FA Concentration Research Articles

Optimized rapeseed oil enriched with healthy micronutrients: a relevant nutritional approach to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Results of the Optim'Oils randomized intervention trial

Rapeseeds are naturally rich in cardioprotective micronutrients but refining leads to substantial losses or the production of undesirable compounds. The Optim'Oils European project proposed innovative refining conditions to produce an optimized rapeseed oil enriched in micronutrients and low in trans linolenic acid. We aimed to investigate cardioprotective properties of this Optimized oil. In a randomized, double-blind, controlled, cross-over study, 59 healthy normolipidaemic men consumed either Optimized or Standard rapeseed oils (20g/d) and margarines (22g/d) for 3weeks. The Optimized oil reduced the trans FA concentration (p=0.009) and increased the contents of alpha-tocopherol (p=0.022) and coenzyme Q10 (p<0.001) in comparison with the Standard oil. Over the 3-week trial, Total-/HDL-cholesterol and LDL-/HDL-cholesterol were increased by 4% (p<0.05) with the Standard oil consumption whereas none of them rose with the Optimized rapeseed oil which increased the HDL-cholesterol and ApoA1 plasma content (+2%, NS and +3%, p<0.05 respectively). The effects observed on the plasma HDL-cholesterol levels (p=0.059), the Total-/HDL-cholesterol ratio (p=0.092), and on the ApoA1 concentrations (p=0.060) suggest an improvement of the cholesterol profile with the Optimized rapeseed oil. Finally, the Optimized oil reduced the plasma content of LDLox (-6%, NS), this effect being significantly different from the Standard oil (p=0.050). In conclusion, reasonable intake of an Optimized rapeseed oil resulting from innovative refining processes and enriched in cardioprotective micronutrients represent a relevant nutritional approach to prevent the risk of cardiovascular diseases by improving the cholesterol profile and reducing LDL oxidation.

Investigation of trace metal binding properties of lignin by diffusive gradients in thin films

The binding behavior of lignin for Pb, Cu, Co, Mn, Cd and Ni was studied using the diffusive gradients in thin films technique (DGT). Samplers with different structures of diffusive gel were used in the well-stirred systems containing known concentrations of metals along with (a) 10, 20 and 40μM lignin and; (b) 0.64 and 6.47μM Suwannee river fulvic acid+40μM lignin at an ionic strength of 0.01M (NaNO3) and pH=7. Diffusion coefficients of lignin complexes in acrylamide gels were estimated and found to be less than 5% of the equivalent coefficients for the uncomplexed metal ions. These values were used to calculate concentrations of labile metals from DGT measurements in solutions, where lignin could discriminate metals in the order of Pb+2>Cu+2>Cd+2>Ni+2>Co+2>Mn+2. Stability constants (LogK) were calculated using Visual MINTEQ II and WHAM V software. The K values were compared with the stability constants from titration of Pb and Cd with 10μM lignin aqueous samples and with those of humic substances in natural waters. The constants obtained from measurement of complexing capacities might bias the real corresponding values unless two line regression analyses on titration data are considered. The DGT study of fractionation of metal species at varying ratios indicated that the proportion of organic complexes decreased with increasing ratios and gradually more metals were exchanged with inorganic phases. Speciation of Pb and Cd is affected by the concentrations of FA, Cd is dominantly bound with FA while Pb is evenly partitioned between the ligands. The comprehensive knowledge of metal–lignin complexes sheds some light on in situ operational speciation information that can be achieved by DGT.

Effect of monensin and vitamin E on milk production and composition of lactating dairy cows

