Corn Oil Research Articles

In vivo mutagenicity assessment of styrene in MutaMouse liver and lung

BackgroundStyrene (CAS 100-42-5) is widely used as polystyrene and acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene resin such as plastic, rubber, and paint. One of the primary uses of styrene is food utensils and containers, but a small amount of styrene transferred into food can be ingested by eating. Styrene is metabolized into styrene 7,8-oxide (SO). SO is mutagenic in bacteria and mouse lymphoma assays. It is clastogenic in cultured mammalian cells. However, styrene and SO are not clastogenic/aneugenic in rodents, and no rodent in vivo gene mutation studies were identified.MethodsTo investigate the mutagenicity of orally administered styrene, we used the transgenic rodent gene mutation assay to perform an in vivo mutagenicity test (OECD TG488). The transgenic MutaMouse was given styrene orally at doses of 0 (corn oil; negative control), 75, 150, and 300 mg/kg/day for 28 days, and mutant frequencies (MFs) were determined using the lacZ assay in the liver and lung (five male mice/group).ResultsThere were no significant differences in the MFs of the liver and lung up to 300 mg/kg/day (close to maximum tolerable dose (MTD)), when one animal with extremely high MFs that were attributed to an incidental clonal mutation was omitted. Positive and negative controls produced the expected results.ConclusionsThese findings show that styrene is not mutagenic in the liver and lung of MutaMouse under this experimental condition.

Mori fructus aqueous extracts attenuates liver injury by inhibiting ferroptosis via the Nrf2 pathway

BackgroundLiver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinogenesis secondary to liver fibrosis are serious liver diseases with no effective treatments. Mori fructus aqueous extracts (MFAEs) have served as successful treatments for many types of liver injury including fibrosis although the molecular mechanisms are unknown at present.PurposeTo investigate the effect of MFAEs in alleviating acute and chronic liver injury and tried to decipher the underlying mechanism.Methods and resultsMice were divided into 5 groups (n = 8) for acute (groups: control, 0.3% CCl4, bifendate (BD), 100 and 200 mg/kg MFAEs, 7 d) and chronic (groups: control, 10% CCl4, BD, 100 and 200 mg/kg MFAEs, 4 weeks) liver injury study. Each mouse was injected intraperitoneally with 10 µL/g corn oil containing CCl4 expect the control group. HepG2 cells were used in vitro study. Eighteen communal components were identified by UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS. We utilized a mouse model for acute and chronic liver injury using CCl4 and MFAEs administration effectively blocked fibrosis and significantly inhibited inflammation in the liver. MFAEs activated the nuclear factor erythroid derived 2 like 2/heme oxygenase 1 (Nrf2/HO-1) pathway and promoted the synthesis of the antioxidants glutathione (GSH), superoxidedismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) that resulted in reduced levels of CCl4-induced oxidative stress molecules including reactive oxygen species. These extracts administered to mice also inhibited ferroptosis in the liver by regulating the expression of Acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4 (ACSL4), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), thus reducing the occurrence of liver fibrosis. Both in vivo and in vitro tests indicated that the mechanism of MFAEs protection against liver fibrosis was linked to activation of Nrf2 signaling. These effects were blocked in vitro by the addition of a specific Nrf2 inhibitor.ConclusionMFAEs inhibited oxidative stress, ferroptosis and inflammation of the liver by activating Nrf2 signal pathway and provided a significant protective effect against CCl4-induced liver fibrosis.Graphical

Green extraction of carotenoids from apricot flesh by ultrasound assisted corn oil extraction: Optimization, identification, and application

The valorization of waste apricot flesh (WAF) can solve environmental and economic problems, and also meets the demand for natural pigments. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to recover carotenoids from WAF, to determine the type and content of carotenoids in the extracts and to explore the potential of the extracts for food industry applications. The extraction conditions were optimized. The total carotenoids content (TCC) was 42.75 mg/100 g dried weight under the optimized conditions: Time: 60 min, Temperature: 41.53℃, Power: 200 W, Liquid to solid (LS) ratio: 0.10 g/mL. The highest content of carotenoids in the corn oil extracts (COE) was phytoene. Color of COE under high temperature was investigated. Carotenoids in the COE were degraded at high temperatures. The a* of fries fried by COE was 7.31 times higher than that of corn oil. This study provides guidance for the green recovery of carotenoids and valorization of WAF.

