Lipid-soluble Vitamins Research Articles

Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL) is Associated with Neurite Pathology and Its Levels Are Markedly Reduced in the Dentate Gyrus of Alzheimer’s Disease Brains

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is involved in regulation of fatty acid metabolism, and facilitates cellular uptake of lipoproteins, lipids and lipid-soluble vitamins. We evaluated LPL distribution in healthy and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brain tissue and its relative levels in cerebrospinal fluid. LPL immunostaining is widely present in different neuronal subgroups, microglia, astrocytes and oligodendroglia throughout cerebrum, cerebellum and spinal cord. LPL immunoreactivity is also present in leptomeninges, small blood vessels, choroid plexus and ependymal cells, Schwann cells associated with cranial nerves, and in anterior and posterior pituitary. In vitro studies have shown presence of secreted LPL in conditioned media of human cortical neuronal cell line (HCN2) and neuroblastoma cells (SK-N-SH), but not in media of cultured primary human astrocytes. LPL was present in cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions of neuronal cells and astrocytes in vitro. LPL immunoreactivity strongly associates with AD-related pathology, staining diffuse plaques, dystrophic and swollen neurites, possible Hirano bodies and activated glial cells. We observed no staining associated with neurofibrillary tangles or granulovacuolar degeneration. Granule cells of the dentate gyrus and the associated synaptic network showed significantly reduced staining in AD compared to control tissue. LPL was also reduced in AD CSF samples relative to those in controls.

Of GIRK channels, vitamin E transfer, and a vertebrate fluorescent protein

Of GIRK channels, vitamin E transfer, and a vertebrate fluorescent protein

Intestinal Transport as a Potential Determinant of Drug Bioavailability

Orally administered drugs are generally absorbed by the small intestine and transported either to the lymphatic system or to the hepatic portal system. In general, lipid soluble drugs and vitamins are transported by the small intestine to the lymphatics, and water-soluble drugs are transported to the hepatic portal system. By avoiding the early hepatic first pass effect, the lymphatic transport system may increase drug bioavailability. In addition to its transport systems, the small intestine may affect drug bioavailability through drug uptake, intestinal first pass effect, recruitment of drugs by chylomicrons, formation and secretion of chylomicrons, and enterohepatic circulation. All of these factors should be considered when formulating orally administered lipophilic drugs. Our data also suggest that Caco-2 cells may serve as a valuable in vitro model to study the intestinal transport of orally administered drugs.

A holistic approach to development of diets for Ballan wrasse (Labrus berggylta) – a new species in aquaculture

Wild wrasses are used for delousing of farmed salmon but increasing demands have prompted the salmon industry to develop cultures of Ballan wrasse. One of the bottlenecks has been nutrition and feed intake in the juvenile phase, while broodstock nutrition is considered critical for production of viable offspring. The present study was aimed at developing functioning ongrowing and broodstock diets for Ballan wrasse. In juveniles the best lengthwise growth was identified at 65% dietary protein, 12% lipid and 16% carbohydrate. To investigate if the requirements for the other nutrients were covered by the diets developed for the species, the nutrient composition in juveniles (whole body) and broodstock (female gonad) were analyzed and compared to the composition in wild fish. We found that the levels of the lipid soluble Vitamins A, K and D were lower in cultured than in wild fish, however, the requirements for these nutrients in Ballan wrasse are not known. Other candidate nutrients for more in-depth investigation are the bone minerals, zinc, taurine and fatty acids.

