Protective role of cod liver oil on hippocampal oxidative damage and neuronal count in Wistar rat model of comorbid depression.

Background: Proper nutrition and balanced diet have a profound influence on mental well-being. Nutritional psychiatry plays an important role in influencing a healthy mind and body. The animal model of chronic unpredictable stress has been considered the effective model to explore research on anxiety and depression. Aim: The present study aimed to explore the protective role of cod liver oil on various biochemical and neuronal analyses in the hippocampus tissue of the Wistar rat model of comorbid depression. Methods: Healthy adult albino rats of Wistar strain weighing (120-160 g) were divided into control groups and experimental groups. These groups were further categorized into various subgroups based on stress exposure, cod liver oil, and antidepressant treatment. Six animals were taken in each group. The duration of stress exposure was for 15 days. After the experimentation procedure, the animals were anesthetized and hippocampus was dissected for the estimations of various biochemical and neurological parameters. Results: The combination of cod liver oil with the antidepressant significantly (p < 0.001) decreased the lipid peroxidation level. Total antioxidant (TAO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels significantly increased (p < 0.001) in the hippocampus. Treatment of cod liver oil during the stress exposure increased (p < 0.001) the neuronal count. Conclusion: Cod liver oil proved to be an effective antidepressant agent by increasing the antioxidants and promoting neurogenesis in the hippocampus.

Preparation of PLA/chitosan nanoscaffolds containing cod liver oil and experimental diabetic wound healing in male rats study.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common metabolic disorders. One of the important metabolic complications in diabetes is diabetic foot ulcer syndrome, which causes delayed and abnormal healing of the wound. The formulation of nanoscaffolds containing cod liver oil by altering the hemodynamic balance toward the vasodilators state, increasing wound blood supply, and altering plasma membrane properties, namely altering the membrane phospholipids composition, can be effective in wound healing. In this study, electrospinning method was used to produce poly lactic acid/chitosan nanoscaffolds as a suitable bio-substitute. After preparing the nanoscaffolds, the products were characterized with dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Also optical properties of polymer and comparison between adsorption between single polymer and polymer-drug calculated with UV-Vis spectra. The structure and functional groups of the final products were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDAX) as elemental analysis. The results showed that the optimum formulation of cod liver oil was 30%, which formed a very thin fiber that rapidly absorbed to the wound and produced significant healing effects. According to the results, poly lactic acid/chitosan nanoscaffolds containing cod liver oil can be a suitable bio-product to be used in treating the diabetic foot ulcer syndrome.

Food Yellow4 reprotoxicity in relation to localization of DMC1 and apoptosis in rat testes: Roles of royal jelly and cod liver oil.

Food Yellow 4 (FY4) is a lemon-yellow-colored synthetic organic azo dye, which is used widely for imparting pleasant and attractive appearance to foods and cosmetics. The present study aimed at evaluating the possible mechanism underlying the FY4-induced reprotoxicity in rats, and the potential supportive role of royal jelly (RJ) or cod liver oil (CLO), which is a natural remedy with several pharmacological benefits, against induced toxicity. Forty-eight male rats were divided into different groups-the control group, the CLO group (0.4 mL/kg), the RJ group (300 mg/kg), the FY4 group (500 mg/kg b.w.), and the co-treated groups (FY4 + CLO or FY4 + RJ). Semen analysis, serum hormones, and enzyme activities were estimated. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using anti-PCNA, anti-Sox 9, anti-STRA8, anti-DMC1, and anti-ssDNA antibody. The FY4 group exhibited a significant decrease in sperm concentration and motility percentage (%) and a substantial reduction in the TES and LH levels. Testicular LDH, ACP, and SDH were observed to be inhibited. Furthermore, co-localization of DMC1 and ssDNA, which reflected apoptotic induction in the leptotene and zygotene spermatocytes, respectively, was observed to have markedly elevated in the FY4 treated rats, with fewer PCNA-positive and SOX9-positive cells and higher ssDNA-positive cells in the seminiferous epithelium in comparison to the control groups. Interestingly, co-treatment with CLO or RJ exhibited healthy sperms and restored their features, activated the enzyme production, and raised the levels of sexual hormones. In addition, both RJ and CLO restored the features of the testicular tissue as observed under a light microscope, and limited the apoptosis as observed through antibody staining. Collectively, the results of the present study revealed that the co-administration of RJ or CLO with FY4 improved the biochemical, hormonal, and structural aspects of the testicular tissue in rats. Therefore, CLO and RJ may be considered promising agents that would be able to improve the testicular structure and function in the FY4-exposed individuals.

