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- Genre: Masters Thesis
- Member of: ASU Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Description
Background: Nearly 95% of Americans will develop hypertension, and 67% will not seek treatment. Furthermore, hypertension is the leading risk factor for coronary heart disease. While previous studies have increased the use of blood pressure medication among patients that have received hypertension education, medications may not work for everyone. Due to the life-threatening nature of this condition, it is essential to find an effective alternative for treatment. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of organometallic complex supplementation on hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy in 6-week old male Sprague-Dawley rats that were fed either standard rodent chow or a high fat diet for 10 weeks at a university in Arizona.
Methods: Forty-two healthy six-week old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of three groups: plain water control, 0.6 mg/ml organometallic complex or 3.0 mg/ml organometallic complex as soon as they arrived. Each rat was then housed individually to prevent the sharing of microbiota through coprophagia. Rats in each treatment group were further divided into two dietary groups that were fed either a high fat diet containing 60% kcal fat that was changed every three days or standard rodent chow. Researchers were not blind to which rat was in each group. At the end of the 10-week study, rats were euthanized with an overdose of sodium pentobarbital (200 mg/kg, i.p.). Heart, left ventricle of the heart, liver, and spleen masses were recorded for each animal. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA using SigmaPlot 10.0 software.
Results: At the conclusion of this study, the left ventricle mass of the rats in the high fat diet group were significantly larger than those in the chow group. Neither dose of the organometallic complex supplement prevented these effects induced by high fat feeding.
Conclusion: The organometallic complex supplement was not effective at mitigating the effects of a high fat diet on cardiac hypertrophy in rats. Therefore, this supplement should not be used to treat cardiac hypertrophy.
Methods: Forty-two healthy six-week old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of three groups: plain water control, 0.6 mg/ml organometallic complex or 3.0 mg/ml organometallic complex as soon as they arrived. Each rat was then housed individually to prevent the sharing of microbiota through coprophagia. Rats in each treatment group were further divided into two dietary groups that were fed either a high fat diet containing 60% kcal fat that was changed every three days or standard rodent chow. Researchers were not blind to which rat was in each group. At the end of the 10-week study, rats were euthanized with an overdose of sodium pentobarbital (200 mg/kg, i.p.). Heart, left ventricle of the heart, liver, and spleen masses were recorded for each animal. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA using SigmaPlot 10.0 software.
Results: At the conclusion of this study, the left ventricle mass of the rats in the high fat diet group were significantly larger than those in the chow group. Neither dose of the organometallic complex supplement prevented these effects induced by high fat feeding.
Conclusion: The organometallic complex supplement was not effective at mitigating the effects of a high fat diet on cardiac hypertrophy in rats. Therefore, this supplement should not be used to treat cardiac hypertrophy.
ContributorsMcCormick, Kelly Ann (Author) / Sweazea, Karen L (Thesis advisor) / Whisner, Corrie M (Committee member) / Alexon, Christy (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2019
Description
Vitamin D is a nutrient that is obtained through the diet and vitamin D supplementation and created from exposure to Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. While there are many factors that determine how much serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration is in the body, little is known about how genetic variation in vitamin D-related genes influences serum 25(OH)D concentrations resulting from daily vitamin D intake and exposure to direct sunlight. Previous studies show that common genetic variants rs10741657 (CYP2R1), rs4588 (GC), rs228678 (GC), and rs4516035 (VDR) act as moderators and alter the effect of outdoor time and vitamin D intake on serum 25(OH)D concentrations. The objective of this study is to analyze the associations between serum 25(OH)D concentrations resulting from outdoor time and vitamin D intake, and genetic risk scores (GRS) established from previous studies involving single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) located on or near genes involving vitamin D synthesis, transport, activation, and degradation in 102 Hispanic and Non-Hispanic adults in the San Diego County, California. This study is a secondary analysis of data from the Community of Mine study. Global Positioning System (GPS) data collected by the Qstarz GPS device worn by each participant was used to measure outdoor time, a proxy measurement for sun exposure time. Vitamin D intake was assessed using two 24-hour dietary recalls. Blood samples were measured for serum 25(OH)D concentrations. DNA was provided to assess each participant for the various genetic variants. Adjusted analyses of the GRS and serum 25(OH)D concentrations showed that individuals with high GRS (3-4) had lower serum 25(OH)D concentrations than individuals with low GRS (0-2) for both Nissen GRS and Rivera-Paredez GRS.
