Rice Bran Oil Improves Emphysema in Cigarette Smoke Extract-Induced Mice through Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidative Effects.

Lung inflammation and alveolar enlargement are the major pathological conditions of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Rice bran oil (RBO), a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidative agent, has been used for therapeutic purposes in several inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effect of RBO on a cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced emphysema model in mice. The results indicated that CSE significantly induced airspace enlargement in mouse lung. Increased inflammatory cells, macrophage, and TNF-alpha levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were noticed in CSE-treated mice. RBO (low and high dose)-supplemented mice showed decreased total BALF inflammatory cell, macrophage, and neutrophil numbers and TNF-alpha levels (p < 0.05). Additionally, the administration of RBO decreased the mean linear alveolar intercept (MLI) in the CSE-treated group. Additionally, RBO treatment significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity in both mouse BALF and serum. However, RBO did not have an effect on the malondialdehyde (MDA) level. These findings suggested that RBO treatment ameliorates lung inflammation in a CSE-induced emphysema mice model through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways. Therefore, the supplementation of RBO could be a new potential therapeutic to relieve the severity of COPD.

Anti-melanogenic effects of glucosylceramides and elasticamide derived from rice oil by-products in melanoma cells, melanocytes, and human skin.

Glucosylceramides (GlcCer), which are present in many edible plants, suppress melanin production in mouse melanocytes. Rice GlcCer consist of multiple molecules that comprise different types of sphingoid bases as well as diverse lengths and stereotypes of free fatty acids. Adjacent to the GlcCer fraction, there are free ceramides (Cer) as minor constituents. However, the anti-melanogenic activities of individual GlcCer and Cer remain unknown. Therefore, we herein isolated 13 GlcCer and elasticamide, a Cer [AP] from the gummy by-products of rice bran oil, and examined their anti-melanogenic activities. In theophylline-induced melanogenesis in B16 melanoma cells, GlcCer [d18:2(4E,8Z)/18:0], GlcCer [d18:2(4E,8Z)/20:0], and elasticamide significantly suppressed melanin production with IC50 values of 6.6, 5.2, and 3.9 µM, respectively. Elasticamide, but not GlcCer [d18:2 (4E,8Z)/20:0], suppressed melanogenesis in human 3D-cultured melanocytes and the expression of tyrosinase-related protein 1 in normal human melanocytes. Based on these results, we conducted a clinical trial on the effects of rice ceramide extract (Oryza ceramide®), containing 1.2 mg/day of GlcCer and 56 µg/day of elasticamide, on UV-B-induced skin pigmentation. The ingestion of Oryza ceramide® for 8 weeks significantly suppressed the accumulation of melanin 7 days after UV irradiation (1288 and 1546 mJ/cm2 ·S). Rice-derived GlcCer and elasticamide, which exhibited anti-melanogenic activities, were suggested to contribute to the suppressive effects of Oryza ceramide® on UV-induced skin pigmentation. Although the mechanisms underlying the anti-melanogenic activities of GlcCer remain unclear, elasticamide was identified as a promising Cer that exhibits anti-melanogenic activity. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The anti-melanogenic activities of rice-derived GlcCer and elasticamide currently remain unclear. We herein demonstrated the inhibitory effects of individual GlcCer and elasticamide on melanogenesis in melanoma cells, melanocytes, and human skin.

Neuroprotective Effect of 1,3-dipalmitoyl-2-oleoylglycerol Derived from Rice Bran Oil against Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats.