Optimization of Making Edible Films based on Glycerol, Corn Oil and Whey Cheese using Rotatable Central Composite Design

Optimization of Making Edible Films based on Glycerol, Corn Oil and Whey Cheese using Rotatable Central Composite Design

Abstract 3947: S100A8/A9-RAGE pathway and chronic airway inflammation in cigarette smoke-induced lung carcinogenesis

Abstract Background: Cigarette smoke-induced chronic airway inflammation increases the risk of lung cancer, and plays a multifaceted role in lung cancer initiation and progression, and RAGE-ligand axis (HMGB1, S100A8/A9) contributes Cigarette smoke-induced persistent and progressive inflammation. The aim of the present study was to determine the inflammatory effect on S100A8/A9-RAGE pathway in smoke-induced carcinogenesis in lung cancer. Methods: Human alveolar adenocarcinoma cells (A549) and normal bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) were co-cultured for 24 h with the PBMC and then, cells were incubated in the presence or absence of 1.5% cigarette smoke extract (CSE) for 24 h. The cells transfected with siRNA targeting S100A8/9 or RAGE. The cell viability, colony-forming ability, migration, invasion, metastasis and morphological changes were assessed. Female A/J mice were given a benzo(a)pyrene (100mg/kg) in 0.1 ml corn oil via oral gavage at once a week for 3 weeks, and administrated CSE (1.25 ul/g) via intratracheal (IT) at twice a week for 4 weeks. Tumor load was determined by averaging the total tumor volume in each group. BAL differential cells were counted to analyze inflammatory cells. Results: Cellular growth and colony-forming were promoted by exposure to CSE, and significantly inhibited by S100A8/9 and RAGE-siRNA transfection, especially in A549 cells than BEAS-2B. Cell migration, invasion, MMP-2/9 activities, and the mRNA and protein expression of TLR4, NF-κB, RAGE, S100A8/9 and HMBG1 were higher in CSE exposed A549 cells. S100A8/9 and RAGE-siRNA transfection attenuated those expression, significantly. B(a)P induced an average tumor volume 7.28 mm3 per mouse, and CSE significantly increased tumor volume (8.10 mm3) compared to the B(a)P group. The total cell number and lymphocytes in BAL fluids tended to increase after CSE administration in lung cancer mouse group. Moreover, CSE significantly induced the levels of S100A8/9 and RAGE, p38 and p-ERK, and decreased JNK in serum and tumors with adjacent lung tissues (p < 0.05). Conclusions: We identified cigarette smoke-induced S100A8/A9-RAGE pathway promoted airway inflammation and lung carcinogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Although S100A8/A9 protein contributes to many types of disease, this study will help us gain a better understanding of the complexities of cancer progression. Further studies are needed for therapeutic target of cigarette smoke-induced inflammation and immunosuppression in tumor microenviornment. Citation Format: Hye Seon Kang, In Kyoung Kim, Chang Dong Yeo, Jin Woo Kim, Sang Haak Lee. S100A8/A9-RAGE pathway and chronic airway inflammation in cigarette smoke-induced lung carcinogenesis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 3947.

Abstract 527: Targeting citric acid cycle anaplerosis reverses the immunosuppressive phenotype of CD11b+Gr1+ myeloid cells in ovarian cancer

