Nutritionally enriched 1,3-diacylglycerol-rich oil: Low calorie fat with hypolipidemic effects in rats.

An enzymatic process was developed for the preparation of a nutritionally enriched 1,3-diacylglycerol(DAG)-rich oil from a blend of refined sunflower and rice bran oils. The process involves hydrolysis of vegetable oil blend using Candida cylindracea followed by esterification with glycerol using Lipozyme RM1M. The resultant DAG-rich oil contains 84% of DAG (66% of 1,3-DAG, 18% of 1,2-DAG) and 16% of triacylglycerol (TAG) along with micro nutrients like γ-oryzanol, tocotrienols, tocopherols and phytosterols. Nutritional studies of the DAG-rich oil were conducted in Wistar rats and compared with sunflower oil (SFO). The calorific value of the DAG-rich oil was estimated to be 6.45 Kcals/g as against 9.25 Kcals/g for SFO. The serum and liver cholesterol and TAG levels in rats fed with 1,3-DAG-rich oil were found to be significantly reduced as compared to rats fed diet containing SFO. We conclude that 1,3-DAG-rich oil is a low calorie fat and exhibits hypolipidemic effects.

Curcumin and linseed oil co-delivered in phospholipid nanoemulsions enhances the levels of docosahexaenoic acid in serum and tissue lipids of rats.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an important long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) primarily found in marine fishes. The diets of vegetarian population do not contain preformed DHA, but they can derive it from shorter chain α-linolenic acid (ALA) found in plant oils. However, the conversion efficiency of ALA to DHA is minimal in human adults. This may cause insufficiency of DHA in the vegetarian population. Curcumin, diferuloyl methane found in the spice turmeric, has the potential to increase the formation of DHA from ALA by activating the enzymes FADS2 and elongase 2. The present study was designed to prepare curcumin nanoemulsion using phospholipid core material (Lipoid™) and exploring the possibility of enhancing its bioavailability and its impact on DHA levels in rats. Curcumin was dissolved in coconut oil (CNO, MCFA rich), Sunflower oil (SNO, n-6 PUFA rich) or Linseed oil (LSO, n-3 PUFA rich) and nanoemulsions were prepared after mixing with Lipoid™ using high pressure homogenizer. The nanoemulsions were fed to weaning rats for 60 days along with AIN-93 diets. Rats fed nanoemulsion containing curcumin in LSO showed high levels of curcumin in serum liver, heart and brain. Significant increase in DHA levels of serum and tissue lipids were observed in rats given LSO with curcumin in nanoemulsions. Therefore, supplementation of diets with ALA rich LSO and curcumin could increase DHA concentrations in serum, liver, heart and brain lipids which have implications for meeting the DHA requirements of vegetarian populations.

Down-regulation of NF-κB expression by n-3 fatty acid-rich linseed oil is modulated by PPARγ activation, eicosanoid cascade and secretion of cytokines by macrophages in rats fed partially hydrogenated vegetable fat.

PURPOSE: The industrially produced partially hydrogenated vegetable fat (PHVF) contains trans fatty acid mostly comprising of elaidic acid (18:1 ∆9t). PHVF is used as a cooking medium in Southeast Asian countries. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of dietary PHVF on inflammatory mediators and possible ameliorative effects of n-3 fatty acid (α-linolenic acid, ALA)-rich linseed oil (LSO) on the inflammatory mediators. METHODS: Male Wistar weaning rats were fed AIN-93-purified diet supplemented with one of the following lipids for 60 days, groundnut oil (GNO, 10 wt%), PHVF (10 wt%), LSO (10 wt%), PHVF blended with LSO at 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 wt% levels. The final fat level in the diet was maintained at 10 wt%. RESULTS: The macrophages from rats fed PHVF showed higher levels of total cholesterol and free cholesterol as compared to those from rats fed GNO and LSO. Macrophages from rats fed PHVF down-regulated the expression of PPARγ and up-regulated the expressions of cytosolic phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2, 5-lipoxygenase and nuclear factor-kappa B p65. The macrophages from rats fed PHVF secreted higher levels of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids and cytokines. The rats fed PHVF blended with LSO at incremental amounts showed a significant reduction in the expressions of pro-inflammatory markers in dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: Detrimental effects of dietary PHVF in enhancing pro-inflammatory agents in rats could be significantly reduced by providing ALA (n-3 PUFA)-rich LSO.

