Nutritional Biochemistry

Previous studies reported that the age-related decline in testosterone biosynthesis is associated with a decrease in the steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein which regulates the ratelimiting step of testosterone biosynthesis. To explore the possibility of delaying this decline using a dietary approach, we have examined the effect of a natural flavonoid, apigenin, on StAR gene expression in mouse Leydig cells. Incubation of these cells with the flavonoid enhanced cyclic AMP (cAMP)-induced steroidogenesis and StAR protein expression. The results from the analyses of StAR mRNA by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and the luciferase assays of StAR promoter activity indicated that this flavonoid enhanced StAR gene expression at the level of transcription. Further studies showed that apigenin blocked the thromboxane A2 receptor and interrupted the signaling through the cyclooxygenase-2-thromboxane A synthasethromboxane A2-receptor pathway, resulting in a reduction of DAX-1 (dosage sensitive sex reversal-adrenal hypoplasia congenita critical region on the X chromosome, gene-1) protein, a transcriptional repressor of StAR gene expression. When DAX-1 protein was reduced, the sensitivity of the Leydig cells was dramatically enhanced, with sub-threshold level of cAMP being able to induce maximal levels of StAR protein expression and steroid hormone production. The present study suggests a potential application of apigenin to improve StAR protein expression and steroidogenic sensitivity of aging Leydig cells.

Cereals are an important part of diets for hypercholesterolemic patients. However, some of these patients are allergic to these natural products. The purpose of the current study was to compare oatmeal with equal in nutritional values two allergy-free amaranth meals to determine whether this pseudocereal can be a substitute for allergic to cereals individuals. The total phenols of the samples were determined with the Folin-Chocalteu reagent, anthocyanins, and flavonoids spectrophotometrically. The antioxidant activities were estimated with nitric oxide scavenging radical (NO) and by ␤-carotene bleaching (␤-carotene). It was found that the contents of different protein fractions, antioxidant compounds, and the antioxidant activities of oatmeal were significantly higher than those of the two amaranth samples. The results of kinetic reactions showed that samples differed in their capacities to quench these radicals, and oats have shown more antioxidant activity than amaranth. High correlation was observed between antioxidant activities and phenols (R 2 ϭ 0.99). In the in vivo part of the investigation, 60 male Wistar rats were divided into five diet groups of 12 animals each; these groups were designated as Control, Chol, Chol/Oat, Chol/AmarI, and Chol/AmarII. The rats of the Control group were fed basal diet (BD) only. To the BD of the four other groups were added the following: 1% of cholesterol (Chol), 10% of oat meal and 1% of cholesterol (Chol/Oat), 10% of amaranth I meal, and 1% of cholesterol (Chol/AmarI) and 10% of amaranth II meal and 1% of cholesterol (Chol/AmarII). After 32 days of different feeding, diets supplemented with oat meal and, to lesser degree, with amaranth I and amaranth II hindered the rise in the plasma lipids: a) TC: 3.14 vs. 4.57 mmol/L, Ϫ 31.3%; 3.31 vs. 4.57 mmol/L Ϫ 27.6%; and 3.40 vs. 4.57, Ϫ 25.6%, respectively b) LDL-C: 1.69 vs. 3.31 mmol/L, Ϫ 49.9%; 2.05 vs. 3.31 mmol/L, Ϫ 38.1%; and 2.16 vs. 3.31 mmol/L, Ϫ 34.8%, respectively; c) TG: 0.73 vs. 0.88 mmol/L, Ϫ 17.1%; 0.75 vs. 0.88 mmol/L, Ϫ 14.8%; and 0.79 vs. 0.88 mmol/L, Ϫ10.2%, respectively. The HDL-PH was increased as follows: 0.79 vs. 0.63 mmol/L, Ϫ25.3%; 0.75 vs. 0.63 mmol/L, Ϫ23.0%; and 0.71 vs. 0.63 mmol/L, Ϫ12

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a mixture of positional and geometric isomers of octadecadienoic acid [linoleic acid (LA), 18:2n-6] commonly found in beef, lamb and dairy products. The most abundant isomer of CLA in nature is the cis-9, trans-11 (c9t11) isomer. Commercially available CLA is usually a 1:1 mixture of c9t11 and trans-10, cis-12 (t10c12) isomers with other isomers as minor components. Conjugated LA isomer mixture and c9t11 and t10c12 isomers alone have been attributed to provide several health benefits that are largely based on animal and in vitro studies. Conjugated LA has been attributed many beneficial effects in prevention of atherosclerosis, different types of cancer, hypertension and also known to improve immune function. More recent literature with availability of purified c9t11 and t10c12 isomers suggests that t10c12 is the sole isomer involved in antiadipogenic role of CLA. Other studies in animals and cell lines suggest that the two isomers may act similarly or antagonistically to alter cellular function and metabolism, and may also act through different signaling pathways. The effect of CLA and individual isomers shows considerable variation between different strains (BALB/C mice vs. C57BL/6 mice) and species (e.g., rats vs. mice). The dramatic effects seen in animal studies have not been reflected in some clinical studies. This review comprehensively discusses the recent studies on the effects of CLA and individual isomers on body composition, cardiovascular disease, bone health, insulin resistance, mediators of inflammatory response and different types of cancer, obtained from both in vitro and animal studies. This review also discusses the latest available information from clinical studies in these areas of research. D