ContributorsAnderson, Heather Ray (Author) / Sears, Dorothy (Thesis advisor) / Alexon, Christy (Committee member) / Dinu, Valentin (Committee member) / Jankowska, Marta (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2022
Description
Objective: This research examined the impact of daily ingestions of commercial high protein nutrition bars (with or without added fiber) on 24-h energy intake and satiety
for one week among free-living young healthy adults.
Design: In a 4-week double-blind, randomized crossover trial, 21 normal and
overweight participants (Mean BMI 23.9 ± 2.7 kg/m²), free of chronic diseases, were
randomized assigned to HP (high protein: 21 g protein) or HPHF (high protein high fiber:
20g, 14 g fiber) nutrition bars. Participants were included in the trial if they meet the
criteria for non-smoking, and not taking prescribed medication for chronic diseases.
Participants were instructed to consume commercial nutrition bars daily for seven
consecutive days. Body composition was measured with a bioelectrical impedance scale
at weeks 1, 3, and 5. Dietary data was recorded by the MyFitnessPal app on Wednesday,
Friday, and Sunday of each week.
Results: The mean energy intake for the weeks HPHF bars were consumed is
significantly higher compared to baseline (1998 ± 534 vs. 1806 ± 537 respectively; p =
0.035). The mean fat mass following one week of HPHF bar consumption was
significantly higher than the baseline value (18.8 ± 6.8 vs. 18.3 ± 6.7 respectively; p =
0.023) and trended higher (18.8 ± 6.8 vs. 18.3 ± 6.7 respectively; p = 0.057) in
comparison to the value following one week of HP bar consumption. For the high
physical activity level group (n = 10), the mean energy intakes for the baseline week and
the weeks the HP and HPHF bars were consumed were 1883 ± 597 kcal, 2154 ± 712 kcal,
and 2099 ± 603 kcal respectively (p ˂ 0.04; energy intakes for both bars were
significantly different from baseline). Nutrient intakes differed significantly mirroring the
nutrient profile for each specific bar. There are significant effects after both bars on
satiety, but there were no differences between each bar.
Conclusions: Sales of nutrition bars gained rapid growth and may represent a
unique source for specific nutrients. However, ingestion of commercial high protein
nutrition bars may increase the risk of gaining fat mass and eventual body mass over
time.
ContributorsPang, Minghan (Author) / Johnston, Carol (Thesis advisor) / Shepard, Christina (Committee member) / Alexon, Christy (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2022
Description
Mood disorders are prevalent within the college student population, increasing the potential for poor academic performance among those students. Intermittent fasting, particularly time-restricted feeding (TRF) regimens, have shown promising results associated with improvements in health outcomes related to weight loss, cardiovascular health, glucose and insulin regulation, and breast cancer; however, very limited research exits for the impact on mood states. The objective of this eight-week randomized, controlled trial was to examine the effects of a daily fasting regimen of 18 hours (six hour feeding window), compared to a daily fasting regimen of eight hours (16 hour feeding window), on the mood state of healthy college students attending Arizona State University or University of Arizona. Twenty nine students were recruited and randomized into the TRF group (n = 16) following a 16-hour fast or the control (CON) group (n = 13) following an eight-hour fast. Participants in each group were instructed to consume their first meal within an hour of waking, which would then begin their assigned feeding window. Participants were also allowed one ‘cheat day’ per week in which they were not required to follow their assigned fasting protocol, otherwise no additional dietary instructions were given; participants were permitted to consume food and beverages ad libitum throughout their feeding window. Mood state was assessed at baseline, week four, and week eight using the Profile of Mood States questionnaire and the GAD-7, specific to generalized anxiety. Of the initial 29 participants recruited, 18 completed the trial (TRF group n = 8; CON group n = 10). Data were reported through week four only, due to inconsistencies with week eight data as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The mood state measures did not show any statistically significant changes after four weeks. The results of this study suggest that a TRF regimen of 18 hours does not significantly impact overall or individual mood states among college students.
