Oral administration of a turmeric extract inhibits LDL oxidation and has hypocholesterolemic effects in rabbits with experimental atherosclerosis.

The oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. Curcumin is a yellow pigment obtained from rhizomes of Curcuma longa and is commonly used as a spice and food colouring. Curcumin and turmeric extracts have several pharmacological effects including antitumour, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiinfectious activities although the precise mechanisms involved remain to be elicited. We evaluated the effect of an ethanol-aqueous extract obtained from rhizomes of C. longa on LDL oxidation susceptibility and plasma lipids in atherosclerotic rabbits. A total of 18 rabbits were fed for 7 weeks on a diet containing 95.7% standard chow, 3% lard and 1. 3% cholesterol, to induce atherosclerosis. The rabbits were divided into groups, two of which were also orally treated with turmeric extract at doses of 1.66 (group A) and 3.2 (group B) mg/kg body weight, respectively. A third group (group C) acted as a control. Plasma and LDL lipid composition, plasma alpha-tocopherol, plasma retinol, LDL TBARS, LDL lipid hydroperoxides and analysis of aortic atherosclerotic lesions were assayed. The low but not the high dosage decreased the susceptibility of LDL to lipid peroxidation. Both doses had lower levels of total plasma cholesterol than the control group. Moreover, the lower dosage had lower levels of cholesterol, phospholipids and triglycerides in LDL than the 3.2-mg dosage. In conclusion, the use of this extract could be useful in the management of cardiovascular disease in which atherosclerosis is important.

Comparative effect of truncal vagotomy and pirenzepine on postprandial secretory response of exocrine pancreas in dogs.

The comparative effect of truncal vagotomy and associated pyloroplasty and orally administrated pirenzepine (75 mg, 1 h before food intake) on the exocrine pancreatic secretory response to food was studied in conscious dogs. Both pirenzepine administration and truncal vagotomy totally abolished the pancreatic hydromineral and organic secretory response to food intake while postprandial pH of intraduodenal content remained above 6. From the results of our study we conclude that the vago nerve must not be altered in order to assure a pancreatic response to food intake and that pirenzepine is as strong as truncal vagotomy in maintaining pH in postprandial intraduodenal content over 6.

The influence of dietary fat source (sunflower oil or olive oil) on LDL composition and serum lipid levels in miniature swine (Sus scrofa).

A total of 24 miniature swine (Sus scrofa) were fed with two diets of 9% fat content, differing only in the quality of the fat source (sunflower oil and olive oil). Two groups of animals were fed for a 12-week period, and the other two groups were fed for a 50-week period. After the two experimental periods, the influence of the dietary fat on serum lipids and protein and fatty acid composition of isolated LDLs was studied. In the short term, the serum cholesterol level was slightly higher in the olive oil group but, with the time of adaptation to the diet, serum levels of TC, FC and PL increased significantly in the sunflower group. In the long term, LDL and HDL were also significantly higher in the sunflower group when compared to the monounsaturated diet. In the sunflower group, PROT/TC and PROT/LIP ratios decreased significantly with the experimental period, while in the olive oil group they increased, due to the decrease in EC and TG fractions. The LDL particle in the olive group contained fewer saturated fatty acids and more monounsaturated fatty acids, specially oleic acid, than the LDL in the sunflower group. The changes found in chemical and fatty acid compositions of LDL, according to the saturation degree of the predominant fat of the diet, could alter its cellular metabolism.

Adaptation of the exocrine pancreas to dietary fats.

This article reviews studies on the adaptation of the exocrine pancreas to dietary fat. We include all the latest information about the mechanisms that underlie the adaptation of the secretory mechanism of the exocrine pancreas to the amount and the type of dietary fat. We review the kinetics of pancreatic adaptation and the mediators of the adaptive response of the pancreas including cellular and molecular mechanisms (modulation of intracellular messengers and gene expression of the different enzymes and secretagogues involved in the adaptation process). At the same time we include our results in this field in dogs and humans.

Long-term influence of dietary fat (sunflower oil, olive oil, lard and fish oil) in the serum fatty acid composition and in the different lipidic fractions, in miniature swine.

