Significant Increase In Total Lipids Research Articles

PFOS-induced dyslipidemia and impaired cholinergic neurotransmission in developing zebrafish: Insight into its mechanisms

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a persistent organic pollutant that has been widely detected in the environment and is known to accumulate in organisms, including humans. The study investigated dose-dependent mortality, hatching rates, malformations, lipid accumulation, lipid metabolism alterations, and impacts on cholinergic neurotransmission. Increasing PFOS concentration led to higher mortality, hindered hatching, and caused concentration-dependent malformations, indicating severe abnormalities in developing zebrafish. The results also demonstrated that PFOS exposure led to a significant increase in total lipids, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL in a concentration-dependent manner, while HDL cholesterol levels were significantly decreased. Additionally, PFOS exposure led to a significant decrease in glucose levels. The study identified TGs, TCHO, and glucose as the most sensitive biomarkers in assessing lipid metabolism alterations. The study also revealed altered expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism, including upregulation of fasn, acaca, and hmgcr and downregulation of ldlr, pparα, and abca1, as well as decreased lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and increased fatty acid synthase (FAS) activity,suggesting an impact on fatty acid synthesis, cholesterol uptake, and lipid transport. Additionally, PFOS exposure led to impaired cholinergic neurotransmission, evidenced by a concentration-dependent inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity, altered gene expressions related to neural development and function, and reduced Na+/K+-ATPase activity. STRING network analysis highlighted two distinct gene clusters related to lipid metabolism and cholinergic neurotransmission, with potential interactions through the pparα-creb1 pathway. Overall, this study provide important insights into the potential health risks associated with PFOS exposure, including dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, impaired glucose metabolism, and neurotoxicity. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms and potential long-term effects of PFOS exposure.

Silver-Nanoparticle- and Silver-Nitrate-Induced Antioxidant Disbalance, Molecular Damage, and Histochemical Change on the Land Slug (Lehmannia nyctelia) Using Multibiomarkers.

It is known that silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and AgNO3 have harmful effects on the surrounding organisms, which may cause damage to these organisms. Therefore, the aim of this study is to detect damage caused by Ag NPs and silver nitrate to land slugs (Lehmannia nyctelia). In this study, the slugs were exposed to various concentrations of Ag NPs and AgNO3 for 15 days. The biochemical, antioxidant, lipid peroxidation (LPO), DNA fragmentation, and histopathological endpoints were assessed after 15 days of exposure to different concentrations of Ag NPs (0.04, 0.08, 0.4, and 0.8 g/L) and silver nitrate (0.04, 0.08, 0.4, and 0.8 g/L). The results show a significant decrease in total protein, total carbohydrate, superoxide dismutase, and GST and a significant increase in total lipid, LPO, and DNA fragmentation after exposure to Ag NPs and AgNO3 for 15 days compared with the control group. Histopathiological alterations were observed in the digestive glands which were indicated by histochemical staining. We concluded that exposure to AgNO3 and Ag NPs caused oxidative stress, genetic damage and alterations in the profile of muscle proteins and histological structure in L. nyctelia.

Effect of antiretroviral therapy on lipid profile in newly diagnosed HIV-infected children of immune stage III and IV

Background: There are increasing concerns about the adverse effects of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on lipid profiles. Limited studies reported the adverse effects of HAART on lipid profiles from the Indian subcontinent. Methods: This observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in North Western India. The objective of the study was to find out the adverse effects on lipid profiles after HAART initiation in newly diagnosed HIV-infected children of immune stage III and IV in the 18 months to 16 year age group. These 43 children were evaluated every 3 months for lipid profile for 1 year. Results: There was a nonsignificant increase in total lipid and phospholipid levels and a statistically significant increase in triglycerides (TGs), cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels after initiation of HAART therapy and a statistically significant decline in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level after initiation of HAART therapy in immune phase III. The mean level of total lipid profile, phospholipids, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL, and TGs before starting of treatment was 474 mg/dl, 147 mg/dl, 126.8 mg/dl, 44.7 mg/dl, 94.3 mg/dl, 22.9 mg/dl, and110 mg/dl in immune stage IV, respectively. After starting treatment, the mean level of total lipid profile, phospholipids, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL, and TGs was 495.7 mg/dl, 164 mg/dl, 146.5 mg/dl, 38.9 mg/dl, 108.5 mg/dl, 28.9 mg/dl, and 127.3 mg/dl in immune stage IV, respectively. There was a statistically significant increase in total lipid, TG, phospholipid, cholesterol, LDL, and VLDL levels. There was a statistically significant decline in HDL level after initiation of HAART therapy in immune stage IV. Conclusions: We concluded that there was a significant alteration in lipid profile in HIV-infected children of immune stage III and IV with HAART.

