Body adiposity and bone parameters of male rats from mothers fed diet containing flaxseed flour during lactation.

Obesity and osteoporosis may have their origins in early postnatal life. This study was designed to evaluate whether flaxseed flour use during lactation period bears effect on body adiposity and skeletal structure of male rat pups at weaning. At birth, male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to control and experimental (FF) groups, whose dams were treated with control or flaxseed flour diet, respectively, during lactation. At 21 days of age, pups were weaned to assess body mass, length and composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The animals were then sacrificed to carry out analysis of serum profile, intra-abdominal adipocyte morphology and femur characteristics. Differences were considered significant when P<0.05. The FF group displayed the following characteristics (P<0.05): higher body mass, length, bone mineral content, bone area and concentrations of osteoprotegerin, osteocalcin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; higher levels of stearic, α-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic and docosapentaenoic acids and lower levels of arachidonic acid and cholesterol; smaller adipocyte area; and higher mass, epiphysis distance, diaphysis width, maximal load, break load, resilience and stiffness of femur. Flaxseed flour intake during lactation period promoted adipocyte hypertrophy down-regulation and contributed to pup bone quality at weaning.

Antiaterogenicidad in vitro de extractos del alga marina Halimeda incrassata: actividad antioxidante y estudios de migración en células de la musculatura lisa / In vitro antiatherogenicity of extracts from Halimeda incrassata seaweed: antioxidant activity and smooth muscle cell migration studies

Objetivos: El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el potencial ateroprotector in vitro del alga Halimeda incrassata en la migración de células de músculo liso de ratón y la oxidación de lipoproteínas en relación con su actividad antioxidante. Material y métodos: La actividad antioxidante fue determinada mediante los métodos de inhibición de radicales DPPH y la Capacidad antioxidante total (ORAC). La actividad inhibitoria de la oxidación de LDL mediada por iones Cu2+ se determinó por la cuantificación de TBARS y dienos conjugados. El efecto del extracto acuoso sobre la migración de las células de músculo liso se evaluó en la línea de células de músculo liso aórtica de ratón MOVAS-1. Resultados: Se demostró el efecto inhibidor del extracto sobre la oxidación de LDL mediada por Cu2+. El extracto del alga causa inhibición dosis-dependiente de la formación de TBARS (IC50 = 0,8 mg/mL) y dienos conjugados. Las algas tuvieron una alta actividad antioxidante en los ensayos realizados y podría estar relacionada con el contenido de compuestos fenólicos. Conclusiones: Los resultados de este trabajo representan un paso más en la caracterización de la acción ateroprotectora de Halimeda incrassata y evidencian sus posibles aplicaciones como nutracéutico y/o fitofármaco (AU)

Aim: The aim of this work was to evaluate the in vitro atheroprotective potential of the seaweed Halimeda incrassata in smooth muscle cell migration and lipoprotein oxidation in relation to its antioxidant activity. Material and methods: Antioxidant activity was determinate by DPPH• radical scavenging assay and ORAC method. The inhibitory effect of the aqueous extract on LDL oxidation mediated by Cu2+ ions was determinate by TBARS and conjugated diene quantification. The effect of the seaweed aqueous extract on smooth muscle cell migration was evaluated in MOVAS-1 mouse aortic smooth muscle cell. Results: The inhibitory effect of the aqueous extract on lipoprotein oxidation mediated by Cu2+ was demonstrated. Seaweed extract caused dose-dependent inhibition of TBARS (IC50 = 0.8 mg/mL) and conjugated dienes formation. The seaweed had a high antioxidant activity in the assays performed. The activity could be related to the phenolic content of Halimeda incrassata. Conclusions: In summary, the results of this study represent a further step in the characterization of the atheroprotective action of Halimeda incrassata and indicate the seaweed could be used for a nutraceutical and/or phytoterapeutic application (AU)

