Comparative effect of amidated pectin and psyllium on cholesterol homeostasis in rats

The effects of amidated pectin and psyllium on serum, hepatic and faecal cholesterol concentration were compared in female rats fed diets supplemented with palm fat and cholesterol at 50 and 10 g/kg, respectively. Control rats were fed a diet supplemented with cellulose at 60 g/kg. In treated rats, cellulose was replaced with either amidated pectin or psyllium. Amidated pectin and psyllium intake significantly decreased serum cholesterol from 3.41 μmol/ml (control) to 1.68 and 2.04 μmol/ml, respectively, and hepatic cholesterol from 31.9 μmol/g (control) to 7.2 and 9.0 μmol/g, respectively. Histology with lipid-staining Sudan Black B revealed that liver tissue from control rats was infiltrated with lipids, but staining was absent in livers of treated rats. No hepatic pathophysiology was apparent in treated rats. Amidated pectin and psyllium intake significantly increased faecal fat content. Faecal cholesterol content was significantly increased in rats that were fed amidated pectin, and non-significantly increased in rats that were fed psyllium. Body weight and food intake did not differ among treatment groups. In conclusion, amidated pectin, a novel sequestrant of sterols, demonstrated a similar effect on rat serum and hepatic cholesterol concentration to psyllium, which is a well-established hypocholesterolaemic agent.     

Voltage-dependent calcium channels in cultivated neurons of the rat hippocampus

Calcium currents through the somatic membrane of cultivated (a low-density culture) hippocampal neurons of rats were studied with the use of a patch-clamp technique in the whole-cell configuration. Low- and high-threshold components of calcium currents were found in the somata of all studied cells. Low-threshold currents were activated at a membrane potential of about−75 mV and reached the maximum amplitude at −45±4 mV, while the maximum amplitude of high-threshold currents was observed at 17±6 mV. Low-threshold calcium currents differed from high-threshold current in weak suppression by low Cd²⁺ concentration (10–20 μM), while Ni²⁺ inhibited both types of calcium currents to an equal extent. Experiments with organic channel blockers showed that in most neurons at least four channel types were expressed: these were L, N, P, and channels insensitive to the used blockers (presumably, R-type). A blocker of L-type calcium channels, nifedipine (10 μM), blocked, on the average, 22.7±5.2%; a blocker of N-type channels, ω-CTx-GVIA (1.0 μM), blocked 30.0±5.0% and a blocker of P/Q channels, ω-Aga-IVA (200 nM), blocked 37.2±13.3% of the integral high-threshold current. A resistive component equalled 15.7±5.1% of the latter current. It is concluded that hippocampal neurons cultivated with a low density express a pharmacologically heterogeneous population of calcium channels, and the relative proportions of different type channels are close to the earlier described channel type composition in rat hippocampal slices. Our study shows that the low-density culture can be used as an adequate model for studying calcium channels in the somatic membrane of hippocampal neurons.     

Determination of the daily selenium intake in slovakia

Three models were used to determine the daily dietary Selenium intake in Slovakia. The Selenium content of food produced and consumed in the Slovak Republic was used to estimate and calculate the daily Selenium intake based on food consumption data per capita and seven days, (24 h) eating protocol models. In a duplicate portion model, Selenium was analyzed in a whole day hospital diet during an eight-day period. According to these models the daily dietary Selenium intake was 38.2 μg; 43.3 ±6.5 μg for men and 32.6 ±6.6 μg for women; 27.1 ±7.8 μg for normal and 32.3 ±4.8 μg for nourishing hospital diets. The main contributors of Selenium to daily intake were the following: eggs, pork, and poultry. The obtained results indicate that the daily dietary intake of Selenium of the Slovak people is below the recommended values.     

