Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid in herbal plants, protects pancreatic islets and serum lipids in nonobese diabetic mice

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) damages pancreatic islets, gradually causing chronic complications. This study investigated the berberine effect on T1D in vivo. Nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice were grouped and administered 50, 150, and 500 mg of berberine/kg of body weight over 14 weeks using consecutive tube feeding. Changes in pancreatic islets, serum insulin, berberine, and lipid levels were determined. The results showed that berberine supplementation significantly (P < 0.05) increased the number of decreased islets and raised serum berberine levels in dose-dependent manners in experimental mice. Berberine supplementation also increased insulin levels, but decreased the ratio of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)/total cholesterol (TC). Furthermore, serum berberine levels showed a significantly positive correlation with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and the HDL-C/TC ratio, but a negative correlation with the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio. This study suggests that berberine administration in vivo protects pancreatic islets and serum lipids in NOD mice.     

Saturated fat in the diet of Spanish children: relationship with anthropometric, alimentary, nutritional and lipid profiles

OBJECTIVE: To compare the anthropometric, alimentary, nutritional and lipid profiles and global diet quality of Spanish children according to saturated fat intake. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study. Food data were collected using a food-frequency questionnaire. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The sample included 1112 children of both sexes, aged between 6 and 7 years, selected by means of random cluster sampling in schools. The plasma lipid profile included measurements of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides, apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1) and apolipoprotein B (apoB). Global diet quality was evaluated by the Dietary Variety Index (DVI) and the Healthy Eating Index (HEI). RESULTS: Energy intake, DVI and HEI of children from the lower quartile of saturated fat intake (LL) were higher (P<001) than in the remaining children (UL). However, there were no significant differences in average height or weight between groups. The UL children had lower intakes of meat, fish, vegetables, fruits and olive oil and a higher intake of dairy products (P<0.001). The intakes of fibre, vitamins C, D, B6, E and folic acid were higher in the LL children, who had lower intakes of vitamin A and calcium. The ratios LDL-C/HDL-C and apoB/apoA1 were lower (P=0.04) in the LL children (1.87 and 0.52, respectively) than in the UL children (2.02 and 0.54, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The growth rate of children does not seem to be affected by the level of saturated fat intake. Furthermore, at the levels of intake observed in this study, diets with less saturated fat are associated with better alimentary, nutritional and plasma lipid profiles.     

The lack of effect of isoflavones on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations in adolescent boys: a 6-week randomised trial

BACKGROUND: A substantial fall in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) during puberty in boys, but not girls, has been reported in Western populations. The fall in boys is believed to be due to hormonal changes - androgens have been shown to be associated with lower HDL-C, whereas oestrogens are associated with higher HDL-C. The fall in HDL-C during puberty was not observed, however, in a study of Moslem boys in Israel, nor in a group of Japanese boys. A diet high in phyto-oestrogens may account for the lack of a fall in HDL-C in these populations. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of dietary supplementation with phyto-oestrogens on the HDL-C concentration of adolescent boys from a Western population. We hypothesised that dietary supplementation of 50 mg of the isoflavones daidzein and genistein would produce a 12% higher HDL-C concentration than in controls at the end of a 6-week intervention period. DESIGN: A randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Hellyer College in Burnie (Tasmania, Australia). SUBJECTS: Adolescent boys (aged 16-18 years) were recruited through a letter sent to parents. A total of 132 eligible participants enrolled and five subjects withdrew from the trial. RESULTS: No significant increase in HDL-C was observed in the treatment group (-0.02 mmol l-1, standard error (SE)=0.03, P = 0.53) or the placebo group (0.05 mmol l-1, SE = 0.03, P = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: Factors other than isolated dietary isoflavones may be responsible for the lack of fall in HDL-C during puberty in Japanese and Moslem boys.     

Chemistry behind Vegetarianism

This review summarizes the effect of a habitual vegetarian diet on clinical complications in relation to chemistry and biochemistry. Omnivores have a significantly higher cluster of cardiovascular risk factors compared with vegetarians, including increased body mass index, waist to hip ratio, blood pressure, plasma total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol and LDL-C levels, serum lipoprotein(a) concentration, plasma factor VII activity, ratios of TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C and TAG/HDL-C, and serum ferritin levels. Compared with omnivores, vegetarians, especially vegans, have lower serum vitamin B?? concentration and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels in the tissue membrane phospholipids, which are associated with increased collagen and ADP stimulated ex vivo whole blood platelet aggregation, plasma 11-dehydrothromboxane B?, and homocysteine levels and decreased plasma HDL-C. This may be associated with an increased thrombotic and atherosclerotic risk. It is suggested that vegetarians, especially vegans, should increase their dietary n-3 PUFA and vitamin B?? intakes.     

