Serum Total Phospholipids Research Articles

Electrochemical analysis of total phospholipids in human serum for severe sepsis diagnosis

Electrochemical analysis of total phospholipids was performed for the diagnosis of sepsis. The influence of electrode materials on the analysis of the chromogenic substrate was analyzed using Au, graphite, and pyrolyzed carbon electrodes. The total phospholipid analysis based on electrochemical analysis with pyrolyzed carbon was used for diagnosis of sepsis using sera from healthy volunteers, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), and severe sepsis patients. The analysis results using the optical measurement and the electrochemical analysis were compared for the serum samples from sepsis patients and healthy controls. Additionally, the interference of human serum on the optical measurement and electrochemical analysis was estimated by signal-to-noise (S/N) calculation. The assay results of the levels of other biomarkers for sepsis (C-reactive protein and procalcitonin) and the total phospholipid levels obtained using the optical measurement and electrochemical analysis methods were statistically similar. Finally, the mortality of patients, indicated by the results of the total phospholipid assay performed using the electrochemical analysis of the patient samples collected daily (1, 3, and 7 day(s) after admission to hospital), was compared with the patient mortality assessed via conventional severity indexes, such as the SOFA and APACHE Ⅱ scores. The 28-day survival rate was estimated by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis based on the total phospholipid level of patient samples that were obtained after 1, 3, and 7 day(s) from hospital admission.

Effect of Paper Mill Effluent on Lipid Profile of Freshwater Snake Headed Fish, Channa punctatus (Bloch, 1793)

Industrial effluents reaching the aquatic ecosystem through various routes like run-off, leaching, and direct discharge from factories are major causes of environmental pollution. These were reported to have a negative metabolic impact on different non-target aquatic organisms. Fish is a close inhabitant of the aquatic environment, serves as a useful model for assessing the effect of chemicals mixed in the aquatic environment. Channa punctatus Bloch (Actinopterygii: Channidae), one of the most common edible fish, if exposed to industrial effluents containing harmful substances, maybe a serious threat to human health. In the present study, an attempt was made to understand the effect of sublethal concentrations of paper mill effluent on lipid profiles of Channa punctatus after exposure to 96 hours. A significant increase was observed in total serum lipid, cholesterol, and phospholipid with decreased triglyceride levels. A significant increase was observed in the cholesterol and triglycerides levels, whereas total lipids and phospholipid levels showed a marked decline in the liver. Thus present study concludes that the estimation of the lipids profile of fish will certainly detect early signs of stress physiology concerning their habitat.

Serial changes in the serum levels of leptin, homocysteine, galectin-3, total phospholipids and hexosamines among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

BackgroundCoronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cardiovascular disorder in adults. This study was performed to elucidate the role of active leptin, homocysteine, galectin-3, total phospholipids, total, bound, free hexosamines, free-to-bound hexosamines ratio in the pathogenesis of chronic myocardial ischemia and studying the effect of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on their serum levels. MethodsA prospective case control study was carried out on 100 ischemic heart disease male patients undergoing elective CABG and 25 healthy males. Serum levels of total phospholipids, total and free hexosamines, were estimated using spectrophotometric methods, while, serum levels of active leptin, homocysteine and galectin-3 were estimated using ELISA assay kit. ResultsSignificant higher serum active leptin, homocysteine, galectin-3, free hexosamines and free to bound hexosamines ratio levels preoperatively when compared with the control group (p < 0.01 for all) with significant lowering of their serum levels following CABG (p < 0.01 for all) except for active leptin. Significant lower serum total phospholipids, total and bound hexosamines levels preoperatively when compared with the control group (p < 0.01 for all) with significant elevations in their serum levels following CABG (p < 0.01 for all). ConclusionsHigh active leptin, homocysteine, galectin-3, free and free to bound hexosamines ratio and low total phospholipids, total and bound hexosamines play an important role in the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia. The serum levels of homocysteine, galectin-3, hexosamines and total phospholipids, but not active leptin are significantly lowered following CABG.

