Serum Lipid Composition Research Articles

Fatty acid composition of serum lipid classes in mice following allergic sensitisation with or without dietary docosahexaenoic acid-enriched fish oil substitution

Dietary fatty acids have been shown to influence allergic sensitisation. Both n-3 and n-6 PUFA are involved in targeted mediation of inflammatory responses during allergic sensitisation and manifestation of atopic diseases. In the present experiments we investigated whether supplementation of DHA-enriched fish oil partly substituting dietary sunflower-seed oil, in comparison with sunflower-seed oil, supplemented to mice influences fatty acid composition of serum lipid classes. The effects of the two different diets were also investigated depending on allergic sensitisation. Supplementation of DHA and EPA in doses of 2 and 0.12 % (w/w) to non-sensitised and sensitised mice resulted in significantly increased percentile contributions of DHA to all lipid classes. In contrast, serum values of the n-6 PUFA arachidonic acid (AA) were significantly lower, both in non-sensitised and sensitised mice fed the DHA-enriched diet. The fatty acid composition of serum lipids also reflected allergic sensitisation: the EPA:AA ratio in TAG, cholesteryl esters and phospholipids in non-supplemented animals fell to 23, 29 and 29 % respectively of the original value after allergic sensitisation, whereas it decreased to 70, 80 and 76 % respectively only in the animals supplemented with DHA. In summary, allergic sensitisation alone decreased significantly the EPA:AA ratios in serum TAG, while concomitant supplementation of DHA-enriched fish oil ameliorated this decrease. We postulate from the present results that the amelioration of the severity of allergic sensitisation after DHA supplementation may be linked to altered ratios of the eicosanoid precursors EPA and AA as well as DHA needed for further metabolic activation to pro- or anti-inflammatory bioactive lipids.

Deficiency of the INCL protein Ppt1 results in changes in ectopic F1-ATP synthase and altered cholesterol metabolism

Infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (INCL) is a severe neurodegenerative disease caused by deficiency of palmitoyl protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1). INCL results in dramatic loss of thalamocortical neurons, but the disease mechanism has remained elusive. In the present work we describe the first interaction partner of PPT1, the F(1)-complex of the mitochondrial ATP synthase, by co-purification and in vitro-binding assays. In addition to mitochondria, subunits of F(1)-complex have been reported to localize in the plasma membrane, and to be capable of acting as receptors for various ligands such as apolipoprotein A-1. We verified here the plasma membrane localization of F(1)-subunits on mouse primary neurons and fibroblasts by cell surface biotinylation and TIRF-microscopy. To gain further insight into the Ppt1-mediated properties of the F(1)-complex, we utilized the Ppt1-deficient Ppt1(Delta ex4) mice. While no changes in the mitochondrial function could be detected in the brain of the Ppt1(Delta ex4) mice, the levels of F(1)-subunits alpha and beta on the plasma membrane were specifically increased in the Ppt1(Delta ex4) neurons. Significant changes were also detected in the apolipoprotein A-I uptake by the Ppt1(Delta ex4) neurons and the serum lipid composition in the Ppt1(Delta ex4) mice. These data indicate neuron-specific changes for F(1)-complex in the Ppt1-deficient cells and give clues for a possible link between lipid metabolism and neurodegeneration in INCL.

Change in Fatty Acid Composition of Serum Lipids in Obese Females after Short-Term Weight Reducing Regimen with the Addition of n-3 Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids In Comparison To Controls

Short-term weight-reducing regimens were shown to influence fatty acid composition of serum lipids unfavorably. Adding long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC PUFA) to a low-calorie diet (LCD) could avoid these changes. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a short-term in-patient weight-reducing regimen including LCD with yogurt enriched by low doses of n-3 PUFA (n-3 LCD). The enriched yogurt contained 790 mg of fish oil, predominantly eicosapentaenoic (20:5n-3; EPA) and docosahexaenoic (22:6n-3; DHA). Forty obese women were randomly assigned to the group consuming LCD and joghurt either with or without n-3 enrichment. Following the 3-week diet in the n-3 LCD group a significantly higher increase in the proportion of n-3 LC PUFA (sum of n-3 FA, EPA and DHA) in serum lipids was confirmed. In phospholipids (PL) a significant difference in the sum of n-6 fatty acids was found, a decrease in the n-3 LCD group and an increase in LCD group. Significantly higher increase in the PL palmitate (16:0) was shown in the LCD group. The results suggest that low doses of n-3 fatty acid enrichment can help to avoid unfavorable changes in fatty acid composition in serum lipids after a short-term weight-reducing regimen.