1,3-Dipalmitoyl-2-oleoylglycerol (POP) is a triacylglyceride found in oils from various natural sources, including palm kernels, sunflower seeds, and rice bran. In the current study, the neuroprotective effects and the specific mechanism of POP derived from rice bran oil were investigated for the first time using the middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model in rats. Orally administered POP at 1, 3, or 5 mg/kg (three times: 0.5 h before MCAO, after 1 h of MCAO, and after 1 h of reperfusion) markedly reduced the MCAO/R-induced infarct/edema volume and neurobehavioral deficits. Glutathione depletion and the oxidative degradation of lipids in the rat brain induced by MCAO/R were prevented by POP administration. The upregulation of phosphorylated p38 MAPKs, inflammatory factors (inducible nitric oxide synthase (i-NOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)), and pro-apoptotic proteins (B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) associated X protein (Bax) and cleaved caspase-3) and the downregulation of the anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl-2) in the ischemic brain were significantly inhibited by POP administration. In addition, downregulation of phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated protein kinase B (Akt), and phosphorylated cyclic (adenosine monophosphate) AMP responsive element-binding protein (CREB) expression in the ischemic brain was inhibited by POP administration. These results suggest that POP might exert neuroprotective effects by inhibition of p38 MAPK and activation of PI3K/Akt/CREB pathway, which is associated with anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory action. From the above results, the present study provides evidence that POP might be effectively applied for the management of cerebral ischemia-related diseases.

The rice bran peptide KF-8 extends the lifespan and improves the healthspan of Caenorhabditis elegans via skn-1 and daf-16.

With the increased aging of the population, the extension of lifespan and the improvement of healthspan have become important. Our previous studies showed that the rice bran peptide KF-8 exerts an antioxidant effect in cells and mice. In this study, we evaluated the effects of KF-8 on the healthspan and lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans. We found that KF-8 prolonged the life of nematodes and showed no reproductive toxicity towards nematodes. In addition, KF-8 improved the motility of nematodes and resulted in an extended body length. Using hydrogen peroxide and juglone as stress inducers, we found that KF-8 improved the anti-stress ability of nematodes. In addition, KF-8 upregulated the expressions of skn-1, daf-16 and antioxidant genes. In addition, the life-prolonging effect of KF-8 was lost in skn-1 mutant strains and daf-16 mutant strains, indicating that KF-8 may exert anti-aging effects through skn-1 and daf-16.

Gamma-oryzanol protects human liver cell (L02) from hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage through regulation of the MAPK/Nrf2 signaling pathways.

Gamma-oryzanol (Orz), a mixture of the ferulic acid ester of triterpene alcohols and phytosterols, was found abundantly in rice bran and rice bran oil which could be available and served as an antioxidant. The present study was to explore the potential protective effects of Orz on oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in human hepatic cells (L02 cells) induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ). Flow cytometry detection and Hoechst 33258 staining showed that Orz significantly restored cell cycle and ameliorated apoptosis in H2 O2 -challenged L02 cells. Orz pretreatment inhibited H2 O2 -induced cell apoptosis by increasing the scavenging of hydroxyl radicals (OH·), and efficiently decreasing the production of nitric oxide (NO). Moreover, a loss of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) were enhanced in H2 O2 -mediated L02 cells pretreated with Orz. Furthermore, preincubation with Orz reduced H2 O2 -mediated the proapoptotic protein of Bak expression and the phosphorylation of ASK1, p38, JNK, and ERK, and increased the anti-apoptotic protein of Bcl-xl expression and anti-oxidative stress proteins of Nrf2 and HO-1 expression. The findings suggested that Orz exerts the cytoprotective effects in H2 O2 -induced L02 cells apoptosis by ameliorating oxidative stress via inhibiting MAPK signaling pathway and activating Nrf2 signaling pathway. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Gamma-oryzanol (Orz), a mixture of the ferulic acid ester of triterpene alcohols and phytosterols, was found abundantly in rice bran and rice bran oil which could be availably served as an antioxidant. In this study, it was found that Orz exerts the cytoprotective effects in H2 O2 -induced L02 cell apoptosis by ameliorating oxidative stress via the inhibition of MAPK signaling pathway and the activation of Nrf2 signaling pathway, which provides a theoretical basis for dietary adding natural products to prevent or treat oxidative stress-related diseases.

Apoptosis Induction through MAPK Signaling Pathway in LoVo Cells by Fatty Acid Fraction from Rice Bran Oil.

