Dietary Palm Oil Research Articles

Addition of Palm Oil in Diet of Dairy Ewes Reduces Saturates Fatty Acid and Increases Unsaturated Fatty Acids in Milk

Background: Sheep milk production is becoming an important alternative in the agricultural sector. It is used principally to produce fine cheeses, yogurts, and ice creams, and these produced from sheep’s milk are beneficial to human health. Previous study with palm oil shows increase in fat levels in sheep’s milk. Our hypothesis for increased fat in milk is that palm oil increases lipid metabolism as well as tissue reserves. Sheep consuming this palm oil will have a change in the fatty acid profile of milk, increasing levels of unsaturated fatty acids. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as fatty acid profile of milk these ewes fed of palm oil.Materials, Methods & Results: Thirty-six lactating sheep were divided in four groups (n = 9), with each group receiving various concentrations of palm oil in diet (0%, 2%, 4%, and 6% which corresponds to T 0, 2, 4 and 6, respectively). The diets in each treatment were isoproteic and isoenergetic. The experiment lasted 120 days, and blood and milk samples were collected on days 60 and 12 of the experiment. Blood was collected for seric analysis of lipid metabolism. Was collected milk samples and analyzed the content of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). An increase (P < 0.05) in triglyceride and coleterol levels in the serum of the animals that received the highest concentrations of palm oil in the diet (T4 and T6). The centesimal composition of fat, lactose, and protein in milk was not different at days 60 and 120 (P > 0.05) between groups, but numerically the animals in T4 and T6 had higher percentage of fat in milk. A decrease in milk SFA levels was observed on day 120 at T6. There was a significant reduction in caproic acid, caprylic acid, hendecanoic acid, lauric acid, and pentadecyl acid. The levels of palmitic acid (C16:0) increased when compared with the control group. Also at 150 days, it was observed a reduction in the percentage of area capric acid and myristic acid in animals that had higher doses of calcium salts in the diet, different from stearic acid, which increased. A variability in MUFA levels was observed during the evaluated periods, i.e. heptadecenoic acid decreased on days 60 and 120 for animals of T6; an increased content of elaidic acid was observed on day 60, and levels of vaccenic acid decreased on day 120 at 6% palm oil. A decrease in PUFA levels was observed on day 60 at T6, specifically a significant reduction in alpha-linolenic and arachidonic acid, as well as levels of conjugated linoleic acid 1 decreased on day 120 for animals supplemented with 6% of palm oil.Discussion: The addition of plama oil in the diet of dairy sheep increased seric levels of triglycerides and cholesterol, as well as positively altered the composition of fatty acids in milk, making a product healthier to the consumer. This study showed that the addition of 2% and 4% palm oil in the feed of dairy sheep promoted a decrease in several SFAs associated with coronoary heart disease after 60 days of treatment. On the other hand, the addition of 6% palm oil promoted an increase of total SFA levels after 60 days of treatment, while decreaseing total PUFA levels. This can be considered harmful to consumers, since several SFA are associated with coronary heart diseases, and several PUFA are linked with reductions in inflammation, stroke, oxidative stress and hepatic disorders. In summary, the consumption of sheep milk who received the diets with 2% and 4% of palm oil can exert beneficial effects for consumers, and may be an option for farmers to increase the milk yield of sheep, and to reduce the profile of saturated fatty acids in milk.

Physiological effects of an oil rich in γ-linolenic acid on hepatic fatty acid oxidation and serum lipid levels in genetically hyperlipidemic mice.

