Reduce Blood Cholesterol Research Articles

Infant Nutrition and Later Health: A Review of Current Evidence

There is a growing recognition of the need for a lifecourse approach to understanding the aetiology of adult disease, and there is now significant evidence that links patterns of infant feeding to differences in health outcomes, both in the short and longer term. Breastfeeding is associated with lower rates of infection in infancy; in high-income populations, it is associated with reductions in blood pressure and total blood cholesterol, and lower risks of obesity and diabetes in adult life. Breastfeeding rates are suboptimal in many countries, and strategies to promote breastfeeding could therefore confer important benefits for health at a population level. However, there are particular challenges in defining nutritional exposures in infancy, including marked social gradients in initiation and duration of breastfeeding. In recent studies of low and middle-income populations of children and young adults, where the influences on infant feeding practice differ, beneficial effects of breastfeeding on blood pressure, BMI and risk of diabetes have not been confirmed, and further information is needed. Little is currently known about the long-term consequences of differences in the timing and nature of the weaning diet. Future progress will depend on new studies that provide detailed prospective data on duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding together with appropriate characterisation of the weaning diet.

Effect of Consumption of Ground Wholeseed Flax on Human Blood Traits

Oilseed flax (Linum usitatssimum L.) has been recognized as a functional food in recent times. Functional foods deliver a health boost beyond what is expected from their traditional nutrient content. Flax fits this description perfectly because it is rich in omega-3 fatty acid and phytochemicals. Flax also provides dietary fiber and protein. We conducted an experiment in which ground wholeseed flax was consumed by 26 volunteers during 2009. A blood sample before start of consumption and one after completion of the experiment was collected and analyzed for various blood traits. Results indicated that consumption of wholeseed flax significantly increased carbon dioxide (24.23 vs. 23.03 mmol/L), lowered total serum protein (7.17 vs. 7.02 d/dl) and total Globulin (2.99 vs. 2.78g/dl) in the blood. Flax consumption did not affect overall cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in human blood. However, comparisons of groups of study volunteers based on three categories: those whose blood traits remained unchanged, those whose blood profile values increased upon wholeseed flax consumption, and those whose blood profile values decreased upon wholeseed flax consumption revealed that consumption of 45g of wholeseed flax daily for twelve weeks decreased the concentration of total cholesterol in 9 females and 5 males, increased the concentration 5 females and 1 male, and did not affect the concentration in 2 females and 4 males. Flax consumption decreased the concentration of triglycerides in 9 females and 4 males, increased the concentration in 6 females and 4 male, and did not affect the concentration in 1 female and 2 males. These results point to the possibility that consumption of wholeseed ground flax may be helpful in reducing total cholesterol and triglycerides in females as compared to males. It was also observed that changes in concentrations of total cholesterol and triglycerides were influenced by each other – in 9 subjects concentrations of both traits were reduced, increased in 4 subjects, and remained the same in 2 subjects. We speculated that consumption of wholeseed flax for reduction of cholesterol and triglycerides in human blood may be considerably influenced by heredity.

Performance Measures in Million Hearts

Million Hearts is a public–private initiative designed to prevent 1 million Americans from suffering from myocardial infarction or stroke within the next 4.5 years.1 Inaugurated by the Department of Health and Human Services in September 2011, supporting partners soon included private sector institutions such as the Association of Black Cardiologists, the American College of Cardiology (ACC), and the American Heart Association (AHA). The tactics of Million Hearts focus on 2 broad objectives: (1) public health interventions to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease through dietary reduction of sodium and trans fats and the reduction of smoking in the environment; and (2) clinical interventions, the ABCS, of aspirin use when appropriate, blood pressure (BP) control, cholesterol reduction, and smoking cessation. We believe that this effort can do a great deal to reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular-related deaths in this country. The partnership between the Federal government and professional medical societies as well as private organizations in a joint effort to eliminate cardiovascular disease has great strength in achieving the stated goals and objectives. The leaders of Million Hearts have been very forthcoming in communicating with their partners about matters such as the performance measures that they are planning to use in the campaign and in asking for input regarding the chosen metrics. As a result, the Clinical Quality Committee of the ACC recently had the opportunity to participate in providing some informal feedback to Million Hearts leadership. In this perspective, we would like to share that feedback because we believe the points made have applicability with respect to the use of performance measures well …

Stability of oryzanol fortified biscuits on storage.

