Intermittent fasting associated with coconut oil (Cocos nucifera L.) alters gut-liver axis parameters in diet-induced obese rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to investigate the effect of intermittent fasting, associated or not with coconut oil intake, on the gut-liver axis of obese rats. METHODS: A total of 50 rats were divided into five groups: control, obese, obese with intermittent fasting, obese with intermittent fasting plus coconut oil, and obese with caloric restriction. The rats were induced to obesity with a high-sugar diet for 17 wk. The respective interventions were carried out in the last 4 wk. RESULTS: The groups with intermittent fasting protocols had reduced total cholesterol (on average 54.31%), low-density lipoprotein (on average 53.39%), and triacylglycerols (on average 23.94%) versus the obese group; and the obese with intermittent fasting plus coconut oil group had the highest high-density lipoprotein compared with all groups. The obese with intermittent fasting plus coconut oil and obese with caloric restriction groups had lower metabolic load compared with the other groups. The obese group had high citric and succinic acid concentrations, which affected the hepatic tricarboxylic acid cycle, while all the interventions had reduced concentrations of these acids. No histologic changes were observed in the intestine or liver of the groups. CONCLUSION: Intermittent fasting, especially when associated with coconut oil, had effects comparable with caloric restriction in modulating the parameters of the gut-liver axis.

Benefit of coconut-based hair oil via hair porosity quantification.

OBJECTIVE: The present study is intended to characterize the surfactant damage suffered by the hair cortex in routine washing and the mechanistic effect of Coconut Based Hair Oils (CBHO) to mitigate the damage. METHODS: Surfactants which diffuse into the hair structure solubilize protein moieties, leading to an increase in porosity and internal surface area as well as the pore volume. The changes in hair pores occurring in the hair cortex are measured by nitrogen sorption method in line with the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) theory. Single fiber tensile parameters were measured using Diastron MTT 175. Color protection was measured quantitatively using spectrophotometer as well as visual rating by trained panelists. RESULTS: The pore surface area data clearly show the benefit of introducing coconut-based hair oils (CBHO) into the hair by preventing increase in hair porosity. A statistically significant decrease in break stress and toughness were observed and the same were reversed by the application of CBHO. A pronounced color protection effect was also recorded with the application of CBHO. CONCLUSION: The porosity reduction effect seen with the use of CBHO is attributed to the CBHO molecules blocking the diffusion pathways in the endocuticle and the matrix part of the cortical cells, limiting protein surfactant interaction resulting in reduced solubilization and loss. Since, the color molecules are likely to be much smaller than the protein moieties, a pronounced color protection effect suggests that the penetrated CBHO molecules form a dense diffusion barrier in the matrix, cell membrane complex (CMC) and the endocuticle regions of hair - which are the main diffusion pathways out of hair. The study confirms the damage repair potential of CBHO and that it works by increasing the hydrophobicity of hair - both on the hair surface and in the cortex.

OBJECTIF: La présente étude a pour but de caractériser les dommages causés par les surfactants au cortex pilaire lors des lavages de routine et l'effet mécanique des huiles capillaires à base de noix de coco (CBHO) pour atténuer ces dommages. MÉTHODES: Les tensioactifs qui diffusent dans la structure du cheveu solubilisent les fractions de protéines, ce qui entraîne une augmentation de la porosité et de la surface interne ainsi que du volume des pores. Les modifications des pores du cheveu survenant dans le cortex pilaire sont mesurées par la méthode de sorption de l'azote, conformément à la théorie de Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). Les paramètres de traction de la fibre unique ont été mesurés à l'aide du Diastron MTT 175. La protection de la couleur a été mesurée quantitativement en utilisant un spectrophotomètre ainsi qu'une évaluation visuelle par des panélistes formés. LES RÉSULTATS: Les données sur la surface des pores montrent clairement l'avantage d'introduire des huiles capillaires à base de noix de coco (CBHO) dans les cheveux en empêchant l'augmentation de la porosité des cheveux. Une diminution statistiquement significative de la contrainte de rupture et de la résistance a été observée, qui a été inversée par l'application de CBHO. Un effet prononcé de protection de la couleur a également été enregistré avec l'application de CBHO. LA CONCLUSION: L'effet de réduction de la porosité observé avec l'utilisation de CBHO est attribué aux molécules de CBHO bloquant les voies de diffusion dans l'endocuticule et la partie matricielle des cellules corticales, limitant l'interaction protéine surfactant résultant en une solubilisation et une perte réduite. Étant donné que les molécules de couleur sont probablement beaucoup plus petites que les parties protéiques, un effet prononcé de protection de la couleur suggère que les molécules CBHO pénétrées forment une barrière de diffusion dense dans la matrice, le complexe de la membrane cellulaire (CMC) et les régions endocuticulaires des cheveux - qui sont les principales voies de diffusion hors des cheveux. L'étude confirme le potentiel de réparation des dommages du CBHO et le fait qu'il agit en augmentant l'hydrophobie des cheveux - à la fois sur la surface du cheveu et dans le cortex.