We investigated the physiological activity of an oil rich in γ-linolenic acid of evening primrose origin (containing 42.6% γ-linolenic acid) affecting hepatic fatty acid metabolism, and serum lipid levels in genetically hyperlipidemic mice deficient in apolipoprotein E expression. Male apolipoprotein E-deficient mice (BALB/c.KOR/StmSlc-Apoeshl) were fed experimental diets containing 100 g/kg of palm oil (saturated fat), safflower oil (rich in linoleic acid), γ-linolenic acid oil (rich in γ-linolenic acid), or fat mixtures composed of safflower and γ-linolenic acid oils (65:35 and 30:70, w/w) for 20 days. γ-Linolenic acid oil, compared with palm and safflower oils, strongly and dose-dependently increased the activity and mRNA levels of hepatic fatty acid oxidation enzymes. In general, safflower and γ-linolenic acid oils, compared with palm oil, reduced the activity and mRNA levels of lipogenic enzymes. However, these oils were equivalent in reducing the parameters of lipogenesis, excluding malic enzyme and pyruvate kinase. The diets containing safflower and γ-linolenic acid oils, compared with the palm oil diet, significantly decreased serum triacylglycerol and cholesterol levels. The decreases were greater with γ-linolenic acid oil than with safflower oil. γ-Linolenic acid oil exerted strong serum lipid-lowering effects in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice apparently through the changes in hepatic fatty acid metabolism.

Effects of dietary lipid sources on hepatic nutritive contents, fatty acid composition and proteome of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Dietary oils of varying fatty acid composition have been used in tilapia feeds; nevertheless, investigation of their effects on metabolism and physiological processes has been limited. Therefore, in this study, using proteomic technology, the effects of different dietary lipids (DLs) on hepatic lipid metabolism and physiological processes were investigaed in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish were fed with different DL, which included palm oil (PO), linseed oil (LO) and soybean oil (SBO) for 90 days. Growth performance appeared to be similar among the dietary group. Hepatic FA contents were reflected by DL. Dietary PO (source of saturated fatty acids; SFA) led to an increase in the hepatosomatic index as well as lipid and protein contents in liver. Dietary SBO (source of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids; n-6 PUFAs) increased hepatic carbohydrate contents, but decreased the hepatic protein. The proteomic analysis showed that these nutritive changes in the liver were mediated by several proteins involved in lipid, carbohydrate, and amino acid metabolism. Dietary SBO showed an increased accumulation in proteins related to oxidative stress, immune and inflammatory processes. Dietary LO (source of n-3 PUFAs) increased abundance of cytoskeleton-related proteins. qRT-PCR was performed to provide supportive information for the result of proteomic study. Similar effects of DLs on mRNA levels were observed for atp5b, krt18, and selenbp1. Combined together, dietary SFA could supply as energy reservoir for regular activites. Dietary n-3 and n-6 PUFAs led to induce vital metabolic and physiologic processes which would contribute to maintaining normal health and/or providing health-related benefits. SignificanceDietary SBO increased hepatic carbohydrate contents, but decreased the hepatic protein. Different dietary lipid led to alter the abundance of several proteins (i.e., DHRS1, ATP5B, PLA2G12B, APO, AMY2A, GRP78, PRSS1, FAH, and PRSS36) involved in lipid, carbohydrate, and amino acid metabolism. Dietary SBO showed an increased accumulation in proteins (i.e., QDPR, CABC1, and PRDX6) that respond to oxidative stress, suggesting that n-6 PUFAs induce oxidative conditions. Dietary SBO led to increase the accumulation of proteins (i.e., NITR26, NCCRP1, and LCN) involved in immune and inflammatory processes. Dietary LO increased the abundant levels of cytoskeleton-related proteins (i.e., ACTB, AHNAK, ERC2, KRT18, and RILP1). Other proteins (i.e., SELENBP1, FAM46C, and ANC1) involved in other physiological processes were also modulated by DL. qRT-PCR was performed to provide supportive information of proteomic study. Similar effects of DLs on mRNA levels were observed for atp5b, krt18, and selenbp1.

Vascular Protective Effects of Morinda citrifolia Leaf Extract on Postmenopausal Rats Fed with Thermoxidized Palm Oil Diet: Evidence at Microscopic Level.

