In utero and postnatal exposure to Foeniculum vulgare and Linum usitatissimum seed extracts: modifications of key enzymes involved in epigenetic regulation and estrogen receptors expression in the offspring's ovaries of NMRI mice.

BACKGROUND: Early-life exposure to exogenous estrogens such as phytoestrogens (plant-derived estrogens) could affect later health through epigenetic modifications. Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) and Linum usitatissimum (flax) are two common medicinal plants with high phytoestrogen content. Considering the developmental epigenetic programming effect of phytoestrogens, the main goal of the present study was to evaluate the perinatal exposure with life-long exposure to hydroalcoholic extracts of both plants on offspring's ovarian epigenetic changes and estrogen receptors (ESRs) expression level as signaling cascades triggers of phytoestrogens. METHODS: Pregnant mice were randomly divided into control (CTL) that received no treatment and extract-treated groups that received 500 mg/kg/day of fennel (FV) and flaxseed (FX) alone or in combination (FV + FX) during gestation and lactation. At weaning, female offspring exposed to extracts prenatally remained on the maternal-doses diets until puberty. Then, the ovaries were collected for morphometric studies and quantitative real-time PCR analysis. RESULTS: A reduction in mRNA transcripts of the epigenetic modifying enzymes DNMTs and HDACs as well as estrogen receptors was observed in the FV and FX groups compared to the CTL group. Interestingly, an increase in ESRα/ESRß ratio along with HDAC2 overexpression was observed in the FV + FX group. CONCLUSION: Our findings clearly show a positive relationship between pre and postnatal exposure to fennel and flaxseed extracts, ovarian epigenetic changes, and estrogen receptors expression, which may affect the estrogen signaling pathway. However, due to the high phytoestrogen contents of these extracts, the use of these plants in humans requires more detailed investigations.

Determination of cyanide in whole seeds and brans of linseed (Linum usitatissimum Linn) by molecular spectrophotometry

Abstract The addition of linseed (Linum usitatissimum Linn) in the diet, as a functional food, has increased over the years. However, it possesses cyanogenic glycosides. This study aimed to quantify and compare cyanide concentration in whole seed and bran of brown and golden types to establish a safe limit of intake. Three commercial labels, from brown and golden whole seed types (Ab, Ag, Bb, Bg, Cb and Cg), and six commercial labels of brown and golden bran (1b, 2g, 3g, 4b, 5g, and 6b), were selected, totalizing twelve samples. Total cyanide concentration was quantified by a colorimetric method employing alkaline picrate, after acid hydrolysis. The whole seed cyanide values were between 348.4 and 473.20 µg/g and the bran cyanide values were between 459.53 and 639.35 µg/g. The analyzed bran presented increased cyanide concentrations than the whole seeds with no differences between brown and golden types. Food able to produce cyanide less than 90 µg/kg body weight, daily, is considered secure for consumption. Considering this limit and analyzed samples, it is safe to eat approximately two tablespoons of seeds or one tablespoon of bran. These results point out the importance of cyanide amount daily intake information to be in linseed packaging, to ensure secure consumption

Association Between the Seed Storage Proteins 2S Albumin and 11S Globulin and Severe Allergic Reaction After Flaxseed Intake.

BACKGROUND: Given the increased popularity of flaxseed in meals, several cases of allergy to these seeds have been reported. Little is known about the allergens implicated in hypersensitivity reactions to flaxseed. The present study aimed to identify the allergens involved in IgE-mediated reactions in 5 patients with a clinical history of severe systemic symptoms after flaxseed consumption. METHODS: Proteins that were potential allergens with IgE-binding capacity were purified from flaxseed extract using chromatography and identified via MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Immunoassays were performed using the 5 allergic patients' sera tested individually and as a pool. RESULTS: Immunoblotting of the flaxseed extract revealed a low-molecular-mass protein (around 13 kDa) in 4 of the 5 patients, while a protein of approximately 55 kDa was detected in 2 patients. The proteins were identified by mass spectrometry as flaxseed 2S albumin, which is included in the WHO/IUIS allergen nomenclature as Lin u 1, and 11S globulin. Inhibition assays revealed in vitro IgE-mediated cross-reactivity between Lin u 1 and peanut and cashew nut proteins, while IgE-mediated recognition of 11S globulin by patients' sera was partially inhibited by several plant-derived sources. CONCLUSIONS: Seed storage proteins from flaxseed were involved in the development of severe symptoms in the 5 patients studied and exhibited cross-reactivity with other allergenic sources. Besides the severity of flaxseed allergy in patients sensitized to 2S albumin, this is the first time that 11S globulin has been identified as a potential allergen. Taking these data into account should ensure a more accurate diagnosis.