Abnormal serum lipid profile in Brazilian police officers with post-traumatic stress disorder

BackgroundTo measure the serum lipid composition of a sample of Brazilian police officers with and without PTSD regularly exposed to potentially traumatic situations. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted with 118 active duty male police officers. Serum concentrations for total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglycerides were enzymatically determined. Body mass index (BMI) was obtained for each participant. ResultsOfficers with PTSD exhibited significantly higher serum total cholesterol, LDL-C and triglycerides levels than those without PTSD. Total cholesterol and triglycerides, but not LDL-C, remained associated with PTSD diagnosis after controlling for confounding influences (i.e. socio-demographics, BMI, and tobacco, alcohol and medication use). LimitationsThe sample size was small. A nutritional interview was employed instead of established scales to assess alimentary habits, tobacco or alcohol consumption. A self-report screening tool was used to assess the prevalence of PTSD. ConclusionsThe association between PTSD and abnormal serum lipid profile and a tendency to exhibit higher BMI suggests that individuals with PTSD may be at increased risk for developing metabolic syndrome, a condition that by itself could account for many of the most serious PTSD-related physical health problems.

Effects of vitamin A supplementation in young lambs on performance, serum lipid, and longissimus muscle lipid composition

Forty crossbred wethers (BW = 28.7 kg) were used to evaluate the effects on LM lipid composition of diets containing high and low levels of vitamin A. Four treatments arranged as a 2 x 2 factorial with a completely random design were investigated: backgrounding (BG) and finishing (FN) with no supplemental vitamin A (LL); BG with no supplemental vitamin A and FN with high vitamin A (6,600 IU/kg of diet, as fed) supplementation (LH); BG with high vitamin A supplementation and FN with no vitamin A supplementation (HL); and BG and FN with high vitamin A (HH) supplementation. Diets included cracked corn (62.4%), soybean meal (16.0%), cottonseed hull pellets (14.8%), and supplement (7%), and contained <100 IU of vitamin A/kg (as fed) from carotenes before vitamin A was added. During the BG period (d 1 to 56), feed intake was restricted to achieve 0.22 kg of ADG. During the FN period (d 57 to 112), lambs consumed the same diet ad libitum. Lambs were weighed every 14 d, and blood was sampled every 28 d to evaluate changes in serum fatty acids and vitamin A levels. Lambs were slaughtered after 112 d. Lipid composition was determined for liver and LM. There were no treatment differences (P > 0.05) in feed intake, ADG, or final BW. Carcass weights were not affected by vitamin A treatment (P > 0.20), although backfat thickness tended to be different between HL and LL lambs (0.80 vs. 0.64 cm, respectively; P = 0.08). Carcasses from the HH group had greater (P < 0.05) marbling scores than those from the LL group (514 vs. 459) and had 25.8% more extractable intramuscular lipids (3.88 vs. 3.08% for HH and LL, respectively; P < 0.05); the LH and HL treatments were intermediate. Interestingly, the LL group had the greatest increase in serum fatty acids throughout the experimental period (change of 127 vs. 41 microg/g for LL and HH, respectively; P < 0.01). The degree of saturation of fatty acids was not affected by treatment (P = 0.18) in the serum but was affected in the longissimus thoracis fat. Oleic acid increased and linoleic acid decreased in the longissimus thoracis of HH-treated lambs (P < 0.02). These data suggest that increases in total intramuscular lipids may be achieved with high levels of vitamin A supplementation for 112 d in young lambs.

