Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis and Passiflora alata) extracts on stimulated neutrophils and myeloperoxidase activity assays

The antioxidant activity of methanol extracts from Passiflora edulis and Passiflora alata pulp, and P. edulis rinds, healthy or infected with the passion fruit woodiness virus (PWV), was investigated using the oxidant activities of the neutrophil and the neutrophil granule enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO), both playing key roles in inflammation. The reactive oxygen species produced by stimulated neutrophils were evaluated by lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence (CL) and the activity of purified MPO was measured by SIEFED (Specific Immunological Extraction Followed by Enzymatic Detection), a technique for studying the direct interaction of a compound with the enzyme. The rind extracts of P. edulis possessed higher and dose-dependent inhibitory effects on CL response and on the peroxidase activity of MPO than total pulp extracts from both passion fruit species. The quantification of isoorientin in the extracts showed a correlation with their antioxidant activity, suggesting the potential of P. edulis rinds as functional food or as a possible source of natural flavonoids.     

Systemic and skin-targeting beneficial effects of lycopene-enriched ice cream: A pilot study

The health-promoting dietary antioxidant lycopene has limited natural bioavailability, but lycopene-rich functional foods can improve its bioavailability. We assessed a new lycopene-enriched ice cream for systemic antioxidant effects and influence on morphological characteristics of facial skin surface in healthy volunteers. In a randomized crossover study, we used 4-wk dietary interventions with either control or lycopene-enriched ice cream. Samples of serum and residual skin surface components (RSSC) from facial skin were taken before interventions, at 2 wk, and at intervention end. Lycopene concentration, conventional blood biochemistry, and oxidative stress biomarkers comprising inflammatory oxidative damage and low-density lipoprotein peroxidase proteins were assessed in the serum. Lycopene-associated immunofluorescence, lipid droplet size, corneocyte desquamation, and microbial presence were measured in the RSSC. The results show that lycopene concentrations in the serum and skin steadily increased during lycopene-enriched ice cream consumption. Whereas we found no intervention-dependent changes in conventional biochemical parameters, both inflammatory oxidative damage and low-density lipoprotein peroxidase protein values significantly decreased by the end of intervention with lycopene-enriched ice cream, but remained unchanged during control ice cream consumption. Control ice cream significantly increased corneocyte desquamation and bacterial presence in the RSSC. These adverse effects, which could potentially predispose consumers to acne development, were absent when volunteers consumed lycopene-enriched ice cream. We concluded that lycopene-enriched ice cream is a new functional food with clear antioxidant properties. In addition, enrichment with lycopene may alleviate proinflammatory action of ice cream at the level of facial skin, thus decreasing diet-associated acne development risk in young consumers.     

Imbalance between lipoxin A4 and leukotriene B4 in chronic mastitis-affected cows

Persistent accumulation of inflammatory cells in the udder, with neutrophils being the predominant cell type, is a characteristic feature of chronic mastitis in dairy cows. Leukotriene (LT) B4 is a potent chemotactic agent, known to induce recruitment and accumulation of neutrophils in the bovine mammary gland. The LTB4-stimulated neutrophil functional responses are closely opposed by lipoxin (LX) A4, which promotes the resolution of inflammation. We thus hypothesized that the chronic inflammation of the udder could be associated with an unfavorable ratio between these two eicosanoids and that the persistence of neutrophil accumulation could be due to an increase in LTB4 synthesis and/or an impaired LXA4 production. In an attempt to verify this hypothesis, we first measured LXA4, LTB4, and their ratio in the milk of healthy and acute and chronic mastitis-affected quarters. Next, we studied the relationships between these variables and the degree of udder inflammation as assessed by somatic cell count measurement. The LTB4 concentration was low in healthy quarters, drastically increased in acute mastitis, and reached intermediate levels in chronic mastitis-affected quarters. However, whereas LXA4 concentration was highly increased in acute mastitis, healthy and chronic quarters had similarly low values. The LXA4:LTB4 ratio was thus significantly lower in chronic mastitis-affected cows. The LTB4 concentrations measured in chronic quarters were highly correlated to somatic cell count and to milk neutrophil and macrophage numbers. A weaker correlation was observed between LXA4 and these variables. For both eicosanoids, the highest correlation was observed with the number of neutrophils. These results show the existence of an LXA4:LTB4 imbalance in chronic mastitis-affected cows because of low LXA4 concentrations. Further studies are needed to determine whether administration of LX or stable analogs could have therapeutic potential in the control of chronic bovine mastitis.     