Abstract 4821: Plasma retinol, but not 25-OH vitamin D or vitamin E, is associated with increased survival in colorectal cancer patients.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of lipid-soluble vitamin status with survival in colorectal cancer patients. METHODS: Using stored patient plasma samples from a multiethnic population-based case-control study of colorectal cancer, we determined associations of post-treatment blood levels of retinol, 25 OH-vitamin D, and Vitamin E with survival. Patients (n = 455) were followed (mean of 8 years) after phlebotomy, during which time 20% died of colorectal cancer and 24% from other causes. Hazard ratios (HR) were estimated by Cox proportional hazards regression with adjustment for stage and age at diagnosis, ethnicity, sex, and smoking status. RESULTS: A strong inverse association with all-cause mortality was observed for plasma retinol (Ptrend <0.0001), with similar significant trends observed for both colorectal cancer-specific deaths and other causes of death (P for heterogeneity = 0.43). The inverse association between retinol and all cause mortality was consistently observed for both sexes, subjects of Caucasian and Japanese ancestry, and for both rectal cancer and colon cancer. Overall no significant associations were observed for plasma 25-OH vitamin D or vitamin E with survival. CONCLUSIONS: Results are consistent with a direct relationship between low vitamin A status and poor survival among colorectal cancer patients. The absence of a significant association for 25-OH vitamin D levels with survival may be related to the generally higher circulating levels of 25-OH vitamin D in residents of Hawaii where the study was conducted, and results may differ in northern climates and in darker pigmented patients. If verified through larger prospective studies, future complementary intervention trials involving the assessment of vitamin A status and supplementation of individuals with inadequate levels may be warranted. Citation Format: Robert V. Cooney, Weiwen Chai, Adrian A. Franke, Christian Caberto, Lynne R. Wilkens, Laurence N. Kolonel, Laurie Custer, Cynthia Morrison, Loic Le Marchand. Plasma retinol, but not 25-OH vitamin D or vitamin E, is associated with increased survival in colorectal cancer patients. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4821. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4821

Absence of Diabetes and Pancreatic Exocrine Dysfunction in a Transgenic Model of Carboxyl-Ester Lipase-MODY (Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young)

BackgroundCEL-MODY is a monogenic form of diabetes with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency caused by mutations in CARBOXYL-ESTER LIPASE (CEL). The pathogenic processes underlying CEL-MODY are poorly understood, and the global knockout mouse model of the CEL gene (CELKO) did not recapitulate the disease. We therefore aimed to create and phenotype a mouse model specifically over-expressing mutated CEL in the pancreas.MethodsWe established a monotransgenic floxed (flanking LOX sequences) mouse line carrying the human CEL mutation c.1686delT and crossed it with an elastase-Cre mouse to derive a bitransgenic mouse line with pancreas-specific over-expression of CEL carrying this disease-associated mutation (TgCEL). Following confirmation of murine pancreatic expression of the human transgene by real-time quantitative PCR, we phenotyped the mouse model fed a normal chow and compared it with mice fed a 60% high fat diet (HFD) as well as the effects of short-term and long-term cerulein exposure.ResultsPancreatic exocrine function was normal in TgCEL mice on normal chow as assessed by serum lipid and lipid-soluble vitamin levels, fecal elastase and fecal fat absorption, and the normoglycemic mice exhibited normal pancreatic morphology. On 60% HFD, the mice gained weight to the same extent as controls, had normal pancreatic exocrine function and comparable glucose tolerance even after resuming normal diet and follow up up to 22 months of age. The cerulein-exposed TgCEL mice gained weight and remained glucose tolerant, and there were no detectable mutation-specific differences in serum amylase, islet hormones or the extent of pancreatic tissue inflammation.ConclusionsIn this murine model of human CEL-MODY diabetes, we did not detect mutation-specific endocrine or exocrine pancreatic phenotypes, in response to altered diets or exposure to cerulein.

Impact of co-administration of protonated nanostructured aluminum silicate (cholesterol absorption inhibitor) on the absorption of lipid soluble vitamins D3 and K1: An assessment of pharmacokinetic and in vitro intraluminal processing

Protonated nanostructured aluminum silicate (NSAS) is a protonated montmorillonite clay that was shown to be effective as an inhibitor of intestinal cholesterol absorption. The effect of NSAS on the intestinal absorption of nutrients is unknown. An in vitro lipolysis model was adapted to test the intraluminal processing of vitamin D3 and K1 in the presence of various amounts of NSAS. Additionally, vitamin absorption was assessed in male Sprague-Dawley rats randomized in the following treatment groups: IV administration of 0.1mg/kg vitamin D3 and 1mg/kg vitamin K1, and a single-dose gavage of 1mg/kg vitamin D3 and 5mg/kg of vitamin K1 in peanut oil with various doses of NSAS slurry, 2% NSAS-fortified diet, or 50mg/kg stigmastanol. The solubilized fraction of vitamin D3 in the lipolysis medium was reduced from 70% to 46% upon the addition of 120mg NSAS. In contrast, the solubilized fractions of vitamin K1 were not significantly affected. Although the NSAS-fortified diet did not significantly affect the absorbed fraction of both vitamins, NSAS slurry decreased the absorption of vitamin D3 as compared to the control. These results indicate that NSAS may be incorporated in diet to treat hypercholesterolemia; however, vitamin D3 monitoring may be required.

