Antihyperlipidemic Effect of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aronia melanocarpa</Emphasis> Fruit Juice in Rats Fed a High-Cholesterol Diet

Aronia melanocrpa fruit juice (AMFJ) used in our experiment was very rich in phenolic substances (709.3 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 ml juice). Anthocyanins (106.8 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents/100 ml juice) were the main flavonoid group. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of AMFJ on plasma lipids and lipoprotein profile, and histopathology of liver and aorta in rats with dietary-induced hyperlipidemia. AMFJ was administered by gavage for 30 days at doses of 5, 10 and 20 ml/kg body weight to rats fed a standard diet (SD) or a 4% cholesterol-containing diet (4% ChD). The 4% ChD caused a significant elevation of plasma total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TG). AMFJ did not significantly influence plasma lipids in rats fed the SD and significantly hindered the elevation of plasma TC, LDL-C and TG in rats fed the 4% ChD. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were not significantly influenced either by the 4% ChD or by AMFJ. Neither the cholesterol feeding, nor AMFJ treatment induced any histopathological changes in rat liver and aorta. In conclusion, AMFJ showed an antihyperlipidemic effect in rats with hyperlipidemia and could be valuable in reducing this factor of cardiovascular risk.     

Corrective role of chickpea intake on a dietary-induced model of hypercholesterolemia

A feeding trial was conducted in order to evaluate the potential effect on the lipid profile in a experimentally induced situation of hypercholesterolemia of a previously uninvestigated legume (Cicer aretinum L.) widely included in Mediterranean and Latinamerican human diets. Rats fed on a hypercholesterolemic diet containing saturated fat, cholesterol and cholic acid (H) had 123 percent higher serum cholesterol and 62 percent greater triacylglycerols levels than the animals receiving casein (C) protein. The LDL and VLDL cholesterol levels were 1330 percent and 35 percent higher, respectively, and HDL cholesterol 34 percent lower in the group of animals given the H diet as compared to controls. Further feeding of the hypercholesterolemic rats with animal protein (HC) resulted in a significant decrease of triacylglycerols (–70 percent), which reflected the decrease in the VLDL fraction. These effects on the lipid metabolism were more marked when the legumeCicer aretinum L. was present in the diet (HL). Significantly decreased concentrations of total cholesterol (–54 percent) and triacylglycerols (–70 percent) as well as the levels of LDL (–54 percent) and VLDL (–70 percent) were seen in rats fed chickpeas. In conclusion, a differential hypocholesterolemic effect between dietary casein and chickpea intake in a model of hypercholesterolemia induced by the diet was found, with beneficial effects on the lipid metabolism when legume was included in the diet as compared to casein. This suggests, for apparently the first time, that chickpea consumption may have a corrective effect in some alterations of the lipid profile.Abbreviations ANF Antinutritional factors - CD Cardiovascular disease - C Casein diet (Control diet) - H Hypercholesterolemic diet - L Legume diet - SD standard deviation     

The cholesterol-lowering property of soybeans fed to rats is related to the fasting duration

Numerous factors affect plasma cholesterol and, therefore, representpotential interferences with the specific effects of diet on lipid metabolism.After casein intake, serum cholesterol levels depend on many experimentalconditions in rats, such as the type of casein, the presence or absence ofcholesterol in the diet, the age and strain of rat, the diet composition, thenutritional status. The effect of fasting duration on selected parameters wasstudied in adult male Wistar rats fed a 20% casein and 1% cholesterol-based diet. No changes were observed in total serum, lipoproteins-B andHDL cholesterol and in triglyceride values after an 8 h-fast compared tonon-fasted animals. A significant decrease was induced in total andlipoproteins-B cholesterol with a 12 h-fast. A prolonged fast resulted ina significant decrease in these parameters and in triglycerides and inHDL-cholesterol levels.Fasted animals fed heated soybean meal instead of casein did not display amarked decrease in serum lipids. It appeared that the fasting effect wasmore marked in animals fed casein than in animals fed soybeans. Theseresults showed the importance of experimental conditions such as nutritional status ofanimals when blood samples are taken in studies of the hypocholesterolemiceffect of soy protein compared to casein.     

