Antrodia camphorata ameliorates high-fat-diet induced hepatic steatosis via improving lipid metabolism and antioxidative status

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) commonly results from excessive dietary fat intake which characterized by obesity and insulin resistance. Wild fruiting body of Antrodia camphorata (AC) was assayed for alleviative effects on NAFLD. An NAFLD animal model was successfully established in male 7-week-old C57BL/6 mice fed with high-fat diet (HFD) for 36 weeks. The HFD mice exhibited obese and impaired glucose metabolism. After an induction of NAFLD syndrome, AC was given for one week via gavage. Mice with AC treatment showed lowered (p < 0.05) serum TG and TC, lowered (p < 0.05) liver TG content, improved (p < 0.05) oxidative status (TBARS values and GSH levels), and ameliorated (p < 0.05) liver damage (AST, ALT, and LDH values). In addition, AC activated (p < 0.05) gene expressions of PPAR-α with its downstream genes in the liver and caused higher (p < 0.05) rectal temperature, which showed AC attenuates hepatic lipid accumulation by promoting lipid oxidation and further suggests the role of AC in energy expenditure. Overall, our findings revealed that AC possesses alleviative effect on NAFLD.     

Antihypertensive and cholesterol-lowering effects of a spread containing bioactive peptides IPP and VPP and plant sterols

The effects of a spread containing bioactive tripeptides isoleucine–proline–proline (IPP), valine–proline–proline (VPP) and plant sterols were studied in subjects with mild hypertension and elevated LDL cholesterol. Sixty-two subjects consumed 20 g/day spread containing 4.2 mg milk peptides and 2 g plant sterol esters or placebo for 10 weeks. Blood pressure was measured twice a week. Arterial stiffness was assessed by pulse wave analysis and by pulse wave velocity. Blood samples were analysed for serum lipids and high-sensitive CRP. A significant decrease was seen in systolic blood pressure (p = 0.026), but not in diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.53). Total cholesterol (p = 0.003) and LDL cholesterol (p = 0.002) decreased, whereas HDL cholesterol, triacylglycerols and CRP remained unchanged. No overall effects on arterial stiffness were seen. The results suggest that a spread containing bioactive milk peptides and plant sterols has a beneficial effect on two major cardiovascular risk factors, blood pressure and plasma lipids, in hypertensive, dyslipidemic subjects. Functional foods affecting two major risk factors can be valuable tools in managing cardiovascular risk.     

Porcine artery elastin preparation reduces serum cholesterol level in rats

The effect of porcine artery elastin on serum cholesterol level was investigated in rats fed a cholesterol-free diet. Rats were fed for 4 weeks, with a diet (ED) containing 15% casein and 5% of porcine artery elastin in comparison with a diet (CD) containing 20% casein. The total serum and non-HDL-cholesterol concentrations were lower (P < 0.001) in ED-fed group than the CD-fed group at the end of the experiment. Caecal propionate concentration and Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus population were higher (P < 0.05) in ED-fed group than the CD-fed group. The results of this study suggest that porcine artery elastin could be considered as a functional dietary protein with hypocholesterolaemic ability. Favourable amino acid composition and lysine derived cross links may at least be partially responsible for the hypocholesterolaemic ability of ED. Moreover, the higher caecal propionic acid concentration in the ED-fed group may have suppressed the cholesterol synthesis in the liver, and reduced the serum cholesterol level.     

Effect of oral administration of water-soluble extract from citrus peel (Citrus unshiu) on suppressing alcohol-induced fatty liver in rats

Water-soluble citrus peel extract (WCE) from Citrus unshiu was studied for its anti-alcoholic fatty liver activities through chronic oral administration to Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. WCE, which was prepared by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), was co-supplemented with ethanol (2.87 ml/rat/day) at low and high dosages (278 and 576 mg/rat/day, respectively) for 6 weeks. Ethanol consumption significantly elevated both total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) concentrations in the serum of SD rats; otherwise co-administration of WCE lowered both serum TG and TC levels. Ethanol consumption caused a hepatic lipid content of 227 mg/g liver after 6 weeks whereas co-administration of WCE, especially at high dosage, significantly reduced it to 187 mg/g of liver. Analysis of hepatic fatty acids revealed that WCE suppressed conjugation of oleic acid into TG. These results support probable application of WCE as an anti-alcoholic fatty liver agent.     

