Effects of Exercise Combined with a Healthy Diet or Calanus finmarchicus Oil Supplementation on Body Composition and Metabolic Markers-A Pilot Study.

Aging is accompanied by a progressive decline in muscle mass and an increase in fat mass, which are detrimental changes associated with the development of health conditions such as type-2 diabetes mellitus or chronic low-grade inflammation. Although both exercise as well as nutritional interventions are known to be beneficial in counteracting those age-related changes, data to which extent untrained elderly people may benefit is still sparse. Therefore, a randomized, controlled, 12-week interventional trial was conducted in which 134 healthy untrained participants (96 women and 38 men, age 59.4 ± 5.6 years, body mass index (BMI) 28.4 ± 5.8 kg/m2) were allocated to one of four study groups: (1) control group with no intervention (CON); (2) 2×/week aerobic and resistance training only (EX); (3) exercise routine combined with dietary counseling in accordance with the guidelines of the German Nutrition Society (EXDC); (4) exercise routine combined with intake of 2 g/day oil from Calanus finmarchicus (EXCO). Body composition (bioelectrical impedance analysis), as well as markers of glucose metabolism and blood lipids, were analyzed at the beginning and the end of the study. The highest decreases in body fat were observed within the EXCO group (-1.70 ± 2.45 kg, p < 0.001), and the EXDC (-1.41 ± 2.13 kg, p = 0.008) group. Markers of glucose metabolism and blood lipids remained unchanged in all groups. Taken together results of this pilot study suggest that a combination of moderate exercise and intake of oil from Calanus finmarchicus or a healthy diet may promote fat loss in elderly untrained overweight participants.

Beyond the Recycle of Raw Chicken Fat.

The wasted raw fat of chicken was extracted and recrystallized with slowly stir at various cooling temperature to get a clear out-looking and liquid chicken oil. The recovery percentage of liquid chicken oil is about 100, 87, 78, 49 and 0% at 25, 21, 17, 13 and 9°C. The chicken liquid oil has a new composition of fatty acids than the original oil (p < 0.05) and has a safety range in acid value and peroxide value. The fatty acid ratio of the liquid chicken oil obtained at 13°C to be 1:1.6:0.9 (SFA: MUFA: PUFA) is believed to be good dietary oil. The concept of ideal fatty acid ratio comes from Hayes' report (1:1.5:1, SFA: MUFA: PUFA) which is also found to mimic to human lipid fatty acid ratio. Statistically evaluation on Hayes' basis, it showed that the liquid chicken oil scored even better than the extra virgin olive oil. In conclusion, this study not only first open a new gate for the recycle of global raw chicken fat to a dietary oil but also give an evidence that the chicken oil seems more compatible to human lipid on the hypothetic basis of biocompatibility.

Effect of Calanus Oil Supplementation and 16 Week Exercise Program on Selected Fitness Parameters in Older Women.

We investigated changes in functional fitness after an exercise program in combination with Calanus oil supplementation, a novel source of bioactive lipids rich in wax esters with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA). Fifty-five healthy sedentary women aged 65-80 (mean age 70.9 ± 3.9 years, BMI 27.24 ± 3.9 kg m-2, VO2peak 19.46 ± 3.7 ml kg-1 min-1) were enrolled in the study. The participants were divided into two groups: exercise training plus Calanus Oil supplementation (n = 28) or exercise plus placebo (sunflower oil) supplementation (n = 27). The exercise intervention program was completed by 53 participants and contained functional circuit training (twice a week, 45 min plus 15 min of stretching and balance training) and Nordic walking (once a week, 60 min) for 16 weeks. Senior fitness test, exercise stress test on bicycle ergometer, hand-grip, and body composition were evaluated before and after the program. Our results show that functional fitness and body composition improved following the interventional exercise program, but for most of the parameters there was no synergic effect of supplementing n-3 PUFA-rich Calanus oil. In comparison to the placebo group, the group with Calanus supplementation experienced significantly higher improvement of functional strength of lower body which was evaluated by the chair stand test. Supplementation with Calanus may have a synergic effect with exercise on functional strength of the lower body in the elderly.