ContributorsChondropoulos, Kelly Nicole (Author) / Johnston, Carol (Thesis advisor) / Shepard, Tina (Committee member) / Alexon, Christy (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2021
Description
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is characterized by impaired vasodilation and the development of atherosclerosis.78 A diet high in saturated fat, such as palmitate, contributes to this by promoting inflammation and oxidative stress in human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). 11,12,84,88 The inflammation cascade that occurs increases pro-inflammatory cytokines, like tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and increases proinflammatory enzymes like cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) contributing to inflammation, oxidative stress, blood pressure shifts, and atherosclerosis.11,12,69,84 Palmitate has been found to upregulate TNF-alpha,85 and COX-2. 11,12, 84
In various studies, sumac, a Mediterranean spice and known antioxidant,39,7,66,67 has been shown to have antioxidant properties through its ability to inhibit reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide.39,7,66,67 Sumac has also been found to reduce TNF-alpha.100 Results from a study of hypertensive human subjects fed a sumac supplement showed a decrease in blood pressure.59
In the current study, COX-2 levels were determined to evaluate the level of inflammation in response to palmitate when primary aortic human vascular smooth muscle cells (HAoVSM) were treated with sumac. The treatments included: vehicle (bovine serum albumin), 100 µM palmitate, and 10, 20, 40, 60, and 80 µg/mL sumac. Sumac did not alter COX-2 protein levels between vehicle and sumac groups. Additional studies were designed to examine whether 80 µg/mL sumac could reverse impaired vasodilation caused by 10 weeks of high fat intake, consisting of 60% of total calories from fat, in Sprague-Dawley rats. Mesenteric arteries were isolated and exposed to sumac. High fat diet (HFD) arteries had impaired vasodilation compared to arteries from chow-fed fats. HFD arteries exposed to sumac had similar endothelium-dependent vasodilation responses as those not exposed to sumac, however, there were trends for improved vasodilation. I suggest that sumac likely exhibits antioxidant capabilities that prevent superoxide from decreasing the bioavailability of nitric oxide in the vasculature, thus promoting endothelium-dependent vasodilation and preventing the creation of more harmful reactive oxygen species. Isolated arteries from chow fed rats developed irreversible vasodilation when exposed to sumac and were therefore not responsive to pre-constriction with phenylephrine (PE) likely related to nitrates and gallic acid naturally present in sumac whereby inhibiting PE.
In various studies, sumac, a Mediterranean spice and known antioxidant,39,7,66,67 has been shown to have antioxidant properties through its ability to inhibit reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide.39,7,66,67 Sumac has also been found to reduce TNF-alpha.100 Results from a study of hypertensive human subjects fed a sumac supplement showed a decrease in blood pressure.59
In the current study, COX-2 levels were determined to evaluate the level of inflammation in response to palmitate when primary aortic human vascular smooth muscle cells (HAoVSM) were treated with sumac. The treatments included: vehicle (bovine serum albumin), 100 µM palmitate, and 10, 20, 40, 60, and 80 µg/mL sumac. Sumac did not alter COX-2 protein levels between vehicle and sumac groups. Additional studies were designed to examine whether 80 µg/mL sumac could reverse impaired vasodilation caused by 10 weeks of high fat intake, consisting of 60% of total calories from fat, in Sprague-Dawley rats. Mesenteric arteries were isolated and exposed to sumac. High fat diet (HFD) arteries had impaired vasodilation compared to arteries from chow-fed fats. HFD arteries exposed to sumac had similar endothelium-dependent vasodilation responses as those not exposed to sumac, however, there were trends for improved vasodilation. I suggest that sumac likely exhibits antioxidant capabilities that prevent superoxide from decreasing the bioavailability of nitric oxide in the vasculature, thus promoting endothelium-dependent vasodilation and preventing the creation of more harmful reactive oxygen species. Isolated arteries from chow fed rats developed irreversible vasodilation when exposed to sumac and were therefore not responsive to pre-constriction with phenylephrine (PE) likely related to nitrates and gallic acid naturally present in sumac whereby inhibiting PE.
ContributorsBarberes, Julia (Author) / Sweazea, Karen (Thesis advisor) / Gonzales, Rayna (Committee member) / Alexon, Christy (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2018
Description
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of improved hydration on endurance performance and mood in physically active adults. Participants (n = 72; age, 21.0 ± 3.0; 22.2% female) completed two two-mile run trials separated by exactly a week. Before each trial, participants provided a urine sample from the day before the run and a sample from the morning of the run. These samples were analyzed for urine osmolality (UOsm), urine specific gravity (USG), and urine color (Ucol). UOsm and USG levels determined if the participants were placed in either the euhydrated or underhydrated group after the first trial. Those assigned to the euhydrated group were instructed to maintain their current fluid intake levels and those in the underhydrated group were instructed to increase fluid intake levels before the second trial. However, results were grouped by if they improved or maintained their hydration or not. The subjects also completed a Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire before and after each trial to determine mood. Based on conditioning requirements for group assignment, 38% of subjects were classified as underhydrated. There were significant differences between the two trials for both subjects that improved and worsened their hydration in UOsm, USG, Ucol, and thirst (P < 0.05). The group with improved hydration ran -15 ± 67 sec faster in the second trial, while the group that worsened hydration ran 4 ± 26 sec slower in the second trial. When these differences were compared between the two groups with a t-test, there was a trend for statistical differences with a one-way t-test analysis (P = 0.06). When results were split by sex no statistically significant differences were observed (male: -10.8 ± 63.6 sec; female: -29.4 ± 94.8 sec; P > 0.05). Improved hydration did not result in statistically significant difference in TMD or any of the individual mood sub-scales for either group for both males and females (P > 0.05). In conclusion, increased fluid intake to optimize hydration status may affect endurance exercise in young, healthy adults in a two-mile run, but no effect was seen on mood.
