A Neuroprotective Bovine Colostrum Attenuates Apoptosis in Dexamethasone-Treated MC3T3-E1 Osteoblastic Cells.

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO) is one of the most common secondary forms of osteoporosis. GIO is partially due to the apoptosis of osteoblasts and osteocytes. In addition, high doses of dexamethasone (DEX), a synthetic glucocorticoid receptor agonist, induces neurodegeneration by initiating inflammatory processes leading to neural apoptosis. Here, a neuroprotective bovine colostrum against glucocorticoid-induced neuronal damage was investigated for its anti-apoptotic activity in glucocorticoid-treated MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells. A model of apoptotic osteoblastic cells was developed by exposing MC3T3-E1 cells to DEX (0-700 µM). Colostrum co-treated with DEX was executed at 0.1-5.0 mg/mL. Cell viability was measured for all treatment schedules. Caspase-3 activation was assessed to determine both osteoblast apoptosis under DEX exposure and its potential prevention by colostrum co-treatment. Glutathione reduced (GSH) was measured to determine whether DEX-mediated oxidative stress-driven apoptosis is alleviated by colostrum co-treatment. Western blot was performed to determine the levels of p-ERK1/2, Bcl-XL, Bax, and Hsp70 proteins upon DEX or DEX plus colostrum exposure. Colostrum prevented the decrease in cell viability and the increase in caspase-3 activation and oxidative stress caused by DEX exposure. Cells, upon colostrum co-treated with DEX, exhibited higher levels of p-ERK1/2 and lower levels of Bcl-XL, Bax, and Hsp70. Our data support the notion that colostrum may be able to reduce DEX-induced apoptosis possibly via the activation of the ERK pathway and modulation of the Hsp70 system. We provided preliminary evidence on how bovine colostrum, as a complex and multi-component dairy product, in addition to its neuroprotective action, may affect osteoblastic cell survival undergoing apoptosis.

Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Effects of Croton hypoleucus Extract in an Induced-Necrosis Model in Rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of Croton hypoleucus (EC). The present work reports the first pharmacological, toxicological, and antioxidant studies of EC extract on liver injury. Liver necrosis was induced by thioacetamide (TAA). Five groups were established: Croton Extract (EC), thioacetamide (TAA), Croton extract with thioacetamide (EC + TAA), vitamin E with thioacetamide (VE + TAA) and the positive control and vehicle (CT). For EC and EC + TAA, Wistar rats (n = 8) were intragastrically pre-administered for 4 days with EC (300 mg/kg.day) and on the last day, EC + TAA received a single dose of TAA (400 mg/kg). At 24 h after damage induction, animals were sacrificed. In vitro activity and gene expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (Cat), and Nrf2 nuclear factor were measured. The results show that EC has medium antioxidant properties, with an IC50 of 0.63 mg/mL and a ferric-reducing power of 279.8 µM/mg. Additionally, EC reduced hepatic damage markers at 24 h after TAA intoxication; also, it increased SOD and Cat gene expression against TAA by controlling antioxidant defense levels. Our findings demonstrated the hepatoprotective effect of EC by reducing hepatic damage markers and controlling antioxidant defense levels. Further studies are necessary to identify the mechanism of this protection.

Can Carob-Fruit-Extract-Enriched Meat Improve the Lipoprotein Profile, VLDL-Oxidation, and LDL Receptor Levels Induced by an Atherogenic Diet in STZ-NAD-Diabetic Rats?

Carob fruit extract (CFE) has shown remarkable in vitro antioxidant properties and reduces postprandial hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in healthy animals. Development of functional meat products that contain bioactive components are presented as a great nutritional strategy. Until now, the effect of the consumption of restructured meat enriched with CFE in a murine model of diabetes has not been investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect on glycemia, lipemia, lipoprotein profile, Ldlr, arylesterase (AE), and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) and liver oxidation in streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NAD) growing Wistar diabetic rats fed restructured meat in the frame of a high cholesterol/high saturated-fat diet. In the present study, three groups (D, ED and DE) were fed cholesterol-enriched (1.4% cholesterol and 0.2% cholic acid) and high saturated-fat diets (50% of total energy from fats and 20.4% from saturated fatty acids). Rats were subjected to a STZ-NAD administration at the 3rd week. Group D did not receive CFE, while ED and DE rat groups received CFE before and after the diabetic induction, respectively. After eight weeks, D rats showed hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia, an increased amount cholesterol-enriched VLDL (ß-VLDL), IDL and LDL particles and triglyceride-enriched HDL. ED and DE partially blocked the hypercholesterolemic induction with respect to D group (p < 0.001) and improved glycemia, cholesterol levels, lipoprotein profile, Ldlr, plasma AE activity and liver oxidation (p < 0.001). Fecal fat, moisture and excretion were higher while dietary digestibility was lower in ED and DE vs. D counterparts (p < 0.001). In conclusion, CFE-enriched meat shows, for the first time, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects in STZ-NAD animals fed high cholesterol/high saturated-fat diets. Likewise, it manages to reverse possible diabetes lipoprotein alterations if CFE-enriched meat is consumed before pathology development or improves said modifications if Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is already established.

