Cost savings of reduced constipation rates attributed to increased dietary fiber intakes: a decision-analytic model.

BACKGROUND: Nearly five percent of Americans suffer from functional constipation, many of whom may benefit from increasing dietary fiber consumption. The annual constipation-related healthcare cost savings associated with increasing intakes may be considerable but have not been examined previously. The objective of the present study was to estimate the economic impact of increased dietary fiber consumption on direct medical costs associated with constipation. METHODS: Literature searches were conducted to identify nationally representative input parameters for the U.S. population, which included prevalence of functional constipation; current dietary fiber intakes; proportion of the population meeting recommended intakes; and the percentage that would be expected to respond, in terms of alleviation of constipation, to a change in dietary fiber consumption. A dose-response analysis of published data was conducted to estimate the percent reduction in constipation prevalence per 1 g/day increase in dietary fiber intake. Annual direct medical costs for constipation were derived from the literature and updated to U.S. $ 2012. Sensitivity analyses explored the impact on adult vs. pediatric populations and the robustness of the model to each input parameter. RESULTS: The base case direct medical cost-savings was $12.7 billion annually among adults. The base case assumed that 3% of men and 6% of women currently met recommended dietary fiber intakes; each 1 g/day increase in dietary fiber intake would lead to a reduction of 1.9% in constipation prevalence; and all adults would increase their dietary fiber intake to recommended levels (mean increase of 9 g/day). Sensitivity analyses, which explored numerous alternatives, found that even if only 50% of the adult population increased dietary fiber intake by 3 g/day, annual medical costs savings exceeded $2 billion. All plausible scenarios resulted in cost savings of at least $1 billion. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing dietary fiber consumption is associated with considerable cost savings, potentially exceeding $12 billion, which is a conservative estimate given the exclusion of lost productivity costs in the model. The finding that $12.7 billion in direct medical costs of constipation could be averted through simple, realistic changes in dietary practices is promising and highlights the need for strategies to increase dietary fiber intakes.

Blueberry prevents bone loss in ovariectomized rat model of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

The objective of the present study was to explore the bone protective role of blueberry in an ovariectomized rat model. Thirty 6-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were either sham-operated (Sham) or ovariectomized (Ovx) and divided into three groups: Sham, Ovx (control), Ovx+blueberry (5% blueberry w/w). After 100 days of treatment, rats were euthanized, and blood and tissues were collected. Bone mineral density (BMD) and content of whole body, right tibia, right femur and fourth lumbar vertebra were assessed via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. As expected, Ovx resulted in loss of whole-body, tibial, femoral, and 4th lumbar BMD by approximately 6%. Blueberry treatment was able to prevent the loss of whole-body BMD and had an intermediary effect on prevention of tibial and femoral BMD when compared to either Sham or Ovx controls. The bone-protective effects of blueberry may be due to suppression of Ovx-induced increase in bone turnover, as evident by lowered femoral mRNA levels of alkaline phosphatase, collagen type I and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase to the Sham levels. Similarly, serum osteocalcein levels were also lower in the blueberry group when compared to the Ovx control group, albeit not significantly. In summary, our findings indicate that blueberry can prevent bone loss as seen by the increases in BMD and favorable changes in biomarkers of bone metabolism.

Flaxseed reduces total and LDL cholesterol concentrations in Native American postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to investigate the extent to which the daily incorporation of approximately 30 g of flaxseed, a rich source of lignans, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber, for a period of 3 months into the diet of Native American postmenopausal women positively affects their lipid profiles. METHODS: Fifty-five mild to moderately hypercholesterolemic (> or =5.1 to < or =9.8 mmol/L) Native American postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to control (A), flaxseed (B) or flaxseed + additional oat bran fiber (C) groups. Overnight fasting venous blood was collected at baseline and at the end of the treatment period to analyze lipid parameters. RESULTS: Dietary flaxseed supplementation lowered total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by approximately 7% and 10%, respectively. However, the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride remained unaltered. No changes were observed in other clinical and hematological parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study indicate that Native American postmenopausal women benefit from regular consumption of flaxseed by reducing their risk of cardiovascular disease as seen from lowered LDL-C and total cholesterol levels.

Soy moderately improves microstructural properties without affecting bone mass in an ovariectomized rat model of osteoporosis.

