Effect of quercetin administration during the first two weeks post-weaning on the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and dyslipidaemia in Sprague Dawley rats fed a high fructose diet.

Hepatic steatosis and dyslipidaemia are associated with excessive fructose consumption. We investigated the effect of quercetin intake during the early pre-weaning period on metabolic dysfunction caused by a high fructose diet. Sprague Dawley rats, 21-day-old, were weaned onto standard rat chow and randomly allocated to four groups which either water or 20% fructose solution to drink with or without quercetin (100 mg/kg body mass). Quercetin was administered for two weeks. Thereafter, rats continued on their respective diets for six weeks without quercetin. Terminally, serum triglyceride concentrations were not significantly different (p > 0.05) between males across groups. However, females receiving quercetin alone had lower serum triglyceride levels than those receiving fructose (p < 0.01). Quercetin increased the incidence of hepatic steatosis in female rats. Quercetin intake in the immediate post-weaning period may prevent hypertriglyceridemia. However, female rats receiving quercetin alone are predisposed to hepatic steatosis associated with a high fructose diet.

A 3D-Printed Biomaterial Scaffold Reinforced with Inorganic Fillers for Bone Tissue Engineering: In Vitro Assessment and In Vivo Animal Studies.

This research aimed to substantiate the potential practicality of utilizing a matrix-like platform, a novel 3D-printed biomaterial scaffold, to enhance and guide host cells' growth for bone tissue regeneration. The 3D biomaterial scaffold was successfully printed using a 3D Bioplotter® (EnvisionTEC, GmBH) and characterized. Osteoblast-like MG63 cells were utilized to culture the novel printed scaffold over a period of 1, 3, and 7 days. Cell adhesion and surface morphology were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy, while cell viability was determined using MTS assay and cell proliferation was evaluated using a Leica microsystem (Leica MZ10 F). The 3D-printed biomaterial scaffold exhibited essential biomineral trace elements that are significant for biological bone (e.g., Ca-P) and were confirmed through energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The microscopy analyses revealed that the osteoblast-like MG63 cells were attached to the printed scaffold surface. The viability of cultured cells on the control and printed scaffold increased over time (p < 0.05); however, on respective days (1, 3, and 7 days), the viability of cultured cells between the two groups was not significantly different (p > 0.05). The protein (human BMP-7, also known as growth factor) was successfully attached to the surface of the 3D-printed biomaterial scaffold as an initiator of osteogenesis in the site of the induced bone defect. An in vivo study was conducted to substantiate if the novel printed scaffold properties were engineered adequately to mimic the bone regeneration cascade using an induced rabbit critical-sized nasal bone defect. The novel printed scaffold provided a potential pro-regenerative platform, rich in mechanical, topographical, and biological cues to guide and activate host cells toward functional regeneration. The histological studies revealed that there was progress in new bone formation, especially at week 8 of the study, in all induced bone defects. In conclusion, the protein (human BMP-7)-embedded scaffolds showed higher regenerative bone formation potential (week 8 complete) compared to the scaffolds without protein (e.g., growth factor; BMP-7) and the control (empty defect). At 8 weeks postimplantation, protein (BMP-7) significantly promoted osteogenesis as compared to other groups. The scaffold underwent gradual degradation and replacement by new bones at 8 weeks in most defects.

ß-sitosterol as an alternative to oxytetracycline: Effect on growth performance, feed intake and utilization efficiency and viscera macromorphometry of Cobb 500 broiler chickens.

Antibiotics are used to fortify broiler chicken feeds as growth promoters. Chronic antibiotic use pollutes the environment and causes the development of antibiotic resistance. Natural alternatives that mimic the properties of antibiotics, without causing health and environmental challenges are required. ß-sitosterol has antimicrobial, antioxidant, digestive and immune system modulating and growth stimulating activities. We evaluated its potential to replace oxytetracycline as a growth-promoter in broiler chicken feeds. Two hundred and forty, one-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were randomly allocated to four diets where ß-sitosterol replaced oxytetracycline at 0 mg/kg (control; fortified with 50 mg/kg oxytetracycline), 500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg and 1500 mg/kg (w/w) feed and fed for 6 weeks: 2 weeks for each growth phase. Each diet was replicated thrice with 20 chicks per replicate. Initial, weekly and terminal body mass (TBM) and daily feed intake (FI) were measured. Body mass gain (BMG), average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio were computed. Terminally, the chickens were fasted for 4 h then slaughtered and dressed. Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and GIT accessory viscera masses and small and large intestine lengths were measured. Dietary fortification with ß-sitosterol had similar effects (P > 0.05) to oxytetracycline on the chickens' TBM, BMG, ADG, FI and utilisation efficiency and GIT organ macromorphometry. In conclusion, ß-sitosterol can replace oxytetracycline in Cobb 500 broiler chicken feeds without compromising growth performance, feed intake and utilisation efficiency and GIT organ growth and development.

