Food choice motives including sustainability during purchasing are associated with a healthy dietary pattern in French adults.

BACKGROUND: Sustainability has become a greater concern among consumers that may influence their dietary intake. Only a few studies investigated the relationship between sustainable food choice motives and diet and they focused on specific food groups. OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the associations between food choice motives during purchasing, with a focus on sustainability, and dietary patterns in a large sample of French adults. DESIGN: Food choice motives were collected in 31,842 adults from the NutriNet-Santé study, using a validated 63 items questionnaire gathered into 9 dimension scores: ethics and environment, traditional and local production, taste, price, environmental limitation (i.e. not buying a food for environmental concerns), health, convenience, innovation and absence of contaminants. Dietary intake was assessed using at least three web-based 24-h food records. Three dietary patterns were obtained through factor analysis using principal component analysis. The associations between food choice motive dimension scores and dietary patterns were assessed using linear regression models, stratifying by sex. RESULTS: Individuals were more likely to have a "healthy diet" when they were more concerned by not buying a food for environmental concerns (only for 3rd tertile versus 1st tertile ßwomen=0.18, 95% CI=0.15-0.20, ßmen=0.20 95% CI=(0.15-0.25)), ethics and environment (women only, ß=0.05, 95% CI=0.02-0.08), absence of contaminants (women only, ß=0.05, 95% CI=0.01-0.07), local production (women only, ß=0.08, 95% CI=0.04-0.11), health (women only) and innovation (men only), and when they were less concerned by price. Individuals were also less likely to have traditional or western diets when they gave importance to food choice motive dimensions related to sustainability. CONCLUSION: Individuals, especially women, having higher concerns about food sustainability dimensions such as ethics and environment and local production, appear to have a healthier diet. Further longitudinal studies are required to better understand how sustainable concerns may influence long-term nutritional quality of the diet.

Exposure to contaminants and nutritional intakes in a French vegetarian population.

The NutriNet Santé study collected, on a voluntary basis, the dietary consumption of French vegetarian populations (N = 1766, including 188 vegan individuals) from 18 to 81 years (18-77 years for the vegan). Taking advantage of the availability of contamination data generated in the context of the second French total diet study, dietary exposures of French vegetarian populations to several contaminants were estimated. Results showed that exposures to persistent organic pollutants (PCBs, PCDD/Fs for instance) was dramatically lower than those of the general French population due to the non consumption of food of animal origins. On the other hand, exposures to phytoestrogens, some mycotoxins (T2 and HT2 toxins) and some trace elements (Cd, Al, Sn, Ni) were higher in the vegetarian population compared to those of the general population. Despite some limitations of this approach (both the consumption study and the total diet study were not aimed to estimate dietary exposure of the vegetarian populations), this study showed that dietary habits can dramatically influence the exposure of some contaminants.

Associations between weight status and liking scores for sweet, salt and fat according to the gender in adults (The Nutrinet-Santé study).

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: As taste preferences may be associated with obesity, the present study investigated whether obese subjects presented heightened liking for the sensations of sweet, salt and fat. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Liking scores were determined by a questionnaire including 83 items on liking for sweet or fatty foods, and the preferred extent of seasoning with salt, sweet or fat. Data from 46909 adults included in the French web-based observational cohort of the Nutrinet-Santé study were collected and weighted according to the national population census. Relationships between liking scores and body mass index (BMI) as categorical or linear explanatory variable were assessed separately by gender using covariance and linear regression analyses, adjusted for age, education level, living area, smoking and alcohol. RESULTS: Overall liking scores for salt and fat were linearly positively linked to BMI in men and women (P≤0.001) and were higher in obese than in normal-weight individuals. The score difference between BMI categories was greater in women for fat liking only. For sweet liking, results differed between gender and compounding factors. Liking for added sugar and sweet foods was positively linked to BMI in women unlike in men; liking for natural sweetness was negatively linked to BMI in both genders. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the relationship between liking and BMI differs according to the gender in its magnitude for fat and in its nature for sweet, unlike that for salt. Liking for sweet and fat may be linked to overconsumption of the corresponding foods, especially in women. This warrants further investigation.