Zinc,Manganese, Calcium,Copper, and Cadmium Level in Scalp Hair Samples of Schizophrenic Patients

The purpose of the study was to determine the concentration of trace elements present in scalp hair sample of schizophrenic patients and to find out the relationship between trace elements level and nutritional status or socioeconomic factors. The study was conducted among 30 schizophrenic male patients and 30 healthy male volunteers. Patients were recruited from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University by random sampling. Hair trace element concentrations were determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy and analyzed by independent t test, Pearson’s correlation analysis, regression analysis, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Mn, Zn, Ca, Cu, and Cd concentrations of schizophrenic patients were 3.8 ± 2.31 μg/gm, 171.6 ± 59.04 μg/gm, 396.23 ± 157.83 μg/gm, 15.40 ± 5.68 μg/gm, and 1.14 ± 0.89 μg/gm of hair sample, while those of control subjects were 4.4 ± 2.32 μg/gm, 199.16 ± 27.85 μg/gm, 620.9 ± 181.55 μg/gm, 12.23 ± 4.56 μg/gm, and 0.47 ± 0.32 μg/gm of hair sample, respectively. The hair concentration of Zn and Ca decreased significantly (p = 0.024; p = 0.000, respectively) and the concentration of Cu and Cd increased significantly (p = 0.021; p = 0.000, respectively) in schizophrenic patients while the concentration of Mn (p = 0.321) remain unchanged. Socioeconomic data reveals that most of the patients were poor, middle-aged and divorced. Mean body mass indices (BMIs) of the control group (22.26 ± 1.91 kg/m²) and the patient group (20.42 ± 3.16 kg/m²) were within the normal range (18.5−25.0 kg/m²). Pearson’s correlation analysis suggested that only Ca concentration of patients had a significant positive correlation with the BMI (r = 0.597; p = 0.000) which was further justified from the regression analysis (R ² = 44%; t = 3.59; p = 0.002) and one-way ANOVA test (F = 3.62; p = 0.015). A significant decrease in the hair concentration of Zn and Ca as well as a significant increase in the hair concentration of Cu and Cd in schizophrenic patients than that of its control group was observed which may provide prognostic tool for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. However, further work with larger population is suggested to examine the exact correlation between trace element level and the degree of disorder.     

Regional distribution of metallothionein, zinc, and copper in the brain of different strains of rats

The regional brain distribution of metallothionein (MT), zinc, and copper in the brain was determined in nine anatomical regions (olfactory bulb, cortex, corpus striatum, hippocampus, thalamus plus hypothalamus, pons plus medulla oblongata, cerebellum, midbrain, and white matter) and was compared between two different strains of rat (Sprague-Dawley [SD] and Lewis). No significant difference was observed in the whole-brain MT level between the two strains (17.8 ± 3.4 μg/g in SD rats and 20.3 ± 2.3 μg/g in Lewis rats). In SD rats, however, MT was more highly expressed in the white matter than in the other regions studied. In contrast, MT concentration was highest in the cortex and lowest in the olfactory bulb in Lewis rats. The MT levels in the cortex, corpus striatum, hippocampus, and thalamus plus hypothalamus were significantly lower in SD rats than in Lewis rats. In both strains, the olfactory bulb contained markedly higher levels of both zinc and copper than the other regions (27.9 ±6.8 μg/g zinc in SD rats and 27.6 ± 6.9 μg/g zinc in Lewis rats, and 5.2 ± 1.5 μg/g copper in SD rats and 11.1 ± 4.8 μg/g copper in Lewis rats). The next high-est zinc levels were seen in the hippocampus, whereas the next highest copper levels were in the corpus striatum in both SD and Lewis rats. The high levels of zinc and copper in the olfactory bulb were not accompanied by concomitant high MT concentrations. These results indicate that the strain of rat as well as the anatomical brain region should be taken into account in MT and metal distribution studies. However, the highest concentrations of zinc and copper in olfactory bulb were common to both SD and Lewis rats. The discrepancy between MT and the metal levels in olfactory bulb suggests a role for other proteins in addition to MT in the homeostatic control of zinc and copper.     

