bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunological changes in growing mice fed on diets containing casein or peas (Pisum sativum var. Belinda) as the source of protein
Authors: Martínez J.Alfredo , Esparza M. Luisa , Larralde Jesús
Published: September 2005

The effects of two different sources of protein: peas (Pisum sativum var. Belinda) and casein on immunocompetence, nutritional utilization and growth performance have been investigated in recently weaned mice. Feeding these animals on a pea diet resulted in an impairment in growth and significant decreases in the weights of liver, muscle, kidneys and femur, while intestine weights increased. No differences in food consumption were observed, but food conversion efficiency (food intake: weight gain) was increased in pea-fed animals compared with those offered the casein diet. Packed cell volume and serum Fe and Zn levels fell significantly after legume-protein intake, and, by contrast, Cu values increased slightly. Serum albumin levels showed a statistically significant reduction in mice fed on the diet containing peas. However, y-globulins and immunoglobulin G titres were markedly increased. The characterization of spleen-cell subsets using monoclonal antibodies revealed a significantly higher percentage of T-lymphocytes in the pea group compared with casein-fed animals, while no changes were observed in the proportions of B-lymphocytes and macrophages. In vitro mitogenic responses to phytohaemagglutinin, concanavalin A and Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide S were slightly, but not significantly, lower in the pea-fed animals. Our results describe, apparently for the first time in mice, some immunological disturbances after peak intake. These results may lead to a better understanding of the possible role of antigenic proteins in gastrointestinal disorders and the poor individual performance after legume intake.
Calcium solubilization and retention in the gastrointestinal tract in chicks (Gallus domesticus) as a function of gastric acid secretion inhibition and of calcium carbonate particle size
Authors: Guinotte F. , Gautron J. , Nys Y. , Soumarmon A.
Published: September 2005

In chicks, immature pullets and laying hens, the inhibition of gastric acid secretion by omeprazole, an H+,K+-transporting ATPase (EC 3.6.1.36) inhibitor, greatly increased proventricular and gizzard pH values. Consequently, gizzard soluble Ca concentration deceased and the insoluble Ca fraction increased. Inhibition of acid secretion increased duodenal pH values in immature pullets and laying hens but not in chicks. Duodenal soluble and ionic Ca concentrations were lowered by gastric acid inhibition in chicks and to a larger extent in immature pullets and laying hens. The use of Ca of coarse particle size increased the gizzard insoluble Ca fraction in chicks and pullets. However, it did not influence its soluble Ca fraction in chicks but tended to reinforce the negative effect of omeprazole on soluble Ca in the gizzard and duodenum of chicks and laying hens. Coarse particles of Ca led to an increase in gizzard and duodenal soluble Ca at the end of eggshell calcification in laying hens. An enhancement in the level of Ca in the diet from 10 to 36 g/kg increased gizzard soluble Ca and duodenal soluble and ionic Ca concentrations in immature and adult hens. Intestinal Ca retention and bone mineralization was unaffected by gastric acid inhibition in chicks but were largely diminished by the use of coarse particles of Ca. Gastric acid inhibition was associated in laying hens with decreased Ca retention to a small extent and with reduced eggshell quality. These observations confirm that gastric acid secretion is of importance for CaCO, solubilization but question its role as a prerequisite for intestinal Ca retention in chicks and even in hens fed on a high Ca diet.
The role of the large intestine in post-ruminal digestion of feeds as measured by the mobile-bag method in cattle
Authors: Vanhatalo Aila , Ketoja Elise
Published: September 2005

To study the importance of site of recovery and other factors related to mobile-bag (MB) digestion values, two consecutive experiments in which diets were applied in a 3 × 3 Latin square design, were carried out with cannulated growing heifers. In Expt 1, several types of experimental feed were exposed to intestinal digestion in mobile bags made of two cloth types and filled with intact or rumen-undegradable (RUD) feed material to be recovered either from the ileum (IB) or faeces (FB). In Expt 2, mean retention time (MRT) of Yb-labelled digesta particles within the intestine andin vivodigestibility of diets were measured. With vegetable concentrates, FB resulted generally in slight overestimation of small-intestinal dry matter and N digestion, while with meat-and-bone meal no difference between FB and IB was found. The respective N digestibility of RUD late-cut silage was clearly underestimated as measured from FB. The disappearance of neutral-detergent fibre (NDF) of all feeds under test was higher from FB than from IB. It was not possible to isolate the influence of the large intestine on the MB values by changing bag cloth type. Irrespective of the longer retention time of bags and longer MRT of Yb in the intestine on a low as compared with a high level of feeding, only NDF disappearance of feeds increased due to lower feeding level. Altering the diet type to increase large-intestinal fermentation, as indicatedin vivo, usually had no effect on the MB values. It is concluded that the site of collection of bags does not practically affect small-intestinal digestion values of feed N, unless the feed is rich in fibre.
The reproducibility of subjective appetite scores
Authors: Raben Anne , TAGLIABUE ANNA , Astrup Arne
Published: September 2005