Feeding pigs with coconut oil affects their adipose miRNA profile.

BACKGROUND: Circulating miRNA molecules are intensively studied for their usefulness as biomarkers of civilization diseases. Meanwhile, it is known that diet can influence the level of miRNA expression in tissues. METHODS: Our research aimed to determine how a diet containing various sources of fat (rapeseed oil, beef tallow, coconut oil) and different amounts of cDDGS (corn Dried Distilled Grains with Solubles) affects the miRNA profile in pig fat-the main source of circulating miRNAs. For this purpose, we used Next Generation Sequencing of miRNA libraries. RESULTS: We observed the highest number of differentially expressed miRNAs in the samples from animals that were fed with coconut oil in the diet compared to all other treatments. In contrary, cDDGS appeared to have little effect on miRNA expression. CONCLUSIONS: We propose a subset of diet-related, adipose-specific, conservative miRNAs among mammals, namely: ssc-miR-99b, ssc-miR-4334-3p, ssc-miR-146b, ssc-miR-23a. Moreover, we observed that several miRNAs regulated by dietary fats are considered as biomarkers in human and animal diseases.

Partial Replacement of Dietary Fat with Krill Oil or Coconut Oil Alleviates Dyslipidemia by Partly Modulating Lipid Metabolism in Lipopolysaccharide-Injected Rats on a High-Fat Diet.

This study investigated the effects of partial replacement of dietary fat with krill oil (KO) or coconut oil (CO) on dyslipidemia and lipid metabolism in rats fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups as follows: HFD, HFD + KO, and HFD + CO. The rats were fed each diet for 10 weeks and then intraperitoneally injected with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1 mg/kg). The KO- and CO-fed rats exhibited lower levels of serum lipids and aspartate aminotransferases than those of the HFD-fed rats. Rats fed with HFD + KO displayed significantly lower hepatic histological scores and hepatic triglyceride (TG) content than rats fed with HFD. The KO supplementation also downregulated the adipogenic gene expression in the liver. When treated with LPS, the HFD + KO and HFD + CO groups reduced the adipocyte size in the epididymal white adipose tissues (EAT) relative to the HFD group. These results suggest that KO and CO could improve lipid metabolism dysfunction.

Diets enriched with coconut, fish, or olive oil modify peripheral metabolic effects of ozone in rats.

Dietary factors may modulate metabolic effects of air pollutant exposures. We hypothesized that diets enriched with coconut oil (CO), fish oil (FO), or olive oil (OO) would alter ozone-induced metabolic responses. Male Wistar-Kyoto rats (1-month-old) were fed normal diet (ND), or CO-, FO-, or OO-enriched diets. After eight weeks, animals were exposed to air or 0.8 ppm ozone, 4 h/day for 2 days. Relative to ND, CO- and OO-enriched diet increased body fat, serum triglycerides, cholesterols, and leptin, while all supplements increased liver lipid staining (OO > FO > CO). FO increased n-3, OO increased n-6/n-9, and all supplements increased saturated fatty-acids. Ozone increased total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), induced hyperglycemia, glucose intolerance, and changed gene expression involved in energy metabolism in adipose and muscle tissue in rats fed ND. Ozone-induced glucose intolerance was exacerbated by OO-enriched diet. Ozone increased leptin in CO- and FO-enriched groups; however, BCAA increases were blunted by FO and OO. Ozone-induced inhibition of liver cholesterol biosynthesis genes in ND-fed rats was not evident in enriched dietary groups; however, genes involved in energy metabolism and glucose transport were increased in rats fed FO and OO-enriched diet. FO- and OO-enriched diets blunted ozone-induced inhibition of genes involved in adipose tissue glucose uptake and cholesterol synthesis, but exacerbated genes involved in adipose lipolysis. Ozone-induced decreases in muscle energy metabolism genes were similar in all dietary groups. In conclusion, CO-, FO-, and OO-enriched diets modified ozone-induced metabolic changes in a diet-specific manner, which could contribute to altered peripheral energy homeostasis.