Feeding unsaturated oils to lactating dairy cows impair ruminal biohydrogenation (BH) of unsaturated fatty acids (USFA) and increase ruminal outflow of BH intermediates such as trans-10, cis-12 CLA that are considered to be potent inhibitors of milk fat synthesis. Supplementing lactating dairy cow's rations containing plant origin oils with monensin and/or vitamin E may minimise the formation of trans-10 isomers in the rumen, thereby preventing milk fat depression. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of monensin and vitamin E supplementation in the diets of lactating dairy cows containing whole cottonseed, as the main source of FA on feed intake, milk production and composition, milk fatty acid profile, efficiency of nitrogen (N) utilisation, efficiency of net energy (NE) utilisation and nutrients digestibilities. Four multiparous Holstein lactating dairy cows (86±41 days in milk) were assigned to a balanced 4 × 4 Latin square design. Each experimental period lasted 21 days with a 14 days of treatment adaptation and a 7 days of data collection. The control diet was a total mixed ration (TMR) consisted of 430 g/kg forage and 570 g/kg of a concentrate mixture on dry matter (DM) basis. Cows were randomly assigned to one of the four dietary treatments including control diet (C), control diet supplemented with 150 mg of vitamin E/kg of DM (E), control diet supplemented with 24 mg of monensin/kg of DM (M) and control diet supplemented with 150 mg of vitamin E and 24 mg of monensin/kg of DM (EM). Dry matter intake (DMI) ranged from 19.1 to 19.5 kg/d and was similar among the dietary treatments. Dietary supplementation with vitamin E or monensin had no effect on milk production, milk fat, protein and lactose concentrations, efficiency of utilisation of nitrogen and net energy for lactation (NEL ). Digestibility of DM, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) was not affected by the dietary treatments. Digestibility of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) was higher in cows fed with the M and EM diets in relation to those fed the C and E diets. The concentrations of C4:0, C6:0, C8:0, C10:0, C12:0, C14:0, C15:0, trans-10-16:1, cis-9-16:1, 17:0, 18:0, trans-11-18:1, cis-9-18:1, cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), trans-10, cis-12 CLA, and 18:3n-3 FA in milk fat were not affected by the dietary supplementations. While feeding the M diet tended to decrease milk fat concentration of C16:0, the milk fat concentration of C18:2n-6 FA tended to be increased. Dietary supplementation with vitamin E or monensin had no effect on milk fat concentrations of saturated, unsaturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, short chain and long chain FA, but feeding the M diet numerically decreased milk fat concentration of medium chain fatty acids (MCFA). The results showed that vitamin E and/or monensin supplementations did not improve milk fat content and did not minimise the formation of trans-10 FA isomers in the rumen when whole cottonseed was included in the diet as the main source of fatty acids.

Enteric methane emissions and lactational performance of Holstein cows fed different concentrations of coconut oil

To determine if dietary medium-chain fatty acids (FA; C8 to C14) may mitigate enteric methane emissions, 24 cows were blocked by body size (n=2) and randomly assigned to 1 sequence of dietary treatments. Diets were fed for 35 d each in 2 consecutive periods. Diets differed in concentrations of coconut oil (CNO; ∼75% medium-chain FA): 0.0 (control) or 1.3, 2.7, or 3.3% CNO, dry matter basis. The control diet contained 50% forage (74% from corn silage), 16.5% crude protein (60% from rumen-degradable protein), 34% neutral detergent fiber (NDF; 71% from forage), and 28% starch, dry matter basis. Data and sample collections were from d 29 to 35 in environmentally controlled rooms to measure methane (CH4) production. Methane emitted was computed from the difference in concentrations of inlet and outlet air and flux as measured 8 times per day. Control cows emitted 464g of CH4/d, consumed 22.9kg of DM/d, and produced 34.8kg of solids-corrected milk/d and 1.3kg of milk fat/d. Treatment with 1.3, 2.7, or 3.3% dietary CNO reduced CH4 (449, 291, and 253g/d, respectively), but concomitantly depressed dry matter intake (21.4, 17.9, and 16.2kg/d, respectively), solids-corrected milk yield (36.3, 28.4, and 26.8kg/d, respectively), and milk fat yield (1.4, 0.9, and 0.9kg/d, respectively). The amount of NDF digested in the total tract decreased with increased dietary CNO concentrations; thus, CH4 emitted per unit of NDF digested rose from 118 to 128, 153, and 166g/kg across CNO treatments. Dietary CNO did not significantly affect apparent digestibility of CP but increased apparent starch digestibility from 92 to 95%. No FA C10 or shorter were detected in feces, and apparent digestibility decreased with increasing FA chain length. Coconut oil concentrations of 2.7 or 3.3% decreased yields of milk FA <C12 and >C14. The highest milk fat concentration (3.69%; 1.3% CNO) was due to the greatest yields of C12 to C16 milk FA. Milk FA concentrations of C18:2 trans-10,cis-12 were related to increased dietary CNO concentrations and presumably to depressed ruminal NDF digestion. Moderate dietary CNO concentrations (e.g., 1.3%) may benefit lactational performance; however, CNO concentrations greater than or equal to 2.7% depressed dry matter intake, milk yield, milk fat yield, and NDF utilization. If mitigation of enteric CH4 emissions is due to decreased digestion of dietary NDF, then this will lessen a major advantage of ruminants compared with nonruminants in food-production systems. Thus, CNO has limited use for enteric CH4 mitigation in lactating dairy cows.

