bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of adaptation in sheep to overcome silage intake depression induced by biogenic amines
Authors: Os Van M , Vuuren Van A. M , Spoelstra S. F.
Published: June 2005

Effects of biogenic amines on silage intake and rumen fermentation during dietary changes were studied in sheep. Two direct-cut grass silages were prepared from a single grass sward, one untreated (WAS) and one treated with 4·0 litres formic acid (850 ml/1) per tonne (FAS). Diets of FAS, and FAS supplemented with 7·2 g biogenic amined/kg DM (FAS +A), were offered ad libitum, once daily to four rumen-cannulated, and four intact wethers in a repeated crossover design experiment. During a pre-period before each crossover, the animals were offered either the silage low in biogenic amines (FAS), or that containing moderate concentrations (WAS). During the first 4 d of the FAS+A treatment, the added biogenic amins tended to lower daily DM intake (DMI) and lowered significantly the DMI during the principal meal after feeding. This acute effect on DMI tended to be reduced when the sheep were previously preconditioned to amines by feeding WAS, and the acute DMI depression during the principal meal was significantly reduced. At the end of the 14 d FAS+A feeding period daily DMI was similar to that of the FAS treatment, but the daily pattern of intake remained different, with lower intake of FAS+A during the first 5 h after feeding, this being compensated for by the end of the day. Rumen fermentation tended to be less during the first 4 d that FAS+A was offered, due to the lower DMI and not due to the acute effect of amines. However, in the sheep unadapted to FAS+A, amine content in the rumen was higher than when the sheep were adapted for 14 d to FAS+A or WAS. Adaptation to FAS+A and feeding WAS during the pre-periods, increased the amine-degrading capacity of rumen fluid. In conclusion, in sheep unadapted to dietary amines, feeding amines will acutely lower DMI through reduced palatibility and most probably by stressing intermediary metabolism. Being preconditioned to amines slightly reduces the acute effect on daily DMI. Although the sheep adapted within 14 d to biogenic amines in the diet and increased daily DMI, there was clear evidence that amines have a negative effect on palatability.
Nutritional evaluation of sweet lupin (Lupinus angustifolius): net protein utilization (NPU), nitrogen balance and fractionation studies
Authors: Rahman Mohammed H. , Hossain Iqbal , Moslehuddin
Published: June 2005

The effects of raw sweet lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) meal and its fractions on the growth and N utilization of rats were determined in two NPU and five N balance experiments. Sweet lupinseed grown in Western Australia, obtained as meal, unsupplemented (LMU), or fully supplemented with required amino acids (360 g/kg diet) (LMFS) was tested. In addition, six fractions were tested: aqueous non-dialysed extract at pH 7·0 (LPAND), dialysed extracts soluble (LPAD) and insoluble at pH 7·0 (LPADI), buffer-soluble extract at pH 7·0 (BUSOL), buffer-insoluble extract after dialysis at pH 7·0 (BUDI) and the residue (LMR) containing most of the material from meal insoluble in water and phosphate-citrate buffer. All diets based on fractions contained the same amounts of energy and protein and were supplemented with amino acids, vitamins and minerals to target requirements. Body N and lipid contents of rats fed on LMU and LMFS were reduced significantly in comparison with rats fed on positive lactalbumin (LACT) and non-protein diets (NPC) as negative controls. This wasdue in part to the lower retention of the absorbed N. As a result, the NPU and the biological value (BV) of sweet lupinseed proteins were less than expected. Urea-N outputs of the LMU- and LMFS-fed rats were also elevated. In contrast, true N and DM digestibilities of rats fed on LMU and LMFS were not significantly affected by the difference in the energy content of the diet. The replacement of lactalbumin in thediet with LPAND (196 g/kg), LPAD (148 g/kg), LPADI (124 g/kg), BUSOL (136 g/kg) or BUDI (119 g/kg) reduced dry body weight, N and lipid contents, NPU and BV compared with those obtained from the LACT control, even though the N and DM digestibilitieswere not significantly different. Inclusion of the residue fraction (170 g LMR/kg) had no apparent effect on any of the variables studied. Since sweet lupinseed had asmall amount of non-reactive lectin and LMR had some undesirable side-effects in these rats, it appears that the low nutritional value of LMFS for rats (NPU 0·62) despite the very high level of digestibility of its N, results from disturbances in N metabolism, and particularly from the low retention value of the absorbed N
Maternal manipulation of brown adipose tissue and liver development in the ovine fetus during late gestation
Authors: Clarke Lynne , Bryant Michael J. , Lomax Michael A. , Symonds Michael E.
Published: June 2005

We examined the effect of maternal chronic cold exposure, induced by winter-shearing ewes 4 weeks before their predicted lambing date, on brown adipose tissue (BAT) and liver development in lambs. Fetuses were sampled from under-fed (60% of energy requirements for maintenance and pregnancy of an unshorn ewe) shorn or unshorn ewes at 126,140 and 145 d of gestation. Lambs were sampled from ewes within 2 h of birth. Throughout gestation fetal body, BAT and liver weights were similar in shorn and unshorn groups. The level of GDP binding to mitochondrial uncoupling protein remained low throughout gestation, but increased dramatically after birth. Lambs born to shorn ewes possesd more mitochondrial protein and exhibited a significantly higher total thermogenic activity in BAT. Type I iodothyronine 5 deiodinas(EC3.8.1.4) activity in BAT peaked at birth, as did hepatic iodothyronine Sdeiodinase activity and was significantly greater in lambs born to under-fed shorn ewes, which exhibited a higher plasma triiodothyronine concentration. Chronic maternal adaptations to prolonged cold exposure appear to enable pregnant ewes to compensate for the negative effects of under-feeding on fetal growth and development
Cholesterol-lowering effect of policosanol on rabbits with hypercholesterolaemia induced by a wheat starch-casein diet
Authors: Menédez Roberto , Arruzazabala Lourdes , Más Rosa , RíO Armando Del , Amor Ana M. , GonzáLez Rosa M. , Carbajal Daisy , Fraga Vivian , Molina Vivian , Illnait José
Published: June 2005

