Metabolism In Guinea Pigs Research Articles

Glutathione Supplementation Prevents Neonatal Parenteral Nutrition-Induced Short- and Long-Term Epigenetic and Transcriptional Disruptions of Hepatic H2O2 Metabolism in Guinea Pigs.

The parenteral nutrition (PN) received by premature newborns is contaminated with peroxides that induce global DNA hypermethylation via oxidative stress. Exposure to peroxides could be an important factor in the induction of chronic diseases such as those observed in adults who were born preterm. As endogenous H2O2 is a major regulator of glucose-lipid metabolism, our hypothesis was that early exposure to PN induces permanent epigenetic changes in H2O2 metabolism. Three-day-old guinea pigs were fed orally (ON), PN or glutathione-enriched PN (PN+GSSG). GSSG promotes endogenous peroxide detoxification. After 4 days, half the animals were sacrificed, and the other half were fed ON until 16 weeks of age. The liver was harvested. DNA methylation and mRNA levels were determined for the SOD2, GPx1, GCLC, GSase, Nrf2 and Keap1 genes. PN induced GPx1 hypermethylation and decreased GPx1, GCLC and GSase mRNA. These findings were not observed in PN+GSSG. PN+GSSG induced Nrf2 hypomethylation and increased Nrf2 and SOD2 mRNA. These observations were independent of age. In conclusion, in neonatal guinea pigs, PN induces epigenetic changes, affecting the expression of H2O2 metabolism genes. These changes persist for at least 15 weeks after PN. This disruption may signify a permanent reduction in the capacity to detoxify peroxides.

Compared with Powdered Lutein, a Lutein Nanoemulsion Increases Plasma and Liver Lutein, Protects against Hepatic Steatosis, and Affects Lipoprotein Metabolism in Guinea Pigs

Background: It is not clear how oil-in-water nanoemulsions of lutein may affect bioavailability and consequently alter lipoprotein metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation.Objective: The bioavailability as well as effects of a powdered lutein (PL) and an oil-in-water lutein nanoemulsion (NANO; particle size: 254.2 nm; polydispersity index: 0.29; and ζ-potential: −65 mV) on metabolic variables in liver, plasma, and adipose tissue in a guinea pig model of hepatic steatosis were evaluated.Methods: Twenty-four 2-mo-old male Hartley guinea pigs, weighing 200–300 g (n = 8/group), were fed diets containing 0.25 g cholesterol/100 g to induce liver injury for the duration of the study. They were allocated to control (0 mg lutein), PL (3.5 mg/d), or NANO (3.5 mg/d) groups. After 6 wk, plasma, liver, and adipose tissue were collected for determination of lutein, plasma lipids, tissue cholesterol, and inflammatory cytokines.Results: The NANO group had 2-fold higher concentrations of lutein in plasma (P < 0.001) and 1.6-fold higher concentrations in liver (P < 0.001) than did the PL group, indicating greater bioavailability of this carotenoid. The NANO group also had 24% lower hepatic steatosis scores (P < 0.05), 31% lower hepatic cholesterol accumulation (P < 0.05), and 64% lower plasma alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.05) than did the control group. Hepatic oxidized LDL was 55% lower in both the PL and NANO groups than in the control group (P < 0.05). In plasma, the NANO group had 2-fold higher concentrations of LDL and HDL cholesterol as well as a 2-fold higher number of VLDL, LDL, and HDL particles than did the other 2 groups as evaluated by nuclear magnetic resonance. Furthermore, the NANO group had 15% higher concentrations of free cholesterol in adipose tissue, resulting in higher concentrations of inflammatory markers, than did the other 2 groups.Conclusions: These results indicate that, although this lutein nanoemulsion exerted protective effects against hepatic steatosis, plasma lipoproteins and adipose tissue cholesterol were increased. These data suggest that the metabolic effects of this particular nanoemulsion might not be protective in all tissues in guinea pigs.

