Daily Consumption of α-Linolenic Acid Increases Conversion Efficiency to Eicosapentaenoic Acid in Mice.

To maintain a beneficial concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), the efficient conversion of its precursor, α-linolenic acid (α-LA), is important. Here, we studied the conversion of α-LA to EPA using ICR and C57BL/6 mice. A single dose of perilla oil rich-in α-LA or free α-LA had not been converted to EPA 18 h following administration. The α-LA was absorbed into the circulation, and its concentration peaked 6 h after administration, after which it rapidly decreased. In contrast, EPA administration was followed by an increase in circulating EPA concentration, but this did not decrease between 6 and 18 h, indicating that the clearance of EPA is slower than that of α-LA. After ≥1 week perilla oil intake, the circulating EPA concentration was >20 times higher than that of the control group which consumed olive oil, indicating that daily consumption, but not a single dose, of α-LA-rich oil might help preserve the physiologic EPA concentration. The consumption of high concentrations of perilla oil for 4 weeks also increased the hepatic expression of Elovl5, which is involved in fatty acid elongation; however, further studies are needed to characterize the relationship between the expression of this gene and the conversion of α-LA to EPA.

Active-phase Plasma Alkaline Phosphatase Isozyme Activity Is a Sensitive Biomarker for Excessive Fructose Intake.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Excessive fructose intake reportedly leads to the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In our previous study, we reported that plasma activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) isozymes were markedly changed in rats with excessive fructose intake-induced hepatomegaly. In this study, we examined ALP isozyme activity prior to the occurrence of hepatomegaly, and investigated the effect of the timing of sample collection, to explore its potential as a biomarker. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After 1-week intake of a 63% high-fructose diet (HFrD), blood samples were collected from male rats during sleep or active phases to analyze biochemical parameters. RESULTS: Body and liver weights were similar between the HFrD and control diet groups, indicating that hepatomegaly due to excessive fructose intake had not occurred. The triglyceride levels and glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) activity were significantly elevated to similar degrees at both time points. HFrD intake significantly increased liver-type ALP (L-ALP) activity, stimulating it by 12.7% at the sleep phase and by 124.3% at the active phase. HFrD consumption also significantly decreased intestinal-type ALP (I-ALP) at the active phase, but only showed a decreasing trend during the sleep phase. CONCLUSION: Measurements of plasma ALP isozyme and GLDH activity, and triglyceride levels are effective early biomarkers of impending NAFLD caused by excessive fructose intake. L-ALP and I-ALP activities during the active phase are particularly sensitive for detection of excessive fructose intake before the occurrence of NAFLD.

Social confrontation stress decreases hepatic fibroblast growth factor-21 expression in aged mice.

We previously showed that social stress exposure in mature adult mice increased blood corticosterone concentrations at 2 days, disrupted hepatic lipid metabolism-related pathway at 30 days, and increased the risk of overweight with hepatic hypertrophy at 90 days. To further investigate the effects of aging on the physiological responses to social stress, we conducted a study using male BALB/c mice at the ages of 2 months (mature age), 14 months (middle age) and 26 months (old age), and exposed them to confrontation stress for 2 or 7 days. Blood corticosterone concentrations were increased at 2 days of stress, and then returned to baseline concentrations. This change was observed only at 2 months of age. We further examined the effect of aging on hepatic gene expression of fibroblast growth factor-21 (Fgf21) and found that its expression was significantly decreased after 7 days of stress at 14 months of age and after 2 days of stress at 26 months of age, indicating these decreasing effects became more pronounced with age. In conclusion, our study suggests that hepatic Fgf21 expression decrease under exposure to confrontation stress at middle or more age, indicating that stress response on Fgf21 related pathway might be more pronounced with age when exposed to stress.

