations and behaviors in communities; the evolution of nutrition; the epidemiology of obesity especially among youth; the health promotion and communication; and the nutrition policies. Her Master and Doctoral studies were awarded respectively, the “Emerald Literati Network Awards for Excellence 2009” - as Highly Commended Award Winner and the “Prix d’Excellence Scientifique Franco-Libanais 2015” for the outstanding research project. She has several publications in scientific refereed journals and book. She has also many oral communications on public health nutrition in international and national congresses. She works closely with different national ministries and organizations, and international institutions in projects, seminars, researches and community programs. She is also a former Member of several executive international scientific committees and associations.
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: Food policies have an essential role for preventing global obesity epidemic and health problems. The interaction between individuals’ factors and the environments and systems in which people live provides a novel perspective to understand how various food policies work in different settings.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to qualitatively explore how combined food-policy actions work and how such policies can be designed to be more effective with substantial and sustained effect specifically on youth lifestyle.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Our approach draws on evidence from a range of disciplines (socio-psychology, communication, social marketing, nutrition economics and public health nutrition) to develop an innovative holistic conceptual framework to understand how food policies work in different areas such as school settings, food industry, and marketing. Directed and semi-structured individual interviews, and focus groups were conducted with 115 participants (67 adults and 48 youth) in Lebanon. Collected data have been submitted to a thematic qualitative analysis.
Findings: Effective food-policy actions should be: 1) tailored to the preference, behavioral, socioeconomic, and demographic characteristics of the people they seek to support, 2) designed to work through the mechanisms through which they have greatest effect and, 3) implemented as part of a combination of complementary and mutually reinforcing actions. Mobilization and organization of public and key stakeholders support for bold executive actions is crucial.
Conclusion & Significance: Smart food-policies should be comprehensive to create positive changes to food, information, social environments and food systems that enable youth to learn healthy behaviors. Policies assessments should be carefully designed using indicators of progress along the various pathways towards the short and long-term goals of promoting and improving healthy lifestyles among youth.
Keynote Forum
Qianru Chen
Ocean University of China, P R China
Keynote: Protective effects and mechanisms of Alaska pollock skin derived collagen peptides on intestinal mucosal barrier function
Time : 14:55 to 15:20
Biography:
Qianru Chen has her passion and expertise in food science and nutrition. She is committed to the study of the health benefits of bioactive collagen peptide derived from marine materials. Her research on the relationship of fish skin derived collagen peptides and intestinal barrier function provides a potential therapy for improving gut health and a new way in collagen peptides based functional food development
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: Intestine, a tightly regulated barrier responsible for nutrients absorption and defense against noxious molecular and organisms, has been recognized as a key factor involved in the pathogenesis of food allergy, inflammation bowel disease, celiac disease and development of immune and organ dysfunction after burn and critical illness. Thus, the protection of intestinal barrier function is regard as a pivotal target for health and improves the prognosis of critically ill patients. Collagen peptides (CPs) have been shown to have broad spectra of physiologic and pharmacological properties and confirmed as a safe nutritional supplement for the development of functional food by many international organizations.
Findings:Collagen peptides derived from Alaska pollock skin could attenuate TNF-α induced barrier dysfunction of Caco-2 cells and burn induced intestinal barrier disruption of mice via inhibiting the NFκB and MAPKs-mediated MLCK pathway with associated reorganization and decreases of tight junction protein ZO-1 and occludin.
Conclusion & Significance: This study first systematically studied and elucidated the protective effect of Alaska pollock skin derived collagen peptides on intestinal mucosal barrier function and its mechanism. It not only provides a theoretical basia for the development of CPs supplemented functional foods, but also offers a new strategy for the patients suffering from intestinal barrier dysfunction.
Keynote Forum
Panupong Puttarak
Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
Keynote: Systematic review and meta-analysis of Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. on mood and cognitive function
Time : 16:30 to 16:55
Biography:
Panupong Puttarak received his Doctor of Pharmaceutical Science, Prince of Songkla University. 2008 His is a Ph. D (Doctor of Philosophy) in Pharmaceutical Sciences, from Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Prince of Songkla University. 2012. Later he started his employment as lecturer at department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Prince of Songkla University, Hat-yai, Songkhla, Thailand. And his expertise fields: Phytochemistry, Standardization, Natural Products, Evidence-based medicine, Clinical pharmacy
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. has a long history as herb for brain tonic, mental disorders and memory-enhancing in Asia. A number of clinical studies of C. asiatica on mood and cognitive effect have been reported. However, no summarizes the overall evidence of C. asiatica on cognitive function. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: This study aims to determine the effects of C. asiatica on mood and cognitive function. International and Thai databases were searched for clinical studies investigating C. asiatica. Outcomes of interest were any measure on mood and cognitive function. Mean changes of the outcomes from baseline were compared by standardized mean difference. Findings: Eleven randomized controlled trials involving 642 patients were included. C. asiatica could increase alert score [SMD: 0.71 (95%CI; 0.01 to 1.41); p = 0.046, I2 = 30.5%] and decrease anger score at 1 hour after treatment [SMD: -0.81 (95%CI; -1.51 to -0.09); p = 0.026, I2 = 36.6%]. Overall effects indicated no significant differences between C. asiatica and comparators on every cognitive domain except a comparison of combination products which could decrease time of problem solving in executive function domain [SMD: -0.77 (95%CI; -1.26 to -0.27); p = 0.002, I2 = 0.0%] compared with a comparator. No study reported adverse effect of C. asiatica. Conclusion & Significance: C. asiatica could increase alert and decrease anger score. However, C. asiatica has no clinical effect on cognitive function. Future well-designed clinical trials of standardized C. asiatica are still needed.
