Effects Of Long-term Consumption Research Articles

The Effects of Asystasia vogeliana Benth. on Wistar Rat Liver Health, Kidney Function, and Lipid Profile

Aims: This study investigated the effects of long term consumption of A. vogeliana leaf on the liver health, kidney function, and lipid profile of female Wistar rats. This was with a view to assessing the safety and potential health effects of the plant extract.
 Study Design: The study employed in vivo animal model in Wistar rats.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, between June 2019 and February 2020.
 Methodology: Acute oral toxicity and LD50 were determined. Animals were randomized into three groups (n = 6) and treated as follows: Group 1 (normal control; distilled water), Group 2 (250 mg/kg), and Group 3 (500 mg/kg) for 21 days. Animals were sacrificed on 22nd day and plasma was analyzed for liver-kidney biomarkers: aspartate aminotransferases (AST), alanine aminotransferases (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, urea, and creatinine. Also, the lipid biomarkers (total cholesterol TC), triglyceride TG, high-density lipoprotein HDL, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol LDL), and atherogenic indices were determined.
 Results: The result showed LD50 > 2000 mg/kg. A non-significant difference was observed in ALT activity, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and urea levels. Significant (p<0.05) elevations in AST and ALP, and a significant decrease in creatinine were observed in the treated group, suggesting detrimental effect on the kidney health. TC, TG, and LDL were significantly high, whereas HDL was significantly low in the treated group. Similarly, significant increases in non-HDL, atherogenic coefficient (Ac), coronary risk index-1 (CRI-1), and 2 (CRI-2), were observed in the treated groups, suggesting a likelihood for cardiovascular diseases.
 Conclusion: The study concluded that prolonged administration of A. vogeliana leaf impacted the kidneys and induced an elevated lipid profile and a sharp decrease in HDL. Therefore, prolonged use of A. vogeliana should be discouraged.

The effect of long-term consumption of biomass of streptomycetes on conditioned-reflex learning and memory of white rats of different ages

The experiments on male white rats revealed that long-term consumption of the biomass of local strains of streptomycetes - Streptomyces massasporeus CNMN-36 and, to a greater extent, Streptomyces fradiae CNMN-Ac-11 isolated from soils of Moldova significantly facilitates the process of learning the skill of active avoidance and slows down the process of extinction of the conditioned reflexes in young and, especially, old animals, which opens up prospects for further study of metabolites of these strains of streptomycetes in order to select substances with neuroprotective and nootropic properties.

Medium chain triglycerides (MCT): State-of-the-art on chemistry, synthesis, health benefits and applications in food industry.

Medium chain triglycerides (MCT) are esters of fatty acids with 6 to 12 carbon atom chains. Naturally, they occur in various sources; their composition and bioactivity are source and extraction process-linked. The molecular size of MCT oil permits unique metabolic pathways and energy production rates, making MCT oil a high-value functional food. This review details the common sources of MCT oil, presenting critical information on the various approaches for MCT oil extraction or synthesis. Apart from conventional techniques, non-thermal processing methods that show promising prospects are analyzed. The biological effects of MCT oil are summarized, and the range of need-driven modification approaches are elaborated. A section is devoted to highlighting the recent trends in the application of MCT oil for food, nutraceuticals, and allied applications. While much is debated about the role of MCT oil in human health and wellness, there is limited information on daily requirements, impact on specific population groups, and effects of long-term consumption. Nonetheless, several studies have been conducted and continue to identify the most effective methods for MCT oil extraction, processing, handling, and storage. A knowledge gap exists and future research must focus on technology packages for scalability and sustainability.