Colorectal cancer is one of the five leading cancer incidents and mortality in Thailand and worldwide. Fatty acids (FA) are bioactive molecules which have potential as adjunctive chemotherapeutic agents. To study the effect of fatty acid fraction (FAs) extracted from organic rice bran oil on apoptosis induction and growth inhibition in human colorectal cancer cell line, LoVo cells. The results demonstrated that FAs inhibited cell viability and induced cell death via apoptosis associated with MAPKs pathway. The EC50 of FAs in LoVo was 172.80 ± 1.05 µg/ml. FAs treatment significantly increased nuclear condensation and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, FAs activated Bax, Caspase-9, -7 and PARP cleavage, while inhibited Bcl-2 expression. Furthermore, FAs increased p53 expression and phosphorylation of ERK and p38. FAs extracted from organic rice bran oil inhibited LoVo cell viability and induced apoptosis via MAPKs pathway. These data suggest the potential use of FAs extracted from organic rice bran oil to prevent or treat colon cancer in the future.

The involvement of TGF-ß1 /FAK/α-SMA pathway in the antifibrotic impact of rice bran oil on thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis in rats.

The objective of the current study is to investigate the effect of rice bran oil (RBO) on hepatic fibrosis as a characteristic response to persistent liver injuries. Rats were randomly allocated into five groups: the negative control group, thioacetamide (TAA) group (thioacetamide 100 mg/kg thrice weekly for two successive weeks, ip), RBO 0.2 and 0.4 groups (RBO 0.2mL and 0.4 mL/rat/day, po) and standard group (silymarin 100 mg/kg/day, po) for two weeks after TAA injection. Blood and liver tissue samples were collected for biochemical, molecular, and histological analyses. Liver functions, oxidative stress, inflammation, liver fibrosis markers were assessed. The obtained results showed that RBO reduced TAA-induced liver fibrosis and suppressed the extracellular matrix formation. Compared to the positive control group, RBO dramatically reduced total bilirubin, AST, and ALT blood levels. Furthermore, RBO reduced MDA and increased GSH contents in the liver. Simultaneously RBO downregulated the NF-κß signaling pathway, which in turn inhibited the expression of some inflammatory mediators, including Cox-2, IL-1ß, and TNF-α. RBO attenuated liver fibrosis by suppressing the biological effects of TGF-ß1, α-SMA, collagen I, hydroxyproline, CTGF, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK). RBO reduced liver fibrosis by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation and modulating the interplay among the TGF-ß1 and FAK signal transduction. The greater dosage of 0.4 mL/kg has a more substantial impact. Hence, this investigation presents RBO as a promising antifibrotic agent in the TAA model through inhibition of TGF-ß1 /FAK/α-SMA.

Rice bran oil could favorably ameliorate atherogenicity and insulin resistance indices among men with coronary artery disease: post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite recent advances in recognizing more reliable indicators to estimate the coronary artery disease (CAD) patients' response to treatment and prognosis, less attention has been paid to evaluating them in clinical trials. Hence, the present research was conducted to study the impact of rice bran oil (RBO) versus sunflower oil (SFO) on various atherogenicity and insulin resistance markers. METHODS: In the present 8-week randomized controlled trial, 40 CAD men with an average age of 56 years were allocated randomly into the intervention or control group to use RBO or SFO (30 g/day) plus a standardized dietary plan. As a further analysis, eight atherosclerosis-related indices were calculated before and after the study. RESULTS: Analysis of covariance test in which potential confounders and baseline levels were considered, indicated that using RBO compared to SFO reduced Castelli's risk index I and II (adjusted means:3.29, 1.52 vs. 4.61, 2.20, respectively), atherogenic coefficient (2.29 vs. 3.61), lipoprotein combine index (6.54 vs. 17.53), and cholesterol index (0.46 vs. 1.20) after the trial (P-value ≤ 0.002). Also, the RBO group yielded significantly lower triglyceride glucose index (8.73 vs. 9.13) (P-value = 0.010). Further, marginally significant amelioration in triglyceride/HDL ratio and atherogenic index of plasma (1.48 and 0.13 vs. 1.86 and 0.24 respectively) were noted (P-value = 0.07). Spearman correlation analysis detected significant positive correlations between alterations in TNF-α serum levels (ng/L) and the majority of evaluated indices (P-value < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Taken together, incorporating 30 g of RBO into the patient's usual diet appeared effective in ameliorating atherogenicity and insulin resistance indicators among men with CAD, probably in relation to its anti-inflammatory properties. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol of the current trial was retrospectively recorded in the Iranian clinical trial registration system (IRCT) with the registration number of IRCT20190313043045N1 (URL: https://en.irct.ir/trial/38346 ; Registration date: 2019-04-27).