Keynote Forum
Yu Qing Zhang
Soochow University, P R China
Keynote: Inhibition of morusin from edible medicinal mulberry to two tumor cells by inducing cell apoptosis and disturbing the cell cycle
Time : 17:20 to 17:45
Biography:
Yu Qing Zhang obtained his PhD in Technology of Bioscience from Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan in 2005. He is a Professor of Applied Biology Department as well as the Silk Biotechnology Lab at Soochow University, P R China since November 2007. His research interest focuses on characterizing mechanical and biological properties and developing new use of silk biomaterial, in particular, applications of silk protein in biomedical materials, biomedicines, daily fine chemicals or cosmetics. Currently, he is appointed as a Scientist of the China Agriculture Research System (CARS) by the Agricu lture Ministry of China.
Abstract:
Morusin is a prenylated flavonoid that is extracted from the root bark of Morus alba, which has been found to play a role in anti-cancer promotion. Here, we first screened the effects of morusin on 20 kinds of cancer cells. We found that the tumour inhibitory ratio of the high concentration treatment group (20 µg/ml) could reach 84% with a dose effect manner. The average half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 20 kinds of cancer cells was 14.79 µM, of which 80% was less than or equal to 15.36 µM. Second, we investigated the effects of morusin on the proliferation, invasion and apoptosis of MDA-MB-453 breast cancer cells and HCT116 colon cancer cells, and explored its mechanism. Morusin remarkably inhibits the growth of these cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The apoptotic results showed that the apoptotic rate of MDA-MB-453 cells treated with a high concentration of morusin was 77.73% (P<0.01). Western blotting displayed that morusin could upregulate the expression of E-cadherin and downregulate the N-cadherin and vimentin in a dose-dependent manner, and thus reverse epithelial-mesenchymal transition. It could also upregulate the expression of Bax and cleaved Caspase-3 and downregulate the expression of Bcl-2 and Caspase-3, indicating that morusin could induce cell apoptosis. The results showed that MDA-MB-453 cells were arrested in the G2 phase, and HCT116 cells were blocked in the S phase when treated with morusin, which could disturb the cell cycle. In summary, morusin could inhibit tumour growth and migration and promote cell apoptosis.
Keynote Forum
Xiao Lu Yin
Soochow University, P R China
Keynote: Gynura divaricata rich in dicaffeoylquinic acid and chlorogenic acid restrains islet cell apoptosis and improves pancreatic function in type 2 diabetic mice
Time : 17:45 to 18:05
Biography:
Xiao Lu Yin is currently a graduate student in Applied Biology from Soochow University, P R China. Her research interest focuses on biological properties and developing new use of sericulture waste, in particular applications of mulberry branches in biomedical materials, biomedicines, and cosmetics
Abstract:
The aim of this study is to investigate the potential protective effect of Gynura divaricata (GD) in diabetic mice. Gynura divaricata (GD) is a kind of natural products for edible and medicine. The analytical results showed that the methanol extract of GD riches in 10.3% 3, 5- or 6.8% 4, 5-dicaffeoylquinic acid and 5.6% chlorogenic acid by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC–DAD). After STZ-induced 2 type diabetic mice (male ICR) were orally administered with 1%, 5% and 10% GD diet for 4 weeks, a series of assays was performed. The hypoglycaemic rate of fasting blood glucose (FBG) reached 41.4% in 10% GD group and the fasting serum insulin in the highest dose GD group has decreased as low as normal group. GD treatment significantly reduced the glycosylated serum protein (GSP) level in diabetic mice. The activities of total superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase were markedly increased; while the malonaldehyde (MDA) level was decreased in pancreas tissue by treatment of GD. HE-staining showed that the pathological damage in islets with pancreatic b-cells was ameliorated by GD treatment. An immunohistochemical assay showed that GD promoted marked b-cell regeneration. GD treatment also caused notable increase in GLUT2, GK, MafA, PDX-1, and Bcl-2 as well as reduction in Bax and caspase-3 expression as shown by Western Blot analysis. In conclusion, GD exerts the pronounced hypoglycaemic effect by restraining islet cell apoptosis and improving pancreatic function. Therefore, GD might be a promising food or medicine for the treatment of diabetes
Keynote Forum
Marcello Menapace
M&Ms Consulting Ltd, UK
Keynote: Recent advances in nutritional sciences: an overview of glycans and miRNAs
Time : 10:10 to 10:50
Biography:
Marcello Menapace completed his first master’s Degree in Chemistry at the University of Milan (Italy); second master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) at the London School of Business and Finance in London (UK) and his PhD in Life Science at the H S University in Philadelphia, USA. He is a Researcher, Philosopher, Scientist, Medical Writer and Professional Regulatory Consultant. He has worked in the pharmaceutical industry for over 15 years as a Lead Consultant and Research Scientist for various biotech companies and is a Member of the professional organization TOPRA. He is the Director of M&Ms Consulting Ltd., a high-end consultancy service organization. He has published one scientific paper on Science and Ethics and is an Honourable Speaker at the European Congress of Applied Science and is currently collaborating with biotech companies to publish other biological and chemical research manuscripts.