Cod-Liver Oil Improves Metabolic Indices and hs-CRP Levels in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of cod-liver oil on metabolic status and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS: This study was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial with the allocation ratio of 1 : 1. The contents of EPA and DHA in cod-liver oil were measured using a gas chromatograph. A total of 550 GDM patients were randomly divided into the intervention group (cod-liver oil) and the control group (placebo, mineral oil), and both groups were given regular dietary care. Glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour plasma glucose (2hPG), lipid profiles, homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and hs-CRP were measured. Primary outcomes were different in HbA1c, FPG, 2hPG, and HOMA-IR between the two groups after 4-week randomization. Secondary outcomes were the blood glucose levels and perinatal complications (pregnancy-induced hypertension, polyhydramnios, premature delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, postpartum infection, premature rupture of membranes, and cesarean section) between the two groups before and after 12-16 weeks of cod-liver oil intervention from middle pregnancy to late pregnancy. RESULTS: EPA and DHA were the main components of cod-liver oil with 76 mg/mL and 150 mg/mL, respectively. There was no significant difference for primary outcomes in the levels of HbA1c, FPG, 2hPG, HOMA-IR, and lipid profiles between the two groups (P > 0.05). For the secondary outcomes, the levels of HbA1c, FPG, 2hPG, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (LDL-C), HOMA-IR, and hs-CRP in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The incidence of perinatal complications in the intervention group was lower than that in the control group too (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Cod-liver oil consumption effectively reduced the levels of blood glucose, lipid levels, hs-CRP, and HOMA-IR and the incidence of perinatal complications.

Topical Formulation Comprising Fatty Acid Extract from Cod Liver Oil: Development, Evaluation and Stability Studies.

The purpose of this study was to develop a pharmaceutical formulation containing fatty acid extract rich in free omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid for topical use. Although the health benefits of cod liver oil and other fish oils taken orally as a dietary supplement have been acknowledged and exploited, it is clear that their use can be extended further to cover their antibacterial properties. In vitro evaluation showed that 20% (v/v) fatty acid extract exhibits good activity against strains of the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptoccoccus pyogenes and Streptoccoccus pneumonia. Therefore, free polyunsaturated fatty acids from cod liver oil or other fish oils can be used as safe and natural antibacterial agents. In this study, ointment compositions containing free fatty acids as active antibacterial agents were prepared by using various natural waxes and characterized. The effects of different waxes, such as carnauba wax, ozokerite wax, laurel wax, beeswax, rice bran wax, candelilla wax and microcrystalline wax, in the concentration range of 1% to 5% (w/w) on the ointment texture, consistency and stability were evaluated. The results showed significant variations in texture, sensory and rheological profiles. This was attributed to the wax's nature and chain composition. Microcrystalline wax gave the best results but laurel wax, beeswax and rice bran wax exhibited excellent texturing, similar sensory profiles and well-balanced rheological properties.

Various Acylglycerols from Common Oils Exert Different Antitumor Activities on Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Western countries; therefore, the implementation of healthy dietary habits in order to prevent its occurrence is a desirable action. We show here that both free fatty acids (FFAs) and some acylglycerols induce antitumoral actions in the colorectal cancer cell line HT-29. We tested several C18 polyunsaturated fatty acid-enriched oils (e.g., sunflower and Echium) as well as other oils, such as arachidonic acid-enriched (Arasco®) and docosahexaenoic acid-enriched (Marinol® and cod liver oil), in addition to coconut and olive oils. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide test indicated inhibitory effects on HT-29 cells viability for FFAs, and monoacylglycerol and diacylglycerol (DAG) species, while the lactate dehydrogenase test proved that FFAs were the more effective species to induce membrane injury. Conversely, all species did not exhibit actions on CCD-18 normal human colon cells viability. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy showed the presence of necrosis and apoptosis, while the monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibition test demonstrated high activity for 2-monoacylglycerols derived from Arasco and sunflower oils. However, different monoacylglycerols and DAGs have also the potential for MAGL inhibition. Therefore, checking for activity on colon cancer cells of specifically designed acylglycerol-derivative species would be a suitable way to design functional foods destined to avoid colorectal cancer initiation.