Soy protein is reported to prevent bone loss in both women and rat models of osteoporosis. However, the role of soy isoflavones on the trabecular microarchitectural properties needs to be explored. In the present study, we examined whether soy protein with graded doses of isoflavones reverses loss of bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), and trabecular microstructure in an ovariectomized (Ovx) osteopenic rat model. Seventy-eight 9-m old female Sprague-Dawley rats were either sham-operated (Sham; 1 group) or Ovx (5 groups) and fed a semi-purified casein-based diet. After 90 days, the occurrence of bone loss was confirmed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Thereafter, rats were assigned to the following treatments: Sham, Ovx (control), Ovx + 17beta-estradiol (E(2); 10 microg/kg body wt. twice per week), Ovx + soy protein depleted of isoflavones (Soy-; 0.06 mg isoflavones/g protein), Ovx + soy protein with normal isoflavone content (Soy; 3.55 mg isoflavones/g protein), and Ovx + isoflavone-enriched soy protein (Soy+; 7.10 mg isoflavones/g protein). After 125 days of treatment, rats were euthanized, and tibia and lumbar bones were collected for the assessment of BMD, BMC, and trabecular microarchitectural properties using X-ray microcomputed tomography. None of the treatments had an effect on BMD or microarchitectural properties of the lumbar vertebra. However, Soy treatment significantly increased tibial BMC and BMD by 10% and 4.5% compared with Ovx control, but the increase in BMD was not enough to reach the BMD levels of the Sham control group. The Soy+ diet positively affected the tibial architectural properties including trabecular thickness, separation, and number. In summary, our findings suggest that soy protein does not restore bone loss in osteopenic rats; however, higher doses of isoflavones may be required to reverse the loss of tibial microstructural properties.

The effects of fructo-oligosaccharides in combination with soy protein on bone in osteopenic ovariectomized rats.

OBJECTIVE: The intestinal microflora is important in rendering soy isoflavones bioavailable by facilitating their conversion to equol. Hence, substances that can modulate the intestinal microflora could affect the bioavailability of isoflavones. In this study, we examined the effects of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), a prebiotic, on enhancing the effects of soy isoflavones on bone in ovariectomized osteopenic female rats. DESIGN: Sixty-three 9-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were either sham-operated (Sham; one group) or ovariectomized (Ovx; four groups) and were fed a control diet for 3 months to induce bone loss. After bone loss was confirmed via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, rats were placed on dietary treatment for 4 months. The Sham and one Ovx group received a control diet, and the remaining Ovx groups received either a soy protein-based diet (Soy), a FOS-supplemented diet (FOS), or a soy protein-based and FOS-supplemented diet (Soy+FOS). Before the termination of the study, whole-body bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were assessed under anesthesia. Immediately after euthanasia, bone specimens were collected for the assessments of BMD, BMC, and biomechanical and microarchitectural properties. RESULTS: Whole-body BMD values were significantly higher in FOS and Soy+FOS groups compared with Ovx controls. The tibial BMC increased by 10%, 6%, and 4% in Soy, FOS, and Soy+FOS groups, respectively, compared to the Ovx control group. FOS and FOS+Soy treatments had the most pronounced effects in enhancing lumbar BMC and BMD. The FOS+Soy combination effectively improved tibial microarchitectural properties by enhancing trabecular number and lowering trabecular separation compared with Ovx controls. The effects of dietary treatments on lumbar microarchitectural properties were minimal and biomechanical properties of the femur were not affected by any of the dietary treatments. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that, although incorporation of either soy or FOS in the diet of Ovx rats can improve BMD of the whole body, tibiae, and lumbar vertebrae, their combination had no any additive effects. However, in terms of microarchitecture, the combination of soy and FOS had a greater effect in reversing the loss of certain microarchitectural parameters such as tibial trabecular number, separation, and thickness.

Soy protein supplementation does not cause lymphocytopenia in postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: The health benefits of soy isoflavones have been widely investigated; however, there are some concerns as to whether soy isoflavones, similar to ipriflavone, a synthetic isoflavone, cause lymphocytopenia in postmenopausal women. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which 12-month supplementation of 25 g soy protein containing 60 mg isoflavones alters lymphocyte counts or other hematological parameters in postmenopausal women who were not on hormone replacement therapy. METHODS: Eighty-seven postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to receive either soy protein or an equivalent amount of control protein devoid of isoflavones. Fasting venous blood was collected at baseline and at the end of twelve month study period for complete blood count analyses. RESULTS: Between the two treatment groups, the percent changes in hematological parameters, including lymphocytes, were not different. While women consuming the soy supplement had an increase in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and red cell distribution width index (RDW; a marker of reticulocytes), women consuming the control diet had higher percentage of only MCHC. CONCLUSION: Overall, the results of the present study indicate that consumption of 25 g soy protein containing 60 mg isoflavones daily for one year does not cause lymphocytopenia.