Effect of grazing pastures of different botanical composition on antioxidant enzyme activities and oxidative stability of lamb meat

The aim of this work was to study the influence of different pastures (Intensive ryegrass, Botanically diverse and Leguminosa rich pastures) on the antioxidant status and oxidative stability of meat from lambs that had been exclusively grazing for three months. Lipid, colour and protein oxidation, -tocopherol content and activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (Cat) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)) were measured in Longisimus thoracis et lumborum muscle samples taken 1 day after slaughter. Pasture type significantly affected protein oxidation and the activity of GSH-Px, but no significant differences were found for the -tocopherol content, colour and lipid oxidation, and the activities of SOD and Cat. Grazing a Botanically diverse pasture induced significantly higher protein oxidation in meat, as measured by the free thiol and carbonyl contents, compared to a Leguminosa rich or Intensive ryegrass pasture (P < 0.05). The GSH-Px activity was significantly higher in meat from lambs on the Leguminosa rich pasture compared to the other pasture groups (P < 0.01).     

Dietary Monascus adlay supplements facilitate suppression of cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary endoplasmic reticulum stress,autophagy, apoptosis and emphysema-related PLGF in the rat

Cigarette smoke (CS) exposure may cause oxidative stress in the lung, leading to cell death and long-term injury. Monascus adlay (MA) with antioxidant components produced by inoculating adlay (Cois lachrymal-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf) with Monascus purpureus may protect lung against CS-induced lung injuries in rats. MA and lovastatin had higher antioxidant activities than either M. purpureus or adlay. CS exposure caused significant lung damage, as evidenced by higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), neutrophil infiltration, dityrosine and 4-HNE, as well as lower levels of Mn-superoxide dismutase and catalase expression. Lung tissues with CS exposure had higher levels of ER stress, apoptosis, autophagy and emphysema-related placenta growth factor (PlGF) expressions. All CS-induced injuries were significantly suppressed by MA supplements. MA would be a beneficial nutritional therapy to ameliorate CS-induced lung injury via preserving antioxidant defense mechanisms, decreasing oxidative stress and inhibiting ER stress, autophagy, apoptosis and emphysema-related risk factor.     

A rapid method to clinically assess the effect of an anti-acne formulation

Historically, clinical evaluation of acne treatment has been based on direct visual assessment and the counting of lesions over a period of several weeks of treatment. However, with advancing technology there has been ever-increasing speed in the effectiveness of these treatments. To successfully assess these faster treatments, acne pathology needs to be evaluated in a shorter time frame. The object of these studies was to develop techniques to evaluate individual acne lesions in a shorter time frame and to assess speedier treatment technologies. Ten healthy volunteers with acne lesions on their upper backs were recruited for the study. Two inflamed acne lesions were selected for each treatment, along with lesions to be left untreated, on each volunteer. Each lesion was marked, photographed, and visually graded. A skin surface microscope (Scopeman) was used to visualize size and to grade the lesions by two experts every day for five days. The sites were treated once a day for the course of the study. There was a remarkable reduction in the size and erythema of acne lesions after treatment with the acne formulation as compared to the untreated and vehicle-treated lesions. Individual lesions, both treated and untreated, appeared resolved in 14 days. This resolution can be noticeably accelerated by topical treatments. We have developed a simple and faster clinical method to evaluate the effects of topical anti-acne technology.     

Genotype and gender differences in carnosine extracts and antioxidant activities of chicken breast and thigh meats

The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of genotypes and gender of chickens on carnosine contents and their antioxidant activities. The carnosine content of fresh meat from Thai indigenous and hybrid native chickens differed between breeds (p < 0.01) and genders (p < 0.01). Regardless of these differences, breast meat contained 2–4-fold higher carnosine than thigh meat. After water and heat extraction at 80 °C and ultrafiltration, the carnosine content of meat extracts had the same distribution as in fresh meat. No relationship between total iron and carnosine content on antioxidant activity of the extract was detected. However, when compared in the extracts on the basis of mM carnosine in oxidation system, the extracts of chicken meat showed greater antioxidant activity than pure carnosine (p < 0.05). Furthermore, at equal concentrations, thigh meat extract had higher effective inhibiting ability than breast extract.     