Manipulation of triacylglycerol biosynthesis in Nannochloropsis oceanica by overexpressing an Arabidopsis thaliana diacylglycerol acyltransferase gene

Given the depleting fossil fuel resource, oleaginous microalgae have a great potential as feedstocks for sustainable and environment-friendly biofuels. Improvement of neutral lipid, especially triacylglycerol (TAG), accumulation, without a cost of growth is considerably desirable for the commercial feasibility of microalgae-derived biofuels. Genetic engineering emerges as a feasible and effective strategy to achieve this goal. Diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) catalyzes the committed and final step in the de novo biosynthesis pathway of TAG. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of overexpression of plant-derived DGAT gene in Nannochloropsis sp. remains obscure. In this study, the type1 DGAT gene (AtDGAT) from Arabidopsis thaliana was heterogeneously expressed in Nannochloropsis oceanica by electroporation, yielding one AtDGAT transformant (N4 strain). The integration and transcription of AtDGAT in N. oceanica cells were confirmed by PCR. Results revealed that HSP70A-RBSC2 promoter could activate AtDGAT transcription in N. oceanica treated with or without heat shock. AtDGAT transcription in N4H cells (with heat shock) was 31.25 times as high as that in N4 cells (without heat shock). The overexpression of AtDGAT in N. oceanica led to a significant increase in total lipid and TAG contents without compromising algal growth. In addition, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis indicated that AtDGAT overexpression caused a drastic elevation in C16 (C16:0 + C16:1) but a slight decline in C18 (C18:0 + C18:1), compared to wild-type N. oceanica, and the variations were further intensified with heat shock. This study offers a valuable and rational strategy of genetic manipulation of TAG content in N. oceanica and facilitates the commercialization of microalgal biofuel. This is also the first successful attempt of overexpression of plant-derived DGAT gene in Nannochloropsis sp., providing novel insights into the genetic engineering of oleaginous microalgae.

A Tree Peony Trihelix Transcription Factor PrASIL1 Represses Seed Oil Accumulation.

In many higher plants, seed oil accumulation is governed by complex multilevel regulatory networks including transcriptional regulation, which primarily affects fatty acid biosynthesis. Tree peony (Paeonia rockii), a perennial deciduous shrub endemic to China is notable for its seed oil that is abundant in unsaturated fatty acids. We discovered that a tree peony trihelix transcription factor, PrASIL1, localized in the nucleus, is expressed predominantly in developing seeds during maturation. Ectopic overexpression of PrASIL1 in Nicotiana benthamiana leaf tissue and Arabidopsis thaliana seeds significantly reduced total fatty acids and altered the fatty acid composition. These changes were in turn associated with the decreased expression of multitudinous genes involved in plastidial fatty acid synthesis and oil accumulation. Thus, we inferred that PrASIL1 is a critical transcription factor that represses oil accumulation by down-regulating numerous key genes during seed oil biosynthesis. In contrary, up-regulation of oil biosynthesis genes and a significant increase in total lipids and several major fatty acids were observed in PrASIL1-silenced tree peony leaves. Together, these results provide insights into the role of trihelix transcription factor PrASIL1 in controlling seed oil accumulation. PrASIL1 can be targeted potentially for oil enhancement in tree peony and other crops through gene manipulation.

A Comparative Research between Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Profile of Anti-Hyperlipidemic Activity on Rodents

The condition of hyperlipidemia is found to be a great establisher for all the negative health consequences which may lead to cardiac complications. Continuous usage of medication alone is not permanent remedy but also need physical exercise. The same situation was established in animals to assess the performance of pharmacological and non-pharmacological profile by standardized screening using In-vivo methods. The high-cholesterol diet caused a significant increase in total lipids, total cholesterol (TC), total triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and the atherogenic index, whereas the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly decreased for the treatment groups intended for physical exercise. This article enables the importance of health benefited by physical performance by depicting the biochemical parameters.
 Keywords: Hyperlipidemia, Triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, activity wheel, Physical exercise, Cardiac performance.