Effects of cholesterol-supplemented and unsupplemented diets containing unextracted and extracted Syzygium cumini seeds on lipid profiles of alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats

Background: Hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia are the major problems associated with diabetes. Various agents are being tried to solve these so that problems related to micro- and macroangiopathy can be averted. Plant fibers particularly water-soluble gummy fibers have been reported earlier to reduce blood lipids and cholesterol levels in normal and diabetic animals and humans. Objective: Effects of cholesterol-supplemented and unsupplemented diets containing unextracted and extracted Syzygium cumini seeds on lipid profiles of alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats Material and Methods: Powder of Syzygium cumini seeds was successively extracted using organic solvents, and hypolipidemic and hypocholesterolemic activities of 15% unextracted, 15% extracted, and 15% degummed S. cumini seeds with cholesterol-supplemented and unsupplemented diets were assayed in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Result: In this study, significant decrease in the levels of total serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, serum phospholipids, and total cholesterol and triglycerides in tissues of liver, heart, and aorta was observed. Also, significant increase was observed in the phospholipid levels in tissues of liver, heart, aorta, and biliary, and fecal bile acid content and sterols in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Conclusion: The hypocholesterolemic and hypolipidemic effects of S. cumini seeds may be attributed to their watersoluble gel-forming gummy fiber acting by decreasing cholesterol absorption and breakdown leading to an increased fecal excretion of bile acids and sterols.

Serum choline plasmalogens, particularly those with oleic acid in sn-2, are associated with proatherogenic state

Serum plasmalogens (Pls) (1-O-alk-1'-enyl-2-acyl glycerophospholipids) are of particular interest for studies on metabolic disorders associated with oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Serum levels of Pls are known to correlate positively with HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C); however, few studies have examined serum Pls molecular species in association with pathophysiological conditions and their clinical significance. To clarify these, we determined serum levels of individual ether glycerophospholipids in Japanese asymptomatic cohorts (n = 428; 362 male and 66 female subjects) by LC/MS/MS, and examined their correlations with clinical parameters. We found that the proportion of choline Pls (PlsCho) among total serum phospholipids was significantly lower in the male group over 40 years old and was associated with multiple risk parameters more strongly than HDL-C. The abundance of serum PlsCho with oleic acid (18:1) in sn-2 exhibited the strongest positive correlation with serum concentrations of adiponectin and HDL-C, while being inversely associated with waist circumference and the serum levels of TG and small dense LDL-cholesterol. The characterization of serum ether glycerophospholipids verified the specificity of PlsCho, particularly the ones with 18:1 in sn-2, as a sensitive biomarker for the atherogenic state.

Cilostazol Inhibits Accumulation of Triglyceride in Aorta and Platelet Aggregation in Cholesterol-Fed Rabbits

Cilostazol is clinically used for the treatment of ischemic symptoms in patients with chronic peripheral arterial obstruction and for the secondary prevention of brain infarction. Recently, it has been reported that cilostazol has preventive effects on atherogenesis and decreased serum triglyceride in rodent models. There are, however, few reports on the evaluation of cilostazol using atherosclerotic rabbits, which have similar lipid metabolism to humans, and are used for investigating the lipid content in aorta and platelet aggregation under conditions of hyperlipidemia. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of cilostazol on the atherosclerosis and platelet aggregation in rabbits fed a normal diet or a cholesterol-containing diet supplemented with or without cilostazol. We evaluated the effects of cilostazol on the atherogenesis by measuring serum and aortic lipid content, and the lesion area after a 10-week treatment and the effect on platelet aggregation after 1- and 10-week treatment. From the lipid analyses, cilostazol significantly reduced the total cholesterol, triglyceride and phospholipids in serum, and moreover, the triglyceride content in the atherosclerotic aorta. Cilostazol significantly reduced the intimal atherosclerotic area. Platelet aggregation was enhanced in cholesterol-fed rabbits. Cilostazol significantly inhibited the platelet aggregation in rabbits fed both a normal diet and a high cholesterol diet. Cilostazol showed anti-atherosclerotic and anti-platelet effects in cholesterol-fed rabbits possibly due to the improvement of lipid metabolism and the attenuation of platelet activation. The results suggest that cilostazol is useful for prevention and treatment of atherothrombotic diseases with the lipid abnormalities.

