Fecal Fat Excretion Research Articles

Dietary bamboo charcoal powder ameliorates high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia by enhancing fecal lipid excretions in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Bamboo charcoal powder (BCP) is increasingly used as a food colorant. This study aims to evaluate the effects of BCP consumption on improving high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia. Fifty male SD rats were randomly assigned into five groups, with 10 rats in each group: the control group was fed a low-fat diet (LFD); the model control group was fed a high-fat diet (HFD); the low-BCP dose group was fed a HFD and given 2.81 g of BCP/kg of body weight (BCP-L) by gavage; the medium-BCP dose group was fed a HFD and given 5.62 g of BCP/kg of body weight (BCP-M) by gavage; the high-BCP dose group was fed a HFD and given 11.24 g of BCP/kg of body weight (BCP-H) by gavage. After 90 days, the consumption of BCP caused a decrease in body weight, plasma lipids (triglyceride, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)), liver triglyceride, and cholesterol levels, and liver histopathological scores. BCP caused a significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in liver tissues. BCP also led to an increase in 72-h fecal dry weight and crude fat in a rat metabolic cage. The analysis of fecal samples with liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF-MS) showed that the biomarkers associated with BCP consumption were mainly related to fatty and amino acid metabolism. Notably, BCP treatment significantly promoted linoleic acid metabolism. These results suggest that BCP may have a preventive effect against diet-induced hyperlipidemia through the promotion of fecal fat excretion. BCP may potentially be used as an alternative functional food component for people with diet-induced hyperlipidemia.

The inhibitory activity of Flos Sophorae Immaturus extract and its major flavonoid components on pancreatic lipase

Inhibition of pancreatic lipase (PL) is a strategy to prevent obesity. The inhibitory effects of Flos Sophorae Immaturus (FSI) extract and its main flavonoid components, rutin and quercetin, on PL were investigated. The contents of rutin and quercetin in FSI extract were 44.10 ± 1.33 % and 6.07 ± 1.62 %, respectively. The IC50 values of FSI extract, rutin and quercetin on PL were 322, 258 and 71 μg/mL, respectively. Rutin and quercetin inhibited PL in a reversible and noncompetitive manner. The combination of rutin and quercetin exhibited synergistic inhibitory effects at low concentration. The binding of rutin/quercetin with PL caused the fluorescence quenching of protein. Fluorescence titration showed the binding affinity of quercetin with PL protein was stronger than that of rutin. Circular dichroism analysis showed the binding changed the secondary structure of PL with an increase in random coil and a decrease in α-Helix and β-Sheet. Molecular docking revealed that rutin and quercetin could interact with the amino acid residues around the catalytic site through multiple secondary interactions. In vivo studies showed that FSI extract can reduce fat absorption and promote fecal fat excretion through inhibition of PL activity, and the effects were mainly due to rutin and quercetin.

Modulatory effect of green coffee bioactives on high-fat diet–induced obesity in C57BL6 mice model

ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of green coffee bioactives in ameliorating the effects of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity through in vitro and in vivo assessments. MethodsGreen coffee extract (GCE) was obtained by implementing a novel green extraction technique. The efficacy of GCE to inhibit in vitro pancreatic amylase and lipase was evaluated. Further, in vivo studies were conducted using a C57BL6 mice model grouped as starch-fed diet control, HFD control, HFD + positive control, HFD + GCE (100 mg/kg body weight), and HFD + GCE (200 mg/kg body weight). Animal body weight, diet intake, and fecal fat excretion were measured during the feeding period. On completion of the experiment, blood serum was collected for biochemical analysis, and organs were harvested for assessing the obesity-related biomarkers. ResultsThe obtained GCE was enriched with polyphenols and alkaloids. GCE led to significant (P < 0.05) in vitro inhibition of pancreatic amylase and lipase. GCE supplementation considerably prevented weight gain in treated groups post-consumption of HFD. It also led to increased fecal fat excretion and regulated the high-fat–mediated blood glucose levels. GCE effectively modulated the blood lipid profile, morphology of adipose and liver tissues, and liver antioxidant defense enzymes and resulted in hepatoprotective effects. It also downregulated the genes associated with lipid biosynthesis. ConclusionsGCE exhibits promising results in suppressing the consequences associated with HFD-induced obesity. It has the potential to be incorporated into food products benefiting consumer health and food industries.