Abstract Immunosuppressive myeloid cells (CD11b+Gr1+) are a major constituent of the epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) microenvironment that confer immunosuppression and promote tumor growth. We recently showed that the EOC microenvironment can induce metabolic reprogramming inCD11b+Gr1+ cells by increasing oxidative phosphorylation via TCA cycle, resulting in increased immunosuppressive ability. Increased TCA cycle activity was due to glutamine anaplerosis, which was facilitated by the upregulation of DLST (dihydrolipoamide succinyl transferase), the E2transferase subunit of α-KGDC (alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex). We selected CPI-613 (Devimistat), an orphan metabolic drug, being actively tested in clinical trials to target the a-KGDC complex. We utilized the syngeneic ID8p53-/− model, a high grade serous ovarian cancer, to determine if CPI-613 may regulate CD11b+Gr1+ cell metabolism and immunosuppressive function and restore an antitumor immune response that inhibits EOC. One week after inducing tumors, mice were treated with CPI-613 (2.5mg/kg body weight) twice a week by IP injections or with vehicle (corn oil, control). CPI-613 treated mice showed significantly improved overall survival (median survival 75 days versus 48 days in control), decreased tumor progression and burden.CPI-613 decreased the number of CD11b+Gr1+ myeloid cells in ascites, and more importantly, reduced the intracellular immunosuppressive markers arginase 1 and IL-1β, indicating that the immunosuppressive potential was diminished, which was also validated by reversal of T cell suppression by CPI-613. The alleviation of immunosuppression was complemented by remarkable increase in CD8+ T effector cells. Further, combination of CPI-613 with anti-PD1(100ug/mice, every 5th day for 4 weeks) significantly improved survival and potentiated the CD8+mediated anti-tumor response. CPI-613 inhibited expression of DLST and immunosuppressive markers in the CD11b+Gr1+ myeloid cells, accompanied by decreased oxidative phosphorylation and decreased glutamine anaplerosis. Interestingly CPI-613 treatment also decreased the tumor associated macrophages, increased the M1 marker CD38 and decreased M2 marker EGR2, which reflected in increased M1/M2 macrophage ratio. Increased glutamine demand and addiction have been shown in variety of cancers, including EOC. We found that DLST expression corelates with worse progression free survival in the ovarian cancer TCGA dataset, implying that DLST is important in EOC cells. As a result, DLST targeting of aberrant glutamine metabolism will have the dual benefit of reducing CD11b+Gr1+ cell-mediated immunosuppression while also directly inhibiting tumor growth. Thus CPI-613 represents an attractive drug to target glutamine addiction and reduce immunosuppressive environment plaguing ovarian cancer. Citation Format: Mary Priyanka Udumula, Harshit Singh, Faraz Rashid, Miriana Hijaz, Radhika Gogoi, Philip Philip, Adnan Munkarah, Shailendra Giri, Ramandeep Rattan. Targeting citric acid cycle anaplerosis reverses the immunosuppressive phenotype of CD11b+Gr1+ myeloid cells in ovarian cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 527.

Oxidative Changes in Ten Vegetable Oils Caused by the Deep-Frying Process of Potato

Deep-fried foods are among the foods that are increasing in popularity both in the food industry and in domestic applications. While these foods stand out due to their sensory properties, oxidative alterations in frying oils cause concern. This study analysed the thermo-oxidative alterations that occur during deep frying with 10 commonly used culinary oils. Deep frying processes (180 ± 5°C) were carried out with a total of one liter of each type of oil and 100-g potatoes at every turn (sliced into 1 cm ∗ 1 cm ∗ 6 cm pieces). The process was carried out keeping the conditions constant for all oils and was repeated 10 times consecutively for all oils. The malondialdehyde and peroxide values of vegetable ghee (VG) were found to be 0.669 nmol/g and 21.0 mEqO2/kg, respectively, and were higher than those of other oils. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) (232.23) had the highest iodine value, while hazelnut oil (HO) (27.92) had the lowest value. While total polar compounds were within legal limits in all oils, they were higher (17%–23%) in EVOO, palm oil (PO), VG, and refined olive pomace oil than in other oils (17%–23%). As a result of this study, the thermo-oxidative changes in frying made with sunflower oil types are less than those of other oils, and the oxidative product/polar compound levels, which have adverse effects on health, are close to the legal limit in some oils (PO, VG, refined olive pomace, and corn oil).

