The bone‐protective effect of a Taiwanese yam (Dioscorea alata L. cv. Tainung No. 2) in ovariectomised female BALB/C mice

BACKGROUND: Yam products have been marketed for treating postmenopausal syndromes. This study investigated the effects of Dioscorea alata L. cv. Tainung No. 2 (TNG yam) on the bone density of ovariectomised (OVX) female BALB/c mice and the mechanism whereby TNG yam exerted this effect. Sham and OVX control groups were fed a control diet while remaining OVX mice were randomly allocated into experimental diets, i.e. yam (630 g TNG powder kg^?1), E2 (20 mg 17β‐oestradiol kg^?1), or genistein (2 g genistein kg^?1) diet. After 12 weeks of feeding, the uterine weight, indices of bone mass and caecal short chain fatty acids were determined. RESULTS: Neither a yam nor genistein diet restored the OVX‐induced uterine atrophy as did the E2 diet. The femoral and lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) of mice fed the yam diet was greater than those of the sham group, respectively (P < 0.05 vs OVX control), while the lumbar BMD of yam and sham groups were similar (P > 0.05 vs sham). The femoral ash and calcium content in the yam group was significantly greater than that in the OVX control group, respectively (P < 0.05 vs OVX control). The total short chain fatty acid content in the caecum, only enhanced in the yam group, was not correlated with the calcium content of either bone or the plasma calcium level. CONCLUSION: TNG yam prevented loss of BMD and improved bone calcium status without stimulating uterine hypertrophy in OVX BALB/c mice. TNG yam may be beneficial for postmenopausal women for preventing bone loss. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Short communication: Proteins in heat-processed skim milk powder have no positive effects on bone loss of ovariectomized rats

Milk has positive effects on bone growth. However, the effect of skim milk powder (SMP) on bone properties has not been reported. This study investigated the effect of SMP on bone loss in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Forty female Sprague-Dawley rats were ovariectomized and another 10 rats received a sham operation. The OVX rats were randomly separated into 4 groups: OVX control, OVX SMP1 (SMP at 0.04 g/d), OVX SMP2 (SMP at 0.20 g/d), and OVX SMP3 (SMP at 0.40 g/d). Skim milk powder was supplied in the rat diet for 12 wk, and the rats were gavaged once per day. The effects of SMP on calcium content and bone mineral density of femur were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, respectively. Compared with the control, SMP at all dose levels tested had no particular effect on weight:length, calcium content, or bone mineral density of femurs. It was demonstrated that SMP (0.04 to 0.40 g/d) had no positive effect on bone loss in OVX rats, probably because the heat treatment used during SMP processing caused a loss of biological activity in the protein.     

Impact of goat milk powdered formulations on mineral absorption,peak bone mass and bone loss due to ovariectomy in rats

BACKGROUND: Goat milk is recognised as nutritious, with benefits to growth and skeletal development. The initial aim of this study was to investigate the effect of three different goat milk formulae—a whole milk, a skim milk and a goat milk growing‐up formula fortified with pre‐ and probiotics (Formula 1)—on mineral absorption and retention in rats. The effect of long‐term intake of the fortified formula diet on peak bone mass and post‐ovariectomy bone loss in rats was then investigated in a follow‐up study and was assessed by bone density dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and biomechanical testing of bone ex vivo. RESULTS: Goat whole milk and fortified milk formulations improved calcium and phosphorus absorption and retention. Body composition analysis showed that rats fed the fortified diet had higher body calcium and phosphorus content. The fortified diet was then tested in a long‐term feeding trial. Rats fed the fortified diet from weaning had a higher peak bone mass than rats fed a soy protein control diet. Bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) of the lumbar spine were higher in rats fed the fortified diet. After ovariectomy, all rats lost bone mass, but rats fed the fortified diet maintained significantly higher BMD and BMC values throughout the trial, though still lower than those of non‐ovariectomised control rats. The fortified diet increased bone strength. CONCLUSION: Goat milk specific nutrients supported by pre‐ and probiotics in Formula 1 may improve mineral status during growth and support attainment of peak bone mass. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of nanopowdered eggshell on postmenopausal osteoporosis: a rat study

The preventive effects of nanopowdered eggshell (NPES) on postmenopausal osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats was studied. Rats fed NPES and powdered eggshell (PES) exhibited 6.6 and 2.2% greater bone mineral densities (BMD) than ovariectomized (OVX) rats. NPES administration resulted in greater bone stiffness than PES. Investigation of the trabecular bone in NPES fed rats revealed a 12.4% higher bone volume (BV/TV), 7.5% higher trabecular number (Tb.N.), and 14.5% lower trabecular separation (Tb.Sp.), compared with OVX rats. Serum analysis demonstrated that NPES fed rats showed a significantly (p<0.05) higher (22.4%) osteocalcin level than OVX rats. Urine analyses in NPES fed rats revealed 43.7% lower deoxypyridinoline (DPD) and 87% lower Nteleopeptide levels of type I collagen (NTX) than in OVX rats. NPES attenuated the bone loss induced by ovariectomy in rats.     

