Effect of phytate in soy protein on the serum and liver cholesterol levels and liver fatty acid profile in rats

Dietary soy protein, in comparison with casein, generally lowers the serum cholesterol concentration in rats fed on a cholesterol-enriched diet, while mixed results were observed in rats fed on a diet free of cholesterol. Soy protein also suppresses the conversion of linoleic acid to arachidonic acid in the rat liver. The present study examines whether phytate, a minor component of a soy protein isolate, is responsible for these beneficial effects of soy protein. Weanling male rats were fed for 4 weeks on a purified diet containing a 20% level of protein (either casein (CAS), soy protein (SOY), phytate-depleted SOY (PDSOY) or phytate-replenished PDSOY (PRSOY)) and cholesterol (0 or 0.5%). The dietary protein source and phytate level only affected the serum and liver cholesterol concentrations when the animals were fed on the cholesterol-enriched diet, being significantly lower in those rats fed on the SOY and PRSOY diets than in those fed on the CAS diet, while the concentrations in the rats fed on the PDSOY diet were intermediate. When the animals were fed on the cholesterol-free diet, the ratio of (20:3n-6 + 20:4n-6)/18:2n-6 in liver phosphatidylcholine, a delta6 desaturation index, was significantly lower in the SOY diet group than in the CAS, PDSOY and PRSOY diet groups. Dietary cholesterol significantly depressed the ratio, but neither depletion nor replenishment of phytate affected the ratio. These results suggest that phytate in soy protein played a limited role in the cholesterol-lowering effect of soy protein and was not involved in the metabolism of linoleic acid.     

一株植物乳杆菌Lp3对高脂模型大鼠的益生作用

【目的】本研究通过构建大鼠高脂结构模型来探究一株植物乳杆菌Lp3的益生作用。【方法】植物乳杆菌Lp3筛选自青藏高原地区传统发酵的牦牛酸奶,初步认定Lp3是一株具有良好耐受力的降胆固醇菌株,且体外益生特性突出,本研究通过建立高脂SD大鼠模型,在饲喂试验动物高脂饲料的同时灌胃植物乳杆菌Lp3,来确定该菌株对试验动物血脂的影响效果,并同时研究其对大鼠肠道菌群、粪便水分、粪便中胆固醇和胆汁酸含量的影响,以及对肝脏组织中的胆固醇(TC)和甘油三酯(TG)的影响。【结果】结果表明,植物乳杆菌Lp3对大鼠没有任何明显的毒副作用,对高脂模型大鼠具有良好的降血脂效果。饲喂高脂饲料并灌喂乳酸菌Lp3组大鼠(HL)的血清总胆固醇、甘油三酯和低密度脂蛋白胆固醇含量较饲喂高脂饲料组(HC)显著减少(P0.05),但是高密度脂蛋白胆固醇的含量变化并不明显。HC组大鼠与HL组及饲喂普通日粮组(对照组)大鼠相比较,HC组大鼠粪便中大肠杆菌数量明显增加,双歧杆菌、乳杆菌数量明显减少。但是灌胃乳酸菌的HL组大鼠的粪便中乳杆菌数略高于对照组,大肠杆菌和双歧杆菌数量和对照组大鼠的基本一致。表明植物乳杆菌Lp3具有维持肠道菌群平衡的作用。此外灌胃乳酸菌后HL组大鼠粪便含水量比HC组要高6.44%。HC组大鼠肝脏组织中胆固醇和甘油三酯要显著高于HL组(P0.05),说明Lp3可以减少脂类物质在肝脏组织中的沉积。从肝脏组织切片来看,也可以得出上述结论。【结论】结果表明本研究所筛选的植物乳杆菌Lp3对高脂大鼠具有值得深入研究的益生作用。     

Radiation-induced Formation of 3-Cyclohexylbutanal in Cyclohexane Containing Crotonaldehyde

The effects of dietary octopine, which is one of the major extractive component of marine molluscs, on the level of serum and liver cholesterol of rats fed with cholesterol-enriched or cholesterol-free diets were investigated. Dietary supplementation with 1.5% octopine in a cholesterol-enriched diet significantly decreased the serum total- and VLDL + LDL-cholesterol levels and by contrary increased the serum HDL-cholesterol level in rats. The same tendency was observed in the rats fed with 1.5% octopine in a cholesterol-free diet.     

Effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lactobacillus plantarum</Emphasis> MA2 isolated from Tibet kefir on lipid metabolism and intestinal microflora of rats fed on high-cholesterol diet

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum MA2, an isolate from Chinese traditional Tibet kefir, on cholesterol-lowering and microflora of rat in vivo. Rats were fed on cholesterol-enriched experimental diet, supplemented with lyophilized L. plantarum MA2 powder, with a dose of 10¹¹ cells/day per mice. The results showed that L. plantarum MA2 feeding significantly lowered serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides level, while there was no change in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In addition, liver total cholesterol and triglycerides was also decreased. However, fecal cholesterol and triglycerides was increased significantly (P < 0.05) in comparison with the control. Also, L. plantarum MA2 increased the population of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria in the fecal, but it did not change the number of Escherichia coli as compared to control. Moreover, pH, moisture, and organic acids in the fecal were also measured. The present results indicate the probiotic potential of the L. plantarum MA2 strain in hypocholesterolemic effect and also increasing the probiotic count in the intestine.     

The effects of Lactobacillus-fermented milk on lipid metabolism in hamsters fed on high-cholesterol diet

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of local Lactobacillus strains (NTU 101 and 102) on cholesterol-lowering effects in vivo. Thirty male hamsters were housed, divided into five groups, and fed on a cholesterol diet (5 g/kg diet) to induce hypercholesterolemia. Milk fermented by Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei NTU 101, Lactobacillus plantarum NTU 102, and Lactobacillus acidophilus BCRC 17010 was administrated for this study. After treatment with different fermented milk, blood was taken and liver was removed for the determination of lipoproteins, including total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride. Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria decreased (10⁵) in the control group; when hamsters were fed on fermented milk, the number of lactobacilli (10⁷–10⁸) and bifidobacteria (10⁵–10⁷) was increased. Serum and liver total cholesterol levels were significantly reduced by about 26.4, 23.5, and 30.1% and by about 17.7, 15.9, and 13.4% when hamsters were given fermented milk. However, serum HDL-C and LDL-C were also reduced. The results of this study showed that the hypocholesterolemic effect of local Lactobacillus strains was attributed to its ability to lower serum and liver total cholesterol levels. Thus, local Lactobacillus strains could significantly increase probiotic count.     

A mixture of organisms affects cholesterol metabolism together with rat cecal flora.

The effects of a mixture of organisms on cecal fermentation and cholesterol metabolism in sham-operated and cecectomized rats were investigated. Male F344 rats, allocated into four groups: cecectomized rats fed a mixture of organisms (CEMO), cecectomized rats fed rice bran (CERB), sham-operated rats fed a mixture of organisms (SHMO), and sham-operated rats fed rice bran (SHRB) for 4 weeks. The diets had 0.5% cholesterol and 0.125% sodium cholate added. There were no significant differences in the body weight gain and food intake among the groups. The cecal pH in the SHMO group was significantly lower than that in the other groups. The total cholesterol and (VLDL + IDL + LDL)-cholesterol concentrations in serum were significantly lower in the SHMO group than that in the SHRB group, and the triacylglycerol concentration in the sham-operated rats tended to decrease compared to the cecectomized rats. The fecal cholesterol excretion in the CERB group was higher than that in the other groups, and that in the SHMO group was significantly higher than in the SHRB group. The acetic acid, propionic acid, n-butyric acid, and total short-chain fatty acid concentrations in the cecum contents were significantly higher in the SHMO group than those in the other groups. Streptococcus, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus in the SHMO group tended to be higher than the other groups and Bacteroidaceae in the CEMO and CERB groups were significantly higher than that in the SHMO group. The results demonstrate that the mixture of organisms was fermented with the cecal contents and that the metabolites such as short-chain fatty acid lowered the serum total cholesterol and liver cholesterol concentrations in the rats fed a cholesterol-containing diet.     

