Blood Cholesterol Concentrations Research Articles

Perceptions and Knowledge of Nuts amongst Health Professionals in New Zealand

Despite their nutritional value, population-level nut consumption remains low. Studies suggest that individuals would eat more nuts on their doctor’s advice, making health professionals potentially important for promoting nut consumption. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the perceptions and knowledge of nuts and the predictors of nut promotion among health professionals in New Zealand. Dietitians, general practitioners (GPs), and practice nurses were identified from the Electoral Roll and invited to complete a questionnaire (n = 318, 292, and 149 respondents respectively). Over one-fifth of GPs and practice nurses believed that eating nuts could increase blood cholesterol concentrations and cause weight gain. The most common perceptions overall were that nuts are healthy; high in protein, fat, and calories; and are satiating. Nut consumption was recommended for reasons relating to these perceptions and because of nuts’ selenium content. Conversely, reasons for suggesting the consumption of fewer nuts included that they were high in calories and fat, would cause weight gain, and concerns regarding allergies and cost. All groups of health professionals were more likely to promote nut consumption if they perceived nuts to reduce the risk of diabetes (all p ≤ 0.034). Education could improve health professionals’ knowledge regarding the effects of nut consumption on blood cholesterol and body weight, alongside other health benefits, which should improve the advice given to patients and may thereby increase nut consumption.

Impact of hydrothermal and mechanical processing on dissolution kinetics and rheology of oat β-glucan

Oat mixed-linkage β-glucan has been shown to lower fasting blood cholesterol concentrations due notably to an increase in digesta viscosity in the proximal gut. To exert its action, the polysaccharide has to be released from the food matrix and hydrated. The dissolution kinetics of β-glucan from three oat materials, varying in their structure, composition and degree of processing, was investigated by incubating the oats at 37°C over multiple time points (up to 72h). The samples were analysed for β-glucan content, weight-average molecular weight and rheological behaviour. Regardless of the materials studied and the processing applied, the solubilisation of β-glucan was not complete. Mechanical and hydrothermal processing led to differences in the viscosity flow curves of the recovered solutions, with the presence of particulates having a marked effect. This study revealed that the structure and processing methods applied to oat materials resulted in varied and complex rheological properties, especially when particulates are present.

Study of Cholesterol Repletion Effect on Nanomechanical Properties of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cell Via Rapid Broadband Atomic Force Microscopy.

Abnormalities of blood cholesterol concentration are associated with increased risks for vascular disease, especially heart attacks and strokes. As one of the main lipid components of plasma membrane in all mammalian cells, cholesterol has a major impact on the mechanical properties of the membrane of endothelial cells. Although the effect of cholesterol depletion on cell mechanical properties has been studied, no results yet have been reported on quantitative investigation of cholesterol repletion effect. In this study, the cholesterol repletion effect on the nanomechanical properties of human umbilical vein endothelial cell (EA.hy926) was studied using a control-based atomic force microscope (AFM) nanomechanical measurement protocol. The viscoelasticity of EA.hy926 cells were measured over a large frequency range (0.1-100 Hz) using both constant-rate excitation force with different loading rates and a broadband excitation force. The viscoelasticity oscillation of the cell membranes under the cholesterol effect was also monitored in real-time. The experiment results showed that under the effect of cholesterol repletion, both the Young's modulus and the complex modulus of EA.hy926 cell were increased over 30%, respectively, and moreover, the amplitudes of both the elasticity oscillation and the viscosity oscillation at a period of around 200 s were increased over 70%, respectively. Therefore, this work is among the first to investigate the mechanical properties, particularly, the broadband viscoelasticity variations of EA.hy926 cells under cholesterol repletion treatment. The results revealed that cholesterol repletion may reinforce the coupling of F-actin to plasma membrane by increasing actin stability, and the cholesterol might have modified the submembrane cytoskeletal organization of EA.hy926 cell by causing the involvement of the motor protein nonmuscle myosin II.