ContributorsDoyle, Amanda Ann (Author) / Kavouras, Stavros (Thesis advisor) / Alexon, Christy (Committee member) / Wardenaar, Floris (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2022
Description
Background. Despite extensive research in the literature aimed at understanding the role of hypertension as a major risk factor for numerous leading causes of death in the United
States, rates of this disease continue to rise. Recent findings suggest that antiseptic mouthwash use may increase blood pressure through elimination of oral bacteria that facilitate the enterosalivary nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide pathway.
Objective. The purpose of this randomized, controlled, crossover trial was to examine the effects of antiseptic mouthwash use and sodium intake on blood pressure and salivary nitrate levels in prehypertensive adults.
Methods. Healthy adults (n=10; 47.3±12.5) with mildly elevated blood pressure (average baseline blood pressure of 114.9/75.2 mmHg) were recruited and were randomly assigned to a control condition, antiseptic mouthwash use, or antiseptic mouthwash use + consumption of three pickles per day (~6000 mg/day of sodium) for a total of 7 days. Given the crossover design of this study, participants adhered to a 1-week washout period between each condition and all participants received all three treatments. Findings were considered significant at a p-value of <0.05 and a repeated measures ANOVA test was used to compare change data of each condition.
Results. Changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were not statistically significant (p=0.469 and p=0.859, respectively). Changes in salivary nitrite levels were not statistically significant (p=0.493). Although there appeared to be fluctuations in sodium intake between interventions, differences in sodium intake were not statistically significant when pickles were not accounted for (p=0.057).
Conclusion. Antiseptic mouthwash use did not appear to induce significant changes in systolic or diastolic blood pressure in this population.
States, rates of this disease continue to rise. Recent findings suggest that antiseptic mouthwash use may increase blood pressure through elimination of oral bacteria that facilitate the enterosalivary nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide pathway.
Objective. The purpose of this randomized, controlled, crossover trial was to examine the effects of antiseptic mouthwash use and sodium intake on blood pressure and salivary nitrate levels in prehypertensive adults.
Methods. Healthy adults (n=10; 47.3±12.5) with mildly elevated blood pressure (average baseline blood pressure of 114.9/75.2 mmHg) were recruited and were randomly assigned to a control condition, antiseptic mouthwash use, or antiseptic mouthwash use + consumption of three pickles per day (~6000 mg/day of sodium) for a total of 7 days. Given the crossover design of this study, participants adhered to a 1-week washout period between each condition and all participants received all three treatments. Findings were considered significant at a p-value of <0.05 and a repeated measures ANOVA test was used to compare change data of each condition.
Results. Changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were not statistically significant (p=0.469 and p=0.859, respectively). Changes in salivary nitrite levels were not statistically significant (p=0.493). Although there appeared to be fluctuations in sodium intake between interventions, differences in sodium intake were not statistically significant when pickles were not accounted for (p=0.057).
Conclusion. Antiseptic mouthwash use did not appear to induce significant changes in systolic or diastolic blood pressure in this population.
