Impact of chocolate liquor on vascular lesions in apoE-knockout mice.

Cocoa polyphenols are thought to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Thus, cocoa-containing foods may have significant health benefits. Here, we studied the impact of chocolate liquor on vascular lesion development and plaque composition in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. Apolipoprotein E (apoE)-knockout mice were assigned to two groups and fed a Western diet that contained 250 g/kg of either chocolate liquor or a polyphenol-free isoenergetic control paste for 16 weeks. In addition to fat, protein, and fibers, the chocolate liquor contained 2 g/kg of polyphenols. Compared with the control group, mice fed the chocolate liquor had larger plaque areas in the descending aorta and aortic root, which were attributed to a higher mass of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and collagen. Vascular lipid deposits and calcification areas did not differ between the two groups. The aortic tissue level of interleukin-6 (IL-6) mRNA was 5-fold higher in the mice fed chocolate liquor than in the control mice. Chocolate-fed mice exhibited an increased hepatic saturated to polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio than the controls. Although the chocolate liquor contained 14 µg/kg of vitamin D2, the chocolate liquor-fed mice did not have measurable 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 in the serum. These mice even showed a 25% reduction in the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 compared with the control mice. Overall, present data may contribute to our understanding how chocolate constituents can impact vascular lesion development.

Effects of the flavonol quercetin and α-linolenic acid on n-3 PUFA status in metabolically healthy men and women: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.

Increased dietary intake and tissue status of the long-chain n-3 PUFA, EPA and DHA, is associated with cardiovascular benefits. Epidemiological and animal studies suggest that concomitant nutritive intake of flavonoids may increase the conversion of α-linolenic acid (ALA) to longer-chain n-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. We investigated the effects of increased ALA intake on fatty acid composition of serum phospholipids and erythrocytes in metabolically healthy men and women and whether fatty acid profiles and ALA conversion were affected by regular quercetin intake or sex. Subjects (n 74) were randomised to receive at least 3·3 g/d ALA with either 190 mg/d quercetin (ALA+quercetin) or placebo (ALA+placebo) in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial with 8-week intervention periods separated by an 8-week washout period. A total of seven subjects dropped out for personal reasons. Data from the remaining sixty-seven subjects (thirty-four males and thirty-three females) were included in the analysis. Both interventions significantly increased serum phospholipid ALA (ALA+placebo: +69·3 %; ALA+quercetin: +55·8 %) and EPA (ALA+placebo: +37·3 %; ALA+quercetin: +25·5 %). ALA + quercetin slightly decreased DHA concentration by 9·3 %. Erythrocyte ALA and EPA significantly increased with both interventions, whereas DHA decreased. Fatty acid composition did not differ between sexes. We found no effect of quercetin. Intake of 3·6 g/d ALA over an 8-week period resulted in increased ALA and EPA, but not DHA, in serum phospholipids and erythrocytes. Neither quercetin supplementation nor sex affected the increment of ALA and relative proportions of n-3 PUFA in serum phospholipids and erythrocytes.

Higher plasma quercetin levels following oral administration of an onion skin extract compared with pure quercetin dihydrate in humans.

PURPOSE: To investigate the plasma kinetics of quercetin derived from hard capsules filled with onion skin extract powder or quercetin dihydrate in humans. METHODS: In a randomized, single-blind, diet-controlled crossover study, 12 healthy subjects (six men and six women) aged 21-33 years were administered a single oral supra-nutritional dose of approximately 163 mg quercetin derived from onion skin extract powder (containing 95.3 % of total flavonoids as quercetin aglycone) or quercetin dihydrate (134 mg quercetin aglycone equivalent). Blood samples were collected before and during a 24-h period after quercetin administration. The concentrations of quercetin and its two monomethylated derivatives, isorhamnetin (3'-O-methyl quercetin), and tamarixetin (4'-O-methyl quercetin), were measured using HPLC with fluorescence detection after plasma enzymatic treatment. RESULTS: The systemic availability, determined by comparing the plasma concentration-time curves of quercetin, was 4.8 times higher, and the maximum plasma concentration (C max) was 5.4 times higher after ingestion of the onion skin extract than after ingestion of pure quercetin dihydrate. By contrast, t max did not differ significantly between the two formulations. The C max values for isorhamnetin and tamarixetin were 3.8 and 4.4 times higher, respectively, after administration of onion skin extract than after pure quercetin dihydrate. The plasma kinetics of quercetin were not significantly different in men and women. CONCLUSION: Quercetin aglycone derived from onion skin extract powder is significantly more bioavailable than that from quercetin dihydrate powder filled hard capsules.

