Anthocyanin-rich red cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) extract attenuates cardiac and hepatic oxidative stress in rats fed an atherogenic diet

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species plays an important role in the aetiology of several diseases including atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Anthocyanin‐rich extracts have been shown to possess a variety of therapeutic roles, including antioxidant, cardioprotective and hepatoprotective properties. The present inventory was undertaken to evaluate the protective role of anthocyanin‐rich red cabbage extract (ARCE) on an atherogenic (ATH) diet‐induced hypercholesterolaemia and related cardiac and, hepatic oxidative stress in rats. RESULTS: ARCE (100 mg kg^?1 body weight) treatment of rats fed the ATH diet significantly prevented elevation in serum and tissue lipids, circulating levels of cardiac and hepatic damage markers, and resulted in excretion of lipids through faeces. Also, the ARCE extract significantly attenuated alterations in the cardiac and hepatic antioxidants and lipid peroxidation, and histopathological changes in cardiac and hepatic tissue. CONCLUSION: Thus, the present study provides the first scientific evidence for a protective role of ARCE against ATH diet‐induced hypercholesterolaemia and cardiac and hepatic oxidative stress. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Increased concentrations of liver cholesterol in rats fed lactulose

The disaccharide lactulose (beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-4)-D-fructofuranose) is thought to be poorly hydrolized by intestinal enzymes but is broken down by microorganisms in the colon. Thus lactulose shares with pectin similar characteristics. Lactulose is used in the food industry and in the treatment of constipation. There is preliminary evidence that dietary lactulose (5%, w/w) causes increased concentrations of serum and liver cholesterol in rats when compared with pectin. This paper describes dose-response relationships between dietary lactulose and cholesterol in either serum or liver.     

Hypocholesterolemic effects of low calorie structured lipids on rats and rabbits fed on normal and atherogenic diet

The hypocholesterolemic effects of two low calorie structured lipids (SL1 and SL2) containing essential fatty acids, prepared by lipase catalysed interesterification of ethyl behenate respectively with sunflower and soybean oils were studied in rats and rabbits. The feeding experiment conducted on rats as well as rabbits, fed on normal and atherogenic diet containing 10% of SL1 and SL2 (experimental) and sunflower oil (control) indicated no adverse effects on growth and food intake. However, the structured lipids beneficially lowered serum and liver lipids, particularly cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and also maintains the essential fatty acid status in serum and liver. The lipid deposition observed in the arteries of rabbits fed on atherogenic diets was significantly reduced when structured lipids were included in the diet. These observations coincided with reduced levels of serum cholesterol particularly LDL cholesterol observed in experimental groups. Therefore the structured lipids, designed to have low calorific value also beneficially lower serum lipids and lipid deposition in animals fed on atherogenic diets.     

Stereoselective biotransformation of limonene and limonene oxide by cyanobacterium, Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942

The biotransformation of limonene and limonene oxide by the cyanobacterium, Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942, was investigated. (S)-(+)-Limonene was hydroxylated stereo- and regioselectively at its allylic position of the endocyclic C=C double bond by the cyanobacterial cells to its corresponding alcohol. The cells also showed the ability for the enantio- and stereoselective cleavage of the epoxide group of (1S,2R,4R)-limonene oxide to give (1S,2S,4R)-limonene-1,2-diol. The repetitive production of carveol from limonene was achieved using Ca2+-alginate-immobilized cyanobacterial cells.     

Amelioration of hyperglycemia,hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress and inflammation in steptozotocin-induced diabetic rats fed a high fat diet by riceberry supplement

Dark purple riceberry bran contains a higher dietary fiber and antioxidant compounds than unpigmented rice bran. Riceberry supplement (RB) was used to evaluate the effects on biochemical parameters, skeletal muscle glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), oxidative stress and inflammation in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes rat. To elucidate the effects were due to dietary fiber supplementation and/or bioactive components, equivalent amounts of dietary fiber present in RB were also fed to STZ-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes Sprague–Dawley rats (non-FBG ? 16.65 mM) were randomly divided into five groups: DM fed a high fat (HF) diet, DM-RB1 fed 5% RB, DM-RB2 fed 41% RB, DM-F1 fed 0.6% fiber and DM-F2 fed 5% fiber. After 12 weeks, significant improvement of BG, insulin, HbA1_C, IPGTT and GLUT4 levels were observed in DM-RB1 and DM-RB2 groups. Hyperlipidemia was significantly improved in DM-RB2 and DM-F2 groups. Oxidative stress (TBARS), antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx), antioxidant capacity (ORAC), pro-inflammation cytokine (TNF-α and IL-6) were improved in DM-RB1 and DM-RB2 groups. Improvement of pancreas and spleen histology was found in DM-RB1 and DM-RB2 groups. These indicate the potential of RB to improve hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia conditions as well as alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation.     