The effect of policosanol, a mixture of high-molecular-weight aliphatic alcohols isolated from sugar-cane wax, on casein-induced hypercholesterolaemia in rabbits was studied. When policosanol was administered by the oral route once daily for 30 d (50mg/kg) the increases in plasma total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol (LDC-C) were significantly reduced when compared with the control group. The incorporation of3H2O into sterols in the liver was significantly depressed, suggesting inhibition of hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis. The oral administration of policosanol raised the rate of removal of125l-labelled LDL from serum. Kinetic parameters calculated following injection of [125I]LDL showed than in casein-fed rabbits, the terminal half-life (t½) was significantly decreased after policosanol treatment. The hepatic LDL-binding activity was increased after policosanol administration which suggested that the enhanced clearance was due, at least in part, to increased receptor-mediated uptake of LDL by the liver. Considered together, these results suggest that policosanol can significantly reduce the increase of plasma LDL-C in rabbits fed on a wheat starch-casein diet by reducing cholesterol biosynthesis in the liver. Such an effect could account for the enhancement of LDL catabolism through the receptor-mediated pathway.
Cultural aspects of meals and meal frequency
Authors: Chiva Matty
Published: June 2005

Abstracts

The present paper presents a certain number of cultural elements which interact in the determination of the frequency of food intake. Approaches from various perspectives (historical, ethnological, anthropological, sociological) draw attention to two major aspects relating to the periodicity of food intake: the extreme cultural diversity and the continual modifications which have occurred over time and space. The various cultural models change and are subject to multiple influences, for example, cross-cultural, economic and historical. In addition, there are interactions between the models. The definitions of food intake and frequency play a major role in building up consumers' perceptions. These various perceptions are multiple (perception of self, of food and its virtues, the rules and moral values of consumption) and finally influence behaviours. Finally, and taking into account the systems of beliefs, the very nature of feeding behaviours may carry feelings of guilt for the subject. The study of real behaviours and their relationship with health is still incomplete for reasons of methodology and also of conceptual definition. In future, data collection has to take into account real behaviour as well as subjective perceptions and value judgements. A specific effort has to be made in the future to develop methodology. This should allow the collection of reliable data and particularly comparisons between studies, without oversimplifying and distorting cultural specificities.
Chronobiology and meal times: internal and external factors
Authors: Waterhouse Jim , Minors D. , Atkinson G. , Benton D.
Published: June 2005

Although homeostatic mechanisms remain of utmost importance, rhythmic changes are present also. The main ones have a period of 24 h (circadian) or about 2–3 h (ultradian). Circadian rhythms are derived from a body clock, found in the base of the brain, and from the pattern of our sleep wake cycle, including activity and meal times. These rhythms promote the regular changes between an active wake period and a recuperative sleep period. Ultradian rhythms are also widespread and reflect external (lifestyle) and internal factors. The internal factors include biochemical need and some sort of oscillator; but details of how many oscillators, and exactly where they are, remain to be established. Food intake, appetite, digestion and metabolism have been shown to illustrate these principles. Moreover, these principles become important when special circumstances exist as far as meal times are concerned; the particular diffculties of night workers is a good example.
Postprandial lipaemia is exacerbated in fat-cholesterol-fed rabbits: relationship to atheroma deposition
Authors: Juhel Christine , Dubois Christophe , Senft Michele , Levy Emile , Lafont Huguette , Lairon Denis
Published: June 2005

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the links between chronic fat-cholesterol intake, postprandial lipaemia and atherogenesis in New Zealand White rabbits. Adult rabbits were fed on either a low-fat control diet (LF) or a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet (HF). Rabbits received a test meal containing [3H]cholesterol and [14C]triolein on days 0 and 63 for the LF group and days 14,28, 42,63 and 84 for the HF group. Blood was collected 24h post-absorptively and 10,24,34 and 48h after test-meal intake. Post-absorptive as well as postprandial lipoproteins and lipaemia were not modified in the LF rabbits, who did not show any atheroma deposition on day 119. In HF rabbits, postprandial plasma triacylglycerols peaked 24–34h after meal intake. The 0-48 h areas under the curves of triacylglycerol andtriacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins (TRL) steadily increased with time of chronic lipid feeding with values significantly higher than those in the LF rabbits. The postprandial plasma and TRL concentrations of dietary radiolabelled lipids were significantly higher in HF than LF rabbits. Post-heparin lipoprotein lipase (EC3.1.1.34) and hepatic lipase (EC3.1.1.3) activities were twofold higher in HF rabbits than in LF rabbits at day 105. In HF rabbits, a marked atheroma plaque deposition in the aorta was observed (30·9 (SE 3·9) % of total surface). The extent of atheroma deposition was positively correlated to the postprandial responses of plasma total triacylglycerols and dietary-derived lipids as well as total cholesterol and dietary-derived cholesterolin HF rabbits. In conclusion, chronic ingestion of a HF diet led to marked increases in postprandial lipaemia and TRL particles, and atheroma deposition.
The sizes of the exchangeable pools of selenium in elderly women and their relation to institutionalization
Authors: Ducros Véronique , Faure Patrice , Ferry Monique , Couzy François , Biajoux Isabelle , Favier Alain
Published: June 2005