A total of 24 miniature swine (sus scrofa) was fed with four diets of 9% fat content, differing only in the quality of the fat source (sunflower oil, olive oil, lard fat and fish oil) for a 12 months period. After the experimental period, the influence of the dietary fat on the serum fatty acid composition, and the distribution of those fatty acids in the different serum lipidic fractions was studied. The olive oil group had the lowest SI value (total sum of saturated fatty acids) and the highest MUFA value (total sum of monounsaturated fatty acids) in serum. The sunflower group had higher proportions of n6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in serum, when compared with the remaining groups. The lard group and the fish oil group had both the highest values of SI and n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The results show that fatty acid composition in serum reflected, but not in all cases, the fatty acid composition of the diet. The highest correspondence was found with sunflower oil and olive oil diets. The existence of interactions between the different fatty acid series was evident, especially with the lard and the fish oil diets, as well as endogenous synthesis mechanisms. In lipidic fractions, higher correspondence with diet was found in EC fraction, but, as well as in serum, the existence of interactions between fatty acid series was evident, and especially activity and biosynthesis of desaturases may have been affected.

Dietary intake and anthropometric measures in a Spanish students group.

Two four-day diet records were used to estimate usual energy and nutrient intake, eating patterns (habits) and contribution of meals to total energy intake, in a group of 92 biology students from the Granada University. At the same time, a series of anthropometric measures was taken from each subject (weight, height, skin pleats and arm measurement). Comparison of real intakes with those recommended was carried out using the 1980 Spanish recommendations and the 1992 European Community recommendations. For men (n = 42) mean intakes for most nutrients were similar to the recommended levels and the proportion with intakes of vitamins and minerals below 80% of the recommended intakes was also minimal. Among women (n = 50) mean intake of zinc was below 80% of the Spanish recommendation. However, there was a wide range of intakes of minerals and vitamins within both groups; therefore, we found a high percentage of subjects with intakes of some vitamins or minerals below 80% of the recommended intakes. Finally, anthropometric measures showed normal body weight, height, and body composition among the students.

Effects of the amount and type of dietary fat on exocrine pancreatic secretion in dogs after different periods of adaptation.

Mongrel dogs were fed, from weaning to 6 months of age, on one of two 9% lipid diets that differed only in the type of fat content (sunflower oil or virgin olive oil) to study their effects on exocrine pancreatic secretion, in the basal period and in response to food. In addition, the results were compared with those obtained in a previous work performed by us on dogs adapted for 8 months to diets containing a higher (15%) amount of the same dietary fats to further evaluate the influence of the amount of dietary fat and the length of the adaptation period. The results from the present study show that both the volume and bicarbonate secreted in the absence of stimuli are unaffected by the quality of dietary fat. In contrast, in response to food, the pancreatic juice flow and the bicarbonate output were significantly higher in the group of animals given the sunflower oil diet. The differences seem to be related with the oleic acid content in the diets and the effectiveness of this fatty acid in triggering the release of inhibitory peptides such as pancreatic polypeptide and peptide YY. The comparison between the results from our present and previous studies supports the afore-mentioned hypothesis and confirms the existence of a clear influence of the amount and type of dietary fat, especially the oleic acid content, upon the pancreatic response to food, without ruling out a role for the duration of the adaptation period.

Effect of age on the exocrine pancreatic secretion of the preruminant milk-fed goat.

The effect of age on the exocrine pancreatic function was studied in fifteen Granadina goat kids during the second, third and fourth postnatal week. The animals, chronically catheterized, were bottle-fed on goat milk twice a day. Pure pancreatic juice was collected from 1 hour before and throughout 8 hours after milk ingestion. Pancreatic flow rate, bicarbonate and chloride concentrations, total protein content and enzyme activities were determined. In resting conditions, pancreatic flow rate augmented with age, probably reflecting an increase in body and pancreas weight. Resting amylase and lipase activities recorded significant increases during the fourth week of life. That may be associated, respectively, to the immediate change to a high-starch diet and to a simultaneous decrease in the salivary lipase levels. Our results also showed age-related differences after ingestion of milk, mainly concerning the volume response and the lipase output. The latter can be explained in the same way as regarding resting conditions. With respect to the volume response, several factors could be implicated, such as the circulating levels of gastrointestinal hormones, the sensitivity of the pancreas to such stimuli, the maturation degree in the secretory mechanisms of the gland or the development of the digestive tract.

