Flaxseed Oil (Linum usitatissimum) Prevents Cognitive and Motor Damage in Rats with Hyperammonemia.

Hyperammonemia is characterized by the excessive accumulation of ammonia in the body as a result of the loss of liver detoxification, leading to the development of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). These metabolic alterations carry cognitive and motor deficits and cause neuronal damage, with no effective treatment at present. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of two subacute oral administrations of flaxseed oil (0.26 and 0.52 mL/kg) on short- and long-term memory, visuospatial memory, locomotor activity, motor coordination, and the neuronal morphology of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) via tests on Wistar rats with hyperammonemia. The goal was to identify its role in the regulation of cerebral edema, without liver damage causing cerebral failure. In contrast with an ammonium-rich diet, flaxseed oil and normal foods did not cause cognitive impairment or motor alterations, as evidenced in the short-term and visuospatial memory tests. Furthermore, the flaxseed oil treatment maintained a regular neuronal morphology of the prefrontal cortex, which represents a neuroprotective effect. We conclude that the oral administration of flaxseed oil prevents cognitive and motor impairments as well as neuronal alterations in rats with hyperammonemia, which supports the potential use of this oil to ameliorate the changes that occur in hepatic encephalopathy.

Linseed oil attenuates fatty liver disease in mice fed a high-carbohydrate diet

The impact of linseed oil as a lipid source on liver disease induced by a high-carbohydrate diet (HCD) was evaluated. Adult male Swiss mice received an HCD containing carbohydrates (72.1%), proteins (14.2%), and lipids (4.0%). The Control HCD group (HCD-C) received an HCD containing lard (3.6%) and soybean oil (0.4%) as lipid sources. The L10 and L100 groups received an HCD with 10 and 100% linseed oil as lipid sources, respectively. A group of mice were euthanized before receiving the diets (day 0) and the remaining groups after 56 days of receiving the diets (HCD-C, L10, and L-100 groups). Morphological and histopathological analyses, as well as collagen deposition were evaluated. Perivenous hepatocytes (PVH) of the HCD-C group were larger (P<0.05) than periportal hepatocytes (PPH) in the median lobe (ML) and left lobe (LL). There was a greater (P<0.05) deposition of type I collagen in PPH (vs PVH) and in the ML (vs LL). The ML exhibited a higher proportion of apoptotic bodies, inflammatory infiltrate, and hepatocellular ballooning. All these alterations (hepatocyte size, deposition of type I collagen, apoptotic bodies, inflammatory infiltrate, and hepatocellular ballooning) induced by HCD were prevented or attenuated in L10 and L100 groups. Another indicator of the beneficial effects of linseed oil was the lower (P<0.05) number of binucleated hepatocytes (HCD-C vs L10 or L100 group). In general, the L100 group had greater effects than the L10 group. In conclusion, linseed oil impedes or reduces the liver injury progression induced by an HCD.

Linseed oil attenuates fatty liver disease in mice fed a high-carbohydrate diet

The impact of linseed oil as a lipid source on liver disease induced by a high-carbohydrate diet (HCD) was evaluated. Adult male Swiss mice received an HCD containing carbohydrates (72.1%), proteins (14.2%), and lipids (4.0%). The Control HCD group (HCD-C) received an HCD containing lard (3.6%) and soybean oil (0.4%) as lipid sources. The L10 and L100 groups received an HCD with 10 and 100% linseed oil as lipid sources, respectively. A group of mice were euthanized before receiving the diets (day 0) and the remaining groups after 56 days of receiving the diets (HCD-C, L10, and L-100 groups). Morphological and histopathological analyses, as well as collagen deposition were evaluated. Perivenous hepatocytes (PVH) of the HCD-C group were larger (P<0.05) than periportal hepatocytes (PPH) in the median lobe (ML) and left lobe (LL). There was a greater (P<0.05) deposition of type I collagen in PPH (vs PVH) and in the ML (vs LL). The ML exhibited a higher proportion of apoptotic bodies, inflammatory infiltrate, and hepatocellular ballooning. All these alterations (hepatocyte size, deposition of type I collagen, apoptotic bodies, inflammatory infiltrate, and hepatocellular ballooning) induced by HCD were prevented or attenuated in L10 and L100 groups. Another indicator of the beneficial effects of linseed oil was the lower (P<0.05) number of binucleated hepatocytes (HCD-C vs L10 or L100 group). In general, the L100 group had greater effects than the L10 group. In conclusion, linseed oil impedes or reduces the liver injury progression induced by an HCD.