组合体外与临床测试评价植物抗氧化剂抗老化功效

基于非动物测试理念,研究植物抗氧化剂复配后的皮肤抗老化功效。方法 体外培养HaCaT角质细胞,紫外线照射诱发氧化损伤模型,分别加入白藜芦醇、原花青素和二者复配物,用MTT比色法、荧光素标记法和ELISA法检测细胞活性、活性氧簇自由基(ROS)、超氧化物岐化酶(SOD)、细胞周期及细胞凋亡的变化。对含两种植物原料的眼霜配方进行鸡胚尿囊膜血管试验(CAMVA)和牛角膜混浊渗透试验(BCOP)的组合测试评价其眼刺激性。选择平均年龄40岁的女性志愿者25名,眼部连续使用该眼霜60 d,于使用产品的第0、30和60 d分别检测皮肤的水份、水份流失、弹性和肤色等皮肤老化相关指标。结果 白藜芦醇-原花青素复配的植物抗氧化剂可明显缓解紫外线造成的HaCaT细胞氧化损伤,SOD水平明显升高(P<0.001),ROS荧光强度、细胞凋亡率及S期细胞比例均明显降低(P<0.001),细胞修复作用强于单独作用。经过替代方法组合评价其安全性后进行临床志愿者测试,证明皮肤保湿、弹性和皮肤颜色等指标得到改善。结论 白藜芦醇和原花青素两种植物抗氧化剂复配使用可有效减少皮肤氧化应激和明显改善皮肤性能。     

IMPROVING THE QUALITY AND SHELF LIFE OF TURKISH ALMOND PASTE

Almond paste is an economically valuable product produced from almonds, sugar and a small amount of water. Oxidative rancidity and oil separation are the major problems that are encountered in the paste products affecting the shelf life. Another problem appears to be drying on the surface of the product resulting in poor consumer acceptability. In this study, the formulation of product was altered by adding a commercial stabilizer, antioxidant mixture and maltose syrup to prevent undesirable quality changes during storage at 4C and 30C. Peroxide value, free fatty acid and Rancimat analysis showed that the addition of antioxidant mixture prevented oxidation effectively and improved sensory scores significantly ( P ≤  0.05). Although stabilizer addition had a detrimental effect on the textural properties, samples that have maltose had high sensory scores. The results showed that incorporation of maltose syrup and antioxidant may improve the texture and shelf life of almond paste.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The available literature on almond paste is mainly focused on the microbiological quality of the product and the prevention of spoilage reactions by modifying packaging materials. However, there is no report on the optimization of the composition to extend the shelf life of almond paste. Turkish almond paste, a healthy and expensive dessert, is a specialty product that is manufactured by using traditional grinding equipment. However, the limited shelf life of this product decreases its export potential resulting in economical losses. Therefore, improved shelf life and quality of the product is of importance from the economical point of view. In our study, we aimed to improve the quality and shelf life of Turkish almond paste by modifying its formulation in order to minimize the undesirable changes that occur during storage.     

Influence of whole and fresh-cut mango intake on plasma lipids and antioxidant capacity of healthy adults

The content of antioxidant compounds and antioxidant capacity of whole and fresh-cut mango, stored for 10 days at 12 °C and 5 °C, respectively and their influence on serum antioxidant capacity and lipid profile of normolipidemic humans were studied. Whole mango (WM) had a higher content of flavonoids, ??-carotene and antioxidant capacity, determined by oxygen radical scavenging capacity, (ORAC) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays, than the fresh-cut fruit (FCM). FCM presented higher amounts of total phenols. Thirty normolipidemic volunteers, ages 20-50 years, were randomly divided into two groups (WM and FCM) 15 persons each. During 30 consecutive days volunteers from groups 1 and 2, received daily 200 g of WM or FCM, respectively. Lipid levels and antioxidant capacity in plasma were determined at 0, 15 and 30 days of the experiment. Serum triglycerides were significantly reduced after 30 days of supplementation with WM and FCM (37 and 38% respectively); VLDL levels were reduced in a similar proportion. No significant changes in other plasma lipid levels were observed. Both treatments increased plasma antioxidant capacity measured by ORAC and TEAC methods. According to the results obtained in this study, we suggest that addition of mango fruit to generally accepted healthy diets could have a beneficial effect preventing hypertryglyceridemia, and that fresh-cut processing does not affect the beneficial properties of mango.     

Kinetics and characteristics of bovine neutrophil alkaline phosphatase during acute Escherichia coli mastitis.