Antiobesity and lipid lowering effects of theaflavins on high-fat diet induced obese rats

Theaflavins are major polyphenols in black tea. This study investigated antiobesity and lipid lowering effects of black tea extract (BTE), a highly purified theaflavins mixture (TFs, 83.84%) and theaflavin (TF1, 93.25%) on high-fat diet (HFD) induced obese rats. The body weight was slightly reduced by BTE and TFs (p > 0.05), and was significantly decreased by TF1 (p < 0.05) relative to the HFD control group. All samples remarkably decreased the food intake, adiposity index and the serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p < 0.05), except that BTE and TF1 insignificantly decreased the TC concentration (p > 0.05). Moreover, administration of BTE, TFs and TF1 all significantly decreased atherogenic index (AI), enhanced insulin sensitive index (ISI), inhibited the hepatic lipase (HL) activity (p < 0.05), and slightly reduced leptin level in liver, decreased serum alanine transaminase (ALT) activity and increased serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (p > 0.05) as compared to that of the HFD controls. These results indicated that theaflavins were one of the functional components which contributed to the antiobesity and lipid lowering effects of black tea, and might reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in obese patients.     

Lingonberry juice lowers blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR)

Lingonberries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) are rich in polyphenols, such as proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, flavonols and flavanols. Polyphenol-rich foods affect vascular health. We previously described improved endothelium-dependent vascular function as well as anti-inflammatory and anti-atherothrombotic effects in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) fed with lingonberry juice. In the present study, we investigated the effects of lingonberry juice dose on blood pressure, vascular function and vascular inflammation in SHR in an 8 weeks’ study. Diluted (1:5) cold-compressed lingonberry juice was given as drinking fluid ad libitum to 5 week old SHR for 8 weeks. Control group (SHR) and normotensive reference group (Wistar-Kyoto) received tap water. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was monitored weekly. Function of mesenteric artery rings was assessed in standard organ-bath chambers after 8 weeks. Biochemical and clinical chemistry variables were measured from plasma and urine. Lingonberry juice lowered SBP of SHR (p = 0.007). Endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation was not improved. Lingonberry treatment slightly affected plasma inflammatory markers (reduction of NOx and sICAM-1) and clinical chemistry variables (decreased alkaline phosphatase and increased chloride and calcium levels). In conclusion, Lingonberry juice at small concentrations lowers blood pressure in a long-term treatment in SHR.     

Preventive effects of caffeic acid on lipids,lipoproteins and glycoproteins in isoproterenol induced myocardial infarcted rats

Dietary phenolic compound intake has been reported inversely related to the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this research was to understand the preventive effects of caffeic acid, a phenolic acid on lipids, lipoproteins and glycoprotein components in isoproterenol induced myocardial infarcted rats. Rats were pretreated with caffeic acid (15 mg/kg body weight) daily for a period of 10 days. After pretreatment, rats were induced myocardial infarction by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (100 mg/kg body weight). Isoproterenol induced myocardial infarcted rats showed significant (P < 0.05) decreased levels of heart phospholipids and significant (P < 0.05) increased levels of serum and heart cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids and serum phospholipids. Isoproterenol also significantly (P < 0.05) increased low density and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol and significantly (P < 0.05) decreased high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The activity of liver 3-hydroxy-3methyl glutaryl-coenzyme-A-reductase was significantly (P < 0.05) increased and lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase activity was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in isoproterenol induced myocardial infarcted rats. In addition, the levels of glycoprotein components in the serum and heart were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in myocardial infarcted rats. Pretreatment with caffeic acid positively altered all the above mentioned biochemical parameters studied in isoproterenol induced myocardial infarcted rats.In conclusion, caffeic acid protected the rat's heart from the deleterious effects of lipids, lipoproteins and glycoproteins by its antilipidemic and antiglycative effects in isoproterenol induced myocardial infarcted rats. A diet containing caffeic acid may be beneficial to myocardial infarction.     