Consumer acceptability and understanding of front-of-pack nutrition labels.

BACKGROUND: Front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition labelling has been proposed as a tool for helping consumers make healthy choices. Before determining its effects on consumer behaviour, factors involved in its use must be elucidated, i.e. understanding and acceptability on the part of the consumer. Among five FOP labels, we sought to determine which formats were most easily understood and accepted by a large sample of adults. METHODS: Among 39 370 adults who participated in the French Nutrinet-Santé cohort study, understanding and indicators of acceptability (attitude, liking, visual attractiveness and perceived cognitive workload) were measured for five FOP labels: The currently used 'multiple traffic lights' (MTL) and 'simple traffic lights' (STL), and the 'colour range' logo (CR), the 'green tick' and the PNNS logo. We investigated the contribution of the different elements to consumer perception of FOP labels using multiple correspondence analyses. RESULTS: Over half of the sample population showed a high level of understanding and perceived no discomfort in terms of the different logos. Label formats were positioned along an acceptability gradient ranging from acceptance to rejection, consisting of 'liking', 'attractiveness' and indicators of perceived cognitive workload. MTL was significantly more often liked and was viewed as reliable and informative. MTL, STL and the green tick performed better than the CR and PNNS logos in terms of ease of identification and comprehension. CR was clearly the least appreciated and it had the most complex format. CONCLUSIONS: Consumers prefer FOP labels which give complete, reliable and simplified information on the nutrient quality of foods.

Impact of fruit and vegetable vouchers and dietary advice on fruit and vegetable intake in a low-income population.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Lower-income subgroups consume fewer servings of fruit and vegetables (FVs) compared with their more advantaged counterparts. To overcome financial barriers, FV voucher delivery has been proposed. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In a 12-month trial, 302 low-income adults 18-60 years old (defined by evaluation of deprivation and inequalities in health examination centers, a specific deprivation score) were randomized into two groups: dietary advice alone ('advice'), or dietary advice plus FV vouchers ('FV vouchers') (10-40 euros/month) exchangeable for fresh fruits and vegetables. Self-reported data were collected on FV consumption and socioeconomic status at baseline, 3, 9 and 12 months. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were conducted at these periods, as well as blood samples obtained for determination of vitamins. Descriptive analyses, multiple linear regression and logistic regression were performed to evaluate the impact of FV. RESULTS: Between baseline and 3-month follow-up, mean FV consumption increased significantly in both the 'advice' (0.62±1.29 times/day, P=0.0004) and 'FV vouchers' groups (0.74±1.90, P=0.002), with no difference between groups. Subjects in the FV vouchers group had significantly decreased risk of low FV consumption (<1 time/day) compared with those in the advice group (P=0.008). No change was noted in vitamin levels (vitamin C and ß-carotene). The high number of lost-to-follow-up cases did not permit analysis at 9 or 12 months. CONCLUSION: In the low-income population, FV voucher delivery decreased the proportion of low FV consumers at 3 months. Longer-term studies are needed to assess their impact on nutritional status.

Dietary behaviour and nutritional status in underprivileged people using food aid (ABENA study, 2004-2005).