Acute intake of quercetin from onion skin extract does not influence postprandial blood pressure and endothelial function in overweight-to-obese adults with hypertension: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.

PURPOSE: To determine whether postprandial metabolic and vascular responses induced by a high-fat and high-carbohydrate meal are attenuated by ingestion of the flavonol quercetin. METHODS: Twenty-two overweight-to-obese hypertensive patients participated in a randomized, double-blind, controlled, crossover meal study. They consumed a test meal (challenge) rich in energy (4754 kJ), fat (61.6 g), saturated fatty acids (53 % of total fatty acids), and carbohydrates (113.3 g) with either placebo or 54 mg quercetin. Blood pressure, reactive hyperemia index (RHI), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), soluble endothelial-derived adhesion molecules, parameters of lipid and glucose metabolism, and markers of antioxidant status were measured before the meal and at 2 and 4 h postprandially. RESULTS: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased significantly over time, but were not affected by treatment (placebo or quercetin). During both treatments, serum endothelin-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine slightly decreased over time, whereas RHI increased. Serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and insulin significantly increased, whereas HDL cholesterol and glucose significantly decreased over time, again with no effect of treatment. Plasma α-tocopherol significantly increased, and plasma Trolox equivalent antioxidative capacity decreased over time. Serum hs-CRP, plasma retinol, and ß-carotene did not significantly change during the trial. CONCLUSION: In hypertensive patients, a high-energy meal did not lead to postprandial impairment of vascular endothelial function. Postprandial metabolic responses induced by the challenge, such as lipemia and insulinemia, were not attenuated by the concomitant ingestion of quercetin. CLINICAL TRIAL: This trial was registered at www.germanctr.de/ and http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/ as DRKS00000555.

No effects of quercetin from onion skin extract on serum leptin and adiponectin concentrations in overweight-to-obese patients with (pre-)hypertension: a randomized double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover trial.

PURPOSE: Chronic low-level systemic and adipose tissue inflammation has been identified as a major etiologic factor in many chronic diseases, including hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Evidence from experimental studies suggests anti-inflammatory effects of dietary flavonols such as quercetin. METHODS: We investigated the effects of regular intake of quercetin on leptin, adiponectin, biomarkers of inflammation, glucose and insulin in overweight-to-obese patients with pre- and stage 1 hypertension. Another objective was to assess the safety of daily quercetin supplementation measured by parameters of liver and kidney function and of hematology. Subjects (n = 70) were randomized to receive a supra-nutritional dose of 162 mg/d quercetin or placebo in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover trial with 6-week treatment periods separated by a 6-week washout period. Two subjects dropped out for personal reasons. Only data from the remaining 68 subjects were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Compared to placebo, quercetin did not significantly affect serum concentrations of leptin and adiponectin, HOMA-AD or the ratios of leptin/adiponectin and adiponectin/leptin. Neither quercetin nor placebo significantly changed serum C-reactive protein and plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha. Compared to placebo, quercetin did not significantly affect glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, blood biomarkers of liver and renal function, hematology and serum electrolytes. CONCLUSION: A supra-nutritional dose of 162 mg/d quercetin from onion skin extract for 6 weeks is safe but without significant effects on parameters of systemic and adipose tissue inflammation as well as glucose and insulin in overweight-to-obese subjects with (pre-)hypertension. This trial was registered at www.germanctr.de/ and http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/ as DRKS00000555.