Evaluaciones toxicológicas de un extracto acuoso del alga marina Bryothamnion triquetrum (Gmelin) M. A. Howe en estudios in vitro y modelos animales / Toxicological assessments of aqueous extracts from seaweeds Bryothamnion triquetrum (Gmelin) M. A. Howe in vitro and models animal studies

Objetivo: El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la toxicidad de un extracto acuoso del alga marina Bryothamnion triquetrum. Métodos: El ensayo de Ames se desarrolló con las cepas de S. typhimurium TA 1535, TA 1537 y TA 1538 con y sin activación metabólica. El estudio de citotoxicidad se realizó con células intestinales Caco-2 durante 24 y 48 horas de exposición al extracto y la viabilidad fue evaluada con la técnica de yoduro de propidio. El Estudio de Toxicidad Aguda se realizó con ratones Balc/c machos por vía oral e intraperitoneal y el Ensayo de Toxicidad por Dosis Repetidas se desarrolló con ratas Wistar de ambos sexos, durante 3 meses por vía oral con dosis de 8 y 32 mg/kg. Resultados: En el estudio de citotoxicidad con células Caco-2 se obtuvieron CL50 de 9,3 y 4,5 mg/mL con exposiciones de 24 y 48 horas respectivamente. El ensayo de Ames evidencia que no es mutágeno directo ni promutágeno hasta 1000 microg. La DL50 del extracto por vía intraperitoneal fue de 1205 mg/kg y por vía oral no se observó mortalidad en dosis de 2000 mg/kg. En el estudio de Toxicidad por Dosis Repetidas no se observó toxicidad. Conclusiones: A partir de estos resultados se puede postular que el extracto acuoso del alga marina B. triquetrum es inocuo, consideración necesaria, entre otras, para su posible uso como nutracéutico y/o fitofármaco(AU)

Aim: The aim of this work was to evaluate the toxicity of an aqueous extract from seaweed Bryothamnion triquetrum. Materials and Methods: Ames assay was developed with S. typhimurium TA 1535, TA 1537 and TA 1538 with and without metabolic activation. Citotoxicity study was carried out with intestinal cells Caco-2 during 24 and 48 hours of exhibition to the extract and the viability was evaluated with the technique of Propidium iodide. Acute Toxicity was carried out with mice Balc/c males for via oral and intraperitoneal and the Toxicity for Repeated Dose was developed with rats Wistar of both sexes, during 3 months for via oral with dose of 8 and 32 mg/kg. Results: Results of Ames assays showed that this extract is not direct mutagen or promutagen in quantity until 1000 microg. The cytotoxic effect (LC50) of Caco-2 cells after 24 and 48 h of exposition were 9,3 and 4,5 mg/mL respectively. The LD50 of the extract, with intraperitoneal administration was 1205 mg/kg and by oral via not produce mortality in doses until 2000 mg/kg. At the doses of 8 and 32 mg/kg of extract, the repeated oral administration produced no toxic effects. Conclusions: In summary, this paper adds convincing evidences in support of innocuous of the aqueous extract of B.triquetrum. Altogether; these results represent another step towards the use of this natural product as phytotherapeutical agent(AU)

Actividad antioxidante y polifenoles de las algas marinas halimeda opuntia y halimeda monile / No disponible

En este trabajo se estudió la actividad antioxidante de dos especies de algas marinas (H. opuntia y H. monile) mediante el ensayo de atrapamiento de radicales DPPH• y el sistema β-Caroteno-acido linoleico. Adicionalmente a las fracciones de ácidos fenolicos libres, ésteres solubles y ésteres insolubles de ácidos fenólicos se les determinó el contenido en fenoles totales mediante la técnica de Folin-Ciocalteu y posteriormente se identificaron y cuantificaron 8 ácidos fenólicos y cinámicos, resultando el componente mayoritario el ácido salicílico. En los ensayos utilizados se obtuvieron valores altos de actividad antioxidante para las diferentes fracciones. A partir de estos resultados se puede postular que la actividad antioxidante de los extractos polares de estas algas pudiera ser explicada, al menos parcialmente, por la presencia de los ácidos fenólicos y cinámicos. En el caso del alga Halimeda monile, de acuerdo con la literatura consultada, es el primer reporte de la actividad antioxidante(AU)

