Fucoxanthin and fucoxanthinol enhance the amount of docosahexaenoic acid in the liver of KKAy obese/diabetic mice

This study examined the effect of dietary fucoxanthin or fucoxanthinol on the amount of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the liver of KKAy mice, a model for obese/type II diabetes. In the first experiment, mice were fed diets containing crude fucoxanthin or glyceroglycolipid for 4 weeks. Results showed a significant increase in the level of DHA in mice fed 0.53% crude fucoxanthin, from 2.3% in control mice to 5.1% of fatty acid composition of total liver lipids. On the other hand, in mice fed crude glyceroglycolipid, the level of DHA as a proportion of total liver fatty acids remained unchanged. To clarify the enhancement of hepatic DHA, in the second experiment, KKAy mice were fed a diet containing purified fucoxanthin or its deacetylated derivative, fucoxanthinol. Results from a quantitative analysis using an internal standard showed that in mice fed 0.2% fucoxanthin, the amount of hepatic DHA was 2-fold higher than in control mice, whereas DHA levels in the small intestine remained unchanged. Furthermore, 0.2% fucoxanthinol led to 1.8- and 1.2-fold increases in the amount of hepatic DHA and arachidonic acid compared to control mice, respectively. These results indicate for the first time that dietary fucoxanthin and fucoxanthinol enhance the amount of DHA in the liver of KKAy mice.     

Low-dose fish oil consumption prevents hepatic lipid accumulation in high cholesterol diet fed mice

We examined the effects of low-dose fish oil ingestion on hepatic lipid accumulation caused after high cholesterol feeding in C57BL/6J mice. The mice were fed purified experimental diets consisting of 20 energy % (en%) safflower oil (SO or SO/CH), 2 en% fish oil + 18 en% safflower oil (2FO or 2FO/CH), or 5 en% fish oil + 15 en% safflower oil (5FO or 5FO/CH) with or without 2 weight % (wt %) cholesterol for 8 weeks. Hepatic triglyceride and total cholesterol contents were significantly lower in groups that were fed diets containing fish oil and cholesterol than in those that were fed safflower oil and cholesterol. The hepatic mRNA levels of fatty acid synthase (FAS) were lower in groups fed cholesterol or fish oil. Fatty acid oxidation-related hepatic gene expressions were higher in fish oil-fed groups. Fecal cholesterol excretion was higher in all cholesterol-fed groups; cholesterol excretion was high in groups fed fish oil and cholesterol. These results suggest that low-dose fish oil diets improve lipid metabolism by modifying the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes in the liver and increasing fecal cholesterol excretion.     

Whole berries versus berry anthocyanins: interactions with dietary fat levels in the C57BL/6J mouse model of obesity

Male C57BL/6J mice received diets with either 10% of calories from fat (LF) or a high-fat diet [45% (HF45) or 60% (HF60) calories from fat] for 92 days (expt 1) or 70 days (expt 2). These were given with or without freeze-dried powders from whole blueberries (BB) or strawberries (SB) (expt 1) or purified anthocyanin extracts from BB or SB (expt 2). Body composition was determined utilizing Echo MRI. Berries added to the LF diet did not alter weight gain, final body weights, body fat, or protein (percent body weight) or diet (grams) or energy (kilocalories) intake. However, in both HF45- and HF60-fed mice, weight gain, final weights, body fat (percent), and epididymal fat weights increased and body protein decreased ( p < 0.01) compared to LF mice. In mice fed HF45 diet plus BB, body weight gains, body fat (percent of BW), and epididymal fat weights were significantly greater than those in the HF45-fed controls, whereas weights of mice fed SB HF were similar to those of HF controls. SB or BB feeding did not alter glucose tolerance, although glucose tolerance decreased with age and in HF45 versus LF mice. Baseline plasma glucose was lower in SB- versus HF45-fed mice. After 8 weeks, mice fed the HF60 diet plus purified anthocyanins from BB in the drinking water had lower body weight gains and body fat than the HF60-fed controls. Anthocyanins fed as the whole blueberry did not prevent and may have actually increased obesity. However, feeding purified anthocyanins from blueberries or strawberries reduced obesity.     