Acute effects of various doses of iodide on thyroid iodine autoregulation

Analytical ion microscopy (AIM) was used to determine alterations in the thyroid follicular lumen¹²⁷I stores of Wistar rats injected with different doses of¹²⁹I (low specific activity radionuclide). Animals fed a normal iodine diet (10 μg¹²⁷I/d) were divided into four groups: control group and three treated groups injected ip 24 h before sacrifice with¹²⁹I at doses of 10 μg (group 1), 30 μg (group 2), and 8500 μg (group 3). AIM was performed on thyroid semithin sections. The mean¹²⁹I concentration increased with the dose injected from group 1 (0.44±0.03 μg/mg, mean ± SEM) to group 2 (2.05±0.14 μg/mg) and decreased in group 3 (0.57±0.08 μg/mg). When compared to control group (4.14±0.17 μg/mg), the mean¹²⁷I concentration was not changed in group 1 (4.52±0.07 μg/mg), but altered in the other groups: It was significantly increased (7.14±0.41 μg/mg) in group 2 and slightly decreased (3.11±0.26 μg/mg) in group 3. These results underline the interest of AIM in the study of the effects of various doses of iodide on the thyroid autoregulation by iodide, a trace element actively trapped by this gland.     

Changes in Trace Elements during Follicular Atresia in Goat (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Capra hircus</Emphasis>) Ovary

Quantitative analysis of follicular fluid and granulosa cells from small, medium and large antral atretic follicles of goat (Capra hircus) ovaries was conducted to study the alterations in trace elements viz zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe). The zinc content was lower in the follicular fluid (0.993 ± 0.001, 0.935 ± 0.002, 1.321 ± 0.001 μg/ml) and granulosa cells (0.867 ± 0.002, 0.801 ± 0.001, 1.073 ± 0.002 μg/mg) of small, medium, and large antral atretic follicles respectively than their respective controls. Copper quantity was higher in the follicular fluid (0.113 ± 0.001, 0.163±0.001 0.{163}\pm 0.00{1} , 0.224 ± 0.001 μg/ml) and granulosa cells (0.094 ± 0.001, 0.114 ± 0.001, 0.182 ± 0.001 μg/mg) from small, medium, and large antral atretic follicles respectively than their respective controls. Similarly, iron and manganese was also found higher in the follicular fluid and granulosa cells of small, medium, and large antral atretic follicles than their respective controls. The present study provides the basic data on trace elements that can be safely used as atretic marker and will find use in in vitro studies for fertility improvement plan. Thus, help in elevating the number of ovulations and screening of follicles to enhance the success rate in vivo and in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer technology.     

An improved method for primary culture of ovarian androgen-producing cells in serum-free medium: Effect of lipoproteins,insulin, and insulinlike growth factor-I

Summary Although luteinizing hormone (LH) alone stimulates ovarian interstitial cells cultured in serum-free medium to synthesize large amounts of androgens, there seem to be additional factors in vivo that modulate the time course and magnitude of the cellular responses to LH. In an attempt to develop a more nearly physiologic cell culture model, lipoproteins, insulin, and insulinlike growth factor-I (IGF-I) were added to the serum-free medium. The effects of these modifications on androgen biosynthesis by dispersed cells from ovaries of hypophysectomized immature rats cultured in 96-well tissue culture plates were examined. A saturating dose of LH stimulated a 25-fold increase in androsterone synthesis at 2 d, which decreased at 4 and 6 d. Addition of human high density (hHDL) or human low density lipoprotein (hLDL) caused a 2.5-fold increase in LH-stimulated androsterone synthesis. Cells were approximately twice as sensitive to hHDL (ED₅₀=5.5±0.5 μg cholesterol/ml) compared to hLDL (ED₅₀=9.1±1.1 μg cholesterol/ml). Surprisingly, rat HDL caused only a 40% increase in LH-stimulated androsterone synthesis. When insulin alone was added to cells cultured with a saturating dose of LH, there was a 2.8-fold increase in androsterone synthesis. Addition of hHDL and insulin together caused a synergistic increase in LH-stimulated androsterone synthesis. In contrast to hHDL, which did not change the time course of LH-stimulated androsterone production, insulin prolonged maximal LH-stimulated androsterone synthesis at 4 and 6 d. Inasmuch as the ED₅₀ for insulin action (1.3±0.1 μg/ml) was supraphysiologic, the effects of IGF-I on LH-stimulated androgen synthesis were examined. IGF-I mimicked all of the effects of insulin, but at a physiologic concentration (ED₅₀=2.5±0.3 ng/ml). Ovarian cells cultured in serum-free medium supplemented with hHDL and insulin or IGF-I exhibit responses that closely approximate the physiologic responses observed in vivo. These results suggest that lipoproteins and IGF-I are important physiologic stimulators of ovarian theca-interstitial cell androgen biosynthesis which, when added to the serum-free medium, make the cellular responses in this in vitro model more nearly approximate the responses in vivo. This research was supported by research center grant HD 12303 from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD, and USCD Academic Senate grant RM-169M     