Effect of long-term consumption of a diet with a high sodium chloride content on microRNA expression in blood serum and urine of Cynomolgus Macaques

INTRODUCTION. A high intake of sodium chloride from food is associated with damage not only to the cardiovascular system but also to the kidneys. The mechanisms of the negative effects of high-salt diets on the kidneys have not been established. One of the important links in this process can be microRNAs, which can modulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. It is also not known whether soy proteins can counter the kidney remodeling associated with increased salt intake.THE AIM. To estimate the expression levels of miRNA-133 and 203 in blood serum and urine and miRNA-21 in the urine of cynomolgus macaques received diets for a long time with various table salt contents, including and not including soy proteins.MATERIALS AND METHODS. Three groups (6 individuals in each) of male cynomolgus macaques at the age of 6–8 years were studied. The first group (control) received a standard diet, the second – a diet with a high content of table salt (8 g NaCl / kg feed), the third – a diet with high salt content in combination with SUPRO 760 soy protein (200 g protein/kg feed). Blood pressure was measured in animals 12 months later. In monkey urine, the relative expression levels of miRNA-21, miRNA-133, and miRNA-203 were determined, in blood serum – the expression levels of miRNA-133 and miRNA-203.RESULTS. During the follow-up period in the control group, there were no significant changes in the studied parameters. In the groups that received high-salt diets throughout the year, blood pressure also did not change significantly. There was no change in the level of expression of miRNA-133 in the blood serum of monkeys fed a high-salt diet and a standard protein diet. However, in macaques fed a diet high in salt in combination with soy protein, the serum expression of this miRNA was significantly reduced. The expression of miRNA-203 in blood serum did not change significantly. In the control group, there were no changes in the expression of miRNA-21 in urine. In the other two samples, this parameter increased in comparison with the initial values. Both high-salt diets resulted in a significant increase in the relative level of miRNA-133 expression in urine compared to basal values. However, the increase in this indicator in the group of animals fed a high-salt diet in combination with soy isolate was significantly less than in monkeys fed only a high-salt diet. Expression of miRNA-203 in urine was significantly increased only in the group with a high content of table salt without added soy protein.CONCLUSIONS. It is possible that the effects of high-salt diets on the kidney may be mediated by epigenomic mechanisms and partially modulated by the inclusion of isolated soy proteins in the diet.

Effects of long-term consumption of sucralose associated with high-fat diet in male mice.

Sucralose is a widely consumed non-nutritive sweetener (NNS). Studies have shown that some NNS can favor weight gain by altering the intestinal microbiota, satiety hormone production, or aspects related to glucose homeostasis. In this study, we investigated the effects of ad libitum sucralose consumption in mice fed with normal or high-fat diet (HFD) for an extended period (16 weeks). Weight gain, final body composition, energy expenditure, intestinal and pancreatic hormone production, and endotoxemia during a voracity test, as well as liver and skeletal muscles were evaluated after 16 weeks. We observed that sucralose supplementation reduced weight gain in HFD-fed mice but did not change weight gain in mice fed with normal diet. The evaluation of HFD mice showed that sucralose supplementation resulted in improvements in glycemic homeostasis, hepatic steatosis, and increased energy expenditure. Our results suggest that sucralose consumption promotes different outcomes in relation to weight gain when combined with different diets, which may explain the controversial data in previous studies, and can be considered in future clinical research aimed at clarifying the impact of NNS consumption on human health.

Effect of Long-term Consumption of Partially Oxidized Omega-6 fatty acids on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Biomarkers Associated with Atherosclerosis in LDLr(-/-) Mice

Effect of Long-term Consumption of Partially Oxidized Omega-6 fatty acids on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Biomarkers Associated with Atherosclerosis in LDLr(-/-) Mice

Comparison of sublethal effects of natural acaricides carvacrol and thymol on honeybees

