AIN 93G Research Articles

Solanum lycocarpum St. Hill. fibrous fraction intake can contribute to counteract diet-induced obesity co-morbidities

Solanum lycocarpum St. Hill is a Brazilian Cerrado fruit popularly known as wolf-apple, lobeira or fruta-do-lobo. The proximate composition of fruta-do-lobo showed that the flour prepared from the fruit's pulp has 23g/100g of fiber, which is considered rich in fiber. Data from the literature suggest that dietary fiber intake can positively decrease body weight gain and its adverse side effects through physiological effects and metabolism modulation. From this perspective, this study aimed to analyze the nutritional effects of the fibrous fraction (FF) obtained after extraction of resistant starch from fruta-do-lobo flour in mice with diet-induced obesity. Swiss mice (n = 22) were randomized into three different groups according to the diet offered: control (AIN 93-G diet), HF (high-fat diet – 4% vegetable oil; 31% lard), and FF (HF diet + 3% fibrous fraction of fruta-do-lobo). It was observed that consuming a diet containing the fibrous fraction (FF) promoted histological changes compared to the obese control group (HF) since the liver weight was lower and there was an improvement in hepatic steatosis. Even so, some biological results were observed in the FF group with a profile more similar to the lean control group than the HF group, namely epididymal tissue weight, liver weight, and kITT. It is important to point out that many variables, such as the duration of the protocol and the doses of supplemented dietary fiber, may be associated with the results observed in the present study. However, there is some evidence that the fibrous fraction of fruta-do-lobo can be used as an ingredient to supplement dietary fiber intake and contribute to health promotion.

Basal Diet Fed to Recipient Mice Was the Driving Factor for Colitis and Colon Tumorigenesis, despite Fecal Microbiota Transfer from Mice with Severe or Mild Disease

Consumption of the total Western diet (TWD) in mice has been shown to increase gut inflammation, promote colon tumorigenesis, and alter fecal microbiome composition when compared to mice fed a healthy diet, i.e., AIN93G (AIN). However, it is unclear whether the gut microbiome contributes directly to colitis-associated CRC in this model. The objective of this study was to determine whether dynamic fecal microbiota transfer (FMT) from donor mice fed either the AIN basal diet or the TWD would alter colitis symptoms or colitis-associated CRC in recipient mice, which were fed either the AIN diet or the TWD, using a 2 × 2 factorial experiment design. Time-matched FMT from the donor mice fed the TWD did not significantly enhance symptoms of colitis, colon epithelial inflammation, mucosal injury, or colon tumor burden in the recipient mice fed the AIN diet. Conversely, FMT from the AIN-fed donors did not impart a protective effect on the recipient mice fed the TWD. Likewise, the composition of fecal microbiomes of the recipient mice was also affected to a much greater extent by the diet they consumed than by the source of FMT. In summary, FMT from the donor mice fed either basal diet with differing colitis or tumor outcomes did not shift colitis symptoms or colon tumorigenesis in the recipient mice, regardless of the basal diet they consumed. These observations suggest that the gut microbiome may not contribute directly to the development of disease in this animal model.

Fecal Microbiota Transfer to Determine the Contribution of the Gut Microbiome in a Mouse Model of Western Diet-Enhanced Colorectal Cancer

ObjectivesThe role of the gut microbiome in the etiology of colorectal cancer (CRC) and the therapeutic potential for modulation of gut microbiota is under intense investigation. Previously, we showed that consumption of the total Western diet (TWD) in mice increased gut inflammation, promoted colon tumorigenesis, and altered the microbiome composition compared to mice fed a healthy diet, AIN93G (AIN). However, it is unclear whether the gut microbiome contributes directly to colitis-associated CRC in this model. The objective of this study was to determine whether fecal microbiota transfer (FMT) from host mice fed either AIN or TWD basal diets would alter colitis symptoms or colitis-associated CRC in recipient mice, which were fed either AIN or TWD directly.MethodsThe resident microbiome of recipient mice was depleted using broad spectrum antibiotics and then replenished by FMT using fecal samples collected during a prior experiment from mice fed either AIN diet (resulting in modest colitis and low tumor burden) or TWD diet (extreme colitis and high tumor burden) in a time-matched fashion by week. Recipient mice were fed either AIN or TWD basal diets, such that four experiment groups were generated: 1) AIN-fed recipients with FMT from AIN-fed host, 2) AIN-fed recipients with FMT from TWD-fed host, 3) TWD-fed recipients with FMT from AIN-fed host, 2) TWD-fed recipients with FMT from TWD-fed host. In recipients, the standard azoxymethane + dextran sodium sulfate model of colitis-associated CRC was used.ResultsPreliminary results indicate that time-matched FMT from mice fed TWD did not significantly enhance symptoms of colitis, colon epithelial inflammation, mucosal injury, or colon tumor burden in recipient mice fed AIN diet. Conversely, FMT from AIN-fed mice did not impart a protective effect for recipient mice fed the TWD.ConclusionsFMT from mice fed either basal diet with differing colitis or tumor outcomes did not shift colitis symptoms of colon tumorigenesis in recipient mice, regardless of the basal diet they consumed. These observations suggest that the gut microbiome may not contribute directly to the development of disease in this animal model. Gut microbiome 16s rRNA sequencing and analyses are pending.Funding SourcesFunding support USDA NIFA grant no. 2018–67,017-27,516.