Monospecies and multispecies probiotic formulations produce different systemic and local immunostimulatory effects in the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.)

The effects of the oral administration of heat-inactivated Lactobacillus delbrüeckii ssp. lactis and Bacillus subtilis, individually or combined, on gilthead seabream immune responses were investigated both systemically and locally in the gut. In a first experiment, seabream (65 g) were fed for 3 weeks different diets supplemented with 1 x 10(7)CFU g(-1)Lactobacillus, 1 x 10(7)CFU g(-1)Bacillus, or 0.5 x 10(7)CFU g(-1)Lactobacillus plus 0.5 x 10(7)CFU g(-1)Bacillus. Controls were fed non-supplemented diet. Six fish per group were sampled at the end of the trial and some humoral and cellular systemic innate immune parameters were evaluated. Feeding the mixture of the two killed bacteria species significantly increased natural complement, serum peroxidase and phagocytic activities compared with controls. In a second experiment, juvenile seabream (13 g) were fed for 3 weeks the same experimental diets and total serum IgM and numbers of gut IgM(+) cells and acidophilic granulocytes were evaluated. All these parameters were significantly higher in the multispecies probiotic group compared to monospecies and control fed groups. The advantages provided by administration of killed probiotic bacteria as well as multispecies versus monospecies formulations are discussed in light of the results obtained and for their possible application in aquacultural practices.     

Lower plasma triglyceride level in Syrian hamsters fed on skim milk fermented with Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota

The effect of fermented skim milk (FSM) by Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota on plasma lipids in hamsters was examined. Hamsters fed on cholesterol-free and -enriched diets containing 30% FSM had lower levels of plasma triglyceride than those fed on the control diet. In the experiment with the cholesterol-enriched diet-fed hamsters, the plasma triglyceride level was suppressed by FSM at concentrations of 10% to 30%. Unfermented milk tended to lower the level of triglyceride, but not significantly. The plasma cholesterol concentration was not affected by an FSM and unfermented skim milk supplement to the diet. L. casei strain Shirota grew well in the presence of mixed lipid micelles containing bile acid, but did not have the ability to remove cholesterol from the culture broth. These results indicate that FSM lowered the plasma triglyceride level in hamsters.     

Identification of Brassinosteroid-like Active Substances in Plant-cell Cultures

The effects of the flower lipid-saccharide complex and unsaponifiable matter (1g/kg of diet) from the sunflower on liver lipid metabolism and intestinal flora was studied in rats given cholesterol-enriched diets. After six weeks of feeding, the microsomal cholesterol concentration in the liver had been significantly reduced with the sunflower diet. The ratio of cholesterol/phospholipid was also reduced by the sunflower diet. The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity of the sunflower groups was significantly lower than that of the control group. There was no significant difference in the cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase activity, although this tended to increase with dietary sunflower consumption. The number of Bacillus in the cecum flora was significantly higher in the lipid-saccharide complex group than in the other groups, while Bifidobacterium and Eubacterium in the cecum flora was significantly higher in the unsaponifiable matter group when compared to the control group. These results suggest that the lipidsaccharide complex and unsaponifiable matter in the sunflower are related to liver cholesterol synthesis and intestinal flora.     

Oral Probiotic Microcapsule Formulation Ameliorates Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Bio F1B Golden Syrian Hamsters

The beneficial effect of a microencapsulated feruloyl esterase producing Lactobacillus fermentum ATCC 11976 formulation for use in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was investigated. For which Bio F₁B Golden Syrian hamsters were fed a methionine deficient/choline devoid diet to induce non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Results, for the first time, show significant clinical benefits in experimental animals. Examination of lipids show that concentrations of hepatic free cholesterol, esterified cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids were significantly lowered in treated animals. In addition, serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid and insulin resistance were found to decrease in treated animals. Liver histology evaluations showed reduced fat deposits. Western blot analysis shows significant differences in expression levels of key liver enzymes in treated animals. In conclusion, these findings suggest the excellent potential of using an oral probiotic formulation to ameliorate NAFLD.     

