Dietary Intake of Structured Lipids with Different Contents of Medium‐Chain Fatty Acids on Obesity Prevention in C57BL/6J Mice

Three medium‐ and long‐chain triacylglycerols (MLCT) with different contents of medium‐chain fatty acids (MCFA) (10% to 30%, w/w) were prepared and evaluated for their anti‐obesity potential in C57BL/6J mice. The group fed with a high fat diet of MLCT containing 30% (w/w) MCFA showed significantly decreased body weight and fat mass (P < 0.05) relative to the control mice fed an obesity‐inducing high fat rapeseed oil diet. In addition, serum parameters including triacylglycerols, total cholesterol, glucose, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1 and apolipoprotein B in the treatment group fed with 30% (w/w) MCFA were close to those of mice fed with a low fat rapeseed oil diet, but significantly different (P < 0.05) from those of the obesity control group. Moreover, the intake of MLCT with high content of MCFA reduced the size of adipocytes. In addition, the visceral fat and liver weights, as well as the liver triacylglycerol for 3 treatment groups were lower than those of the obesity control group. These results demonstrate the great potential of MLCT with high content of MCFA in weight loss.     

Effects of highly purified sardine proteins on lipid peroxidation and reverse cholesterol transport in rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet

The effect of highly purified sardine proteins was compared with that of casein on serum and lipoproteins lipid peroxidation and reverse cholesterol transport. Lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity, high density lipoproteins (HDL₂ and HDL₃) composition and serum lipid and lipoproteins peroxidation were determined in rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet. Hypercholesterolemic rats were divided into two groups fed diets enriched with cholesterol and containing 20% of highly purified sardine proteins (SPc) or casein (CASc) for 28 days. A control group was fed a standard diet (CAS). Compared with CAS and CASc, the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentrations of low density lipoprotein (LDL)–HDL₁ in SPc were 3.5- and 1.7-fold higher compared with casein diets. TBARS in HDL₂ and HDL₃ were, respectively, 2.3- and 1.6-fold lower in SPc compared with CASc. In SPc group, LCAT activity was higher compared to CASc and CAS (P < 0.05). Purified sardine proteins had no beneficial effects on LDL-cholesterol and lipid peroxidation. However, they reduced HDL oxidation and improved reverse cholesterol transport, in the hypercholesterolemic rat.     

LIPID-LOWERING EFFICACY OF PIPERINE FROM PIPER NIGRUM L. IN HIGH-FAT DIET AND ANTITHYROID DRUG-INDUCED HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIC RATS

Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control diet group and high‐fat diet group (HFD). Both groups were divided into four subgroups, each consisted of 10 animals, and the diets were supplemented with the following ingredients for 10 weeks: (1) 1% carboxymethyl cellulose; (2) 10 mg carbimazole (CM)/kg body weight; (3) 10 mg CM + 40 mg piperine/kg body weight; and (4) 10 mg CM + 2 mg atorvastatin/kg body weight. Feeding HFD to rats significantly (P < 0.05) elevated plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, free fatty acids, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), very low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) and the activity of 3‐hydroxy 3‐methyl glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase in the liver, heart and aorta, while the activities of plasma and tissue lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and plasma lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) and high‐density lipoprotein were significantly (P < 0.05) lowered compared to control rats. Supplementing piperine with HFD significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the levels of plasma total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL tissue HMG CoA reductase and significantly (P < 0.05) elevated the levels of LPL and LCAT compared to rats that did not receive piperine. Fecal bile acids and neutral sterols were also elevated in HFD‐fed rats as compared to control animals, while simultaneous supplementation of piperine significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced further excretion of bile acids and neutral sterols. The results indicate that piperine can prevent the accumulation of plasma lipids and lipoproteins significantly by modulating the enzymes of lipid metabolism.     

Dietary effects on growth,liver peroxides,and serum and lipoprotein lipids in rats fed a thermoxidised and polymerised sunflower oil