Exchangeable pools of Se after an intravenous injection of 74Se-enriched isotope as sodium selenite were measured in two groups (n 9) of elderly women (free-living aged 64–82 years and institutionalized aged 68–82 years), and a comparison group (n 9) of young women aged 31–40 years to evaluate the effect of age and institutionalization on Se reserves. Dietary Se intake was not different among the three groups. Plasma Se and glutathione peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.9) levels were significantly lower in the institutionalized elderly women (P < 0.05). In each of the three groups, two pools were determined from our model. The size of the first pool and the sum of the two pools were lower in the group of institutionalized elderly women than in the other two groups. The significant correlation between plasma Se level and total Se pool size (r 0.66, P < 0.01) indicated that this last variable could serve as a new marker of Se status. Finally, these data suggest that the Se status of elderly women is more related to lifestyle, in terms of institutionalization or not, than to age per se.
Kinetics of pancreatic juice secretion in relation to duodenal migrating myoelectric complex in preruminant and ruminant calves fed twice daily
Authors: Zabielski Romuald , Kiela Paweł , Leśniewska Violetta , Krzemiński Ryszard , Mikołajczyk Marioletta , Barej Wiesław
Published: June 2005

Daily secretion of pancreatic juice, including postprandial responses to food, was investigated in two groups of calves: preruminant (fed with liquid food) and ruminant (fed with solid food). Male Friesian calves (1 week old and 6 weeks old) were surgically fitted with a pancreatic duct catheter, duodenal cannula and two duodenal electrodes. Continuous 24 h collections of pancreatic juice and myoelectrical recordings were performed with minimal restraint and disturbance of animals. In both groups of calves clear periodic fluctuations in pancreatic juice secretion (volume, protein output and trypsin activity) coinciding with duodenal migrating myoelectric complexes (MMC) were recorded. Secretion of juice per cycle and per day was greater in ruminant calves, but the frequency and amplitude of cycles were lower in this group. There were no differences between day and night-time preprandial pancreatic cycles and duodenal MMC in preruminant calves, whilst in ruminant calves, evening MMC were longer than morning MMC. The pancreatic cephalic phase (increase of volume flow, protein output and trypsin activity during and just after food intake) was significant only in preruminant calves following morning feeding. Postprandial pancreatic cycles did not differ from preprandial cycles, except the pancreatic cycle (juice volume and trypsin activity) in which food was offered in preruminant calves. No gastric or intestinal phase was observed in either group of calves. In conclusion, biological cycles of the gastrointestinal tract are present in both preruminant and ruminant calves, and these cycles evolve along with the change from liquid to solid food.
Metabolic adaptation to a fat-supplemented diet by the thoroughbred horse
Authors: Orme Catherine E. , Harris Roger C. , Marlin David J. , Hurley Jane
Published: June 2005

Following 10 weeks of fat supplementation a group of aerobically trained thoroughbred horses exhibited a significant decrease in postprandial plasma triacylglycerol concentration. This decrease was associated with a mean 50% increase in plasma total lipase activity following pentosan polysulfate administration and an increase in postprandial plasma cholesterol concentration. A significant increase in the activity of muscle citrate synthase (EC4.1.3.7), expressed as a ratio to the total fractional area occupied by type I and type IIa muscle fibres, was also observed. No significant change in the concentration of resting muscle glycogen or triacylglycerol occurred as a result of fat supplementation. These results suggest that there was improved management of the fat load and that the triacylglycerol-clearing capacity of the horses was increased as a result of fat supplementation. It is suggested that the increase in plasma total lipase activity following pentosan polysulfate administration may have reflected an increase in muscle lipoprotein lipase (EC3.1.1.34) activity, which would increase the capacity of muscle for free fatty acid uptake from circulating triacylglycerol-rich plasma lipoproteins. Fat supplementation may also enhance the oxidative capacity of muscle, as suggested by the significant increase in muscle citrate synthase and the trend towards an increase in β-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase (EC1.1.1.35) following 10 weeks of fat supplementation.
Influence of iron supplementation frequency on absorption efficiency and mucosal ferritin in anaemic rats
Authors: Benito Paloma , House William , Miller Dennis
Published: June 2005