Effect of vitamin E on lipid parameters in ovariectomized rats.

The risk of cardiovascular disease drastically increases at the onset of menopause, in part, because of rise in blood cholesterol and unfavorable changes in lipid profile. This study was designed to investigate the dose-dependent effects of vitamin E supplementation on lipid parameters in ovariectomized (ovx) rats. Sixty 12-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were either sham-operated (sham; one group) or ovx (four groups). All rats were maintained on a semipurified caseinbased diet (AIN-93M; 75 IU vitamin E/kg of diet) for a period of 120 days. Thereafter, ovx rats were placed on one of four doses of vitamin E treatment (75, 300, 525, or 750 IU vitamin E/kg of diet), while the sham group was continued on 75 IU vitamin E/kg of diet for 100 days. Ovariectomy tended to increase (by 24%, P = 0.1) serum non?high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and decrease (by 14%, P = 0.1) HDL cholesterol. Vitamin E did not have any significant effects on serum lipid parameters. Liver total lipids were notably increased (P < .001) in ovx animals, and supplementation with vitamin E at 525 IU/kg of diet was able to significantly reduce liver total lipids by 13%. Additionally, ovariectomy caused an increase in serum glucose and liver C18:1 fatty acid concentrations along with decreases in C18:0, C20:4, and C22:6 fatty acid concentrations. These alterations on liver fatty acid profiles were unaffected by vitamin E. The findings of this study suggest that vitamin E supplementation moderately improves lipid parameters in ovarian hormone-deficient rats.

Dried plum reverses bone loss in an osteopenic rat model of osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVE: We previously reported the efficacy of dried plum (Prunus domestica L.) in preventing ovariectomy-induced bone loss in a rat model of osteoporosis and improving bone biomarkers in postmenopausal women. The present study evaluated whether dried plum was able to restore bone mass in osteopenic ovariectomized rats. DESIGN: Ninety-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were either sham-operated (Sham; one group) or ovariectomized (Ovx; five groups) and were fed a standard diet for 40 days to establish bone loss and subsequently experimental treatments were initiated. Sham, Ovx control, and Ovx + 17beta-estradiol (E2; 10 microg/kg body weight per day) animals continued to receive the standard diet, whereas the remaining three Ovx groups received the following dietary treatments: Ovx + 5% dried plum (low dose), Ovx + 15% dried plum (medium dose), and Ovx + 25% dried plum (high dose). After 60 days, blood and bone specimens were collected for analyses. RESULTS: Dried plum, as low as 5%, was effective in restoring femoral and tibial bone density. Dried plum increased lumbar bone density as well, with HD achieving a statistical significance. The increase in femoral bone density of dried plum-fed rats resulted in improved bone quality as indicated by 6.9% and 6.0% improvement in overall yield and ultimate force, respectively. Varying doses of dried plum were also able to significantly improve trabecular microarchitectural properties in comparison with ovariectomized controls. CONCLUSIONS: The improvement in biomechanical properties of long bones due to dried plum, in part, may be due to the favorable microstructural changes as evident by enhanced tibial bone volume and connectivity. Loss of bone volume accompanied by loss of trabecular connectivity is generally believed to be an irreversible process, but our observations suggest that dried plum improves trabecular microstructure of tibia after losses have already occurred.