In this paper, the antioxidant activity displayed by two different green seaweed species (H. opuntia y H. monile) was studied using the β- carotene/ linoleic acid and the DPPH• scavenging.systems as different experimental in vitro antioxidant assessment models. Polar seaweed fractions containing free phenolic acids, soluble esters and insoluble esters of phenolic acids were chemically characterized in terms of their phenolic content and composition. In that direction, 8 phenolic acids were identified and quantified, and salycilic acid was shown to be the majoritary compound on the fractions from both species. In addition, the polar fractions were proved to exert antioxidant activity in the two used experimental systems with considerably low values of CI50. Thus, in view of these findings, the antioxidant activity of these polar Halimeda spp. extracts could be supported and at least partially related to the presence of phenolic acids. In case of Halimeda monile this is, at least to the extend of our knowledge, the first report of such biological activity(AU)

Use of the DNA Comet Assay to detect beef meat treated by ionizing radiation.

The DNA Comet Assay has been described as a rapid and inexpensive screening test to identify radiation treatment of food. In this work, this method was applied to detect the treatment of beef meat pieces either by gamma rays or electron beam. The dose levels were 2.5, 4.5, and 7.0kGy for chilled samples, and 2.5, 4.5, 7.0 and 8.5kGy for frozen samples. The analyses were made over periods of 15 and 30 days after irradiation for the chilled and frozen samples, respectively. The effects of gamma rays and electron beam on DNA migration in the test were similar. The DNA Comet Assay, under neutral conditions, made it easy to discriminate between irradiated and non-irradiated beef.

Antioxidant activity of the microalga Chlorella vulgaris cultered on special conditions.

The chemical composition of Chlorella vulgaris indicates that it has a high nutritional value to a wide range of essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and proteins. Moreover, it contains other compounds such as n-3 and n-6 polynsaturated fatty acids, provitamins and phenolic compounds. In addition, this alga can be produced in large-scale systems. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of a Chlorella cultured on three differents temperatures (15 degrees C, 20 degrees C and 30 degrees C) in 3 Klux. Chlorella cultured samples were submitted to sequential extration using as solvents: ether, methanol and water. The antioxidant activity in the extracts was measured by b-carotene/linoleic acid system, at 50 degrees C and absorbances reading at 470 nm. One control with BHT, 100 ppm was used in this determination. The total phenolic compounds was determined with Folin-Ciocalteu reagent using the spectrophotometric measured at 780 nm with catechin as standard. The phenolic acid analysis were carried out using gas chromatograph equipped with a capillary column and flame ionization detector. Non conjugated and total phenolic acids were identified on the basis of the relative retention time of their derivatives compared with the standard phenolic acids. The methanolic extract from Chlorella cultured at 30 degrees C showed higher antioxidant activity (85%) quite similar of BHT (86%). By the Rancimat test (lipidic medium) two fractions from methanolic extracts showed too higher antioxidant activity with induction times > 37.50 h at 60 degrees C and 11.5 h at 100 degrees C. The total phenolic compounds were 24.95 mg in 1 g of dry alga matter from methanolic extract and five phenolic acids were identified. The phenolic compounds salicylic, trans cinnamic, synaptic, chlorogenic, chimic and caffeic acids found in the methanolic Chlorella extract may be responsible for its higher antioxidant activity.

Incorporation of dietary trans monounsaturated fatty acids into tissues of Walker 256 tumor-bearing rats.