Use of near infrared transmittance spectroscopy to predict fatty acid composition of chicken meat

In the present study, near infrared transmittance (NIT) spectroscopy was tested as a potential analytical technique to predict the FA profile of ground chicken breast (Pectoralis superficialis) considering the wavelengths between 850 and 1050 nm. Calibration equations were built using reference data expressed as (i) percentage of total FA and (ii) absolute concentration, i.e., mg of FA in 100 g of fresh meat. Calibrations developed on FA expressed in absolute concentration were much more accurate than those developed on percentage of total FA. The highest performances were obtained for two groups of FA, namely saturated and monounsaturated (R(CV)(2) of 0.90 and 0.93, and SE(CV) of 53.59 and 70.13 mg of FA on 100 g of meat, respectively), and for few individual FA (palmitic acid, oleic acid), having R(CV)(2) higher than 0.9. Sample pre-processing (milling) and different spectra pre-treatments were necessary to maximise the performance. Polyunsaturated FA were the hardest components to determine (R(CV)(2) of 0.62 and SE(CV) of 61.96 mg of FA on 100g of meat) and results suggest that NIT spectroscopy cannot be referred to as reliable method to predict these constituents.

Impact of free ammonia on anammox rates (anoxic ammonium oxidation) in a moving bed biofilm reactor

Using a bench scale moving bed bioreactor (MBBR), the effect of free ammonia (FA, NH3, the un-ionized form of ammonium NH4+) concentration on anoxic ammonium oxidation (anammox) was evaluated based on the volumetric nitrogen removal rate (NRR). Although, a detailed microbial analysis was not conducted, the major NRR observed was assumed to be by anammox, based on the nitrogen conversion ratios of nitrite to ammonium and nitrate to ammonium. Since the concentration of free ammonia as a proportion of the total ammonia concentration is pH-dependent, the impact of changing the operating pH from 6.9 to 8.2, was investigated under constant nitrogen loading conditions during continuous reactor operation. Furthermore, the effect of sudden nitrogen load changes was investigated under constant pH conditions. Batch tests were conducted to determine the immediate response of the anammox consortium to shifts in pH and FA concentrations. It was found that FA was inhibiting NRR at concentrations exceeding 2mgNL−1. In the pH range 7–8, the decrease in anammox activity was independent of pH and related only to the concentration of FA. Nitrite concentrations of up to 120mgNL−1 did not negatively affect NRR for up to 3.5h. It was concluded that a stable NRR in a moving bed biofilm reactor depended on maintaining FA concentrations below 2mgNL−1 when the pH was maintained between 7 and 8.

Fractionation of Trans from Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil Fatty Acids

A multi-stage, low temperature solvent fractional crystallization process was developed in this work for the removal of trans fatty acids (TFA) and saturated fatty acids in free fatty acids (FFAs) obtained from hydrolysis of partially hydrogenated soybean oil (PHSO). The effects of host solvents, concentration of FAs, crystallization temperature and time on separation of TFA and SFA were studied. Among all the three solvents examined namely acetone, hexane and ethanol, acetone proved to be promising solvent. By employing acetone as a solvent TFA can be reduced to 11.6% from an initial content of 19.5% and SFA can be drop down to 3% from an initial content of 20%, by applying stepwise crystallization temperatures from 5oC to -20oC. Crystallization temperatures lower than -30oC such as -35oC and -40oC can further lower the TFA content in liquid fraction down to 5-8% by employing acetone as a solvent. TFA content can be reduced down to 12.2% and 14%; and SFA content could be reduced to 3.3% and 3.1% from an initial content of 20% when hexane and ethanol were employed as solvents, respectively. Optimum FAs to solvent ratio was 1:5 (w/v) and with a time period of 12 h for each step of crystallization. The crystallization behavior of TFA strongly depends on the type of solvents employed and crystallization temperature, while SFA crystallization depends mostly upon temperature rather than nature of solvent. Even though total removal of TFA could not be achieved in the present study, a road map has been developed for a fractionation of TFA and SFA from partially hydrogenated oil FFAs.