Association Between the Seed Storage Proteins 2S Albumin and 11S Globulin and Severe Allergic Reaction After Flaxseed Intake

Background: Given the increased popularity of flaxseed in meals, several cases of allergy to these seeds have been reported. Little is known about the allergens implicated in hypersensitivity reactions to flaxseed. The present study aimed to identify the allergens involved in IgE-mediated reactions in 5 patients with a clinical history of severe systemic symptoms after flaxseed consumption. Methods: Proteins that were potential allergens with IgE-binding capacity were purified from flaxseed extract using chromatography and identified via MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Immunoassays were performed using the 5 allergic patients’ sera tested individually and as a pool. Results: Immunoblotting of the flaxseed extract revealed a low-molecular-mass protein (around 13 kDa) in 4 of the 5 patients, while a protein of approximately 55 kDa was detected in 2 patients. The proteins were identified by mass spectrometry as flaxseed 2S albumin, which is included in the WHO/IUIS allergen nomenclature as Lin u 1, and 11S globulin. Inhibition assays revealed in vitro IgE-mediated cross-reactivity between Lin u 1 and peanut and cashew nut proteins, while IgE-mediated recognition of 11S globulin by patients’ sera was partially inhibited by several plant-derived sources. Conclusions: Seed storage proteins from flaxseed were involved in the development of severe symptoms in the 5 patients studied and exhibited cross-reactivity with other allergenic sources. Besides the severity of flaxseed allergy in patients sensitized to 2S albumin, this is the first time that 11S globulin has been identified as a potential allergen. Taking these data into account should ensure a more accurate diagnosis. (AU)

Antecedentes: Dada la creciente popularidad de la linaza en las comidas, se han notificado varios casos de alergia a estas semillas. La información acerca de los alérgenos implicados en las reacciones de hipersensibilidad a estas semillas es escasa. El presente trabajo pretende identificar los alérgenos implicados en las reacciones mediadas por IgE en cinco pacientes con una historia clínica de síntomas sistémicos graves tras el consumo de linaza. Métodos: Las proteínas susceptibles de ser alérgenos con capacidad de unir IgE se purificaron a partir del extracto de linaza mediante técnicas cromatográficas. Su identificación se realizó mediante espectrometría de masas MALDI-TOF. Se realizaron inmunoensayos con los sueros de los cinco pacientes alérgicos, utilizados de forma individual o como mezclas. Resultados: Cuatro de los cinco pacientes reconocieron una proteína de baja masa molecular (alrededor de 13 kDa) en inmunoensayos con extracto de linaza, mientras que dos pacientes reconocieron una proteína de aproximadamente 55 kDa. Se identificaron por espectrometría de masas como albúmina 2S de linaza, incluida en la nomenclatura de alérgenos de la OMS/IUIS como Lin u 1, y globulina 11S, respectivamente. Los ensayos de inhibición in vitro revelaron la existencia de reactividad cruzada de la Lin u 1 con las proteínas del cacahuete y del anacardo, mientras que el reconocimiento por parte de la IgE de la globulina 11S por parte de los sueros de los pacientes fue parcialmente inhibido por varias fuentes vegetales. Conclusiones: Las proteínas de almacenamiento de las semillas de lino estaban implicadas en el desarrollo de síntomas graves en cinco individuos y mostraron una reactividad cruzada con otras fuentes alergénicas. Además de la gravedad de la alergia a la linaza en los pacientes sensibilizados a la albúmina 2S, es la primera vez que se identifica la globulina 11S como un alérgeno potencial.