Although subjective appetite scores are widely used, studies on the reproducibility of this method are scarce. In the present study nine healthy, normal weight, young men recorded their subjective appetite sensations before and during 5 h after two different test meals A and B. The subjects tested each meal twice and in randomized order. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, 10 cm in length, were used to assess hunger, satiety, fullness, prospective food consumption and palatability of the meals. Plasma glucose and lactate concentrations were determined concomitantly. The repeatability was investigated for fasting values, Δ-mean 5 h and mean 5 h values, Δ-peak/nadir and peak/nadir values. Although the profiles of the postprandial responses were similar, the coefficients of repeatability (CR = 2SD) on the mean differences were large, ranging from 2·86 to 5.24 cm for fasting scores, 1·36 to 1·88 cm for mean scores, 2·98 to 5·42 cm for Δ-mean scores, and 3·16 to 6·44 cm for peak and Δ-peak scores. For palatability ratings the CK values varied more, ranging from 2·38 (taste) to 8·70 cm (aftertaste). Part of the difference in satiety ratings could be explained by the differences in palatability ratings. However, the low reproducibility may also be caused by a conditioned satiation or hunger due to the subjects' prior experience of the meals and therefore not just be a reflection of random noise. It is likely, however, that the variation in appetite ratings is due both to methodological day-to-day variation and to biological day-to-day variation in subjective appetite sensations.
Validation of weighed records and other methods of dietary assessment using the 24 h urine nitrogen technique and other biological markers
Authors: Bingham S. A. , Cassidy A. , Cole T. J. , Welch A. , Runswick S. A. , Black A. E. , Thurnham D. , Bates C. , Khaw K. T. , Key T. J. A. , Day N. E.
Published: September 2005

Results from analysis of 24 h urine collections, verified for completeness with para-amino benzoic acid, and blood samples collected over 1 year were compared with 16 d weighed records of all food consumed collected over the year, and with results from 24 h recalls, food-frequency questionnaires and estimated food records in 160 women. Using the weighed records, individuals were sorted into quintiles of the distribution of the urine N excretion: dietary N intake ratio (UN:DN). UN exceeded DN in the top quintile of this ratio; mean ratio UN:DN = 1·13 Individuals in this top quintile were heavier, had significantly greater body mass indices, were reportedly more restrained eaters, had significantly lower energy intake:basal metabolic rate ratios (EI:BMR), and had correlated ratios of UN:DN and EI:BMR (r- 0·62). Those in the top quintile reported lower intakes of energy and energy-yielding nutrients, Ca, fats, cakes, breakfast cereals, milk and sugars than individuals in the other quintiles but not lower intakes of non-starch polysaccharides, vitamin C, vegetables, potatoes or meat. Correlations between dietary intake from weighed records and 24 h urine K were 0·74 and 0·82, and between dietary vitamin C and β-carotene and plasma vitamin C and β-carotene 0·86 and 0·48. Correlations between dietary N intake from weighed records and 24 h urine excretion were high (0·78–0·87). Those between N from estimated food records and urine N werer0·60–0·70. Correlations between urine N and 24 h recalls and food-frequency questionnaires were in the order of 0·01 to 0·5. Despite problems of underreporting in overweight individuals in 20% of this sample, weighed records remained the most accurate method of dietary assessment, and only an estimated 7 d diary was able to approach this accuracy.
Enegy expenditure, physical activity and basal metabolic rate of elderly subjects
Authors: Pannemans Daphne L.E. , Westerterp Klaas R.
Published: September 2005

Energy expenditure, and therefore energy requirement, generally decreases with advancing age because of a decrease in basal metabolic rate (BMR) and physical activity. The aim of the present study was to measure total energy expenditure (EE) and activity level in a group of healthy elderly (sixteen men aged 71·3 (SD 4·9) years; ten women aged 67·6 (SD 4·1) years) and young adults (nineteen men aged 30·4 (SD 5·0) years; ten women aged 27·2 (SD 3·9) years) by using the doubly-labelled water method in combination with measurements of BMR. Age-related differences in body composition and their relationship to BMR and activity level were studied. EE was lower in elderly compared with young adults, partly due to a significantly lower BMR. The lower BMR was not fully explained by the lower fat-free mass (FFM) in the elderly. Energy expended (MJ/d) on activity was higher for the younger subjects although there was no significant difference in the physical activity index (PAI = EE/BMR) between the two age groups. The effect of physical activity level is twofold: first it has a positive effect on the BMR, and second it has a positive effect on the FFM. Both effects involve an increase in the total EE with an increased level of physical activity. At energy balance this will lead to increased energy and nutrient intake, making especially the elderly less vulnerable to inadequate energy and nutrient intake.
The glycaemic index of foods containing sugars: comparison of foods with naturally-occurringv.added sugars
Authors: Miller Janette Brand , Pang Edna , Broomhead Louise
Published: September 2005

The primary aim of the present study was to expand the glycaemic index (GI) database by determining the GI and insulin index values of thirty-nine foods containing sugars in healthy adults. The second aim was to examine the hypothesis that glycaemic and insulin responses to foods which contain added sugar(s) are higher than responses to foods containing naturally-occurring sugars. Eight healthy subjects drawn from a pool of eighteen consumed 50 g carbohydrate portions (except 25 g carbohydrate portions for fruits) of the test foods. The GI and insulin index were determined according to standardized methodology and expressed on a scale on which glucose = 100. The median GI and insulin index values of all foods tested were 56 (range 14 to 80) and 56 (range 24 to 124) respectively. The median GI of the foods containing added sugars was similar to that of foods containing naturally-occurring sugars (58v. 53 respectively,P= 0·08). Likewise, the median insulin index of the foods containing added sugars was not significantly different from that of foods containing naturally-occurring sugars (61v. 56 respectively,P= 0·16). There was no evidence of‘rebound hypoglycaemia’or excessive insulin secretion relative to the glucose response. We conclude that most foods containing sugars do not have a high GI. In addition, there is often no difference in responses between foods containing added sugars and those containing naturally-occurring sugars.
Relationship between smoking and antioxidant nutrient status
Authors: Faruque Md Omar , Khan Moududur Rahman , Rahman Md Mostafizur , Ahmed Faruk
Published: September 2005