Substitution of cooked kidney beans or ground beef in hypercholesterolemic high fat diets reduces plasma and liver lipids in hamsters

This study examined the physiological effects of replacing some of the casein with either a plant based, animal or combination of protein sources in a high-fat diet fed to golden Syrian hamsters. Cooked kidney beans (BN) and beef (Bf) patties drained of fat were fed at 25 and 50% of diet. A combination of BN and Bf (BNBf) was also fed at 25 and 50%. Saturated fat content of the 25% Bf (Bf25) and 50% Bf (Bf50) increased 57 and 215% compared to Control. The Bf diets also increased caloric density compared to the Control. Likewise, the 50% Bn (Bn50) diet had 60% less saturated fat and lower caloric density than the Control. Despite these differences there were no differences in body weight gain or adipose weight between BN of Bf diets and Control. The BN50 diet reduced liver weight and increased caloric intake. The BN diets reduced total plasma cholesterol (TC). The BF diets also reduced TC but the results were not significant. The BN25, BN50 and BNBF50 diets also reduced low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The BN and BF50 diets reduced liver fat. The BN diets decreased fecal fat excretion while the BF diets increased excretion. This suggests that increased fat excretion might offset the higher total fat and saturated fat of the BF diets to reduce adverse effects on body weight, adipose weight, and cholesterol. The high-fat content of the base (Control) diet may have muted the effects of the diet treatments.Graphical

Pancreatic exocrine disfunction in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

The aim of the present study was to evaluate exocrine pancreatic function in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus during the course of the disease.Fecal elastase varied between 24.4 and 169.6 μg /g (median 134.5 μg /g) in children with type 1 DM and concomitant PEI. Number of children with diarrhea was not significantly different between children with low pancreatic elastase levels and those with normal levels (43.0% versus 35.5%, p=0.359). The remainder of the children with type 1 DM had fecal elastase-1 levels between 201.4 and 810.5 μg /g stool (median 650.7 μg /g). Differences between the type 1 DM patients without PEI and the comparison group were not significant (p=0.112).Median daily fecal fat excretion in type 1 DM patients with PEI was 8.31 g/day (min-mах 7.81–9.21 g/day), which was significantly higher than in type 1 DM children without PEI (3.87 g/day; min-mах 2.97–6.33 g/day; р= 0.0003). There was no significant difference in daily fecal fat excretion between children with type 1 DM without signs of PEI and children in the control group (2.91 g/d; min-max: 2.31–5.74 g/d; р= 0.091).The results of this study demonstrate PEI in children with long-standing type 1 DM.Fecal elastase-1 concentration significantly correlates with duodenal exocrine elastase output. Fecal elastase-1 levels have a good correlation with fecal fat excretion, which was measured by employing the acid steatocrit test.

Effect of reduced-calcium and high-calcium cheddar cheese consumption on the excretion of faecal fat: a 2-week cross-over dietary intervention study