Evaluation of the relationship between endometriosis and omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Endometriosis is a common chronic inflammation causing major problems including infertility. The role of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as their potential anti-inflammatory effects in endometriosis needs to be further explored. The objective of this study was to compare serum phospholipid fatty acid profile in endometriosis patients with controls, and to explore the correlation of this profile with the severity of the disease. Sixty-four endometriosis patients and 74 control women, in reproductive age, participated in this study. Among the endometriosis patients, 19 cases were in stage I, 27 cases in stage II, 8 cases in stage III, and 10 cases in stage IV. Each patient underwent laparoscopy. Before surgery, 5 ml of blood was obtained. After extraction of the total lipids, serum total phospholipid fraction was isolated by thin layer chromatography. Fatty acid composition of the phospholipid fraction was determined by gas chromatography and the resulted profile was compared in endometriosis patients and controls. The profile was also compared in the endometriosis group based on the severity of disease. Stearic acid was significantly lower in the endometriosis group as compared to controls (P= 0.030). No other fatty acid compositions were significantly different between patients and controls. Serum ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to arachidonic acid (AA) was in reasonable correlation with the severity of endometriosis (r = 0.34, P = 0.006). According to these findings, levels of fatty acids in serum total phospholipids seem not to be a marker for endometriosis, but the EPA to AA ratio was a relevant factor indicating severity of illness.

키토산과 세리신 및 콜라겐 추출 혼합물이 당뇨의 혈당 및 지질성분 개선효과

This study was conducted to examine the influences of chitosan, sericin and collagen extract complexes (1:1:1, w/w/w, CSC-F-005) in blood glucose and lipid concentrations in the sera of streptozotocin (STZ, 55 mg/kg BW, IP injection)-induced diabetic rats (SD strain) fed on experimental diets for 5 weeks. The concentrations of blood glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, ratio of HDL-cholesterol concentration to total cholesterol, atherosclerotic index, LDL-cholesterol, free cholesterol, cholesteryl ester, triglyceride (TG) and phospholipid (PL) in serum were effective on the metabolic regulation in diabetic rats. The activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aminotransferase (AST, ALT) in serum were lower in the extract complexes (CSC-F-005) than in the diabetic rats. The results shown above suggested that CSC-F-005 extract complexes supplementation effectively improvement of blood glucose and lipid components in the serum of STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Fatty acid desaturase (FADS) gene polymorphisms and insulin resistance in association with serum phospholipid polyunsaturated fatty acid composition in healthy Korean men: cross-sectional study

BackgroundWe investigated the relationship between fatty acid desaturase (FADS) gene polymorphisms and insulin resistance (IR) in association with serum phospholipid polyunsaturated fatty acid (FA) composition in healthy Korean men.MethodsHealthy men (n = 576, 30 ~ 79 years old) were genotyped for rs174537 near FADS1 (FEN1-10154G>T), FADS2 (rs174575C>G, rs2727270C>T), and FADS3 (rs1000778C>T) SNPs. Dietary intake, serum phospholipid FA composition and HOMA-IR were measured.ResultsFasting insulin and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in the rs174575G allele carriers than the CC homozygotes, but lower in the rs2727270T allele carriers than the CC homozygotes. The proportion of linoleic acid (18:2ω-6, LA) was higher in the minor allele carriers of FEN1-10154G>T, rs174575C>G and rs2727270C>T than the major homozygotes, respectively. On the other hand, the proportions of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (20:3ω-6, DGLA) and arachidonic acid (20:4ω-6, AA) in serum phospholipids were significantly lower in the minor allele carriers of FEN1-10154 G>T carriers and rs2727270C>T than the major homozygotes respectively. AA was also significantly lower in the rs1000778T allele carriers than the CC homozygotes. HOMA-IR positively correlated with LA and DGLA and negatively with AA/DGLA in total subjects. Interestingly, rs174575G allele carriers showed remarkably higher HOMA-IR than the CC homozygotes when subjects had higher proportions of DLGA (≥1.412% in total serum phospholipid FA composition) (P for interaction = 0.009) or of AA (≥4.573%) (P for interaction = 0.047).ConclusionHOMA-IR is associated with FADS gene cluster as well as with FA composition in serum phospholipids. Additionally, HOMA-IR may be modulated by the interaction between rs174575C>G and the proportion of DGLA or AA in serum phospholipids.

