Algae Supplementation Research Articles

Effect of Feeding with Algae on Fatty Acid Profile of Goat’S Milk

Abstract The study was conducted to determine whether the inclusion of algae Chlorella vulgaris in dairy goats’ diets would change the fatty acid profile and increase the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids in goat’s milk. White short-haired dairy goats on 2nd and 3rd lactations were fed 5 and 10 g of dried algae supplementation for six weeks. The fatty acids profile of milk was analyzed using gass chromatography (flame ionization detector (FID)). The addition of dried algae caused changes of the profile of fatty acids in the milk. The more algae were added to the diet, the greater the changes in the fatty acids profile of milk were found. A statistically significant effect (P = 0.0390) was found between the control group and the group supplemented with 10 g of Chlorella vulgaris per goat per day. The greatest effect of dietary treatment was seen in the relative reduction of palmitic acid content and increased oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids content. Results suggested that the addition of algae also increased the nutritional quality of goat’s milk. There was a positive change in the ratio of SFA:MUFA:PUFA in terms of reducing the proportion of saturated fatty acids, as well as a change in the ratio of n-6 and n-3 PUFAs

Differential response to an algae supplement high in DHA mediated by maternal periconceptional diet: intergenerational effects of n-6 fatty acids.

Algae high in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may provide a source of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn-3PUFA) for inclusion in the diet of lambs to improve the LCn-3PUFA status of meat. The effect of background LCn-3PUFA status on the metabolism of high DHA algae is, however, unknown. The aim of the current study was to determine whether the response to a high in DHA algae supplement fed to lambs for sixweeks prior to slaughter was mediated by a maternal periconceptional diet. Forty Poll Dorset×Border Leicester×Merino weaner lambs were allocated to receive either a ration based on oat grain, lupin grain, and chopped lucerne (control) or the control ration with DHA-Gold™ algae included at 1.92% DM (Algae) based on whether the dams of lambs had previously been fed a diet high in n-3 or n-6 around conception. LCn-3PUFA concentration was determined in plasma and red blood cells (RBC) prior to and following feeding. The concentrations of EPA and DHA in the plasma and RBC of lambs receiving the control ration were significantly (p<0.001) lower when lambs received the ration for 14days compared with pre-feeding concentrations. The concentrations of EPA and DHA were also significantly (p<0.001) higher when lambs consumed the Algae ration compared with the control ration for 42days. The increase in EPA and DHA was, however, significantly (p<0.05) lower if lamb dams had previously been fed a diet high in n-6 at conception. Assessing the previous nutrition and n-3 status of lambs may allow producers to more accurately predict the likely response to supplements high in LCn-3PUFA, particularly, DHA.

EFFECT OF USING SPIRULINA PLATENSIS AND CHLORELLA VULGARIS AS FEED ADDITIVES ON GROWING RABBIT PERFORMANCE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary inclusion of microalga Spirulina platensis (SP) and Chlorella vulgaris (CV) as feed additives in balanced diets formulated for growing rabbits on digestibility, growth performance, carcass traits, some blood parameters of rabbits. Sixty New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits (five weeks old with an average initial live body weight (626.85 g) were divided into five experimental groups (12 in each) for the feeding trail where rabbits in control group was fed 100% complete feed diet without algae supplements (T1), while both kinds of algae were added at 0.75 or 1.5g/Kg diets as T2 and T3 for spirulina diets and at the same two levels T4 and T5 for chlorella supplement, respectively. Rabbits fed the experimental diets till twelve weeks old and then digestibility trail was carried out using three animals for each group. Slaughtered test for carcass characteristics evaluation was done in addition some blood parameters were determined as well. Results indicated that the final LBW was significantly higher with both levels of SP supplement (T2&T3) than that of control (T1), but the other two levels of CV supplement (T4 &T5) were insignificantly higher than of control, with the highest value being occurred with T3. Similarly , total body weight gain was significantly higher with both levels of SP during the whole experimental period than that of control group , while the value of the two levels of CV were insignificant higher than that of control one . The highest value was associated with T3 followed in descending order by T2, T4, T5 and lastly the lowest value with control (T1). Only feed intake was significant affected by the addition of high level of SP, while the other tested dietary treatments did not significantly influenced, over the whole experimental period , compared with control . Feed conversion was improved significantly due to all algae treatments except that of the high level of CV supplement (T5) which nearly equal to that of control group. Non significant differences among treatments were found in respect of digestion coefficients of DM, OM, CP, CF, EE and NFE nutrients. Concerning the results of slaughter test , slaughter weight for the two levels of SP- diets had significant higher values than those of CV-diets and control one. Similar trend was observed respecting hot carcass weight among experimental treatments. However, both weights and percentages of liver, kidney, heart and total giblet, didn't significant affected by dietary treatments. Also no significant differences among treatments respecting the dressing percentage was found. The lowest significant (P≤0.05) cholesterol value (37.64 mg/dl) was obtained by rabbits fed diet with high level of SP compared with the control (52.74 mg/dl). Rabbit fed diets supplemented with both levels of SP and also the low CV- diet had performed more economically than the other treatments. Conclusively, results indicated that both levels of Spirulina – diets markedly improved growth performance of growing rabbits and in addition reduced liver enzyme activities, cholesterol and total lipids concentration in blood compared with control and the chlorella algae supplement

