Increase In Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances Research Articles

Changes in biomarkers of the redox status in whole blood and red blood cell lysates in canine hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is the most commonly diagnosed endocrine disease in dogs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in the redox status in canine hypothyroidism using whole blood (WB) and red blood cell (RBCs) lysates. For this purpose, a panel of five antioxidants and five oxidants biomarkers was measured in WB and RBCs lysates of 30 dogs with hypothyroidism, 26 dogs with non-thyroidal illnesses and 15 healthy dogs. The antioxidants measured were cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), thiol and paraoxonase type-1 (PON-1). Oxidants measured include the total oxidant status (TOS), peroxide-activity (POX-Act), reactive oxygen-derived metabolites (d-ROMs), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). WB showed a significant decrease of the antioxidants CUPRAC, TEAC and thiol, and also an increase in TBARS and a decrease in AOPP in dogs with hypothyroidism compared to healthy dogs. Meanwhile, RBCs lysates showed a significant increase in FRAP and PON-1 in dogs with hypothyroidism. The changes in the redox biomarkers in this study show that WB in canine hypothyroidism had a higher number of changes in biomarkers of the redox status than RBCs lysates, making it a promising sample type for the evaluation of the redox status in this disease. In addition, WB is easier and simpler to process than RBCs lysates and unlike serum, it does not have any hemolysis interference.

Natural antioxidants (rosemary and parsley) in microwaved ground meat patties: effects of in vitro digestion.

Minimizing food oxidation remains a challenge in several environments. The addition of rosemary extract (150 mg kg-1) and lyophilized parsley (7.1 g kg-1) at equivalent antioxidant activity (5550 μg Trolox equivalents kg-1) to meat patties was assessed in terms of their effect during microwave cooking and after being subjected to an in vitro digestion process. Regardless of the use of antioxidants, cooking caused a decrease of the fat content as compared to raw samples, without noticing statistical differences in the fatty acid distribution between raw and cooked samples [44%, 47% and 6.8%, of saturated fatty acid (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), respectively]. However, the bioaccessible lipid fraction obtained after digestion was less saturated (around 34% SFA) and more unsaturated (35% MUFA +30% PUFA). Cooking caused, in all types of samples, an increased lipid [thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)] and protein (carbonyls) oxidation values. The increase of TBARS during in vitro digestion was around 7 mg malondialdehyde (MDA) kg-1 for control and samples with parsley and 4.8 mg MDA kg-1 with rosemary. The addition of parsley, and particularly of rosemary, significantly increased the antioxidant activity (DPPH) of cooked and digested microwaved meat patties. Whereas rosemary was effective in minimizing protein oxidation during cooking and digestion as compared to control samples, parsley could only limit it during digestion. Lipid oxidation was only limited by rosemary during in vitro digestion. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Staphylococcus inoculation enhances the sensorial attributes of Chinese bacon by coordinating the composition of flavor compounds through amino acid metabolism

In this study, we aimed to uncover the potential underlying mechanisms of the flavor modulation of Chinese bacon by Staphylococcus. To that end, taste-enhancing S. cohnii WX-M8 and S. saprophyticus MY-A10 screened from Chinese bacon were used to investigate the effects of their individual and mixed fermentations and their synergistic fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum BL-1 on the sensorial attributes, physicochemical properties, microbial diversity, and volatile compounds (VOCs) of Chinese bacon. Our results revealed that S. cohnii WX-M8 and S. saprophyticus MY-A10 significantly increased a* (redness) and Aw and reduced thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) when fermented in a mixture. Moreover, they promoted the formation of esters, aldehydes (especially straight-chain aldehydes), and phenolic compounds through pathways related to amino acid metabolism, enhancing sensorial attributes. While synergistic fermentation with L. plantarum BL-1 resulted in an improved a* (redness) of Chinese bacon, and the increased microbial metabolism of the carbohydrate and lipid metabolic pathways, the increase in TBARS and the higher content of acidic volatiles, led to a change in the composition of the flavor substances. The advantage of co-fermentation of Staphylococci in sensory attributes can be attributed to their capability to metabolize amino acids and associates. These findings provide insights into the role of Staphylococcus as a starter in regulating bacon flavor.