The Properties of the Components of Carrot Leaf, and Their Effect on Serum Lipids in Cholesterol-fed Rats

To clarify the food value and physiological functions of carrot leaves, which are normally discarded, we measured the polyphenols in carrot leaves and their DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical-scavenging activity, and further studied their effect on serum lipids in rats on a high cholesterol diet. Carrot leaves contain protein, lipids, ash, total vitamin C and alimentary fiber at levels greater than the roots. The polyphenol contents were the highest in the boiled leaves. DPPH radical-scavenging activity was higher in the leaves than in the roots. There was no difference between any of the groups with regard to the various measured values in rat serum, but the total serum cholesterol and serum phospholipids were lower in the group receiving the leaves and roots than in the group receiving a high cholesterol diet. The ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) radical-scavenging activity showed a high value in the group receiving the roots. These results suggested that carrot leaves have just as much nutritional value as the roots, and since they are a food item with a physiological activity, they can be effectively used instead of being discarded.

Lipid profiles and trans fatty acids in serum phospholipids of semi-nomadic Fulani in northern Nigeria.

The Fulani are semi-nomadic pastoralists of West Africa whose diet, culture, and economy are centred on cattle. Previous studies have shown that the Fulani of northern Nigeria derive 50% of their total calories from fat and 30% of their calories from milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter oil that contain significant amounts of trans fatty acids (TFAs), primarily vaccenic acid, which raise total serum cholesterol and low-density lipoproteincholesterol (LDL-C), and lower high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C). The study was conducted to know how the consumption of relatively large amounts of dairy products by adult Fulani affected the TFA content of their serum phospholipids. Blood samples were collected from 22 male and 29 female Fulani, aged 35-60 years, who were living in rural areas of Gombe state in northeastern Nigeria. The total serum phospholipid fraction was isolated, and its fatty acid composition was determined. Surprisingly, vaccenic acid was not detected, and three other TFAs--18:1-t6, 18:1-t9, and 18:2-t9,t12--together accounted for only 0.16% of the total fatty acid. The mean serum total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglyceride concentrations of the subjects were within the normal range for populations in developed countries; however, at 32 mg/dL, the mean serum HDL-C concentration of the Fulani males was slightly below the lower limit of the reference range. No correlations were observed between the total TFA percentage or that of the three individual TFAs and any of the parameters of the serum lipid profile. These findings indicate that, with respect to TFAs at least, the fatty acid pattern of the serum phospholipids of Fulani pastoralists does not reflect the high TFA content of their traditional diet. Despite the consumption of rumenic acid-rich dairy products, for unknown reasons, the semi-nomadic Fulani manage to maintain a low level of TFAs in their blood and a relatively healthful serum lipid profile. While the mechanism that accounts for this disconnect between the consumption of TFAs by Fulani pastoralists and the proportion of TFAs in their serum phospholipids is obscure, possibilities include discrimination against rumenic acid during the process of triglyceride synthesis and chylomicron synthesis in the intestine and the preferential oxidation of TFAs by Fulani the people compared to other ethnic groups.

Early and Sustained Enrichment of Serum n‐3 Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Dogs Fed a Flaxseed Supplemented Diet

A study was conducted in dogs to assess n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid incorporation after feeding an alpha-linolenic (ALA)-rich flaxseed supplemented diet (FLX) for 84 days. Serum total phospholipids (PL), triacylglycerol (TG), and cholesteryl esters (CE) were isolated at selected times and fatty acid methyl esters were analyzed. Increased LA was seen in the FLX-PL fraction after 28 days and an expected decrease in PL-AA. Enrichment of ALA, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosapentaenoic acid n-3 (DPAn-3) in the FLX-group occurred early on (day 4) in both PL and TG fractions but no docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was found, consistent with data from other species including humans. In contrast, no accumulation of DPAn-3 was seen in serum-CE, suggesting that this fatty acid does not participate in reverse-cholesterol transport. The accumulation of DPAn-3 in fasting PL and TG fractions is likely due to post-absorptive secretion after tissue synthesis. Because conversion of DPAn-3 to DHA occurs in canine neurologic tissues, this DPAn-3 may provide a circulating reservoir for DHA synthesis in such tissues. The absence of DPAn-3 in serum-CE suggests that such transport may be unidirectional. Although conversion of DPAn-3 to DHA is slow in most species, one-way transport of DPAn-3 in the circulation may help conserve this fatty acid as a substrate for DHA synthesis in brain and retinal tissues especially when dietary intakes of DHA are low.