Atherosclerosis is now well understood as an inflammatory disease instead of lipid storage disorder; however, the conventional treatment is not targeted on treating the inflammation. Morinda citrifolia L. (Rubiaceae) leaf or noni leaf, which is a medicinal food (ulam) used in Traditional Malay Medicine to prevent chronic diseases, may have the potential to be formulated into a functional antiatherosclerotic agent. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Morinda citrifolia leaf extract (MCLE) treatment at histological and ultrastructural level, comparing it with Simvastatin. Thirty-eight female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups: Sham (Sham), ovariectomized (OVX), ovariectomized with Simvastatin 10 mg/kg (OVX+ST), ovariectomized with low dose MC 500 mg/kg (OVX+MCLD), and ovariectomized with high dose MC 1000 mg/kg (OVX+MCHD). Atherosclerosis was induced by producing oestrogen deficiency through ovariectomy and feeding with thermoxidized palm oil (TPO) diet for 12 weeks along with the treatment. The results revealed significantly (P<0.05) lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) in the group treated with MCHD compared to the untreated OVX, whereas the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was significantly higher in the untreated OVX group compared to the Sham group. Treatment with MCHD also significantly lowered the total cholesterol (TC) level compared to the OVX. The OVX group showed significantly lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level compared to the Sham group. The untreated OVX group showed evident histological and ultrastructural features of vascular inflammation such as blood cells accumulation in the lumen, vacuolation of the endothelial cells, subendothelial space widening, elastic fibres disruption, increased intima media thickness (IMT), smooth muscle cells fragmentation, and perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) deposition. All these pathological changes were less seen in the groups treated with MCLE. In conclusion, we reported the mechanism of antiatherosclerotic property of MCLE through lipids elimination and anti-inflammatory activity. In addition, we do not recommend the use of statin in the absence of dyslipidemia as it causes PVAT deposition.

Thermoxidized palm oil diet (TPO)-induced haematological derangements in rats is ameliorated by Aloe vera and Garlic

Objective(s): Therapeutic effects of garlic/Aloe vera on TPO-induced derangements in some haematological parameters and cytoarchitecture of the bone marrow in rats were studied. Materials and Methods: 30 male wistar rats weighing 200-250g were grouped into five (n=6): Control, TPO (TPO diet), TPO+G (TPO/Garlic), TPO+A (TPO/Aloe) and TPO+G+A (TPO/Garlic/Aloe). 15g of thermoxidized palm oil was mixed with 85g of rat chow to prepare TPO. Aloe gel and garlic juice were orally administered at doses of 6ml/kg and 2ml/kg respectively following lethality studies. After 3months, rats were sacrificed and blood collected via cardiac puncture for analysis. Results: From the result, TPO/Aloe showed a significant increase in food/water intake compared to control. TPO, TPO/Garlic and TPO/Garlic/Aloe had a significantly reduced body weight when compared to control but significantly higher in TPO/Aloe compared to control and other three groups. RBC, PCV and Hb was significantly decreased in TPO compared to control but was significantly higher in TPO/Garlic, TPO/Aloe and TPO/Garlic/Aloe compared to TPO. Total White blood cell was significantly lower in TPO/Garlic, TPO/Garlic/Aloe when compared to TPO but significantly higher in TPO/Aloe when compared to TPO/Garlic and TPO/Garlic/Aloe. MCV, MCH and MCHC showed a significant increase in TPO compared to control but decreased in TPO/Garlic, TPO/Aloe, TPO/Garlic/Aloe when compared to TPO. Histology of the bone marrow showed normal morphology in Control, TPO/Garlic, TPO/Aloe and TPO/Garlic/Aloe while some histological derangements were seen in TPO. Conclusion: Garlic and Aloe vera showed therapeutic efficacy in ameliorating haematological derangements caused by TPO consumption.