Effects of a docosahexaenoic acid‐rich algae supplement on insulin sensitivity in healthy, mature horses (814.5)

In healthy horses, long‐term treatment with glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone (DEX) reduces insulin sensitivity (SI). In healthy humans, a daily dose of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has an insulin‐sensitizing effect on insulin resistance induced by DEX treatment. We studied the effect of a DHA‐rich algae supplement on SI markers in 8 healthy, mature horses using a balanced, crossover design of two 56‐d treatment periods with a 60‐d washout. In each period, horses were fed a treatment (basal diet (CON), or diet + DHA‐rich algae (152 g/d, Alltech Algae SP1, Alltech Inc.)) for 28 d, after which blood was sampled (pre‐DEX) and 0.04 mg DEX/kg BW/d administered orally; treatment continued for 21 d, then blood was resampled (post‐DEX). The reciprocal of the square root of insulin (RISQI) and the modified insulin‐to‐glucose ratio for ponies (MIGRP) were calculated. Algae had no effect on pre‐DEX glucose or insulin compared with CON. Regardless of treatment, post‐DEX plasma glucose and insulin (P&lt;0.0001) and MIRGP (an estimate of pancreatic β‐cell responsiveness and insulin secretory response) (P&lt;0.001) each increased, whereas RISQI decreased (P&lt;0.001) compared with pre‐DEX values. Algae decreased post‐DEX plasma glucose and insulin (P&lt;0.01) and decreased MIGRP (P=0.02) compared with CON. In summary, in healthy, mature horses, dietary DHA‐rich algae can improve SI during DEX treatment.

Spirulina (Spirulina platensis) algae supplementation increases microbial protein production and feed intake and decreases retention time of digesta in the rumen of cattle

Cattle consuming pastures low in protein have low liveweight gain due to low rumen degradable protein (RDP) supply and thus low microbial crude protein (MCP) production and efficiency of MCP production [EMCP, g MCP/kg digestible organic matter (DOM)]. Nitrogen supplements can increase MCP production and EMCP of cattle grazing low protein pastures. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of supplementation with a non-protein-N source (NPN), in this case urea and ammonium sulfate (US), with a single-cell algal protein source (Spirulina platensis), on intake, microbial protein supply and digestibility in cattle. Nine cannulated Bos indicus steers [initial liveweight 250.1 ± 10.86 (s.d.) kg] were fed Mitchell grass hay (Astrebla spp; 6.1 g N, 746 g NDF/kg DM) ad libitum and were supplied with increasing amounts of US (0, 6, 13, 19 and 33 g US DM/kg hay DM) or Spirulina 0, 0.5, 1.4, 2.5 and 6.1 g Spirulina DM/kg W.day in an incomplete Latin square design. The response of MCP production and EMCP to increasing amounts of the two supplements was different, with a greater response to Spirulina evident. The MCP production was predicted to peak at 140 and 568 g MCP/day (0.64 and 2.02 g MCP/kg W.day) for the US and Spirulina supplements, respectively. The highest measured EMCP were 92 and 166 g MCP/kg DOM for the US and Spirulina treatments at 170 and 290 g RDP/kg DOM, respectively, or a Spirulina intake of 5.7 g DM/kg W.day. Increasing RDP intake from US and Spirulina resulted in an increase in Mitchell grass hay intake and rumen NH3-N concentration and reduced the retention time of liquid and particulate markers and digesta DM, NDF and lignin in the rumen with greater changes due to Spirulina. Total DM intake peaked at a Spirulina supplement level of 4.6 g Spirulina DM/kg W.day with a 2.3-fold higher DOM intake than Control steers. Rumen NH3-N concentrations reached 128 and 264 mg NH3-N/L for the US and Spirulina treatments with a significant increase in the concentration of branched-chain fatty acids for the Spirulina treatment. The minimum retention time of liquid (Cr-EDTA; 23 and 13 h) and particulate (Yb; 34 and 22 h) markers in the rumen were significantly lower for Spirulina compared with US and lower than unsupplemented animals at 24 and 34 h for Cr-EDTA and Yb, respectively. Spirulina could be provided safely at much higher N intakes than NPN supplements. The results suggest that, at an equivalent RDP supply, Spirulina provided greater increases than US in MCP production, EMCP and feed intake of Bos indicus cattle consuming low protein forage and could also be fed safely at higher levels of N intake.