Novel Biomarker Establishment for Evaluation of Excessive Fructose Consumption Using a Rat Model.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The habitual consumption of excessive fructose is associated with the onset and progression of lifestyle-related diseases, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this study, we investigated the physiological changes observed when consuming a diet containing excessive fructose on the viewpoints of hepatotoxicity biological markers using a rat model and explored the biomarker candidates that could detect the effects of excessive fructose intake at an early stage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male rats were fed 63% high fructose diet (HFrD) ad libitum and their blood samples were collected before and at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after allocation. The plasma biochemical parameters, hepatotoxic enzyme activities including alkaline phosphatase (ALP) isozymes were analyzed. RESULTS: HFrD consumption for 4-weeks created NAFLD-like symptoms, including elevated plasma lipid parameters and hepatotoxicity markers, as well as fat accumulation in the liver compared with rats consuming a control diet. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) were increased from the 3rd and 2nd weeks, respectively, but no changes were observed on ALP activity. However, the daily consumption of the HFrD increased the plasma activities of liver-type ALP isozyme, and decreased plasma small intestinal-type ALP isozyme soon after the start of feeding. CONCLUSION: ALP isozyme analysis in combination with GLDH and ALT activities in the plasma samples could be a useful tool to detect the physiological changes induced by excessive fructose intake at an early stage of the development of NAFLD.

Anti-Allergic Activity of Fucoidan Can Be Enhanced by Coexistence with Quercetin.

In recent years, the incidence of type I hypersensitivity including hay fever has been increasing year by year in Japan. Our previous study using mice showed that only oral, but not intraperitoneal, administration of fucoidan extracted from seaweed (Saccharina japonica) suppressed type I hypersensitivity by secretion of galectin-9, which has a high affinity for IgE in the blood. However, the amount of seaweed required to achieve this activity is quite high (12 g dry weight per person per day). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to search for food ingredients in vegetables that enhance type I hypersensitivity suppression effect when consumed together with fucoidan. As a result, the enhanced effect was observed in extracts from Welsh onions and onions among vegetables. When we compared the polyphenols in the vegetables that showed activity with those that did not, flavonols such as quercetin and kaempferol were found as candidates. When quercetin or kaempferol (100 µg each) were orally administered at the same time, even at amounts where fucoidan alone showed no anti-allergic activity, anti-allergic effects were observed. More interestingly, when both flavonols were combined and administered simultaneously at half the amount of each of the above flavonols (50 µg), while the fucoidan amount remained the same, a similar effect was observed as when each flavonol (100 µg) was administered alone. The simultaneous intake of fucoidan and vegetables containing high contents of quercetin or kaempferol may reduce fucoidan intake while maintaining the allergy suppression effect, suggesting the importance of food combination.

Transvenous Radiofrequency Ablation of Adrenal Gland: Experimental Study.

PURPOSE: The aim was to evaluate a flexible device for transvenous adrenal gland radiofrequency ablation in vitro and in an in vivo animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A flexible radiofrequency-tip catheter with an inner-cooling mechanism and a guidewire lumen was made. Then, using a polyvinyl alcohol gel model, the ablation diameter was evaluated and how much energy to deliver in vivo was determined. Finally, transvenous radiofrequency ablation of the left adrenal glands of two pigs was performed, delivering 5000 or 7000 J in a single dose to each. The ablation effects were also assessed by histological examination of hematoxylin-eosin-stained sections. RESULTS: The mean ablation diameters in the gel model were 20.2 and 21.9 mm in the short axis and 15 and 20 mm in the long axis for 5000 or 7000 J, respectively. The device was inserted into porcine left adrenal vein with no complications. The mean ablation diameters were 10 mm in the shorter axis (whole thickness of porcine left adrenal gland) in the porcine model for 7000 J. Transient increases in blood pressure and heart rate occurred during ablation. Histologically, the adrenal gland showed severe necrosis at ablated area. There was venous congestion upstream in a non-ablated area, and thermal damage to surrounding organs was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: A flexible radiofrequency-tip catheter could be inserted successfully into the left adrenal vein. The left adrenal gland was entirely ablated without any thermal damage to surrounding organs. We suggest transvenous adrenal ablation has potential as a therapeutic option for primary aldosteronism.