Effects of rutin and buckwheat seeds on energy metabolism and methane production in dairy cows.

Flavonoids are secondary plant metabolites with several health promoting effects. As dairy cows often suffer from metabolic imbalance and health problems, interest is growing in health improvements by plant substances such as flavonoids. Our group has recently shown that the flavonoids quercetin and rutin (a glucorhamnoside of quercetin) are bioavailable in cows when given via a duodenal fistula or orally, respectively, affect glucose metabolism, and have beneficial effects on liver health. Furthermore, flavonoids may reduce rumen methane production in vitro through their antibacterial properties. To test the hypothesis that rutin has effects on energy metabolism, methane production, and production performance in dairy cows, we fed rutin trihydrate at a dose of 100mg/kg of body weight to a group of 7 lactating dairy cows for 2 wk in a crossover design. In a second experiment, 2 cows were fed the same ration but were supplemented with buckwheat seeds (Fagopyrum tartaricum), providing rutin at a dose comparable to the first experiment. Two other cows receiving barley supplements were used as controls in a change-over mode. Blood samples were taken weekly and respiration measurements were performed at the end of each treatment. Supplementation of pure rutin, but not of rutin contained in buckwheat seeds, increased the plasma quercetin content. Methane production and milk yield and composition were not affected by rutin treatment in either form. Plasma glucose, ß-hydroxybutyrate, and albumin were increased by pure rutin treatment, indicating a possible metabolic effect of rutin on energy metabolism of dairy cows. In addition, we did not show that in vivo ruminal methane production was reduced by rutin. In conclusion, we could not confirm earlier reports on in vitro methane reduction by rutin supplementation in dairy cows in established lactation.

The Effects of Oral Quercetin Supplementation on Splanchnic Glucose Metabolism in 1-Week-Old Calves Depend on Diet after Birth.

BACKGROUND: Inadequate colostrum supply results in insufficient intake of macronutrients and bioactive factors, thereby impairing gastrointestinal development and the maturation of glucose metabolism in neonatal calves. The flavonoid quercetin has been shown to have health-promoting properties, including effects in diabetic animals. However, quercetin interacts with intestinal glucose absorption and might therefore exert negative effects in neonates. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the interaction between neonatal diet and quercetin feeding on splanchnic glucose metabolism in neonatal calves. METHODS: Calves (n = 28) were assigned to 4 groups and fed either colostrum or a milk-based formula on days 1 and 2 and supplemented daily with 148 µmol quercetin aglycone/kg body weight [colostrum with quercetin (CQ+)/formula with quercetin (FQ+)] or without this substance [colostrum without quercetin (CQ-)/formula with quercetin (FQ-)] from days 2-8. From day 3 onward, all calves received milk replacer. A xylose absorption test was performed on day 3, and on day 7, blood samples were collected to study glucose first-pass uptake after [(13)C6]-glucose feeding and intravenous [6,6-(2)H2]-glucose bolus injection. Plasma concentrations of metabolites and hormones were measured by taking additional blood samples. A biopsy specimen of the liver was harvested on day 8 to measure the mRNA expression of gluconeogenic enzymes. RESULTS: Higher postprandial plasma concentrations of glucose, lactate, urea, adrenaline, noradrenaline, insulin, and glucagon on day 7 in colostrum-fed calves indicate that metabolic processes were stimulated. Postabsorptive xylose and glucose plasma concentrations each increased by an additional 26%, and splanchnic glucose turnover decreased by 35% in colostrum-fed calves, suggesting improved glucose absorption and lower splanchnic glucose utilization in colostrum-fed calves. Quercetin supplementation resulted in higher noradrenaline concentrations and enhanced peak absorption and oxidation of [(13)C6]-glucose by 10%. Liver mitochondrial phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase mRNA abundance was reduced by 34% in colostrum-deprived calves. CONCLUSIONS: Feeding colostrum during the first 2 d of life is crucial for maturation of splanchnic glucose metabolism in calves. Supplementing quercetin improves gastrointestinal absorption capacity, particularly in colostrum-deprived calves.

