Evaluation of some biological parameters of Opuntia ficus indica. 2. Influence of seed supplemented diet on rats

The present research was undertaken to evaluate some biological parameters in rats fed with a supplemented diet with Opuntia ficus indica powder seeds. Feed intake and body weight of rats were measured every two days during nine weeks of treatment. Digestibility, feed conversion efficiency and protein efficiency ratio were determined. No difference in digestibility was noticed between the different diets. The results indicated a significant decrease in body weight of rats receiving a diet partially substituted with O. ficus indica powder seeds, probably due to a significant decrease in serum-free thyroxin (FT(4)) compared to the control group. In the treated group, a decrease of glucose concentration in blood and an increase of glycogen in liver and skeletal muscle were noticed. A significant increase in HDL-cholesterol was noted in the group receiving the supplemented diet with O. ficus indica powder seeds. These results suggest that O. ficus indica seeds can be used as a healthy food.     

Influence of dietary linseed oil and sunflower seed oil on some mechanical and metabolic parameters of isolated working rat hearts

The role played by membrane lipid environment on cardiac function remains poorly defined. The polyunsaturated fatty acid profile of myocardial phospholipids could be of utmost importance in the regulation of key-enzyme activities. This study was undertaken to determine whether selective incorporation of n-6 or n-3 fatty acids in membrane phospholipids might influence cardiac mechanical performances and metabolism. For 8 wk, male weaning Wistar rats were fed a semi-purified diet containing either 10% sunflower seed oil (72% C18:2 n-6) or 10% linseed oil (54% C18:3 n-3) as the sole source of lipids. The hearts were then removed and perfused according to working mode with a Krebs-Henseleit buffer containing glucose (11 mM) and insulin (10 Ul/l). Cardiac rate, coronary and aortic flows and ejection fraction were monitored after 30 min of perfusion. Myocardial metabolism was estimated by evaluating the intracellular fate of 1-14C palmitate. Sunflower seed oil and linseed oil feeding did not modify either coronary or aortic flow, which suggests that cardiac mechanical work was not affected by the diets. Conversely, cardiac rate was significantly decreased (-18%; P less than 0.01) when rats were fed the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid rich diet. Radioanalysis of the myocardial metabolism suggested that replacing n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids by n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: i) did not alter palmitate uptake; ii) prolonged palmitate incorporation into cardiac triglycerides; iii) reduced beta-oxidation of palmitic acid. These results support the assumption that dietary fatty acids, particularly n-6 and n-3 fatty acids, play an important role in the regulation of cardiac mechanical and metabolic activity.     

The effects of L-carnitine on some hematological parameters in rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet

We evaluated the effects of L-carnitine on the hematological characteristics of rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet. Healthy male Wistar Albino rats were assigned to four equal groups. During the 40 day experiment, group 1 was fed standard rat pellets, group 2 was fed standard rat pellets containing 7.5 % cholesterol powder, group 3 was fed standard rat pellets and water that contained 75 mg/l L-carnitine, and group 4 was fed standard rat pellets that contained 7.5% cholesterol and water that contained 75 mg/l L-carnitine. Blood samples were analyzed for red (RBC) and white (WBC) blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, granulocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, mean cell volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) using an automated cell counter. The RBC count in the group that received the 7.5% cholesterol diet was decreased significantly compared to the other groups. The hematocrit of the cholesterol group was lower than for the L-carnitine + cholesterol and L-carnitine groups. The MCV in the cholesterol group was significantly higher than the control group. The MCH in the cholesterol group was higher than for the other groups. There was no significant difference among the groups with regard to hemoglobin, MCHC, WBCs and leukocyte types. L-carnitine appears to have beneficial effects on erythrocyte stability, erythropoiesis and hyperlipidemia.     