Dietary gamma oryzanol plays a significant role in the anti-inflammatory activity of rice bran oil by decreasing pro-inflammatory mediators secreted by peritoneal macrophages of rats.

Ricebran oil (RBO) is promoted as heart friendly oil because of its ability to maintain serum lipids at desirable levels. Inflammation also plays an important role on cardiovascular health. The role of minor constituents present in unsaponifiable fraction (UF) of RBO on inflammatory markers is not well understood. To evaluate this, we have taken RBO with UF (RBO-N), RBO stripped of UF (RBO-MCR) and RBO-MCR supplemented with UF from RBO (UFRBO) or Gamma-Oryzanol (γ-ORY) were added in AIN-93 diets which was then fed to Wistar rats for a period of 60 days. Groundnut oil with UF (GNO-N), UF removed GNO (GNO-MCR) and GNO-MCR supplemented with UF from RBO or γ-ORY was also used for comparison. The peritoneal macrophages from the rats were activated and pro-inflammatory mediators such as Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), eicosanoids, cytokines, hydrolytic enzymes of lysosomal origin were monitored. The results indicated that UF of RBO and γ-ORY supplemented in the dietary oils play a significant role in reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators by macrophages. Hence γ-ORY in RBO significantly contributed to the anti-inflammatory properties of RBO.

Molecular Mechanisms for the Modulation of Selected Inflammatory Markers by Dietary Rice Bran Oil in Rats Fed Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Fat.

Industrially produced partially hydrogenated vegetable fat (PHVF) contains trans fatty acids (TFA) mostly comprising elaidic acid (EA, 18:1∆9t). Though, the harmful effects of TFA on health have been repeatedly publicized, the fat containing TFA have been continued to be used as a cooking medium in many regions of the world. The adverse effects of PHVF on oxidative stress and inflammatory markers and the possible ameliorative action of rice bran oil (RBO) on these markers were evaluated. Weaning rats were fed a AIN-93 purified diet supplemented with the following lipids: groundnut oil (GNO, 10 wt%), PHVF (10 wt%), RBO (10 wt%), PHVF blended with RBO at 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 wt% levels. The final concentration of the lipids in the diet was maintained at 10 wt%. Rats were fed these diets for 60 days. They were sacrificed and analyzed for oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. The rats fed PHVF showed lower levels of lipid peroxidation and hepatic antioxidant enzymes. The rats fed PHVF-containing diets showed enhanced levels of interleukin-1ß, C-reactive proteins and also showed enhanced levels of paw inflammation when injected with carrageenan as compared to rats given GNO, RBO or PHVF blended with incremental amounts of RBO. The macrophages from rats fed diet containing PHVF showed up-regulation in the expressions of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), nuclear factor-κB p65, toll like receptor (TLR)-2, TLR-4 and down-regulation in the expressions of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPAR)γ, adiponectin receptor (AdipoR)-1 and AdipoR-2 when compared to rats fed diet containing GNO, RBO and PHVF blended with RBO. It was concluded that dietary PHVF enhance pro-inflammatory markers which can be reduced by judiciously blending PHVF with RBO.

Diet containing partially hydrogenated vegetable fat enhances the carrageenan induced paw inflammation but not oxidative stress markers in liver of rats.

In the present study, we investigated the effect of feeding Partially hydrogenated vegetable fat (PHVF) on carrageenan induced paw inflammation and oxidative stress markers in liver of rats. In addition, the effect of feeding rats with Linseed Oil (LSO, α-linolenic acid, n-3 PUFA) or PHVF blended with incremental amounts of LSO on these markers were also monitored. Rats weighing 200 g were given 1 mL of different oils (PHVF, Groundnut Oil; GNO, Olive Oil; OO and LSO) per day for 15 days. Rats given PHVF showed higher levels of paw inflammation in response to carrageenan injection. Rats given LSO showed least amounts of paw inflammation when injected with carrageenan. A second set of experiment was conducted by feeding weaning rats with AIN-93 purified diet supplemented with PHVF or PHVF with incremental amounts of LSO for 60 days. The rats fed PHVF showed higher degree of carrageenan induced inflammation as compared to rats given GNO and LSO. However, the rats fed PHVF showed lower levels of lipid peroxides, protein carbonyls, 8-hydroxy guanine and antioxidant enzyme activities in liver homogenate as compared to those given LSO. In conclusion dietary PHVF rendered the rats prone to higher levels of carrageenan induced inflammation which can be reduced by giving PHVF blended with LSO. However, oxidative stress markers found to be higher levels in rats given LSO or PHVF blended with LSO as compared to rats given PHVF as sole source of fat.