Lipoprotein Profile in Aged Rats Fed Chia Oil- or Hydroxytyrosol-Enriched Pork in High Cholesterol/High Saturated Fat Diets.

Restructuring pork (RP) by adding new functional ingredients, like Chia oil (one of the richest natural source of α-linolenic acid) or hydroxytyrosol (HxT) (potent antioxidant), both with hypolipidemic activities, is one of the strategies that may help to reduce the potential negative effects of high meat products consumption. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Chia oil- or HxT-enriched-RP effect on the lipoprotein profile of aged rats fed high-fat, high-energy, and cholesterol-enriched diets. RP samples were prepared by mixing lean pork and lard with or without Chia oil (152.2 g/kg fresh matter) or HxT (3.6 g/kg fresh matter). Diets were prepared by mixing a semisynthetic diet with freeze-dried RP. Groups of 1-year male Wistar rats were fed the following experimental diets for 8 weeks: C, control-RP diet; HC, cholesterol-enriched-RP diet; and Chia oil-RP (CHIA) and HxT, Chia oil- or hydroxytyrosol-RP, cholesterol-enriched diet. Plasma lipid, lipoprotein profile, SREBP-1c protein, and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) receptor gene (Ldlr) expressions were evaluated. Compared to C diet, the HC diet increased plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids, total lipids, and SREBP-1c expression, but reduced Ldlr expression and significantly modified the lipoprotein profile, giving rise to the presence of high levels of atherogenic cholesterol-enriched very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) particles. Compared to the HC diet, the HxT diet did not produce significant changes in feed intake but it reduced the body weight. Chia oil and HxT partially arrested the negative effects of the high-fat, high-energy, and cholesterol-enriched meat-based diets on lipemia and lipoproteinemia, mostly by reducing the amount of cholesterol content in VLDL (60% and 74% less in CHIA and HxT vs. HC, respectively) and the VLDL total mass (59% and 63% less in CHIA and HxT vs. HC, respectively). Free fatty acids (FFA) significantly correlated with adipose tissue weight and VLDL total mass (both p < 0.05), and plasma triglycerides, phospholipids, total lipids, and SREBP-1c (all p < 0.001), suggesting the important role of FFA in lipoprotein metabolism. Results support the recommendation to include these ingredients in pork products addressed to reduce the presence of increased atherogenic particles in aged people at CVD risk consuming large amounts of pork.

Glucomannan or Glucomannan Plus Spirulina-Enriched Squid-Surimi Diets Reduce Histological Damage to Liver and Heart in Zucker fa/fa Rats Fed a Cholesterol-Enriched and Non-Cholesterol-Enriched Atherogenic Diet.

Glucomannan-enriched squid surimi improves cholesterolemia and liver antioxidant status. The effect of squid surimi enriched with glucomannan or glucomannan plus spirulina on liver and heart structures and cell damage markers was tested in fa/fa rats fed highly saturated-hyper-energetic diets. Animals were fed 70% AIN-93M rodent diet plus six versions of 30% squid surimi for 7 weeks: control (C), glucomannan (G), and glucomannan plus spirulina (GS). The cholesterol-control (HC), cholesterol-glucomannan (HG), and cholesterol-glucomannan plus spirulina (HGS) groups were given similar diets that were enriched with 2% cholesterol and 0.4% cholic acid. G and GS diets versus C diet significantly inhibited weight gain and lowered plasma alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, liver steatosis, lipogranulomas, and total inflammation and alteration scores. The hypercholesterolemic agent significantly increased the harmful effects of the C diet. Liver weight, the hepatosomatic index, all damage markers, and total histological scoring rose for HC versus C (at least P < .05). The addition of glucomannan (HG vs. HC) improved these biomarkers, and non-additional effects from spirulina were observed except for the total liver alteration score. In conclusion, glucomannan and glucomannan plus spirulina blocked the highly saturated-hyper-energetic diet negative effects both with and without added cholesterol. Results suggest the usefulness of including these functional ingredients in fish products.

Silicon Alleviates Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis by Reducing Apoptosis in Aged Wistar Rats Fed a High-Saturated Fat, High-Cholesterol Diet.