Prebiotics enhance magnesium absorption and inulin-based fibers exert chronic effects on calcium utilization in a postmenopausal rodent model

Abstract: Age‐related changes in calcium metabolism play a role in the development of osteoporosis. A 4‐wk feeding study was conducted in 5‐mo‐old ovariectomized (OVX) Sprague‐Dawley rats to assess the effect of various dietary fibers on mineral metabolism and bone health parameters. There were 6 treatment groups: sham‐Control, OVX‐Control, OVX rats receiving daily estradiol (E₂) injections, and OVX rats receiving an AIN‐93M diet supplement with either an inulin‐based fiber (Synergy1® or Fruitafit HD®) or a novel fiber (polydextrose) at 5% wt. of diet. Calcium and magnesium metabolic balances were performed after early (3 d) and late exposure (4 wk) to dietary treatments. Rats receiving polydextrose had significantly higher net calcium absorption efficiency and retention than all control groups and a trend (P≤ 0.10) for higher calcium absorption when compared to inulin‐based fibers after early exposure but the advantage did not persist over long‐term exposure. The inulin‐based fibers had positive chronic effects on calcium metabolism that were related to changes in the gut, that is, production of short chain fatty acids and higher cecal wall weights. All fibers improved magnesium absorption and retention in early and late metabolic balances; effects on magnesium metabolism were more pronounced than for calcium. Practical Application: Steady growth in US middle‐aged and elderly populations has led to higher incidences of several chronic diseases including osteoporosis, a bone disease that primarily affects postmenopausal women. Recent research suggests that certain dietary fibers (prebiotics) enhance mineral absorption and may impart bone health benefits. This work examines the impact of prebiotic supplementation on mineral metabolism and bone health using a postmenopausal rat model. Study findings will aid future investigations in ascertaining the factors related to potential bone health benefits of prebiotic which will aid in developing an effective prebiotics food product/supplement that will address the bone health needs of consumers.     

A comparison between acidic and basic protein fractions from whey or milk for reduction of bone loss in the ovariectomised rat

The ability of whey acidic protein fractions to protect against bone loss due to ovariectomy (OVX) in the mature female rat was investigated. The bone bioactivity of these acidic protein fractions, isolated from both mineral acid whey protein concentrate (WPC) and rennet WPC, was compared with that of basic protein fractions isolated from both milk and rennet WPC. Fifty 6-month old rats that had been ovariectomised at 5.5 months were randomised into five groups of ten each. One group remained the OVX control while four groups were each fed one of the acidic or basic protein fractions as 0.3% (w/w) of the diet, for 4 months. Ten sham-operated rats served as a second control group. Sequential measurements of bone mineral density of the spine and femur indicated that the acidic protein fraction prepared from mineral acid WPC reduced bone loss due to OVX, maintaining bone density above OVX levels at week 16 of feeding. Biomechanical data indicated that both acidic fractions tended to increase bone stiffness, and hence resistance against breaking.     

Effect of Cheonggukjang made with germinated soybean on lipid contents and fecal excretion of neutral steroids in rats fed a high cholesterol diet

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of cheonggukjang made with soybean germinated under dark and light conditions on lipid content and fecal neutral steroids in rats fed with a high cholesterol diet. Rats were divided into 4 groups: high cholesterol diet (HC); high cholesterol diet containing normal cheonggukjang (HNC); high cholesterol diet containing cheonggukjang made with soybean germinated under dark condition (HDC); high cholesterol diet containing cheonggukjang made with soybean germinated under light condition (HLC). Dietary supplementation with light-reacted cheonggukjang decreased hepatic triglycerides, compared with the other groups. Fecal excretion of total lipids and triglycerides increased when fed with cheonggukjang made with soybean germinated under light condition. Fecal excretion of coprostanol, cholesterol, and coprostanone tended to increase in the cheonggukjang-supplemented groups. These results suggest that dietary supplementation with cheonggukjang made with germinated soybean might prevent hyperlipidemia by improving the lipid metabolism through decreasing the liver triglycerides contents and increasing fecal excretion of triglycerides.     

