Consuming Diet Supplemented with Either Red Wheat Bran or Soy Extract Changes Glucose and Insulin Levels in Female Obese Zucker Rats.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterized by the inability to regulate blood glucose levels due to insulin resistance, resulting in hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. Research has shown that consuming soy and fiber may protect against type 2 diabetes mellitus. We performed a study to determine whether supplementing diet with soy extract (0.5% weight of diet) or fiber (as red wheat bran; 11.4% weight of diet) would decrease serum insulin and blood glucose levels in a pre-diabetic/metabolic syndrome animal model. In our study, female obese Zucker rats were fed either a control diet (n = 8) or control diet supplemented with either soy extract (n = 7) or red wheat bran (n = 8) for seven weeks. Compared to rats consuming control diet, rats fed treatment diets had significantly lower (p-value < 0.05) fasting serum insulin (control = 19.34±1.6; soy extract = 11.1±1.54; red wheat bran = 12.4±1.11) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance values (control = 2.16±0.22; soy extract = 1.22±0.21; red wheat bran = 1.54±0.16). Non-fasted blood glucose was also significantly lower (p-value < 0.05) in rats fed treatment diets compared to rats consuming control diet at weeks four (control = 102.63±5.67; soy extract = 80.14±2.13; red wheat bran = 82.63±3.16), six (control = 129.5±10.83; soy extract = 89.14±2.48; red wheat bran = 98.13±3.54), and seven (control = 122.25±8.95; soy extract = 89.14±4.52; red wheat bran = 84.75±4.15). Daily intake of soy extract and red wheat bran may protect against type 2 diabetes mellitus by maintaining normal glucose homeostasis.

Vitamin C reverses bone loss in an osteopenic rat model of osteoporosis.

Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin C with antioxidant properties which are known to influence bone quality. This study evaluated whether vitamin C (1000 mg/L) added to drinking water reverses the bone loss in ovariectomized rats. Ninety-day-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to either sham (n = 14) or ovariecotmized groups (n = 28). Sixty days after ovariectomy, the treatments were sham, ovariectomy (OVX), OVX + vitamin C (22 mg oral intake daily) for 60 days. Urine was collected for deoxypyridinoline (DPD) evaluation, rats were sacrificed, and antioxidant capacity, osteopontin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bone specific tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) were evaluated in the plasma. Right femur and 5th lumbar were evaluated for bone density, strength, ash, Ca, and Mg concentrations. Antioxidant capacity, ALP activity, osteopontin decreased (p-value < 0.05), while TRAP and urinary DPD increased (p-value < 0.05) with ovariectomy. In contrast, vitamin C increased (p-value < 0.05) antioxidant capacity, ALP activity, osteopontin concentration and reduced (p-value < 0.05) TRAP and urinary DPD excretion, respectively. Ovariectomy reduced (p-value < 0.05) bone quality, bone ash, Ca and Mg concentrations. Vitamin C increased (p-value < 0.05) femoral density without affecting (p-value > 0.1) femoral strength, ash, or Ca, and Mg concentrations, while it increased (p-value < 0.05) the 5th lumbar density, ash, and Ca and Mg concentrations. In conclusion, vitamin C increased bone quality and antioxidant capacity in ovariectomized rats.

Drinking orange juice increases total antioxidant status and decreases lipid peroxidation in adults.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the world and is the primary cause of mortality among Americans. One of the many reasons for the pathogenesis of CVD is attributed to eating diets high in saturated fat and refined carbohydrates and low in fruits and vegetables. Epidemiological evidence has supported a strong association between eating diets rich in fruits and vegetables and cardiovascular health. An experiment was conducted utilizing 24 adults with hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia to evaluate the impact of drinking 20 fl oz of freshly squeezed orange juice daily for 90 days on blood pressure, lipid panels, plasma antioxidant capacity, metabolic hormones, lipid peroxidation, and inflammatory markers. Except for addition of drinking orange juice, subjects did not modify their eating habits. The findings suggested that drinking orange juice does not affect (P>.1) blood pressure, lipid panels, metabolic hormones, body fat percentage, or inflammatory markers. However, total plasma antioxidant capacity was significantly increased (P<.05) and lipid peroxidation was significantly decreased (P<.05) after orange juice consumption. Drinking orange juice may protect the cardiovascular system by increasing total plasma antioxidant status and by lowering lipid peroxidation independent of other cardiovascular risk markers evaluated in this study.