Comparative protective effects of royal jelly and cod liver oil against neurotoxic impact of tartrazine on male rat pups brain.

This study is aimed to evaluate the possible neurotoxic effect of tartrazine (T), an extensively used synthetic azo dye, as well as to determine the potential modulatory role of cod liver oil (CLO) or royal jelly (RJ) against such effects. For this purpose, thirty-six male rat pups were allocated into six groups. The 1st group received distilled water (control group), the 2nd group was given 300 mg RJ/kg bw (RJ group), the 3rd group was given 0.4 ml CLO/kg bw (CLO group), the 4th was given 500 mg T/kg bw (T group). The 5th group was given T concurrently with RJ (TRJ group) and the 6th group was given T concurrently with CLO (TCLO group), at the same doses as the former groups. All treatments were given orally for 30 consecutive days. The concentrations of different brain neurotransmitters, gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5HT) as well as the antioxidant and oxidative stress biomarkers were measured in the brain homogenates. An immunohistochemical staining of the cerebral cortex was applied with the anti-ssDNA antibody (an apoptotic cell marker) to reveal the changes in brain structure. The T group revealed a significant decrease in the concentration of the brain neurotransmitters, a sharp shortage in the level of antioxidant biomarkers (super oxide dismutase, catalase and the reduced glutathione), a marked increase in malondialdehyde levels, and numerous apoptotic cells in the brain cortex compared with the other groups. Interestingly, all the previously mentioned parameters were almost retrieved in both the TRJ and TCLO groups compared to the T group. These results conclusively demonstrate that RJ and CLO administration provides sufficient protection against the ruinous effects of T on rat pups brain tissue function and structure.

Modulatory effects of cod liver oil on the antioxidant status and oxidative stress induced by acute exposure to carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) in experimental animal models.

BACKGROUND: This work was designed to investigate the modulatory effects of cod liver oil on the acute exposure to carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) in experimental animal models. METHODS: Markers of oxidative stress, enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants were assessed in the liver and kidney. RESULTS: The results showed significant (p<0.05) increase in the total protein of the kidney of rats pretreated with cod liver oil compared to the control and CCL4-treated groups. Acute exposure to CCL4 also significantly (p<0.05) increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the liver of rats treated with cod liver oil compared to the CCL4-treated rats. The reduced glutathione (GSH) content in the liver of the rats administered with CCL4 decreased significantly compared to that in all other treatment groups, whereas rats pretreated and co-administered with cod liver oil and CCl4 showed significant (p<0.05) improvement in the liver GSH content. The catalase (CAT) activity in the liver of rats exposed to CCL4 decreased (p<0.05) significantly, whereas the activity increased (p<0.05) significantly in the rats that were treated with cod liver oil compared to the CCl4 only-treated group. The percentage inhibition of superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased (p<0.05) significantly in the liver of rats administered cod liver oil compared to the CCL4-treated rats and the control. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, cod liver oil attenuates CCL4-induced toxicity and oxidative stress in the liver but not in the kidney of rats acutely exposed to CCL4.

Effect of in vitro digested cod liver oil of different quality on oxidative, proteomic and inflammatory responses in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and human monocyte-derived dendritic cells.