PurposeStudies show that dairy fat consumed in the form of cheese reduce LDL-cholesterol concentration (LDL-c) compared to butter and mechanistic suggestions include the calcium content of cheese leading to enhanced faecal fat excretion. The aim of this study was to test the effect of varying the calcium content within a cheese, on faecal fat excretion as a primary outcome, and blood lipid markers, fasting glucose and calcium excretion as secondary outcomes.Methods7 healthy males (BMI 18–25) participated in this randomized, cross-over control intervention, of 3 × 2 week periods. Diets contained 240 g/day cheese; a High Calcium Cheese (HCC) diet, a Reduced Calcium Cheese (RCC) diet, and a control arm: Reduced Calcium Cheese + CaCO3 Supplement (RCC + Supp) diet. Diets differed in calcium content and form but were otherwise controlled for energy and key macronutrients. Blood and 5-day faecal samples were collected.ResultsThere was no significant difference in faecal fat excretion (g/day) between the diets (P = 0.066). Percent fat of faecel excretion was higher after RCC + Supp (P = 0.016). None of the individual fatty acids were different. Fasting LDL-c was significantly lower following the HCC diet vs. the other arms (P = 0.002). Faecal Ca was different across all diets (P = 0.001), lowest after RCC, and greatest after RCC + Supp. No differences were observed for fasting blood parameters or changes in anthropometry.ConclusionVarying the calcium content within a cheese matrix significantly affected fasting LDL-c values. Results did not support higher faecal fat excretion as an underlying mechanism, but the high attrition rate was a limitation.Trial registerer Trial Registered at ISRCTN.org, registration number ISRCTN11663659 on 12.07.2022. Retrospectively registered.

Fecal Microbiota, Bile Acids, Sterols, and Fatty Acids in Dogs with Chronic Enteropathy Fed a Home-Cooked Diet Supplemented with Coconut Oil.

Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) are considered to be interesting energy sources for dogs affected by chronic enteropathies (CE). This study analyzed the clinical scores, fecal microbiota, and metabolomes of 18 CE dogs fed a home-cooked diet (HCD) supplemented with virgin coconut oil (VCO), a source of MCFA, at 10% of metabolizable energy (HCD + VCO). The dogs were clinically evaluated with the Canine Chronic Enteropathy Activity Index (CCECAI) before and at the end of study. Fecal samples were collected at baseline, after 7 days of HCD, and after 30 days of HCD + VCO, for fecal score (FS) assessment, microbial analysis, and determination of bile acids (BA), sterols, and fatty acids (FA). The dogs responded positively to diet change, as shown by the CCECAI improvement (p = 0.001); HCD reduced fecal fat excretion and HCD + VCO improved FS (p < 0.001), even though an increase in fecal moisture occurred due to HCD (p = 0.001). HCD modified fecal FA (C6:0: +79%, C14:0: +74%, C20:0: +43%, C22:0: +58%, C24:0: +47%, C18:3n-3: +106%, C20:4n-6: +56%, and monounsaturated FA (MUFA): -23%, p < 0.05) and sterol profile (coprostanol: -27%, sitostanol: -86%, p < 0.01). VCO increased (p < 0.05) fecal total saturated FA (SFA: +28%, C14:0: +142%, C16:0 +21%, C22:0 +33%) and selected MCFAs (+162%; C10:0 +183%, C12:0 +600%), while reducing (p < 0.05) total MUFA (-29%), polyunsaturated FA (-26%), campesterol (-56%) and phyto-/zoosterols ratio (0.93:1 vs. 0.36:1). The median dysbiosis index was <0 and, together with fecal BA, was not significantly affected by HCD nor by VCO. The HCD diet increased total fecal bacteria (p = 0.005) and the abundance of Fusobacterium spp. (p = 0.028). This study confirmed that clinical signs, and to a lesser extent fecal microbiota and metabolome, are positively influenced by HCD in CE dogs. Moreover, it has been shown that fecal proportions of MCFA increased when MCFAs were supplemented in those dogs. The present results emphasize the need for future studies to better understand the intestinal absorptive mechanism of MCFA in dogs.

Hyperoside inhibits pancreatic lipase activity in vitro and reduces fat accumulation in vivo.

Hyperoside, the main component of many anti-obesity plants, might exhibit a lipase inhibition effect to reduce fat accumulation. The anti-obesity effect of hyperoside was investigated by studying its inhibitory effect and mechanism on pancreatic lipase in vitro and evaluating its ability to reduce lipid accumulation in vivo. Hyperoside is a mixed-type inhibitor of lipase with an IC50 of 0.67 ± 0.02 mmol L-in vitro. Hyperoside changed the secondary conformation of lipase, increased the α-helix content, and changed the microenvironment of lipase through static quenching. The interaction between hyperoside and lipase results from a strong binding spontaneous exothermic reaction, mainly through hydrogen bonding, van der Waals force and electrostatic force. Hyperoside protected hepatic lipid accumulation and adipose tissue hypertrophy and reduced the expression of inflammatory factors in high-fat diet-induced rats. Moreover, hyperoside had a good inhibitory effect on lipase activity in serum and increased fecal fat excretion, thereby reducing lipid absorption in vivo. This study provides theoretical support for the research and development of hyperoside in fat-reducing functional foods.