Drinking carrot juice increases total antioxidant status and decreases lipid peroxidation in adults.

BACKGROUND: High prevalence of obesity and cardiovascular disease is attributable to sedentary lifestyle and eating diets high in fat and refined carbohydrate while eating diets low in fruit and vegetables. Epidemiological studies have confirmed a strong association between eating diets rich in fruits and vegetables and cardiovascular health. The aim of this pilot study was to determine whether drinking fresh carrot juice influences antioxidant status and cardiovascular risk markers in subjects not modifying their eating habits. METHODS: An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of consuming 16 fl oz of daily freshly squeezed carrot juice for three months on cardiovascular risk markers, C-reactive protein, insulin, leptin, interleukin-1α, body fat percentage, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, antioxidant status, and malondialdehyde production. Fasting blood samples were collected pre-test and 90 days afterward to conclude the study. RESULTS: Drinking carrot juice did not affect (P > 0.1) the plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, Apo A, Apo B, LDL, HDL, body fat percentage, insulin, leptin, interleukin-1α, or C-reactive protein. Drinking carrot juice decreased (P = 0.06) systolic pressure, but did not influence diastolic pressure. Drinking carrot juice significantly (P < 0.05) increased the plasma total antioxidant capacity and decreased (P < 0.05) the plasma malondialdehyde production. CONCLUSION: Drinking carrot juice may protect the cardiovascular system by increasing total antioxidant status and by decreasing lipid peroxidation independent of any of the cardiovascular risk markers measured in the study.

Feeding orange pulp improved bone quality in a rat model of male osteoporosis.

Oxidative stress and inflammation have been linked to bone loss. We evaluated the effects of feeding orange pulp (OP), a source of vitamin C and flavonoids, on bone quality in a rat model of male osteoporosis. One-year-old retired breeder rats (n = 43) were orchidectomized (ORX) or sham-operated (SHAM). Three days postsurgery, ORX rats were randomly assigned to treatments: ORX or ORX with 2.5% OP, 5% OP, or 10% OP. Diets were isonitrogenous, isocaloric, modified AIN-93M diets with equal fiber content. All ORX rats were fed for 4 months to the mean food intake of the SHAM group. At the end of the study blood, urine and bone samples were collected. Plasma antioxidant capacity and urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD) were determined. Bone density, structure, and strength were assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, microcomputed tomography, and finite element analyses. ORX decreased (P < .05) antioxidant status, while OP as low as 2.5% maintained the antioxidant capacity of ORX rats comparable to that of the SHAM group. Cortical thickness at the tibial midshaft was significantly decreased by ORX and increased by OP, and urinary DPD was significantly increased by ORX and decreased by OP. In fourth lumbar trabecular cores, ORX rats had significantly reduced bone volume fraction, connectivity density, and trabecular number and increased trabecular separation. OP significantly increased bone volume fraction and trabecular number and decreased trabecular separation in ORX rats. Improvements due to OP in microarchitectural properties of vertebral bones and in cortical thickness of long bones were subtle but significant. The consistently negative impacts of ORX on bone density, structure, and strength parameters confirm the previously reported importance of testosterone for bone.

Citrus bioactive compounds improve bone quality and plasma antioxidant activity in orchidectomized rats.