Tissue Lycopene Accumulation in Transgenic Mice Lacking One or Both Carotenoid Cleaving Enzymes

ObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of gender and ablation of β-carotene oxygenase 1 (BCO1), β-carotene oxygenase 2(BCO2) or both on tissue accumulation of lycopene dosed transgenic mice. Previous work from our laboratories suggests that BCO2 appears to be the primary carotenoid cleavage enzyme for lycopene in vivo. MethodsThree-week old C57BL/6 male and female mice (wild type [WT], Bco1-/-, Bco2-/-, Bco1-/- X Bco2-/- double knock out [DKO]) were divided into groups based on genotype (n = 8 per group/per gender) and fed a powdered AIN 93G diet for 2 weeks. The mice were gavaged daily for 2 weeks with 1 mg of lycopene dissolved in cottonseed oil after which they were fasted and sacrificed. Liver, serum, and extra-hepatic tissues were harvested. Lycopene concentration was measured with high-performance liquid chromatography. Data analyses were performed using one-way ANOVA. ResultsOn a concentration basis, liver, duodenum and adrenal lycopene were higher than other tissues. Serum and tissues of DKO mice accumulated the highest lycopene. DKO mice had significantly higher lycopene than Bco1-/- mice in the liver (P < .002), heart (P < .004), adipose (P < .03), and the testes (P < .004). Compared to Bco2-/- mice, DKO mice had greater accumulation in the serum (P < .001), intestine (P < .04), heart (P < .0001), kidneys (P < .0001), adipose (P < .04), and testes (P < .0001). Liver (P < .007) and adrenal (ns) tissues in Bco2-/- mice had higher levels of lycopene than Bco1-/- mice whereas Bco1-/- mice had significantly higher levels in the kidneys (P < .001) and tended to have greater accumulation in other tissues. ConclusionsAccumulation of lycopene in tissues depended upon gender, genotype and tissue type. The abolition of both enzymes and mice of a female sex generated a higher accumulation. We are probing whether tissue-specific expression levels of BCO1, BCO2 or carotenoid transport proteins explain differential tissue accumulation across genotypes. Funding SourcesN/A.

Impact of dietary vitamin A deficiency on body physiology and liver metabolism of Wistar rats.

Background: Studies suggest that vitamin A deficiency (VAD) can cause night blindness or xerophthalmia, hepatic and metabolic changes in the blood. Aim: Therefore, this work aimed to stablish a model of hypovitaminosis A in rats and to evaluate the effects of vitamin A deficiency on metabolic and oxidative parameters in the liver of rats. Methods: Male (n = 19), Wistar, rats (21-day-old) weighing 50g, divided into two experimental groups: Control Group (C), received AIN 93G diet and Vitamin A Deficiency Group (VAD), received AIN 93G vitamin A-free diet for 45 days. In this work, the parameters analyzed were: body mass, food and water intake, biochemical aspects in the blood, lipids and glycogen content, lipid peroxidation, carbonyl proteins and catalase activity in the liver. Results: In the VAD group, final body mass (9%), liver mass (28%), glycemia (14%), Total -cholesterol (17%), HDL -cholesterol (31%) and VLDL -cholesterol (30%) showed reduced (p < 0.05). The liver lipid (64%) and glyceride-fatty acid (74%) contents were higher in the VAD group. The carbonyl proteins in liver were increased by 171% (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In summary, these results suggest that the absence of vitamin A from the diet was effective in inducing characteristics of hypovitaminosis A in rats. This way, can be used for studies related to glucose and lipid metabolism.