Beneficial effects of combined treatment with niacin and chromium on the liver of hyperlipemic rats

Many studies have shown that niacin and Cr exert combined effects. Significant beneficial effects in serum lipid levels following Cr supplementation have been reported. Niacin decreases total plasma levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In this study, 12-mo-old female Swiss albino rats were used. They were randomly divided into four groups. The animals of group I (control) were fed with pellet chow. Group II was fed with pellet chow and treated with 250 μg/kg CrCl₃·6H₂O and 100 mg/kg niacin for 45 d, by the gavage technique. The rats of group III were fed with lipogenic diet consisting of 2% cholesterol 0.5% cholic acid, and 20% sunflower oil added to the pellet chow and given 3% alcoholic water for 60 d. Group IV was fed with the same lipogenic diet, and 15 d after, the experimental animals were made hyperlipemic; they were treated with 250 μg/kg CrCl₃·6H₂O and 100 mg/kg niacin by gavage technique for 45d. On d 60, liver and blood samples were taken from the animals. The sections were examined under light and electron microscopes. Serum total lipid and cholesterol levels were determined by spectrophotometric methods. The aim of the present study was *** DIRECT SUPPORT *** A02Q2015 00004     

Dietary chromium intake

Chromium content of 22 daily diets, designed by nutritionists to be well-balanced, ranged from 8.4 to 23.7 μg/1000 cal with a mean ±SEM chromium content of 13.4±1.1 μg/1000 cal. Most dairy products are low in chromium and provide <0.6μg/serving. Meats, poultry, and fish are also low in chromium, providing 2 μg of chromium or less per serving. Chromium contents of grain products, fruits, and vegetables vary widely, with some foods providing >20 μg/serving. In summary, chromium content of individual foods varies, and is dependent upon chromium introduced in the growing, transport, processing, and fortification of the food. Even well-balanced diets may contain suboptimal levels of dietary chromium.     

Estrogenic and antiestrogenic properties of clomiphene citrate in laboratory mice

The estrogen agonistic and antagonistic properties of clomiphene citrate were investigated in the mice. Clomiphene citrate was tested at various doses of 0.1, 1.0, 10 and 100 μg for three consecutive days in immature and mature bilaterally ovariectomized mice. Clomiphene citrate showed uterotrophic activity in both immature and ovariectomized conditions. The lower doses of 0.1 and 1.0 μg were ineffective to show any uterotrophic stimulation. Clomiphene citrate at 10 μg dose produced 305.56% increase in uterine weight i.e., 27.70 ± 0.24 vs 6.83 ± 0.06 in immature and 182.27% i.e., 42.68 ± 1.12 vs 15.12 ± 0.57 in ovariectomized mice. Clomiphene citrate at 100 μg dose showed significant uterotrophic effect e.g., 435.57% i.e., 36.58 ±0.34 vs 6.83 ± 0.06 in immature and 586% i.e., 103.80 ± 0.60 in ovariectomized mice. When clomiphene citrate was administered in combination with 0.32 μg of estradiol 17-β it caused significant antagonistic effect (decrease in uterine weight) at 10 and 100 μg respectively. Clomiphene citrate at 10 μg dose produced 32% i.e., 28.93 ± 0.43 vs 38.04 ± 2.68 in immature and 35% i.e., 59.64±1.44 vs 83.34 ±0.25 in ovariectomized mice respectively. Histological observation clearly showed that clomiphene citrate at 10 and 100 μg doses did not cause any differential hypertrophy of the epithelial layer. Similar doses in combination with estradiol produced significant antagonistic effect on uterine weight and luminal epithelial cell height.     