The present study was designed to investigate teh relationship between smoking and antioxidant nutriennt intake and status. Smoker (n44) and non-smoker (n 44) male students attending Dhake University, aged between 22 and 28 years and living in a University Hall of Residence, were selected for the present study. Mean age, body weigh, BMI and blood pressure were similer for both the smokers and non-smokers. Mean energy, protein and fat intakes were similar for both groups. Smokers had lower intakes of dietary viamin C, carotenes and Zn but only the difference in Zn intake was statistically significant. There was no significant difference between smokers and non-smokers for either serum vitamin A (retinol) or vitamin E (α-tocopherol) level. The plasma vitamin C level of smokers was significantly lower than that of non-smokers (P= 0·004). Smokers had significantly lower serum Cu (P= 0·04) and higher seum Zn levels (P= 0·003). Further, a significant dose-response relationship between and vitamin C status was observed. Linear-regression analysis showed a significantly positive correlation between dietary intake and plasma vitamin C values in non-smokers (r 0·50; P = 0·0005). On the country, no such association was observed in smokers. These findings suggest that smoking may cause an imbalance in antioxidant nutrient intake and status.
The importance of dietary polyamines in cell regeneration and growth
Authors: Bardócz Susan , Duguid Tracey J. , Brown David S. , Grant George , Pusztai Arpad , White Ann , Ralph Ann
Published: September 2005

The polyamines putrescine, spermidine and spermine are essential for cell renewal and, therefore, are needed to keep the body healthy. It was previously believed that polyamines are synthesized by every cell in the body when required. However, in the present paper evidence is provided to show that, as in the case of the essential amino acids, the diet can supply sufficient amounts of polyamines to support cell renewal and growth. Systematic analysis of different foods was carried out and from the data obtained, the average daily polyamine consumption of British adults was calculated to be in the range 350–500 μmol/person per d. The major sources of putrescine were fruit, cheese and non-green vegetables. All foods contributed similar amounts of spermidine to the diet, although levels were generally higher in green vegetables. Meat was the richest source of spermine. However, only a part of the polyamines supplied by the diet is available for use by the body. Based on experiments with rats it was established that polyamines were readily taken up from the gut lumen, probably by passive diffusion, and were partly metabolized during the process of absorption. More than 80% of the putrescine was converted to other polyamines and non-polyamine metabolites, mostly to amino acids. The enzyme responsible for controlling the bioavailability of putrescine was diamine oxidase (EC 1.4.3.6). For spermidine and spermine, however, about 70–80% of the intragastrically intubated dose remained in the original form. Considering the limitations on bioavailability (metabolism and conversion), the amounts of polyamines supplied by the average daily diet in Britain should satisfy metabolic requirements.
Modulation of oxidative stress by β-carotene in chicken embryo fibroblasts
Authors: Lawlor Susan M. , O'brien Nora M.
Published: September 2005

The ability of β-carotene to protect against oxidative stressin vitrowas assessed. Primary cultures of chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF) were oxidatively stressed by exposure to paraquat (PQ). Activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD;EC1.15.1.1), catalase (CAT;EC1.11.1.6) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px;EC1.11.1.9) were measured as indices of oxidative stress. CEF incubated with 0·25 mM-PQ for 18 h exhibited increased SOD and CAT activities and decreased GSH-Px activity compared with the control (P< 0·001). Incorporation of added β-carotene (0·1 μM) into 0·25 mM-PQ-treated CEF returned SOD activity to that seen in non-PQ-treated cells. β-Carotene (0·1 μM) reduced the CAT activity from that seen in PQ-treated cells and returned the GSH-Px activity to its control value thus protecting the cells against PQ-induced oxidative stress. However, at higher concentrations of β-carotene (10 μM), SOD and CAT activities increased significantly (P< 0·001) relative to non-PQ-treated cells and GSH-Px activity decreased relative to its control value. Similar trends were observed when CEF grown in β-carotene-enricbed media (0·1–10μM) were oxidatively stressed by exposure to 0·25 mM-PQ for 18 h.β-Carotene: Chicken embryo fibroblasts: Oxidative stress Antioxidant enzymes
Effect of the lipase inhibitor orlistat and of dietary lipid on the absorption of radiolabelled triolein, tri-γ-linolenin and tripalmitin in mice
Authors: Isler Dorothea , Moeglen Charistine , Gains Nigel , Meier Marcel K.
Published: September 2005

Orlistat, a selective inhibitor of gastrointestinal lipases, was used to investigate triacylglycerol absorption. Using mice and a variety of emulsified dietary lipids we found that the absorption of radiolabelled tripalmitin (containing the fatty acid 16:0), but not of triolein (18: 1n−9) or tri-γ-linolenin (18:3n−6), was incomplete from meals rich in esterified palmitate. Further, the absorption of radiolabelled tri-γ-linolenin, from both saturated and unsaturated dietary triacylglycerols, was 1·3- to 2-fold more potently inhibited by orlistat than that of triolein and tripalmitin. These radiolabelled triacylglycerols, which have the same fatty acid in all three positions, may not always be accurate markers of the absorption of dietary triacylglycerols. Orlistat was more effective at inhibiting the absorption of radiolabelled triacylglycerols with which it was codissolved than those added separately, which indicates that equilibration between lipid phases in the stomach may not always be complete. The saturation of the dietary lipid had little or no effect on the potency of orlistat. Orlistat provides a novel approach for studying the role of triacylglycerol hydrolysis in the overall process of triacylglycerol absorption.
Aldose reductase (EC 1.1.1.21) activity and reduced-glutathione content in lenses of diabetic sand rats (Psammomys obesus) fed with acarbose
Authors: Cohen-Melamed Ester , Nyska A. , Pollack A. , Madar Z.
Published: September 2005