Exocrine pancreatic secretion in suckling goats. Adaptative effects of maternal milk and a milk substitute.

Suckling goats were fed ad libitum during the first month of their life by goat milk or by a milk replacer. These diets differed in the amount of fat and the type of protein. The composition of the exocrine pancreatic secretion in the basal period and in response to food were compared in both conditions. Pancreatic juice was collected one hour before meal intake up to the 8th postprandial hour. Pancreatic flow rate, bicarbonate and chloride levels, total protein and enzyme activities were measured. In resting conditions and in response to food, the lipase activity was found to be significantly lower in the group fed with milk replacer, which was poorer in fat. These results indicate an adaptation of the enzyme output to the available quantity of its substrate, similar to that described in the rat. Postprandial differences in the pancreatic flow rate, electrolytes and total protein were found between both groups. Their origin can be attributed to the protein used (soyabean) in the milk substitute. Such soya protein alters the normal clot formation in the abomasum and allows an accelerated abomasal digesta outflow and duodenal pH alkalinisation.

Postnatal development of the exocrine pancreas in suckling goat kids.

A total of 25 preruminant Granadina breed goats were used. They were bottle-fed goat milk ad libitum from postnatal day 3 to 28. Until the age of 3 d, kids were fed colostrum. Body weight, pancreas weight, total protein concentration, enzyme activities in pancreatic tissue and hormone concentrations (cortisol, gastrin, T3 and T4) were determined at 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 d of age. Our results show that the rates of pancreatic synthesis and secretion of chymotrypsin are well developed at birth in the kid, and may compensate for possible deficiencies in gastric and/or enterocytes intracellular proteolysis. In week 4, there was a marked increase in amylase activity, change that can be attributed to the beginning of the transitional period known as weaning. The significant increase in circulating concentration of cortisol during week 4 suggests the involvement of corticosteroid as a mediator of pancreatic development at weaning. Changes in blood levels of this hormone are believed to be important in the expression of amylase in the neonatal period. However, T3-T4 blood levels remained unchanged from d 3 to 28, suggesting that, in the kid, these hormones appear to have no clear influence upon the postnatal development of the exocrine pancreas.

Biliary secretion in suckling goats: the effect of maternal milk and of a lamb milk replacer.

A total of 45 preruminant goats were fed either goat milk or a milk substitute. The postnatal development of bile secretion and biliary lipids composition of suckling goats and the influence upon these parameters of maternal milk substitution were studied during the first month of life. Samples of hepatic and gallbladder bile were obtained from kids of 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 day-old. Bile flow rate, cholesterol, total bile salts and phospholipids were measured. Our results show that the quality of the protein and fat used in the elaboration of the milk replacer, affects the evolution of both hepatic bile flow and biliary lipids composition. Differences between gallbladder and hepatic bile composition show a scarce concentration capacity of the gallbladder with both diets and at all ages studied.

Conjugated bile acids and intestinal flora during the preruminant stage in goat. Influence of a lamb milk replacer.

A total of 45 preruminant goats were fed either goat milk or a milk substitute to compare the evolution of taurine and glycine conjugated bile acids and the evolution of the intestinal flora during the first month of life. Samples of hepatic bile were obtained from kids of 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days old and conjugated bile acids were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Bacterial flora were determined in 14 and 28 day old animals. Ours results show that under our experimental conditions tauroconjugated bile acids clearly predominated over the conjugated with glycine. This pattern of preferential tauroconjugation persisted at all ages tested and in both groups studied. On the other hand, it seems that the quality of the protein and fat used in the elaboration of the milk replacer affects the intestinal flora and the postnatal evolution of conjugated bile acids.

Regulation by diet of the pancreas enzyme content of suckling goats.

To study pancreas enzyme content regulation when the diet was modified in suckling goats, a comparison was made between kids fed a milk replacer and ones fed maternal milk. A total of 25 preruminant Granadina breed goats were bottle-fed a milk replacer ad libitum from postnatal days 3 to 28 (until the age of 3 days kids had been fed colostrum). Body weight, pancreas weight, total protein concentration, and enzyme activities in pancreatic tissue were determined at 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of age, and the results were compared to those previously obtained in kids fed maternal milk for the same period. Lipase activity was significantly lower in the group fed milk replacer, which was poorer in fat. Amylase activity was higher in this group, perhaps due to the starch products present in the milk substitute. However, the postnatal evolution of chymotrypsin activity followed a similar pattern regardless of diet. Our results seem to confirm that in preruminant kids there is a nutritional regulation of pancreatic amylase and lipase activities, depending on the amounts of their respective substrates in the diet, similar to that described in nonruminants.

