Beneficial Effects Of Dietary Supplementation Research Articles

Beneficial effects of dietary supplementation of Bacillus strains on growth performance and gut health in chickens with mixed coccidiosis infection

The present study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with several Bacillus strains on growth performance, intestinal inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, anti-oxidants and tight junction (TJ) protein mRNA expression in broiler chickens challenged with mixed coccidia infection (oocysts of Eimeria tenella, Eimeria maxima and Eimeria acervulina). Ten different Bacillus strains were screened for their beneficial effects on coccidiosis challenge by measuring relative body weight gain (RBWG), lesion score, and total oocyst count. Three out of ten Bacillus strains were evaluated in depth by measuring RBWG, lesion score, total oocyst count, and the gene expression of proinflammatory (IL-6 and IL-8), anti-inflammatory (IL-10 and TGF-β), anti-oxidant (SOD1 and HMOX1), and TJ (JAM2 and occludin) proteins. Our results showed that out of the ten different Bacillus strains, chickens fed with three strains, one Bacillus licheniformis and two Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, showed significantly higher RBWG, lower lesion scores (ceca, jejunum, and duodenum), and lower total fecal oocyst counts compared to non-Bacillus-fed control chickens. Post-coccidia challenge, the RBWG for the Bacillus-fed groups were 95–100 % as opposed to the control birds (70 %) at 6 days post infection (dpi) and 10 dpi. Similarly, the lesion scores for three organs were around 0.8-0.9 for the Bacillus-fed groups as opposed to control birds (lesion score range ∼1.4–2). The total oocyst counts were much lower in the Bacillus-fed group (10–20 folds lesser) than the control group. Furthermore, the Bacillus-fed groups showed differential gene expression at 3 dpi in different tissues, such as caecum, jejunum, and duodenum. Bacillus-fed chickens showed significant pro- and anti-inflammatory responses and higher expression of anti-oxidants and TJ proteins in the ceca, duodenum, and jejunum. Overall, our results demonstrated that dietary supplementation with Bacillus strains as direct-fed microbials (DFM) significantly improved the body weight gain after mixed coccidia challenge compared to non-Bacillus-fed and coccidia challenged control group. In conclusion, the results of this study are promising and indicate the many beneficial effects of DFM-supplementation in poultry diets to reduce the negative consequences of enteric diseases and to decrease economic losses imposed by coccidia infection in chickens.

Dietary Supplements on Controlling Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms and Relapses: Current Clinical Evidence and Future Perspectives.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) constitutes a chronic progressive demyelinating disease which negatively affects the central nervous system. MS symptoms detrimentally affect the quality of life, as well as the life expectancy of MS patients. In this aspect, the present study aims to critically summarize and evaluate the currently available clinical studies focusing on the potential beneficial effects of dietary supplements on controlling MS symptomatology and relapse. Methods: PubMed database was comprehensively searched, using relative keywords to identify clinical trials that investigated the beneficial effects of dietary supplementation against MS symptomatology and progression. 40 clinical trials were found, which were divided into categories. Results: Nutritional status of MS patients, as well as supplementation have been suggested as potential factors affecting progression. Several substantial studies have documented a systematically high prevalence of vitamin A, B12 and D3 deficiency amongst MS patients. At present, clinical data have suggested that most of the dietary supplements under study may exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, improving depression symptomatology and quality of life overall. However, malnutrition risk in MS patients has not been adequately explored in order for more precise conclusions to be drawn. The supplements that may have a positive effect on MS are vitamins, fatty acids, antioxidants, phytochemicals and melatonin. Conclusions: Several dietary supplements may decrease inflammation and fatigue, also increasing also autoimmunity tolerance in MS patients, and thus improving quality of life and life expectancy. Currently, there is no effective clinical indication for applying dietary supplementation as complementary treatment against MS symptomatology.

Effects of replacement of para-grass with oil palm compounds on body weight, food intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen functions and blood parameters in goats.