The effects of acarbose on cataract development, lens aldose reductase (EC 1·1·1·21) activity and lenticular reduced-glutathione content in diabetic sand rats (Psammomys obesus) were determined. Diabetic sand rats (diet-induced) were fed on diets with or without acarbose(0.4 g/kg) for 39 d. Daily plasma glucose, cataract incidence, aldose reductase and glutathione content were evaluated. After 19 d on acarbose, daily plasma glucose profile was significantly reduced compared with that of sand rats not receiving acarbose. Cataract incidence was markedly lower in sand rats treated with acarbose. After 20 d, cataracts had developed in 90% of the animals fed without acarbose, whereas none was observed in sand rats fed with acarbose. After 37 d acarbose treatment the incidence of cataracts reached only 30%. Compared with untreated animals, lens aldose reductase activity was significantly lower in sand rats fed with acarbose for 39 d (7 6 (SE 0·78) v. 3·5 (SE 0·55) μmol NADPH/mg protein per min respectively, P < 0·001). Concomitantly, significantly higher lenticular protein and reduced-glutathione contents (90 (SE 23) v. 240 (SE 23.5) μg/mg tissue respectively, P < 0·001 and 369 (SE 48·6) v. 645 (SE 71·1)μg/mg tissue respectively, P < 0·001) were found. These results suggest that decreasing hyperglycaemia, accompanied by lower aldose reductase activity obtained by acarbose, led to a significant preventive effect on cataract development in sand rats.
Simulation of the effects of diet on the contribution of rumen protozoa to degradation of fibre in the rumen
Authors: Dijkstra Jan , Tamminga Seerp
Published: September 2005

A previously described mathematical model, that simulates the metabolic activities of rumen bacteria and protozoa, was used to examine the contribution of protozoa to neutral-detergent fibre (NDF) degradation in the rumen of cattle. Comparisons between predicted and experimentally observed NDF degradation showed general agreement. Further simulations were performed with diets containing variable proportions of concentrate (between 0 and 1 kg/kg diet DM) and at intake levels ranging between 5·3 and 21·0 kg DM/d. The simulated protozoal contribution to NDF degradation was 17–21% at the lowest intake level. Except for the all-concentrate diets, raising the feed intake level reduced this contribution to 5–3% at the highest intake level. The changes in contribution of protozoa to NDF degradation were related to variations in the fibrolytic bacteria: protozoa value and the NDF-degrading activities of protozoa predicted by the model. In simulations where dietary NDF levels were reduced and starch and sugar levels were increased independently, protozoal contribution to NDF degradation generally increased. These differences were reflected also in the generally increased protozoal contribution to NDF degradation predicted in response to a decreased roughage:concentrate value. The contribution of protozoa also generally declined in response to added N. These changes in predicted protozoal contribution to NDF degradation resulting from dietary variations provided possible explanations for the differences in rumen NDF degradation observed when animals are defaunated.
Trans fatty acids in the Scottish diet
Authors: Bolton-Smith C. , Woodward M. , Fenton S. , McCluskey M. K. , Brown The Late C. A.
Published: September 2005

Trans fatty acids produced during hardening of oils have been associated with higher cholesterol levels and increased risk of heart disease. The potential risk from trans fatty acids may be greater in populations with relatively low intakes of essential fatty acids such as the Scots, who also have a high prevalence of heart disease. Means and ranges of trans fatty acid intakes are reported here for a Scottish population. A semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire was used to survey the diet of 10359 Scottish men and women aged 40–59 years in 1984–6 as part of the baseline Scottish Heart Health Study. Trans fatty acid levels were calculated for each food item on the questionnaire and the total subdivided into that which is derived naturally (primarily by bacterial fermentation in ruminants) and that which is produced during industrial hydrogenation (hardening) of vegetable and fish oils. Means and ranges of intakes of each trans fatty acid variable were calculated by sex, age, smoking and social class groups. Mean total trans fatty acid intakes for men were 7.1 (SD 3·1) g/d, 2·7 (SD 2·9)% energy and for women were 6.4 (SD 2·9) g/d, 3·3 (SD 3·0)% energy. Industrially hydrogenated trans fatty acids made up nearly 58% of the total intake for men and 61% for women, with about 60% coming from cakes, biscuits and sweets, and 20% coming from the cheaper hard margarines. The main sources of the naturally derived trans fatty acids were red meat (27%), milk (20%), butter (18–19%) and cheese (13–16%). Differences between age, smoking and social class groups were apparent. However, apart from the social class differences of up to 1 g/d, these were so small that they are unlikely to be of any biological significance unless compounded by other factors such as marginal essential fatty acid adequacy. The possibility of trans fatty acid intakes up to 48 g/d and 12% total energy (compared with the Department of Health (1991) recommendations of 5 g/d or 2% energy) highlights the need for careful monitoring of the health risks at these high levels of intake.
Evaluation of a two-generation rat model for vitamin A deficiency and the interrelationship with iron metabolism
Authors: Roodenburg Annet J. C. , West Clive E. , Hovenier Robert , Beynen Anton C.
Published: September 2005

