The Goran Lab aims to discover how the body regulates where excess fat is deposited, how increased body fat affects our health, and how this is all regulated during growth and development and across different segments of the population. We are interested in understanding the mechanism linking fat accumulation to risk of diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver disease, and how this is established early in life from a developmental perspective. We are especially interested in examining how early feeding and dietary sugar affect development of the gut microbiome, obesity, the brain and cognitive function. We are also doing clinical trials to examine how these links can be reversed with novel dietary interventions.

JF, Plows; PK, Berger; RB, Jones; C, Yonemitsu; JH, Ryoo; TL, Alderete; L, Bode; MI, Goran Human Milk Oligosaccharides and Hispanic Infant Weight Gain in the First 6 Months Journal Article Pediatric Obesity, 2020. @article{JF2020b, title = {Human Milk Oligosaccharides and Hispanic Infant Weight Gain in the First 6 Months}, author = {Plows JF and Berger PK and Jones RB and Yonemitsu C and Ryoo JH and Alderete TL and Bode L and Goran MI }, doi = {10.1002/oby.22884}, year = {2020}, date = {2020-07-22}, journal = {Pediatric Obesity}, abstract = { Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to determine whether human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) at 1 month predicted infant weight gain at 6 months and whether associations varied by HMO secretor status. Methods Participants were 157 Hispanic mother‐infant pairs. Human milk samples were collected at 1 month. Nineteen individual HMOs were analyzed using high‐performance liquid chromatography, and secretor status was determined by the presence of 2′‐fucosyllactose or lacto‐N‐fucopentaose (LNFP) I. Infant weight was measured at 1 and 6 months. Path analysis was used to test effects of HMO composition on infant weight gain, adjusting for maternal age, prepregnancy BMI, and infant age, sex, and birth weight. Results In the total sample, higher LNFPII predicted lower infant weight gain (g 1 = −4.1, P = 0.004); this was observed in both nonsecretor (g 1 = −3.0, P = 0.006) and secretor groups (g 1 = −4.7, P = 0.014). In the nonsecretor group, higher lacto‐N‐neotetraose (g 1 = 7.6, P = 0.011) and disialyllacto‐N‐tetraose (g1 = 14.3, P = 0.002) predicted higher infant weight gain. There were no other associations in the secretor group. Conclusions Our data suggest that higher LNFPII in human milk may decrease obesity risk across all infants, whereas higher lacto‐N‐neotetraose and disialyllacto‐N‐tetraose may increase obesity risk in infants of nonsecretors only. }, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to determine whether human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) at 1 month predicted infant weight gain at 6 months and whether associations varied by HMO secretor status. Methods Participants were 157 Hispanic mother‐infant pairs. Human milk samples were collected at 1 month. Nineteen individual HMOs were analyzed using high‐performance liquid chromatography, and secretor status was determined by the presence of 2′‐fucosyllactose or lacto‐N‐fucopentaose (LNFP) I. Infant weight was measured at 1 and 6 months. Path analysis was used to test effects of HMO composition on infant weight gain, adjusting for maternal age, prepregnancy BMI, and infant age, sex, and birth weight. Results In the total sample, higher LNFPII predicted lower infant weight gain (g 1 = −4.1, P = 0.004); this was observed in both nonsecretor (g 1 = −3.0, P = 0.006) and secretor groups (g 1 = −4.7, P = 0.014). In the nonsecretor group, higher lacto‐N‐neotetraose (g 1 = 7.6, P = 0.011) and disialyllacto‐N‐tetraose (g1 = 14.3, P = 0.002) predicted higher infant weight gain. There were no other associations in the secretor group. Conclusions Our data suggest that higher LNFPII in human milk may decrease obesity risk across all infants, whereas higher lacto‐N‐neotetraose and disialyllacto‐N‐tetraose may increase obesity risk in infants of nonsecretors only. |
JF, Plows; PK, Berger; RB, Jones; C, Yonemitsu; JH, Ryoo; TL, Alderete; L, Bode; MI, Goran Associations between human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and eating behavior in Hispanic infants at 1 and 6 months of age Journal Article Pediatric Obesity, 2020. @article{JF2020, title = {Associations between human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and eating behavior in Hispanic infants at 1 and 6 months of age}, author = {Plows JF and Berger PK and Jones RB and Yonemitsu C and Ryoo JH and Alderete TL and Bode L and Goran MI}, doi = {10.1111/ijpo.12686}, year = {2020}, date = {2020-07-03}, journal = {Pediatric Obesity}, abstract = {Summary Background Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are naturally occurring glycans in human breast milk that act as prebiotics in the infant gut. Prebiotics have been demonstrated to suppress appetite in both adults and children. Therefore, HMOs may affect infant eating behaviour. Objective To determine if HMOs in breast milk are associated with eating behaviour in Hispanic infants. Methods Cross‐sectional analysis of a prospective cohort of Hispanic mother‐infant dyads (1‐month, n = 157; 6‐months, n = 69). Breast milk samples were screened for 19 HMOs using high pressure liquid chromatography, and eating behaviour was assessed using the Baby Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (BEBQ). We conducted multiple linear regressions to examine associations between HMOs and BEBQ scores, adjusted for maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI, infant sex, birthweight, delivery mode and number of breastfeedings per day. We stratified by HMO secretor status—a genetic determinant of the types of HMOs produced. Results At 1 month, LNnT (lacto‐N‐neotetraose; P = .04) was negatively associated with food responsiveness in the total sample, while DFLNT (difucosyllacto‐N‐tetrose; P = .03) and DSLNT (disialyl‐LNT; P = .04) were negatively associated with food responsiveness in secretors only. At 6 months, LSTc (sialyllacto‐N‐tetraose c; P = .01), FLNH (fucosyllacto‐N‐hexaose; P = .03), LNH (lacto‐N‐hexaose; P = .006) and DSLNH (disialyllacto‐N‐hexaose; P = .05) were positively associated with food responsiveness in both the total sample and secretors only. Conclusions We found several HMOs that were both positively and negatively associated with infant food responsiveness, which is a measure of drive to eat.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Summary Background Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are naturally occurring glycans in human breast milk that act as prebiotics in the infant gut. Prebiotics have been demonstrated to suppress appetite in both adults and children. Therefore, HMOs may affect infant eating behaviour. Objective To determine if HMOs in breast milk are associated with eating behaviour in Hispanic infants. Methods Cross‐sectional analysis of a prospective cohort of Hispanic mother‐infant dyads (1‐month, n = 157; 6‐months, n = 69). Breast milk samples were screened for 19 HMOs using high pressure liquid chromatography, and eating behaviour was assessed using the Baby Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (BEBQ). We conducted multiple linear regressions to examine associations between HMOs and BEBQ scores, adjusted for maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI, infant sex, birthweight, delivery mode and number of breastfeedings per day. We stratified by HMO secretor status—a genetic determinant of the types of HMOs produced. Results At 1 month, LNnT (lacto‐N‐neotetraose; P = .04) was negatively associated with food responsiveness in the total sample, while DFLNT (difucosyllacto‐N‐tetrose; P = .03) and DSLNT (disialyl‐LNT; P = .04) were negatively associated with food responsiveness in secretors only. At 6 months, LSTc (sialyllacto‐N‐tetraose c; P = .01), FLNH (fucosyllacto‐N‐hexaose; P = .03), LNH (lacto‐N‐hexaose; P = .006) and DSLNH (disialyllacto‐N‐hexaose; P = .05) were positively associated with food responsiveness in both the total sample and secretors only. Conclusions We found several HMOs that were both positively and negatively associated with infant food responsiveness, which is a measure of drive to eat. |
TL, Alderete; SM, Mierau; MC, Bailey; LE, Wild; WB, Patterson; PK, Berger; RB, Jones; JF, Plows; MI, Goran Added sugar and sugar sweetened beverages are associated with increased postpartum weight gain while soluble fiber intake is protective in Hispanic women from Southern California Journal Article Am J Clinical Nutrition, 2020. @article{TL2020, title = {Added sugar and sugar sweetened beverages are associated with increased postpartum weight gain while soluble fiber intake is protective in Hispanic women from Southern California}, author = {Alderete TL and Mierau SM and Bailey MC and Wild LE and Patterson WB and Berger PK and Jones RB and Plows JF and Goran MI }, doi = {/10.1093/ajcn/nqaa156}, year = {2020}, date = {2020-06-29}, journal = {Am J Clinical Nutrition}, abstract = {Background Obesity prevalence remains high in the United States, and there is an increased risk among women who do not lose their gestational weight gain during the postpartum period. Indicators of dietary carbohydrate quality including added sugar consumption, glycemic load, and glycemic index have been linked with weight gain, whereas fiber may protect against obesity. However, these dietary factors have not been examined during the postpartum period. Objectives The aim of this study was to determine whether dietary sugars and fiber intake were associated with changes in postpartum weight. Methods We examined Hispanic women from the longitudinal Southern California Mother's Milk Study (n = 99) at 1 and 6 mo postpartum. Maternal assessments included height, weight, and dietary intake based on 24-h diet recalls. We used multivariable linear regression to examine the relation between maternal diet and change in postpartum weight after adjusting for maternal age, height, and energy intake. Results Higher intake of added sugar was associated with postpartum weight gain (β: 0.05; 95% CI: 0.004, 0.10; P = 0.05). In addition, a half 8-ounce (8 fluid ounces = 236.6 mL) serving per day increase in soft drinks was associated with a 1.52-kg increase in weight (95% CI: 0.70, 2.34 kg; P < 0.001). A high glycemic index (β: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.42; P = 0.006) and glycemic load (β: 0.04; 95% CI: 0.002, 0.08; P = 0.04) were associated with postpartum weight gain. Higher soluble fiber was associated with a decrease in postpartum weight (β: −0.82 kg; 95% CI: −1.35, −0.29 kg; P = 0.003) and the negative effects of added sugar, sugary beverages, and high-glycemic-index and -load diets were partially attenuated after adjusting for soluble fiber intake. Conclusions Increased consumption of added sugar, sugar-sweetened beverages, and high-glycemic diets were associated with greater weight gain in the first 6 mo postpartum. In addition, increased consumption of soluble fiber was associated with postpartum weight loss, which may partially offset the obesogenic effects of some dietary sugars.