The influence on the lipid profile and lipid peroxidation in rabbit-liver mitochondria exerted by different edible oils high in oleic acid but different non-glyceride phenolic fractions was studied. High-phenolic virgin olive oil from the variety "Picual", the same oil submitted to an exhaustive process of washing to eliminate the phenolic fraction without altering the lipid profile and high-oleic sunflower oil (poor in phenolic compounds) were added to rabbit diets. The results reveal the importance of the different oleic: linoleic ratio of the lipid sources on the lipid profile of mitochondrial membranes. This is highlighted by the greater proportion of saturated fatty acids and the lower content in oleic acid ( p Ͻ 0.05) shown by the rabbits fed on high-oleic sunflower oil. The group fed on the fat rich in phenolics exhibited the highest level of antioxidants (␣-tocopherol, ubiquinone 10) and the highest activity of glutathione peroxidase as well as the lowest content in hydroperoxides and TBARS. The study provides evidences in vivo about the considerable antioxidant capacity of the phenolic fraction of virgin olive oil in rabbit-liver mitochondria and the important role that this non-glyceride fraction can play in the overall antioxidant benefits attributed to this oil.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the cholesterol-lowering mechanisms of corn fiber oil (CFO), ferulate phytostanyl esters (FPEs) and parent compounds of FPE, including sitostanol and ferulic acid, in hamsters. Method: Seventy male Golden Syrian hamsters were randomly assigned to six experimental diets for 4 weeks: (1) cornstarch-caseinsucrose-based control diet (control); and (2) control diet plus 0.1% (wt/wt) cholesterol (cholesterol-control). The remaining four groups were given cholesterol-control diet with: (3) 10% (wt/wt) CFO; (4) 0.5% (wt/wt) sitostanol; (5) 0.23% (wt/wt) ferulic acid; and (6) 0.73% (wt/wt) FPE. At the end of dietary intervention, total plasma cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were determined. Parameters of cholesterol kinetics, including cholesterol absorption and synthesis, as well as mRNA expression of sterol transporters such as Niemann-Pick C1 like 1 (NPC1L1), ATP-binding cassette G5 (ABCG5) and ABCG8, were assessed. Results: Supplementation with CFO decreased (Pb.0001) plasma total cholesterol levels by 29% as compared with the cholesterol-control group, while FPE and sitostanol reduced (Pb.02) cholesterolemia by 15% and 14%, respectively. CFO and sitostanol decreased (Pb.05) cholesterol absorption by 24% compared to the cholesterol-control group. Dietary intervention did not alter the intestinal gene expression of ABCG5, ABCG8 and NPC1L1. Conclusion: The present results show that the CFO-induced and sitostanol-induced decrease in cholesterol absorption is independent of intestinal enterocyte sterol transporters such as ABCG5, ABCG8 and NPC1L1 in hamsters.

Mongrel dogs from weaning to 6 months of age were fed on one of two diets that differed only in the type of fat content (virgin olive oil or sunflower seed oil) to compare plasma levels of peptide YY (PYY) and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) in the basal period and in response to food. Under resting conditions, blood concentrations of both peptides, measured by specific radioimmunoassays, were significantly higher in the olive oil group. Food intake was not followed by any marked or significant changes in PYY or PP circulating levels, although some rises were observed. On the other hand, plasma PYY reached significantly greater values throughout the postprandial period in the dogs fed on the diet containing olive oil, whereas no differences were recorded between the groups as far as PP is concerned. Our results demonstrate that long-term intake of diets enriched in monounsaturated fatty acids (olive oil) produces significantly higher basal levels of PYY and PP, as well as significantly higher PYY levels in response to food compared with diets containing sunflower oil. The differences, traceable to the composition of the two types of dietary fat supplied, explain the attenuated pancreatic secretory activity observed by us previously in this animal species. This mechanism may be responsible, at least in part, for the adaptation of pancreatic secretion to the quality of dietary fat.

Human epidemiological studies have supported the hypothesis that a dairy food-rich diet is associated with lower fat accumulation, although prospective studies and intervention trials are not so conclusive and contradictory data exist in animal models. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects on body weight and fat depots of dairy calcium (12 g/kg diet) in wild-type mice under ad libitum high-fat (43%) and normal-fat (12%) diets and to gain comprehension on the underlying mechanism of dairy calcium effects.

Because of its growing prevalence in Western countries, the metabolic syndrome, a common metabolic disorder that clusters a constellation of abnormalities, including central obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, is emerging as one of the most important public health problems in the world, taking into account that it is a major risk factor mainly for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, and also for many types of cancer. Although the pathogenesis of this syndrome is complex and not fully understood, obesity and insulin resistance, accompanied by an altered profile of number of hormones and cytokines produced by the adipose tissue, seem to be the main causative agents. A prime therapeutic approach to the prevention and treatment of this syndrome involves lifestyle changes. Among dietary modifications, dietary fiber intake could play an interesting role in the management of metabolic syndrome through different mechanisms related to its dietary sources, specific chemical structure and physical properties, or fermentability in the gut. According to all of these variables, the different types of dietary fibers have been reported to take part in the control of body weight, glucose and lipid homeostasis, insulin sensitivity and in the regulation of many inflammation markers involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, and which are also considered to be among its features.

Anthocyanins are known to possess potent anticarcinogenic properties against several cancers thus demonstrating potential for cancer prevention. Black currant (Ribes nigrum L., Grossulariaceae) fruits have a high anthocyanin content. This "superfruit" is known to possess various pharmacological effects including alleviation of chronic oxidative stress and inflammation. In contrast to a large volume of literature on the health benefits of black currant, limited evidence on antitumor effects of black currant exists with virtually no data on the prevention of experimental carcinogenesis. In the current study, we have investigated the chemopreventive effects of an anthocyanin-rich black currant skin extract (BCSE) utilizing our well-characterized model of rat liver carcinogenesis. Initiation of hepatocarcinogenesis was done by intraperitoneal injection of diethylnitrosamine (DENA) followed by promotion with phenobarbital. The rats were exposed to dietary BCSE for 4 weeks prior to initiation, and the treatment was continued for 22 consecutive weeks. BCSE dose-dependently decreased the incidence, total number, multiplicity, size and volume of preneoplastic hepatic nodules. The antihepatocarcinogenic effect of BCSE was confirmed by histopathological examination of liver sections. Immunohistochemical analysis of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and DNA fragmentation revealed BCSE-mediated inhibition of abnormal cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis in DENA-induced rat liver tumorigenesis respectively. Mechanistic studies revealed that BCSE-mediated proapototic signal during experimental hepatocarcinogenesis may be propagated via the up-regulation of Bax and down-regulation of Bcl-2 expression at the translational level. These results along with a safety profile of BCSE encourage the development of black currant bioactive constituents as chemopreventive agents for human liver cancer.

Creatine is a naturally occurring compound that is synthesized endogenously and is present in a meat eaters diet. It is stored in abundance in skeletal muscle, where it exists in free and phosphorylated forms and plays a pivotal role in maintaining a high adenosine triphosphate:adenosine diphosphate ratio during intense contraction. Fatigue development during short-term maximal exercise has been associated with the inability of skeletal muscle to maintain this ratio, at least partly because of phosphocreatine depletion. Ingestion of creatine monohydrate in solution at a rate of 20 g/day for 5 to 6 days has been shown to increase muscle total creatine concentration by approximately 25 mmobkg dry mass in man, but the variation between subjects is large. After this initial loading phase, muscle stores can be maintained by ingesting 2 g/day. A positive relationship has since been demonstrated between muscle creatine uptake and improvements in pe$ormance during repeated bouts of maximal exercise and rates of phosphocreatine resynthesis during recovery from maximal exercise. The mechanism by which improvements in maximal exercise pe$ormance are achieved following creatine ingestion possibly relates to an increase in phosphocreatine concentration, specifically in Type II muscle fibres, maintaining adenosine triphosphate resynthesis during exercise. Recently, muscle creatine accumulation has been shown to be substantially increased by combining creatine supplementation with carbohydrate ingestion, elevating muscle creatine concentration in all subjects close to the upper limit of 160 mmobkg dm. Creatine supplementation should be viewed as a significant development in sports-related nutrition.