Anti-adiposity and lipid-lowering effects of schisandrol A in diet-induced obese mice.

Lignan schisandrol A (SolA) is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the impact of SolA on obesity is poorly understood. To test the hypothesis that SolA has anti-obesity effects, C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet with or without SolA (0.006%, w/w) for 16 weeks. SolA decreased visceral fat mass (10%) by increasing energy expenditure and upregulating white adipose tissue thermogenic genes mRNA expression. Furthermore, SolA upregulated adipose Lpl mRNA expression and decreased plasma free fatty acid (FFA), triglyceride (TG), apolipoprotein (apo) B, aspartate aminotransferase levels and TG/HDL-cholesterol and apoB/apoA1 ratios as well as hepatic lipid droplets. Increased hepatic β-oxidation and fecal FFA and TG levels were observed in the SolA-supplemented mice, suggesting an association of its lipid-lowering effect with increased hepatic β-oxidation, fecal fat excretion and adipose Lpl. Conclusionally, this study provides evidence on the protective effects of SolA against adiposity, dyslipidemia and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in obese mice.

The anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects of the edible seaweed Gloiopeltis furcata (Postels et Ruprecht) J. Agardh in mice fed a high-fat diet.

Obesity and diabetes are serious, chronic medical conditions associated with a wide range of life-threatening conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the edible red seaweed Gloiopeltis furcata (Postels et Ruprecht) J. Agardh (G. furcata) on the development of obesity, diabetes and related metabolic diseases in mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat (HF) diet (60% energy as fat), or an HF diet containing 2% (w/w) or 6% powdered G. furcata for 13 weeks. Polysaccharides of G. furcata were isolated and their anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The HF diet group showed greater weight gain, lipid accumulation in the body and liver, and increased serum levels of glucose and cholesterol in comparison to the normal group fed a normal diet (10% energy as fat). The treatment of HF diet mice with G. furcata reduced these changes and stimulated the fecal excretion of fat. In addition, G. furcata suppressed the HF diet-induced elevation of inflammation and oxidative stress markers in the serum and liver. The isolated sulfated polysaccharide from G. furcata inhibited pancreatic lipase activity and decreased the production of nitric oxide and TNF-α in the murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7. These results show that G. furcata treatment can attenuate obesity, diabetes, hepatic steatosis, and dyslipidemia in mice fed an HF diet, which is associated with inhibited intestinal fat absorption and reduced inflammation and oxidative stress by a sulfated polysaccharide.