Steam-dried ginseng berry fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum controls the increase of blood glucose and body weight in type 2 obese diabetic db/db mice

This study examined whether steam-dried ginseng berries fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum (FSGB) could improve the indices of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in obese db/db mice. FSGB was shown to have an effect on body weight and blood glucose/serum parameters when administered at a dose of 0.5 g/kg. In the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT), FSGB was clearly shown to improve insulin tolerance and glucose tolerance. Moreover, FSGB was shown to enhance immune activities by increasing the immune cell population, and glucose transpoter 1 (GLUT1) mRNA expression in L6 cells was up-regulated, suggesting that FSGB can increase glucose transport activity in target cells. These results indicate that steam- and dry-processed ginseng berries fermented with L. plantarum can be used to effectively control blood sugar metabolism via improving insulin and glucose tolerance and body weight gain in db/db mice.     

Effect of brown seaweed lipids on fatty acid composition and lipid hydroperoxide levels of mouse liver

Brown seaweed lipids from Undaria pinnatifida (Wakame), Sargassum horneri (Akamoku), and Cystoseira hakodatensis (Uganomoku) contained several bioactive compounds, namely, fucoxanthin, polyphenols, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Fucoxanthin and polyphenol contents of Akamoku and Uganomoku lipids were higher than those of Wakame lipids, while Wakame lipids showed higher total omega-3 PUFA content than Akamoku and Uganomoku lipids. The levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) in liver lipids of KK-A(y) mouse significantly increased by Akamoku and Uganomoku lipid feeding as compared with the control, but not by Wakame lipid feeding. Fucoxanthin has been reported to accelerate the bioconversion of omega-3 PUFA and omega-6 PUFA to DHA and AA, respectively. The higher hepatic DHA and AA level of mice fed Akamoku and Uganomoku lipids would be attributed to the higher content of fucoxanthin of Akamoku and Uganomoku lipids. The lipid hydroperoxide levels of the liver of mice fed brown seaweed lipids were significantly lower than those of control mice, even though total PUFA content was higher in the liver of mice fed brown seaweed lipids. This would be, at least in part, due to the antioxidant activity of fucoxanthin metabolites in the liver.     

Comparison of the effect of fish oil and corn oil on chemical-induced hepatic enzyme-altered foci in rats

The effects of fish oil and corn oil diets on diethylnitrosamine initiation/phenobarbital promotion of hepatic enzyme-altered foci in female Sprague-Dawley rats were investigated. Groups of 12 rats were initiated with diethylnitrosamine (15 mg/kg) at 24 h of age. After weaning, they received diets containing either 13.5% fish oil plus 1. 5% corn oil or 15% corn oil for 24 weeks. Rats fed fish oil had significantly greater liver weight, relative liver weight, spleen weight, and relative spleen weight than rats fed corn oil (p < 0.05). Hepatic phospholipid fatty-acid profile was significantly affected by the type of dietary lipid. The rats fed fish oil had significantly greater hepatic phospholipid 20:5 and 22:6 than rats fed corn oil; in contrast, the rats fed corn oil had significantly greater hepatic phospholipid 18:2 and 20:4 than rats fed fish oil (p < 0.05). Rats fed fish oil had significantly lower hepatic vitamin E and PGE(2) content but significantly greater hepatic lipid peroxidation than rats fed corn oil (p < 0.05). The hepatic levels of antioxidant enzymes (GSH reductase and GST) were significantly greater in rats fed fish oil than in rats fed corn oil (p < 0.05). Except for PGST-positive foci (foci area/tissue area), all the other foci parameters (GGT-positive foci area/tissue area, GGT-positive foci no./cm(2), GGT-positive foci no./cm(3), PGST-positive foci no. /cm(2), and PGST-positive foci no./cm(3)) measured in the fish oil group were 10-30% of those in the corn oil group (p < 0.05). Analyses of Pearson correlation coefficient revealed a positive correlation between hepatic GGT- or PGST-positive foci number (no. /cm(2)) and PGE(2) content (r = 0.66, P = 0.01; r = 0.56, P = 0.02, respectively) but a negative correlation between GGT- and PGST-positive foci (no./cm(2)) and lipid peroxidation (r = -0.8, P = 0.0006; r = -0.58, P = 0.01, respectively), GSH/(GSH + GSSG) ratio (r = -0.61, P = 0.05; r = -0.4, P = 0.14, respectively), GSH reductase (r = -0.75, P = 0.002; r = -0.53, P = 0.02, respectively), and GST activities (r = -0.65, P = 0.01; r = -0.44, P = 0.07, respectively). Similar correlation between foci number (no./cm(3)) and PGE(2), lipid peroxidation, GSH/(GSH + GSSG) ratio, GSH reductase, and GST activities were obtained. The results of this study show that dietary fish oil significantly inhibited hepatic enzyme-altered foci formation compared with corn oil in rats. These results suggest that the possible mechanisms involved in this process are the stimulation of hepatic detoxification system, changes in membrane composition, inhibition of PGE(2) synthesis, the enhancement of GSH-related antioxidant capacity, and the enhancement of lipid peroxidation by fish oil.     

