High-refined carbohydrate diet leads to polycystic ovary syndrome-like features and reduced ovarian reserve in female rats.

Obesity is associated with several female reproductive complications, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The exact mechanism of this relationship remains unclear. Few previous studies using diet containing refined carbohydrate (HCD) leading to obesity have been performed and it is unclear if HCD is linked with reproductive dysfunctions. In this investigation, we assessed whether subchronic HCD exposure results in reproductive and other irregularities. Female rats were fed with HCD for 15 days and metabolic outcomes and reproductive tract morphophysiology were assessed. We further assessed reproductive tract inflammation, oxidative stress (OS) and fibrosis. HCD rats displayed metabolic impairments, such as an increase in body weight/adiposity, adipocyte hypertrophic, abnormal lipid profile, glucose tolerance and insulin resistance (IR) and hyperleptinemia. Improper functioning of the HCD reproductive tract was observed. Specifically, irregular estrous cyclicity, high LH levels and abnormal ovarian morphology coupled with reduction in primordial and primary follicle numbers was observed, suggesting ovarian reserve depletion. Improper follicular development and a reduction in antral follicles, corpora lutea and granulosa layer area together with an increase in cystic follicles were apparent. Uterine atrophy and reduction in endometrial gland (GE) number was observed in HCD rats. Reproductive tract inflammation, OS and fibrosis were seen in HCD rats. Further, strong positive correlations were observed between body weight/adiposity and IR with estrous cycle length, cystic follicles, ovarian reserve, GE and other abnormalities. Thus, these data suggest that the subchronic HCD exposure led to PCOS-like features, impaired ovarian reserve, GE number, and other reproductive abnormalities in female rats.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Induce Regulatory T Cells to Ameliorate Chronic Kidney Injury.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) profoundly changes the contents of mesenchymal stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs). The anti-inflammatory TGF-ß (transforming growth factor-ß) is selectively enriched in EVs from Lean but not from MetS pigs, but the functional impact of this endowment remains unknown. We hypothesized that Lean-EVs more effectively induce regulatory T cells in injured kidneys. Five groups of pigs (n=7 each) were studied after 16 weeks of diet-induced MetS and unilateral renal artery stenosis (RAS; MetS+RAS). Two groups of MetS+RAS were treated 4 weeks earlier with an intrarenal injection of either Lean-EVs or MetS-EVs. MetS+RAS had lower renal volume, renal blood flow, and glomerular filtration rate than MetS pigs. Compared with Lean-EVs, MetS-EVs were less effective in improving renal function and decreasing tubular injury and fibrosis in MetS+RAS. Lean-EVs upregulated TGF-ß expression in stenotic kidney and increased regulatory T cells numbers more prominently. Furthermore, markedly upregulated anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages reduced proinflammatory M1 macrophages, and CD8+ T cells were detected in stenotic kidneys treated with Lean-EVs compared with MetS-EVs, and renal vein levels of interleukin-1ß were reduced. In vitro, coculture of Lean-EVs with activated T cells led to greater TGF-ß-dependent regulatory T cells induction than did MetS-EVs. Therefore, the beneficial effects of mesenchymal stem cells-derived EVs on injured kidneys might be partly mediated by their content of TGF-ß signaling components, which permitting increased Treg preponderance. Modulating EV cargo and transforming their functionality might be useful for renal repair.