515. EXOCRINE PANCREATIC FUNCTION IN PATIENTS AFTER ESOPHAGECTOMY; IS TREATMENT WITH PANCREATIC ENZYMES NECESSARY?

Abstract Symptoms of malabsorption, such as diarrhea, steatorrhea, or unintended weight loss, are often reported by patients after esophagectomy for cancer. The etiology of these symptoms is hypothesized to be multifactorial, with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency being described as one of the possible contributing causes. Symptoms of malabsorption are therefore often treated with pancreatic enzymes. This study aimed to measure the exocrine pancreatic function to determine whether there is an indication for pancreatic enzymes after esophagectomy. This prospective study included patients after esophagectomy for cancer in a stable postoperative situation (≥6 months after surgery) without signs of recurrent disease. Patients with and without pancreatic enzymes or symptoms of malabsorption were included. Exocrine pancreatic function was measured by fecal elastase-1 (FE-1) and fecal fat excretion. Three-day stool collections were performed to measure mean daily fecal fat excretion (g/d). Combined with a four-day (weighted) nutritional diary, to determine the mean daily fat intake (g/d), the percentage of fat absorption was calculated. Patients who were already treated with pancreatic enzymes stopped at least two days before stool collection. This study included 38 patients after esophagectomy for cancer. Exocrine pancreatic function was measured after a median postoperative follow-up of 20 months (range 6-45). Low FE-1 (&amp;lt;200 μg/g) levels were found in seven patients (18%). Of these patients, one patient also had fat malabsorption (fat absorption &amp;lt;85%). Prior to participation in this study, 11 patients (28%) already received treated with pancreatic enzymes because of symptoms of malabsorption. In one of these patients (9%) low FE-1 levels were found and in three patients (27%) fat malabsorption was diagnosed. These preliminary results indicate that, based on FE-1 levels, the secretion of pancreatic enzymes after esophagectomy is only impaired in a subgroup of patients. Most often this did not lead to malabsorption of fat. Based on these results routine prescription of pancreatic enzymes is not recommended in patients after esophagectomy, however a trial prescription can be considered in patients suffering from gastrointestinal complaints of malabsorption.

Effects of Dried Onion Powder and Quercetin on Obesity-Associated Hepatic Menifestation and Retinopathy.

Onion (Allium cepa L.), rich in flavonoids (particularly quercetin), reportedly has anti-obesity properties, but the underlying mechanisms and associated health issues remain unclear. In this study, we compared the effects of dried onion powder (DO) with that of quercetin on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and retinal neovascularization. Briefly, rats (n = 9–10 per group) were divided into control, HFD alone (43% fat), HFD + DO (1% DO), HFD + 5DO (5% DO, w/w), and HFD + quercetin (180 mg/kg). After 12 weeks, body fat, markers of metabolism, fatty liver, steatohepatitis, and retinopathy were analyzed. The results revealed that DO and 5DO dose-dependently suppressed body weight, visceral and subcutaneous fat accumulation, and epididymal adipocyte in HFD-fed rats. DO also decreased HFD-induced ALT, AST, free fatty acid, glucose, proinflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress. DO and 5DO groups had lower triglycerides, total cholesterol, proinflammatory cytokine levels, and ACC-α (a fatty acid synthesis–associated enzyme) expression but higher hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities and fecal lipids. 5DO exhibited better or similar efficacy to quercetin. Both 5DO and quercetin increased fecal levels of acetic acid and butyric acid similarly. They also reduced lipid peroxidation of the eye, retinal adiposity, and neovascularization. However, quercetin resulted in a more apparent decrease in regulation of the Raf/MAPK pathway than DO in eye specimens. Conclusively, DO suppresses visceral, subcutaneous, and liver fat accumulation better than quercetin likely due to higher fecal fat excretion and lower oxidative stress, proinflammatory cytokine levels, and ACC-α expression. Quercetin regulating signal pathways is better than DO at reducing retinal adiposity and neovascularization.

Fat Malabsorption and Ursodeoxycholic Acid Treatment in Children With Reduced Organic Solute Transporter-α (SLC51A) Expression.

Objectives:A bile acid homeostasis disorder was suspected in 2 siblings and their second cousin who presented in infancy with fat malabsorption, severe fat-soluble vitamin deficiency, rickets, and mild liver involvement. Our aims were to identify the genetic cause, describe the disease, and evaluate the response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) treatment.Methods:Whole exome sequencing, immunohistochemistry of duodenal biopsies and candidate variant testing in a cell-based model was performed. Fecal fat excretion, serum bile acids, 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one (C4), and fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) were quantified in both siblings on and off UDCA treatment.Results:A novel homozygous variant of SLC51A, which encodes the bile acid carrier organic solute transporter (OST)-α, was identified in all affected children. OSTα protein expression was readily detected by immunohistochemistry in duodenum of pediatric control subjects but not in the affected siblings. The siblings had low serum levels of bile acids and C4 and high serum levels of FGF19 consistent with repression of hepatic bile acid synthesis. On treatment with UDCA, fecal fat excretion was reduced and serum levels of C4, FGF19, and liver enzymes normalized.Conclusions:We report an apparent deficiency of OSTα associated with early onset fat malabsorption and mild liver involvement. The clinical presentation partially overlaps previous reports for 3 patients with OSTα or OSTβ deficiency and extends the clinical spectrum associated with loss of SLC51A expression. Our data suggest that repression of hepatic bile acid synthesis contributes to fat malabsorption in OSTα-OSTβ deficiency but can be partly reversed with UDCA treatment.