Amelioration of obesity and glucose intolerance in high-fat-fed C57BL/6 mice by anthocyanins and ursolic acid in Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas)

Much attention has been focused on food that may be beneficial in preventing diet-induced body fat accumulation and possibly reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Cornelian cherries (Cornus mas) are used in the preparation of beverages in Europe and also to treat diabetes-related disorders in Asia. In this study, the most abundant bioactive compounds in C. mas fruits, the anthocyanins and ursolic acid, were purified, and their ability to ameliorate obesity and insulin resistance in C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet was evaluated. Mice were initially fed a high-fat diet for 4 weeks and then switched to a high-fat diet containing anthocyanins (1 g/kg of high-fat diet) and ursolic acid (500 mg/kg of high-fat diet) for an additional 8 weeks. The high-fat diet induced glucose intolerance, and this was prevented by anthocyanins and ursolic acid. The anthocyanin-treated mice showed a 24% decrease in weight gain. These mice also showed decreased lipid accumulation in the liver, including a significant decrease in liver triacylglycerol concentration. Anthocyanin and ursolic acid treated mice exhibited extremely elevated insulin levels. Both treatments, however, showed preserved islet architecture and insulin staining. Overall, these data suggest that anthocyanins and ursolic acid purified from C. mas fruits have biological activities that improve certain metabolic parameters associated with diets high in saturated fats and obesity.     

Effects of green tea polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate on newly developed high-fat/Western-style diet-induced obesity and metabolic syndrome in mice

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on newly developed high-fat/Western-style diet-induced obesity and symptoms of metabolic syndrome. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high fat/Western-style (HFW; 60% energy as fat and lower levels of calcium, vitamin D(3), folic acid, choline bitartrate, and fiber) or HFW with EGCG (HFWE; HFW with 0.32% EGCG) diet for 17 wks. As a comparison, two other groups of mice fed a low-fat diet (LF; 10% energy as fat) and high-fat diet (HF; 60% energy as fat) were also included. The HFW group developed more body weight gain and severe symptoms of metabolic syndrome than the HF group. The EGCG treatment significantly reduced body weight gain associated with increased fecal lipids and decreased blood glucose and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels compared to those of the HFW group. Fatty liver incidence, liver damage, and liver triglyceride levels were also decreased by the EGCG treatment. Moreover, the EGCG treatment attenuated insulin resistance and levels of plasma cholesterol, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), C-reactive protein (CRP), interlukin-6 (IL-6), and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). Our results demonstrate that the HFW diet produces more severe symptoms of metabolic syndrome than the HF diet and that the EGCG treatment can alleviate these symptoms and body fat accumulation. The beneficial effects of EGCG are associated with decreased lipid absorption and reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines.     

Glyphosate tolerant canola meal is equivalent to the parental line in diets fed to rainbow trout

Two separate studies were conducted to evaluate the utility of glyphosate tolerant canola (GTC) as a feed ingredient in diets fed to rainbow trout. In the first study, two forms of GTC were compared to a parental line, Westar. In the second study, one line of GTC was reevaluated to Westar. In each study, processed canola meals were incorporated at 5, 10, 15, or 20% of the dry diet and a diet containing no canola was fed for comparison. All diets were fed to triplicate groups of fish in each study. In the first study, weight gain, feed efficiency (FE), protein efficiency ratio (PER), and protein retention (PR) were not significantly different in fish fed either Westar or GT200 at any level of substitution. Fish fed GT73 exhibited a gradual reduction in weight gain, FE, and PER as the level of GTC increased. However, the only significant reduction was in weight gain of fish fed 20% GT73 as compared to fish fed 5% GT73. Because of an error in preparing samples prior to the experiment, samples GT200 and GT73 were essentially equivalent in composition. The differences were explained by differences in processing temperatures that occurred after the sample mixing error occurred. In the second study, mean weight gain, PR, and survival were not significantly different among forms of canola. FE and PER values were significantly lower in fish fed 15% Westar as compared to fish fed 10% Westar; other FE and PER values were not significantly different. On the basis of these results, GTC processed into a toasted meal and incorporated into diets for rainbow trout is equivalent to a parental line of canola.     