Strategies to gain body condition score in pasture-based dairy cows during late lactation and the far-off nonlactating period and their interaction with close-up dry matter intake

In pasture-based systems, cows are generally thinner at the end of lactation than cows fed total mixed rations and, as a result, over-feeding of metabolizable energy (ME) during the far-off nonlactating period is a standard management policy to achieve optimum calving body condition score (BCS). An alternative would be to manage cows to gain BCS through late lactation, such that cows ended lactation close to optimum calving BCS and maintenance of BCS through to calving. We sought to quantify the effect of moderate or excessive ME intakes during the far-off nonlactating period in cows that had been managed to gain or maintain BCS through late lactation and whether the far-off management strategy interacted with close-up level of feeding. Effects on milk production and circulating indicators of energy balance and metabolic health in early lactation were evaluated. A herd of 150 cows was randomly assigned to 1 of 2 feeding levels in late lactation to achieve a low and high BCS at the time of dry-off (approximately 4.25 and 5.0 on a 10-point scale). Following dry-off, both herds were managed to achieve a BCS of 5.0 one month before calving; this involved controlled feeding (i.e., maintenance) and over-feeding of ME during the far-off dry period. Within each far-off feeding-level treatment, cows were offered 65, 90, or 120% of their pre-calving ME requirements for 3 wk pre-calving in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement (i.e., 25 cows/treatment). Body weight and BCS were measured weekly before and after calving, and milk production was measured weekly until wk 7 postcalving. Blood samples were collected weekly for 4 wk pre-calving and 5 wk postcalving, and on d 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 relative to calving, and analyzed for indicators of energy balance (e.g., blood fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate), calcium status, and inflammatory state. No interaction was observed between far-off and close-up feeding levels. Over-feeding of ME to low BCS cows during the far-off nonlactating period reduced blood fatty acid and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations in early lactation, and increased blood albumin to globulin ratio compared with cows that were dried off close to recommended calving BCS and control-fed during the far-off dry period. Cows consuming 65% of their ME requirements during the close-up period had lower fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate in early lactation, but produced less milk, particularly during the first 21 d of lactation, had more than 3-fold greater concentration of haptoglobin immediately postcalving, and had a lower blood cholesterol concentration and albumin to globulin ratio, when compared with cows offered 90 or 120% of their ME requirements. Collectively, these measurements indicate that a severe restriction (<70% of ME requirements) during the close-up nonlactating period increases the risk of disease in early lactation and reduces milk production. In summary, far-off over-feeding of ME to cows that needed to gain BCS did not influence peripartum metabolic health in grazing dairy cows, but restricting cows below 70% ME requirements during the close-up transition period resulted in a blood profile indicative of greater inflammation.

The importance of soybean (Glycine max) as a source of biologically valuable substances

In the paper the biological valuable components of soybean are discussed. Soya is widespread product in the world. Soya is a prevention agent against of cardiovascular diseases, tromboembolosm. Consumption of soybean protein is decreased the content of cholesterol in blood, the risk of steoporosis, promotes preservation of bones in the elderly. The useful futures of soybean are provided by the large content of protein, izoflavonoids, lecithin, micro- and macroelements and vitamins. High concentrations of biological active components in soybean allow using them in the pharmaceutical industry for production of drugs and dietary supplements. Phytopreparations like Inoclim, Estroel, produced by pharmaceutical companies on the basis of soybean extract, containing soybean isoflavonoides against menopausal syndrome are reviewed. Soybean isoflavonoids like genistine and daidestin have antioxidant, anticarcinogenic effect, normalize the function of the immune system and hemostasis The study of biological valuable components of Kazakhstan soybean varieties are required.

Influence of supplementing diet with microalgae (Schizochytrium limacinum)on growth and metabolism in lambs during the summer

The current experiment was conducted to examine the impact of a supplement of microalgae ( Schizochytrium limacinum ) on the performance, rumen fermentation, and blood metabolites in lambs during summer. Forty lambs were used in a 49-day experiment. The lambs were group-fed either a basal diet (alfalfa hay and concentrate, n = 20) or the basal diet along with 5 g/day microalgae (n = 20). Feed intakes were recorded daily and body weight (BW) was measured weekly. Overall, microalgae feeding increased (P 0.05). Microalgae feeding decreased rumen pH (P < 0.05) and tended to reduce proportion of acetate (P < 0.1), while it increased total rumen volatile fatty acid concentration (8.6%; P < 0.01) and proportions of propionate (13.9%, P < 0.01) and valerate (P < 0.01; 26.5%) compared with the control animals. Microalgae feeding increased (P < 0.05) blood glucose (98.47 vs. 84.97 mg/dL) and insulin (64.14 vs. 29.26 ng/mL), whereas it lowered total cholesterol concentrations in blood (62 vs. 58 mg/dL, P < 0.1) compared with the control animals. The results of this study indicate that microalgae supplement influences productivity and enhances dietary energy utilization in lambs during the summer.