Blood lipids lowering effect of medicinal plants

Hyperlipidemia refers to elevated levels of lipids and cholesterol in the blood. It plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis, the main cause of death in the world. Medicinal plants can lower blood lipids by many mechanisms included inhibition of the expression of fatty acid synthase, decreasing free fatty acid release, inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase, increasing the fecal excretion of fat and cholesterol, inhibition of the activity of pancreatic lipase and inhibition of cholesterol absorption. The current review will highlight the hypolipidemic effects of medicinal plants as promising effective and safe therapies.

Malay apple (Syzygium malaccense) promotes changes in lipid metabolism and a hepatoprotective effect in rats fed a high-fat diet

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Malay apple (MA) on the glycaemic response, lipid metabolism and liver health of rats fed a normal- or high-fat diet. Male Wistar rats were initially randomized into two groups: normal-fat diet (NF, n = 16) and high-fat diet (HF, n = 16) for three weeks. Then, they were subdivided into: normal-fat diet (NF, n = 8); normal-fat diet supplemented with MA (NFMA, n = 8); high-fat diet (HF, n = 8); high-fat diet supplemented with MA (HFMA, n = 8), continuing for another three weeks with their respective diets. Simultaneously, the supplemented groups received MA (400 mg/kg body weight) via gavage. MA contains anthocyanins (26.59 mg/100 g), catechin (2.55 ± 0.33 mg/100 g) and gallic acid (1.07 ± 0.20 mg/100 g) as the main phenolics. MA had a low-key effect on insulin and glucose tolerance, however decreased serum lipids and protected the liver from steatosis induced by the high-fat diet. HFMA rats showed changes in the fatty acid composition of the liver and faeces and decreased liver cholesterol levels (20.5%); as well as increased faecal excretion of fat (98%), cholesterol (10.5%) and bile acids (42.2%) when comparing to HF. MA supplementation reduced food and fat intake in HFMA in the last two weeks of the experiment, which may also have influenced these results. Our results suggest that MA was not able to improve glycaemic parameters, however, had hepatoprotective effect and minimizes changes in lipid metabolism caused by high-fat diet intake, which can relate mainly to the phenolic compounds present in this fruit.