Neonatal Oral Administration of Chrysin Prevents Long-Term Development of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in a Sexually Dimorphic Manner in Fructose Nurtured Sprague Dawley Rats.

High-fructose diets are linked with the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the management of which is a burden to society. Interventions with phytochemicals in the early postnatal period may prevent fructose-induced NAFLD later in adulthood. We investigated the protective potential of chrysin against fructose-induced NAFLD. Four-day-old male and female suckling Sprague Dawley rats (N = 112) were randomly grouped and orally gavaged daily with distilled water (negative Control-Cn + W), chrysin(Chr-100 mg/kg), fructose-solution (Fr-20% w/v), and Chr + Fr between postnatal day (PND) 4 and 21 and then weaned onto normal rat chow and plain drinking water to PND 55. From PND 56 to 130, half of the rats continued on plain water, and the rest had Fr as drinking fluid. Terminally, the liver tissue was collected, and the lipid content was determined and histologically assessed for NAFLD. Dietary Fr induced an increased hepatic lipid content (p = 0.0001 vs. Cn + W) both sexes, and it was only attenuated by neonatal Chr in female rats (p < 0.05). Histologically, there was increased microvesicular steatosis (p = 0.0001 vs. Cn + W) in both sexes, and it was prevented by neonatal Chr (p > 0.05). Fr caused macrovesicular steatosis (p = 0.01 vs. Cn + W) in females only, and chrysin did not prevent it (p > 0.05). Fr induced hepatocellular hypertrophy, and inflammation was observed in females only (p = 0.01 vs. Cn + W), and this was prevented by Chr (p > 0.05). The collagen area fraction was increased by Fr (p = 0.02 (males) and p = 0.04 (females) vs. Cn + W, respectively; however, chrysin did not prevent this (p > 0.05). Neonatal chrysin prevented some of the deleterious effects of the high-fructose diet on the liver, suggesting that chrysin should be further explored as a strategic prophylactic neonatal intervention against high-fructose-diet-induced NAFLD.

Neonatal administration of zingerone prevents the subsequent development of high dietary fructose-induced early features of nephropathy in rats.

Excessive consumption of fructose-rich diets in early life stages increases the risk for developing nephropathy in adulthood. We investigated the potential preventive effects of neonatally administered zingerone on the development of dietary fructose-induced nephropathy. Four-day-old suckling male and female rat pups were orally gavaged (10 ml/kg) with: distilled water (Con group), 20% fructose solution (Fru group), 20% fructose solution + 40 mg/kg zingerone in distilled water (ZFru group), or 40 mg/kg of zingerone (Zgr group) for 14 days. Thereafter, Con and Zgr groups continued on plain drinking water while Fru and ZFru groups drank 20% fructose solution ad libitum for 10 weeks. The Fru group had significantly increased plasma concentration of the renal injury marker kidney injury molecule one (KIM-1) and decreased glomerular urinary space area compared to the controls in both sexes (p < 0.05). These alterations were prevented by neonatally administered zingerone. Zingerone administration neonatally is a potential prophylaxis for longterm high-fructose diet-induced nephropathy.

Administration of ursolic acid to new-born pups prevents dietary fructose-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Sprague Dawley rats.