Bioactivity of Moringa oleifera and Ruta angustifolia Oils on Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) Moths’ Vitality

Spodoptera littoralis, cotton leafworm is a destructive pest for several economic crops. The more use of chemical pesticide the more increase of this pest resistance, that lead to discovering new natural pesticides from plant extracts and oils. The present search is targeted to suggest alternative components from natural sources that more safety to the ecosystem and had the ability to reduce insect prohibition. The experimental results exhibited highly significance effect on adult moths’ vitality aspects with the pre-pupal treatments by Moringa oleifera and Ruta angustifoliaat all tested concentration especially 4% concentration as shorten female moths' longevity and reduced the oviposition period. Obviously, moringa recorded the shortest oviposition period (3.00 days) while ruta oil recorded (5.33 days) compared to control (10.66 days). Significantly reduced fecundity and hatchability and increased the sterility% compared to control. The tested plant oils caused severe ovarian and testicular histological deformation and significant increase in total lipids and total carbohydrate contents also, marked DNA fragmentation in variable levels in ovaries and testes in each oil treatments at 4% concentration. The promising results of both oils on S. littoralis reproductive system can prove them be used in the integrated management programs of this pest.

Lake Edku pollutants induced biochemical and histopathological alterations in muscle tissues of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

This study aimed to assess some water quality parameters of Lake Edku, evaluation of the effect of a complex mixture of contaminants on the fish biochemical composition, and the histopathological changes in muscle tissue of Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus inhabiting different locations of Lake Edku. Methods: Water samples and 200 fish of O. niloticus were collected from different regions of Lake Edku and transported to the laboratory. Fish were divided into three groups: El-Maadyah region, Edku drain, and the recovery (El-Maadyah region). Recovery fish were left in aquaria for a month. Water quality parameters including temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and salinity were measured. Muscle total protein, total lipid, energy value, moisture, and ash content were determined, and the histopathology of fish muscle was examined. A significant decrease of dissolved oxygen in the Edku drain region compared to El-Maadyah and the recovery groups was observed. The salinity value showed a significant increase in the El-Maadyah region compared to the other groups. On the other hand, Edku drain fish group exhibited a significant decrease in muscle total protein, energy value, and ash content compared to the other groups. In contrast, it exhibited an increase in the water content and a significant increase in total lipids compared to the other groups. The muscle sections of El-Maadyah and Edku drain fish revealed several alterations compared to the recovery fish including hyalinized and necrotic muscle fibers, vacuolar degeneration, parasitic granuloma, infiltration of macrophages, dispersed muscle fibers by edema, fatty tissue, a variable amount of connective tissue proliferation between bundles and glycogen granules. The results confirm that fish contaminated environment could result in the damage of muscle tissue and has negative impacts on the fish quality and its validation to human consumption.

COMPARATIVE STUDIES ON GROWTH, METABOLISM AND YIELD OF SESAME PLANT BY USING SEAWEED, PLANT EXTRACTS AND SOME GROWTH REGULATORS

A field experiments were carried out in season of 2016/2017 at Botanical garden, Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al- Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, to study the role of bio stimulant (seaweed and plant leaves extracts as a liquid fertilizer) and some growth regulators (indole acetic acid and benzyl adenine) as comparative studies to select the better for improving the growth, biochemical constituents and yield of sesame plants. The results revealed that application leaves extracts of Punica granatum showed significant improvement effects on shoot length, number of pods/plant, weight of seeds / plant, contents of chlorophyll a; b; total chlorophyll (a+ b), carotenoids, total lipids, amylases and peroxidase activities of sesame plants as compared to the other treatments. Fresh and dry weight of shoot was significant increases by using Olea europaea leave and Sargassum latifolium water extracts. Carotenoids content was significant increase in response to all of bio stimulant growth regulators. Olea europaea, Carolina elongata leaves water extracts (5g/L) and benzyl adenine (50 ppm) caused significant decrease of chlorophyll a, b and a+b. Total soluble carbohydrates of shoots of sesame plants significantly decreased in response to Psidium guajava leaves extract compared to the control and other treatments. However, Olea europaea and benzyl adenine caused significant increase in total soluble carbohydrates at yield stage. All treatments caused significant increase of total lipids of sesame plants. Data cleared that, amylase and peroxidase activities significantly increased by all treatments.