Functional Profiling and Future Research Direction of Rice Bran Oil in Bangladesh.

Rice bran oil (RBO) has been demonstrated to affect complex malfunctioned conditions such as oxidative stress, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, hypertension, inflammation, abnormal cell growth (cancer), ulceration, immune and cognitive modulation. This unique effect of RBO is due to the presence of well-balanced fatty acid composition and several bioactive compounds, γ- oryzanol (cycloartenyl ferulate, 24-methylenecycloartanyl ferulate, campesterol ferulate, and ß-sitosteryl ferulate), vitamin E (tocopherol and tocotrienol), phytosterols (ß-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol) and other nutrients. The RBO composition of bioactive compounds varied geographically, thus the clear-cut mechanisms of action on complex disease cascades are still required. This review article summarized the RBO compositional profiling and compared it with other edible oils. This article also summarized Bangladesh RBO profiling and their proposed mechanism of action as well as the first line of defense in the prevention, management, and control of complex disease conditions. This review indicates how Bangladesh RBO increase their opportunity to be functional food for 21st century's ailment.

Tropical Oil Consumption and Cardiovascular Disease: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses.

The health effects of saturated fat, particularly tropical oil, on cardiovascular disease are unclear. We investigated the effect of tropical oil (palm and coconut oils), lard, and other common vegetable oils (soybean and rice bran oils) that are widely used in tropical and Asian countries on lipid profiles. We performed an umbrella review of meta-analyses and systematic reviews. Electronic databases (Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane) were searched up to December 2018 without language restriction. We identified nine meta-analyses that investigated the effect of dietary oils on lipid levels. Replacement of polyunsaturated fatty-acid-rich oils (PUFAs) and monounsaturated FA-rich oils (MUFAs) with palm oil significantly increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), by 3.43 (0.44-6.41) mg/dL and 9.18 (6.90-11.45) mg/dL, respectively, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), by 1.89 (1.23-2.55) mg/dL and 0.94 (-0.07-1.97) mg/dL, respectively. Replacement of PUFAs with coconut oil significantly increased HDL-c and total cholesterol -by 2.27 (0.93-3.6) mg/dL and 5.88 (0.21-11.55) mg/dL, respectively-but not LDL-c. Substituting lard for MUFAs and PUFAs increased LDL-c-by 8.39 (2.83-13.95) mg/dL and 9.85 (6.06-13.65) mg/dL, respectively-but not HDL-c. Soybean oil substituted for other PUFAs had no effect on lipid levels, while rice bran oil substitution decreased LDL-c. Our findings show the deleterious effect of saturated fats from animal sources on lipid profiles. Replacement of unsaturated plant-derived fats with plant-derived saturated fats slightly increases LDL-c but also increases HDL-c, which in turn may exert a neutral effect on cardiovascular health.

Comparative Studies on the Hepatoprotective Effect of White and Coloured Rice Bran Oil against Acetaminophen-Induced Oxidative Stress in Mice through Antioxidant- and Xenobiotic-Metabolizing Systems.

Rice bran oil (RBO) comprises various nutrients and phytochemicals which exhibit several health benefits. There are no studies regarding the functional effects of different colours of RBO. This study was aimed to compare the constituents and antioxidant activities of white rice bran oil (WRBO) and coloured rice bran oil (CRBO). Each RBO showed similar free fatty acid profiles. However, greater amounts of vitamin E, phytosterols, carotenoids, and chlorophylls were found in CRBO, which had lower γ-oryzanol content than WRBO. Oxidative stress was induced in male mice by an overdose of acetaminophen (APAP) at 300 mg/kg body weight. The mice were then fed with RBO at the equivalent dose to 100 mg/kg body weight of γ-oryzanol three hours later and sacrificed six hours after APAP treatment. The administration of 100 mg γ-oryzanol equivalent in CRBO ameliorated APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in mice more strongly than 100 mg γ-oryzanol equivalent in WRBO, as evidenced by the significant reduction of serum ALT, hepatocellular necrosis, and hepatic lipid peroxidation. CRBO could improve xenobiotic-metabolizing and antioxidant enzyme activities, including glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase, and also increase mRNA expression of various antioxidant-responsive genes. Vitamin E, phytosterols, carotenoids, and chlorophyll might be the protective compounds in CRBO that alleviate APAP-induced hepatotoxicity through the interruption of APAP metabolism and the activation of antioxidant systems at both transcriptional and enzymatic levels. These findings might provide a protective role of CRBO on oxidative stress associated with several degenerative diseases.