Overconsumption of fructose time dependently induces the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We investigated whether ursolic acid (UA) intake by new-born rats would protect against fructose-induced NAFLD. One hundred and seven male and female Sprague Dawley rat pups were randomly grouped and gavaged (10 ml/kg body weight) with either 0.5% dimethylsulphoxide (vehicle control), 0.05% UA, 50% fructose mixed with UA (0.05%) or 50% fructose alone, from postnatal day 6 (P6) to P20. Post-weaning (P21-P69), the rats received normal rat chow (NRC) and water to drink. On P70, the rats in each group were continued on water or 20% fructose to drink, as a secondary high fructose diet during adulthood. After 8 weeks, body mass, food and fluid intake, circulating metabolites, visceral adiposity, surrogate markers of liver function and indices of NAFLD were determined. Food intake was reduced as a result of fructose feeding in both male and female rats (p < 0.0001). Fructose consumption in adulthood significantly increased fluid intake and visceral adiposity in female rats (p < 0.05) and had no apparent effects in male rats (p > 0.05). In both sexes of rats, fructose had no significant (p > 0.05) effects on body mass, circulating metabolites, total calorie intake and surrogate markers of hepatic function. Fructose consumption in both early life and adulthood in female rats promoted hepatic lipid accumulation (p < 0.001), hypertrophy, microvesicular and macrovesicular steatosis (p < 0.05). Early-life UA intake significantly (p < 0.001) reduced fructose-induced hepatic lipid accumulation in both male and female rats. Administration of UA during periods of developmental plasticity shows prophylactic potential against dietary fructose-induced NAFLD.

The effect of dietary Marula nut meal on the physical properties, proximate and fatty acid content of Japanese quail meat.

Soyabean meal (SBM) is the major dietary protein source for the poultry industry in sub-Saharan Africa. Due to inadequate local soyabean production, alternative protein sources are required. Two hundred 9-day old Japanese quail chicks were randomly allocated to grower diets wherein Marula nut meal (MNM) substituted SBM on a crude protein (CP) basis at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% and fed for 4 weeks, followed by being fed on similarly formulated finisher diets for 2 weeks, and thereafter they were humanely slaughtered and dressed. Initial pH (pHi) and ultimate (pHu), colour, thawing loss (TL), cooking loss (CL), tenderness, proximate and fatty acid (FA) composition of the breast and thigh meat were determined. The results showed that pHi and pHu of meat from carcasses of quail fed diet 1 was lower, but had lighter and less red meat than that from counterparts fed diet 5 (P < 0.01). Dietary MNM had no effect (P>0.05) on TL, CL and tenderness of the meat. The ash content of the meat increased with an increase in dietary MNM, but its CP and fat decreased (P < 0.05). In addition, the total saturated FA content of meat from birds fed diet 4 was lower (P < 0.05) than other counterparts. Meat from birds fed diets 1 and 2 had a lower oleic acid (OA) content in comparison to meat from birds fed diets 3, 4 and 5. MNM can potentially be utilised in quail feeds without compromising the physical and proximate properties of the meat. Also, it can be used to produce lean but OA-rich meat with possible potential health benefits to consumers.

The Potential Therapeutic Value of Medicinal Plants in the Management of Metabolic Disorders.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a prevalent, multifactorial and complex disease that is associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes and other major cardiovascular complications. The rise in the global prevalence of MetS has been attributed to genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. The adoption of sedentary lifestyles that are characterized by low physical activity and the consumption of high-energy diets contributes to MetS development. Current management criteria for MetS risk factors involve changes in lifestyle and the use of pharmacological agents that target specific biochemical pathways involved in the metabolism of nutrients. Pharmaceutical drugs are usually expensive and are associated with several undesirable side effects. Alternative management strategies of MetS risk factors involve the use of medicinal plants that are considered to have multiple therapeutic targets and are easily accessible. Medicinal plants contain several different biologically active compounds that provide health benefits. The impact of phytochemicals present in local medicinal plants on sustainable health and well-being of individuals has been studied for many years and found to involve a plethora of complex biochemical, metabolic, and physiological mechanisms. While some of these phytochemicals are the basis of mainstream prescribed drugs (e.g., metformin, reserpine, quinine, and salicin), there is a need to identify more medicinal plants that can be used for the management of components of MetS and to describe their possible mechanisms of action. In this review, we assess the potential health benefits of South African ethnomedicinal plants in protecting against the development of health outcomes associated with MetS. We aim to provide the state of the current knowledge on the use of medicinal plants and their therapeutically important phytochemicals by discussing the current trends, with critical examples from recent primary references of how medicinal plants are being used in South African rural and urban communities.

