Studies in Brief 61311

Guggulsterone-induced cell death in human prostate cancer cells appears to be regulated by reactive oxygen intermediate (ROI)- dependent activation of c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK); the compound also inhibits promoter activity of the androgen receptor (Cancer Res. 2007;67(15):7439-49). ... Greater intake of cocoa flavonoids may enhance antioxidant defenses by influencing differentiation of immune cells in the thymus (J Agric Food Chem. 2007;55(16):6431-38; DOI:10.1021/jf070487w). ... In women, a negative association was found between a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and fish and the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), whereas a positive association was found between a diet rich in refined grains, cured and red meats, desserts and French fries and the risk of COPD (Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;86(2):488-95). ... Adding vitamin D3 (50 mcg/d) to calcium (500 mg/d) for nine months did not improve bone metabolism beyond calcium alone in older men with congestive heart failure (Eur J Clin Nutr. ePub 8 Aug 2007; DOI:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602861). ... The rate of muscle protein synthesis after consuming a protein-rich food does not alter with age, despite differences in the concentration of amino acids in plasma between young and older adults (Am J C lin N utr. 2007;86(2):451-56). ... A review of randomized trials comparing at least 1 g/d of calcium during pregnancy vs. placebo found calcium supplementation can reduce the risk of preeclampsia, possibly by preventing underlying pathology such as high blood pressure (BJOG. 2007 Aug;114(8):933-43). ... Supplementing the foods of Ghanaian infants with multiple micronutrients between the ages of 6 and 12 months positively impacted motor development (Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;86(2):412-20). ... Insulin-resistant adults fed a cod protein diet had improved insulin sensitivity, compared to those on a similar diet with other types of lean protein (Diabetes Care. 2007 Aug 6; Epub ahead of print). ... Adding a combination botanical supplement (Curcuma longa, Cynara scolymus, Rosmarinus officinalis, Schisandra chinensis, Silybum marinum, Taraxacum officinalis) to simple dietary changes (3 servings/d crucifers or dark leafy greens, 30 g/d fiber, 1-2 liters/d water, and limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption to 1 serving each/wk) did not impact estrogen measures in premenopausal women, although the supplement did decrease early-follicular phase androgen release (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2007;16(8):1601-9).