Effect of Dietary Flaxseed Intake on Circulating Sex Hormone Levels among Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Intervention Trial.

Lignan intake, and its richest food source, flaxseed, have been associated with reduced breast cancer risk. Endogenous sex hormones, such as estrogens, play a role in breast cancer development, and lignans may alter these sex hormone levels. To assess the effect of flaxseed on circulating sex hormones, a randomized controlled trial was conducted among 99 postmenopausal women in Toronto, Canada. The intervention arm consumed 2 tablespoons (15 g) of ground flaxseed daily for 7 weeks; the control arm maintained usual diet. Baseline and week 7 concentrations of 14 serum sex hormones were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and immunoassay, and serum enterolignans (lignan biomarker) using LC-MS/MS. Intervention effects on sex hormone levels were assessed using analysis of covariance. Serum enterolignans increased among the flaxseed arm (+516%). Women consuming flaxseed (vs. controls) had increased serum 2-hydroxyestrone [treatment effect ratio (TER) = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.18-2.00] and 2:16α-hydroxyestrone ratio (TER =1.54; 95% CI: 1.15-2.06); effects on other hormones were not statistically significant. Within the flaxseed arm, change in enterolignan level was positively correlated with changes in 2-hydroxyestrone and 2:16α-hydroxyestrone ratio, and negatively with prolactin. Findings suggest flaxseed affects certain circulating sex hormone levels with possible implications for future breast cancer prevention research.

Anaphylaxis induced by conlinin, a 2S storage protein in flaxseed

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Case report: A first case of flaxseed-induced anaphylaxis in Korea.

RATIONALE: Anaphylaxis is a serious, generalized allergic reaction typically triggered by drugs, food, and bee venom, which can be life-threatening. Seeds are one of the major food allergens and can cause anaphylaxis as well as systemic hypersensitivity reactions. Flaxseed has been widely used crop for numerous purposes, such as in alternative medicine and as a dietary supplement, hypersensitivity to it has rarely been reported. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 42-year-old female presenting with facial edema, dyspnea and urticaria after ingested half teaspoon of flaxseed flour 30 minutes previously. DIAGNOSES: A skin prick test for heated flaxseed flour extract showed negative responses, but intradermal test showed positivity which suggested an Immunoglobulin E-mediated reaction. INTERVENTIONS: The patient was instructed to avoid future ingestion of flaxseed. OUTCOMES: The patient had no recurrence of symptoms at 1-year follow-up. LESSONS: This is the first case of flaxseed-induced anaphylaxis in Korea, confirmed by an intradermal skin test.

Influence of prolonged flaxseed ( Linum usitatissimum ) consumption over epididymis and testicle histoarchitecture of Wistar rats / Influência do consumo prolongado de semente de linhaça ( Linum usitatissimum ) sobre a histoarquitetura dos testículo e epidídimo de ratos Wistar

Flaxseed is considered a functional food with several health benefits. However, because of its high phytoestrogen content, flaxseed influences hormone metabolism and affects the gonadal biomorphology. In this study, computerized histomorphometry was used to evaluate seminiferous and epididymal tubules, considering the different regions of the epididymis (head, body and tail) of rats subjected to a prolonged diet of flaxseed. Young adult male Wistar rats (n=20) were divided into 2 groups during their lactation period: Control Group (CG), fed casein-based meals and Flaxseed Group (FG), fed a 25% flaxseed meal. After 250 days of continuous ingestion, the animals were euthanized and a blood sample was collected. The testicles and epididymis were removed and fixed in buffered formalin solution. The samples were subjected to routine histological paraffin techniques and stained with hematoxilin and eosin. Immunostaining was performed using an antivimentin antibody for Sertoli cell identification. For morphometry, images of the slides were scanned and analyzed using Image J to determine the epithelial height, tubular and luminal diameter and tubular and luminal area. In the hormonal evaluation, FG had a higher serum concentration of estrogen (P=0.001), but no change was observed in the concentration of testosterone. The morphometric assay of seminiferous tubules and epididymal regions revealed no significant differences between the analyzed groups. Similarly, Sertoli cell quantification showed no significant differences in the FG (P=0.98). These results revealed that the continuous and prolonged intake of 25% flaxseed meals from gestation to 250 days of age, even with a significant increase in serum levels of estradiol, does not exert adverse effects on the testicular and epididymal structure or on the cells participating in the spermatogenesis of rats.(AU)