Heart rate is associated with markers of fatty acid desaturation: the GOCADAN study

Objectives: To determine if heart rate (HR) is associated with desaturation indexes as HR is associated with arrhythmia and sudden death.Study design: A community based cross-sectional study of 1214 Alaskan Inuit.Methods: Data of FA concentrations from plasma and red blood cell membranes from those ≥35 years of age (n = 819) were compared to basal HR at the time of examination. Multiple linear regression with backward stepwise selection was employed to analyze the effect of the desaturase indexes on HR, after adjustment for relevant covariates.Results: The Δ5 desaturase index (Δ5-DI) measured in serum has recently been associated with a protective role for cardiovascular disease. This index measured here in plasma and red blood cells showed a negative correlation with HR. The plasma stearoyl-CoA-desaturase (SCD) index, previously determined to be related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, on the other hand, was positively associated with HR, while the Δ6 desaturase index (Δ6-DI) had no significant effect on HR.Conclusion: Endogenous FA desaturation is associated with HR and thereby, in the case of SCD, possibly with arrhythmia and sudden death, which would at least partially explain the previously observed association between cardiovascular mortality and desaturase activity.

Use of 3-hydroxy fatty acid concentrations in a murine air pouch infection model as a surrogate marker for LPS activity: A feasibility study using environmental Burkholderia cenocepacia isolates

Using a murine hypodermic air pouch infection model designed to mimic the release of bacterial products at physiological levels, 3-hydroxy fatty acid (3-OH FA) and endotoxin unit levels from Burkholderia cenocepacia isolates were assessed. The B. cenocepacia environmental isolates (n=35) survived in the hypodermic air pouch but did not invade across the peritoneal epithelial layer during a 72-h infection. For all 35 strains, when the molar ratio of C14:0 3-OH FA to C16:0 3-OH FA in the air pouch fluid wash samples was between 1.4 and 2.5, the concentrations of C14:0 3-OH FA were correlated with the endotoxin unit levels. However, both surrogate markers exhibited different correlations to the inflammatory response. The linear regression coefficient was 0.4234 for C14:0 3-OH FA concentrations vs. NO productions, 0.223 for endotoxin unit levels vs. NO productions, 0.5008 for C14:0 3-OH FA concentrations vs. TNF-alpha productions and 0.2869 for endotoxin unit levels vs. TNF-alpha productions. Therefore, C14:0 3-OH FA concentrations, rather than endotoxin unit levels, acted as an immunostimulatory indicator for LPS in the B. cenocepacia isolates.

Fermentative production of fumaric acid from Eucalyptus globulus wood hydrolyzates

AbstractFumaric acid (FA) was produced from Eucalyptus globulus wood by successive steps of hydrothermal processing (to solubilize hemicelluloses and to increase the susceptibility of solids to enzymatic hydrolysis), enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation with Rhizopus arrhizus DSM 5772. For comparative purposes, additional fermentations were carried out using synthetic media. Single stage fermentation of synthetic media led to a medium containing 11.8 g FA L−1 (YP/S = 0.60 g g−1). Operating in fed batch mode, the fourth stage increased the FA concentration from 19.7 up to 43.6 g L−1 (YP/S = 0.71 g g−1). Hydrolyzate fermentation in a single stage resulted in lower fumaric acid concentration (9.65 g L−1) and yield (0.35 g g−1). Additional fermentations were carried out in media made with hydrolyzates subjected to membrane processing, adsorption or ion exchange. The highest yield (YP/S = 0.44 g g−1) was reached in media made up of ion‐exchange treated hydrolyzates and a commercial glucose solution in proportion 85/15 w/w. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry

Efficient Star-up of Partial Nitrification Process in Sequencing Batch Biofilm Reactor with Domestic Wastewater at Room Temperature

This study focused on star-up of the partial nitrification in sequencing batch biofilm reactor (SBBR) with domestic wastewater at room temperature. No significant nitrate formation was observed during the full period of operation and the nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) was successfully outcompeted. When influent ammonium concentration decreased from 200mg/L to 80mg/L, a stable influent at a ratio of 1.03 NO2-N/NH4-N was produced after 44 continuous cycles（33d）and that indicated partial nitrification achievement. A recommended start-up strategy based on high FA concentration and aeration control was proposed to achieve partial nitrification with low ammonium strength wastewater at room temperature.

Incorporation of n-3 fatty acids by the liver of mice fed linseed oil as a function of feeding duration

The objective of this study was to evaluate the incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) on male Swiss mice livers receiving diets based on linseed oil (LO) for up to 56 days. The mice were sacrificed at 7, 14, 28, 42, 56 days and FA concentration was analyzed by gas chromatography. A total of 13 FA were identified on LO feeds presenting alpha-linolenic acid (LNA) contents of 26.97 %. A total 22 FA were identified in the livers of the mice. Part of the LNA was converted into n-3 FA (20:3n-3, eicosapentaenoic acid-EPA, 22:5n-3, and docosahexaenoic acid-DHA), and some of the LNA was stored in the liver. LNA, EPA and DHA concentrations (mg/g total lipids ) from 0 days for up 56 days increased from 1.29 to 18.90 (LNA), 0.20 to 18.90 (EPA) and 41.26 to 99.17 (DHA).The concentration of n-3 FA in the livers varied with the duration of the LO diet. During LO feed, n-6 FA concentration fell and n-3 FA concentration rose through the experimental period.

Long chain omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation in the treatment of elderly depression: effects on depressive symptoms, on phospholipids fatty acids profile and on health-related quality of life.

Recent observations showed that long chain omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) could represent a potential treatment for elderly depression. To determine if a n-3 LCPUFA containing supplement improves depressive symptoms, changes phospholipids acids profile and ameliorates Health related quality of life (HRQoL) in depressed elderly patients. Two-months, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Nursing home in Pavia, Italy. Forty-six depressed females, aged 66-95 years. 22 depressed females were included in the intervention group (n-3 group, that received 2.5 g/day of n-3 LCPUFA, with 1.67 grams of EPA and 0.83 grams of DHA), and 24 patients in the placebo group. The primary endpoint was the improvement of depressive symptoms as evaluated by Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Secondary endpoints were the evaluation of modifications of erythrocyte membrane phospholipids fatty acid profile and of of HRQoL, by using the Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36). All parameters were assessed before and after the treatment period of 8 weeks. The mean GDS at 2 months was significantly lowered only for the n-3 group. SF-36 physical and mental components were significantly increased in the intervention group. Compliance was good, as confirmed by erythrocyte membrane phospholipid FA concentrations, with significant increase of EPA and DHA in the intervention group. The supplementation of n-3 LCPUFA in elderly female patients reduces the occurrence of depressive symptoms, improves phospholipids fatty acids profile and health-related quality of life.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) as an alternative forage for dairy cows