The susceptibility to stress-induced gastric injury of rats exposed to cadmium

In this experimental study, the effect of cadmium on cold and restraint stress-induced gastric lesions has been studied. Rats received 15 μg/mL cadmium-containing water for 30 d, and at the end of this period, they were subjected to cold and restraint stress. Cadmium accumulation in gastric mucosa was associated with increased mucosal lesions, as well as decreased mucin and PGE₂ levels in rats exposed to cadmium. Stress-induced mucosal injury was more pronounced, and the hemoglobin leakage into gastric lumen owing to breakdown in the barrier was 17.30±3.45 μg/mL in control and 35.71±6.18 μg/mL in treated rats. Our data suggest that high cadmium intake facilitates the occurence of stress-induced mucosal lesions by diminishing the mucin content and PGE₂ generation in gastric mucosa.     

Beneficial effects of banana (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Musa</Emphasis> sp. var. elakki bale) flower and pseudostem on hyperglycemia and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Diabetes is a chronic health problem and major cause of death in most of the countries. Diet management plays an important role in controlling diabetes and its complications along with insulin and drugs. We have examined the effect of banana (Musa sp. var. elakki bale) flower and pseudostem on hyperglycemia and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Our results indicated that banana flower and pseudostem have low glycemic index and have a high content of dietary fiber and antioxidants. Diabetic symptoms like hyperglycemia, polyuria, polyphagia, polydipsia, urine sugar, and body weight were ameliorated in banana flower- and pseudostem-treated rats. Increased glomerular filtration rate in the diabetic group (5.1 ± 0.22 ml/min) was decreased in banana flower-fed (2.5 ± 0.37 ml/min) and pseudostem-fed (3.0 ± 0.45 ml/min) groups and were significant at P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively. Fructosamine and AGEs formed during diabetes were inhibited in treated groups when compared with the diabetic group. The diabetic group showed 11.5 ± 0.64 μg of AGEs/mg protein in kidney, whereas, in banana flower- and pseudostem-fed groups, it was reduced to 9.21 ± 0.32 and 9.29 ± 0.24 μg/mg protein, respectively, and were significant at P < 0.01. These findings suggest that banana flower and pseudostem have anti-diabetic and anti-AGEs properties and are beneficial as food supplements for diabetics.     

Plasma molybdenum concentrations in children with and without phenylketonuria

Plasma molybdenum concentrations were determined in children, ages two to 12 yr, with and without phenylketonuria (PKU). Mean plasma molybdenum concentrations did not differ significantly between the children with PKU (1.33±0.5 μg/L) and without PKU (1.75±0.8 μg/L). Plasma molybdenum concentrations in both groups of children ranged from <1 to 3 μg/L. When data from all children were combined and then separated based on gender, mean plasma molybdenum levels did not differ significantly between 9 females (1.56±0.68 μg/L) and 12 males (1.58±0.76 μg/L). Data were also combined and mean (±SD) plasma molybdenum concentrations calculated for age groups. Two children aged 1 to <4 yr had plasma molybdenum concentrations of 1.0 μg/L, and six children aged 4 to <7 yr had mean (±SD) plasma molybdenum concentrations of 1.5±0.8 μg/L. Eleven children aged 7 to <11 yr had a mean plasma molybdenum concentration of 1.7±0.7 μg/L, and two children 11 to <14 yr had plasma molybdenum concentrations of 1 μg/L and 2 μg/L. Plasma molybdenum concentrations did not differ significantly among children in the age groups.     

Serum Levels of Cu,Se, and Zn in Adult Rural/Urban Residents in Ghana: Paradigm Shift?