Alkaline phosphatase activity of isolated bovine blood neutrophils was investigated before and during experimentally induced Escherichia coli mastitis. Activities markedly increased 1 wk after infection in neutrophils of cows suffering from moderate or from severe disease. Elevated neutrophil alkaline phosphatase activity did not correlate with a specific stage of maturating postmitotic neutrophils appearing in circulation during mastitis. Neutrophil alkaline phosphatase from healthy cows before infection and from mastitic cows was characterized by means of thermostability, specific inhibitor patterns, slab gel electrophoresis, and kinetic parameter analysis. The leukocyte enzyme from healthy and mastitic cows displayed very similar characteristics, suggesting that the increase in activity during mastitis is most probably related to the enhanced expression of the normal alkaline phosphatase enzyme.     

Chemistry of deep-fat frying oils

ABSTRACT:  Deep-fat frying produces desirable or undesirable flavor compounds and changes the flavor stability and quality of the oil by hydrolysis, oxidation, and polymerization. Tocopherols, essential amino acids, and fatty acids in foods are degraded during deep-fat frying. The reactions in deep-fat frying depend on factors such as replenishment of fresh oil, frying conditions, original quality of frying oil, food materials, type of fryer, antioxidants, and oxygen concentration. High frying temperature, the number of fryings, the contents of free fatty acids, polyvalent metals, and unsaturated fatty acids of oil decrease the oxidative stability and flavor quality of oil. Antioxidant decreases the frying oil oxidation, but the effectiveness of antioxidant decreases with high frying temperature. Lignan compounds in sesame oil are effective antioxidants in deep-fat frying.     

ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY COMPARISON OF THOMPSON GRAPE POMACE EXTRACT, ROSEMARY AND TOCOPHEROLS IN SOYBEAN OIL

The effect of natural antioxidants was tested by oxidative stability index (OSI) in refined soybean oil (RSO) using Rancimat method. Phenolic compounds of Thompson grape pomace were extracted with 95:5 (v : v) ethanol : water. The antioxidant activity of grape pomace extract (GPE) obtained was compared with those of rosemary extract (RE), and tocopherols mix (TM) known as covi-ox T-70. The synergistic effect of citric acid was also evaluated. Results showed a total phenols content of 17.39 mg ( + )-catechin equivalents per g of GPE. Thompson GPE at 0.3 and 0.5% (w/w) exhibited greater antioxidant activity than TM. RSO containing GPE or RE at 0.5% (w/w) showed an OSI higher than 48 h at 110C. Citric acid did not show synergistic effect with GPE. However, a synergistic effect for TM at 0.02% (w/w) with citric acid at 1.0% (w/w) was observed. Citric acid at 2.0% (w/w) with RE at all concentrations tested also displayed synergism.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Synthetic antioxidants are widely used in the food industry to delay fat oxidation; however, their utilization has been questioned due to toxicology concerns. Researchers have recognized the need to identify new natural antioxidants to use as additives. In this study, we measured total phenolics content of Thompson grape pomace extract (GPE) and found that the antioxidant activity of this extract was stronger than tocopherols from soybean oil. We propose that GPE can have applications as a food antioxidant.     

Effect of industrial processing and storage on antioxidant activity of apricot (Prunus armeniaca v. bulida)

The effect of different methods of conservation (frozen and canned) on the antioxidant properties of raw apricot was evaluated, and antioxidant activity of both types of processed fruit was monitored during 150 days of storage. The raw apricot exhibited the highest inhibition of oxidation according to the lipid peroxidation assay. The freezing process led to a slight loss of antioxidant activity, whereas canned apricots lost their antioxidant capacity. All samples showed a higher degree of protection in the deoxyribose assay (OH^·) than BHA and BHT. The capacity of raw apricot to scavenge radical superoxide was higher than that of the antioxidant standards analysed, whereas the freezing and canning treatment decreased this capacity. The raw or processed apricots showed no capacity to scavenge hydrogen peroxide, nor offered oxidative stability to olive, sunflower and corn oils under the conditions of heating involved in the Rancimat test. Canned apricots showed higher ABTS^·+ scavenging capacity than the raw fruit, perhaps as a result of the syrup absorbed by canned apricots. Raw apricots showed a very good capacity to protect linoleic acid against oxidation. During storage in frozen and canned apricots no important changes were detected in the different antioxidant activities assayed from 1 to 150 days.     