The use of seaweed from the Galician coast as a mineral supplement in organic dairy cattle

This study was designed to assess the value of seaweeds from the Galician coast as a source of minerals (especially iodine (I) but also other micro-minerals) in organic dairy cattle. It was conducted in an organic dairy farm in the Lugo province that typically represents the organic milk production in NW Spain. The animal’s diet consisted mainly of local forage (at pasture or as hay and silage in the winter) and 5 kg of purchased concentrate/day per animal (representing 23.5% of feed intake). Based on the mineral composition of the diet, the physiological requirements and the EU maximum authorised levels in feed, a supplement composed by Sea Lettuce (Ulva rigida) (as flakes, 80%), Japanese Wireweed (Sargasum muticum) (flakes, 17.5%) and Furbelows (Saccorhiza polyschides) (powder, 2.5%) was formulated to give 100 g/animal per day. Sixteen Holstein Friesian lactating cows were randomly selected and assigned to the control (n=8) and algae-supplemented groups (n=8). Both groups had exactly the same feeding and management with the exception of the algae supplement, which was mixed with the concentrate feed and given to the animals at their morning milking for 10 weeks. Heparinised blood (for plasma analysis) and milk samples were collected at 2-week intervals and analysed for toxic and trace element concentrations by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry or inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. The algae supplement significantly improved the animals’ mineral status, particularly I and selenium that were low on the farm. However, the effect of the algae supplement on the molybdenum status in cattle needs further investigation because of its great relevance on copper metabolism in ruminants. The I supply deserves special attention, since this element is at a very high concentration in brown-algae species and it is excreted in the milk proportionally to its concentration in plasma concentrations (mean±s.e. in the algae-supplemented and control groups were 268±54 and 180±42 µg/l, respectively).

Effects of Long-Term Supplementation of Blue-Green Algae on Lipid Metabolism in C57BL/6J mice.

Dyslipidemia is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In this study, we investigated the effect of long-term supplementation of two blue-green algae (BGA) species, i.e., Nostoc commune var. sphaeroides Kützing (NO) and Spirulina platensis (SP), on lipid metabolism in vivo. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed an AIN-93G/M diet supplemented with 2.5 or 5% (wt/wt) NO or SP for 6 months. Mice fed NO and SP showed lower plasma total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) concentrations than control at certain months during 6 month experimental period. Both BGA supplementation for 6 months significantly increased hepatic TC contents whereas SP-fed groups had significantly less TG levels in the liver compared with control and NO groups. None of BGA-fed animals showed significantly different mRNA levels of sterol regulatory element binding protein 2, while 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) expression was higher in NO groups than the other groups in the liver. Furthermore, NO supplementation increased the hepatic expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1, stearoyl CoA desaturase 1, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1α, and acyl-CoA oxidase 1 but SP did not elicit any significant changes in mRNA levels of the genes compared with control. LDLR protein level was significantly higher in NO 2.5% and SP 5%, as compared to the control and NO 5% groups; while the level of fatty acid synthase protein in the liver was significantly higher in NO 5% and SP 5%, than that in the control group. In conclusion, our results suggest that long-term supplementation of NO and SP decreased plasma TC and TG concentrations. Therefore, supplementation of NO and SP may be potentially beneficial for preventing dyslipidemia-associated chronic diseases.