The effects of rice bran oil on left ventricular systolic function, cardiometabolic risk factors and inflammatory mediators in men with coronary artery disease: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: In the current study, we aimed to explore the effects of rice bran oil (RBO) in adjunct to conventional medical therapy on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), cardiometabolic risk factors, and inflammatory mediators in male patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). SUBJECTS/METHODS: The present randomized controlled trial included 40 men diagnosed with CAD (mean age = 55.76 years) who were randomly allocated into two groups to receive either 30 grams per day of RBO (intervention group) or sunflower oil (control group) plus a standard diet for eight weeks. At the initial visit, demographic and anthropometric data and blood samples were collected. LVEF levels and serum concentrations of lipid profile, glucose, uric acid, hs-CRP, and TNF-α were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 37 participants completed the study (n = 18 in the intervention group, n = 19 in the control group). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) adjusted for baseline values, age and body mass index revealed that RBO significantly improved LVEF (51.34%) and reduced triglyceride (125.01 mg dl-1), blood sugar (110.4 mg dl-1), total cholesterol (123.01 mg dl-1) and low density lipoprotein (56.88 mg dl-1) levels compared to sunflower oil ((45.56%), (155.93 mg dl-1), (128.94 mg dl-1), (163.93 mg dl-1) and (83.79 mg dl-1), respectively) following a 8-week trial (P-values < 0.05). Additionally, the test demonstrated that RBO consuming patients had significantly lower levels of serum uric acid (4.60 mg dl-1), TNF-α (6.99 ng L-1) and hs-CRP (2.11 mg L-1) compared to the control group ((5.92 mg dl-1), (15.23 ng L-1), (4.47 mg L-1), respectively) (P-value < 0.05). However, no significant changes were found regarding weight, blood pressure or serum HDL levels throughout the trial. CONCLUSION: Consumption of 30 grams per day RBO within a standard diet could be considered an effective non-pharmacological approach in improving LVEF, cardiometabolic risk factors, and inflammatory state in CAD. However, future trials are recommended for more clarification.

Rice Bran and Vitamin B6 Suppress Pathological Neovascularization in a Murine Model of Age-Related Macular Degeneration as Novel HIF Inhibitors.

Pathological neovascularization in the eye is a leading cause of blindness in all age groups from retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in children to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the elderly. Inhibiting neovascularization via antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs has been used for the effective treatment. However, anti-VEGF therapies may cause development of chorioretinal atrophy as they affect a physiological amount of VEGF essential for retinal homeostasis. Furthermore, anti-VEGF therapies are still ineffective in some cases, especially in patients with AMD. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) is a strong regulator of VEGF induction under hypoxic and other stress conditions. Our previous reports have indicated that HIF is associated with pathological retinal neovascularization in murine models of ROP and AMD, and HIF inhibition suppresses neovascularization by reducing an abnormal increase in VEGF expression. Along with this, we attempted to find novel effective HIF inhibitors from natural foods of our daily lives. Food ingredients were screened for prospective HIF inhibitors in ocular cell lines of 661W and ARPE-19, and a murine AMD model was utilized for examining suppressive effects of the ingredients on retinal neovascularization. As a result, rice bran and its component, vitamin B6 showed inhibitory effects on HIF activation and suppressed VEGF mRNA induction under a CoCl2-induced pseudo-hypoxic condition. Dietary supplement of these significantly suppressed retinal neovascularization in the AMD model. These data suggest that rice bran could have promising therapeutic values in the management of pathological ocular neovascularization.

Two Blends of Refined Rice Bran, Flaxseed, and Sesame Seed Oils Affect the Blood Lipid Profile of Chinese Adults with Borderline Hypercholesterolemia to a Similar Extent as Refined Olive Oil.