A semente de linhaça é considerada um alimento funcional com vários efeitos benéficos à saúde. Entretanto, devido ao seu elevado teor de fitoestrógenos, esta semente pode influenciar no metabolismo hormonal e interferir na biomorfologia gonadal. Neste estudo, utilizamos a histomorfometria computadorizada para avaliar os túbulos seminíferos e epididimários, considerando as diferentes regiões do epidídimo (cabeça, corpo e cauda) de ratos submetidos a uma dieta prolongada de semente de linhaça. Foram utilizados ratos Wistar machos adultos jovens (n=20) divididos em 2 grupos, durante o período de lactação: Grupo Controle (GC) a base de caseína e Grupo Linhaça (GL) alimentados com 25% de semente de linhaça. Ao final de 250 dias de ingestão contínua, os animais foram sacrificados e amostra de sangue foi coletada. Os testículos e epidídimos foram retirados e fixados em formol tamponado. As amostras foram submetidas ao processamento histológico de rotina para parafina e coradas em hematoxilina e eosina. Foi feita a imunomarcação com anticorpo antivimentina para identificação das células de Sertoli. Para morfometria, as imagens das lâminas foram digitalizadas e analisadas pelo software ImageJ para obtenção dos dados de altura epitelial, diâmetro e área tubular e luminal. Na avaliação hormonal o GL teve maior concentração de estrógeno sérico (p=0,001), mas nenhuma mudança na concentração de testosterona foi observada. Nos parâmetros morfométricos dos túbulos seminíferos e das regiões epididimárias, não houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos analisados. Da mesma forma, a quantificação das células de Sertoli não apresentaram diferenças significativas no GL (p=0,98). Estes resultados mostraram que o consumo contínuo e prolongado de 25% de semente de linhaça desde período gestacional até 250 dias de idade, mesmo com o aumento significativo nos níveis séricos de estradiol, não exerceram efeitos adversos sobre a estrutura testicular e epididimária, assim como nas células participantes da espermatogênese em ratos.(AU)

Effect of including whole linseed and vitamin E in the diet of young bulls slaughtered at two fat covers on the sensory quality of beef packaged in two different packaging systems.

BACKGROUND: Forty-six Pirenaica young bulls, slaughtered at two levels of fatness (3 and 4 mm), were used to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of 50 g kg-1 linseed alone or with 200 IU vitamin E kg-1 in the concentrate and of the meat packaging system (vacuum or modified atmosphere packaging (MAP)) on the beef sensory quality. RESULTS: The inclusion of linseed or supplementation with vitamin E in the concentrate induced no significant differences in the main meat sensory scores and overall appraisal except under MAP, where small differences due to concentrate ingredients were found in juiciness and metallic flavor intensity. Extending the display time up to 4 or 8 days in high-oxygen MAP had detrimental effects on sensory attributes. Meat from animals with 4 mm fat cover depth were rated more tender and juicy, less fibrous and with a higher intensity of beef flavor and rancid odor than meat from 3 mm fat cover bulls when both samples were vacuum packaged. CONCLUSION: The inclusion of 50 g kg-1 linseed in the concentrate fed to bulls had no detrimental effect on the beef sensory quality. The vacuum-packaged meat of bulls slaughtered at 4 mm fat cover was rated higher on sensory analysis than that at 3 mm fat cover. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

A Review of the Efficacy, Safety, and Clinical Implications of Naturally Derived Dietary Supplements for Dyslipidemia.