Changes in amino acid profiles and liver alterations in pregnant rats with a high carbohydrate/low protein diet.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Intake of a high-carbohydrate, low-protein diet (HCD/LPD) during pregnancy promotes metabolic disturbances. It has been suggested that liver function during pregnancy contributes to the synthesis of proteins necessary for fetal development during this stage. The liver is a site of response to the synthesis of macronutrients such as proteins. However, it is unknown how HCD/LPD is associated with modifications to the amino acid profiles and hepatic alterations in the maternal environment during pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A transverse longitudinal study was done in primiparous mothers during gestation (G) (G1 day 1, G5 day 5, G15 day 15, and G20 day 20). Histological analysis was used to assess hepatic alterations, and amino acid profiles in the liver were analyzed with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Food and water intake was quantified, and peripheral biochemical indicators in serum were measured. RESULTS: Mothers with HCD/LPD had increased micro and macro vesicles of fat, necrosis, and inflammation in the liver on G5. The total concentration of hepatic amino acids increased by 40% on G1, 17% on G5, and 25% on G15; and, there was a 12% decrease on G20. The following increases were observed in the liver on G1: arginine 68%, histidine 75%, alanine 18%, methionine 71%, and phenylalanine 51% (p>0.05); on G5: arginine 12%, methionine 34%, and phenylalanine 83% (p>0.05); on G15: arginine and phenylalanine 66%, tryptophan 81% and histidine 60.4% (p>0.05); and on G20: arginine 32% (p>0.05). No weight loss, changes in food consumption, or hepatomegaly occurred. CONCLUSIONS: HCD/LPD during pregnancy in primiparous mothers may promote development of fat vesicles. Possibly, this condition causes metabolic adaptations and nitrogen management reflected in decreased levels of serum urea and altered amino acid profiles in the liver.

High carbohydrate diet induces nonalcoholic steato-hepatitis (NASH) in a desert gerbil.

A high intake of sugars has been linked to diet-induced health problems. The aim of this study was to assess whether the long-term consumption of a high-carbohydrate diet (HCD) would cause the hepatic histopathological and metabolic abnormalities that characterize nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in a desert gerbil, Gerbillus gerbillus. Compared to natural diet, HCD leads to several metabolic disorders including adiposity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, ectopic fat deposition in the liver, which were associated with higher levels of transcripts of genes involved with fat synthesis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and fibrosis. In the same way, the experimented animals showed enhanced oxidative stress. Taken together, these results demonstrate that HCD consumption in gerbils induces metabolic disorders and damaged liver, which are key contributors to NASH development. These results suggest that this rodent represents a valuable natural model for human diet-induced metabolic disorders and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

The administration of a high refined carbohydrate diet promoted an increase in pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress in mice exposed to cigarette smoke.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a high refined carbohydrate diet and pulmonary inflammatory response in C57BL/6 mice exposed to cigarette smoke (CS). Twenty-four male mice were divided into four groups: control group (CG), which received a standard diet; cigarette smoke group (CSG), which was exposed to CS; a high refined carbohydrate diet group (RG), which received a high refined carbohydrate diet; and a high refined carbohydrates diet and cigarette smoke group (RCSG), which received a high refined carbohydrate diet and was exposed to CS. The animals were monitored for food intake and body weight gain for 12 weeks. After this period, the CSG and RCSG were exposed to CS for five consecutive days. At the end of the experimental protocol, all animals were euthanized for subsequent analyses. There was an increase of inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of CSG compared to CG and RCSG compared to CG, CSG, and RG. In addition, in the BALF, there was an increase of tumor necrosis factor alpha in RCSG compared to CG, CSG, and RG; interferon gamma increase in RCSG compared to the CSG; and increase in interleukin-10 in RCSG compared to CG and RG. Lipid peroxidation increased in RCSG compared to CG, CSG, and RG. Furthermore, the oxidation of proteins increased in CSG compared to CG. The analysis of oxidative stress showed an increase in superoxide dismutase in RCSG compared to CG, CSG, and RG and an increase in the catalase activity in RCSG compared with CG. In addition, there was a decrease in the glutathione reduced/glutathione total ratio of CSG, RG, and RCSG compared to CG. Therefore, the administration of a high refined carbohydrate diet promoted an increase in pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress in mice exposed to CS.

Effects of sugar rich diet on brain serotonin, hyperphagia and anxiety in animal model of both genders.