Interference of an algal nutritional supplement with a urinary metabolic screening test for glycosaminoglycans in a dog suspected to have a storage disease

The finding of excess urinary glycosaminoglycans (GAG) is the first step in the laboratory diagnosis of mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS). Urinary screening tests are based upon the binding of GAG to dimethylmethylene blue. Alternatively, paper spot tests using toluidine blue are used in human and veterinary laboratory medicine. Positive samples undergo GAG isolation for subsequent characterization. Here, we describe a 3-year-old English Cocker Spaniel with a positive urinary GAG test, but without other clinical signs of MPS. Urine samples were strongly positive with the dimethylmethylene blue test, and isolated GAG subjected to electrophoresis on cellulose acetate revealed a band co-migrating with dermatan sulfate. However, the isolated GAG were resistant to digestion with chondroitinase ABC, suggesting that the band did not represent dermatan sulfate. This was confirmed by mobility of the isolated GAG different from dermatan sulfate on agarose gel electrophoresis. MPS types VI and VII were excluded by enzyme assay. To test the hypothesis of a nutritional source, a healthy control dog was fed the same dog food as the index case. His urine showed a comparable abnormal GAG screening test and electrophoretic pattern. In addition, the analysis of an algal supplement present in the administered dog food showed a similar electrophoretic GAG pattern. The Cocker Spaniel was not available for further testing after withdrawal of the supplement. Algae contain highly sulfated fucans and galactans, and it appears that commercial dog food containing such algal, and possibly other, supplements can give rise to false-positive urinary MPS screening tests.

The Association Between Use of Dietary Supplements and Headache or Migraine Complaints

To examine the prevalence of headache or migraine complaints and the use of dietary supplements, and to determine their correlation according to sex. This population-based cross-sectional study used data from a 2005 National Health Interview Survey of 15,414 participants (age 18-65 years) in Taiwan. Prevalence of headache or migraine complaints was accessed by a single question on their occurrence during the previous 3 months. Dietary supplement use was evaluated by another single question. Data were stratified by sex and analyzed using independent t-test, chi-square test, and multivariate logistic regression. The prevalence of headache or migraine complaints was 17.2% in males and 32.4% in females. The percentage of women taking supplements was 31.8%, which was much higher than the 15.5% of men. In male supplement users, use of isoflavones had a significantly higher odds ratio (OR) of headache or migraine complaint compared with those of male without use of isoflavones (adjusted OR = 3.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.68-8.85). In females, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, and green algae supplement use had higher likelihoods of headache or migraine complaint in comparison to those of female without use of supplements (adjusted OR = 1.28, 1.21, and 1.43; 95% CI = 1.05-1.57, 1.03-1.42, and 1.07-1.90, respectively). This population-based study confirmed sex-specific associations between headache or migraine complaints and the use of dietary supplements, warranting further investigation of the underlying causes.

EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTING SEA ALGAE(GANODERMA®) TO DIETS ON REPRODUCTIVE CAPABILITIES OF RABBITS

The present work aimed to investigate the effect of supplementing different levels of sea algae in diets on fertilizing ability of bucks and fertility traits of New-Zealand White (NZW) rabbit does. The study lasted five months. A total number of 204 NZW rabbits (48 males aged 3 months and 156 females aged 2.5 months) were used in the present work. Animals were divided into three comparable experimental groups (16 males and 52 females each). The first group was fed a commercial diet and kept untreated (control group), while the 2nd and 3rd groups (treated groups) were fed the same diet but supplemented with 200 and 400 g sea algae/ ton diet, respectively. Results obtained indicated that, age at first mating of NZW rabbit males significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased, while weight at first mating and alive body weight significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased due to feed diets supplemented with different levels of sea algae. Absolute and relative weights of testes; epididymis; sexual accessory glands and pituitary gland, as well as, scrotal circumference; testicular index and mating activity of NZW rabbit bucks increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05 or 0.01) in descending order with diets supplemented with 400 and 200 g sea algae, respectively. Male and female sexual hormones significantly (P ≤ 0.01) increased due to sea algae supplementation to the diets. Conception and abortion rates, litter size and weight at birth and at weaning, as well as, bunny weight at birth and at weaning were improved significantly (P≤0.05 or 0.01) by supplementing 400 and 200 g sea algae, respectively. Milk yield and composition and total pre-weaning mortality rates improved significantly (P≤0.05 or 0.01) by feeding diets supplemented with sea algae. Conclusively, it could be concluded that, supplementing sea algae toNZW rabbit diets caused significant improvement in fertilizing ability of bucks and fertility traits of does. From the economical point, 200 g/ ton diet is recommended for rabbits.

