Faculty, Staff and Student Publications
Language
English
Publication Date
11-1-2024
Journal
The Journal of Nutrition
DOI
10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.08.029
PMID
39299474
PMCID
PMC11600079
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
9-18-2024
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Abstract
Background: There is a need to understand the underlying biological mechanisms through which ultra-processed foods negatively affect health. Proteomics offers a valuable tool with which to examine different aspects of ultra-processed foods and their impact on health.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify protein biomarkers of usual ultra-processed food consumption and assess their relation to the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and all-cause mortality risk.
Methods: A total of 9361 participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities visit 3 (1993-1995) were included. Dietary intake was assessed using a 66-item food-frequency questionnaire and the processing levels were categorized on the basis of the Nova classification. Plasma proteins were detected using an aptamer-based proteomic assay. We used multivariable linear regressions to examine the association between ultra-processed food and proteins, and Cox proportional hazard models to identify associations between ultra-processed food-related proteins and health outcomes. Models extensively controlled for sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, and clinical factors.
Results: Eight proteins (6 positive, 2 negative) were identified as significantly associated with ultra-processed food consumption. Over a median follow-up of 22 y, there were 1276, 3084, and 5127 cases of CHD, CKD, and death, respectively. Three, 5, and 3 ultra-processed food-related proteins were associated with each outcome, respectively. One protein (β-glucuronidase) was significantly associated with a higher risk of all 3 outcomes, and 3 proteins (receptor-type tyrosine-protein phosphatase U, C-C motif chemokine 25, and twisted gastrulation protein homolog 1) were associated with a higher risk of 2 outcomes.
Conclusions: We identified a panel of protein biomarkers that were significantly associated with ultra-processed food consumption. These proteins may be considered potential biomarkers for ultra-processed food intake and may elucidate the biological processes through which ultra-processed foods impact health outcomes.
Keywords
Humans, Renal Insufficiency, Chronic, Female, Biomarkers, Male, Coronary Disease, Middle Aged, Fast Foods, Risk Factors, Food Handling, Diet, Blood Proteins, Proportional Hazards Models, Aged, Food, Processed, ARIC study, diet and nutrition, dietary patterns, Nova classification, proteomics, ultra-processed foods
Published Open-Access
yes
Recommended Citation
Du, Shutong; Chen, Jingsha; Kim, Hyunju; et al., "Protein Biomarkers of Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease, Chronic Kidney Disease, and All-Cause Mortality" (2024). Faculty, Staff and Student Publications. 1353.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/uthsph_docs/1353