단기 알코올 투여 시 마늘과 한약재 복합물이 체내 지질 조성 및 간기능 회복에 미치는 영향

40% 알코올을 1주간 경구투여한 후 마늘 및 한약재 복합물을 각각 0.5%와 1%(GMP-I) 및 1%씩 (GMP-II) 식이에 혼합하여 3주간 급이하였을 때, 흰쥐의 체내 지질 성분 및 간 기능에 미치는 영향을 분석하였다 in vitro상에서 마늘 추출물의 ADH 활성은 20% 알코올농도에서 시료의 첨가량이 많아질수록 유의적으로 활성이 증가하였다. ALDH 활성은 마늘 추출물 첨가 시 무첨가구보다 활성이 낮았으나, 한약재 추출물 첨가 시 40%의 알코올농도에서 시료 첨가량의 증가에 따라 유의적으로 상승되었다. 알코올 투여 흰쥐에서 혈당은 마늘과 한약재 복합물의 급이시 마늘의 급이량이 많아질수록 혈당 저하에 효과적이었다. 혈중 총 지질, 총 콜레스테롤, 중성지방 및인지질은 마늘과 한약재 복합물 급이군에서 유의적으로 감소되었으며, 마늘의 첨가량이 많아질수록 체내 지질 감소 효과가 높았다. GOT, GPT, r-GTP 및 ALP 활성은 마늘 및 한약재 복합물의 급이로 대조군에 비해 유의적으로 감소되었다. 혈중 TBARS 함량은 마늘 및 한약재 복합물 급이 시 대조군에 비해 유의적으로 감소되었다. 간조직의 총 지질, 총 콜레스테롤 및 중성지방도 마늘 및 한약재 복합물 급이시 유의적으로 감소되었으며, TBARS 함량은 마늘의 첨가량이 증가될수록 생성이 억제되었다. This study was performed to observe the effect of hot-water extracts from garlic and 13 kinds of medicinal plants composites (GMP) on hyperlipidemia and hepatoprotective activity in rats administered with alcohol. Male Sprague-Dawly rats were fed an AIN-93 diet (Normal), a normal diet plus ethanol (control, 10 ml of 40% ethanoljkgjday), a control diet plus 0.5% garlic and 1.0% medicinal plants composites extracts (GMP-I), and a control diet plus 1.0% garlic and medicinal plants composites extracts (GMP-II) for 7 days. Blood glucose was higher than the control, but it was markedly decreased in the GMP-II group. Elevation total lipids, cholesterol, triglyceride and phospholipids in serum were markedly decreased in rats fed with GMP-I. GMP-II also inhibited the increase of lipid content in serum. Activities of GOT, GPT, <TEX>$\gamma$</TEX>-GTP and ALP in serum elevated by alcohol were significantly inhibited in the GMP group. TBARS content of serum was significantly decreased in GMP groups administered with garlic and medicinal plant extracts. Extracts of garlic and medicinal plants play an important role in recovering liver function in rats from alcohol induced damage.

Phospholipid and protein contents of lens proteolipids in human senile cataract

This experimental study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the quantitative change, if any, in the phospholipids and protein contents of lens proteolipids during cataract formation, and to establish whether the phospholipid/protein content of the blood is related to cataractogenesis. A total of 120 human lenses were collected. Phospholipids and protein content in proteolipids of these lenses were estimated biochemically. Blood was examined from total 60 persons. Data obtained were analyzed with the help of the ANOVA program of SPSS software (version 7.5). A significant (P<0.01) reduction of proteolipid-bound phospholipids was observed in cataracts as compared with the control lenses. An alteration was also noticed in the protein content of proteolipids in the cataractous lenses. Changes were also observed in serum total phospholipids (P<0.01) and total protein (P<0.01) in cataractous patients. As proteolipids are the main constituents of the membranes of lens fibres, the alterations in its phospholipid and protein moieties may be suggestive of the disintegration of lens membranes, which ultimately leads to cataract formation. Gradual and constant variation in serum parameters may be one of the predisposing factors in cataractogenesis.