One year soy protein supplementation has positive effects on bone formation markers but not bone density in postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: Although soy protein and its isoflavones have been reported to reduce the risk of osteoporosis in peri- and post-menopausal women, most of these studies are of short duration (i.e. six months). The objective of this study was to examine if one year consumption of soy-containing foods (providing 25 g protein and 60 mg isoflavones) exerts beneficial effects on bone in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Eighty-seven eligible postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to consume soy or control foods daily for one year. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) of the whole body, lumbar (L1-L4), and total hip were measured using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry at baseline and after one year. Blood and urine markers of bone metabolism were also assessed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Sixty-two subjects completed the one-year long study. Whole body and lumbar BMD and BMC were significantly decreased in both the soy and control groups. However, there were no significant changes in total hip BMD and BMC irrespective of treatment. Both treatments positively affected markers of bone formation as indicated by increased serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) activity, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and osteocalcin (BSAP: 27.8 and 25.8%, IGF-I: 12.8 and 26.3%, osteocalcin: 95.2 and 103.4% for control and soy groups, respectively). Neither of the protein supplements had any effect on urinary deoxypyridinoline excretion, a marker of bone resorption. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that although one year supplementation of 25 g protein per se positively modulated markers of bone formation, this amount of protein was unable to prevent lumbar and whole body bone loss in postmenopausal women.

Ten-year trends in fiber and whole grain intakes and food sources for the United States population: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2010.

Current U.S. dietary guidance includes recommendations to increase intakes of both dietary fiber and whole grain (WG). This study examines fiber and WG intakes, food sources and trends from 2001 to 2010 based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data for children/adolescents (n=14,973) and adults (n=24,809). Mean fiber intake for children/adolescents was 13.2 (±0.1) g/day. Mean fiber intake for adults 19-50 years (y) was 16.1 (±0.2) g/day and for adults 51+ was 16.1 (±0.2) g/day. There were significant increases in fiber intake from 2001-2010 for children/adolescents and for adults 51+y. Mean WG intake for children/adolescents was 0.52 (±0.01) oz eq/day. Mean WG intake for adults 19-50 y was 0.61 (±0.02) oz eq/day and for adults 51+0.86 (±0.02) oz eq/day. There were no significant changes in WG intake for any age group from 2001-2010. The main food groups contributing to dietary fiber intake for children/adolescents were vegetables (16.6%), grain mixtures (16.3%), other foods (15.8%) and fruits (11.3%). For adults 19+y, the main sources of dietary fiber were vegetables (22.6%), other foods (14.3%), grain mixtures (12.0%) and fruits (11.1%). Major WG sources for children/adolescents included ready-to-eat cereals (RTEC) (31%), yeast breads/rolls (21%) and crackers and salty grain snacks (21%). The main sources of WG for adults 19+ were yeast breads/rolls (27%), RTEC (23%) and pastas/cooked cereals/rice (21%). Recommending cereals, breads and grain mixtures with higher contents of both dietary fiber and WG, along with consumer education, could increase intakes among the United States (U.S.) population.

Cyanidin 3-O-ß-D-Glucoside Improves Bone Indices.

Oxidative stress (OS) promotes bone loss after menopause, and there is evidence that dietary antioxidants may reduce the level of OS in vivo. This study examined dose-dependent effects of blackberries (BBs) containing mainly cyanidin 3-O-ß-d-glucoside (C3G) in preventing bone loss in an ovariectomized (Ovx) rat model. Nine-month-old female (N=38) Sprague-Dawley rats were scanned using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry for baseline whole body, bone mineral content (BMC), and bone mineral density (BMD). One group was sham operated (Sham) and three groups were ovariectomized (Ovx). The groups and corresponding diets were Sham+control diet (n=12), Ovx+control diet (n=12), Ovx+5% BB (n=7), and Ovx+10% BB (n=7). Control diet was AIN-93M rodent diet, and the Ovx+5% BB and Ovx+10% BB were a diet modified to contain powdered, freeze-dried BB at levels of 5% and 10% (w/w). Following 100 days of treatment, whole body BMC and BMD were reassessed and bone specimens, blood, and 24-h urine samples were collected for analyses. Findings indicate that ovariectomy (Ovx) compromised whole body BMC and trabecular microarchitecture of the proximal tibia and fourth lumbar vertebra. C3G-rich BB at the level of 5% modestly protected BMDs, loss of the tibia, lumbar vertebra, and femur by 2.4%, 2.7%, and 4.3% (P<.0013; .0437; .0004), respectively. BB 5% treatment significantly prevented loss of tibial trabecular bone volume and trabecular number by 37% and 21%, respectively (P<.05), and also significantly prevented tibial trabecular separation by 22%. We conclude that C3G-rich BB treatment at the level of 5% (w/w) but not at 10% (w/w) may modestly reduce Ovx-induced bone loss evident by improved tibial, vertebral, and femoral BMD values, and tibial bone microstructural parameters. Bone protective effects may be as a result of the synergistic effects of phenolic compounds; however, further work is required to determine BBs' specific mechanisms of action.