Antioxidant Effect of Ascorbic Acid (Vit.C) in Different Concentration against Harmful Effect of Toxic Heavy Metal (Lead Acetate) in Rats

Ascorbic acid (Vit.C) is one of the most potent antioxidants that interacts directly with the oxidizing radicals and protects the cells from reactive oxygen species. There is a need to increase the daily intake of Vit.C. The present study was aimed to evaluate the potential protective effects of different concentration of Vit.C against oxidative stress of lead acetate toxicity (Pb) in rats. Fifty albino male rats with average body weight 180 gm were classified into five equal groups (10 each); control group received tap water only, Pb group received 0.2% lead acetate /kg,b.w and the other three groups received 500, 1000 and 1500 mg Vit. C, along with 0.2%lead acetate /kg.bw, respectively. Doses were orally administered daily for two months.The results showed that Pb affected significantly on the hematological parameters, which decreased red blood cell count (RBC) by 28.9%, hemoglobin(HB) by 28.2%, hematocrit (Htc) by 26.4%and platelets(Plt) by 25,1% than control group ;while white blood cell count (WBC) increased significantly by 35.9% than control group. But Vit.C enhanced hematological parameters in the present of lead acetate at all concentrations than lead group, and the best effect was found with high concentration (1500mg),where it increased RBC count by 27.5%,Hb by 44.7%,Htc by 30.2%and Plt by 45%,while WBC count was decreased by 29%.Pb caused significant increase in total lipid by 53.7%, triglyceride (TG) by 43.6%, cholesterol (CHO) by 50%, low density lipoprotein (LDL)by 76% and very low density lipoprotein(VLDL) by 43.8% than control group, while Vit.C significantly decrease the total lipid by 26.1%, TG by 20.5%,CHO by 21.3%.LDL by 50%, and VLDL by 2o.5% at high concentration of Vit C(1500mg),it also increased HDL significantly by 57.5% than lead group. Pb administration increased nitric oxide (NO) by 53.9% and thiobarbaturic acid reactive substances(TBARS) by 53.3% in plasma compared to the control group, while it significantly decreased glutathione (GSH) by 50% and total antioxidants capacity (TAC) by 57.9%.Pb also increased NO and TBARS and decreased GSH and TAC in liver, kidneys and brain. Vit.C had benefits effect as antioxidant activity, the best effect noticed in the highest concentration of Vit.C (1500 mg).It caused significant decrease in NO by 23.4% and TBARS by 25.5%.But also caused significant increase in GSH by 60% and TAC by 100% in plasma than lead group. Vit C also decreased NO and TBARS and increased GSH and TAC in organs than lead groupIt can be concluded that Vit.C is capable of alleviating the harmful effects of Pb and highly recommended increasing the daily intake of Vit. C either from food rich in ascorbic acid or from supplementation.

Dietary Selenium or Zinc Supplementation Restores Brain Lipid Composition and Membrane Fluidity in Protein-Undernourished Rats

Studies have shown that protein undernutrition (PU) modifies the membrane lipid composition in the intestine and liver, as well as in plasma and other areas. However, there is limited information on the effect of PU on synaptosomal membrane lipid composition and fluidity and the protective role of selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn), which is a major focus of the present study. For 10 weeks, rats were fed diets containing 16% casein, which constituted the adequate protein diet, or 5% casein, representing the PU diet. The animals were supplemented with Se and Zn at a concentration of 0.15 and 227 mg L^-1, respectively, in drinking water for 3 weeks. The results showed a significant increase in total lipids, glycolipids, triglycerides, cholesterol, and the cholesterol/phospholipid (Chol/PL) ratio, and a significant reduction in phospholipids and membrane fluidity. Se and Zn supplementation to PU rats, however, significantly lowered total lipids, glycolipids, triglycerides, cholesterol, and the Chol/PL ratio, while phospholipids and membrane fluidity were significantly restored. It is concluded that a perturbed lipid composition induced by PU affects the membrane structure and fluidity, which in turn influences membrane functions. The study suggests that Se and Zn supplementation might be beneficial in restoring the lipid dyshomeostasis associated with PU.