Lipid profile of rats fed blends of rice bran oil in combination with sunflower and safflower oil

This study was undertaken to assess the effect of blended oils, i.e., polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) rich vegetable oils like safflower oil (SFO) and sunflower oil (SNO) with the unconventional and hypocholesterolemic rice bran oil (RBO) on the serum lipid profile of rats. Rats fed RBO + SNO/SFO at 70:30 ratio for a period of 28 days showed significantly (p < 0.05) lower levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and increased high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in animals fed a high cholesterol diet (HCD) and cholesterol free diet (CFD). Liver total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were also reduced. Fecal excretion of neutral sterols and bile acids was increased with use of RBO blends. RBO, which is rich in tocopherols and tocotrienols, may improve the oxidative stability of the blends. Tocotrienols are known to inhibit 3-hydroxy, 3-methyl, glutaryl CoA (HMG-COA) reductase (rate limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis), resulting in hypocholesterolemia. In addition to improving the lipid profile by lowering TC, TG and LDL-C and increasing HDL-C, blending of RBO with other oils can result in an economic advantage of lower prices.     

Long-Term Feeding of Chitosan Ameliorates Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in a High-Fructose-Diet-Impaired Rat Model of Glucose Tolerance

This study was designed to investigate the effects of long-term feeding of chitosan on plasma glucose and lipids in rats fed a high-fructose (HF) diet (63.1%). Male Sprague-Dawley rats aged seven weeks were used as experimental animals. Rats were divided into three groups: (1) normal group (normal); (2) HF group; (3) chitosan + HF group (HF + C). The rats were fed the experimental diets and drinking water ad libitum for 21 weeks. The results showed that chitosan (average molecular weight was about 3.8 × 10⁵ Dalton and degree of deacetylation was about 89.8%) significantly decreased body weight, paraepididymal fat mass, and retroperitoneal fat mass weight, but elevated the lipolysis rate in retroperitoneal fats of HF diet-fed rats. Supplementation of chitosan causes a decrease in plasma insulin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, Interleukin (IL)-6, and leptin, and an increase in plasma adiponectin. The HF diet increased hepatic lipids. However, intake of chitosan reduced the accumulation of hepatic lipids, including total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) contents. In addition, chitosan elevated the excretion of fecal lipids in HF diet-fed rats. Furthermore, chitosan significantly decreased plasma TC, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), the TC/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio, and increased the HDL-C/(LDL-C + VLDL-C) ratio, but elevated the plasma TG and free fatty acids concentrations in HF diet-fed rats. Plasma angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) protein expression was not affected by the HF diet, but it was significantly increased in chitosan-supplemented, HF-diet-fed rats. The high-fructose diet induced an increase in plasma glucose and impaired glucose tolerance, but chitosan supplementation decreased plasma glucose and improved impairment of glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance. Taken together, these results indicate that supplementation with chitosan can improve the impairment of glucose and lipid metabolism in a HF-diet-fed rat model.     

Growth,hormonal status and protein turnover in rats fed on a diet containing peas (Pisum sativum L.) as the source of protein

The inclusion of peas (Pisum sativum L.) as the source of protein in the diet of growing rats brings about a reduction in growth rate as well as the impairment in the liver, muscle and spleen weights as compared with casein fed controls. Also, a fall in plasma glucose, triglycerides and protein was observed in the legume fed animals, while no changes in cholesterol levels were found. Furthermore, the rats fed on the diet containing peas showed lower levels of plasma insulin, corticosterone, IGF-I and T₄ as compared with casein controls. Liver and muscle total protein (mg) and total DNA (mg) were markedly decreased in the legume fed animals, but DNA/g, protein/DNA and RNA/protein ratios were similar in both dietary groups. Likewise, liver and muscle fractional synthesis rates were similar in the casein and legume groups, while the whole body protein synthesis is assumed to be lower in the legume fed animals due to differences in body weights. It is concluded that animals fed on a diet containing peas (Pisum sativum L.) as the only source of protein showed less adverse effects than those found with other legumes such asVicia faba L. orPhaseolus vulgaris L., in which protein quality, antinutritional factors and nutrient availability could be involved.     