In order to induce a range of vitamin A-deficient states in young growing rats and to study the effect of vitamin A deficiency on Fe status, we designed the following two-generation experiment. Dams were fed on diets with one of five vitamin A levels from 2 weeks before and throughout pregnancy and lactation. The pups received the same diets as their mothers both before and after weaning. The five dietary levels of vitamin A were 1200, 450, 150, 75 and 0 retinol equivalents/kg feed. Vitamin A intake did not affect reproduction outcome, nor were body and liver weights of the pups affected when they were 3·5 weeks old. Male pups with normal vitamin A status had higher plasma retinol levels than female pups. Vitamin A status of the offspring was affected from 3·5 weeks onwards. Body and liver weights were decreased in the male pups given the lowest dietary vitamin A levels from week 6·5 onwards but not in the female pups. Fe status was marginally affected. Haemoglobin levels were increased and total Fe-binding capacity was decreased in the groups given no dietary vitamin A at week 9·5. Splenic Fe was increased only in the male pups given the lowest levels of dietary vitamin A. However, as a whole, Fe status was only mildly affected and subject to considerable variation. We conclude that the two-generation rat model described here is not suitable for studying effects of vitamin A deficiency on Fe metabolism.
Prevention of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in Lewis rats by a novel fungal source of γ-linolenic acid
Authors: Harbige L. S. , Yeatman N. , Amor S. , Crawford M. A.
Published: September 2005

The effects of oral administration of linoleic- and γ-inolenic-acid-rich oils on the clinical and histopathological manifestations of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) were investigated in Lewis rats 7 d post-inoculation. γ-Linolenic-acid-rich fungal (Mucor javanicus) oil at 500 mg/kg body weight abrogated clinical and histological signs of EAE although at doses of 200 and 1000 mg/kg body weight it was only effective in delaying the onset of clinical disease. Linoleic-acid-rich safflower-seed (Carthamus tinctorius) oil at 500, 750 and 1000 mg/kg body weight decreased the severity of clinical EAE. disease in a dose-dependent manner. The effects in healthy animals of orally administered γ-linolenic-acid-rich fungal oil (500 mg/kg body weight) and linoleic-acid-rich safflower-seed oil (1000 mg/kg body weight) on splenic lymphocyte proliferative responses to the T-cell mitogen concanavalin-A (Con A), membrane fatty acid composition and lymphocyte sub-sets were also studied. Both treatments enhanced the T-cell proliferative response to Con A. There was no significant effect on the proportion of splenic CD8+or CD4+lymphocytes. Compositional studies on splenic phosphoglyceride fatty acids of oil-treated animals suggest the above responses were associated with increases in spleen dihomo-γ-linolenic and arachidonic acids.
Essential fatty acid status in neonates after fish-oil supplementation during late pregnancy
Authors: Van Houwelingen Adriana C. , Søsrensen Janny Dalby , Hornstra Gerard , Simonis Marianne M. G. , Boris Jane , Olsen Sjurdur F. , Secher Niels J.
Published: September 2005

Healthy pregnant women (n23) were supplemented with fish-oil capsules (2·7 gn-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids/d) from the 30th week of gestation until delivery. Subjects in a control group were either supplemented with olive-oil capsules (4 g/d,n6) or received no supplementation (n10). Fatty acid compositions of the phospholipids isolated from umbilical plasma and umbilical arterial and venous vessel walls were determined. Fatty acid compositions of maternal venous plasma phospholipids were determined as well. Maternal plasma phospholipids of the fish-oil-supplemented group contained moren-3 fatty acids and lessn-6 fatty acids. Moreover, the amounts of the essential fatty acid deficiency markers Mead acid (20:3n-9) and Osbond acid (22:5n-6) were significantly lower. The extra amount ofn-3 fatty acids consumed by the mothers resulted in higher contents ofn-3 fatty acids, and of docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) in particular, in the phospholipids of umbilical plasma and vessel walls. It is, indeed, possible to interfere with the docosahexaenoic acid status at birth: children born to mothers supplemented with fish oil in the last trimester of pregnancy start with a better docosahexaenoic acid status at birth, which may be beneficial to neonatal neurodevelopment.
Impact of polyunsaturated fatty acids on human colonic bacterial metabolism: anin vitroandin vivostudy
Authors: Thompson Lorna , Spiller Robin C.
Published: September 2005

Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) reduce colonic proliferation and exert a mild laxative effect. We have studied the effect of the highly unsaturatede icosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester (EPA-EE) on the growth and metabolism of colonic bacteriain vitro, andin vivo. For thein vitrostudy, growth was assessed by viable counts.Bacteroides thetaiotaomicronwas significantly inhibited in anaerobic media containing EPA-EE at concentrations > 7 g/I.Escherichia coliwas apparently resistant even at 100 g/I. For thein vivostudy, ten healthy volunteers ingested 18 g EPA-EE/d for 7 d. Stool frequency, 24 h stool weight and whole-gut transit time were assessed together with breath H2and14CO2excretion following oral ingestion of 15 g lactitol labelled with 0·18 MBq [14C]lactitol. The area under the breath-H2-time curve was significantly reduced by EPA-EE, from a control value of 690·3 (SE 94·2) ppm.h to 449·5 (SE 91·7) ppm.h. Percentage dose of14CO2excreted, total stool weight and whole-gut transit time were unaltered, being respectively 24 (SE 2)%, 281 (SE 66) g and 45 (SE 4) h with EPA-EE v. control values of 27 (SE 1)%, 300 (SE 89) g and 42 (SE 5) h. It is concluded that dietary supplementation with EPA-EE reduces breath H2excretion without apparently impairing overall colonic carbohydrate fermentation. The observed reduction may reflect utilization of H2to hydrogenate the five double bonds of EPA-EE.
Dietary patterns and their associations with demographic, lifestyle and health variables in a random sample of British adults
Authors: Whichelow Margaret J. , Prevost A. Toby
Published: September 2005