Beneficial Effects of the Consumption of Hot-Water Extracts of Thinned Immature Mangos (Mangifera indica "Irwin") on the Hypertriglyceridemia of Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice.

The thinned immature fruit of the mango tree (Mangifera indica "Irwin") are regarded as waste products. In this study, we evaluated the effects of daily consumption of a hot-water extract of thinned immature mango fruits (TIMEx) on the dyslipidemia of apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice. ApoE-/- mice and wild-type BALB/c mice were fed a 20% fat diet containing 0%, 0.1%, or 1.0% TIMEx for 8 weeks. Their body mass, food intake, and water consumption were unaffected by the TIMEx. The 1.0% TIMEx supplementation significantly reduced serum triglyceride, but not total cholesterol concentration. This effect was significant in ApoE-/- mice, but less marked under normal conditions in wild-type mice. In addition, the circulating concentrations of three hormones that regulate metabolism, resistin, leptin, and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, were reduced by TIMEx consumption, which may be involved in its effect to prevent hypertriglyceridemia. However, none of the concentrations of TIMEx reduced the size of atherosclerotic plaque lesions. In conclusion, daily consumption of TIMEx ameliorates hypertriglyceridemia but not hypercholesterolemia in genetically predisposed mice.

Selective Consumption of Fish Oil at End of the Day Increases the Physiological Fatty Acid Compositions of Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid in Mice.

Diets with high daily fat consumption are associated with excess weight. However, the effects of fat type and consumption timing on excess weight remain unclear. We investigated the selection of a 30% (w/w) fat diet of soybean oil (SOY), lard (LARD), and fish oil (FISH) on the metabolic parameters of mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into the double SOY-box (w-SOY), SOY-box/LARD-box (SOY-vs-LARD), or SOY-box/FISH-box (SOY-vs-FISH) groups and allowed to selectively consume for 8 weeks. The total energy intake was similar for all groups, but the mice selectively chose to consume LARD over SOY and SOY over FISH. Body weight in the SOY-vs-LARD group was significantly higher than that in the w-SOY and SOY-vs-FISH groups. Additionally, minimal but selective consumption of an omega-3 fatty-acid-rich FISH diet at the end of the active period increased the physiological fatty acid compositions of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the SOY-vs-FISH group; their metabolic parameters were also lower than the SOY-vs-LARD group. In conclusion, selectively consuming small amounts of fish oil at the end of the day may prevent excess weight compared with LARD consumption.

Subchronic safety evaluation of hot-water extract from thinned immature mangos (Mangifera indica 'Irwin'): 90-days oral toxicity study in rats.

Thinned immature fruit of the mango tree (Mangifera indica 'Irwin') are handled as waste. In this study, we conducted a 90-days toxicity study in male and female Sprague Dawley rats to evaluate the safety of a hot-water extract of thinned immature mango fruits (TIMEx) administered by oral gavage at doses of 500, 1000 and 2500 mg/kg body weight/day. Treatment did not result in death or changes in the behavior or external appearance of the animals. No alterations were observed in hematological or serum chemical parameters, urinalysis, food consumption, body weight gain or organ weights at the end of the treatment period, with the exception of higher mean corpuscular volume in male rats that received high doses and lower serum creatine phosphokinase levels in female rats that received medium doses. Under the conditions of this study and based on the toxicological endpoints evaluated, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for TIMEx was 2500 mg/kg/day. The findings indicate that TIMEx is safe for consumption and should be investigated as a candidate food.

Beneficial effects of the consumption of sun-dried radishes (Raphanus sativus cv. YR-Hyuga-Risou) on dyslipidemia in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.