It is believed that frequent Fe doses decrease the efficiency of absorption as a consequence of the loading of intestinal mucosal cells with Fe from the previous supplemental dose. We examined this premise in thirty anaemic Sprague-Dawley rats given Fe supplements as FeSO4in 1 g preparations of a 50:50 (w/w mixture of low-Fe diet and sucrose under one of the following regimens: one 3 mg Fe dose daily for 3d, four 0.75mg doses daily at 6h intervals for 3d, and one 9mg dose on day 1 followed by two placebo (low-Fe diet) doses on days 2 and 3. All groups were fed on two low-Fe meals daily (8.3 mg Fe/kg diet). After an overnight fast rats were dosed with 1 ml of an59Fe-labelled ferric nitrilotriacetic acid solution (37 kBq59Fe, 50 μg Fe) orally and killed 10 h later. Absorption of59Fe was measured as the percentage of the59Fe retained by the carcass without the gastrointestinal tract 10 h after dosing relative to the initial59Fe dose. Haemoglobin-Fe gain, liver non-haem-Fe, and mucosal duodenal ferritin were determined after the 3 d supplementation period. Absorption of the test dose in rats supplemented once 3 d before assessment of Fe absorption was 2.6-fold greater than those supplemented with daily single doses and 1.9-fold greater than those supplemented with daily multiple doses. Our data indicate that both mucosal ferritin and liver Fe levels account for the higher absorption efficiency found in rats supplemented once to simulate intermittent regimens.
Tissue-specific modification of selenium concentration by acute and chronic dexamethasone administration in mice
Authors: Watanabe Chiho , Kim Choong-Yong , Satoh Hiroshi
Published: June 2005

Several clinical reports have shown changes in plasma Se concentration with corticosteroid treatments, but the results have been inconsistent. Few experimental studies have been done on this subject. In the present study the effect of dexamethasone (DEX) treatment on Se concentrations and activities of Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase (EC1.11.1.9; SeGPx) were examined in adult male ICR mice. In the first experiment, DEX was given via drinking water containing 5 or 50 mg DEX/I. At 1 or 3 weeks of DEX treatment, mice were dissected and the Se concentrations as well as SeGPx activities in various tissues, including plasma, were determined. At 1 week the DEX-treated groups had significantly lower hepatic Se concentrations and significantly higher plasma and cerebral concentrations than the control group. The DEX-treated groups showed lower SeGPx activities in the hepatic cytosol and higher SeGPx activities in the plasma than the saline (9 g NaCl/l)-treated group, in parallel with the changes in Se concentrations. At 3 weeks, neither hepatic nor plasma Se concentrations showed a significant change. In the second experiment, mice were injected subcutaneously with DEX and, thereafter, mice were food-deprived. The DEX-injected groups had higher plasma Se concentrations. A similar finding was obtained also when the DEX- or saline-injected mice were not food-deprived. Thus, the difference between the DEX-treated and control groups was possibly caused by redistribution of tissue Se. These results suggested that the effects of DEX on Se concentrations were tissue dependent and that the higher plasma Se observed in DEX-treated groups might be explained by the release of tissue Se into plasma as plasma SeGPx.
Changes in susceptibility of tissues to lipid peroxidation after ingestion of various levels of docosahexaenoic acid and vitamin E
Authors: Kubo Kazuhiro , Saito Morio , Tadokoro Tadahiro , Maekawa Akio
Published: June 2005

To examine the effects of dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on the potential changes in endogenous lipid peroxidation in the liver and kidney, diets containing a fixed amount of vitamin E (VE;RRR-α-tocopherol equivalent; 134 mg/kg diet) and a graded amount of DHA at the levels of 0, 1.0, 3.4 and 8.7% of total dietary energy were fed to rats for 14 d (Expt 1). In Expt 2, diets containing a fixed amount of DHA (8.7% of total dietary energy) and a graded amount of VE at the levels of 54, 134 and 402 mg/kg were fed to rats for 15 d. In Expt 1 it was found that endogenous lipid peroxide contents of the liver and kidney, as measured by thiobarbituric acid value and chemiluminescence intensity, were higher, and their α-tocopherol contents lower than those of the controls, with a gradual increase and decrease in values respectively as the dietary DHA level increased (Expt 1). However, the contents of water-soluble antioxidants, i.e. ascorbic acid and non-protein-SH (glutathione), increased with increases in the dietary DHA level, while the Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.9) activities did not change or tended to be lower. When the graded level of VE was given to rats in Expt 2, lipid peroxide contents in the liver and kidney did not change significantly in response to the increasing levels of dietary VE, although their α-tocopherol contents were higher than control values, increasing with increases in the dietary VE levels. The lipid peroxide scavengers other than a-tocopherol changed similarly to those in Expt 1. The results obtained in Expts 1 and 2 indicate that DHA enhances the susceptibility of the liver and kidney to lipid peroxidation concomitant with higher levels of DHA in these tissues, as shown by the fatty acid composition. In addition, VE is unable to protect membranes of the liver and kidney rich in DHA from lipid peroxidation, even after ingestion of the highest level of VE. However, the liver lipid peroxide content of the group given the highest level of DHA was not as high as expected, based on the peroxidizability index which was calculated from the fatty acid composition of the liver lipid.
Changes in myocardial thyroid hormone metabolism and α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase activity in rats deficient in iodine and selenium
Authors: Wu H. Y. , Xia Y. M. , Ha P. C. , Chen X. S.
Published: June 2005