BACKGROUND: We reported that citrus consumption improves bone quality in orchidectomized male rats. In the present study, effects of feeding citrus bioactive compounds and crude extract on bone quality in orchidectomized rats were evaluated. METHODS: Seventy 90-days-old male rats were randomly assigned to five groups for 60 days of feeding study. The treatment groups were SHAM-control, orchidectomy (ORX), ORX+crude extract, ORX+limonin, and ORX+naringin. At termination, animals were euthanized, blood was collected for the plasma antioxidant status. Bone resorption and bone formation markers in the blood and urine were evaluated. Bone quality in the femur and the 5th lumbar and the total calcium concentration in the bones and excreta were evaluated. RESULTS: Orchidectomy lowered (p<0.05) plasma antioxidant capacity, bone quality, and bone calcium; elevated (p<0.05) TRAP, deoxypyridinoline (DPD), and calcium excretion; and did not change the plasma IGF-I in comparison to the SHAM group. The citrus crude extract or the purified bioactive compounds increased (p<0.05) the plasma antioxidant status, plasma IGF-I, and bone density, preserved (p<0.05) the concentration of calcium in the femur and in the 5th lumbar, and numerically improved bone strength. The crude extract and the bioactive compounds decreased (p<0.05) fecal excretion of calcium, numerically lowered the urinary excretion of calcium, and suppressed (p<0.05) the plasma TRAP activity without affecting (p>0.1) urinary excretion of DPD in comparison to the ORX group. CONCLUSIONS: Potential benefit of the citrus crude extract and its bioactive compounds on bone quality appears to preserve bone calcium concentration and increase antioxidant status.

Grapefruit pulp increases antioxidant status and improves bone quality in orchidectomized rats.

OBJECTIVE: Orchidectomy causes oxidative stress and increases the incidence of osteoporosis. The objective of this research was to evaluate whether eating grapefruit pulp (GP) modifies antioxidant status and reduces osteoporosis in orchidectomized rats. METHODS: Fifty-six 90-d-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into two groups: sham-control group (n = 14) and orchidectomized (ORX) group (n = 42). The orchidectomized group was equally divided among the following three treatments: orchidectomy, orchidectomy + 5.0% GP, and orchidectomy + 10% GP. At the termination of the study (day 60), all rats were euthanized and the plasma was collected for antioxidant status and indices of bone turnover. Bone quality and mineral contents in the bone, urine, and feces were evaluated. RESULTS: Orchidectomy lowered (P < 0.05) antioxidant status, bone quality, bone mineral contents and elevated (P < 0.05) indices of bone turnover, urinary deoxypyridinoline, and fecal calcium excretion. In contrast to the ORX group, independent of dosage, antioxidant status, bone density, and delayed time-induced femoral fracture were higher (P < 0.05) in the GP groups, whereas fecal calcium excretion and urinary deoxypyridinoline excretion were lowered (P < 0.05). GP dose-dependently slowed down bone turnover (P < 0.05), elevated bone calcium and magnesium contents (P < 0.05), tended to lower urinary excretion of magnesium, and numerically improved bone strength. CONCLUSION: The beneficial effects of eating red grapefruit on bone quality of ORX rats is due to bone mineral deposition and slowed-down bone turnover.

Grapefruit juice modulates bone quality in rats.

Hypogonadism and oxidative stress increase the risk for developing osteoporosis. The objective of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of drinking grapefruit juice on bone quality in orchidectomized (ORX) and non-ORX rats. Fifty-six 90-day-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into four groups--non-ORX rats (sham), sham + grapefruit juice, ORX, and ORX + grapefruit juice--and treated for 60 days. Thereafter, all rats were sacrificed to determine the plasma antioxidant status, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), and indices of bone turnover, bone quality, and calcium and magnesium concentrations in the bone, urine, and feces. Orchidectomy decreased (P < .05) antioxidant status, bone quality, and bone mineral contents and increased (P < .05) indices of bone turnover, urinary deoxypridinoline, calcium, and magnesium, and fecal calcium excretions. In contrast to the ORX group, ORX rats that drank grapefruit juice had an increase (P < .05) in antioxidant status, bone density, and bone mineral contents, delayed femoral fracture, and slowed down (P < .05) bone turnover rate and tended to have a decrease (P = .08) in urinary deoxypridinoline. In sham-treated animals, drinking grapefruit juice increased (P < .05) bone density and tended to increase the femoral strength. The concentration of IGF-I in the plasma was not affected across treatments. In conclusion, drinking grapefruit juice positively affected bone quality by enhancing bone mineral deposition in ORX rats and by improving bone density in non-ORX rats via an undefined mechanism.