Influence high-fat ration on plasma and erythrocyte lipids fatty acids of rats

Study character of the redistribution of fatty acids between the lipid fraction of plasma and erythrocytes in rats with prolonged high-fat diet (30, 90, 180 days). Shown that at long high-fat rations in the lipids of erythrocytes decreasing pool polyunsaturated fatty acids (oleic, dihomo-gamma-linoleic, eicosapentaenoic, arachidonic), increases of saturated fatty acids (myristic, stearic) levels. In lipids fractions of plasma revealed the opposite direction of changes in the level of the fatty acids: the accumulation of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, reduction of saturated fatty acids. Supposedly, that high-fat diet promotes de novo compensatory synthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids, but disturbed apoB-100 receptor-mediated active transport of fatty acids with low-density lipoproteins (LDL), synthesized in the liver fatty acids is not captured by the cells peripheral organs. Marker of the apoB-100 receptor breach of transfer low-density lipoprotein, transporting polyunsaturated fatty acids was to increase LDL cholesterol in serum.     

Differences in liver functionality indexes in peripartal dairy cows fed rumen-protected methionine or choline are associated with performance,oxidative stress status,and plasma amino acid profiles

The liver functionality index (LFI) represents an assessment of transition cow metabolic health by measuring changes in biomarkers associated with liver plasma protein synthesis (albumin), lipoprotein synthesis (cholesterol), and heme catabolism (bilirubin). The present analysis was conducted to determine the role of peripartal rumen-protected Met or choline (CHOL) supplementation on LFI groupings, and to assess relationships with performance, inflammation, oxidative stress status, and plasma AA profiles. A cohort of 40 multiparous Holstein cows that were part of a randomized complete block design with 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of Met (Smartamine M, Adisseo NA, Alpharetta, GA) and CHOL (ReaShure, Balchem Inc., New Hampton, NY) level (with or without) were used. From ?21 d to calving, cows received the same close-up diet and were assigned randomly to each treatment. From calving to 30 d, cows were on the same postpartal diet and continued to receive the same treatments until 30 d. Addition of Met was adjusted daily at 0.08% dry matter of diet and CHOL was fed at 60 g/cow per day. Liver (?10, 7, 20, and 30 d) and blood (?10, 4, 8, 20, and 30 d) samples were harvested for biomarker analyses. Cows were ranked retrospectively and assigned to low (LLFI, LFI <0) and high (HLFI, LFI >0) LFI groups regardless of Met or CHOL supplementation. Compared with cows in LLFI, close-up and lactation DMI, milk yield, milk fat yield, and milk protein yield were greater in HLFI cows. As expected, cows in LLFI had lower plasma cholesterol and albumin but greater bilirubin concentrations around parturition. Plasma haptoglobin concentration was also lower in HLFI cows, but plasma paraoxonase and hepatic total and reduced hepatic glutathione concentrations were greater. Although higher concentrations of His, Met, and Trp, as well as a tendency for greater Ile, were observed in HLFI cows, overall essential AA concentrations did not differ with LFI status. In contrast, overall concentrations of nonessential AA were greater in HLFI cows due to greater circulating concentrations of Ala, Asn, Gln, Pro, and Ser. Similarly, overall concentrations of total AA and total sulfur-containing compounds were greater in cows with HLFI. Feeding Met compared with CHOL led to a tendency for more cows classified as HLFI. Overall, results support the broader application of the LFI in the management of transition cows. In that context, the fact that precalving concentrations of compounds such as reduced glutathione, total sulfur-containing compounds, Met, Tau, and homocysteine differed between HLFI and LLFI independent of Met or CHOL feeding also underscores their potential for monitoring cows that might be at a greater risk of developing health problems after calving. Further studies on the applicability of these biomarkers to monitor transition success appears warranted.     

Body composition and serum and liver lipids in rats fed distillers' dried grains

This study examined the body composition and serum and liver lipids in weanling rats fed diets containing distillers' dried grains with solubles (DDGS) from either white wheat (WW), red wheat (RW), corn (CO) or WW fortified with essential amino acids (FWW) as a sole protein source (1.6 % N in the diet). Although the DDGS-fed groups had significantly lower body weights compared with the casein control (RC) after a 28-day feeding trial, there were no significant differences among the dietary groups in percentages of body water, protein, lipid or ash. Serum cholesterol was significantly higher in rats fed the RW diet, and serum triglyceride was higher in the RC and FWW groups compared with the other dietary groups. Liver cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations (mg g^?1 liver) were not significantly different among the five dietary groups.     

