Overexpression of ribonucleotide reductase small subunit, RNRM, increases cordycepin biosynthesis in transformed Cordyceps militaris.

Cordycepin was the first adenosine analogue used as an anticancer and antiviral agent, which is extracted from Cordyceps militaris and hasn't been biosynthesized until now. This study was first conducted to verify the role of ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs, the two RNR subunits, RNRL and RNRM) in the biosynthesis of cordycepin by over expressing RNRs genes in transformed C. militaris. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blotting results showed that the mRNA and protein levels of RNR subunit genes were significantly upregulated in transformant C. militaris strains compared to the control strain. The results of the HPLC assay indicated that the cordycepin was significantly higher in the C. militaris transformants carrying RNRM than in the wild-type strain, whereas the RNRML was preferentially downregulated. For the C. militaris transformant carrying RNRL, the content of cordycepin wasn't remarkably changed. Furthermore, we revealed that inhibiting RNRs with Triapine (3-AP) almost abrogated the upregulation of cordycepin. Therefore, our results suggested that RNRM can probably directly participate in cordycepin biosynthesis by hydrolyzing adenosine, which is useful for improving cordycepin synthesis and helps to satisfy the commercial demand of cordycepin in the field of medicine.

Hypocholesterolemic Effects of Expeller-Pressed and Solvent-Extracted Fruit Seed Oils and Defatted Pomegranate Seed Meals.

Consumptions of fruit seed oils and meals could potentially improve cardiovascular health by reducing plasma total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The study objective was to compare the effectiveness of expeller-pressed and solvent-extracted grape, tomato, pomegranate seed oils, and defatted pomegranate meals in lowering plasma and hepatic cholesterol using hamster models. Hamsters were fed with fruit seed oils (FSO), defatted pomegranate seed meals (PDM), or control diets. After a 3-week feeding period, plasma total triglycerides of treatment diets were significantly lower. FSO also reduced total, very-low-density lipoprotein- (VLDL), and LDL-cholesterols, while PDM only lowered VLDL-cholesterols. Decreases in low-density and high-density lipoproteins (LDL/HDL) ratios were also observed in most treatments. In liver, triglycerides, total, and free cholesterol levels did not vary between control and treatments. There were no significant differences in lipid modulating properties between solvent-extracted and expeller-pressed oils. In conclusion, partial replacements of saturated fat in high-fat diets with tomato, pomegranate, and grape seed oils could effectively reduce plasma triglyceride levels and improve HDL/LDL ratios.

Antiobesity Effect of Prebiotic Polyphenol-Rich Grape Seed Flour Supplemented with Probiotic Kefir-Derived Lactic Acid Bacteria.

The interaction between prebiotics and probiotics may exert synergistic health benefits. This study investigated the combined effects of polyphenol-rich wine grape seed flour (GSF), a prebiotic, and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) derived from kefir, a probiotic, on obesity-related metabolic disease in high-fat diet (HFD) induced obese (DIO) mice. DIO mice were fed with HFD with 6% microcrystalline cellulose (CON) or HFD supplemented with GSF (5% or 10% GSF), HFD with LAB orally administrated (LAB), or HFD with a combination of GSF and LAB orally administrated (GSF+LAB) for 9 weeks. The vehicle, saline, was also orally administered to the CON and GSF groups. In comparison to CON, all GSF and LAB groups showed a reduction ( P < 0.05) in HF-induced weight gain, liver and adipose tissue weights, plasma lipid concentrations, insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance. The combination of 10% GSF and LAB showed synergistic effects ( P < 0.05) on body weight gain, plasma insulin and total cholesterol concentrations, and cecum propionate contents. Plasma zonulin and cecum propionate concentrations and intestinal FXR gene expression were ( P < 0.05) correlated with body weight gain. A pathway analysis of microarray data of adipose tissue showed that the combination of GSF and LAB affected genes involved in metabolic and immunological diseases, including inflammasome complex assembly ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, a combination of GSF and LAB inhibited HF-induced obesity and inflammation via alterations in intestinal permeability and adipocyte gene expression.