Effects of varying levels of vegetable juice powder and incubation time on color, residual nitrate and nitrite, pigment, pH, and trained sensory attributes of ready-to-eat uncured ham

ABSTRACT:  Vegetable juice powder (VJP) and a starter culture containing Staphylococcus carnosus have been identified as necessary ingredients for the manufacture of uncured, no-nitrate/nitrite-added meat products with quality and sensory attributes similar to traditional cured products. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of varying concentrations of VJP and incubation time (MIN-HOLD) on quality characteristics, including lipid oxidation, color, and cured meat pigment concentrations, of ham over a 90-d storage period, compare residual nitrate and nitrite content, and determine if differences exist in sensory properties of finished products. Four ham treatments (TRT) (TRT 1: 0.20% VJP, 0 MIN-HOLD; TRT 2: 0.20% VJP, 120 MIN-HOLD; TRT 3: 0.35% VJP, 0 MIN-HOLD; TRT 4: 0.35% VJP, 120 MIN-HOLD) and a sodium nitrite-added control (C) were used for this study. No differences ( P > 0.05) were observed between TRTs and C for CIE L *, a *, b *, and cured color measured by reflectance ratio. Lipid oxidation (TBARS) for combined TRTs and C revealed little change over time while the C had less ( P < 0.05) lipid oxidation than TRTs 2 and 4 for combined days. No differences ( P > 0.05) were reported for cured pigment concentration between TRTs and C. Trained sensory panel intensity ratings for ham and vegetable aroma, and flavor, color, and firmness showed that a high concentration (0.35%) of VJP resulted in the highest scores for undesirable vegetable aroma and flavor. Treatment combinations with a low concentration (0.20%) of VJP were comparable to the C for all sensory attributes.     

Effects of dietary vitamin C on neutrophil function and responses to intramammary infusion of lipopolysaccharide in periparturient dairy cows

Neutrophil function and the severity and incidence of mastitis in dairy cows is related to the intake of many antioxidant nutrients. Because vitamin C is the major water-soluble antioxidant in mammals, we examined the effect of dietary vitamin C on neutrophil function and responses to intramammary infusion of lipopolysaccahride (LPS) in periparturient dairy cows. At 2 wk before anticipated calving, Holstein cows were fed diets that provided 0 (16 cows) or 30 (15 cows) g/d of supplemental vitamin C (phosphorylated ascorbic acid). Treatments continued until 7 d after cows received an infusion of 10 μg of LPS into one quarter of the mammary gland (on average, this occurred 32 d postcalving). Supplementation of vitamin C increased plasma concentrations of vitamin C at calving, but no differences were observed in samples taken 24 h postinfusion. Concentrations of vitamin C in milk (24 h postinfusion) and in neutrophils (calving and 24 h postinfusion) were not affected by treatment, but vitamin C concentrations in neutrophils isolated from milk were about 3 times greater than concentrations in blood neutrophils. The LPS infusion did not alter concentrations of vitamin C in plasma or milk, suggesting that the LPS model did not produce the same effects as a bacterial infection of the mammary gland with respect to antioxidant effects. Supplemental vitamin C had no effect on neutrophil phagocytosis or bacterial kill. Dietary vitamin C reduced the milk somatic cell count but did not affect the febrile response or milk production following LPS infusion.     

Differential Oxidative Stress of Octahedral and Cubic Cu(2)O Micro/Nanocrystals to Daphnia magna

This study attempts to understand the impact of different shapes of an individual micro/nanomaterial on their biotoxicities to aquatic organisms. Two differently shaped Cu(2)O micro/nanocrystals (cubes and octahedrons with side lengths of 900 nm) were exposed to Daphnia magna for 72 h, afterward several antioxidant biomarkers such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in D. magna were measured. We demonstrated the differential influences of two crystallographic Cu(2)O nanocrystals on the antioxidant process. Specifically, octahedral Cu(2)O nanocrystals showed a higher level of oxidative stress, possibly because of its larger surface area and higher reaction activity of the octahedron. The biomarker results further showed that the oxidative stress and antioxidant mechanism process involved three stages-antioxidant response, oxidation inhibition, and antioxidant inactivation. Furthermore, the accumulation of MDA was mainly responsible for the ROS-induced toxicity.     