Biscuit can be used as a functional food to deliver nutraceuticals to consumers. One such natural nutraceutical oryzanol is present in rice bran oil. Oryzanol possesses a variety of health benefits which include reduction of cholesterol in blood, improvement of capillary action of blood vessels, anti-aging effect and others. Biscuit is a well known cereal based processed food and the fortification of oryzanol into the biscuits will go a long way to provide antioxidant rich, highly stable and acceptable functional food to the consumers. Biscuits were prepared with commercially available fat (CF) and oryzanol fortified fat (OFF). The control biscuits (CB) and oryzanol fortified biscuits (OFB) were packed in 200 gauge polypropylene pouches, stored at 27°C with different relative humidity (RH 11%, 22%, 32%, 44% and 56%) and analysed for its stability during storage of 120days. Critical moisture content of OFB (4.8%) was slightly less than that of CB (5.3%). The fat content of the CB (12.2%) and OFB (12.5%) did not change during storage while free fatty acid content (0.36% and 0.60%) and peroxide value (0.08 and 0.17meq. O2/100g biscuit) respectively for CB and OFFB was showed small but significant changes during storage. Oryzanol content (292mg) and radical scavenging activity (81.1%) of OFB did not change during storage. The biscuits had a shelf life of minimum 3months at 27°C. Oryzanol in OFB showed good stability during baking and storage of biscuits.

Production and partial characterization of an exopolysaccharide from Ustilago maydis in submerged culture

In Mexico, corn is widely cultivated and frequently parasitized by Ustilago maydis, a basidiomycete dimorphic fungus that causes the disease known as corn smut. It is widely consumed and is considered a culinary delight. From a biotechnological perspective, U. maydis offers the possibility as a producer of various metabolites, such as laccase and tyrosinase enzymes, glycolipids, and indole derivatives that can be used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food, due to its safety. The exopolysaccharides (EPS) are extracellular sugar compounds synthesized by a variety of microorganism and have shown various properties and applications. Among them are the improved rheology, texture, stability and mouthfeel of fermented dairy products. In addition, these compounds have shown biological activity as an antitumor agent, immune-stimulating and reducing blood cholesterol. The production of EPS by U. maydis was studied by culturing the cells in yeast extractpeptone- dextrose (YPD), YPD supplemented with CuSO 4 (YPD T ), Czapek Dox-sucrose, Czapek Doxglucose, Czapeck Dox culture media with corn steep liquor and in another media containing high oil oleic sunflower as the sole carbon source. The presence of activity of glycosyltransferase by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophresis (SDS-PAGE) was detected as well as the polymers formed by dinitrosaliscilic acid (DNS). The products of fermentation were characterized by enzymatic hydrolysis using carbohydrases, gel permation chromatography and atomic force microscopy. Key words : Ustilago maydis , glucans, polymerization, glycosyltransferase, exopolysaccharide.