Flaxseed reduces plasma cholesterol and atherosclerotic lesion formation in ovariectomized Golden Syrian hamsters.

BACKGROUND: Dietary modification contributes significantly in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors including lowering cholesterol and atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of flaxseed, a rich source of lignans, alpha-linolenic acid and soluble fiber mucilage, on the prevention of ovariectomy-induced rise in total cholesterol and atherosclerotic lesions. METHODS: Seventy-two 6-month-old female Golden Syrian hamsters were either ovariectomized (ovx) or sham-operated (sham) and randomly assigned to six groups (n = 12): sham, ovx, or ovx plus either 17beta-estradiol (E(2), 10 microg/kg body weight) or semi-purified diet adjusted for macronutrients and fiber to contain one of the three doses of flaxseed (7.5, 15, or 22.5%) for 120 days. RESULTS: Ovariectomy significantly elevated plasma total-, HDL-, and free-cholesterol concentrations. Similar to estrogen, all doses of flaxseed were effective in preventing the ovx-induced rise in plasma total cholesterol. Triglyceride concentrations were significantly higher in the flax-fed hamsters. There were no significant differences in plasma non-HDL- and esterified-cholesterol among the treatment groups. Ovariectomy also increased the number of hamsters with lesions and the aortic fatty streak area. All three doses of flaxseed reduced the fatty streak area and the incidence of lesions to levels similar to the sham group. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study show that flaxseed is beneficial in reducing plasma cholesterol and plaque formation induced by ovarian hormone deficiency.

Soy isoflavones prevent ovariectomy-induced atherosclerotic lesions in Golden Syrian hamster model of postmenopausal hyperlipidemia.

OBJECTIVE: Soy isoflavones, as dietary supplements, may reduce the formation of atherosclerotic lesions that increase in women after menopause. The objectives of this study were to determine whether (1) ovariectomized (ovx) hamsters will develop atherosclerotic lesions and (2) soy isoflavones can dose-dependently prevent the ovariectomy-induced rise in plasma cholesterol and atherosclerotic lesions in hamsters. DESIGN: Seventy-two 6-month-old female Golden Syrian hamsters were randomly assigned to six groups: sham-operated; ovx control; ovx + 17beta-estradiol (E(2); 10 microg E(2) per kilogram of body weight); and ovx + 9.5 (low-dose), 19 (medium-dose), or 38 (high-dose) mg isoflavones per kilogram diet. Treatments were initiated immediately after surgery and continued for 120 days. Blood was drawn via abdominal aorta for assessment of circulating lipids, and tissues were collected, including the aortic arch for assessment of atherosclerotic lesions. RESULTS: All three doses of isoflavones prevented the rise in plasma total cholesterol from ovx; and, as the isoflavone dose increases, the cholesterol-lowering effects of isoflavones become more pronounced (7.8%, 11.8%, and 19.6% reductions in total cholesterol for low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose, respectively). Ovx hamsters developed atherosclerotic lesions without being on an atherogenic diet. Ninety-two percent of hamsters in the ovx control group had atherosclerotic lesions compared with only 8% in sham, 62% in the E(2) group, 29% in the low-dose group, 38% in the medium-dose group, and 58% in the high-dose group. The aortic fatty streak area was approximately 20 times higher in ovx hamsters compared with the sham animals. All doses of isoflavones were able to significantly reduce fatty streak area to that of the sham group. CONCLUSIONS: Soy isoflavones, independent of the protein source, prevent hypercholesterolemia and the formation of atherosclerotic lesions induced by ovarian hormone deficiency in hamsters. The antiatherogenic mechanisms of isoflavones need further investigation.

The blackberry fruit: a review on its composition and chemistry, metabolism and bioavailability, and health benefits.