고지방 식이로 유도된 비만쥐에서 녹차 Catechin이 체지방 조성 및 지방조직에 미치는 영향

The current study examined the effects of catechin on lipid composition of serum and liver and adipocyte of epididymal fat pads in obese rats fed high fat diet. Sprague-Dawley male rats weighing 100±10 g were randomly divided into eight groups, four normal diet groups and four high fat diet groups according to the level of dietary catechin supplement. The rats were fed ad libitum experimental diets for 4 weeks and then they were sacrificed. Body weight in HF group was heavier than that of NC group, but HFCM and HFCH groups were significantly reduced compared to HF group. Relative body weight to abdominal weight and relative body weight to epididymal weight in HF group were increased to 103% and 106%, respectively, compared to NC group, but HFCM and HFCH groups were significantly reduced as compared to HF group. The levels of serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL?cholesterol and atherogenic index in HFCH groups were significantly lower than those of HF group, whereas HDL?cholesterol levels were increased. Total lipid contents of liver in HF group was significantly higher than that of NC group, but HFCH group maintained the NC level. There were no significant difference in hepatic triglyceride contents of high fat diet groups. Contents of hepatic cholesterol in HF group was 29% higher than that of NC group, but HFCM and HFCH groups were significantly reduced as compared to HF group. Cell number and cell size of epididymal fat pads in HFCM and HFCH groups were significantly reduced, respectively, compared to HF group. Improved lipid metabolism observed in rats fed catechin may be caused by an alteration of number and size in epididymal fat pad and lipid composition.

Opposite effects of WEB2086 on angiogenesis in atheromas and ischemic hindlimb of apoE gene deficient mice

Our previous research has suggested that platelet activating factor receptor was related to atherosclerosis. The present study investigated the effect of a platelet activating factor receptor antagonist-WEB2086 on angiogenesis in aortal plaque and ischemic hindlimb of apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. Eight-week-old apolipoprotein E-deficient mice were fed with a 0.15% cholesterol diet to develop advanced lesions. At age 32 weeks unilateral hindlimb ischemia was surgically induced and the mice were divided into two groups: with or without WEB2086 mixed with their drinking water (4.3 mg in 100 ml). At age 40 weeks blood was collected from the orbit for measurement of serum lipids and an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine platelet activating factor and oxidized low density lipoprotein in the gastrocnemius and aorta. Whole-Mount CD31 stain and plaque-associated sprouting have been used to estimate angiogenesis in plaque from the aorta and laser Doppler perfusion imaging and immunohistochemical expression of von Willebrand factor have been used to estimate angiogenesis in ischemic hindlimb. The lipid composition of serum was not different between the groups. However, the amount of platelet activating factor and oxidized low density lipoprotein detected in the aorta was significantly higher than that in the gastrocnemius of ischemic hindlimb. The ratio of lesion to aorta levels was significantly reduced by administration of WEB2086, (31.52 +/- 6.18)% vs (55.58 +/- 8.34)%, P < 0.01. The mean density of intimal capillaries in atherosclerotic plaque, (31.13 +/- 9.20)% vs (57.74 +/- 11.28)%, P < 0.01, and the mean number of sprouts per aorta were significantly reduced, 183.92 +/- 34.17 vs 392.54 +/- 76.79, P < 0.01, in the WEB2086 group. Blood flow (0.85 +/- 0.12 vs 0.45 +/- 0.06, P < 0.01) and capillary density of ischemic hindlimb (1.18 +/- 0.17 vs 0.53 +/- 0.09, P < 0.01) were markedly increased in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice treated with WEB2086 versus controls. The study provides evidence that WEB2086 can inhibit angiogenesis in atherosclerotic plaque but promote it in ischemic hindlimb.

Modifications in Postprandial Triglyceride-Rich Lipoprotein Composition and Size after the Intake of Pomace Olive Oil

Objective: This study was designed to determine the composition of postprandial triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL) after the intake of pomace olive oil (POO), which is a subproduct of the extraction of virgin olive oil (VOO) and presents a high concentration of minor components with biological activity.Methods: Meals enriched in POO and refined olive oil (ROO) were administrated to 9 healthy young men and blood was extracted every hour during a postprandial period of 7 hours. Serum and TRL lipid composition were measured by enzymatic and chromatographic methods and apolipoprotein B composition by SDS-PAGE.Results: POO and ROO showed a very similar fatty acid composition but differed in their unsaponifiable fraction. The content of phytosterols, tocopherols, terpenic acids and alcohols and fatty alcohols was much higher in POO than in ROO. Serum lipids were not affected by the administration of the oils but the triglyceride concentration in TRL and the size of the particles (p < 0.05) after POO was higher at time point 2 h and lower at time point 4 h compared with ROO. In contrast, the number of TRL particles was lower after POO, although the rate of clearance was similar.Conclusion: We suggest that the unsaponifiable fraction between the two olive oils affect the size and composition of postprandial TRL, which might have a relevant impact on their atherogenicity.