Growth performance, nutrients digestibility, and blood metabolites of lambs fed diets supplemented with probiotics during pre- and post-weaning period.

ObjectiveTwo experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects on growth performance, digestibility, and blood metabolites of lambs during pre- and post-weaning period of inclusion of a commercial probiotic (PRO) containing a mixture of two strains of Pediococcus, Pediococcus acidilactici (1×106 colony-forming unit [cfu]/g) and Pediococcus pentosaceus (1.3×106 cfu/g), with dextrose as the carrier compound compared to a diet based on concentrate mixture and wheat straw.MethodsIn exp. 1, 24 male lambs of about 15±2.6 d age and initial body weight (BW) of 5.52±0.6 kg were randomly allocated into three groups. One group received control diet without additives, and remainders received control diet supplemented with 0.5 or 1 g PRO/lamb/d. Daily feed intake and biweekly BW were recorded. In exp. 2, five lambs, (initial BW = 29.72±1.15 kg, age = 6.54±0.32 mo) were used as experimental animals in a digestion trial. They were fed the same diets as in Exp. 1.ResultsThe supplementation of PRO did not result in any significant differences in milk intake, average daily gain (ADG), or total gain between treatments during the pre-weaning period. Total dry matter intake tended to be greater (p = 0.07) with addition of PRO in the post-weaning diets. During post-weaning phase, the final BW, ADG, total gain, and feed conversion ratio of the lambs receiving PRO treatments tended to be greater (p≤0.10) than the control group. Addition of PRO in post-weaning diet decreased (p≤0.01) blood urea and cholesterol concentrations. With the exception of ether extract digestibility, all nutrients digestibility were improved with inclusion PRO in the post-weaning diets.ConclusionLambs that received PRO in post-weaning diet appeared to show a better performance than lambs in pre-weaning period. Addition of the probiotic in the post-weaning diet trended towards improved dry matter intake, growth performance, feed conversion ratio, and nutrients digestibility.

The effects of a medical plant mix and probiotic on performance and health status of suckling Holstein calves

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of a medical plant mixture and probiotic on performance, blood parameters, digestibility of some nutrients, and health status of suckling Holstein calves. Thirty newborn calves (1–10 days) with 42 ± 8 kg of average birth weight were used in a factorial arrangement (3 × 2) with 6 treatments and 5 replicate. The treatments were: (1) control diet, (2) control diet +2g probiotic per day, (3) control diet + 1.5% medical plant, (4) control diet +1.5% medical plant +2g probiotic per day, (5) control diet + 3% medical plant and (6) control diet +3% medical plant +2g probiotic per day. During first month, experimental factors have no effect on starter and hay intake, whereas total DMI was affected by herbal (H) effect in second month (p < .01). Calves fed on H1.5 diet had the highest starter and total DMI and calves fed on PH3 diet had the lowest value. Daily weight gain (DWG) was affected significantly by H (p < .01) whereas no effect from P was observed. Treatments had no significant effect on blood glucose, cholesterol and albumin content, whereas addition of H1.5 in starter feed increased beta-hydroxy butyric acid (BHBA) concentration in comparison to other groups (p < .05). In conclusion and based on better growth performance, it is recommended to feed H1.5 to milk suckling calves and feeding herbal additives with probiotic is not recommended.

Ideal cardiovascular health score and incident end-stage renal disease in a community-based longitudinal cohort study: the Kailuan Study

ObjectivesTo investigate an association between ideal cardiovascular health metrics (CVH) and the risk of developing end-stage renal disease (ESRD).SettingCommunity of Kailuan in Tangshan/China.ParticipantsWe examined in a community-based longitudinal cohort study...