High-dose supplementation with natural α-tocopherol does neither alter the pharmacodynamics of atorvastatin nor its phase I metabolism in guinea pigs

It has been hypothesized in the literature that intake of high-dosage vitamin E supplements might alter the expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP), particularly CYP3A4, which may lead to adverse nutrient–drug interactions. Because previously published studies reported conflicting findings, we investigated the pharmacodynamics of the lipid-lowering drug atorvastatin (ATV), a CYP3A4 substrate, in response to high-dose α-tocopherol (αT) feeding and determined protein expression and activities of relevant CYP. Groups of ten female Dunkin–Hartley guinea pigs were fed a control (5% fat) or a high-fat control diet (HFC; 21% fat, 0.15% cholesterol) or the HFC diet fortified with αT (250mg/kg diet), ATV (300mg/kg diet) or both ATV+αT for 6weeks. Relative to control, HFC animals had increased serum cholesterol concentrations, which were significantly reduced by ATV. High-dose αT feeding in combination with ATV (ATV+αT), albeit not αT feeding alone (αT), significantly lowered serum cholesterol relative to HFC, but did not alter the cholesterol-lowering activity of the drug compared to the ATV treated guinea pigs. Protein expression of CYP3A4, CYP4F2, CYP20A1 and OATP C was similar in all groups. Accordingly, no differences in plasma concentrations of phase I metabolites of ATV were observed between the ATV and ATV+αT groups. In conclusion, feeding guinea pigs high-doses of αT for 6weeks did neither alter the hepatic expression of CYP, nor the pharmacodynamics and metabolism of ATV. High-dose αT intake is thus unlikely to change the efficacy of drugs metabolized by CYP enzymes, particularly by CYP3A4.

Cerebral monoamine metabolism in guinea-pigs with ascorbic acid deficiency.

Guinea-pigs kept on a diet deficient in vitamin C showed, after 3 weeks, a marked decrease of ascorbic acid in brain and blood leucocytes as well as of the activity of alkaline phosphatase in blood plasma. Pair-fed animals did not exhibit these changes. The alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (alpha MpT)-induced diminution of noradrenaline in the hypothalamus and the rest of the brain was attenuated in pair-fed animals, but restored in guinea-pigs deficient in ascorbic acid. The cerebral noradrenaline content (without administration of alpha MpT) showed a decrease in both pair-fed and ascorbic acid deficient animals. The noradrenaline of the heart exhibited a similar tendency. The alpha MpT-induced dopamine decrease in the striatum of ascorbic acid deficient animals was attenuated and the dopamine content (without alpha MpT administration) decreased. Pair-fed animals showed a similar tendency. The striatal concentration of homovanillic acid (HVA) was diminished in both pair-fed and ascorbic acid deficient guinea-pigs. The cerebral content of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid showed a decrease in pair-fed as well as in ascorbic acid deficient animals. It is concluded that ascorbic acid deficiency enhances the turnover of brain noradrenaline, whereas under-nutrition without ascorbic acid deficiency (pair-feeding) diminishes the turnover of cerebral noradrenaline, 5-hydroxytryptamine and striatal dopamine.

Effect of 711389-S, a new antiarrhythmic agent, on myocardial energy metabolism in guinea-pigs and rats.

The effect of 711389-S, a new antiarrhythmic agent, on myocardial energy metabolism was investigated using anaesthetized guinea-pigs and rats. 711389-S elevated the adenylate energy charge and phosphorylation potential in normal guinea-pig myocardium. Large doses also increased the myocardial lactate content with ECG abnormalities. The close relationship between rate-pressure product and the myocardial energy state under 711389-S treatments showed the suppression of energy consumption due to a decrease of work output. In guinea-pigs with arrhythmic myocardia induced by intravenous infusion of ouabain, 711389-S prevented the loss of high-energy phosphate compounds and the acceleration of anaerobic glycolysis concomitant with the effective antiarrhythmic property. In ischaemic myocardium produced by ligation of the coronary artery in rats, 711389-S suppressed the decreases of creatine phosphate, NAD+ and adenylate energy charge. Moreover, this agent effectively blocked the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias at an early stage following the ligation. In all of these actions, 711389-S was more effective than disopyramide, which is in the same class of antiarrhythmics. 711389-S was concluded to be a favourable antiarrhythmic agent offering beneficial action against arrhythmic and ischaemic metabolic changes in the myocardium.