Dietary folate and vitamin B12 supplementation and consequent vitamin deposition in chicken eggs

We determined the effects of dietary supplementation with folate and vitamin B(12) on lipid metabolism and the deposition of these vitamins in eggs of laying hens (age 64-72 weeks). Four levels of folate (0, 0.5, 4 and 10 mg/kg) and three levels of vitamin B(12) (0, 0.01 and 0.08 mg/kg) were added to the basal diet for 8 weeks in a 4 x 3 factorial completely randomized design study. No significant physiological interaction between folate and vitamin B(12) was evident under our experimental conditions. There was no effect of vitamins supplementation on egg production or feed intake. Supplementation with folate significantly elevated serum (p < 0.01) and yolk (p < 0.05) folate levels. Supplementation with vitamin B(12) did not significantly affect serum or egg yolk vitamin B(12) levels. Supplementation with folate or vitamin B(12) did not significantly affect triglyceride or total phospholipid levels in serum or egg yolk although a positive relationship was observed between dietary folate supplementation and total serum phospholipid (r(2) = 0.68, p < 0.05). The study showed that it is possible to produce folate-enriched eggs. An increase in serum total phospholipids due to dietary supplementation with folate may provide physiological benefits to hens, although we did not observe any strong effects of these vitamins on lipid composition.

Serum Linoleic Acid Status as a Clinical Indicator of Essential Fatty Acid Status in Children With Cystic Fibrosis

Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and pancreatic insufficiency (PI) are at increased risk for essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency. To investigate serum markers of EFA status in children with CF and PI and their association with growth, body composition, and lung function. Serum phospholipid fatty acid, growth, and forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1, percentage predicted) status were assessed at baseline and 12 months in 77 children with CF and PI, 7 to 10 years old. Longitudinal mixed-effects models were used to compare associations of the triene:tetraene ratio (ratio of eicosatrienoic acid to arachidonic acid) and serum linoleic acid (as a molar percentage of total serum phospholipid fatty acids, or mol%) with the clinical outcomes. Controls for serum fatty acid were 23 healthy white age- and sex-matched children. Children with CF and PI had higher median triene:tetraene ratio and lower linoleic acid than healthy controls. Depending on the triene:tetraene ratio cutoff point used (0.04 or 0.02), either 17% or 52% of the children with CF had EFA deficiency, respectively. Only linoleic acid was significantly and positively associated with z scores for weight, height, body mass index, upper arm muscle area, and FEV1 at baseline. Children with linoleic acid at 21 mol% or higher had significantly better growth and pulmonary status than those with lower concentrations. Serum phospholipid linoleic acid at 21 mol% or higher was associated with better growth, body composition, and FEV1. No clinical outcome associations were found with the triene:tetraene ratio. These findings suggest that linoleic acid concentration was a more clinically relevant biomarker of EFA status than the triene:tetraene ratio in children with CF and PI. Further research is warranted to validate this specific percentage of linoleic acid cutoff point as a new recommendation for clinical use.

Effect of Replacing Rolled Corn with Potato Pulp Silage in Grass Silage-based Diets on Nitrogen Utilization by Steers

Three Holstein steers fitted with ruminal and duodenal cannulae were fed grass silage-based diets supplemented with potato pulp silage as a substitute for rolled corn at levels of 0%, 50% and 100% on a DM basis in a 3x3 Latin square design to investigate the effect of potato pulp silage on nitrogen (N) utilization in ruminants. Organic matter (OM) intake, and rumen and total tract digestibilities did not differ among treatment diets. Rumen and post-rumen starch digestibilities were similar among treatments, although starch intake decreased (p 0.05) in ruminal N utilization and non-ammonia N supply to the duodenum of steers fed grass silage supplemented with potato pulp silage as a substitute for rolled corn. There were no treatment differences (p>0.05) in rumen pH, volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration or the molar percentages of acetate and propionate. The ammonia-N concentration in rumen fluid tended to decrease (p<0.1) when rolled corn was substituted with potato pulp silage. Ether extract intake and post-ruminal digestibility significantly (p<0.01) decreased in steers fed diets containing potato pulp silage. Concentrations of total cholesterol and phospholipids in serum markedly decreased (p<0.01) with potato pulp silage supplementation without adversely affecting liver function. These data suggested that potato pulp silage has a similar value as rolled corn as an energy source for rumen microorganisms.