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to investigate the beneficial effects of dietary supplementation with oil palm frond (leaf) (OPF) with and without oil palm meal (OPM) on nutrient intake and digestibility, ruminal fermentation and growth performance in goats.MethodsSix female crossbred goats were fed for 28 days of 3 diet treatments; 100% para-grass (T1); 50% para-grass + 50% OPF (T2), and 30% para-grass + 50% OPF + 20% OPM (T3). Body weight, rectal temperature, respiratory rate, and urine volume, food intake, dry matter intake and water intake were measured daily. Nutrient digestibility was determined from five consecutive days of last week in each diet. Ruminal fluid, urine and blood were collected at the end for determination of rumen protozoa and volatile fatty acid contents, urinary allantoin excretion, blood cell count and chemistry profiles.ResultsGoats fed T2 and T3 showed higher dry matter and nutrients intakes while protein digestibility was suppressed compared with those for T1. Crude fat digestibility declined in T2 but maintained after adding the OPM (T3). High fat intake by giving OPF and OPM corresponded to a higher ruminal acetate/propionate ratio (C2/C3) and serum cholesterol level. An increased urinary allantoin/creatinine ratio was found in T2 and T3 compared with T1, implying an increased number of ruminal microbes.ConclusionIncreased dry matter intake in T2 and T3 suggested that oil palm by-products are partly useful as a replacement for para-grass in goats. Replacement with the by-products increased plasma cholesterol level, which suggested that these products are a useful energy source. Changes in rumen parameters suggested an increased microbial number and activity suitable for acetate production. However, the limited digestibility of protein implies that addition of high protein feeds may be recommended to increase body weight gain of goats.

Mitochondrial Function, Mobility and Lifespan Are Improved in Drosophila melanogaster by Extracts of 9-cis-β-Carotene from Dunaliella salina.

Carotenoids are implicated in alleviating ageing and age-related diseases in humans. While data from different carotenoids are mixed in their outcomes, those for 9-cis-β-carotene indicate general positive effects, although basic data on its biological impact are limited. Here, we show that supplementation with 9-cis-β-carotene in ageing Drosophila melanogaster improved mitochondrial function in terms of ATP production and whole-body respiration and extended mean lifespan. It also resulted in improved mobility. These data provide a potential biological rational for the beneficial effects of dietary supplementation with 9-cis-β-carotene. These effects may be based on the maintenance of a sound mitochondrial function.

Effect of Molasses and Dried Orange Pulp as Sheep Dietary Supplementation on Physico-Chemical, Microbiological and Fatty Acid Profile of Comisana Ewe's Milk and Cheese.

The use of agro-industrial by-products for ruminant feed represents both an economical and environmental convenient way for reducing waste discharge and waste management costs for food industries. Large amounts of waste from citrus processing industries are available in Sicily, Italy. In the present study, the effect of dried citrus pulp as sheep dietary supplementation was evaluated on physico-chemical, microbiological and fatty acid composition of resulting milk and cheese. Pelleted feed integrated with molasses and blond orange pulp, replacing cane molasses, beet pulp and part of the maize and sunflower in ration, were administrated to ewes as an experimental treatment The experiment involved sixty Comisana breed sheep divided into two groups and two feeding trials (experimental and control). Ewe's milk and cheese samples were collected from January to April and analyzed for physico-chemical, microbiological and fatty acid profile composition. Results suggested that both the experimental milk and cheese were different from the controls. In particular, an increase of experimental milk yield and fat content were registered whilst the cheese samples exhibited a significant decrease of pH values and an increase in fat and protein contents. In addition, an increase of conjugated linoleic acids as well as of the oxidative stability were observed indicating the beneficial effect of dietary supplementation. Furthermore, among the main microbial groups, the experimental and control samples, no differences were detected. However, with the exception of streptococci, which was found higher in experimental cheeses, and staphylococci, which was significantly reduced by experimental feed. Moreover, the application of culture-independent methods highlighted the dominance of Lactobacillus rhamnosus/casei group in the experimental cheese, suggesting a driving role of the dietary supplementation in the cheese microbiota composition. The present study demonstrated that the inclusion of citrus by-products in the diet of small dairy ruminants is a promising feeding, which could positively affect milk composition and cheese manufacture.