Influence of extruded lentil containing high chromium nutritional yeast on the main physiological factors associated with metabolic syndrome in rodent models.

Insulin resistance, obesity and dyslipidemia are the main physiological factors associated with metabolic syndrome. The objectives of this study were to understand the effects of diets containing extruded lentil fortified with high chromium nutritional yeast (YCr) or chromium picolinate on glucose tolerance, clearance and fasting blood glucose concentrations in Normal and Obese (Ob/Ob) mice and to determine the effects of the diets on the mice plasma lipid profiles. Diets A, B and C contained YCr in different doses and concentrations, as follows: Diet A = 15.7 g and 16 ppm, B = 157.1 g and 16 ppm, and C = 299.3 g and 27 ppm, respectively. Diet D contained chromium picolinate at a dose and concentration of 15.7 g and 16 ppm, respectively. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance tests were conducted at 4-weeks and 8-weeks post diet initiation, in addition to, plasma lipoprotein profiles and organ weights. Normal mice showed only slight variability with respect to the studied biological parameters compared to the Ob/Ob mice group. Results indicated that following 4-weeks of diet supplementation, Ob/Ob mice fed diets A, C and D had significantly (p < 0.05) lower fasting blood glucose (FBG) than Ob/Ob mice fed Diet B. However, after 8-weeks Ob/Ob mice fed Diet C, containing YCr, had a significantly (p < 0.05) lower FBG than mice supplemented with Diet D, containing chromium picolinate. Therefore, based on these findings, it was concluded that YCr at the highest concentration and dose was more effective than chromium picolinate. These results indicate that ready-to-eat snacks and breakfast cereal type products supplemented with chromium in the form of YCr could be used as vehicles for the amelioration of main physiological factors associated with metabolic syndrome.

Dietary Supplementation of Potato Peel Powders Prepared from Conventional and Organic Russet and Non-organic Gold and Red Potatoes Reduces Weight Gain in Mice on a High-Fat Diet.

The present study investigated the potential of potato peel powders, high in bioactive phenolic compounds and glycoalkaloids, to reduce weight gain in mice consuming a high-fat diet. Potato peel powders were prepared from the following fresh commercial potato varieties by hand-peeling and then freeze-drying and grinding the peels into powder: non-organic (conventionally grown) gold, red, and Russet and organically grown Russet. Mice diets (25% fat by weight) were supplemented with either 10 or 20% potato peel powders for 3 weeks. In comparison to the control diet, the isocaloric and isonitrogenous peel-containing diets induced a reduction in weight gain that ranged from 17-45% (10% peel diets) to 46-73% (20% peel diets), suggesting that differences in weight gain are associated with the potato peel source and peel concentration of the diet. Weight reductions were accompanied by reduced epididymal white adipose tissue ranging from 22 to 80% as well as changes in the microbiota analyzed using next-generation sequencing and in obesity-associated genetic biomarkers determined by the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Safety aspects and possible mechanisms of the antiobesity effects are discussed in terms of the composition of the bioactive potato peel compounds, which were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. The results suggest that potato peels, a major peeling byproduct of potato processing used to prepare fries, chips, and potato flour, that showed exceptionally high antiobesity properties in fat mice, have the potential to serve as an antiobesity functional food.

Red Cabbage Microgreens Lower Circulating Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), Liver Cholesterol, and Inflammatory Cytokines in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States, and hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor. Population studies, as well as animal and intervention studies, support the consumption of a variety of vegetables as a means to reduce CVD risk through modulation of hypercholesterolemia. Microgreens of a variety of vegetables and herbs have been reported to be more nutrient dense compared to their mature counterparts. However, little is known about the effectiveness of microgreens in affecting lipid and cholesterol levels. The present study used a rodent diet-induced obesity (DIO) model to address this question. C57BL/6NCr mice (n = 60, male, 5 weeks old) were randomly assigned to six feeding groups: (1) low-fat diet; (2) high-fat diet; (3) low-fat diet + 1.09% red cabbage microgreens; (4) low-fat diet + 1.66% mature red cabbage; (5) high-fat diet + 1.09% red cabbage microgreens; (6) high-fat diet + 1.66% mature red cabbage. The animals were on their respective diets for 8 weeks. We found microgreen supplementation attenuated high-fat diet induced weight gain. Moreover, supplementation with microgreens significantly lowered circulating LDL levels in animals fed the high-fat diet and reduced hepatic cholesterol ester, triacylglycerol levels, and expression of inflammatory cytokines in the liver. These data suggest that microgreens can modulate weight gain and cholesterol metabolism and may protect against CVD by preventing hypercholesterolemia.

