Taurine alleviates dyslipidemia and liver damage induced by a high-fat/cholesterol-dietary habit

Eight male hamsters per group were assigned randomly to one of the following diets: chow diet (Control); high-fat/cholesterol diet (HFCD); HFCD supplemented with 1% Tau (HFCD/1% Tau); HFCD supplemented with 2% Tau (HFCD/2% Tau). Tau supplementation improved (P < 0.05) serum lipids and cholesterol profile in the high-fat/cholesterol-dietary hamsters. Although hepatic cholesterol/triacylglycerol in the high-fat/cholesterol-dietary hamsters were not (P > 0.05) changed by Tau supplementation, faecal cholesterol and bile acid outputs were increased (P < 0.05). Two percent Tau supplementation unregulated (P < 0.05) HMG-CoA reductase and cholesterol 7-α hydroxylase (CYP7A1) expressions in the high-fat/cholesterol-dietary hamsters. Besides, Tau supplementation also increased (P < 0.05) LDL receptor mRNA expressions in high-fat/cholesterol-dietary hamsters. Tau supplementation also reduced serum GPT and GOT values and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in the high-fat/cholesterol-dietary hamsters. Results clearly indicated that Tau could alleviate blood lipids and hepatic damage induced by a high-fat/cholesterol-dietary diet.     

Investigation of the cholesterol-lowering action of insoluble fibre derived from the peel of Citrus sinensis L. cv. Liucheng

A water-insoluble fibre-rich fraction (WIFF) was isolated from the peel of Citrus sinensis L. cv. Liucheng. The effects of a WIFF-containing diet on lipid and cholesterol absorption in hamsters were investigated and compared with those of a cellulose-containing diet and fibre-free diet, as controls. Results demonstrated that WIFF could significantly (P<0.05) decrease the levels of serum triglyceride, serum total cholesterol, liver total lipids, and liver cholesterol, while it could also significantly (P<0.05) increase the levels of fecal total lipids, fecal cholesterol, and fecal bile acids, as well as the fecal bulk and moisture. The pronounced hypocholesterolemic and hypolipidemic effects of WIFF might be attributed to its ability to enhance cholesterol and bile acids excretion. These results suggest that WIFF could be a potential cholesterol-lowering ingredient in human diets or new formulations of fibre-rich functional foods.     

普通和乳化植物甾醇对育肥猪生长性能、血清生化指标和养分消化率的影响

本试验旨在研究普通和乳化植物甾醇对育肥猪生长性能、血清生化指标和养分消化率的影响。选用75头初始重为60 kg左右的杜长大育肥猪随机分为3组,其中对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验组在基础日粮中分别添加30 mg/kg普通植物甾醇(Ⅰ组)或乳化植物甾醇(Ⅱ组)。试验期为52 d。2种植物甾醇对育肥猪生产性能无显著影响,但显著降低血清总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)水平和白球比(A/G)(P0.05),显著提高血清总蛋白(TP)和球蛋白(GLO)水平(P0.05),Ⅰ组血清白蛋白(ALB)含量显著低于对照组(P0.05),而Ⅱ组无显著差异;显著提高育肥猪对干物质、有机物、粗蛋白的消化率(P0.05),Ⅱ组粗脂肪消化率亦显著高于对照组(P0.05)。结果显示,在育肥猪日粮中添加30 mg/kg 2种植物甾醇可改善养分消化率,调节血脂和蛋白质代谢,且从血清ALB和粗脂肪消化率数据来看,乳化植物甾醇的作用效果优于普通植物甾醇。     