Bioavailability of Isoflavone Metabolites After Korean Fermented Soybean Paste (Doenjang) Ingestion in Estrogen‐Deficient Rats

Doenjang (DJ), a fermented soybean product used in soups, stews, and sauces, contains high quality proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and other functional ingredients, including isoflavones and saponins. This study investigated whether DJ improves the bioavailability of isoflavones compared to boiled soybean (BS) in sham‐operated or ovariectomized (OVX) rats. We also examined the effects of ovariectomy on the differences in bioavailability of isoflavones. BS and DJ were administered in sham‐operated and OVX rats, and blood samples were collected. Twenty‐six isoflavone‐derived metabolites were identified. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that T_1/2 values of the individual isoflavone metabolites were most different in sham and OVX rats, even after the same sample treatment; however, T_max values were significant different in a few metabolites such as daidzein 4′‐glucuronide, daidzein 4′‐sulfate, 2‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid, and benzoic acid. For most of the individual metabolites, C_max was higher in both sham and OVX rats administered BS than those administered DJ. The AUC was generally lower in OVX rats than in sham rats. The AUC of daidzein and genistein in BS‐fed sham rats was approximately 1.7‐fold higher than those administered DJ, whereas glycitein was detected only in the DJ group. No significant differences in AUC of daidzein and genistein were observed between BS and DJ administration in OVX rats, although the total isoflavone content of DJ was lower; thus, DJ‐mediated isoflavone bioavailability was more effective in OVX rats. Similar tendencies were observed for phase II and gut‐mediated metabolites. These results suggested that DJ enhanced isoflavone bioavailability under estrogen deficiency, even when the total isoflavone content was decreased by fermentation.     

Protective effects of bovine colostrum acid proteins on bone loss of ovariectomized rats and the ingredients identification

Scope: Milk basic proteins and bovine colostrum extracts have preventive effects on osteoporosis. However, the effects of bovine colostrum acidic proteins (BCAP) on properties of bone have not been reported. This study investigated the effect of BCAP on the prevention of bone loss in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Methods and results: Forty‐eight 3‐month old female Sprague–Dawley rats were OVX and another 12 rats underwent a sham operation (Sham). The OVX rats were randomly separated into four groups, i.e. OVX control, OVX plus 2 mg/day BCAP, OVX plus 10 mg/day BCAP, and OVX plus 50 mg/day BCAP, and were gavaged once per day for 12 wk. The effects on bone mineral content, bone mineral density, microarchitecture and biomechanical properties were determined. The bioactive ingredients in BCAP were isolated and identified. Results showed that BCAP increased the bone mineral content and bone mineral density of the femur in a dose‐dependent manner. Scanning electron microscope observation and mechanical testing further confirmed the positive effects of BCAP. These positive effects attribute to the fact that osteopontin, lactoferrin, epidermal growth factor and insulin‐like growth factor‐2 are the dominant proteins in BCAP. Conclusions: BCAP (2–50 mg/day) could prevent osteoporosis caused by bone loss in OVX rats.     

Safety Evaluation of Green Tea Polyphenols Consumption in Middle‐aged Ovariectomized Rat Model

This work evaluates chronic safety in middle‐aged ovariectomized rats supplemented with different dosages of green tea polyphenols (GTP) in drinking water. The experiment used 6‐mo‐old sham (n = 39) and ovariectomized (OVX, n = 143) female rats. All sham (n = 39) and 39 of the OVX animals received no GTP treatment and their samples were collected for outcome measures at baseline, 3 mo, and 6 mo (n = 13 per group for each). The remaining OVX animals were randomized into 4 groups receiving 0.15%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% (n = 26 for each) of GTP (wt/vol), respectively, in drinking water for 3 and 6 mo. No mortality or abnormal treatment‐related findings in clinical observations or ophthalmologic examinations were noted. No treatment‐related macroscopic or microscopic findings were noted for animals administered 1.5% GTP supplementation. Throughout the study, there was no difference in the body weight among all OVX groups. In all OVX groups, feed intake and water consumption significantly decreased with GTP dose throughout the study period. At 6 mo, GTP intake did not affect hematology, clinical chemistry, and urinalysis, except for phosphorus and blood urea nitrogen (increased), total cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase, and urine pH (decreased). This study reveals that the no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level (NOAEL) of GTP is 1.5% (wt/vol) in drinking water, the highest dose used in this study.     