Anti-hyperlipidemic activity of an extract from roots and rhizomes of Panicum repens L. on high cholesterol diet-induced hyperlipidemia in rats.

The hypolipidemic effect of an ethanolic extract from the roots and rhizomes of Panicum repens L. was investigated in rats suffering from high-cholesterol, diet-induced hyperlipidemia, and the phytochemicals in the extract were analyzed. The extract was administered p.o. in doses of 250 mg/kg/day together with cholesterol at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day for 7 weeks. The high-cholesterol diet caused a significant increase in total lipids, total cholesterol (TC), total triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and the atherogenic index, whereas the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly decreased. Administration of the P. repens extract (p<0.05) significantly reduced the rise of the serum levels of total lipids, TC, TG, and LDL-C, as well as the atherogenic index, whereas it significantly increased (p<0.05) the level of HDL-C. HPLC analysis of the phenolics and flavonoids in the extract revealed the presence of gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, chicoric acid, primulic acid, rutin, apigenin-7-glucoside, and quercetin. In conclusion, the P. repens extract was found to possess hypolipidemic activity in high-fat, diet-induced hyperlipidemic rats.

Evaluation of microalga for biodiesel using lipid and fatty acid as a marker – A central composite design approach

Present study used central composite design (CCD) to evaluate algal strains for biodiesel by optimizing their harvesting time and pH. As a preliminary step, green alga Chlorella vulgaris MCRC A0001 and two cyanobacteria Chroococcus turgidus MCRC A0002 and Spirulina platensis MCRC A0005 have been explored for growth in terms of cell number, protein, chlorophyll-a, dry weight and pH from every 5th day till 25th day of growth. Furthermore, no hitherto report on CCD approach to inspect the impact of harvesting period and pH on algal lipid content. As evident from CCD, seemly candidate C. vulgaris MCRC A0001 exhibited high lipid content of 0.22 g dry weight−1 on day 20 compared to other strains. Under nitrogen stimulus, C. vulgaris MCRC A0001 grown under 0 g nitrogen/L and 27 °C showed 1.39 gL−1 biomass which marginally equal to control, and a significant increase in total lipid about 26% which is 4% high over control forum. It is noteworthy that, high biomass coupled with high lipid content was observed in nitrogen deprived and limited cells of C. vulgaris MCRC A0001. Additionally, robust methyl ester yield at 0.69 g g−1 was observed in 1:9 ratio of lipid-methanol and 3% NaOH, and ester yield was confirmed by FTIR spectra and gas chromatogram. Besides, gas chromatographic analysis revealed an increase in C16:0–29.61%, C18:1–25.33%, C18:2–11.3% which are prerequisite for biodiesel production. Further, biodiesel was critically analyzed for Degree of unsaturation (DU-77.32) and Long chain saturation factor (LCSF-2.96) which accords the European standard.

Silibinin mitigates zidovudine-induced hepatocellular degenerative changes, oxidative stress and hyperlipidaemia in rats.

Prolonged zidovudine (AZT) treatment in HIV-infected and AIDS patients is shown to induce liver toxicity leading to complications. Therapeutic regimen that could encounter this adverse effect is unavailable and management of toxicity is often symptomatic or is limited to withdrawal of therapy. In the present investigation, we evaluated the alleviating properties of silibinin (SBN), a flavanolignan obtained from Silybum marianum against subacute AZT-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats. AZT treatment (50 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) periorally (p.o.), daily for 45 days) caused highly significant increases in alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, argininosuccinic acid lyase and bilirubin in serum. Oxidative stress is shown by a highly significant increase in lipid peroxidase and total carbonyl content and decrease in catalase and protein thiols in the liver tissue. Hyperlipidaemia is indicated by highly significant increase in total lipids and free fatty acid in serum. Evaluation of liver by haematoxylin and eosin staining shows parenchymal cell enlargement, inflammatory changes and increase in sinusoidal spaces. Simultaneous treatment of SBN (100 mg/kg b.w. p.o., daily for 45 days) significantly protected the liver against hepatotoxicity, oxidative stress and hyperlipidaemia induced by AZT, and this alleviating property is attributed to hepatoprotective, membrane-stabilizing, antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties of SBN.