Soy compared to casein meal replacement shakes with energy-restricted diets for obese women: randomized controlled trial

Recent studies suggest that obese individuals lose weight more rapidly and lose more total weight with soy protein than with animal protein as a major diet component. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the weight-loss efficacy and changes in body composition, waist circumference, blood pressure, and levels of plasma glucose, insulin, serum lipids, C-reactive protein, and homocysteine from consumption of either 3 soy shakes or 3 casein shakes daily as part of a 16-week, energy-restricted diet for obese women. Forty-three women with body mass index values of 30 to 40 kg/m 2 were randomized to intensive dietary interventions using either casein (n = 21) or soy (n = 22) shakes. Subjects were instructed to consume 3 shakes, 1 prepackaged entrée, and 5 servings of fruits or vegetables daily to achieve an energy intake of 4.5 to 5.0 MJ/d. Subjects attended classes weekly or biweekly. Weight, body fat, lipid, and glucose measurements were obtained at baseline and at 8 and 16 weeks. For both groups combined, subjects lost 8.1% of initial body weight (7.7 kg) at 8 weeks and 13.4% (12.7 kg) at 16 weeks. Weight loss from baseline did not differ significantly by group and, for completing subjects, was 14.0% ± 1.2% (mean ± SE) for casein and 12.8% ± 1.4% for soy. With the intention-to-treat analysis, weight losses at 16 weeks were 12.5% ± 1.4% for casein and 11.3% ± 1.2% for soy. Body fat losses were 23.7% ± 2.0% for casein and 21.8% ± 2.4% for soy and did not differ significantly. Both study groups lost significant amounts of weight with a highly structured behavioral program incorporating 4 meal replacements and vegetables and fruits. Differences in weight loss and body composition changes between casein and soy treatments were not significant.

Higher plasma docosahexaenoic acid is associated with reduced progression of coronary atherosclerosis in women with CAD

Fish intake, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and in some cases alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) have been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular events and death. The association between n-3 fatty acids in plasma lipids and the progression of coronary artery atherosclerosis was assessed among women with established coronary artery disease (CAD). A prospective cohort study involved postmenopausal women (n = 228) participating in the Estrogen Replacement and Atherosclerosis Trial. Quantitative coronary angiography was performed at baseline and after 3.2 +/- 0.6 (mean +/- SD) years. Women with plasma phospholipid (PL) DHA levels above the median, compared with below, exhibited less atherosclerosis progression, as expressed by decline in minimum coronary artery diameter (-0.04 +/- 0.02 and -0.10 +/- 0.02 mm, respectively; P = 0.007) or increase in percentage stenosis (1.34 +/- 0.76% and 3.75 +/- 0.74%, respectively; P = 0.006), and had fewer new lesions [2.0% (0.5-3.5%) of measured segments (95% confidence interval) and 4.2% (2.8-5.6%), respectively; P = 0.009] after adjustments for cardiovascular risk factors. Similar results were observed for DHA in the triglycerides (TGs). EPA and ALA in plasma lipids were not significantly associated with atherosclerosis progression. Consistent with higher reported fish intake, higher levels of plasma TG and PL DHA are associated with less progression of coronary atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women with CAD.