BACKGROUND: Although initiatives are setting up to improve the nutritional status of deprived people, few studies have described the food aid user profile and evaluated their nutritional needs. The contributions of food aid to the food supply, dietary behaviour and nutritional status of food aid users were evaluated in the ABENA study. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among food aid users in four urban French zones (n = 1664, age ≥18 years). Sociodemographic and economic characteristics, food insufficiency, food supply and diet behaviours were assessed using standardised questionnaires. A subsample of participants underwent clinical and biochemical examinations. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed taking into account sample weights. RESULTS: Over 70% of participants used food aid as the only source of supply among numerous food groups, and one-quarter of them (27.2%) were using food aid for 3 years or more. The mean food budget was €70.0 per person per month, and 46.0% of subjects were classified as 'food-insufficient'. Half of the subjects fulfilled the French recommendations for starchy foods (48.7%) and 'meat, fish and eggs' (49.4%); 27.3% met the requirements for seafood. Only a very small proportion of participants met the recommendations for fruits and vegetables (1.2%) and dairy products (9.2%). In addition, 16.7% of subjects were obese, 29.4% had high blood pressure, 14.8% were anaemic, 67.9% were at risk of folate deficiency and 85.6% had vitamin D deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide evidence of an unhealthy diet and poor health profiles in severely disadvantaged persons and highlight the importance of food aid in this population. Thus, this study points to the necessity of improving the nutritional quality of currently distributed food aid.

Sociodemographic and economic characteristics associated with dairy intake vary across genders.

BACKGROUND: Recommendations promote a diversified and optimal but not excessive consumption of dairy products. Their efficiency may depend on sociodemographic and economic factors, for which little information is available. Links between these factors and dairy intake were investigated in a large sample of French adults. METHODS: Dietary intakes were assessed using at least six 24-h dietary records collected during a 2-year period from 4574 adults aged 45-60 years. The cost of each food item was estimated from national data. Sociodemographic and economic characteristics were assessed by self-administered questionnaires. Compliance with the current dairy recommendation, distribution of the dairy budget and calcium inadequacy were compared by logistic regression and covariance analyses. RESULTS: Thirty-five percent of subjects complied with the three-per-day dairy recommendation, with more men than women exceeding this (36.2% versus 26.5%, P < 0.0001). The proportion of the dairy budget spent on milk increased with age in men (P = 0.002); in women, it was inversely associated with occupational category (P = 0.009) and residence in an urban area (P = 0.0001). The proportion of this budget spent on cheese increased with education level in women (P = 0.04) and decreased with age in men (P = 0.03). In men, the consumption of cream desserts decreased with age (P = 0.006) and education level (P = 0.002). Dietary calcium inadequacy was more prevalent in women than in men (32.7% versus 14.2%, P < 0.0001). Among women, this prevalence was higher in older subjects (P < 0.0001) and those who lived alone (P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Although compliance with dairy recommendation needs to be improved, sociodemographic and economic factors should be taken into account to improve the efficiency of targeted public health messages.

Associations of socioeconomic factors with inadequate dietary intake in food aid users in France (The ABENA study 2004-2005).

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Few studies in Europe have examined the relationship of sociodemographic and economic factors with diet in deprived populations. We analysed the association between socioeconomic characteristics and consumption of different food groups in food aid users. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among food aid users in four urban French zones (n=1664). Associations of sociodemographic and economic factors and food aid use with frequency of consumption of the main food groups were tested using multivariate logistic regression models accounting for sampling weights. RESULTS: Both migrant status and consumption of fewer than three daily meals were associated with risk of low frequency of starchy food consumption (<3 times per day). Migrant status was also associated with low frequency of consumption of fruits and vegetables (<3.5 times per day) and dairy products (<2 times per day). Subjects with severe food insufficiency were more likely to be low consumers of fruits and vegetables, meat, seafood and eggs (<1 time per day), and dairy products. A low monthly food budget, temporary housing in a shelter and no source of household income were all associated with risk of low frequency of seafood consumption (<2 times per week). Finally, duration of food aid use, type of food aid distribution and perception of poor health status were associated with low consumption of meat, seafood and eggs. CONCLUSIONS: Economic level and other social characteristics were associated with an unhealthy diet within this deprived French population.

Past, present and future of vasopressin and oxytocin receptor oligomers, prototypical GPCR models to study dimerization processes.