Chardonnay Grape Seed Flour Ameliorates Hepatic Steatosis and Insulin Resistance via Altered Hepatic Gene Expression for Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Lipid and Ceramide Synthesis in Diet-Induced Obese Mice.

To identify differentially expressed hepatic genes contributing to the improvement of high-fat (HF) diet-induced hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance following supplementation of partially defatted flavonoid-rich Chardonnay grape seed flour (ChrSd), diet-induced obese (DIO) mice were fed HF diets containing either ChrSd or microcrystalline cellulose (MCC, control) for 5 weeks. The 2-h insulin area under the curve was significantly lowered by ChrSd, indicating that ChrSd improved insulin sensitivity. ChrSd intake also significantly reduced body weight gain, liver and adipose tissue weight, hepatic lipid content, and plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, despite a significant increase in food intake. Exon microarray analysis of hepatic gene expression revealed down-regulation of genes related to triglyceride and ceramide synthesis, immune response, oxidative stress, and inflammation and upregulation of genes related to fatty acid oxidation, cholesterol, and bile acid synthesis. In conclusion, the effects of ChrSd supplementation in a HF diet on weight gain, insulin resistance, and progression of hepatic steatosis in DIO mice were associated with modulation of hepatic genes related to oxidative stress, inflammation, ceramide synthesis, and lipid and cholesterol metabolism.

Thermal Degradation and Isomerization of ß-Carotene in Oil-in-Water Nanoemulsions Supplemented with Natural Antioxidants.

The goal of this study was to see the impact on the retention and isomerization of encapsulated ß-carotene (BC) in nanoemulsions fortified with natural antioxidants (α-tocopherol (AT) and l-ascorbic acid (AA)). The physical stability of nanoemulsion, oxidative stability, and isomerization of all-trans-ß-carotene (BC) in oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions were determined in the presence or absence of natural antioxidants at 25 and 50 °C at certain intervals of time by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Sodium caseinate was used as the emulsifier, and corn oil (CO) was more protective than medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) and used for isomerization studies. Mean diameters of control (without antioxidants) and AA- and AT-fortified particles were similar. Mean particle diameter of nanoemulsions increased from 10 to 25 nm at 25 °C and from 40 to 50 nm at 50 °C during 30 days of storage. The isomerization from all-trans-BC to cis-BC isomers was inhibited by antioxidants. The isomerization rates were in the following order: 13-cis-BC > 15-cis-BC > 9-cis-BC. AT had better antioxidant activities than AA in inhibiting BC degradation in O/W nanoemulsions. The results indicated that BC encapsulated in nanoemulsions supplemented with antioxidants could significantly improve BC's chemical stability.

Bactericidal action mechanism of negatively charged food grade clove oil nanoemulsions.

Clove oil (CO) anionic nanoemulsions were prepared with varying ratios of CO to canola oil (CA), emulsified and stabilized with purity gum ultra (PGU), a newly developed succinylated waxy maize starch. Interfacial tension measurements showed that CO acted as a co-surfactant and there was a gradual decrease in interfacial tension which favored the formation of small droplet sizes on homogenization until a critical limit (5:5% v/v CO:CA) was reached. Antimicrobial activity of the negatively charged CO nanoemulsion was determined against Gram positive GPB (Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram negative GNB (Escherichia coli) bacterial strains using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and a time kill dynamic method. Negatively charged PGU emulsified CO nanoemulsion showed prolonged antibacterial activities against Gram positive bacterial strains. We concluded that negatively charged CO nanoemulsion droplets self-assemble with GPB cell membrane, and facilitated interaction with cellular components of bacteria. Moreover, no electrostatic interaction existed between negatively charged droplets and the GPB membrane.