Abstract:
There are many nutritional substances that humans consume on a
daily basis: water, carbohydrates lipids and proteins are main biochemical components of food. Others in a smaller amount are vitamins minerals and enzymes. At a possibly lesser quantity are glycans and miRNAs. The presence of oligoglycans in all food sources is an established fact for many years. These special carbohydrates are present as glycoconjugates (glycoproteins or glycolipids) in and on the surface of all the cells (glycocalyx) of all organisms that we eat and remain intact through the GI tract as we lack the enzymatic repertoire of the human body to unbind their particular β-linkages. Glycans bind to naturally present human lectins (through protein-carbohydrate interactions), but also with other human glycans (through carbohydrate-carbohydrate interactions, or CCI). Moreover, these glycans like fibres, are digested by the gut microbiota that resides within the intestine. As our biochemistry shapes the composition of the microbiome, so does the composition of glycans and foods that we consume, triggering biological responses. miRNAs are small, single-stranded, 19 to 23 nucleotide long RNA molecules and affect the stability of messenger RNA (mRNA) influencing protein synthesis. miRNAs are also present in foods and act on both the microbial composition in our gut and may be absorbed by the walls of the GI tract, demonstrating resistance to food processing and enzymatic attack. Though still a topic of controversy these small, noncoding RNAs that control gene expression may directly enter into the circulating miRNA population of dietary exogenous miRNAs. It can hence be possible to identify a relationship between glycans and miRNAs in food one side, microbiota composition on the other and the resultant health status of the host (immune system) on the third side.
There are many nutritional substances that humans consume on a daily basis: water, carbohydrates lipids and proteins are main biochemical components of food. Others in a smaller amount are vitamins minerals and enzymes. At a possibly lesser quantity are glycans and miRNAs. The presence of oligoglycans in all food sources is an established fact for many years. These special carbohydrates are present as glycoconjugates (glycoproteins or glycolipids) in and on the surface of all the cells (glycocalyx) of all organisms that we eat and remain intact through the GI tract as we lack the enzymatic repertoire of the human body to unbind their particular β-linkages. Glycans bind to naturally present human lectins (through protein-carbohydrate interactions), but also with other human glycans (through carbohydrate-carbohydrate interactions, or CCI). Moreover, these glycans like fibres, are digested by the gut microbiota that resides within the intestine. As our biochemistry shapes the composition of the microbiome, so does the composition of glycans and foods that we consume, triggering biological responses. miRNAs are small, single-stranded, 19 to 23 nucleotide long RNA molecules and affect the stability of messenger RNA (mRNA) influencing protein synthesis. miRNAs are also present in foods and act on both the microbial composition in our gut and may be absorbed by the walls of the GI tract, demonstrating resistance to food processing and enzymatic attack. Though still a topic of controversy these small, noncoding RNAs that control gene expression may directly enter into the circulating miRNA population of dietary exogenous miRNAs. It can hence be possible to identify a relationship between glycans and miRNAs in food one side, microbiota composition on the other and the resultant health status of the host (immune system) on the third side.
Keynote Forum
Surajit Mitra
Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, India
Keynote: Nutritional quality and anti-nutritional facts of tropical tuber crops
Time : 11:50 to 12:30
Biography:
Surajit Mitra acquired his BSc (Ag.) Hons. Degree securing a first class in 1990; MSc (Ag.) in Horticulture (1993) and PhD in Horticulture Degree (1998) from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya respectively. He is currently a Professor and Head of the Department of Post-Harvest Technology under the Faculty of Horticulture at the same university. He was awarded several National and International Fellowships, and participated in International Training Courses on Postharvest Technology, and has research experience of having worked at Kasetsart University, Thailand; Postharvest Education Foundation, USA; Agricultural Research Organization, Israel; and Wageningen University, The Netherlands. He also attended and presented several research papers on postharvest technology in International Conferences in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Germany. He delivered a Lead Lecture on “Tropical tubers as alternate staple crops for food and nutrition security” at the International Seminar on ‘Agriculture and Food for Inclusive Growth and Development during 14-15 January 2017 at Lucknow, UP, India. He also delivered an Invited Lecture in the workshop on Strengthening Impact Assessment in the CGIAR (SIAC) – Sweet potato organized by International Potato Center (CIP), Peru at Jameson Inn Shiraz, Kolkata on April 10, 2016.
Abstract:
Tropical tuber crops are used either as a staple or subsidiary food in several countries of South America, Africa and South East Asia, and form the means of sustenance for millions of people in the tropical and subtropical world. Being the rich source of starch, the tubers are used as staple food in many counties. Tubers are boiled, baked, fried or processed into various delicious dishes. Sweet potato, an important member of the tropical tuber crops has a great potential to be an efficient and economic source of energy due to its high production potential in a very short period of time. Both the tubers and tender leaves are good source of vitamin B1, vitamin C, β-carotene, calcium, iron, potassium, sodium and dietary fiber. Sweet potato flour is widely used in bakery and confectionery in some countries. Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes having high β-carotene, the pro-vitamin A can be included in the regular diet to tackle the problem of vitamin A deficiency in developing countries. Purple-fleshed sweet potato having high anthocyanin is also gaining importance as an antioxidant food. Anthocyanins, as a functional food component having free-radical scavenging and antioxidant capacities are linked to a broad-based range of health benefits including improvement in visual acuity and liver function, and the prevention of obesity and diabetes. Increased consumption of purple-fleshed sweet potato tubers rich in anthocyanins, the important members of the flavonoid group of phytochemicals, referred as bioflavonoids can play important roles in maintenance of human health. Sweet potato has now been labeled as an anti-diabetic food and is considered as new world’s food security crop. Tubers of sweet potato, elephant foot yam and yams were quantified for proximate contents such as carbohydrate, starch, total soluble solids, sugar, protein, fat, vitamin C, β-carotene, antioxidant, phenol, tannin, oxalate and trypsin inhibitor using standard methods. Irrespective of flesh and skin colour of tubers, a linear increase in dry matter, starch and total sugar content of different cultivars of sweet potato were found throughout the growing periods, while ï¢-carotene content showed an increasing trend only up to 105 days of planting and declined thereafter. A declining trend in ascorbic acid content was observed with the maturity of the tubers. Yam cultivars were found to have high nutrient and low anti-nutrient values. Antioxidant activities of all the cultivars of yam were very high. The Dioscorea alata cultivars showed comparatively higher carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamin C, β-carotene, and antioxidant activities than D. rotundata. A decreasing trend in starch, ascorbic acid, titratable acidity and carbohydrate content of elephant foot yam corms was observed, while total sugars, TSS and phenol contents were found to increase during storage.