Effects of Untreated and Thermally Treated Lupin Protein on Plasma and Liver Lipids of Rats Fed a Hypercholesterolemic High Fat or High Carbohydrate Diet

Lupin protein is capable of reducing plasma lipids in hypercholesterolemic man and animals. Whether lipid-lowering properties of lupin protein will be influenced by thermal treatment or by other nutrients has not been elucidated. In a two-factorial study, rats were fed hypercholesterolemic diets based on high amounts of carbohydrates (HC) or fat (HF), which contained either (20.4% of energy) untreated or thermally treated lupin protein (steam: 120 °C, 30 min) or casein as control protein. Lupin protein lowered plasma lipid concentrations in rats fed the HF diet but not in those fed the HC diet (P < 0.05). Among rats fed the HF diet, plasma and VLDL triglyceride concentrations were lower in rats fed thermally treated (−46% and −44%, P < 0.05) and untreated lupin protein (−47% and −46%, P < 0.05) than in those fed casein; whereas liver triglycerides were reduced only in rats fed untreated lupin protein (P < 0.05). Compared to casein, untreated lupin protein had slightly stronger cholesterol-lowering effects in plasma, LDL and HDL (−34%, −37%, −35%; P < 0.05) than thermally treated lupin protein (−23%, −29%, −31%, P < 0.10). In conclusion, the lipid-lowering effect of lupin protein strongly depends on composition of the basal diet, and thermal treatment is accompanied by a slight reduction of its hypocholesterolemic properties.     

Safety evaluation of water debittered andean lupins (Lupinus mutabilis): 12-week rat feeding study

In a 12-week feeding study, water debittered grains of Andean lupins (Lupinus mutabilis) were tested as unique protein source in growing male and female rats. Before the phsyiological study, the lupin flour was evaluated with regard to its possible content of anti-nutritive substances, such as alkaloids, cyanogenetic glucosides, trypsin inhibitor activity and hemagutanin activity. During the feeding study, parameters such as body weight, food consumption, hemoglobin and blood cells, glucose, urea, total protein, total lipid, cholesterol, uric acid, as well as weight and histopathological examinations of some organs (liver, kidneys, heart, spleen and brain) were controlled. The lupin flour did not show physiologically significant amounts of anti-nutritive substances. Rats fed on lupin diet did not show any statistically different growth performances as compared to the casein fed control animals. Food consumption as well showed no difference between the two diets, although food utilization of casein was slightly better during the first two months. All other observed parameters gave no indication of physiological differences of the performance of the diet. Results of the 12-week feeding test did not give any indication against the use of the water extracted grains of Andean lupins in human and animal nutrition.     

Effect of inclusion of cashew globulin (Anacardium occidentale) to a casein diet on lipid parameters in rats

The effect of inclusion of cashew globulin to a casein diet on lipid metabolism was studied in rats fed diets with two levels of cashew globulin meal. Inclusion of cashew globulin to a casein diet produced lower levels of total cholesterol, triacylglycerol and phospholipids in the serum and tissues and lower levels of serum lipoprotein cholesterol. There was decreased cholesterogenesis in the liver as evidenced by decreased activity of HMG CoA reductase and decreased release of lipoproteins into circulation. Rats fed cashew globulin along with casein also showed higher activity of LPL in the heart and adipose tissue and higher activity of LCAT. Increased hepatic diversion of cholesterol to bile acid synthesis and increased excretion of bile acids and sterols were also observed in these groups. Activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and malic enzyme was decreased in rats fed cashew globulin along with casein. This study demonstrates that cashew globulins included in the diet of rats are able to alter lipid metabolism which results in lower levels of lipid parameters in the serum and tissues.     