Effects of replacing corn with cactus pear (Opuntia ficus indica Mill) on the performance of Santa Inês lambs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and nutrient digestibility of feedlot Santa Inês sheep fed with increasing levels (0, 25, 50, 75, 100% dry matter basis) of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus indica, Mill) as a replacement for corn. Forty-five male (non-castrated) Santa Inês sheep, averaging 27.50 ± 0.48 kg body weight (BW) at the beginning of the study, were used in this trial. A completely randomized block design with nine replicates per treatment was used. The intakes of DM, OM, CP, EE, TC, NFC, TDN and ME were quadratic, while the intakes of mineral matter (MM) and NDF increased linearly with increased levels of cactus pear in the diet. The voluntary intake of water decreased with increased levels of cactus pear in the diet. Increased levels of cactus pear in the diet increased the apparent digestibility of DM, OM, CP, NDF, and TC linearly, but did not influence the digestibility of EE or NFC. Daily weight gain (DWG) and feed efficiency decreased linearly with increased levels of cactus pear in the diet. The replacement of corn by cactus pear does not affect the conversion of the feed. Overall, increased levels of cactus pear in the diet of these sheep favours a high digestibility of nutrients, improves the quality of forage, reduces the voluntary intake of water, and thus represents an important source of fodder and water reserves for use in semiarid regions.     

Influence of zinc-saccharide complexes on some haematological parameters in rats

The effects of three recently synthesized zinc-saccharide complexes (zinc-fructose, zinc-galactose and zinc-glucose) on blood -aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity, glutathione (GSH), zinc-protoporphyrin (ZPP) and urinary -aminolevulinic acid (ALA) levels have been investigated to ascertain the utility of these complexes as zinc supplements and as preventive agents against lead intoxication in rats.     

Extreme decrease of linoleic acid in renal medulla from rats after a diet supplemented with cod liver oil

Spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive rats were fed a diet supplemented with linseed oil or cod liver oil for 22 weeks. The most remarkable finding was an extreme fall of linoleic acid in lipids from renal medulla after cod liver oil supplementation. In free fatty acids (FFA) eicosatrienoic acid (C2): 3n-9) appeared increased as a sign of essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency.     

The response of growing rats to a diet supplemented with the antibiotic ampicillin.

Ampicillin was included (25 mg/litre) in the drinking water supplied to growing rats over periods of 2,3,4,5,6,7 or 8 weeks. 32 rats were used in each experimental period, half being given the antibiotic and half being left as controls. The antibiotic increased the liveweight gain in each period, the results being significant after the 2- and 4-week feeding periods. Significant decreases were observed in the average percentage weights of the spleens of the rats given the antibiotic at the end of all the feeding periods except one. The few other significant changes in the percentage weights of other organs were, with one exception, noted at or before the end of the 4th week.     

Ameliorative effects of l-carnitine on rats raised on a diet supplemented with lead acetate

Lead intoxication has been a major health hazard in humans. It affects people at all ages. Its toxicity is associated with various organs of the body and affects different metabolic pathways. Based on histological data, l-carnitine reduced the severity of tissue damage produced as a result of exposure of rats to lead acetate. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the underlying mechanism of protection offered by l-carnitine against lead acetate intoxication using male Sprague–Dawley rats.Forty male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups with ten rats in each. The first group (G1) served as the control group and animals received standard diet only. The second group (G2) received lead acetate in their diet. The third group (G3) was the l-carnitine treated group and received the normal standard diet supplemented with l-carnitine. While the fourth group (G4) had a diet supplemented with both lead acetate and l-carnitine. At the end of each experiment, blood (serum and whole blood) were collected from each animal and analyzed for the following parameters: serum testosterone levels, serum nitric oxide and serum malondialdehyde. This is in addition to looking at the enzymatic activities of two important enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and on (glutathione reductase) which are indicative of the antioxidant activities in the whole blood. The results indicated that l-carnitine will counteract the undesirable effects of lead intoxication. It exerted its antioxidant potential by reducing the production of ROS and scavenging free radicals by maintaining and protecting the level of the of antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and glutathione peroxidase.Conclusion:l-Carnitine may play an important role in reversing the undesirable effects of lead intoxication. Future studies should be conducted to see whether such an effect is applicable in humans exposed to lead poising.     

Effect of K,MG aspartate on some biological parameters of aging rats

The effect of K and Mg salts of aspartic acid (Cardilan) on the serum concentration of selected proteins and phagocytic activity in aging male Wistar rats was investigated. Cardilan was administered in tap water for 7 days a month for 3 months before the last observed interval (12, 18 and 24 month). In a part of animals, the aging process was accelerated by sublethally gamma-irradiation. The administration of Cardilan slowed down the changes in the concentration of prealbumin, albumin, haptoglobin, haemopexin, C3 complement in non-irradiated rats (DC). This effect was extended to the changes in transferrin level in irradiated rats (IDC). The phagocytic activity in both DC, IDC rats was lower compared with controls drinking water (DW, IDW), but not significantly. The effect of Cardilan administration appears to be the greatest in 24-month-old rats, when the treated animals survived better by 25% in IDC group and by 26% better in DC rats, compared with those of the same age controls. Potassium and magnesium salts of aspartates are suitable compounds for life prolongation in the experimental conditions.     