Absence of rapid adaptation of the exocrine pancreas of conscious dogs to diets enriched in fat or carbohydrates.

Adult mongrel dogs were fed during 8 days on one of two diets, one rich in fat (FR) and the other rich in carbohydrates (CR), in order to compare the exocrine pancreatic secretion in the basal period and in response to food. Under resting conditions, mean pancreatic juice flow and mean values of protein content, amylase and lipase activity and production were similar in both experimental groups, suggesting that the period of adaptation used did not produce any influence on the measured parameters. No significant difference between the two dietary groups was found in postprandial volume of pancreatic juice. The peak of pancreatic juice flow in FR-group was smaller but remained elevated until the end of the 5th h, possibly due to the fact of delayed gastric emptying when animals are fed with a high fat diet. No significant differences were found between the groups in neither postprandial amylase activity and secretion nor lipase activity. On the other hand, lipase output was significantly higher in FR-group but only during the 5 postprandial h. This fact may be related to some intestinal factor stimulated by the hydrolysis products of fat. Finally, our findings show that no rapid adaptation of exocrine pancreatic secretion exist to the diet, at least in our experimental conditions. Of course, this does not exclude that the phenomenon of adaptation may appear in the dog under long-term adaptation to the diet.

Long-term effects on lipid metabolism in miniature swine (Sus scrofa) of diets enriched in saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated (N-6 and N-3) fatty acids.

In this paper we study the effect of long-term adaptation (twelve months) of lipidic parameters of miniature swine to diets enriched in saturated (lard; L-group), monounsaturated (olive-oil; O-group) and polyunsaturated (sunflower and fish-oil; S- and F-groups respectively). The experimental group with the highest level of total cholesterol, free cholesterol and phospholipids was the S-group. This group had as well levels of HDL-C and LDL-C significantly higher when compared with the remaining groups. The L-group had the lowest value of HDL-C. In spite of that, the index of artherogenicity (HDL/LDL+VLDL) was significantly higher in the L-group, followed by the O-, F- and S-group respectively. On the other hand, after 12 months adaptation we observed that the fatty acid composition of serum lipids clearly reflects the quality of the dietary fats. The O-group had significantly higher serum oleic acid levels than all the other groups, and its content in saturated fatty acids was the lowest. The same happens with red blood cell (Rbcs) membranes fatty acids but the effect is less marked. Membranes of the L-group were found to have the highest saturation index (SI) in Rbcs membranes, while the F-group had the highest unsaturation index (UI), followed by the O-group. Taken together, our findings show that the diet enriched in olive oil produces a lipid pattern intermediate between that obtained with the fish-oil-diet and the sunflower-oil-diet but with the advantage of Rbcs membranes with a lower amount of PUFAS. As it is known, membranes with high percentages of PUFAS are more accessible for peroxidation, and the degree of peroxidation of lipids is directly related with changes in the membranes functionality.

Blood platelet function in healthy individuals of different ages. Effects of exercise and exercise conditioning.

The influence of age, physical conditioning and physical exercise on platelet function on human being is still controversial. The aim of our study were to evaluate the effect of physical exercise on platelet activation measured by beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG) levels and the number of platelets in sedentary and athlete subjects of different ages, and also to investigate the response of these parameters during the period of recover immediately after a bicycle exercise test. Our results show differences in platelet count and beta-TG levels among the experimental groups studied, in basal conditions, in response to the exercise test and during postexercise period. These results seem to indicate that regardless age, regular physical exercise diminish age negative effects on platelet aggregation.

[Postoperative enteral nutrition with a high content of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids]. / Nutrición enteral postoperatoria con alto contenido en ácidos grasos mono y poliinsaturados.