Modulatory effects of alpha-linolenic acid on generation of reactive oxygen species in elaidic acid enriched peritoneal macrophages in rats.

Fatty acids are known to influence the ability of macrophages to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). However the effect of elaidic acid (EA, 18:1 trans fatty acid) on ROS generation is not well studied. Rat peritoneal macrophages were enriched with elaidic acid by incubating the cells with 80 1M EA. The macrophages containing EA generated higher amounts of superoxide anion (O2*-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO) by 54, 123 and 237%, respectively as compared to control cells which did not contain EA. To study the competition of other C18 fatty acids with EA macrophages were incubated with EA along with stearic acid (18:0), oleic acid (18:1), linoleic acid (18:2) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3). ALA significantly reduced the incorporation of EA into macrophage lipids. This also significantly reduced the generation of O2*-, H2O2, NO by macrophages. Studies were also conducted by feeding rats with diet containing partially hydrogenated vegetable fat (PHVF) as a source for EA and linseed oil (LSO) as a source for ALA. The rats were fed AIN-93 diet containing PHVF with 17% EA and incremental amounts of linseed oil for 10 weeks. The peritoneal macrophages from rats fed partially hydrogenated vegetable fat generated higher levels of O2*-, H2O2, NO by 46, 161 and 76% respectively, when compared to rats fed control diets containing ground nut oil. Macrophages from rats fed PHVF with incremental amounts of LSO produced significantly lower levels ROS in a dose dependent manner. Thus ALA reduces the higher levels of ROS generated by macrophages containing EA.

Hypolipidemic effect of oryzanol concentrate and low temperature extracted crude rice bran oil in experimental male wistar rats.

Blends of refined groundnut oil (GNO) and oryzanol concentrate having 3, 5, and 10% oryzanol in the blend, and a rice bran oil (RBO) which had retained all the nutrients such as oryzanol, tocopherols and tocotrienols and the unsaponifiable matter components of crude oil (GWF RBO) were prepared. Weanling rats were fed with diet containing the oil blends/rice bran oil at 10% level for 60 days and then dissected. The lipid profiles in serum, liver were investigated and the cholesterol levels were marginally reduced (7-16% in serum, 10-14.5% in liver) in rats fed oryzanol containing diet. RBO, GWF RBO containing diets showed a reduction of serum cholesterol by 14%, 15% respectively when compared to those fed with GNO. Serum and liver lipid analysis also showed significant change in TG concentration in rats fed blended oils containing oryzanol compared to the rats given GNO. Histology of liver and kidneys did not show changes. These studies indicated that oryzanol has an effect in lowering serum and liver cholesterol and shows antiatherogenic properties when incorporated into groundnut oil.

Shelf-life study of Indian traditional food based nutraceutical (oryzanol) enriched instant mixes Bhath-OZ and Upma-OZ.

To provide nutraceutical such as oryzanol through food, two instant mixes based on the Indian traditional food cuisine Bisibele bhath and Upma(Bhath-OZ and Upma-OZ) were developed and evaluated for shelf-life. The formulations contained cereals, pulses, and spices along with oryzanol enriched oil and were packed in 200gauge/50 gauge metallized polyester packaging material and stored under ambient (27 °C 65%RH) and accelerated conditions (37 °C/92%RH). Samples were withdrawn periodically and peroxide value (PV), free fatty acid value (FFA), fatty acid composition, oryzanol, and total tocopherols content were estimated. Sensory evaluation of reconstituted products was also carried out. Oryzanol content (610 and 550 mg%) did not change appreciably in Bhath-OZ and Upma-OZ respectively. The peroxide value under ambient condition increased from 1.1 to 9.3 meq.O2/kg and 2.24 to 9.02 meq.O2/kg during the 6 month storage study at 27 °C and 65% RH, while under accelerated conditions at 37 °C and 92%RH, it increased from 1.12 to 8.54 meq. O2/kg and 2.24 to 6.96 meq. O2/kg during 2 month storage period. Bhath-OZ and Upma-OZ packed in metallized polyester pouches stored at 27 °C and 65% RH had a shelf-life of 4 months without affecting the oryzanol content and quality of instant mixes during the storage period.