Chemical composition and health benefits of coconut oil: an overview.

Coconut oil is an integral part of Sri Lankan and many South Asian diets. Initially, coconut oil was classified along with saturated fatty acid food items and criticized for its negative impact on health. However, research studies have shown that coconut oil is a rich source of medium-chain fatty acids. Thus, this has opened new prospects for its use in many fields. Beyond its usage in cooking, coconut oil has attracted attention due to its hypocholesterolemic, anticancer, antihepatosteatotic, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and skin moisturizing properties. Despite all the health benefits, consumption of coconut oil is still underrated due to a lack of supportive scientific evidence. Even though studies done in Asian countries claim a favorable impact on cardiac health and serum lipid profile, the limitations in the number of studies conducted among Western countries impede the endorsement of the real value of coconut oil. Hence, long-term extensive studies with proper methodologies are suggested to clear all the controversies and misconceptions of coconut oil consumption. This review discusses the composition and functional properties of coconut oils extracted using various processing methods. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Facile and Green Production of Human Milk Fat Substitute through Rhodococcus opacus Fermentation.

Human milk fat substitute (HMFS) is a class of structured lipids widely used in infant formulas. Herein, HMFS was prepared by Rhodococcus opacus fermentation. The substrate oils suitable for HMFS production were coconut oil (66.1-57.5%), soybean oil (17.5-26.5%), high oleic acid sunflower oil (5.4-4.5%), Antarctic krill oil (9-9.5%), and fungal oil (2%). Six HMFSs were prepared, among which HMFS V and VI were similar to human milk fat from Chinese in terms of fatty acid composition and triacylglycerol species. The sn-2 position of HMFS was occupied by palmitic acid (49.31 and 43.48% in HMFS V and VI, respectively). The major triacylglycerols were OPL, OPO, and LPL, accounting for 15.90, 9.49, and 6.84 and 17.52, 8.44, and 8.55% in HMFS V and VI, respectively. This study is the first to prepare structured lipids intended for infant formula through fermentation, providing a novel strategy for the edible oil industry.

Black soldier fly larvae oil as an alternative fat source in broiler nutrition.

The present study was conducted to investigate growth performance, carcass characteristics, short-chain fatty acids, fatty acid composition in abdominal fat, and serum parameters in broiler chickens fed diets containing corn oil, coconut oil, or black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) oil at the level of 50 g per kg of diet during the 30-day-feeding period. A total 450 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allocated to one of 3 dietary groups. Each treatment had 10 replicates with 15 chicks per replicate. Feed conversion ratio was decreased in the coconut and BSFL oil group compared with the corn oil group. Dietary BSFL oil increased ileal weight-to-length ratio at day 30 after hatch. Dietary BSFL oil increased significantly ileal branched-chain fatty acid (P < 0.05) and moderately total short-chain fatty acid in 15-day-old broilers (P = 0.074). At day 30, ileal propionate was highest in the coconut oil group but cecal propionate was highest (P < 0.05) in the BSFL oil group. Fatty acid composition of abdominal fat was affected by dietary fat sources. Especially, chickens fed diets containing coconut oil or BSFL oil had higher contents (P < 0.05) of saturated fatty acid being dominant in lauric and myristic acids compared with those fed on corn oil. On the other hand, the reverse trend was noted (P < 0.05) as to polyunsaturated fatty acids being dominant in corn oil compared with coconut oil and BSFL oil. Coconut oil vs. corn oil significantly increased total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Finally, BSFL oil vs. corn oil significantly increased total antioxidant capacity in chickens. It is concluded that dietary BSFL oil improves feed conversion ratio and increases the incorporation of medium-chain fatty acids into abdominal fat pad and serum antioxidant capacity in broiler chickens.