Keynote Forum
Muscolo Adele
Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria, Italy
Keynote: Changes in soil available nutrients, by using NaCl, improve nutritive and health promoting compounds in the edible seeds of three different variety of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik)
Time : 11:10 to 11:50
Biography:
Muscolo Adele pursued MSc in Biological Sciences and PhD in Food Science at the Policlinic Federico II University of Naples, Italy. In 1988 she started her professional career as a Researcher at Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria (Italy), where she is still working as Full Professor in Soil Chemistry and Ecology. Since 1990 she is a Reviewer for international scientific journals and since 2008 she is an Evaluator of projects for European Community, International Funding Research Agencies and Italian and Foreign Research Ministries. She is an Examiner of international PhD dissertation. She has over 180 papers in international journals with IF. Citations: 1597 H index: 21. She has been serving as an editorial board member of many international journals. She is Associate Editor for JFR.
Abstract:
Lentil is a grain legume important in human diet for its richness in protein and bioactive compounds. Lentil is cultivated worldwide
but salinity is limiting its productivity mainly in Mediterranean and Eastern Countries. Few studies evaluated changes in the edible part of lentil under salinity. Considering the importance of this legume from a nutritional point of view, we cultivated three lentil accessions native to south and central Italy in 100 mM NaCl conditioned soils to verify if salinity affected the productivity, the nutritive values and phytochemical contents of their edible part (grain). The growth and nutritive properties of each local variety (Castelluccio di Norcia, Ustica and Pantelleria) have been compared to lentil cultivated in unsalinized soil (own control) and to the same local variety sold to the market. Our results evidenced that NaCl increased total proteins in respect to all the commercial and control lentils. No differences in the carbohydrate content among the salinized, commercial and control lentils were instead detected. The antioxidant capacity, detected as ABTS (2,2’-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid), DPPH ( 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picrylhydrazyl), FRAP (Ferric reducing antioxidant power) and Ferrozine activities increased in salt affected lentils. In addition, we observed an increase in total phenols, flavonoids and carotenoids that are considered potent antioxidants. The ethanolic extracts of the edible seeds of the different local varieties of lentils showed a higher number of compounds in all the NaCl grown lentils compared to the corresponding varieties grown in the same soil without salts or to the own commercial variety. In respect to the increase and appearance of antioxidant compounds in the edible part of lentils grown under salinity we can assume that NaCl, changing the ratio of nutrients availability, can cause nutritional alterations and/or osmotic stress that activate the secondary metabolism of plants causing an over production of phytochemicals with proven positive effects on human health.
- Nutrition and Cancer| Nutrition and Health| Plant nutrition and Nutraceuticals| Obesity and Nutrition
Location: Armstrong
Session Introduction
Sima Hamadeh
Haigazian University, Lebanon
Title: Smart food policies for promoting healthy lifestyle among children and adolescents
Time : 12:30 to 12:55
Biography:
Sima Hamadeh is currently an Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator of Nutrition & Dietetics Sciences at Haigazian University (Lebanon). Her interests lies in such areas as the dietary motivations and behaviors in communities; the evolution of nutrition; the epidemiology of obesity especially among youth; the health promotion and communication; and the nutrition policies. Her Master and Doctoral studies were awarded respectively, the “Emerald Literati Network Awards for Excellence 2009” - as Highly Commended Award Winner and the “Prix d’Excellence Scientifique Franco-Libanais 2015” for the outstanding research project. She has several publications in scientific refereed journals and book. She has also many oral communications on public health nutrition in international and national congresses. She works closely with different national ministries and organizations, and international institutions in projects, seminars, researches and community programs. She is also a former Member of
several executive international scientific committees and associations.
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: Food policies have an essential role for preventing global obesity epidemic and health problems. The interaction between individuals’ factors and the environments and systems in which people live provides a novel perspective to understand how various food policies work in different settings.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to qualitatively explore how combined food-policy actions work and how such policies can be designed to be more effective with substantial and sustained effect specifically on youth lifestyle.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Our approach draws on evidence from a range of disciplines (socio-psychology, communication, social marketing, nutrition economics and public health nutrition) to develop an innovative holistic conceptual framework to understand how food policies work in different areas such as school settings, food industry, and marketing. Directed and semi-structured individual interviews, and focus groups were conducted with 115 participants (67 adults and 48 youth) in Lebanon. Collected data have been submitted to a thematic qualitative analysis.
Findings: Effective food-policy actions should be: 1) tailored to the preference, behavioral, socioeconomic, and demographic characteristics of the people they seek to support, 2) designed to work through the mechanisms through which they have greatest effect and, 3) implemented as part of a combination of complementary and mutually reinforcing actions. Mobilization and organization of public and key stakeholders support for bold executive actions is crucial.