Beneficial effects of dietary fish-oil-derived monounsaturated fatty acids on metabolic syndrome risk factors and insulin resistance in mice

The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of fish-oil-derived monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) containing large amounts of C20:1 and C22:1 isomers on metabolic disorders in mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a 32% lard diet (control) or a 27% lard plus 5% saury-oil-derived MUFA diet for 6 weeks. Dietary MUFA improved insulin resistance and alleviated metabolic syndrome risk factors by reducing blood glucose and lipids. These favorable changes may be attributed to an improved adipocytokine profile. MUFA ingestion resulted in favorable changes in mRNA expression of genes involved in glucose/lipid metabolism (SCD-1, CPT1a, UCPs, and CS) as well as inflammation (MAC1, MMP3, and SAA3) and alterations in fatty acid composition. Our data suggest that marine MUFA improved glucose/lipid homeostasis and hindered the development of metabolic syndrome in obese mice.     

D-chiro-inositol-enriched tartary buckwheat bran extract lowers the blood glucose level in KK-Ay mice

D-chiro-inositol (DCI) is an active compound in tartary buckwheat [Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaench] with an insulin-like bioactivity. The present study was performed to (i) prepare DCI-enriched tartary buckwheat bran extract (TBBE), (ii) evaluate its acute toxicity in mice, and (iii) examine its blood glucose lowering activity in diabetic mice. It was found that steaming buckwheat bran in an autoclave at 1.6 MPa and 120 degrees C for 60 min could significantly enrich the DCI level in TBBE from 0.03 to 0.22% and further to 22% after passage of the TBBE through activated carbon and ion exchange resins. An acute toxicity test demonstrated that the LD 50 of TBBE was >20 g/kg of body weight in mice, suggesting that TBBE was in general nontoxic and safe in mice. Male KK-A(y) mice (type 2 diabetic) and C57BL/6 mice (the control) were used to investigate the antidiabetic activity of TBBE. In KK-A(y) mice, the blood glucose, plasma C-peptide, glucagon, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were significantly higher than those in the C57BL/6 mice. In addition, KK-A(y) mice showed an obvious decrease in insulin immunoreactivity in the pancreas. The present study clearly demonstrated that oral administration of DCI-enriched TBBE could lower plasma glucose, C-peptide, glucagon, triglyceride, and BUN, improve glucose tolerance, and enhance insulin immunoreactivity in KK-A(y) mice.     

Hypoglycemic effects of a phenolic acid fraction of rice bran and ferulic acid in C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice

Rice bran contains many phenolic acids, the most abundant of which is the antioxidant, ferulic acid (FA). We evaluated the hypoglycemic effects of a phenolic acid fraction (the ethyl acetate fraction, EAE) of rice bran and of FA in C57BL/KsJ db/db mice. Type 2 diabetic mice were allocated to a control group, an EAE group, or an FA group. Animals were fed a modified AIN-76 diet, and EAE or FA was administered orally for 17 days. There was no significant difference in body weight gain between groups. Administration of EAE and FA significantly decreased blood glucose levels and increased plasma insulin levels. EAE or FA groups had significantly elevated hepatic glycogen synthesis and glucokinase activity compared with the control group. Plasma total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations were significantly decreased by EAE and FA administration. These findings suggest that EAE and FA may be beneficial for treatment of type 2 diabetes because they regulate blood glucose levels by elevating glucokinase activity and production of glycogen in the liver.     

Green and black tea suppress hyperglycemia and insulin resistance by retaining the expression of glucose transporter 4 in muscle of high-fat diet-fed C57BL/6J mice

To investigate the preventive effects of tea on hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, male C57BL/6J mice were given a high-fat diet containing 29% lard and also green or black tea ad libitum for 14 weeks. Both teas suppressed body weight gain and deposition of white adipose tissue caused by the diet. In addition, they improved hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance by stimulating glucose uptake activity accompanied by the translocation of glucose transporter (GLUT) 4 to the plasma membrane in muscle. Long-term consumption of the high-fat diet reduced levels of insulin receptor β-subunit, GLUT4 and AMP-activated protein kinase α in muscle, and green and black tea suppressed these decreases. The results strongly suggest that green and black tea suppress high-fat diet-evoked hyperglycemia and insulin resistance by retaining the level of GLUT4 and increasing the level of GLUT4 on the plasma membrane in muscle.     