The present study aimed to identify dietary patterns, from the frequency of consumption of food items and some semiquantitative data, in a random sample of 9003 British adults, and to examine the associations of the main dietary patterns with demographic factors, lifestyle habits, measures of self- reported health and mortality. Principal component analysis was used to identify four main dietary patterns, and analysis of variance employed to examine the characteristics associated with them. The four components explained, respectively, 10·2, 7·3, 5·1 and 4·9% of the total dietary variation. Component 1, frequent fruit, salad and vegetable consumption with infrequent consumption of high-fat foods, was associated with middle age, non-manual socio-economic groups, non- and ex-smokers, ‘sensible’ drinkers, small households, the south of the country, and self-assessed ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ health. Component 2, frequent consumption of high-starch foods, most vegetables and meat, was popular with young men, older men and women, large households, non-smokers, non-drinkers and those who viewed themselves as healthy. Component 3, frequent consumption of high-fat foods, was predominantly consumed by young people, smoking women, ‘high-risk’ drinkers, and men reporting many illness and/or malaise symptoms. Component 4, high positive loadings for sweets, biscuits and cakes, with negative weightings for vegetables, was most favoured by students, the elderly, those living alone, residents in Scotland, but not those in central England, and those who did not smoke. For women only the first component was associated with low all-cause mortality, and the third component with excess mortality
A new breakfast cereal containing guar gum reduces postprandial plasma glucose and insulin concentrations in normal-weight human subjects
Authors: Fairchild R. M. , Ellis P. R. , Byrne A. J. , Luzio S. D. , Mir M. A.
Published: September 2005

A new guar-containing wheatflake product was developed to assess its effect on carbohydrate tolerance in normal-weight, healthy subjects. The extruded wheatflake breakfast cereals containing 0 (control) or approximately 90 g guar gum/kg DM were fed to ten fasting, normal-weight, healthy subjects using a repeated measures design. The meals were similar in energy (approximately 1·8 MJ), available carbohydrate (78 g), protein (15 g) and fat (5·4 g) content. The guar gum content of the test meals was 6·3 g. Venous blood samples were taken fasting and at 15, 30, 45,60, 90, 120, 150 and 240 min after commencing each breakfast and analysed for plasma glucose, insulin and C-peptide. The guar wheafflake meal produced a significant main effect for glucose and insulin at 0-60 min and 0-240 min time intervals respectively, but not for the C-peptide levels compared with the control meal. Significant reductions in postprandial glucose and insulin responses were seen following the guar wheatflake meal compared with the control meal at 15 and 60 min (glucose) and 15, 60, 90 and 120 min (insulin). The 60 and 120 min areas under the curve for glucose and insulin were significantly reduced by the guar gum meal, as was the 240 min area under the curve for insulin. Thus, it can be concluded that the use of a severe method of heat extrusion to produce guar wheatflakes does not diminish the physiological activity of the guar gum.
Phospholipid fatty acids of brain and liver are modified by α-tocopherol and dietary fat in growing chicks
Authors: Fuhrmann H. , Sallmann H. P.
Published: September 2005

Dietary fatty acids modify phospholipid fatty acids in brain and liver of growing chickens post-hatching.The effect of vitamin E deficiency on this process is unknown and may be relevant to the pathogenesis of chick nutritional encephalomalacia (NE). Therefore laying hens received a diet low in vitamin E (10 mg α-tocopherol/kg feed). Resulting chicks were assigned to nine dietary groups each fed with either oleic (18:ln-9, 58 g/kg), linoleic (18:2n-6, 57 g/kg) or linolenic (18:3n-3, 56 g/kg) acid together with 5, 25 or 125 mg α-tocopherol/kg feed. NE affecting the cerebellum only occurred in the group given linoleic acid and 5 mg α-tocopherol/kg.In l-d-old chicks and after 1 and 2 weeks the phospholipid fatty acid composition of liver, cerebrum and cerebellum (additionally after 3 weeks) was determined. The feed fatty acids were incorporated into the liver very efficiently during the first week of life. Unsaturation of liver membranes decreased in the orderdietary linolenic >linoleic >oleic acid. In liver, also, the effect of α-tocopherol supplementation on phospholipid fatty acids was most pronounced. Theunsaturation index increased during deficiency, whereas n-9 fatty acids decreased. In the chicken brain the alterations were delayed and less distinct. The cerebellum phospholipids were rich in n-9 fatty acids and as a whole more saturated in comparison with the cerebrum. Cerebellar unsaturation increased when linolenic or linoleic acid was given. However, NE-producing dietary conditions were not accompanied by specific alterations in cerebellar phospholipid fatty acids due to the α-tocopherol content of the diet. Rather the alterations of membrane fatty acids in the liver seem to play a role in the pathogenesis of NE.
Changes in protein distribution in normal and protein-deficient rats during an acute-phase ‘injury’ response
Authors: Jennings G. , Elia M.
Published: September 2005