The parasitic mite Varroa destructor is a threat to beekeeping colonies. Among naturally derived acaricides, the monoterpenoid essential oil compound thymol is used in beekeeping for varroa mite control, but adverse impacts on honeybees has been already documented. Carvacrol, another monoterpenoid, also has a high acaricidal potential and could thus be promising for regular use in beekeeping, but information is scarce regarding the effects of prolonged systemic administration of carvacrol on honeybees. In this study, we evaluate and compared the sublethal effects of long term consumption of carvacrol and thymol on Carnolian honeybee workers (Apis mellifera carnica). Survival and feeding rate were determined preliminary to assess sublethal concentrations. The sublethal effects were analysed by the activity of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE), enzyme involved in the control of neurotransmission, and the activity of detoxifying enzyme glutathione S-transferase (GST) in heads and thoraces. We found that, thymol and carvacrol, caused mortality only at the highest concentrations tested, 1% and 5% respectively. As demonstrated by others, both substances could be effective against varroa at concentrations ten times lower than those causing significant honeybee mortality. However, we demonstrated sublethal effects at the 0.05% carvacrol and thymol exposure concentrations evidenced as increased activity of AChE and GST in the honeybee heads. In conclusion, prolonged treatment with thymol and carvacrol affects bee nervous system and induce detoxification processes possibly resulting in a limited use for acaricidal purposes. We postulate that under the same chronic exposure conditions carvacrol and thymol will have similar sublethal effects on honeybees.

Effects of caloric or non-caloric sweetener long-term consumption on taste preferences and new aversive learning

Food palatability and caloric content are crucial factors in guiding diet choice and amount consumed; as a result, sweet caloric tastes are associated with a positive hedonic value. Recent evidence in rodents indicates that consumption of artificial (non-caloric) sweeteners, in which sweet taste is dissociated from normal caloric consequences, could induce changes in energy and body weight regulation, suggesting that sweeteners not only modify intake and appetitive behavior, but could also change taste-learning processes. Particularly, there are different properties in some artificial sweeteners, like saccharin, that might differ from sugar in the reward responses that, after long-term consumption, could also be associated with the inability to learn new negative consequences related to the same taste. Thus, the main goal of this study was to determine, in adult rats, the effects of long-term consumption (14 days) of sugar or saccharin, on taste preference, on new aversive learning, i.e. latent inhibition (LI) of conditioned taste aversion (CTA), and appetitive taste re-learning after aversive taste associations. The results showed that 14 days’ exposure to sugar, but not to saccharin, induced a significant increment in the LI of CTA and that taste preference is rapidly recovered during the next 3 days (e.g. CTA extinctions), indicating that long-term sugar consumption significantly accelerates aversive memory extinction during appetitive re-learning of a specific sweet taste; furthermore, high familiarization to sugar, but not to saccharin, promotes appetitive learning for the same taste. Overall, the results indicate that long-term consumption of sugar, but not saccharin, produces changes in appetitive re-learning and suggests that long-term sugar consumption could trigger escalating consumption due to the inability to learn new negative consequences associated with the same taste.

The Effect of Anthocyanin-Rich Foods or Extracts on Vascular Function in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials

Anthocyanins are of interest due to their anti-oxidative and vasodilatory properties. Earlier reviews have shown that berries and other anthocyanin rich foods or extracts can improve vascular health, however the effect of anthocyanins on vascular function has not yet been reviewed. To address this gap in the literature, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised-controlled trials examining anthocyanin-rich foods or extracts on measures of vascular reactivity and/or stiffness in adults. Data from 24 studies were pooled as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Anthocyanin consumption significantly improved flow-mediated dilation (FMD) following acute (SMD: 3.92%, 95% CI: 1.47, 6.38, p = 0.002; I2 = 91.8%) and chronic supplementation (SMD: 0.84%, 95% CI: 0.55, 1.12, p = 0.000; I2 = 62.5%). Pulse wave velocity was improved following acute supplementation only (SMD: −1.27 m/s, 95% CI: −1.96, −0.58, p = 0.000; I2 = 17.8%). These results support the findings of previous reviews that anthocyanin rich foods or extracts may indeed improve vascular health, particularly with respect to vascular reactivity measured by FMD. More research is required to determine the optimal dosage, and the long-term effects of consumption.