Impact of Carotenoid Cleaving Enzymes on Lycopene Accumulation in Transgenic Mice

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the role of β-carotene oxygenase 1 (BCO1) and BCO2 on lycopene tissue distribution. Methods Three-week old C57BL/6 male and female mice (wild type [WT], Bco1−/−, Bco2−/−, Bco1−/− × Bco2−/− double knock out [DKO]) were divided into groups based on genotype (n = 16 per group split evenly by sex) and fed a powdered AIN 93G control diet for 2 weeks. After this period, mice were gavaged daily for 2 weeks with 1 mg of lycopene dissolved in cottonseed oil. 12 h-fasted mice were then sacrificed, and liver, serum, heart, kidney, intestine, gonadal adipose, prostate, spleen, and testes were harvested. Tissues were preserved in liquid nitrogen and stored at −80 until analyses. We measured lycopene levels in all samples by using high-performance liquid chromatography. Data analyses were performed using two-way ANOVA, followed by the Sidaks test with a statistical significance threshold of P &amp;lt; 0.05. Results Female mice showed higher lycopene levels in the intestine (P &amp;lt; 0.045) and liver (P &amp;lt; 0.007) irrespective of genotype, while male mice had higher lycopene levels in serum (P &amp;lt; 0.004). Intestine, serum, and kidneys exhibited higher lycopene levels in DKO mice compared to all other genotypes (P &amp;lt; .0001), while having higher lycopene levels in testes (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) compared to Bco2−/− and WT mice and adipose (P &amp;lt; 0.005) only in comparison to Bco2−/− mice. DKO exhibited higher lycopene levels in the spleen compared to Bco1−/− mice (P &amp;lt; 0.02). Lycopene levels in the liver (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) were higher in Bco2−/− mice compared to Bco1 −/− and DKO mice, while Bco1−/− mice had lower hepatic lycopene levels compared to all other genotypes. Conclusions Female mice accumulated higher lycopene levels in most tissues compared to males. These results were consistent when data were corrected by total tissue weight. The data suggest the absence of BCO2 favors carotenoid accumulation in many extrahepatic tissues, an effect that is enhanced in the absence of both carotenoid cleaving enzymes. Funding Sources Internal funding, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign.

Assessment of &lt;i&gt;Ricinus communis&lt;/i&gt; (Castor Oil) Seed as Potential Protein Source in Weanling Diet Formulations

Protein-rich weanling food products, particularly those from animal sources, are not very accessible and affordable in several developing nations in Africa. Most women resort primarily to the use of only carbohydrate-based food such as cornstarch, to wean their toddlers from breast-feeding. This has led to several children getting affected by protein energy malnutrition and other associated conditions. The need to develop plant-based protein-rich weanling diets is therefore essential to ensure a balance in nutrient intake of toddlers. Growth and maintenance studies using <i>Ricinus communis</i> seed-diet formulations were investigated in wistar rats, to evaluate it’s potential as weanling diet. The diets were formulated using AIN 93G methods for laboratory rats during their growth, pregnancy and lactating periods. Thirty weanling male albino rats (40-60g) were utilized in this study, they were divided into five groups of six rats each based on sample treatment respectively. The groups includes; (CAS) casein diet, (BRC) boiled <i>R. communis </i>diet, (FRC) fermented <i>R. communis </i>diet, (FRC+C) fermented <i>R. communis </i>plus charcoal diet, and (NFD) nitrogen free diet. The rats were housed in individual metabolic cages equipped to separate faeces and urine. The growth study lasted for 21 days followed by a 7 days maintenance period. The proximate composition showed that <i>R. communis </i>seeds is high in protein (33.25%) and fat (37.70%). Boiling and fermentation treatments decreased the protein (23.13 and 20.37%) and fat (24.5 and 21.0%) contents, respectively. Sample-based diets were least consumed by the rats, which showed retarded growth as well, compared to CAS control and NFD diet groups. The nitrogen balanced studies showed that over 80% of the nitrogen consumed from the test diet were absorbed and retained, suggesting high utilization of the seed nitrogen.