Transgenic expression of CYP7A1 in LDL receptor-deficient mice blocks diet-induced hypercholesterolemia

Constitutive expression of a cholesterol-7alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) transgene in LDL receptor-deficient mice blocked the ability of a cholesterol-enriched diet to increase plasma levels of apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins. LDL receptor-deficient mice expressing the CYP7A1 transgene exhibited complete resistance to diet-induced hypercholesterolemia and to the accumulation of cholesterol in the liver. Hepatic mRNA expression of liver X receptor-inducible ABCG5 and ABCG8 was decreased in CYP7A1 transgenic, LDL receptor-deficient mice fed a cholesterol-enriched diet. Thus, increased biliary cholesterol excretion could not account for the maintenance of cholesterol homeostasis. CYP7A1 transgenic, LDL receptor-deficient mice fed the cholesterol-enriched diet exhibited decreased jejunal Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 protein (NPC1L1) mRNA expression, an important mediator of intestinal cholesterol absorption. A taurocholate-enriched diet also decreased NPC1L1 mRNA expression in a farnesoid X receptor-independent manner. Reduced expression of NPC1L1 mRNA was associated with decreased cholesterol absorption ( approximately 20%; P < 0.05) exhibited by CYP7A1 transgenic LDL receptor-deficient mice fed the cholesterol-enriched diet. The combined data show that enhanced expression of CYP7A1 is an effective means to prevent the accumulation of cholesterol in the liver and of atherogenic apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins in plasma.     

The effect of dietary menhaden,olive, and coconut oil fed with three levels of vitamin E on plasma and liver lipids and plasma fatty acid composition in rats

The effect of dietary fats with varying degrees of unsaturation in the presence of different concentrations of vitamin E on tissue lipid levels was studied in rats. Rats were fed either menhaden oil, olive oil or coconut oil at 15% levels with either 0.1, 0.3 or 0.6 mg/g of vitamin E as alpha-tocopherol for four weeks. Rat serum and liver were analyzed for total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triacylglycerol and phospholipids. In addition, fatty acid composition of serum lipids was also analyzed. Serum total cholesterol and triacylglycerol were significantly lower in rats fed menhaden oil than in those fed olive or coconut oil, while the HDL-cholesterol was significantly higher in serum of rats fed menhaden and olive oil than in those fed coconut oil. Levels of vitamin E in the diet had only a significant effect on serum cholesterol and liver phospholipids. The Pearson correlation coefficient showed a significant positive relationship between serum triacylglycerol and total cholesterol, and a negative correlation between triacylglycerol and HDL-cholesterol, and between total and HDL-cholesterol.In the liver, total cholesterol was significantly higher in rats fed coconut oil than in rats fed menhaden oil. Total liver phospholipids were lower in rats fed either coconut oil or olive oil compared to those fed menhaden oil, especially with higher levels of vitamin E intake. Higher levels of vitamin E in the diet appear to increase triacylglycerol and phospholipids in livers of rats fed menhaden oil. In the liver a significant negative correlation was observed between phospholipids and cholesterol. The type and degree of unsaturation (polyunsaturated fatty acids in menhaden oil, monounsaturated fatty acids in olive oil and saturated fatty acids in coconut oil) significantly affected plasma and tissue lipids.     