Protective Effects of Bitter Almond Kernel Oil on Some Biochemical Parameters in Brain Tissue of Diabetic Rats

In this study, we aimed to determine possible protective effects of the bitter almond kernel oil extract on the lipid-soluble vitamins, cholesterol, GSH, total protein, MDA and fatty acid levels of brain tissue in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. The lipid-soluble vitamins, cholesterol and other sterol levels were measured by HPLC, the fatty acid levels were measured by GC, MDA, GSH and total protein levels were measured by UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Whereas the α-tocopherol and GSH levels were decreased in the diabetes (D) group, these parameters were protected in the diabetes + almond oil (D+AO) group when compared to control (C) group. The total protein and MDA levels were increased in the D group, but their levels were not changed in the D+AO group. The palmitic acid and stearic acid levels were increased in the D and D+AO groups. The arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid levels were increased in the D group, but these fatty acid levels were not changed in the D+AO group when compared to the C group. In conclusion, according to our results, bitter almond oil was shown that some positive effects on the biochemical parameters of brain tissue in the diabetic rats. This oil was protected or prevented the GSH and MDA levels in bitter almond oil extract given group, and these values were closed to control group values.

Association between vitamin A, vitamin E and apolipoprotein E status with mild cognitive impairment among elderly people in low-cost residential areas

RationaleThe influence of nutritional parameters and genetic susceptibility on poor cognitive impairment has been documented; however, the association between lipid-soluble vitamins with genetic susceptibility on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has not yet been studied extensively.ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was (i) to determine the prevalence of MCI and its associated risk factors and (2) to investigate the influence of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ɛ4 allele on peripheral vitamin A and E concentration in MCI and non-MCI groups.MethodsA total of 333 subjects aged 60 years and above, residing in public housing areas in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia were interviewed to obtain information on their neuropsychological status. Fasting venous blood was taken for determination of vitamin A and vitamin E concentration using high-performance liquid chromatography. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis was performed to determine the APOE genotypes.ResultsThe prevalence of MCI was 21.1%. Binary logistic regression indicated that the predictors of MCI were being married, overweight or obesity, and had vitamin A deficiency. In non-MCI subjects, vitamin E levels were lower among APOEɛ4 allele carriers as compared to the non-carriers (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe study highlighted the importance of maintaining good nutritional status and vitamin A status for optimal cognitive function. The presence of APOEɛ4 allele has a prominent role in affecting vitamin E levels, particularly among cognitively healthy elderly in our unique population.

Synthesis, characterization and in vitro evaluation of novel vitamin D3 nanoparticles as a versatile platform for drug delivery in cancer therapy.

Development of novel nanotechnology based platforms can impact cancer therapeutics in a paradigm shifting manner. The major concerns in drug delivery in cancer therapy are the biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxic nature, easy and short synthesis and versatility of the nanovectors. Herein we report the engineering of versatile nanoparticles from biocompatible, biodegradable and non-toxic lipid soluble vitamin D3. We have conjugated different clinically used cytotoxic drugs (paclitaxel and doxorubicin) as well as PI3 kinase inhibitor (PI103) with vitamin D3 using a succinic acid linker. Sub-200 nm, monodispersed nanoparticles with high drug loading were engineered from the vitamin D3-succinic acid-drug conjugates. These nanoparticles released the active drugs at pH 5.5 in a slow and sustained manner over 100 h. Furthermore, these nanoparticles were taken up by HeLa cells into the low pH lysosomal compartments through an endocytosis mechanism in 6 h. Finally, these drug loaded vitamin D3 nanoparticles induced HeLa cervical cancer cell death in a dose dependent manner at 48 h to show their potential in cancer therapeutics.