Investigating the effects of Capparis Spinosa on hepatic gluconeogenesis and lipid content in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of administration of Capparis spinosa (CS) fruit aqueous extract on liver metabolism in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The aqueous extract of CS was orally administered at a dose of 20mg/kg for 28 consecutive days and then its effects on blood glucose, lipid and insulin levels in normal and STZ diabetic rats were comparatively investigated. Furthermore, the effects of CS on the activity and expression of the key enzymes of gluconeogenesis and hepatic lipid content were investigated. The results showed that administration of CS extract in the STZ diabetic rats significantly decreased blood glucose level, while no significant influence on the insulin level. In addition, CS significantly decreased blood and liver triglyceride and cholesterol content in STZ diabetic rats. Furthermore, CS administration significantly reduced the mRNA expression and enzyme activities of glucose-6- phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase in liver tissues. Our findings demonstrated the beneficial effects of CS on blood glucose and lipid levels in an insulin- independent manner. This study also showed that CS improved the circulating levels of triglyceride and cholesterol. In addition, direct inhibition of gluconeogenesis in liver may be a probable mechanism of action of this plant. Since CS also decreased liver lipid content, we suggest that CS administration might be a beneficial therapeutic approach for metabolic syndrome and fatty liver.

Effects of ambient temperature and dietary glycerol addition on growth performance, blood parameters and immune cell populations of Korean cattle steers.

ObjectiveThis study was performed to evaluate whether ambient temperature and dietary glycerol addition affect growth performance, and blood metabolic and immunological parameters, in beef cattle.MethodsTwenty Korean cattle steers (405.1±7.11 kg of body weight [BW], 14.2±0.15 months of age) were divided into a conventional control diet group (n = 10) and a 2% glycerol- added group (n = 10). Steers were fed 1.6% BW of a concentrate diet and 0.75% BW of a timothy hay diet for 8 weeks (4 weeks from July 28th to August 26th and 4 weeks from August 27th to September 26th). Blood was collected four times on July 28th, August 11th, August 27th, and September 26th.ResultsThe maximum indoor ambient temperature-humidity index in August (75.8) was higher (p<0.001) than that in September (70.0), and in August was within the mild heat stress (HS) category range previously reported for dairy cattle. The average daily gain (ADG; p = 0.03) and feed efficiency (p<0.001) were higher in hotter August than in September. Glycerol addition did not affect ADG and feed efficiency. Neither month nor glycerol addition affected blood concentrations of cortisol, triglyceride, or non-esterified fatty acid. Blood concentrations of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, glucose, and albumin were lower (p<0.05) on August 27th than on September 26 th, and blood phosphorus, calcium and magnesium concentrations were also lower on August 27th than on September 27th. Glycerol addition did not affect these blood parameters. Percentages of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells were higher (p<0.05) on July 28th than on August 27th and September 26th. The blood CD8+ T cell population was lower in the glycerol supplemented-group compared to the control group on July 28th and August 27th.ConclusionKorean cattle may not be significantly affected by mild HS, considering that growth performance of cattle was better in hotter conditions, although some changes in blood metabolic and mineral parameters were observed.

ПОКАЗНИКИ ЛІПІДНОГО ОБМІНУ У КОРІВ ЗА РІЗНИХ ФІЗІОЛОГІЧНИХ СТАНІВ ТА ПЕРІОДІВ УТРИМАННЯ

The aim of this research was to study the lipid metabolism in high-yielding dairy cows during different physiological states and maintenance periods. Study was conducted on two groups of animals of Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breed. The first group was formed in the winter stall-feeding period, the second one during the grazing period. Blood samples were taken four times: the first during dry period, the second, third and fourth were withdrawn at the beginning, on the peak and at the end of lactation period. Results showed increased lipomobilization activity after calving caused on the one hand by growing requirements in metabolites for milk synthesis and on the other hand by inadequate dietary supply with metabolic energy. Highly significant increase of the content of triacylglycerols, total and esterified cholesterol and non-esterified fatty acids in blood of dairy cows was revealed. On the peak and at the end of lactation the level of indicated substances in blood gradually decreased. Influence of the period of the animals maintenance on lipid metabolism was established. For instance, after calving and on the peak of lactation serum levels of triacylglycerols, esterifies cholesterol and non-estherified fatty acids were significantly higher in comparison with such under the same physiological states but during grazing period of maintenance.