Dyslipidemia is recognized as a major cause of cardiovascular disease. A number of evidence-based guidelines recommend conventional synthetic drugs as standard therapy for dyslipidemia in clinical practice. However, antihyperlipidemic drugs have some serious side effects. Naturally derived dietary supplements are becoming attractive as an alternative strategy because of their high efficacy and safety, as supported by numerous data. Moreover, they could be considered an initial treatment for dyslipidemia. The aims of this literature review were to demonstrate the efficacy, safety, and clinical implications of dietary supplements for treating dyslipidemia. We reviewed the literature, including data from in vitro, in vivo, and human studies, and clinical guideline recommendations. We classified dietary supplements by their proposed mechanisms of action on lipid metabolism and also collected daily dosage recommendations, interactions with concurrent drugs and/or foods, dosage forms, and examples of commercially available products. Various types of naturally derived dietary supplements exhibit lipid-improving properties. Efficacy and safety are acceptable; however, their use in clinical practice will require further well-designed investigations and the support of scientific data.

Effect of Flaxseed Intervention on Inflammatory Marker C-Reactive Protein: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Functional food-flaxseed and its derivatives (flaxseed oil or lignans) are beneficial for human health, possibly because of their anti-inflammatory effects. C-reactive protein (CRP), a sensitive marker of inflammation was chosen to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of flaxseed. We searched randomized controlled trials from PubMed and the Cochrane Library in October 2015 and conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of flaxseed and its derivatives on CRP. The mean differences (net change) in CRP (mg/L) concentrations were pooled with a random- or a fixed-effects model depending on the results of heterogeneity tests. Overall, flaxseed interventions had no effects on reduction of CRP (p = 0.428). The null effects were consistent in the subgroup analysis with multiple studies and population characteristics. Significant heterogeneity was observed in most of the analyses. Meta-regression identified baseline body mass index (BMI) as a significant source of heterogeneity (P-interaction = 0.032), with a significant reduction in CRP of 0.83 mg/L (95% confidence interval -1.34 to -0.31; p = 0.002) among subjects with a BMI of ≥30 kg/m². In conclusion, our meta-analysis did not find sufficient evidence that flaxseed and its derivatives have a beneficial effect on reducing circulating CRP. However, they may significantly reduce CRP in obese populations.

Efeitos de Diferentes Tipos de Linhaça nas Sensações de Apetite eSaciedade no Sobrepeso e na Obesidade / Effects of Different Types of Flaxseed Flour in Appetite and Satiety Sensations Among Overweighed and Obese Women

A linhaça, rica em fibras, é estratégia nutricional para o tratamento da obesidade. Objetivo: Comparar os efeitos de três tipos de farinha de linhaça nas sensações de apetite e saciedade em mulheres com sobrepeso e obesidade. Métodos: Foram consumidos aleatoriamente cinco tipos de refeição-teste: 400g de iogurte de baixo teor de gordura com 30g de farinha de linhaça: marrom integral (FLMI), marrom desengordurada (FLMD), dourada (FLD) ou 14 g de fibra solúvel (goma guar) ou iogurte (controle). A avaliação da sensação de apetite e saciedade foi realizada em 0 (em jejum), 15, 45, 75 e 105 minutos após a refeição-teste, utilizando escala visual analógica adaptada. Avariação da taxa entre os tempos T0-T15 e T15-T105 foi calculada e os voluntários classificados em quatro quadrantes, de acordo com média e taxas de variação. Resultados: Os grupos suplementados com linhaça apresentaram comportamento semelhante na sensação de apetite e saciedade; com FLMD houve menor sensação de apetite e maior saciedade, e maior frequência no quadrante “Perde lento e ganha lento” do grupo com sobrepeso (47,0%) e do grupo obesidade grau 1 (47,6%). No quadrante “Perde rápido e ganha rápido” o grupo com sobrepeso (41,2%) foi o mais frequente e no quadrante “Perde lento e ganha rápido” o grupo obesidade grau 1 (31,8%) foi o mais frequente. Conclusão: A ingestão de FLMD favoreceu a redução do apetite e aumento da saciedade provavelmente por viscosidade mais elevada e maior quantidade de proteínas desta linhaça...