Effect of waxy barley, Kirarimochi, consumption on bowel movements of late-stage elderly residents at Roken nursing home

BackgroundIt is very important for the late-stage elderly to have the least stressful bowel movements for maintaining a good quality of life. It is generally accepted that consuming adequate dietary fiber is a promising method for the prevention and management of stressful bowel movements such as those during constipation. Therefore, we examined the effect of long-term consumption of waxy barley, which is high in dietary fiber, on the bowel movements of the late-stage elderly living at Roken nursing home (a geriatric health services facility), Japan.MethodsWe compared the defecation and laxative administration frequencies of the subjects before and after waxy barley consumption, for which we served 28 residents a boiled mixture of rice and waxy barley (variety name, Kirarimochi) as the main meals for 5 months, from November to March. In October, all residents were served boiled rice as the main meals.ResultsThe residents were categorized into “constipated” subjects and “non-constipated” subjects according to their weekly defecation frequency during October. Among the 14 residents categorized as constipated subjects, monthly number of days with defecation in November, January, and March significantly increased in comparison to monthly number of days with defecation in October. In addition, monthly number of days with laxative administration significantly decreased in December and February in comparison to monthly number of days with laxative administration in October. In contrast, the defecation and laxative administration frequencies did not change after waxy barley consumption among the 14 residents categorized as non-constipated subjects.ConclusionsConsumption of waxy barley, Kirarimochi, for 5 months improved the bowel movements of the constipated subjects; however, the consumption had no effect on the bowel movements of the non-constipated subjects at Roken nursing home. These results indicate that consuming waxy barley, Kirarimochi, is beneficial for the management of constipation in the late-stage elderly residents at Roken nursing home.

Effect of long term consumption of graded levels of powdered stored Ocimum gratissimum supplementation on the weight performance in Wistar rats

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The influence of <em>Ocimum gratissimum</em> leaf supplementation on feed intake; weight change via growth performance of Wistar rats was investigated.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A total of twenty (20) rats (average weight of 80 g±10 g), housed in a well-ventilated cages and given feed and water <em>ad libitum</em> for 2 weeks after which they were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments comprising 0%, 2.5%, 5% and 10%, of powdered stored <em>Ocimum gratissimum </em>leaf inclusion. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Group of rats fed with the lowest supplementation (2.5%) of <em>Ocimum gratissimum </em>showed significant increase (P< 0.05) in weekly feed intake than group fed with the highest supplementation (10%). While, there was no significant difference (P >0.05) between the groups fed with 0% and 5%. Also, the weight gain by the rats with 2.5% <em>Ocimum gratissimum</em> diet supplementation had highest weight gain which was significantly different to 10% supplementation and non-significantly different to 5% supplementation. Animals which received 2.5% of leaf of <em>Ocimum gratissimum</em> had the fastest growth rate, followed by those that received 5% and 10%. However, the control feed had higher body weight gain than 10% supplementation. The observable increase in the feed intake, weight gain and feed efficiency seen in the lowest supplementation level (2.5%) can be attributed to the spicing and seasoning of food with <em>O</em>. <em>gratissimum</em> and as such could also increase the palatability of the food. Furthermore, 2.5% has the highest dietary lipid which increases the palatability of food by absorbing and retaining flavor.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> It can be concluded that 2.5% <em>O. gratissimum </em>supplementation has a better palatability than other experimental diets which reflected on the performance characteristics of this treatment. </p>

Dose and time dependent ototoxicity of aspartame in rats

Conclusion: Low-dose administration of Aspartame (Ap) did not produce a significant ototoxic effect at the end of the 6th month. However, duration of the ototoxic effect is shortened and severity of the effect is increased as dose and duration of Ap administration is increased.Objectives: While Ap toxicity has been studied in short- and long-term studies, its effects on hearing have not been investigated. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of long-term consumption of Ap administered in various doses on hearing status of rats.Methods: The study included 54 female Wistar Albino rats. Ap was given for 6 months to the rats. The groups were assigned according to levels of Ap dosage. DPOAE and ABR tests were utilized for serial hearing evaluations. Serial hearing measurement times were designed as baseline, 1st week, 2nd week, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 6th months.Results: While audiological parameters deteriorated with 100 mg/kg/day dose after the 3rd month, ABR thresholds were elevated and DPOAE values were significantly decreased in 500 mg/kg/day and 1000 mg/kg/day applications after the 2nd month. In 2000 mg/kg/day and 4000 mg/kg/day applications, deteriorations in audiological parameters were detected as early as the first and second months; respectively.

