Effects of the whole seed and a protein isolate of faba bean (Vicia faba) on the cholesterol metabolism of hypercholesterolaemic rats.

The aim of the present work was to analyse the hypocholesterolaemic efficiency of a Vicia faba-protein isolate in relation to the intact legume. In addition, the mechanisms underlying the effects of this isolate were investigated. Hypercholesterolaemic rats were divided into three groups and fed high-fat diets rich in cholesterol-containing casein, whole seeds of Vicia faba or the protein isolate of faba beans as protein source, for 2 weeks ad libitum. The protein isolate was prepared by isoelectric precipitation and spray dried. Analyses of serum, liver and faeces, as well as of the activity of hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl (HMG)-CoA reductase, were assessed by enzymatic methods. The rats fed on Vicia faba diets showed significantly lower body weights and energy intakes than rats fed on casein diets. The whole-seed diet induced a significant reduction in plasma triacylglycerol. Feeding rats on diets containing faba bean seeds, or the protein isolate, induced a significant decrease in plasma (LDL+VLDL)-cholesterol but not in HDL-cholesterol. Hepatic cholesterol and triacylglycerol were also reduced. The hypocholesterolaemic effects of Vicia faba were not the result of a reduction in cholesterol synthesis as assessed from HMG-CoA reductase activity, but the result of an increase in steroid faecal excretion. The faba bean-protein isolate obtained under our experimental conditions was useful in improving the metabolic alterations induced by feeding with a hypercholesterolaemic diet compared with casein. The effectiveness of the whole seeds was higher than that of the protein isolate.

Tensile properties of bioactive fibers for tissue engineering applications.

Cell transplantation using biocompatible, biodegradable scaffolds offers the possibility of creating or regenerating tissue to replace organ function when deficiency arises. The role of these temporary substrates is to support and guide the expanding cell culture until it becomes structurally integrated with the host tissue. 45S5 Bioglass(R) is a 4-component, melt-derived bioactive glass, which has been approved for human clinical use by the Food and Drug Administration. The biocompatibility and biodegradability of 45S5 Bioglass(R) are long established, whereas research into its performance as an extracellular scaffold is currently underway. In this study the tensile strengths (93 +/- 8 and 82 +/- 14 MPa), elongation to fracture (0.7 +/- 0.05%) and Weibull's moduli (3.0 and 3.5) of 45S5 Bioglass(R) fibers (mean diameters 193 and 280 microm) for tissue engineering applications are reported. The tensile strengths of the fibers are compared with those of bulk 45S5 Bioglass(R) and a range of biodegradable polymer materials currently used in the field of tissue engineering. Aspects of glass and fiber technology relevant to the design and manufacture of extracellular ceramic scaffolds are also discussed.

Fatty acid profiles in subcutaneous and mesenteric adipose tissues from Zucker rats after energy restriction. Influence of dietary fat.

Several disturbances concerning lipid metabolism are found in obese Zucker rats. The present study was designed to determine the effect of energy restriction on fatty acid profile of adipose tissue triglycerides from two different anatomic locations, in genetically obese rats. The impact of the addition of a high amount of olive oil to a restricted diet was also considered. Lean and obese male Zucker rats, 11 weeks old, were used. The former (n = 7) were fed a control diet ad libitum during 4 weeks, and the latter (n = 21) were randomized into 3 groups and fed either a control diet ad libitum or diets restricted to 75% of lean rat intake which provided different amounts of olive oil as fat source. Obesity induced strong modifications in fatty acid profiles from subcutaneous and mesenteric adipose tissues that were not corrected when a standard-fat 25% energy-restricted diet was used for feeding. In contrast, when a high amount of olive oil was included into the restricted diet, a new fatty acid profile in adipose tissue from obese rats, that mirrors the one of lean rats, was observed. Significant differences between two anatomic locations were found in the pattern of modifications produced by obesity, but not by dietary treatments.