Replacing fish oil with palm oil: Effects onmRNAexpression of fatty acid transport genes and signalling factors related to lipid metabolism in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

This study evaluated the effects of replacing fish oil (FO) with palm oil (PO) on enzyme activities and mRNA expression of lipid transport genes and signalling factors in juvenile Nile tilapia. Nile tilapia (9.34 ± 0.14 g) was fed five experimental diets with FO supplemented with PO at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. Liver was sampled from five fish per tank for analysis of fatty acids, enzyme activities and mRNA expression. Glucose 6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) was highly expressed in groups fed higher levels of dietary PO, whilst liver X receptor (LXR) was highly expressed in groups fed lower levels of dietary PO. Groups fed 50% PO, 75% PO and 100% PO had significantly higher levels of G6PD mRNA expression whilst group fed 100% PO had significantly higher level of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) mRNA expression. Groups fed 75% PO and 100% PO recorded higher levels of PPAR‐α mRNA expression whilst higher level of malic enzyme mRNA expression was observed in group fed 75% PO. The mRNA expressions of the above stated genes and enzymes activities are predominantly influenced by dietary n‐3 PUFA and n‐6 PUFA levels. Dietary PO inclusion affected enzyme activities of LXR, PPAR‐α,PPAR‐β, LPL and FABP‐3. Activities of PPAR‐α, PPAR‐β and FABP‐3 were increased by PO inclusion whilst LXR and ELOVL 5 were reduced by PO inclusion. In conclusion, it could be inferred that substituting FO with PO could alter the metabolism pathway of genes such as LXR, G6PD, PPAR‐α, LPL and ME that are involved in the transport of fatty acids.

EFFECT OF PROBIOTIC WITH ENZYMES MIXTURE AND DIETARY FAT SOURCE ON BROILER'S PERFORMANCE DURING FINISHER PHASE

An experiment was conducted to determine and compare the differences in production performance, carcass characteristics and economic evaluation of broiler chicks fed two different dietary oil sources (Soybean oil and palm oil), during finisher phase, (5-6 wks.) of age, with different mixture products of probiotic with multi enzymes (Zado or Amphi-Bact each at 0.5 kg/ton). A total of 180 unsexed five weeks of age Hubbard broiler chicks were distributed equally in a completely randomized design with 2 oil sources (O) x 3 feed additives (F), resulting in 6 treatments with 3 replicates of 10 chicks each. The results indicated that live body weight (LBW), daily weight gain (DWG), daily feed intake (DFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were not affected significantly by oil source (O), feed additives (F) and their interaction (O*F). The best performance index (PI) and production efficiency factor (PEF) were detected for the chickens fed diets incorporated with, soy oil (116.83 and 333.82) and Zado supplementation being (118.03 and 337.24), respectively. Protein conversion ratio (PCR) and energy conversion ratio (ECR) were improved in response to dietary palm oil and Zado supplementation without significant difference between treatments. Carcass traits, edible parts and drumstick traits were not altered by oil source (O), feed additives (F) and their interaction (O x F). Economic evaluation showed that, relative economic efficiency was improved for broiler chickens fed palm oil diets or soy oil + Zado (0.5 kg/kg) diets. Finally, it could be concluded that, using palm oil or soybean oil with Zado (0.5 kg/ton) in finisher diets of Hubbard broiler chickens enhanced economic efficiency without adverse effect on many performance traits.

UntargetedGC‐MSmetabolomics reveals metabolic differences in the Chinese mitten‐hand crab (Eriocheir sinensis) fed with dietary palm oil or olive oil

Untargeted<scp>GC</scp>‐<scp>MS</scp>metabolomics reveals metabolic differences in the Chinese mitten‐hand crab (<i>Eriocheir sinensis</i>) fed with dietary palm oil or olive oil

Dietary Fatty Acids Alter Lipid Profiles and Induce Myocardial Dysfunction without Causing Metabolic Disorders in Mice.

Oversupply of bulk saturated fatty acids (SFA) induces metabolic disorders and myocardial dysfunction. We investigated whether, without causing metabolic disorders, the uptake of individual dietary SFA species alters lipid profiles and induces myocardial dysfunction. C57BL/6 mice were fed various customized long-chain SFA diets (40% caloric intake from SFA), including a beef tallow (HBD), cocoa butter (HCD), milk fat (HMD) and palm oil diet (HPD), for 6 months. An isocaloric fat diet, containing medium-chain triglycerides, served as a control (CHD). Long-term intake of dietary long-chain SFA differentially affected the fatty acid composition in cardiac phospholipids. All long-chain SFA diets increased the levels of arachidonic acid and total SFA in cardiac phospholipids. The preferential incorporation of individual SFA into the cardiac phospholipid fraction was dependent on the dietary SFA species. Cardiac ceramide content was elevated in all mice fed long-chain SFA diets, while cardiac hypertrophy was only presented in mice fed HMD or HPD. We have demonstrated that the intake of long-chain SFA species differentially alters cardiac lipid profiles and induces cardiac dysfunction, without causing remarkable metabolic disorders.