Effect of Lactobacillus-fermented adlay-based milk on lipid metabolism of hamsters fed cholesterol-enriched diet

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of adlay milk and adlay-soymilk fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum or Lactobacillus paracasei on lipid metabolism in hamsters fed with a cholesterol-enriched diet. Adlay milk and fermented adlay milk with or without soymilk administered to hamsters significantly decreased (p < 0.05) serum cholesterol levels and ratio of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, when compared to a high-cholesterol diet group; there was also a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the level of fecal cholesterol and triglycerides. The group administered adlay milk fermented with L. plantarum or L. paracasei presented increased superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant status activity in the blood, thus relieving the levels of thinobarbituric acid reactive substances as compared to other treatment groups. Adlay milk and Lactobacillus-fermented adlay milk with or without a soymilk supplement, could be used as a potential cholesterol-lowering ingredient; it could also relieve hyperlipidemia-induced oxidative stress to improve hypercholesterolemia.     

Inhibitory effects of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) flower-water extracts on lipase activity and diet-induced obesity

Litchi flower–water extract (LFWE) contains plenty of phenolic acids, flavonoids, condensed tannins, anthocyanins, and proanthocyanidins. In this study, we used eight male rats per group that were assigned randomly to one of the following dietary group: (1) normal-caloric diet and distilled water; (2) hypercaloric diet (HCD) and distilled water; (3) HCD and 2.5% LFWE; (4) HCD and 5% LFWE for 10 weeks. As results, LFWEs demonstrated a suppressive (p < 0.05) effect on in vitro lipase activities; meanwhile, larger sizes of livers, perirenal and epididymal adipose tissues, and cell sizes of epididymal adipose tissues in hypercaloric-diet-fed group were decreased (p < 0.05) by drinking LFWEs, especially in 5% LFWE-treated groups. Increased (p < 0.05) serum cholesterol and liver lipid levels were measured in hypercaloric-diet-fed rats. However, drinking LFWEs also decreased (p < 0.05) those levels to that similar to the NCD group, whereas drinking LFWEs resulted in higher (p < 0.05) faecal lipid concentrations. It also corresponded to the liver TNF-α and IL-1β values which were ameliorated (p < 0.05) in hypercaloric-diet-fed rats with LFWEs. Therefore, the result of this investigation match the anticipation, which LFWE indeed possesses a potential nutraceuticals for anti-obesity effects.     

A high-resistance-starch rice diet reduces glycosylated hemoglobin levels and improves the antioxidant status in diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is a common problem in developed countries. An improved postprandial hyperglycemic peak is one of the main therapeutic targets in diabetic patients. The Wistar rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes were divided into cornstarch (control) and Japonica rice groups, which were fed 640 g starch/kg diets for 4 weeks. The area (means ± SD) under the glucose curve of cornstarch was 173.8 ± 6.9 and Japonica rice diet was 154.3 ± 8.7 mmol × min/L, and the area (means ± SD) under the insulin curve of cornstarch was 12.9 ± 0.1 and Japonica rice diet was 12.0 ± 0.6 nmol × min/L. The glycosylated hemoglobin levels, serum fructosamine and cholesterol concentrations in diabetic rats fed the Japonica rice diet were significantly lower than the control group (P < 0.05). The decreased malondialdehyde levels and increased superoxide dismutase activity and total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter in plasma were also found in rat fed the Japonica rice diet compared to the control. These results suggested that the diet containing high-resistance-starch Japonica rice might reduce glycosylated hemoglobin levels, serum cholesterol concentrations and raised the antioxidant status in the blood.     