Lower levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; serotonin) in the brain elicit sugar craving, while ingestion of sugar rich diet improves mood and alleviates anxiety. Gender differences occur not only in brain serotonin metabolism but also in a serotonin mediated functional responses. The present study was therefore designed to investigate gender related differences on the effects of long term consumption of sugar rich diet on the metabolism of serotonin in the hypothalamus and whole brain which may be relevant with the hyperphagic and anxiety reducing effects of sugar rich diet. Male and female rats were fed freely on a sugar rich diet for five weeks. Hyperphagic effects were monitored by measuring total food intake and body weights changes during the intervention. Anxiolytic effects of sugar rich diet was monitored in light-dark transition test. The results show that ingestion of sugar rich diet decreased serotonin metabolism more in female than male rats. Anxiolytic effects were elicited only in male rats. Hyperphagia was comparable in both male and female rats. Finings would help in understanding the role of sugar rich diet-induced greater decreases of serotonin in sweet craving in women during stress.

High Risk of Metabolic and Adipose Tissue Dysfunctions in Adult Male Progeny, Due to Prenatal and Adulthood Malnutrition Induced by Fructose Rich Diet.

The aim of this work was to determine the effect of a fructose rich diet (FRD) consumed by the pregnant mother on the endocrine-metabolic and in vivo and in vitro adipose tissue (AT) functions of the male offspring in adulthood. At 60 days of age, rats born to FRD-fed mothers (F) showed impaired glucose tolerance after glucose overload and high circulating levels of leptin (LEP). Despite the diminished mass of retroperitoneal AT, this tissue was characterized by enhanced LEP gene expression, and hypertrophic adipocytes secreting in vitro larger amounts of LEP. Analyses of stromal vascular fraction composition by flow cytometry revealed a reduced number of adipocyte precursor cells. Additionally, 60 day-old control (C) and F male rats were subjected to control diet (CC and FC animals) or FRD (CF and FF rats) for three weeks. FF animals were heavier and consumed more calories. Their metabolic-endocrine parameters were aggravated; they developed severe hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperleptinemia and augmented AT mass with hypertrophic adipocytes. Our study highlights that manipulation of maternal diet induced an offspring phenotype mainly imprinted with a severely unhealthy adipogenic process with undesirable endocrine-metabolic consequences, putting them at high risk for developing a diabetic state.

Fragile lifespan expansion by dietary mitohormesis in C. elegans.

Mitochondrial function is central to longevity and an imbalance in mitonuclear protein homeostasis activates a protective response called the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt). Toxic compounds damaging mitochondria trigger the UPRmt, but at sublethal doses these insults extend lifespan in simple animals like C. elegans. Mitochondria are the main energy suppliers in eukaryotes, but it is not known if diet influences the UPRmt. High dietary glucose reduces lifespan in worms, and we show that high dietary glucose activates the UPRmt to protect against lifespan reduction. While lifelong exposure to glucose reduces lifespan, glucose exposure restricted to developing animals extends lifespan and requires the UPRmt. However, this lifespan extension is abolished by further mitochondrial stress in adult animals. We demonstrate that dietary conditions regulate mitochondrial homeostasis, where induction of the UPRmt during development extends lifespan, but prolonged activation into adulthood reduces lifespan.

Protective effects of polyphenol-rich blackcurrant preparation on biochemical and metabolic biomarkers of rats fed a diet high in fructose.

The purpose of the study was to compare in vivo effects of dietary supplementation with blackcurrant pomaces containing variable level of phenolic compounds on blood and internal organ parameters in rats. Forty-eight growing Wistar rats were allocated to six treatment groups in which they were fed ad libitum for 4 weeks the following diets: standard chow (group S), high-fructose diet (group F), standard chow supplemented with 7.7% of either rich in polyphenols unprocessed blackcurrant pomace (UB) or polyphenol-deprived processed pomace (PB) (groups SUB and SPB respectively), and high-fructose diet with 7.7% of either UB or PB (groups FUB and FPB respectively). Blackcurrant pomace, irrespective of its phenolic content, selectively modulated the enzymatic activity of the colon microflora, reducing the activity of enzymes with potentially harmful properties and promoting activities of enzymes that might increase the use of carbohydrates that escaped digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Although both pomaces increased antioxidant status of the liver and blood serum, the unprocessed pomace showed a greater ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation in heart and kidney than the pomace that was less abundant in polyphenols. Both of the examined pomaces had a positive influence on serum lipid profile, but better hypocholesterolemic effect was observed after supplementation of the diet with unprocessed preparation. The biochemical action of unprocessed pomace in the normalization of fructose-induced disturbances was more distinct than those of pomace remaining after extraction.