Evaluation of Long Term Alcohol Consumption on Gastric Acid Secretion and the Histomorphometry of the Stomach in Adult Male Wistar Rats

This study was aimed at investigating to check the effects of long term consumption of varying concentrations of alcohol on gastric acid secretions and the histomorphometry of the stomach of adult male Wistar rats, and the possible ameliorative effect of omega-3 fish oil. Eighty (80) adult male Wistar rats weighing 180-230 gm were used. The rats were divided into eight groups containing ten (10) rats each group. Group I served as the control; Groups II, III and IV were given 5%, 20% and 40% alcohol respectively; Groups V, VI and VII were given 5% alcohol+Omega-3 fish oil; 20% alcohol+Omega-3 fish oil and 40% alcohol+Omega-3 fish oil, respectively. The Group VIII was administered Omega-3 fish oil alone. The alcohol was given at a dose of 0.005 ml/g body weight once daily using an orogastric canular. The Omega-3 fish oil was given at a dose of 0.2 ml/g body weight. Alcohol administration lasted for twelve weeks, at the end of which the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Gastric secretions were estimated, and tissues samples from the stomach collected for histomorphometric studies. The results showed that 20% alcohol caused a significant increase in gastric acid secretion when compared with the control and omega-3 only group. 40% and omega-3 group caused a decrease in gastric acid secretion when compared with the control. The histomorphometry of the stomach revealed a decrease in parietal cell and mucous cell count with increasing alcohol concentrations. Omega-3 administration showed only mild amelioration to these digestive alterations.

Thai generic-brand dry canine foods: mutagenicity and the effects of feeding in vivo and in vitro.

BackgroundThe commercial pet-food industry and the market value of the pet industry have increased. Most owners are concerned about their pets’ health, and prefer commercial pet foods as their regular diet. This study thus aimed to determine whether a selection of local generic-brand dry canine foods had any potential to promote chronic disease.MethodsFive local, generic-brand, dry canine foods were studied for potential mutagenicity; the effects of long-term consumption were also observed in rats. All canine foods were extracted with distilled water and absolute ethanol. The Ames test was used to detect short-term genetic damage, using Salmonella typhimurium tester strains TA98 and TA100. Simultaneously, the long-term effects were studied in an animal model by observing rats fed with these canine foods, compared with normal rat food, for a period of 15 weeks.ResultsUsing the water extracts, all dry canine foods studied showed considerable mutagenic effects on the tester strains. One brand affected both tester strains, whereas 3 showed positive to TA98, and one to TA100. With the absolute ethanol extract, three of the five brands had a considerable mutagenic effect on TA98, and another affected TA100. In the long-term test, all rats remained alive until the end of the experiment, exhibited no apparent signs of toxicity or serious illness, and maintained normal bodyweight and weight gain. Serum blood biochemistry and hematological parameters in canine food-fed rats showed some negative effects. Correspondingly, histopathological investigation of their liver and kidneys showed deterioration.ConclusionsMutagenic potential and the negative potential health impacts were observed in all local-brand dry canine foods tested.