Effect of cortical placement of luteinizing hormone on Aβ metabolism in guinea pigs

Effect of cortical placement of luteinizing hormone on Aβ metabolism in guinea pigs

Effects of partially‐hydrogenated fish oil on lipid and lipoprotein metabolism in guinea pigs

This study was designed to examine the effects of partially hydrogenated fish oil (PHFO), compared with fish oil (FO) used as a control, on serum lipids, lipoprotein profile and aortic lesion development in guinea pigs fed an atherogenic diet. Adult male Hartley guinea pigs (n=20; 10 per group) were fed a diet supplemented with 8.5 % PHFO or FO for 12 weeks. Diets contained 0.25 % cholesterol (C). The total trans fatty acid content of the PHFO diet was 4 %. PHFO‐fed animals had a significantly increased serum concentrations of triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, LDL‐C, and sdLDL‐C (P&lt;0.001) compared with the FO group. In contrast, serum HDL‐C concentrations did not differ between the groups. Analysis of the ascending aorta and aortic arch revealed no lesion development in both treatment groups but PHFO‐fed guinea pigs showed a distinct lipid accumulation in the aortic arch when compared to the FO group. Results from this study demonstrate that guinea pigs provide a good model for studying the effects of PHFO on the lipid/lipoprotein metabolism. However, no signs of atherosclerosis in the aorta (lesion development) could be established under the used experimental conditions.

Carbohydrate Restriction Alters Hepatic Cholesterol Metabolism in Guinea Pigs Fed a Hypercholesterolemic Diet

The current study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of carbohydrate restriction on hepatic cholesterol metabolism in guinea pigs fed a hypercholesterolemic diet. Hartley male guinea pigs (n = 10 per group) were fed 1 of 3 diets: a diet with a percent energy distribution of 42:23:35 carbohydrate:protein:fat and 0.04% cholesterol (control), a diet with the same macronutrient distribution but with 0.25% cholesterol (HChol), or a carbohydrate-restricted (CR) diet with a percent energy distribution of 11:30:59 carbohydrate:protein:fat and 0.25% cholesterol for 12 wk. There was more accumulation of hepatic cholesterol and triglycerides as well as lower 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl-CoA reductase messenger RNA abundance in guinea pigs fed the high-cholesterol diets (HChol and CR) (P < 0.01). Guinea pigs fed the CR diet had lower concentrations of hepatic total cholesterol and cholesteryl ester than those fed the HChol diet (P < 0.05). There was no diet effect on hepatic LDL receptor expression. Hepatic acyl CoA cholesteryl acyltransferase (ACAT) activity was lowest in guinea pigs fed the low-cholesterol diet (9.7 ± 4.8 pmol·min−1·mg−1), intermediate in those fed the CR diet (37.3 ± 12.4 pmol·min−1·mg protein−1), and highest in guinea pigs fed the HChol diet (55.9 ± 11.2 pmol·min−1·mg−1). ACAT activity was significantly correlated with hepatic cholesterol (r = 0.715; P < 0.01) and LDL cholesterol (r = 0.59; P < 0.01) for all dietary groups, suggesting a major role of this enzyme in hepatic cholesterol homeostasis and in lipoprotein concentrations. These results indicate that dietary cholesterol increases hepatic lipid accumulation and affects hepatic cholesterol homeostasis. Carbohydrate restriction in the presence of high cholesterol is associated with lower hepatic ACAT activity and an attenuation of hepatic cholesterol accumulation.

Rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, disrupts triglyceride metabolism in guinea pigs