Herbal remedies through cactus nutrients

The main constituent of Opuntiaficus-indica cladodes is water (80-95%), followed by small amounts of carbohydrates (3-7%), fiber (1-2%), and protein (0. 5-1%); other compounds are only partly known and have not been quantitatively determined. The sugar moiety includes mucilaginous components containing polymers, such as chains of (1-4)-linked β-D-galacturonic acid and R (1-2)-linked L-rhamnose residues. Beneficial effects of herbal remedies can be obtained from active constituents present in the whole plant, parts of the plant (e. g., flowers, fruits, roots or leaves), or plant materials or combinations thereof, whether in crude or processed state. Cactus (Opuntiaficus-indica) commonly known as prickly pear belongs to the family Cactaceae. Opuntiaficus-indica produces sweet, nutritionally rich edible fruits; its tender cladodes are used as fresh green vegetable and salad. In South Africa, Mediterranean areas and South American this species is also cultivated for its edible fruit (prickly pear), although in some countries different parts of the plant are utilized in the food and cosmetic industry. Opuntiaficus-indica, fruits and stems, have been traditionally used in folk medicine in several countries for several medicinal purposes. Cactus dietary fiber is composed of several chemical components that are resistant to digestive enzymes such as cellulose, hemicelluloses, pectin, lignin, gums, etc. The benefits associated with fiber content are well known, especially for the prevention of illnesses such as diabetes, treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, illnesses associated with low dietary fiber intake, reduction of glucose values in the blood, anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-hypercholesterolemic effects. Throughout history, the benefits of consuming dietary fiber have been recognized. Soluble fibers, including pectins, gums, and mucilages, increase the viscosity of food in the gut, slowing or reducing sugar absorption. The effect of soluble fiber in reducing serum glucose concentrations is a proposed mechanism of action for the herbal hypoglycemic cactus. It has been reported that Opuntiaficus-indica contain phenolic compounds like ferulic acid, feruloyl-sucrose and sinapoyl-diglucoside, fatty acids like palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, vaccenic acid and linoleic acid (seeds, peel and juicy pulp). It has been observed that Opuntiaficus-indica oil extract with these components’ present antioxidant and anti-free radical activity, having a potential as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and hypocholesterolemic activities. Cactus fiber tablet contains 500 mg standardized cactus fiber; as well as common tableting excipients were used. Cactus fiber showed an increased fecal fat excretion compared with placebo. No adverse events were reported throughout the study period. The fruit peel contains large amounts of isorhamnetin. Isorhamnetin (3'-methoxy-3,4',5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone) exerts anticancer action by inhibition of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced neoplastic cell transformation through a direct lowering of MAP (mitogen-activated protein)/ERK (extracellular signal regulated kinase) kinase1 and phosphoinositol 3-kinase signaling pathways. Isorhamnetin exhibits cardio protective effects by improving viability of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes under invitro ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) via inhibition of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and prevention of apoptosis. Isorhamnetin improves skin barrier function through activation of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR)-αand suppression of inflammatory cytokines production. It also inhibits a dipocyte differentiation of murine 3T3 fibroblasts via a decrease of adiponectine expression and secretion, and down regulation of mRNAs of PPAR-γand C/EBP-α, the major adipogenic nuclear receptors. In contrast, isorhamnetin significantly increases the expression of PPAR-γin tumor tissues obtained from xenograft model of gastric cancer cells and, in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs, causes strong antiproliferative effects and cytotoxicity. The linoleic acid content in cactus cladode (34. 87%) is thus close to the percentage (29% to 40. 41%) found in argan oil. It is however lower than in extracts from barely (51. 26%) and soybean (53. 0%), respectively. Cactus pear (O. boldinghii) cladodes having high fiber content and potential health benefits bakery products have been produced and evaluated from composite flours of wheat (WF) and cactus pear stems (SF). Orange-yellow cactus pear fruit pulp has been used to produce a dehydrated cactus pulp sheet and pasteurized cactus pear fruit juices.

No apparent effects of a viscous, superabsorbent hydrogel on appetite, energy intake, or fecal excretion in overweight adults

As the obesity epidemic continues, there is a great need for safe and effective weight loss aids. A superabsorbent hydrogel device administered as a capsule demonstrates potential for weight loss, but its mechanism of action remains unclear. The present study's goal was to determine the mechanisms of action of the hydrogel through the investigation of its effects on appetitive sensations, eating behavior, energy intake, and fecal excretion of energy. Overweight and obese adults (n = 18) participated in a double-blind, randomized, crossover-design study in which they were provided all meals for a week in a supervised setting (i.e., controlled-feeding) and were required to either consume the hydrogel or a placebo with 16-oz of water 20 min before lunch and dinner. No differences in appetite (all, p > 0.05), total fecal nitrogen excretion (p = 0.74), total fecal fat excretion (p = 0.54), or total fecal energy excretion (p = 0.76) were identified when comparing the hydrogel to a placebo. Affect towards food (i.e., mood, emotions) was more positive in the hydrogel group compared with the placebo group. A subset of the controlled-feeding group (n = 10) then participated in another double-blind, randomized, crossover-design study in which they provided their own food for a week (i.e., free-feeding) and were required to either consume the hydrogel or a placebo with 16-oz of water 20 min before lunch and dinner. No differences in appetite (all, p > 0.05), energy intake (p = 0.95), diet quality (all, p > 0.05), or eating behavior (all, p > 0.05) were determined when comparing the hydrogel to the placebo. Future studies with greater statistical power should confirm these findings and investigate other potential mechanisms of action of the hydrogel.