Deficiencies in Cu, Se, and Zn impair one or more biochemical functions, and excess are associated with toxicity. Baseline studies on the Ghanaian population are scanty. The study was undertaken to determine whether significant rural/urban differences in the serum levels of Cu, Se, and Zn did exist. Forty males/60 females from rural and 50 males/50 females from urban Ghanaian communities were sampled. Serum Cu, Se, and Zn were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Cu level for rural and urban subjects was 997 ± 333 and 979 ± 290 μg/L, respectively (p = 0.68). However, Cu levels were significantly higher in the rural females (1,063 ± 367 μg/L) than the rural males (898 ± 249 μg/L; p = 0.0085). Se levels for rural/urban subjects were 97 ± 36 and 87 ± 31 μg/L, respectively (p = 0.03). Zn levels in the rural/urban subjects were 312 ± 218 and 150 ± 102 μg/L, respectively (p = 0.002). Additionally, Zn was significantly higher in rural females (428 ± 204 μg/L) than the urban females (166 ± 103 μg/L; p = 0.0002). Finally, Zn was significantly higher in rural females (428 ± 204 μg/L) than males (172 ± 116 μg/L; p = 0.0028). In conclusion, Cu, Se, and Zn were higher in the rural group compared to the urban group, and the generally low Zn levels were confirmed in another cohort follow-up study.     

Effect of prebiotics on bacteriocin production and cholesterol lowering activity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pediococcus acidilactici</Emphasis> LAB 5

The in vitro influence of three prebiotics viz. mannitol, maltodextrin and sorbitol was evaluated on probiotic aspects like bile salt tolerance, cholesterol lowering efficiency and bacteriocin production of the strain, Pediococcus acidilactici LAB 5 which was isolated from vacuum packed fermented meat product. Optimum temperature for bacteriocin production in MRS medium was 37°C. The strain deconjugated bile salt (sodium taurocholate) to 607.66 ± 10.894 μg/ml from initial bile salt concentration 3 mg/ml. In vitro cholesterol removal capability of the strain P. acidilactici LAB 5 was 62 ± 2.742 μg/ml. Prebiotic sorbitol had a positive influence on the probiotic parameters like better cell growth, bacteriocin production and cholesterol removal capability. Anaerobic condition had influenced largely on bile salt deconjugation, cholesterol removal and bacteriocin production. Synbiotic treatment of P. acidilactici LAB 5 with sorbitol for 1 month lowered the plasma cholesterol level to 176.34 ± 12.66 μg/ml in comparison to untreated one (208.76 ± 20.27 μg/ml) in Swiss albino mice. Intestinal adherence of P. acidilactici LAB 5 was also more in synbiotic condition than only in probiotic and control treatments.     

Availability of Essential Elements in Nutrient Supplements Used as Antidiabetic Herbal Formulations

Five brands of antidiabetic herbal formulations as tablets, Diabetex, Divya Madhu Nashini, Jambrushila, Diabeticin, and Madhumeh Nashini, from different pharmacies were analyzed for six minor (Na, K, Ca, Cl, Mg, and P) and 20 trace (As, Ba, Br, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Hg, La, Mn, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Th, V, and Zn) elements by thermal neutron irradiation followed by high-resolution gamma ray spectrometry. Further Ni, Cd, and Pb were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Most elements vary in a narrow range by a factor of 2–4 while a few others vary in a wide range, e.g., Na (0.05–0.67 mg/g), Mn (26.7–250 μg/g), and V (0.26–2.50 μg/g). All the five brands contain K, Cl, Mg, P, and Ca as minor constituents along with mean trace amounts of Cr (2.11 ± 0.67 μg/g), Cu (15.7 ± 7.11 μg/g), Fe (459 ± 171 μg/g), Mn (143 ± 23 μg/g), Se (238 ± 112 ng/g), and V (0.99 ± 0.93 μg/g). Jambrushila is enriched in Na, Ca, Mg, Cl, Fe, Cu, Se, and Zn, essential nutrients responsible for curing diabetes. Dietary intake of Mn, Fe, and Cu are greater than 10% of the recommended dietary allowance, whereas that for Zn and Se is less than 2%. Mean contents of toxic elements (As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) were found below permissible limits except in Jambrushila. Cr and Zn were inversely correlated with r = −0.81, whereas Rb and Cs exhibit linear correlation (r = 0.93) in five brands. C, H, N analysis showed C ∼ 55%, H ∼ 12%, and N ∼ 2% with a total of ∼70% organic matter. However, thermal decomposition studies at 700°C suggest less than 5% nonvolatile metal oxides. Herbal formulations contain minor and trace elements in bioavailable forms that favorably influence glucose tolerance and possibly increase the body’s ability to ameliorate development of diabetes.     