The correlation between dietary trans fatty acids and neoplasia was examined in the present study. Walker 256 tumor-bearing and control rats were fed a trans monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA)-rich diet for 8 weeks and the incorporation of trans fatty acids by tumor tissue was examined. Also, the effect of tumor growth on trans fatty acid composition of plasma and liver, and the content of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) was determined. Walker 256 tumor cells presented both trans and cis MUFAs given in the diet. The equivalent diet proportions were 0.66 for trans and 1.14 for cis. Taking into consideration the proportion of trans MUFAs in plasma (11.47%), the tumor incorporated these fatty acids in a more efficient manner (18.27%) than the liver (9.34%). Therefore, the dietary trans fatty acids present in the diet are actively incorporated by the tumor. Tumor growth itself caused marked changes in the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the plasma and liver but provoked only slight modifications in both trans and cis MUFAs. Tumor growth also reduced the unsaturation index in both plasma and liver, from 97.79 to 86.83 and from 77.51 to 69.64, respectively. This effect was partially related to an increase in the occurrence of the lipid oxidation/peroxidation process of TBARS content which was increased in both plasma (from 0.428 to 0.505) and liver (from 9.425 to 127.792) due to tumor growth.

Incorporation of dietary trans monounsaturated fatty acids into tissues of Walker 256 tumor-bearing rats

The correlation between dietary trans fatty acids and neoplasia was examined in the present study. Walker 256 tumor-bearing and control rats were fed a trans monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA)-rich diet for 8 weeks and the incorporation of trans fatty acids by tumor tissue was examined. Also, the effect of tumor growth on trans fatty acid composition of plasma and liver, and the content of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) was determined. Walker 256 tumor cells presented both trans and cis MUFAs given in the diet. The equivalent diet proportions were 0.66 for trans and 1.14 for cis. Taking into consideration the proportion of trans MUFAs in plasma (11.47 percent), the tumor incorporated these fatty acids in a more efficient manner (18.27 percent) than the liver (9.34 percent). Therefore, the dietary trans fatty acids present in the diet are actively incorporated by the tumor. Tumor growth itself caused marked changes in the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the plasma and liver but provoked only slight modifications in both trans and cis MUFAs. Tumor growth also reduced the unsaturation index in both plasma and liver, from 97.79 to 86.83 and from 77.51 to 69.64, respectively. This effect was partially related to an increase in the occurrence of the lipid oxidation/peroxidation process of TBARS content which was increased in both plasma (from 0.428 to 0.505) and liver (from 9.425 to 127.792) due to tumor growth

NADPH-oxidase activity and lipid peroxidation in neutrophils from rats fed fat-rich diets.

In order to investigate the effect of fat-rich diets on neutrophil functions, 21 day-aged rats were fed for 6 weeks with a control diet consisting of a regular laboratory rodent chow (4 per cent final fat content), a control diet supplied with soybean oil (15 per cent final fat content), or a control diet supplied with coconut oil (15 per cent final fat content). Glycogen-elicited peritoneal neutrophils from rats fed soybean and coconut oil-enriched diets presented a reduction in spontaneous and PMA-stimulated H2O2 generation relative to neutrophils from rats fed the control diet. The activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase did not change in animals fed fat-rich diets. In addition, the capacity to generate O2-, spontaneously or in response to PMA, did not change in neutrophils from animals fed fat-rich diets. Values attained matched those observed in animals fed the control diet, regardless of the method used to measure O2-, the superoxide dismutase-inhibitable reduction of cytochrome c or the lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence. However, the initial rate of O2- generation both in resting neutrophils and in PMA-stimulated cells was significantly reduced when animals were fed with coconut or soybean oil-enriched diets due, at least in part, to a reduction in the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. The concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, an index of lipid peroxidation, was increased in animals fed both fat-rich diets. This was accompanied by an increase in arachidonic acid content in these cells. Results presented suggest that lipid peroxidation in neutrophils from animals fed fat-rich diets may be associated with a consumption of H2O2 yielding more reactive oxygen-derived species such as the hydroxyl radical.

Antioxidant activity of the microalga Spirulina maxima.