This study was designed to define some of the mechanisms by which rapamycin (RAPA), an mTOR inhibitor, induces hypertriglyceridemia when used as an immunosuppressive or antiproliferative agent and to determine whether low doses result in less undesirable side effects. Thirty male guinea pigs (n = 10 per group) were randomly assigned to control (no RAPA), low-RAPA (0.08 mg/d), or high-RAPA (0.85 mg/d) treatment for 3 weeks. Rapamycin treatment resulted in more than a 2-fold increase in plasma triglycerides (TG) ( P < .01), whereas no differences were observed in plasma cholesterol between RAPA and control groups. Low-RAPA treatment resulted in lower concentrations of cholesterol in the aorta (28.6%) and lower hepatic acyl-CoA cholesteryl acyltransferase activity compared to control and high-RAPA groups ( P < .01). In addition, acyl-CoA cholesteryl acyltransferase activity was positively correlated with aortic cholesterol ( r = 0.43, P < .05). In contrast, aortic TG concentrations were higher in RAPA-treated guinea pigs than in control ( P < .01). Very low density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein particles isolated from guinea pigs treated with RAPA were larger in size and contained more TG molecules than particles from control animals. Interestingly, plasma free fatty acids and fasting plasma glucose were 65% and 72% higher in the high-RAPA group than in control ( P < .01). Tumor necrosis factor- α concentrations in the aorta were 3.6- and 10.4-fold higher in the low-RAPA and high-RAPA groups than in control guinea pigs ( P < .01). These results suggest that RAPA interferes with TG metabolism by altering the insulin signaling pathway, inducing increased secretion of very low density lipoprotein and promoting deposition of TG in the aorta. Low RAPA was found to decrease cholesterol accumulation in tissue (liver and aorta) compared to high RAPA, suggesting that lower doses could be less detrimental to transplant patients.

SC-435, an ileal apical sodium-codependent bile acid transporter inhibitor alters mRNA levels and enzyme activities of selected genes involved in hepatic cholesterol and lipoprotein metabolism in guinea pigs

We have demonstrated that SC-435, an apical sodium codependent bile acid transporter (ASBT) inhibitor, lowers plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations in guinea pigs. The purpose of this study was to further examine the hypocholesterolemic effects of SC-435, by measuring the activity and RNA expression of regulatory enzymes of hepatic cholesterol and lipoprotein metabolism. In addition, the use of a combination (COMBO) therapy with simvastatin, a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor, was also tested. Male Hartley guinea pigs were randomly allocated to one of three diets ( n=10 per group), for 12 weeks. The control diet contained no ASBT inhibitor or simvastatin. The monotherapy diet (ASBTi) contained 0.1% of SC-435. The COMBO therapy consisted of a lower dose of SC-435 (0.03%) and 0.05% simvastatin. Cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) and HMG-CoA reductase mRNA abundance were determined using RT-PCR techniques. Hepatic HMG-CoA reductase and cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7) activities were measured by radioisotopic methods. Compared to the control group, CETP activity was 34% and 56% lower with ASBTi and COMBO, respectively. Similarly, CETP mRNA expression was reduced by 36% and 73% in ASBTi and COMBO groups, respectively. Cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase and HMG-CoA reductase activities were increased ∼2-fold with ASBTi and COMBO treatments, respectively. Likewise, HMG-CoA reductase mRNA expression was increased 33% with ASBTi treatment. These results suggest that both SC-435 monotherapy and combination therapy lower LDL cholesterol concentrations by altering both hepatic cholesterol homeostasis and the intravascular processing of lipoproteins in guinea pigs.

In vitro metabolism of 2,2′,3,4′,5,5′,6-heptachlorobiphenyl (CB187) by liver microsomes from rats, hamsters and guinea pigs

The metabolism of 2,2′,3,4′,5,5′,6-heptachlorobiphenyl (heptaCB) (CB187) was studied using liver microsomes of rats, hamsters and guinea pigs, and the effect of cytochrome P450 (CYP) inducers, phenobarbital (PB) and 3-methylcholanthrene (MC), was also investigated. In untreated animals, guinea pig liver microsomes formed three metabolites which were deduced to be 4′-hydroxy-2,2′,3,5,5′,6-hexachlorobiphenyl (M-1), 4′-hydroxy-2,2′,3,3′,5,5′,6-heptaCB (M-2) and 4-OH-CB187 (M-3) from the comparison of GC/MS data with some synthetic authentic samples. The formation rate of M-1, M-2 and M-3 was 18.1, 36.6, 14.7 pmol h−1 mg protein−1, respectively. Liver microsomes of untreated rats and hamsters did not form CB187 metabolites. In guinea pigs, PB-treatment increased M-1 and M-2 significantly to 1.9- and 3.4-fold of untreated animals but did not affect the formation of M-3. In rats, PB-treatment resulted in the appearance of M-2 and M-3 with formation rates of 87.1 and 13.7 pmol h−1 mg protein−1, respectively, but M-1 was not observed. In hamsters, PB-treatment formed only M-2 at a rate of 29.4 pmol h−1 mg protein−1. On the other hand, MC-treatment of guinea pigs decreased the formation of M-1 and M-2 to less than 50% of untreated animals. MC-microsomes of rats and hamsters produced no metabolites. Preincubation of antiserum (300 µl) against guinea pig CYP2B18 with liver microsomes of PB-treated guinea pigs produced 80% inhibition of M-1 and the complete inhibition of M-2 and M-3. These results suggest that PB-inducible CYP forms, especially guinea pig CYP2B18, rat CYP2B1 and hamster CYP2B, are important in CB187 metabolism and that CB187 metabolism in guinea pigs may proceed via the formation of 3,4- or 3′,4′-oxide and subsequent NIH-shift or dechlorination.