The G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a major role in the regulation of physiological function. The emergence of the concept of GPCR oligomerization deeply modifies our understanding of their functioning. Much more than a simple association leading to an independent functioning, the GPCR oligomerization affects various steps such as membrane targeting of the receptors, binding of ligands, coupling to the intracellular pathways and internalization. Although significant advances have been performed in proving the existence of GPCR oligomers, its physiological impact remains to be established. Vasopressin and oxytocin receptors have constituted interesting experimental models in oligomer analysis. Because of the pharmacological tools available regarding these receptors and their expression at a high level in various tissues they can constitute very promising models to study the consequences of oligomerization in physiology.

Prevalence of overweight in 6- to 15-year-old children in central/western France from 1996 to 2006: trends toward stabilization.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of overweight in children has markedly increased over the past few decades in France, as in all Western countries. We sought to describe the yearly prevalence of childhood overweight from 1996 to 2006 and to assess whether a shift in trends could be observed dating from the time the Nutrition and Health National Program (PNNS) was set up in France in 2001, in particular according to gender, age and family economic status. DESIGN: We used annual overweight prevalence of standardized 6- to 15-year-old populations (total=26 600) with weight and height measured at health examination centers in the central/western part of France between 1996 and 2006. Regression slopes of overweight prevalence were evaluated between 1996 and 2006, and specifically between 1996 and 2001, and 2001 and 2006. The annual prevalence and estimated slopes were compared in subgroups, taking into account gender, age and economic status of the family. RESULTS: The prevalence increased between 1996 (11.5%) and 1998 (14.8%) and was stable between 1998 and 2006 (15.2%). According to linear regression, the overall trend in prevalence of overweight children between 1996 and 2006 was stable (slope=0.19, P=0.08). Similarly, the prevalence of overweight increased between 1996 and 1998 in boys and girls, in 6-10 year olds, in 11-15 year olds and in non-disadvantaged children, and remained stable thereafter. The prevalence of overweight in the disadvantaged group increased between 1996 (12.8%) and 2001 (18.9%) (slope=1.16, P=0.004) and was stable between 2001 and 2006 (18.2%) (slope=0.09, P=0.78). CONCLUSION: The results of this study reveal a stable prevalence of overweight since 1998 in most groups studied, and since 2001 in the disadvantaged group.

Ischemic postconditioning prevents ischemic acute renal failure.

INTRODUCTION: Delayed graft function (DGF), a frequent complication after kidney transplantation, decreases graft survival. Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries play a major role in DGF pathophysiology. Because ischemic postconditioning (IP) is efficient to prevent myocardial I/R injuries and reduce infarct size, we sought to describe renal effects of IP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Swiss mice were divided into three groups after left nephrectomy. Thirty minutes of right kidney ischemia followed by three cycles of 30 seconds of ischemia and reperfusion (IP group: n = 12) versus immediate reperfusion (n = 7). Left nephrectomized and right kidney sham operated mice were used as control groups (n = 6). Mice were followed for an 8-day survival analysis. Serum levels of creatinine and protein as well as weights were determined 2 days before and at days 2 and 8 after surgery. RESULTS: IP improved kidney function on day 2; the mean serum creatinine level was 1.25 +/- 0.71 versus 2.9 +/- 1.3 mg/dL in the immediate reperfusion group (P < .02). We also observed a trend toward increased animal survival (25% vs. 0% in the immediate reperfusion group; P = .10). Despite a significant increase in proteinuria among all groups, there was no significant difference. CONCLUSION: In a mouse model, IP seems to prevent postischemic acute renal failure after 30 minutes of kidney ischemia.