Altered Potassium Ion Channel Function as a Possible Mechanism of Increased Blood Pressure in Rats Fed Thermally Oxidized Palm Oil Diets

ABSTRACTIntake of thermally oxidized palm oil leads to cytotoxicity and alteration of the potassium ion channel function. This study investigated the effects of fresh and thermally oxidized palm oil diets on blood pressure and potassium ion channel function in blood pressure regulation. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups of eight rats. Control group received normal feed; fresh palm oil (FPO) and thermally oxidized palm oil (TPO) groups were fed a diet mixed with 15% (weight/weight) fresh palm oil and five times heated palm oil, respectively, for 16 weeks. Blood pressure was measured; blood samples, hearts, and aortas were collected for biochemical and histological analyses. Thermally oxidized palm oil significantly elevated basal mean arterial pressure (MAP). Glibenclamide (10−5 mmol/L) and tetraethylammonium (TEA; 10−3 mmol/L) significantly raised blood pressure in TPO compared with FPO and control groups. Levcromakalim (10−6 mmol/L) significantly (p < .01) reduced MAP by 32.0% in FPO and by 5.4% in TPO. NS1619 (10 mmol/L) significantly (p < .01) decreased MAP by 19.5% in FPO and by 8% in TPO. The TPO significantly (p < 0.01) increased the tissue levels of peroxide, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol while catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly (p < .01) decreased compared with control and FPO groups. Histological alterations were prominent in aortas and hearts of rats in the TPO group. These results suggest that prolonged consumption of repeatedly heated palm oil increases MAP probably due to the attenuation of adenosine triphosphate–sensitive potassium (KATP) and large-conductance calcium-dependent potassium (BKCa) channels, tissue peroxidation, and altered histological structures of the heart and blood vessels.

A comparative study: Difference in omega-6/omega-3 balance and saturated fat in diets for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) affect immune-, fat metabolism-, oxidative and apoptotic-gene expression, and eicosanoid secretion in head kidney leukocytes

The aim of this study was to compare how different dietary vegetable oil n-6/n-3 ratios affect gene responses involved in inflammation, signaling pathways, fatty acid synthesis and oxidation, oxidation and apoptosis as well as eicosanoid production in salmon head kidney tissues and isolated head kidney leukocytes. Salmon smolts (200 g) were fed four different diets where the main lipid components were palm oil (n-6/n-3 ratio = 0.7), rapeseed oil (n-6/n-3 ratio = 0.9), and soybean oil (n-6/n-3 ratio = 2.4) and a high soybean oil diet with an n-6/n-3 ratio = 4. Both head kidney tissue and leukocytes isolated from head kidneys were sampled from the four diets, but from different fish. Leukocytes isolated from the head kidneys were seeded into culture wells and added lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce inflammatory responses. Controls without LPS were included. Head kidney leukocytes and the tissues should have the same phenotype reflecting the different diets. Interleukin 1β (IL-1β) transcription was elevated in head kidney tissue and especially in LPS treated leukocytes isolated from soybean oil (n-6/n-3 = 2.4) fed salmon, which confirmed the suitability of the in vitro model in this experiment. Leukocytes, treated with LPS, and isolated from salmon fed the soybean oil diet (n-6/n-3 = 2.4) also upregulated tumor necrosis factor alpha (tnf-α), cyclooxygenase (cox2), prostaglandin D and E synthase (ptgds, ptges), fatty acyl synthase (fas), 5 and 6 desaturases (5des, 6 des) and a fatty acid translocase protein (cd36) when compared to the other diets. The results suggest that diets with a specific n-6/n-3 ratio influence the transcription of pro-inflammatory genes and may be cross-linked to transcription of selected fatty acid metabolism genes. Salmon fed the palm oil diet (n-6/n-3 = 0.7) showed a lower expression of inflammatory genes. Instead, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor β1 (pparβ1), acyl coenzyme A (aco), apoptosis regulator (bax) and superoxide dismutase (sod) were upregulated in leukocytes in vitro, while head kidney tissue transcription of a dendritic marker (cd83) was lower than measured in tissues from fish fed the other diets. The concentration of LTB4 (10–20 ng/mL) were relatively constant in leukocyte supernatants, all diets. Head kidney leukocytes from soybean oil (n-6/n-3 = 2.4) fed fish produced LPS induced PGE2 (mean 0.5 ng/mL) while leukocytes isolated from palm oil diet (n-6/n-3 = 0.7) secreted very high amounts of LTB5 (50–70 ng/mL). In addition, equal amounts of LPS induced PGE2 and PGE3 (mean 0, 5 ng/mL) were produced, indicating that the n-6/n-3 ratio of this saturated fatty acid may have a specific impact on eicosanoid production in the head kidney of salmon.