Ovulatory response and embryo quality in Katahdin ewes supplemented with palm oil

The aims of this study were to evaluate the superovulatory response (SR), embryo quality and embryonic development in Katahdin ewes that received a dietary supplement of palm oil (PO). Ten ewes were assigned to receive 35 g palm oil (n = 10, PO3) and 10 to receive 70 g palm oil (n = 10, PO6) for 25 days. On day 0, the ewes were synchronized with 0.3 mg progesterone-releasing devices (CIDR-G®). From days 6 to 9, the donors were superovulated with 200 mg follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (Folltropin-V®) at decreasing doses every 12 hours (40 - 40, 30 - 30, 20 - 20 and 10 - 10 mg/ewe). On day 8, the devices were removed and donors were mated twice with fertile rams at 12-h intervals. Seven days after mating, the embryos were recovered and evaluated for their stage of development and quality grade (1 = excellent, 2 = good, 3 = bad and 4 = degenerated). In addition, on days 0, 7 and 15, blood samples were taken to determine cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin and insulin-Iike growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations in serum blood. Using chi-square and t-tests, the superovulatory response (SR), ovulation rate (OR), total embryonic structures (TES), transferable embryos (TE), degenerated embryos (DEs) and developmental stage and quality were evaluated. No significant differences were observed between treatments for SR, OR, TES and TE variables or for cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin and IGF-1 concentrations. There were differences in the numbers of DE, as well as a trend for more homogeneous developmental stage in the embryos of ewes supplemented with PO6, as well as a higher number of quality 1 embryos and lower numbers of quality 3 and 4 embryos. Palm oil supplementation could be a recommendable practice to improve the quality of embryos and homogenous developmental stage (morula and blastocyst).Keywords: Fatty acids, ovarian activity, sheep

EFFECT OF TWO LEVELS OF PROBIOTICS SUPPLEMENTATION ON PERFORMANCE, DIGESTIBILITY, AND SOME BLOOD CONSTITUENTS IN WEANED LAMBS

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding weaned lambs on diets supplemented with two levels of commercial probiotic contains a mixture of two strains of Pediococcus, Pediococcus acidilactici (1 x 106 cfu/g) and Pediococcus pentosaceus (1.3 x 106 cfu/g), with dextrose as the carrier compound on growth performance, digestibility, and blood parameters. In a growth study, 24 weaned male Saidi lambs of about 3-4 months age and an average initial live BW of 15.88±0.57 kg were randomly allotted into three groups, one group received control diet without additives, and remainders received control diet supplemented with 0.5 or 1 g probiotic/lamb/day. The experimental period lasted for 84 days. Diets were offered twice a day for ad libitum intake and contained 80% concentrate and 20% roughage. Lamb BW and feed intake were recorded. Feed conversion ratio and economical efficiency were calculated. Blood samples were collected by month. In a digestibility study, fifteen lambs initial BW = 29.72 ± 1.15 kg, age = 6.54 ± 0.32 months) were used as experimental animals in a digestion trial. They were allocated randomly for three treatments (five per treatment) within live BW and age. Treatments contain 0, 0.5, and 1 g probiotic/lamb/day. Total DMI tended to be higher (P = 0.17) with increasing level of probiotics in the diets. Lambs fed 1 g/day of probiotic tended to have greater (P ≤ 0.10) daily gain, total gain, and a better feed conversion ratio and economical efficiency compared to the groups received control or 0.5 g probiotics/day. With the exception of either extract (EE) digestibility, all nutrients digestibility, total digestible nutrients (TDN), and digestible crude protein (DCP) values were increased with inclusion probiotic in the diets. Probiotics supplementation did not change serum constituents of total protein, albumin, globulin, and glucose levels, however blood urea and cholesterol concentrations were decreased (P ≤ 01) with increasing level of probiotic in the diet. In conclusion, supplementation of probiotic at high level of 1 g/day in weaned lamb diets may be have appositive effect on nutrients digestibility which result in improve growth performance, feed conversion, economic efficiency, and animal health through decrease cholesterol concentration in the blood.

Determination of cholesterol in blood. Part 3

The chronological development of procedures for determining the concentration of cholesterol in plasma, serum, and whole blood is presented in the review. It is stated that, since the correlation between the risk of development of cardiovascular diseases and the concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in human blood has been established by numerous medical studies, procedures for the measurement of these parameters have been developed most actively. A brief overview of these procedures and the results of their comparative tests in medical examinations of patients are given. Classifications are also proposed for procedures that determining total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in blood. The mechanism of action of the chemical reactions taking place in these procedures, the advantages and disadvantages, and prioritization of the field of their application are considered. Promising directions in the development and improvement of procedures are mentioned, ensuring more accurate measurements of the blood cholesterol concentration, and alternative means of determining cardiovascular disease risk are discussed.