Conclusion & Significance: Smart food-policies should be comprehensive to create positive changes to food, information, social environments and food systems that enable youth to learn healthy behaviors. Policies assessments should be carefully designed using indicators of progress along the various pathways towards the short and long-term goals of promoting and improving healthy lifestyles among youth.
- Role of Nutrition in Disease Prevention | Nutrition and Food Science | Obesity | Obesity in Teens and Adolescents| Obesity & Food
Location: Armstrong
Session Introduction
Qianru Chen
Ocean University of China, P R China
Title: Protective effects and mechanisms of Alaska pollock skin derived collagen peptides on intestinal mucosal barrier function
Time : 14:55 to 15:20
Biography:
Qianru Chen has her passion and expertise in food science and nutrition. She is committed to the study of the health benefits of bioactive collagen peptide derived from marine materials. Her research on the relationship of fish skin derived collagen peptides and intestinal barrier function provides a potential therapy for improving gut health and a new way in collagen peptides based functional food development
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: Intestine, a tightly regulated barrier responsible for nutrients absorption and defense against noxious molecular and organisms, has been recognized as a key factor involved in the pathogenesis of food allergy, inflammation bowel disease, celiac disease and development of immune and organ dysfunction after burn and critical illness. Thus, the protection of intestinal barrier function is regard as a pivotal target for health and improve the prognosis of critically ill patients. Collagen peptides (CPs) have been shown to have broad spectra of physiologic and pharmacological properties and confirmed as a safe nutritional supplement for the development of functional food by many international organizations.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the protective effects of CPs on intestinal barrier function in vitro and in vivo.
Findings: Collagen peptides derived from Alaska pollock skin could attenuate TNF-α induced barrier dysfunction of Caco-2 cells and burn induced intestinal barrier disruption of mice via inhibiting the NFκB and MAPKs-mediated MLCK pathway with associated reorganization and decreases of tight junction protein ZO-1 and occludin.
Conclusion & Significance: This study first systematically studied and elucidated the protective effect of Alaska pollock skin derived collagen peptides on intestinal mucosal barrier function and its mechanism. It not only provides a theoretical basia for the development of CPs supplemented functional foods, but also offers a new strategy for the patients suffering from intestinal barrier dysfunction.
Panupong Puttarak
Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
Title: Systematic review and meta-analysis of Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. on mood and cognitive function
Time : 16:30 to 16:55
Biography:
Panupong Puttarak received his Doctor of Pharmaceutical Science, Prince of Songkla University. 2008. His is a Ph. D (Doctor of Philosophy) in Pharmaceutical Sciences, from Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Prince of Songkla University. 2012. Later he started his employment as lecturer at department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Prince of Songkla University, Hat-yai, Songkhla, Thailand. And his expertise fields: Phytochemistry, Standardization, Natural Products, Evidencebased medicine, Clinical pharmacy.
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. has a long history as herb for brain tonic, mental disorders and memoryenhancing
in Asia. A number of clinical studies of C. asiatica on mood and cognitive effect have been reported. However, no summarizes the overall evidence of C. asiatica on cognitive function.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: This study aims to determine the effects of C. asiatica on mood and cognitive function. International and Thai databases were searched for clinical studies investigating C. asiatica. Outcomes of interest were any measure on mood and cognitive function. Mean changes of the outcomes from baseline were compared by standardized mean difference.
Findings: Eleven randomized controlled trials involving 642 patients were included. C. asiatica could increase alert score [SMD: 0.71 (95%CI; 0.01 to 1.41); p = 0.046, I2 = 30.5%] and decrease anger score at 1 hour after treatment [SMD: -0.81 (95%CI; -1.51 to -0.09); p = 0.026, I2 = 36.6%]. Overall effects indicated no significant differences between C. asiatica and comparators on every cognitive domain except a comparison of combination products which could decrease time of problem solving in executive function domain [SMD: -0.77 (95%CI; -1.26 to -0.27); p = 0.002, I2 = 0.0%] compared with a comparator. No study reported adverse effect of C. asiatica.
Conclusion & Significance: C. asiatica could increase alert and decrease anger score. However, C. asiatica has no clinical effect on cognitive function. Future well-designed clinical trials of standardized C. asiatica are still needed.
Yu Qing Zhang
Soochow University, P R China
Title: Inhibition of morusin from edible medicinal mulberry to two tumor cells by inducing cell apoptosis and disturbing the cell cycle
Time : 17:20 to 17:45
Biography:
Yu Qing Zhang obtained his PhD in Technology of Bioscience from Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan in 2005. He is a Professor of Applied Biology Department as well as the Silk Biotechnology Lab at Soochow University, P R China since November 2007. His research interest focuses on characterizing mechanical and biological properties and developing new use of silk biomaterial, in particular, applications of silk protein in biomedical materials, biomedicines, daily fine chemicals or cosmetics. Currently, he is appointed as a Scientist of the China Agriculture Research System (CARS) by the Agricu lture Ministry of China.