Flaxseed is rich in fibers and is a nutritional strategy for the treatment of obesity . Objective: To compare the effects of three types of flaxseed flours in the appetite and satiety sensations in overweighed and obese women. Methods: Five types of test meals were randomly consumed: 400g of low-fat yogurt with 30g of the following types of flaxseed flour: whole brown flaxseed flour (WBFF), brown defatted flaxseed flour (BDFF), golden flaxseed flour (GFF) or 14g of soluble fiber (guar gum) or yogurt (control). Evaluation of the appetite and satiety sensation was held 0 (fasting), 15, 45, 75 and 105 minutes after the test meal using an adapted visual analogue scale. Variation on the rate between times T0-T15 and T15-T105 was calculated and the volunteers were ranked into four quadrants according to the average and variation rates. Results: The groups supplemented with flaxseed showed similar behavior in the sensation of appetite and satiety; with BDFF, there was a weaker sensation of appetite and greater satiety, and greater frequency of the overweight group (47.0%) and grade 1 obesity group (47.6%) in the “Loses slowly and gains slowly” quadrant. The overweight group appeared more frequently (41.2%) in the “Loses quickly and gains quickly” quadrant. The grade 1 obesity group appeared more frequently (31.8%) in the “Loses slowly and gains quickly” quadrant. Conclusion: Intake of BDFF led to reduced appetite and increased satiety probably due to the higher viscosity and greater amount of protein found in flaxseed...

Antioxidant status, lipid and color stability of aged beef from grazing steers supplemented with corn grain and increasing levels of flaxseed.

Angus steers were grazed on unsupplemented pasture (CNTRL), pasture supplemented with 0.7% BW cracked corn (FLAX-0), FLAX-0 with 0.125% and 0.250% BW of whole flaxseed (FLAX-1 and FLAX-2). Six steers were grazed per treatment for 70 days, with start and finish weights of 458 and 508 kg. At 24 h post slaughter, longissimus thoracis were harvested, and steaks assigned to treatments of postmortem aging time under vacuum (PM; 3, 14 and 56 days) with or without five days of aerobic exposure (AE). Meat antioxidant status was higher (P<0.05) when feeding CNTRL and FLAX-1 than FLAX-0 and FLAX-2. Under AE, lipid oxidation was highest for FLAX-2 (P<0.05), and lowest for FLAX-1. Greatest TBARs and lowest antioxidant capacity and redness values were obtained with AE and the longer PM (P<0.05). Beef oxidative stability through AE improved by adding a low flaxseed level to supplemented corn grain, but deteriorated by adding a high flaxseed level or by extending PM.

Linseed allergy due to LTP: another food for LTP syndrome

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Maternal flaxseed diet during lactation changes adrenal function in adult male rat offspring.

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) has been a focus of interest in the field of functional foods because of its potential health benefits. However, we hypothesised that maternal flaxseed intake during lactation could induce several metabolic dysfunctions in adult offspring. In the present study, we aimed to characterise the adrenal function of adult offspring whose dams were supplemented with whole flaxseed during lactation. At birth, lactating Wistar rats were divided into two groups: rats from dams fed the flaxseed diet (FLAX) with 25% of flaxseed and controls dams. Pups received standard diet after weaning and male offspring were killed at age 180 days old to collect blood and tissues. We evaluated body weight and food intake during development, corticosteronaemia, adrenal catecholamine content, hepatic cholesterol, TAG and glycogen contents, and the protein expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), 11-ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11ß-HSD1) and adrenaline ß2 receptor at postnatal day 180 (PN180). After weaning, pups from the FLAX group had a higher body weight (+10 %) and food intake (+10%). At PN180, the FLAX offspring exhibited higher serum corticosterone (+48%) and lower adrenal catecholamine ( - 23%) contents, lower glycogen ( - 30%), higher cholesterol (4-fold increase) and TAG (3-fold-increase) contents in the liver, and higher 11ß-HSD1 (+62%) protein expression. Although the protein expression of hypothalamic CRH was unaffected, the FLAX offspring had lower protein expression of pituitary ACTH ( - 34%). Therefore, induction of hypercorticosteronaemia by dietary flaxseed during lactation may be due to an increased hepatic activation of 11ß-HSD1 and suppression of ACTH. The changes in the liver fat content of the FLAX group are suggestive of steatosis, in which hypercorticosteronaemia may play an important role. Thus, it is recommended that lactating women restrict the intake of flaxseed during lactation.