Knee pain: An unanticipated finding related to a rare genetic disorder-Abetalipoproteinemia

The purpose of this case study is to raise awareness about an uncommon cause of knee pain. Review of literature was done using PubMed, CINAHL, and Medline. There was no limitation placed on the publication year. Only articles written in English were included. Knee pain is a common diagnosis that many healthcare providers see on a daily basis in their practice. Musculoskeletal injury or trauma is most commonly identified as the cause of this symptom. However, there are rare instances in which an unexpected finding in a client's history and physical exam lead us to an unexpected cause, such as abetalipoproteinemia. Abetalipoproteinemia is a rare autosomal recessive disorder in which an affected individual does not absorb lipids or the lipid-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Multiple body systems are impacted by this fat malabsorption and resultant vitamin deficiencies. Without corrective supplementation, clinical manifestations which are directly related to the vitamin deficiencies will appear as presented in this case study-knee pain. This case study emphasizes the need for nurse practitioners to seek out opportunities to further our knowledge which will enhance our clinical expertise as well as the quality of the health care we provide to our clients.

Morphogenesis, structure and properties of lymphatic vessels

In this paper, we present literature results related to structure and various manners of lymphatic vessel formation during embryonic development and in pathological events, such as tumorigenesis, wound healing, and other diseases. The functions of the lymphatic system include the collection of fluids that enter tissues from the circulation, absorption of lipids and lipid-soluble vitamins from the intestine and their subsequent transport, participation in antigen, dendritic cell, and lymphocyte migration. The lymphatic system is also a route for tumor cell and inflammatory cell transport. Native lymphatic capillaries differ from blood capillaries by having an irregular lumen, a discontinuous basement membrane, absence of pericytes, and a strong anchorage of their endothelial cells to the extracellular matrix via microfibrils built of emilin and fibrillin. Lymphatic endothelial cells express surface antigens such as Lyve-1, podoplanin, VEGFR3 (Flk4) and transcription factor Prox-1, as well as molecules which are common for blood endothelial cells and lymphatic endothelial cells (CD31, CD34, Flk-1, Tie-1, Tie-2, neuropilin 2). Lymphatic vessel formation during embryonic development starts with the occurrence of lymphatic sacs sprouting from systemic jugular veins and/or by co-option of lymphangioblasts or hematopoietic-derived cells. It can also proceed by dedifferentiation of venous endothelial cells after their detachment from the venous system, migration to the target places within the body and assembly in the lymphatic lumen. Mechanisms of lymphatic vessel formation during embryonic development and in pathological conditions, such as tumorigenesis, wound healing, and metastasis, is regulated by a plethora of growth factors and molecules, among which the most important are VEGF-C, VEGF-D, HGF, FGF, retinoic acid, IL-3, and IL-7. Macrophages and cells bearing CD45 phenotype seem to take part in the formation of lymphatics. Macrophages might act as a source of growth factors and/or as modulators playing a role in vessel caliber regulation during lymphangiogenesis. We discuss the most important diseases of the lymphatic system, their molecular basis and tumors derived from lymphatic vessels.

Nutritional Antioxidants and Lipid Profile in Newly Diagnosed Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic progressive autoimmune disorder characterized by symmetric erosive synovitis. The pathogenesis of bone erosion and joint deformities are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to find out vitamin C and E levels along with the lipid profile in newly diagnosed cases of RA. Materials and Methods: The patients for the study were selected from individuals attending the routine checkup in an Outpatient Department. Based on the criteria led by the American Rheumatism Association (ARA), the newly diagnosed patients were taken as cases and other normal individuals were taken as control group in the study. A total of 50 subjects were included in the study with the age group of 48 ± six years for both genders. Serum Vitamin-E was determined by the colorimetric method and serum Vitamin-C was estimated by the dinitro phenyl hydrazine method. Serum total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and VLDL levels were estimated by the enzymatic method. LDL- cholesterol was calculated by the Friedewald's formula. Results: The levels of nutritional antioxidants vitamin E and C were different significantly in RA patients compared to control group. The lipid profile parameters were also different significantly in RA patients compared to the controls. Conclusion: Patients with RA presented with an imbalance in the oxidant-antioxidant system that markedly increased lipid peroxidation products and significantly decreased lipid soluble antioxidant vitamin E. These changes might play a role in the tissue damage and inflammation process in this disease.