Spirulina maxima, which is used as a food additive, is a microalga rich in protein and other essential nutrients. Spirulina contains phenolic acids, tocopherols and beta-carotene which are known to exhibit antioxidant properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of a Spirulina extract. The antioxidant activity of a methanolic extract of Spirulina was determined in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro antioxidant capacity was tested on a brain homogenate incubated with and without the extract at 37 degrees C. The IC50 (concentration which causes a 50% reduction of oxidation) of the extract in this system was 0.18 mg/ml. The in vivo antioxidant capacity was evaluated in plasma and liver of animals receiving a daily dose of 5 mg for 2 and 7 weeks. Plasma antioxidant capacity was measured in brain homogenate incubated for 1 h at 37 degrees C. The production of oxidized compounds in liver after 2 h of incubation at 37 degrees C was measured in terms of thiobarbituric acid reactant substances (TBARS) in control and experimental groups. Upon treatment, the antioxidant capacity of plasma was 71% for the experimental group and 54% for the control group. Data from liver spontaneous peroxidation studies were not significantly different between groups. The amounts of phenolic acids, alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene were determined in Spirulina extracts. The results obtained indicate that Spirulina provides some antioxidant protection for both in vitro and in vivo systems.

Antioxidant activity of the microalga Spirulina maxima

Spirulina maxima, which is used as a food additive, is a microalga rich in protein and other essential nutrients. Spirullina contains phenolic acids, tocopherols and Beta-carotene which are known to exhibit antioxidant properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of a Spirulina extract. The antioxidant activity of a methanolic extract of Spirulina was determined in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro antioxidant capacity was tested on a brain homogenate incubated with and without the extract at 37 degrees Celsius. The IC(50) (concentration which causes a 50 per cent reduction of oxidation) of the extract in this system was 0.18 mg/ml. The in vivo antioxidant capacity was evaluated in plasma and liver of animals recceiving a daily dose of 5 mg for 2 and 7 weeks Plasma antioxidant capacity was measured in brain homogenate incubated for 1 h at 37 degrees Celsius. The production of oxidized compounds in liver after 2 h of incubation at 37 degrees Celsius was measured in terms of thiobarbituric acid reactant substances (TBARS) in control and experimental groups. Upon treatment, the antioxidant capacity of plasma was 71 per cent for the experimental group and 54 per cent for the control group. Data from liver spontaneous peroxidation studies were not significantly different between groups. The amounts of phenolic acids, alpha-tocopherol and Beta-carotene were determined in Spirulina extracts. The results obtained indicate that Spirulina provides some antioxidant protection for both in vitro and in vitro and vivo systems.

Antioxidant activity of cinnamon (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum, Breyne) extracts.

JUSTIFICATION: Lipid oxidation is one of the major changes that can occur during processing, distribution, storage and final preparation of foods. The oxidation could be prevented by adding synthetic or natural antioxidants in spite of safety of synthetic ones has been questioned. This situation promotes increasing demand for food additives of natural origin. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of cinnamon extracts. METHODS: Cinnamon samples were obtained at local market, milled (32 mesh sieve) and submitted to sequential extraction using as solvents: ether, methanol and water. The antioxidant activity in the extracts was measured by the b-carotene/linoleic acid system, at 50 degrees C and absorbances reading at 470 nm every 15 min intervals for 120 min. Two controls were used in this determination: one with synthetic antioxidant (BHT, 100 ppm) and other without antioxidant. The water extract was fraccionated using silica Gel 60 and 60G and through chromatographic processes: thin layer, (T.L.C.) and column, using BAW as mobile phase and ethylacetate, petroleum ether, methanol and water as eluent, respectively. RESULTS: The etheric (0.69 mg), methanolic (0.88 mg) and aqueous (0.44 mg) cinnamon extracts, inhibited the oxidative process in 68%; 95.5% and 87.5% respectively. The BHT control inhibited 80% oxidation. The spray reagents (1) beta-carotene/linoleic acid and (2) Fe Cl3/K3 Fe (CN)4 1% sol, showed spots in T.L.C. with antioxidant activity (1) and blue color (2), indicating the presence of phenolic compounds with Rf values of 0.50. Five fractions were obtained by column partition with antioxidant activity and the presence of phenolic compounds. SIGNIFICANCE: These results suggest that the cinnamon extracts can be used as food antioxidant together with the improvement of food palatability. Further studies are in processing of analysing the sinergic association of extracts with synthetic antioxidant and to identify compounds with antioxidant activity in cinnamon extracts.