Testicular disorders induced by plant growth regulators: cellular protection with proanthocyanidins grape seeds extract.

The present study aims to investigate the adverse effects of plant growth regulators : gibberellic acid (GA3) and indoleacetic acid (IAA) on testicular functions in rats, and extends to investigate the possible protective role of grape seed extract, proanthocyanidin (PAC). Male rats were divided into six groups; control group, PAC, GA3, IAA, GA3+PAC and IAA+PAC groups. The data showed that GA3 and IAA caused significant increase in total lipids, total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol in the serum, concomitant with a significant decrease in high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, total protein, and testosterone levels. In addition, there was significant decrease in the activity of alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase. A significant decrease was detected also in epididymyal fructose along with a significant reduction in sperm count. Testicular lipid peroxidation product and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels were significantly increased. Meanwhile, the total antioxidant capacity, glutathione, sulphahydryl group content, as well as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity were significantly decreased. Moreover, there were a number of histopathological testicular changes including Leydig's cell degeneration, reduction in seminiferous tubule and necrotic symptoms and sperm degeneration in both GA3- and IAA-treated rats. However, an obvious recovery of all the above biochemical and histological testicular disorders was detected when PAC seed extract was supplemented to rats administered with GA3 or IAA indicating its protective effect. Therefore it was concluded that supplementation with PAC had ameliorative effects on those adverse effects of the mentioned plant growth regulators through its natural antioxidant properties.

Grape seeds proanthocyanidin extract as a hepatic-reno-protective agent against gibberellic acid induced oxidative stress and cellular alterations.

The present study aims to investigate the heptonephro-protective effect of grape seeds proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) against the risks induced by gibberellic acid (GA3) in male rats. The results recorded that GA3 caused a significant increase in total lipids, total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-C levels in serum, concomitant with a significant decrease in serum HDL-C. A significant increase in serum AST, ALT, urea and creatinine, while, a significant decrease in total protein content in serum was observed in rats given GA3. Hepatic and renal lipid peroxidation product (MDA) was significantly increased, meanwhile, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione, and catalase levels were significantly decreased. In addition, there was a negative change in liver structure including dilatation in the central veins with degeneration of endothelium cells and cellular injury around the veins as well as in the kidney structure such as lesion in both glomeruli and tubules, detachment of the Malpighian corpuscles from the Bowman's capsule's epithelium, shrinkage in the glomerular capillary network. However, almost all of these adverse effects seemed to be ameliorated by oral administration of GSPE with GA3 to rats for 2month indicating the protective effect of grape seeds GSPE on GA3 induced oxidative stress in rats.

Reduction in hypercholesterolemia and risk of cardiovascular diseases by mixtures of plant food extract: a study on plasma lipid profile, oxidative stress and testosterone in rats

The present study was postulated to prepare and evaluate the influence of two plant food extract mixtures on plasma lipid profile, oxidative stress and testosterone levels in rats fed a hypercholesterolemic diet. The safety of the studied extract mixtures was evaluated through the determination of liver and kidney functions. The total phenolic contents, tocopherols, fatty acids and unsaponifiable matter (UNSAP) in the extract mixtures were determined. Rats fed a hypercholesterolemic diet were given a daily oral dose (300 mg/kg rat body weight) of either mixture I or II for a month and compared with a control hypercholesterolemic group and a normal control group. Results showed that α-tocopherol was 0.750 and 4.017 mg, γ-tocopherol was 0.564 mg and 0 and δ-tocopherol was 15.23mg and 0.634mg/100g for mixtures I and II, respectively. The phenolic contents in mixtures I and II were 36.74 and 23.72 g gallic acid equivalent/100g mixture, respectively. The GLC investigation of UNSAP revealed that stigmasterol and b-sitosterol were the major phytosterols in mixtures I and II, respectively followed by campesterol in both. The GLC analysis of the fatty acids showed that oleic acid was the major fatty acid in both extract mixtures. Results from the animal experiment showed that feeding a hypercholesterolemic diet produced a significant increase in total lipids, total cholesterol (T-Ch), triglycerides (TGs), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLCh), T-Ch/HDL-Ch, TGs/HDL-Ch and malondialdehyde (MDA) and a significant reduction in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-Ch), vitamin E, b-carotene and testosterone. Rats fed a hypercholesterolemic diet and given mixture I or II showed significant improvements in plasma lipid profile compared to the hypercholesterolemic control group. This improvement was associated with a significant reduction in oxidative stress reflected by an elevation in plasma levels of antioxidants (vitamin E and b-carotene) and a reduction in plasma MDA levels. The plasma level of testosterone increased significantly in the rats fed the hypercholesterolemic diet and given mixture I or II compared to the hypercholesterolemic control. Plasma testosterone showed a significant negative correlation with plasma TGs and TGs/HDL-Ch in the hypercholesterolemic control rats. The studied extract mixtures showed complete safety towards liver and kidney functions. In conclusion the tested extract mixtures showed an improvement in the plasma lipid profile, a significant increase in testosterone and a decrease in oxidative stress with promising prevention of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. The antiatherogenic effect of the extract mixtures may be due to the presence of phenolic compounds, phytosterols, tocopherols and unsaturated fatty acids.