Nutritional value of feed grade chickpeas for ruminants and pigs

The feeding value of feed grade chickpeas (Kabuli and Desi type) for ruminants and pigs was determined in two studies. Two ruminally fistulated cows were used in the first study to determine the effects of moist heat treatment (127 °C for 10 min) on the ruminal protein degradability of feed grade chickpeas. Heat treatment reduced (P < 0.05) soluble crude protein and increased (P < 0.05) the amount of crude protein associated with neutral detergent fibre for both types of chickpeas. Ruminal degradability of crude protein for Kabuli and Desi chickpeas was reduced by 39 and 33% (P < 0.05) respectively as a result of heating. In the second study, 64 crossbred pigs were each assigned to one of four dietary treatments in a factorial (4 treatments × 2 sexes) design experiment. The experimental barley/wheat‐based diets were supplemented with either soybean meal (control), Kabuli chickpeas (300 g kg⁻¹), Desi chickpeas (300 g kg⁻¹) or field peas (300 g kg⁻¹). Dry matter and gross energy digestibility coefficients, determined using the indicator method, were lower (P < 0.05) for the Desi‐ than for the Kabuli‐supplemented diet. However, no differences were observed in dry matter or gross energy digestibility between the Kabuli chickpea‐supplemented diet and the control or the field pea‐supplemented diet. Diets supplemented with chickpeas or field peas had a lower (P < 0.05) crude protein digestibility than the control diet. Pigs fed either of the chickpea‐supplemented diets during the growing phase gained less (P < 0.05) than pigs fed the control diet. However, during the finishing phase and over the entire experiment, dietary treatment had no effect on pig performance. There were no significant differences in carcass traits between pigs fed any of the four diets. It was concluded that moist heat treatment is an effective method to increase the rumen escape protein value of chickpeas and that the inclusion of feed grade Kabuli or Desi chickpeas in finishing diets up 300 g kg⁻¹ had no detrimental effects on pig performance. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of the insoluble fiber derived from Passiflora edulis seed on plasma and hepatic lipids and fecal output

The influence of the insoluble fiber-rich fraction (FRF) prepared from defatted Passiflora edulis seed, a potential fiber source, on plasma and hepatic lipids and fecal output were investigated in hamsters fed a hypercholesterolemic diet containing 5% insoluble FRF. The results showed that the consumption of insoluble FRF diet relative to cellulose diet could effectively (P < 0.05) decrease the levels of serum triglyceride, serum total cholesterol, and liver cholesterol, and increase (P < 0.05) the levels of total lipids, cholesterol, and bile acids in feces. The consumption of insoluble FRF also increased (P < 0.05) the fecal bulk and moisture. The marked cholesterol- and lipid-lowering effects of insoluble FRF might be partly attributed to its ability to enhance the excretion of lipids and bile acids via feces. Our results suggested that insoluble FRF could be a potential hypocholesterolemic ingredient for fiber-rich functional foods, but some further researches in humans may be needed to confirm its benefits.     

Intake of isoflavone-supplemented soy yogurt fermented with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Enterococcus faecium</Emphasis> lowers serum total cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol of hypercholesterolemic rats

The aim of this study was to obtain an isoflavone-supplemented soy yogurt, fermented with Enterococcus faecium CRL 183 and Lactobacillus helveticus ssp jugurti, with suitable sensory properties and to assess the effects of the final product on blood lipids in hypercholesterolemic rats. Four isoflavone supplementation procedures were tested, in which the isoflavone was added at these stages: (1) before heat-treatment; (2) after heating and before fermentation; (3) after fermentation and (4) in the okara (by-product of soy milk) flour stirred into the fermented product when consumed. The products were subjected to a test of sensory acceptability. To assess their potential hypocholesterolemic properties in vivo, four groups of rats were used: control (C), hypercholesterolemic (H), hypercholesterolemic plus fermented product (HF) and hypercholesterolemic plus isoflavone-supplemented fermented product (HFI). Hypercholesterolemia was induced in rats of groups H, HF and HFI by feeding them on a commercial rat chow to which cholesterol and cholic acid had been added. Total, HDL and non-HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were measured in the blood of the rats. No significant sensorial differences were detected among the samples of soy yogurt supplemented with isoflavones at various processing stages. Rats fed a fermented soy product enriched with isoflavones (HFI group) had significantly (P < 0.05) less serum total cholesterol (15.5%) compared with rats fed a hypercholesterolemic diet (H group). Non-HDL cholesterol was less (P < 0.05) in rats fed a fermented soy product enriched or not with isoflavones (27.4 and 23.2%) compared to H group. The HDL-C and triglyceride concentrations did not differ significantly among the groups. It was possible to obtain an isoflavone-supplemented soy yogurt with satisfactory sensory characteristics. The resulting supplemented soy yogurt was capable of producing a lipid-lowering effect in hypercholesterolemic rats, relative to the animals that did not consume this product.     