Fenugreek is a novel forage crop in Canada that is generating interest as an alternative to alfalfa for dairy cows. To evaluate the value of fenugreek haylage relative to alfalfa haylage, six, second lactation Holstein cows (56 ± 8 days in milk), which were fitted with rumen cannulas (10 cm i.d., Bar Diamond Inc., Parma, ID, USA) were used in a replicated three × three Latin square design with 18-day periods. Diets consisting of 400 g/kg haylage, 100 g/kg barley silage and 500 g/kg concentrate on a dry matter (DM) basis were fed once daily for ad libitum intake. The haylage component constituted the dietary treatments: (i) Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada F70 fenugreek (F70), (ii) Crop Development Center Quatro fenugreek (QUAT) and (iii) alfalfa (ALF). DM intake (DMI), milk yield and milk protein and lactose yields were higher (P < 0.001) for cows fed ALF than fenugreek (FEN, average of F70 and QUAT). Milk fat of cows fed FEN contained lower concentrations of saturated, medium-chain and hypercholestrolemic fatty acids (FAs; P < 0.05) than that of cows fed ALF. Apparent total tract digestibility of DM and nutrients was not affected by treatments. Similarly, individual ruminal volatile FA concentrations and rumen pH (5.9) were not affected by treatments. Rumen ammonia–N concentration was higher for FEN than ALF (P < 0.001). Estimates of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) passage rate (P < 0.05) and NDF turnover rate (P < 0.001) in the rumen were higher for ALF than FEN. Our results suggest that although the digestibility of the FEN diets was not different from that of the ALF diet, fenugreek haylage has a lower feeding value than ALF for lactating dairy cows due in part to lower DMI and subsequently lower milk yield.

Multivariate fatty acid and fatty alcohol profile of mullet bottarga

AbstractMullet bottarga is a food delicacy obtained by salting and drying the intact roes of mullet (Mugil spp.). The fatty acid and fatty alcohol compositions of different samples of bottarga were studied by means of gas chromatography (GC) and multivariate analysis (MVA). High percentages of beneficial n‐3 PUFA, among which docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (22:6n‐3, 11.9%) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (20:5n‐3, 8.6%), were detected. Differences in the concentrations of unsaturated FA and FAL were observed among samples, while saturated components showed little variations. On the other hand, the total contents of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated components were similar. The principal component analysis loadings bi‐plot showed that n‐6 PUFA concentrations were inversely correlated to those of n‐3 PUFA, except for DHA that showed no correlations. Correlations between FAL concentrations were also observed. Furthermore, integrating our GC data with those from the literature on mullet and tuna bottarga, the MVA showed that both bottarga typologies exhibit a similar trend in the FA distribution and that 16:0 and 16:1n‐7 FA are the variables with the highest discriminant power. In this work, we demonstrated the usefulness of the application of MVA to GC data to extract meaningful information otherwise hidden in the amount of data.

Purification of crude fatty acids using a PDMS-based composite membrane

Crude FA obtained by acid hydrolysis of used frying oils was purified using a PDMS based composite membrane. During processing crude FA, FA preferentially permeated through the membrane increasing FA content from 86.5% to 90% while color compounds were substantially reduced (92.8%) improving the overall purity of FA. Studies with crude FA-used frying oil system showed that a good correlation existed between reciprocal of viscosity and permeate flux, both total as well as FA fluxes. As expected, FA flux showed a significant improvement in crude FA–hexane system besides improving the FA content to the extent of 97% without significantly affecting reduction of color (83–88%). Increase in pressure as well as hexane dilution improved the FA flux but marginally affected purity and color reduction. Preferential permeation was observed over a wide of hexane dilution almost throughout the entire range of X (weight ratio of FA in feed) but to a varying degree and the positive coupling was strong at very low and high concentrations of hexane and FA. A maximal J FA (FA flux) of 4.4 kg/(m 2 h) was obtained at X = 0.3 demonstrating an improvement of 11 fold achievable with appropriate hexane dilution at 1 MPa. In both crude FA-used frying oil and crude FA–hexane systems, the mean molar total permeate flux [ln( J m)] showed a linear dependency on the mean molar volume [ V m] of permeate, which is in agreement with solution-diffusion or regular solution model.

Stimulation of osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization in MC3T3-E1 cells by antler and fermented antler using Cordyceps militaris