BACKGROUND: Upon oxidation of the polyunsaturated fatty acids in fish oil, either before ingestion or, as recently shown, during the gastro-intestinal passage, a cascade of potentially cytotoxic peroxidation products, such as malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxy-2-hexenal, can form. In this study, we digested fresh and oxidised cod liver oils in vitro, monitored the levels of lipid peroxidation products and evaluated oxidative, proteomic and inflammatory responses to the two types of digests in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and human monocyte-derived dendritic cells. RESULTS: Digests of cod liver oil with 22-53 µmol L(-1) malondialdehyde and 0.26-3.7 µmol L(-1) 4-hydroxy-2-hexenal increased intracellular oxidation and cell energy metabolic activity compared to a digested blank in yeast cells and the influence of digests on mitochondrial protein expression was more pronounced for oxidised cod liver oil than fresh cod liver oil. The four differentially expressed and identified proteins were related to energy metabolism and oxidative stress response. Maturation of dendritic cells was affected in the presence of digested fresh cod liver oil compared to the digested blank, measured as lower CD86 expression. The ratio of secreted cytokines, IL-12p40/IL-10, suggested a pro-inflammatory effect of the digested oils in relation to the blank (1.47-1.67 vs. 1.07). CONCLUSION: Gastro-intestinal digestion of cod liver oil increases the amount of oxidation products and resulting digests affect oxidation in yeast and immunomodulation of dendritic cells.

Consumption of lean fish reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a prospective population based cohort study of Norwegian women.

BACKGROUND: The effects of fish consumption and n-3 fatty acids on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have recently been debated. OBJECTIVE: We explored the risk of T2DM in relation to consumption of lean fish, fatty fish, fish products and total fish as well as cod liver oil supplements in a representative sample of Norwegian women. DESIGN: This was a prospective population based cohort study in 33740 women free of T2DM, stroke, angina or heart attack and with detailed information on important co-variates and dietary intake at baseline. Risk ratios and corresponding 95% CI were estimated using Poisson regression with log-person time as offset. RESULTS: Lean fish consumption was inversely associated with T2DM compared to zero intake. Risk ratios and 95% CI for intake of 75 and 100 g lean fish per day were 0.71 (0.51, 0.98) and 0.67 (0.46, 0.98), respectively. There was no effect of intake of fatty fish, fish products, total fish or use of cod liver oil supplements on the risk of T2DM. CONCLUSION: Lean fish consumption of 75-100 g/d had a beneficial effect on T2DM. It remains unclear whether lean fish in itself has a protective effect on T2DM or that lean fish consumers have a protective life-style that we were not able to take into account in this study. Unfavorable effects of fatty fish consumption or use of cod liver oil supplements on T2DM were not observed.

Hepatoprotective effects of cod liver oil against sodium nitrite toxicity in rats.

CONTEXT: Exposure to high levels of nitrites for a prolonged time have adverse health effects on several organs especially the liver due to oxidative properties. Meanwhile, cod liver oil has been reported to ameliorate organ dysfunction in animal models that involve oxidative stress. OBJECTIVE: Examine the impact of dietary cod liver oil on sodium nitrite-induced liver damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two adult male Sprague-Dawely rats were daily treated with sodium nitrite (80 mg/kg) in presence or absence of cod liver oil (5 ml/kg). Morphological changes were assessed in liver sections. Oxidative stress and antioxidant markers were measured in serum and liver homogenates. Liver samples were used for measurements of MCP-1, DNA fragmentation and mitochondrial function. RESULTS: The hepatoprotective effect of cod liver oil was proved by significant reduction of elevated liver enzymes and normal appearance of hepatocytes. Cod liver oil significantly reduced hepatic malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion (224.3 ± 18.9 nmol/g, 59.3 ± 5.1 and 62.5 ± 5.1 µmol/g, respectively) compared with sodium nitrite (332.5 ± 25.5 nmol/g, 83.1 ± 8.1 and 93.9 ± 6.5 µmol/g, respectively). Cod liver oil restored hepatic cytochrome c oxidase activity after 38% reduction by sodium nitrite. Furthermore, cod liver oil significantly reduced hepatic MCP-1 (79.8 pg/mg) and DNA fragmentation (13.8%) compared with sodium nitrite (168.7 pg/mg and 41.3%, respectively). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Cod liver oil ameliorates sodium nitrite induced hepatic impairment through several mechanisms including attenuation of oxidative stress, blocking MCP-1, reactivation of mitochondrial function and reduction of DNA fragmentation.

Modulatory effect of cod liver oil on bone mineralization in overiectomized female Sprague Dawley rats.