Use of dietary supplementation with β-guanidinopropionic acid to alter the muscle phosphagen system,postmortem metabolism,and pork quality

Rate and extent of postmortem metabolism control pork quality development. Our objective was to evaluate the role of the phosphagen system (phosphocreatine, PCr; and creatine, Cr) on metabolism and pork quality. Muscle PCr and Cr were manipulated by feeding pigs the creatine analogue, β-guanidinopropionic acid (β-GPA). In experiment 1, pigs received standard (control) diet or β-GPA supplemented (2%) diet (1 wk or 2 wk). Supplementation with β-GPA (2 wk) decreased total Cr (PCr + Cr; P = 0.02) and improved pork color (decreased reflectance, P = 0.003); however, β-GPA supplementation reduced growth performance (P = 0.007). To separate effects of phosphagen system and growth, a second experiment was conducted with control, pair-fed, and 2 wk β-GPA (1%) supplementation; pigs were also offered a control or β-GPA supplemented flavored beverage. Neither treatment influenced pork quality. Immediately postmortem, ATP/ADP was higher in control compared to pair-fed (P < 0.05); subsequently, ATP/ADP was similar among all groups. Loss of the phosphagen system may lead to adaptive changes that promote conservation of cellular ATP.     

Carrot insoluble fiber-rich fraction lowers lipid and cholesterol absorption in hamsters

Potential effects of the insoluble fiber-rich fractions (IFRF) prepared from carrot pomace on lipid and cholesterol absorption in hamsters were investigated. As compared with the cellulose-added and fiber-free diets, IFRF diet significantly (P<0.05) lowered the levels of serum triglyceride, serum total cholesterol, and liver cholesterol, and meanwhile resulted in a significantly (P<0.05) higher HDL:total cholesterol ratio as well as higher levels of fecal lipids, cholesterol, and bile acids. Significant correlations were observed among the levels of serum triglyceride, serum total cholesterol, liver cholesterol, fecal lipids, fecal cholesterol, and fecal bile acids, implying that the hypolipidemic and hypocholesterolemic effects of IFRF were partly attributed to the reduced absorption of lipid and cholesterol. Our results suggested that IFRF could be a potential functional ingredient in the fiber-rich diets for controlling serum cholesterol concentration.     

Effects of dietary supplementation of cysteamine on growth performance,carcass quality,serum hormones and gastric ulcer in finishing pigs

A study was conducted to determine the effects of graded levels of dietary inclusion of a cysteamine (Cs) preparation on growth performance, carcass quality, plasma hormone levels, gastric pH and occurrence of gastric ulcer in finishing pigs. A total of 384 Landrace × Large White finishing pigs, (192 gilts and 192 barrows) with an average initial body weight of 66.05 ± 0.623 kg (mean ± SEM) were randomly divided into 24 floor pens, with eight gilts and eight barrows in each pen (9.2 m²) as one experimental unit. The 24 pens of pigs were randomly allocated to one of three diets: (1) a maize/soybean meal basal diet; (2) the basal diet plus 30 mg Cs kg^?1 diet; and (3) the basal diet plus 50 mg Cs kg^?1 diet. Dietary supplementation of Cs had quadratic effects (P < 0.01) on final body weight and average daily gain, with optimal responses occurring at 30 mg kg^?1. Dietary supplementation of Cs quadratically improved (P < 0.01) average daily feed intake and feed/gain ratio, with optimal responses occurring at 30 mg kg^?1. Dietary supplementation of Cs had a quadratic effect (P < 0.01) on muscle RNA/DNA ratio. Furthermore, dietary supplementation of Cs reduced (P < 0.05) back‐fat thickness. Dietary supplementation of Cs had quadratic effects (P < 0.05) on plasma glucagon and T₃ hormone levels, with optimal responses occurring at 30 mg kg^?1, but had no effect (P > 0.05) on plasma growth hormone, insulin and T₄ levels. There were no apparent pathological changes seen in the stomach mucosa of pigs fed at 30 mg Cs kg^?1 compared with the control diet. It is concluded that a low dose of dietary inclusion of Cs at 30 mg kg^?1 can improve growth performance and carcass quality without adverse effects on the stomach in finishing pigs. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Fatty Acid Content,Flavor Compounds,and Sensory Quality of Pork Loin as Affected by Dietary Supplementation with l‐arginine and Glutamic Acid