Brain α-Tocopherol Concentration and Stereoisomer Profile Alter Hippocampal Gene Expression in Weanling Mice

Alpha-tocopherol (αT), the bioactive constituent of vitamin E, is essential for fertility and neurological development. Synthetic αT (8 stereoisomers; all rac-αT) is added to infant formula at higher concentrations than natural αT (RRR-αT only) to adjust for bio-potency differences, but its effects on brain development are poorly understood. The objective was to determine the impact of bio-potency-adjusted dietary all rac-αT versus RRR-αT, fed to dams, on the hippocampal gene expression in weanling mice. Male/female pairs of C57BL/6Jmice were fed AIN 93-G containing RRR-αT (NAT) or all rac-αT (SYN) at 37.5 or 75IU/kg (n=10/group) throughout gestation and lactation. Male pups were euthanized at 21 days. Half the brain was evaluated for the αT concentration and stereoisomer distribution. The hippocampus was dissected from the other half, and RNA was extracted and sequenced. Milk αT was analyzed in separate dams. A total of 797 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the hippocampi across the 4 dietary groups, at a false discovery rate of 10%. Comparing the NAT-37.5 group to the NAT-75 group or the SYN-37.5 group to the SYN-75 group, small differences in brain αT concentrations (10%; P<0.05) led to subtle changes (<10%) in gene expression of 600 (NAT) or 487 genes (SYN), which were statistically significant. Marked differences in brain αT stereoisomer profiles (P<0.0001) had a small effect on fewer genes (NAT-37.5vs. SYN-37.5, 179; NAT-75vs. SYN-75, 182). Most of the DEGs were involved in transcription regulation and synapse formation. A network analysis constructed around known vitamin E interacting proteins (VIPs) revealed a group of 32 DEGs between NAT-37.5vs. SYN-37.5, explained by expression of the gene for the VIP, protein kinase C zeta (Pkcz). In weanling mouse hippocampi, a network of genes involved in transcription regulation and synapse formation was differentially affected by dam diet αT concentration and source: all rac-αT or RRR-αT.

Protocatechuic acid supplement alleviates allergic airway inflammation by inhibiting the IL-4Rα-STAT6 and Jagged 1/Jagged2-Notch1/Notch2 pathways in allergic asthmatic mice.

To clarify the effects of dietary supplementation of protocatechuic acid (PCA) and in-depth mechanisms on allergic asthma in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mice. Female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10 in each group): control group, OVA-induced allergic asthma group, and OVA plus PCA group. Dietary supplementation of PCA was achieved by adding 50mg/kg PCA to AIN 93G diet for 25days. Peripheral blood cells, pulmonary inflammatory cell infiltration, the levels of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), the mRNA levels of Th2-related genes in the lungs, and the protein expressions of the IL-4Rα-STAT6 and the Jagged1/Jagged2-Notch1/Notch2 signaling pathways were measured. Significantly reduced inflammatory cells infiltration and mucosal hypersecretion in the lung tissues, repaired levels of interleukin IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in the BALF, and decreased mRNA expression of IL-4, IL-5, and GATA3 were observed in OVA plus PCA group. Moreover, PCA treatment down-regulated the protein levels of IL-4Rα-STAT6 and Jagged1/Jagged2-Notch1/Notch2 signaling pathways. Dietary supplement of PCA alleviated allergic asthma partly through suppressing the IL-4Rα-STAT6 and Jagged1/Jagged2-Notch1/Notch2 signaling pathways in mice. Our study provided the theoretic basis of PCA used as functional food in preventing allergic asthma.

Three-Generation Reproductive Toxicity of Genetically Modified Maize with Cry1Ab and epsps Genes in Rats.

The genetically modified maize carrying an insect-resistant gene and herbicide-tolerant gene has substantial benefits for crop production. The three-generation reproductive toxicity of the maize was studied in this paper. One hundred and eighty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into three groups, which were fed with a genetically modified maize (GM) diet, receptor maize (RM) diet, and AIN-93G (AIN) diet (used as control), respectively. The body weight, food consumption, reproductive parameters, hematological parameters, serum chemistry, organ weight, and histopathology for the three generations were examined, respectively. Minor differences were found between the GM group and the RM group or the AIN control group in terms of reproductive data, hematology, blood chemistry parameters, and organ index, but no macroscopic or histological adverse effects were found or considered as treatment-related. In conclusion, the three-generation study of genetically modified maize DBN9936 with Cry1Ab and epsps genes at a high level showed no unintended adverse effects on rats' reproductive system.

Lipase Treatment of Dietary Krill Oil, but Not Fish Oil, Enables Enrichment of Brain Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid.