Linseed Oil Attenuates Liver Inflammation, Fatty Acid Accumulation, and Lipid Distribution in Periportal and Perivenous Hepatocytes Induced by a High-Carbohydrate Diet in Mice.

We evaluated whether linseed oil (LO) modulates the effects of a high-carbohydrate diet (HCD) on liver inflammation, fatty acid (FA) accumulation, and lipid distribution in periportal and perivenous hepatocytes. The control group (control high-carbohydrate diet [HCD-C]) received an HCD with lard and soybean oil as the lipid source. The L10 and L100 groups received the HCD with 10% and 100% of LO as the lipid source, respectively. The animals were killed by decapitation before (day 0) and after receiving the diets. Liver FA composition, inflammation, and fibrogenesis gene expression were evaluated. Also, the percentage of lipid-occupied area in periportal end perivenous hepatocytes were measured. The L100 group exhibited a higher (P < .05) liver amount of omega-3 polyunsaturated FA (n-3 PUFA) and lower (P < .05) amounts of saturated FA (SFA), monounsaturated FA (MUFA), and omega-6 polyunsaturated FA (n-6 PUFA) compared with L10 or HCD-C mice. On day 56, interleukin 10 and type IV collagen gene expression were significantly upregulated and downregulated, respectively in L100. Also, the L100 group showed lower (P < .05) FA accumulation (i.e., total FA, SFA, MUFA, and n-6 PUFA). Also, L10 and L100 presented lower (P < .05) percentage of high lipid-containing portion in periportal and perivenous hepatocytes. We concluded that LO attenuation of liver inflammation promoted by an HCD is associated with increased liver n-3 PUFA levels, so modulating FA composition, deposition, and distribution in periportal and perivenous hepatocytes.

Dietary Intake of Flaxseed Oil since Early Stages of Life Promotes Femur Quality in Male Rats.

BACKGROUND: Flaxseed oil (FO) is an alpha linolenic acid source important for growth and body development. However, there is little literature on the role of FO in critical stages of bone development and formation. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the influence of a diet containing FO on rat femurs. METHODS: After birth, mothers and pups were divided into control and flaxseed groups (n = 6 pups each) fed diets containing 7% soybean oil (C) or 7% FO. At 21 days, pups were weaned and separated from the mothers, and control or experimental diets were continued. At 67 days, the following were analyzed: osteocalcin and osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels, bone mineral density (BMD) and content, and bone area; the dimension, BMD, head radiodensity, and biomechanical proprieties of the right femur; and histomorphometric parameters of the left femur. RESULTS: Compared to the C group, the FO group presented (p < 0.05) a lower body mass (-3.7%) and medullary area (-10.1%) and higher osteocalcin (+36.7%), OPG (+52.5%), femur width (+3.8%), absolute mass (+2.3%), femur BMD (+3.6%), head radiodensity (+6.1%), maximum force (+7.4%), breaking strength (+17.3), and cortical thickness (+7.0). CONCLUSION: The FO diet contributed to femur quality in healthy male Wistar rats.

Influence of new phytoregulators on oilseed flax growth, development, yielding capacity, and product quality / Influência de novos fitorreguladores no crescimento, desenvolvimento, capacidade produtiva e qualidade do produto da linhaça oleaginosa