To investigate the effect of functional amino acid on meat flavor and eating quality, 60 growing‐finishing pigs (Duroc × Large White × Landrace) were dietarily supplemented with or without 1.0% l ‐arginine, glutamic acid, or l ‐arginine plus glutamic acid for 2 months. After animals were slaughtered, the muscle fatty acid profile, flavor compounds, and meat sensory quality were comparatively investigated. The results showed that dietary supplementation with arginine, glutamic acid, or arginine plus glutamic acid had little effect on free amino acids, no effect on 5′‐nucleotides and meat sensory taste traits, but supplementation with arginine plus glutamic acid significantly increased (P < 0.05) fat accumulation and fatty acid content in muscle, increased (P < 0.05) the formation of multiple fatty acid oxidation‐derived volatile compounds, and improved the tenderness, juiciness, and overall eating quality of meat. This study revealed that dietary supplementation with 1.0% l ‐arginine and glutamic acid could be used to improve meat eating quality in pork production.     

The impact of short-term feeding of magnesium supplements on the quality of pork packaged in modified atmosphere

This study compared the effect of dietary magnesium (Mg) supplementation on pork quality during 13 days of storage at 4 ± 1 °C under modified atmosphere. The experiment was conducted with 40 gilts (Pietrain × (Landrace × Large White)) which were fed one of four diets five days prior to slaughter: 1) control diet; 2) Mg oxide; 3) Mg sulphate; or 4) Mg chelate. Dietary Mg supplementation did not affect 24-h pH, colour, and Warner-Bratzler shear force values. Pork from pigs fed the Mg chelate‐supplemented diet had the lowest (P ≤ 0.05) drip, exudative, and cooking losses. Furthermore, pork from pig supplemented with Mg oxide had the lowest TBARS values. Visual assessment of pork from pigs supplemented with Mg chelate received higher colour and lower exudative scores, as well as overall acceptability scores, throughout display. Thus, Mg chelated supplementation could be effective in improving pork quality during 13 days of storage under modified atmosphere conditions.     

Dietary Tryptophan Enhanced the Expression of Tight Junction Protein ZO‐1 in Intestine

Dietary amino acids provide various beneficial effects for our health. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of tryptophan (Trp) supplementation on barrier function. Ninety‐six healthy finishing pigs (initial body weight 51.49 ± 1.12 kg) were randomly allocated into 2 treatment groups, control group, and 0.2% Trp group. The control group was fed the basal diet, and 0.2% Trp group was fed basal diet plus 0.2% Trp. The trial period is 60 d. Compared with control group, the mRNA abundance of claudin‐3 and zonula occluden‐1 (ZO‐1) in the jejunum in 0.2% Trp group (P < 0.05) was increased. According to immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting test, the expression of ZO‐1 in jejunum in 0.2% Trp group was also significantly increased compared with the control group (P < 0.05). These results revealed that Trp enhanced the expression of tight junction protein ZO‐1 in the intestine of pig model. Trp may be potential and beneficial dietary functional factor for regulating the intestinal development and inhibiting intestinal aging.     

The hypocholesterolaemic effect of milk yoghurt and soy-yoghurt containing bifidobacteria in rats fed on a cholesterol-enriched diet

The effect of buffalo milk yoghurt and soy-yoghurt supplemented with Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 or Bifidobacterium longum Bb-46 on plasma and liver lipids and the faecal excretion of bile acids was determined in rats fed on a cholesterol-enriched diet. The groups fed on a cholesterol-enriched diet supplemented with yoghurt and soy-yoghurt containing Bb-12 or Bb-46 had significantly lower levels of plasma total cholesterol and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)+low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol than the positive control group (without supplementation). Yoghurt or soy-yoghurt containing Bb-46 was more effective in the lowering of plasma and liver cholesterol levels than yoghurt or soy-yoghurt containing Bb-12. Furthermore, the faecal excretions of bile acids were markedly promoted in yoghurt and soy-yoghurt containing Bb-12 and Bb-46 groups compared with the positive control group. The results showed also an inverse relationship between the faecal excretions of bile acids and the levels of total cholesterol in blood plasma from rats fed on a cholesterol-enriched diet with probiotic supplementation.     