Currently available omega-3 fatty acid supplements do not enrich the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) of the adult brain because they are absorbed as triacylglycerol, whereas the transporter at the blood brain barrier requires lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC)-DHA. The hypothesis that treatment of krill oil (KO), which contains DHA/eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) at the SN2 position of phosphatidylcholine, with SN1-specific lipase will generate LPC-DHA/EPA and which can be absorbed intact and transported into the brain, is tested. KO and fish oil (FO) are treated with Mucor meihei lipase, incorporated into AIN 93G diet, and fed to 2-month-old mice for 30 days. Fatty acid composition is analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is measured by ELISA. Lipase-treated (LT) KO increases brain DHA and EPA, respectively, 5-and 70-fold better than untreated (UT) KO. FO, whether lipase-treated or not, has no effect on brain DHA/EPA. LTKO is also more efficient in enriching liver DHA/EPA, but less efficient than UTKO and FO in enriching adipose tissue and heart. Brain BDNF is significantly increased by LTKO, but only marginally by other preparations. Pretreatment of dietary KO with lipase enables it to efficiently increase brain DHA/EPA because of the generation of LPC-DHA/EPA.

Lycopene-Rich Extract from Red Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Decreases Plasma Triglycerides and Improves Oxidative Stress Biomarkers on Experimentally-Induced Dyslipidemia in Hamsters.

This work assessed the effects of a 28-day treatment with lycopene-rich extract (LRE) from red guava fruit (Psidium guajava L.) on the lipid profile and oxidative stress in an experimental model of dyslipidemia. Male hamsters (116.5 ± 2.16 g) were fed with the AIN 93G diet containing casein (20%), coconut fat (13.5%) and cholesterol (0.1%). The animals were divided into four groups: normolipidemic control (standard feed; NC, n = 7); hypercholesterolemic control (HC, n = 7); LRE 25 mg/kg/day (LRE-25, n = 7) and LRE 50 mg/kg/day (LRE-50, n = 9). After treatment, plasma concentrations of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-c), malondialdehyde (MDA-p) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), as well as erythrocytic superoxide dismutase (SOD-e) and the atherogenic index, were determined. Malondialdehyde (MDA-h), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD-h) levels were assessed. Feed intake (FI) and weight gain (WG) were also determined. The LRE-25 group presented significantly lower TG levels and atherogenic index than did the HC group (p < 0.05). Both LRE-25 and LRE-50 groups presented lower levels of MDA-p and MPO than did the HC group (p < 0.05). LRE demonstrated a promising effect against dyslipidemia and oxidative stress.

Anti-Colitic Effect of Purple Carrot on Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-Induced Colitis in C57BL/6J Mice.

The anti-colitic effect of purple carrot (PC) on 2% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in C57BL6/J mice was compared with those of yellow carrot (YC), beet (BT), and red cabbage (RC). Component analysis showed that PC contained cyanidin-3-xyloglucoside, cyanidin-3-xylosyl(sinapoly-glucosyl)galactoside, cyanidin-3-xylosyl(feruloylglucosyl) galactoside, and cyanidin-3-O-(6-O-glycosyl-2-O-xylosylgalactoside). PC diet (5% in AIN 93G diet) strongly reduced DSS-induced colon shortening and inflammatory cell infiltration in mice, followed by RC, BT, and YC diets. Treatment with PC reduced serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 as well as reduced mRNA expression in colon tissue of colitis mice in comparison with other treatments. In addition, PC treatment inhibited colonic mRNA expression of inflammatory factors such as inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in mice. These results suggest that PC can attenuate the inflammatory reaction in mice with DSS-induced colitis, probably due to the anthocyanins in PC.

Antiatherogenic effect of Tiger nut tubers (Cyperus esculentus L.) supplemented diet in apolipoprotein E knockout mice

The present study was carried out to evaluate the physiological effect of tiger nut tubers on lipid metabolism and peroxidation stress in apolipoprotein E knockout (apoE-/-) mice. Six male and five female mice, 6-7 wk old, was fed AIN 93G control diet supplemented with 25 % of whole powder of tiger nut tubers for 11 wk. Measurements were done for plasma, liver, aorta and brain lipid fractions. Peroxidation stress in mice serum and brain, i.e. vitamin E, nitric oxide and TBARS were evaluated and aortic valve lesions area was also determined. The obtained results showed that, type of diet and mice gender did not affect mice growth parameters. Serum and liver lipids were lowered in male mice fed tiger nut diet than that fed the control diet. However, the effect of tiger nut diet on the peroxidation parameters was not prominent. The mice fed on chufa-diet resulted in significant reduction in the aortic arch atherosclerotic lesions in both gender compared to that fed the basal diet. Our results show that tiger nut tubers have antiatherogenic effect and contain a gender dependent factor which regulates lipid metabolism in apoE-/- mice.