BACKGROUND: Individual vegetable oils have a characteristic fatty acids (FA) composition and unique phytonutrient profiles, enabling formulation of oil blends that may have health-promoting effects. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to investigate effects of 2 oil blends made with refined rice bran, flaxseed, and sesame oils, with distinct monounsaturated to saturated FA, polyunsaturated to saturated FA, and omega-3 (n-3) to omega-6 FA ratios and different phytonutrient concentrations on blood lipid profile, compared with refined olive oil as a control. The secondary outcomes were other markers of cardiometabolic health. METHODS: A parallel-design, randomized controlled trial compared consumption of 30 g of allocated intervention oil per day for a period of 8 wk. The study recruited 143 borderline hypercholesterolemic (LDL cholesterol: 3.06-4.51 mmol/L) Chinese volunteers between 50 and 70 y old and with a BMI (kg/m2) ≤27.5. All outcomes were measured every 2 wk, and the time × treatment interactions and the main effects of treatment and time were analyzed using an intention-to-treat approach. RESULTS: Compared with baseline (week 0), there were significant reductions during the post-intervention time points in serum total cholesterol (-3.47%; P < 0.0001), LDL cholesterol (-4.16%; P < 0.0001), triglycerides (-10.3%; P < 0.0001), apoB (-3.93%; P < 0.0001), total to HDL-cholesterol (-3.44%; P < 0.0001) and apoB to apoA1 (-3.99%; P < 0.0001) ratios, systolic and diastolic blood pressures (-3.32% and -3.16%, respectively; both P < 0.0001), and serum glucose (-1.51%; P < 0.05) and a small but significant increase in body weight (+0.7%; P < 0.001) for all 3 intervention oils but no effects of intervention on HDL-cholesterol or apoA1 concentration. No significant effects of treatment or time × treatment interactions were found. CONCLUSIONS: Using blended vegetable oils that are extensively consumed in Asia, this study found that specific oil blends can improve blood lipid profile and other cardiometabolic parameters, to a similar extent as refined olive oil, in Chinese adults with borderline hypercholesterolemia. This trial is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03964857.

Protection by pure and genistein fortified extra virgin olive oil, canola oil, and rice bran oil against acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats.

Genistein is a major isoflavone with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and hydrophobic features. To increase its bioavailability, researchers supplemented genistein with dietary oils. The present study aims to compare the effectiveness of genistein supplementation with water solution or oils and find the best possible dietary oil for fortification. A total of 135 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to nine groups, including one control group and eight acetic acid-induced colitis groups. The rats in the intervention groups were treated with 5 ml per kg body weight of oral pure and genistein fortified forms of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), canola oil (CaO), and rice bran oil (RBO); the Genistein group (G) received 100 mg per kg body weight of genistein in aqueous solution orally. The colitis and control groups did not receive any treatment. The levels of colonic MDA (malondialdehyde), MPO (myeloperoxidase) activity, and IL-1ß (interleukin-1ß) were evaluated and a stereological analysis of colonic tissues was performed. All of the dietary oils (EVOO, CaO, and RBO) were effective at ameliorating the rats' oxidative and inflammatory status (p < 0.05); however, EVOO (with or without genistein) prescription resulted in slightly better results, especially with regard to the inflammatory profile. Additionally, delivering genistein via an oil vehicle was more efficient at reducing MDA formation, MPO activity, and IL-1ß concentration than genistein in aqueous solution. The quantitative analysis of colonic tissue was consistent with the biochemical analysis. Our findings suggest that the oral administration of EVOO, canola oil, and rice bran oil can attenuate the elevated IL-1ß levels and oxidative damage in induced colitis. Moreover, genistein fortified oils, especially EVOO, showed more beneficial effects in decreasing these markers in comparison with the pure oils or genistein (aqueous solution).

Virgin rice bran oil alleviates hypertension through the upregulation of eNOS and reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats.