Dietary risk factors for cardiometabolic health are generally well recognised; for mental health they are not so well understood. However lifestyle risk factors for poor physical health are the same risk factors for mental illness, including poor diet. This is reflected by the high level of poor physical health in people with mental illness. Mediterranean, whole food diets have been associated with reduced risk for chronic disease but very little research has investigated their mental health benefits. We provide a model for the pathways by which food components provided by a Mediterranean-style diet can facilitate healthy brain function. We then review evidence for the role of selected nutrients/food components -antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins -in the brain and hence modulation of cognitive function and mental health. Converging evidence indicates multiple pathways by which these nutrients can assist in brain function, drawing from studies investigating them in isolation. There is very little work done on synergistic actions of nutrients and whole diets, highlighting a need for human intervention studies investigating benefits of Mediterranean-style diets for mental, as well as cardiometabolic health.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of creatine supplementation on performance and body composition of swimmers. Eighteen swimmers were evaluated in terms of post-performance lactate accumulation, body composition, creatine and creatinine excretion, and serum creatinine concentrations before and after creatine or placebo supplementation. No significant differences were observed in the marks obtained in swimming tests after supplementation, although lactate concentrations were higher in placebo group during this period. In the creatine-supplemented group, urinary creatine, creatinine, and body mass, lean mass and body water were significantly increased, but no significant difference in muscle or bone mass was observed. These results suggest that creatine supplementation cannot be considered to be an ergogenic supplement ensuring improved performance and muscle mass gain in swimmers.

The concentrations of total protein, albumin and retinol-binding protein, a major transport protein for vitamin A, are significantly decreased by protein-calorie malnutrition. Weight-loss diets, sometimes involving severe energy deficits over prolonged periods of time, are common in the United States. The effect, if any, of prolonged low calorie weight-loss diets with normal intakes of protein on albumin, total protein and retinol-binding protein concentrations (and potentially on vitamin A metabolism) had not been extensively studied. We measured total protein, albumin, apo + holo retinol-binding protein and holo-free-and holo-transthyretin-bound retinol-binding protein concentrations during the course of a nutritionally adequate weight-loss diet (50% calorie restriction). We found that this type of dieting did not affect total protein, albumin or apo + holo, holo-free or holo-transthretin-bound retinol-binding protein concentrations significantly. This suggests that protein intake is more critical than caloric intake for retinol-binding protein status.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains are characterized by extensive oxidative stress. Additionally, large depositions of amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) are observed, and many researchers opine that Abeta is central to the pathogenesis of AD. Our laboratory combined these two observations in a comprehensive model for neurodegeneration in AD brains centered around Abeta-induced oxidative stress. Given the oxidative stress in AD and its potentially important role in neurodegeneration, considerable research has been conducted on the use of antioxidants to slow or reverse the pathology and course of AD. One source of antioxidants is the diet. This review examines the literature of the effects of endogenous and exogenous, nutritionally-derived antioxidants in relation to AD. In particular, studies of glutathione and other SH-containing antioxidants, vitamins, and polyphenolic compounds and their use in AD and modulation of Abeta-induced oxidative stress and neurotoxicity are reviewed.

Background: Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) belong to the family of Cyperaceae and the order of Commelinalis. It has been existing for more than 4,000 years ago. Objective: To determine the nutritional composition (protein, fat, fiber, ash, moisture and carbohydrate) of nut, to extract and characterize oil from varieties of tiger nuts, to determine the mineral elements presence in the nut. Study Design: A descriptive research design was adopted by this study to determine the nutritional composition (protein, fat, fiber, ash, moisture and carbohydrate) of nut, to extract and characterize oil from varieties of tiger nuts and to determine the mineral elements presence in the nut. Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted at Original Research Article Gadanya et al.; AJRB, 8(1): 11-21, 2021; Article no.AJRB.63751 12 Methods: The Proximate compositions were determined using the method describe by Association of official analytical chemist's, while Carbohydrate were determined by difference. The physicochemical properties were determined using the method describe by American oil Chemist's society and Mineral composition were determined. Results: The proximate composition of the yellow variety was moisture (9.48%), ash (2.07%), fat (33.5%), protein (6.11%), crude fibre (17.5%) and carbohydrate (31.2%). Corresponding values of the brown variety was moisture (9.62%), ash (2.76%), fat (34.2%), protein (6.93%), crude fibre (15.3%) and carbohydrate (30.9%) respectively. The extracted oil has a golden colour and a nutty taste. The saponification, acid, peroxide, iodine and free fatty acid values of the yellow variety were found to be 210.8±4.28, 3.17±0.64, 1.00±0.52, 78.7±13.1 and 0.40±0.21 and the saponification, acid, peroxide, iodine and free fatty acid values of the yellow variety were also found to be 212.2±4.92, 3.36±0.56, 1.06±0.75, 76.5±14.6 and 0.42±0.04 and was not significantly (P> 0.05) different between th yellow and brown varieties respectively. The mineral element (mg/100g) of the brown variety is Mg 133.67, P 527.33, K 957.67, Ca 394, Cu 2.0 and Fe 1.86. Corresponding values for the yellow variety are Mg 118.13, P 159.61, K 384.33, Ca 152, Cu 2.0 and Fe 1.04. Lead and Cadmium were not detected in both varieties. Conclusion: These results indicate that tiger nut tuber oil could be a good source of edible oil, highly nutritive and can provide a lot of energy like some starchy food.

Epidemiological studies have described the beneficial effects of dietary polyphenols (flavonoids) on the reduction of the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer. Moreover, it has been shown that flavonoids, such as quercetin in apples, epigallocatechin-3-gallate in green tea and genistein in soya, induce apoptosis. This programmed cell death plays a critical role in physiological functions, but there is underlying dysregulation of apoptosis in numerous pathological situations such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and cancer. At the molecular level, flavonoids have been reported to modulate a number of key elements in cellular signal transduction pathways linked to the apoptotic process (caspases and bcl-2 genes), but that regulation and induction of apoptosis are unclear.

Vasquez A. Review of JAMA Cardiology’s 2018 “Associations of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplement Use with Cardiovascular Disease Risks”. Video presentation (http://www.ichnfm.org/jama2018n3) and official transcript (https://www.academia.edu/35935996) 2018 February.

Several epidemiologic observations show that moderate wine drinking reduces cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Wine contains several polyphenols, and among them, resveratrol in particular has been shown to exert a number of important biologic activities on the cardiovascular system that may contribute to the protective effects of wine. The mechanisms through which resveratrol and other wine polyphenols protect from ischemic cardiovascular events are many, but protection from oxidative stress and radical oxygen species production, a facilitating activity on nitric oxide production and activity and the ability to modulate the expression of adhesive molecules by blood cells and the vascular wall seem to be the most important. In this overview, the in vitro and in vivo evidence on the activity of resveratrol on vascular function and circulating blood cells, with a special emphasis on blood platelets, is thoroughly presented.