Efeito do óleo de semente de uva prensado a frio nos marcadores bioquímicos e perfil inflamatório de ratos

Objetivo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do consumo crônico do óleo de semente de uva, obtido do mercado brasileiro, nos marcadores bioquímicos e inflamatórios de ratos saudáveis. Métodos: Ratos Wistar, recém-desmamados e saudáveis, receberam por 65 dias óleo de semente de uva e soja em duas concentrações (3 e 6 mL/kg de peso corporal). Os parâmetros avaliados foram a ingestão alimentar, peso corporal e dos tecidos hepático, cerebral e adiposo retroperitonial; neste último, foi ainda realizado o perfil de ácidos graxos. A análise dos parâmetros bioquímicos, peroxidação lipídica e perfil inflamatório através da quantificação das citocinas TNF-α, IL-10 e IL-6 foi realizada no soro. Resultados: O óleo de semente de uva, independentemente da dose administrada, promoveu maior acúmulo de gordura no tecido hepático e aumento nos níveis de peroxidação lipídica do soro. Verificou-se que, quando consumido na maior dose, houve maior incorporação do ácido graxo linoleico no tecido adiposo retroperitonial. Modificações nos parâmetros bioquímicos e inflamatórios séricos não foram observadas. Conclusão: O consumo de óleo de semente de uva não provocou alterações metabólicas significantes em nenhuma das doses administradas ainda que se tenha observado uma elevação nos níveis de peroxidação lipídica sérica.

Distortions in Sensitivity of Carotid Baroreceptor Reflexes in Rabbits Following Consumption of Two Forms of Palm Oil Diets

Aim: Long term consumption of dietary oils has been implicated in the etiology of hypertension. This study seeks to compare the effects of long term consumption of fresh palm oil (FPO) and thermoxidized palm oil (TPO) on baroreceptor reflex sensitivity (BRS), which is responsible for short term regulation of blood pressure. Methodology: The design of this study involved the use of eighteen, male, five month old New Zealand rabbits weighing 750 – 1000 g. They were divided into three groups (n = 6) as follows; control group (received normal animal feed only), FPO diet – fed group (received animal feed mixed with fresh palm oil in the ratio 85:15, respectively) and TPO diet – fed group (received animal feed mixed with thermoxidised palm oil in the ratio 85:15, respectively). The animals were fed for 6 months, after which they were used for the various experiments. Results: Mean daily food and water intake in FPO and TPO fed groups was significantly (p<0.001) lower compared with control. Heart rate for FPO group was significantly higher than the control Original Research Article Ani et al.; BJMMR, 8(3): 245-255, 2015; Article no.BJMMR.2015.445 246 (p<0.001) and TPO (p<0.01) group. Basal systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly higher in TPO group than in the FPO and control (p<0.05) group. The FPO group also had a significantly lower basal systolic (p<0.01) and diastolic pressure (p<0.001) than the control group. The basal pulse pressure was significantly lower in the FPO group than the control (p<0.001) and the TPO group (p<0.01). The mean arterial pressure (MAP) for TPO group was significantly higher (p<0.001) than that of control and FPO groups. The baroreflex sensitivity for FPO group was significantly reduced compared with control (p<0.01) and TPO group (p<0.05). The TPO group showed a significantly lower (p<0.01) baroreflex sensitivity, compared with control. Conclusion: This study observed that chronic consumption of both fresh and thermoxidised palm oil diets caused a significant reduction in carotid baroreceptor reflex sensitivity. However, reduction in BRS was more in fresh palm oil – diet fed group, than the thermally oxidized palm oil diet – fed.

Improved glucose tolerance with restored expression of glucose transporter 4 in C57BL/6 mice after a long period of high-fat diet feeding