[Mortality prognostic factors of cardiogenic shock complicating an acute myocardial infarction and treated by percutaneous coronary intervention]. / Facteurs pronostiques de mortalité chez les patients en etat de choc cardiogénique primaire traités par angioplastie en phase aiguë d'infarctus.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the in-hospital prognosis and late outcome of cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction treated by early (< 24 hours) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Retrospective monocentric study of a consecutive cohort of patients undergoing early PCI (< 24 heures) for cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction from 1994 to 2004. RESULTS: The cohort included 175 patients (mean age = 65 +/- 14 years, 68% male). A successful PCI was obtained in 69% of patients. The in-hospital mortality was 43%. Independent risk factors associated with an increased mortality were: absence of TIMI three flow (P < 0.0001), absence of smoking (P < 0.009) and the need for mechanical ventilation (P < 0.002). Nor stent use or anti GP IIb/IIa infusions were predictors of a better outcome. At hospital discharge, mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 38 +/- 12%. Kaplan-Meier estimate of survival was 63% for in-hospital survivors (maximum follow-up = 9 years). Independent predictors of an impaired long-term outcome were: a LVEF < 0.3 (P < 0.028) and 3-vessel disease on coronary angiography (P < 0.004). CONCLUSION: In-hospital mortality of patients suffering cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction and treated by PCI remains high despite PCI improvement. The long-term survival appears, however, to be better than that of patients with coronary artery disease and low LVEF.

Steroidogenic factor-1 contributes to the cyclic-adenosine monophosphate down-regulation of human SRY gene expression.

In mammals, male sex determination is initiated by SRY (sex-determining region of the Y chromosome) gene expression and followed by testicular development. This study describes specific down-regulation of the human SRY gene transcription by cAMP stimulation using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction experiments. Using transfection experiments, conserved nuclear hormone receptor (NHR1) and Sp1 consensus binding sites were identified as essential for this cAMP transcriptional response. Steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1), a component of the sex-determination cascade, binds specifically to the NHR1 site and activates the SRY promoter. Activation of SF-1 was abolished by cAMP pretreatment of the cells, suggesting a possible effect of cAMP on the SF-1 protein itself. Indeed, human SF-1 protein contains at least two in vitro cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) phosphorylation sites, leading after phosphorylation to a modification of both DNA-binding activity and interaction with general transcription factors such as Sp1. Taken together, these data suggest that cAMP responsiveness of human SRY promoter involves both SF-1 and Sp1 sites and could act via PKA phosphorylation of the SF-1 protein itself.

Muscle differentiation is antagonized by SOX15, a new member of the SOX protein family.

SOX proteins belong to a multigenic family characterized by a unique DNA binding domain, known as the high mobility group box, that is related to that of the testis determining gene SRY. cDNA sequences for more than 30 SOX genes have been identified, and some are known to have diverse roles in vertebrate differentiation and development. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of mouse Sox15 that was uncovered during a screen for high mobility group box containing transcription factors that are expressed at different levels during skeletal muscle differentiation. Sox15 cDNAs were found at a much higher frequency in myoblasts prior to their differentiation into myotubes. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays indicated that recombinant SOX15 protein was capable of binding to a consensus DNA binding site for SOX proteins. When overexpressed in C2C12 myoblasts, wild type SOX15, but not a C-terminal truncated form or the related protein SOX11, specifically inhibited activation of muscle-specific genes and expression of the basic helix-loop-helix myogenic factors myogenin and MyoD, resulting in a failure of the cells to differentiate into myotubes. These results suggest a specific and repressive role for SOX15, requiring the C-terminal domain, during myogenesis.

Coevolution of actin and associated proteins: an alpha-actinin-like protein in a cyanobacterium (Spirulina platensis).

Actin, together with associated proteins, such as myosin, cross-linking or capping proteins, has been observed in all eukaryotic cells. Presence of actin or actin-like proteins has also been reported in prokaryotic organisms belonging to the cyanobacteria. Our aim was first to extend the characterization of an actin-like protein to another prokaryotic cell, i.e. Spirulina, then to compare the antigenic reactivity of this new protein with that of Synechocystis and skeletal actins. We observed that some of the conserved antigenic epitopes corresponded to actin regions known to interact with cross-linking proteins. We also report for the first time that alpha-actinin and filamin purified from chicken gizzard both interact with a prokaryotic actin-like protein. Finally, we searched for the occurrence of a cross-linking protein in these cyanobacteria and identified a 105-kDa protein as an alpha-actinin-like protein using specific antibodies.