Effects of ca-soap protected vegetables oil in dairy ration on rumen fermentability and in vitro digestibility

Supplementing dairy ration with Ca-soap vegetable oils rich in unsaturated fatty acid components increases the fatty acid profile and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) levels in dairy milk, but it might reduce fermentability and digestibility. This study aimed to identify the effect of vegetable oil supplementation protected by Ca-soap on rumen fermentability and digestibility. Parameters observed included pH score, protozoa population, total VFA (volatile fatty acid), ammonia concentration, dry and organic matter digestibility (DMD and OMD), neutral and acid detergent fiber (NDF and ADF) digestibility. The results showed that increasing Ca-soap-protected vegetable oil levels in dairy ration significantly decreased (P<0.05) pH score, protozoa population, NH3 concentration, and digestibility. Oil type also significantly influenced all parameters except for microbial fermentation. The interaction effect of oil types and their levels were found in pH score, protozoa population, NH3 concentration, DMD, and fiber digestibility in ADF. Vegetable oils that influenced optimally were corn oil and canola oil. It is concluded that Ca-soap-protected vegetable oil supplementation in dairy ration should be less than 4%. It is suggested to study at the lower level. The type of oil used should consider its linoleic acid content and availability.

Effects of vegetable oil and ethylcellulose on the oleogel properties and its application in Harbin red sausage

The effects of ethylcellulose (EC) concentration (6–12 %) and types of vegetable oil (sunflower, peanut, corn, and flaxseed oils) on the color, hardness, oil loss, lipid oxidation, and rheology property of oleogels were investigated in this study. Peanut oil (PO) oleogel was selected to replace pork fat partially in Harbin red sausage. Meanwhile, the fatty acid profile, texture, and sensory attributes of the reformulated sausages were analyzed. Oleogels formulated with higher EC concentration had higher brightness and hardness, a higher degree of lipid oxidation, and greater storage (G′) and loss (G′′) moduli. Oleogels formulated with PO had lower oil loss, flaxseed oil oleogel had higher hardness. Corn oil and PO oleogels had a lower level of lipid oxidation. The texture, lipid oxidation, and sensory attributes of the reformulated sausages, in which 10–30 % pork fat was replaced with PO oleogel, did not significantly differ from those without oleogel replacement. Meanwhile, the reformulated sausages had a healthier fatty acids profile and higher nutritional value.

식물성 유지 및 수중유적형 유화계에서 육두구 종자 에탄올 추출물의 항산화활성 평가

The antioxidant ability of 80% ethanolic extract of nutmeg seed (NM80) was evaluated using in vitro assays and bulk oil and oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion matrices. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) cation radical scavenging, and oxygen radical antioxidant capacity (ORAC) in vitro assays were used to evaluate the antioxidant ability of the extract. The DPPH radical scavenging activities of 25, 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL NM80 were 12.5, 20.9, 35.1, and 62.8%, respectively, while the ABTS cation radical scavenging activities were 2.7, 6.5, 30.5, and 29.8%, respectively, demonstrating a dose-dependent effect. The ORAC value was significantly higher at an NM80 concentration of 25 μg/mL than the positive control (p&lt;0.05). The conjugated dienoic acid (CDA), ρ-anisidine, and tertiary butyl alcohol values in 90-min-heated corn oil containing 200 ppm of NM80 were significantly reduced by 3.26, 16.94, and 17.34%, respectively, compared to those for the sample without NM80 (p&lt;0.05). However, the headspace oxygen content and CDA value in the O/W emulsion containing 200 ppm of NM80 at 60°C had 6.29 and 82.85% lower values, respectively, than those for the sample without NM80 (p&lt;0.05). The major volatile compounds of NM80 were allyl phenoxyacetate, eugenol acetate, and eugenol. NM80 could be an effective natural antioxidant in lipid-rich foods in bulk oil or O/W emulsion matrix.