Growth performance, feed utilization, body and fatty acid composition of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed diets containing elevated levels of palm oil

This study was conducted to evaluate effects of dietary palm oil levels on growth performance, feed utilization, body composition and serum metabolites of Oreochromis niloticus. Five isonitrogenous diets, 32% crude protein with increasing palm oil levels of 0 (Control, CTRL), 2%, 4%, 6% and 8% were used as the major lipid source for the trial. The results showed that greatest weight gain, specific growth rate, and protein efficiency ratio occurred at 6% dietary palm oil level. Dietary palm oil levels significantly (P < 0.05) affected lipid, moisture, ash and crude protein contents in muscle and whole body. Serum triglycerides, cholesterol and total protein were significantly affected by elevated palm oil levels. Furthermore, total saturates, total n-3 poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), total n-6 PUFA as well as DHA/EPA in muscle were significantly affected by different levels of palm oil. Fish fed the 6% palm oil level recorded the highest level of whole body docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which was significantly higher than that of the control. The nutritional quality of O. niloticus was altered by different palm oil levels. The present study suggests that 6% dietary palm oil is the best feed formulation for tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus.

Proximate and Anti-nutrient Compositions of Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta): The Effect of Cooking and Dietary Palm Oil Treatments

Proximate and Anti-nutrient Compositions of Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta): The Effect of Cooking and Dietary Palm Oil Treatments

Effects of a Total Dietary Fish Oil Replacement with Vegetable Oils to the Survival, Growth and Development of the Blue Swimming Crab Portunus Pelagicus Early Juveniles

The feasibility of different vegetable based lipids as a complete replacement to dietary fish oil (FO) to blue swimmer crab Portunus pelagicus juveniles was assessed. A total of five iso-nitrogenous and iso-lipidic diets were formulated to contain FO, soybean oil (SBO), linseed oil (LSO), canola oil (CO), or palm oil (PO) as the main lipid source. The diets were fed to first staged juvenile crabs (total of 45 replicate crabs/treatment) over at least four molts. After 35 days, final sizes and weights were determined, and then measured for whole-body cholesterol. Crabs fed the FO, SBO, LSO, or CO-based diets showed similar specific growth rates (SGR) (p > 0.05) for carapace length and width, which was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared to crabs in the dietary PO treatment. Whole-body cholesterol content was significantly lower for crabs fed the PO-based diets, which may have contributed to their poorer performance, compared to those fed the FO, LSO or CO-based diets. Results indicate SBO, LSO or CO can totally replace FO, which may improve cost-effective and sustainable diets for portunid crabs. Further research into the use of dietary PO blends with other vegetable oils should be conducted.