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Background Obesity prevalence remains high in the United States, and there is an increased risk among women who do not lose their gestational weight gain during the postpartum period. Indicators of dietary carbohydrate quality including added sugar consumption, glycemic load, and glycemic index have been linked with weight gain, whereas fiber may protect against obesity. However, these dietary factors have not been examined during the postpartum period. Objectives The aim of this study was to determine whether dietary sugars and fiber intake were associated with changes in postpartum weight. Methods We examined Hispanic women from the longitudinal Southern California Mother's Milk Study (n = 99) at 1 and 6 mo postpartum. Maternal assessments included height, weight, and dietary intake based on 24-h diet recalls. We used multivariable linear regression to examine the relation between maternal diet and change in postpartum weight after adjusting for maternal age, height, and energy intake. Results Higher intake of added sugar was associated with postpartum weight gain (β: 0.05; 95% CI: 0.004, 0.10; P = 0.05). In addition, a half 8-ounce (8 fluid ounces = 236.6 mL) serving per day increase in soft drinks was associated with a 1.52-kg increase in weight (95% CI: 0.70, 2.34 kg; P < 0.001). A high glycemic index (β: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.42; P = 0.006) and glycemic load (β: 0.04; 95% CI: 0.002, 0.08; P = 0.04) were associated with postpartum weight gain. Higher soluble fiber was associated with a decrease in postpartum weight (β: −0.82 kg; 95% CI: −1.35, −0.29 kg; P = 0.003) and the negative effects of added sugar, sugary beverages, and high-glycemic-index and -load diets were partially attenuated after adjusting for soluble fiber intake. Conclusions Increased consumption of added sugar, sugar-sweetened beverages, and high-glycemic diets were associated with greater weight gain in the first 6 mo postpartum. In addition, increased consumption of soluble fiber was associated with postpartum weight loss, which may partially offset the obesogenic effects of some dietary sugars. |
Perng, W; Tang, L; Song, P; Goran, MI; Tellez-Rojo, MM; Cantoral, A; Peterson, K Urate and nonanoate mark the relationship between sugar-sweetened beverage intake and blood pressure in adolescent girls: A metabolomics analysis in the ELEMENT Cohort Metabolites Journal Article ForthcomingForthcoming. @article{W2020, title = {Urate and nonanoate mark the relationship between sugar-sweetened beverage intake and blood pressure in adolescent girls: A metabolomics analysis in the ELEMENT Cohort Metabolites}, author = {W Perng and L Tang and P Song and MI Goran and MM Tellez-Rojo and A Cantoral and K Peterson}, year = {2020}, date = {2020-06-28}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {forthcoming}, tppubtype = {article} } |
P, Berger; JF, Plows; RB, Jones; TL, Alderete; C, Yonemitsu; JH, Ryoo; L, Bode; MI, Goran Human milk oligosaccharides and Hispanic infant weight gain in the first 6 months Obesity Journal Article ForthcomingForthcoming. @article{Berger2020, title = {Human milk oligosaccharides and Hispanic infant weight gain in the first 6 months Obesity}, author = {Berger P and Plows JF and Jones RB and Alderete TL and Yonemitsu C and Ryoo JH and Bode L and Goran MI}, year = {2020}, date = {2020-06-27}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {forthcoming}, tppubtype = {article} } |
The Hidden Dangers of Sugar that are Putting Your Child’s Health at Risk and What You Can Do
Authors Micheal Goran and Emily Ventura explain the hidden danger sugar poses to a child’s development and health, and offer parents an essential 7- and 28-day “sugarproof” program.
Dietary Sugars and Health
Edited by Michael I. Goran, Luc Tappy, Kim-Anne LiM
Childhood Obesity
Causes, Consequences, and Intervention Approaches
Edited by Michael I. Goran
Goran Lab
4650 Sunset Boulevard
Mailstop 178
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Investigator
Michael I. Goran
goran@usc.edu
Impact of sugars and human milk oligosaccharides on infant microbiome and obesity
/0 Comments/in Current Research, Research Projects /by Academic Web PagesNutrigenetic intervention to reduce liver fat in Hispanics
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/0 Comments/in Current Research, Research Projects /by Academic Web PagesHuman milk oligosaccharides, gut microbiome and obesity in infants
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