Background: Lipoapoptosis has been identified as a key event in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and hence, antiapoptotic agents have been recommended as a possible effective treatment for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Silicon, included in meat as a functional ingredient, improves lipoprotein profiles and liver antioxidant defenses in aged rats fed a high-saturated fat, high-cholesterol diet (HSHCD). However, to our knowledge, the antiapoptotic effect of this potential functional meat on the liver has never been tested.Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of silicon on NASH development and the potential antiapoptotic properties of silicon in aged rats.Methods: One-year-old male Wistar rats weighing ∼500 g were fed 3 experimental diets containing restructured pork (RP) for 8 wk: 1) a high-saturated fat diet, as an NAFLD control, with 16.9% total fat, 0.14 g cholesterol/kg diet, and 46.8 mg SiO2/kg (control); 2) the HSHCD as a model of NASH, with 16.6% total fat, 16.3 g cholesterol/kg diet, and 46.8 mg SiO2/kg [high-cholesterol diet (Chol-C)]; and 3) the HSHCD with silicon-supplemented RP with amounts of fat and cholesterol identical to those in the Chol-C diet, but with 750 mg SiO2/kg (Chol-Si). Detailed histopathological assessments were performed, and the NAFLD activity score (NAS) was calculated. Liver apoptosis and damage markers were evaluated by Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining.Results: Chol-C rats had a higher mean NAS (7.4) than did control rats (1.9; P < 0.001). The score in Chol-Si rats (5.4) was intermediate and different from that in both other groups (P < 0.05). Several liver apoptosis markers-including hepatocyte terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase 2'-deoxyuridine 5'-triphosphate (dUTP) nick end labeling, cytosolic cytochrome c, apoptosis-inducing factor, caspases 9 and 3, and the mitochondrial Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX)-to-B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) ratio-were 9-45% lower in Chol-Si than in Chol-C rats (P < 0.05) and did not differ from values in the control group.Conclusions: Supplemental silicon substantially affects NASH development in aged male Wistar rats fed an HSHCD by partially blocking apoptosis. These results suggest that silicon-enriched RP could be used as an effective nutritional strategy in preventing NASH.

Chia Oil-Enriched Restructured Pork Effects on Oxidative and Inflammatory Status of Aged Rats Fed High Cholesterol/High Fat Diets.

Chia oil has the highest recognized α-linolenic acid (ALA) content. ALA is associated with beneficial changes in plasma lipids and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Present article aims to analyze the effect of Chia oil-enriched restructured pork (RP) on aged rats in a nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) model. Groups of six male Wistar rats (1-year old) were fed the experimental diets: control RP diet (C) noncholesterol high saturated; cholesterol-enriched high-saturated fat/high-cholesterol control RP diet (HC) with added cholesterol and cholic acid; and Chia oil- or Hydroxytyrosol RP cholesterol-enriched high-saturated fat/high cholesterol (CHIA and HxT). Total cholesterol, hepatosomatic index, Nrf2, antioxidant, and inflammation markers were determined. CHIA reduced the hypercholesterolemic effect by lowering levels similar to C; also, ameliorated redox index. CHIA, despite high polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) content, reduced thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and induced the lowest SOD protein synthesis but not a reduction on its activity. Chia oil activated the Nrf2 to arrest the pro-oxidative response to cholesterol and aging. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) system was lower in HxT than in CHIA, suggesting its antiatherogenic activity and related protective effect against high PUFA. Increase in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) was partially blocked by CHIA. Chia oil has the ability to prevent oxidative damage and modify the inflammatory response, suggesting adequate regulation of the antioxidant system. Results stress the importance of incorporating ALA into the diet.

Neurohormetic responses of quercetin and rutin in a cell line over-expressing the amyloid precursor protein (APPswe cells).

BACKGROUND: Plant secondary metabolites may induce adaptive cellular stress-responses in a variety of cells including neurons at the sub-toxic doses ingested by humans. Such 'neurohormesis' phenomenon, activated by flavonoids such as quercetin or rutin, may involve cell responses driven by modulation of signaling pathways which are responsible for its neuroprotective effects. PURPOSE: We attempt to explore the molecular mechanisms involved in the neurohormetic responses to quercetin and rutin exposure, in a SH-SY5Y cell line which stably overexpresses the amyloid precursor protein (APP) Swedish mutation, based on a biphasic concentration-response relationship for cell viability. METHODS: We examined the impact of both natural compounds, at concentrations in its hormetic range on the following cell parameters: chymotrypsin-like activity of the proteasome system; PARP-1 protein levels and expression and caspase activation; APP processing; and the main endogenous antioxidant enzymes. RESULTS: Proteasome activities following quercetin or rutin treatment were significantly augmented in comparison with non-treated cells. Activity of caspase-3 was significantly attenuated by treatment with quercetin or rutin. Modest increased levels of PARP-1 protein and mRNA transcripts were observed in relation to the mild increase of proteasome activity. Significant reductions of the full-length APP and sAPP protein and APP mRNA levels were related to significant enhancements of α-secretase ADAM-10 protein and mRNA transcripts and significant increases of BACE processing in cells exposed to rutin. Furthermore, quercetin or rutin treatment displayed an overall increase of the four antioxidant enzymes. CONCLUSIONS: The upregulation of the proteasome activity observed upon quercetin or rutin treatment could be afforded by a mild increased of PARP-1. Consequently, targeting the proteasome by quercetin or rutin to enhance its activity in a mild manner could avoid caspase activation. Moreover, it is likely that APP processing of cells upon rutin treatment is mostly driven by the non-amyloidogenic pathway leading to a putative reduction of ßA production. Overall induction of endogenous antioxidant enzymes under quercetin or rutin treatments of APPswe cells might modulate its proteasome activity. We might conclude that quercetin and rutin might exert a neurohormetic cell response affecting various signaling pathways and molecular networks associated with modulation of proteasome function.