Osteoporosis represents a major public health problem through its association with fragility fractures, primarily of the hip, spine and distal forearm. The risk of osteoporosis increased in postmenopausal women due to decline in estrogen levels. Replicable hormone therapy is associated with undesirable side effects. Cod liver oil (CLO) is a rich source of docosahexaenoic acid eicosapentaenoic acid linolenic acid and vitamins A, E and D. In this study, the effect of CLO will be tested in the prevention of bone loss in the ovariectomized (OVX) female rats. One group of OVX rats (n = 12) received an estrogen implantation at the time of operation and the second group was supplemented orally with CLO (200 µl/kg body weight) daily for 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood was analysed for serum calcium, phosphorous, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin and estrogen and femur for calcium determination. Estrogen implantation as well as CLO supplementation in OVX rats increased the calcium level in femur as compared with sham rats (p < 0.05). It is concluded that supplementation of CLO have a positive effect on bone mineralization in rat, and this could offer a new strategy to avoid the side effects of replaceable hormonal therapy.

The anticancer effects of Vitamin D and omega-3 PUFAs in combination via cod-liver oil: one plus one may equal more than two.

In the past number of years, the anticancer activities of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3-PUFAs) as well as Vitamin D have been intensively studied, but separately. Supplementation of Vitamin D and omega-3 PUFA via cod-liver oil, one of few natural sources of both of these molecules, may have additive and possibly synergistic anticancer effects. Cod-liver oil has been used effectively to treat diseases such as Rheumatism but has not been studied as an anticancer agent. This review examines the prominent, striking and possibly important similarities between the anticancer effects of ω3-PUFAs and Vitamin D metabolites as well as the possible overlapping signaling pathways by which they may operate. The mechanisms that will be examined in this review fall broadly under the categories of being anti-inflammatory, pro-apoptotic, anti-angiogenic and anti-proliferative. Finally, we compare the potential for use of ω3-PUFAs, Vitamin D combinatorial supplementation both in prevention and treatment of disease. Some data also suggests that the timing of supplementation modifies the effects of Vitamin D and ω3 fatty acids.

Divergent anti-inflammatory effects of different oil acute consumption on healthy individuals.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Inter-cellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), are implicated in atherogenesis. In addition, several types of oil as part of different types of diet are associated with the initiation of atherosclerosis and consequently with the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the exact role of oil consumption on vascular inflammation remains unknown. In this parallel study, we assessed the acute effects of extra virgin olive oil, soy oil, corn oil and cod liver oil on circulating soluble(s) forms of adhesion molecules and TNF-α. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In all, 67 healthy volunteers were randomized to receive 50 ml of oil. Soluble forms of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and TNF-α were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at baseline and at 3 h post oil consumption. RESULTS: All types of oil had no significant effect on soluble VCAM-1 levels (P=nonsignificant (NS) for all). On the contrary, all oil types decreased ICAM-1 levels (P<0.01). Olive oil (P<0.05), soy oil and cod liver oil (P<0.01 for both) reduced TNF-α levels significantly, in contrast to corn oil, which induced a nonsignificant decrease (P=NS). Moreover, there was a significant correlation between the absolute change in ICAM-1 and TNF-α levels (ρ=0.379, P<0.05), but not between the absolute changes in VCAM-1 and TNF-α levels (ρ=0.019, P=NS). CONCLUSIONS: Acute consumption of all types of oil decreased significantly ICAM-1 levels. In addition, olive oil, soy oil and cod liver oil decreased significantly TNF-α levels. Moreover, the absolute change in TNF-α levels was correlated with the absolute change in ICAM-1 levels. These findings indicate that acute consumption of specific types of oil is associated with specific significant anti-inflammatory effects.

Modulatory effect of cod-liver oil on Na(+)-K(+) ATPase in rats' brain.