米糠蛋白改善大鼠脂质代谢作用及机制研究

为了讨论米糠蛋白对高脂饮食状态大鼠脂质代谢的影响及作用机制。试验设计酪蛋白组（CAS,对照组）、米糠蛋白组（RBP）、糙米蛋白组（BRP）和大米蛋白组（WRP）等4组,饲喂大鼠分别添加了质量分数20%酪蛋白、15%酪蛋白+5%米糠蛋白、15%酪蛋白+5%糙米蛋白和15%酪蛋白+5%大米蛋白的高胆固醇饲料3周。实验测定大鼠血清总胆固醇（TC）水平、甘油三酯（TG）浓度以及肝脏TC、TG和总脂质的含量,并收集了实验后期3 d的粪便,测定其总胆汁酸和中性固醇的排泄量。采用体外模拟人体胃肠消化道环境试验,测定CAS、RBP、BRP及WRP对胶束溶解度的抑制率和不同浓度RBP的胆汁酸结合能力。结果显示,高纯度米糠蛋白与酪蛋白和其他蛋白组相比较能明显降低高胆固醇饲喂大鼠的血清TC（P<0.05）以及动脉粥样硬化指数（P<0.05）,肝脏TC水平显著降低（P<0.05）,粪便中总胆汁酸排泄量显著增加（P<0.05）。体外实验结果表明,米糠蛋白能与胆汁酸相结合,显著抑制了胆固醇胶束溶解度（P<0.05）。综上所述,米糠蛋白在体内与胆汁酸相结合,抑制其在肠道的吸收,增加其粪便中的排泄量,最后达到降血脂的作用。     

Efficiency of nutrient utilization and reproductive performance of pre‐pubertal anestrous dairy heifers supplemented with inorganic and organic chromium compounds

An on‐farm trial was conducted to ascertain the effects of chromium supplementation on the nutrient utilization and reproductive performance of cross‐bred (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) pre‐pubertal anestrous dairy heifers. Chromium was supplemented (0, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 mg kg^?1 diet dry matter) as chromium chloride hexahydrate or chromium–yeast complex. The intake of the total digestible nutrients (P < 0.01) and body weight gain (P < 0.05) increased with supplementation of chromium. Chromium–yeast supplementation resulted in a dose‐dependent increment (P < 0.01) in the total digestible nutrient intake. Intake and apparent absorption of chromium increased linearly (P < 0.001) with the dose. Chromium chloride tended to be better absorbed (P < 0.10) than the chromium–yeast complex. The source of supplemental chromium did not affect the plasma concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, total protein and albumin. The postprandial plasma glucose concentration in the control group increased by 38% versus 0.27 and 1.1% in the heifers supplemented with 1.0 mg Cr kg^?1 dry matter as chromium chloride and chromium–yeast complex, respectively. The postprandial increment in the plasma cholesterol was also generally lower in the supplemented heifers. The plasma chromium concentration varied (P < 0.05) between the groups, although it was difficult to correlate these changes with the sources and doses of supplemental chromium. Chromium chloride and chromium–yeast supplementation resulted in similar changes in the plasma concentrations of copper, zinc, iron and manganese (P > 0.05). Plasma concentrations of copper and zinc, which increased (P < 0.001) with chromium supplementation, declined quadratically (P < 0.05) as the dose of supplemental chromium increased. At the end of the supplementation, two, four and three heifers fed with 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 mg Cr kg^?1 dry matter (as chromium chloride), respectively, developed Graffian follicles and showed estrus; the numbers were one, three and four in the corresponding groups fed with chromium–yeast complex and one, two and three heifers amongst them showed estrus. All the supplemented animals showing estrus conceived and no abortion was reported during the first trimester of their pregnancy. It was concluded that chromium supplementation could appreciably enhance the nutrient utilization and the reproductive performance in anestrous dairy heifers and inorganic trivalent chromium (CrCl₃.6H₂O) supplementation might be as useful as a chromium–yeast complex for this purpose. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

The effect of genotype, sex and management strategy on the eating quality of pork

Two hundred and sixteen (Large White×Landrace×Duroc) crossbred pigs were used to determine the influence of genotype, sex, and management strategies on pork quality. The experiment was a 2×3×3 factorial design with the main treatments being genotype (A?- 50% and B?- <25% Duroc bloodline), sex (females, surgical barrows and immunological barrows) and management strategy (control?- C, dietary conjugated linoleic acid supplementation?- CLA, and porcine somatotropin administration?- pST). Genotype A pigs had less backfat (P2 site), higher intramuscular fat percentage, higher muscle ultimate pH (pH(u)) and surface exudate, and the pork was tougher and less acceptable compared with Genotype B pigs. Female pigs had lower muscle pH(u), higher surface exudate and tougher pork compared with both surgical and immunological barrows. Pigs fed the control diet had lower muscle pH(u) and higher surface exudate compared with pigs fed the CLA supplemented diet or administered pST. Pigs fed the control diet had higher consumer likeness scores for flavour, tenderness, juiciness and overall acceptability compared with pigs fed the CLA supplemented diet or administered pST. The results from this experiment indicate that pork eating quality is reliant on a complex interaction between genotype and sex. The results also indicate that management strategies such as pST administration and CLA supplementation, while being effective in reducing backfat, have the potential to have a negative impact on pork quality.     