OBJECTIVE: Endothelial dysfunction associated with reduction in nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability plays an important role in development of hypertension. Consumption of a diet rich in antioxidants appears to lower the risk for hypertension. Virgin rice bran oil (VRBO) possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypocholesterolemic activities. However, to our knowledge, the antihypertensive effect of VRBO has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the antihypertensive effect of VRBO in Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertensive rats and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Hypertension was induced in rats by administration of L-NAME, after which VRBO, lisinopril (Lis), or VRBO + Lis was administered. Studies were then conducted on the hemodynamics of vascular responses to vasoactive substances, plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), plasma nitrate/nitrite, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers. RESULTS: L-NAME administration induced hemodynamic changes including elevation of blood pressure, increased peripheral vascular resistance, and endothelial dysfunction. Reduction in plasma nitrate/nitrite, overproduction of vascular superoxide, and increases in plasma ACE, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, and plasma tumor necrosis factor-α were observed in L-NAME hypertensive rats. The changes were associated with a marked decrease in endothelial NO synthase expression, increased expression of gp91phoxand vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and activation of nuclear factor-κB in aortic tissues. Administration of either VRBO or Lis significantly mitigated all of these deleterious effects. The combination of VRBO and Lis was more effective than either treatment alone. CONCLUSIONS: The antihypertensive effect of VRBO may be mediated by restoration of hemodynamics, increased NO bioavailability, and alleviation of oxidative stress and inflammation. VRBO has an additive effect on antihypertensive medication.

Improvement of Resveratrol Effects When Combined with Rice Oil in Rat Models of Inflammation.

This study investigated the effects of systemic treatment with a new formulation of resveratrol (RSV) vehicled in rice oil (RSVO) in experimental rat models of inflammation. Male Wistar rats were evaluated in the following in vivo models: carrageenan-induced acute edema, complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-evoked sub-chronic edema, and CFA-induced polyarthritis. The animals were treated orally with RSVO (10-15 mg/kg) or RSV (100-200 mg/kg), depending on the experimental protocol. RSV was more effective than RSVO in carrageenan-elicited acute edema when dosed in either prophylactic or therapeutic schemes of administration. However, the repeated RSVO administration, at 10-fold lower doses, exhibited superior anti-inflammatory actions in either the sub-chronic edema or the chronic polyarthritis model elicited by CFA, when compared with RSV. The novel formulation RSVO displayed a lower plasma biotransformation when compared with the RSV-treated group-46% versus 88% of metabolites, respectively. RSVO also prevented polyarthritis-related cartilage destruction, an effect that might rely on the inhibition of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), associated with an increase of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10). Noteworthy, the long-term administration of RSVO did not elicit any gastrointestinal harm. Our study revealed that RSVO was notably effective in the long-term inflammatory and degenerative responses triggered by CFA. This innovative formulation might well represent a promising alternative for treating chronic inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis.

Duration of stunting impacts compensatory growth and carcass quality of farmed milkfish, Chanos chanos (Forsskal, 1775) under field conditions.

An 18-months field trial was performed to explore the effect of duration of stunting on growth, digestive enzymes and carcass quality in Chanos chanos. Milkfish fry (weight of 1.25 ± 0.03 g and length of 5.53 ± 0.03 cm) were stocked in earthen ponds of 0.02 ha, in triplicate, for different duration of stunting, viz., 4 months (Treatment-1; T4), 8 months (Treatment-2; T8) and 12 months (Treatment-3; T12) and a normal seed (Control; C) separately. In the stunting phase, fish were stocked at higher stocking density (0.2 million/ha) and fed de-oiled rice bran at sub-optimal level. Post-stunting or re-feeding phase commenced immediately after completion of respective stunting duration and fish were reared for the rest of the period to complete the total rearing period of 18 months. In post-stunting, fish stocking density was adjusted to (5000 pieces/ha) and fed at an optimum level (3%). At the end of stunting phase, the study found a significant reduction in growth, survival, digestive enzymes activity, except protease in the T4 group, and carcass nutrients composition of stunted fish. However, in the initial phase of post-stunting, T8 group exhibited an elevated specific growth rate (5.00 ± 0.092%/day), body weight gain (80.82 ± 1.28 g), amylase (0.585 ± 0.021 U/mg protein), protease (5.48 ± 0.13 U/mg protein), and lipase activity (7.92 ± 0.32 U/mg protein). All stunted fish groups displayed a compensatory growth response in post-stunting, but a complete growth compensation was observed in T8 group, which resulted in better feed conversion ratio (3.03 ± 0.04) feed efficiency ratio (0.33 ± 0.01), protein efficiency ratio (1.91 ± 0.03), survival (91.38 ± 0.07%) and digestive enzyme activities. Similarly, at the end of post-stunting, carcass analysis revealed a complete restoration of nutrients in stunted fish and significantly higher protein content in T8 group. Further, the study found lower meat and higher bone contents in normally reared fish than the post-stunted fish which revealed the carcass quality improvement in post-stunted fish thus indicates superiority of the stunting process over normal rearing. Overall, the study suggests that stunting of milkfish, for 8 months (T8), positively affects its growth, survival, digestive enzyme activities and carcass quality which in turn, shall help to overcome the contemporary challenges in milkfish culture.

