The Effect of Genistein Supplementation on Cholesterol Oxidation Products and Fatty Acid Profiles in Serums of Rats with Breast Cancer.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of genistein on the level of cholesterol, oxysterols, and composition of fatty acids, as well as enzymatic activity of desaturases, in rats with breast cancer. The animals were supplemented with nano-, micro-, and macrogenistein. Rats were treated with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene to induce mammary adenocarcinoma. In the case of animals supplemented with genistein, an increase in the intensity of the carcinogenesis process was observed. Genistein supplementation also affected the cholesterol and oxysterols levels, as well as the composition of fatty acids, in the serum of rats with neoplastic disease. Dietary supplementation with nanogenistein significantly increased the level of cholesterol (p = 0.02) and cholesterol oxidation products (p = 0.02), which may have significant impacts on cancer development and progression.

The Influence of Supplementation with Zinc in Micro and Nano Forms on the Metabolism of Fatty Acids in Livers of Rats with Breast Cancer.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of zinc supplementation (in the form of nano or microparticles) on the profile and metabolism of fatty acids in the liver microsomes of rats with induced breast cancer. The activity of desaturases (Δ5, Δ6, Δ9) and the level of cholesterol and its oxidized derivatives were measured. The aim of this study was also to determine the effect of various forms of zinc supplements on rats that were on 5-, 12- and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic (5-, 12- and 15-HETE) and hydroxyoctadecadienoic (HODE) acids, and the level of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Female Spraque-Dawley rats (n = 24) were divided into 2 groups that were supplemented with zinc in the micro form (342 nm) or nano form (99 nm) particles, respectively, and a group with a standard diet (control group). All animals received 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene twice for the induction of breast cancer. Dietary nano-Zn supplementation increased vaccenic acid content (p = 0.032) and decreased Δ6-desaturase activity (p = 0.006), whereas micro-Zn increased cholesterol (p = 0.006), ∑COPs (total cholesterol-oxidation products) (p = 0.019) and PGE2 (p = 0.028) content. Dietary enrichment with Zn microparticles resulted in lower concentrations of the metabolites 15-, 12- and 5-HETE and HODE. Our study indicates that the effect of zinc supplementation on the metabolism of fatty acids in the liver microsomes under neoplastic conditions depends on the form in which it is administered.

Zinc Affects Cholesterol Oxidation Products and Fatty Acids Composition in Rats' Serum.

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effect of the nanosized or microsized zinc (Zn) particles on fatty acid profile, enzyme activity and the level of cholesterol, squalene and oxysterols in rats with breast cancer. Rats (female, n = 24) were divided into the following groups: control, and two test groups, whose diets were enriched with either Zn microparticles (342 nm) or Zn nanoparticles (99 nm). All rats were treated twice with the carcinogenic agent; 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene. In rats whose diet was enriched with zinc (especially in the form of nanoparticles), the number and sizes of tumors were lower. Diet supplementation also significantly reduced the cholesterol (p = 0.027) and COPs (cholesterol oxidation products) levels (p = 0.011) in rats serum. Enriching the diet with Zn microparticles decreased the Δ6-desaturase activity (p < 0.001). Zn influences fatty acids' profile in rats' serum as well as inhibiting desaturating enzymes. A reduced amount of pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid derivatives may be the expected effect.

Determination of Pharmaceuticals, Heavy Metals, and Oxysterols in Fish Muscle.