The emerging role of omega-3 fatty acids as a therapeutic option in neuropsychiatric disorders.

The prevalence of neurologic and psychiatric diseases has been increasing for decades and, given the moderate therapeutic efficacy and safety profile of existing pharmacological treatments, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic approaches. Nutrition has recently been recognized as an important factor for the prevention and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. The omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) play critical roles in neuronal cell function and neurotransmission as well as inflammatory and immune reactions that are involved in neuropsychiatric disease states. A large number of experimental and epidemiological studies provide a strong basis for interventional clinical trials that assessed the clinical efficacy of n-3 PUFAs in various neurological and psychiatric disorders. Most of these trials found beneficial effects of dietary supplementation with EPA and DHA, and no serious safety concerns have emerged. This review gives an introduction to recent findings on the clinical efficacy of n-3 PUFAs in various neuropsychiatric disorders and the underlying biochemical mechanisms. In addition, the reader will be enabled to identify common methodological weaknesses of clinical studies on n-3 PUFAs, and suggestions for the design of future studies are given.

Safety of dietary supplementation with arginine in adult humans.

Previous studies with animals and humans have shown beneficial effects of dietary supplementation with L-arginine (Arg) on reducing white fat and improving health. At present, a long-term safe level of Arg administration to adult humans is unknown. The objective of this study was to conduct a randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial to evaluate the safety and tolerability of oral Arg in overweight or obese but otherwise healthy adults with a body mass index of ≥ 25kg/m2. A total of 142 subjects completed a 7-day wash-in period using a 12g Arg/day dose. All the remaining eligible 101 subjects who tolerated the wash-in dose (45 men and 56 women) were assigned randomly to ingest 0, 15 or 30g Arg (as pharmaceutical-grade Arg-HCl) per day for 90days. Arg was taken daily in at least two divided doses by mixing with a flavored beverage. At Days 0 and 90, blood pressures of study subjects were recorded,their physical examinations were performed, andtheirblood and 24-h urine samples were obtained to measure: (1) serum concentrations of amino acids, glucose, fatty acids, and related metabolites; and (2) renal, hepatic, endocrine and metabolic parameters. Our results indicate that the serum concentration of Arg in men or women increased (P < 0.05) progressively with increasing oral Arg doses from 0 to 30g/day. Dietary supplementation with 30g Arg/day reduced (P < 0.05) systolic blood pressure and serum glucose concentration in females, as well as serum concentrations of free fatty acids in both males and females. Based on physiological and biochemical variables, study subjects tolerated oral administration of 15 and 30g Arg/day without adverse events. We conclude that a long-term safe level of dietary Arg supplementation is at least 30g/day in adult humans.

Zinc, Carnosine, and Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Zinc (Zn) is abundantly present in the brain, and accumulates in the synaptic vesicles. Synaptic Zn is released with neuronal excitation, and plays essential roles in learning and memory. Increasing evidence suggests that the disruption of Zn homeostasis is involved in various neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, a vascular type of dementia, and prion diseases. Our and other numerous studies suggest that carnosine (β-alanyl histidine) is protective against these neurodegenerative diseases. Carnosine is an endogenous dipeptide abundantly present in the skeletal muscles and in the brain, and has numerous beneficial effects such as antioxidant, metal chelating, anti-crosslinking, and anti-glycation activities. The complex of carnosine and Zn, termed polaprezinc, is widely used for Zn supplementation therapy and for the treatment of ulcers. Here, we review the link between Zn and these neurodegenerative diseases, and focus on the neuroprotective effects of carnosine. We also discuss the carnosine level in various foodstuffs and beneficial effects of dietary supplementation of carnosine.