Tert-butylhydroquinone Mitigates Renal Dysfunction in Pregnant Diabetic Rats via Attenuation of Oxidative Stress and Modulation of the iNOs/ NFkB/TNF Alpha Signalling Pathway.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) supplementation on some biochemical parameters in pregnant diabetic rats and the foetus. The global incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been on the increase despite current interventional therapies, underscoring the need for alternative or complementary therapeutic approaches. The objective is to determine the effect of tBHQ on blood glucose, insulin resistance, body weight, relative liver and kidney weights, serum lipid profile (total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), liver function (albumin, aspartate and alanine amino transaminases) and kidney function markers (urea, creatinine and uric acid) in the sera, and study maternal and foetal renal levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, foetal weights and histology of the kidney of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced GDM in rats. Twenty female pregnant rats were used, and they were divided into four groups of control (normal pregnancy), disease (diabetic untreated), metformin (received 200 mg/kg metformin dissolved in distilled water) and tBHQ groups (received 25 mg/kg tBHQ in 1% corn oil), respectively, with five rats in each group. GDM was induced in the disease and treated groups by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (45 mg/kg in sodium citrate buffer, pH 4.5). STZ induction in the disease group significantly increased their blood glucose levels (P<0.05), altered their body and foetal weights, relative liver and kidney weights, serum lipid profile, liver and kidney function markers in the sera (relative to the control), inducing oxidative stress and inflammation to the maternal and foetal kidneys and altering the maternal kidney histology, which was found to be improved following supplementation with tBHQ in a manner akin to or even better than metformin. tBHQ was found beneficial in protecting the foetal kidneys against oxidative stress and the foetus against mortality arising from maternal hyperglycaemia. Finally, the study showed the potential of tBHQ in mitigating histological changes in the maternal kidney arising from STZinduced hyperglycemia in rats.

Effect of Different Vegetable Oils on the Flavor of Fried Green Onion (Allium fistulosum L.) Oil

The flavor of fried green onion oil (Allium fistulosum L.) is widely applied and popular in Chinese cuisine. This work aimed to explore the effects of different varieties of vegetable oils on the flavor profile generation of fried green onion oil. The volatile flavor components of seven different kinds of fried green onion oils, i.e., soybean oil, palm oil, olive oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, camellia oil, and colza oil, were identified and analyzed by sensory analysis, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and electronic nose. The results showed that sensory analysis and electronic nose were accepted to detect the odor diversities of different kinds of fried green onion oil sensitively. A total of 103 volatile flavor components were identified positively, and the key aromas included aldehydes and sulfur-containing compounds that correlated highly with green grass, oily, pungent and shallot scent attributes. Meanwhile, fatty acid compositions showed that there were no significant changes in the types of fatty acids before and after frying, but the relative content was not different. Accordingly, the unsaturated fatty acids (UFA, C18:1, C18:2, C18:3, and C20:1) had a significant influence on the flavor of frying oil, which was peculiarly prone to oxidation and heat degradation reactions. These results provided a theoretical basis for further application of fried onion flavor in the food industry.

Impact of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor agonist drugs in a model of nephrotoxicity in rats.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the basic anticancer drugs, nonetheless its use is restricted due to noxious side effects. Kidney failure is one of the main side effects that restrict its medical use. The current study assessed the nephroprotective effects of fenofibrate and pioglitazone against the renal injury induced by doxorubicin in rats and illustrated the probable mechanisms underlying these protective effects. For this purpose, Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing (200-230 g) were allocated into seven groups treated for 15 days as following: control (50% corn oil + 50% DMSO p.o), fenofibrate (100 mg/kg p.o) and pioglitazone (10 mg/kg p.o) as well as four groups of DOX (15 mg/kg i.p on 11th day). DOX groups included DOX alone and DOX with protective drugs fenofibrate, pioglitazone or both of them. As a result of doxorubicin nephrotoxicity; serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were remarkably elevated. Moreover, renal glutathione was significantly reduced while tissue lipid peroxidation malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α, nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65), interleukin-1β, p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38-MAPK) and caspase-3 (Casp-3) were significantly augmented. Treatment with fenofibrate and pioglitazone either alone or in combination markedly attenuated DOX-induced injury by suppression of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. The above-mentioned biochemical markers were affirmed by histological assessment. In conclusion, fenofibrate, pioglitazone, and their combination possess potential prophylactic effects against doxorubicin-induced renal injury through modulation of p38-MAPK/NF-κB p65 pathway with superiority to the combination.