보리수열매주의 알코올성 지방간 형성 억제 효과

본 연구에서는 보리수 열매를 원료로 하여 만든 보리수열매주의 항산화 활성을 조사하고, 흰쥐에 보리수열매주의 급여가 알코올 지방간 완화에 미치는 영향을 조사하였다. 알코올의 섭취로 지방간을 유도하기 위하여 Lieber-DeCarli 액체 식이를 공급하였으며, 액체 표준식이만 공급받는 동물군을 대조군(control), 대조군과의 열량 차이를 에탄올로 보충한 액체식이를 공급받는 동물군을 에탄올군(ethanol), 에탄올 대신 보리수열매주를 혼합한 액체식이를 공급받는 동물군을 보리수열매주군(cherry silverberry wine, CSW)으로 6마리씩 3그룹으로 나누어 6주간 사육하였다. 실험 시작 전, 3주째, 그리고 6주째에 혈액을 채취하였고 간은 6주 혈액 채취직후 적출하였다. 보리수주의 총 페놀함량은 37.24 mg/100mL, SOD 유사활성은 22.26%, DPPH 라디칼 소거능은 13.69%로 나타났다. 혈액의 주요 지방간 표지자들의 농도는 대조군에 비해 에탄올군에서는 유의적으로 증가하였으나 보리수열매주군에서는 유의적으로 감소하였다. 대조군에 비해 에탄올군의 간은 지방구가 축적되어 비대해진 것을 확인할 수 있었으며, 보리수열매주군의 간은 지방구의 크기나 수가 대조군 수준으로 감소한 것으로 나타났다. 이와 유사하게 간조직의 총지방량 농도도 보리수열매주군에서 유의적으로 감소하였다. 본 실험을 통해 보리수열매주가 알코올 섭취로 증가된 혈중 지질 수준과 간기능 지표 수준을 개선시키는 효과를 나타냈으며 간조직에 지방간 형성이 유의적으로 억제하는 것을 간조직 분석을 통해 확인하였다. 이는 보리수열매에 함유되어 있는 다양한 피토케미칼 성분의 항산화 효과로 인해 알코올에 의한 간 손상을 보호하는데 기여할 수 있음을 나타낸 결과로 사료된다.

Cholesterol-lowering effect of allicin on hypercholesterolemic ICR mice.

Allicin was discussed as an active compound with regard to the beneficial effects of garlic in atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the cholesterol-lowering properties of allicin. In order to examine its effects on hypercholesterolemia in male ICR mice, this compound with doses of 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg body weight was given orally daily for 12 weeks. Changes in body weight and daily food intake were measured regularly during the experimental period. Final contents of serum cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, and hepatic cholesterol storage were determined. Following a 12-week experimental period, the body weights of allicin-fed mice were less than those of control mice on a high-cholesterol diet by 38.24 ± 7.94% (P < 0.0001) with 5 mg/kg allicin, 39.28 ± 5.03% (P < 0.0001) with 10 mg/kg allicin, and 41.18 ± 5.00% (P < 0.0001) with 20 mg/kg allicin, respectively. A decrease in daily food consumption was also noted in most of the treated animals. Meanwhile, allicin showed a favorable effect in reducing blood cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels and caused a significant decrease in lowering the hepatic cholesterol storage. Accordingly, both in vivo and in vitro results demonstrated a potential value of allicin as a pronounced cholesterol-lowering candidate, providing protection against the onset of atherosclerosis.

Cholesterol-Lowering Probiotics as Potential Biotherapeutics for Metabolic Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the major causes of deaths in adults in the western world. Elevated levels of certain blood lipids have been reported to be the principal cause of cardiovascular disease and other disabilities in developed countries. Several animal and clinical trials have shown a positive association between cholesterol levels and the risks of coronary heart disease. Current dietary strategies for the prevention of cardiovascular disease advocate adherence to low-fat/low-saturated-fat diets. Although there is no doubt that, in experimental conditions, low-fat diets offer an effective means of reducing blood cholesterol concentrations on a population basis, these appear to be less effective, largely due to poor compliance, attributed to low palatability and acceptability of these diets to the consumers. Due to the low consumer compliance, attempts have been made to identify other dietary components that can reduce blood cholesterol levels. Supplementation of diet with fermented dairy products or lactic acid bacteria containing dairy products has shown the potential to reduce serum cholesterol levels. Various approaches have been used to alleviate this issue, including the use of probiotics, especially Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp.. Probiotics, the living microorganisms that confer health benefits on the host when administered in adequate amounts, have received much attention on their proclaimed health benefits which include improvement in lactose intolerance, increase in natural resistance to infectious disease in gastrointestinal tract, suppression of cancer, antidiabetic, reduction in serum cholesterol level, and improved digestion. In addition, there are numerous reports on cholesterol removal ability of probiotics and their hypocholesterolemic effects. Several possible mechanisms for cholesterol removal by probiotics are assimilation of cholesterol by growing cells, binding of cholesterol to cellular surface, incorporation of cholesterol into the cellular membrane, deconjugation of bile via bile salt hydrolase, coprecipitation of cholesterol with deconjugated bile, binding action of bile by fibre, and production of short-chain fatty acids by oligosaccharides. The present paper reviews the mechanisms of action of anti-cholesterolemic potential of probiotic microorganisms and probiotic food products, with the aim of lowering the risks of cardiovascular and coronary heart diseases.