The use of phytoregulators is a modern way of producing crops to increase yields and product quality. The components of phytoregulators have a beneficial effect on the growth and development of plants and help to withstand unfavorable environmental factors, stress, lack of mineral nutrition, soil fatigue, and the action of a wide range of pesticides. The research is aimed to investigate the influence of three phytoregulators: Cherkaz, Floravit, EcoFus on two varieties of flax: Severny and LM 98. We conducted a 3-year, field experiment with flax. In the so-called herringbone stage of the plant growth, the flax seedlings were treated the investigated phytoregulators. Flax plants were analyzed for yields. The method of near-infrared spectroscopy was used to analyze the content of lipids and proteins in flax seeds after harvesting. The oil content in flax seeds was determined. Using chromatography, we analyzed each variant of the experiment from the point of view of fatty acid composition. The application of phytoregulators increased the seed yield by 14-19% and the short fiber yield by 9-20% relative to control. The protein content in the seeds of the experimental samples Floravit and Cherkaz increased by 2.3-2.5% and by 1.5% in the experiments with EcoFus relative to the control. The lipid content in flax seeds increased by 5-5.6% (Floravit), by 3.5-3.95% (EcoFus), and by 4.7-5.1% (Cherkaz) relative to control. The oil ratio in flax seeds of the LM 98 and Severny varieties averaged 35.5-45.5%. An increase in the oil yields was 2.8-6.9% for Floravit, 2-4.1% for EcoFus, and 4.4-4.9% for Cherkaz relative to control. The application of Floravit, Cherkaz and EkoFus in flaxseed cultivation contributed to an increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids in oil: the content of ω-3 fatty acids ranged 61.90-63.10% compared to control 54.70%. Floravit proved to be the most effective of the three tested phytoregulators. The studies carried out over three years allow us to conclude that the use of new phytoregulators contributes to an increase in the quality and flaxseed yield and the flax fiber yield. Floravit was the most effective preparation and can be used for pre-sowing seed treatment and during the growing season.

O uso de fitorreguladores é uma maneira moderna de produzir culturas para aumentar a produtividade e a qualidade do produto. Os componentes dos fitorreguladores têm um efeito benéfico no crescimento e desenvolvimento das plantas e ajudam a suportar fatores ambientais desfavoráveis, estresse, falta de nutrição mineral, fadiga do solo e ação de uma gama de pesticidas. A pesquisa tem como objetivo investigar a influência de três fitorreguladores, Cherkaz, Floravit e EcoFus, em duas variedades de linho: Severny e LM 98. Realizamos um experimento de campo de três anos com o linho. No chamado estágio de espinha de peixe do crescimento da planta, as mudas de linho foram tratadas com os fitorreguladores investigados. As plantas de linho foram analisadas quanto à produtividade. O método de espectroscopia no infravermelho próximo foi utilizado para analisar o conteúdo de lipídios e proteínas em sementes de linho após a colheita. O teor de óleo nas sementes de linho foi determinado. Usando cromatografia, analisamos cada variante do experimento do ponto de vista da composição de ácidos graxos. A aplicação de fitorreguladores aumentou o rendimento de sementes em 14-19% e o rendimento de fibra curta em 9-20% em relação ao controle. O teor de proteína nas sementes das amostras experimentais Floravit e Cherkaz aumentou em 2,3-2,5% e em 1,5% nos experimentos com EcoFus em relação ao controle. O teor de lipídios nas sementes de linho aumentou 5-5,6% para Floravit, 3,5-3,95% para EcoFus e 4,7-5,1% para Cherkaz em relação ao controle. A proporção de óleo nas sementes de linho das variedades LM 98 e Severny foi de 35,5 a 45,5%. Um aumento nos rendimentos do petróleo foi de 2,8-6,9% para Floravit, 2-4,1% para EcoFus e 4,4-4,9% para Cherkaz em relação ao controle. A aplicação de Floravit, Cherkaz e EkoFus no cultivo de linhaça contribuiu para o aumento dos ácidos graxos poli-insaturados no óleo: o teor de ácidos graxos ω-3 variou de 61,90 a 63,10% em comparação com o controle (54,70%). Floravit provou ser o mais eficaz dos três fitorreguladores testados. Os estudos realizados ao longo de três anos permitem concluir que o uso de novos fitorreguladores contribui para o aumento da qualidade e do rendimento da linhaça e do rendimento da fibra de linho. Floravit foi o medicamento mais eficaz e pode ser usado para o tratamento de sementes pré-semeadura e durante a estação de crescimento.

Influencia del aceite de linaza (Linum usitatissimum) en expresión de genes para proteína desacoplante 3 en músculo esquelético y receptor activado por proliferadores peroxisómicos tipo alfa en hígado de ratas obesas