Abstract:
Morusin is a prenylated flavonoid that is extracted from the root bark of Morus alba, which has been found to play a role in anti-cancer promotion. Here, we first screened the effects of morusin on 20 kinds of cancer cells. We found that the tumour inhibitory ratio of the high concentration treatment group (20 μg/ml) could reach 84% with a dose effect manner. The
average half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 20 kinds of cancer cells was 14.79 μM, of which 80% was less than or equal to 15.36 μM. Second, we investigated the effects of morusin on the proliferation, invasion and apoptosis of MDA-MB-453 breast cancer cells and HCT116 colon cancer cells, and explored its mechanism. Morusin remarkably inhibits the growth of
these cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The apoptotic results showed that the apoptotic rate of MDA-MB-453 cells treated with a high concentration of morusin was 77.73% (P<0.01). Western blotting displayed that morusin could upregulate the expression of E-cadherin and downregulate the N-cadherin and vimentin in a dose-dependent manner, and thus reverse epithelial-mesenchymal transition. It could also upregulate the expression of Bax and cleaved Caspase-3 and downregulate the expression of Bcl-2 and Caspase-3, indicating that morusin could induce cell apoptosis. The results showed that MDA-MB-453 cells were arrested in the G2 phase, and HCT116 cells were blocked in the S phase when treated with morusin, which could
disturb the cell cycle. In summary, morusin could inhibit tumour growth and migration and promote cell apoptosis.
Xiao Lu Yin
Soochow University, China
Title: Gynura divaricata rich in dicaffeoylquinic acid and chlorogenic acid restrains islet cell apoptosis and improves pancreatic function in type 2 diabetic mice
Time : 17:45 to 18:05
Biography:
Xiao Lu Yin is currently a graduate student in Applied Biology from Soochow University, P R China. Her research interest focuses on biological properties and
developing new use of sericulture waste, in particular applications of mulberry branches in biomedical materials, biomedicines, and cosmetics.
Abstract:
The aim of this study is to investigate the potential protective effect of Gynura divaricata (GD) in diabetic mice. Gynura divaricata (GD) is a kind of natural products for edible and medicine. The analytical results showed that the methanol extract of GD riches in 10.3% 3, 5- or 6.8% 4, 5-dicaffeoylquinic acid and 5.6% chlorogenic acid by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC–DAD). After STZ-induced 2 type diabetic mice (male ICR) were orally administered with 1%, 5% and 10% GD diet for 4 weeks, a series of assays was performed. The hypoglycaemic rate of Fasting
Blood Glucose (FBG) reached 41.4% in 10% GD group and the fasting serum insulin in the highest dose GD group has decreased as low as normal group. GD treatment significantly reduced the glycosylated serum protein (GSP) level in diabetic mice. The activities of total Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase were markedly increased; while the malonaldehyde (MDA) level was decreased in pancreas tissue by treatment of GD. HE-staining showed that the pathological damage in islets with pancreatic β-cells was ameliorated by GD treatment. An immunohistochemical assay showed that GD
promoted marked β-cell regeneration. GD treatment also caused notable increase in GLUT2, GK, MafA, PDX-1, and Bcl-2 as well as reduction in Bax and caspase-3 expression as shown by Western Blot analysis. In conclusion, GD exerts the pronounced hypoglycaemic effect by restraining islet cell apoptosis and improving pancreatic function. Therefore, GD might be a promising food or medicine for the treatment of diabetes.
- Livestock Nutrition
Location: Armstrong
Session Introduction
Jones W Ng’ambi
University of Limpopo, RSA
Title: Effect of dietary carrot meal supplementation on productivity of Arbor acre broiler chickens
Time : 12:20 to 12:45
Biography:
Jones W Ng’ambi holds a BSc Degree in Animal Sciences (University of Zambia, Zambia); MSc in Animal Nutrition (University of Aberdeen, UK) and PhD in
Animal Nutrition (University of London, UK). He is a Professor of Animal Nutrition at the University of Limpopo, Republic of South Africa. He has lectured at several
universities. He has published extensively and is a Rated Researcher in Republic of South Africa.
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: Broiler chickens are selected for their better feed conversion ratio and growth rates. However, their
mortality rate is high and carcasses from broiler chickens have high fat contents. Excessive fat is one of the main problems faced
by the broiler chicken industry. There is some evidence that carrot meal supplementation reduces chick mortality and improves
carcass characteristics. However, such evidence is inconclusive.
Purpose: The purpose of the study is to determine the effects of supplementing diets with carrot meal on productivity of Arbor
acre broiler chickens aged 1-21 days.
Materials & Methodology: Two hundred unsexed Arbor acre broiler chickens were randomly assigned to five treatments with
five replicates, each replication having ten birds. A completely randomized design was used in this experiment. The treatments
were 0, 20, 50, 75 or 100 g of carrot meal supplementation per kg DM (dry matter) feed. Quadratic equations were used to
determine levels of carrot meal supplementation for optimal feed intake, metabolisable energy intake and nitrogen retention
of Arbor acre broiler chickens aged 1 to 21 days. Linear equations were used to determine relationships between carrot meal
supplementation and productivity variables.
Findings: Dietary carrot meal supplementation had no effect on growth rate, live weight and feed conversion ratio of unsexed
Arbor acre broiler chickens aged 1to 21 days. Carrot meal supplementation improved metabolisable energy intake and
nitrogen retention of the chickens. Dietary metabolisable energy intake and nitrogen retention of the chickens were optimized
at different carrot meal supplementation levels of 40.5 and 53.57 g/kg DM feed, respectively.
Conclusion & Significance: Carrot meal supplementation had no effect on the performance of unsexed Arbor acre broiler
chickens aged one to 21 days. However, carrot meal supplementation improved metabolisable energy intake and nitrogen
retention. Optimal improvements of these parameters were achieved at different carrot meal supplementation levels. This has
a lot of implications in diet formulations where carrot meal is included.