Effects of Silicon vs. Hydroxytyrosol-Enriched Restructured Pork on Liver Oxidation Status of Aged Rats Fed High-Saturated/High-Cholesterol Diets.

BACKGROUND: Pork is an essential component of the diet that has been linked with major degenerative diseases and development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Previous studies have. Previous studies have demonstrated the in vitro antioxidant activity of silicon (Si). Furthermore, when Si is added to restructured pork (RP) strongly counterbalances the negative effect of high-cholesterol-ingestion, acting as an active hypocholesterolemic and hypolipemic dietary ingredient in aged rats. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Si vs hydroxytyrosol (HxT) RP on liver antioxidant defense in aged rats fed cholesterol-enriched high saturated/high cholesterol diets as a NASH model. METHODS: Four diets were prepared: Control RP diet (C) with non-added cholesterol; Cholesterol-enriched high-saturated/high-cholesterol control RP diet (CHOL-C) with added cholesterol and cholic acid; Si- or HxT-RP cholesterol-enriched high-saturated/high-cholesterol diets (CHOL-Si and CHOL-HxT). Groups of six male Wistar rats (1-yr old) were fed these modified diets for eight weeks. Total cholesterol, hepatosomatic index, liver Nrf2 and antioxidant (CAT, SOD, GSH, GSSG, GR, GPx) markers were determined. RESULTS: Both CHOL-Si and CHOL-HxT diets enhanced the liver antioxidant status, reduced hepatosomatic index and increased SOD actvity. Hydrogen peroxide removal seemed to be involved, explaining that the value of redox index was even lower than C without changing the CAT activity. CHOL-Si results were quite better than CHOL-HxT in most measured parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that Si incorporated into RP matrix was able to counterbalance, more efficiently than HxT, the deleterious effect of consuming a high-saturated/high-cholesterol diet, by improving the liver antioxidant defenses in the context of NASH.

Organic silicon protects human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells against hydrogen peroxide effects.

BACKGROUND: Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a toxic agent that induces oxidative stress and cell death. Silicon (Si) is a biological element involved in limiting aluminium (Al) absorption with possible preventive effects in Alzheimer's disease. However, Si has not yet been associated with other neuroprotective mechanisms. METHODS: The present experiments evaluated in the SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line the possible role of different Si G5 (50-1000 ng/mL) concentrations in preventing cellular death induced by H2O2 (400 µM, 24 hours). RESULTS: Our findings showed that H2O2 promoted cell death in the human SH-SY5Y cell cultures and this could be prevented by Si treatment. The loss in cell viability mediated by H2O2 was due to an apoptotic and necrotic process. Apoptotic death was incurred by regulating caspase-8 activity in the extrinsic pathway. The apoptotic and necrotic cell death induced by H2O2 was almost totally reversed by Si (50-500 ng/mL), indicating that it down-regulates both processes in H2O2 treated cells. CONCLUSIONS: According to our data, Si is able to increase SH-SY5Y cell survival throughout partially blocking cellular damage related to oxidative stress through a mechanism that would affect H2O2/ROS elimination.

Effects of Undaria pinnatifida, Himanthalia elongata and Porphyra umbilicalis extracts on in vitro α-glucosidase activity and glucose diffusion.

BACKGROUND: Seaweeds are good sources of dietary fibre, which can influence glucose uptake and glycemic control. OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare the in vitro inhibitory activity of different extracts from Undaria pinnatifida (Wakame), Himanthalia elongata (Sea spaghetti) and Porphyra umbilicalis (Nori) on α-glucosidase activity and glucose diffusion. METHODS: The in vitro effects Chloroform-, ethanol- and water-soluble extracts of the three algae were assayed on α- glucosidase activity and glucose diffusion through membrane. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) was applied to identify patterns in the data and to discriminate which extract will show the most proper effect. RESULTS: Only water extracts of Sea spaghetti possessed significant in vitro inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase activity (26.2% less mmol/L glucose production than control, p < 0.05) at 75 min. PCA distinguished Sea spaghetti effects, supporting that soluble fibre and polyphenols were involved. After 6 h, Ethanol-Sea spaghetti and water-Wakame extracts exerted the highest inhibitory effects on glucose diffusion (65.0% and 60.2% vs control, respectively). This extracts displayed the lowest slopes for glucose diffusion-time lineal adjustments (68.2% and 62.8% vs control, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The seaweed hypoglycemic effects appear multi-faceted and not necessarily concatenated. According to present results, ethanol and water extracts of Sea spaghetti, and water extracts of Wakame could be useful for the development of functional foods with specific hypoglycemic properties.