Male cardiovascular mortality and dietary markers in 25 population samples of 16 countries

To examine associations between various dietary markers and mortality from ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke. A multi-center cross-sectional study, involved 25 co-operative study centers in 16 countries. In the report, data for males (n = 2462), aged 48-56 years, from 25 centers were included. Various dietary markers were measured from individual's blood and 24-h urine samples. Age-standardized male mortality rates for IHD and stroke were collected for the region encompassing each study center. Ecological cross-center associations between dietary markers and the mortality were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis techniques. Bivariate correlation analyses showed that IHD mortality was associated positively with body mass index (BMI), serum total cholesterol (TC), urinary potassium (K) and serum phospholipid palmitic acid, and negatively with urinary taurine, sodium (Na) and Na/K (potassium) ratio, n-3 polyunsaturated (n-3PU) fatty acids and polyunsaturated-to-saturated (P/S) fatty acid ratio. Stroke mortality was associated positively with Na and Na/K ratio and phospholipid arachidonic acid (AA), and negatively with TC and K. Stepwise linear regression analyses indicated that 59% of the variance in IHD mortality could be explained by the variance in taurine and P/S ratio and that 57% of stroke mortality could be explained by Na/K ratio and phospholipid AA. Although ecological associations do not necessarily imply causality, and the present findings are limited to male samples only, the study extends our understanding of dietary markers in relation to worldwide IHD and stroke mortality rates, and indicates useful avenues for further study on IHD and stroke prevention.

Biliary Lipid Output in the Early Stage of Acute Liver Failure Induced by 90% Hepatectomy in the Rat

Differences in biliary lipid output were compared in rats after 70% or 90% hepatectomy (Hx) to evaluate a possible index of the early stage of acute liver failure. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats weighing 300 to 350 g were randomly divided into two groups for 70% Hx or 90% Hx, and animals were sacrificed at 0, 6, 24, and 48 h after Hx. Before sacrifice, a polyethylene tube was cannulated into the bile duct and bile was collected for 1 h. Outputs of total bile acids, phospholipid, and total cholesterol in serum and bile were determined. Biliary total cholesterol, bile acid concentrations, and bile acid component levels were determined using gas liquid chromatography. Hepatic microsomal cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase and sterol 12alpha-hydroxylase activities were also determined using high performance liquid chromatography. The 3-day survival rate after 90% Hx was 50%. In the 90% Hx group, the serum total bile acid concentration at each point was significantly higher than it was in the 70% Hx group. The bile flow rate and biliary outputs of cholesterol, phospholipid, and bile acids were significantly lower at 6 h after 90% Hx than after 70% Hx. Among bile acid species, cholic and chenodeoxycholic acid outputs into bile were significantly less at 6 h after 90% Hx. The activities of cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase and sterol 12alpha-hydroxylase were decreased after 90% Hx. Our results suggest that determinations of the bile flow rate and biliary lipid outputs are supposed to be useful for early detection of hepatic failure after extensive hepatectomy.

Effects of hemodialysis on serum lipids and phospholipids of end-stage renal failure patients

Patients with chronic renal failure undergoing periodic maintenance hemodialysis frequently present dyslipoproteinaemia which has been linked to the sharply increased risk of cardiovascular disease in these subjects. Reported defects on lipoprotein-related enzyme activities suggest a possible influence of hemodialysis not just to plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels but also to the composition of cell membranes. In this study, it was investigated whether the reported lipid abnormalities are accompanied by changes in serum phospholipids levels. Blood samples were obtained from 140 patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis treatment and 122 normolipidemic healthy controls and analyzed for total serum phospholipids and their individual subclasses, as well as for total cholesterol and triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol and its subclasses. A significant decrease was observed in serum HDL cholesterol levels (p < 0.001) and its subclasses, HDL2-cholesterol (p < 0.01) and HDL3-cholesterol (p < 0.01) in patients when compared with healthy controls. A critical increase in the serum triglyceride content (p < 0.001) of patients was also observed. In addition, the serum levels of sphingomyelin (p < 0.01) and diphosphatidylglycerol (p < 0.001) were increased in the patient group, while the levels of phosphatidylcholine (p < 0.01) and phosphatidylinositol (p < 0.01) were significantly decreased in the patient group compared to healthy controls. In conclusion, this work clearly demonstrates that hemodialysis treatment contributes significantly to the dyslipidemic profile of end-stage renal failure patients by altering serum lipoprotein and phospholipids concentrations.