Petalonia binghamiae extract and its constituent fucoxanthin ameliorate high-fat diet-induced obesity by activating AMP-activated protein kinase

In this study, we investigated the antiobesity properties of Petalonia binghamiae extract (PBE) in mice in which obesity was induced with a high-fat diet (HFD). PBE administration (150 mg/kg/day) for 70 days decreased body weight gain, adipose tissue weight, and the serum triglyceride level in mice fed a HFD. PBE reduced serum levels of glutamic pyruvic transaminase and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase as well as the accumulation of lipid droplets in the liver. PBE restored the HFD-induced decrease in phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) in epididymal adipose tissue. PBE increased the phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC and decreased the expression of SREBP1c in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In addition, we further explored the active compound responsible for AMPK activation by PBE in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Fucoxanthin isolated from PBE increased the phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC with increasing LKB1 phosphorylation in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Taken together, these data suggest that PBE (or fucoxanthin) exert improving effects on HFD-induced obesity by promoting β-oxidation and reducing lipogenesis.     

Effect of Bran Extract from Pigmented Rice Superjami on the Lipid and Glucose Metabolisms in a Postmenopause‐Like Model of Ovariectomized Rats

The effect of rice bran ethanolic extract from Superjami, a new blackish‐purple pigmented cultivar, on the lipid and glucose metabolisms in a postmenopausal‐like model of ovariectomized rats was investigated. Sprague‐Dawley female rats were subjected to either bilateral ovariectomy or a sham operation and randomly divided into three dietary groups (n = 6): sham‐operated fed with normal diet (SHAM), ovariectomized fed with normal diet (OVX‐AIN76), and ovariectomized fed with normal diet supplemented with Superjami bran extract (OVX‐SJ). The OVX‐AIN76 group showed significantly higher body weight, triglyceride, total cholesterol, blood glucose, and insulin than the SHAM group. On the other hand, supplementation of Superjami bran extract markedly reduced the body weight gain and improved the lipid and glucose profiles in ovariectomized rats through inhibition of hepatic lipogenesis and adipokine production and modulation of glucose‐regulating enzyme activities. These findings demonstrate that extracts from Superjami bran may be useful in the prevention and management of postmenopause‐induced hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia.     

Inhibition of tumorigenesis in ApcMin/+ mice by a combination of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate and fish oil

The effect of a combination of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) with fish oil on intestinal tumorigenesis in Apc (Min/+) mice fed a high-fat diet was investigated in the present study. The combined treatment of EGCG and fish oil for 9 weeks reduced the tumor number by 53% as compared to controls while neither agent alone had a significant effect. Apoptosis was significantly increased in all treatment groups. beta-Catenin nuclear positivity in adenomas from the combination group was lower than control mice, implicating the modulation of Wnt signaling by the combination. Fish oil and the combination significantly reduced prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2) levels in small intestinal tumors as compared to controls, suggesting modulation of aberrant arachidonic acid metabolism by fish oil. Akt phosphorylation in adenomas was significantly reduced in all treatment groups, which may have contributed to the observed increase in apoptosis. The results indicate that a combination of low doses of EGCG and fish oil can inhibit tumor multiplicity in Apc (Min/+) mice.     

饲料蛋白质水平对刺鲃幼鱼的生长、胴体营养组成及消化酶活性的影响

配制蛋白质水平20%~50% 的7种等能半精制实验饲料,饲养平均初始体重为1.26±0.02 g 的7组3重复的刺鲃(Barbudes caldwell)幼鱼8周,研究刺鲃对饲料蛋白的需求量。结果显示,饲料蛋白水平对实验鱼的成活率、脏体比和肝体比等均无显著影响(P >0.05),而对鱼体终重有显著影响(P <0.05);鱼体增重和生长比速均随饲料蛋白水平从20%升高到35%而不断提高,但饲料蛋白水平进一步提高,则鱼体增重和生长比速均无显著差异(P >0.05)。饲料蛋白水平30%～50%的5个实验组的饲料效率无显著差异(P>0.05), 但均显著高于饲料蛋白为20%和25%的2个实验组(P <0.05)。蛋白质效率(PER)与饲料蛋白水平(x)呈负相关(PER= 3.006－0.03251x, R =0.9366)。饲料蛋白水平对鱼体的胴体水分、粗蛋白和粗灰分的含量无显著影响(P > 0.05);胴体脂肪含量随饲料蛋白水平(x)的升高而不断降低(L=8.2169－0.0458x,R =0.8551)。实验鱼肝胰脏蛋白酶活性则在组间无显著差异(P > 0.05)。肠蛋白酶和肝胰脏淀粉酶活性均随着饲料蛋白水平的升高而呈现先逐渐升高,且升高到一定程度后又呈逐渐下降的趋势。肠淀粉酶活性(IAA)与饲料蛋白水平(x)呈负相关关系(IAA = 84.625－0.9147x, R =0.8463,)。以鱼体增重为指标(y),与饲料蛋白水平(x)拟合折线模型进行回归分析,估算出饲料蛋白质适宜水平为占干饲料的34%。     