The effect on food intake, weight gain, liver lipid peroxides, lipemia and lipoprotein composition was determined in rats fed a diet with 15% sunflower oil used repeatedly for frying and containing ∽19% polar material (group 2). These dietary effects were compared over a 4 week study period with those found in rats fed a control diet that contained 15% unused sunflower oil with ∽5% polar material (group 1). Both groups had similar food and nutrient intakes (except for linoleic acid, significantly lower (P<0·01) in group 2), yet the final weight gain and food efficiency and protein efficiency ratios were significantly lower in group 2. As a consequence of thermoxidised oil ingestion, liver homogenates from group 2 presented higher (P<0·02) levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) Liver TBARS levels were significantly correlated (P<0·01) with the amount of thermoxidised substances ingested. No treatment effect was found on VLDL lipid composition. However, the LDL fraction of group 2 animals appears enriched (P<0·05) in total and free cholesterol. In group 2 rats, phospholipids, and total and esterified cholesterol were significantly increased (P<0·05) in HDL. As a consequence of the changes in the lipoprotein composition, the amount of all forms of serum cholesterol, and serum phospholipids was significantly higher (at least P<0·05) while the amount of serum triacylglycerols remained unchanged in rats fed the used oil. HDL-phospholipids were significantly correlated (P<0·02) with the amount of thermoxidised compounds ingested. The increase in serum cholesterol and phospholipids, and in HDL-cholesterol and HDL-phospholipid concentration seens in group 2 rats may be a protective mechanism against the peroxidative stress produced by the ingestion of used sunflower oil. © 1998 SCI.     

The effect of digesta sampling time and dietary protein source on ileal nitrogen digestibility for the growing rat

The effect of time that digesta were collected on the quantity and representativeness of ileal digesta and on the determination of apparent and true ileal nitrogen (N) digestibility for growing rats was investigated. Semi‐synthetic diets containing chromic oxide as an indigestible marker were given to 200 g live weight rats for 8 days as a single daily meal. The experimental treatments comprised six diets (lactalbumin, soy protein isolate, wheat gluten, fish, protein‐free (PF), enzymically hydrolysed casein (EHC)) and four ileal digesta sampling times (3, 4, 5 and 6 h after the start of feeding). On the eighth day the rats were fed and slaughtered according to treatment, and digesta were sampled from the terminal ileum. Endogenous ileal nitrogen excretion was determined using both the protein‐free and peptide alimentation methods. There was a significant (P = 0.027) effect of experimental diet averaged across sampling times for chromium recovery (CrRec). The CrRec was higher for the rats fed the PF diet than for the other diets. Responses to sampling time varied significantly (P < 0.05) among diets for ileal digesta weight (IDW), nitrogen/chromium (N/Cr) ratio, ileal digesta weight relative to dry matter intake (IDW/DMI), CrRec, N flow, apparent N digestibility and true N digestibility (determined using the protein‐free method). The optimal digesta sampling times for each of the diets were 3 h for PF, EHC, lactalbumin and fish and 4 h for soy protein isolate and wheat gluten. Consequently, 3 or 4 h after the start of feeding is recommended as the optimum ileal digesta sampling time for most purified protein sources when fed to the growing rat as a single daily meal. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of soy protein supplementation on the nutritive value of ‘gari’ (farina) from Manihot esculenta

The supplementary role of soy protein on cassava (Manihot esculenta) “gari” or farina was studied in 35 day-old albino rats of the Wistar strain (n=6 per group) for 10 days. Gari was supplemented with soy beans at 10 and 15% soy protein levels to produce “soy gari” and the performances of rats fed the test diets compared with those on a 10% casein diet. Protein efficiency ratio (PER), Net protein utilization (NPU), true digestibility (TD) and biological values (BV) were the parameters used to assess the nutritional performance of the diets based on weight gains and nitrogen balance. The PER for 10% casein, 10 and 15% soy protein-supplemented gari groups were 2.31, 1.85 and 1.94 respectively, while the corresponding values for NPU were 71.9, 65.8 and 64.1, respectively. The TD values for the 10% casein, 10 and 15% soy protein-fed rats were 97.2, 91.9 and 90.0, respectively, while the corresponding values for BV were 73.9, 70.9 and 71.5. The PER, NPU, TD and BV for 10% casein diet were significantly superior (P<0.05) to those of the soy gari diets which gave NPU, TD and BV values 89–97% of those of the casein diet. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in these parameters between the 10 and 15% soy protein supplementation. Soy gari is safe to the consumer, because the procedures involved in processing soy beans and cassava ensure the elimination of toxic anti-nutritional factors known to impact negatively on nutrient availability, metabolic processes and growth. It is suggested that the consumption of soy gari at 10% soy protein supplementation be promoted in gari-eating areas, to ameliorate the endemic problems of protein deficiency disorders.     