RESUMEN El consumo de ácidos grasos poliinsaturados (AGPI) omega 3 tiene un prometedor potencial para el tratamiento de la dislipidemia y la obesidad, especialmente por su efecto sobre factores de transcripción como el receptor activado por proliferadores peroxisomales tipo alfa (PPARα) y sobre la actividad de la proteína desacoplante UCP3. Con el objetivo de buscar dicho efecto en un aceite rico en AGPI, ampliamente distribuido a nivel nacional, evaluamos el impacto de la suplementación dietaria con aceite de linaza (Linum usitatissimum) sobre la expresión de los genes UCP3 y PPARα en ratas Holtzman inducidas a obesidad. Los animales fueron divididos en 2 grupos, uno recibió dieta obesogénica (Grupo CO) y el otro recibió, además, aceite de linaza (Grupo AL). Las mediciones registradas fueron peso corporal, consumo de alimento, perfil lipídico y la expresión de los genes para el PPARα en el hígado y para UCP3 en el músculo esquelético. Resultados: La suplementación dietaria con aceite de linaza, incrementó significativamente la expresión del gen UCP3 en el músculo esquelético y mostró una tendencia no significativa a incrementar la expresión del gen PPARα en hígado, aunque también incrementó el peso corporal y de manera no significativa el consumo de alimentos, Conclusión: La suplementación dietaria con aceite de linaza influyó significativamente en la expresión del gen UCP3 en el músculo esquelético con un ligero, pero no significativo incremento en la expresión del gen PPARα en hígado de las ratas Holtzman con obesidad inducida.

ABSTRACT The consumption of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) holds a promising potential for treatment of dyslipidemia and obesity, especially due to its effect on transcription factors such as the peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor type alpha (PPARα) and uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) activity. In order to assess the effect of a widely distributed oil rich in PUFA, we evaluated the impact of a diet supplemented with flaxseed oil (Linum usitatissimum) on the expression of the UCP3 and PPARα genes in obesity-induced Holtzman rats. Animals were divided into 2 groups: the first group (Group CO) received an obesogenic diet, while the second group (Group AL) was supplemented with flaxseed oil in addition to the obesogenic diet. The measurements were body weight, food intake, lipid profile, and the expression of genes for PPARα and UCP3 in the liver and skeletal muscle, respectively. Results: Diet supplemented with flaxseed oil significantly increased the expression of the UCP3 gene in the skeletal muscle and showed a non-significant tendency to increase the expression of the PPARα gene in the liver. Although the body weight of the animals in Group AL increased, there was no significant increase in food consumption as compared to that of animals in Group CO. Conclusion: Flaxseed oil significantly increased the expression of UCP3 in skeletal muscle, with a slight but non-significant increase in the expression of PPARα in the liver of obesity-induced Holtzman rats.

Cellulose nanocrystals from ultrasound process stabilizing O/W Pickering emulsion.

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) are bio-based solid particles arisen as promising stabilizers for Pickering emulsions in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. This study aimed to understand the stabilization mechanism of oil-in-water emulsion using CNC as stabilizing particles. CNC were obtained from cellulose microcrystalline after acid hydrolysis, dialysis, ultrasound treatment and vacuum filtration. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed needle-shaped CNC. The CNC presented good stability against agglomeration due to the high electrostatic repulsion between particles, making them feasible to be used in O/W emulsions. O/W emulsions were stabilized by CNC and prepared using rotor-stator and ultrasound as mechanical processes. Emulsions stabilized by CNC were opaque, homogeneous and kinetically stable during few days. Small droplets generated during the ultrasound process, could be covered by cellulose nanoparticles that acted as an effective mechanical barrier against droplets coalescence in a Pickering mechanism. The mechanism of droplets stabilization was associated with electrostatic and steric repulsion between droplets. Emulsions were evaluated varying the proportion between flaxseed oil and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). Emulsions with a lower proportion of CNC showed better kinetic stability compared to emulsions with higher CNC proportion. After 7 days of storage, the viscosity of emulsions with a higher proportion of CNC particles decreased, which was associated to the emulsion destabilization. Our results improved the understanding of the relationship between the proportions of oil and particles for emulsion properties by evaluating the potential application of CNC as a food emulsifier.

The stabilizing effect of cellulose crystals in O/W emulsions obtained by ultrasound process.