The Effects of Diets Containing Standard Soybean Oil, Soybean Oil Enhanced with Conjugated Linoleic Acids, Menhaden Fish Oil, or an Algal Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplement on Channel Catfish Performance, Body Composition, Sensory Evaluation, and Storage Characteristics

AbstractFish consumption is a common method of obtaining beneficial n‐3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (LC‐PUFAs), but increased use of vegetable oils in fish diets to reduce dependence on fish oil dilutes the amounts of LC‐PUFAs. Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) are also considered beneficial for human health. Therefore, we investigated four different lipid sources in Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus diets for their ability to enhance fatty acid profiles of fillets to benefit human health while maintaining or improving fish performance. In a 175‐d grow‐out trial, Channel Catfish (71.4 ± 0.1 g [mean ± SE]) were fed a commercial 32% protein diet supplemented with 2% lipid from soybean oil (SO), soybean oil enhanced with conjugated linoleic acids, menhaden fish oil (FO), or an algal supplement of Schizochytrium sp. high in 22:6(n‐3) (docosahexaenoic acid, DHA). Diet effects were assessed by measuring fish growth performance, muscle proximate and fatty acid composition, sensory characteristics of fillets, consumer taste preferences, and oxidative stability of fillets during cold storage. There were no differences in fish growth performance or proximate composition. Only fish fed the CLA diet contained CLAs in the muscle. Fish fed the FO and algal DHA diets had higher concentrations of 22:6(n‐3) in the muscle compared with fish fed the SO and CLA diets. Sensory evaluation and consumer preference testing were more favorable for fillets from fish fed the SO and CLA diets than from fish fed the FO and algal DHA diets. There were no differences in storage characteristics of fish refrigerated at 4°C for 2 weeks or frozen at −18°C for 4 weeks. Fillets from fish fed the FO diet yielded the highest concentration of fatty acids for human health benefits, followed by the fillets from fish fed the algal DHA diets. The CLA diet produced increased fillet concentrations of CLAs.

Effect of Tropical Algae as Additives on Rumen &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;in Vitro&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Gas Production and Fermentation Characteristics

Algae have become an area of intensive research in many fields of study. Areas of application are becoming increasingly diverse with the advent of technologies particularly in the mass production of algae biomass. Algae contain complex bioactive compounds and these are gaining importance in emerging technologies with nutritional and environmental applications. In this study, a preliminary investigation evaluated 15 species of algae from the major categories of marine and fresh water algae for their potential as inclusions in ruminant diets for management of greenhouse gas emissions. It was hypothesized that algae would positively affect rumen fermentation and gas production while reducing methane production. The hypothesis was tested using an Ankom automated gas monitoring system and rumen fluid from Bos indicus steers fed tropical forage diets. The results were variable between algae species with some showing a significant reduction in total gas and methane production, with others increasing gas and fermentation. The red and brown algae stand out as having potential for greenhouse gas mitigation with the brown alga Cystoseira having the most prominent effect. The effects observed on fermentation may be manipulated through dosage management and beneficial effects could be potentially maximized by preparing combinations of algal supplements. It has been demonstrated in this study that algae have the potential to assist in rumen fermentation management for improved gas production, and greenhouse gas abatement.

Contamination by Microcystis and microcystins of blue–green algae food supplements (BGAS) on the italian market and possible risk for the exposed population

Blue green algae supplements (BGAS) are generally proposed as health-promoting natural products for their purported beneficial effects. Spirulina spp. and Aphanizomenon flos aquae are mainly used in BGAS production. They are usually collected from the natural environment, where other potentially toxic cyanobacteria can be present, making possible BGAS contamination by cyanotoxins, with potential risk for human health. In this work we apply a combined approach, by using chemical and molecular techniques, on BGAS of 17 brands available in Italy. Samples containing Spirulina-only were free of contamination. The Aphanizomenon flos aquae-based samples were contaminated by highly variable levels of microcystins (MC-LR and MC-LA congeners), up to 5.2μg MC-LR equivalents per gram product. The highest variability (up to 50 fold) was among batches of the same brand, although intra-batch differences were also evidenced. PCR analyses were positive only for the presence of Microcystis sp., identified as the toxin-producing species responsible for contamination. At the maximum contamination levels found, a risk for consumers can be expected following chronic or sub-chronic exposure to a reasonable daily BGAS consumption of 4g. The need for a strict monitoring by producers and Health Authority to assure an adequate protection for consumers is underscored.