Zingerone Alleviates Morphine Tolerance and Dependence in Mice by Reducing Oxidative Stress-Mediated NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation.

Morphine (MPH) is widely used for pain management; however, long-term MPH therapy results in antinociceptive tolerance and physical dependence, limiting its clinical use. Zingerone (ZIN) is a natural phenolic compound with neuroprotective effects. We investigated the effects of single and repeated doses of ZIN on MPH-induced tolerance, dependence, and underlying biochemical mechanisms. After a dose-response experiment, tolerance was developed to MPH (10mg/kg, i.p.) for seven days. In the single-dose study, ZIN was administered on day seven. In the repeated-dose study, ZIN was administered for seven days. Naloxone (5mg/kg, i.p., 120min after MPH) was injected to assess withdrawal signs on day seven. The levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), nitric oxide (NO), total thiol (TT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured in the prefrontal cortex. The protein levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and NLRP3-ASC-Caspase-1 axis were assessed by ELISA and Western blotting, respectively. Results showed that ZIN (100mg/kg) had no antinociceptive activity, and subsequent experiments were performed at this dose. Repeated ZIN reversed MPH antinociceptive tolerance, whereas single ZIN did not. Single and repeated ZIN attenuated naloxone-induced jumping. In addition, repeated ZIN significantly inhibited weight loss. Repeated ZIN suppressed the MPH-induced increase in TBARS, NO, IL-1β, NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1. It also inhibited MPH-induced TT and GPx reduction. In contrast, single ZIN had no effect. Findings suggest that ZIN reduces MPH-induced tolerance and dependence by suppressing oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. This study provides a novel therapeutic approach to reduce the side effects of MPH.

Endogenous estradiol contributes to vascular endothelial dysfunction in premenopausal women with type 1 diabetes

BackgroundEndogenous estrogen is cardio-protective in healthy premenopausal women. Despite this favorable action of estrogen, animal models depict a detrimental effect of estradiol on vascular function in the presence of diabetes. The present study sought to determine the role of endogenous estradiol on endothelial function in women with type 1 diabetes.Method32 women with type 1 diabetes (HbA1c = 8.6 ± 1.7%) and 25 apparently healthy women (HbA1c = 5.2 ± 0.3%) participated. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD), a bioassay of nitric-oxide bioavailability and endothelial function was performed during menses (M) and the late follicular (LF) phase of the menstrual cycle to represent low and high concentrations of estrogen, respectively. In addition, a venous blood sample was collected at each visit to determine circulating concentrations of estradiol, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and nitrate/nitrite (NOx), biomarkers of oxidative stress and nitric oxide, respectively. Data were collected in (1) 9 additional women with type 1 diabetes using oral hormonal birth control (HBC) (HbA1c = 8.3 ± 2.1%) during the placebo pill week and second active pill week, and (2) a subgroup of 9 demographically matched women with type 1 diabetes not using HBC (HbA1c = 8.9 ± 2.1%).ResultsOverall, estradiol was significantly increased during the LF phase compared to M in both type 1 diabetes (Δestradiol = 75 ± 86 pg/mL) and controls (Δestradiol = 71 ± 76 pg/mL); however, an increase in TBARS was only observed in patients with type 1 diabetes (ΔTBARS = 3 ± 13 µM) compared to controls (ΔTBARS = 0 ± 4 µM). FMD was similar (p = 0.406) between groups at M. In addition, FMD increased significantly from M to the LF phase in controls (p = 0.024), whereas a decrease was observed in type 1 diabetes. FMD was greater (p = 0.015) in patients using HBC compared to those not on HBC, independent of menstrual cycle phase.ConclusionEndogenous estradiol increases oxidative stress and contributes to endothelial dysfunction in women with diabetes. Additionally, HBC use appears to be beneficial to endothelial function in type 1 diabetes.