Fortifying pork liver mixture: Evaluation of protein quality and iron bioavailability – Part 2

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the protein quality and iron bioavailability of a fortifying mixture based on pork liver. Methods Determinations of protein efficiency ratio, net protein utilization, true digestibility and hemoglobin regeneration efficiency by depletion and repletion were performed. In the depletion phase, the animals (male Wistar rats) received an iron-free AIN–93G diet and in the repletion phase they received the following diets: standard AIN–93G diet, fortifying mixture and standard diet containing heptahydrated ferrous sulfate for comparison. Results For standard AIN–93G diet and fortifying mixture the results were 3.75 and 4.04 for protein efficiency ratio and 3.53 and 3.63 for net protein retention, showing that the presence of pork liver in the diet promoted an increase in protein efficiency ratio and net protein retention (not statistically significant). True digestibility results obtained with the fortifying mixture (97.16%) were higher than those obtained with the standard AIN–93G diet (casein), but without significant difference. The hemoglobin regeneration efficiency values obtained for standard AIN–93G diet, fortifying mixture and standard diet containing heptahydrated ferrous sulfate were 50.69, 31.96 and 29.96%, respectively, showing a statistically significant difference between the control (standard AIN–93G diet) and test (fortifying mixture and standard diet containing heptahydrated ferrous sulfate) samples, but not between the test samples. Conclusion The fortifying mixture showed a high protein efficiency ratio value of 4.04 and a high relative biological value (108%) and it can be added to soups, creams and meats in day-care centers for the prevention of iron-deficiency in children of school age.

Comparison of maternal isocaloric high carbohydrate and high fat diets on osteogenic and adipogenic genes expression in adolescent mice offspring.

BackgroundMaternal high fat/high calorie diet leads to adiposity and bone fracture in offspring. However, the effects of macronutrient distribution in maternal isocaloric diet have not been studied. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that maternal isocaloric pair-fed high-carbohydrate diet will increase osteoblastic and decrease osteoclastic and adipogenic gene expression compared with high-fat diet in adolescent mice offspring.MethodsVirgin female C57BL/6 mice were impregnated and fed either the AIN 93G isocaloric pair-fed high-carbohydrate (LF-HCD) or a high fat (HF-LCD) diet from the time of vaginal plug confirmation until the offspring was weaned.ResultsAfter adjusting for the sex of offspring, osteoprotegrin (OPG) and Ctnnb1 (beta-catenin) genes expression were significantly reduced by 98 % and 97 % in the bone of offspring born from the HF-LCD compared with the LF-HCD-fed mothers (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma-2 (PPAR γ2) gene expression in the bone of offspring born from the HF-LCD was 7.1-folds higher than the LF-HCD-fed mothers (p = 0.004). In the retroperitoneal fat mass of offspring born from HF-LCD, AdipoQ and LPL genes expression were respectively up-regulated 15.8 and 4.2-folds compared with the LF-HCD-fed mothers (p < 0.001 and p = 0.03, respectively).ConclusionsMaternal isocaloric pair-fed high-carbohydrate diet enhances osteoblastogenesis and inhibits adipogenesis compared with high-fat diet in adolescent mice offspring.

비파잎 추출물이 고지방식이로 유도한 비만쥐에 미치는 항비만 효과

본 연구는 비파잎 추출물이 고지방식이로 유도한 비만쥐에 미치는 항비만 효과를 조사하였다. 8주 동안 고지방식이에 100 mg/kg b.w., 500 mg/kg b.w.의 비파잎 추출물을 보충한 그룹과 고지방식이군만을 제공한 그룹을 비교하였다. 비파잎 추출물은 식이섭취량에는 영향을 주지 않으면서도 고지방식이군과 비교하여 유의적으로 체중증가를 줄이고 내장지방의 축적을 억제하였다. 또한, 비파잎 추출물을 급여한 군은 고지방식이군과 비교하여 혈중 지질, 간지질의 축적, 혈중 렙틴 농도를 감소시켰다. 이상의 실험 결과로 고지방식이와 함께 급여한 비파잎 추출물은 체중, 간 및 지방조직의 무게 감소와 더불어 혈장 지질 농도를 개선하고 혈장 렙틴농도를 감소시키므로 항비만 효과를 가진 천연 기능성 식품의 소재로써 활용 가능성이 있을 것으로 생각된다.