ß-Sitosterol Shows Potential to Protect Against the Development of High-Fructose Diet-Induced Metabolic Dysfunction in Female Rats.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a combination of risk factors that include insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. The consumption of high-fructose diets contributes to the development of MetS. ß-sitosterol a naturally occurring phytosterol possesses antiobesogenic and antidiabetic effects. This study evaluated the potential protective effect of ß-sitosterol against the development of metabolic dysfunction in growing female rats fed a high-fructose diet, mimicking children fed obesogenic diets. Thirty-five 21-day-old female Sprague Dawley rat pups were randomly allocated to and administered the following treatments: group 1-standard rat chow (SRC) + plain drinking water (PW) + plain gelatine cube (PC); group 2-SRC + 20% w/w fructose solution (FS) as drinking fluid + PC; group 3-SRC + FS + 100 mg/kg fenofibrate in gelatine cubes; group 4-SRC + FS + 20 mg/kg ß-sitosterol gelatine cube (Bst); and group 5-SRC + PW + Bst. Following 12 weeks of feeding, the rats were fasted overnight, weighed, and then euthanized. Plasma cholesterol, insulin, glucose, triglyceride, and adiponectin concentrations were determined. Visceral fat was dissected out and weighed. The high-fructose diet increased (P < .05) visceral adiposity and plasma triglyceride concentration but decreased (P < .05) plasma adiponectin concentration. ß-sitosterol prevented the high-fructose diet-induced visceral obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypoadiponectinemia. ß-sitosterol alone increased plasma adiponectin concentration and reduced plasma insulin concentration and homeostatic model assessment index. In conclusion, ß-sitosterol could be potentially used to prevent high-fructose diet-induced metabolic dysfunction.

ß-Sitosterol mitigates the development of high-fructose diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in growing male Sprague-Dawley rats.

Fructose contributes to the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). ß-Sitosterol (Bst), a naturally occurring phytosterol, has antihyperlipidaemic and hepatoprotective properties. This study interrogated the potential protective effect of ß-sitosterol against NAFLD in growing rats fed a high-fructose diet, modelling children fed obesogenic diets. Forty-four 21 day old male rat pups were randomly allocated to and administered the following treatments for 12 weeks: group I, standard rat chow (SRC) + plain drinking water (PW) + plain gelatine cube (PC); group II, SRC + 20% w/v fructose solution (FS) as drinking fluid + PC; group III, SRC + FS + 100 mg/kg fenofibrate in a gelatine cube; group IV, SRC + FS + 20 mg/kg ß-sitosterol gelatine cube (Bst); group V, SRC + PW + Bst. Terminally, the livers were dissected out, weighed, total liver lipid content determined, and histological analyses done. Harvested plasma was used to determine the surrogate biomarkers of liver function. The high-fructose diet caused increased (p < 0.05) hepatic lipid (total) accretion (>10% liver mass), micro- and macrovesicular hepatic steatosis, and hepatic inflammation. ß-Sitosterol and fenofibrate prevented the high-fructose diet-induced macrovesicular steatosis and prevented the progression of NAFLD to steatohepatitis. ß-Sitosterol can prospectively be used to mitigate diet-induced NAFLD.

The potential developmental programming effect of oral curcumin on the bone health and plasma total osteocalcin of male and female rats fed a high-fructose diet during suckling and post weaning.

We investigated the effect of oral curcumin, on bone health of rats fed a high-fructose diet. Suckling pups (males = 65, females = 63) were gavage with 0.5% DMSO, curcumin (500 mg/kg), fructose (20%, w/v) or a combination of curcumin and fructose daily from postnatal days 6 to 21. Then the rats were weaned onto normal rat feed for six weeks and each group was sub-divided into two subgroups: one had plain tap water and the other had fructose (20%, w/v) to drink. Blood was assayed for plasma total osteocalcin. Morphometry and radiographic bone density assessments were made on the femora and tibiae. The lengths, masses and Seedor indices of the bones were similar (p > 0.05, ANOVA) across the groups. Males that received curcumin with or without fructose during suckling and weaned onto a high-fructose diet had lower (p ≤ 0.05, ANOVA) osteocalcin concentration versus the other males. Similarly, in females rats, curcumin alone or administered with fructose resulted in lower (p ≤ 0.05, ANOVA) osteocalcin concentration versus female rats administered the vehicle control. Neonatal curcumin-induced decrease in plasma total osteocalcin concentration may predispose to adverse consequences on glucose metabolism and bone health.

The long-term protective effects of neonatal administration of curcumin against nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in high-fructose-fed adolescent rats.