"The proximate, functional properties, In-vitro multi enzyme
protein digestibility and amino acid composition of velvet
tamarind (Dalium guineense) pulps were evaluated. The ash,
moisture, crude fat, crude fibre, crude protein and carbohydrate of
the velvet tamarind (Dalium guineense) pulp were: 4.63%, 8.22%,
5.80%, 7.15%, 24.3% and 49.9% respectively. The water and oil
absorption capacities were: 238% and 162% which makes the pulp
exhibit a high water retention capacity. The least gelation
concentration was 17.0% while the foaming capacity and stability
were: 43.5% and 62.2% respectively. The in-vitro protein
digestibility was 66%. Glutamic acid was the most concentrated
amino acid with the value of 14.8 mg/g crude protein while
histidine (2.12 mg/g crude protein) was the least concentrated
amino acid. The % total essential amino acid with histidine was
34.2% while the % total essential amino acid with histidine was
60.8%. The calculated isoelectric point was 0.54 while the
predicted protein efficiency ratio (P-PER*) was 2.62."

The effect of dietary soy protein and flaxseed meal on metabolic parameters was studied in two animal models, F344 rats with normal lipid levels and obese SHR/N-cp rats with elevated levels of cholesterol and triglyceride. The rats were fed AIN 93 diet differing only in the source of ...

Shea butter is the fat extracted from the nut of Africa Shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). It is used in cosmetic formulations and as a substitute for Cocoa butter in chocolate industries. It is edible and used cooking fat in Africa. The saponifiable fraction of Shea butter is composed primarily of stearic and oleic acids with lesser amounts of palmitic, linoleic and arachidic acids while the unsaponifiable fraction of Shea butter is composed of bioactive substances that are responsible for Shea butter’s medicinal properties. Shea butter is a solid at room temperature and melts at body temperature. It is therefore useful for skin care as it has sun screening properties and acts as an emollient and skin moisturizer. Topical use of Shea butter has also demonstrated anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. Dietary intake of Shea butter has hypocholesterolemic effect and reduces serum and organ protein concentrations.

Intestinal function in young animals is influenced by maternal factors, such as alterations in the maternal diet. Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) enhances intestinal growth and absorption in mature animals. Glucocorticosteroids induce intestinal maturation in neonates and increase sugar uptake in adult animals. It is not known if maternally administered GLP-2 or glucocorticosteroids have persistent effects on intestinal transport in the offspring. This study was undertaken to determine (1) the influence of maternal GLP-2, dexamethasone (DEX) and GLP-2+DEX on intestinal sugar uptake in postweanling offspring and (2) if alterations in uptake are due to variations in intestinal morphology, sugar transporter abundance or the abundance of selected signals. Nursing rat dams were treated during pregnancy and lactation with GLP-2 (0.1 Ag/g per day sc), DEX (0.128 Ag/g per day sc), GLP-2+DEX or placebo. The offspring were sacrificed 4 weeks after weaning, and glucose and fructose uptake was determined using an in vitro intestinal ring uptake technique. sodium-dependent glucose transporter, glucose transporter (GLUT) 5, GLUT2, sodium potassium adenosine triphosphatase and selected signals were assessed by immunohistochemistry. The treatments did not affect body weights or intestinal morphology. GLP-2 and GLP-2+DEX increased jejunal fructose uptake, and GLP-2+DEX increased the jejunal and ileal maximal transport rate for glucose uptake. Protein kinase B and mammalian target of rapamycin abundance were also increased, while transporter abundance was unchanged. We speculate that these alterations in sugar uptake may be due to changes in the intrinsic activity of the transporters mediated by the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase pathway. These alterations in uptake may have nutritional implications for the offspring of mothers who may be treated with GLP-2 or glucocorticosteroids. D

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of procyanidin intake on the level of inflammatory mediators in rats fed a hyperlipidic diet, which are a model of low-grade inflammation as they show an altered cytokine production. Design: Male Zucker Fa/fa rats were randomly grouped to receive a low-fat (LF) diet, a high-fat (HF) diet or a high-fat diet supplemented with procyanidins from grape seed (HFPE) (3.45 mg/kg feed) for 19 weeks and were then euthanized. We determined biochemical parameters, C-reactive protein (CRP) and IL-6 levels in plasma. Adipose tissue depots and body weight were also determined. We assessed CRP, IL-6, TNF-α and adiponectin gene expression in liver and white adipose tissue (WAT). Results: As expected, rats fed the HF diet show an enhanced production of CRP. Our results demonstrate that the HFPE diet decreases rat plasma CRP levels but not IL-6 levels. The decrease in plasma CRP in HFPE rats is related to a down-regulation of CRP mRNA expression in the liver and mesenteric WAT. We have also shown a decrease in the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in the mesenteric WAT. In contrast, adiponectin mRNA is increased in this tissue due to the procyanidin treatment.

Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, is a fundamental cause of frailty, functional decline and disability. In the year 2000, $18.5 billion in health care costs were directly attributable to sarcopenia. This economic burden will increase dramatically as the elderly population grows over the next decade. The primary causes of sarcopenia include a sedentary lifestyle and malnutrition.

The effects of feeding two milk products (skim milk and skim milk yogurt) and two proposed hypocholesterolemic factors (orotic acid and uric acid) on serum cholesterol (HDL, LDL, total, HDL/ Total and HDL/LDL), liver lipids (total liver lipids and liver cholesterol), and aortal cholesterol were studied. Ten groups, of nine rats each, were fed isocaloric Chow-based diets containing water, 45% skim milk (SM), 45% skim milk yogurt (SMY), and 0.0025% orotic acid (OA) or 0.001% uric acid (UA), without or with cholesterol. The SM diet (with cholesterol) resulted not only in lower total cholesterol (P < 0.10), LDL cholesterol (P < 0.05), aortal cholesterol (P < 0.01), and liver cholesterol (P < 0.I0), but also in increased HDL (P < 0.05) and HDL/LDL (P < 0.10) cholesterol ratio. The SMY diet, on the other hand, resulted in lowered total serum cholesterol (P < 0.05) and aortal cholesterol (P < 0.01) and in higher LDL (P < 0.05) cholesterol. The hypocholesterolemic effects were more marked for SM than for SMY. Addition of OA and UA to diets increased serum cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and total liver lipids; the OA diet also increased liver cholesterol. Neither OA nor UA alone was the factor responsible for the hypocholesterolemic effects seen with SM and SMY feeding.