Dietary whey proteins shield murine cecal microbiota from extensive disarray caused by a high-fat diet

High-fat diets are used to induce adverse alterations in the intestinal microbiota, or dysbiosis, generalized inflammation and metabolic stress, which ultimately may lead to obesity. The influence of dietary whey proteins, whether intact or hydrolyzed, has been reported to improve glucose homeostasis and reduce stress. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to test if dietary milk-whey proteins, both in the intact form and hydrolyzed, could have an effect on the compositional changes of the cecal microbiota that can be induced in mice when receiving a high-fat diet in combination with the standard casein. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed a control casein diet (AIN 93-G); high-fat-casein (HFCAS); high-fat-whey protein concentrate (HFWPC) and high-fat whey-protein hydrolysate (HFWPH) for 9weeks. The intestinal microbiota composition was analyzed by 16S-rRNA of the invariant (V1–V3) gene, potentially endotoxemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) release was determined colorimetrically, and liver fat infiltration assessed by light microscopy. The high-fat diet proved to induce dysbiosis in the animals by inverting the dominance of the phylum Firmicutes over Bacteroidetes, promoted the increase of LPS and resulted in liver fat infiltration. The whey proteins, whether intact or hydrolyzed, resisted the installation of dysbiosis, prevented the surge of circulating LPS and prevented fat infiltration in the liver. It is concluded that dietary whey proteins exert metabolic actions that tend to preserve the normal microbiota profile, while mitigating liver fat deposition in mice consuming a high-fat diet for nine weeks. Such beneficial effects were not seen when casein was the dietary protein. The hydrolyzed whey protein still differed from the normal whey protein by selectively protecting the Bacteroidetes phylum.

Taioba (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) Leaves: Nutrient Composition and Physiological Effects on Healthy Rats

Several studies have shown that fruits and vegetables contribute to protect against degenerative pathologies such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer, mainly due to the presence of dietary fiber (DF) and polyphenols. Taioba (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) is an edible aroid widely grown in many parts of Africa, America, and Asia. The tubers portions of taioba are widely consumed; however, the leafy portions are generally discarded, despite their high nutritive value. In this study, we have partly characterized the DF of lyophiized taioba leaf (LTL), and assessed the possible protective effects on biochemical parameters and on bile acid (BA) production in colon and cecum, when fed to healthy rats for 4 wk. Forty-five Wistar rats were assigned to either of 5 groups: group 1 received AIN 93G diet (CG: Control); group 2 received AIN 93G containing 2.5% of cellulose + 2.5% inulin (CEIN_5%); group 3 received AIN 93G containing 2.5% of cellulose + 2.5% taioba fiber (CETA_5%); group 4 received AIN 93G containing 5% cellulose + 2.5% taioba fiber (CETA_7.5%); group 5 received AIN 93G containing 5% cellulose + 2.5% of inulin (CEIN_7.5%). LTL showed high contents of total fiber, predominantly comprising insoluble DF with glucose as the major monomer. Rats receiving LTL had increased fecal mass and fat excretion, and improved BA profiles by diminishing the proportion of secondary acids, thus suggesting that consumption of taioba leaf may have the property of lowering the risk of colon cancer.

Amaranth Grain Brings Health Benefits to Young Normolipidemic Rats

This paper reports the impact of an extruded amaranth (Amaranthus spp) supplement on intestinal bile and fatty acids of normolipidemic rats. Forty-eight rats were fed either a control diet AIN 93-G (12 or 18% protein), or one of two levels of supplemental extruded amaranth flour for 48 days. Plasma glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, their fractions, and triacylglycerols, liver weight and lipid content, cecum short-chain fatty acids and fecal excretion of bile acids were determined. While no significant differences in the levels of plasma triacylglycerols, glucose or insulin, and liver parameters due to the diet were detected. Although amaranth promotes reduction of both total and LDL serum cholesterol, increased production of butyric acid in cecum and fecal excretion of deoxycholic acid in the feces. These results suggest that amaranth used routinely as a supplement to the standard casein diet could have a health-promoting value in the normal rat.