Effect of dietary fructose on portal and systemic serum fructose levels in rats and in KHK-/- and GLUT5-/- mice.

Elevated blood fructose concentrations constitute the basis for organ dysfunction in fructose-induced metabolic syndrome. We hypothesized that diet-induced changes in blood fructose concentrations are regulated by ketohexokinase (KHK) and the fructose transporter GLUT5. Portal and systemic fructose concentrations determined by HPLC in wild-type mice fed for 7 days 0% free fructose were <0.07 mM, were independent of time after feeding, were similar to those of GLUT5(-/-), and did not lead to hyperglycemia. Postprandial fructose levels, however, increased markedly in those fed isocaloric 20% fructose, causing significant hyperglycemia. Deletion of KHK prevented fructose-induced hyperglycemia, but caused dramatic hyperfructosemia (>1 mM) with reversed portal to systemic gradients. Systemic fructose in wild-type and KHK(-/-) mice changed by 0.34 and 1.8 mM, respectively, for every millimolar increase in portal fructose concentration. Systemic glucose varied strongly with systemic, but not portal, fructose levels in wild-type, and was independent of systemic and portal fructose in KHK(-/-), mice. With ad libitum feeding for 12 wk, fructose-induced hyperglycemia in wild-type, but not hyperfructosemia in KHK(-/-) mice, increased HbA1c concentrations. Increasing dietary fructose to 40% intensified the hyperfructosemia of KHK(-/-) and the fructose-induced hyperglycemia of wild-type mice. Fructose perfusion or feeding in rats also caused duration- and dose-dependent hyperfructosemia and hyperglycemia. Significant levels of blood fructose are maintained independent of dietary fructose, KHK, and GLUT5, probably by endogenous synthesis of fructose. KHK prevents hyperfructosemia and fructose-induced hyperglycemia that would markedly increase HbA1c levels. These findings explain the hyperfructosemia of human hereditary fructosuria as well as the hyperglycemia of fructose-induced metabolic syndrome.

Restoration of autophagy alleviates hepatic ER stress and impaired insulin signalling transduction in high fructose-fed male mice.

High-carbohydrate (mainly fructose) consumption is a major dietary factor for hepatic insulin resistance, involving endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and lipid accumulation. Because autophagy has been implicated in ER stress, the present study investigated the role of autophagy in high-fructose (HFru) diet-induced hepatic ER stress and insulin resistance in male C57BL/6J mice. The results show that chronic HFru feeding induced glucose intolerance and impaired insulin signaling transduction in the liver, associated with ER stress and the accumulation of lipids. Intriguingly, hepatic autophagy was suppressed as a result of activation of mammalian target of rapamycin. The suppressed autophagy was detected within 6 hours after HFru feeding along with activation of both inositol-requiring enzyme 1 and protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase pathways. These events occurred prior to lipid accumulation or lipogenesis and were sufficient to blunt insulin signaling transduction with activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase/inhibitory-κB kinase and serine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1. The stimulation of autophagy attenuated ER stress- and c-Jun N-terminal kinase/inhibitory-κB kinase-associated impairment in insulin signaling transduction in a mammalian target of rapamycin -independent manner. Taken together, our data suggest that restoration of autophagy functions disrupted by fructose is able to alleviate ER stress and improve insulin signaling transduction.

Antidiabetic Effect of Interleukin-1ß Antibody Therapy Through ß-Cell Protection in the Cohen Diabetes-Sensitive Rat.