Influence of bispecific antibodies on the in vitro bactericidal activity of bovine neutrophils against Staphylococcus aureus

We conducted the following study to determine if bispecific antibodies enhance the bactericidal activity of bovine neutrophils. Bispecific antibodies were synthesized by chemically crosslinking bovine neutrophil monoclonal antibodies to Staphylococcus aureus 305 capsule polysaccharide monoclonal antibodies. The efficiency of chemically coupling monoclonal antibody monomers was approximately 50% for each bispecific antibody produced. Monoclonal antibodies against neutrophils enhanced the respiratory burst activity of neutrophils by 2.3- to 2.5-fold. To determine the influence of bispecific antibodies on neutrophil function, S. aureus 305 was preincubated with various concentrations of bispecific antibodies and neutrophils were then added to the opsonized bacteria at different bacteria to neutrophil ratios. The bactericidal activity of neutrophils was expressed as a percentage reduction in colony-forming units in test cultures compared with the number of colony-forming units in control test cultures that did not contain bispecific antibodies or neutrophils. The addition of bispecific antibodies to test cultures increased the bactericidal activity of neutrophils. A reduction in colony-forming units as a function of increasing the S. aureus 305 to neutrophils ratio was observed in both the absence and presence of bispecific antibodies. However, a greater reduction was observed in the presence of bispecific antibodies. Increasing concentrations of bispecific antibodies enhanced the bactericidal activity of neutrophils at a constant S. aureus 305 to neutrophil ratio of 1:500. The results indicate that bispecific antibodies that recognize both S. aureus 305 capsular polysaccharide and neutrophil antigens potentiate the bactericidal activity of neutrophils.     

Ethyl-cellulose rumen-protected methionine alleviates inflammation and oxidative stress and improves neutrophil function during the periparturient period and early lactation in Holstein dairy cows

The periparturient period is the most critical phase in the productive cycle of dairy cows and is characterized by impairment of the immune system. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of feeding ethyl-cellulose rumen-protected methionine (RPM) starting at d ?28 from expected parturition through 60 d in milk on biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and liver function as well as leukocyte function. Sixty multiparous Holstein cows were used in a block design and assigned to either a control or the control plus ethyl-cellulose RPM (Mepron, Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH). Mepron was supplied from ?28 to 60 d in milk at a rate of 0.09% and 0.10% dry matter during the prepartum and postpartum period. That rate ensured that the ratio of Lys to Met in the metabolizable protein was close to 2.8:1. Blood samples from 15 clinically healthy cows per treatment were collected at d ?30, ?14, 1, 7, 21, 30, and 60 and analyzed for biomarkers of liver function, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Neutrophil and monocyte function in whole blood was measured in vitro at ?14, 1, 7, 21, and 30 d in milk. The statistical model included the random effect of block and fixed effect of treatment, time, and its interaction. Compared with control, ethyl-cellulose RPM increased plasma cholesterol and paraoxonase after parturition. Among the inflammation biomarkers measured, ethyl-cellulose RPM led to greater albumin (negative acute-phase protein) and lower haptoglobin than control cows. Although concentration of IL-1β was not affected by treatments, greater IL-6 concentration was detected in response to ethyl-cellulose RPM. Cows supplemented with ethyl-cellulose RPM had greater plasma concentration of ferric-reducing antioxidant power, β-carotene, tocopherol, and total and reduced glutathione, whereas reactive oxygen metabolites were lower compared with control cows. Compared with control, ethyl-cellulose RPM enhanced neutrophil phagocytosis and oxidative burst. Overall, the results indicate that ethyl-cellulose RPM supply to obtain a Lys-to-Met ratio of 2.8:1 in the metabolizable protein during the periparturient period and early lactation is an effective approach to help mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation as well as enhance liver and neutrophil function in dairy cows.     

Effect of caffeine on the metabolic responses of lipolysis and activated sweat gland density in human during physical activity

This study measured caffeine-induced changes in activated sweat gland density (ASGD) and fat oxidation using a randomized crossover design with 10 healthy volunteers given caffeine (Caffe-I, 3 mg/kg ingested 30 min before experiment) and non-caffeine (No-Caff). Subjects were 173.0±3.2 cm in height, 72.5±4.3 kg in weight, and 21.5±2.5 years in age. All experiments were performed in an automated climate chamber (24.0±0.5°C, relative humidity 50±3%, air velocity less than 1 m/sec) between 2–5 p.m. The ASGD on the chest, upper arm, upper back, and lower back were measured (after 30 min running at 60% VO_2max), and blood samples were taken (at 40 min before, immediately before and after 30 min running). Activated sweat gland density levels were higher in Caffe-I (Chest p<0.05 and U-Back p<0.01) and free fatty acids (FFA) were higher in Caffe-I compared to No-Caff immediately before (p<0.05) and after running (p<0.01). In summary, caffeine increases ASGD and FFA by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system and increasing of lipolysis.