Purslane and Garden Cress Seeds as Source of Unconventional Edible Oils for Prevention of Hyperlipidemia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hyperlipidemia (HLP) is a leading cause for cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. Insufficient physical activity and unhealthy diet plays an important role in the progression of HLP. The present study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of 2 unconventional edible oils (purslane and garden cress) on hyperlipidemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diet high in fat and cholesterol was used as inducer of hyperlipidemia in rats for 5 weeks. Plasma and hepatic lipid profile were assessed. Plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) as lipid peroxidation indicator was determined. Liver transaminases (AST and ALT) as liver function indicator and kidney function (creatinine and urea) were evaluated. RESULTS: Results clarified significant elevation in plasma and liver lipid profiles, MDA, liver enzymes (AST and ALT) and kidney function (creatinine and urea) in hyperlipidemic control compared to normal control. Supplementation with purslane and garden cress seeds oils either in diet or oral showed significant improvement in all the studied parameters. CONCLUSION: Purslane and garden cress oils investigated in the current study produced significant reduction and elevation in bad and good cholesterol, respectively in plasma. Also both oils reduced hepatic lipid accumulation effectively in hyperlipidemia model in rats. Oils administration reduced plasma malondialdehyde and improves liver and kidney functions.

Seed Oil from Ten Algerian Peanut Landraces for Edible Use and Biodiesel Production.

As a result of a recent ad hoc prospection of the Algerian territory, a collection of peanut (groundnut; Arachis hypogaea L.) landraces was established, covering a remarkable array of diversity in terms of morphological and physiological features, as well as of adaptation to local bioclimatic conditions. In the present work, the oils extracted from the seeds of these landraces were evaluated in terms of edible properties and suitability for biodiesel production. As for edible use, a low free acidity (ranging from 0.62 to 1.21%) and a high oleic acid content (44.61-50.94%) were common features, although a poor stability to oxidation [high peroxide values, high spectrophotometric indices, and low % of inhibition in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH)· test] was observed in a few cases. As for biodiesel production, low values of acidity [1.23-2.40 mg KOH (g oil)(-1)], low iodine values [90.70-101.54 g I2 (g oil)(-1)], high cetane numbers (56.95-58.88) and high calorific values (higher heating value 37.34-39.27 MJ kg(-1)) were measured. Edible properties and suitability for biodiesel production were discussed with respect to the German standard DIN 51605 for rapeseed oil and to the EN 14214 standard, respectively. One way ANOVA and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis showed significant differences among the oils from the Algerian peanut landraces.

Separation of long chain fatty acids with different number of unsaturated bonds by fractional extraction: experimental and COSMO-RS study.

Long chain unsaturated fatty acids (LCUFAs) are important food components and dietary supplements due to their beneficial health effects. The key process to produce high-purity LCUFAs is to separate long chain fatty acids (LCFAs) with different degrees of unsaturation and chain lengths. This process faces great challenge because of similar physico-chemical properties of fatty acids concerned. In this work, fractional extraction is proposed to separate LCFAs, using eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs), oleic acid (OA) and stearic acid (SA) as model LCFAs. COSMO-RS calculations were performed for fast extractant screening and exploring the potential separation mechanism. Satisfactory distribution coefficients and high selectivities were obtained in extraction equilibrium experiments. Simulation and experimental validation of fractional extraction were performed, and high purity and high yield of CLAs were obtained. EPA and DHA could be separated thoroughly from OA, though they could not be separated each other.

Enhanced increase of omega-3 index in healthy individuals with response to 4-week n-3 fatty acid supplementation from krill oil versus fish oil.