Interleukin (IL)-1ß, the sole proinflammatory cytokine released from pancreas-infiltrating macrophages, inhibits glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), causing hyperglycemia in Cohen diabetes-sensitive (CDs) rats fed a diabetogenic-diet (CDs-HSD). Because IL-1ß blockade is a potential therapeutic target in diabetes, we examined whether treating CDs rats with IL-1ß antibody (IL-1ßAb; 0.5 mg/kg body weight) could counteract the inhibition of GSIS and hyperglycemia. We found that daily IL-1ßAb injections had a beneficial effect on glucose tolerance and insulin secretion in CDs-HSD rats. In the oral glucose tolerance test, IL-1ßAb-treated CDs-HSD rats showed lower blood glucose concentrations (P < 0.001) and higher GSIS (P < 0.05) compared with nontreated CDs-HSD rats. IL-1ßAb treatment also protected the exocrine pancreas; the number of infiltrating macrophages decreased by 70% (P < 0.01) and IL-1ß expression decreased by 85% (P < 0.01). In parallel, a 50% reduction (P < 0.01) in the rate of apoptosis and in fat infiltration (P < 0.05) was noted in the exocrine parenchyma of IL-1ßAb-treated CDs-HSD rats compared with nontreated CDs-HSD rats. Altogether, these data demonstrate that blocking IL-1ß action by IL-1ßAb counteracted ß-cell dysfunction and glucose intolerance, supporting the notion that prevention of pancreas infiltration by macrophages producing IL-1ß is of crucial importance for the preservation of ß-cell function and prevention of diabetes.

Hidratos de carbono: actualización de su papel en la diabetes mellitus y la enfermedad metabólica / Carbohydrate: current role in diabetes mellitus and metabolic disease

Introducción: La diabetes mellitus (DM), la DM no conocida y la hiperglucemia de estrés en pacientes hospitalizados, es prevalente, y el tratamiento nutricional es una parte fundamental de su cuidado, siendo el aporte de hidratos de carbono (HC) uno de los aspectos controvertidos. Igualmente está a debate el incremento de la prevalencia de DM, obesidad y enfermedad metabólica con los HC refinados o azúcares. Objetivos: Esta revisión examina las recomendaciones de las distintas Sociedades Científicas en cuanto al porcentaje que los HC tienen que tener en el contenido calórico total de la dieta del diabético, el valor del índice y carga glucémica de los HC, los nuevos HC incluidos en las fórmulas enterales y la relación de los HC refinados con la alta prevalencia de DM y la enfermedad metabólica. Métodos: Revisión sistemática de la literatura usando las bases científicas electrónicas Pubmed, Science Direct, Scielo, Scopus y Medline. Conclusiones: Las Sociedades Científicas flexibilizan el aporte de HC en la dieta del diabético e indican individualizar la misma en función del perfil metabólico. El uso del índice y carga glucémica puede proporcionar un beneficio adicional en el control glucémico postprandial. Las nuevas fórmulas enterales específicas para diabetes, con fructooligosacáridos, maltodextrinas resistentes y sin fructosa son eficaces en mejorar el control glucémico, aunque necesitamos más estudios controlados y a largo plazo. Persiste controversia sobre la relación entre ingesta de azúcares y DM, obesidad y enfermedad metabólica, aunque la asociación estaría más relacionada con un aumento del aporte calórico total que con un nutriente específico (AU)

Background: There is a prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM), unknown DM and stress hyperglycemia among hospital patients, and the nutritional treatment is a key part of care, where carbohydrates (CH) intake is a controversial issue. There is also a discussion on the increase of prevalence for DM, obesity and metabolic disease with refined CH or sugar. Objectives: This review examines the recommendations from different scientific societies about the percentage of CH in the total calorie intake of the diabetic patient, the CH value in the glycemic index and glycemic load, the new CH included in enteral formulae and the association of refined CH with the high prevalence of DM and metabolic disease. Methods: Systematic review of literature using the electronic scientific databases Pubmed, Science Direct, Scielo, Scopus and Medline. Conclusions: Scientific societies are flexible about the CH intake in the diet of diabetic patients, suggesting to customize it according to each metabolic profile. Using the glycemic index and glycemic load can provide an extrabenefit in the postprandial glycemic control. The new diabetes-specific enteral formulae, with fructooligosaccharides, resistant maltodextrins and fructose-free show efficacy in improving the glycemic control, although more controlled and long-term studies are needed. There is still some controversy about the links between sugar intake and DM, obesity and metabolic disease, although this relationship would be more linked to an increase of the total calorie intake than to a specific nutrient (AU)

