The purpose of this study was to evaluate
the effects of flaxseed and its components including lignans and fatty acids on
cholesterol metabolism. The results from Phase 1 of this two-phase project
showed the dose-dependent, cholesterol-lowering efficacy of flaxseed, in
ovariectomized hamsters, a model for postmenopausal hypercholesterolemia. The
results from Phase 2 of the study indicated that the fatty acid content of
flaxseed plays an important role in preventing the ovarian hormone
deficiency-associated rise in serum total cholesterol. Additionally, whole
flaxseed, but not its individual components was able to prevent plaque
formation. These findings further support the cardiovascular protective
properties of flaxseed, especially in ovarian hormone deficiency.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and
Technology
PI: Bahram H. Arjmandi
Diabetes Mellitus Concerns of CNEP Participants
This project
will examine the cultural, social, and economic aspects of diabetes in
participants enrolled in the Community Nutrition Education Programs that target
economically disadvantaged individuals in Oklahoma. This project will determine
type 2 diabetes health concerns of low income persons to develop diabetes
prevention and education programs appropriate for low-income audiences. All of
the focus groups are complete and data analysis continues. Forty-one subjects
in nine focus groups were interviewed.
Sponsor:
Oklahoma Association of Family and Community Education and Development
PIs:
Kathryn Keim, Stephany Parker, Glenna Williams
Diabetes Risk Factors in Native American Oklahoma
Women
The goal of this project is to provide a realistic framework for policy makers to utilize in developing programs aimed at decreasing type 2 diabetes mellitus risk factors in Oklahoma Native American women. This project will characterize the social and cultural structure of health and type 2 diabetes mellitus risk factor awareness, characterize the cultural definition of obesity, characterize the cultural structure of food habits related to obesity and diabetes, and determine diet quality of Oklahoma Native American women. Interviews were completed with 79 women, of whom 71 had a complete 4-day weighed food record. There were no significant differences in nutrient intake or Health Eating Index (HEI) scores by tribal health clinic or by diabetes diagnosis. Mean kcal intake was 1,887 kcal and 36 percent of the calories came from fat. Calcium intake was 480 mg/day and folate intake was 193 mcg/day. Both of these nutrient intakes were low. HEI score was 61, which means the diet needs improvement. The highest HEI component score was for meat (9.1) and the lowest HEI component scores were for fruit (3.1) and milk (3.1).
Sponsor: Oklahoma
Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology
PI:
Kathryn Keim
The
Effect of Prune (Dried Plum) on Indices of Bone Status in Postmenopausal Women
The purpose of
this study was to examine the efficacy of prune in modulating the bone markers
of postmenopausal women. Postmenopausal women, who met the inclusion criteria
of the study, consumed 3 oz. of either dried plums or apples daily for three
months. Dried plums significantly increased serum levels of insulin-like growth
factor-I (IGF-I) and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (B-ALP) activity. Both
serum IFG-I and B-ALP are associated with higher rates of bone formation. The
results of this study suggest the dried plums exert positive effects on bone in
postmenopausal women.
Sponsor: California Dried Plum Board
PI: Bahram H. Arjmandi
Effects and Interactions of Trace Minerals on Serum
Lipids
This project showed a significant decrease
in serum glucose 30- and 60-minutes and a near significant decrease in serum insulin,
60-minutes, following a 75 g glucose challenge was observed after 24 weeks
supplementation with 200-ug chromium. No significant effect was observed in
serum lipids, glycosylated hemoglobin, or percent specific insulin binding.
Sponsor:
Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PI:
Janice Hermann
Effects of Metabolic Stress and Trace Mineral
Interactions on Chromium Metabolism
Methods of inducing oxidative stress by trace mineral depletion are being evaluated. Restriction of dietary minerals during pregnancy was used as a technique for producing young rats with low stores of targeted trace elements. In one experiment, dams were randomly assigned to a 2 x 2 factorial design with selenium and iodine as factors. Young male and female pups were randomly selected from each dam and continued on the same experimental diet fed to the dam. Male pups were consistently more selenium depleted than females. In males, selenium depletion significantly reduced growth rate, and bone mineral content and density of tibia and vertebra. Selenium depletion also significantly reduced bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) and trabecular number and increased trabecular space in vertebra. This information is being used as preliminary data for submission of proposals during FY03.
Sponsor:
Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PI:
Barbara J. Stoecker
Effects
of Trace Mineral Supplementation on Measures of Nutritional Status
The effects of
four levels of dietary iron on mineral concentrations in bone were investigated
in young mature rats. Diets containing four concentrations of iron (analyzed at
11, 15, 36 and 166 ppm) as iron sulfate were fed for 15 weeks prior to tissue
collection. Right tibia were wet and dry ashed and analyzed by atomic
absorption spectrophotometric methods (Perkin-Elmer 5100PC) for iron, copper,
zinc calcium and magnesium concentrations. There were no significant
differences in tibia calcium, magnesium or copper by diet groups. However,
tibia zinc was significantly higher in the 15-ppm group than in all the other
groups. As expected, there was a linear increase in tibia iron; the 11- and
15-ppm groups had significantly lower tibia iron concentrations than the 36- or
166-ppm groups. There was no difference in tibia iron between the 11- and
15-ppm groups. There were also significant differences in bone mineral content
and bone mineral density as well as cortical thickness by diet groups. Whether
these mineral differences are reflected in trabecular structure is yet to be
investigated.