The Potency of Goat Milk in Reducing the Induced Neurotoxic Effects of Valproic Acid in Rat Pups as a Rodent Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a progressively prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder with substantial clinical heterogeneity. Despite the considerable interest in dietary interventions, no consensus has been reached regarding the optimal nutritional therapy. The present study aimed to investigate the possible positive effect of goat's milk (GM) compared to cow's milk (CM) on ASD autistic features in a valproic acid (VPA; 600 mg/kg)-induced white albino rat model of autism. All tests were conducted on rats that were divided into four groups (n = 15/group): control with goat milk (GM) treatment, control with cow milk (CM) treatment, autistic with goat milk (GM) treatment, and autistic with cow milk treatment. The casein levels were also measured in GM and CM. Social behavior was assessed by three-chambered sociability to test social interaction after the intervention. After 15 days of intervention, selected biomarkers, such as glutathione (GSH), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), interleukin-6 (IL-6), neurotransmitter dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), and glutamate (GLU), were measured in blood serum and brain homogenates. The results showed a significant positive effect on social interaction in the VPA rat ASD model fed GM. Blood serum and brain samples showed a positive increase in TBARS in the VPA rat model fed GM, but brain and serum serotonin levels were lower in both VPA-GM and VPA-CM groups. Dopamine in serum was also lower in the VPA-CM group than in the VPA-GM group. IL-6 levels were slightly lower in the VPA-GM group than in the VPA-CM group. In comparison with cow's milk, goat's milk was effective in ameliorating the neurotoxic effects of VPA. Goat's milk may be considered a suitable source of dairy for children diagnosed with ASD. Autistic children with allergies to cow's milk could possibly convert to goat's milk. Nevertheless, more in-depth studies and clinical trials are recommended.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy positively interferes with oxidative metabolism in female cats undergoing vídeo-assisted elective ovariohysterectomy

This study aimed to determine whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) alters oxidative biomarkers after elective ovariohysterectomy (OHE). For this purpose, 45 healthy female cats were randomized into three groups: the hyperbaric group (HG): 15 animals pretreated with HBOT and submitted to OHE; the hyperbaric control group (HCG): 15 animals pretreated with HBOT without surgery; and the sham group (SHAM): 15 female cats submitted to OHE without pretreatment. The following biomarkers were evaluated: superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), reactive oxygen species (ROS), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). The collection times were: T1 = before the surgery for the operated groups and after sedation in the HCG; T2 = 30 min after reversal of sedation (HCG) or at the time of extubation in the other groups; T3 = 24 hr after T2. There was no difference regarding serum dosage of ROS, AChE, or BChE. There was an increase in TBARS in the T3 SHAM compared to the T3 HG (p=0.043). Moreover, CAT activity decreased in T2 SHAM and T3 SHAM compared to T1 SHAM (p=0.012 and p<0.001mauric); T2 SHAM had lower CAT activity than T2 HCG (p=0.05). Additionally, the T3 SHAM was lower than the T3 HG (p=0.030) and T3 HCG (p=0.050). There was reduced SOD in the T2 SHAM compared to the T2 HG (p=0.033) and T2 HCG (p=0.027). Similarly, the T3 SHAM decreased compared to the T3 HG (p=0.039) and T3 HCG (p=0.019).

The Potential Role of Peripheral Oxidative Stress on the Neurovascular Unit in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Pathogenesis: A Preliminary Report from Human and In Vitro Evaluations.

Oxidative stress, the alteration of mitochondrial function, and changes in the neurovascular unit (NVU) could play a role in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) pathogenesis. Our aim was to analyze the plasma redox system and nitric oxide (NO) in 25 ALS new-diagnosed patients and five healthy controls and the effects of plasma on the peroxidation/mitochondrial function in human umbilical cord-derived endothelial vascular cells (HUVEC) and astrocytes. In plasma, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione (GSH), and nitric oxide (NO) were analyzed by using specific assays. In HUVEC/astrocytes, the effects of plasma on the release of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mitoROS) and NO, viability, and mitochondrial membrane potential were investigated. In the plasma of ALS patients, an increase in TBARS and a reduction in GSH and NO were found. In HUVEC/astrocytes treated with a plasma of ALS patients, mitoROS increased, whereas cell viability and mitochondrial membrane potential decreased. Our results show that oxidative stress and NVU play a central role in ALS and suggest that unknown plasma factors could be involved in the disease pathogenesis. Quantifiable changes in ALS plasma related to redox state alterations can possibly be used for early diagnosis.