Effects of Lipids on in Vitro Release and Cellular Uptake of ß-Carotene in Nanoemulsion-Based Delivery Systems.

ß-Carotene (BC) nanoemulsions were successfully prepared by microfluidization. BC micellarization was significantly affected by bile salts and pancreatin concentration. Positive and linear correlation was observed between BC release and bile salts concentration. Pancreatin facilitated BC's release in simulated digestion. Compared to the control (bulk oil) (4.6%), nanoemulsion delivery systems significantly improved the micellarization of BC (70.9%). The amount of BC partitioned into micelles was positively proportional to the length of carrier oils. Unsaturated fatty acid (UFA)-rich oils were better than saturated fatty acid (SFA)-rich oils in transferring BC (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA)-rich oils and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-rich oils (p > 0.05). A positive and linear relationship between the degree of lipolysis and the release of BC in vitro digestion was observed. Bile salts showed cytotoxicity to Caco-2 cells below 20 times dilution. BC uptake by Caco-2 cells was not affected by fatty acid (FA) compositions in micelles, but BC uptake was proportional to its concentration in the diluted micelle fraction. The results obtained are beneficial to encapsulate and deliver BC or other bioactive lipophilic carotenoids in a wide range of commercial products.

Polysaccharide gel coating of the leaves of Brasenia schreberi lowers plasma cholesterol in hamsters.

Brasenia schreberi ( chún cài) is an invasive aquatic weed found in the USA, but the plant has economic value in Asia where it is cultivated for food. The young leaves of B. schreberi are coated with gelatinous water-insoluble mucilage. This mucilage is a polysaccharide composed of galactose, mannose, fucose, and other monosaccharides. Because some carbohydrate gels are hypocholesterolemic, we evaluated their cholesterol-lowering properties in male hamsters fed hypercholesterolemic diets containing 2% gel coat from B. schreberi (GEL), or 1% cholestyramine (CA), or 5% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), and compared them to 5% microcrystalline cellulose (control) for 3 weeks. We found that very-low-density lipoprotein-, low-density lipoprotein-, and total-cholesterol concentrations in plasma were significantly lowered by GEL, CA, and HPMC compared to control. High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentration was lowered by CA and HPMC. Body weights and abdominal adipose tissue weight of GEL and control group animals were greater than those of the CA and HPMC groups. Fecal lipid excretion was greater in the CA and HPMC groups than in the control group. Expression of hepatic CYP51 and CYP7A1 mRNA was upregulated by CA, HPMC, and GEL, indicating increased hepatic cholesterol and bile acid synthesis. Expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor mRNA was upregulated by all treatments. These results suggest that modulation of hepatic expression of cholesterol and bile acid metabolism-regulated genes contributes to the cholesterol-lowering effects of GEL.

TRAMP prostate tumor growth is slowed by walnut diets through altered IGF-1 levels, energy pathways, and cholesterol metabolism.