David A Brown
University of Limpopo, RSA
Title: Effect of dietary tanniniferous Acacia nilotica leaf meal on productivity and methane emission in yearling Boer bucks
Time : 12:45 to 13:10
Biography:
David A Brown is presently a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Republic of South Africa. His expertise lies is
in ruminant nutrition. His current research interest includes: i) browsing plant utilization in ruminant. ii) feeding strategies to increase ruminant and non-ruminant production. iii) mitigation of greenhouse gases in ruminants utilizing plant bio-active compounds. He has presented his research findings at several international conferences including Canada, Germany, Ireland, USA and UK.
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: Goats play important roles in the communal areas of South Africa. However, their productivity is constrained by shortage of good quality feed, especially during the long dry season. Poor nutrition results in low productivity and death in extreme cases. Goats also emit methane (CH4) gas which contributes to loss of dietary gross energy and global warming. There is evidence that tanniniferous feeds in the diets of ruminants, such as Acacia nilotica leaves, may improve goat productivity and decrease CH4 production. However, this evidence is inconclusive.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of tanniniferous Acacia nilotica leaf meal inclusion levels on productivity and CH4 emission in yearling Boer bucks.
Materials & Methodology: Twenty-four yearling Boer bucks with an average live weight of 23±2 kg were allocated, in a completely randomized design, to four dietary treatments containing Acacia nilotica leaf meal inclusion levels of 10, 15, 20 or 30% of the total diet. The goats were fed ad libitum, allowing a 15% refusal of each diet. The experimental lasted for 21 days. Feed intake was measured throughout the study period. Methane emissions were measured using a hand-held CH4 detector. Methane produced was then read as parts per million-metre (ppm-m). The effects of Acacia nilotica leaf meal inclusion levels were subjected to analysis of covariance. Where the covariates showed no significant effect, the data was analyzed with analysis of variance at 5% level of probability with diet as a fixed factor.
Findings: Acacia nilotica leaf meal improved diet crude protein. Additionally, inclusion of Acacia nilotica leaf meal reduced CH4 emission in Boer bucks.
Conclusion & Significance: Acacia nilotica leaf meal had positive impact on animal productivityandentericmethane emissions. Thus, Acacia nilotica leaves have a potential of being a protein feed for ruminants.
- Role of Nutrition in Disease Prevention | Diet in Obesity and Underweight | Nutrition and Food Science
Location: Armstrong
Session Introduction
Raluca Maria Pop
University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Title: Phytochemicals fingerprinting of Romanian Sea Buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.): Authenticity evaluation and variety discrimination
Time : 14:10 to 14:35
Biography:
Raluca Maria Pop pursued PhD in Biotechnology (2011) and a master’s Degree in Food quality management (2010). Since 2012 she is currently working as a
Researcher in the Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology Department at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Cluj Napoca, Romania (Italy). Her research expertise focuses on the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of different drugs and plant extracts. During her research activity, she used different advanced techniques like high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), HPLC coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GS-MS), UV-VIS spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) to characterize and identify different drugs
and plant authenticity biomarkers.
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: Food authenticity involves a complex and comprehensive approach to food characterization at the
molecular level. Quality control assessment is an important step in assuring food authenticity. Thus, exhaustive characterization
of food matrices is required. Complex and advanced technologies are used for bioactive compound analysis. Generally, two different approaches, selective (S) - using specific and advanced techniques like high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), HPLC coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GSMS)
and, non-selective (NS) - UV-VIS (ultraviolet-visible) spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) have been used so far in authenticity evaluation. Sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) represents a valuable source of important bioactive compounds for human health and nutrition, such as fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, phenolics, carotenoids. Carotenoids and phenolic compounds received much interest being associated with lower risk of cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and eye disease, cancer or diabetes. Also, they are considered good biomarkers for quality and authenticity evaluation.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the composition of main phenolic and carotenoids compounds and to identify the specific quality and authenticity biomarkers.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: HPLC-PAD (High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Pulsed amperometric detector), GC–MS (Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy) and UHPLC–PAD–ESI- MS (Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography – Pulsed amperometric detector - Electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy) techniques were used for
carotenoids characterization. UHPLC/PDA–ESI/MS (Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic-photodiode array- Electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy) was used for phenolic compounds analysis. (NS): UV-Vis and FT-IR have been used for both carotenoids and phenolic compounds analysis.
Findings: Regarding carotenoids, berries had zeaxanthin di-palmitate and β carotene as major compounds, while leaves had lutein, β-carotene, violaxanthin and neoxanthin. Regarding phenolic compounds, berries and leaves had isorhamnetin (I) glycosides in different ratios as major compounds. Using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) the carotenoid and the phenolic
compounds biomarkers were identified for both berries and leaves. (NS): The specific bands for samples discrimination were also identified. Food authenticity involves a complex and comprehensive approach to food characterization at the molecular level. Quality control assessment is an important step in assuring food authenticity. Thus, exhaustive characterization
of food matrices is required. Complex and advanced technologies are used for bioactive compound analysis. Generally, two different approaches, selective (S) - using specific and advanced techniques like high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), HPLC coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GSMS)
and, non-selective (NS) - UV-VIS (ultraviolet-visible) spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) have been used so far in authenticity evaluation. Sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) represents a valuable source of important bioactive compounds for human health and nutrition, such as fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, phenolics, carotenoids. Carotenoids and phenolic compounds received much interest being associated with lower risk of cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and eye disease, cancer or diabetes. Also, they are considered good biomarkers for quality and authenticity evaluation.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the composition of main phenolic and carotenoids compounds and to identify the specific quality and authenticity biomarkers.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: HPLC-PAD (High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Pulsed amperometric detector), GC–MS (Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy) and UHPLC–PAD–ESI- MS (Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography – Pulsed amperometric detector - Electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy) techniques were used for carotenoids characterization. UHPLC/PDA–ESI/MS (Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic-photodiode array- Electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy) was used for phenolic compounds analysis. (NS): UV-Vis and FT-IR have been used for both carotenoids and phenolic compounds analysis.