Effects of a quercetin-rich onion skin extract on 24 h ambulatory blood pressure and endothelial function in overweight-to-obese patients with (pre-)hypertension: a randomised double-blinded placebo-controlled cross-over trial.

The polyphenol quercetin may prevent CVD due to its antihypertensive and vasorelaxant properties. We investigated the effects of quercetin after regular intake on blood pressure (BP) in overweight-to-obese patients with pre-hypertension and stage I hypertension. In addition, the potential mechanisms responsible for the hypothesised effect of quercetin on BP were explored. Subjects (n 70) were randomised to receive 162 mg/d quercetin from onion skin extract powder or placebo in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled cross-over trial with 6-week treatment periods separated by a 6-week washout period. Before and after the intervention, ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) and office BP were measured; urine and blood samples were collected; and endothelial function was measured by EndoPAT technology. In the total group, quercetin did not significantly affect 24 h ABP parameters and office BP. In the subgroup of hypertensives, quercetin decreased 24 h systolic BP by -3·6 mmHg (P=0·022) when compared with placebo (mean treatment difference, -3·9 mmHg; P=0·049). In addition, quercetin significantly decreased day-time and night-time systolic BP in hypertensives, but without a significant effect in inter-group comparison. In the total group and also in the subgroup of hypertensives, vasoactive biomarkers including endothelin-1, soluble endothelial-derived adhesion molecules, asymmetric dimethylarginine, angiotensin-converting enzyme activity, endothelial function, parameters of oxidation, inflammation, lipid and glucose metabolism were not affected by quercetin. In conclusion, supplementation with 162 mg/d quercetin from onion skin extract lowers ABP in patients with hypertension, suggesting a cardioprotective effect of quercetin. The mechanisms responsible for the BP-lowering effect remain unclear.

Effects of a 6-wk intraduodenal supplementation with quercetin on energy metabolism and indicators of liver damage in periparturient dairy cows.

Periparturient dairy cows experience metabolic challenges that result in a negative energy balance (EB) and a range of postpartum health problems. To compensate for the negative EB, cows mobilize fatty acids from adipose tissues, which can lead to fatty liver disease, a periparturient metabolic disorder. Flavonoids, such as quercetin (Q), are polyphenolic substances found in all higher plants and have hepatoprotective potential and the ability to prevent or reduce lipid accumulation in the liver. In ruminants, few studies on the metabolic effects of Q are available, and thus this study was conducted to determine whether Q has beneficial effects on EB, lipid metabolism, and hepatoprotective effects in periparturient dairy cows. Quercetin was supplemented intraduodenally to circumvent Q degradation in the rumen. Cows (n=10) with duodenal fistulas were monitored for 7wk. Beginning 3wk before expected calving, 5 cows were treated with 100mg of quercetin dihydrate per kilogram of body weight daily in a 0.9% sodium chloride solution for a total period of 6wk, whereas the control cows received only the sodium chloride solution. The plasma flavonoid levels were higher in the Q-treated cows than in the control cows. A tendency for higher postpartum (pp) than antepartum (ap) plasma flavonoid levels was observed in the Q-treated cows than in the controls, which was potentially caused by a reduced capacity to metabolize Q. However, the metabolic status of the Q-treated cows did not differ from that of the control cows. The pp increases in plasma aspartate aminotransferase and glutamate dehydrogenase activities were less in the Q-treated cows than in the control cows. The Q had no effect on energy expenditures, but from ap to pp the cows had a slight decline in respiratory quotients. Irrespective of the treatment group, the oxidation of fat peaked after calving, suggesting that the increase occurred because of an increased supply of fatty acids from lipomobilization. In conclusion, supplementation with Q resulted in lower pp plasma aminotransferase and glutamate dehydrogenase, which indicated reduced liver damage. However, the direct effects of Q on the liver and the implications for animal performance remain to be investigated.

Influence of fatty acid patterns on the intestinal absorption pathway of quercetin in thoracic lymph duct-cannulated rats.