For thousands of years antlers have been used in Asian countries to promote rapid healing, treat weight loss, slow growth in children, strengthen weak bones, and alleviate cold hands and feet. The present study was performed to examine the effect of fermentation on the ability of antler to act as a stimulator of bone growth. This study used pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells to examine factors related to bone growth, such as cell proliferation, production of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and deposition of extracellular matrix proteins (e.g., collagens, osteonectin, bone sialoprotein (BSP)), via the treatment of non-fermented and fermented antler. Antler fermentation using Cordyceps militaris was carried out at 25°C for seven days. The total content of sugar, sialic acid, and protein increased with fermentation time. Cell proliferation was greater in the fermented antler- (FA-) treated groups than in the NFA- (non-fermented antler-) treated groups, in which proliferation increased significantly up to 137% of the basal value. Significant increases in mRNA expression and ALP activity were found at FA concentrations of 50-100 μg/ml; at 100 μg/ml the activity had increased 119% compared to the control activity. For NFA and FA the expression levels of type I collagen mRNA significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner at all treatment doses. However, significant differences between the antler groups were not observed. Mineralization significantly increased by NFA and FA treatment to 183% and 241%, respectively, when compared to colostrum, as a positive control (165%). Antler treatment increased the proliferation of osteoblasts and bone matrix proteins, such as type I collagen and BSP. Antler fermented with Cordyceps militaris showed enhanced activity, and its stimulatory effects on cell proliferation and ALP production were greater than those of NFA. We surmise that these increases in activity were related to increased sialic acid content. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that the physiological effects of antler, including bone growth, may be increased through the fermentation process.

The effect of TCM method of regulating liver Qi and tonifying kidney Yin on plasma concentration of E2, P and FAS of post-surgery breast-cancer patients received endocrine therapy (Tamoxifen)

Objective The prospective study was trying to explore the altering tendency of plasma concentration of E2, P and PAS after TCM intervention for post-surgery breast cancer patient who received endocrine therapy (tamoxifen).Methods By randomization, parallel, coincidence measures and the lab. technologies of AXSYM registered at Abbott lab. in the USA, plasma concentration of E2, P and FAS were tested before and after treatment. Results The results of biochemical test of plasma E2, P and FAS concentration of the two arms showed no significance difference before and after the intervention,indicating the side effects relating to TAM had nothing to do with plasma E2, P and FAS level. Conclusion It could be predicable that there must be some other by-pass ways initiating breast cancer rather than the way directly altering the level of plasma concentration of E2, P and FAS. Key words: Breast cancer; TAM; E2; P; FAS

Decreased Apoptosis following Successful Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Objectives: Increased apoptotic processes in tissue samples from hearts in atrial fibrillation (AF) have been previously documented in animals. Whether the restoration of sinus rhythm is associated with decreased apoptosis is not known. The aim of the present study was to establish whether successful epicardial ablation of AF leads to changes in the concentration of serum markers of apoptosis. Methods: Twenty-five patients with AF were prospectively studied. All underwent epicardial isolation of pulmonary veins. The success of the ablation was assessed clinically and with 3 Holter recordings. Blood samples were drawn before surgery, and at 3 and 6 months after. Serum concentrations of Fas (apoptosis-stimulating fragment) and TRAIL (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) were measured using ELISA. Results: AF was successfully ablated in 15 patients (SR group). In the other 10 patients (AF group), AF recurred during follow-up. Neither group differed with respect to age, sex, left ventricular ejection fraction, or preoperative concentrations of measured molecules. While Fas decreased in successfully ablated patients, there was no change in the Fas concentration in the AF group. Similarly, the concentrations of TRAIL decreased in the SR group, but remained unchanged in the AF group. Conclusion: The ablation of AF is associated with decreased serum markers for apoptosis.

Patterns of testicular activity in captive and wild Canada lynx ( Lynx canadensis)

Canada lynx are listed as a threatened species in the contiguous US. Understanding the reproductive characteristics (i.e., mating system, behavior, physiology) of a species is useful for ensuring effective in situ and ex situ management plans. The goal of this study was to describe patterns of androgen expression in both captive and wild male Canada lynx using fecal hormone metabolite analysis. Among captive lynx, juvenile and castrated males had lower concentrations of fecal androgens (fA) than intact males, thereby demonstrating that the assay detects biologically meaningful differences in testicular activity. We found that captive males in general had much higher fA levels than wild males. All males showed strong seasonal variation in fA concentrations, with significantly higher levels being expressed during the breeding season (February and March) than during the non-breeding season. Among captive males, variation in seasonal fA levels did not correlate with latitude. Finally, males housed with intact cage-mates (either male or female) had significantly higher fA levels than males housed alone or with a neutered cage-mate.