Effect of Tramadol on Hormones and Lipid Peroxidation of male Rabbits

Tramadol manhandle straightforwardly impacts the discharge of luteinizing hormone and follicular stimulating g hormone from the front pituitary organ that diminishes the common discharge of luteinizing hormone in a pulsatile way, resulting in a negative impact on male testiclesdue to lower levels of testosterone hormone. Animals were orally given 40 mg/kg B.W. doses of tramadol. The tried measurements were given to rabbits each other day for 6 weeks. Tramadol significantly decreased body weight (BW), weight of brain, testes, testosterone, estradiol, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxin hormone (T4). While, it caused significant increase in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) concentrations in plasma, testes and brain. Keywords: Tramadol; Hormone; TBARS; Rabbits

Protective effect of Myrcia pubipetala Miq. against the alterations in oxidative stress parameters in an animal model of depression induced by corticosterone

Depression is a debilitating disorder in humans that significantly affects quality of life. As such, alternative therapies are highly sought after by patients seeking treatment for depression. Experimentally, the chronic administration of corticosterone (CORT) in rodents has been reported to promote depressive-like behaviors. Herein, animals received saline or CORT for 21 days and, during the last 7 days, they were treated with the crude hydroalcoholic extract (CHE) of Myrcia pubipetala Miq (50, 100 or 150 mg/Kg), or vehicle (distilled water), by oral route. After 24 h, animals were subjected to the open field (OFT) and forced swimming tests (FST), and then sacrificed for the removal of the hippocampus and cerebral cortex for biochemical analysis. Results showed enhanced catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, as well as an elevated formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), in the cerebral cortex of CORT-treated mice. The chronic administration of the CHE (100 and 150 mg/Kg) reduced TBARS and the increased total sulfhydryl content, and also reversed the increase in TBARS induced by CORT. In the hippocampus, CORT increased CAT and SOD activities and reduced glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (C) activity, while Myrcia pubipetala Miq. CHE (100 and 150 mg/Kg) increased GSH-Px activity when administered alone and reversed decreased GSH-Px (100 and 150 mg/Kg) activity when given during CORT administration. Neither CORT administration nor CHE treatment significantly altered the immobility time of the animals in FST and no changes were observed in the locomotor activity of the animals in the OFT. Findings indicate that the CHE of Myrcia pubipetala Miq. exerts antioxidant effects in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of mice induced to depression by CORT. Since phenolic compounds are reported to have antioxidant effects in this species, the effects of the CHE may be, at least in part, mediated by the presence of these compounds in Myrcia extract.

Oxidative Stability and Antioxidant Activity in Canned Eels: Effect of Processing and Filling Medium.

The effect of canning and the use of different filling media (sunflower oil, olive oil, and spiced olive oil) on oxidation parameters (acidity, peroxide value (PV), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) index), antioxidant capacity, and total phenol and vitamin E contents in eels was studied. A preliminary frying treatment caused a decrease in titratable acidity and an increase in TBARS, antioxidant capacity, and vitamin E in the eel muscle. During sterilization, TBARS also increased significantly. The magnitude of the changes depended on the filling medium. Storage also had a significant effect on oxidation parameters in eel muscle and in filling media. After one year of storage, the sunflower oil and canned eels packed in this oil presented higher antioxidant capacity and vitamin E content than olive oil, spiced olive oil, or canned eels packed in these oils. However, the total phenol contents were higher when olive oil or spiced olive oil were used as filling media. Despite the losses, the results show that the canning process and subsequent storage preserved a great part of the antioxidant capacity and vitamin E content of the filling medium, which is of interest to the consumer. Both sunflower oil and olive oil as filling media are of great nutritional interest.