Antecedentes: Las algas son importante fuente alimentaria de fibra dietética y puede influir sobre la absorción de glucosa y el control glucémico. Objetivo: Evaluar y comparar in vitro los efectos de diferentes extractos de las algas Undaria pinnatifida (Wakame), Himanthalia elongata (Espagueti de mar) y Porphyra umbilicalis (Nori) sobre la actividad enzimática -glucosidasa y la difusión de glucosa. Métodos: Se estudiaron los efectos de los extractos clorofórmicos, etánólicos y acuosos de las tres algas sobre la actividad -glucosidasa y la difusión de glucosa a través de una membrana de diálisis. Se aplicó a los resultados un análisis de los componentes principales (PCA) para identificar posibles patrones de composición y seleccionar el extracto que mejores propiedades posea. Resultados: El extracto acuoso de Espagueti de mar inhibió de forma significativa la actividad -glucosidasa (26,2% menos liberación de glucosa, p < 0,05). El PCA sugiere que la fibra soluble y los polifenoles son los responsables de tal efecto. Respecto a la difusión de glucosa, el extracto etanólico de Espagueti de mar y el acuoso de Wakame mostraron un mayor efecto inhibidor después de 6 horas (65% y 60,2% vs control, respectivamente) y las menores pendientes en los ajustes lineales difusión de glucosa- tiempo (68,2% y 62,8% vs control respectivamente). Conclusiones: Los resultados de los diferentes extractos sugieren que los efectos hipogluceminates de las algas son variados y no están necesariamente concatenados. Los extractos acuosos y etanólicos de Espagueti de mar y los acuosos de Wakame parecen los más adecuados para el desarrollo de alimentos funcionales con propiedades hipoglucemiantes.

Effects of Undaria pinnatifida, Himanthalia elongata and Porphyra umbilicalis extracts on in vitro alpha-glucosidase activity and glucose diffusion / Efectos de extractos de undaria pinnatifida, himantalia elongata y porfira umbilicalis sobre la actividad alpha-glucosidasa y la difusion de la glucosa in vitro

Background: Seaweeds are good sources of dietary fibre, which can influence glucose uptake and glycemic control. Objective: To investigate and compare the in vitro inhibitory activity of different extracts from Undaria pinnatifida (Wakame), Himanthalia elongata (Sea spaghetti) and Porphyra umbilicalis (Nori) on α-glucosidase activity and glucose diffusion. Methods: The in vitro effects chloroform-, ethanol- and water-soluble extracts of the three algae were assayed on α- glucosidase activity and glucose diffusion through membrane. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) was applied to identify patterns in the data and to discriminate which extract will show the most proper effect. Results: Only water extracts of Sea spaghetti possessed significant in vitro inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase activity (26.2% less mmol/L glucose production than control, p < 0.05) at 75 min. PCA distinguished Sea spaghetti effects, supporting that soluble fibre and polyphenols were involved. After 6 h, Ethanol-Sea spaghetti and water-Wakame extracts exerted the highest inhibitory effects on glucose diffusion (65.0% and 60.2% vs control, respectively). This extracts displayed the lowest slopes for glucose diffusion-time lineal adjustments (68.2% and 62.8% vs control, respectively). Conclusions: The seaweed hypoglycemic effects appear multi-faceted and not necessarily concatenated. According to present results, ethanol and water extracts of Sea spaghetti, and water extracts of Wakame could be useful for the development of functional foods with specific hypoglycemic properties (AU)

Antecedentes: Las algas son importante fuente alimentaria de fibra dietética y puede influir sobre la absorción de glucosa y el control glucémico. Objetivo: Evaluar y comparar in vitro los efectos de diferentes extractos de las algas Undaria pinnatifida (Wakame), Himanthalia elongata (Espagueti de mar) y Porphyra umbilicalis (Nori) sobre la actividad enzimática α-glucosidasa y la difusión de glucosa. Métodos: Se estudiaron los efectos de los extractos clorofórmicos, etánólicos y acuosos de las tres algas sobre la actividad α-glucosidasa y la difusión de glucosa a través de una membrana de diálisis. Se aplicó a los resultados un análisis de los componentes principales (PCA) para identificar posibles patrones de composición y seleccionar el extracto que mejores propiedades posea. Resultados: El extracto acuoso de Espagueti de mar inhibió de forma significativa la actividad α-glucosidasa (26,2% menos liberación de glucosa, p < 0,05). El PCA sugiere que la fibra soluble y los polifenoles son los responsables de tal efecto. Respecto a la difusión de glucosa, el extracto etanólico de Espagueti de mar y el acuoso de Wakame mostraron un mayor efecto inhibidor después de 6 horas (65% y 60,2% vs control, respectivamente) y las menores pendientes en los ajustes lineales difusión de glucosa-tiempo (68,2% y 62,8% vs control respectivamente). Conclusiones: Los resultados de los diferentes extractos sugieren que los efectos hipogluceminates de las algas son variados y no están necesariamente concatenados. Los extractos acuosos y etanólicos de Espagueti de mar y los acuosos de Wakame parecen los más adecuados para el desarrollo de alimentos funcionales con propiedades hipoglucemiantes (AU)

Protective effects of sea spaghetti-enriched restructured pork against dietary cholesterol: effects on arylesterase and lipoprotein profile and composition of growing rats.