Co-pyrolysis characteristics of raw/torrefied corn stalk and oil shale

Biomass torrefaction followed by co-pyrolysis with oil shale is of great potential in further upgrading of bio-oil. Therefore, a comparative analysis of oil shale co-pyrolysis with raw/torrefied corn stalk was carried out. During co-pyrolysis, oil shale played a key role in the significant promoting effect on oil yield, but only occurred after corn stalk torrefaction. The promotion on oil shale decomposition by raw corn stalk was reflected in the increment of long-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons content in oil, which also led to a larger proportion of heavy oil. While after torrefaction, short-chain aromatic hydrocarbons content in oil increased during co-pyrolysis, and thus led to larger light oil proportion. Considering the distribution of pyrolysis products, 50% was the best blending ratio of oil shale for both raw and torrefied corn stalk.

Investigating the lubrication performance of vegetable oils reinforced with HNT and MMT nanoclays as green lubricant additives

Currently, technology demands a sustainable and more environmentally friendly lubricant. In addition, government regulations and recent concern about using petroleum-based lubricants have increased research on environmentally friendly lubricants such as vegetable oils. This study investigates the lubrication performance of corn and peanut oils reinforced with different concentrations of Halloysite clay nanotubes (HNTs) and Montmorillonite nanoclay (MMT) as green lubricant additives. Block-on-ring wear tests following the ASTM G-077-17 standard procedure were conducted to investigate the effect of different nanoparticle (NP) concentrations on the coefficient of friction (COF) and wear volume loss. Different surface analytical methods, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and profilometry, were used to analyze the worn surfaces. Additionally, the lubrication performance of the newly developed vegetable oil-based nanolubricants was evaluated in an industrial-type application through tapping torque tests. The tribological results revealed that the coefficient of friction (COF) for the corn oil was lowered by 56% and 77% with the addition of HNT and MMT NPs, respectively, compared to corn oil without additives. Similarly, the COF for the peanut oil was lowered by 66% and 81% with the addition of HNT and MMT NPs, respectively, compared to peanut oil without additives. Moreover, the volumetric wear decreased by 78% and 75% for the corn oil and 67% and 62% for the peanut oil when using HNT and MMT NPs as lubricant additives, respectively. Therefore, based on the experimental results, the authors conclude that vegetable oils reinforced with HNT and MMT nanoclays have the potential to be used as good biodegradable nanolubricants.

Investigation of the structure and mechanism of the synthesis reaction of monoalkyl(C&lt;sub&gt;8&lt;/sub&gt;-C&lt;sub&gt;12&lt;/sub&gt;)phenol formaldehyde oligomers modified by imidazolines based on fatty acids of vegetable oils and polyamines by the IR-spectroscopy method

The structures of novolac monoalkyl(C8–C12)phenolformaldehyde oligomers modified with imidazolines based on fatty acids of sunflower or corn oils and polyamines – diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetraamine, polyethylenepolyamines were investigated by IR-spectroscopy. As a result of the analysis of the initial and final products, a reaction mechanism is proposed. Optical densities of the absorption bands of the main functional fragments were calculated, and the regularities of the changes depending on the qualitative and quantitative composition of the oligomers were studied.

Prenatal exposure to corn oil, CMC-Na or DMSO affects physical development and multi-organ functions in fetal mice

Corn oil, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) are widely used as solvents or suspensions in animal experiments, but the effects of prenatal exposure to them on fetal development have not been reported. In this study, Kunming mice were given a conventional dose of corn oil (9.2 g/kg·d), CMC-Na (0.05 g/kg·d) or DMSO (0.088 g/kg·d) during gestation days 10–18, and the pregnancy outcome, fetal physical development, serum phenotype, and multi-organ function changes were observed. The results showed that corn oil decreased serum triglyceride level in males but increased their serum testosterone and CORT levels, and affected female placenta and female/male multi-organ functions (mainly bone, liver, kidney). CMC-Na increased female/male body lengths and tail lengths, decreased serum glucose and total cholesterol levels in males as well as increased their serum LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and testosterone level, decreased female serum bile acid level, and affected male/female placenta and multi-organ functions (mainly bone, liver, hippocampus). DMSO decreased male body weight and serum glucose level, decreased male/female serum bile acid levels, and affected male/female placenta and multi-organs functions (mainly bone, hippocampus, adrenal gland). In conclusion, prenatal exposure to a conventional dose of corn oil, CMC-Na or DMSO could affect fetal physical development and multi-organ functions, and has the characteristics of "multi-pathway, multi-organ and multi-target". This study provides the experimental basis for the rational selection of solvents or suspensions in pharmacology and toxicology studies.