Diabetes mellitus is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and low-grade systemic inflammation, mediated by oxidative stress, may play a central role. Caloric restriction (CR) has been reported to be effective in reducing oxidative stress during diabetes and moderating the expression of some markers of inflammation that are up-regulated during aging. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: nondiabetic feeding ad libitum and under CR, and diabetic feeding ad libitum and under CR. The animals were subjected to 30% CR and ad libitum feeding for 9 weeks before the induction of diabetes by intraperitoneal injection with 35 mg/kg body weight streptozotocin. The inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1h, IL-4 and IL-6] and tumor necrosis factor a up-regulated in diabetes were found to be significantly depressed by CR, whereas the antiinflammatory mediators, haptoglobin and IL-10 levels, were increased. These results indicated that CR could prevent diabetic complications through suppression of inflammatory responses. D

The endothelium is involved in many of the processes related to the development of atherosclerosis, which is considered an inflammatory disease. Actually, traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis predispose to endothelial dysfunction, which is manifested as increase in the expression of specific cytokines and adhesion molecules. There is firm evidence supporting the beneficial effects of olive oil, as the most genuine component of the Mediterranean diet. Although the effects of olive oil and other oleic acid-rich dietary oils on atherosclerosis and plasma lipids are well-known, the roles of minor components have been less investigated. Minor components constitute only 1-2% of virgin olive oil and are comprised of hydrocarbons, polypohenols, tocopherols, sterols, triterpenoids, as well as other components usually found in traces. Despite their low concentration, non-fatty acid constituents may be of importance, since studies comparing monounsaturated dietary oils have reported different effects on cardiovascular disease. Most of these compounds have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic properties. In the present review we summarize the current knowledge on the effects of these compounds contained in virgin olive oil on vascular dysfunction and the mechanisms by which they modulate endothelial activity. Such mechanisms involve the release of nitric oxide (NO), eicosanoids (protaglandins and leukotrienes) and adhesion molecules, in most cases by activation of nuclear factor κB (NFκB) by reactive oxygen species (ROS).

We previously developed an in vitro model to estimate the relative bioavailability of carotenoids from a meal prepared using commercial baby foods. The general applicability of this model was tested using a stir-fried meal consisting of fresh spinach, fresh carrots, tomato paste, and vegetable oil. After in vitro digestion of the cooked meal, the aqueous fraction was separated from residual oil droplet and solids by centrifugation to quantify micellarized carotenoids. The percentages of lutein, lycopene, ␣-carotene, and ␤-carotene transferred from the meal to the micellar fraction were 29.0 Ϯ 0.6, 3.2 Ϯ 0.1, 14.7 Ϯ 0.3, and 16.0 Ϯ 0.4, respectively. Carotenoid transfer from the meal to the aqueous fraction was inhibited when bile extract was omitted from the intestinal phase of digestion. The bioavailability of the micellarized carotenoids was validated using differentiated cultures of Caco-2 human intestinal cells. All four carotenoids were accumulated in a linear manner throughout a 6-hr incubation period. Metabolic integrity was not compromised by exposure of cultures to the diluted aqueous fraction from the digested meal. The addition of 500 mol/L ␣-tocopherol to test medium significantly improved the stability of the micellar carotenoids within the tissue culture environment. These results support the utility of the in vitro digestion procedure for estimating the bioavailability of carotenoids from foods and meals. (J. Nutr.

During normal cellular activities, various processes inside of cells produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). Some of the most common ROS are hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), superoxide ion (O 2 À ), and hydroxide radical (OH À ). These compounds, when present in a high enough concentration, can damage cellular proteins and lipids or form DNA adducts that may promote carcinogenic activity. The purpose of antioxidants in a physiological setting is to prevent ROS concentrations from reaching a high-enough level within a cell that damage may occur. Cellular antioxidants may be enzymatic (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase) or nonenzymatic (glutathione, thiols, some vitamins and metals, or phytochemicals such as isoflavones, polyphenols, and flavanoids).

Consumption of tea (Camellia sinensis) improves vascular function and is linked to lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. Endothelial nitric oxide is the key regulator of vascular functions in endothelium. In this study, we establish that L-theanine, a non-protein amino-acid found in tea, promotes nitric oxide (NO) production in endothelial cells. L-theanine potentiated NO production in endothelial cells was evaluated using Griess reaction, NO sensitive electrode and a NO specific fluorescent probe (4-amino-5-methylamino-2',7'-difluororescein diacetate). L-Theanine induced NO production was partially attenuated in presence of L-NAME or L-NIO and completely abolished using eNOS siRNA. eNOS activation was Ca 2 + and Akt independent, as assessed by fluo-4AM and immunoblotting experiments, respectively and was associated with phosphorylation of eNOS Ser 1177. eNOS phosphorylation was inhibited in the presence of ERK1/2 inhibitor, PD-98059 and partially inhibited by PI3K inhibitor, LY-294002 and Wortmanin suggesting PI3K-ERK1/2 dependent pathway. Increased NO production was associated with vasodilation in ex ovo (chorioallantoic membrane) model. These results demonstrated that L-theanine administration in vitro activated ERK/ eNOS resulting in enhanced NO production and thereby vasodilation in the artery. The results of our experiments are suggestive of L-theanine mediated vascular health benefits of tea.

Honey in in great triumph on the trmendous using since the ancient times of the world history. The intent of this study was to hit upon the nutrition facts of mustard honey available in Bangladesh. Results divulged that there were found 14.36 ± 0.04% moisture, 0.19 ± 0.001% ash, 84.346% total carbohydrate and 71% TSS in mustard honey. It is a matter of great boost that none can jeer at the including this honey in diet planning in nutrition counseling as its (E d) n was found 307.63 Kcal / 100 g contributing 34.181Kcal / 100 g DIT level in human physiology.

Damnacanthal, an anthraquinone compound, is isolated from the roots of Morinda citrifolia L. (noni), which has been used for traditional therapy in several chronic diseases including cancer. Although noni has been consumed for a long time in Asian and Polynesian countries, the molecular mechanisms by which it exerts several benefits are starting to emerge. In this report, we examined systematic approaches on the cancer-suppressing capability of damnacanthal in colorectal tumorigenesis. Damnacanthal exhibits cell growth arrest as well as caspase activity induction in colorectal cancer cells. We also examined several potential target proteins and found that the proapoptotic protein nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory activated gene-1 (NAG-1) is highly induced. Subsequently, we have found that damnacanthal also enhances transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ), which controls NAG-1 transcriptional activity. Blocking of C/EBPβ by shRNA results in the reduction of NAG-1 expression as well as caspase activity in the presence of damnacanthal. Taken together, these results indicate that damnacanthal increases antitumorigenic activity in human colorectal cancer cells and that C/EBPβ plays a role in damnacanthal-induced NAG-1 expression.