Study the impact of sweet basil extracts (Ocimum basilicum) to reduce blood cholesterol

The study aimed to test the effect of sweet basil extract on hypercholesterolemia. Sweet basil leaves were extracted with distilled water, ethanol and a mixture of distilled water: ethanol (1:3, v/v). Phenolic and flavonoids concentrates were fractionated and identified with High Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC). Two levels of each concentrated extract were used to find its effect on the hypercholesterolemic rats. Six groups of hypercholesterolemic rats received 0.35 or 0.70 g/Kg bw from aqueous, ethanolic and aqueous + ethanolic extracts of sweet basil leaves and were compared with normal control group and hyperlipidemic control group for 30 days. Growth of rats, biochemical biomarks and histopathological examination were evaluated. Results showed that the main phenolic compound was p-Hydroxybenzoic acid. Meanwhile, the main flavonoids compound was rutin. The biological experiment showed that second concentration of sweet basil leaves extracts (ASBL2, ESBL2 and AESBL2) had a positive effect to lower the weight of hypercholesterolemic rats. No significant difference was found in relative organs weight among all tested rat groups. Sweet basil leave extracts had a positive effect to decrease serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol of HC rats. The Atherogenic index (Al) was decreased due to sweet basil leaves extracts treated rat groups compared to the hyperlipidemic rats group. Sweet basil leaves extracts may play a role in improving the activity of antioxidant enzymes and decrease the lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA) and level of H202 in serum. The serum ALT, AST, ALP and y-GT activities of the second concentration (0.70 g/Kg bw) of sweet basil leaves extracts had no significant difference compared to NC rats group. There was no significant difference in serum uric acid, urea and creatinine among all tested rat groups received sweet basil leaves extracts and NC rats group except for HC rats group. No histopathological changes were observed in liver of rat groups received second concentration (0.70 g/Kg bw) of sweet basil leaves extracts. In conclusion, the obtained results suggest that sweet basil leaves extracts had an important role in lowering the hyperlipidemia in experimental animals especially the second concentration of sweet basil leaves extracts.

β-sitosterol inhibits high cholesterol-induced platelet β-amyloid release

Recently, increasing evidence has linked high cholesterol to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), suggesting that cholesterol may be a target for developing new compounds to prevent or treat AD. Plant sterols, a group of sterols enriched in plant oils, nuts, and avocados, have the structure very similar to that of cholesterol, and have been widely used to reduce blood cholesterol. Due to their cholesterol-lowering property, plant sterols such as β-sitosterol may also influence cholesterol-depending functions including its role in AD development. Using human platelets, a type of peripheral blood cells containing the most circulating amyloid precursor protein (APP), this study investigated the effect of β-sitosterol on high cholesterol-induced secretion of β amyloid protein (Aβ). It was found that β-sitosterol effectively inhibited high cholesterol-driven platelet Aβ release. In addition, β-sitosterol prevented high cholesterol-induced increase of activities of β- and γ-secretase, two APP cleaving enzymes to generate Aβ. Additional experiments showed that high cholesterol up-regulated lipid raft cholesterol. This effect of cholesterol could be suppressed by β-sitosterol. These findings suggest that β-sitosterol is able to inhibit high cholesterol-induced Aβ release probably through maintenance of membrane cholesterol homeostasis. Given that dietary plant sterols have the potential of penetrating the blood-brain barrier (BBB), these data suggest that plant sterols such as β-sitosterol may be useful in AD prevention.