Effects of diacylglycerol and triacylglycerol from peanut oil and coconut oil on lipid metabolism in mice.

Different chain lengths diacylglycerols (DAG) (long- and medium-chain) were synthesized from peanut and coconut oils. The effects of DAG with different chain lengths on body fat, blood lipids, and lipid metabolism-related enzymes in the liver and adipose tissue of C57BL/6J mice were investigated. Compared to peanut and coconut oils containing triacylglycerol (TAG), DAG-rich oils can significantly reduce the body weight, kidney weight, serum triglyceride (TG) content, hepatic fatty acid synthase (FAS), and Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) enzyme levels (p < 0.05) in C57BL/6J mice. Therefore, the effect of coconut oil DAG on improving body fat metabolism was probably due to the impact of DAG. Meanwhile, the body weight and serum TG content in coconut oil DAG group were lower than those in peanut oil DAG group. In addition, the spleen weight, hepatic ACC, and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) enzymes in coconut oil DAG group (0.07 ± 0.01 g, 2.08 ± 0.42 ng/mg pro, and 18.44 ± 5.23 ng/mg pro, respectively) were significantly lower than those in peanut oil DAG group. Although coconut oil DAG and peanut oil DAG have different fatty acid compositions, their effects on lipid metabolism showed no significant changes. Coconut oil DAG (peanut oil DAG) showed the improved lipid metabolism than that of coconut oil (peanut oil), which was probably due to the effect of DAG. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Peanut and coconut oils are common edible oils. The oil containing DAG synthesized decreased the body weight and lipid accumulation in mice. Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids, while peanut oil mainly consists of long-chain fatty acids. Due to the different contents of fatty acids, the synthesized structural lipids have different effects on lipid metabolism. Medium-chain triglycerides were considered as agents to alleviate obesity.

Trace water activity could improve the formation of 1,3-oleic-2-medium chain-rich triacylglycerols by promoting acyl migration in the lipase RM IM catalyzed interesterification.

New structured lipids with 1,3-oleic-2-medium chain (OMO) triacylglycerols were synthesized by promoting acyl migration in Lipozyme RM IM catalyzed interesterification between coconut oil (CO) and high oleic rapeseed oil (HORO). Results from an orthogonal design L25(55) showed that the maximal yield of OMO-structured triacylglycerols was 45.65% under the following conditions: the molar ratio of CO to HORO, 50:50; enzyme dosage, 12 wt%; reaction temperature, 60 °C; reaction time, 2 h; water activity, 0.07. Low water activity showed a high rate of acyl migration (10.86% vs 5.07% no water system), which promoted OMO synthesis due to medium-chain fatty acid migration to the sn-2 position. In a low water content (5%) system of the molecular dynamics simulation, water molecules stabilized the whole structure of RM IM through hydrogen bonding, which helped fix lipase-catalyzed active sites, making substrates more easily inserted into active sites, resulting in increased enzyme activity.

Continuous flow reactor based with an immobilized biocatalyst for the continuous enzymatic transesterification of crude coconut oil.

Here, we have assessed the use of one packed bed or two packed bed reactors in series in which Burkholderia cepacia lipase (BCL) was immobilized on protic ionic liquid (PIL)-modified silica and used as a biocatalyst for the transesterification of crude coconut oil. Reaction parameters including volumetric flow, temperature, and molar ratio were evaluated. The conversion of transesterification reaction products (ethyl esters) was determined using gas chromatography and the quantities of intermediate products (diglyceride and monoglyceride [MG]) were assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Packed bed reactors in series produced ethyl esters with the greatest efficiency, achieving 65.27% conversion after 96 H at a volumetric flow rate of 0.50 mL Min-1 at 40 °C and a 1:9 molar ratio of oil to ethanol. Further, within the first 24 H of the reaction, increased MG (54.5%) production was observed. Molecular docking analyses were performed to evaluate the catalytic step of coconut oil transesterification in the presence of BCL. Molecular docking analysis showed that triglycerides have a higher affinity energy (-5.7 kcal mol-1 ) than the smallest MG (-6.0 kcal mol-1 ), therefore, BCL catalyzes the conversion of triglycerides rather than MG, which is consistent with experimental results.