Growth,blood chemistry and histology of rats fed zincsupplemented rapeseed protein concentrates

Two rapeseed protein concentrates (RPC) supplemented with zinc oxide were fed to male and female rats at two levels providing approximately half or all of the protein in a purified basal diet containing 20% protein (N×6.25). Control groups were given either a purified basal diet with casein or a laboratory chow diet. After 16 weeks, there were no significant (P<0.05) differences in body weight except the male rats fed the casein control diet had higher body weights than did other male rats. No significant differences were observed in organ weights including thyroids, hematology, bone marrow differential counts, serum glucose, urea nitrogen, total protein, albumin/globulin ratio, cholesterol, transaminases or alkaline phosphatase. The levels of serum vitamins A and E of females fed some of the RPC diets were less than in those fed the caseincontrol diet, but equal to those in females fed laboratory chow diet. Females fed either RPC or casein in the semi-purified diets, which contained zinc oxide, exhibited kidney calcification.Bureau of Nutritional Sciences, No. 112; Food Research Institute, No. 420.     

Coconut kernel protein modifies the effect of coconut oil on serum lipids.

Feeding coconut kernel along with coconut oil in human volunteers has been found to reduce serum total and LDL cholesterol when compared to feeding coconut oil alone. This effect of the kernel was also observed in rats. Since many plant proteins have been reported to exert a cholesterol lowering effect, a study was carried out on the effect of isolated kernel protein in rats. Feeding kernel protein resulted in lower levels of cholesterol, phospholipids and triglycerides in the serum and most tissues when compared to casein fed animals. Rats fed kernel protein had (1) increased hepatic degradation of cholesterol to bile acids, (2) increased hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis, and (3) decreased esterification of free cholesterol. In the intestine, however, cholesterogenesis was decreased. The kernel protein also caused decreased lipogenesis in the liver and intestine. This beneficial effect of the kernel protein is attributed to its very low lysine/arginine ratio 2.13% lysine and 24.5% arginine.     

Coconut kernel protein modifies the effect of coconut oil on serum lipids

Feeding coconut kernel along with coconut oil in human volunteers has been found to reduce serum total and LDL cholesterol when compared to feeding coconut oil alone. This effect of the kernel was also observed in rats. Since many plant proteins have been reported to exert a cholesterol lowering effect, a study was carried out on the effect of isolated kernel protein in rats. Feeding kernel protein resulted in lower levels of cholesterol, phospholipids and triglycerides in the serum and most tissues when compared to casein fed animals. Rats fed kernel protein had (1) increased hepatic degradation of cholesterol to bile acids, (2) increased hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis, and (3) decreased esterification of free cholesterol. In the intestine, however, cholesterogenesis was decreased. The kernel protein also caused decreased lipogenesis in the liver and intestine. This beneficial effect of the kernel protein is attributed to its very low lysine/arginine ratio 2.13% lysine and 24.5% arginine.     

The hypocholesterolemic and antioxidative effect of dietary diosgenin and chromium chloride supplementation on high-cholesterol fed Japanese quails

The current study investigated the effect of natural diosgenin extracted from fenugreek seeds, in comparison with the pure standard diosgenin, plus chromium chloride (CrCl3) supplementation on high-cholesterol fed Japanese quails. Quails were randomly divided into four groups. Group one (n = 25) fed experimental diet only (control; contained basal diet supplemented with 1% cholesterol), group 2 (n = 20) fed experimental diet supplemented with CrCl3 only (400 microg kg(-1) of body weight), groups 3 and 4 (n = 30 per group) were fed experimental diet supplemented with either 0.5% (w/w) of extracted diosgenin plus CrCl3 or pure standard diosgenin (0.5%) plus CrCl3 respectively, for 12 days. Blood samples were collected at days 0 and 12 for measuring levels of lipid profile. The work was carried out at Applied Science University and Amman University, Amman, Jordan during the period from October 2009 through October 2010. The mean levels of total cholesterol (TC) in control quails at d12 was significantly (p < 0.01) increased compare to those at d0. Supplementation of diet with CrCl3 alone or CrCl3 with diosgenin either extracted or pure standard for 12 days showed a significant (p < 0.01) decrease in TC and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels as compared to those in the control quails. While, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased significantly (p < 0.01) in quails supplemented with diosgenin and CrCl3. At d12, the mean Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activities in erythrocytes of quails in all supplemented groups was significantly (p < 0.01) increased as compared to those in control group and was more pronounced in erythrocytes of quails supplemented with pure standard diosgenin plus CrCl3. These results indicated that the combined diosgenin and CrCl3 supplementation to high-cholesterol fed quails might induce a protective effect by both regulating lipid and antioxidative damage.     