Effect of feeding rumen-protected dietary protein–oil supplements on fatty acid composition and α-tocopherol content of blood serum and muscle lipids of lambs

This study evaluated the effect of feeding a rumen-protected, protein–oil supplement (RDPS) containing α-tocopheryl acetate (TA) and sunflower oil on fatty acid composition and α-tocopherol concentrations of blood serum and muscle in lambs. The RDPS contained 32.0% CP and 32.2% fat on a DM basis, and 465 IU Vitamin E/kg. Twenty-four, cross-bred lambs were allotted into three treatment groups with two pens of four lambs per group. Each pen of four lambs was fed one of three dietary treatments for 10 weeks: (1) control diet, 5.12 kg DM of corn basal diet (BD), 1.50 kg DM of grass hay, and 40 g of molasses as-fed basis, (2) Vitamin E diet, TA (1000 IU) plus control diet, or (3) RDPS diet, 2.0 kg as-fed basis of RDPS plus control diet (3.12 kg of DM of BD). Blood samples were collected biweekly from individual lambs over the 10-week feeding trial; longissimus dorsi (LD) and psoas major (PM) muscles were obtained from each lamb carcass to analyze α-tocopherol and fatty acid composition. Compared with lambs fed the control or Vitamin E diet, lambs fed the RDPS had a higher ( P < 0.05) concentration of linoleic (C18:2 n6) acid (23.04% or 24.93% versus 33.5%) and lower ( P < 0.05) concentrations of palmitic (C16:0) and oleic (C18:1 n9) acids in blood serum lipids. However, no differences ( P > 0.05) were found in concentrations of C16:0, C18:1 n9 or C18:2 n6 in the serum lipids from lambs fed the control and Vitamin E diets. Furthermore, the RDPS diet substantially increased ( P < 0.05) C18:2 n6 levels in LD and PM muscle lipids but decreased ( P < 0.05) C16:0 and C18:1 n9 compared to the control or Vitamin E diet. Lambs fed Vitamin E or RDPS diet had higher ( P < 0.05) concentrations of serum α-tocopherol than lambs fed the control diet, whereas serum α-tocopherol content in lambs fed the RDPS was 28.7% higher ( P < 0.05) than lambs fed the Vitamin E. Consequently, lambs fed the RDPS had higher ( P < 0.05) α-tocopherol concentrations in PM (7.43 μg/g) muscle than lambs fed the Vitamin E; however, no significant differences ( P > 0.05) were found in α-tocopherol concentrations in LD muscle from lambs fed either Vitamin E or RDPS diet. Results indicated that the RDPS protected polyunsaturated fat and α-tocopheryl acetate from ruminal degradation, resulting in increased content in blood serum and deposition in muscle tissues of lambs.

대황유래 Laminaran이 고콜레스테롤 식이를 급여한 흰쥐의 혈청지질 성분에 미치는 영향

본 연구는 국내산 갈조류에 대하여 laminaran의 함량을 조사한 결과 대황에서 다량의 laminaran을 함유하고 있는것으로 나타나 부분정제 laminaran의 생리활성 규명의 일환으로 대황에서 laminaran을 추출한 다음 고지방 식이로 사육한 흰쥐에게 음용수로 급여하였을 때 장기능과 혈청내 지질대사에 미치는 영향을 검토하기 위하여 실시하였다. 식이성 고지혈증이 유발된 실험동물은 대조군(control), laminaran0.25% 음용군(low dose, LL), laminaran 0.5% 음용군(high dose, LH)으로 나누었으며, 정상식이를 하는 정상군(normal)은 일반 음용수를 섭취시켰다. LL군 및 LH군은 대조군에 비해 체중증가량은 낮았고, 식이섭취량은 실험군 간유의적인 차이는 없었다. 체중 100 g당 간장, 신장, 부고환지방조직 무게는 고지혈증 유발 실험군(control, LL 및 LH군)이 정상군(normal)에 비해 높았으나, 실험대조군(control)에 비해서는 LL군과 LH군이 낮게 나타난 반면, 맹장의 무게는 LL군과 LH군이 대조군에 비해 무거웠으며, 소장과 대장의 길이는 정상군과 대조군에 비하여 길은 것으로 나타났다. 혈중 총지질 함량은 LL군 및 LH군이 대조군에 비해 각각 36.7 및 36.4%, 중성지질은 23.3 및 31.2%, 인지질 농도는 31.2및 41.2%로 감소하였다. 또한 총콜레스테롤 함량은 대조군에 비해 34.0 및 26.2%, LDL-콜레스테롤은 69.6 및 68.2%감소하였고, HDL-콜레스테롤 함량은 각각 40.4 및 44.6%증가하였다. 동맥경화지수(AI)는 대조군 1.8, LL군 0.5, LH군 0.6으로 대조군에 비해 AI가 각각 72.2 및 66.6% 감소하였다. 이상의 결과 laminaran은 식이성 고지혈증 흰쥐에 대한혈청 지질성분의 개선효과가 있는 것으로 사료되었다.