Hypercholesterolemia is a clinical situation characterized by the elevated serum cholesterol and associated with the higher risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension and stroke. Though current therapeutic strategies of hypercholesterolemia meet the present treatment demand but their efficacy is in question as well as the emergence of medicinal resistance. Demand of new therapeutic strategies is obvious while alternative therapeutic strategies are highly promising. Alternative therapeutic approaches are must in that respect but current experimental findings are still ambiguous and scarce. Several transcription factors playing vital role in cholesterol homeostasis and hypercholesterolemia change their expression profile in response to dietary polyphenols like PPARs, SREBPs, SHP, LXR, FXR etc. Function and expression of a number of proteins considered as therapeutically important regarding hypercholesterolemia like HMG-CoA reductase, CYP7A1, CETP, ABCA1 etc. are modulated by the dietary polyphenols. Experimental paradigm lacks to show the effect of polyphenols in metabolite profile under hypercholesterolemia. Therefore, alternative therapeutic approaches of the hypercholesterolemia under the shade of nutrigenomics by dietary bioactive like polyphenols should be focused and flourished for development of more efficient, highly specific and natural therapeutic approaches.

The correlation between decreased morbidity and mortality of cancer and exposure to sunlight is known. The many biological functions of vitamin D that contribute to cancer prevention have only recently begun to be appreciated. Once activated 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH) 2 D 3 ] functions as a potent inhibitor of normal and cancer cellular proliferation. Vitamin D deficiency in mice led to a 60% increase in colon tumor growth, compared to vitamin D-sufficient mice. The ligand binding domain of the Vitamin D receptor was shown to accommodate a class of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 -analogs that possess an additional side-arm. These novel Gemini analogs were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Select Gemini analogs were 100 times or more effective in inhibiting colon tumor growth in mice, compared to their parent compound. Correcting vitamin D deficiency may decrease the risk of developing colon cancer, while the novel Gemini 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 -analogs have the potential for therapeutic application in human colon cancer.

The interrelationship between physical exercise, antioxidant supplementation, oxidative stress and plasma levels of homocysteine (Hcy) has not been adequately examined. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of 2 months of vitamin E supplementation (800 IU/day alpha-tocopherol) (E) or placebo (P) in 38 triathletes on plasma Hcy concentrations, antioxidant potential and oxidative stress. It was hypothesized that vitamin E supplementation would reduce plasma Hcy and oxidative stress markers compared to placebo. Blood samples were collected 1 day prior to the race, immediately postrace and 1.5 h postrace. Plasma alpha-tocopherol was 75% higher ( P b.001) in E versus P prerace (24.1F1.1 and 13.8F1.1 Amol/L, respectively), and this group difference was maintained throughout the race. Cortisol was significantly increased in both E and P ( P b.001), but there was no difference in the pattern of change. There were no significant time, group or interaction effects on plasma Hcy concentrations between E and P. Plasma F 2 -isoprostanes increased 181% versus 97% during the race in E versus P, and lipid hydroperoxides were significantly elevated ( P = .009) 1.5 h postrace in E versus P. Plasma antioxidant potential was significantly higher 1.5 h postrace in E versus P ( P = .039). This study indicates that prolonged large doses of alpha-tocopherol supplementation did not affect plasma Hcy concentrations and exhibited pro-oxidant characteristics in highly trained athletes during exhaustive exercise. D

Background: Nutrition affects virtually everything in the life of an organism, including cognitive abilities, at the level of learning and memory. The brain being a metabolically active tissue is prone to lipid peroxidation which affects cognitive functions. Despite the well documented nutritional and medicinal values of Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) and Talinum triangulare (water leaf), their neurochemical impact through learning and memory are yet to be fully elucidated. Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the neurochemical impact of the aqueous extracts of Vernonia amygdalina and Talinum triangulare on cognitive function in male Wistar rats. Methods: Twenty one male Wistar rats (175.83 ± 6.92g), were randomly assigned into three groups A, B, and C (n=7 per group); Vernonia amygdalina, Talinum triangulare and Control (Saline) groups respectively. They were treated with 2ml/100g BW of the extracts every other day for thirty days. Twenty four (24) hours after the last administration, rats were subjected to learning and memory assays for one week, thereafter, brain tissue was homogenized and assayed for cholinergic activity, while blood samples were taken and used for biochemical parameters. Results: There was a significant increase in body weight of treated rats relative to control. Vernonia group A; 176.5±4.6, Talinum group B; 161.8±2.9 and the Control group C; 150.8±16.5g respectively (p < 0.05). The treated rats spent more time in the light compartment of the Shuttle box in the learning and memory assays. Both extracts exhibited hypoglycemic effect, however, only Vernonia enhanced a significant increase in brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Conclusion: Vernonia amygdalina and Talinum triangulare enhanced learning and memory via modulation of brain cholinergic neurotransmission. Hence, as a future directed study, their neuroprotective effect in brain cell death inhibition is recommended.

Muscle growth mechanisms are controlled by different cellular and molecular pathways, and dietary supplemen-tation of nucleotides (NTs) may play an important role to influence such pathways in fish. In this study, we hypothesized that dietary supplementation of inosine monophosphate (IMP) would enhance cellular muscle growth, and upregulate growth-related gene expression in juvenile Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. Five isonitrogenous (40% crude protein) and isocaloric (20.3 KJ/g diet) test diets were formulated by supplementing 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8% IMP in casein and fishmeal based semi-purified diet. Triplicate groups of juvenile Nile ti-lapia (0.59 ± 0.1 g) were stocked in 15 fiberglass tanks (150 L capacity), arranged in a simple biological filters-based closed system, with stocking density of 25 individuals per tank. The feed was applied at a daily feeding rate of 10% body weight (BW) initially and reduced to 5% BW finally for 60 days. Treatments results were compared using ANOVA (α = 0.05). At 60th day (60 D), final body weight of fish fed with 0.2–0.8% IMP were significantly higher than that of fish fed without IMP supplemented diet. At 60 D, both the hyperplastic (diameter class 10 = ≤10 μm) and hypertrophic (diameter class 60 = 50 N d ≤ 60 μm and class 70 = d N 60 μm) muscle fiber frequency were significantly higher in 0.2–0.8% IMP supplemented diets compared to 0–0.1% IMP supplemented diet. Two-way ANOVA result demonstrated that the pituitary GH, hepatic IGF-1 and GHR-1, and muscle-specific MyoD, myogenin and Pax7 gene expression were upregulated in fish fed with 0.2–0.8% IMP compared to the fish fed without IMP supplemented diet. However, hepatic IGF-2 and myostatin gene expression were not significantly affected by the dietary treatments. Real-time PCR data also demonstrated that myostatin gene expression was downregulated and all other gene expression were upregulated at the end of feeding trial (60 D) compared to the initial period (1 D). The results of the present study indicated that IMP supplementation enhanced the muscle growth by promoting hyperplasia and hypertrophy, and upregulating the growth-related gene expression in Nile tilapia. In conclusion, IMP is a potential feed additive and supplementation of ≥0.2% IMP is the most effective for enhancing growth of Nile Tilapia. Statement of relevance:-In most cases, fish growth was analyzed by calculating the increase in size or weight of fish. However, fish/mus-cle growth are controlled by different cellular and molecular pathways, which are poorly studied areas in aquaculture and nutritional studies. A research was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of inosine monophosphate on: (1) cellular muscle growth characteristics, and (2) expression of major growth-related genes (GH, GHR-1, IGFs, MRFs, Pax7 and myostatin) in juvenile Nile tilapia. This research will help to understand the reason behind the improved growth or production of fish with a specific nutrient or diet.