大豆异黄酮加钙复合剂对卵巢切除大鼠骨密度和骨钙含量的影响

利用卵巢切除大鼠模型 ,研究大豆异黄酮 +钙复合剂对骨密度和骨钙含量的影响。卵巢切除大鼠分为 3个剂量组 ,分别灌胃给予 6 7mg kgBW 大豆异黄酮 +16 7mg kgBW 钙 (低剂量组 )、13 3mg kgBW 大豆异黄酮 +33 3mg kg BW 钙 (中剂量组 )和 4 0 0mg kg BW 大豆异黄酮 +10 0 0mg kgBW钙 (高剂量组 ) ,同时设阴性对照组和假手术组。 12周后测定股骨骨密度 (MBD)、骨矿含量(BMC)和骨钙含量。结果发现假手术组、中剂量组和高剂量组大鼠股骨干骺端BMD、BMC和股骨钙含量显著高于阴性对照组 (P <0 0 5 ) ,表明大豆异黄酮 +钙复合剂能增加卵巢切除大鼠的骨密度 ,对雌激素缺乏所诱发的骨丢失具有抑制作用。     

Dioscorea improves the morphometric and mechanical properties of bone in ovariectomised rats

BACKGROUND: The aim of this work was to determine the effects of oral administration of dioscorea on the morphometric and mechanical properties of the femur in ovariectomised (OVX) rats. Female Wistar rats that had undergone surgery for ovariectomy were used as a model of menopause and osteoporosis. Four weeks after surgery the animals were given oral dioscorea (0, 250, 750 or 1500 mg kg^?1 day^?1) for 27 days, then the porosity, mineral fraction, stiffness and toughness of the femur and the ultimate force needed to break the femur were measured. RESULTS: Ovariectomy resulted in an increase in the total volume, dry weight and porosity but a decrease in the mineral fraction of femora. Subsequent chronic administration of dioscorea reversed the effect on porosity and increased the ultimate force of the femur in OVX rats but did not affect the bone properties of sham‐operated rats. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that chronic administration of dioscorea may enhance bone strength and provide insight into the role of dioscorea in bone remodeling and osteoporosis during the menopause. However, the benefit is not clear for the reproductive female. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of Cheonnyuncho (Opuntia humifusa) seeds treatment on the mass, quality, and the turnover of bone in ovariectomized rats

Cheonnyuncho (Opuntia humifusa), rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, is known to have medicinal benefits in the treatment of arteriosclerosis and inflammation. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of cheonnyuncho seed powder (OHS) on postmenopausal osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats. OHS treatment prevented an ovariectomy (OVX)-induced decrease in biomechanical quality of femurs. OHS also dose-dependently inhibited bone mineral density (BMD) decreases in femurs, which were accompanied by a significant decrease in skeletal remodeling, as evidenced by decreased levels of the bone turnover markers osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and serum and urinary Ca excretion. Micro-CT analysis of femoral metaphysics showed that OHS prevented the OVX-induced decrease in bone volume/tissue volume, trabecular thickness, and trabecular number. Concluded, the treatment with OHS improves bone biomechanical quality through modification of BMD and trabecular microarchitecture without hyperplastic effects on the uterus. For these reasons, OHS may be suitable as an alternative treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.     

Hypocholesterolemic Effects of Capsaicinoids and Lactobacillus plantarum Swun5815 Combined by Inhibiting Cholesterol Synthesis and Increasing Bile Acid and Sterols Excretion on Ovariectomized Rats

This study evaluated the hypocholesterolemic effects and potential metabolism of single and combined administrations of capsaicinoids and Lactobacillus plantarum SWUN5815 in ovariectomized rats. Forty female Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into 5 treatment groups. One group was sham‐operated (with 1 mL/100 g BW physiological saline), and the 4 other groups were double‐ovariectomized: OVX–CON (with 1 mL/100 g BW physiological saline), OVX–CAP (with 1 mL/100 g BW physiological saline and fed with food containing 0.08 g/kg capsaicinoids), OVX–L. P. (with 1 mL 2 × 10⁹ cfu/mL/100 g BW L. plantarum SWUN5815), and OVX–CAP + L. P. (with 1 mL 2 × 10⁹ cfu/mL/100 g BW L. plantarum SWUN5815 and fed with food containing 0.08 g/kg capsaicinoids). Rats were sacrificed after 6 weeks of feeding. Results showed that the combination of capsaicinoids and L. plantarum significantly decreased the total cholesterol, triglyceride and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol of plasma, total cholesterol and lipid accumulation of liver in ovariectomized rats without affecting food intake. Bile acid contents in the fecal excrement and small intestines were significantly increased by the combination compared with the individual effects. However, the mRNA levels of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG‐CoA R), farnesoid X receptor (FXR), ileum bile acid binding protein (IBABP), and apical sodium‐dependent bile acids transporter (ASBT) significantly decreased. Liver X receptor also remarkably increased. Therefore, these genes potentially affect cholesterol metabolism by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis and promoting excretion of bile acid. The protective effects of the combination of capsaicinoids and L. plantarum SWUN5815 on the intestines were significant in ovariectomized rats.     