The present study investigated the effect of the acute-phase ‘injury’ response, induced by subcutaneous injection of turpentine, on the hydration and protein content of organs and tissues of normally nourished rats receiving a diet containing 200g protein/kg, and of protein-malnourished rats receiving a diet containing 30 g protein/kg. The measurements were carried out 48 h after turpentine injection, and were compared with both saline-injected animals, and pair-fed control animals. Circulating α2-macroglobulin was also measured as an index of the acute-phase-protein response. In normally nourished rats turpentine injection caused a significant increase in the mean masses of the liver, kidney and lung (7–35% compared with saline-injected animals, and 20–44% compared with pair-fed controls), and a small reduction in the mass of extra-abdominal and extrathoracic tissues (‘carcass’). In general the protein content of tissues changed in a similar way (for liver, kidney and lung a 16–33% increase compared with saline-injected animals, and 32–49% compared with pair-fed controls). Protein deficiency produced a significant attenuation in the response to turpentine. The change in the mass and protein content of several tissues was reduced (for lung, liver and kidney, the increase in protein content was only 5–15%), and the effects on anorexia (1v. 41% reduction infood intake) and the α2,-macroglobulin response (1·28 v. 4·28 g/l; P< 0·001) were also reduced. It is concluded that the injury response spares most central thoracic and abdominal organs, but this effect as well as the anorexia and acute-phase-protein response to injury are attenuated by protein deficiency.
Influence of oat saponins on intestinal permeability in vitro and in vivo in the rat
Authors: Önning Gunilla , Wang Quan , Weström Björn R , Asp Nils-Georg , Karlsson Börje W
Published: September 2005

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether oat saponins (avenacosides A and B) have any effect on the permeability of the rat intestine to actively and passively transported markers in vitro and in vivo. Intestinal segments were mounted in modified Ussing chambers, and thepassage of the different marker compounds from the mucosal to the serosal side was measured for 120 min. Avenacosides (1 mg/ml) gave a significantly higher passage of the macromolecule ovalbumin and there was a tendency to increased passage of [14C]D-mannitol and [15Cr]EDTA. On the other hand, the saponins did not affect the active transport of [3H]methyl glucose. When rats were given saponins (40 mg/kg body weight)together with markers by gastric intubation, the passage of [51Cr]EDTA into blood and urine was somewhat reduced. For the macromolecule bovine serum albumin, no evident effect on the passage was observed in the presence ofsaponins. Thus, in contrast to the in vitro results, the in vivo marker passage seemed to be unaffected or even reduced in the presence of avenacosides. The study shows that saponinscan affect the permeability of the rat intestine. However, this effect needs further investigation in vivo, especially regarding proteins.
Lysine utilization by growing pigs: simultaneous measurement of protein accretion and lysine oxidation
Authors: Mnilk Beatrix , Harris C. Ian , Fuller Malcolm F.
Published: September 2005

Nitrogen retention and lysine oxidation were measured in growing pigs given diets which supplied 0, 0·2 or 0·8 of the lysine requirement, with other amino acids in relative excess. Eight groups of three female littermate pigs were used: one of each group was given each of the three diets. In half the pigs (four groups) N retention was measured at body weights (W) of approximately 25,35 and 45 kg. The other four littermate groups of three pigs were given the same three diets; when they reached 35 kg W they were given a continuous (6h) primed infusion of L-[6-3H]lysine. Lysine oxidation was estimated from the production of tritiated water. Rates of both N retention and lysine oxidation increased significantly with lysine intake; mean values (g/kg W0·75per d) for the three diets respectively were for N retention, 0·00, 0·32 and 1·22, and for lysine oxidation 0·051, 0·058 and 0·078. From the N balance results (assuming a constant lysine concentration in body protein) the efficiency of utilization of absorbed lysine was estimated to be 0·85; from the oxidation results (assuming lysine absorbed but not retained is oxidized) the estimate was 0·95.
Effects of mimosine administered to a perfused area of skin in Angora goats
Authors: Puchala R. , Pierzynowski S. G. , Sahlu T. , Hart S. P.
Published: September 2005

The effect of mimosine on a perfused area of skin tissue was studied using an isolated perfusion technique. Four mature Angora wethers (body weight 35 (SE 2·3) kg) were cannulated bilaterally with indwelling silicone catheters in the superficial branches of the deep circumflex iliac artery and vein. Mimosine (40 mg/kg metabolic weight (W0·75) per d) was infused intra-arterially into one iliac artery of each goat for 3 d and saline was infused in the contralateral (control) iliac artery. Iliac venous blood samples were taken from both sides along with arterial samples from the carotid artery. Mimosine infusion elevated plasma mimosine in the carotid artery (52·6 (SEM 19·21)µmol/I) and iliac vein on the saline-treated side to 54·1 (SEM 16·31)µ/I and in the iliac vein on the mimosine-treated side to 191·3 (SEM19·14) µmol/I (P < 0·01). Mimosine decreased feed intake (2·3 v. 0·6 kg/d, SEM 0·29; P < 0·001) and water consumption (5·2 v. 1·3 litres/d, SEM 0·67; P < 0·001). Mimosine did not cause defleecing in the area of infusion and was cleared from the bloodstream within 12 h of cessation of infusion. The following effects were also observed during mimosine infusion: decrease in plasma amino acids to half pre-infusion values (methionine 22·7 v. 13·1 µmol/l, SEM 1·41; lysine 95·9 p. 37·4 µmol/l, SEM 4·28; P < 0·001); decreases in plasma triiodothyronine (1495 v. 695 ng/l, SEM 43·1; P < 0·001), thyroxine (61·5 v. 19·5 µg/l, SEM 1·8; P < 0·001) and insulin (28·7 v. 17·3 µIU/ml, SEM 1·89; P < 0·01) concentrations; increase in plasma cortisol (14 v. 62 µg/l, SEM 0·35; P < 0·001) concentration; decreases in levels of plasma Zn and Mg (0·97. v. 0·49 mg/l, SEM 0·063; P < 0·001 and 21·4 v. 14·6 mg/l, SEM 1·74; P < 0·001 respectively). All reported variables returned to their normal values 24 h after cessation of mimosine infusion except feed intake which was affected for a longer period. Mohair length and diameter were not affected by mimosine infusion. The toxicity of mimosine may be due to the drastic depletion of Zn and Mg in the blood as mimosine possesses very strong chelating properties and is excreted in the urine as a chelate.
Vitamin K status in human tissues: tissue-specific accumulation of phylloquinone and menaquinone-4
Authors: Thijssen H. H. W. , Drittij-Reijnders- M. J.
Published: September 2005