Omega-3 fatty acids were used in the treatment of psychiatric diseases such as bipolar disorder. Na(+), K(+)-ATPase is also a well-known target for these fatty acids. In this study, we investigated the impact of cod-liver oil (CLO), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on Na(+), K(+)-ATPase, cholinesterase activities, the levels of norepinephrine (NE) and acetylcholine in different regions of rat brain. Our results showed that DHA caused a significant depression in cerebellum Na(+), K( +)-ATPase, whereas CLO activated it. In addition, CLO, EPA and DHA produced a significant activation in Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity in medulla, midbrain and hypothalamus. There were non-significant changes in the activity of cholinesterase enzyme in cerebellum and medulla, while in midbrain and hypothalamus the CLO, DHA and EPA enhanced the activity by 75%, 100% and 78%, respectively. The content of NE in hypothalamus showed slight increase in different regions of the brain of animals fed CLO, DHA or EPA. In conclusion, CLO, DHA or EPA supplementation had a beneficial effect that associated with a normalization of fatty acids incorporation into phospholipid membranes and a partial restoration of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity, suggesting that CLO supplementation may improve fatty acid composition and moderately enhance Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity.

Acute effects of different types of oil consumption on endothelial function, oxidative stress status and vascular inflammation in healthy volunteers.

Consumption of different types of oil may have different effects on cardiovascular risk. The exact role of maize oil, cod liver oil, soya oil and extra virgin olive oil on endothelial function, oxidative stress and inflammation is unknown. We evaluated the effect of acute consumption of these types of oil on endothelial function, oxidative stress and inflammation in healthy adults. Thirty-seven healthy volunteers were randomised to receive an oral amount of each type of oil or water. Endothelial function was evaluated by gauge-strain plethysmography at baseline and 1, 2 and 3 h after consumption. Oxidative stress status was determined by total lipid peroxides (PEROX), while inflammatory process was estimated by measuring the soluble form of vascular adhesion molecule 1. Serum levels of the two previous markers were measured at baseline and 3 h after oil consumption. Reactive hyperaemia (RH) was significantly decreased after maize oil consumption compared with controls (P < 0.05). However, the consumption of cod liver oil and soya oil induced a significant improvement of RH after 1 h, compared with controls (P < 0.05). There was no significant effect of any type of oil consumption on endothelium-independent dilatation, total lipid PEROX and vascular adhesion molecule 1 serum levels. Consumption of maize oil leads to impaired endothelial function, while soya oil and cod liver oil slightly improve endothelial function. However, all types of oils did not affect inflammatory process and systemic oxidative stress, suggesting that their effect on endothelial function may not be mediated by free radicals bioavailability.

Physiological characteristics and stress resistance of great sturgeon (Huso huso) juveniles fed with vitamins C, E, and HUFA-enriched Artemia urmiana nauplii.

This study was carried out to examine the effect of Artemia urmiana nauplii enriched with HUFA, and vitamins C and E on stress tolerance, hematocrit, and biochemical parameters of great sturgeon, Huso huso juveniles. Cod liver oil (EPA 18% and DHA 12%), ascorbyl-6-palmitate and alpha-tocopherol acetate were used as lipid, and vitamin C and E sources, respectively. Beluga juveniles at the stage of first feeding (69.7 +/- 5.9 mg body weight) were randomly divided into five treatments and three tanks were assigned to each diet. All fish groups were fed non-enriched Artemia for the initial 5 days and then fed enriched Artemia for 7 days. Juveniles were fed with Artemia enriched with HUFA + 20% vitamin C (C group); HUFA + 20% vitamin E-enriched Artemia nauplii (E group); HUFA + 20% vitamin C + 20% vitamin E (C and E group); HUFA without vitamins (HUFA) and non-enriched Artemia (control). After the period of enrichment, Juveniles were fed with Daphnia sp. from the 13th to the 40th day. At day 40, the fish were transferred directly from fresh water (0.5 ppt) to brackish water (6 ppt for 4 days and 12 ppt for 2 days) and warm water (from 27 to 33 degrees C) to evaluate juvenile resistance to salinity and thermal shocks. Moreover, all treatments were separately exposed to freshwater in tanks with the same capacity as used for osmotic and thermal tests (as fresh water control). The addition of vitamins C, E, and C + E to HUFA significantly increased fish resistance to 12 ppt salinity and temperature stress tests, whereas survival was not significantly different among challenges at 6 ppt. There was no significant difference in the hematocrit index under stress conditions. Enrichment had significant influence on plasma Na(+) level in the C group on the 4th day at 6 ppt. Na(+) and Ca(2+) concentrations in C, E, and C and E groups on the 1st day at 12 ppt, and Ca(2+) level in E group on the 2nd day at 12 ppt were lower than the other groups. The glucose level in the C and C and E groups was lower than the other treatments on the 1st day at 12 ppt and the 2nd day at 33 degrees C. Regardless of Artemia enrichment, plasma ions (Na(+), K(+), Ca(2+), and Mg(2+)) and glucose concentrations in fish exposed to salinity stress tests were higher than fish in fresh water. Glucose concentration in plasma also increased after 2 days at 33 degrees C. Although most of our results were not significantly different, the use of vitamins C, E, and HUFA in Artemia enrichment can improve Juveniles tolerance under stress conditions, and regardless of enrichment, these data show that beluga juveniles are partly sensitive to high salinity and temperature.