Toxicity of iron oxide nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles and their mixture on antioxidant enzymes and free radicals in male rats

In the present study Wistar male rats were used. Rats were divided into 4 equal groups, 10 rats each. Group 1 served as control, group 2 was administered orally with Fe2O3NPs (5 mg/kg BW; >50 nm), group 3 was treated intraperitoneally with AgNPs (50 mg/kg BW; >100 nm) and group 4 was administered with the mixture of Fe2O3NPs with AgNPs. Animals were treated with the doses every day for 79 days. Results showed significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the antioxidant enzymes (GPX, GST, CAT and SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), while significant (P < 0.05) increase in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and nitric oxide (NO) in plasma and testes of rats treated with Fe2O3NPs, AgNPs and their combination compared to control group.

EFFECT OF DOXORUBICIN-INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS ON CITRULLINE CONCENTRATION IN THE SMALL INTESTINAL MUCOSA AND PLASMA BLOOD IN RATS WITH NON-ALCOHOLIC STEATOHEPATITIS

The aim: Is to investigate the effect of doxorubicin-induced oxidative stress on plasma citrulline and citrulline concentration in the small intestinal (SI) mucosa of rats with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Materials and methods: The studies were carried out on 30 white non-linear adult rats, 15 (50%) males, 15 (50%) females, weighing 160-220 g. The rats were divided into three groups: І (n=10) – rats without NASH, received a standard diet, subsequently were injected with doxorubicin in cumulative dose of 15 mg/kg; ІI (n=10) – rats with NASH, received a high-calorie diet with doxorubicin injection similarly to group I; ІІІ (n=10) –control group, received a standard diet, were injected with placebo. In the SI mucosa, the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), citrulline and catalase were determined. Also the level of plasma citrulline was analyzed. Results: Doxorubicin injection resulted in induction of oxidative stress in rats of group I and II, which was characterized by 2.1 (p=0.002) and 1.4 times (р=0.0059) increase in TBARS and in 3.4 (р=0.002), and 5.2 times (р=0.002) decrease in catalase activity respectively comparing with the control group. Simultaneously plasma citrulline level in group I and II was in 1.4 (р=0.0039) and 1,5 times (р=0.0039) respectively lower, compared to the control group. Conclusions: Doxorubicin-induced SI injury was associated with a significant decrease in plasma citrulline in rats regardless of NASH. The plasma citrulline could become an important marker in the assessment of the SI injury in clinical practice.

Rectal administration of carbon monoxide inhibits the development of intestinal inflammation and promotes intestinal wound healing via the activation of the Rho-kinase pathway in rats

The inhalation of carbon monoxide (CO) gas and the administration of CO-releasing molecules were shown to inhibit the development of intestinal inflammation in a murine colitis model. However, it remains unclear whether CO promotes intestinal wound healing. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of the topical application of CO-saturated saline enemas on intestinal inflammation and elucidate the underlying mechanism. Acute colitis was induced with trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) in male Wistar rats. A CO-saturated solution was prepared via bubbling 50% CO gas into saline and was rectally administrated twice a day after colitis induction; rats were sacrificed 3 or 7 days after induction for the study of the acute or healing phases, respectively. The distal colon was isolated, and ulcerated lesions were measured. In vitro wound healing assays were also employed to determine the mechanism underlying rat intestinal epithelial cell restitution after CO treatment. CO solution rectal administration ameliorated acute TNBS-induced colonic ulceration and accelerated ulcer healing without elevating serum CO levels. The increase in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and myeloperoxidase activity after induction of acute TNBS colitis was also significantly inhibited after CO treatment. Moreover, the wound healing assays revealed that the CO-saturated medium enhanced rat intestinal epithelial cell migration via the activation of Rho-kinase. In addition, the activation of Rho-kinase in response to CO treatment was confirmed in the inflamed colonic tissue. Therefore, the rectal administration of a CO-saturated solution protects the intestinal mucosa from inflammation and accelerates colonic ulcer healing through enhanced epithelial cell restitution. CO may thus represent a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Effects of Repeatedly Heated Palm Oil on Serum Lipid Profile, Lipid Peroxidation and Homocysteine Levels in a Post-Menopausal Rat Model