We measured the vitamin K status in postmortem human tissues (brain, heart, kidney, liver, lung, pancreas) to see if there is a tissue-specific distribution pattern. Phylloquinone (K1,) was recovered in all tissues with relatively high levels in liver, heart and pancreas (medians, 10·6 (4·8), 9·3 (4·2), 28·4 (12·8) pmol(ng)/g wet weight tissue); low levels (< 2 pmol/g) were found in brain, kidney and lung. Menaquinone-4 (MK-4) was recovered from most of the tissues; its levels exceeded the K1levels in brain and kidney (median, 2·8 ng/g) and equalled K1in pancreas. Liver, heart and lung were low in MK–4. The higher menaquinones, MK-6–11, were recovered in the liver samples (n6), traces of MK-6–9 were found in some of the heart and pancreas samples. The results show that in man there are tissue-specific, vitamin-K distribution patterns comparable to those in the rat. Furthermore, the accumulation of vitamin K in heart, brain and pancreas suggests a hitherto unrecognized physiological function of this vitamin.
Oxymetholone promotes weight gain in patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection
Authors: Hengge Ulrich R. , Baumann Mathias , Maleba Rolf , Brockmeyer Norbert H. , Goos Manfred
Published: September 2005

The effect of the testosterone derivative oxymetholone alone or in combination with the H1receptor antagonist ketotifen, which has recently been shown to block tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα), on weight gain and performance status in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients with chronic cachexia was evaluated in a 30 week prospective pilot study. Thirty patients were randomly assigned to either oxymetholone monotherapy (n 14) or oxymetholone plus ketotifen (n 16). Patients receiving treatment were compared with a group of thirty untreated matched controls, who met the same inclusion criteria. Body weight and the Karnofsky index, which assessesthe ability to perform activities of daily life, and several quality-of-life variables were measured to evaluate response to therapy. The average weight gain at peak was 8. 2 (SD 6. 2) kg ( + 14. 5 % of body weight at study entry) in the oxymetholone group (P<0·0.001), and 6.1 (SD 4.6) kg (+ 10.9 %) in the combination group (P<0·005), compared with an average weight loss of 1.8 (SD 0.7) kg in the untreated controls. The mean time to peak weight was 196 weeks in the monotherapy group and 20.8 weeks in the combination group. The Karnofsky index improved equally in both groups from 56% before to 67% after 20 weeks of treatment (P< 0·05). The quality of life variables (activities of daily life, and appetite/nutrition) improved in 68 % (P<0·05)and 91%(P< 0·01) of the treated patients respectively. Oxymetholone was safe and promoted weight gain in cachectic patients with advanced HIV-1 infection. The addition of ketotifendid not further support weight gain. These results suggest the need for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre trial.
The dietary intake of a group of vegetarian children aged 7-11 years compared with matched omnivores
Authors: Nathan Indira , Hackett Allan F. , Kirby Simon
Published: September 2005

There is a lack of information concerning the diet of vegetarian children. The present study compared the dietary intake of fifty vegetarian children, aged 7–11 years, with fifty matched omnivores. Three 3 d food records were completed by each child at intervals of 6 months. The day after completing the record each child was interviewed to clarify food items and assess portion sizes. Food records were analysed using Microdiet (University of Salford). Finger-prick cholesterol and haemoglobin measurements were taken from a subsample of the group. Only one child's family was a member of the Vegetarian Society and almost one-third of vegetarian children had omnivorous parents (seventeen of fifty subjects). The energy intake (MJ) of the vegetarians was significantly lower than that of the omnivores, 7·6 (SD 1·05) and 8·0 (SD 1·36) respectively; there were no significant differences in Fe or fat intakes. For the vegetarians polyunsatnrated:saturated fat ratio (P:S 0·7 (SD 0·04)) and NSP intake (13·8 (SD 0·7) g/d) were significantly higher than those of the omnivores (P:S 0·5 (SD 0·02), NSP 10·3 (SD 0·4) g/d). There was no significant difference in cholesterol measurements (mmol/I) between the two groups: vegetarian 3·5 (SD 0·12), omnivores 3·7 (SD 0·15). The haemoglobin level (g/I) of the vegetarians (11·8 (SD 0·2)) was significantly below that of the omnivores (12·4 (SD 0·2)); 47·5% of the vegetarian children fell below the third percentile of the Dallman reference curves (Dallman & Siimes, 1979). The intake of the vegetarians more closely resembled current recommendations (Department of Health, 1991), although they need to be as aware as omnivores of the need to reduce fat intake. The haemoglobin levels of vegetarian children suggest that they need dietary advice to ensure optimal absorption of Fe.