The influence of aqueous extract of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) calyx on blood cholesterol level and body weight in rats

Marsalina M, Samigun, Hardjanti ES. 2011. The influence of aqueous extract of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) calyx on blood cholesterol level and body weight in rats. Biofarmasi 9: 43-49. This study aimed to investigate the influence of aqueous extract of roselle calyx on blood cholesterol level and body weight in rats. This experimental research was arranged as a pre and post-test controlled group design. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats, with 3 months of age and 250 g in average weight, were used as an animal model. Those rats were grouped equally into five groups, i.e. negative control (aquadest), positive control (0.26 mg lovastatin/200 g body weight of rats/2 mL), the first dose of aqueous extract of roselle calyx (65 mg/200 g/2 mL), the second dose of aqueous extract of roselle calyx (130 mg/200 g/2 mL), and the third dose of aqueous extract of roselle calyx (195 mg/200 g/2 mL). The measurement of rat blood cholesterol level was conducted before and after treatment, while the rat body weight was measured once a week. The result of this study was analyzed by using one-way ANOVA statistical test. The one-way ANOVA statistical test showed no significant difference on reducing blood cholesterol level with p=0.327 (p&gt;0.05) and body weight in rat with p=0.154, p=0.214, and p=0.938 (p&gt;0.05). This study concluded that the aqueous extract of roselle calyx has no influence on lowering blood cholesterol level and body weight in rats.

Effects of Different Levels of L-carnitine Supplementation on Egg Quality and Blood Parameters of Laying Japanese Quail

The objective of present study was to investigate the effects of various levels of L-carnitine on performance, egg quality and blood parameters of laying Japanese quail. This experiment was carried out using 128 quail in a completely randomized design with four levels of L-carnitine (0, 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg). Four replicates with 8 quails were allocated to each experimental treatment and birds were reared from 35-70 days. The results showed that there were no significant differences in feed intake and egg production among experimental treatments (p>0.05). The effect of L-carnitine on feed conversion ratio was significant (p 0.05). The quails were fed with ration containing L-carnitine supplementation (125 mg/kg) had lower blood triglyceride (p<0.05). Furthermore, L-carnitine at levels of 125 and 500 mg/kg significantly reduced blood cholesterol in comparison with control group (p<0.05). Based on current results, it can be concluded that supplementing diet with L-carnitine will reduce blood triglyceride, cholesterol and improve egg quality in laying Japanese quail.