게르마늄강화효모가 혈청지질 및 면역세포변화에 미치는 영향

본 연구는 게르마늄강화효모(germanium: 3,210 ppm, 400 ㎎×3회/day)가 인체의 혈청지질 및 면역세포 변화에 미치는 효과를 평가를 목적으로 50~75세의 남녀 50명을 대상으로 임상실험을 실시하였으며, 게르마늄강화효모 복용 전후에 따른 혈청지질 수준의 변화 및 면역증진 기능평가에 중요한 역할을 하는 NK세포, B세포, T세포 및 항암기능 효과를 지니는 TNF-α의 생성의 변화를 확인하였다. 대조군과 보충군 모두 보충 전, 4주, 8주 후의 헤모글로빈, 헤마토크릿, 적혈구 지표(red blood cell indices) 및 백혈구 수, 혈소판, 혈당, ALT, AST, ALP, BUN, Cr, TB, TP, Alb, A/G ratio, γ-globulin(g/dL)이 보충에 따른 유의적인 차이는 나타나지 않았다. 총 콜레스테롤, LDL 콜레스테롤 및 HDL 콜레스테롤은 보충 전, 후에 따른 유의적인 차이는 나타나지 않았다. 중성지방의 경우 대조군에서는 보충 전, 후에 따른 유의적인 차이는 나타나지 않았으나, 게르마늄강화효모 보충군에서는 보충 전에 비해 보충 8주 후에는 p＜0.05 수준에서 유의적으로 감소하는 것으로 나타났다. B세포의 경우 대조군에서는 보충 전, 후에 따른 유의적인 차이는 나타나지 않았으나, 게르마늄강화효모 보충군에서는 보충 전에 비해 보충 8주 후에는 p＜0.05 수준에서 유의적으로 증가하는 것으로 나타났다. TNF-α의 경우 대조군에서는 보충 전, 후에 따른 유의적인 차이는 나타나지 않았으나, 게르마늄강화 효모 보충군에서는 보충 전에 비해 보충 8주 후에는 p＜0.05 수준에서 유의적으로 증가하는 것으로 나타났다. 이는 게르마늄강화효모가 인체의 면역증진에 각종 암, 성인병의 예방과 치료, 인체 면역력의 증진 등 건강증진을 위한 새로운 기능성 원료로의 활용이 기대되며, 이에 대한 지속적인 연구가 사료된다.

매생이가 고콜레스테롤 식이 투여 흰쥐의 지질대사에 미치는 영향

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Mesangi (Capsosiphon fulvescens, CF, a green alga) on lipid metabolism in rats, which was examined by analyzing the lipid composition in serum. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to one of three groups: the basal diet, high cholesterol, and high cholesterol supplemented with 5% dry Mesangi powder (CF-supplemented group). The body weight gains and food efficiency ratios of the rats fed the CF-supplemented diet were lower than those of the rats fed the basal diet. The levels of total lipid, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol in serum were reduced in the CF-supplemented group as compared to the cholesterol group. However, the level of HDL-cholesterol in blood increased with the addition of CF to the diet. Furthermore, levels of total lipid and cholesterol of liver in experimental group fed CF were significantly lower than the cholesterol group. A decrease in leptin expression levels was observed in the CF-supplemented group as compared to the cholesterol group. These results suggest that the addition of CF in hypercholesterolemic rats has an effect on the improvement of serum and liver levels of cholesterol, which may be related to the regulation of the atherogenic index and lipid metabolism in rats fed CF.