Impact of coconut oil consumption on cardiovascular health: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids and has been claimed to have numerous health benefits. OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to examine the evidence surrounding coconut oil consumption and its impact on cardiovascular health. DATA SOURCES: A systematic literature search of the PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and CINAHL databases, up to May 2019, was performed. DATA EXTRACTION: Study characteristics including study design, population, intervention, comparator, outcome, and source of funding were summarized. DATA ANALYSIS: Meta-analyses included 12 studies to provide estimates of effects. Subgroup analyses were performed to account for any differences in the study-level characteristics. When compared with plant oils and animal oils, coconut oil was found to significantly increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) by 0.57 mg/dL (95%CI, 0.40-0.74 mg/dL; I2 = 6.7%) and 0.33 mg/dL (0.01-0.65 mg/dL; I2 = 0%), respectively. Coconut oil significantly raised low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by 0.26 mg/dL (0.09-0.43 mg/dL; I2 = 59.7%) compared with plant oils and lowered LDL-C (-0.37 mg/dL; -0.69 to -0.05 mg/dL; I2 = 48.1%) compared with animal oils. No significant effects on triglyceride were observed. Better lipid profiles were demonstrated with the virgin form of coconut oil. CONCLUSION: Compared with animal oils, coconut oil demonstrated a better lipid profile n comparison with plant oils, coconut oil significantly increased HDL-C and LDL-C.

Feasibility of cultivation of Spinibarbus sinensis with coconut oil and its effect on disease resistance (nonspecific immunity, antioxidation and mTOR and NF-kB signaling pathways).

Application of traditional bait in aquaculture caused environment pollution and disease frequent occurrence. Residual coconut could be re-utilized to culture Spinibarbus sinensis as dietary supplement. Therefore, a novel integrated system of the improvement of yield, antioxidant and nonspecific immunity of Spinibarbus sinensis by dietary residual coconut was proposed and investigated. Spinibarbus sinensis could grow well in all supplement residual coconut groups. Survival rate, yield, whole fish body composition under 15-45% groups were increased compared with control group (CK). Bioactive substances (polyphenols and vitamin) in residual coconut enhanced AKP, ACP, phagocytic, SOD, CAT activities through up-regulating AKP, ACP, SOD, CAT genes expression levels. Theoretical analysis showed bioactive substances regulated these genes expressions and enzyme activities as stimulus signal, component, active center. Moreover, residual coconut improved mTOR and NF-kB signaling pathway. Furthermore, residual coconut inhibited Aeromonas hydrophila that increased resistance to diseases. This technology completed the solid waste recovery and the Spinibarbus sinensis culture simultaneously.

The protective role of virgin coconut oil on the alloxan-induced oxidative stress in the liver, kidneys and heart of diabetic rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential protective effect of virgin coconut oil (VCO) on oxidative stress parameters in the liver, kidneys and heart of alloxan-induced (150 mg kg-1 i.p.-1) diabetes in rats. Our results showed that daily supplementation of VCO (20% of food) for 16 weeks significantly (p < 0.05) ameliorates some deleterious effects caused by alloxan. VCO reduced the diabetes-related increase in food (82.15 ± 1.49 vs. 145.51 ± 4.81 g per kg b.m. per day) and water (305.49 ± 6.09 vs. 583.98 ± 14.80 mL per kg b.m. per day) intake, and the decrease in the body mass gain (0.56 ± 0.16 vs. -2.13 ± 0.49 g per 100 g b.m. per week). In all three tissues, diabetes caused an increase in the concentration of total glutathione and sulfhydryl groups, and catalase and glutathione S-transferase activities, without changes in superoxide dismutase activity. Glutathione peroxidase activity was increased in the kidneys and heart, but not in the liver of the diabetic animals, while glutathione reductase activity was increased in the liver and the kidneys, and not in the heart. The simultaneous VCO supplementation increased the concentration of the sulfhydryl group in all three tissues of diabetic animals and decreased the glutathione S-transferase activity and glutathione concentration, without affecting the glutathione reductase activity. In the liver of diabetic animals it decreased superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities, in the heart catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities, and in the kidney catalase activity only. The results of canonical discriminant analysis of oxidative stress parameters revealed that VCO exerts its effects in a tissue-specific manner.