薛荔籽果胶对去势雌性大鼠矿物质吸收的影响

目的:探讨薛荔籽果胶对去势雌性大鼠矿物质吸收的影响。方法:将30只SD成年雌鼠随机分为5组。4组大鼠做双侧卵巢切除手术,一周后分为空白组和薛荔籽果胶高、中、低剂量组;用伪切除同龄大鼠作对照(Sham组)。喂养4周后解剖,测定盲肠内容物pH值、短链脂肪酸、骨钙、骨磷含量及矿物质元素的表观吸收等指标。结果:去势雌性大鼠对钙、镁、磷、锌和铁元素的表观吸收率及骨钙和骨磷含量显著低于正常大鼠(P<0.05)。薛荔籽果胶能显著增加去势雌性大鼠短链脂肪酸含量和盲肠面积(P<0.05),降低盲肠pH值,并且在一定程度上抑制钙、镁、磷、锌和铁元素的表观吸收率。结论:薛荔籽果胶能降低去势雌性大鼠矿物质的表观吸收率。     

Coriander (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Coriandrum sativum</Emphasis> L.) seed oil improves plasma lipid profile in rats fed a diet containing cholesterol

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) seed oil (COR) is a promising oil with high levels of bioactive compounds. Very little information, however, is available on the effect of administration of COR on different aspects of plasma lipid profile in experimental animals. In view of the important implications, the effect of administration of COR and oil blend [a mixture of soybean oil, coriander oil and sunflower oil (4:2:4, w/w/w; Blend)] on the profile of plasma lipids was investigated in 24 male albino rats placed on a cholesterol-rich (1%) basal diet as compared to rats on a cholesterol-free basal diet. Coriander seed oil and Blend were analyzed for composition of fatty acid, sterol and tocopherol. The levels of bioactive compounds (sterols and tocopherols) were higher in COR than in the Blend. In addition, the antiradical potential of COR and Blend was measured and the results showed that COR had stronger radical scavenging activity than Blend. In the biological experiment, rats were divided into four diet groups. The negative control group (control) consumed the basal diet (BD) only, which contained wheat starch, casein and cellulose, as well as mineral and vitamin mixtures. To the BD were added 1 g/100 g cholesterol (Chol/group), or both (Chol/COR group) and (Chol/Blend group). The groups did not differ before the experiment, which lasted 60 days. Plasma total lipids (TL), triacylglycerols (TAG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured at day 15, 30, 45 and 60 during the experiment period. Generally, COR and Blend-supplemented diets decreased the levels of TL, TC, TAG and LDL-C in plasma. In addition, significant increase in the levels of HDL-C was observed for Chol/COR and Chol/Blend groups. The results demonstrated that COR, and to a relatively lesser degree Blend, have hypocholesterolemic properties in rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet.     

MILK BASIC PROTEIN ENHANCES THE BONE STRENGTH IN OVARIECTOMIZED RATS

We studied the effects of milk basic protein (MBP) on bone metabolism in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Five‐week‐old female Sprague‐Dawley rats were ovariectomized and fed a low‐calcium diet (0.009% Ca) for 5 weeks. The OVX rats were divided into three experimental groups: Control group (20% casein), MBP‐L group (19.9% casein, 0.1% MBP), and MBP‐H (19% casein, 1% MBP) of six animals. The rats were fed each experimental diet for 3 weeks. The bone breaking strength and energy of femur in the MBP‐H group were significantly higher than those in the control group. The bone breaking energy of femur in the MBP‐L group was also significantly higher than those in the control group. There were no differences in the amount of femoral calcium and phosphorus among the three groups, however, the amounts of femoral proline, hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine (typical amino acids of collagen) in the MBP groups were significantly higher than those in the control group. These data indicate that MBP in the whey protein increases the amount of the bone collagen and enhances the bone strength.     