Fructose supplementation worsens the deleterious effects of short-term high-fat feeding on hepatic steatosis and lipid metabolism in adult rats.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the short-term effect of high-fat or high-fat-high-fructose feeding on hepatic lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function in adult sedentary rats. Adult male rats were fed a high-fat or high-fat-high-fructose diet for 2 weeks. Body and liver composition, hepatic steatosis, plasma lipid profile and hepatic insulin sensitivity, together with whole-body and hepatic de novo lipogenesis, were assessed. Hepatic mitochondrial mass, functionality, oxidative stress and antioxidant defense were also measured. Rats fed the high-fat-high-fructose diet exhibited significantly higher plasma triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids, insulin and indexes of hepatic insulin resistance compared with rats fed a low-fat or a high-fat diet. Hepatic triglycerides and ceramide, as well as the degree of steatosis and necrosis, were significantly higher, while liver p-Akt was significantly lower, in rats fed high-fat-high-fructose diet than in rats fed high-fat diet. A significant increase in non-protein respiratory quotient and hepatic fatty acid synthase and stearoyl CoA desaturase activity was found in rats fed the high-fat-high-fructose diet compared with those fed the high-fat diet. Significantly lower mitochondrial oxidative capacity but significantly higher oxidative stress was found in rats fed high-fat and high-fat-high-fructose diets compared with rats fed low-fat diet, while mitochondrial mass significantly increased only in rats fed high-fat-high-fructose diet. In conclusion, short-term consumption of a Western diet, rich in saturated fats and fructose, is more conducive to the development of liver steatosis and deleterious to glucose homeostasis than a high-fat diet.

O-GlcNAcylation stabilizes ß-catenin through direct competition with phosphorylation at threonine 41.

Dysfunctions in Wnt signaling increase ß-catenin stability and are associated with cancers, including colorectal cancer. In addition, ß-catenin degradation is decreased by nutrient-dependent O-GlcNAcylation. Human colon tumors and colons from mice fed high-carbohydrate diets exhibited higher amounts of ß-catenin and O-GlcNAc relative to healthy tissues and mice fed a standard diet, respectively. Administration of the O-GlcNAcase inhibitor thiamet G to mice also increased colonic expression of ß-catenin. By ETD-MS/MS, we identified 4 O-GlcNAcylation sites at the N terminus of ß-catenin (S23/T40/T41/T112). Furthermore, mutation of serine and threonine residues within the D box of ß-catenin reduced O-GlcNAcylation by 75%. Interestingly, elevating O-GlcNAcylation in human colon cell lines drastically reduced phosphorylation at T41, a key residue of the D box responsible for ß-catenin stability. Analyses of ß-catenin O-GlcNAcylation mutants reinforced T41 as the most crucial residue that controls the ß-catenin degradation rate. Finally, inhibiting O-GlcNAcylation decreased the ß-catenin/α-catenin interaction necessary for mucosa integrity, whereas O-GlcNAcase silencing improved this interaction. These results suggest that O-GlcNAcylation regulates not only the stability of ß-catenin, but also affects its localization at the level of adherens junctions. Accordingly, we propose that O-GlcNAcylation of ß-catenin is a missing link between the glucose metabolism deregulation observed in metabolic disorders and the development of cancer.

Excess fructose intake-induced hypertrophic visceral adipose tissue results from unbalanced precursor cell adipogenic signals.