Lipid Composition of Egg Yolk and Serum in Laying Hens Fed Diets Containing Black Cumin (Nigella sativa)

Laying hens were fed diets without or with 10 or 30 g of the whole seed of black cumin (Nigella sativa)/kg. The concentrations of total lipids, total cholesterol, phospholipids and triacylglycerols in serum and egg yolk were measured. Feeding of the diets with 1 and 3% black cumin seeds for a period of three months reduced egg yolk total cholesterol by 34 and 42%, respectively. Serum cholesterol concentrations averaged for the whole feeding period were lowered by 15 and 23% after feeding the diets with 1 and 3% black cumin seeds, respectively. Black cumin seeds in the diet of laying hens also caused a lowering of serum and egg-yolk concentrations of triacylglycer ols and phospholipids. Inclusion of black cumin seeds in the diet caused a significant reduction in egg production, without any effect on egg width and length, while there was a significant increase in hen's body weight. The increase in body weight in the hens fed black cumin seeds is explained by the ingested feed energy not used for egg production. It is concluded that black cumin seeds and/or the active principle are of interest as potential egg-yolk cholesterol-lowering agents.

Cooperative effects of isoflavones and exercise on bone and lipid metabolism in postmenopausal Japanese women: a randomized placebo-controlled trial

Cooperative effects of isoflavones and exercise on bone and lipid metabolism have been exhibited in estrogen-deficient animals; however, results from clinical trials have not been published. In this study, we determined the effects of isoflavone intake and walking and their interaction on bone and lipid metabolism in postmenopausal women over 24 weeks. The bioavailability and metabolism of isoflavones (daidzein in particular) were also examined to clarify the mechanism of their bone-protective effects in humans. One hundred twenty-eight subjects were randomly assigned to 4 groups: placebo; placebo combined with walking (3 times per week); isoflavone intake (75 mg of isoflavones conjugates per day); and isoflavone combined with walking. The subjects were classified by equol status (producers or nonproducers) as identified using production of equol from daidzein in fecal culture. Bone mineral density (BMD), body composition, and serum concentrations of isoflavones were assessed. Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration significantly increased (6.1%, P = .03), and fat mass in the whole body significantly decreased (−4.3%, P = .0003) from the baseline in the combined intervention group. There were no significant differences in BMD between baseline and postintervention in any of the treatment groups. However, the percent changes in BMD in equol producers were −0.53% and +0.13% in the sub–whole body and total hip, respectively. This was significantly different compared with −1.35 and −1.77 for the sub–whole body and total hip, respectively, in nonproducers in the isoflavone group ( P = .049 and .040, respectively). The mean serum equol concentration was significantly higher in equol producers than in nonproducers in the isoflavone groups, but not in the placebo group. The combination of isoflavones and exercise exhibited favorable effects on serum lipid and body composition of postmenopausal women. The findings of this study suggest that the preventive effects of isoflavones on bone loss depend on the individual's intestinal flora for equol production.

Effects of Water Extracts from Mulberry Leaves on Hepatic HMG-CoA Reductase and Acyl-CoA-Cholesterol Acyl Transferase Activity in Rats Fed High Cholesterol Diets

This study investigated the effects of mulberry leaf extract on lipid metabolism in rats fed a high cholesterol diet. Sprague-Dawley male rats weighing 100±10 g were randomly assigned either to one of two normal diet groups, with (NE group) or without (N group) mulberry extract, or one of four high cholesterol groups containing 1% cholesterol and various levels of dietary mulberry leaf extract. The rats fed high cholesterol diets were subdivided into 4 groups according to level of mulberry extract; Mulberry extract free group (HC group), 0.8% mulberry leaf extract group (HCL group), 1.6% mulberry leaf extract (HCM group) and 3.2% mulberry leaf extract (HCH group). The rats were fed their respective diets ad libitum for 4 weeks. The levels of serum triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol of the HC group were higher than mulberry leaf extract supplemented groups. In contrast, the levels of serum HDL-cholesterol in groups supplemented with mulberry leaf extract were significantly lower than that of HC group. Hepatic total lipids, triglycerides, and cholesterol were significantly higher in the high cholesterol groups compared to those of the normal group, but were lower in the HCL, HCM and HCH groups than in the HC group. HMG-CoA reductase activity was significantly decreased in the HC and HCL groups compared to the normal and NE groups. However, the activities in the HCM and HCH group were similar to that of the normal group. The activity of acyl-CoA-cholesterol acyl transferase (ACAT) was increased in high cholesterol groups compared to the normal group. However, the activity was lower for all of the high cholesterol groups fed mulberry leaf extracts, and was lowest for the highest supplemented group (HCH), with no significantly difference from the normal group. In conclusion, the reduction in serum and hepatic lipid composition by mulberry leaf extract may be due to its modulation of HMG-CoA reductase and ACAT activities.