ApoE genotype: from geographic distribution to function and responsiveness to dietary factors

ApoE is a key protein in lipid metabolism with three major isoforms. ApoE allele frequencies show non-random global distribution especially in Europe with high apoE ε3 frequency in the Mediterranean area, whereas the apoE ε4 genotype is enriched in Northern Europe. The apoE ε4 genotype is one of the most important genetic risk factors for age-dependent chronic diseases, including CVD and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The apoE polymorphism has been shown to impact on blood lipids, biomarkers of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, which all may contribute to the isoform-dependent disease risk. Studies in mice and human subjects indicate that the apoE ε3 but not the apoE ε4 genotype may significantly benefit from dietary flavonoids (e.g. quercetin) and n-3 fatty acids. Metabolism of lipid soluble vitamins E and D is likewise differentially affected by the apoE genotype. Epidemiological and experimental evidence suggest a better vitamin D status in apoE ε4 than ε3 subjects indicating a certain advantage of ε4 over ε3. The present review aims at evaluation of current data available on interactions between apoE polymorphism and dietary responsiveness to flavonoids, fat soluble vitamins and n-3 fatty acids. Likewise, distinct geographic distribution and chronic disease risk of the different apoE isoforms are addressed.

Impact of antioxidants on oxidative stability of structured lipids

There is a growing interest among lipid technologists, lipid chemists, and nutritionistsconcerning structured lipids (SL) due to the physiological benefits these lipids offer.Compared to a mixture of medium- and long-chain TAG, SL provide improved absorptionof fatty acids and an increased delivery of total fat and essential fatty acids to the peripheraltissues [1], enhanced absorption of lipid-soluble vitamins and lipophilic antioxidants [2], andthey help to reduce muscle catabolism and improve nitrogen utilization during metabolicstress [3].Several authors have reported that SL are characterized by a lower oxidative stabilitycomparedtotheinitialoil/fatsources[4].SuchfindingshavebeenobservedforSLsynthesizedfromoliveoilandn-3PUFAorcaprylicacid,ricebranandcaprylicacid,saffloweroil,coconutoil, soybean oil, and fish oil [5–7]. According to Martin et al. [4], themethod employed in theproduction of SL is the main determinant of lipid oxidation. Yet, the results in the literatureare inconsistent. Sometimes the SL product from random chemical synthesis generates fasterandmoreextensivelipidoxidationthanlipase-mediatedsynthesisoftheSL.Atothertimestheoxidativestability ofSLrecoveredfromlipase preparationsisworsecomparedtotherandom-ized method [8].During the processing of SL, natural antioxidants present in the starting oils/fats aredegraded. The most serious concern is the loss oftocopherols and tocotrienols. This has beenobservedduringtheproductionofSLfromamixtureoflowerucicacidrapeseedoilandtallow[9], olive oil and caprylic acid [10], soybean and caprylic acid [11], as well as borage andevening primrose oils containing n-3 fatty acids [12]. According to Hamam and Shahidi [13],during the production of SL tocopherols react with carboxylic acids, giving rise to tocopherolesters. These reaction products can be removed from the reaction mixture during short-timedistillation.Byung and Akoh [14] reported that the oxidative stability of purified SL prepared fromroasted sesame oil and caprylic acid was lower than that of sesame oil itself. There were nodifferences in the contents of unsaponifiables, including tocopherols and phytosterols.However, total sesame lignans content was decreased in the SL due to the loss of sesamolwhen compared to sesame oil. A dramatic decrease of phenolic compounds in SL preparedfrom extra virgin olive oil and CLA or caprylic acid was described by Lee et al. [10].Among the food-grade antioxidants available to protect SL against oxidation,a-tocopherol is employed most often; it has been added at a level between 50 and1000 mg/kg to substrates for SL synthesis such as fish oil and caprylic acid, canola oil andcaprylicacid,soybeanoilandcaprylicacid,sunfloweroilandcaprylicacid,milkfatandlinseedoil, as well as olive oil and n-3 PUFA [11, 15, 16]. In the study of Turan et al. [11] on theoxidative stability of SL synthesized by a specific sn-1,3-lipase catalyzed interesterificationof soybean oil with caprylic acid, no significant difference was observed between theinduction time of SL and SL plus different a-tocopherol concentrations (ranging from50 to 1000 mg/kg). Antioxidant mixtures of a-tocopherol (50 mg/kg) and d-tocopherol(500 mg/kg) with ascorbyl palmitate and lecithin have been reported to effectively decreasethe peroxide value, conjugated diene content, and p-anisidine value during oxidation of SLat 60