Nutrition in autism spectrum disorders: A review of evidences for an emerging central role in aetiology, expression, and management

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders whose aetiology remains largely unknown, but for which environmental factors appear to be important. Emerging evidences suggest that nutrition may play a major role in the aetiology of ASD; also, specific maternal nutritional-deficiencies appear to be associated with an increased risk in offsprings. In addition, studies are beginning to reveal the beneficial effects of dietary supplementation or restriction in the management of ASD; while at the same time debunking the myths that surround certain purportedly-therapeutic dietary manipulations. In this narrative review (using information from internet databases such as Google scholar, PubMed, Scopus and authoritative texts), we examine the emerging central role of nutrition in relation to aetiology, symptomatology, management, and indices of outcome in ASD; by highlighting available scientific evidences pertaining to the impacts of different dietary manipulations and nutritional supplementation. We also consider the likely future roles of nutrition in ASD, as science continues to grapple with the understanding of a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that are emerging to be largely “nutritional illnesses”.

Beneficial Effects of Dietary Supplements Against Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Apoptosis in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Background: Mitochondria are critically important in providing cellular energy ATP. They also play important roles in anti-oxidant defense, fat oxidation, intermediary metabolism and cell death processes. It is well-established that mitochondrial functions are suppressed through nitroxidative stress when living cells or organisms are exposed to potentially toxic agents including alcohol, high fat diets, smoking and certain drugs or in many pathophysiological states. Under elevated nitroxidative stress, cellular macromolecules proteins, DNA, and lipids can undergo different types of modification, usually leading to disruption of their normal, sometimes critical, physiological functions. Recent reports have also indicated that many mitochondrial proteins are suppressed through various post-translational modifications (PTMs), contributing to mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death, as observed in many distinct neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Huntington’s Disease (HD), alcoholic dementia, and ischemia-reperfusion related brain injury (stroke). Methods: In this review article, we have described an overview of the sensitive methods we developed for the detection of PTMs of mitochondrial proteins. And by using in vitro AD mouse model, we demonstrated that dietary supplements can alleviate the disease condition by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediating protective effects. Results: Here, we have discussed the simple methods that we developed in our lab for the detection of PTMs of mitochondrial proteins, and have shown that how PTMs affect the normal cellular functions. Secondly, we have also discussed the role of natural antioxidants, including plant flavonoids and polyphenols that can inhibit or delay the formation of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, prevent the mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in various neurodegenerative diseases. Conclusion: In conclusion, we made an attempt to give an overview on the PTMs of mitochondrial proteins and their importance in understanding the role of mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, we described the PTMs (oxidation, nitration, phosphorylation, etc.) of mitochondrial proteins that may play an important role in mitochondrial dysfunction and promote neuro-degeneration. We also concluded that ingesting healthy diets combined with physical exercise may restore normal mitochondrial functions (Fig. 1). Furthermore, a better understanding of the mitochondrial dynamics as well as nitroxidative stress may lead to the development of new translational approaches for the prevention and treatment of mitochondria-related neurodegenerative diseases. Keywords: Antioxidant, apoptosis, dietary supplement; mitochondrial dysfunction, neurodegeneration, nitroxidative stress, post-translational modification.

Prebiotics Modulate the Effects of Antibiotics on Gut Microbial Diversity and Functioning in Vitro.

Intestinal bacteria carry out many fundamental roles, such as the fermentation of non-digestible dietary carbohydrates to produce short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which can affect host energy levels and gut hormone regulation. Understanding how to manage this ecosystem to improve human health is an important but challenging goal. Antibiotics are the front line of defence against pathogens, but in turn they have adverse effects on indigenous microbial diversity and function. Here, we have investigated whether dietary supplementation—another method used to modulate gut composition and function—could be used to ameliorate the side effects of antibiotics. We perturbed gut bacterial communities with gentamicin and ampicillin in anaerobic batch cultures in vitro. Cultures were supplemented with either pectin (a non-fermentable fibre), inulin (a commonly used prebiotic that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria) or neither. Although antibiotics often negated the beneficial effects of dietary supplementation, in some treatment combinations, notably ampicillin and inulin, dietary supplementation ameliorated the effects of antibiotics. There is therefore potential for using supplements to lessen the adverse effects of antibiotics. Further knowledge of such mechanisms could lead to better therapeutic manipulation of the human gut microbiota.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and beneficial effects of dietary supplements.