Effects of dietary soybean peptides on hepatic production of ketone bodies and secretion of triglyceride by perfused rat liver

Soybean protein isolate (SPI) was digested with protease to produce a peptides containing the low-molecular fraction (LD3) or a mixture of high- and low-molecular fractions (HD1). Rats were fed a diets containing SPI, LD3, or HD1 at a protein level equivalent to the 20% casein diet for 4 weeks. The serum triglyceride concentration was lower in rats fed SPI, LD3, and HD1 diets than in rats fed the casein diet, and the differences were significant for the cholesterol-enriched diet. The value for the LD3 group was the lowest among all groups for both the cholesterol-free and -enriched diets. The level of triglyceride in the post-perfused liver was significantly lower in the LD3 and HD1 groups and the SPI group than in the casein group irrespective of the presence of cholesterol in the diet. In the cholesterol-free diet, LD3 feeding as compared to casein feeding caused a reduction in triglyceride secretion from the liver to perfusate and an increment of hepatic ketone body production. The addition of cholesterol to the diets somewhat attenuated these effects of LD3. These results suggest that the low-molecular fraction in soybean peptides causes triglyceride-lowering activity through a reduction in triglyceride secretion from the liver to the blood circulation and the stimulation of fatty acid oxidation in the liver. There is a possibility that soybean peptides modulate triglyceride metabolism by changes in the hepatic contribution.     

Probiotic Properties of Lactobacillus Strains Isolated from Tibetan Kefir Grains

The objective of this study was to evaluate the functional properties of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from Tibetan kefir grains. Three Lactobacillus isolates identified as Lactobacillus acidophilus LA15, Lactobacillus plantarum B23 and Lactobacillus kefiri D17 that showed resistance to acid and bile salts were selected for further evaluation of their probiotic properties. The 3 selected strains expressed high in vitro adherence to Caco-2 cells. They were sensitive to gentamicin, erythromycin and chloramphenicol and resistant to vancomycin with MIC values of 26 µg/ml. All 3 strains showed potential bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity, cholesterol assimilation and cholesterol co-precipitation ability. Additionally, the potential effect of these strains on plasma cholesterol levels was evaluated in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Rats in 4 treatment groups were fed the following experimental diets for 4 weeks: a high-cholesterol diet, a high-cholesterol diet plus LA15, a high-cholesterol diet plus B23 or a high-cholesterol diet plus D17. The total cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the serum were significantly (P<0.05) decreased in the LAB-treated rats compared with rats fed a high-cholesterol diet without LAB supplementation. The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in groups B23 and D17 were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those in the control and LA15 groups. Additionally, both fecal cholesterol and bile acid levels were significantly (P<0.05) increased after LAB administration. Fecal lactobacilli counts were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the LAB treatment groups than in the control groups. Furthermore, the 3 strains were detected in the rat small intestine, colon and feces during the feeding trial. The bacteria levels remained high even after the LAB administration had been stopped for 2 weeks. These results suggest that these strains may be used in the future as probiotic starter cultures for manufacturing novel fermented foods.     

Effect of dietary chitosans with different viscosity on plasma lipids and lipid peroxidation in rats fed on a diet enriched with cholesterol

To investigate the effect of dietary chitosan on lipid metabolism, male SD (Sprague-Dawley) rats were fed a cholesterol-enriched diet containing 5% cellulose (CE), 5% chitosan (CCS; high viscosity), or 5% chitosan (FCS; low viscosity) for 4 weeks. The two types of chitosan with a comparable degree of deacetylation had a different molecular weight and intrinsic viscosity. Significantly (p < 0.05) lower plasma total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol concentrations were observed in the rats fed on the chitosan diets. In addition, chitosan significantly increased the fecal cholesterol and triglyceride contents. Although no significant difference in body weight was found among the dietary groups, the rats fed on the chitosan diets had lower relative liver weight when compared with those fed on the cellulose diet. Both of the chitosan groups had significantly lower liver total lipid and total cholesterol contents compared to the cellulose group, although the FCS group was less effective. The plasma and liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBAR) values were similar in the CE and FCS groups, while the CCS group had increased liver TBAR values. Although a significant increase in liver glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity was observed in the CCS group, no significant change was found in the FCS group. The observed influence of chitosans with different viscosity on the plasma lipid level, liver lipids and lipid peroxidation suggests that, while the hypocholesterolemic action of chitosans with different viscosity was similar, changes in the liver lipids and liver peroxidation status depended on their molecular weight when the deacetylation degree was comparable.     