Changes in the activities of antioxidant enzymes of the lymphoid organs of 21-day pregnant rats due to administration of fish oil by gavage.

1. The effect of fish oil administration by gavage (0.4% body weight) on activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and on content of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) of the lymphoid organs [thymus, spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN)] and liver was investigated in 21-day pregnant rats. The results were compared with those obtained by administration of soybean oil, cocoa butter and coconut oil. 2. Oil administration did not have any significant effect on antioxidant enzyme activities of the liver, whereas marked changes were found in the lymphoid organs. The MLN presented the most pronounced changes: SOD and catalase activities were increased by the four oils; GSH-Px activity was raised by soybean and fish oils; coconut oil reduced the activity of the three antioxidant enzymes in this organ. 3. Fish oil given by gavage does affect the antioxidant capacity of the lymphoid organs; however, similar effect was also observed for cocoa butter and soybean oil. These changes in the antioxidant enzyme activities were able to prevent the lipid peroxidation process in the lymphoid organs.

Fatty acid composition of lymphocytes and macrophages from rats fed fiber-rich diets: a comparison between oat bran- and wheat bran-enriched diets.

The effect of oat bran- (OBD) and wheat bran-enriched diets (WBD) on fatty acid composition of neutral lipids and phospholipids of rat lymphocytes and macrophages was investigated. In neutral lipids of lymphocytes, OBD reduced the proportion of palmitoleic acid (48%), whereas WBD reduced by 43% palmitoleic acid and raised oleic (18%), linoleic (52%), and arachidonic (2.5-fold) acids. In neutral lipids of macrophages, OBD increased palmitic (16%) and linoleic (29%) acids and slightly decreased oleic acid (15%). The effect of WBD, however, was more pronounced: It reduced myristic (60%), stearic (24%) and arachidonic (63%) acids, and it raised palmitic (30%) and linoleic (2.3-fold) acids. Neither OBD nor WBD modified the composition of fatty acids in phospholipids of lymphocytes. In contrast, both diets had a marked effect on composition of fatty acids in macrophage phospholipids. OBD raised the proportion of myristic (42%) and linoleic (2.4-fold) acids and decreased that of lauric (31%), palmitoleic (43%), and arachidonic (29%) acids. WBD increased palmitic (18%) and stearic (23%) acids and lowered palmitoleic (35%) and arachidonic (78%) acids. Of both cells, macrophages were more responsive to the effect of the fiber-rich diets on fatty acid composition of phospholipids. The high turnover of fatty acids in macrophage membranes may explain the differences between both cells. The modifications observed due to the effects of both diets were similar in few cases: an increase in palmitic and linoleic acids of total neutral lipids occurred and a decrease in palmitoleic and arachidonic acids of phospholipid. Therefore, the mechanism involved in the effect of both diets might be different.

Administration of fish oil by gavage increases the activities of hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and citrate synthase in rat lymphoid organs.

1. The effect of administration of fish oil by gavage on key enzyme activities of glucose metabolism of the thymus, spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes was investigated. 2. The activities of hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and citrate synthase in the lymphoid organs were markedly raised due to a daily administration of fish oil by gavage (0.4% of body weight). 3. These findings indicate that the therapeutic utilization of fish oil does affect the metabolism of the lymphoid organs, and possibly immune function; however, the mechanism involved remains to be investigated.