Vitamin E does not modulate plasma lipid profile or C-reactive protein despite suppressing oxidative stress in orchiectomized rats.

Vitamin E is known to improve antioxidant status and to prevent lipoprotein oxidation. However, the effect of vitamin E on other cardiovascular risk factors, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and lipid profile status, in orchiectomized rats is unknown. In the present study, 32 1-year-old male rats were randomized into two groups: a sham-control group (n = 8) and an orchiectomized group (n = 24). The orchiectomized group was divided into three groups of eight and assigned to one of the following treatments: orchiectomy (ORX), ORX + vitamin E mixture (65.6 mg/kg) diet, or ORX + vitamin E mixture (656 mg/kg) diet. For 120 days all four groups consumed a basal AIN-93M diet, while the vitamin E groups ate diets containing an additional vitamin E mixture. Four months after the study began, all the rats were killed, the blood was collected, and the plasma was assayed for antioxidant status, CRP, lipid profile, and indices of peroxidation. ORX decreased (P < .05) the plasma antioxidant status, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and CRP level and increased (P < .05) the plasma malondialdeyde, nitrite, and lipid profile compared with that of the sham-control group. In contrast to the ORX group, supplementation with vitamin E mixture increased (P < .05) plasma antioxidant status and dose-dependently increased (P < .05) SOD activity, while the vitamin E decreased (P < .05) plasma malondialdeyde and nitrite. The vitamin E mixture had no effect on CRP or on lipid profiles when compared to the orchiectomized rats. In conclusion, vitamin E appears to reduce oxidative stress without modulating lipid profile or inflammatory response.

Orange pulp improves antioxidant status and suppresses lipid peroxidation in orchidectomized male rats.

OBJECTIVE: Oxidative stress is linked to an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease in men. The objective of this research was to delineate whether daily consumption of orange pulp (OP) modifies antioxidant status and decreases cardiovascular risk factors in orchidectomized rats. METHODS: In the present study, 45 1-y-old male rats were randomized to a sham-control group (n = 9) and an orchidectomized group (n = 36). The orchidectomized group was equally divided among the following five treatments: orchidectomy (ORX), ORX + 2.5% OP, ORX + 5% OP, and ORX + 10% OP. One hundred twenty days after the study began, all rats were sacrificed and plasma was harvested for its antioxidant status, C-reactive protein (CRP), lipid profile, and indices of peroxidation. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities in the liver were also monitored. RESULTS: Orchidectomy decreased (P < 0.05) plasma levels of antioxidant, SOD, catalase, and CRP and increased (P < 0.05) plasma levels of malondialdehyde, nitrite, and lipid profile compared with the sham-control group. In contrast to ORX, ORX + OP increased (P < 0.05) plasma antioxidant, dose-dependently increased (P < 0.05) SOD and catalase, decreased (P < 0.05) plasma malondialdehyde, nitrite, cholesterol, and triacylglycerol concentrations in the liver; and had no effect (P > 0.1) on plasma CRP or lipid profiles. CONCLUSION: The beneficial effect of eating an orange is demonstrated by the increasing antioxidant status and by the decreasing peroxidation independent of plasma triacylglycerol, cholesterol, or CRP concentrations.

Cranberry juice increases antioxidant status without affecting cholesterol homeostasis in orchidectomized rats.