Effects of catechin-enriched green tea beverage on visceral fat loss in adults with a high proportion of visceral fat: A double-blind,placebo-controlled,randomized trial

The effects of catechin-enriched green tea on Chinese adults with a high proportion of abdominal visceral fat were evaluated. Subjects (118) were randomly assigned to consume daily a beverage containing 609.3 mg catechins and 68.7 mg caffeine or a control beverage for 12 weeks. Abdominal fat area, body weight and composition were measured at week 0, week 8, and week 12. One hundred and four subjects completed the trial. Average visceral fat area, body weight, and body fat were reduced significantly by catechin-enriched green tea treatment but these effects were not seen in the control group with per-protocol sets analysis. The decrease at week 12 in the visceral fat area in the catechin group was greater than that in the control group (P = 0.04). Thus, consumption of the catechin-enriched green tea beverage for 12 weeks induced visceral fat loss in Chinese adults with a high proportion of abdominal visceral fat.     

Impact of omega-3 fatty acids and/or plant sterol supplementation on non-HDL cholesterol levels of dyslipidemic Indian adults

Independent and combined effects of 2 g/d long chain omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3) from fish oil (capsules) and 2 g/d plant sterol (yogurt drink) on LDL-C and non-HDL-C levels in Indian subjects were compared. Following a 2-week run-in period, 200 mildly hypercholesterolemic (total cholesterol 5.0–8.0 mmol/l) adults (35–55 years) were randomized into one of four groups [(1) both placebo (2) active omega-3 (3) active plant sterol (4) both active] of a 2 × 2 factorial, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Blood samples were obtained before and after the 4-week intervention (n = 178). Lipid levels were analyzed using ANCOVA models with relevant baseline measurements as covariates; adjusted means were compared across groups. While plant sterols significantly lowered LDL-C (?4.5%; P = 0.017) and non-HDL-C (?7.9%; P = 0.0019) levels, omega-3 did not demonstrate any such impact. The combination resulted in 4.2% and 3.9% reduction (non-significant), respectively. Thus, the beneficial effects of the omega-3-PS combination on lipid levels demonstrated earlier (lowered triacylglycerols by 15%, increased HDL-C by 5.4%) in addition to the present findings could make this combination a useful alternative for lowering coronary heart disease risk in Indian adults.     

System Parameters and Product Properties Responses During Extrusion of Fura from Millet-Soybean Mixtures

A three-factor, three-level central composite rotatable composite design (CCRD) was adopted to study the effect of feed composition (X₁), feed moisture content (X₂) and screw speed (X₃) on the system parameters (torque, pressure, and specific mechanical energy) and fura extrudate properties (expansion ratio and bulk density) from blends of pearl millet and soybean flour mixtures. The torque was influenced negatively but significantly (p < 0.05) by linear effects of feed composition and screw speed. The die pressure was also influenced negatively by the linear effects of the screw speed significantly (p < 0.05). The response surface plot showed that the specific mechanical energy SME was decreasing as screw speed increased while SME marginally decreased as feed moisture increased. The linear effects of the independent variables significantly (p < 0.05) affected the expansion ratio. The linear and quadratic effects of the independent variables significantly (p < 0.05) affected the bulk density. The CCRD was effective in explaining the effect of the process conditions on fura as influenced by feed composition, feed moisture and screw speed. The importance of process variables on system parameters and physical properties could be ranked in the following order: Feed Composition (X₁) > Feed Moisture (X₂) > Screw Speed (X₃). Response variables predicted with model equations under optimum conditions were in general agreement with experimental data. The data obtained from the study could be used for control of product characteristics and possible projection for the commercial production of fura.     

Sorghum distillers dried grain lipid extract increases cholesterol excretion and decreases plasma and liver cholesterol concentration in hamsters

Grain sorghum is a rich source of phytochemicals. In this study, male hamsters were fed AIN-93M diets supplemented with a hexane-extractable lipid fraction from sorghum distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). Diets contained 0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 5.0% (w/w) DDGS lipid extract. After 4 wk, the 5.0% DDGS lipids group had significantly lower plasma non-HDL cholesterol and liver esterified cholesterol concentration. Faecal neutral sterol (i.e., cholesterol) excretion was significantly higher in the 5.0% DDGS lipids group compared to the other treatments (66% higher compared to controls). Bile acid excretion was not affected by DDGS lipid intake. Faecal cholesterol excretion was negatively correlated with liver cholesterol concentration (r = ?0.97, P = 0.026), and liver cholesterol concentration was directly correlated with plasma total cholesterol concentration (r = 0.96, P = 0.041). Thus, lipid extract of sorghum DDGS exhibited cholesterol-lowering properties due, at least in part, to increased cholesterol excretion from the body and could provide health benefits when incorporated into human diets.     

Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of polyphenol-rich litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.)-flower-water-extract on livers of high-fat-diet fed hamsters

Gentisic acid and epicatechin are two major compounds in phenolic acids and flavonoids of litchi-flower-water extracts (LFWEs), respectively. Increased (p < 0.05) serum lipids and liver size/lipid, damage/inflammatory indices, TBARS value, CRP level, MMP-9 activity, and decreased (p < 0.05) liver GSH and TEAC levels, and SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activities were observed in high-fat-diet fed hamsters compared to normal-fat-dietary hamsters. Those biochemical values of high-fat-diet fed hamsters were significant improved (p < 0.05) by drinking LFWEs. In addition, these improvements on liver damage induced by a high-fat diet were also evidenced in the histopathological examination of livers where less microvesicular steatosis and no necrotic/inflammatory cells were observed in high-fat-diet fed hamster drinking LFWEs. Therefore, protective effects of LFWEs on liver damage of high-fat-diet fed hamsters can be accounted for antioxidative properties and anti-inflammatory effects of LFWEs.     

Effects of a black rice extract (Oryza sativa L. indica) on cholesterol levels and plasma lipid parameters in Wistar Kyoto rats

This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of an anthocyanin pigmented rice (e.g. black rice) to mitigate the onset of hypercholesterolemia in rats-fed atherogenic diets. Male Wistar (n = 10/group) rats were fed with atherogenic diets containing 0.5% cholesterol in the presence and in the absence of bile salt (e.g. 0.05% cholic acid) along with a standardized black rice extract (BRE) (e.g. 3%, w/w). All animals were individually housed in stainless steel cages and fed with the experimental diets during a 12-h period for 10 weeks. Body weights of rats were measured every week of the experiment. After 10 weeks fed on experimental diets, rats were sacrificed and plasma total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol and triacylglycerols were measured immediately. The total cholesterol (TC) content in the liver, heart and aorta, and the concentration of triacylglycerol (TAG) were measured after lipid extraction using Folch method. Rats fed with 0.5% cholesterol containing diets which also included bile salt exhibited a considerably more severe hypercholesterolemia than counterparts fed diets containing only 0.5% cholesterol. The inclusion of the BRE in diets significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the level of TC, LDL–TC and TAG in plasma of rats-fed control diets that either contained or were absent in bile salt (p < 0.05). There were no differences in HDL-level. Liver crude lipids and total cholesterol levels were also significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in experimental groups relative to the control group in both experiments. Thus, supplementation of atherogenic experimental diets with BRE effectively decreased lipid levels in hypercholesterolemic rats. In lieu of the mixture of bioactive components present in BRE, it is possible that more than one mechanism underlying this reduction in lipids is involved.     

Short communication: Relationship between metabolic status and the milk concentrations of haptoglobin and lactoferrin in dairy cows during early lactation