The present study aimed to assess the levels of 98 multi-class pharmaceuticals including cardiovascular drugs, antidepressants, hypnotics, antibiotics, and sulfonamides occurring in the muscle tissue of fish caught in the Baltic Sea. The following fish species were collected: perch (Perca fluviatilis); flounder (Platichthys flesus); turbot (Scophthalmus maximus); plaice (Pleuronectes platessa); cod (Gadus morhua callarias); bream (Abramis brama); crucian (Carassius carassius). Additionally, in the examined fish muscle the levels of heavy metals and trace elements were determined (As; Ag; Au; Ba; Cd; Co; Cr; Cu; Hg; Li; Mo; Ni; Pb; Sb; Se; Sn; Tl; V) as well as the levels of cholesterol and its 5 derivatives (7-ketocholesterol; 7α-hydroxycholesterol; 7ß-hydroxycholesterol; 5ß,6ß-epoxy-cholesterol; 5α,6α-epoxycholesterol). In the performed studies 11 out of 98 examined pharmaceuticals were detected in fish muscle. The levels of pharmaceuticals in fish muscle varied depending on the species. In the tissues of bream and crucian, no pharmaceuticals were found. Mercury, lead and arsenic were detected in the muscles of all examined fish. Based on the hazard factor for Hg, Pb, Cd, Ni (target hazard quotient, THQ < 1), it was found that the consumption of the studied fish does not constitute a health risk. However, the THQ for As remained >1 indicated possible risk from those metals. In the examined fish muscle the total cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) level of oxysterols were, respectively: 6.90 (cod) µg/g-4.18 µg/g (perch), which corresponded to 0.7-1.5% of cholesterol. The main COPs evaluated were 7-ketocholesterol (0.78 ± 0.14-1.79 ± 0.06 µg/g), 7ß-hydroxycholesterol (0.50 ± 0.04-3.20 ± 2.95 µg/g) and 5ß,6ß-epoxycholesterol (0.66 ± 0.03-1.53 ± 0.66 µg/g). The assessment of health hazards due to contaminations is necessary, which may help to introduce national legislation and global standards aimed at reducing or even eliminating the exposure to contaminants.

Pomegranate Seed Oil and Bitter Melon Extract Affect Fatty Acids Composition and Metabolism in Hepatic Tissue in Rats.

Pomegranate seed oil (PSO) and bitter melon dried fruits (BME) are used as natural remedies in folk medicine and as dietary supplements. However, the exact mechanism of their beneficial action is not known. The aim of study was to assess how the diet supplementation with PSO and/or with an aqueous solution of Momordica charantia affects the metabolism of fatty acids, fatty acids composition and the level of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in rat liver. Animals (Sprague-Dawley female rats, n = 48) were divide into four equinumerous groups and fed as a control diet or experimental diets supplemented with PSO, BME or both PSO and BME for 21 weeks. Fatty acids were determined using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. PSO added to the diet increased the rumenic acid content (p < 0.0001) and increased accumulation of n-6 fatty acids (p = 0.0001) in hepatic tissue. Enrichment of the diet either with PSO or with BME reduced the activity of Δ6-desaturase (D6D) (p = 0.0019), whereas the combination of those dietary factors only slightly increased the effect. Applied dietary supplements significantly reduced the PGE2 level (p = 0.0021). No significant intensification of the influence on the investigated parameters resulted from combined application of PSO and BME. PSO and BME have potential health-promoting properties because they influence fatty acids composition and exhibit an inhibiting effect on the activity of desaturases and thus they contribute to the reduction in the metabolites of arachidonic acid (especially PGE2).

Oils' Impact on Comprehensive Fatty Acid Analysis and Their Metabolites in Rats.

Fatty acids, especially polyunsaturated, and their metabolites (eicosanoids) play many pivotal roles in human body, influencing various physiological and pathological processes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with edible oils diverse in terms of fatty acid composition on fatty acid contents, activities of converting their enzymes, and on lipoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic and linoleic acids (eicosanoids) in rat serum. Female Sprague-Dawley rats divided into seven groups were used in the study. Animals from six groups were fed one of oils daily (carotino oil, made up by combining of red palm oil and canola oil, linseed oil, olive oil, rice oil, sesame oil, or sunflower oil). One group received a standard diet only. Fatty acids were determined using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. Eicosanoids-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic (HETE) and hydroxyoctadecadienoic acids (HODE) were extracted using a solid-phase extraction method and analyzed with HPLC. Vegetable oils given daily to rats caused significant changes in serum fatty acid profile and eicosanoid concentrations. Significant differences were also found in desaturases' activity, with the linseed and olive oil supplemented groups characterized by the highest D6D and D5D activity. These findings may play a significant role in various pathological states.

Mammary cancer risk and serum lipid profile of rats supplemented with pomegranate seed oil and bitter melon extract.