Lymphatic transport of α-linolenic acid and its conversion to long chain n-3 fatty acids in rats fed microemulsions of linseed oil.

In the present study we evaluated the uptake of ALA and its conversion to EPA + DHA in rats given linseed oil (LSO) in native form or as a microemulsion in whey protein or in lipoid. In a single oral dose study in which rats maintained on rodent pellets deficient in ω-3 fatty acids were intubated with 0.35 g LSO in lipoid, the amount of ALA present in lymph was increased reaching a maximum concentration of 16.23 mg/ml at 2.5 h. The amount of ALA present in lymph was increased to a maximum level of 10.95 mg/ml at 4 h in rats given LSO as a microemulsion in whey protein. When LSO was given without emulsification, the amount of ALA present in lymph was found to reach a maximum level of 7.08 mg/ml at 6 h. A similar result was observed when weaning rats were intubated with 0.15 g of LSO per day for a period of 60 days. Higher levels of ALA by 41 and 103 % were observed in lymph lipids of rats given microemulsions of LSO in whey protein and in lipoid respectively as compared to rats given LSO without pre-emulsification. Very little conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA was observed in lymph lipids but higher amounts of EPA + DHA was observed in liver and serum of rats given LSO in microemulsion form. This study indicated that ALA concentration in lymph lipids was increased when LSO was given in microemulsion form in lipoid and further conversion to EPA and DHA was facilitated in liver and serum.

Enhanced incorporation of docosahexaenoic acid in serum, heart, and brain of rats given microemulsions of fish oil.

Long-chain n-3 fatty acids are essential for the development of cognitive functions and reducing the risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The present study was undertaken to prepare fish oil (FO) microemulsion and explore the possibility of enhancing the enrichment of long-chain n-3 PUFA in the heart and brain lipids. The bioavailability of encapsulated FO was compared with that of native oil in rats by utilizing the intestinal sac method and by an in vivo study giving microemulsions of FO through intubation for a period of 30 days. Microemulsions were prepared using chitosan, gum acacia, whey protein, and lipoid. The bioavailability of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from FO encapsulated in chitosan, gum acacia, whey protein, and lipoid was increased by 7, 9, 23, and 68%, respectively, as compared to oil given without encapsulation in the everted intestinal sacs model. The DHA levels in serum lipids when FO was given as lipoid emulsion to rats were found to be 56 µg/ml, while rats given FO without encapsulation had a DHA level of 22 µg/ml. In the heart and brain lipids, the DHA levels were increased by 77 and 41%, respectively, in rats given FO encapsulated with lipoid compared to those given native oil. These studies indicated that DHA from FO was taken up in a more efficient manner when given in an encapsulated form with lipoid. Thus, phospholipid-based binding materials such as Lipoid provide a good delivery system for FO and significantly enhance DHA levels in the serum, liver, heart, and brain tissues.

Uptake of α-linolenic acid and its conversion to long chain omega-3 fatty acids in rats fed microemulsions of linseed oil.