To investigate the relationship between metabolic status and the acute phase proteins haptoglobin (Hp) and lactoferrin (Lf) in milk, the concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and Hp were determined in blood samples collected weekly from 4 wk prepartum until 12 wk postpartum. Haptoglobin and Lf were determined in weekly milk samples. The cows (n = 49) were retrospectively classified according to NEFA and BHBA concentrations using different time intervals and threshold values for NEFA and BHBA, respectively. For BHBA, 4 threshold concentrations, (0.8, 1.0, 1.2, and 1.6 mM) were evaluated either at the first week before calving, at wk 1 or 2 postpartum, or when considering the means of wk 2 and 3 postpartum. For NEFA, the tested thresholds were 0.5 and 0.6 mM at wk 1 prepartum, wk 1 or 2 postpartum, or the means of wk 1 and 2 postpartum. All variables showed changes during the interval of observation. Comparing the time course of the acute phase proteins in the subgroups classified according to BHBA or NEFA, consistently greater concentrations of Hp in serum and milk and of Lf in milk were observed in those animals with BHBA concentrations above 1.6 mM during the last week before calving (n = 3/47) than in those with BHBA concentrations below this threshold. For NEFA, analogous differences for Hp in both serum and milk (0.52 ± 0.07 and 18.1 ± 4.6 for NEFA >0.6 mM vs. 0.36 ± 0.04 mg/mL and 8.46 ± 1.63 &micro;g/mL for NEFA <0.6 mM, respectively) and for Lf in milk (130 ± 8.5 vs. 89.2 ± 7.1 &micro;g/mL, respectively) were detected when a threshold of 0.6 mM at wk 2 postpartum was used. Our results indicated that cows having BHBA and NEFA serum concentrations above these thresholds at defined times could be identified.     

Hepatoprotective effect of peptic hydrolysate from salmon pectoral fin protein byproducts on ethanol-induced oxidative stress in Sprague–Dawley rats

Bioactive peptides were generated by pepsin hydrolysis from salmon pectoral fin protein byproduct, and the hepatoprotective effect of the peptic hydrolysate (PH) on ethanol-induced oxidative stress was investigated in Sprague–Dawley rats. Administration of ethanol for 4 weeks significantly (p < 0.05) increased serum markers of liver damage, such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase; however, these activities decreased significantly (p < 0.05) after PH administration. Elevated thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels in liver tissue and serum decreased significantly (p < 0.05) following administration of PH. Ethanol exposure significantly (p < 0.05) decreased glutathione contents in liver and serum, and hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, while the PH treatment significantly (p < 0.05) increased these altered parameters. These results indicate that the PH had a protective effect against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity that was comparable to that of silymarin, which was supported by evaluating liver histopathology in the rats.     

Casein-derived bioactive tripeptides Ile-Pro-Pro and Val-Pro-Pro attenuate the development of hypertension and improve endothelial function in salt-loaded Goto–Kakizaki rats

Increased blood pressure and plasma cholesterol concentration are the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. We have previously shown that fermented milk products containing casein-derived bioactive tripeptides, isoleucine-proline-proline (Ile-Pro-Pro) and valine-proline-proline (Val-Pro-Pro) partly inhibit the blood pressure increase in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In the present study, we investigated the effect of bioactive tripeptide-containing fermented milk products (with or without plant sterols) on blood pressure and vascular function in salt-loaded type 2 diabetic Goto–Kakizaki (GK) rats after 8 weeks’ treatment. The development of blood pressure was attenuated in the groups receiving tripeptide-containing products (?10 to ?12 mmHg vs. the control product group, P < 0.01). Tripeptide-containing products enhanced the impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation of mesenteric arteries. Also the role of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) was demonstrated. Interestingly, pretreatment of arterial rings with verapamil normalized the impaired endothelial function. Endothelium-independent relaxations were similar between the groups. Furthermore, tripeptides had positive effects on renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system.     

Fried egg digest decreases blood pressure in spontaneous hypertensive rats

Our previous study showed that in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion of fried whole egg (FWE) released several peptides with angiotensin converting enzyme-I (ACE-I) inhibitory properties. The present study evaluated in vivo blood pressure lowering effect of FWE digest in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Twelve to fourteen weeks old male SHRs were surgically implanted with telemetric blood pressure (BP) measuring devices. After one week recovery, animals were randomly allocated to three groups at dosage of FWE digest 0 (control), 100, and 1000 mg of FWE digest/kg body weight for 3 days (n = 8), and the BP was recorded continuously. The 1000 mg/kg BW group showed a significant decrease in BP and also rectified the impaired circadian blood pressure rhythm compared to the control group. This study indicates a potential blood pressure lowering effect of egg consumption.