Oral exposure to the anti-pyridoxine compound 1-amino D-proline further perturbs homocysteine metabolism through the transsulfuration pathway in moderately vitamin B6 deficient rats.

Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP; a B6 vitamer) serves as an important cofactor in a myriad of metabolic reactions, including the transsulfuration (TS) pathway, which converts homocysteine (Hcy) to cysteine. While overt vitamin B6 deficiency is rare, moderate deficiency is common and may be exacerbated by anti-pyridoxine factors in the food supply. To this end, we developed a model of moderate B6 deficiency and a study was conducted to examine the in vivo effect of 1-amino D-proline (1ADP), an anti-pyridoxine factor found in flaxseed, on indices of Hcy metabolism through the TS pathway in moderately B6 deficient rats. Male weaning rats received a semi-purified diet containing either 7 mg/kg (control; CD) or 0.7 mg/kg (moderately deficient; MD) diet of pyridoxine·hydrochloride (PN∙HCl), each with 1 of 4 levels of 1ADP, viz. 0, 0.1, 1 and 10 mg/kg diet for 5 weeks. Perturbations in vitamin B6 biomarkers were more pronounced in the MD group. Plasma PLP was significantly reduced, while plasma Hcy (8-fold) and cystathionine (11-fold) were increased in rats consuming the highest amount of 1ADP in the MD group. The activities of hepatic cystathionine ß-synthase and cystathionine γ-lyase enzymes were significantly reduced in rats consuming the highest 1ADP compared to the lowest, for both levels of PN∙HCl. Dilation of hepatic central veins and sinusoids, mild steatosis and increased liver triglycerides were present in MD rats consuming the highest 1ADP level. The current data provide evidence that the consumption of an anti-pyridoxine factor linked to flaxseed may pose a risk for subjects who are moderate/severe vitamin B6 deficient.

[Case report: anaphylaxis caused by linseed included in baked bread].

We recently experienced a 29-year-old female with anaphylaxis caused by linseed included in homemade bread. This is the first report of linseed-induced allergy in Japan. She obtained the linseed-containing ingredients of bread by mail order. We performed skin-prick tests and basophil degranulation tests using extracts of the ingredients and commercially available linseeds; both tests showed positive results for linseed. The patient's serum was also positive for linseed-specific IgE. Since linseeds are included in various kinds of foods and exposure to them is increasing, linseeds may need to be recognized as a potential trigger of immediate-type allergy in Japan.

Anaphylaxis Caused by Flaxseed

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No evidence of hypoglycemia or hypotension in older adults during 6 months of flax lignan supplementation in a randomized controlled trial: a safety evaluation.

CONTEXT: The natural health product, BeneFlax, is a standardized flaxseed [Linum usitatissimum L. (Linaceae)] lignan enriched product with evidence of product quality and known quantity of the bioactive component, lignan. The acceptance of this natural health product for its various health benefits requires greater evidence of its safety in the general population. OBJECTIVE: We determined whether flaxseed lignan causes clinical hypoglycemia or hypotension in healthy older adults as an important aspect of safety. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants aged 49-87 years were randomized in a double-blind trial to receive flaxseed lignan (543 mg/day in BeneFlax) or placebo while completing a 6-month walking program. The 94 participants who completed the study were stratified by age (<65 years versus ≥65 years) and treatment category to determine whether older adults were more susceptible to adverse effects. RESULTS: After 6 months of treatment, average plasma glucose level (5.4 ± 0.6 mmol/L), systolic blood pressure (127 ± 14 mm Hg), and diastolic blood pressure (80 ± 9 mm Hg) were within normal clinical range. Controlling for sex and body mass index covariates resulted in no observed differences between plasma glucose or blood pressure measurements between treatment or age groups (p > 0.05). No incidents of hypoglycemia or hypotension were observed during BeneFlax treatment, suggesting that 543 mg falls at or below the no observable adverse effect level (NOAEL). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: These data suggest the flaxseed lignan product BeneFlax does not pose a risk of hypoglycemia or hypotension in healthy adults aged 49-87 years.