I read with great interest the review published by Eslamparast et al, on the dietary supplements with hepato-protective properties, and their proposed mechanisms to protect against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In this way, recently, our study group reported the efficacy of the Mediterranean diet associated to an antioxidant complex, to improve in overweight patients not only anthropometric parameters, but also insulin-resistance, lipid serum levels, and intra-hepatic fat accumulation.

Antioxidative capacity of a dietary supplement on retinal hemodynamic function in a human lipopolysaccharide (LPS) model.

Beneficial effects of dietary supplements in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are related to antioxidative properties. In the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 1 (AREDS 1), a reduced progression to late stage AMD was found using vitamin C, E, zinc, and β-carotene. We showed previously that the AREDS 1 formulation restores the O2-induced retinal vasoconstrictor response of retinal vessels in a human endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]) model. We hypothesized that the abnormal O2-induced retinal red blood cell (RBC) flow response can be modulated by a different formulation (vitamin C, E, and zinc, lutein/zeaxanthin, selenium, taurine, Aronia extract, and omega-3 free fatty acids). A total of 43 healthy subjects was included in this randomized, double masked, placebo-controlled parallel group study. The reactivity of retinal arterial and venous diameter, RBC velocity, and flow to 100% O2 breathing was investigated in the absence and presence of 2 ng/kg LPS. Between the two study days was a 14-day period of daily dietary supplement intake. The decrease in retinal arterial diameter, RBC velocity, and flow during 100% O2 breathing was diminished significantly after LPS infusion. Dietary supplement intake for 14 days almost restored the response of retinal hemodynamic parameters to 100% O2 after LPS administration. This effect was significant for retinal arterial diameter (P = 0.03 between groups), and RBC velocity and flow (each P < 0.01 between groups). The present data indicate restoring of the RBC flow response to 100% O2 after LPS administration. This is likely due to an amelioration of endothelial dysfunction resulting from oxidative stress, a factor involved in AMD pathophysiology. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00914576.).

Effects of Dietary Supplementation ofLactobacillus plantarumon Growth Performance and Serum Concentration of Amino Acids in Weaned Piglets

This study investigated the effects of different doses of Lactobacillus plantarum on growth performance and serum concentration of amino acids in weaned piglets. A total of 32 piglets [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc], with an initial BW of 5.6±0.31 kg and weaned at 21d of age, were used for 28d. Pigs were assigned to four experimental treatments with eight replications per treatment and one pig per replication according to a completely randomized design. Dietary treatments consisted of a control group fed with basal alone (T0), Lactobacillus plantarum at 1011 cfu kg−1 (T1), Lactobacillus plantarum at 5×1011 cfu kg−1 (T2), and Lactobacillus plantarum at 10×1011 cfu kg−1 (T3). Supplementation of Lactobacillus plantarum, increased the final BW (P<0.05) and average daily gain (ADG), and decreased (P<0.05) feed:gain ratio and diarrhoea rate compared with the control group (T0). Also, T2 showed the better results on final BW, ADG and diarrhoea rate (P<0.05) compared to other treatments with Lactobacillus plantarum. Likewise, supplementation of Lactobacillus plantarum (mainly the T2) increased (P<0.05) the serum concentrations of lysine, arginine, serine, glutamate, glycine and alanine, and decreased (P<0.05) the concentration of tyrosine; the other amino acids remained similar among the dietary groups. These findings show a beneficial effect of dietary supplementation of Lactobacillus plantarum at 5×1011 cfu kg−1 on growth performance and the serum concentration of some essentials amino acids and non-essentials in weaned piglets.