Dietary changes could potentially reduce prostate cancer morbidity and mortality. Transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) prostate tumor responses to a 100 g of fat/kg diet (whole walnuts, walnut oil, and other oils; balanced for macronutrients, tocopherols [α-and γ]) for 18 weeks ad libitum were assessed. TRAMP mice (n=17 per group) were fed diets with 100 g fat from either whole walnuts (diet group WW), walnut-like fat (diet group WLF, oils blended to match walnut's fatty acid profile), or as walnut oil (diet group WO, pressed from the same walnuts as WW). Fasted plasma glucose was from tail vein blood, blood was obtained by cardiac puncture, and plasma stored frozen until analysis. Prostate (genitourinary intact [GUI]) was weighed and stored frozen at -80°C. Plasma triglyceride, lipoprotein cholesterol, plasma multianalyte levels (Myriad RBM Rat Metabolic MAP), prostate (GUI), tissue metabolites (Metabolon, Inc., Durham, NC, USA), and mRNA (by Illumina NGS) were determined. The prostate tumor size, plasma insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), high density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol all decreased significantly (P<.05) in both WW and WO compared to WLF. Both WW and WO versus WLF showed increased insulin sensitivity (Homeostasis Model Assessment [HOMA]), and tissue metabolomics found reduced glucose-6-phosphate, succinylcarnitine, and 4-hydroxybutyrate in these groups suggesting effects on cellular energy status. Tissue mRNA levels also showed changes suggestive of altered glucose metabolism with WW and WO diet groups having increased PCK1 and CIDEC mRNA expression, known for their roles in gluconeogenesis and increased insulin sensitivity, respectively. WW and WO group tissues also had increased MSMB mRNa a tumor suppressor and decreased COX-2 mRNA, both reported to inhibit prostate tumor growth. Walnuts reduced prostate tumor growth by affecting energy metabolism along with decreased plasma IGF-1 and cholesterol. These effects are not due to the walnut's N-3 fatty acids, but due to component(s) found in the walnut's fat component.

Dietary supplementation of chardonnay grape seed flour reduces plasma cholesterol concentration, hepatic steatosis, and abdominal fat content in high-fat diet-induced obese hamsters.

The mechanisms for the hypocholesterolemic and antiobesity effects of grape seed flours derived from white and red winemaking processing were investigated using male Golden Syrian hamsters fed high-fat (HF) diets supplemented with 10% partially defatted grape seed flours from Chardonnay (ChrSd), Cabernet Sauvignon (CabSd), or Syrah (SyrSd) pomace as compared to a HF control diet for 3 weeks. Hamsters fed the ChrSd diet had significantly lowered plasma total-, VLDL-, and LDL-cholesterol concentrations compared to the CabSd, SyrSd, and control diets. The improved plasma cholesterol after ChrSd was correlated with the up-regulation of hepatic genes related to cholesterol (CYP51) and bile acid (CYP7A1) synthesis as well as LDL-cholesterol uptake (LDLR). A reduction of hepatic lipid content was associated with altered expression of the genes related to lipid metabolism. However, fecal total lipid content was not changed. Expression of ileal apical sodium bile acid transporter (ASBT) was not affected by ChrSd, indicating unchanged ileal bile acid reabsorption. The antiobesity effect of the ChrSd diet appears to be related to expression of adipogenesis- and inflammation-related genes in adipose tissue. These findings suggest that flavonoid-rich Chardonnay grape seed flour induced cholesterol-lowering, antiobesity, and anti-inflammatory health benefits and attenuation of hepatic steatosis via regulation of gene expression related to cholesterol, bile acid, and lipid metabolism in liver and adipose tissue.

Cholesterol-lowering activity of soy-derived glyceollins in the golden Syrian hamster model.

Hypercholesterolemia is one of the major factors contributing to the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the leading cause of death in developed countries. Consumption of soy foods has been recognized to lower the risk of CVD, and phytochemicals in soy are believed to contribute to the health benefits. Glyceollin is one of the candidate phytochemicals synthesized in stressed soy that may account for many unique biological activities. In this study, the in vivo cholesterol-lowering effect of glyceollins was investigated. Male golden Syrian hamsters were fed diets including (1) 36 kcal% fat diet, (2) 36 kcal% fat diet containing 250 mg/kg diet glyceollins, or (3) chow for 28 days. Hepatic cholesterol esters and free cholesterol, hepatic total lipid content, plasma lipoproteins, fecal bile acid, fecal total cholesterol, and cholesterol metabolism related gene expressions were measured. Glyceollin supplementation led to significant reduction of plasma VLDL, hepatic cholesterol esters, and total lipid content. Consistent with changes in circulating cholesterol, glyceollin supplementation also altered expression of the genes related to cholesterol metabolism in the liver. In contrast, no change in plasma LDL and HDL, fecal bile acid, or cholesterol content was observed. The cholesterol-lowering effect of glyceollins appeared not to go through the increase of bile excretion. These results supported glyceollins' role as novel soy-derived cholesterol-lowering phytochemicals that may contribute to soy's health effects.