Sponsor:
Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PI:
Andrea B. Arquitt
Enhancing Learning in Nutrition Using Media
Streaming Modules
The
purpose of this project was to develop web based modules for students enrolled
in NSCI 2114, Principles of Human Nutrition, to use as self-paced tutorials.
Two of these modules are completed and posted on the web. The osteoporosis and
cardiovascular disease modules include links to external Internet sites for
additional information and/or visualizations. These modules were developed
using narrated PowerPoint slide sets and then incorporated into FrontPage links
to the files. Thus, they are accessible and not limited to students enrolled in
the course. These folders are accessible through Internet Explorer and are
viewable with a PC rather than a Mac computer. The mineral module is nearing
completion with the digestion one close behind. Work continues on these
modules. The osteoporosis module is being viewed by the NSCI 2114 students
during the Spring 2002 semester and the feedback will be tallied. Feedback has
been received from some of the faculty teaching lecture sections. Students will
view the osteoporosis module in April and survey results will be tallied. The
faculty teaching this semester will incorporate these modules into the course
this summer for additional student input. Both osteoporosis and cardiovascular
disease are major health problems in the United States. Therefore, these
modules should be useful for expanding knowledge and understanding beyond the
level presented in the course lectures.
Sponsor: Howard Hughes Medical Institute
PI: Andrea Arquitt
An
Ethnography of Heart Disease Risk Factors in Low-Income EFNEP/ONE Women: A
Needs Assessment for Development of Educational Materials
This study
will examine cultural determinants of heart disease risk factors such as diet
and obesity, and knowledge of these risk factors. Ethnographic interviews and
quick sort methods will be used to elicit behavioral strategies of low-income
women. Weighted food records will provide a quantitative measure of nutrients.
This will aid in the development of culturally appropriate educational
materials and programs. Twenty-five overweight low-income women were
interviewed. The high stress these women face every day in regards to money,
food availability and personal relationships probably has a bearing on the high
prevalence of obesity in this population. Any interventions need to address
these social issues as well as food and nutrition issues.
Sponsor:
United
States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service
PIs: Kathryn Keim, Glenna
Williams, Barbara Brown, Janice Hermann
Department
of Human Development and Family Science: Renee Daugherty
Flaxseed
Consumption Reduces the Risk of CHD
The purpose of
this study was to examine the effects of flaxseed, a rich source of the
phytoestrogens called lignans, on lipid metabolism in postmenopausal women.
Flaxseed supplementation lowered (P<0.05) both serum total- and
non-HDL-cholesterol by 6 percent while the comparative control regimen had no
such effect. Flaxseed regimen reduced serum levels of both LDL- and HDL-
cholesterol by 4.7 percent and triglyceride by 12.8 percent. Serum
apolipoprotein A-1 and apolipoprotein B concentrations were significantly
(P<0.005) reduced by 6 and 7.5 percent, respectively by the flaxseed
regimen. The findings of this study indicate that flaxseed supplementation
improves lipid profiles in postmenopausal women.
Sponsor: SmithKline Beecham
PI: Bahram H. Arjmandi
Higher
Education Multicultural Scholars Program
Ten Native American students were recruited to Dietetics or Human Nutrition/Pre-Med majors, and subsequently as dietetic interns/graduate students in Nutritional Sciences. Five students are funded from 1999-2003, and five students from 2001-2005. Research indicates that people relate better to someone of their own ethnic background, and an increased number of minorities trained in nutrition and dietetics are essential if minority health care is to improve.
Sponsor: United States Department of Agriculture, Multicultural Scholar Program
PI: Lea Ebro
Impacts
on Food Choices and Nutritional Status of Americans
The
goal of this project is to better understand factors influencing food choices
and nutritional status. The project conducted a study with young women to
determine if nutrition education and/or cereal intake will increase folate
intake and biomarkers of folate status.
Sponsor:
Oklahoma
Agricultural Experiment Station
PI:
Gail Gates
Improving
and Evaluating the Bone Protective Efficacy of Soy Products
The purpose of
this study was to examine the efficacy of soy-based food products in
preventing/improving bone density in postmenopausal women. The findings of this
study would be the first clinical trial that will report the long-term (one
year) effects of soy food consumption on bone mineral density.
Sponsors: Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and
Technology, DrSoyä
PI: Bahram H. Arjmandi
The Influence of Micronutrients and Their
Interactions on Immune Function
Zinc and vitamin E are important for immunity. This
project will determine if zinc and vitamin E in combination affect macrophages.
Growth and PGE2 will be measured in the absence or presence of E.
coli endotoxin. This project will help define the role of
zinc and vitamin E for macrophage function during an infection.
Sponsor:
Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PI: Elizabeth
Droke
Mechanisms of Action of Vitamin E
Supplementation in the Prevention of Bone Loss Associated with Space Flight
Although previous studies have shown that
vitamin E suppresses bone loss, the mechanism by which this occurs is unknown.