Oxidized unsaturated fatty acids may contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In the present study, we examined the effects of heated palm oil mixed with 2% cholesterol diet on serum lipid profile, homocysteine and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels in estrogen-deficient rats. Twenty-four female Sprague Dawley rats were ovariectomized and then were divided equally into four groups. The control group was given 2% cholesterol diet only throughout the study period. The three treatment groups received 2% cholesterol diet fortified with fresh, once-heated or five-times-heated palm oil, respectively. Serum TBARS, lipid profile and homocysteine levels were measured prior to ovariectomy and at the end of four months of the study. Five-times-heated palm oil caused a significant increase in TBARS and total cholesterol (TC) compared to control (F=22.529, p<0.05). There was a significant increase in serum homocysteine in the control as well as five-times heated palm oil group compared to fresh and once-heated palm oil groups (F=4.432, p<0.05). The findings suggest that repeatedly heated palm oil increase lipid peroxidation and TC. Ovariectomy increases the development of atherosclerosis as seen in this study. Feeding with fresh and once-heated palm oil does not cause any deleterious effect but repeatedly heated oil may be harmful because it causes oxidative damage thereby predisposing to atherosclerosis.

Effect of Multiple Freeze-Thaw Cycles on Myoglobin and Lipid Oxidations of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) Surimi with Different Pork Back Fat Content.

Fresh grass carp was used to produce surimi and 50 g/kg, 100 g/kg, or 150 g/kg pork back fat was added. The water distribution, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), myoglobin oxidation, color parameter (L*, a*, and b*), heme and non-heme iron content of samples were determined to analyze the effects of different fat content on the oxidation of myoglobin and lipids during multiple freeze-thaw cycles of grass carp surimi. Both multiple freeze-thaw cycles and increased fat content lead to an increase in TBARS, a blue shift in the absorption peak of myoglobin porphyrin, a decrease in heme iron content, and an increase of non-heme iron content. Repeated freeze-thaw caused a decrease in immobilised water content and L*, and caused an increase in a* and b*. Increased fat content caused an increase in immobilised water content, L* and a*, and caused a decrease in b*.

10.4314/sajas.v40i5.65268

Sheep fat contains relatively high levels of saturated fatty acids while poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are toxic to cellulolytic bacteria and are also saturated in the rumen. Stabilization of residual oil in sunflower oilcake by conversion into calcium salts would be advantageous. Alpha lipoic acid acts as an antioxidant to ameliorate the effects of oxidative stress caused by high dietary levels of PUFA. Residual oil (14%) in mechanically extracted (expeller) sunflower oilcake (SFOC) was saponified in situ and compared in a complete feedlot diet (100 g crude protein and 31 g extractable fat/kg feed) with commercially extracted oilcake containing 2.4% residual oil (control diet with 29 g fat and 123 g crude protein kg feed) fed to four groups of 10 SA Mutton Merino weaner lambs (ca. 23 kg) for nine weeks. Both diets were fed either with, or without a weekly oral dosing of 500 mg α-lipoic acid. Fatty acid composition was determined on back fat samples while thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were determined on samples of m. longissimus dorsi stored for zero and six months and displayed for six days. The back fat of the lambs on the saponified expeller SFOC diets contained significantly higher levels of saturated fatty acids and lower levels of mono-unsaturated fatty acids. PUFA were unaffected. High TBARS levels (>1.0) were found after six months storage. Non significant increases in TBARS were observed in the groups that received lipoic acid.