The influence of four dietary proteins and sodium phytate on the metabolism of cholesterol and the lipoproteins in rat

The hypocholesterolemic effect of dietary proteins could not be related to their vegetal or animal origin and seemed correlated to their different amino acids proportions. Comparing rats fed soy protein diet to those fed casein diet for 45 days, we observed a decrease of serum HDL cholesterol levels. Furthermore sequential centrifugation showed a decrease of HDL_2–3 fraction and especially apolipoprotein E in the serum of soy protein fed rats. The sodium phytate, added to the diet, did not change the metabolism of sterols.     

Tocotrienol and fatty acid composition of barley oil and their effects on lipid metabolism

Barley oil was extracted with hexane from the grain of a high oil waxy hull-les barley. Twelve male broiler chicks were fed corn-based diets with either 10% barley oil, 10% corn oil or 10% margarinead libitum for ten days. Total plasma cholesterol concentration of the chicks fed barley oil was 34% lower (p<0.05) than that of the chicks fed margarine. Plasma low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration of chicks fed barley oil was 53% and 59% lower (p<0.05) than those of chicks fed corn oil and margarine, respectively. Plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride concentration of the barley oil group were similar to those of the margarine but higher (p<0.05) than those of the corn oil group. Chicks fed the barley oil gained more (p<0.05) body weight than those fed the corn oil and margarine. Barley oil had an effect in suppression of TC and LDLC in chicks compared to margarine. Barley oil supressed LDLC but not HDLC in chicks compared to corn oil. A greater weight gain of the chicks fed barley oil suggested that these chicks had normally functioning digestion and absorption. -Tocotrienol and -tocotrienol content of the barley oil were 24 and 17 times greater, respectively, than those observed in the corn oil, while the same fractions were not detectable in the margarine. Polyunsaturated fatty acid content of the barley oil was more than threefold that of margarine. These data suggest that -tocotrienol and polyunsaturated fatty acids are hypocholesterolemic components in barley oil.Contribution No. J-2617, Montana Agricultural Experiment Station. This research was supported, in part, by grants from the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee, Great Falls, MT and Ross Laboratories, Columbus, OH.     

Effect of supplementation of blue green alga (Spirulina) on outcome of pregnancy in rats

To study the supplementary effect of Spirulina, pregnant rats were fed 5 different kinds of diets (casein, Spirulina, wheat gluten, Spirulina + wheat gluten, Spirulina-without additional vitamins and minerals), each providing 22% protein during the period of pregnancy. The outcome of pregnancy was assessed from litter and dams' weight and litter size. Maternal weight gain was found to be maximum with Spirulina + wheat gluten and least with the wheat gluten diet. Rats receiving Spirulina containing diets produced significantly (p<0.05) higher litter size than those receiving casein and wheat gluten. In spite of having higher litter size, Spirulina containing diet groups produced pups with birth weights comparable to those of casein. Spirulina appears to be a good dietary supplement during pregnancy.     