Cochrane Review: Statins for children with familial hypercholesterolemia

AbstractBackgroundFamilial hypercholesterolemia is one of the most common inherited metabolic diseases; the average worldwide prevalence of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia is about 1 in 500. Diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia in children is based on two measurements of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol level above 4.0 mmol/L or a DNA‐based analysis. Coronary stenosis has been detected in men with familial hypercholesterolemia as young as 17 years old and in women with familial hypercholesterolemia at 25 years old. Atherosclerosis and its clinical complications occur prematurely, especially in men, thus lifelong hypolipidemic measures, started in childhood, are needed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In children with familial hypercholesterolemia children, so far diet has been the main mode of treatment. Anion exchange resins, such as cholestyramine and colestipol, have also been found to be effective but are generally considered unpalatable and therefore poorly tolerated. Since the 1990s statin trials have been carried out among children with familial hypercholesterolemia (aged 7 to 17 years), and statins reduced their serum low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by 23% to 40%. The safety of statins among children is not well known even though statins seem to be safe and well‐tolerated in adults.ObjectivesTo assess the effectiveness and safety of statins in children with familial hypercholesterolemia.Search strategyRelevant trials were identified from the Group's Inborn Errors and Metabolism Trials Register and Medline.Date of most recent search: 11 March 2010.Selection criteriaRandomized and controlled clinical trials including participants up to 18 years old comparing a statin to placebo or to diet alone.Data collection and analysisTwo authors independently assessed studies for inclusion and extracted data.Main resultsWe found 19 potentially eligible studies of which we included eight randomized placebo‐controlled trials (897 participants). Statins reduced the mean low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration at all time points. There was no difference between serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferase as well as creatine kinase concentrations at any time‐point. The risks of myopathy and clinical adverse events were also similar in both groups. In one study simvastatin was shown to improve flow‐mediated dilation of the brachial artery.Authors' conclusionsStatin treatment is an efficient lipid‐lowering therapy in children with familial hypercholesterolemia. It seems to be safe in the short term but long‐term safety is unknown. Children treated with statins should be carefully followed up by their pediatricians. Large long‐term randomized controlled trials are needed to establish the long‐term safety of statins.Plain Language SummaryStatins for children with inherited high blood cholesterolFamilial hypercholesterolemia is an inherited disease in which blood cholesterol level is high. Vascular diseases often occur prematurely, especially amongst men. Thus lifelong therapies to reduce blood cholesterol started in childhood are needed. In children with familial hypercholesterolemia, diet has been the main mode of treatment. Resins, such as cholestyramine and colestipol, have also been effective but usually taste unpleasant and are poorly tolerated. Since the 1990s statin trials have been carried out among children and adolescents with familial hypercholesterolemia. Statins have decreased their serum low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by about one third. The safety of statins among children is poorly known, even though statins have seemed to be safe and well‐tolerated in adults.In this review we included randomized and controlled clinical trials with participants up to 18 years old. We found 19 potentially eligible studies, and included eight.Statins reduced the mean low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration on average. The risk of a high increase in liver and muscle enzymes was similar in both the statin and the control groups. Neither was there any clinically important difference in the risk of myopathy nor clinical adverse events between the groups. The follow‐up time on average was only six months, and at longest lasted two years which occurred in one trial only.Statin treatment is an efficient lipid‐lowering therapy in children with familial hypercholesterolemia. It seems to be safe in the short term but long‐term safety is unknown.

Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1) Protein in Intestinal and Hepatic Cholesterol Transport

Increased blood cholesterol is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Cholesterol homeostasis in the body is controlled mainly by endogenous synthesis, intestinal absorption, and hepatic excretion. Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1) is a polytopic transmembrane protein localized at the apical membrane of enterocytes and the canalicular membrane of hepatocytes. It functions as a sterol transporter to mediate intestinal cholesterol absorption and counter-balances hepatobiliary cholesterol excretion. NPC1L1 is the molecular target of ezetimibe, a potent cholesterol absorption inhibitor that is widely used in treating hypercholesterolemia. Recent findings suggest that NPC1L1 deficiency or ezetimibe treatment also prevents diet-induced hepatic steatosis and obesity in addition to reducing blood cholesterol. Future studies should focus on molecular mechanisms underlying NPC1L1-dependent cholesterol transport and elucidation of how a cholesterol transporter modulates the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases.

Statins alleviate experimental nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain

The statins are a well-established class of drugs that lower plasma cholesterol levels by inhibiting HMG-CoA (3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A) reductase. They are widely used for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and for the prevention of coronary heart disease. Recent studies suggest that statins have anti-inflammatory effects beyond their lipid-lowering properties. We sought to investigate whether statins could affect neuropathic pain by mediating nerve injury-associated inflammatory responses. The effects of hydrophilic rosuvastatin and lipophilic simvastatin were examined in the mouse partial sciatic nerve ligation model. Systemic daily administration of either statin from days 0 to 14 completely prevented the development of mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. When administered from days 8 to 14 after injury, both statins dose-dependently reduced established hypersensitivity. After treatment, the effects of the statins were washed out within 2 to 7 days, depending on dose. Effects of both statins in alleviating mechanical allodynia were further confirmed in a different injury-associated neuropathic pain model, mental nerve chronic constriction, in rats. Both statins were able to abolish interleukin-1β expression in sciatic nerve triggered by nerve ligation. Additionally, quantitative analysis with Iba-1 and glial fibrillary acid protein immunoreactivity demonstrated that rosuvastatin and simvastatin significantly reduced the spinal microglial and astrocyte activation produced by sciatic nerve injury. The increase of interleukin-1β mRNA in the ipsilateral side of spinal cords was also reduced by the treatment of either statin. We identified a potential new application of statins in the treatment of neuropathic pain. The pain-alleviating effects of statins are likely attributable to their immunomodulatory effects. Statins, which are typically used to reduce blood cholesterol levels, could potentially have beneficial effects in the treatment of neuropathic pain.