BACKGROUND: Due to structural differences, bioavailability of krill oil, a phospholipid based oil, could be higher than fish oil, a triglyceride-based oil, conferring properties that render it more effective than fish oil in increasing omega-3 index and thereby, reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to assess the effects of krill oil compared with fish oil or a placebo control on plasma and red blood cell (RBC) fatty acid profile in healthy volunteers. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Twenty four healthy volunteers were recruited for a double blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. The study consisted of three treatment phases including krill or fish oil each providing 600 mg of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) or placebo control, corn oil in capsule form. Each treatment lasted 4 wk and was separated by 8 wk washout phases. RESULTS: Krill oil consumption increased plasma (p = 0.0043) and RBC (p = 0.0011) n-3 PUFA concentrations, including EPA and DHA, and reduced n-6:n-3 PUFA ratios (plasma: p = 0.0043, RBC: p = 0.0143) compared with fish oil consumption. Sum of EPA and DHA concentrations in RBC, the omega-3 index, was increased following krill oil supplementation compared with fish oil (p = 0.0143) and control (p < 0.0001). Serum triglycerides and HDL cholesterol concentrations did not change with any of the treatments. However, total and LDL cholesterol concentrations were increased following krill (TC: p = 0.0067, LDL: p = 0.0143) and fish oil supplementation (TC: p = 0.0028, LDL: p = 0.0143) compared with control. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of krill oil was well tolerated with no adverse events. Results indicate that krill oil could be more effective than fish oil in increasing n-3 PUFA, reducing n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio, and improving the omega-3 index. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01323036.

Effect of Echium oil compared with marine oils on lipid profile and inhibition of hepatic steatosis in LDLr knockout mice.

BACKGROUND: In an effort to identify new alternatives for long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFA) supplementation, the effect of three sources of omega 3 fatty acids (algae, fish and Echium oils) on lipid profile and inflammation biomarkers was evaluated in LDL receptor knockout mice. METHODS: The animals received a high fat diet and were supplemented by gavage with an emulsion containing water (CON), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 42.89%) from algae oil (ALG), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 19.97%) plus DHA (11.51%) from fish oil (FIS), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 26.75%) plus stearidonic acid (SDA, 11.13%) from Echium oil (ECH) for 4 weeks. RESULTS: Animals supplemented with Echium oil presented lower cholesterol total and triacylglycerol concentrations than control group (CON) and lower VLDL than all of the other groups, constituting the best lipoprotein profile observed in our study. Moreover, the Echium oil attenuated the hepatic steatosis caused by the high fat diet. However, in contrast to the marine oils, Echium oil did not affect the levels of transcription factors involved in lipid metabolism, such as Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor α (PPAR α) and Liver X Receptor α (LXR α), suggesting that it exerts its beneficial effects by a mechanism other than those observed to EPA and DHA. Echium oil also reduced N-6/N-3 FA ratio in hepatic tissue, which can have been responsible for the attenuation of steatosis hepatic observed in ECH group. None of the supplemented oils reduced the inflammation biomarkers. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that Echium oil represents an alternative as natural ingredient to be applied in functional foods to reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Enhanced cognitive function and antidepressant-like effects after krill oil supplementation in rats.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of krill oil (KO) on cognition and depression-like behaviour in rats. METHODS: Cognition was assessed using the Aversive Light Stimulus Avoidance Test (ALSAT). The Unavoidable Aversive Light Stimulus (UALST) and the Forced Swimming Test (FST) were used to evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of KO. Imipramine (IMIP) was used as the antidepressant reference substance. RESULTS: After 7 weeks of KO intake, both males and females treated with KO were significantly better in discriminating between the active and the inactive levers in the ALSAT from day 1 of training (p<0.01). Both KO and IMIP prevented resignation/depression on the third day in the UALST. Similarly, a shorter immobility time was observed for the KO and IMIP groups compared to the control in the FST (p<0.001). These data support a robust antidepressant-like potential and beneficial cognitive effect of KO. Changes in expression of synaptic plasticity-related genes in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were also investigated. mRNA for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) was specifically upregulated in the hippocampus of female rats receiving 7 weeks of KO supplementation (p=0.04) and a similar trend was observed in males (p=0.08). Males also exhibited an increase in prefrontal cortex expression of Arc mRNA, a key protein in long-term synaptic plasticity (p=0.05). IMIP induced clear effects on several plasticity related genes including Bdnf and Arc. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that active components (eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid and astaxanthin) in KO facilitate learning processes and provide antidepressant-like effects. Our findings also suggest that KO might work through different physiological mechanisms than IMIP.

Effect of fatty acids isolated from edible oils like mustard, linseed or coconut on astrocytes maturation.

The omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) has been previously shown to facilitate some of the vital functions of astrocytes. Since some dietary oils contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3), which is a precursor of DHA, we examined their effect on astrocyte development. Fatty acids (FAs) were isolated from commonly used oils and their compositions were determined by GLC. FAs from three oils, viz. coconut, mustard and linseed were studied for their effect on astrocyte morphology. Parallel studies were conducted with FAs from the same oils after heating for 72 h. Unlike coconut oil, FAs from mustard and linseed, both heated and raw, caused significant morphogenesis of astrocytes in culture. ss-AR binding was also substantially increased in astrocytes treated with FAs from raw mustard and linseed oils as compared to astrocytes grown in normal medium. The expression profile of the isoforms of GFAP showed that astrocyte maturation by FAs of mustard and linseed oil was associated with appearance of acidic variants of GFAP and disappearance of some neutral isoforms similar to that observed in cultures grown in serum containing medium or in the presence of DHA. Taken together, the study highlights the contribution of specific dietary oils in facilitating astrocyte development that can have potential impact on human health.

Antioxidant/prooxidant effects of dietary non-flavonoid phenols on the Cu2+-induced oxidation of human low-density lipoprotein (LDL).

A central role in the oxidative development of atherosclerotic lesions has been ascribed to the peroxidation of plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Dietary supplementation with virgin olive oils increases the total plasma antioxidant status and the resistance of low-density lipoprotein to ex vivo oxidation. We have studied the effects of some dietary non-flavonoid phenols from Olea europaea L., both in purified form or in complex mixtures obtained by biotransformation of olive leaf extracts, on the LDL oxidation induced by Cu2+ ions. Cu2+-Induced LDL oxidation is inhibited by oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol in the initiation phase of the reaction at concentrations of phenols higher than that of Cu2+ ions. Interestingly, at lower concentration, both phenols anticipated the initiation process of LDL oxidation, thus exerting prooxidant capacities. Although similar effects are already described for flavonoids, such as quercetin, rutin, and apigenin, it is the first time that a prooxidant effect of dietary non-flavonoid phenols, such as oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, on the LDL oxidation is reported. Our results show that a net effect of oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol on Cu2+-induced LDL peroxidation is determined by a balance of their pro- and antioxidant capacities. It is worth to underline that, during Cu2+-induced LDL oxidation in the presence of bioreactor eluates, we have evidence of a synergistic effect among phenolic compounds that enhance their antioxidant capacities so avoiding the prooxidant effects.

[Allergenicity of oils]. / Allergénicité des huiles.

Cases of allergy to the oils of groundnut, sunflower, soya and sesame have been described in the literature. In parallel, other authors have affirmed that these oils are not allergenic. The objective of this article is to make the point on this question, to cite the procedures to which the seeds are submitted to extract the oil, to remember that the oils are not composed only of triglycerides and to describe the results of our work. Allergy of oils is a subject that is constantly submitted to controversy and the bibliography does not cease to give contradictory examples. This may be explained by the variations in extraction procedures used by the manufactures, as well as by the conditions of extraction of the proteins in the laboratory.

[The protective effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the activity of the isolated rat heart during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion]. / Protektornyi vplyv omeha-3 polinenasychenykh zhyrnykh kyslot na diial'nist' izol'ovanoho sertsia shchura pid chas ishemiï-reperfuziï miokarda.

It was produced plant-derived product, an omega-3 acid-enriched substrate (64%). In our study we tested the influence of this preparation, which is supposed a membrane-modifying agent, on the processes of damage to the isolated heart under conditions of ischemia-reperfusion. Animals took this substrate as nutrient addition to usually everyday diet. We assumed disorders in cardiodynamics and contractile functions of the myocardium (we measured a perfusion pressure in coronary vessel, left ventricular pressure and dp/dt) and in structure of cardiomyocytes. All mentioned parameters was much better after ischemia-reperfusion in hearts from animals which took an omega-3 acid-enriched substrate in course of 4 week before experiments than in hearts from control animals. Conclusions. Omega-3 polyunsaturated acids exert protective effect on functioning and structure of the isolated rat heart during ischemia-reperfusion.