The objective of the present study was to determine the influence of dietary supplementation with pomegranate seed oil (PSO) and/or an aqueous extract of dried bitter melon fruits (BME) on breast cancer risk and fatty acid profile in serum of female rats with chemical carcinogen-inflicted mammary tumours. Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 96) were fed control diet or experimental diets supplemented with 0.15 ml PSO/day, BME or jointly PSO and BME. After 21 weeks mammary tumours were subjected to histopathological examination and in serum fatty acids, 8-isoprostaglandin F2α content and indices of desaturases activity were analysed. Supplementation of the diet with PSO and BME did not inhibit the breast cancer formation. Conjugated linolenic acids (CLnA), present in PSO, were converted into cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), however, its content was lower in groups treated with a carcinogen. A similar tendency was observed for the content of SFA, MUFA, PUFA, 8-iso PGF2α and the activity of Δ6-desaturase. Enhanced pro-carcinogenic effect of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), caused by applied supplements, may be a result of their influence on DMBA metabolism.

The type of dietary fat and dietary energy restriction affects the activity of the desaturases in the liver microsomes.

The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of different dietary oils and the dietary energy restriction on the activity of enzymes participating in the process of arachidonic acid synthesis and on fatty acid profile in serum. It was also evaluated how diet modification affects the weight of animals and weight of the specific organs: liver, kidney and spleen. Wistar male rats were divided into 6 groups according to the diet fed (control, sunflower oil, olive oil, rapeseed oil, fish oil and a group of dietary energy restriction - DER group). The enzyme activities were established indirectly in liver microsomes. To this aim the method of high performance liquid chromatography with UV/VIS detection was used. In addition, the indices of ∆6-desaturase (D6D) and ∆5-desaturase (D5D) were determined. Significant differences in the concentrations of fatty acids and enzyme activity were observed. The results concerning desaturases show the negative correlation between n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids intake and enzymes activity. The highest D6D activity was observed in microsomes obtained from sunflower oil fed rats and the lowest D6D activity was in the DER group. D5D index did not differ much depending on the diet. Among groups supplemented with oils the higher mean values of the weight of liver were observed in the group supplemented with rapeseed oil. Consumption of diets supplemented with edible oils of different fatty acid profile influence both serum fatty acid composition and the activity of ∆6- and Δ5-desaturase.

Pomegranate seed oil influences the fatty acids profile and reduces the activity of desaturases in livers of Sprague-Dawley rats.

The aim of our study was to compare the influence of diet supplementation with pomegranate seed oil - as conjugated linolenic acids (CLnA) source, or conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) and to examine the mechanism of their activity. The content of fatty acids, levels of biomarkers of lipids' oxidation and the activity of key enzymes catalyzing lipids metabolism were measured. Obtained results revealed that conjugated fatty acids significantly decrease the activity of Δ5-desaturase (p=0.0001) and Δ6-desaturase (p=0.0008) and pomegranate seed oil reduces their activity in the most potent way. We confirmed that diet supplementation with pomegranate seed oil - a rich source of punicic acid leads to the increase of cis-9, trans-11 CLA content in livers (p=0.0003). Lack of side effects and beneficial influence on desaturases activity and fatty acids profile claim pomegranate seed oil to become interesting alternative for CLA as functional food.

Heating of vegetable oils influences the activity of enzymes participating in arachidonic acid formation in Wistar rats.

Dietary intake of lipids and their fatty acids profile influence many aspects of health. Thermal processing changes the properties of edible oils and can also modify their metabolism, for example, eicosanoids formation. The aim of our study was to verify whether the activity of desaturases can be modified by lipids intake, especially by the fatty acids content. The experimental diets contained rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, and olive oil, both unheated and heated (for 10 minutes at 200 °C each time before administration), and influenced the fatty acids composition in serum and the activity of enzymes participating in arachidonic acid (AA) formation. The activity of desaturases was determined by measuring the amounts of AA formed in vitro derived from linoleic acid as determined in liver microsomes of Wistar rats. In addition, the indices of ∆(6)-desaturase (D6D) and ∆(5)-desaturase (D5D) have been determined. To realize this aim, the method of high-performance liquid chromatography has been used with ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry detection. Diet supplementation with the oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids affects the fatty acids profile in blood serum and the activity of D6D and ∆(5)-desaturase in rat liver microsomes, the above activities being dependent on the kind of oil applied. Diet supplementation with heated oils has been found to increase the amount of AA produced in hepatic microsomes; and in the case of rapeseed oil and sunflower oil, it has also increased D6D activity.