Plasma and hepatic cholesterol-lowering effects of tomato pomace, tomato seed oil and defatted tomato seed in hamsters fed with high-fat diets.

The cholesterol-lowering effects of tomato pomace (TP), tomato seed oil (TSO) and defatted tomato seed (DTS) were determined in male Golden Syrian hamsters. Hamsters fed high-fat diets containing 10% TSO or 18% DTS were compared to a diet containing 10% corn oil and 10% microcrystalline cellulose (control 1), 42% TP were compared to 25% microcrystalline cellulose (control 2). TP, TSO and DTS reduced hepatic total cholesterol (TC) content. DTS also lowered plasma TC and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations. Fecal excretion of lipid, bile acid and cholesterol increased in the DTS group compared to control 1. DTS-fed hamsters had higher levels of hepatic CYP7A1, CYP51, ABCB11, and ABCG5 gene expression than control, suggesting both hepatic bile acid and cholesterol synthesis increased due to increased fecal excretion of bile acid and cholesterol. The results suggest that protein, dietary fibre or phenolic compounds in DTS may be responsible for plasma cholesterol decrease.

Properties of chitosan-microencapsulated orange oil prepared by spray-drying and its stability to detergents.

Fragrance encapsulated in small particles of <20 µm diameter is preferred for use in textiles. This study demonstrated that the proper combination of surfactants could produce small and heat-stable emulsion droplets with chitosan that could be spray-dried to produce microcapsules. The microcapsules were able to be deposited onto cotton using water or detergents. It was found that stable emulsion was obtained when Tween 40 and Span 20 were used as compound emulsifiers with the ratio of 4:1 (w/w). The optimum conditions were 1% (w/w) chitosan in acetic acid with the compound emulsifiers of 3-7% (w/w) in the oil, and the inlet temperature for spray-drying was 150 °C. The encapsulation efficiency for orange oil was >90% with a 1:2 (w/w) ratio of oil to chitosan. Microcapsules had a mean diameter of <20 µm and regular particle morphology. The orange oil in the microcapsules was well retained in cotton fabrics after washing in normal detergent solution. The process and products are low in cost, nontoxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable.

HPMC supplementation reduces abdominal fat content, intestinal permeability, inflammation, and insulin resistance in diet-induced obese mice.

SCOPE: The effects of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), a highly viscous nonfermentable soluble dietary fiber, were evaluated on adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice fed a high-fat (HF) diet supplemented with either HPMC or insoluble fiber. METHODS AND RESULTS: DIO C57BL/6J mice were fed a HF diet supplemented with 6% HPMC or 6% microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). Gene expression analyses of epididymal adipose tissue by exon microarray and real-time PCR along with glucose and insulin tolerance and intestinal permeability were assessed. HPMC-fed mice exhibited significantly reduced body weight gain and adipose tissue weight as well as reduced areas under the curve for 2-h insulin and glucose responses. HPMC significantly decreased HF diet-induced intestinal permeability. Overall, HPMC enhanced insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism and downregulated genes related to inflammation and immune response, adipogenesis, and oxidative stress markers. Pathway analysis of microarray data identified lipid metabolism, inflammatory disease, and acute phase response pathways as being differentially regulated by HPMC. CONCLUSION: These results suggest HPMC consumption ameliorates HF diet effects on obesity-induced insulin resistance, adipose tissue inflammatory and immune responses, weight gain, as well as intestinal permeability.

Dietary hydroxypropyl methylcellulose increases excretion of saturated and trans fats by hamsters fed fast food diets.