Rice bran oil ameliorates inflammatory responses by enhancing mitochondrial respiration in murine macrophages.

Previous studies have revealed the anti-inflammatory properties of rice bran oil (RBO), but the detailed mechanisms are poorly understood. Recent studies on the molecular/cellular anti-inflammatory mechanisms of dietary components have demonstrated that mitochondrial respiration plays a key role in macrophage functioning. Since dietary lipids are major substrates for mitochondrial respiration through ß-oxidation, the current study examined whether RBO regulates inflammatory responses by modulating mitochondrial energy metabolism. Palm oil (PO), enriched with palmitic acid which are known to be effectively taken up by cells and used for oxidative phosphorylation, served as a positive control. In the in vitro model of LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine cells, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) in the culture supernatant were significantly reduced by RBO treatment. In contrast, secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was upregulated by RBO. Transcription of genes encoding inflammatory mediator molecules (COX-2 and iNOS) and expression of activation markers (CD80, CD86, and MHC-II) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were suppressed by RBO. Mitochondrial respiration (as assessed by an extracellular flux analyzer) increased upon RBO treatment, as the basal respiration, maximal respiration, ATP production, and spare respiratory capacity were upregulated. In an in vivo study, C57BL/6 mice were fed a negative control diet containing corn oil (CO), PO, or RBO for 4 weeks, and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) were isolated from their tibias and femurs. In pro-inflammatory M1-polarized BMDM (M1-BMDM), the RBO-induced suppression of IL-6 and TNF-α was recapitulated in vivo. Mitochondrial respiration in M1-BMDM also increased following the RBO intervention and the PO control treatment as compared to CO fed negative control. Overall, the current study for the first time demonstrates that RBO regulates inflammatory responses in murine macrophages by upregulating mitochondrial respiration. Further clinical studies are required to validate the animal study.

Protective Effects of Defatted Sticky Rice Bran Extracts on the Early Stages of Hepatocarcinogenesis in Rats.

Use of natural products is one strategy to lessen cancer incidence. Rice bran, especially from colored rice, contains high antioxidant activity. Cancer chemopreventive effects of hydrophilic purple rice bran extract (PRBE) and white rice bran extract (WRBE) on carcinogen-induced preneoplastic lesion formation in livers of rats were investigated. A 15-week administration of PRBE and WRBE did not induce hepatic glutathione S-transferase placental form (GST-P) positive foci formation as the biomarker of rat hepatocarcinogenesis. PRBE and WRBE at 500 mg/kg body weight significantly decreased number and size of GST-P positive foci in diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-initiated rats. The number of proliferating nuclear antigen positive hepatocytes were also reduced in preneoplastic lesions in both PRBE and WRBE fed DEN-treated rats. Notably, the inhibitory effect on GST-P positive foci formation induced by DEN during the initiation stage was found only in rats treated by PRBE for five weeks. Furthermore, PRBE attenuated the expression of proinflammatory cytokines involving genes including TNF-α, iNOS, and NF-κB. PBRE contained a higher number of anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds and vitamin E. PRBE might protect DEN-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats via attenuation of cellular inflammation and cell proliferation. Anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds, as well as vitamin E, might play a role in cancer chemopreventive activity in rice bran extract.