Thr-encoding Allele Homozygosity at Codon 54 of FABP 2 Gene May be Associated with Impaired Delta 6 Desatruase Activity and Reduced Plasma Arachidonic Acid in Obese Children

Alanine-for-threonine substitution at codon 54 (A54T polymorphism) in the fatty acid-binding protein 2 gene (FABP2) has been associated with hypertriglyceridemia and insulin resistance. Impairment in the activity of delta 6 and 5 desaturases is also supposed to be a factor predisposing the development of insulin resistance syndrome. We investigated the relationship between A54T polymorphism in FABP2 and the impairment of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism in obese children. Thirty-two obese children participated. During the study, the children continued their habitual diet, which was documented in a 3-day food record using household measures. Anthropometry was performed, and serum lipid and fatty acid composition in plasma were analyzed. The polymorphism of codon 54 in the FABP 2 gene was analyzed. The allele frequency was 0.66 and 0.34 for Ala54 and Thr54, respectively. There were no significant differences in age, body mass index, fasting serum glucose, insulin or serum lipoproteins among the three polymorphism groups. These were also no significant differences in the intake of energy, the percentage of energy nutrients or in the dietary lipid composition. The content of arachidonic acid (AA) in plasma was lowest in Thr/Thr54 (p < 0.05). The indices of delta-6 desaturase (D6D) activity in Thr/Thr54 were significantly lower than in Thr/Ala54 or Ala/Ala54 (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively). In obese children, Thr/Thr54 of the FABP 2 gene is associated with impaired activation of D6D and reduced AA content. The results in the LCPUFA profile suggest that Thr/Thr54 may predispose the to development of insulin resistance.

Determination of Lipid Composition of Plasma Lipoproteins in Children with a Rapid Agarose Gel Electrophoresis Method

The agarose gel electrophoresis and differential staining system is an easy and quick method for analyzing the serum lipid composition of each lipoprotein fraction. It has been reported in adults that measured values obtained by this method strongly correlated with those obtained by ultracentrifugation. The aim of this study was to examine the clinical application of this method for children, in comparison with the ultracentrifugation method. The subjects were sixteen hyperlipidemic and twenty-five normolipidemic children, aged from two to eighteen years old. Cholesterol (C) and triglyceride (TG) levels were determined in serum very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and high density lipoprotein (HDL) fractions by both methods. Correlation coefficients between the two methods for cholesterol levels were 0.937 (HDL), 0.983 (LDL) and 0.837 (VLDL), and for triglyceride levels were 0.735 (HDL), 0.621 (LDL) and 0.964 (VLDL). We confirmed the clinical application of this method to evaluate the lipoprotein lipid profile in children as well as in adults.

Relationship between serum adiponectin level and lipid composition in each lipoprotein fraction in adolescent children

The association of lipid composition in each lipoprotein fraction with adiponectin level in relation to body fatness was investigated. The subjects were 283 children (144 boys and 139 girls) aged 11.6 years (S.D. 1.5). Cholesterol (C) and triglyceride (TG) levels in each lipoprotein fraction were measured by a combination of agarose gel electrophoresis and differential staining. Adiponectin level was not significantly different between girls and boys. In simple regression analyses, an association of adiponectin level with lipoprotein lipid profile was shown only in girls, and not in boys at all. In girls, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-C, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-C, VLDL-TG and LDL-TG were negatively correlated with adiponectin level, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-C and HDL-C/TG ratio were positively correlated. Multiple regression analyses including adiponectin level and body mass index (BMI) as predictors for the lipoprotein lipid profile demonstrated that adiponectin level was a significant independent predictor of VLDL-TG, LDL-C, LDL-TG, HDL-C and HDL-C/TG ratio. In conclusion, adiponectin level correlates with lipoprotein lipid profile independent of body fatness in adolescent girls.