Phosphorylation of an N-terminal motif enhances DNA-binding activity of the human SRY protein.

Of the several strategies that eukaryotes have evolved to modulate transcription factor activity, phosphorylation is regarded as one of the major mechanisms in signal-dependent transcriptional control. To conclusively demonstrate that the human sex-determining gene SRY is affected by such a post-translational control mechanism, we have analyzed its phosphorylation status in living cells. In the present study, we show that the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) phosphorylates the human SRY protein in vitro as well as in vivo on serine residues located in the N-terminal part of the protein. This phosphorylation event was shown to positively regulate SRY DNA-binding activity and to enhance the ability of SRY to inhibit a basal promoter activity located downstream of an SRY DNA-binding site concatamer. Together these results strongly support the hypothesis that human SRY is a natural substrate for PKA in vivo and that this phosphorylation significantly modulates its major activity, DNA-binding, thereby possibly altering its biological function.

The human growth factor-inducible immediate early gene, CYR61, maps to chromosome 1p.

Complementary DNA encoding the human CYR61 protein was isolated from human embryonic tissues and mapped to chromosome 1p22-p31. We show that CYR61 encodes a 381 amino acid protein rich in cysteine and proline residues that is strongly conserved with the mouse homologue. Sequence analysis reveals the presence of several distinct protein domains which confer a mosaic structure to this protein and makes human CYR61 a member of a recently described growth regulator family that includes several proto-oncogene products. From our results we hypothesize that this new immediate early gene may play a role in cell commitment during embryogenesis and more generally in the control of cell proliferation.

Isolation and properties of white skeletal muscle alpha-actinin from sea-trout (Salmo trutta) and bass (Dicentrarchus labrax).

Fish alpha-actinin purified from sea-trout and bass white muscle by means of two different extraction procedures was used to investigate the eventual presence of different muscle isoforms in Z-disks. These fish alpha-actinins have the same apparent molecular weight (100 kDa) and the same isoelectric point (pI = 5.6), and also have a total antigenic identity towards anti-bass and anti-chicken alpha-actinin antibodies, suggesting a single molecular species. The role of fish alpha-actinin as an anchorage site for thin actin filaments and elastic titin filaments in Z-bands was studied. Despite conservation of the actin-binding site, fish alpha-actinin has a better actin-binding ability (kD = 0.3 microM) than chicken smooth muscle alpha-actinin (kD = 1.6 microM). Several other structural and functional characteristics of fish alpha-actinin were also studied: conservation of sequence and domain structure, the role of divalent ions (Ca2+, Mg2+) and the dielectric constant of the medium in alpha-actinin-actin interaction. Although the reason for fish white muscle alpha-actinin's close affinity to actin was not clearly established, our results suggested that the physicochemical environment of the Z-filaments in Z-disks might be crucial.

Inhibition of actin-dystrophin interaction by inositide phosphate.

Dystrophin, the protein absent from Duchenne dystrophy, is a member of the alpha-actinin protein family and located in the membrane cytoskeleton. It bridges a transmembrane glycoprotein complex with actin filaments. This work investigates the binding of dystrophin issued from Torpedo marmorata electric organ with actin in the presence of the phosphoinositide PIP2 that regulates alpha-actinin and filamin binding with actin. The interaction was inhibited (80%) by PIP2 and reached its minimum above 20 microM PIP2, but the effect was abolished when PIP2 was previously cleaved by phospholipase C. Using antibodies directed against the 27 kDa actin binding domain of alpha-actinin, a reliable carrier for actin binding sites ABS-1, ABS-2 and ABS-3 also involved in dystrophin and filamin, it was shown that PIP2 affects the ABS-3 environment.