In the present study, we evaluated the effects of daily consumption of raw (RR) or sun-dried (SDR) radishes (Raphanus sativus cv. YR-Hyuga-Risou) on apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/- ) mice. Daily consumption of RR for 16 weeks significantly decreased body weight gain in the both wild-type and ApoE-/- mice. The wild-type mice fed the SDR diet gained significantly less body weight than the ApoE-/- mice fed the same diet, although the ApoE-/- mice showed a trend toward decreased body weight gain. Consumption of both diets led to a marked decrease in visceral fat weight and serum triglyceride levels in ApoE-/- mice. Oral fat tolerance tests indicated that pretreatment with RR or SDR mitigated the increase in serum triglyceride levels seen after oil administration. In conclusion, we found that daily consumption of both RR- and SDR-containing diets can help us to prevent from dyslipidemia by inhibiting fat absorption.

Maternal Quercetin Consumption during Pregnancy May Help Regulate Total Cholesterol/HDL-Cholesterol Ratio without Effect on Cholesterol Levels in Male Progeny Consuming High-Fat Diet.

Quercetin has been shown to have anti-obesity effects, but it is unknown whether these effects can be transmitted from mothers to their progeny. In this study, we investigated whether maternal quercetin consumption during pregnancy has a protective effect on high-fat diet-induced hyper lipid levels and overweight in progeny. Female mice consumed a control diet or a diet containing 1.0% quercetin during breeding. The male progeny were then divided into four groups that were (1) sacrificed at postnatal day 3; (2) born to dams fed the control diet and also fed the control diet (C-C), (3) born to dams fed the control diet and then fed a 30% high-fat diet (C-HF), or (4) born to dams fed the Q-diet and then fed the HF diet (Q-HF). Maternal consumption of quercetin did not affect body weight or blood lipid parameters in either dams or neonates at postnatal day 3. After 13 weeks, the Q-HF group exhibited greater body and liver weights, and higher blood cholesterol levels than the C-HF group. However, the total cholesterol/ high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol ratios in the Q-HF and C-C groups remained similar. In conclusion, maternal quercetin consumption does not appear to protect the next generation from high-fat diet-induced hyper cholesterol level in the blood and liver, and consequently overweight, but may help regulate the total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio.

Omega-3 Eicosapentaenoic Acid Is Related to Happiness and a Sense of Fulfillment-A Study among Female Nursing Workers.

Background: Omega (ω) 3 fatty acid (FA) is a polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) that can modulate some mental statuses. However, most studies have not considered the functional differences between eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). We investigated associations among happiness, a sense of fulfillment and serum ω3 PUFA levels. Methods: Participants were 133 female staff from a hospital and nursing homes. Happiness was measured using the Japanese version of the subjective happiness scale (SHS); a sense of fulfillment was assessed using a visual analogue scale. Serum FA concentrations were measured. A partial correlation test and a regression model were applied. Results: The SHS scores showed significantly positive correlations with a sense of fulfillment, DHA% and EPA% (p < 0.05, < 0.05 and < 0.005, respectively), after controlling for age, BMI, menopause, snacking habits and leisure-time physical activities. A sense of fulfillment was significantly negatively correlated with α-linoleic acid%, and positively correlated with DHA% and EPA% (p < 0.05, < 0.05 and < 0.005, respectively), after controlling for the confounders. A regression model showed that a sense of fulfillment, EPA, and not stopping menstruation explained happiness (standardised beta, B = 0.18, p < 0.05; B = 0.24, p < 0.01; and B = 0.32, and p < 0.05, respectively), whereas age, BMI and snacking habits could not. Simultaneously, a regression model could not explain the association between DHA and happiness. Conclusion: Happiness was related with serum EPA%, a sense of fulfillment, and premenopause.

Dietary phytanic acid-induced changes in tissue fatty acid profiles in mice.