Weanling Wistar rats were fed on diets prepared from grain from areas deficient in I and Se where Keshan disease is endemic. Rats were divided into four groups, each of twelve rats, and received a diet supplemented with: I, Se, I + Se or nothing. At 8 weeks after weaning, myocardial α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (EC1.1.1.8; α-GPD) activity and indices of Se and thyroid hormone status were determined. The group supplemented with iodine had increased plasma thyroxine levels. There was no difference in plasma triiodothyronine concentration between the groups but triiodothyronine levels in heart were reduced in the Se-supplemented group. Se supplementation increased myocardial glutathione peroxidase activity (EC1.11.1.9) and the type I 5'-deiodinase (EC3.8.1.4) activity in rat liver, but no type I 5'-deiodinase activity was detected in heart. α-GDP activity in heart was increased in the group supplemented with Se, I or both. There was a significant relationship (P< 0.05) between myocardial α-GDP activity and plasma thyroxine levels but not between α-GDP and myocardial glutathione peroxidase activity. The results indicate that iodine may be more important than Se in energy metabolism in the myocardium, which may give a new insight for the study of the aetiology of Keshan disease in areas where foodstuffs are deficient in both Se and I.
Effect of thiocyanate ingestion through milk on thyroid hormone homeostasis in women
Authors: Banerjee Kishore K. , Marimuthu P. , Bhattacharyya Piyali , Chatterjee Malay
Published: June 2005

A thyroid-hormonal evaluation of thirty-five women consuming commercially packed milk containing thiocyanate was carried out. The mean serum thiocyanate concentration, which was measured by the FeCl3colour test, was significantly higher (P< 0.01) than that of control subjects. Serum thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations of exposed women were compared with those of thirty-five control subjects. Thiocyanate ingestion was associated with lower levels of T4(P<0.01) and higher levels of TSH (P< 0.01) compared with the control subjects. T3was found to be higher in the women consuming thiocyanate-containing milk but the difference was not significant. The serum T4level was found to be negatively correlated (r−0.359,P<0.05) while the TSH level was positively correlated (r0.354,P< 0.05) with thiocyanate concentration in the exposed group. From this study, it appears that ingestion of milk with added thiocyanate impairs thyroid function.
Blood and urine acid–base status of premenopausal omnivorous and vegetarian women
Authors: Ball D. , Maughan R. J.
Published: June 2005

The effect of long-term differences in diet composition on whole-body acid–base status was examined in thirty-three young healthy females. The volunteers were recruited from two separate groups matched approximately for age, height and weight; one group regularly ate meat (omnivores;n20) and one group did not (vegetarians;n13). All subjects completed a 7 d weighed intake of food, and from their dietary records, total energy, carbohydrate (CHO), fat and protein content were estimated using computer-based food composition tables. During this week they reported to the laboratory on two occasions, following an overnight fast and separated by at least 48h. Arterialized venous blood samples were obtained on each visit and these were analysed for blood acid–base status. Haemoglobin and packed cell volume, serum total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol, serum albumin and total protein were also determined. Two 24 h urine collections were completed; the volume was recorded and samples were analysed for pH, titratable acid and Mg and Ca concentration. Total energy intake of the omnivores was greater (P= 0.0003) than that of the vegetarian group. Dietary intake of CHO (P= 0.024), fat (P= 0.0054) and protein (P= 0.0002) were higher in the omnivorous group than in the vegetarians. There were no differences between the two groups with respect to blood CO2partial pressure, plasma HCO3-and blood base excess, but blood pH was slightly higher in the omnivores (P= 0.064). Measures of urine acid–base status suggested a lower pH in the omnivore group, but this difference was not statistically significant; a greater titratable acid output was observed with the omnivorous group compared with the vegetarians (48.9 (se20.3) ν. 35.3 (se23.3) mEq/24h;P= 0.018). Although the dietary intake of Ca was not different between the two groups, urinary Ca excretion of the omnivores was significantly higher (3.87 (sd1.34) ν. 3.22 (sd1.20) mmol/24h) than that of the vegetarians (P= 0.014). It is suggested that the higher protein intake of the omnivores resulted in an increase in urinary total acid excretion, which may explain the higher rate of Ca excretion.
Free-living energy expenditure of adult men assessed by continuous heart-rate monitoring and doubly-labelled water
Authors: Davidson Linda , McNeill Geraldine , Haggarty Paul , Smith John S. , Franklin Michael F.
Published: June 2005

Free-living energy expenditure was estimated by doubly-labelled water (DLW) and continuous heart-rate (HR) monitoring over nine consecutive days in nine healthy men with sedentary occupations but different levels of leisure-time physical activity. Individual calibrations of the HR-energy expenditure (EE) relationship were obtained for each subject using 30 min average values of HR and EE obtained during 24h whole-body calorimetry with a defined exercise protocol, and additional data points for individual leisure activities measured with an Oxylog portable O2 consumption meter. The HR data were processed to remove spurious values and insert missing data before the calculation of EE from second-order polynomial equations relating EE to HR. After data processing, the HR-derived EE for this group of subjects was on average 0.8 (sem 0.6) MJ/d, or 6.0 (sem 4.2)% higher than that estimated by DLW. The diary-respirometer method, used over the same 9d, gave values which were 1.9 (sem 0.7) MJ/d, or -12.1 (sem 4.0)% lower than the DLW method. The results suggest that HR monitoring can provide a better estimate of 24 h EE of groups than the diary-respirometer method, but show that both methods can introduce errors of 20% or more in individuals.
Dodecanedioic acid infusion induces a sparing effect on whole-body glucose uptake, mainly in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
Authors: Mingrone G. , De Gaetano A. , Greco A. V. , Capristo E. , Benedetti G. , Castagneto M. , Gasbarrini G.
Published: June 2005