The encapsulation of lipophilic bioactive compounds, such as flaxseed oil, is usually done using O/W emulsions as carrier matrix. The aim of this study was to understand the stabilization mechanism of micro-nano cellulose crystals produced from acid hydrolysis in O/W emulsion. Effects of emulsification process conditions using ultrasound on the cellulose particles properties were evaluated varying the proportion of oil-cellulose particles in the emulsion formulation. Cellulose structure did not change using different conditions of emulsification and X-ray diffraction showed major presence of cellulose I. Particle size distribution of cellulose was bimodal and mean particle size reduced after hydrolysis. Emulsions stabilized by cellulose were opaque, homogeneous and showed good kinetic stability. The largest microcrystals were displayed between the oil droplets, preventing the flocculation of the droplets while smaller particles were adsorbed on the oil-water interface. The mechanism of droplets stabilization was not associated to the reduction of interfacial tension. Stabilization was associated to significant effect of electrostatic repulsion and increase in viscosity. Moreover, the flaxseed oil droplets were completely surrounded by cellulose nanocrystals, showing also Pickering-type stabilization. Therefore, emulsions with cellulose crystals were stabilized by different mechanisms and have interesting properties and characteristics for the protection of lipophilic compounds that could be applied in food and cosmetics products.

Effect of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) and soybean (Glycine max) oils in Egyptian lactating buffalo and cow diets on the milk and soft cheese quality

Produce and compare soft cheese with potential benefits of human health from Egyptian buffalo's and cow's milk was studied. Eight Egyptian lactating buffalos and cows were fed a total mixed ration supplemented with either 0% oil (CD), 2% flaxseed oil (DFO), 2% soybean oil (DSO), or 2% of their mixture (1:1, DFSO) according to a double 4 x 4 Latin Square design. Milk yield was similar between buffalo's diets but was higher in cows fed a DFO, DSO or DFSO resulting in 11.15, 8.21% or 8.97% increases compared with the control diet, respectively. Milk composition was not significantly affected in both buffalos and cows fed diets. The DFO, DSO or DFSO displayed decreased short-chain fatty acids, especially DSO and DFSO (3.73 and 3.33%, respectively) when compared to CD for buffalo milk (6.32%). The DSO and DFSO were more effective for increasing unsaturated fatty acids followed by the DFSO in buffalo's milk fat (42.31 and 41.90 %), whereas DFO and DFSO were more effective in cow's milk fat (39.67 and 39.84%), respectively. DFO, DSO or DFSO had no significant effect on the yield, composition and sensory properties of resultant soft cheese compared to the CD for both lactating cows and buffalos. During storage, a diet rich in unsaturated fatty acids enhances protein proteolysis and antioxidant activity of soft cheese during storage compared to the CD especially for soft cheese produced from buffalo's milk.(AU)

Effect of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) and soybean (Glycine max) oils in Egyptian lactating buffalo and cow diets on the milk and soft cheese quality

Produce and compare soft cheese with potential benefits of human health from Egyptian buffalo's and cow's milk was studied. Eight Egyptian lactating buffalos and cows were fed a total mixed ration supplemented with either 0% oil (CD), 2% flaxseed oil (DFO), 2% soybean oil (DSO), or 2% of their mixture (1:1, DFSO) according to a double 4 x 4 Latin Square design. Milk yield was similar between buffalo's diets but was higher in cows fed a DFO, DSO or DFSO resulting in 11.15, 8.21% or 8.97% increases compared with the control diet, respectively. Milk composition was not significantly affected in both buffalos and cows fed diets. The DFO, DSO or DFSO displayed decreased short-chain fatty acids, especially DSO and DFSO (3.73 and 3.33%, respectively) when compared to CD for buffalo milk (6.32%). The DSO and DFSO were more effective for increasing unsaturated fatty acids followed by the DFSO in buffalo's milk fat (42.31 and 41.90 %), whereas DFO and DFSO were more effective in cow's milk fat (39.67 and 39.84%), respectively. DFO, DSO or DFSO had no significant effect on the yield, composition and sensory properties of resultant soft cheese compared to the CD for both lactating cows and buffalos. During storage, a diet rich in unsaturated fatty acids enhances protein proteolysis and antioxidant activity of soft cheese during storage compared to the CD especially for soft cheese produced from buffalo's milk.

Encapsulation of flaxseed oil extract in alginate-salep system by ionic gelation

The objective of the current study was to encapsulate flaxseed oil extracted from finely grounded flaxseed powder and determined for its fatty acids content by GC/FID. Ionotropic gelation method was used to form beads containing 40% flaxseed oil with vitamin E being used as an antioxidant agent. The study employed calcium chloride solution as crosslinking agent with a combination of sodium alginate and salep. The effect of polymer concentrations and calcium chloride concentration on the morphology, entrapment efficiency and oil release was studied. The encapsulation efficiency reached 93.46 ± 0.064% using 0.6% of salep and 2% sodium alginate with 0.3M calcium chloride gelling solution. In SGF medium, the matrix released only about 28.56% of the entrapped flaxseed oil after 2 hours. The rest of the oil then released in the SIF medium, continuing for up to 5 h to release 99.32% of the oil.