The aims of this research communication were to investigate the in vivo tissue accumulation of phytanic acid (PA) and any changes in the tissue fatty acid profiles in mice. Previous in vitro studies have demonstrated that PA is a milk component with the potential to cause both beneficial effects on lipid and glucose metabolism and detrimental effects on neuronal cells. However, there is limited information about its in vivo actions. In this study, mice were fed diets containing either 0.00 or 0.05% 3RS, 7R, 11R-PA, which is the isomer found in milk and the human body. After 4 weeks, adipose tissue, liver and brain were harvested and their fatty acid profiles were determined by gas chromatographic analysis. The results showed that PA and its metabolite pristanic acid accumulated in the adipose tissue of PA-fed mice, and that dietary PA decreased the hepatic compositions of several saturated fatty acids such as palmitic acid while increasing the compositions of polyunsaturated fatty acids including linoleic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. However, dietary PA neither accumulated nor had a high impact on the fatty acid profile in the brain. These results suggested that dietary PA could exert its biological activities in adipose tissue and liver, although the brain is relatively less affected by dietary PA. These data provide a basis for understanding the in vivo physiological actions of PA.

Impact of Gut Microbiome on Hypertensive Patients With Low-Salt Intake: Shika Study Results.

Salt intake is one of the most important environmental factors impacting hypertension onset. Meanwhile, the potential roles of the gut microbiome (GM) in altering the health status of hosts have drawn considerable attention. Here, we aimed to perform an observational study to investigate the impact of intestinal bacterial flora in hypertensive patients with low-salt or high-salt intake. A total of 239 participants were enrolled, and their gut microbiomes, clinical and demographic details, as well as physiological parameters pertaining to the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and inflammatory cytokine profiles, were examined. The participants were classified into four groups based on the presence of different enterotype bacteria, as determined via cluster analysis, and salt intake: low salt/GM enterotype 1, low salt/GM enterotype 2, high salt/GM enterotype 1, and high salt/GM enterotype 2. Results show that the prevalence of hypertension was significantly lower in the low-salt/GM enterotype 2 group (27%) compared to the low salt/GM enterotype 1 group (47%; p = 0.04). Alternatively, no significant differences were observed in hypertension prevalence between the two high-salt intake groups (GM enterotype 1 = 50%, GM enterotype 2 = 47%; p = 0.83). Furthermore, The low-salt/GM enterotype 2 was higher in the relative abundances of Blautia, Bifidobacterium, Escherichia-Shigella, Lachnoclostridium, and Clostridium sensu stricto than the low-salt/GM enterotype 1. differed significantly between the GM enterotypes. These results suggested that consumption of a low-salt diet was ineffective in regulating hypertension in individuals with a specific gut bacteria composition. Our findings support the restoration of GM homeostasis as a new strategy for controlling blood pressure and preventing the development of hypertension.

Insights into the potential benefits of black soybean (Glycine max L.) polyphenols in lifestyle diseases.

Black soybean (Glycine max L.), a cultivar containing abundant polyphenols in its seed coat such as anthocyanins and flavan-3-ols, has been reported to possess various health benefits toward lifestyle diseases. In this review article, the safety evaluation of polyphenol-rich black soybean seed coat extract (BE) and absorption of BE polyphenols are summarized. Additionally, we describe the antioxidant activity of BE polyphenols and their ability to induce antioxidant enzymes. The health benefits of BE and its polyphenols, such as anti-obesity and anti-hyperglycemic activities through the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase and translocation of glucose transporter 4, respectively, are also discussed. Furthermore, we found that black soybean polyphenols were involved in the improvement of vascular function. These emerging data require further investigation in scientific studies and human trials to evaluate the prevention of lifestyle diseases using black soybean polyphenols.

Anti-stress effects of polyphenols: animal models and human trials.

Polyphenols, a category of plant compounds that contain multiple phenol structural units, are widely distributed throughout the plant kingdom and have multiple benefits for human health including anti-obesity, anti-hyperglycemic, and anti-hyperlipidemic effects. Additionally, polyphenols have recently gained attention for their anti-stress effects. In this review article, we summarize physiological responses against exposure to stressors and discuss biomarkers for exposure to stressors that are widely used in animal studies and human trials. We also review commonly used animal models for evaluating anti-stress effects. Finally, we discuss recent findings related to the anti-stress effects of polyphenols evaluated in animal models and human trials, and their putative mechanisms. These emerging data require further investigation in scientific studies and human trials to evaluate the anti-stress effects of polyphenols and their potential use for the prevention of stress-related health problems.