ContributorsShaw, Karrol (Author) / Johnston, Carol (Thesis advisor) / Alexon, Christy (Committee member) / Sweazea, Karen (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2019
Description
Vinegar is gaining popularity as a natural and proven treatment for common diseases and conditions ranging from high blood pressure to diabetes. While the evidence to support the benefits of vinegar is growing, few studies have considered possible negative consequences. One concern relates to the effect of vinegar on saliva pH and dental erosion. The aim of this study is to explore this relationship as well as unsubstantiated claims that vinegar, although acidic, has an alkalizing effect on the overall body, specifically looking at its effect on resting saliva pH. Healthy adults aged 18-45 were recruited for this trial. Twenty-two participants completed this eight-week, parallel-arm, randomized, double blinded study that looked at the effect that regular consumption of red wine vinegar (two tablespoons taken two times per day before a meal) had on resting salivary pH and dental erosion compared to a control (low dosage vinegar pill taken two times a day before a meal). Resting saliva pH was measured at home using the pH20H application and pH strips at week 0 and 8 of the trial. Erosion was noted using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) by a registered dental hygienist at week 1 and 8 of trial. Results indicate no mean difference in resting salivary pH in either treatment group after eight weeks (p value, 0.49). However, there was a statistical significant mean difference in dental erosion between the VIN and CON group (p value, 0.05). Statistical significance in dental erosion, typically a gradual process, in just eight weeks is a significant finding and warrants concern about long time use of vinegar and dental health. Further exploration into this relationship is needed.
ContributorsAnderson, Summer Lynn (Author) / Johnston, Carol (Thesis advisor) / Whisner, Corrie (Committee member) / Alexon, Christy (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2019
Description
Healthy lifestyle behaviors including quality nutrition have been shown to successfully prevent chronic disease or minimize symptoms. However, many physicians lack the knowledge and skills to provide adequate nutrition counseling and education for their patients. A major component of this problem is that medical schools are not required to teach nutrition education. The purpose of this feasibility study was to compare the changes in the perceived importance of nutrition in the medical field in medical students before and after participating in a week-long interactive nutrition course in order to determine if a week-long course can positively influence students’ perceptions of nutrition. Ultimately by changing these perceptions, medical students may be able to better help patients prevent chronic disease. The participants were first year medical students at the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine (Scottsdale, AZ) who chose to participate in this medical school “Selective”. The study included a five-day curriculum of case-studies, lectures from specialized health professionals, and a cooking class led by a chef who trained in France. An anonymous pre- and post-study questionnaire with five-point Likert scale questions was used to measure changes in attitudes. The data suggest that students’ perceptions regarding the importance and relevance of nutrition in the medical shifted slightly more positive after attending this Selective, although these shifts in attitude were not statistically significant. Limitations of this study include a small sample size and selection bias, which may have decreased the potential of having significant results. Both of these factors also make the results of this study less generalizable to all medical students. This study supports the need for a larger experimental study of a similar design to verify that an interactive, evidence-based nutrition class and culinary experience increases medical students’ positive perceptions of nutrition in the medical field.
ContributorsBaum, Makenna (Author) / Johnston, Carol (Thesis advisor) / Levinson, Simin (Committee member) / Sears, Dorothy (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2020
Description
First year college students have been identified as a vulnerable population for weight gain and the onset of overweight and obesity. Research regarding the gut microbiome has identified differences in the microbial composition of overweight and obese individuals compared to normal weight individuals. Dietary components like dietary fibers, act as prebiotics, or fermentable substrate, that the gut microbiota use for metabolic functions including the production of short-chain fatty acids. The objective of this longitudinal, observational study was to assess changes in the gut microbiota over time in relation to changes in fiber consumption in healthy college students at a large a southwestern university (n=137). Anthropometric and fecal samples were collected at the beginning and end of the fall and spring semesters between August 2015 and May 2016. Both alpha, within sample, diversity and beta, between sample, diversity of participant gut microbes were assessed longitudinally using non-parametric pairwise (pre-post) comparisons and linear mixed effect (LME) models which also adjusted for covariates and accounted for time as a random effect. Alpha and beta diversity were also explored using LME first difference metrics and LME first distance metrics, respectively, to understand rates of change over time in microbial richness/phylogeny and community structure. Pre-post comparisons of Shannon Diversity and Faith’s PD were not significantly different within participant groups of fiber change (Shannon diversity, p=0.96 and Faith’s PD, p=0.66). Beta diversity pairwise comparisons also did not differ by fiber consumption groups (Unweighted UniFrac p=0.182 and Bray Curtis p=0.657). Similarly, none of the LME models suggested significant associations between dietary fiber consumption and metrics of alpha and beta diversity. Overall, data from this study indicates that small changes in fiber consumption among a free-living population did not have an impact on gut microbial richness, phylogeny or community structure. This may have been due to the low intake (~15 g/d) of fiber. Further study is needed to fully elucidate the role that fiber plays in the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota, especially when delivered from a variety of food sources rather than fiber supplements.
ContributorsLolley, Sarah (Author) / Whisner, Corrie (Thesis advisor) / Sears, Dorothy (Committee member) / Shepard, Christina (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2020