Influence of a menhaden oil diet on cercarial penetration of Schistosoma mansoni.

The ability of a menhaden oil (MO) diet to influence cercarial penetration into mouse tail skin was evaluated. Male CD-1 mice 4-6 wk old (15.2 g average weight) were fed a 0, 10%, or 20% MO-supplemented diet for 2 wk. After this time mice were infected with either 65 +/- 3 or 145 +/- 3 [35S]methionine/cysteine-labeled cercariae for 1 hr by tail immersion. Twenty-four hours and 7 days later groups of mice were killed and their tail skin removed and autoradiographed. At 24 hr postinfection, mice fed a 20% MO diet had significantly higher cercarial penetration than controls and 10% MO diets (56% +/- 5.2 vs. 44% +/- 2.9, P = 0.02, 1-tailed t-test). After 7 days mice fed a 20% MO diet retained more radioactive foci than controls or 10% MO diets (21% +/- 2.0 vs. 15% +/- 1.3, P = 0.01, 1-tailed t-test).     

Effects of Azadirachta indica A Juss on some biochemical, immunological and visceral parameters in normal and stressed rats.

Effects of A. indica (AI) were evaluated on some biochemical, immunological and visceral parameters in normal and stress rats. AI (100 mg/kg) lowered blood glucose, triglyceride and SGOT levels in normal rats, and attenuated stress-induced elevations of cholesterol and urea levels. In rats immunized with SRBC, AI enhanced the humoral antibody response to the antigen. Further, AI facilitated the footpad thickness response to SRBC in sensitized mice and also enhanced leucocyte migration in immunized rats. In stressed rats, AI significantly attenuated the stress-induced (a) suppression of humoral immune response and (b) gastric ulcerogenesis. These results are discussed in light of the possible mechanisms involved in the effects of AI in normal and stressful situations.     

Effect of Nopal (Opuntia ficus indica) Consumption at Different Maturity Stages as an Only Calcium Source on Bone Mineral Metabolism in Growing Rats

Biological Trace Element Research - This work determines the effect nopal consumption at different maturity stages (60, 200, 400, and 600 g) as the only calcium source in bone metabolism....     

Influence of jute (Corchorus olitorius) seed protein enriched diet on some enzymes and liver lipids of albino rats (Rattus norvegicus)

The effect of protein, isolated from Jute (Corchorus olitorius) seed was studied upon albino rats with respect to some of their serum, liver and intestinal enzymes and liver lipids. An increase in the body weight (including the weight of the liver) was noted in test animals after feeding with a Jute seed protein enriched diet. It was also observed that AST, ALT and total lipid of liver increased significantly whereas AST and ALT of serum were decreased. An increase in the concentration of lipids in the liver was found and this may be due to excess of the seed protein in the diet. An overall observation reveals that there is slight fatty infiltration in the liver of test animals.     

Effects of a bovine colostrum-supplemented diet on some gut parameters in weaned piglets

The present study investigated the effects of a bovine colostrum-supplemented diet on gut post-weaning adaptation and health in piglets. Thirty-six 21-d-old piglets were allocated to one of the three following dietary treatments: sow-reared (SR), weaned on a control starter diet (WCtrl) or on a starter diet supplemented with bovine colostrum (WCol) until slaughter at 28 d or 35 d of age. Gastric pH and intestinal bacteriological, structural and functional parameters were determined. Compared to WCtrl, the gastric pH was lower (P < 0.05) and the duodenal lactobacilli:coliform ratio was higher (P = 0.05) in WCol piglets. The relative small intestine weight was 18% (P < 0.05) higher in WCol piglets than in SR piglets. Duodenal villous height was lower (P < 0.01) in WCtrl than in SR piglets, whereas the value for WCol piglets was intermediate. The weaning-increased crypt cell proliferation was not affected by bovine colostrum supplementation. The mucosal ribosomal capacity was higher (P < 0.05) in W than in SR piglets. In conclusion, a diet supplemented with colostrum induced, although not always significantly, variations of gut parameters, suggesting that globally, colostrum may limit weaning-induced gut structural and microbial alterations. The observed effects occurred early and were maintained throughout the post-weaning adaptive phase.     