Effect of high oleic oils on cholesterol metabolism in guinea pig

Effect of high oleic oils on cholesterol metabolism in guinea pig

Stereospecificity of flobufen metabolism in guinea pigs in vitro and in vivo: Phase I of biotransformation

Flobufen (F) is an original nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug that exists in two enantiomeric forms. Its biotransformation was investigated in male guinea pigs because of the similarities shown in a preliminary F metabolic study between guinea pig and man. Stereospecificity of the respective enzymes was studied in vitro, using microsomes and cytosol, and in vivo, in urine and feces. Rac-F, R-F, and S-F served as substrates. The amount of 4-dihydroflobufen stereoisomers (DHF) and other metabolites (M-17203 and UM-2) was determined by chiral HPLC using an R,R-ULMO column. It was observed that F reductases were distributed differently in microsomes and cytosol. The microsomal fraction showed higher activity and different stereospecificity in rac-F, R-F, and S-F reduction compared to cytosol. (2R;4S)-DHF was the principle metabolite in microsomes and (2S;4S)-DHF was the principle metabolite in cytosol. In vivo experiments revealed the excretion of a main metabolite UM-2 in addition to other metabolites M-17203 and DHF stereoisomers. UM-2 was predominantly excreted after S-F administration. Stereoselectivity of DHF stereoisomers excretion was different in urine and in feces. The absence of UM-2 and M-17203 in microsomes and cytosol and their presence in urine and feces showed that both could arise in some other extrahepatic tissue or cell compartment or that their formation depends on liver cell integrity.

Effect of a 5-HT 2C serotonin agonist, dexnorfenfluramine, on amyloid precursor protein metabolism in guinea pigs

Stimulation of serotonin receptor subtypes 5-HT 2A or 5-HT 2C in stably transfected 3T3 cells by dexnorfenfluramine (DEXNOR) or serotonin increases secretion of the APP metabolite APP s. It is not known whether activation of these receptors can also affect APP metabolism in vivo. We examined the effects of a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of DEXNOR on APP s levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of guinea pigs. These levels were significantly ( P<0.05) increased by a single dose of DEXNOR (1–4 mg/kg); those of the APP metabolites Aβ 1–40 and Aβ 1–42 were unaffected. The DEXNOR-induced (1 mg/kg) increases in CSF APP s were suppressed by ritanserin (1 mg/kg) but not by ketanserin (2 mg/kg). When given alone, ritanserin did not affect CSF levels of APP s, Aβ 1–40, or Aβ 1–42. Chronic treatment with DEXNOR for 9 days (1 mg/kg bid, i.p.) increased CSF APP s levels, measured 2 h after the last injection ( P<0.05), and decreased those of CSF Aβ 1–42 ( P<0.05). Neither hippocampal nor cortical levels of the APP holoprotein (APP h), nor body weight, were affected by DEXNOR. Chronic administration of mCPP (1-( m-chlorophenyl)piperazine) (2 mg/kg bid, i.p.), a 5-HT 2B/2C agonist, for 9 days also increased CSF APP s levels ( P<0.5) when measured 2 h after the drug’s last administration; hippocampal and cortical APP h levels were unaffected. However, mCPP also caused a significant decrease in body weight gain. These data indicate that the pharmacological activation of 5-HT 2C receptors can stimulate CSF APP s secretion and reduce Aβ production in vivo. Hence 5-HT 2C receptors, which apparently are localized to the brain, may represent useful targets for the development of treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.