Impact of Chickpea‐ and Raw Plantain‐Based Gluten‐Free Snacks on Weight Gain,Serum Lipid Profile,and Insulin Resistance of Rats Fed with a High‐Fructose Diet

Two gluten‐free snacks containing chickpea, plantain, and maize flours at different concentrations were prepared. The impact of chickpea or plantain flour level on weight gain, insulin resistance, and serum lipid profile of rats fed a high‐fructose diet was evaluated. A dose of 0.93 g/kg was used in the experiments to simulate the snack consumption level by humans (average content of a small package, which is twice the portion recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture). Compared with a high‐fructose reference diet, consumption of both snacks decreased weight gain, fasting serum glucose, and triglycerides. The effect was more pronounced for snack B, with higher chickpea content. Consumption of these snacks may also have beneficial effects against obesity and cardiometabolic complications. Chickpea flour is a promising functional ingredient for the development of antiobesity foods.     

Tailoring of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) flesh lipid composition and sensory quality by replacing fish oil with a vegetable oil blend

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) juveniles were fed either 100% fish oil (FO), 75% vegetable oil (VO), or 100% VO throughout their life cycle to harvest weight followed by a finishing diet period when all groups were fed 100% FO. The two experimental VO diets were tested at two different locations (Scotland and Norway) against the same control diet (100% FO). The VO blend was composed of rapeseed oil, palm oil, and linseed oil using capelin oil as a control for fatty acid class compositions. Flesh fatty acid profiles were measured regularly throughout the experiment, with the times of sampling determined by changes in pellet size/lipid content and fish life stage. Growth and mortality rates were not significantly affected by dietary fatty acid compositions throughout the life cycle, except during the seawater winter period in Norway when both growth and protein utilization were increased in salmon fed 100% VO compared to 100% FO. Flesh fatty acid composition was highly influenced by that of the diet, and after the finishing diet period the weekly intake recommendations of very long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (VLCn-3 PUFA) for human health were 80 and 56% satisfied by a 200 g meal of 75% VO and 100% VO flesh, respectively. No effect on flesh astaxanthin levels was observed in relation to changing dietary oil sources. Sensory evaluation showed only minor differences between salmon flesh from the dietary groups, although prior to the finishing diet period, flesh from 100% VO had less rancid and marine characteristics and was preferred over flesh from the other dietary groups by a trained taste panel. After the finishing diet period, the levels of typical vegetable oil fatty acids in flesh were reduced, whereas those of VLCn-3 PUFA increased to levels comparable with a 100% FO fed salmon. No differences in any of the sensory characteristics were observed between dietary groups. By blending VOs to provide balanced levels of dietary fatty acids, up to 100% of the fish oil can be replaced by the VO blend without compromising growth or flesh quality. At the same time, 75% of the dietary fish oil can be replaced without compromising flesh VLCn-3 PUFA content, thereby providing a beneficial nutritional profile for human consumption.     

Antidiabetic activity of Mung bean extracts in diabetic KK-Ay mice

The antidiabetic effects of Mung bean sprout (MBS) extracts and Mung bean seed coat (MBSC) extracts were investigated in type 2 diabetic mice. Male KK-A (y) mice and C57BL/6 mice were used in this study. In KK-A (y) mice, the blood glucose, plasma C-peptide, glucagon, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were significantly higher than those in the C57BL/6 mice ( P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.01, P < 0.001, P < 0.01, and P < 0.01). In addition, KK-A (y) mice showed an obvious decrease in insulin immunoreactivity in pancreas as well. MBS and MBSC were orally administrated to KK-A (y) mice for 5 weeks. It was found that MBS (2 g/kg) and MBSC (3 g/kg) lowered blood glucose, plasma C-peptide, glucagon, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and BUN levels and at the same time markedly improved glucose tolerance and increased insulin immunoreactive levels. These results suggest that MBS and MBSC exert an antidiabetic effect in type 2 diabetic mice.