Oxidative stress and hypogonadism are linked to the increased incidence of cardiovascular disease in males. The objective of this research was to delineate whether drinking cranberry juice for 4 months affects antioxidant capacity and lipid profile in orchidectomized rats. Thirty-two 1-year-old male rats were randomized to two groups: a sham-control group (n = 8) and an orchidectomized group (n = 24). The orchidectomized group was divided into three groups of eight and assigned to one of the following treatments: orchidectomy, orchidectomy plus 27% cranberry juice, and orchidectomy plus 45% cranberry juice. At 120 days after initiation of the study, all rats were killed, blood was collected, and plasma was harvested for total antioxidant status, malondialdehyde, nitrate + nitrite, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in liver, and concentrations of cholesterol and triglyceride in liver and in plasma. Orchidectomy depressed (P < .05) plasma antioxidant capacity and SOD activity, elevated (P < .05) nitrate + nitrite and malondialdehyde in plasma, and increased (P < .05) triglyceride and cholesterol values in liver and in plasma. Cranberry juice increased (P < .05) plasma antioxidant capacity and SOD activity and reduced (P < .05) nitrate + nitrite and malondialdehyde concentrations. Drinking cranberry juice did not affect cholesterol concentrations in liver and in plasma. Triglyceride concentration in plasma of orchidectomized rats that were drinking cranberry juice increased (P < .05), but its concentration in liver decreased (P < .05) to the level of shams. The protective effect of cranberry juice from oxidative damage may be mediated by a decrease in nitrate + nitrite and dose-dependent decrease in peroxidation.

Citrus juice modulates antioxidant enzymes and lipid profiles in orchidectomized rats.

Oxidative stress and hypogonadism are two factors linked to the increased incidence of cardiovascular disease in males. Eating fruits and vegetables is known to reduce the incidences of oxidative stress. The objective of this research was to delineate whether drinking daily squeezed orange juice (OJ) or grapefruit juice (GJ) modulates oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes while impacting cardiovascular risk factors in hypogonad male rats. In the present study, 36 1-year-old male rats were equally divided among the following four treatments: sham (control), orchidectomized (ORX), ORX + OJ, and ORX + GJ. After 60 days of drinking OJ or GJ, antioxidant capacity, cholesterol, and triglycerides in serum and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), cholesterol, and triglycerides in liver were evaluated. Serum antioxidant capacity and SOD and CAT activities decreased (P < .05), while serum cholesterol and liver triglycerides increased (P < .05) in the ORX group compared with the sham group. In contrast to the ORX group, drinking OJ was ineffective while drinking GJ decreased (P < .05) cholesterol concentration in liver and in serum. Nevertheless, OJ and GJ decreased (P < .05) triglyceride concentration in liver and increased (P < .05) serum antioxidant capacity and SOD and CAT activities compared with the ORX group. In conclusion, drinking OJ or GJ prevented oxidative stress by enhancing total antioxidant capacity and elevating liver antioxidant enzymes while modulating cardiovascular risk factors.

Citrus juice modulates bone strength in male senescent rat model of osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVE: An experiment evaluated the effect of citrus juice on enhancing serum antioxidant status and on osteoporosis prevention in orchidectomized rats. METHODS: Thirty-six 1-y-old male rats were randomized to two groups: a sham-control group (n = 9) and an orchidectomized group (n = 27). The orchidectomized group was divided into three groups of nine and assigned to one of the following treatments: orchidectomy, orchidectomy plus orange juice, and orchidectomy plus grapefruit juice. Sixty days after initiation of the study, all rats were killed, blood was collected, and serum was harvested for total antioxidant status and indices of bone formation and resorption. Femoral density and biomechanical properties were monitored. RESULTS: Orchidectomy decreased (P < 0.05) total antioxidant capacity, femoral density, and biomechanical properties and increased (P < 0.05) alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, and urinary excretion of hydroxyproline compared with the sham-control group. In contrast to orchidectomy, orchidectomy plus orange juice and orchidectomy plus grapefruit juice reversed (P < 0.05) orchidectomy-induced antioxidant suppression, decreased (P < 0.05) alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase activities, moderately restored (P = 0.07) femoral density, increased (P < 0.05) femoral strength, significantly delayed time-induced femoral fracture, and decreased (P < 0.05) urinary excretion of hydroxyproline. CONCLUSION: The present study supports the supposition in that drinking citrus juice positively affects serum antioxidant status and bone strength.