Use of algae or algal oil rich in n-3 fatty acids as a feed supplement for dairy cattle

Fish oil is used as a ration additive to provide n-3 fatty acids to dairy cows. Fish do not synthesize n-3 fatty acids; they must consume microscopic algae or other algae-consuming fish. New technology allows for the production of algal biomass for use as a ration supplement for dairy cattle. Lipid encapsulation of the algal biomass protects n-3 fatty acids from biohydrogenation in the rumen and allows them to be available for absorption and utilization in the small intestine. Our objective was to examine the use of algal products as a source for n-3 fatty acids in milk. Four mid-lactation Holsteins were assigned to a 4×4 Latin square design. Their rations were supplemented with 1× or 0.5× rumen-protected (RP) algal biomass supplement, 1× RP algal oil supplement, or no supplement for 7 d. Supplements were lipid encapsulated (Balchem Corp., New Hampton, NY). The 1× supplements provided 29g/d of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and 0.5× provided half of this amount. Treatments were analyzed by orthogonal contrasts. Supplementing dairy rations with rumen-protected algal products did not affect feed intake, milk yield, or milk component yield. Short- and medium-chain fatty acid yields in milk were not influenced by supplements. Both 0.5× and 1× RP algae supplements increased daily milk fat yield of DHA (0.5 and 0.6±0.10g/d, respectively) compared with 1× RP oil (0.3±0.10g/d), but all supplements resulted in milk fat yields greater than that of the control (0.1±0.10g/d). Yield of trans-18:1 fatty acids in milk fat was also increased by supplementation. Trans-11 18:1 yield (13, 20, 27, and 15±3.0g/d for control, 0.5× RP algae, 1× RP algae, and 1× RP oil, respectively) was greater for supplements than for control. Concentration of DHA in the plasma lipid fraction on d 7 showed that the DHA concentration was greatest in plasma phospholipid. Rumen-protected algal biomass provided better DHA yield than algal oil. Feeding lipid-encapsulated algae supplements may increase n-3 content in milk fat without adversely affecting milk fat yield; however, preferential esterification of DHA into plasma phospholipid may limit its incorporation into milk fat.

Influence of marine alga against mercury-induced biochemical changes, structural destabilization, and genotoxicity in marine tiger fish, Therapon jarbua

This study elucidated the protective role of alga against mercury (Hg)-induced toxicity in marine fish. Bath immersion with mercury chloride (HgCl) [0.125 and 0.25 ppm] in combination with the algal extract (3 ppm) to Therapon jarbua offered a significant protection against Hg only induced disturbed liver function, damaged histoarchitecture, elevated oxidative stress, and DNA fragmentation of tissues. Mercury exposure decreased hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activities, and the level of nonprotein-soluble thiol (NPSH, GSH), with a concomitant increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the gill, kidneys, liver, and blood. Algal supplementation diminished the rise in TBARS restoring CAT, SOD, and GSH levels to control. Reduced generation of free radicals may be correlated to protect DNA stability and morphology. This study indicates the ability of alga to ameliorate Hg-mediated injuries. In conclusion, Kappaphycus alvarezii extract did not show any toxicity and its safety is suggestive for using as a supplement in fish food.