The present work was designed to prepare linseed oil (LSO) microemulsion and explore the possibility of enhancing the uptake and utilization of α-linolenic acid (ALA) present in LSO. The bioavailability of encapsulated LSO as against native oil was monitored in rats by measuring the uptake in vitro using the intestinal everted sac model and in-vivo administration of microemulsions of LSO to rats for a period of 30 days. Microemulsions were prepared by using different binding materials such as gum acacia, whey protein and lipoid. When LSO was encapsulated with gum acacia, whey protein and lipoid, the levels of ALA uptake into intestinal sacs was increased by 6, 17 and 28% as compared to oil given without encapsulation. EPA and DHA were not observed in the oil absorbed by intestinal everted sacs when given as emulsions with gum acacia or whey protein. When LSO was given as microemulsions with lipoid, EPA + DHA was observed in oil absorbed by intestinal sacs. Similarly when LSO was given as a lipoid emulsion by intubation to rats, the EPA and DHA in serum lipids were found to be 41 and 34 µg/ml, respectively while rats given LSO without encapsulation contained EPA and DHA at 9.1 and 8.8 µg/ml, respectively. Similar changes in omega-3 fatty acid content in liver lipids were observed when LSO was given as a microemulsion with lipoid. This study indicated that ALA was taken up and metabolized to long chain omega-3 PUFA when given as microemulsion with lipoid.

A comprehensive study on the serum lipid profile and risk factor analysis for cardiovascular diseases in a cross-sectional Indian population.

Several epidemiological studies have established that Indians have a higher incidence of coronary heart disease. Because of vast differences in ethnicity, food habits and sociocultural background of Indians, it is essential that survey be conducted for profiling risk factor indicators in subjects from different parts of the country with adequate sample size. This study was carried out on CFTRI employees whose population is originally drawn from different parts of the country with diverse food habits. The population consisting of 624 subjects (514 men and 110 women) were subjected to general health check-up, blood and urine analysis under the supervision of a medical officer. Sixty-one individuals (9.77%) were found to be diabetic and 73 individuals (11.69%) were hypertensive of which 11.7% were also found to have diabetes. The mean serum cholesterol concentration in men was found to be 158 mg % and that in women was 165 mg %. Ratio of total cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol was found to be greater than 6.5 in all the cases. Blood group analysis indicated that 41.5% of the subjects belonged to O(+) group (n = 259) followed by B(+) 25.6% (n = 160), A(+) 24.6% (n = 154) and AB(+) 4.48% (n = 28). Twenty-three individuals were Rh-negative. It was observed that serum cholesterol and triglycerides were lower in O(+) groups, compared to individuals in other groups. The incidence of diabetes and hypertension in O(+) was 5.79% and 10.4%, B(+)12.5% and 15.6%, A(+) 11.0% and 12.3% and AB(+) 21.4% and 7.1% respectively. Eight individuals were found to have myocardial infarction. Among them four belonged to A(+), two to B(+) and one each to AB(+)and O(+).

Lowering of platelet aggregation and serum eicosanoid levels in rats fed with a diet containing coconut oil blends with rice bran oil or sesame oil.

The present investigation was undertaken to study the effects of feeding a diet containing blended and interesterified fat to rats on thrombotic parameters such as platelet aggregation and eicosanoid levels in blood serum. Male Wistar rats were fed with a diet containing 10% fat from native; coconut oil (CNO), rice bran oil (RBO), sesame oil (SESO), blended; (CNO+RBO blend (B), CNO+SESO(B), or interesterified oils; CNO+RBO interesterified (I), CNO+SESO(I) for a period of 60 days. Rats given a diet containing blended oil of CNO+RBO(B) or CNO+SESO(B) showed a decrease in rate of ADP induced aggregation of platelets by 34% and 30%, respectively, compared to those fed with CNO. Aggregation induced by collagen was also reduced similarly in rats given blended or interesterified oils of CNO with RBO or SESO. Feeding interesterified oil CNO+RBO(I), and CNO+SESO(I) to rats also resulted in decrease in rate of ADP induced platelet aggregation by 37% and 34%, respectively, compared to rats fed with CNO. The prostacyclin/thromboxane ratio in serum was increased in rats fed with blended and interesterified oil compared to those fed with CNO. These results indicated that CNO when blended or interesterified with RBO or SESO exhibit antithrombotic effects as compared to the effect observed by feeding rats with CNO.

Bio-availability and metabolism of n-3 fatty acid rich garden cress (Lepidium sativum) seed oil in albino rats.