There is an increased prevalence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in adolescents. The suckling period is developmentally plastic, affecting later health outcomes. We investigated whether neonatal administration of curcumin would provide protection against the development of NASH later in adolescence in rats fed a high-fructose diet. From postnatal day (PN) 6 to PN 21, the pups (N = 128) were allocated to four groups and orally gavaged daily with either 0.5% dimethyl sulfoxide solution (vehicle control), curcumin (500 mg·kg-1 ), fructose (20%, w/v) or curcumin and fructose combined. All the pups were weaned and half the rats in each group had tap water, whereas the other received fructose (20%) as their drinking fluid ad libitum for 6 weeks. The rats' liver NASH scores, lipid content, and RNA gene expression ratios of AMPKα and TNFα were determined. Hepatic lipid content was similar across the treatment groups in the males (P > 0.05, ANOVA). In the females, the hepatic lipid content in the treatment groups ranged from 2.7 to 4.3%. The livers of male and female rats that had fructose either as neonates and/or postweaning had significantly marked inflammation (P = 0.0112, Kruskal-Wallis) and fibrosis (P < 0.0001, ANOVA) which were attenuated by curcumin. The hepatic gene expression ratios for AMPKα in both sexes were significantly downregulated (P < 0.0001, ANOVA), whereas the expression ratios of TNFα were significantly upregulated (P < 0.0001) in rats fed a high-fructose diet pre and/or postweaning compared to the other groups. Neonatal curcumin administration is a potential natural pharmacological candidate for the prevention of NASH.

The protective effect of neonatal oral administration of oleanolic acid against the subsequent development of fructose-induced metabolic dysfunction in male and female rats.

BACKGROUND: Consumption of fructose-rich diets has been implicated in the increasing global prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Interventions during periods of early ontogenic developmental plasticity can cause epigenetic changes which program metabolism for positive or negative health benefits later in life. The phytochemical oleanolic acid (OA) possesses anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effects. We investigated the potential protective effects of neonatal administration of OA on the subsequent development of high fructose diet-induced metabolic dysfunction in rats. METHOD: Male and female (N = 112) suckling rats were randomly assigned to four groups and administered orally: distilled water (DW), oleanolic acid (OA; 60 mg/kg), high-fructose solution (HF; 20% w/v) or OA + HF for 7 days. The rats were weaned onto normal commercial rat chow up to day 55. From day 56, half of the rats in each treatment group were continued on plain water and the rest on a high fructose solution as drinking fluid for 8 weeks. On day 110, the rats were subjected to an oral glucose tolerance test and then euthanased on day 112. Tissue and blood samples were collected to determine the effects of the treatments on visceral fat pad mass, fasting plasma levels of cholesterol, insulin, glucose, triglycerides, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and glucose tolerance. RESULTS: Rats which consumed fructose as neonates and then later as adults (HF + F) and those which consumed fructose only in adulthood (DW + F) had significant increases in terminal body mass (females only), visceral fat mass (males and females), serum triglycerides (females only), epididymal fat (males only), fasting plasma glucose (males and females), impaired glucose metabolism (females only), ß-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance (males and females) compared to the other treatment groups (P < 0.05). There were no differences in fasting serum cholesterol levels across all treatment groups in both male and female rats (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: We conclude that neonatal oral administration of OA during the critical window of developmental plasticity protected against the development of health outcomes associated with fructose-induced metabolic disorders in the rats.

Comparison of the histology of the skin of the Windsnyer, Kolbroek and Large White pigs.

The skin is a protective barrier, and an endocrine, sensory and thermoregulatory organ. We investigated whether the skin of local pigs had beneficial anatomical traits compared to exotic pigs to withstand the increased heat loads predicted under future climate change scenarios. Full-thickness skin specimens were obtained from the dorsal interscapular, lateral thoraco-abdominal and ventral abdominal regions of intact boars (age 6-8 months) of two local breeds of pigs (Windsnyer [n = 5] and Kolbroek [n = 4]) and an exotic pig breed (Large White [n = 7]). The skin sections were stained with a one-step Mallory-Heidenhain stain and Fontana stain (melanin). Sweat gland perimeter was measured using Image J software. The Windsnyer breed had the thinnest dermis layer while the Large White had the thickest dermis layer across all the three body regions (analysis of variance [ANOVA]; p < 0.001). The Windsnyers had widely spaced dermal pegs compared to the other breeds. The Windsnyers had significantly more superficial and larger (~1 mm depth; 4.4 mm perimeter) sweat glands than the Kolbroek (~3 mm depth; 2.2 mm perimeter) and Large White (~4 mm depth; 2.0 mm perimeter) pigs (ANOVA; p < 0.001). The Windsnyers had visibly more melanin in the basal layer, the Kolbroek pigs had very little and the Large Whites had none. The functionality of the sweat glands of the Windsnyer breed needs to be established. The skin from the Windsnyer breed possesses traits that may confer a protective advantage for the increased solar radiation and ambient temperatures predicted with climate change.