Even-numbered dicarboxylic acids (DA) have been proposed as an alternative fuel substrate in parenteral nutrition. In particular, dodecanedioic acid (C12) shows a rapid plasma clearance from tissues, a very low urinary excretion compared with other DA and a high oxidation rate. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of C12 infusion on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) compared with healthy volunteers. A primed-constant infusion of C12 (0·39 mmol/min) was administered over 240 min, and at 120 min a 2 h euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp was performed. Blood specimens were sampled every 30 min and fractioned urines were collected over 24 h. The levels of C12 were measured by HPLC. Indirect calorimetry was performed continuously during the entire session. Body composition was assessed in all subjects studied to obtain fat-free mass (FFM) values. Whole-body glucose uptake decreased significantly during C12 infusion in both groups, although this effect was much more evident (P< 0·01) in NIDDM patients (52·4 (sd15·8) % decrease compared with saline) than in controls (25·9 (sd12·1) % decrease). The M value (μmol/kgffmper min) was reduced by C12 to lower levels in NIDDM patients than in normal controls (12·6 (sd3·9) ν. 25·9 (sd4·5),P< 0·01). Urinary excretion of C12 over 24 h was significantly lower in NIDDM patients than in controls (4·26 (sd0·30) mmol ν. 5·43 (sd0·48),P< 0·01), corresponding to less than 3 % of the administered dose. The infusion of C12 decreased non-protein RQ significantly in both groups of patients. In conclusion, this study shows, for the first time, that C12 significantly reduces glucose uptake in both normal controls and NIDDM patients, although this sparing effect on glucose uptake is much more pronounced in diabetic patients. These data suggest that C12 decreases glucose uptake and oxidation, mainly through a mechanism of substrate competition. Thus, it might be a useful alternative substrate in enteral or parenteral nutrition, sparing glucose utilization and increasing glycogen stores, in those clinical conditions, like NIDDM, where reduced insulin-induced glucose uptake and oxidation are observed.
Effects of peroral alanine administration in lactating ewes with decreased availability of glucose
Authors: Holtenius Kjell , Holtenius Paul
Published: June 2005

The metabolic effects of a phlorizin-induced drainage of glucose were studied in six lactating ewes with or without peroral alanine drenches in a study of crossover design. Phlorizin gave rise to a small, but significant, elevation of plasma β-hydroxybutyrate. The plasma level of alanine decreased by about 30 % due to the phlorizin injections and alanine was negatively correlated to β-hydroxybutyrate. The plasma level of free fatty acids increased due to phlorizin. Plasma insulin and glucose concentrations were not significantly affected by phlorizin while glucagon level showed a small but significant increase. Peroral alanine drenches to phlorizin-treated ewes gave rise to a transitory elevation of alanine in plasma. The plasma level of free fatty acids was about 40 % lower in phlorizin-treated ewes receiving alanine and β-hydroxybutyrate tended to be lower (P < 0.08). We suggest that β-hydroxybutyrate, apart from its function as an oxidative fuel, might play an important role by limiting glucose oxidation and protein degradation in skeletal muscles during periods of negative energy balance in ruminants. Furthermore, it is suggested that alanine supplementation decreases lipolysis and ketogenesis in lactating ewes.
α-Linolenic acid but not conjugated linolenic acid is hypocholesterolaemic in hamsters
Authors: Yang Lin , Leung Ka Yiu , Cao Ying , Huang Yu , Ratnayake W. M. N. , Chen Zhen-Yu
Published: June 2005

Conjugated linolenic acid (CLN) refers to a group of octadecatrienoic acid isomers that have three double bonds in conjugation. Both pomegranate and tung seed oils are rich in CLN but the major isomer in the former iscis9,trans11,cis13 while in the latter it iscis9,trans11,trans13. The present study examined the effects of CLN, isolated from either pomegranate seed oil or tung seed oil, and α-linolenic acid (LN), isolated from flaxseed oil, on serum cholesterol levels in male hamsters (body weight 105 g; age 10 weeks) fed a 0.1 % cholesterol and 10 % lard diet, for a period of 6 weeks. All hamsters were allowed free access to food and fluid. The blood samples were taken by bleeding from the retro-orbital sinus into a heparinized capillary tube under light ether anaesthesia after overnight fasting at weeks 0, 2, 4 and 6. It was found that supplementation of CLN at levels of 12.2–12.7 g/kg diet exhibited no significant effect on serum cholesterol level while LN at a similar level of supplementation had serum cholesterol reduced by 17–21 % compared with the control diet containing no LN and CLN. Supplementation of CLN and LN significantly decreased hepatic cholesterol but no effect was observed on heart and kidney cholesterol levels. It was concluded that LN possessed hypocholesterolaemic activity while CLN had no effect on blood cholesterol, at least in hamsters.
Influence of disodium malate on microbial growth and fermentation in rumen-simulation technique fermenters receiving medium- and high-concentrate diets
Authors: Gómez J. A. , Tejido M. L. , Carro M. D.
Published: June 2005