Effects of fasting and refeeding on the antioxidant system in cockerels and pullets

The effect of fasting and refeeding on total antioxidant status (TAS), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and concentration of some non-enzymatic antioxidant compounds was studied in cockerels and pullets. Blood was collected before and after 48-h fasting and 24 h after refeeding. In cockerels, fasting resulted in a significant decrease of TAS and uric acid concentration. After refeeding, the concentration of TAS remained significantly lower as compared to the control level. At the same time, blood plasma level of total lipids increased in comparison to the control and post-fasting values. In pullets, fasting resulted in a significant decrease of whole blood haemolysate GSH-Px activity and blood plasma concentrations of albumin and uric acid. Simultaneously, a significant increase in total lipids and cholesterol was obtained. In pullets, refeeding resulted in a further decrease of TAS to undetectable values, a significant decrease of blood plasma cholesterol, and a significant increase of GSH-Px in the whole blood haemolysate and in blood plasma uric acid content. The results indicate that fasting has a negative impact on the antioxidant defence system of the blood, which leads to a reduced resistance to oxidative stress in both cockerels and pullets. However, pullets seem to be more susceptible to fasting-provoked oxidative stress than cockerels.

Lipid content of breast milk of lactating women in Benin City, Nigeria

A study on the lipid profile of breast milk expressed from women in Benin City as influenced by age, parity, lactation duration, socio-economic status of the mother and sex of the baby was embarked upon. All the women chosen in the study practice exclusive breast feeding and, nursing successfully their evidently healthy infants. The age of the mother did not have any significant change on the total lipid, cholesterol and phospholipid composition of breast milk. Also, the sex of the baby did not affect lipid composition of breast milk of the mother. However, the results obtained show that parity (i.e. number of previous births), lactation period and socio-economic status of the mother separately altered milk lipid profile. While there was a gradual significant increase in total lipid as the lactation duration increased, a decrease in cholesterol and phospholipid was observed. Total lipid, cholesterol and phospholipid contents of breast milk increased as the number of previous births increases. Lastly, milk total lipid of lactating women from rich socio-economic background was higher than women with poor background. (Global Journal of Medical Science, 2004, 3 (1&2): 23-27)

Effect of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus on some Biochemical Parameters in Female Patients

It has been noticed that there is an increase in the number of women suffering from SLE. Most studies confirmed that serum DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) and DHEA sulphate are lower among patients with SLE than among controls even- during phases of inactive disease so we performed this study to detect the level of DHEA-S in the female patients with SLE. The overall results confirm that DHEA treatment was well- tolerated, significantly reduced the number of SLE flares, and improved patient’s global assessment of disease activity. Some serum parameters like liver and kidney functions were detected. Biochemical analysis showed that there is a significant increase of total lipids, cholestrol, triglycerides. But insignificant change in serum glucose, urea nitrogen and uric acid levels were recorded. From the present study three things were concluded. Firstly, there is a strong relationship between level of DHEA and the progression of SLE. Secondly, liver activity and kidney functions were not affected by SLE disease.Thirdly, DHEA treatment has a beneficial effect on female patients. So this study recommended to follow up DHEAS in female patients and use it in a proper dosage. In addition, further study must be done.