EFFECTS OF ORAL CHONDROITIN SULFATE ON LIPID AND ANTIOXIDANT METABOLISMS IN RATS FED A HIGH-FAT DIET

This study aimed at determining the effects of purified chondroitin sulfate (ChS) from pig laryngeal cartilage on the lipid and antioxidant metabolisms of male Sprague‐Dawley rats that are fed a high‐fat diet. Thirty‐two male rats were divided into four groups and fed for 5 weeks on a standard diet, a high‐fat diet or a high‐fat diet plus ChS. It was demonstrated that the high‐fat diet provoked lipid peroxidation and induced a severe depletion of lipoprotein lipase, hepatic lipidase, glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase levels. ChS was effective in reducing triglycerides, total cholesterol, low‐density‐lipid cholesterol and malondialdehyde levels elevated by the high‐fat diet. In addition, ChS might reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, as high‐density‐lipid cholesterol, lipoprotein lipase, hepatic lipidase and the ratio of high‐density‐lipoprotein cholesterol to total cholesterol were significantly higher than in the high‐fat‐diet rats. ChS restored the endogenous antioxidants glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase. These results showed that ChS was potent in lipid‐lowering and altering the antioxidative enzyme; however, excess ChS would disturb lipid profiles that went beyond the normal limits.     

Effects of pigment extract from black glutinous corncob in a high-fat-fed mouse model of hyperlipidemia

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of pigments extracted from black glutinous corncob (BGC) on hyperlipidemia in high-fat-fed mice. Our previous studies showed that pigment from BGC (PBGC) is an anthocyanin and can markedly reduce oxidative stress and scavenge free radicals. PBGC was isolated and prepared by extraction in 1% hydrochloric acid ethyl alcohol solution. Mice were divided into five groups of ten mice each: group I were healthy controls, group II were fed a cholesterol-rich diet only, while groups III to V were fed a cholesterol-rich diet and were fed PBGC by gavage at 200, 500, and 800 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for 4 weeks. The results indicated that PBGC significantly lowered the plasma total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) and markedly increased the serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), compared with the hyperlipidemia control group (P < 0.01). Moreover, administration of PBGC significantly decreased the atherogenic index (AI). The present results suggest that PBGC has great potential for preventing hyperlipidemia and cerebrovascular diseases.     

黑豆肽对高脂性肝损伤小鼠的保护作用

目的:研究黑豆肽对高脂性肝损伤小鼠保护作用.方法:选择健康的雄性ICR小鼠,适应性饲养7?d后,按照体质量随机分为对照组和模型组.连续饲喂模型组小鼠高脂饲料5周,建立高脂性肝损伤模型.第5周后,将造模小鼠按照体质量随机分为模型组、阳性药物组以及黑豆肽高、中、低剂量组(1000、800、400?mg/kg?mb),连续灌...     

Hypolipidemic effect of enzymatically extracted sunflower seed protein fraction

An attempt was made to enzymatically extract the protein fraction (PF) from sunflower seeds and investigate its dietary effect on the growth, plasma and tissue lipid profiles, plasma protein content, erythrocyte membrane lipid profile and organ weights of rats. Extraction of dehulled sunflower seeds in an aqueous medium in the presence of the enzyme pectinase at 50 ± 1 °C and pH 4.5 yielded a protein fraction with low residual chlorogenic acid and fibre contents. Rats fed the sunflower seed protein fraction showed a similar body weight gain and food efficiency ratio as rats fed casein. However, the different dietary proteins had different effects on plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride contents. The rats fed the sunflower seed protein fraction showed a significant decrease in plasma cholesterol (p < 0.02) and triglyceride (p < 0.02) concentrations compared to the casein‐fed rats. The PF‐fed rats also exhibited a significant difference in erythrocyte membrane phospholipids and phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylethanolamine ratio. Rats fed the different dietary proteins did not show much variation in plasma protein content, liver and brain lipids and organ weights. These results demonstrate the hypolipidemic action of the sunflower seed protein fraction and that it can be considered a suitable edible protein like casein. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Antihypertensive Properties of a Pea Protein Hydrolysate during Short‐ and Long‐Term Oral Administration to Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