Since it is known that dietary fats improve the bioavailability of the flavonol quercetin, we purposed to investigate whether this effect is due to increased lymphatic transport of quercetin. In rats with implanted catheters in the thoracic lymph duct, we administered quercetin into the duodenum with TAG emulsions containing either long-chain fatty acids (LCT) or medium-chain fatty acids (MCT). Controls received quercetin together with a glucose solution. LCT administration increased the lymphatic output of quercetin (19.1 (SEM 1.2) nmol/8 h) as well as the lymph-independent bioavailability of the flavonol, determined as area under the plasma concentration curve (1091 (SEM 142) microM x min). Compared with glucose administration, MCT neither increased the lymphatic output (12.3 (SEM 1.5) nmol/8 h) nor the bioavailability of quercetin (772 (SEM 99) microM x min) significantly (glucose group: 9.8 (SEM 1.5) nmol/8 h and 513 (SEM 55) microM x min, respectively). Because LCT are released within chylomicrons into the intestinal lymph while MCT are mainly released into the portal blood, we conclude from the present results that dietary fats that are mainly composed of LCT improve quercetin bioavailability by increasing its transport via the lymph, thereby circumventing hepatic first-pass metabolism of the flavonol. In addition, LCT could enhance quercetin absorption by improving its solubility in the intestinal tract.

Simultaneous ingestion of dietary proteins reduces the bioavailability of galloylated catechins from green tea in humans.

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of dietary proteins (casein, soy protein) and skimmed milk on the plasma kinetics of green tea (GT) catechins. METHODS: In a randomized cross-over design with one-week intervals, 24 healthy normal-weight women consumed a test drink containing 1.75 g GT extract with or without the addition of different proteins. Treatments were GT (control), GT with skimmed milk (GT + M), GT with caseinate (GT + CS), or GT with soy protein (GT + S). Venous blood samples were taken before and several times during a period of 4.5 h after consumption of the test drink. Plasma concentrations of catechins were analyzed by HPLC with electrochemical detection. RESULTS: Compared to control, consumption of GT with milk, caseinate, or soy protein significantly reduced the bioavailability (mean area under the plasma concentration-time curve) of total catechins (means ± SEM; GT + M, 87 ± 5%; GT + CS, 79 ± 5%; GT + S, 88 ± 4%), epigallocatechin gallate (GT + M, 68 ± 4%; GT + CS, 63 ± 5%; GT + S, 76 ± 5%), and epicatechin gallate (GT + M, 68 ± 5%; GT + CS, 66 ± 6%; GT + S, 77 ± 6%), while the bioavailability of non-galloylated catechins such as epigallocatechin (GT + M, 134 ± 9%; GT + CS, 118 ± 9 %; GT + S, 123 ± 8%) and epicatechin (GT + M, 125 ± 10%; GT + CS, 114 ± 11%; GT + S, 110 ± 8%) significantly increased. No significant differences in bioavailability of GT catechins were observed between the treatments GT + M, GT + CS, or GT + S. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous ingestion of dietary proteins reduces the bioavailability of galloylated catechins from GT in humans.

Effect of quercetin on inflammatory gene expression in mice liver in vivo - role of redox factor 1, miRNA-122 and miRNA-125b.

The anti-inflammatory properties of the flavonol quercetin have been intensively investigated using in vitro cell systems and are to a great extent reflected by changes in the expression of inflammatory markers. However, information relating to the degree at which quercetin affects inflammatory gene expression in vivo is limited. Recently, micro RNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as powerful post-transcriptional gene regulators. The effect of quercetin on miRNA regulation in vivo is largely unknown. Laboratory mice were fed for six weeks with control or quercetin enriched high fat diets and biomarkers of inflammation as well as hepatic levels of miRNAs previously involved in inflammation (miR-125b) and lipid metabolism (miR-122) were determined. We found lower mRNA steady state levels of the inflammatory genes interleukin 6, C-reactive protein, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, and acyloxyacyl hydrolase in quercetin fed mice. In addition we found evidence for an involvement of redox factor 1, a modulator of nuclear factor κB signalling, on the attenuation of inflammatory gene expression mediated by dietary quercetin. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that hepatic miR-122 and miR-125b concentrations were increased by dietary quercetin supplementation and may therefore contribute to the gene-regulatory activity of quercetin in vivo.