We studied the effect of feeding normal adult male rats with a commercial diet supplemented with fructose added to the drinking water (10% w/v; fructose-rich diet, FRD) on the adipogenic capacity of stromal-vascular fraction (SVF) cells isolated from visceral adipose tissue (VAT) pads. Animals received either the commercial diet or FRD ad libitum for 3 weeks; thereafter, we evaluated the in vitro proliferative and adipogenic capacities of their VAT SVF cells. FRD significantly increased plasma insulin, triglyceride and leptin levels, VAT mass/cell size, and the in vitro adipogenic capacity of SVF cells. Flow cytometry studies indicated that the VAT precursor cell population number did not differ between groups; however, the accelerated adipogenic process could result from an imbalance between endogenous pro- and anti-adipogenic SVF cell signals, which are clearly shifted towards the former. The increased insulin milieu and its intracellular mediator (insulin receptor substrate-1) in VAT pads, as well as the enhanced SVF cell expression of Zpf423 and peroxisome proliferator receptor-γ2 (all pro-adipogenic modulators), together with a decreased SVF cell concentration of anti-adipogenic factors (pre-adipocyte factor-1 and wingless-type MMTV-10b), strongly supports this assumption. We hypothesize that the VAT mass expansion recorded in FRD rats results from the combination of initial accelerated adipogenesis and final cell hypertrophy. It remains to be determined whether FRD administration over longer periods could perpetuate both processes, or whether cell hypertrophy itself remains responsible for a further VAT mass expansion, as observed in advanced/morbid obesity.

Pediococcus acidilactici isolated from the rumen of lambs with rumen acidosis, 16S rRNA identification and sensibility to monensin and lasalocid.

A lactic-acid producing bacterium was isolated from the rumen of lambs with rumen acidosis. The cells were gram-positive, nonmotile, nonsporing, catalase negative spherical, 1.5-2.0 µm in diameter, and occur in pairs and tetrads. Analysis of 16S ribosomal RNA indicated that the rumen bacterium was a strain of Pediococcus acidilactici with 99% of nucleotide homology. This bacterium was sensible to monensin and lasalocid at the unique dose tested of 300 ppm. The concentration of lactic acid and DM degradation decreased (P<0.05) when monensin or lasalocid were added to the culture media after 24, 48 and 72 h of incubation. In contrast, total VFA concentration and pH were higher (P<0.05) in the culture media added with the ionophores. Up to now S. bovis is considered the main ruminal bacterium related with rumen acidosis, but the importance of P. acidilactici should be also reconsidered in experimental studies focused on the control rumen acidosis.

Bacterial metabolic 'toxins': a new mechanism for lactose and food intolerance, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Lactose and food intolerance cause a wide range of gut and systemic symptoms, including gas, gut pain, diarrhoea or constipation, severe headaches, severe fatigue, loss of cognitive functions such as concentration, memory and reasoning, muscle and joint pain, heart palpitations, and a variety of allergies (Matthews and Campbell, 2000; Matthews et al., 2005; Waud et al., 2008). These can be explained by the production of toxic metabolites from gut bacteria, as a result of anaerobic digestion of carbohydrates and other foods, not absorbed in the small intestine. These metabolites include alcohols, diols such as butan 2,3 diol, ketones, acids, and aldehydes such as methylglyoxal (Campbell et al., 2005, 2009). These 'toxins' induce calcium signals in bacteria and affect their growth, thereby acting to modify the balance of microflora in the gut (Campbell et al., 2004, 2007a,b). These bacterial 'toxins' also affect signalling mechanisms in cells around the body, thereby explaining the wide range of symptoms in people with food intolerance. This new mechanism also explains the most common referral to gastroenterologists, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and the illness that afflicted Charles Darwin for 50 years (Campbell and Matthews, 2005a,b). We propose it will lead to a new understanding of the molecular mechanism of type 2 diabetes and some cancers.

Effect of myricetin on blood pressure and metabolic alterations in fructose hypertensive rats.

Fructose feeding induces a rise in blood pressure in normal rats and is associated with insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and hypertriglyceridemia. We have examined the effect of myricetin (100 and 300 mg/kg, p.o. for 6 weeks) isolated from Vitis vinifera Linn. (Vitaceae) on systolic blood pressure (SBP), vascular reactivity, serum glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, and insulin in fructose-induced hypertension. Myricetin reduced systolic blood pressure and vascular reactivity changes to catecholamines and reversed the metabolic alterations induced by fructose. The cumulative concentration-response curve (CCRC) of Ang II was shifted toward the right in rats treated with myricetin, using isolated strips of ascending colon. The results suggest that myricetin could prevent the development of high blood pressure induced by a diet rich in fructose, probably by reversing the metabolic alterations induced by fructose. In conclusion, myricetin has antihypertensive action in the fructose model.