We have done a clinical study in patients with benign biliary disease and indication for surgery, with the aim of analyzing some parameters of gastric secretion, biliary and pancreatic function, and gastrointestinal hormones in relation to the quantity and quality of the dietary fat (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids), acting on the postoperative enteral ingestion, modifying the lipid source by its elaboration. In the present work we show the results derived from the analysis of the gastric and duodenal juices in relation to the type of fat administered, with a global description of the study being necessary. The studied sample consisted of 20 patients diagnosed with simple gallstones, who were divided into two groups (n = 10) according to the usual ingestion of fats: olive oil (Olive Group) or sunflower oil (Sunflower Group). A control group (n = 10) has also been considered, without taking into account their dietary habits. The patients were subjected to surgery, and after the immediate postoperative period they were fed, orally, with an enteral diet prepared with commercially available formulae (modular EDA); as a lipid source we have added olive oil, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, for the Olive Group, and sunflower oil, rich in polyunsaturated oil, for the Sunflower Group. In the control group cream was added as lipid source (mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids). The caloric value of the diet is calculated based on the caloric value of its components (protein: 17%, carbohydrate: 53%, lipid 30%). The daily caloric requirements are determined based on the daily basal metabolism, according to the Harris-Benedick formula.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[The use of the Dreimlich probe for obtaining samples in a postoperative study of biliopancreatic function in cholecystectomized patients]. / Uso de la sonda de Dreimlich para la obtención de muestras en un estudio de función bilipancreática postoperatorio en pacientes colecistectomizados.

We have performed a clinical study involving patients with symptomatic gallstones and indications for surgery, to analyze the biliary and pancreatic response to the quality of dietary fat (degree of unsaturation). As part of the investigative method, we have designed a clinical protocol adapted to the needs of the study, in this respect, we have used gastrointestinal intubation to obtain independent samples of gastric and duodenal juices, by means of a long nasoduodenal tube or a modified Dreimlich tube, placed manually in the intraoperative period, during the cholecystectomy. The characteristics of the tube are such that its manipulation is difficult, which led to situations postoperatively and during sampling, which may alter or invalidate the obtained drainage material. In the present study we define the protocol and the phases of the investigation, and we reflect on the usefulness of the Dreimlich tube as a method, analyzing its advantages and disadvantages.

Surgery for aortic valve endocarditis: treatment options for aortic abscess.

BACKGROUND: Patients with infective endocarditis show a large diversity of anatomical presentations, which has been a complicating factor for the surgical treatment of this condition, especially in those who develop abscesses in the aortic ring or intracardiac fistulae. For this reason, surgeons have been developing tactical options to repair it. There is consensus around the fact that the removal of infected tissue promotes radical cleaning, and that the outcome of the treatment has been improved by the manufacture of biological glues which facilitate the closure of abscesses and by the creation of new valve replacements. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate yet one more treatment option for aortic abscess for selected cases: a valved conduit placed in infra-coronary position. METHODS: We employed the technique in three patients: in two of them we employed a valved conduit with a mechanical prosthesis and in one of them a valved conduit with a biological prosthesis. Two patients needed associated procedures such as replacement of mitral valve in one of them and tricuspid valvoplasty in the other. All cases involved reoperation of prostheses in aortic position. RESULTS: The progression during surgery and in the early postoperative period was satisfactory and the three patients were discharged from the Intensive Care Unit and were sent to hospital rooms. One of the patients progressed to death during hospital stay due to severe comorbidities which were present in the preoperative period, and which related to esophageal varices and hepatic involvement. The other two progressed well in the late postoperative period. CONCLUSION: We believe that this option is yet one more alternative for the treatment of abscesses with great involvement of aortic ring structures and mitro-aortic continuity.

Role of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), secretin and gastrin in the genesis of the late exocrine pancreatic hypersecretion, food intake dependent in conscious dogs.

Plasma levels of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), secretin and gastrin were studied in four saphenous vein-catheterized dogs during the first 12 h after ingestion of a standard solid meal. Under these conditions we found significant postprandial increases in secretion only, which rose from a basal value of 219 +/- 27 pg/ml to 449 +/- 66 pg/ml 60 min postprandial (p < 0.001), and remained elevated until 4 h after food intake. However, no increase was seen from 8 to 12 h in any of the hormones studied, indicating that they are not directly involved in the enhancement of exocrine pancreatic secretion during this period.