Chemical Compositions of Egg Yolks and Egg Quality of Laying Hens Fed Prebiotic,Probiotic, and Synbiotic Diets

A 16‐wk feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of a prebiotic, isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO), a probiotic, PrimaLac®, and their combination as a synbiotic on the chemical compositions of egg yolks and the egg quality of laying hens. One hundred and sixty 16‐wk‐old Hisex Brown pullets were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments: (i) basal diet (control), (ii) basal diet + 1% IMO (PRE), (iii) basal diet + 0.1% PrimaLac® (PRO), and (iv) basal diet + 1% IMO + 0.1% PrimaLac® (SYN). PRE, PRO, or SYN supplementation not only significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the egg yolk cholesterol (24‐ and 28‐wk‐old) and total saturated fatty acids (SFA; 28‐, 32‐, and 36‐wk‐old), but also significantly (P < 0.05) increased total unsaturated fatty acids (UFA; 28‐, 32‐, and 36‐wk‐old), total omega 6 and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), including linoleic and alpha‐linolenic acid levels in the eggs (28‐wk‐old). However, the total lipids, carotenoids, and tocopherols in the egg yolks were similar among all dietary treatments in the 24‐, 28‐, 32‐, and 36‐wk‐old hens. Egg quality (Haugh unit, relative weights of the albumen and yolk, specific gravity, shell thickness, and yolk color) was not affected by PRE, PRO, or SYN supplementation. The results indicate that supplementations with IMO and PrimaLac® alone or in combination as a synbiotic might be useful for improving the cholesterol content and modifying the fatty acid compositions of egg yolk without affecting the quality of eggs from laying hens between 24 and 36 wk of age.     

Anti-obesity and hypolipidemic effects of chufa (Cyperus esculentus L.) in mice fed a high-fat diet

This study was aimed to clarify the effect of defatted chufa (Cyperus esculentus L., DC) on diet-induced obesity and lipid metabolism in mice. C57BL/6J mice were fed 1 of 4 experimental diets for 7 weeks: a normal diet (N), a high-fat diet (HF), a high-fat diet with 5% DC (LDC), and a high-fat diet with 10% DC (HDC). DC supplementation (10%) significantly reduced body weight gain, adipose tissue weight, and adipocyte size increased by high-fat diet although there was no significant difference between HF group and LDC group. Serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels of the HDC group were significantly decreased compared to those of the HF group. The hepatic triglyceride levels also decreased significantly with 10% DC supplementation, but not changed with 5% DC supplementation. Serum insulin and leptin levels in the LDC and HDC groups were significantly decreased compared to those of the HF group. These results suggest that defatted chufa may be useful for the prevention of diet-induced obesity and hyperlipidemia.     

Myoepithelial cell differentiation markers in prepubertal bovine mammary gland: effect of ovariectomy

We reported previously that ovariectomy alters prepubertal development of mammary myoepithelial cells (MC) by mechanisms that are not well understood. Therefore, in the present study, we analyzed expression of 2 myoepithelial differentiation markers, α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and the common acute lymphoblastic leukemia antigen (CD10), in mammary parenchymal tissue from intact (INT) and ovariectomized (OVX) heifers. On d 40, Holstein heifers underwent either an ovariectomy (OVX; n=16) or a sham (INT; n=21) operation. At 55, 70, 85, 100, 130, and 160 d of age, tissues were collected, and multispectral imaging was used to quantify immunofluorescent staining for myoepithelial cell (MC) markers. Fluorescent intensity (FI) of the markers was normalized against a control sample. In the basal epithelial layer, CD10 FI was less and SMA FI was greater in OVX than INT. The ratio of SMA to CD10 FI, as a proxy indicator for MC differentiation, was greater in tissue from OVX compared with INT heifers after 55 d of age. The staining for SMA was frequently more intense along the basal aspect of cells, whereas CD10 expression was localized on the apical surface of the MC. In mammary tissue from both INT and OVX heifers, we observed basal cells that were negative for both CD10 and SMA, some of which appeared to span the distance from basement membrane to the ductal lumen. Interestingly, we also observed CD10+ cells adjacent to the ductal lumen, a situation that was more prevalent in OVX than in INT heifers. Also, ovariectomy affects MC expression of both SMA and CD10, as well as the pattern of MC development. Myoepithelial cells are known to limit parenchymal growth in other species. Involvement of MC as regulators of prepubertal bovine mammary development is worthy of further investigation.