Effects of dietary magnesium and duration of refrigerated storage on the quality of vacuum-packaged, boneless pork loins

Quality data were initially collected on 78 pork loins from crossbred pigs fed diets containing 0, 1.25 or 2.5% magnesium mica (MM). Loins were then vacuum-packaged, and randomly assigned to either 4 or 8 weeks of storage at 2°C. Dietary MM had no (P > 0.05) effect on moisture loss/retention or subjective and objective color measurements. Purge volume increased (P<0.05) and drip loss decreased (P<0.05) as storage time increased. Moreover, longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LM) chops became lighter (P<0.05), redder (P<0.05), and more yellow (P<0.05) during 8 weeks of storage. Although TBARS values increased linearly (P<0.001) during extended storage, LM chops from pigs fed 2.5% MM tended to have lower (P<0.07) TBARS values after 4 weeks of storage than chops from pigs fed 0 and 1.25% MM. After 8 weeks of storage, however, there was a tendency for TBARS values of chops from pigs fed 1.25% MM to be lower (P<0.07) than chops from pigs fed 2.5% MM. Even though feeding swine diets containing MM did not affect color and water-holding capacity of pork loins during storage, the data indicated inclusion of MM in swine diets may retard onset of oxidative rancidity in vacuum-packaged pork loins.     

The effect of olive leaves supplementation on the feed digestibility, growth performances of pigs and quality of pork meat

The influence of olive leaves supplementation on feed digestibility, growth performance of pigs and pork meat quality was investigated. Pigs fed diets with olive leaves at 5% (OL5) and 10% (OL10) levels had lower daily weight gain (DG) and daily feed intake (DFI) than pigs fed a conventional diet (OL0) but differences were not observed between groups fed with the different quantities of leaves. Additionally, pigs fed diets with leaves had the worst feed:gain ratio and showed a decrease in overall backfat. Chops from pigs fed the leaf diets had lower peroxide (PV) and conjugated diene (CD) contents than chops from pigs fed conventional diets. Moreover, chops from pigs fed with the higher quantity of leaves also showed a lower drip loss. After a storage period of 8 days at 4 °C, meat obtained from both OL5 and OL10 animals also differed (P < 0.05) in PV and %CD values from those fed a conventional diet. Since the fatty acid composition of the longissimus muscles was not different, differences in oxidative stability could only be explained by the significantly higher α-tocopherol concentration in intramuscular fat and backfat in pigs fed with olive leaf diets.     

Rice protein concentrate partially replaces dried whey in the diet for early‐weaned piglets and improves their growth performance

BACKGROUND: Recently, rice protein concentrate (RPC), a much cheaper source of dietary protein, has become commercially available for use in the feed industry. Importantly, dietary supplementation with RPC can increase feed intake by early‐weaned pigs. The objective of this study was to determine whether RPC can replace milk protein in the diet for early‐weaned pigs. RESULTS: Neither average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), nor the feed/gain ratio differed among the treatment groups in weeks 1 and 2. In week 3, the addition of 5 or 10% RPC to diets increased (P < 0.05) ADFI and ADG of pigs compared to those in the control group fed a 60% dried whey diet. During the entire 21‐day trial, ADFI and ADG were greater (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the 5 and 10% RCP diets than in pigs fed the 60% dried whey and 15% RCP diets. There were no differences in the serum concentrations of growth hormone on days 14 and 21, serum concentrations of insulin growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) on day 14, or IGF‐I gene expression in liver and skeletal muscle on days 14 and 21 among the dietary treatments. Serum concentrations of IGF‐I in pigs fed the 5, 10 and 15% RPC diets were greater than those in pigs fed the 60% dried whey diet. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that up to 10% RPC can be used to replace dried whey in the diet for 7‐ to 21‐day‐old weaned piglets and can improve their growth performance. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

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.