Blackberry (Rubus sp.) fruit contains high levels of anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds, mainly flavonols and ellagitannins, which contribute to its high antioxidant capacity and other biological activities. Blackberry phenolic composition and concentrations are known to be influenced by genetics, growing conditions, and maturation. Despite the current knowledge of their chemistry, research specific to blackberry phenolic compounds' health benefits, metabolism, bioavailability, and mechanism by which they confer health benefits is scarce. Blackberry phenolic compounds have protective effects on age-related neurodegenerative diseases and bone loss in vivo and can inhibit low-density lipoprotein and liposomal oxidation in vitro. Blackberry extracts have also exerted antimutagenic effects in vitro and in vivo by modifying cell signaling pathways and suppressing tumor promotion factors. However, the antiobesity, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties of blackberry phenolic compounds need investigation. Similarly, studies that elucidate the in vivo physiologically effective concentrations of blackberry phenolic compounds are necessary.

trans-trans Conjugated linoleic acid enriched soybean oil reduces fatty liver and lowers serum cholesterol in obese zucker rats.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a collection of octadecadienoic fatty acids that have been shown to possess numerous health benefits. The CLA used in our study was produced by the photoisomerization of soybean oil and consists of about 20% CLA; this CLA consists of 75% trans-trans (a mixture of t8,t10; t9,t11; t10,t12) isomers. This method could be readily used to increase the CLA content of all soybean oil used as a food ingredient. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of trans-trans CLA-rich soy oil, fed as a dietary supplement, on body composition, dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, and markers of glucose control and liver function of obese fa/fa Zucker rats. The trans-trans CLA-rich soy oil lowered the serum cholesterol and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels by 41 and 50%, respectively, when compared to obese controls. Trans-trans CLA-rich soy oil supplementation also lowered the liver lipid content significantly (P < 0.05) with a concomitant decrease in the liver weight in the obese rats. In addition, glycated hemoglobin values were improved in the group receiving CLA-enriched soybean oil in comparison to the obese control. PPAR-γ expression in white adipose tissue was unchanged. In conclusion, trans-trans CLA-rich soy oil was effective in lowering total liver lipids and serum cholesterol.

Dietary bitter melon seed increases peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ gene expression in adipose tissue, down-regulates the nuclear factor-κB expression, and alleviates the symptoms associated with metabolic syndrome.

The objective of this study was to examine the extent to which bitter melon seed (BMS) alleviates the symptoms associated with metabolic syndrome and elucidate the mechanism by which BMS exerts beneficial effects. Three-month-old female Zucker rats were assigned to following groups: lean control (L-Ctrl), obese control (O-Ctrl), and obese + BMS (O-BMS). The control groups were fed AIN-93M purified rodent diet, and the O-BMS group was fed AIN-93M diet modified to contain 3.0% (wt/wt) ground BMS for 100 days. After 100 days of treatment, BMS supplementation in the obese rats lowered the total serum cholesterol by 38% and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels by about 52% and increased the ratio of serum high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol to total cholesterol compared to the O-Ctrl group. The percentage of total liver lipids was about 32% lower and serum triglyceride levels were 71% higher in the O-BMS group compared to the O-Ctrl group. Serum glucose levels were significantly lowered partly because of the increase in the serum insulin levels in the BMS-based diet groups. BMS supplementation increased the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) in the white adipose tissue of the obese rats significantly (P < .05) and down-regulated the expression of PPAR-γ, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and interferon-γ mRNA in heart tissue of the obese rats. The findings of this study suggest that BMS improves the serum and liver lipid profiles and serum glucose levels by modulating PPAR-γ gene expression. To our knowledge, this study for the first time shows that BMS exerts cardioprotective effects by down-regulating the NF-κB inflammatory pathway.

Ipriflavone modulates IGF-I but is unable to restore bone in rats.

Previously it has been reported that ipriflavone can prevent bone loss in ovarian hormone deficient rats. The present study evaluated whether ipriflavone was able to restore bone mass in osteopenic ovariectomized rats. Seventy-two, 90 day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups (sham two groups; ovariectomized four groups). Thirty-five days from the date of surgery, one sham and one ovx group were killed to verify the occurrence of bone loss. The remaining four groups were sham, ovx, ovx + ipriflavone (100 mg[sol ]kg body weight per day), or ovx + 17beta-estradiol (10 microg[sol ]kg body weight daily) for a period of 65 days. Ipriflavone was ineffective in restoring bone density and unlike estrogen did not prevent bone resorption as evidenced by increased (p < 0.05) urinary excretion of hydroxyproline and serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity. Ipriflavone increased (p < 0.05) the expression of IGF-I in the femur. These observations suggest that higher doses of ipriflavone or longer-term studies may be necessary to restore bone mass.