This study examined the effects of long-term consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) on glucose metabolism in C57BL/6 mice. A total of 95 male 6-week-old mice were divided into normal diet (ND) and HFD groups until 16, 26, 36, 47, or 77 weeks of age. Plasma and blood glucose and insulin levels and area under the glucose curve (AUCglucose) during an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test were measured. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to determine the mRNA expression levels of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in adipose tissue. AUCglucose levels in HFD mice at 16, 26, and 36 weeks were significantly higher than those in ND mice (p < 0.001) and significantly reduced in HFD mice at 47 and 77 weeks. Nonfasting plasma glucose concentrations in both groups were significantly decreased at 47 and 77 weeks (p ≤ 0.05). Insulin levels in HFD mice at 47 and 77 weeks were 12.5% lower than those at 36 weeks. Relative GLUT4 mRNA expression in adipose tissue of HFD mice was significantly decreased at 26 and 36 weeks and increased at 47 and 77 weeks. These data suggest that the glucose tolerance was impaired by relatively short-term high-fat feeding and significantly improved by very long periods of high-fat feeding with restored GLUT4 expression in adipose tissue in HFD mice. The differential effects of short- and long-term HFD on glucose metabolism must be considered for recharacterizing the diet-induced obesity and clarify the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders in this animal model.

The Effect of Long Term Consumption of Powdered Tobacco Diet on Learning and Memory in Swiss White Mice

The Effect of Long Term Consumption of Powdered Tobacco Diet on Learning and Memory in Swiss White Mice

The effect of long-term supplementation with different dietary ω-6/ω-3 ratios on mineral content and ex vivo prostaglandin E2 release in bone of growing rabbits.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESThe aim of this research was to study the different long term effects of consumption of dietary oil sources with varying omega-6/omega-3 (ω-6/ω-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) ratios on bone marrow fatty acid level, ex vivo prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release, and mineral content of bone in rabbits.MATERIALS/METHODSFor this purpose, weaning and female New Zealand white rabbits were purchased and randomly divided into five groups and offered ad libitum diets containing 70 g/kg of added oil for 100 days. The dietary lipid treatments were formulated to provide the following ratios of ω-6/ω-3 fatty acids: 8.68 soy bean oil (SBO control), 21.75 sesame oil (SO), 0.39 fish oil (FO), 0.63 algae oil (DHA), and 0.68 algae oils (DHA/ARA). DHA and ARA are two types of marine microalgae of the genus Crypthecodinium cohnii.RESULTSThe dietary treatments had significant effects on the bone marrow fatty acids of rabbits. Rabbits fed the FO diet, containing the highest ω-3 PUFA concentration, and those fed the SBO diet showed the highest ω-6 PUFA. On the other hand, a positive correlation was observed between Ex vivo PGE2 level and the ω-6/ω-3 dietary ratio. Significant effects of dietary treatment on femur Ca, P, Mg, and Zn contents were observed in both genders.CONCLUSIONSFindings of the current study clearly demonstrated that dietary PUFA, particularly ω-6/ω-3 and ARA/EPA ratios are important factors in determining bone marrow fatty acid profile, and this in turn determines the capacity of bone for synthesis of PGE2, thereby reducing bone resorption and improving bone mass during growth.

Effects of long-term consumption of energy drinks on the body and brain weights of adult Wistar rats

Background: Effects of long-term consumption of energy drinks commonly used as flavored beverage drinks on the body and brain weights of adult Wistar rats was carefully studied. Materials and Methods: Twenty adult Wistar rats, with average weight of 200 g were randomly assigned into treatment (n = 10) and control (n = 10) groups. The rats in the treatment group received energy drinks and distilled water alternatively on a daily basis for 10 h and 14 h liberally for 30 days while the control group received distilled water liberally for the 30 days. The weight of the rats were measured daily during the period of the study. The rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation on the 31st day of the experiment, and the brain was carefully dissected out, weighed using Mettler Toledo weighing balance. The values obtained from the control and treatment groups were recorded and compared statistically using the unpaired sample t-test and symmetric measured test of the statistical package for social sciences. Results: The results of this experiment indicated that there was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the body and brain weights (g), and a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in relative brain weight (%) of the treated animals with energy drinks as compared to the control group. Conclusion: Long-term consumption of energy drinks could, therefore, have adverse effects on the body and brain weights of adult Wistar rats. Recommendation: We suggest that further studies aimed at corroborating these observations in humans be carried out.