The ratio of fatty acids namely linoleic acid (LA, 18:2, n-6) and alpha linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3, n-3) in the diet plays an important role in enrichment of ALA in tissues and further conversion to long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5, n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6, n-3). Garden cress seed oil (GCO) is one of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acid and contains 29-34.5% of ALA. In this study, dietary supplementation of GCO on bio-availability and metabolism of alpha-linolenic acid was investigated in growing rats. Male wistar rats were fed with semi-purified diets supplemented with 10.0% sunflower oil (SFO 10%); 2.5% GCO and 7.5% SFO (GCO 2.5%); 5% GCO and 5% SFO (GCO 5.0%); 10% GCO (GCO 10%) for a period of 8 weeks. There was no significant difference with regard to the food intake, body weight gain and organ weights of rats in different dietary groups. Rats fed with GCO showed significant increase in ALA levels in serum and tissues compared to SFO fed rats. Feeding rats with 10% GCO lowered hepatic cholesterol by 12.3% and serum triglycerides by 40.4% compared to SFO fed group. Very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels decreased by 9.45% in serum of 10% GCO fed rats, while HDL remained unchanged among GCO fed rats. Adipose tissue showed incorporation of 3.3-17.4% of ALA and correlated with incremental intake of ALA. Except in adipose tissue, the EPA, DHA levels increased significantly in serum, liver, heart and brain tissues in GCO fed rats. A maximum level of DHA was registered in brain (11.6%) and to lesser extent in serum and liver tissues. A significant decrease in LA and its metabolite arachidonic acid (AA) was observed in serum and liver tissue of rats fed on GCO. Significant improvement in n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio was observed in GCO based diets compared to diet containing SFO. This is the first study to demonstrate that supplementation of GCO increases serum and liver ALA, EPA, DHA and decreases LA and AA in rats. Therefore, the GCO can be considered as a potential, alternate dietary source of ALA.

Eugenol--the active principle from cloves inhibits 5-lipoxygenase activity and leukotriene-C4 in human PMNL cells.

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) play an important role in the modulation of inflammatory conditions in humans. PMNL cells recruited at the site of inflammation, release inflammatory mediators such as leukotrienes, proteolytic enzymes and reactive oxygen species. Among these, leukotrienes are implicated in pathophysiology of allergic and inflammatory disorders like asthma, allergic rhinitis, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis. 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) is the key enzyme in biosynthetic pathway of leukotrienes. Our earlier studies showed that spice phenolic active principles significantly inhibit 5-LO enzyme in human PMNLs. In this study we have further characterized the inhibitory mechanism of eugenol, the active principle of spice-clove on 5-LO enzyme and also its effect on leukotriene C((4)) (LTC(4)). Substrate dependent enzyme kinetics showed that the inhibitory effect of eugenol on 5-LO was of a non-competitive nature. Further, eugenol was found to significantly inhibit the formation of LTC(4) in calcium ionophore A23187 and arachidonic acid (AA) stimulated PMNL cells. These data clearly suggest that eugenol inhibits 5-LO by non-competitive mechanism and also inhibits formation of LTC(4) in human PMNL cells and thus may have beneficial role in modulating 5-LO pathway in human PMNL cells.

Modulation of antioxidant enzyme activities, platelet aggregation and serum prostaglandins in rats fed spray-dried milk containing n-3 fatty acid.

Spray-dried milk enriched with n-3 fatty acids from linseed oil or fish oil were fed to rats to study its influence on liver lipid peroxides, hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities, serum prostaglandins and platelet aggregation. Significant level of alpha linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were accumulated at the expense of arachidonic acid in the liver of rats fed n-3 fatty acid enriched formulation. The linseed oil and fish oil enriched formulation fed group had 44 and 112% higher level of lipid peroxides in liver homogenate compared to control rats fed groundnut oil enriched formulation. Catalase activity in liver homogenate was increased by 37 and 183% respectively in linseed oil and fish oil formulation fed rats. The glutathione peroxidase activity decreased to an extent of 25-36% and glutathione transferase activity increased to an extent of 34-39% in rats fed n-3 fatty acids enriched formulation. Feeding n-3 fatty acid enriched formulation significantly elevated the n-3 fatty acids in platelets and increased the lipid peroxide level to an extent of 4.2-4.5 fold compared to control. The serum thromboxane B2 level was decreased by 35 and 42% respectively in linseed oil and fish oil enriched formulation fed rats, whereas, 6-keto- prostaglandin F1alpha level was decreased by 17 and 23% respectively in linseed oil and fish oil enriched formulation fed rats. The extent and rate of platelet aggregation was decreased significantly in n-3 fatty acids enriched formulation fed rats. This indicated that n-3 fatty acids enriched formulation beneficially reduces platelet aggregation and also enhances the activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and glutathione transferase.