Effects of dietary phytol on tissue accumulation of phytanic acid and pristanic acid and on the tissue lipid profiles in mice.

Recent in vitro evidence suggests that the phytol-derived fatty acids, phytanic acid (PA) and pristanic acid (PrA), are components of animal products with the potential to cause both beneficial and harmful effects on human health. In this study, we investigated the in vivo tissue accumulation of PA and PrA and the changes in tissue lipid profiles, using mice fed a phytol-containing diet. After 4 weeks of treatment with a diet containing 1.0% phytol, plasma, adipose tissue, liver, and brain were collected and their lipid profiles were biochemically and gas-chromatographically determined. Dietary phytol caused PA and PrA accumulation in the adipose tissue and liver but not in the brain, and reduced plasma and liver triacylglycerol levels. Phytol intake also decreased the fatty acid concentrations in the adipose tissue, especially polyunsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid, but increased the concentrations of these fatty acids in the liver. However, dietary phytol had a low impact on the brain lipid profile. This study suggests that dietary phytol intake caused accumulation of PA and PrA and modified lipid profiles in the adipose tissue and liver, but that the brain is an insusceptible tissue to dietary phytol-induced changes.

Subchronic toxicity evaluation of leaves from rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum Aiton) in rats.

Blueberry leaf may contain multiple compounds with beneficial effects. We conducted a 90-day toxicity study in rats to evaluate the safety of consuming the leaves of rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum Aiton; RB species). Powdered leaves were administered daily by oral gavage at doses of 500, 1000, and 2500 mg/kg body weight to male and female Sprague-Dawley rats for 90 days. Treatment did not result in death or changes in the behavior and external appearance of the animals. No alterations were observed in hematological and serum chemical parameters, urinalysis, food consumption, body weight gain, or absolute and relative organ weights at the end of the treatment period, with the exception of some leukocyte percentages in male rats treated with 500 and 1000 mg/kg blueberry leaf powder. The findings indicate that rabbiteye blueberry leaf is safe for consumption and should be investigated as a candidate functional food.

Dosage time affects alkylating agents induced micronuclei in mouse peripheral blood reticulocytes through the function of erythropoietin.

Previously, we reported that the frequency of micronucleated reticulocytes (MNRETs) in the peripheral blood of male C3H/He mice intraperitoneally administered ethylnitrosourea (ENU) (25 mg/kg body weight) in the dark period (zeitgeber time, ZT15) was higher than in the light period (ZT3). In this study, to clarify the mechanism underlying this phenomenon, we investigated the differences in micronucleus (MN) induction observed between ZT3 and ZT15 using five chemicals, methylnitrosourea (MNU), ethylmethane sulfonate (EMS), mitomycin C, cyclophosphamide and vincristin. MNU and EMS, monofunctional alkylating agents, showed higher frequencies of MNRETs in the ZT15 than the ZT3 treatment similar to ENU. However, no differences were observed for the other chemicals. In the comet assay, more DNA damage was induced by ENU in the ZT15 than the ZT3 treatment. Furthermore, the plasma erythropoietin (EPO) level, a known effector of MN induction with anti-apoptotic activity mediated by Bcl-xL expression, was higher in the dark than in the light period. EPO did not increase the frequency of MNRETs. However, in the ENU treatment group at ZT3 following EPO injection a significant increase of MNRETs was observed similar to the ZT15 treatment. Higher expression of apoptosis-related genes such as Bcl-xL was induced in bone marrow cells from mice treated with ENU at ZT15 compared with ZT3. From these results, it was speculated that the differences in MN induction in the peripheral blood of mice exposed to monofunctional alkylating agents such as ENU depend on apoptotic or anti-apoptotic conditions related to the circadian rhythms of EPO in bone marrow.