A survey of β‐glucan and arabinoxylan content in wheat

Dietary fibre lowers the risk of coronary heart disease and colorectal cancer. This survey quantifies mixed link β-glucan (MBG) and arabinoxylan (AX) in wheat and investigates relationships between the grain carbohydrates. MBG and AX contents were measured in 500 and 200 wheat accessions respectively, including diploid, tetraploid and hexaploid genotypes comprising primitive, synthetic and elite lines. Overall, MBG contents ranged between 1.8 and 18.0 g kg(-1) grain dry weight. In wheat-barley addition lines and triticale hexaploids the levels were 9.0-11.3 and 3.5-9.6 g kg(-1) respectively. The amounts in synthetic wheats were nearer their tetraploid parents than their diploid parents. AX and total non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) contents ranged from 23.7 to 107.5 g kg(-1) and from 31.7 to 136.7 g kg(-1) respectively. Linear regressions showed that the relationships of starch and grain weight with NSP glucose were stronger than those with AX. The results indicated insufficient genetic diversity in the germplasm surveyed to initiate a breeding programme to increase the amount of MBG in wheat grain to 20 g kg(-1) , a level considered high enough to confer a 10-15% reduction in blood cholesterol.

Bio-active compounds of bitter melon genotypes (Momordica charantia L.) in relation to their physiological functions

Background: Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia L) is one of the most popular cooked vegetables in many Asian countries. Its experimental use in mice has indicated improvement in glucose tolerance against Type II diabetes and reduction in blood cholesterol. However, it has not been proven which alkaloids, polypeptides, or their combinations in the Bitter Melon extract are responsible for the medicinal effects. Green and white varieties of Bitter Melon differ strikingly in their bitter tastes, green being much more bitter than white. It is not yet known whether they are different in their special nutritional and hypoglycemic properties. Nutritional qualities of Bitter Melons such as protein, amino acids, minerals, and polyphenolics contents were determined using four selected varieties such as Indian Green [IG], Indian White [IW], Chinese Green [CG], and Chinese White [CW] grown at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff [UAPB] Agricultural Research Center. Results indicated that protein levels of IW were significantly higher than IG in both flesh and seed. Methods: Four Bitter Melon varieties, Indian Green [IG], Indian White [IW], Chinese Green [CG] and Chinese White [CW] were used for phytochemical analyses to determine protein contents, protein hydrolysis, amino acids contents, and their antioxidant and antimutagenic activities. All analyses were conducted following standard methods. Statistical analyses were conducted using JMP 5 software package [SAS]. The Tukey’s HSD procedure was used for the significance of differences at the 5% level. Results: Moisture contents across the four varieties of Bitter Melon flesh ranged between 92.4 and 93.5%, and that of seed ranged between 53.3 and 75.9%. Protein contents of the flesh were highest in IW [9.8%] and lowest in CG [8.4%]. Seed protein contents were the highest in IW [31.3%] and lowest in IG [27.0%]. Overall, white varieties had higher protein contents than the green varieties. Compared with soy protein, most of the essential amino acid contents of Bitter Melon were similar as in soy proteins. Some amino acids such as Alanine, Glycine, and Valanine were relatively higher in Bitter Melon flesh than in soy protein. Phenolics contents of the flesh, seed, and seed coat tissue [SCT] were significantly different [p&lt;0.05] among the four varieties. The four varieties were similar in their antioxidant activities of the flesh tissues; however, they were significantly different in their antioxidant activities in the seed and seed coat tissues [SCT]. Bitter melon varieties IW and CG, tested for antimutagenic effects, both flesh and seed had considerably high activities against benzo[a]pyrene with Salmonella TA98 [92-100% inhibition] and Salmonella TA100 [79-86% inhibition].Conclusion: Based on these studies, Bitter Melon is a good source of phenolic compounds. All four varieties tested showed considerably high antioxidant and antimutagenic activities. Therefore, these natural plant phenolics can be a good source of biologically active compounds that may be applied in many food systems to enhance food values and special nutritional qualities. Further studies will be needed using more genetically diverse varieties to pin point the bioactive and functional compounds and their physiological properties. Key words: Momordica charantia, protein, polyphenolics, antioxidant, antimutagenicity