嗜酸乳杆菌La28对丙戊酸暴露引起的子代大鼠外周炎症和肝损伤的缓解作用

为评价嗜酸乳杆菌La28对丙戊酸(valproic acid,VPA)暴露引起的子代大鼠外周炎症和肝损伤的作用,同时明确其对VPA大鼠肠道菌群的调节作用。在大鼠孕期12. 5 d腹腔注射VPA和生理盐水,断奶后,随机选取雄性子代分成对照组、VPA组、La28组和利培酮(MED)组(n=5),La28组每天灌胃菌液(109CFU/m L),对照、VPA和MED组灌胃等量生理盐水和药物,干预期28 d。干预结束后,评价外周炎症、肝功能和肠道菌群的改善情况。与VPA组大鼠相比,嗜酸乳杆菌La28干预能显著地改善VPA大鼠的外周炎症和肝功能,其中对IL-6、TNF-α、ALT和GGT的作用效果更为显著。此外,嗜酸乳杆菌La28可能通过上调Allobaculumhe和Mucispirillum的相对丰度,增加厚壁菌门丰度,降低拟杆菌门丰度从而改善VPA暴露引起子代大鼠的神经炎症和肝功能。     

Alleviation of salt stress in wheat seedlings by mammalian sex hormones

BACKGROUND: Salinity is one of the most serious constraints facing agriculture today. Some mechanical, chemical and biological approaches are being pursued to cope with soil salinity. Although exogenously treated mammalian sex hormones (MSHs), progesterone, β‐estradiol and androsterone, activate significant effects in various biological aspects in plants growing under normal conditions, there is no report investigating their effects on plants growing under salt stress. The present study aimed to investigate whether MSHs could alleviate the destructive effect of salt stress on wheat seedlings and thereby increase their salt tolerance. Wheat leaves were sprayed with 10^?6, 10^?8 and 10^?10 mol L^?1 concentrations of MSH on the ninth day after sowing. MSH‐treated seedlings (10‐day‐old seedlings) were subjected to salt stress for 5 days (between days 10 and 15). RESULTS: At all the concentrations tested, MSH treatment provided a significant protection against to detrimental effects of salt stress in wheat seedlings. It improved dry weight, sugar, proline, protein, chlorophyll and glutathione contents in comparison to salinity alone. Similarly, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and nitrate reductase activities also were augmented by MSH treatment. On the other hand, increases in lipid peroxidation level, superoxide production and hydrogen peroxide content arising from salt treatment were reduced by MSH treatment. The highest salt tolerance was obtained at the concentrations of 10^?6 mol L^?1 for progesterone and 10^?8 mol L^?1 for β‐estradiol and for androsterone. CONCLUSION: MSHs could be used effectively to protect wheat seedlings from the destructive effects of salt stress by stimulating both enzymatic and non‐enzymatic antioxidant mechanism and by promoting levels of osmotic protectants such as proline and sugars resulting in osmotic adjustment, carbon storage and radical scavenging in plants. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Piper species protect cardiac,hepatic and renal antioxidant status of atherogenic diet fed hamsters

Pre-clinical and clinical studies points to the use of antioxidants as an effective measure to reduce the progression of oxidative stress related disorders. The present study evaluate the effect of three Piper species (Piper guineense, Piper nigrum and Piper umbellatum) for the protection of cardiac, hepatic and renal antioxidant status of atherogenic diet fed hamsters. Hamsters were classified into eight groups: a normal control, atherogenic control and six other experimental groups (fed atherogenic diet supplemented with different doses of P. nigrum, P. guineense and P. umbellatum (1 and 0.25 g/kg) for 12 weeks. At the end of the feeding period the heart, liver and kidney from each group were analyzed for lipid profile and antioxidant enzymes activities. Atherogenic diet induced a significant (P < 0.001) increase in the lipid profile across the board and equally significantly altered the antioxidant enzyme activities. Supplementation with Piper species significantly inhibited the alteration effect of atherogenic diet on the lipid profile and antioxidant enzymes activities. The Piper extracts may possess an antioxidant protective role against atherogenic diet induced oxidative stress in cardiac, hepatic and renal tissues.     