Hypocholesterolaemic action of Lactobacillus plantarum VJC38 in rats fed a cholesterol-enriched diet

This study was conducted to evaluate hypocholesterolaemic activity of probiotic strains Lactobacillus plantarum VJC38 and VJI21 in Wistar albino rats fed a cholesterol-enriched diet. The experimental animals were divided into five groups (n = 6) viz., normal diet control group (NDC), hypercholesterolaemic diet (HD) control group (HDC), HD supplemented with 3 × 108 CFU/ml of L. plantarum VJC38 group (HD-C38), HD supplemented with 3 × 108 CFU/ml of L. plantarum VJI21 group (HD-I21), and HD supplemented with 3 × 108 CFU/ml of L. rhamnosus GG group (HD-GG) as positive control. Animals were administered bacterial culture by oral gavage once daily for 45 days. After trial, animals were sacrificed and blood samples were collected. Serum total cholesterol (T-CHO), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, glucose, glutamyl pyruvate transaminase (GPT), and glutamyl oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) levels were determined. Serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were estimated using the Friedewald’s equation. Liver and fecal lipid contents and fecal cholic acids were measured. Serum T-CHO levels were significantly decreased by 15.6 and 17.4% in the HD-GG and HD-C38 groups, respectively, but not in the HD-I21 group compared with HDC group (P < 0.05). HD-GG and HD-C38 groups showed 26.3 and 27.2% reduction in serum LDL cholesterol, respectively when compared with HDC group (P < 0.05). Serum LDL cholesterol levels in HD-I21 group were not significantly different from HDC group. Serum TG levels in the HD-GG and HD-C38 were decreased by 14.2 and 22.8%, respectively compared with HDC group (P < 0.05). Liver T-CHO and TG levels in the HD-GG, HD-C38, and HD-I21 were reduced significantly compared with the HDC group (P < 0.05). Atherogenic coefficient values of HD-GG, HD-C38, and HD-21 were significantly decreased compared with HDC group (P < 0.05). Serum GPT levels in the HD-GG, HD-C38, and HD-I21 were decreased by 20.6, 10.9, and 20.6%, respectively, vs. the HDC group. Serum GOT levels were not significantly different among the groups. Serum glucose levels were significantly low in HD-GG, HD-C38, and HD-I21 compared with HDC group (P < 0.05). Fecal cholesterol and cholic acid levels were significantly higher in the HD-C38 and HD-GG groups than other groups (P < 0.05). This study suggests that L. plantarum VJC38 exhibits hypocholesterolaemic effect through hydrolysis of conjugated bile acids in the small intestine and excretion of cholesterol in feces. Lactobacillus plantarum VJC38 could be used as a potential cholesterol-lowering probiotic after validation of the hypocholesterolaemic activity in placebo-controlled human clinical trials.     

Comparative hypocholesterolemic effects of five animal oils in cholesterol-fed rats

The hypocholesterolemic efficacy of various animal oils was compared in rats given a cholesterol-enriched diet. After acclimatization for one week, male F344 DuCrj rats (8 weeks of age) that had been fed with a conventional diet were assigned to diets containing 5% of oil from emu (Dromaius), Japanese Sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis, Heude), sardine, beef tallow, or lard with 0.5% cholesterol for 6 weeks. After this feeding period, the concentrations of serum total cholesterol and of very-low-density lipoprotein + intermediate-density lipoprotein + low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in the sardine oil group were significantly lower than those in the other groups. The serum high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentration in the Japanese Sika deer oil group was significantly higher than that in the other groups. The atherosclerotic index and liver cholesterol concentration in the sardine oil and Japanese Sika deer oil groups were significantly lower than those in the other groups. The fecal cholesterol excretion by the Japanese Sika deer oil group was significantly higher than that of the other groups, except for the sardine oil group, and the fecal bile acid excretion by the sardine oil group was significantly higher than that of the other groups, except for the lard group. These results suggest that Japanese Sika deer oil reduced the atherosclerotic index and liver cholesterol concentration in the presence of excess cholesterol in the diet as well as sardine oil did by increasing the excretion of cholesterol from the intestines of rats.     