Agricultural Commodities in the Context of the Russia-Ukraine War: Evidence from Corn, Wheat, Barley, and Sunflower Oil

The Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 accelerated agricultural commodity prices and raised food insecurities worldwide. Ukraine and Russia are the leading global suppliers of wheat, corn, barley and sunflower oil. For this purpose, we investigated the relationship among these four agricultural commodities and, at the same time, predicted their future performance. The series covers the period from 1 January 1990 to 1 August 2022, based on monthly frequencies. The VAR impulse response function, variance decomposition, Granger Causality Test and vector error correction model were used to analyze relationships between variables. The results indicate that corn prices are an integral part of price changes in wheat, barley and sunflower oil. Wheat prices are also essential but with a weaker influence than that of corn. The additional purpose of this study was to forecast their price changes ten months ahead. The Vector Autoregressive (VAR) and Vector Error Correction (VECM) fanchart estimates an average price decline in corn, wheat, barley and sunflower oil in the range of 10%. From a policy perspective, the findings provide reliable signals for countries exposed to food insecurities and inflationary risk. Recognizing the limitations that predictions maintain, the results provide modest signals for relevant agencies, international regulatory authorities, retailers and low-income countries. Moreover, stakeholders can become informed about their price behavior and the causal relationship they hold with each other.

Effect of Different Doses of Volatile Oil Extract of Rosemary in Suckling Rats on Some Physiological Parameters and Pups

Background: The current study was carried out in the animal house-College of the Veterinary Medicine/University of Mosul-Iraq. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of volatile oil extract of rosemary on some physiological and reproductive parameters of suckling female rats and their pups. Methods: 24 suckling female rats were used and have been distributed randomly to four groups 6 suckling female rats for each group. The first group was considered a control group that was administered only with corn oil orally while the other groups were treated orally with volatile oil extract of rosemary 250,500, 1000 mg/kg body weight for 21 days (time of suckling). Result: Results revealed that the treatment of suckling female rats with volatile oil extract of rosemary caused a significant P less than 0.05 decrease in body weight of suckling female and its pups in 7,14,21 days of suckling time and an increase significantly P less than 0.05 the mortality of suckling female and its pups, as well as increase the growth factor of pups(days) significantly which include (open of ears, obtained of hair, obtain of teeth and opened of the eyes), compared with the control group. Doses of volatile oils extract of rosemary (250, 500, 1000 mg/kg b.w.) caused a significant P less than 0.05 increase of testicular descent and primary preputial separation of male suckling pups (days) and a decrease significantly P less than 0.05 Ano-gential distance (AGD)/mm, as well as increased vaginal opening significantly P less than 0.05 of female suckling pups compared with the control group. There was a significant decrease P less than 0.05 in each of estrogen, prolactin, FSH and LH in all doses of rosemary oil used in the study, while there was no significant difference in progesterone copared to the control group in suckling females.

Oxidative Brain Injury Induced by Amiodarone in Rats: Protective Effect of S-methyl Methionine Sulfonium Chloride.

Amiodarone (AMD) is a powerful antiarrhythmic drug preferred for treatments of tachycardias. Brain can be affected negatively when some drugs are used, including antiarrhythmics. S-methyl methionine sulfonium chloride (MMSC) is a well-known sulfur containing substance and a novel powerful antioxidant. It was intended to investigate the protective effects of MMSC on amiodarone induced brain damage. Rats were divided to four groups as follows, control (given corn oil), MMSC (50 mg/kg per day), AMD (100 mg/kg per day), AMD (100 mg/kg per day) + MMSC (50 mg/kg per day). The brain glutathione and total antioxidant levels, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, paraoxonase, and Na+/K+-ATPase activities were decreased, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index and reactive oxygen species levels, myeloperoxidase, acetylcholine esterase and lactate dehydrogenase activities were increased after AMD treatment. Administration of MMSC reversed these results. We can conclude that MMSC ameliorated AMD induced brain injury probably due to its antioxidant and cell protective effect.