The Seeds from Plantago ovata Lower Plasma Lipids by Altering Hepatic and Bile Acid Metabolism in Guinea Pigs

Psyllium, the husks from Plantago ovata (PO), is recognized as a potent agent in lowering plasma cholesterol. In this study, we tested the potential hypolipidemic effects of the seeds from PO and the mechanisms associated with the lowering of plasma lipids. Male Hartley guinea pigs (n = 30; 10 per group) were fed either a control diet or diets containing 7.5 or 10 g/100 g PO for 4 wk. Diets were identical in composition except for the fiber source. The control diet contained 10 g/100 g cellulose and 2.5 g/100 g guar gum, whereas the PO diets were adjusted to a total of 12.5 g/100 g fiber with cellulose. Although a dose response was not observed, plasma triglycerides and LDL cholesterol were 34 and 23% lower in the PO groups compared with the control (P < 0.01). Lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) and cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) activities were significantly affected by the PO diets. The control group had 100 and 36% higher LCAT and CETP (P < 0.01) activities, respectively, compared with the PO groups. Hepatic total and free cholesterol concentrations were not affected by PO, but cholesteryl ester concentrations were 50% (P < 0.01) lower in the PO groups compared with the control. The activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme of cholesterol synthesis was up-regulated in the PO groups by 37%. Similarly, the activity of cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase, the regulatory enzyme of cholesterol catabolism to bile acids was 33% higher in the PO groups (P < 0.02). Fecal bile acids were 3 times higher in the PO groups than in the control group. These results suggest that PO exerts its hypolipidemic effect by affecting bile acid absorption and altering hepatic cholesterol metabolism.

Effect of high oleic Sunflower Oils on cholesterol metabolism in guinea pigs

Effect of high oleic Sunflower Oils on cholesterol metabolism in guinea pigs

Corn husk oil lowers plasma LDL cholesterol concentrations by decreasing cholesterol absorption and altering hepatic cholesterol metabolism in guinea pigs

To test the hypocholesterolemic mechanisms of corn husk oil (CoHO), male Hartley guinea pigs were fed diets containing increasing doses of CoHO, either 0 (control), 5, 10, or 15 g/100 g, and 0.25 g/100 g cholesterol. A positive control group (LC) with low dietary cholesterol (0.04 g/100 g) was also included. Fat was adjusted to 15 g/100 g in all diets by the addition of regular corn oil. Plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations were 32, 55, and 57% ( P < 0.0005) lower with increasing doses of CoHO. In addition, intake of CoHO resulted in 32 to 43% lower hepatic total and esterified cholesterol and 55 to 60% lower triacylglycerol concentrations compared with the control group ( P < 0.01). CoHO intake resulted in plasma and hepatic cholesterol concentrations similar to those in guinea pigs from the LC group. The number of cholesteryl ester and free cholesterol molecules was higher in LDL from the control group than in LDL from the CoHO or the LC groups. Hepatic β-hydroxy-β-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase activity was not modified by CoHO intake whereas cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase was up-regulated by 45 to 49% ( P < 0.01) in the 10 and 15 g/100 g CoHO groups. Hepatic acyl coenzyme A cholesterol acyltransferase activity was down-regulated in a dose-dependent manner by 54, 58, and 63% with increasing doses of CoHO. CoHO intake resulted in increased fecal cholesterol excretion by 40 to 55% compared with the control and LC groups. Total fecal neutral sterol excretion was enhanced 42 to 55% by CoHO compared with the control group and by 59 to 68% compared with the LC group. The data from these studies suggest that CoHO has its hypocholesterolemic effect by decreasing cholesterol absorption and increasing bile acid output. These alterations in the intestinal lumen alter hepatic cholesterol metabolism and may affect the synthesis and catabolism of lipoproteins.