Dried plum reverses bone loss in an osteopenic rat model of osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVE: We previously reported the efficacy of dried plum (Prunus domestica L.) in preventing ovariectomy-induced bone loss in a rat model of osteoporosis and improving bone biomarkers in postmenopausal women. The present study evaluated whether dried plum was able to restore bone mass in osteopenic ovariectomized rats. DESIGN: Ninety-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were either sham-operated (Sham; one group) or ovariectomized (Ovx; five groups) and were fed a standard diet for 40 days to establish bone loss and subsequently experimental treatments were initiated. Sham, Ovx control, and Ovx + 17beta-estradiol (E2; 10 microg/kg body weight per day) animals continued to receive the standard diet, whereas the remaining three Ovx groups received the following dietary treatments: Ovx + 5% dried plum (low dose), Ovx + 15% dried plum (medium dose), and Ovx + 25% dried plum (high dose). After 60 days, blood and bone specimens were collected for analyses. RESULTS: Dried plum, as low as 5%, was effective in restoring femoral and tibial bone density. Dried plum increased lumbar bone density as well, with HD achieving a statistical significance. The increase in femoral bone density of dried plum-fed rats resulted in improved bone quality as indicated by 6.9% and 6.0% improvement in overall yield and ultimate force, respectively. Varying doses of dried plum were also able to significantly improve trabecular microarchitectural properties in comparison with ovariectomized controls. CONCLUSIONS: The improvement in biomechanical properties of long bones due to dried plum, in part, may be due to the favorable microstructural changes as evident by enhanced tibial bone volume and connectivity. Loss of bone volume accompanied by loss of trabecular connectivity is generally believed to be an irreversible process, but our observations suggest that dried plum improves trabecular microstructure of tibia after losses have already occurred.

A pilot church-based weight loss program for African-American adults using church members as health educators: a comparison of individual and group intervention.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine a church-based intervention employing a 6-month pilot weight loss program as a strategy to improve health of African-American adults. DESIGN: A randomized trial design was used without a control group. Eligible church members were randomized into two groups: an intervention delivered in the group setting and an intervention delivered in the individual setting. SETTING: The study was conducted at an African-American church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. PARTICIPANTS: Forty church members were enrolled in the study. Two trained church members without specialization in obesity treatment conducted the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was weight loss. RESULTS: The program retention rate was 90%. After six months, a modest but significant mean weight loss was seen in all participants of 3.3 kg. The mean weight losses in the individual and group interventions were 3.4 kg and 3.1 kg, respectively. The mean body fat loss was 2.1 kg and 1.9 kg, respectively. The difference in weight loss and fat loss between the individual and group interventions was not statistically significant. An improvement in the quality of life and an increase in physical activity were reported by the program participants. CONCLUSIONS: A church setting may provide an effective delivery mechanism for a health and nutrition program. Church members may be trained to conduct a weight control program. Both interventions (individual and group) were effective in inducing weight loss.

Ipriflavone modulates IGF-I but is unable to restore bone in rats.

Previously it has been reported that ipriflavone can prevent bone loss in ovarian hormone deficient rats. The present study evaluated whether ipriflavone was able to restore bone mass in osteopenic ovariectomized rats. Seventy-two, 90 day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups (sham two groups; ovariectomized four groups). Thirty-five days from the date of surgery, one sham and one ovx group were killed to verify the occurrence of bone loss. The remaining four groups were sham, ovx, ovx + ipriflavone (100 mg[sol ]kg body weight per day), or ovx + 17beta-estradiol (10 microg[sol ]kg body weight daily) for a period of 65 days. Ipriflavone was ineffective in restoring bone density and unlike estrogen did not prevent bone resorption as evidenced by increased (p < 0.05) urinary excretion of hydroxyproline and serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity. Ipriflavone increased (p < 0.05) the expression of IGF-I in the femur. These observations suggest that higher doses of ipriflavone or longer-term studies may be necessary to restore bone mass.