We are investigating vitamin E’s effects on bone cells. By understanding
these mechanisms we can evaluate the potential of vitamin E to reduce bone loss
during space flight and identify targets for future interventions.
Sponsor: Oklahoma NASA EPSCoR
PIs: Brenda Smith
NASA
EPSCoR: Andrea Beaver
Oklahoma Dietetic Association
This project promotes optimal nutrition and well being
for all people through advocacy of the profession. Members of the Oklahoma
Dietetic Association (ODA) are the leading sources of information for food and
nutrition services. ODA’s strategic goals and practices include
increasing demand and utilization of services provided by ODA members,
influencing public policy initiatives, developing the capabilities of its
members as nutrition leaders, building professional and pre-professional
involvement in the Association, and facilitating support for research and
education.
Sponsor:
Oklahoma Dietetic Association
PIs:
Dana Schuler, Carol Beier
Physical and Biochemical Properties of Meat Analogs
Made from Texturized Vegetable Proteins
The aim of this project is the development of meat analogs that may
reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Physical and chemical analyses
(using GC-MS) have been carried out on a texturized legume, and potential
commercial applications for it are being investigated. The texturized legume
has meat-like properties, but lacks compounds that may impart off-flavors.
Sponsor:
Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PI:
Margaret Hinds
Prevalence and Factors Influencing Childhood Obesity
in African Americans and Native Americans of Oklahoma
This USDA funded collaborative human nutrition research project with Langston University estimates the prevalence of obesity in a sample of Native American and African American families in Oklahoma with the objectives of identifying patterns across generations that may influence childhood obesity and determining relationships between nutritional status and ethnicity with insulin, leptin, growth hormone, blood lipid profiles and glucose concentrations within and among the cohorts in this study.
Sponsors: Langston University, United States Department of Agriculture
PI: Maria Spicer
Protein Intake in Potentially Insulin Resistant Adults:
Impact on Glycemic and Lipoprotein Profiles
The objective of the project is to examine the impact of
protein intake on lipoprotein and glycemic profiles in a nationally
representative sample of adults at high risk for insulin resistance. Neither
total nor animal protein intake were consistently associated with glycemic
control or indicators of cardiovascular risk.
Sponsor: National Pork Producers Council
PI: Gail Gates
Solar
Drying of Leafy Green and Succulent Yellow Vegetables for Technology Transfer
to Swaziland, Africa
Work is also
being carried out to enhance the quality and beta-carotene content of
traditional Swaziland stews. A protocol for solar-drying of green and yellow
vegetables is being developed, and the dried vegetables will be utilized to
prepare high beta-carotene stews that are acceptable to African consumers.
Sponsor: State of Oklahoma
PI:
Margaret
Hinds
Soy
Isoflavones and Vitamin E Dose Dependently Improve Fracture Healing in the Rat
Model
The
study was designed to evaluate the effects of vitamin E and soy isoflavones in
improving bone healing process in a validated fracture-healing model of
postmenopausal osteoporosis. We found that the 525 mg vitamin E per kg diet
increased the bending strength and bending rigidity of the repaired fibula. So
far, the analysis of the data indicated that vitamin E and isoflavones can both
improve the fracture healing process. However, their combination may not provide
any benefits.
Sponsor: United States Department of Agriculture, National Research
Initiative
PIs: Bahram H. Arjmandi, Barbara J. Stoecker
Use of Chemoprotection in Product Development to Improve
Safety and Production of Peanut Products in Ghana, West Africa
This project collaborating with scientists in Ghana to
reduce the risk of aflatoxicosis from consumption of moldy peanuts. Sodium
calcium aluminosilicate, an enterosorbent that binds aflatoxin B1 in the
gastrointestinal tract, is being added to various Ghanaian peanut products, and
their physical, biochemical, nutritive and sensory properties will be
evaluated.
Sponsors: University of Georgia, United States Agency on
International Development
PIs: Margaret Hinds
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology: William O. Ellis
Validation
of an Instrument to Evaluate Ability of a Paraprofessional to Conduct a 24-Hour
Food Recall
This project
will validate an instrument to measure the ability of a paraprofessional to
conduct a 24-hour food recall. This is important for training and personnel
evaluation. Data collection is still continuing and 17 subjects are still
viewing the videotapes. When completed, approximately 74 subjects will have
viewed the videotapes created.
Sponsor: United States Department of Agriculture,
Food and Nutrition Service
PIs:
Kathryn Keim, Glenna Williams, Barbara Brown, Janice Hermann
Department of Human Development and Family Science: Renee Daugherty
Department of
Design, Housing, and Merchandising:
Jan Park
Value-Added Utilization of
Defatted Peanut Flour
Trials to
identify an appropriate form of calcium to prepare fortified short pasta-type
products from peanut flour were completed. The product prototypes are presently
in frozen storage and evaluation of their physical and sensory properties will
be completed early in fall 2002.
Sponsor:
Food and
Agricultural Products Researched Initiative Program
PI:
Margaret
Hinds