Effect of Dietary Composition on Lipids in Serum and in Liver of Rats Fed a Cystine-excess Diet

The effects of dietary composition on lipids in serum and in liver of rats fed with a cystine- excess diet were investigated.

When starch was used as the carbohydrate source, the addition of excess-cystine caused an increase in serum cholesterol and phospholipids, and hepatomegaly. Phospholipids in serum of rats fed with a cystine-excess diet containing 5% corn oil were higher than those with a cystine-excess diet that was low in corn oil (0.1 %). The addition of konjac mannan and pectin prevented hypercholesterolemia, and the rise in phospholipids in serum was prevented by the addition of konjac mannan.

Liver cholesterol (mg/liver/100 g of body wt.) increased in rats fed with a cystine-excess diet.

The addition of excess cystine to a diet containing sucrose as the carbohydrate source resulted in a marked increase of cholesterol in serum and liver, and a decrease of serum triglycerides.

The replacement of starch by sucrose in the cystine-excess diet increased liver cholesterol.

Lipids, cholesterol, phospholipids and triglycerides in the liver, but not phospholipids, when expressed as mg per g of liver for rats fed with the diets containing sucrose, increased when compared to those for rats fed with the diets containing starch. In contrast, serum triglycerides increased.     

Antiobesity Effects of Bifidobacterium breve Strain B-3 Supplementation in a Mouse Model with High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-obesity activity of a probiotic bifidobacterial strain in a mouse model with obesity induced by a high-fat diet. The mice were fed a high-fat diet supplemented with Bifidobacterium breve B-3 at 10⁸ or 10⁹ CFU/d for 8 weeks. B. breve B-3 supplementation dose-dependently suppressed the accumulation of body weight and epididymal fat, and improved the serum levels of total cholesterol, fasting glucose and insulin. The bifidobacterial counts in the caecal contents and feces were significantly increased with the B. breve B-3 administration. The expression of genes related to fat metabolism and insulin sensitivity in the gut and epididymal fat tissue was up-regulated by this administration. These results suggest that the use of B. breve B-3 would be effective in reducing the risk of obesity.     

Screening of lactic acid bacteria with cholesterol-lowering and triglyceride-lowering activity in vitro and evaluation of probiotic function

To screen the lactic acid bacteria with cholesterol-lowering and triglyceride-lowering activity in vitro and evaluate their probiotic function. By plate separating, cholesterol-lowering and triglyceride-lowering activity in vitro were determined; and by evaluating the probiotic functions, including tolerances to simulated gastric and intestinal juice, the antibacterial spectrum, and the adhesion ability to Caco-2 cells, the probiotic strains with cholesterol-lowering and triglyceride-lowering activity in vitro were screened, and then were identified by phenotypical and physiological tests and 16Sr DNA. Finally, the cholesterol-lowering and triglyceride-lowering activity in vivo of the strains were evaluated using male Sprague-Dawley rats. Two strains L2-16 and L2-73 with stronger cholesterol-lowering and triglyceride-lowering activity in vitro, stronger tolerance to simulated gastric and intestinal juice and adhesion ability to Caco-2 cells, and wider antibacterial spectrum were screened from traditional Chinese fermented cucumber and were identified as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Enterococcus faecalis, respectively. Compared with a hyperlipidemia diet without lactic acid bacteria, the diet supplemented with Lactobacillus acidophilus L2-16 and Enterococcus faecalis L2-73 significantly reduced serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and liver total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in rats (P?<?0.05). Moreover, the diet supplemented with Lactobacillus acidophilus L2-16 and Enterococcus faecalis L2-73 significantly increased the fecal elimination of bile acids (P?<?0.05). Lactobacillus acidophilus L2-16 and Enterococcus faecalis L2-73 may have application prospect in the production of some fermented foods such as fermented vegetables, milk, or meat, and probiotic preparations with the function to lower the serum lipid and liver lipid levels.