Abstract 3728: Astaxanthin as an adjunct therapy for breast cancer

Abstract While existing treatment regimens for breast cancer have increased patient survival, regional recurrence and metastasis remain a significant clinical problem. Many current therapies exhibit dose-limiting toxicities, so the development of adjuvant therapeutic strategies which can improve the efficacies and/or reduce the side effects of existing treatments is a clinical priority. Astaxanthin (AST) is a potent antioxidant carotenoid with an established safety profile that is approved as a dietary supplement. AST has been reported to act as a chemopreventive agent limiting the initiation and establishment of tumors. We are investigating the hypothesis that AST sensitizes breast cancer cells to standard chemotherapy drugs and ionizing radiation (IR) used to treat breast cancer. We found that treatment with either an AST-rich algal extract supplement (L-10) or a synthetic 3S, 3's AST isomer (‘sAST’) alone did not significantly alter proliferation of immortalized MCF10A mammary epithelial cells or seven out of eight breast cancer cell lines, while L-10 decreased clonogenic growth of four out of five breast cancer cell lines tested so far. We next evaluated whether AST altered response to IR. We found that while AST neither sensitizes nor protects MCF10A cells, no radiosensitization was observed in the four breast cancer cell lines tested thus far. In the BT549 cell line, AST showed slight antagonism of IR response; however, the combination of IR and AST still results in fewer overall colonies than either treatment modality alone. We next investigated whether AST can synergize with chemotherapy drugs in vitro. While AST pretreatment does not increase the toxicity of Doxorubicin (Dox) or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on MCF10A cells, MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cancer cells pretreated with L-10 demonstrate an augmented response to Dox, 5-FU, and methotrexate. Mechanistically, we have determined that cell lines demonstrating AST-mediated sensitization exhibit a decrease in constitutive phosphorylation of Akt, whereas Akt phosphorylation was not affected in unresponsive cell lines. However, overexpression of myristoylated Akt did not reverse the observed sensitization, suggesting involvement of different signaling pathways in sensitization by AST. Responding cancer cell lines also show decreases in NFκB and/or STAT3 phosphorylation following AST treatment. We are currently evaluating whether decreased activation of these pathways plays a role in AST-mediated chemosensitization. Identification of the molecular determinants of AST sensitivity may allow for the identification of patient populations whose treatment regimens may benefit from AST supplementation (Supported by DoD W81XWH-09-1-0067). Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3728. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3728

Effect of different dietary fats on protein expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1) in mammary gland tissue of lactating cows

The present study investigated the effect of three different dietary fats [saturated fat (SAT) (3.1% TMR DM); linseed oil (LINA) (2.7% TMR DM) or sunflower oil (SUNA) (2.7% TMR DM) added with docosahexaenoic acid rich algae (0.4% TMR DM)] on SREBP-1 protein expression in mammary gland tissue of German Holstein cows (n=18) in the context of milk yield, milk fat content and milk fatty acid composition. Prerequisite for this investigation was the development of a Western blot methodology adapted for bovine mammary gland tissue using two different primary antibodies to specifically detect and differentiate between precursor (pSREBP-1, 125kDa) and transcriptionally active SREBP-1 (mSREBP-1, 68kDa).Upon a ten-week feeding intervention, significantly reduced milk fat contents, total saturated fatty acid amounts and single saturated fatty acid concentrations (C10:0, C12:0, C14:0, C16:0) were obtained in LINA and SUNA group, whereas milk yields did not substantially differ between feeding groups. The assumption that the effects of plant oil/DHA rich algae supplementation on milk fat composition were mediated by shifted SREBP-1 protein expression were only confirmed in regard to slightly reduced protein expression levels of pSREBP-1 in SUNA group tissue samples (P=0.087), whereas similar protein expression levels of transcriptionally active mSREBP-1 were found in SAT, LINA and SUNA group.

Influence of a marine algae supplementation on the oxidative status of plasma in dairy cows during the periparturient period

This study was part of a larger study that addressed the effects of marine algae (ALG) supplementation in the ration of high yielding periparturient dairy cows. The objectives were to induce milk fat depression (MFD) in early lactation by feeding docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from ALG and to determine the effects on milk production, milk components and metabolic status early post partum. This study focuses on the oxidative status in the plasma during the ALG supplementation. Plasma samples were collected from 16 Holstein Friesian cows at the day of parturition and at −1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks relative to calving with half of the cows receiving the ALG supplement (44gDHA/d) from 3 weeks pre partum on. The following parameters were measured in plasma: ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), α-tocopherol level, glutathione peroxidase activity (GSH-Px) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentration. There was a significant effect of time for FRAP and α-tocopherol indicating changes in the plasma oxidative status around parturition. The ALG supplementation was successful in creating a milk fat depression (MFD) but could not improve the energy balance. Feeding of ALG significantly increased lipid peroxidation as measured by TBARS, probably through their high content of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Effects of micro and macroalgal diet supplementations on growth and immunity of greenlip abalone, Haliotis laevigata