Influence of a lipogenic diet on the cholesterol synthesis in rats in vivo.

An inhibition of the cholesterol synthesis by a lipogenic diet in rat liver is described. The inhibition could be shown with glucose or mevalonate as tracer substances. This inhibition is located between lanosterol and cholesterol and results in a reduction of the cholesterol synthesis to about one sixth of the control group. No indication for any other inhibiting effect was obtained by these in vivo experiments.     

Evaluation of some newer non-steroidal anti-inflammatory indan-1-acids in various biological systems.

In line of the effort towards development of some newer indanyl non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents and providing comprehensive SAR among this class of compounds some significantly active derivatives with low ulcerogenic potential were identified. Dealing with various long chain and branched chain compounds among this series, 3-(5, 6-dimethoxy indan-1-yl) propionic acid, 2-(5, 6-dimethoxy indan-1-yl) propionic acid and 3-(6-methoxy indan-1-yl) propionic acid were observed to have encouraging biological activity. Screening in various animal models of inflammation suggests their longer duration of action and lower ulcerogenic liability.     

Effect of a low-protein diet supplemented with keto-acids on autophagy and inflammation in 5/6 nephrectomized rats

Ketoacids (KA) are known to preserve muscle mass among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on a low-protein diet (LPD). The present study was to compare the effects of KA supplemented diet therapy in autophagy and inflammation in CKD rats'' skeletal muscle. Rats with 5/6 nephrectomy were randomly divided into three groups and fed with either 11 g/kg/day protein [normal-protein diet (NPD)], 3 g/kg/day protein (LPD) or 3 g/kg/day protein which including 5% protein plus 1% KA (LPD + KA) for 24 weeks. Sham-operated rats with NPD intake were used as control. LPD could improve body weight, gastrocnemius muscle mass, as well as gastrocnemius muscle cross-sectional area, with the effect being more obvious in the LPD + KA group. The autophagy marker LC3 (microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3), p62, Parkin and PTEN induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) were significantly attenuate in LPD + KA group than LPD group. LPD + KA group had the lower total mtDNA (mitochondiral DNA) and cytosol mtDNA, NACHT-PYD-containing protein 3 (NALP3) inflammasome than LPD group, but its reactive oxygen species (ROS), caspase-1 and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) level was higher. Immunoblotting showed IL-1β (interleukin-1-beta) was lower in LPD and LPD + KA group than the NPD group, but IL-18 showed no significant difference among control and CKD group; toll-like receptor signalling-dependent IL-6 was higher in LPD + KA group than LPD group, but tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was not significantly changed between LPD + KA and LPD group. Systematic changes of the four cytokines were different from that of the tissue. Although LPD + KA could further ameliorate-activated autophagy than LPD, its effect on the activated inflammation state in CKD was not distinctly. Further study is still required to explore the method of ameliorating inflammation to provide new therapeutic approaches for CKD protein energy wasting (PEW).     

Characterization of the rumen lipidome and microbiome of steers fed a diet supplemented with flax and echium oil

Developing novel strategies for improving the fatty acid composition of ruminant products relies upon increasing our understanding of rumen bacterial lipid metabolism. This study investigated whether flax or echium oil supplementation of steer diets could alter the rumen fatty acids and change the microbiome. Six Hereford × Friesian steers were offered grass silage/sugar beet pulp only (GS), or GS supplemented either with flax oil (GSF) or echium oil (GSE) at 3% kg⁻¹ silage dry matter in a 3 × 3 replicated Latin square design with 21-day periods with rumen samples taken on day 21 for the analyses of the fatty acids and microbiome. Flax oil supplementation of steer diets increased the intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids, but a substantial degree of rumen biohydrogenation was seen. Likewise, echium oil supplementation of steer diets resulted in increased intake of 18:4n-3, but this was substantially biohydrogenated within the rumen. Microbiome pyrosequences showed that 50% of the bacterial genera were core to all diets (found at least once under each dietary intervention), with 19.10%, 5.460% and 12.02% being unique to the rumen microbiota of steers fed GS, GSF and GSE respectively. Higher 16S rDNA sequence abundance of the genera Butyrivibrio, Howardella, Oribacterium, Pseudobutyrivibrio and Roseburia was seen post flax feeding. Higher 16S rDNA abundance of the genus Succinovibrio and Roseburia was seen post echium feeding. The role of these bacteria in biohydrogenation now requires further study.