Two incubation trials were carried out with the rumen-simulation technique (RUSITEC). In each trial, four vessels received a diet of grass hay and concentrate (600 and 400 g/kg DM, respectively; diet F), and the other four were fed a diet composed of concentrate and barley straw (900 and 100 g/kg DM, respectively; Diet C). Vessels were given 20 g of the corresponding diet daily, and half of them were supplemented with disodium malate to achieve a final concentration of 6.55 mM. There were no effects (P>0·05) of malate either on pH or on the daily production of NH3-N, but malate treatment increased (P<0·05) DM, neutral detergent and acid detergent fibre disappearance after 48 h incubation. The daily production of propionate and butyrate increased (P<0·001), and the ratio CH4:volatile fatty acids decreased (P<0·001) by supplementing both diets with malate. Whereas adding malate to the F diet produced an increase in acetate production (P=0·011) and the growth of solid-associated micro-organisms (P=0·037), no effects (P>0·05) were observed for diet C. For both diets, there were no differences (P>0·05) between treatments in the daily flow of liquid-associated micro-organisms measured using15N as a microbial marker. These results indicate that malate stimulated thein vitrofermentation of both diets by increasing the apparent disappearance of the diet and decreasing the ratio of CH4:volatile fatty acids, but a greater response was observed with diet F. If these results are confirmedin vivo, malate could be used as a feed additive for ruminants fed diets containing medium proportions of forage (i.e. dairy animals) and not only in animals fed high-concentrate diets, as has so far been proposed.
Effect of tea catechins on postprandial plasma lipid responses in human subjects
Authors: Unno Tomonori , Tago Motomi , Suzuki Yuko , Nozawa Ayumu , Sagesaka Yuko M , Kakuda Takami , Egawa Kazutada , Kondo Kazuo
Published: June 2005

Epidemiological surveys suggest that a higher intake of tea may be associated with a lower risk of CHD. There is accumulating evidence that postprandial lipaemia makes a substantial contribution to the incidence of CHD. Our aim was, therefore, to evaluate the effect of tea catechins (major ingredients in green tea) on postprandial lipid responses in human subjects after the consumption of test meals. In a randomized triple-crossover design, nine male subjects with mild or borderline hypertriacylglycerolaemia consumed 10 (control), 224 (moderate dose) and 674 mg (high dose) of the assigned tea catechins three times each along with a standardized light meal consisting of a piece of bread spread with 20 g butter. Plasma lipids were measured in the fasting state and 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 h after consuming the light meal. Results showed that, compared with the control, moderate and high doses of tea catechins reduced the incremental area under the plasma triacylglycerol curves by 15·1 and 28·7 %, respectively. Next, the rapid elevation of remnant-like particle cholesterol was significantly inhibited by a high dose of tea catechins 2 h after consuming the light meal (P<0·01). In the range of tea catechin dosages, no significant differences were observed in the postprandial responses for plasma total cholesterol or NEFA at any time point. In conclusion, this trial demonstrated that tea catechins attenuated the postprandial increase in plasma triacylglycerol levels following a fat load. These results may provide evidence for one of the possible mechanisms involved in lowering the incidence of CVD, and may prove useful in further studies on the beneficial health effects of tea drinking.
Evaluation of three dietary assessment methods and serum biomarkers as measures of fruit and vegetable intake, using the method of triads
Authors: Andersen Lene Frost , Veierød Marit Bragelien , Johansson Lars , Sakhi Amrit , Solvoll Kari , Drevon Christian Andre
Published: June 2005

The validity of fruit and vegetable intake estimated by 14 d weighed records, a twenty-seven-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and a 180-item FFQ was investigated using serum carotenoids as the validity criterion. In addition, the method of triads was used to assess the validity of fruit and vegetable intake estimated from the FFQ and serum carotenoids. One hundred Norwegian men completed 14 d weighed records and the 180-item FFQ. Eighty-six of them also completed the twenty-seven item FFQ. The partial correlation coefficients between serum carotenoids and fruit and vegetable intake were slightly higher for the 14 d weighed records than for the two FFQ, but no difference was observed between the 180- and the twenty-seven item FFQ. The strongest correlations were observed between vegetable intake and serum α-carotene. The highest validity coefficients (VC) were observed for vegetable intake estimated from weighed records, the 180-item FFQ, the twenty-seven item FFQ and by the biomarker serum α-carotene, with VC of 0·77, 0·58, 0·51 and 0·67, respectively. In conclusion, the short FFQ gave as valid estimates for fruit and vegetable intake as the long FFQ. Both the estimated partial correlation coefficients and VC suggest that serum α-carotene is the best biomarker for intake of vegetable alone and total intake of fruit and vegetables in this population of Norwegian men, but the biomarkers did not perform any better than the FFQ.
Dietary isohumulones, the bitter components of beer, raise plasma HDL-cholesterol levels and reduce liver cholesterol and triacylglycerol contents similar to PPARα activations in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Miura Yutaka , Hosono Mayu , Oyamada Chiaki , Odai Hideharu , Oikawa Shinichi , Kondo Keiji
Published: June 2005