Experimental support for the effects of a probiotic/digestive enzyme supplement on serum cholesterol concentrations and the intestinal microbiome.

BackgroundElevated levels of blood cholesterol are associated with cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current therapies for addressing elevated blood cholesterol can be inadequate, ineffective or associated with side effects; therefore, the search for additional therapies is ongoing. This study evaluated Daily Body Restore (DBR), a proprietary blend of 9 probiotic organisms of the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and 10 digestive enzymes, for its effects on cholesterol metabolism using an in vitro system and a mouse model.MethodsWe used a murine model of hypercholesterolemia induced by a high fat diet to evaluate the effects of DBR on blood cholesterol concentrations. Hypercholesterolemic mice were supplemented with DBR in their drinking water for 8 weeks and compared to control mice given low fat diets or unsupplemented high fat diets. To evaluate the effects of DBR on the activity of gut microbiota in vitro, the Shime® system consisting of sequential colon reactors was supplemented with DBR for analysis of short chain fatty acid production.ResultsAnalysis of hypercholesterolemic mice after 4 and 8 weeks of DBR supplementation revealed significant decreases in blood concentrations of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and increases in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) while triglyceride concentrations were unaltered. Specifically, after 4 weeks of DBR supplementation, there was a 47 % decrease in LDL and a 32 % increase in HDL in peripheral blood compared to unsupplemented, high fat diet-fed mice. After 8 weeks of DBR treatment, LDL concentrations were dramatically reduced by 78 % and HDL was increased by 52 % relative to control mice. Addition of DBR to the Shime® system led to significantly increased production of propionate in colon reactors, indicative of microbial production of short chain fatty acids known to inhibit cholesterol synthesis.ConclusionsDBR, a probiotic and digestive enzyme supplement, lowered harmful LDL and increased HDL levels in a mouse model and also exerted in vitro effects consistent with cholesterol-lowering activity. Given the magnitude of the effects of DBR, these findings are promising for clinical implementation of DBR for treating hypercholesterolemia.

Simvastatin and oxidative stress in humans: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Simvastatin reduces the blood concentration of cholesterol by inhibiting hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis, and thereby reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, simvastatin treatment leads to a reduction in fluxes in mitochondrial respiratory complexes I and II and might thereby reduce the formation of reactive oxygen species, which have been implicated in the pathogenesis of arteriosclerosis. Therefore, we hypothesized that simvastatin may reduce oxidative stress in humans in vivo.We conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study in which subjects were treated with either 40mg of simvastatin or placebo for 14 days. The endpoints were six biomarkers for oxidative stress, which represent intracellular oxidative stress to nucleic acids, lipid peroxidation and plasma antioxidants, that were measured in urine and plasma samples.A total of 40 participants were included, of which 39 completed the trial. The observed differences between simvastatin and placebo groups in the primary outcomes, DNA and RNA oxidation, were small and nonsignificant (p=0.68), specifically, 3% in the simvastatin group compared to 7.1% in the placebo group for DNA oxidation and 7.3% in the simvastatin group compared to 3.4% in the placebo group. The differences in biomarkers related to plasma were not statistically significant between the treatments groups, with the exception of total vitamin E levels, which, as expected, were reduced in parallel with the reduction in plasma cholesterol.In healthy young male volunteers, short-term simvastatin treatment, which considerably reduces cholesterol, does not lead to a clinically relevant reduction in a panel of measures of oxidative stress. Whether simvastatin has effects on oxidative stress in diseased populations, such as diabetes or hemochromatosis, where oxidative stress is prominent, is unknown but seems unlikely.

Impact of Dietary Composition and Exercise on Functional Capacity and Cardio-metabolic Health in Male Rats