The role of omega-3 derived resolvins in arthritis

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are known to alleviate joint stiffness and pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients. However, the mechanisms by which omega-3s exert their beneficial effects has not been fully explored. Herein we discuss a novel class of bioactive lipid mediators, which are enzymatically biosynthesized in vivo from omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), termed resolvins. These lipid mediators exert anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving properties and are log-orders more potent than their precursors. We also highlight that formation of pro-resolving mediators can be enhanced by widely used anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective drugs (aspirin and statins) via the modification of cyclooxygenase-2 enzymatic activity. These bioactive pro-resolving lipid mediators provide further rationale for the beneficial effects of dietary supplementation with fish oils, and offer new avenues for developing therapeutics for inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the treatment of experimental chronic renal failure

A diet with polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation has been reported to reduce renal and cardiac diseases. This study sought to elucidate whether PUFAs derived from plant or marine oils could have beneficial effects on the progression of experimental chronic renal failure (CRF). Experimental CRF was achieved by a 5/6 nephrectomy model. Male Wistar rats were divided into groups and given daily supplements of fish oil (group FO), flaxseed oil (group FXO), or soybean oil (control-group SO) for 30 days. Serum creatinine (sCr), 24-h proteinuria, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and creatinine clearance (CLcr) were measured at day 0 and 30 days after surgery when the rats were euthanized for histological analysis of the remnant kidney. After 30 days, we observed lower levels of sCr in the groups supplemented with PUFA when compared with the control group (FO: 0.92 ± 0.13; FXO: 1.06 ± 0.28; SO: 1.32 ± 0.47 mg/dL) and significantly slower variations of sCr (ΔsCr) in the groups treated with PUFAs (FO = 0.35 ± 0.16; FXO = 0.47 ± 0.31; OS = 0.72 ± 0.43; mg/dL, P = 0.041). Similarly, the CLcr of both of the groups that received PUFAs was significantly slower than the rats in the control group (FO: 0.45 ± 0.15; FXO: 0.60 ± 0.09; SO: 0.28 ± 0.06 mL/min/day; P = 0.01). The rats that received PUFA supplements also presented significantly less histological lesions compared with the control group. These results suggest a beneficial effect of dietary supplementation with flaxseed or fish oil in rats with CRF.

Acacia(sen) SUPERGUM™ (Gum arabic): An evaluation of potential health benefits in human subjects

This study evaluated the cardiovascular and renal effects of dietary fibre supplementation with Acacia(sen) SUPERGUM™ (gum arabic) in normal individuals and a group of diabetic nephropaths. The normal diet was supplemented with 25 g of SUPERGUM™ daily for a period of 8–12 weeks. For the whole cohort dietary supplementation with SUPERGUM™ resulted in a fall in mean systolic blood pressure [SBP] (138.4 ± 18.9 mmHg to 132.83 ± 15.9 mmHg p = 0.01). Of note was a significant fall in SBP seen in normal individuals who neither had hypertension nor diabetes (129.1 ± 8.3 mmHg vs 123.6 ± 11.5 mmHg, n = 10 p = 0.02). Parameters of arterial stiffness were examined in patients with diabetic nephropathy and a fall in MAP. In this subgroup there was a significant fall in both central systolic and diastolic blood pressures, with no alterations in AI, AI @75 or PWV. This suggests that the beneficial effects of SUPERGUM™ on blood pressure are not the result of alterations in arterial stiffness. There were no effects of SUPERGUM™ on renal function and haemodynamics in patients with diabetic nephropathy. In contrast a reversible change in GFR (113.0 ml min vs 99.4 ml/min, p = 0.02) and ERPF (489.7 ml/min vs 463.0 ml/min, p = 0.04) was shown in the population of healthy volunteers. The key finding of this study is the a significant beneficial effect of dietary supplementation with SUPERGUM™ on blood pressure which is seen in both a patient group with diabetes and mild renal involvement as well as in a normal healthy normotensive cohort.

Red Wine Polyphenols Prevent Metabolic and Cardiovascular Alterations Associated with Obesity in Zucker Fatty Rats (Fa/Fa)