Efectos del aceite de linaza sobre las concentraciones de resistina plasmática en mujeres con síndrome de ovarios poliquísticos / Effects of flaxseed oil on plasma resistin concentrations in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

RESUMEN OBJETIVO: Determinar el efecto del aceite de linaza sobre las concentraciones plasmáticas de resistina en mujeres con diagnóstico de síndrome de ovarios poliquísticos. METODOS: se realizó un estudio en 195 mujeres con diagnóstico de SOPQ que fueron tratadas con aceite de linaza por 12 semanas (n = 97; grupo A) y controles tratados con placebo (n = 98, grupo B). Se compararon las características generales, concentraciones hormonales, perfil lipídico y resistina. RESULTADOS: No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre ambos grupos con relación a las características generales (p = ns). Tampoco se encontraron diferencias significativas en las concentraciones de hormonales, glicemia y HOMA entre los grupos (p = ns). Las mujeres del grupo A y B no mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la ingesta total, ingesta de carbohidratos, proteínas y grasas totales entre los valores al inicio y al final del estudio (p = ns). Las mujeres del grupo A presentaron disminución concentraciones de colesterol total lipoproteínas de baja densidad y triglicéridos (p < 0,0001). Los valores promedio de resistina mostraron disminución significativa luego del tratamiento (p < 0,0001). No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en los valores promedio de las diferentes variables en las mujeres del grupo B (p = ns). CONCLUSION: El aceite de linaza produjo disminución significativa en las concentraciones plasmáticas de resistina en mujeres con síndrome de ovarios poliquísticos luego de 12 semanas de consumo.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To determine effects of flaxseed oil over plasma concentrations of resistin in women with diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome. METHODS: A research was performed in 195 women with diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome who were treated with flaxseed oil for 12 weeks (n = 97; group A) and controls treated with placebo (n = 98, group B). Overall characteristics, hormonal, metabolic, lipid profile and resistin concentrations were compared. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups in relation to the general characteristics (p = ns). There were also no significant differences in hormonal, glycemia and HOMA concentrations between the groups (p = ns). The women in group A and B did not show statistically significant differences in total calories intake, carbohydrate, protein and total fat intake between initial and final values of study (p = ns). Women in group A had decreased concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides (p < 0.0001). Mean values of plasma resistin showed a significant reduction after treatment (p < 0.0001). No statistically significant differences were found in the mean values of the different variables in women of group B (p = ns). CONCLUSION: Flaxseed oil produced a significant decrease in plasma resistin concentrations in women with polycystic ovary syndrome after 12 weeks of consumption.

Protective Role of Flaxseed Oil and Flaxseed Lignan Secoisolariciresinol Diglucoside Against Oxidative Stress in Rats with Metabolic Syndrome.

This study evaluated the protective effect of flaxseed oil (FO) and flaxseed lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) against oxidative stress in rats with metabolic syndrome (MS). 48 rats were allocated into the following 6 groups: Groups 1 (control), 5 (FO), and 6 (SDG) received water and were treated daily orally with saline, FO, and SDG, respectively. Groups 2 (MS), 3 (MS+FO), and 4 (MS+SDG) received 30% fructose in drinking water for MS induction and were treated daily orally with saline, FO, and SDG, respectively. After 30 d, animals were sacrificed, and blood was collected for biochemical and oxidative analysis. Body weight was recorded weekly. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured before and after treatment. Fructose could produce MS and oxidative stress. FO and SDG prevented changes in SBP, lipids, and glucose. FO and SDG prevented oxidative damage to lipids, and only FO prevented oxidative damage to proteins associated to MS. FO and SDG improved enzymatic antioxidants defenses and reduced glutathione levels, which was greater with SDG. Total polyphenol levels were enhanced in groups that received SDG. Thus, the results of this study demonstrated that treatment with a 30% fructose solution for 30 d is effective for MS induction and the oxidative stress is involved in the pathophysiology of MS induced by fructose-rich diets. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the antioxidant effects attributed to flaxseed are mainly due to its high lignan content especially that of SDG, suggesting that this compound can be used in isolation to prevent oxidative stress associated with MS. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: We report that the antioxidant effects attributed to flaxseed are mainly due to its high lignan content, especially that of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside. This is significant because suggests that this compound can be used in isolation to prevent oxidative stress associated with MS. Furthermore, this study was the only one to perform a comparison of the abilities of 2 components of flaxseed to protect against oxidative stress in an MS model, which brings a great advance in the medicine's field, since it indicates another alternative for improve the health and the quality of life of patients with this disorder.