A purified vegan diet known as “Daniel Fast” (DF) has attracted great attention due to its health-enhancing properties. However, the effects of this vegan diet combined with exercise training on physical performance and cardio-metabolic health remains to be established. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of a 12-week DF with or without endurance exercise training on body composition, physical performance, cardio-metabolic profile, and oxidative stress in male rats. METHODS: Long-Evans male rats (N=28) were assigned to be exercise trained (+E) by running on a treadmill (3d/week) or to act as sedentary controls. After baseline functional capacity was evaluated by recording run time to exhaustion, animals were randomly allocated to the vegan DF or a Western Diet (WD) group. Food was provided ad libitum for 12 weeks. Once post-intervention physical performance and body composition assessments [dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)] were completed, blood was collected for evaluation of cardio-metabolic profile parameters (glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol) and a selected biomarker of oxidative stress [advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP)]. Analysis of variance (AVOVA) was used with significance set at p≤0.05. RESULTS: Body mass and body fat were lower in the DF+E group compared to the WD+E group (body mass: 478.7±11.3 g vs. 516.8±10.7 g) (fat mass: 100.7±7.4 g vs. 161.6±8.0 g). Physical performance was higher compared to baseline for both exercise groups, with a greater percent increase in the DF+E group (+81%) compared to the WD+E group (+36%). Concentration of blood glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol was lower in the DF (129±9; 74±13.1; 74.6±4.3 mg·dL-1) and DF+E (113±3; 65.5±7.5; 67.2±5.2 mg·dL-1) groups than the WD (182±7; 477±67.9; 191±21.2 mg·dL-1) and WD+E groups (158±10; 408±57.7; 135.8±9.9 mg·dL-1), respectively. Further, the AOPP concentration was lower in the DF (67±15 μmol·L-1) and DF+E (50±7 μmol·L-1) groups than in the WD (573±53 μmol·L-1) and WD+E (413±56 μmol·L-1) groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: The DF with ad libitum feeding resulted in lower body mass and body fat accumulation, enhanced physical performance, and improved cardio-metabolic parameters with lower oxidative stress regardless of amount of calories consumed.

Effect of feeding diets with processed Moringa oleifera meal as protein source in lactating Anglo-Nubian goats

The aim of the current study was to assess the effect of including different forms of Moringa oleifera leaf meal in the diets of goats. Sixteen lactating Anglo-Nubian goats (36.2±0.7kg) were used in quadruplicated 4×4 Latin square design for 88days. M. oleifera as fresh foliage, hay or silage replacing 750g/kg dry matter (DM) of sesame meal were evaluated against a basal diet without M. oleifera (sesame meal as the sole protein source) as a control diet. M. oleifera leaf meal was ensiled for 60days, whereas hay was made after air drying for 10days. Goats fed M. oleifera silage or fresh biomass had higher (P<0.05) DM intake (DMI) and digestibility of most nutrients compared with the control diet. In addition, DMI was greater (P<0.05) in goats fed M. oleifera silage compared with hay. Feeding all three forms of M. oleifera decreased (P<0.05) ruminal ammonia-N concentration and increased (P<0.05) the proportion of ruminal propionate. Higher (P<0.05) ruminal ammonia-N, propionate, and total short-chain fatty acids were noted in goats fed M. oleifera silage compared with hay. M. oleifera diets decreased (P<0.05) blood serum triglycerides and cholesterol concentrations and increased (P<0.05) serum glucose compared with the control. Moreover, feeding M. oleifera diets resulted in higher (P<0.05) milk yield, energy-corrected milk and milk contents of protein and lactose than for the control diet, and higher (P<0.05) milk fat contents were noted in goats fed M. oleifera fresh biomass and hay compared with the control diet. Feeding M. oleifera increased (P<0.05) total unsaturated fatty acids and total conjugated linoleic acid of milk and decreased (P<0.05) saturated fatty acids. It is concluded that feeding different forms of M. oleifera to replace 750g/kg DM of sesame meal enhanced feed utilization, ruminal fermentation, milk yield and composition in lactating Anglo-Nubian goats. The best performance was observed in goats fed M. oleifera silage followed by fresh M. oleifera and then M. oleifera hay.

Determination of cholesterol in blood. Part 2

The chronological development of procedures for determining the cholesterol concentration of in plasma, serum, and whole blood is presented in the review. It is stated that, since the correlation between the risk of development of cardiovascular diseases and the concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in human blood was established by numerous medical studies, procedures for the measurement of these parameters have been developed most actively. A brief overview of these procedures and the results of their comparative testing in patient medical examinations are given. Classifications are proposed for procedures for determining total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the blood. The mechanism of action of the chemical reactions taking place in these procedures, advantages and disadvantages, and priorities for their application are considered. Promising directions for the development and improvement of procedures to ensure more accurate measurements of the blood cholesterol concentration, are mentioned, and alternative means of determining the risk of cardiovascular disease are discussed.