Antihypertriglyceridemia activities of naturally fermented green tea, Heukcha, extract through modulation of lipid metabolism in rats fed a high-fructose diet.

Hypertriglyceridemia, a symptom of elevated triglyceride level in the blood, is a potent risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Among the numerous treatments to regulate circulating triglyceride levels, fibrates are widely used to treat hypertriglyceridemia, although they also have side effects such as hepatotoxicity and gallstone formation. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the blood triglyceride-lowering effects of a naturally fermented green tea extract (NFGT) and the underlying mechanisms on hypertriglyceridemia in vitro and in vivo models. NFGT suppressed the expression of lipogenic genes, while augmented expression of fatty acid oxidation-related genes in cultured cells, leading to the significant decrease of intracellular triglyceride content. NFGT treated group in fructose-induced hypertriglyceridemic rat model significantly decreased plasma and hepatic triglyceride, which was accompanied by an increase in excretion of fecal fat. Taken together, we propose that NFGT could be potentially a novel functional ingredient to prevent or treat hypertriglyceridemia.

CLAUDIN-3 Protein Expression Relation with Dermatological Diseases: Review Article

Background: When it comes to barrier and pore creation in metazoans, especially vertebrates and tunicates. Claudins are an important family of transmembrane proteins. In epithelia and endothelia's apical junctional complex, chordate claudins are crucial architectural proteins for tight junction strands. Psoriasis patients often have some degree of subclinical intestinal irritation. In gastrointestinal mucosal biopsies, lymphocytic infiltration is found in about 60% of patients. Intestinal absorption is hampered by structural and functional changes in the colon caused by inflammatory cells. Those who have psoriasis have abnormalities in fecal fat excretion, decreased D-xylose absorption, and impaired lactase activity.Objective: To assess the relation between CLAUDIN-3 protein with dermatological diseases. Conclusion: Claudin-3 is a key component of tight junctions, which may serve as marker of gut barrier integrity. Claudin-3 level may be altered in patients with psoriasis.

Wheat bran with reduced particle size increases serum SCFAs in obese subjects without improving health parameters compared with a maltodextrin placebo

Wheat bran (WB) has been associated with improved gastrointestinal health and a reduced risk of metabolic disorders. Reducing the particle size of WB might increase its fermentability and facilitate cross-feeding between the gut bacteria and in this way produce health effects. We investigated the impact of WB with reduced particle size (WB RPS) on colonic fermentation and host health in normal-weight (NW) and obese (OB) participants compared with placebo (PL). During 1 mo, 36 NW and 14 OB participants daily consumed 20 g WB RPS or PL (maltodextrin). Before and after the intervention, fasting serum and fecal SCFAs, fecal metabolite profiles, and microbiota composition were measured as fermentation parameters. Fecal output, fecal dry weight (%), fat excretion, transit, stool consistency, intestinal permeability, and serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and C-reactive protein concentrations were measured as health parameters. The impact of WB RPS on the fermentation of other carbohydrates was assessed by quantifying postprandial cumulative serum 13C-SCFA after a challenge with 13C-inulin. WB RPS increased fasting serum acetate (P<0.05) and total SCFA (P<0.05) concentrations in OB participants. Fasting serum propionate concentrations were lower in OB than in NW participants at baseline (NW: 1.57±0.75 µmol/L; OB: 0.89±0.52 µmol/L; P<0.01), but not after WB RPS (NW: 1.75±0.77 µmol/L; OB: 1.35±0.63 µmol/L; P=not significant). WB RPS did not enhance colonic fermentation of 13C-inulin and did not affect microbiota composition. Health parameters were not affected by the WB RPS intervention, either in NW or in OB participants. WB RPS increased fasting serum SCFA concentrations in OB participants. These changes were not associated with beneficial effects on host health.