Terminalia Sericea aqueous leaf extract protects growing wistar rats against fructose-induced fatty liver disease.

Background Terminalia sericea (T. sericea) is traditionally used to treat stomach ailments, infections, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Previous in vitro studies have reported that T. sericea has lipolytic properties. This study interrogated the effects of T. sericea on linear growth, development of fatty liver disease, viscera morphometry and health of growing rats fed a 12% fructose solution (FS). Methods Thirty 21-day old male Wistar rat pups were randomly allocated to five treatments: group I - plain gelatine cubes (PGC) + plain tap water (PW), group II - 12% FS + PGC, group III - gelatine cubes containing fenofibrate (Feno) at a dose of 100 mg/kg body + FS, group IV - gelatine cubes containing the low dose (100 mg/kg body mass per day) of the T. sericea extract (TsL) + FS, group V - gelatine cubes containing the high dose (400 mg/kg body mass per day) of the T. sericea extract (TsH) + FS. Following 12 weeks of feeding, the rats were fasted overnight, euthanized and plasma and viscera harvested for analysis. Results Consumption of fructose resulted in significantly increased (p<0.05) liver lipid content and caused macrovesicular steatosis. The T. sericea extracts at 400 mg/kg per day suppressed the fructose-induced liver lipid accumulation and macrovesicular steatosis similarly to 100 mg/kg per day of Feno. Conclusions These findings suggest that the aqueous T. sericea leaf extract at 400 mg/kg per day could potentially protect against fructose-induced lipid accumulation as well as macrovesicular steatosis.

Insulinotropic Effect of S-Allyl Cysteine in Rat Pups.

S-Allyl cysteine (SAC) is found in garlic and has been reported to exert antidiabetic and antiobesity properties in drug-induced adult experimental models of metabolic dysfunction, but its potential beneficial effects in high-fructose diet neonatal rat models have not been determined. This study investigated the potential prophylactic effects of SAC in high-fructose diet fed suckling rat pups modelling human neonates fed a high-fructose diet. Four-day-old male (n=32) and female (n=32) Wistar rat pups, were randomly assigned to and administered the following treatment regimens daily for 15 days: group I, distilled water; group II, 20% fructose solution (FS); group III, SAC; group IV, SAC+FS. The pups' blood glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, plasma leptin and insulin concentration, liver lipid content, and liver histology were determined at termination. In female rat pups, orally administered SAC prevented FS-induced hypoinsulinemia but significantly increased (P≤0.05) liver lipid content. Oral administration of SAC significantly increased (P≤0.05) plasma insulin concentration and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance in the male pups. The potential sexually dimorphic effects of SAC (insulinotropic effects in male pups and protection of female pups against fructose-induced hypoinsulinemia) suggest that SAC could be potentially exploited as an antidiabetic and insulinotropic agent. Caution should, however, be exercised in the use of SAC during suckling as it could result in excessive liver lipid accumulation and insulin resistance.

A comparison of the proximate, fibre, mineral content, amino acid and the fatty acid profile of Marula (Sclerocarya birrea caffra) nut and soyabean (Glycine max) meals.

BACKGROUND: As a result of shortages and the cost of the currently utilized conventional dietary protein sources in the Sub-Saharan Africa feed industry, the chemical evaluation of available non-conventional sources for feed is imperative. One such source is Marula nut meal (a by-product of Marula oil extraction). The present study chemically characterized the nutritional composition of two differently processed Marula nut meals (MNMs) and compared them with that of solvent extracted soyabean meal (SBM). RESULTS: The MNMs had higher dry matter, ether extract and gross energy but lower crude protein and ash contents compared to SBM. The cold press produced Marula nut meal (MNM2) had higher arginine than the hydraulic filter press produced Marula nut meal (MNM1) and SBM. The meals had similar neutral and acid detergent fibre contents. The MNMs had higher phosphorus, magnesium and copper concentrations than SBM. Although the total saturated fatty acid proportion was similar across the meals, total monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid proportions were higher in MNMs and SBM, respectively. Oleic acid was higher in MNMs than in SBM. CONCLUSION: The low crude protein content in MNMs compared to SBM is comparable with other conventional dietary protein sources. Thus, the MNMs could be used as protein and energy feed ingredients. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Measurement of body temperature in normothermic and febrile rats: Limitations of using rectal thermometry.