Influence of A.D. Bio-Phyto-Modulators in Case of Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular disease is ranked as cause of mortality in Europe, both women and men. However, cardiovascular disease can be prevented entirely. W.H.O. estimates that reducing blood pressure, obesity, smoking and cholesterol will decrease by more than half the incidence of cardiovascular disease. This study aims to highlight the effects of A.D. bio-phyto-modulator to a group of patients with functional and morphological changes that have made recovery from the cardiovascular system.

Growth response, blood characteristics and copper accumulation in organs of broilers fed on diets supplemented with organic and inorganic dietary copper sources

1. A 56-d experiment was conducted to study the comparative influence of organic and inorganic dietary copper (Cu) sources on growth, blood characteristics and copper accumulation in organs of broilers. 2. A total of 480 Arbor-Acre unsexed broilers were fed on diets containing copper sulphate (CuSO4) or copper proteinate (Cu Pro) at concentrations of 50, 100 or 150 mg/kg of Cu supplementation. The birds were given a broiler starter diet from 1–28 d and a broiler finisher diet from 29–56 d which contained 30·8 mg/kg and 41·1 mg/kg basal copper concentration respectively. Growth performance, blood characteristics and Cu accumulation in organs of the broilers were measured. 3. At 28 d, Cu Pro-fed birds had improved feed conversion ratio compared with CuSO4. At 56 d, birds fed on Cu Pro diets had significantly greater body weight than CuSO4-fed birds. Birds fed on CuSO4 supplemented diets had significantly better feed conversion efficiency. Feed consumptions for the two Cu sources were not significantly different. At no stage did the concentration of added Cu affect the productive traits measured. 4. Cu Pro supplementation increased haemoglobin concentration but reduced plasma triglyceride and plasma cholesterol. Plasma cholesterol decreased as Cu concentration increased. 5. There was a greater accumulation of Cu in the blood, heart, lung, liver and bone of broilers fed on Cu Pro than in those receiving CuSO4. The liver Cu concentration increased as dietary Cu concentration increased. 6. Cu Pro was more effective in promoting growth and reducing blood cholesterol, and was more bio-available in the organs of broilers.

Weight loss and metabolic profiles in obese individuals using two different approaches

Intentional weight loss with a reduction in adipose tissue is associated with an improvement in medical complications linked to obesity. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of two different weight loss diets on obese individuals (BMI 30-40 kg m(-2)) for improvements in anthropometric measurements and blood biomarkers. Study 1 comprised a low energy diet (LED) of 5000-6000 kJ d(-1) for a slow but steady weight loss over 12 weeks. Study 2 comprised a very low energy diet (VLED) of 3000 kJ d(-1) using meal replacements for rapid weight loss over a shorter period of 4 weeks followed by 10 weeks of weight stabilisation to prevent rebound after rapid weight loss. Nutrition information sessions were given to both groups. Fasting blood samples, anthropometric measurements and 3-day food diaries were collected at baseline and again at completion of weight loss, at 12 weeks for LED group and 4 weeks for VLED group. Mean weight loss in the LED group (n = 18) was -3.17 kg (-3.7%) compared to a -6.54 kg (-7%) loss in the VLED group (n = 14) (p < 0.001). The VLED group experienced significantly greater reductions in fat mass, -13.9% compared to -8.9% for the LED group (p < 0.05). Significantly greater reductions in blood glucose (p < 0.05), cholesterol and LDL-C (p < 0.01 for both), and waist circumference (p≤ 0.05) were noted in VLED compared to those for LED diet. Short-term, rapid weight loss produced the desired ≥5% weight loss suggested to substantially reduce metabolic abnormalities associated with obesity, and to reduce health risks.