Resistant starch and cholestyramine have distinct effects on hepatic cholesterol metabolism in guinea pigs fed a hypercholesterolemic diet

The effects of resistant starch (RS) and cholestyramine (CHY) on cholesterol metabolism were tested in guinea pigs. Animals were fed cellulose ( 14 g 100 g ) (control diet) RS ( 10 g 100g ) or CHY ( 1 g 100 g ) for a period of 4 weeks. All diets contained 19 g 100 g fat, 0.17 g 100 g cholesterol and 36 g 100 g carbohydrate with sucrose contributing 80% to the carbohydrate energy. Guinea pigs fed RS and those treated with CHY had 27% and 75% lower plasma cholesterol concentrations than the control group (P< 0.01) while plasma triacylglycerol levels did not differ. The hypocholesterolemic effects of RS and CHY were associated with the LDL fraction while no changes in plasma VLDL or HDL cholesterol concentrations were observed. In addition, guinea pigs from the RS group exhibited an LDL particle with lower number of triacylglycerol molecules compared to LDL from controls (P < 0.01). Hepatic free, esterified cholesterol and triacylglycerol were 37 to 60% lower in guinea pigs fed RS and in those treated with CHY compared to the control group (P < 0.01). Hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity was 6- and 36-fold higher in guinea pigs fed RS and treated with CHY compared to control animals (P < 0.01); ACAT activity was 50% lower in both RS and CHY groups compared to the control group and only guinea pigs treated with CHY exhibited a 4-fold increase in cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase activity compared to controls. The data from these studies suggest that although both RS and cholestyramine lower plasma LDL cholesterol concentrations, the order of magnitude is different, and the distinct effects of these two treatments on hepatic cholesterol homeostasis suggest that different mechanisms are involved in the plasma cholesterol lowering.

Vitamin C and vitamin E status in guinea pig tissues following estrogen administration

Previous studies reported lower tissue vitamin C levels in rats following estrogen administration. This study examined the effects of two weeks of daily estrogen administration (40 μg β-estradiol 3-benzoate per kg BW) on tissue vitamin C status in male and female guinea pigs, who unlike rats, require dietary vitamin C. Estrogen administration resulted in significant vitamin C loss in heart and liver from both genders and in plantaris muscle from male guinea pigs. However, estrogen administration did not affect vitamin C status in female plantaris or male lung, while resulting in significantly elevated vitamin C level in female lung. Tissue vitamin E status was unaffected by estrogen administration in either gender. Estrogen administration induced GSH loss in some tissues, indicating increased metabolic or oxidative stress and lowered growth rates and nutrient intakes particularly in male guinea pigs. However, tissue glycogen levels were not always affected by estrogen administration. Hence while, the effects of estrogen administration on tissue vitamin C status may in part be due to its effect on metabolism and nutrient intake, these factors cannot fully account for all the effects on tissue vitamin C status seen in this study. It is possible that estrogen administration has other tissue specific effects on vitamin C metabolism in guinea pigs

Strain differences in adrenal microsomal steroid metabolism in guinea pigs

We recently reported that CYP2D16, a xenobiotic-metabolizing P450 isozyme, was expressed at higher levels in adrenal microsomes from inbred Strain 13 guinea pigs than in those from outbred English Short Hair (ESH) animals. Studies were done to determine if there also were strain differences in adrenal microsomal steroid metabolism. In both inner (zona reticularis) and outer (zona fasciculata plus zona glomerulosa) zone preparations of the adrenal cortex, 21-hydroxylase activities were greater in microsomes from ESH than from Strain 13 guinea pigs. By contrast, 17 α-hydroxylase activities were similar in the two strains. In both strains, 21-hydroxylase activities were greater in inner than outer zone microsomes, but the opposite was found for 17 α-hydroxylase activities (outer>inner). Northern and Western analyses revealed higher levels of CYP21 mRNA and protein in adrenals from ESH than Strain 13 guinea pigs, but there were no strain differences in CYP17 mRNA or protein concentrations. Despite the zonal differences in adrenal 17 α-hydroxylase and 21-hydroxylase activities, CYP17 and CYP21 mRNA and protein levels were similar in the inner and outer zones within each strain of guinea pig. The results demonstrate strain differences in microsomal steroid metabolism that are explained by differences in CYP21 expression. By contrast, the zonal differences in steroid hydroxylase activities may be attributable to post-translational mechanisms.