Abstract 1120: α-Tocopherol protects cells from lipid peroxidation and rescues tumorigenic phenotypes in CS/CSL patients with germline SDHx variants

Abstract Cowden syndrome (CS), a Mendelian autosomal-dominant disorder, predisposes to breast, thyroid, and other cancers. Germline mutations in phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) have been found in 25% of classic CS individuals accrued from the community. Additionally, we have shown that germline variations in succinate dehydrogenase genes (SDHx) occur in 8% of 608 PTEN mutation-negative CS and CS-like (CSL) individuals (SDHvar+), compared to 0/700 controls (p&amp;lt;0.0001, Fisher's 2-tailed exact test). SDHx genes encode for mitochondrial complex II which lies at the crossroads of electron transport and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. We previously showed that SDHx variants result in elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and in disruption of such mitochondrial metabolites as flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) equilibrium in CS/CSL patient-derived lymphoblastoid cells. Consequently, improper NADH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1)-p53 interaction results in destabilization of p53 and apoptosis resistance. Here we further demonstrate that elevated ROS production results in higher lipid peroxidation in SDHvar+ cells compared to healthy control cells. This increased oxidative stress led to increased mutation accumulation in mitochondrial hypervariable region II (HVRII) in samples with SDHx variants compared to controls. Interestingly, α-tocopherol treatment, but not other antioxidants, can rescue SDHvar+ cells from apoptosis resistance. This lipid soluble vitamin E, functions as a peroxyl-radical scavenger, protecting SDHvar+ cells from oxidative damage. We observed down regulated lipid peroxidation in SDHvar+ cells after α-tocopherol exposure, as well as recovered p53 expression and FAD/NAD levels. We conclude that α-tocopherol selectively protects SDHvar+ cells from redox stress and downstream tumorigenic reprogramming, which may have intriguing clinical implications such as using vitamin E as a potential preventive adjunct for CS/CSL individuals with SDHx variants. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1120. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1120

Glucose Effects on the Peritoneum: What Can We Learn from Rodent Models?

During long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) the peritoneal membrane underlies processes of structural and functional reorganization mediated by high glucose and reactive glucose metabolites that are contained in PD solutions; this process is accompanied by increasing fibrosis. Mechanistically, the peritoneal damage is triggered by the interaction of advanced glycation end-products with their receptor; this is true for rodents as well as for humans. With this knowledge interventional strategies can be tested in rodent models, among them are the lipid soluble vitamin B1 analogue benfotiamine (BF) or detoxifying enzymes such as glyoxalase. Of additional interest is the finding that PD fluids do not only cause local but also systemic damage, in particular renal and cardiovascular. In the case of kidney damage, the intervention with BF was also successful. Taken together, PD can be regarded as a local model for long-term diabetes together with systemic aspects of damage.