This study investigated short‐term (24 h) and long‐term (5 wk) systolic blood pressure (SBP)‐lowering effects in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) of a 5 kDa membrane pea protein hydrolysate permeate (PPH‐5) produced through thermoase hydrolysis of pea protein isolate (PPI). Amino acid analysis showed that the PPH‐5 had lower contents of sulfur‐containing amino acids than the PPI. Size‐exclusion chromatography indicated mainly low molecular weight (<10 kDa) peptides in PPH‐5 but not in the PPI. The PPH‐5 had renin and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition IC₅₀ values of 0.57 and 0.10 mg/mL (P < 0.05), respectively, and consisted mainly of peptides with 2 to 6 amino acids. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed mainly hydrophilic tetrapeptide sequences. After a single oral administration (100 mg/kg body weight) to SHR, the unheated PPI showed weakest (P < 0.05) SBP‐lowering effect with a –4 mm Hg maximum when compared to –25 mm Hg for heat‐treated PPI and –36 mm Hg for PPH‐5. Incorporation of the PPH‐5 as 0.5% or 1% (w/w) casein substitute in the SHR diet produced maximum SBP reductions of –22 or –26 mm Hg (P < 0.05), respectively after 3 wk. In comparison, the unhydrolyzed PPI produced a maximum SBP reduction of –17 mm Hg also after 3 wk. Potency of the pea products decreased in the 4th and 5th wk, though SBP values of the treated rats were still lower than the untreated control. We conclude that the antihypertensive potency of PPH‐5 may have been due to the presence of easily absorbed hydrophilic peptides.     

Effects of the Polysaccharide from the Sporophyll of Brown Alga Undaria Pinnatifida on Serum Lipid Profile and Fat Tissue Accumulation in Rats Fed a High‐Fat Diet

We investigated the effects of the polysaccharide from the sporophyll of a selected brown alga Undaria pinnatifida on serum lipid profile, fat tissue accumulation, and gastrointestinal transit time in rats fed a high‐fat diet. The algal polysaccharide (AP) was prepared by the treatment of multiple cellulase‐producing fungi Trichoderma reesei and obtained from the sporophyll with a yield of 38.7% (dry basis). The AP was mostly composed of alginate and fucoidan (up to 89%) in a ratio of 3.75:1. The AP was added to the high‐fat diet in concentrations of 0.6% and 1.7% and was given to male Sprague–Dawley rats (5‐wk‐old) for 5 wk. The 1.7% AP addition notably reduced body weight gain and fat tissue accumulation, and it improved the serum lipid profile, including triglycerides, total cholesterol, and very low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol. The effects were associated with increased feces weight and shortened gastrointestinal transit time. In addition, the lipid peroxidation of the liver was decreased in both groups.     

Nanoparticles of chromium picolinate enhance chromium digestibility and absorption

BACKGROUND: Trivalent chromium (Cr) is a trace element that is difficult to digest and absorb. The objective of this study was to determine whether reducing organic Cr to nanometre size would increase its digestibility. RESULTS: Forty‐eight 8‐week‐old female Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments: (1) basal diet (control); (2) basal diet plus 300 µg kg^?1 Cr as chromium chloride (CrCl₃); (3) basal diet plus 300 µg kg^?1 Cr as chromium picolinate (Crpic); (4) basal diet plus 300 µg kg^?1 Cr as nanoparticulate Crpic (nanoCrpic). NanoCrpic was prepared from Crpic with a particle size of 55–100 nm. The experiment lasted 48 days. Cr digestibility and serum Cr concentration were 1.66 and 1.96 times greater respectively in rats fed nanoCrpic than in rats fed Crpic (P < 0.05). The average daily gain was greater in rats fed nanoCrpic or Crpic than in control rats (P < 0.05). The high‐density lipoprotein content increased while the very‐low‐density plus low‐density lipoprotein content decreased in rats fed nanoCrpic as compared with rats fed Crpic or CrCl₃ (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study indicates that reducing the particle size of Crpic enhances Cr digestibility and absorption in rats and alters some blood metabolite concentrations. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Rat bioassay of the protein nutritional quality of soy-fortified sorghum biscuits for supplementary feeding of school-age children

BACKGROUND: Protein–energy malnutrition (PEM) remains a major deficiency disease among children in developing countries. The protein nutritional quality of soy‐fortified sorghum biscuits was evaluated with respect to their potential as a protein‐rich supplementary food. Three isonitrogenous diets based on 50:50 ratio decorticated sorghum:defatted soy flour biscuits, 100% sorghum biscuits, casein, and a protein‐free diet were fed to male Sprague Dawley weanling rats. RESULTS: Protein efficiency ratio (PER) for the sorghum–soy biscuit diet was equivalent to the reference casein diet, and zero for the 100% sorghum diet. Faecal bulk for 100% sorghum diet was 1.5 times higher than sorghum–soy and casein diets. True protein digestibility of the three diets was high—88–95%—agreeing with previous rat studies with sorghum. Biological value and net protein utilization of the sorghum‐soy biscuit diet were similar to the casein diet, but lower than the 100% sorghum biscuit diet CONCLUSION: Notwithstanding limitations of rat bioassay for assessing sorghum food protein quality, the high PER of defatted soy flour‐fortified sorghum biscuits (sorghum:soy 50:50 ratio) indicates they have considerable potential as a supplementary food to young children to alleviate PEM. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of fermented soy product on the fecal microbiota of rats fed on a beef‐based animal diet