In animal studies, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) intake results in increased fecal fat excretion; however, the effects on dietary saturated fatty acids (SATs) and trans-fatty acids (TRANS) remain unknown. This study investigated the effect of HPMC on digestion and absorption of lipids in male Golden Syrian hamsters fed either freeze-dried ground pizza (PZ), pound cake (PC), or hamburger and fries (BF) supplemented with dietary fiber from either HPMC or microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) for 3 weeks. We observed greater excretion of SATs and TRANS by both diets supplemented with HPMC or MCC as compared to the feed. SAT, TRANS, and unsaturated fatty acids (UNSAT) contents of feces of the PZ diet supplemented with HPMC were 5-8 times higher than diets supplemented with MCC and tended to be higher in the PC- and BF-HPMC supplemented diets as well. We also observed significant increases in fecal excretion of bile acids (2.6-3-fold; P < 0.05), sterols (1.1-1.5-fold; P < 0.05), and unsaturated fatty acids (UNSAT, 1.7-4.5-fold; P < 0.05). The animal body weight gain was inversely correlated with the excretion of fecal lipid concentrations of bile acids (r = -0.56; P < 0.005), sterols (r = -0.48; P < 0.005), SAT (r = -0.69; P < 0.005), UNSAT (r = -0.67; P < 0.005), and TRANS (r = -0.62; P < 0.005). Therefore, HPMC may be facilitating fat excretion in a biased manner with preferential fecal excretion of both TRANS and SAT in hamsters fed fast food diets.

Lower weight gain and hepatic lipid content in hamsters fed high fat diets supplemented with white rice protein, brown rice protein, soy protein, and their hydrolysates.

The physiological effects of the hydrolysates of white rice protein (WRP), brown rice protein (BRP), and soy protein (SP) hydrolyzed by the food grade enzyme, alcalase2.4 L, were compared to the original protein source. Male Syrian Golden hamsters were fed high-fat diets containing either 20% casein (control) or 20% extracted proteins or their hydrolysates as the protein source for 3 weeks. The brown rice protein hydrolysate (BRPH) diet group reduced weight gain 76% compared with the control. Animals fed the BRPH supplemented diet also had lower final body weight, liver weight, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), and liver cholesterol, and higher fecal fat and bile acid excretion than the control. Expression levels of hepatic genes for lipid oxidation, PPARα, ACOX1, and CPT1, were highest for hamsters fed the BRPH supplemented diet. Expression of CYP7A1, the gene regulating bile acid synthesis, was higher in all test groups. Expression of CYP51, a gene coding for an enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis, was highest in the BRPH diet group. The results suggest that BRPH includes unique peptides that reduce weight gain and hepatic cholesterol synthesis.

Cinnamon intake lowers fasting blood glucose: meta-analysis.

Cinnamon, the dry bark and twig of Cinnamomum spp., is a rich botanical source of polyphenolics that has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine and has been shown to affect blood glucose and insulin signaling. Cinnamon's effects on blood glucose have been the subject of many clinical and animal studies; however, the issue of cinnamon intake's effect on fasting blood glucose (FBG) in people with type 2 diabetes and/or prediabetes still remains unclear. A meta-analysis of clinical studies of the effect of cinnamon intake on people with type 2 diabetes and/or prediabetes that included three new clinical trials along with five trials used in previous meta-analyses was done to assess cinnamon's effectiveness in lowering FBG. The eight clinical studies were identified using a literature search (Pub Med and Biosis through May 2010) of randomized, placebo-controlled trials reporting data on cinnamon and/or cinnamon extract and FBG. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (Biostat Inc., Englewood, NJ, USA) was performed on the identified data for both cinnamon and cinnamon extract intake using a random-effects model that determined the standardized mean difference ([i.e., Change 1(control) - Change 2(cinnamon)] divided by the pooled SD of the post scores). Cinnamon intake, either as whole cinnamon or as cinnamon extract, results in a statistically significant lowering in FBG (-0.49±0.2 mmol/L; n=8, P=.025) and intake of cinnamon extract only also lowered FBG (-0.48 mmol/L±0.17; n=5, P=.008). Thus cinnamon extract and/or cinnamon improves FBG in people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.