Findings: Regarding carotenoids, berries had zeaxanthin di-palmitate and β carotene as major compounds, while leaves had lutein, β-carotene, violaxanthin and neoxanthin. Regarding phenolic compounds, berries and leaves had isorhamnetin (I) glycosides in different ratios as major compounds. Using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) the carotenoid and the phenolic
compounds biomarkers were identified for both berries and leaves. (NS): The specific bands for samples discrimination were
also identified.
Biography:
Carmen Ghantous is a registered dietitian who founded Carmen’s Diet Clinic in 2013. She offers nutrition and wellness counselling to individuals and corporations. He a specialist in weight management, diabetes, cholesterol, triglycerides treatments, athletes, children, pregnant, breastfeeding women and elderly people nutrition.In addition to Carmen’s aforementioned qualifications, Carmen’s owe three clinics located in different regions in Beirut and she is the health analyst for Unilever Lebanon, Acuvue , Sohnele and Braun products.To help teen achieve improved health, weight loss and overall well-being, Carmen has implemented also a nutrition therapy program for high school students ( St Joseph School) during 2015-2016 and scheduled seminars at Ecole Secondaire des Filles de La Charite -Achrafieh ,College Saint Famille-Fanar , and the Lebanese American University (LAU) Beirut. Carmen is graduated from the Holy Spirit University in Nutrition and Food Studies and completed her dietetic residency at the Lebanese Hospital Geitawi Lebanon. Carmen’s involvement with her patients is not limited to schedule clinic appointments; she also plans regular free nutrition seminars and collaborates with a personal trainer and psychologist to give her patients a comprehensive approach to health living. Carmen has been quoted on MTV at The Doctors show, on AL Jadeed TV with Chef Richard, Radio One Lebanon with Gavin Ford, Light FM with Tanguy Focon & Lebnen El Hor station (every Wednesday until today) . She has also written articles in AL NAHAR Newsletters and AL NASHRA OnlineNews. Carmen’s has participated also in all the international events that took place in Biel (like INSHAPE exhibition 2015, RAMADANIYAT exhibition 2015-2016 and BEIRUT COOKING FESTIVAL 2016 ..
Abstract:
National Diabetes Month is observed every November so individuals, health care professionals, organizations, and communities across the country should bring attention and awareness to diabetes and its impact on millions of people.
Diet & Diabetes: This theme highlights the importance of managing diabetes to prevent diabetes- related health problems such as heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, vision loss, and amputation. The theme also serves as a reminder to people who may be struggling with the demands of managing diabetes that they can fight these undesirable troubles by the diet. This presentation
is prepared as community awareness campaign for managing diabetes for a longer, healthier life and it will includes why diet is important (fast facts on diabetes and objective), healthy eating (meal plan and dietary advices for diabetes), control the quantity of fats and carbohydrates, importance of weight management and physical activity, and we will finalize by 10 tips for
a fit life and body.
Paloma Collado
National Distance Education University (UNED), Spain
Title: Does estradiol have a role during development in the alterations? Produced by under- or over-nutrition in male and female rats?
Time : 16:15 to 16:40
Biography:
Paloma Collado is a professor of psychobiology at the National University of Distance Education (UNED) in Spain. She obtained her PhD in psychobiology in 1990. Her research has been focused since the beginning of her career in the field of physiological psychology, and for the last fifteen years, on the mechanisms involved in the development of the cerebral circuits that control food intake in rodents. Particularly, this research has focused on the vulnerability of brain circuits that regulate energy homeostasis to under- and over -nutrition, and also on the factors that could modulate the adverse effects that an inadequate nutrition produces during development. She has developed this research as principal Investigator of different grants in collaboration with researchers from the University of Cambridge, the University of Turin and the Department of Endocrinology at the University Hospital Niño Jesus. Her research has been published in international peer-reviewed journals.
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: Adequate nutrition during the early stages of life is crucial for proper development of the neurohormonal systems that control food intake. Numerous investigations have shown that both under- and over-nutrition produce alterations in the functioning of the systems that regulate energy metabolism, and some of these alterations have been shown to be different in male and female rats. In the past decade it has been shown that leptin acts as a trophic factor during development in the programming of hypothalamic circuits that control energy metabolism. Our hypothesis is that estradiol, which shares with leptin the pathway to regulate food intake, could modulate the alterations produced by under- or over-nutrition during the early postnatal stage.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Male and female Wistar rats were submitted to a high fat (HFD) (34.9% fat), low protein (LP) (8%) or a control diet from gestational day 6. From postnatal (P) 6 to P13, both control and HFD/LP groups were administered a s.c. injection of vehicle or estradiol benzoate (0.4 mg/kg). Body weight, food intake and subcutaneous, visceral, and brown fat pads were measured. Hypothalamic neuropeptide content was analyzed by RT-PCR and plasma estradiol levels were measured by ELISA.
Findings: Changes in several physiological and neuroendocrinological parameters due to malnutrition and overnutrition were differentially detected in male and female rats, with more significant physiological changes found in males and neuroendocrinological changes found in females.
Conclusion&Significance:Our results confirm that estradiol during development modulates the alterations produced by malnutrition and might suggest a possible role of estradiol in the programming of the circuits that regulate energy metabolism. In addition, they confirm the importance f studying males and females in order to disentangle the mechanisms underlying food intake to prevent the onset of feeding disorders.