Oxidative stability of sesame and flaxseed oils and their effects on morphometric and biochemical parameters in an animal model.

BACKGROUND: Sesame and flaxseed oils, which are rich in essential n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, are widely consumed. We have determined the optical behavior with respect to the quality and identity of cold-pressed sesame and flaxseed oils. The effects of these oils and their combinations on metabolic parameters in animal models were also measured. RESULTS: Flaxseed oil emitted carotenoid fluorescence (500-650 nm), although it was more unstable than sesame oil, which had a larger induction period by the Rancimat method. The greater stability of sesame may be a result of the lower quantity of linolenic fatty acids. These oils were added to the feed of 56 rats, whereas animal fat was used for the control group. The sesame oil, flaxseed oil and sesame + flaxseed oils groups showed a significantly reduced adiposity index and blood glucose compared to the control group, whereas total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein and triglycerides were lower in flaxseed oil and sesame + flaxseed oils (P < 0.05). Sesame + flaxseed oils had reduced levels of low-density lipoprotein and non-high-density lipoprotein (P < 0.05), indicating an anti-atherogenic effect in this group. CONCLUSION: Sesame oil was more stable than flaxseed oil. In an animal model, the diets with polyunsaturated fat sources proportions of 1:1 n-6:n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, improved the metabolic parameters, implying cardioprotective effects. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Maternal flaxseed oil intake during lactation changes body fat, inflammatory markers and glucose homeostasis in the adult progeny: role of gender dimorphism.

We evaluated maternal flaxseed oil intake during lactation on body composition, lipid profile, glucose homeostasis and adipose tissue inflammation in male and female progeny at adulthood. Lactating rats were divided into the following: control 7% soybean oil (C), hyper 19% soybean oil (HS) and hyper 17% flaxseed oil+2% soybean oil (HF). Weaned pups received a standard diet. Offspring were killed in PN180. Male HF presented higher visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and triacylglycerol, and female HF showed insulin resistance. Both male and female HF had hyperleptinemia, and only male HF had hyperprolactinemia. In VAT, male HF presented lower PPAR-γ expressions and higher TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß and IL-10 expressions; in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), they presented lower PPAR-γ and TNF-α expressions. Female HF presented higher leptin, as well as lower adiponectin, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß expressions in VAT and lower TNF-α in SAT. Flaxseed oil during lactation leads to gender-specific effects with more adiposity and dyslipidemia in male and insulin resistance in female. Higher prolactin and inflammatory cytokines in male could play a role in these gender differences. We suggest that the use of flaxseed oil during lactation increases metabolic syndrome risk in the adult progeny.

Maternal Flaxseed Oil During Lactation Enhances Bone Development in Male Rat Pups.

Flaxseed oil is an alpha linolenic acid source important in the growth and body development stage; furthermore, this acid acts on adipose tissue and bone health. The aim of this study was to evaluate body composition, fatty acid composition, hormone profile, retroperitoneal adipocyte area and femur structure of pups at weaning, whose mothers were fed a diet containing flaxseed oil during lactation. After birth, pups were randomly assigned: control (C, n = 12) and flaxseed oil (FO, n = 12), rats whose mothers were treated with diet containing soybean or flaxseed oil. At 21 days, the pups were weaned and body mass, length, body composition, biochemical parameter, leptin, osteoprotegerin, osteocalcin, fatty acids composition, intra-abdominal fat mass and femur structure were analyzed. FO showed (p < 0.05): higher body mass (+12 %) and length (+9 %); body fat mass (g, +45 %); bone mineral density (+8 %), bone mineral content (+55 %) and bone area (+35 %), osteocalcin (+173 %) and osteoprotegerin (+183 %). Arachidonic acid was lower (p < 0.0001), alpha-linolenic and eicosapentaenoic were higher (p < 0.0001). Intra-abdominal fat mass was higher (+25 %), however, the retroperitoneal adipocytes area was lower (-44 %). Femur mass (+10 %), distance between epiphyses (+4 %) and bone mineral density (+13 %) were higher. The study demonstrates that adequate flaxseed oil content during a lactation diet plays an important role in the development of pups.