There is a general assumption that seaweeds are hypocholesterolemics and antioxidants. However, controversial results suggest specific properties for each individual alga. This study aims to assess the effect of including Sea Spaghetti alga (S) in a restructured-pork (RP) diet, both enriched and not enriched with dietary cholesterol, on arylesterase (AE) activity and lipoprotein concentration and composition of Wistar rats. Four groups of 10 growing male Wistar rats were each fed a mix of 85% AIN-93M diet and 15% freeze-dried RP for 5 weeks. The control group (C) consumed control RP-C; the S group consumed RP-S with 5% seaweeds; the Chol-C group consumed the C diet but enriched with cholesterol (2.43%) and cholic acid (0.49%); the Chol-S group consumed the S diet but enriched with cholesterol and cholic acid. AE activity was five times higher (P<.01) in S compared with C rats, but three times lower in Chol-S compared with Chol-C rats (P<.01). The Chol-C diet induced hypercholesterolemia but reduced triglycerides (TG), giving rise to the presence of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) that was enriched in cholesterol. The Chol-S diet partially blocked (P<.001) the hypercholesterolemic induction of the Chol-C diet, and reduced TG levels (P<.05) with respect to S rats. The cholesterol supplementation increased total cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, and intermediate-density lipoprotein+LDL-cholesterol (IDL+LDL)-cholesterol (P<.001) in Chol-C rats, but the effect was lower in the Chol-S diet. In conclusion, RP-S increases the antioxidant capacity within a noncholesterol enriched diet while improving the lipoprotein profile within a cholesterol-enriched diet.

Nori- and Sea spaghetti- but not Wakame-restructured pork decrease the hypercholesterolemic and liver proapototic short-term effects of high-dietary cholesterol consumption / El consumo de carne de cerdo reestructurada conteniendo Nori o, Espaguetti de Mar, pero no el de Wakame, reduce los efectos hipercolesterolemiantes y proapoptóticos hepáticos inducidos por altas cantidades de colesterol en la dieta

Restructured pork (RP) enriched in Seaweeds are potential functional foods. The ant apoptotic and hypocholesterolemic effects of consuming cholesterol enriched diets containing Wakame-RP (CW), Nori-RP (CN) and Sea Spaghetti (CS) were tested in a 1-wk study. Groups of six rats per group were fed a mix of 85% AIN-93Mrodent-diet containing cholesterol and cholic acid as a cholesterol rising agent plus 15% RP containing alga. These diets were compared to control-RP diets enriched or not in cholesterol (CC and C, respectively). After 1-wk,cholesterol feeding significantly increased liver apoptosis markers which were significantly reduced by CS (cellularcycle DNA, caspase-3, and cytochrome c), CN (caspase-3and cytochrome c) and CW (caspase-3) diets. CN and CSdiets significantly blocked the cholesterolaemic rising effect observed in the CC group but no protective effect was observed in the CW group. Differences in seaweed composition added to RP appear responsible for blocking or not the proapoptotic and hypercholesterolemia effects of high cholesterol-RP consumption; thus, any generalization on seaweed effects or food containing seaweeds must be avoided. Although present results are worthy, future studies are demanded to ascertain the utility of consuming algal-RP as part of usual diets (AU)

La incorporación de algas, ricas en fibra y compuestos asociados, a reestructurados de carne de cerdo (R) resulta en derivados cárnicos potencialmente funcionales. Eneste trabajo se estudian los efectos antiapoptóticos e hipocolesterolemia antes de dietas en las que se incluyen agentes hipercolesterolemiantes y R enriquecidos en diferentes algas, Wakame (RW), Nori-R (RN) y Espagueti de Mar(RE). Durante una semana grupos de seis ratas cada uno recibieron una mezcla constituida por 85% de dieta AIN-93M para roedores suplementada con colesterol y ácido cólico, como agente hipercolesterolemia te, y 15% deRW, RN o RE. Estas dietas fueron comparadas con otrasa las que se incorporó R control y a las que se añadió o no el agente hipercolesterolemiante. Después de 1 semana de tratamiento el incremento de marcadores de apoptosishepática observado en el lote control con colesterol seredujo por el consumo de las dietas RE (DNA ciclo celular,caspasa-3, y citocromo c), RN (caspasa-3, y citocromoc) and RW (caspasa-3). Sólo las dietas con RN and RE bloquearon significativamente la inducción hipercolesterolemiantede la dieta control enriquecida en colesterol. Teniendo en cuenta las diferencias observadas entre los lotes respecto a sus efectos hipocolesterolémicos y antiapoptóticos, debe evitarse cualquier generalización sobre el consumo de algas y en particular de carnes conteniendo algas. Aunque los resultados son relevantes, deben realizarse estudios futuros para determinar la utilidad del consumo de estos R enriquecidos en algas dentro de dietas habituales (AU)