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine whether the consumption of soy product fermented with Enterococcus faecium CRL 183, would modify the fecal microbiota of rats fed a diet containing red meat. The rats were placed in groups, distinguished by their diets. For 60 days, group I was given a standard casein‐based rodent feed and groups II–VI, the beef‐based feed. From the 30th day, groups III–VI also ingested the following products: group III, E. faecium‐fermented soy product; group IV, pure suspension of E. faecium; group V, sterilized fermented soy product; and group VI, unfermented soy product. RESULTS: Rats that ingested fermented soy product showed a slight increase in the numbers of lactobacilli (0.45 log CFU g^?1), as did the casein‐based diet group (0.47 log CFU g^?1). The fermented soy product did not cause any reduction in the number of enterobacteria or clostridia, but promoted a slight fall in the viable count of Bacteroides spp. (2.80 ± 0.20 to 2.34 ± 0.07 log CFU g^?1). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the ingestion of this fermented soy product did not lead to significant changes in the fecal microbiota of the rats fed on a beef‐based diet. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

麦绿素对生长期大鼠营养生理功能的影响

为研究麦绿素对生长期大鼠生理功能的影响,将20只生长期雄性SD大鼠随机分为两组,分别饲喂含20%酪蛋白(酪蛋白组)和14%酪蛋白加6%麦绿素蛋白(麦绿素组)的人工半合成饲料,采用对喂技术饲养6周,观察大鼠营养生理指标的变化。结果表明,麦绿素对大鼠的正常生长发育无不良影响,而且能够促进粪便排泄,降低血清中肌酐和尿酸浓度,增加血清中高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)水平,同时降低血清中低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)和甘油三酯(TG)水平,并且能够显著降低血清中丙二醛(MDA)的含量。表明麦绿素在大鼠粪便代谢、脂代谢、增强肝功能以及抗氧化方面都起到了有益作用,预示麦绿素可能对人体健康具有特殊功能。     

Influence of dietary supplementation with Bacillus-fermented adlay on lipid metabolism, antioxidant status and intestinal microflora in hamsters

BACKGROUND: The effects of polished and dehulled Bacillus‐fermented adlay on lipid metabolism, antioxidant status and intestinal microflora were examined in hyperlipidaemic hamsters fed a high‐cholesterol diet. RESULTS: Hamsters administered Bacillus‐fermented adlay experienced significantly reduced (P < 0.05) serum and hepatic total cholesterol (by 37–43% and 42–49% respectively) and triglyceride (by 22–27% and 30–35% respectively) levels compared with the high‐cholesterol group. Lower low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol/high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratios in serum and increased cholesterol (by 47–52%) and triglyceride (by 40–47%) contents in faeces were also observed. Bacillus‐fermented adlay lowered the levels of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances, thus increasing total antioxidant and superoxide dismutase activities. In particular, polished Bacillus‐fermented adlay had satisfactory antioxidant activity, similar to that of commercially available natto. Moreover, hamsters fed Bacillus‐fermented adlay harboured greater populations of lactic acid bacteria, few coliforms and little Clostridium perfringens. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that changes in lipid metabolism, antioxidant status and intestinal microflora can be greatly modulated by Bacillus‐fermented adlay, suggesting potential novel approaches to the treatment of primary cardiovascular and intestinal diseases. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Goldenberry (Physalis peruviana) Juice Rich in Health‐Beneficial Compounds Suppresses High‐Cholesterol Diet‐Induced Hypercholesterolemia in Rats

Goldenberries (Physalis peruviana) are a promising exotic fruit that could be a subject of many novel foods. No reports are available on the effect of administration of goldenberries on different aspects of blood profile in experimental animals. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of feeding goldenberry juice on hypercholesterolemia by analyzing the changes in the blood profile of high‐cholesterol diet (HCD)‐fed rats. The chemical composition and antiradical properties of juice were determined. Generally, rats fed with goldenberry juice showed lower levels of total cholesterol, total triacylglycerol and total low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, as well as higher levels of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol in comparison with animals fed with HCD and cholesterol‐free diet. Juice administration induced a decrease in the activity of glutamic pyruvic transaminase compared with the positive control group after 2 months of administration. There was a remarkable decrease in total serum protein, albumin and globulin for groups treated with goldenberry juice. Histological examination of the liver and kidney were also conducted. The results demonstrated that consumption of goldenberry juice may provide beneficial effects on reversing HCD‐associated detrimental changes.