Physicochemical characteristics of fat blend from hydrogenated coconut oil and acyl migrated palm mid-fraction.

Palm mid-fraction (PMF), which has a high content of symmetric POP, was converted to asymmetric PPO (APMF) via acyl migration. After solvent fractionation, the liquid phase of acyl migrated PMF (APMF-L) was obtained and blended with hydrogenated coconut oil (HCO, 50:50, w/w) to produce a fat blend (namely, an alternative fat blend) which had reduced saturated fatty acid content while having similar melting behavior to HCO. In an alternative fat blend, the major fatty acids were lauric (27.94), palmitic (26.93) and oleic (15.75 mol%) acid. The solid fat index was quite similar to that of HCO, especially at 28-44 °C. Nevertheless, an alternative fat blend had lower saturated fatty acid content, by 18%, compared to HCO. The content of highly atherogenic myristic acid was reduced by approximately 40%. The alternative fat blend in this study could be used as a raw material for non-dairy cream with low saturated fat content.

Effect of Consumption Heated Oils with or without Dietary Cholesterol on the Development of Atherosclerosis.

Heating oils and fats for a considerable length of time results in chemical reactions, leading to the aggravation of a free radical processes, which ultimately contributes to atherosclerosis. Our study focused on elucidating the effect of feeding heated oils with or without dietary cholesterol on the development of atherosclerosis in rabbits. We heated palm olein and corn oil at 180 °C for 18 h and 9 h per day, respectively, for two consecutive days. Next, 20 male rabbits were divided into four groups and fed the following diet for 12 weeks: (i) heated palm olein (HPO); (ii) HPO with cholesterol (HPOC); (iii) heated corn oil (HCO); and (iv) HCO with cholesterol (HCOC). Plasma total cholesterol (TC) was significantly lower in the HCO group compared to the HCOC group. Atherosclerotic lesion scores for both fatty plaques and fatty streaks were significantly higher in the HCO and HCOC groups as compared to the HPO and HPOC groups. Additionally, fibrous plaque scores were also higher in the HCO and HCOC groups as compared to the HPO and HPOC groups. These results suggest that heated palm oil confers protection against the onset of atherosclerosis compared to heated polyunsaturated oils in a rabbit model.

Lipid-Lowering Effects of Medium-Chain Triglyceride-Enriched Coconut Oil in Combination with Licorice Extracts in Experimental Hyperlipidemic Mice.

Coconut oil has gained in popularity over recent years as a healthy oil due to its potential cardiovascular benefits. Coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides (MCT) including lauric acid and capric acid that display beneficial properties in human health. Licorice ( Glycyrrhiza uralensis) is used as a sweetener and in traditional Chinese medicine with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. This study investigated the in vivo effects of medium chain-triglycerides (MCT)-coconut oil (MCO) and its combination with licorice extract (LE-MCO) on serum lipid profile, hepatic steatosis, and local fat pad proteins in diet-induced obese mice. No liver toxicity was observed in 45% fat diet (HFD)-fed mice orally treated with LE, MCO, and LE-MCO for 12 weeks. Their supplementation reduced HFD-enhanced body weight, blood glucose, and insulin in mice. Plasma levels of both PLTP and LCAT were boosted in LE-MCO-administered mice. Supplementation of LE-MCO diminished plasma levels of TG and TC with concomitant reduction of the LDL-C level and tended to raise blood HDL-C level compared to that of HFD alone-mice. Treatment of LE-MCO encumbered the hepatic induction of hepatosteatosis-related proteins of SREBP2, SREBP1c, FAS, ACC, and CD36 in HFD-fed mice. Substantial suppression of this induction was also observed in the liver of mice treated with MCO. Oral administration of LE-MCO to HFD mice boosted hepatic activation of AMPK and the induction of UCP-1 and FATP1 in brown fat. Conversely, LE-MCO disturbed hepatic PPAR-LXR-RXR signaling in HFD-fed animals and reversed HFD-elevated epididymal PPARγ. Collectively, oral administration of LE-MCO may impede hyperlipidemia and hepatosteatosis through curtailing hepatic lipid synthesis.