The antioxidant status response to low-fat and walnut paste-enriched meat differs in volunteers at high cardiovascular Risk carrying different PON-1 polymorphisms.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular risk largely depends on diet, antioxidant status, and gene polymorphisms. Low-fat meat (CM) and walnut-enriched meat (WM) products may exert potential beneficial health effects with respect to conventional meat products. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of consuming WM vs CM on reduced and oxidized glutathione, lipoperoxides, α- and γ-tocopherol levels, and paraoxonase (PON-1), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in 22 volunteers (mean age 54.8 years and body mass index 29.6 kg/m(2)) at high cardiovascular risk carrying different PON-1 192/55 polymorphisms. DESIGN: The study was a 5-week nonblinded, randomized, crossover, controlled trial. RESULTS: In general term, WM vs CM improved the volunteers' antioxidant status, with several result modifications occurring after the WM period. CM consumption increased oxidized glutathione and decreased PON-1 activity (at least p < 0.05). When WM vs CM effects were compared, SOD, CAT, and PON-1 enzyme activities increased (at least p < 0.05) in PON-1 192QQ carriers. γ-tocopherol levels and SOD and PON-1 activities increased in PON-1 192QR+RR carriers besides the significant decrease of lipoperoxide levels. In PON-1 55LM+MM carriers, the intervention increased significantly all the investigated enzyme activities and glutathione levels, whereas PON-1 55LL carriers increased their PON-1 activities. CONCLUSIONS: WM consumption should be preferred to CM. The intake of WM vs CM increased PON-1 but the effect upon other antioxidant enzymes and substrates varied depending on the individual's PON-1 polymorphism. PON-1 192QR+RR carriers appear the targets for WM consumption as they increased enzyme activities and γ-tocopherol levels and decreased lipoperoxides.

SNP-mediated neuroprotection under glucose deprivation is enhanced by Hypericum perforatum.

Hypericum perforatum is a medicinal herb possessing ability for protecting neurons from oxidative stress. Since nitric oxide (NO) may be protective against oxidative stress-induced cell death as occurs in glucose deprivation (GD)-induced neurotoxicity, whether a standardized extract of H. perforatum (HP) increases the NO-mediated neuroprotective effect in GD-PC12 cells was investigated. Induced death in PC12 cells by GD exposure for 18 h was partially prevented by cell incubation with sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a NO-donor. SNP increased survival and nitrite production in GD-cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Co-incubation of cells with 10 µM SNP plus 50-100 µg/ml HP under GD insult significantly prevented GD-induced cell death to a higher extent than SNP alone as shown by an augmentation of cell survival and intracellular bcl-2 levels and a decrease of lipid peroxidation, caspase-3 activation and PARP cleavage. Cytoprotection by the NO-donor was almost abolished by the use of a NO scavenger and potentiated by the presence of superoxide dismutase. SNP and/or HP neuroprotection on GD-cells was significantly reversed by rotenone treatment. These results suggest that: (1) SNP could protect PC12 cells from GD-induced cytotoxicity through NO generation and (2) the enhancement of the SNP-mediated neuroprotective effect on GD-cells by HP might arise in part through scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibition of mitochondrial dysfunction associated with the hypoglycemic episode. This current finding might highlight the development of therapeutic strategies aimed at manipulating NO-donors in combination with herb supplements containing ROS scavenger compounds for prophylaxis from brain ischemia.

Effect of thermally oxidized oil and fasting status on the short-term digestibility of ketolinoleic acids and total oxidized fatty acids in rats.

Western diets contain substantial amounts of lipid oxidation products. The effects of fasting status and oil oxidation on short-term digestibility of oxidized fatty acids (ox-FA) and ketolinoleic acids (keto-LA) of sunflower oils were evaluated. Twelve rats were fasted overnight for 3 days, whereas another 12 rats had free access to diet. From day 4, and for 4 days, two groups of rats, nonfasted (NFT) and fasted (FT), received 1 g/100 g body weight of sunflower oil reused from 40 deep-frying processes, and two control groups of rats, nonfasted (NFC) and fasted (FC), received the same amount of fresh oil. Ox-FA and keto-LA were determined 5 h after the last administration in the various gastrointestinal compartments together with the intraintestinal MDA. Oil digestibility was highest in NFC and lowest in FT rats. NFT and FT rats had higher (at least P < 0.05) intraintestinal MDA, ox-FA, and keto-LA than NFC and FC; MDA and keto-LA concentrations correlated with each other (P < 0.05). Ox-FA and keto-LA levels found in the gastric lumen suggest that digestion contributes to the formation of these compounds. Total ox-FA and keto-LA were efficiently absorbed during the first 5 h after test oil administration, but poorly absorbed in the case of fresh oils. Oil alteration influenced the digestibility of these compounds more than fasting, although the digestibility of oxidized oil was significantly affected by fasting.