Effect of long-term ingestion of weakly oxidised flaxseed oil on biomarkers of oxidative stress in LDL-receptor knockout mice.

The effect of oxidised fatty acids on atherosclerosis progression is controversial. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the effect of long-term consumption of weakly oxidised PUFA from flaxseed oil on oxidative stress biomarkers of LDL-receptor(-/-) mice. To test our hypothesis, mice were separated into three groups. The first group received a high-fat diet containing fresh flaxseed oil (CONT-), the second was fed the same diet prepared using heated flaxseed oil (OXID), and the third group received the same diet containing fresh flaxseed oil and had diabetes induced by streptozotocin (CONT+). Oxidative stress, aortic parameters and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease were assessed. After 3 months, plasma lipid profile, glucose levels, body weight, energy intake and dietary intake did not differ among groups. Likewise, oxidative stress, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), hepatic MDA expressed as nmol/mg portion (ptn) and antioxidant enzymes did not differ among the groups. Hepatic linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid and EPA acid declined in the OXID and CONT+ groups. Aortic wall thickness, lumen and diameter increased only in the OXID group. OXID and CONT+ groups exhibited higher concentrations of MDA, expressed as µmol/mg ptn per %PUFA, when compared with the CONT- group. Our results suggest that ingestion of oxidised flaxseed oil increases hepatic MDA concentration and is potentially pro-atherogenic. In addition, the mean MDA value observed in all groups was similar to those reported in other studies that used xenobiotics as oxidative stress inducers. Thus, the diet applied in this study represents an interesting model for further research involving antioxidants.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: & aims: Few clinical trials have addressed the potential benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We evaluated the effects of supplementation with omega-3 PUFAs from flaxseed and fish oils in patients with biopsy-proven NASH. METHODS: Patients received three capsules daily, each containing 0.315 g of omega-3 PUFAs (64% alpha-linolenic [ALA], 16% eicosapentaenoic [EPA], and 21% docosahexaenoic [DHA] acids; n-3 group, n = 27) or mineral oil (placebo group, n = 23). Liver biopsies were evaluated histopathologically by the NASH activity score (NAS). Plasma levels of omega-3 PUFAs were assessed as a marker of intake at baseline and after 6 months of treatment. Secondary endpoints included changes in plasma biochemical markers of lipid metabolism, inflammation, and liver function at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of treatment. RESULTS: At baseline, NAS was comparable between the groups (p = 0.98). After intervention with omega-3 PUFAs, plasma ALA and EPA levels increased (p ≤ 0.05). However in the placebo group, we also observed increased EPA and DHA (p ≤ 0.05), suggesting an off-protocol intake of PUFAs. NAS improvement/stabilization was correlated with increased ALA in the n-3 group (p = 0.02) and with increased EPA (p = 0.04) and DHA (p = 0.05) in the placebo group. Triglycerides were reduced after 3 months in the n-3 group compared to baseline (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In NASH patients, the supplementation of omega-3 PUFA from flaxseed and fish oils significantly impacts on plasma lipid profile of patients with NASH. Plasma increase of these PUFAs was associated with better liver histology. (ID 01992809).

Body composition in male rats subjected to early weaning and treated with diet containing flour or flaxseed oil after 21 days until 60 days.

The aim of this study was analyzed if the flour or flaxseed oil treatment contributes to body composition in male rats subjected to early weaning. Pups were weaned for separation from mother at 14 (early weaning, EW) and 21 days (control, C). At 21 days, part of the pups was evaluated (C21 v. EW21). After 21 days, control (C60) was fed with control diet. EW was divided in control (EWC60); flaxseed flour (EWFF60); flaxseed oil (EWFO60) diets until 60 days. Body mass, length and body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were determined. EW21 (v. C21) and EWC60 (v. C60 and EWFF60) showed lower (P<0.05) mass, length and body composition. EWFO60 (v. C60 and EWFF60) showed lower (P<0.05) body mass and length, body and trunk lean mass, bone mineral density and content and bone area. Flaxseed flour, in comparison with flaxseed oil, contributes to recovery of body composition after early weaning.