Algae contain nutrients and bioactive compounds, which can have effects on the growth and immunity of aquatic organisms. This study examines the effect of macroalgae Ulva lactuca and Spyridia filamentosa, cyanobacteria Arthrospira maxima, and microalgae Dunaliella salina on the growth and immunity of Haliotis laevigata, in comparison to a commercially formulated pellet. Over 12 weeks, U. lactuca or S. filamentosa produced the lowest growth rate, indicating lack of nutrients for abalone growth in a single macroalgae diet. Pellets supplemented with 10% A. maxima or D. salina resulted in increased abalone shell length (13.3 and 30.7%, respectively) and body weight (19.9 and 33.4%) over the pellet control diet. The impact of algal supplementation on hemolymph immunity was mainly represented by a drop in total hemocyte counts (THC) and some diet specific effects on superoxide anion and antibacterial activity against Vibrio anguillarum. No effect of diet was observed on phagocytosis, phenoloxidase, or antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1. It is conceived that the humoral antimicrobial factors in abalone hemolymph are innately biosynthesized rather than dietary derived compounds. Nevertheless, concomitant with strong antiviral activity against HSV-1 in a lipophilic extract of U. lactuca and S. filamentosa, higher antiviral activity was detected in the digestive lipid extract of abalone fed U. lactuca (64.2% at 650 μg ml −1) or S. filamentosa (69.51%) compared to abalone fed pellets (47.42%) or pellets supplemented with A. maxima (46.3%) or D. salina (46%). This suggests that abalone may also derive some protection against oral pathogens by algal derived bioactive compounds. These results indicate that abalone growth rate could be optimized by A. maxima and D. salina supplementations, whereas U. lactuca and S. filamentosa could be useful supplements for abalone aquaculture, especially in areas with high risk of herpesvirus infection.

The effect of marine algae in the ration of high-yielding dairy cows during transition on metabolic parameters in serum and follicular fluid around parturition

Sixteen Holstein cows were assigned to 2 groups to evaluate the caloric and metabolic effect of feeding marine algae (ALG) from 3 wk prepartum until 12 wk postpartum. Milk production characteristics and the profiles of hormones and metabolites in the serum were monitored from −7 to 46 d in milk (DIM) and in follicular fluid (FF) from 14 to 46 DIM. All cows received a corn- and grass silage-based partially mixed ration supplemented with concentrate and protein supplement. In the diet of the ALG group, 2kg of the concentrate was replaced by a concentrate containing ALG (44g/d of docosahexaenoic acid). Diets were isocaloric (net energy basis) and equal in intestinal digestible protein. The ALG diet increased milk yield (41.2 vs. 38.2kg/d) and decreased milk fat yield (1.181 vs. 1.493kg/d) and milk fat content (31.6 vs. 40.7g/kg). Protein yield (1.336 vs. 1.301kg/d) was not affected but a tendency toward decreased milk protein content (32.8 vs. 34.7g/kg) was observed. Marine algae supplementation increased the β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) concentration in FF of the ALG cows compared with that in the controls (0.992 vs. 0.718mmol/L). The total protein concentration in FF was decreased in ALG (62.9 vs. 67.6g/L). Plasma and serum metabolites did not significantly differ between treatments except for a tendency toward a lower concentration of urea in the serum of the control compared with ALG (4.69 vs. 5.13mmol/L). Based on metabolizable energy calculations, a daily energy-sparing effect of 3.48 Mcal was obtained due to milk fat depression (MFD). The concomitant increase in milk yield suggests that at least part of this spared energy is used to stimulate milk production. Theoretically, 3.48 Mcal of ME could lead to an increase in milk yield of 7.43kg/d, which is higher than the observed 3kg/d. However, when evaluating nutrient requirements during MFD in early lactation, we calculated that increased milk production is caused by a propionate-saving effect of 2.71mol in the udder when milk fat is depressed. Concurrent increased BHBA concentrations in FF in the ALG group cannot be attributed to a worsened energy status of the animals because all other indicators contradict any change in energy balance, indicating that BHBA might not be an appropriate metabolic parameter to estimate the energy balance in early lactating dairy cows during MFD.