Enriched cereal bars are more effective in increasing plasma quercetin compared with quercetin from powder-filled hard capsules.

The flavonol quercetin, is one of the major flavonoids found in edible plants. The bioavailability of quercetin in humans may be influenced by the food matrix in which it is consumed as well as by its chemical and physical form. The objective of the present study was to investigate the biokinetics of quercetin from quercetin-enriched cereal bars and quercetin powder-filled hard capsules. In a randomised, single-blinded, diet-controlled cross-over study, six healthy women aged 22-28 years took a single oral dose of approximately 130 mg quercetin equivalents from either quercetin-enriched cereal bars (containing 93·3 % quercetin aglycone plus 6·7 % quercetin-4'-glucoside) or quercetin powder-filled hard capsules (100 % quercetin aglycone). Blood samples were drawn before and after quercetin administration over a 24 h period. The concentrations of quercetin and its monomethylated derivatives, isorhamnetin (3'-O-methyl quercetin) and tamarixetin (4'-O-methyl quercetin), were measured by HPLC with fluorescence detection after plasma enzymatic treatment. The systemic availability as determined by comparing the plasma concentration-time curves of quercetin was found to be five times and the cmax values six times higher after ingestion of 130 mg quercetin by quercetin-enriched cereal bars than after ingestion by quercetin capsules. In contrast, tmax did not differ significantly between the two treatments. The cmax values for isorhamnetin and tamarixetin were four and nine times higher after ingestion of quercetin by quercetin-enriched cereal bars than after ingestion by quercetin capsules. In conclusion, quercetin from quercetin-enriched cereal bars is significantly more bioavailable than from quercetin powder-filled hard capsules.

Chronic quercetin feeding decreases plasma concentrations of salicylamide phase II metabolites in pigs following oral administration.

We investigated acute effects and effects after chronic intake of the orally administered flavonol quercetin on pharmacokinetics of salicylamide metabolites (SAM) after oral administration of salicylamide in pigs. Salicylamide (8 mg/kg body weight) was orally administered to seven pigs either without or with quercetin (10 mg/kg body weight). Additionally, salicylamide was administered to five pigs that had received a diet supplemented with the flavonol for 1 week. Daily quercetin intake was 10 mg/kg in these animals. Co-ingestion of quercetin with the drug did not alter area under the concentration-time curve (AUC(0→∞)), time to achieve maximum plasma concentration (t(max)), mean residence time (MRT) or half-life (t(1/2)) of SAM. However, maximum plasma concentration (c(max)) of SAM was lower when quercetin was administered concomitantly. After quercetin pre-treatment for 1 week AUC(0→∞), t(1/2) and MRT of SAM were decreased, while other parameters investigated were not affected. Co-ingestions and dietary pre-treatment with quercetin influenced SAM metabolism after oral salicylamide intake. But effects seen after acute concomitant intake are rather explained by induced salicylamide excretion from the intestinal mucosa, whereas quercetin pre-treatment seemed to induce hepatic enzymes involved in phase-II metabolism and thereby enhanced elimination of SAM.

Plant extracts of winter savory, purple coneflower, buckwheat and black elder activate PPAR-γ in COS-1 cells but do not lower blood glucose in Db/db mice in vivo.