Preservation of Tilapia (Oreochromis aureus) Fillet by Isochoric (Constant Volume) Freezing

ABSTRACT The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of isochoric freezing on the quality of tilapia fillet. Isochoric freezing was compared to chilling, super-chilling, and freezing. Isochoric freezing showed muscle color alterations similar to the other preservation methods. All preservation methods resulted in softer fillets, with the isochoric frozen fillet having the most similar texture to that of the fresh sample. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) for isochoric samples were similar to those of fresh samples. However, there was a 53%, 55%, and 34% increase in TBARS for chilled, super-chilled, and frozen samples, respectively. Total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) content was 1.4 times higher for isochoric samples than for fresh samples. For chilled, super-chilled, and frozen samples, TVB-N content was 3.0, 1.9, and 1.3, respectively, times higher than for fresh samples. Microstructural analysis indicated that isochoric samples showed less cell damage compared to those using other methods. Subfreezing temperatures in conjunction with no ice formation during isochoric freezing contributed to improved quality of tilapia fillet. This study may find application in the commercial preservation of fish to increase shelf life and allow for expanded distribution of raw fish. This study might also be a potential solution to “food desert” areas, where residents have low access to fresh healthy foods.

Anorexic and metabolic effect of jojoba: potential treatment against metabolic syndrome and hepatic complications

BackgroundEvaluation of the action of various traditional plants to treat metabolic syndrome are strongly studied. In our study, we investigated the effect of the Tunisian jojoba seed on a metabolic syndrome induced in rat by the High Fat diet and High Fructose (HFHF) and its renal and hepatic complications.MethodsThe rats were fed with HFHF or Normal Diet (ND) for a period of 8 weeks. After that, a switch from HFHF to ND or Normal Diet Jojoba (NDJ),(jojoba diet approach) or High Fat and High Fructose and Jojoba diet (HFHFJ) (nutraceutical approach) has been done. Metabolic disorder was evaluated by measuring the fasting body weight, glycemia and C-peptide and leptin. Oxidative stress parameters like ThioBarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAOC) were analyzed in the plasma and renal and hepatic function were determined by the measure of creatinine and alanine transferase (ALT) respectively. Histological analysis was performed on the liver, kidney and pancreas.ResultsHFHF diet exhibited characteristics of metabolic syndrome presented by insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, hyperleptinemia, fat mass with hepatic steatosis and renal disorder. HFHF diet was associated with oxidative stress (OS) presented by an increase in TBARS and a decrease in TAOC. Adding jojoba seeds to HFHF rat group diet induced a decrease in body weight, fat mass (58 and 41%), insulin resistance (59 and 56%), oxidative stress (60 and 41%), liver steatosis (from a score = 3 to a score = 0) and renal complications (25 and 42%). This effect was emphasized with diet approach.ConclusionThe results demonstrated the beneficial effect of jojoba against metabolic syndrome and oxidative stress, suggesting that jojoba could be used in the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome.Graphical abstract

Neuroprotective Effects of Tea Against Cadmium Toxicity

Background: Cadmium (Cd) is a common pollutant and potential neuro-toxicant to humans. The main treatment for heavy metal toxicity is chelation therapy which is however replete with grave side effects. This study was designed to determine the neuroprotective effects of extracts of the tea beverage on experimentally induced cadmium toxicity in the brain of rats. Cadmiumas CdCl2 was administered subcutaneously while tea was given orally.Methods: Healthy Wister rats were used to study the effects of co-administration of Cd and tea extracts on the brain. Cadmium was injected subcutaneously while tea was administered orally to the rats. Brain tissue from euthanized rats was assayed for Zinc Fingers and Homeoboxes Protein 1 (ZHX1), reduced glutathione (GSH), and lipid peroxidation markers Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS). Neurohistochemical and histopathological studies were also carried out on the brain tissues of the rats.Results: Cadmium significantly induced neuronal damage exhibited by a significant (p &lt; 0.05) decrease in ZHX1 in the brain tissue, significant (p &lt;0.05) increase in TBARS, as well as significant (p &lt; 0.05) increase in GSH implying an impaired antioxidant defense system. Co-administration of Cd with black or green tea extracts resulted in a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation as well as maintenance of GSH and ZHX1. The neurohistochemical and histopathological studies in the brain of the rats indicated that the tea extracts significantly reduced CdCl2 toxicity and preserved the normal histological architecture of the brain tissues.Conclusion: This paper reports for the first time the efficacy of tea extracts in protecting rats from cadmium induced toxicity and disturbances of antioxidant defense system in the brain.Key words: Tea; flavonoids; Cadmium; neurotoxicity; Chelating agents.