Supplementation-Dependent Effects of Vegetable Oils with Varying Fatty Acid Compositions on Anthropometric and Biochemical Parameters in Obese Women.

Fatty acid (FA) composition is a determinant of the physiological effects of dietary oils. This study investigated the effects of vegetable oil supplementation with different FA compositions on anthropometric and biochemical parameters in obese women on a hypocaloric diet with lifestyle modifications. Seventy-five women (body mass index, BMI, 30⁻39.9kg/m²) were randomized based on 8-week oil supplementation into four experimental groups: the coconut oil group (CoG, n = 18), the safflower oil group (SafG, n = 19), the chia oil group (ChG, n = 19), and the soybean oil placebo group (PG, n = 19). Pre- and post-supplementation weight, anthropometric parameters, and body fat (%BF), and lean mass percentages (%LM) were evaluated, along with biochemical parameters related to lipid and glycidemic profiles. In the anthropometric evaluation, the CoG showed greater weight loss (Δ% = -8.54 ± 2.38), and reduced BMI (absolute variation, Δabs = -2.86 ± 0.79), waist circumference (Δabs = -6.61 ± 0.85), waist-to-height ratio (Δabs = -0.041 ± 0.006), conicity index (Δabs = -0.03 ± 0.016), and %BF (Δabs = -2.78 ± 0.46), but increased %LM (Δabs = 2.61 ± 1.40) (p < 0.001). Moreover, the CoG showed a higher reduction in biochemical parameters of glycemia (Δabs = -24.71 ± 8.13) and glycated hemoglobin (Δabs = -0.86 ± 0.28) (p < 0.001). The ChG showed a higher reduction in cholesterol (Δabs = -45.36 ± 0.94), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc; Δabs = -42.53 ± 22.65), and triglycerides (Δabs = -49.74 ± 26.3), but an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc; abs = 3.73 ± 1.24, p = 0.007). Coconut oil had a more pronounced effect on abdominal adiposity and glycidic profile, whereas chia oil had a higher effect on improving the lipid profile. Indeed, supplementation with different fatty acid compositions resulted in specific responses.

Comparative Effect of Dietary Soybean Oil, Fish Oil, and Coconut Oil on Performance, Egg Quality and Some Blood Parameters in Laying Hens.

Two hundred and sixteen 28-wk-old Hy-line laying hens were randomly distributed to three dietary treatments and fed 1of 3 diets containing 8% soybean oil, fish oil, or coconut oil from 28 to 47 wk of age to investigate comparative effect of dietary soybean oil, fish oil, and coconut oil on the performance, egg quality and blood malondialdehyde (MDA), aspartate transaminase (AST) and uric acid (UA). Hens fed fish oil showed poor performance compared with soybean oil or coconut oil, and especially egg weight throughout the trial was significantly and consistently decreased (P < 0.05) due to dietary fish oil. Unexpectedly, shell reflectivity throughout the majority of the trial was consistently and significantly higher (P < 0.05) when hens fed fish oil than that when fed soybean oil or coconut oil. Dietary treatments affected (P < 0.05) shell shape at 4 of 8 time points tested. Average shell shape in fish oil treatment was higher (P < 0.05) than that of coconut oil group. Albumen height, Haugh unit and yolk color were influenced by dietary treatments only at 1 or 2 time points. However, average albumen height and Haugh unit in fish oil treatment were higher (P < 0.05) than that of soybean oil or coconut oil treatments and average yolk color in coconut oil treatment was higher (P < 0.05) than that of soybean oil group. Serum MDA, AST and UA concentrations were increased (P < 0.05) by fish oil during the majority of the first 2 mo of the trial. These data suggested that the inclusion of fish oil into feed may reduce the performance of laying hens, especially the egg weight, decrease the intensity of egg brown color and increase blood MDA, AST and UA levels compared with soybean oil or coconut oil. As a result, hens fed fish oil may lay smaller, longer and lighter-brown eggs whereas those fed coconut oil produce blunter and darker-brown eggs relative to soybean oil.