The methanolic extract of Guibourtia tessmannii (Caesalpiniaceae) improves sexual parameters in high fat diet-induced obese sexually sluggish rats

Objective: To evaluate the effects of the methanolic extract of Guibourtia tessmannii (G. tesmannii) on sperm parameters, lipid profile and testosterone level in obese rats. Methods: A total of 193 male Wistar rats were fed either with palm oil diet (n=185) or standard diet (n=8) for 16 wk. At the end of this feeding period, 90 obese rats were selected and randomly divided into 18 groups of five rats each and treated with distilled water (10 mL/kg), vitamin E (75 mg/ kg), clomiphene citrate (2 mg/kg) or methanolic extract of G. tessmannii (55, 110 or 220 mg/ kg) for 7, 21 or 56 d. At the end of each treatment period, sperm parameters, lipid profile and testosterone level were evaluated. Data were analyzed using ANOVA for repeated measures followed by post-hoc Tukey HSD (P

Effect of Natural Honey on Intestinal Transit in Rats

Honey is a natural sweet substance produced by honey bees. Honey has a very complex chemical composition that varies depending on the botanical source. It has been used both as food and medicine since ancient times. Honey has long been used for treatment of various diseases in folk medicine around the world. The present study was planned to explore the effect of Natural Honey (NH) on the intestinal transit of rats. The rats were fed chow, fresh palm oil diet (FPOD), Thermoxidized Palm Oil Diet (TPOD) and NH; and further the transit point was calculated as a percentage of the total length of the intestine. The NH treated rats significantly decreased the intestinal transit of rats compared to other groups. The findings exhibited that natural honey used for the treatment of diarrhoea.

Aloe vera and garlic ameliorate deleterious consequences of thermoxidized palm oil diet on liver function and histology in rat

Purpose A plethora of publications have reported several cytotoxic effects associated with chronic consumption of thermoxidized palm oil. This research aims to investigate the effects of garlic and Aloe vera on liver function and hepatic cytoarchitecture in rats fed thermoxidized palm oil diet. Design/methodology/approach Thirty-five male albino Wistar rats weighing 150-180 g were used for this study. They were randomly assigned into five groups (n = 7): control, thermoxidized palm oil diet fed (TPO), TPO plus garlic juice (TPO + G), TPO plus Aloe gel (TPO + A) and TPO plus garlic/Aloe gel (TPO + G + A). The TPO diet was prepared by mixing 15 g of cooled thermoxidized palm oil with 85 g of rat feed. The juice and gel were orally administered at doses of 2.00 ml/kg and 19.12 ml/kg, respectively. After 3 months of feeding and administration, the animals were sacrificed using standard methods and blood collected via cardiac puncture for analysis. Findings Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase were significantly increased (p &lt; 0.001) in the TPO group compared to the control. This increase was reduced (p &lt; 0.001) in all the treated groups compared to TPO, with the greatest decrease (p &lt; 0.001) seen in TPO + A. Total bilirubin was increased (p &lt; 0.001) in the TPO group compared to the control, whereas there was a significant decrease (p &lt; 0.001) in all the treated groups. Serum proteins and plasma fibrinogen were lowered (p &lt; 0.001) in the TPO group compared to the control but increased progressively in all the treated groups. TPO induced prominent histopathological derangements of the liver tissues. However, there were marked improvements following treatment with garlic and Aloe vera. Originality/value The results obtained in this study have revealed that chronic consumption of thermoxidized palm oil is hazardous to health by inducing hepatotoxicity, as seen in increased ALT, AST and total and unconjugated bilirubin and decreased total protein. However, these debilitating effects were seen to be greatly ameliorated following garlic juice and Aloe vera gel administration. If these results are to be extrapolated to humans, then the chronic consumption of thermoxidized palm oil diet should be seriously discouraged.