The aim of this study was to investigate possible blood glucose-lowering effects of plant extracts in vivo for which prior to this a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ activity in vitro was observed. The ability of extracts of winter savory, purple coneflower, buckwheat and black elder to dose-dependently activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ was determined in a reporter gene assay in COS-1 cells. For evaluation of glucose-lowering effects in vivo, db/db mice were fed a diet containing either rosiglitazone (0.02 g/kg diet, positive control) or one of the plant extracts (0.1 and 1 g/kg diet) for four weeks. Apart from glucose, insulin, triacylglycerols, non-esterified fatty acids, cholesterol and adiponectin were determined in plasma. All plant extracts showed a dose-dependent peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ-activating effect in vitro. In db/db mice none of the plant extracts exerted glucose-lowering effects at the used dosages compared to rosiglitazone. Non-esterified fatty acids, triacylglycerols, cholesterol, insulin and adiponectin in plasma were not altered by the plant extracts as well. Although dose-dependent peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ activity could be shown in COS-1 cells, the experiments in db/db mice lacked to confirm any anti-diabetic effect of the plant extracts in vivo and emphasizes the importance of verifying cell culture data using an appropriate in vivo model.

Linking metabolites in eight bioactive forage species to their in vitro methane reduction potential across several cultivars and harvests.

An in vitro Hohenheim gas test was conducted to analyze the fermentation end-products from 17 cultivars of eight polyphenol containing forage species. The polyphenol composition and proanthocyanidin (PA) structural features of all the cultivars were analyzed with UPLC-MS/MS in leaves of vegetative or generative plants. The samples were incubated with and without polyethylene glycol (PEG, a tannin-binding agent) to separate the tannin-effect on methane (CH4, ml/200 mg DM) production from that of forage quality. Sulla and big trefoil, two particularly PA rich species, were found to have the highest CH4 reduction potential of up to 47% when compared to the samples without PEG. However, concomitant reduction in gas production (GP, ml/200 mg DM) of up to 44% was also observed. An increase in both GP and CH4 production under PEG treatments, confirms the role of tannins in CH4 reduction. Moreover, PA structural features and concentration were found to be an important source of variation for CH4 production from PA containing species. Despite having low polyphenol concentrations, chicory and plantain were found to reduce CH4 production without reducing GP. Additionally, interspecies variability was found to be higher than intraspecies variability, and these results were consistent across growth stages, indicating the findings' representativeness.

Atheroprotective effects of dietary L-arginine increase with age in cholesterol-fed rabbits.

NO has several putative atheroprotective properties but its precursor, L-arginine, and inhibitors of its synthesis have had inconsistent effects on the extent of experimental atherosclerosis in rabbits. The location and character of experimental atherosclerosis differ between immature and mature rabbits; both phenomena have been attributed to changes with age in the NO pathway. We investigated whether the influence of dietary L-arginine on experimental atherosclerosis is also age-related. The frequency of lesions was mapped in the descending thoracic and upper abdominal aorta of immature and mature rabbits fed 1 % cholesterol, with or without supplementary L-arginine, for 8 weeks. Consistent with earlier data, the distribution of lesions around the branch points changed with age in control rabbits. The mean frequency of lesions was essentially the same at both ages. L-Arginine supplements had no effect on the distribution of lesions at either age. They significantly reduced the mean frequency of lesions in mature animals but not in immature animals. Thus, the atheroprotective effect of dietary L-arginine in cholesterol-fed rabbits increases with age.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of L-valine-amidoximeesters as double prodrugs of amidines.

In general, drugs containing amidines suffer from poor oral bioavailability and are often converted into amidoxime prodrugs to overcome low uptake from the gastrointestinal tract. The esterification of amidoximes with amino acids represents a newly developed double prodrug principle creating derivatives of amidines with both improved oral availability and water solubility. N-valoxybenzamidine (1) is a model compound for this principle, which has been transferred to the antiprotozoic drug pentamidine (8). Prodrug activation depends on esterases and mARC and is thus independent from activation by P450 enzymes. Therefore, drug-drug interactions or side effects will be minimized. The synthesis of these two compounds was established, and their biotransformation was studied in vitro and in vivo. Bioactivation of N-valoxybenzamidine (1) and N,N'-bis(valoxy)pentamidine (7) via hydrolysis and reduction has been demonstrated in vitro with porcine and human subcellular enzyme preparations and the mitochondrial Amidoxime Reducing Component (mARC). Moreover, activation of N-valoxybenzamidine (1) by porcine hepatocytes was studied. In vivo, the bioavailability in rats after oral application of N-valoxybenzamidine (1) was about 88%. Similarly, N,N'-bis(valoxy)pentamidine (7) showed oral bioavailability. Analysis of tissue samples revealed high concentrations of pentamidine (8) in liver and kidney.