Nutrient composition and biological evaluation of mesta (Hibiscus sabdariffa) seeds

Two varieties of mesta (Hibiscus sabdariffa) seeds were analysed for their proximate composition. Their protein (18.8–22.3%), fat (19.1–22.8%) and dietary fiber (39.5–42.6%) contents were found to be high. The seeds were found to be a good source of minerals like phosphorus, magnesium and calcium. Their lysine and tryptophan contents were also high. Sulphur containing amino acids were limiting in this seed protein and the chemical score of mesta seed protein was 40 and 57 for AMV-2 and Bhimili-1 varieties respectively. Mesta seed oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids (70%), of which linoleic acid constituted 44%. Weanling rats were fed with 10% mesta seed protein before and after cooking for 4 weeks. Food intake of animals receiving raw mesta seed diets was significantly lower than those receiving cooked mesta seed diets as well as the casein control diet. Protein and dry matter digestibilities of raw and cooked mesta seed diets were lower than that of casein control diet. Cooking improved the food intake, gain in body weight, dry matter and protein digestibility of mesta seed diets. PER and NPU of cooked mesta seed diets were significantly higher than the corresponding raw diets. These results indicate that cooked mesta seed protein is of relatively good quality.     

Studies on the effect of curry leaves supplementation (Murraya koenigi) on lipid profile,glycated proteins and amino acids in non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients

Curry leaves powder supplementation (12 g providing 2.5 g fibre) was carried out for a period of 1 month in 30 non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus patients. The parameters monitored at 1, 15 and 30 days were fasting and 2 h post-prandial blood sugar levels, serum total cholesterol and its lipoprotein fractions, triglycerides, total amino acids, uronic acid, glycosylated serum proteins and glysocylated low density lipoprotein cholesterol fraction. The results indicated a transient reduction in fasting and post-prandial blood sugar levels at 15-day period with no appreciable changes in serum glycosylated protein levels, glycosylated low density lipoprotein cholesterol fraction, serum lipids, lipoprotein cholesterol levels, uronic acid and total amino acids were observed during the supplementation period, i.e. either at 15 days or 30 days.     

Growth rate,muscle protein composition,intestinal absorption of D-galactose and L-leucine and nitrogen balance in rats fed the raw legumeChamaecytisus proliferus L.

Growth rate, nitrogen balance, skeletal muscle nitrogen fractions and in vivo intestinal absorption of D-galactose (2 mM) and L-leucine (20 mM) have been measured in male growing rats (90–100 g initial body weight) fed 12% protein diets containing either casein (control) or the raw leafy legumeChamaecytisus proliferus L. (Western Canary Islands). As compared to control casein-fed rats, those fed the raw legume diet exhibited a significant reduction (P<0.01) in the rate of growth, nitrogen balance parameters, sarcoplasmic nitrogenous fraction of skeletal musculature and in vivo intestinal absorption of galactose and leucine; however, the non-protein nitrogenous fraction has been found significantly higher (P<0.01) than that of control animals, whereas the myofibrillar nitrogenous fraction remained unchanged. The possible nature of these findings is discussed.     

Nutrient composition of the leaves and flowers ofColocasia esculenta and the fruits ofSolanum melongena

The nutrient composition, ofColocasia esculenta flowers (CF) and leaves (CL), and the green fruits ofSolanum melongena (SM) were carried out as a means to determine their nutritional potential. Results showed that these food materials had high moisture and fiber levels which ranged between 888 and 906 g·kg^–1; and 204 and 303 g·kg^–1 dry weight (dw) for moisture and fiber respectively. The calorific values were between 3889 and 4001 kcals·kg^–1 dw, while the total lipids ranged from 53 in CF to 71 g·kg^–1 dw in SM. The leaves ofColocasia esculenta had the highest crude protein value of 307 g·kg^–1 dw. The flowers had 149 g·kg^–1 dw while SM had 138 g·kg^–1 dw. The amino acid profile in the flowers and leaves ofColocasia esculenta in contrast to SM were balanced comparable to the reference FAO pattern. Ash values were high (ranging from 76 in SM to 98 g·kg^–1 in CL) with potassium being the principal element. Iron and Zinc levels were also high especially in CF (with 303 and 82 mg·kg^–1 dw respectively). These foods also contained moderate quantities of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium but were poor in manganese and copper.