Wakame and Nori in restructured meats included in cholesterol-enriched diets affect the antioxidant enzyme gene expressions and activities in Wistar rats.

The effects of diets including restructured meats (RM) containing Wakame or Nori on total liver glutathione status, and several antioxidant enzyme gene expressions and activities were tested. Six groups of ten male growing Wistar rats each were fed a mix of 85% AIN-93 M diet and 15% freeze-dried RM for 35 days. The control group (C) consumed control RM, the Wakame (W) and the Nori (N) groups, RM with 5% Wakame and 5% Nori, respectively. Animals on added cholesterol diets (CC, CW, and CN) consumed their corresponding basal diets added with cholesterol (2%) and cholic acid (0.4%). Alga and dietary cholesterol significantly interact (P < 0.002) influencing all enzyme expressions but not activities. The cholesterol supplement decreased most enzyme expression and activity. W-RM vs. C-RM increased (P < 0.05) expression of GPx, GR, Mn-SOD, and Cu,Zn-SOD and decreased that of catalase. N-RM vs. C-RM increased (P < 0.05) expression of catalase and Mn-SOD. GR activity increased in W-RM rats while SOD activity increased, but that of Se-GPx decreased in N animals. W-RM increased total and reduced glutathione and decreased the redox index. CN diet induced significantly lower plasma cholesterol levels (P < 0.001) than the CW diet. In conclusion, Nori-RM is a hypocholesterolemic food while Wakame-RM is an antioxidant food. This should be taken into account when including this kind of RM as potential functional foods in human.

Fasting status and thermally oxidized sunflower oil ingestion affect the intestinal antioxidant enzyme activity and gene expression of male Wistar rats.

The effect of thermally oxidized sunflower oil ingestion on antioxidant levels, enzyme activities and expressions in the small intestine of fed and fasted rats was studied. For three consecutive days, 12 male Wistar rats received 0.5 g of unused sunflower oil/100 g of body weight (controls, C) while another 12 were given 0.5 g of thermally oxidized sunflower oil/100 g of body weight (test group, T). On the night of day 3, 6 rats from each group were fasted (FC and FT, respectively) while the other 6 animals from each group were given free access to food (NFC and NFT, respectively). On day 4, FC and NFC rats received 1 g of unused oil/100 g of body weight, while FT and NFT rats were given 1 g of altered oil/100 g of body weight. Small intestines were extracted after 4 h exposure to the oils. Fasting and oil alteration significantly interacted modifying total, Se-GPx (both, P < 0.001) and non-Se-GPx (P < 0.05) activity, and GPx and Cu,Zn-SOD expressions (both P < 0.001). FT rats showed a significant increase in TBARS (P < 0.05) and catalase activity (P < 0.001) and a decrease in SOD, Se- and non-Se-dependent GPx activities (at least, P < 0.05) with respect to FC and NFT animals. SOD and GPx expressions decreased (p<0.001) but that of TNFalpha increased significantly (P < 0.001) in FT rats with respect to FC and NFT animals. Lengthy fasting and consumption of food containing oxidized fat should both be avoided to prevent intestinal oxidative stress.

Gastric emptying and short-term digestibility of thermally oxidized sunflower oil used for frying in fasted and nonfasted rats.

Four-hour in vivo digestibility of sunflower oil used in frying was tested in fasted and nonfasted rats. For three consecutive days, 12 male Wistar rats received 1 g of unused oil (controls, C), while 12 received 1 g of used oil (test group, T). On the night of day 3, 6 rats from each group were fasted (FC, FT) while the other 6 animals from each group had free access to food (NFC, NFT). On day 4, FC and NFC received 2 g of unused oil, while FT and NFT received 2 g of used oil. Luminal gastric and intestinal fats were studied by column and HPSE chromatography after endogenous corrections. Gastric emptying in FT was significantly slower than in NFT and FC. The luminal gastric fat profile differed from that of the oils administered, suggesting that nonoxidized triacylglycerols passed quickly into the intestines. All glyceridic compounds present in the luminal intestinal fat were affected by oil type (at least P < 0.01). Oil digestibility value order was FT < NFT < FC < NFC. FT and NFT presented lower (P < 0.001) triacylglycerol polymer and dimer digestibilities than NFC and FC. In conclusion, oil type determined luminal intestinal fat compounds and their digestibility more than nutritional status.