Track 5: Populations and population health

Insulin resistance (IR) favors the progression of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. IR results from metabolic dysfunctions, oxidative stress and inflammation caused by ectopic fat depots. We studied the effect of canola oil enriched with micronutrients naturally present in canola seed on IR and MetS during a high fat (HF)-challenge. Rats were fed with a HF diet containing 30% of lipids, mainly derived from palm oil (diet P), or from a mixture of palm and canola oils (60:40, diet C). In 2 groups of animals, diet C was further supplemented with alpha tocopherol, CoQ with or without Canolol, (diets CMC & CM respectively). Insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance were assessed after 10 weeks. HF animals were compared to control animals receiving a standard diet. All groups receiving a HF diet gained significantly more weight compared to control. Similar results were obtained for fat depots. Glucose tolerance was altered in P and C groups and improved in CM and CMC. Insulin sensitivity was not different between control and P groups, but was higher in CMC group compared to controls. A reduced activation of PDK4 and Srebp1c expression was observed in skeletal muscle in CM group. In conclusion, the proportion of AGPI could not prevent metabolic disturbance induced by a HF meal. Enrichment with natural micronutrients could prevent insulin resistance and glucose intolerance which could be mediated by a better glucose oxidation in skeletal muscle

Gastric ulceration: the role of thermoxidized palm oil

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of chronic consumption of fresh palm oil (FPO) and thermoxidized palm oil (TPO) diet on gastric acid secretion, pepsin secretions, gastric mucus output and gastric cytoprotection.Design/methodology/approach– Adult Wistar rats were randomly assigned into three groups, i.e. control, FPO and TPO groups (n= 10 in each). The control group was fed with normal rat chow only, the FPO group was fed on diet containing 15 per cent v/w FPO and the TPO group was fed with diet containing v/w of thermally oxidized palm oil. All animals had free access to feed and water, and the feeding lasted for 14 weeks. At the end of the feeding period, gastric acid secretion, pepsin secretion, mucus output and gastric ulceration were measured following standard methods.Findings– There was increase in histamine-stimulated gastric acid output in the TPO diet-fed group (p&lt; 0.01) compared with the control and FPO diet-fed groups. No significant change in the mucus output was observed across all the experimental groups; whereas, pepsin secretion was significantly higher (p&lt; 0.05) in the TPO diet-fed group (0.46 ± 0.27) compared with the control (0.14 ± 0.05) and FPO diet-fed groups (0.25 ± 0.01). Ulcer scores in the TPO diet-fed group (15.5 ± 0.33) was significantly higher (p&lt; 0.01) compared with the control (10.0 ± 0.05) and FPO diet-fed (5.0 ± 0.04) groups.Originality/value– Chronic consumption of TPO increased gastric acid and pepsin secretion (gastric-aggressive factors) without a change in the mucus output. This can bring about gastric ulceration; therefore, the liberal use of TPO should be discouraged.

Hypolipidemic Effect of Blended Oil in Hamster: Biochemical Analysis and Gene Expression Profiling

Edible oils form an essential part of the modern diet. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Dietary supplementation with certain edible oils may play a vital role in improving cardiovascular health and reducing the mortality rate due to heart disease. Palm oil (PO), sunflower oil (SFO), soybean oil (SBO) and blended oils (consisting of olive oil (OLO) with SFO or SBO), were prepared (65-69% MUFA) to provide higher amounts of MUFA. Animal experiments were carried out to find the effects of olive oil blends, by feeding hamsters diets containing 8% of either native or blends of oils for 60 days. Serum cholesterol levels were reduced by 27% and 29%, respectively, in hamsters given blended oils containing OLO/SFO and OLO/SBO compared to PO. Fecal cholesterol and thiobarbituric acid did not show a significant change when hamsters were given blends in comparison with PO. Body and liver weights were also not significantly affected. These studies indicated that the atherogenic potentials of PUFA-rich SFO and SBO can be significantly decreased by blending with an oil rich in MUFA, such as OLO, in appropriate amounts. These results illustrate that blended oil significantly affects the gene expression of lipoprotein and fatty acid transporter in hamster hepatocytes. Dietary blended oil up-regulated the mRNA levels of lipin, while it down-regulated lipoprotein and cytochrome P450s. The effects of blended oil on the aforementioned genes, except lipoprotein, could be extrapolated towards decreased LDL oxidation. These findings suggest that dietary blended oil and PO alter the expression of different genes associated with contact of lipoprotein in liver.