Diets for Dairy Cows with Different Proportions of Crude Protein Originating from Red Clover Silage versus Soybean Meal: Ruminal Degradation and Intestinal Digestibility of Amino Acids.

The purpose was to assess the effect of exchanging crude protein (CP) of soybean meal (SBM) with red clover silage (RCS) in total mixed rations (TMR) on ruminal degradation and intestinal digestibility (ID) of essential amino acids (EAA). Four TMR and their individual feed components were studied. The TMR were composed of forage and concentrates (75:25), with proportions of RCS in TMR of 0.15, 0.30, 0.45, and 0.60 on a dry matter basis, resulting in diet groups RCS15, RCS30, RCS45, and RCS60, respectively. The ruminal degradation of EAA was determined using the nylon bag technique. For this, samples of TMR and their individual feed components were ruminally incubated for 16 h. The feed residues of TMR obtained after 16 h of incubation were used for the determination of ID of EAA using the mobile-bag technique. Increasing RCS and reducing SBM proportions linearly increased (p < 0.01) the in situ ruminal degradation of individual EAA from 75.5% to 83.5%. The degradation of EAA followed the trend of CP degradation among TMR, except for Cys that was lower (p < 0.05) than that of CP in RCS60 (79.7% vs. 86.3%). The degradation of EAA in individual feed ingredients not always corresponded to the degradation of CP and was feed dependent. Increasing the proportions of RCS in the TMR linearly reduced (p < 0.001) the ID of EAA (except for Ile) from 78.2% to 67.3%. However, the ID of EAA did not always reflect the ID of CP, and in general, the differences between the ID of CP and EAA increased as RCS increased in the TMR. The ID values of most of the EAA were similar (p > 0.05) to ID of CP in RCS15 and RCS30, while they mostly differed (p < 0.05) in RCS45 and RCS60, and being higher for EAA than CP (except for Cys that was lower than CP, p < 0.05). Similar trends were observed for intestinal absorbable AA, resulting in higher values (p < 0.05) of intestinal absorbable for all EAA than of CP in diet RCS60. In conclusion, increasing levels of RCS in TMR reduced the extent of EAA flow into the small intestine, the ID of EAA, and consequently the intestinal absorbable EAA. Therefore, accurate determination of metabolizable AA must be considered for optimal diet formulation when including high proportions of RCS in diets of high-producing dairy cows.

Assessing the Potential of Diverse Forage Mixtures to Reduce Enteric Methane Emissions In Vitro.

Methane emissions from ruminants are a major contributor to agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, eight different forage species were combined in binary mixtures with Lolium perenne in increasing proportions, in vitro, to determine their methane reduction potential in ruminants. Species were sampled in two consecutive years where possible. The aims were: a) to determine if mixtures with specific forages, particularly those rich in plant specialized metabolites (PSM), can reduce methane emissions compared to ryegrass monocultures, b) to identify whether there is a linear-dose effect relationship in methane emissions from the legume or herb addition, and c) whether these effects are maintained across sampling years. Results showed that all dicot species studied, including the non-tannin-containing species, reduced methane production. The tannin-rich species, Sanguisorba minor and Lotus pedunculatus, showed the greatest methane reduction potential of up to 33%. Due to concomitant reductions in the forage digestibility, Cichorium intybus yielded the lowest methane emissions per digestible forage unit. Contrary to total gas production, methane production was less predictable, with a tendency for the lowest methane production being obtained with a 67.5% share of the legume or herb partner species. Thus, linear increments in the partner species share did not result in linear changes in methane concentration. The methane reduction potential differed across sampling years, but the species ranking in methane concentration was stable.