Increased concentrations of liver cholesterol in rats fed lactulose (Short communication)

The disaccharide lactulose (β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-4)-D-fructofuranose) is thought to be poorly hydrolized by intestinal enzymes but is broken down by microorganisms in the colon. Thus lactulose shares with pectin similar characteristics [1]. Lactulose is used in the food industry and in the treatment of constipation. There is preliminary evidence that dietary lactulose (5%, w/w) causes increased cocentrations of serum and her cholesterol in rats when compared with pectin [2]. This paper describes dose-response relationships between dietary lactulose and cholesterol in either serum or liver.     

Flavonols and flavones of parsley cell suspension culture change the antioxidative capacity of plasma in rats

The flavonoid aglycones from an illuminated parsley (Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Nym.) cell suspension culture were identified and quantified as the flavones apigenin, luteolin and chrysoeriol and the flavonols kaempferol, quercetin and isorhamnetin. Flavonoid extracts from these cultures were purified by solid phase extraction from RP C-18 phase and given by gavage to rats. Only extract from illuminated culture increased the antioxidative capacity (AOC) of blood plasma temporarily with maximum values after 1 h. It is concluded that the course of AOC reflects changes in the plasma content of flavonoids.     

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.     

Excretion of carbohydrates by rats fed legume seeds

A study of sugars excretion in rats after feeding with diets containing various raffinose content (0, 4, 8 and 12%) and cooked leguminous seeds (soybean, peas and beans) has been performed. It was noted, that feeding with raffinose-containing diet has no effect on sugars level in urine during 10 days of experiment. Feeding with the diets containing 8 and 12% raffinose caused highly increased excretion of this sugar and its metabolites in faeces after first 24 h. After next few days of experiment in despite of high raffinose content in diets the level of raffinose excretion in the faeces came back to the initial one. In the case of leguminous seeds feeding of rats increased excretion of sugars in faeces was observed also after 20-24 h, and was maintained on the same level during 10 days of experiment. The ratio of excreted to consumed sugars was limited to 2-5% only. It is presumed that there were stachyose and verbascose metabolites, previously identified in leguminous seeds.     

Endogenous nitrogen losses in rats fed by intravenous and enteral routes

Endogenous losses of nitrogen were studied under the feeding with isocaloric mixtures containing glucose, polycose, mineral substances, and vitamins. At the end of the first week endogenous losses of nitrogen with urine and feces under both routes of feeding were higher than at the end of the second week of nitrogen-free feeding. Upon intravenous feeding the nitrogen-saving action of the mixture containing glucose was more remarkable at the end of the second week than that of the mixture containing glucose and fatty emulsion. Endogenous losses of nitrogen upon intravenous feeding with a mixture containing fatty emulsion and glucose and losses upon intragastric feeding with a mixture of fatty emulsion and polycose were similar at the end of the second week.     

Thymoquinone effects on DMH-induced erythrocyte oxidative stress and haematological alterations during colon cancer promotion in rats

The effect of thymoquinone (TQ), the abundant component of black cumin seed (Nigella sativa) oil extract, was evaluated on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced erythrocyte oxidative stress and haematological perturbations during colon cancer promotion in rats. Two TQ approaches, the pre- and post-treatment, were used. DMH promoted erythrocyte oxidative damage in rats by enhancing lipid peroxidation (30%) and decreasing antioxidant enzymes activities (20–35%). This was associated with the decline of erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit (20%) and the count increase of white blood cell (60%) and platelet (180%). TQ pre-treatment repaired DMH-induced erythrocyte oxidative stress, anaemia, leukocytosis, and thrombocytosis and allowed a 60% of tumour incidence decline. TQ post-treatment exerted a slight effect on erythrocyte oxidative stress and reduced colon cancer incidence by 30% only. Thus, TQ efficacy in preventing DMH-induced colon cancer promotion was related to its virtue antioxidant effect on erythrocyte oxidative stress.     

Evaluation of the effects of lipids isolated from sublimated mare's milk on the indicators of lipid metabolism and fatty acid composition of blood plasma, erythrocyte stroma and liver tissue in rats

During six weeks rats were given a ration containing, as the only source of fat, lipids of sublimated mare's milk that had been stored with or without antioxidants (quercitrol, bisalcophen) during 3 months. The influence of specific quality of the ration fat on lipids and fatty acid composition of lipids in blood plasma, erythrocytic stroma and liver tissue, as well as on lipid peroxidation in the tissues was studied in the test animals. No changes induced by the lipids from sublimated mare's milk were detected in the parameters studied.