Protective effect of vitamin E and epicatechin against nicotine-induced oxidative stress in rats

Nicotine is a major pharmacologically active and addictive component of tobacco smoke, which is regarded to be a primary risk factor in the development of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. Epicatechin is one of the most potent antioxidants present in the human diet. Particularly high levels of this compound are found in tea, apples and chocolate. It has been reported that tea extracts and/or its constituents have antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidative, antitumor and antimutagenic activities. Vitamin E is a major lipid-soluble antioxidant vitamin and free radical scavenger, presents as an integral component of cellular membranes and has important biological functions. The primary mechanism by which vitamin E is proposed to prevent cancer is through their antioxidant properties. The goal of this study is to evaluate the effect of epicatechin alone or combined with vitamin E in inhibiting the oxidative stress induced by nicotine in rats. Results obtained indicated that there was a significant elevation in the levels of malondialdhyde (MDA) in nicotine injected rats. The combined treatment (epicatechin + Vit E) group showed a potential reduction of these parameters more than individual treatment. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were found significantly higher in combined treated than untreated rats. In nicotine group, a negative significant correlation between reduced glutathione and MDA (r = -0.92) was observed. In conclusion, these results suggested that the supplementation of diet with epicatechin and vitamin E provided antioxidant defense with strong chemopreventive activity against nicotine-induced carcinogenesis.

Survey of four essential nutrients and thiaminase activity in five Lake Ontario prey fish species

Thiamine deficiency is an impediment to salmonine reproduction in the Great Lakes, but little is known about other measures of dietary quality, such as lipid-soluble vitamins or fatty acids in prey fish. The objective of the present research was to measure selected essential nutrients and thiaminase activity in five Lake Ontario prey fish species (alewife Alosa psuedoharengus, rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax, slimy sculpin Cottus cognatus, threespine stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus and round goby Neogobius melanostomus). Total thiamine was greater in alewife (13.6nmol/g) than in the other species (6.2–9.0nmol/g). In 2006, thiaminase activity was unexpectedly high in goby (12.49nmol/g/min), sculpin (1.99nmol/g/min) and smelt (9.24nmol/g/min). In 2007, thiaminase activity in goby (0.99nmol/g/min) and smelt (4.94nmol/g/min) was low compared to 2006, whereas sculpin thiaminase activity was greatest (6.01nmol/g/min). The causes for this variability are unknown. Thiaminase activity was within the expected range for alewife (4.31–6.31nmol/g/min) and stickleback (0.06nmol/g/min). Concentrations of retinoids, carotenoids, vitamin E (tocopherol) and fatty acids also differed among prey fish species. Tocopherol concentrations in goby (12.74ng/mg), sculpin (25.29ng/mg), and smelt (22.81ng/mg) were greater than in alewife (1.59ng/mg). Goby had the lowest ∑ ω-3 to ∑ ω-6 fatty acid ratio (1.44) when compared to sculpin (2.97) and smelt (2.85). Thiaminase concentrations in alewife and smelt (and possibly goby) suggest that they have the potential to adversely affect natural reproduction in salmonines. Concentrations of carotenoids, retinoids and tocopherol in prey fish appear to be lower than salmonine dietary requirements.

Two Different Isomers of Vitamin E Prevent Bone Loss in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Rat Model

Postmenopausal osteoporotic bone loss occurs mainly due to cessation of ovarian function, a condition associated with increased free radicals. Vitamin E, a lipid-soluble vitamin, is a potent antioxidant which can scavenge free radicals in the body. In this study, we investigated the effects of alpha-tocopherol and pure tocotrienol on bone microarchitecture and cellular parameters in ovariectomized rats. Three-month-old female Wistar rats were randomly divided into ovariectomized control, sham-operated, and ovariectomized rats treated with either alpha-tocopherol or tocotrienol. Their femurs were taken at the end of the four-week study period for bone histomorphometric analysis. Ovariectomy causes bone loss in the control group as shown by reduction in both trabecular volume (BV/TV) and trabecular number (Tb.N) and an increase in trabecular separation (Tb.S). The increase in osteoclast surface (Oc.S) and osteoblast surface (Ob.S) in ovariectomy indicates an increase in bone turnover rate. Treatment with either alpha-tocopherol or tocotrienol prevents the reduction in BV/TV and Tb.N as well as the increase in Tb.S, while reducing the Oc.S and increasing the Ob.S. In conclusion, the two forms of vitamin E were able to prevent bone loss due to ovariectomy. Both tocotrienol and alpha-tocopherol exert similar effects in preserving bone microarchitecture in estrogen-deficient rat model.