The effects of dietary isohumulones, the main components accounting for the bitter taste of beer, on lipid metabolism were examined. Young female C57BL/6N mice were fed diets containing isomerized hop extract (IHE), which consists mainly of isohumulones. Administration of IHE with an atherogenic (high-fat and high-cholesterol) diet for 2 weeks resulted in a significant increase in plasma HDL-cholesterol (P<0·01), along with a concomitant reduction in the atherosclerosis index, an increase in liver weight and a decrease in body weight gain in a dose-dependent manner. When animals received IHE with either a cholesterol or a basal diet for 1 week, significant decreases in the liver content of cholesterol (P<0·01) and triacylglycerol (cholesterol diet,P<0·01) were observed. Quantitative analyses of hepatic mRNA levels revealed that IHE administration resulted in up-regulation of mRNA for acyl-CoA oxidase, acyl-CoA synthetase, hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA synthetase, lipoprotein lipase and fatty acid transport protein, and down-regulation of mRNA for Apo CIII and Apo AI. Administration of purified isohumulones effectively resulted in the same changes as IHE. Administration of fenofibrate, an agonist for PPARα, with a cholesterol diet caused marked hepatomegaly, an increase in plasma HDL-cholesterol, a decrease in hepatic cholesterol content, and alterations in hepatic mRNA levels similar to those observed in mice given IHE. Taken together, these results suggest that the modulation of lipid metabolism observed in mice fed diets containing isohumulones is, at least in part, mediated by activation of PPARα.
Prenatal exposure to maternal undernutrition induces adult cardiac dysfunction
Authors: Cheema Kuljeet K. , Dent Melissa R. , Saini Harjot K. , Aroutiounova Nina , Tappia Paramjit S.
Published: June 2005

An adverse environmental experience of the growing fetus may lead to permanent changes in the structure and function of organs that may predispose the individual to chronic diseases in later life; however, nothing is known about the occurrence and mechanisms of heart failure. We employed a rat model in which pregnant dams were fed diets containing either 180 g (normal) or 90 g (low) casein/kg for 2 weeks before mating and throughout pregnancy. The ejection fraction (EF) of the pups exposed to the low-protein (LP) diet was severely depressed in the first 2 weeks of life and was associated with an increase in cardiomyocyte apoptosis. This early depressed cardiac function was followed by progressive recovery and normalization of the EF of the offspring in the LP group. The left ventricular (LV) internal diameters were increased between 24 h and 84 d (12 weeks) of age in the LP-exposed group. Although between 3 d and 2 weeks of age the LV wall of the heart in the LP group was thinner, a progressive increase in LV wall thickness was seen. At 40 weeks of age, although the EF was normal, a two-fold elevation in LV end-diastolic pressure, reduced cardiac output, decreased maximum rates of contraction and relaxation, and reduced mean arterial pressure were observed. Our findings demonstrate that exposure of the developing fetus to a maternal LP diet programs cardiac dysfunction in the offspring in later life.
The helminth fauna of the barbary partridge Alectoris barbara in Tenerife, Canary Islands
Authors: Foronda P. , Casanova J.C. , Figueruelo E. , Abreu N. , Feliu C.
Published: June 2005

The helminth fauna of the barbary partridge (Alectoris barbara) in Tenerife Island (Canary Archipelago) was studied from 2001 to 2002, as there were no records of helminths from this host in the Canary Islands. Seven helminth species were identified: two cestodes Choanotaenia infundibulum and Lyruterina nigropunctata, and five nematodes Aonchotheca caudinflata, Baruscapillaria obsignata, Eucoleus annulatus, Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum. Lyruterina nigropunctata, A. galli and E. annulatus are recorded for first time in A. barbara. An analysis of available data on Alectoris spp. reveals the importance of intermediate hosts such as arthropods and earthworms in the diet of partridges. Terrestrial helminths are dominant species, with monoxenous and heteroxenous species being present in similar numbers in different Alectoris species along their geographical distribution. Helminth species found in Tenerife from A. barbara are poor indicators of the host colonization from North Africa because these helminths are species that are commonly found in fowl with a cosmopolitan distribution.
Endemic echinostome infections of candidate hosts
Authors: Davis N.E.
Published: June 2005

Wild Lymnaea tomentosa snails, recovered from Lake Wanaka, New Zealand, were established in the laboratory. Wild snails, naturally infected with echinostomes, provided metacercariae for infection of laboratory maintained snails. Metacercarial cysts from wild and laboratory snails were then used to attempt infection of definitive host candidates. Laboratory snails provided convenient packaging of known numbers of cysts. Metacercariae excysted in the small intestines of ducklings to mature in 6 days. Worms were expelled as they became gravid. Attempts to establish infections in experimental hosts other than ducklings were not successful. No worms were recovered from mice, white rats, guinea pigs, hamsters or immunosuppressed white rats.
Basal Body Duplication and Maintenance Require One Member of theTetrahymena thermophilaCentrin Gene Family
Authors: Stemm-Wolf Alexander J. , Morgan Garry , Giddings Thomas H. , White Erin A. , Marchione Robb , McDonald Heather B. , Winey Mark
Published: June 2005

Centrins, small calcium binding EF-hand proteins, function in the duplication of a variety of microtubule organizing centers. These include centrioles in humans, basal bodies in green algae, and spindle pole bodies in yeast. The ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila contains at least four centrin genes as determined by sequence homology, and these have distinct localization and expression patterns. CEN1's role at the basal body was examined more closely. The Cen1 protein localizes primarily to two locations: one is the site at the base of the basal body where duplication is initiated. The other is the transition zone between the basal body and axoneme. CEN1 is an essential gene, the deletion of which results in the loss of basal bodies, which is likely due to defects in both basal body duplication and basal body maintenance. Analysis of the three other centrins indicates that two of them function at microtubule-rich structures unique to ciliates, whereas the fourth is not expressed under conditions examined in this study, although when artificially expressed it localizes to basal bodies. This study provides evidence that in addition to its previously known function in the duplication of basal bodies, centrin is also important for the integrity of these organelles.