Dietary soy isoflavones including genistein and daidzein have been shown to have favorable effects during estrogen deficiency in experimental animals and humans. We have evaluated osteogenic effect of cladrin and formononetin, two structurally related methoxydaidzeins found in soy food and other natural sources. Cladrin, at as low as 10 nM, maximally stimulated both osteoblast proliferation and differentiation by activating MEK-Erk pathway. On the other hand, formononetin maximally stimulated osteoblast differentiation at 100 nM that involved p38 MAPK pathway but had no effect on osteoblast proliferation. Unlike daidzein, these two compounds neither activated estrogen receptor in osteoblast nor had any effect on osteoclast differentiation. Daily oral administration of each of these compounds at 10.0 mg kg −1 day −1 dose to recently weaned female Sprague-Dawley rats for 30 consecutive days, increased bone mineral density at various anatomic positions studied. By dynamic histomorphometry of bone, we observed that rats treated with cladrin exhibited increased mineral apposition and bone formation rates compared with control, while formononetin had no effect. Cladrin had much better plasma bioavailability compared with formononetin. None of these compounds exhibited estrogen agonistic effect in uteri. Our data suggest that cladrin is more potent among the two in promoting parameters of peak bone mass achievement, which could be attributed to its stimulatory effect on osteoblast proliferation and better bioavailability. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to elucidate structure-activity relationship between the methoxylated forms of daidzein and their osteogenic effects.

Polyphenols are wide variety of compounds that occur in fruits and vegetables, wine, tea, extra virgin olive oil, chocolate and other cocoa products. Several polyphenols have been demonstrated to have clear antioxidant properties in vitro, and many of their biological actions have been attributed to their intrinsic reducing capabilities. However, this concept appears now to be a simplistic way to conceive their activity. Evidence is indeed accumulating that polyphenols might exert several other specific biological effects that are as yet poorly understood. In this article we review the most recent data on the subject and describe the additional functions that polyphenols can have in biological systems, focusing on their effects on glutathione and its related enzymes. Experimental data indicate that polyphenols may offer an indirect protection by activating endogenous defense systems. Several lines of evidence suggest a tight connection between exogenous and endogenous antioxidants that appear to act in a coordinated fashion. It is reasonable to hypothesize that this is achieved, at least in part, through antioxidant responsive elements (AREs) present in the promoter regions of many of the genes inducible by oxidative and chemical stress. The latest studies strongly suggest that dietary polyphenols can stimulate antioxidant transcription and detoxification defense systems through ARE. D

We have recently shown that type of supplemented simple sugar, not merely calorie intake, determines adverse effects on metabolism and aortic endothelial function in female rats. The aim of the current study was to investigate and compare the effects of high consumption of glucose or fructose on mesenteric arterial reactivity and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Sprague-Dawley female rats were supplemented with 20% w/v glucose or fructose in drinking water for 8 weeks. Here, we show that both sugars alter insulin signaling in mesenteric arteries (MA), assessed by a reduction in phosphorylated Akt, and increase in SBP. Furthermore, ingestion of glucose or fructose enhances inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and contractile responses to endothelin and phenylephrine in MA of rats. The endothelium-dependent vasodilation to acetylcholine and bradykinin as well as the relaxation responses to the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside are impaired in MA of fructose- but not g...

Many human milk glycoconjugates (glycolipids, glycoproteins, mucins, glycosaminoglycans) and oligosaccharides are biologically active, and their activity depends on the precise structure of the glycan. The sugars on the terminus of the glycan are vulnerable to cleavage by glycosidases. Because glycoconjugates incubate together with endogenous glycosidases in the breast between feedings, and in expressed milk during storage, the presence and activity of glycosidases in human milk was investigated. ␣-L-Fucosidase, ␣-D-galactosidase, ␤-D-galactosidase, ␤-D-glucosidase, N-acetyl-␤-hexosaminidase, ␤-D-glucuronidase, and neuraminidase were measured in milk samples from 4 donors by use of synthetic fluorogenic glycosides; fucosidase and hexosaminidase displayed the highest activity. The catabolic activity of the major glycosidases was confirmed by measuring the corresponding free sugars in milk. Free fucose, N-acetylneuraminic acid, and N-acetylhexosamines were measured and their identities were confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Incubation of samples for 16 hr at 37°C and 20°C, but not at 4°C, resulted in time-dependent increases in the amount of free fucose, N-acetylneuraminic acid, and N-acetylhexosamines, consistent with their enzymatic release by the endogenous glycosidases. Stored frozen milk had the same levels of these sugars as did samples analyzed immediately after collection, indicating that glycosidases are inactive in the frozen milk. Samples analyzed immediately after collection contained only small amounts of free sugars, suggesting that glycoconjugate degradation during the typical residence time of milk in the breast is modest.

It has been reported that dietary energy restriction, including intermittent fasting (IF), can protect heart and brain cells against injury and improve functional outcome in animal models of myocardial infarction and stroke. Here we report that IF improves glycemic control and protects the myocardium against ischemia-induced cell damage and inflammation in rats. Echocardiographic analysis of heart structural and functional variables revealed that IF attenuates the growth-related increase in posterior ventricular wall thickness, , end systolic and diastolic volumes, and reduces the ejection fraction. The size of the ischemic infarct 24 hours following permanent ligation of a coronary artery was significantly smaller, and markers of inflammation (infiltration of leukocytes in the area at risk and plasma IL-6 levels) were less, in IF rats compared to rats on the control diet. IF resulted in increased levels of circulating adiponectin prior to and after myocardial infarction. Because recent studies have shown that adiponectin can protect the heart against ischemic injury, our findings suggest a potential role for adiponectin as a mediator of the cardioprotective effect of IF.