The effect of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) supplementation on the activity of enzymes participating in the formation of arachidonic acid in liver microsomes of rats--probable mechanism of CLA anticancer activity.

The aim of the present research was to examine the effect of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) supplementation on the activity of enzymes that take part in the synthesis of arachidonic acid (AA) and also to investigate the relation between their activity and the neoplastic process. The enzyme activities were established indirectly, because their measure was the amount of AA formed in vitro, being developed from linoleic acid as determined in liver microsomes of Spraque-Dawley rats. In addition, the indices of Δ6-desaturase (D6D) and Δ5-desaturase (D5D) were determined. To this aim, the method of high per-formance liquid chromatography with UV/VIS detection was used. Between the examined groups, statistically significant differences were observed in the activities of enzymes as well as D6D. The carcinogenic agent applied (DMBA) was found to significantly increase the activity of the examined enzymes. Negative correlation was found between the activities of desaturases and CLA supplementation, whereas the activity of those enzymes was a little higher in the group of rats with chemically induced cancer process. The neoplastic process has a stimulating effect on the activity of D6D. The decrease of D6D activity, resulting from the presence of CLA in the animals' diet, may confirm the anticancer properties of these isomers.

Enrichment of maternal diet with conjugated linoleic acids influences desaturases activity and fatty acids profile in livers and hepatic microsomes of the offspring with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced mammary tumors.

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of diet supplementation of pregnant and breast-feeding female Sprague-Dawley rats with conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) on the Δ6- and Δ5-desaturase activity in hepatic microsomes as well as on fatty acids profile and lipids peroxidation in liver and hepatic microsomes of the progeny with chemically induced mammary tumors. Rats were divided into two groups with different diet supplementation (vegetable oil (which did not contain CLA) or CLA). Their female offspring was divided within these groups into two subgroups: (1)--fed the same diet as mothers (K1 - oil, 01 - CLA), and (2)--fed the standard fodder (K2, O2). At 50th day of life, the progeny obtained carcinogenic agent (7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene). Higher supply of CLA in diet of mothers resulted in lower susceptibility to chemically induced mammary tumors in their offspring (p = 0.0322). It also influenced the fatty acids profile in livers and in hepatic microsomes, especially polyunsaturated n3 and n6 fatty acids. CLA inhibited the activity of the desaturases, which confirmed that CLA can reduce the level of arachidonic acid directly, reducing linoleic acid content in membranes, or indirectly, through the regulation of its metabolism. We were unable to confirm or deny the antioxidative properties of CLA. Our results indicate that the higher supply of CLA in mothers' diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding causes their incorporation into tissues of children, changes the efficiency of fatty acids metabolism and exerts health-promoting effect in their adult life reducing the breast cancer risk.

[Nutritional habits and supplementation of elderly people with cardiovascular diseases from Warsaw]. / Ocena sposobu zywienia i suplementacji u ludzi starszych z chorobami sercowo-naczyniowymi z terenu Warszawy.

Dietary habits of elderly people (46 women and 46 men) with cardiovascular diseases were analysed. The study was based on the 24-h food intake recall. Data were collected from each respondent only once from February 2006 to May 2006. The results show that dietary intakes of elderly people differed from recommended optium diet. The percentage of energy coming from fats and carbohydrates was too high. We observed excessive intake of phosphorus among investigated people but intake of other minerals there was not sufficient. Analysis of average day rations showed, that safe level of vitamins A, B12 and a bit of vitamin C was exceeded. We observed vitamin D and folates deficiencies. Supplementation of diet was incorrect. Respondents abused supplements containing vitamins: A, E, C and B. People investigated did not attach importance to mineral deficiency supplementation.