Occurrence of deoxynivalenol (DON) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in dog foods

The commercially available dog food samples (29 dry foods and 11 wet foods) were analysed for deoxynivalenol (DON) and ochratoxin A (OTA) using ELISA. All (100%) dry foods were contaminated with DON with various amount of the toxin (22-1837 μg/kg). In wet food 3 samples were found to be positive for DON in the range of 95-170 μg/kg. There were a few samples contaminated with OTA: 3 samples in dry foods (7-40 μg/kg) and 2 samples in wet foods (45 and 115 μg/kg).     

Effect of selenium compounds on the damage induced by oxysterol on rat arterial walls

Wistar rats were fed Se-deficient (0.017±0.002 mg Se/kg) and Seadequate (0.32±0.045 Se mg/kg) diets for 12 mo and then were given 5 mg/kg of cholestane-3β,tα,6β-triol (3-triol), intravenously. Se compounds (Na₂SeO₃ and ebselen) were supplemented in different doses and times to the Se-deficient rats. Twenty-four hours after 3-triol infusion, the changes in ultrastructures of rat aorta were examined by scanning electron micrography (SEM) and transmission electron micrography (TEM). SEM examinations showed that 3-triol induced diffused injuries on arterial endothelial urfaces of long-term Se-deficient rat, and a large number of holes or craterlike defects were observed. TEM examinations further showed that 3-triol induced swelling, necrosis, and shedding of endothelial cells, which resulted in the destruction of endothelial integrity. Mean-while, smooth muscle cells proliferated and migrated toward intimae; the breakage of internal elastic lamina benefited the migration of smooth muscle cells. Supplemented with Na₂SeO₃ (40 μg/kg, 10 d per continuum) and ebselen (20 mg/kg), respectively, exhibited significant protection from damages induced by 3-triol. It seems that protecting mechanisms were different between Na₂SeO₃ and ebselen. The present investigation gave visual evidence that both injuries induced by cholesterol oxides and the Se nutritional status contributed to the development of atherosclerosis.     

Reversal of selenium and zinc deficiencies in chronic hemodialysis patients by intravenous sodium selenite and zinc gluconate supplementation

In six chronic dialyzed uremic patients, an intravenous sodium selenite (Se 50 μg during 5 wk and then 100 μg) and zinc gluconate (Zn 5 mg) supplementation was performed during 20 wk at each dialysis session three times weekly. Before supplementation, plasma Se and Zn, plasma and erythrocytes (RBC) antioxidant metalloenzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were significantly decreased, whereas lipid peroxidation (as thiobarbituric acid reactants TBARs) was increased. To obtain a significative change in plasma selenium, we had to use an Se dose of 100 μg/dialysis session. Then, treatment-increased plasma Se (from 0.58 ±0.09 to 0.89±0.16 μmol/L) led to a repletion of RBC-GPX (from 29.6±6 to 43±5.8 U/g Hb) and increased plasma GPX levels (from 62±13 to 151±43 U/L). Plasma Zn and RBC-SOD did not vary significantly. The change of TBARs was not observed between wk 1 and 4. They decreased significantly between wk 4 (4.80±0.21μmol/L) and wk 20 (4.16±0.26 μmol/L). We noted a low correlation between TBARs and plasma GPX. A strong correlation was observed between Se and plasma GPX. The reversal of Se deficiencies should reduce oxidative damage observed in these patients.