Stress-induced hyperthermia following rectal thermometry is reported in normothermic rats, but appears to be muted or even absent in febrile rats. We therefore investigated whether the use of rectal thermometry affects the accuracy of temperature responses recorded in normothermic and febrile rats. Using intra-abdominally implanted temperature-sensitive radiotelemeters we measured the temperature response to rectal temperature measurement in male Sprague Dawley rats (~200g) injected subcutaneously with Brewer's yeast (20ml/kg of a 20% Brewer's yeast solution=4000mg/kg) or saline (20ml/kg of 0.9% saline). Rats had been pre-exposed to, or were naive to rectal temperature measurement before the injection. The first rectal temperature measurement was taken in the plateau phase of the fever (18h after injection) and at hourly intervals thereafter. In normothermic rats, rectal temperature measurement was associated with an increase in abdominal temperature (0.66±0.27°C) that had a rapid onset (5-10min), peaked at 15-20min and lasted for 35-50min. The hyperthermic response to rectal temperature measurement was absent in febrile rats. Exposure to rectal temperature measurement on two previous occasions did not reduce the hyperthermia. There was a significant positive linear association between temperatures recorded using the two methods, but the agreement interval identified that rectal temperature measured with a thermocouple probe could either be 0.7°C greater or 0.5°C lower than abdominal temperature measured with radiotelemeter. Thus, due to stress-induced hyperthermia, rectal thermometry does not ensure accurate recording of body temperature in short-spaced, intermittent intervals in normothermic and febrile rats.

Prevention of ßeta-adrenergic-induced Adverse Cardiac Remodeling by Gonadectomy in Male but Not Female Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.

Chronic ß-adrenergic stimulation induces left ventricular (LV) remodeling in male but not in female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). However, the role of sex steroids in mediating these effects has not been determined. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of gonadectomy on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced LV remodeling in SHR. Gonadectomy was performed on 9-month-old male and female SHR. LV remodeling was induced by daily ISO injection (0.04 mg/kg) for 6 months. LV dimensions and functions were determined in vivo by echocardiography and ex vivo using isolated perfused heart preparations. In males, ISO increased LV end diastolic (LVED) diameter in sham-operated (in millimeter, ISO: 8.12 ± 0.26 vs. Con: 6.67 ± 0.20, P = 0.0002) but not in castrated SHR (ISO: 6.97 ± 0.31 vs. Con: 6.53 ± 0.15, P = 0.66). Similarly, ISO increased the volume intercept of the LVED pressure-volume relationship in sham-operated (in milliliters, ISO: 0.26 ± 0.02 vs. Con: 0.19 ± 0.01, P = 0.01) but not in castrated SHR (ISO: 0.17 ± 0.02 vs. Con: 0.17 ± 0.01, P = 0.99). In females, ISO only increased LVED diameter (ISO: 6.43 ± 0.13 vs. Con: 6.07 ± 0.09, P = 0.027). However, ovariectomy did not modify any LV dimensions measured in vivo and ex vivo. In conclusion, testosterone may be responsible for the chronic ß-adrenergic-induced LV dilation and eccentric remodeling observed in male but not female SHR.

Comparative effect of cane syrup and natural honey on abdominal viscera of growing male and female rats.

The high intake of refined sugars, mainly fructose has been implicated in the epidemiology of metabolic diseases in adults and children. With an aim to determine whether honey can substitute refined sugars without adverse effect, the long-term effects of natural honey and cane syrup have been compared on visceral morphology in growing rats fed from neonatal age. Honey increased the caecum and pancreas weights in male rats, which could enhance enzymatic activities of pancreas and digestive functions by intestinal microflora of caecum. Unlike honey, cane syrup caused fatty degenerations in the liver of both male and female rats. Honey enhanced intestinal villi growth, and did not cause pathology in the rodents' abdominal viscera, suggesting potential nutritional benefit as substitution for refined sugars in animal feed.