BackgroundObesity is associated with increased risks for development of cardiovascular diseases. Epidemiological studies report an inverse association between dietary flavonoid consumption and mortality from cardiovascular diseases. We studied the potential beneficial effects of dietary supplementation of red wine polyphenol extract, Provinols™, on obesity-associated alterations with respect to metabolic disturbances and cardiovascular functions in Zucker fatty (ZF) rats.Methodology/Principal FindingsZF rats or their lean littermates received normal diet or supplemented with Provinols™ for 8 weeks. Provinols™ improved glucose metabolism by reducing plasma glucose and fructosamine in ZF rats. Moreover, it reduced circulating triglycerides and total cholesterol as well as LDL-cholesterol in ZF rats. Echocardiography measurements demonstrated that Provinols™ improved cardiac performance as evidenced by an increase in left ventricular fractional shortening and cardiac output associated with decreased peripheral arterial resistances in ZF rats. Regarding vascular function, Provinols™ corrected endothelial dysfunction in aortas from ZF rats by improving endothelium-dependent relaxation in response to acetylcholine (Ach). Provinols™ enhanced NO bioavailability resulting from increased nitric oxide (NO) production through enhanced endothelial NO-synthase (eNOS) activity and reduced superoxide anion release via decreased expression of NADPH oxidase membrane sub-unit, Nox-1. In small mesenteric arteries, although Provinols™ did not affect the endothelium-dependent response to Ach; it enhanced the endothelial-derived hyperpolarizing factor component of the response.Conclusions/SignificanceUse of red wine polyphenols may be a potential mechanism for prevention of cardiovascular and metabolic alterations associated with obesity.

Lipoic acid prevents body weight gain induced by a high fat diet in rats: Effects on intestinal sugar transport

Several studies have suggested that oxidative stress might cause and aggravate the inflammatory state associated with obesity and could be the link between excessive weight gain and its related disorders such as insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, antioxidant treatment has been proposed as a therapy to prevent and manage obesity and associated complications. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of supplementation of a standard or high fat diet with the antioxidant lipoic acid (LA) during 56 days, on body weight gain, adiposity, feed efficiency and intestinal sugar absorption, in male Wistar rats. LA supplementation induced a lower body weight gain and adipose tissue size in both control or high fat fed rats accompanied by a reduction in food intake. The group fed on a high fat diet and treated with LA (OLIP group) showed a lower body weight gain than its corresponding Pair-Fed (PF) group (P < 0.05), which received the same amount of food than LA-treated animals but with no LA. In fact, LA induced a reduction on feed efficiency and also significantly decreased intestinal alpha-methylglucoside (alpha-MG) absorption both in lean and obese rats. These results suggest that the beneficial effects of dietary supplementation with LA on body weight gain are mediated, at least in part, by the reduction observed in food intake and feed efficiency. Furthemore, the inhibitory action of LA on intestinal sugar transport could explain in part the lower feed efficiency observed in LA-treated animals and therefore, highlighting the beneficial effects of LA on obesity.

Humoral defence improvement and haematopoiesis stimulation in sows and offspring by oral supply of shark-liver oil to mothers during gestation and lactation

Shark-liver oil (SLO) contains two bioactive lipids: alkylglycerols and n-3 PUFA. Alkylglycerols have immunostimulating and haematopoietic properties, while n-3 PUFA are essential for optimal neonatal development. We investigated the beneficial effects of dietary supplementation with 32 g SLO/d to twelve pregnant and then lactating sows (from day 80 of pregnancy to weaning) on the growth and immune status of their offspring, compared with a control group. Sows were vaccinated against Aujeszky's disease 21 d before term. Blood samples were collected from sows before treatment, on delivery and 14 d later, and from five piglets per litter on days 2, 21 and 36 after birth; colostrum and milk samples were collected 12 h, 14 and 28 d postpartum. Compared with controls, supplemented sows had higher levels of both erythrocytes and Hb in their blood, and higher concentrations of IgG, alkylglycerols and n-3 PUFA in their mammary secretions. In piglets from supplemented sows, leucocytes and IgG were higher. Supplementation with SLO resulted in an increase in Aujeszky antibodies in both blood and colostrum of sows after vaccination, together with an increase in Aujeszky antibodies in piglet blood. Our findings demonstrate that improvement of both passive and active immune status in piglets is related to the consumption of alkylglycerols associated with n-3 PUFA in the sow diet. The overall improvement in offspring health status by SLO supplementation to the mother could be of interest for optimisation of the lipid diet during and after pregnancy.