The aim of this study was to compare the hypocholesterolemic and antioxidant effects of two diets supplemented with dry persimmon in rats fed cholesterol (C). Three groups of male Wistar rats each of 13 animals during 4 weeks were fed different diets: the control group (CG)-semipurified diet with 1% of C and two experimental groups (EG1) and (EG2)-the same diet fortified with 7% of dry persimmon peel and dry persimmon pulp, respectively. In animals of all three groups before and after the 4-week trial period total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides (TG), and lipid peroxides (LP) were examined. After the completion of the experiment a statistically significant increase in plasma TC and LDL-C in all three groups was found. In the animals of EG1 this increase was statistically less significant than in CG (P Ͻ 0.05 and P Ͻ 0.025 for TC and LDL-C, respectively). A statistically significant increase in the level of HDL-C was observed. The smallest one was in EG1. But only in the EG1 the HDL-C/TC ratio was increased more significantly (from 0.56 to 0.59). In EG1 a statistically less significant increase in LP than in CG (P Ͻ 0.01) was registered.

In spite of the wide literature describing the biological effects of phenolic compounds, scarce data are available on their absorption from diet. In the present work, we studied the absorption in humans of phenolic acids from beer, a common beverage rich in different phenolic acids with related chemical structures. Beer was analyzed for free and total (free+bound) phenolic acids. Ferulic, caffeic and sinapic acids were present in beer mainly as bound forms, while 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid and p-coumaric acid were present mainly as free forms. Vanillic acid was present equally in the free and bound forms. Plasma samples were collected before and 30 and 60 min after beer administration and analyzed for free and conjugated phenolic acid content. A significant two-to fourfold increase in plasma levels of phenolic acids was detected with peak concentrations at 30 min after beer ingestion. 4-Hydroxyphenylacetic acid was present in plasma mainly as nonconjugated forms while p-coumaric acid was present equally as nonconjugated and conjugated forms. Ferulic, vanillic and caffeic acids were present in plasma predominantly as conjugated forms, with a slight prevalence of sulfates with respect to glucuronates. Our results indicate that phenolic acids from beer are absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and are present in blood after being largely metabolized to the form of glucuronide and sulfate conjugates. The extent of conjugation is related to the chemical structure of phenolic acids: the monohydroxy derivatives showing the lowest conjugation degree and the dihydroxy derivatives showing the highest one.

We investigated the changes in adiposity, cardiovascular and liver structure and function, and tissue fatty acid compositions in response to oleic acid-rich macadamia oil, linoleic acid-rich safflower oil and α-linolenic acid-rich flaxseed oil (C18 unsaturated fatty acids) in rats fed either a diet high in simple sugars and mainly saturated fats or a diet high in polysaccharides (cornstarch) and low in fat. The fatty acids induced lipid redistribution away from the abdomen, more pronounced with increasing unsaturation; only oleic acid increased whole-body adiposity. Oleic acid decreased plasma total cholesterol without changing triglycerides and nonesterified fatty acids, whereas linoleic and α-linolenic acids decreased plasma triglycerides and nonesterified fatty acids but not cholesterol. α-Linolenic acid improved left ventricular structure and function, diastolic stiffness and systolic blood pressure. Neither oleic nor linoleic acid changed the left ventricular remodeling induced by high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet, but both induced dilation of the left ventricle and functional deterioration in low fat-diet-fed rats. α-Linolenic acid improved glucose tolerance, while oleic and linoleic acids increased basal plasma glucose concentrations. Oleic and α-linolenic acids, but not linoleic acid, normalized systolic blood pressure. Only oleic acid reduced plasma markers of liver damage. The C18 unsaturated fatty acids reduced trans fatty acids in the heart, liver and skeletal muscle with lowered stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 activity index; linoleic and α-linolenic acids increased accumulation of their C22 elongated products. These results demonstrate different physiological and biochemical responses to primary C18 unsaturated fatty acids in a rat model of human metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic and vascular abnormalities are implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy. Two principal metabolic defects are altered lipid metabolism resulting from the impairment of delta-6-desaturase, which converts linoleic acid (LA) into gamma linolenic acid (GLA), and reduced nerve Naϩ, Kϩ ATPase activity. This reduction may be caused by a lack of incorporation of (n-6) fatty acids in membrane phospholipids. Because this ubiquitous enzyme maintains the membrane electrical potential and allows repolarization, disturbances in its activity can alter the process of nerve conduction velocity (NCV). We studied the effects of supplementation with GLA (260 mg per day) on NCV, fatty acid phospholipid composition, and Naϩ, Kϩ ATPase activity in streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Six groups of 10 rats were studied. Two groups served as controls supplemented with GLA or sunflower oil (GLA free). Two groups with different durations of diabetes were studied: 6 weeks with no supplementation and 12 weeks supplemented with sunflower oil. To test the ability of GLA to prevent or reverse the effects of diabetes, two groups of diabetic rats were supplemented with GLA, one group for 12 weeks and one group for 6 weeks, starting 6 weeks after diabetes induction. Diabetes resulted in a 25% decrease in NCV (P Ͻ 0.0001), a 45% decrease in Naϩ, Kϩ ATPase activity (P Ͻ 0.0001), and an abnormal phospholipid fatty acid composition. GLA restored NCV both in the prevention and reversal studies and partially restored Naϩ, Kϩ ATPase activity in the preventive treatment group (P Ͻ 0.0001). These effects were accompanied by a modification of phospholipid fatty acid composition in nerve membranes. Overall, the results suggest that membrane fatty acid composition plays a direct role in NCV and confirm the beneficial effect of GLA supplementation in diabetic neuropathy. (J. Nutr. Biochem. 10: 411-420, 1999) . Effect of gamma linolenic acid supplementation on conduction velocity, Na/K ATPase activity and fatty acid phospholipid composition in sciatic nerve of diabetic rats.

Evidence reported from numerous clinical studies over the past decade has revealed an association between increased plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations and cardiovascular disease (CVD). In addition, epidemiological studies have identified an inverse association between blood folate concentrations, folate intake and cardiovascular endpoints, that are independent of homocysteine. Folic acid supplementation can lower plasma tHcy concentrations safely and inexpensively. Furthermore, folic acid can reverse endothelial dysfunction observed in patients with CVD. This reversal in endothelial dysfunction with folic acid has been shown to be independent of plasma tHcy lowering, suggesting that folate has pleiotropic effects on the vasculature other than homocysteine lowering. In vitro evidence demonstrates that 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5MeTHF) the main circulating metabolite of folate, can increase nitric oxide production and can directly scavenge superoxide radicals. The potential beneficial role of folic acid supplements on vascular disease are currently being tested in randomized placebo controlled studies.