Modulation of antioxidant enzyme activities, platelet aggregation and serum prostaglandins in rats fed spray-dried milk containing n-3 fatty acid.

Spray-dried milk enriched with n-3 fatty acids from linseed oil (LSO) or fish oil (FO) were fed to rats to study its influence on liver lipid peroxides, hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities, serum prostaglandins and platelet aggregation. Significant level of alpha linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were accumulated at the expense of arachidonic acid in the liver of rats fed n-3 fatty acid enriched formulation. The linseed oil and fish oil enriched formulation fed group had 44 and 112% higher level of lipid peroxides in liver homogenate compared to control rats fed groundnut oil enriched formulation. Catalase activity in liver homogenate was increased by 37 and 183% respectively in linseed oil and fish oil formulation fed rats. The glutathione peroxidase activity decreased to an extent of 25-36% and glutathione transferase activity increased to an extent of 34-39% in rats fed n-3 fatty acids enriched formulation. Feeding n-3 fatty acid enriched formulation significantly elevated the n-3 fatty acids in platelets and increased the lipid peroxide level to an extent of 4.2 to 4.5-fold compared to control. The serum thromboxane B2 level was decreased by 35 and 42% respectively in linseed oil and fish oil enriched formulation fed rats, whereas 6-keto-prostaglandin F1alpha level was decreased by 17 and 23% respectively in linseed oil and fish oil enriched formulation fed rats. The extent and rate of platelet aggregation was decreased significantly in n-3 fatty acids enriched formulation fed rats. This indicated that n-3 fatty acids enriched formulation beneficially reduces platelet aggregation and also enhances the activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and glutathione transferase.

Supplementation and delivery of n-3 fatty acids through spray-dried milk reduce serum and liver lipids in rats.

Indian diets comprising staples such as cereals, millets, and pulses provide 4.8 energy % from linoleic acid (18:2n-6) but fail to deliver adequate amounts of n-3 FA. Consumption of long-chain n-3 PUFA such as EPA (20:5n-3) and DHA (22:6n-3) is restricted to those who consume fish. The majority of the Indian population, however, are vegetarians needing additional dietary sources of n-3 PUFA. The present work was designed to use n-3 FA-enriched spray-dried milk powder to provide n-3 FA. Whole milk was supplemented with linseed oil to provide alpha-linolenic acid (LNA, 18:3n-3), with fish oil to provide EPA and DHA, or with groundnut oil (GNO), which is devoid of n-3 PUFA, and then spray-dried. Male Wistar rats were fed the spray-dried milk formulations for 60 d. The rats given formulations containing n-3 FA showed significant increases (P < 0.001) in the levels of LNA or EPA/DHA in the serum and in tissue lipids as compared with those fed the GNO control formulation. Rats fed formulations containing n-3 FA had 30-35% lower levels of serum total cholesterol and 25-30% lower levels of serum TAG than control animals. Total cholesterol and TAG in the livers of rats fed the formulations containing n-3 FA were lower by 18-30% and 11-18%, respectively, compared with control animals. This study showed that spray-dried milk formulations supplemented with n-3 FA are an effective means of improving dietary n-3 FA intake, which may decrease the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease.

Biological properties of curcumin-cellular and molecular mechanisms of action.

Curcuminoids, a group of phenolic compounds isolated from the roots of Curcuma longa (Zingiberaceae), exhibit a variety of beneficial effects on health and on events that help in preventing certain diseases. A vast majority of these studies were carried out with curcumin (diferuloyl methane), which is a major curcuminoid. The most detailed studies using curcumin include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antiviral, and antiinfectious activities. In addition, the wound healing and detoxifying properties of curcumin have also received considerable attention. As a result of extensive research on the therapeutic properties of curcumin, some understanding on the cellular, molecular, and biochemical mechanism of action of curcumin is emerging. These findings are summarized in this review.