Intestinal alkaline phosphatase secretion in oil-fed rats.

Oil feeding is known to increase the secretion of intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) into serum and this phenomenon is shown to be mediated by surfactant-like particles. These lipoprotein particles are secreted by enterocytes and are rich in phosphatidyl choline and IAP. The exact mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are not known. We studied the effect of feeding different oils varying in fatty acid composition, i.e., coconut oil, corn oil, and cod liver oil, on the secretion of IAP into serum. Also, the effect of actinomycin D treatment on this phenomenon was evaluated. Male albino rats were fed 2 ml of various oils. Alkaline phosphatase activity was measured in serum, luminal washings, and other intestinal fractions. Cod liver oil was found to maximally enhance the soluble and membrane-bound IAP as well as secretion of IAP into lumen and serum. Administration of actinomycin D significantly reduced the enzyme activity in serum and various intestinal fractions in both control and cod liver oil-fed rats. These results were further substantiated by 5-bromo-4-chloroindolyl phosphate staining of IAP in acrylamide gels and by western blotting. The effect of cod liver oil feeding was specific for IAP, as there was no change in the activity of another brush border enzyme, sucrase, under these conditions. These findings suggest that fatty acid composition of the oil determines the amount of IAP secretion and there is coordination between IAP synthesis and its secretion for transport into serum in response to oil feeding.

[Effects of the zinc oxide and cod liver oil containing ointment Zincojecol in an animal model of wound healing]. / Effekte der Zinkoxid/Lebertran-Salbe Zincojecol auf das Wundheilungsgeschehen im Tiermodell.

The effects of Zincojecol an ointment containing zinc oxide and cod liver oil on wound healing were compared with ointments that either contained no active ingredients or zinc oxide or cod liver oil alone. All formulations enhanced the epidermal proliferation after mechanical irritation of the tail skin. The combination of zinc oxide and cod liver oil was found to be superior to the vehicle control and formulations containing only one active ingredient. This combination was also found to be most efficient in accelerating wound healing being retarded by repeated dexamethasone treatment.

Behavioral attraction of Leach's storm-petrels (Oceanodroma leucorhoa) to dimethyl sulfide.

A recent model for olfactory foraging by procellariiform seabirds suggests that these birds use biogenic sulfur compounds to locate productive areas for foraging in the southern oceans. The present study refines a simple approach to test birds' responses to odors on land and extends our knowledge to a northern species, the Leach's storm-petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa). Rather than working at sea, we tested the behavioral response to dimethyl sulfide (DMS) at night in breeding colonies on Kent Island, New Brunswick, Canada. Birds were presented with either 5 ml DMS (100 micro mol l(-1) concentration) or control (water) solutions from a platform 1.5 m in height positioned in a flyway 10 m from a breeding colony. We also tested birds' responses to cod liver oil, a well-established olfactory attractant of procellariiforms foraging at sea. Leach's storm-petrels approached DMS presentations nearly twice as frequently as they approached controls. We next compared the distribution of approaches against a Poisson process to test for evidence of social cueing. We found that approaches to DMS were significantly clustered. By contrast, the distribution of approaches did not depart significantly from a Poisson distribution for either cod liver oil or control presentations. Taken together, these results suggest that Leach's storm-petrels can smell DMS and potentially use it as a foraging cue. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the detection of biogenic sulfur compounds in combination with other cues assists birds in locating foraging hotspots.