Determinants of high vitamin A supplementation coverage among pre-school children in Mali: the National Nutrition Weeks experience

OBJECTIVES: To assess vitamin A supplementation (VAS) coverage of children aged 6-59 months and the factors that favour or limit this coverage during the National Nutrition Weeks in Mali. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. Interviews about demographic factors and children's adherence to the vitamin A capsule distribution programme were conducted. Professionals' knowledge of vitamin A and various aspects related to the supplementation strategy were assessed. SETTING: Five regions out of the eight regions in the country, in addition to Bamako District. Three rural communes were selected in three regions to represent rural areas. SUBJECTS: Parents or caregivers of children under 5 years of age, health agents who participated in the weeks, and community and administrative leaders. RESULTS: At least 80% of the children received the supplement. More 'traditional' communication channels (town criers, friends and family members) appeared to be more effective in reaching the target groups than modern methods, i.e. radio and television. Mothers' possession of a radio (Pearson chi2 = 5.03; P = 0.025) and fathers' education (Pearson chi2 = 19.02; P < 0.001), possession of a radio (Pearson chi2 = 8.93; P = 0.003) and listening to it (Pearson chi2 = 7.62; P = 0.006) all appeared to be statistically and significantly associated with children's coverage. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, only the study site (urban/rural) (P = 0.004), 'traditional channels' (P = 0.02) and fathers' education (P = 0.04) were significantly associated with children's coverage. Knowledge about VAS was high among community and administrative leaders, and health professionals. The planning and implementation of activities at the district level were found to be good in general. CONCLUSION: National Nutrition Weeks provide a successful example of a periodic VAS strategy with high coverage among children aged 6-59 months in Mali. Campaigns aimed at informing and sensitising populations during the Nutrition Weeks should also target children's fathers.     

Lipid-lowering and antioxidant effects of hydroxytyrosol and its triacetylated derivative recovered from olive tree leaves in cholesterol-fed rats

This study was designed to test the lipid-lowering and antioxidative activities of triacetylated hydroxytyrosol compared with its native compound, hydroxytyrosol, purified from olive tree leaves. Wistar rats fed a standard laboratory diet or a cholesterol-rich diet for 16 weeks were used. The serum lipid levels, the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) level, as an indicator of lipid peroxidation, and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) as well as that of catalase (CAT) were examined. The cholesterol-rich diet induced hypercholesterolemia that was manifested in the elevation of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Administration of hydroxytyrosol and triacetylated hydroxytyrosol (3 mg/kg of body weight) decreased the serum levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C significantly and increased the serum level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Furthermore, the content of TBARS in liver, heart, kidney, and aorta decreased significantly when hydroxytyrosol and its triacetylated derivatives were orally administered to rats compared with those fed a cholesterol-rich diet. In addition, triacetylated hydroxytyrosol and hydroxytyrosol increased CAT and SOD activities in the liver. These results suggested that the hypolipidemic effect of triacetylated hydroxytyrosol and hydroxytyrosol might be due to their abilities to lower serum TC, TG, and LDL-C levels as well as to their antioxidant activities preventing the lipid peroxidation process.     

Hypocholesterolemic effects of a flavonoid-rich extract of Hypericum perforatum L. in rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet

In a previous study, a flavonoid-rich extract of Hypericum perforatum L. (FEHP) was prepared and its antioxidant activity was determined by a series of models in vitro. In this study, the hypocholesterolemic effects of FEHP in rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet were tested. Forty Wistar rats fed a standard laboratory diet or a cholesterol-rich diet for 16 weeks were used. The serum lipid levels, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in serum and liver, were examined. Cholesterol-rich diet induced hypercholesterolemia was manifested in the elevation of serum lipid levels such as total cholesterol (TC), total triglycerides (TG), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Administration of middle-dose (75 mg/kg of BW/day) and high-dose (150 mg/kg of BW/day) FEHP significantly lowered the serum levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C, while increasing the serum level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Also, the content of MDA in serum and liver decreased significantly after oral administration of FEHP compared with those of rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet. In addition, FEHP increased the activity of SOD in serum and liver, but the activity of CAT was significantly elevated only in liver. These results suggested that the hypocholesterolemic effects of FEHP might be due to its abilities to lower serum TC, TG, and LDL-C levels as well as to slow the lipid peroxidation process and to enhance the antioxidant enzyme activity.     

Effects of long-term feeding of chitosan on postprandial lipid responses and lipid metabolism in a high-sucrose-diet-impaired glucose-tolerant rat model

This study was designed to investigate the effects of long-term feeding of chitosan on postprandial lipid response and lipid metabolism in a high-sucrose (HS)-diet-impaired glucose-tolerant rat model. As the results, HS-diet-fed rats supplemented with 5 and 7% chitosan in diets for 9 weeks had lower postprandial plasma total cholesterol (TC) levels, but 7% chitosan in the diet had higher postprandial plasma triglyceride (TG) and TG-rich lipoprotein TG levels. Supplementation of chitosan significantly decreased the postprandial ratio of apolipoprotein B (apoB)48/apoB100 in TG-rich lipoprotein fractions of HS-diet-fed rats. Long-term supplementation of 5 and 7% chitosan in diets for 16 weeks had lower plasma TC, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) + very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), TC/high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) ratio, leptin, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in HS-diet-fed rats. Moreover, it was noticed that the VLDL receptor (VLDLR) protein expression in skeletal muscles of HS-diet-fed rats was significantly decreased, which could be significantly reversed by supplementation of 5 and 7% chitosan. Rats supplemented with 7% chitosan in the diet significantly elevated the lipolysis rate and decreased the accumulation of TG in epididymal fat pads of HS-diet-fed rats. The plasma angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) protein expression was not affected in HS-diet-fed rats, but it was significantly increased in 7% chitosan-supplemented HS-diet-fed rats. Taken together, these results indicate that supplementation of chitosan in the diet can improve the impairment of lipid metabolism in a HS-diet-fed rat model, but long-term high-dose chitosan feeding may enhance postprandial plasma TG and TG-rich lipoprotein TG levels in HS-diet-fed rats through an ANGPTL4-regulated pathway.     

Hypocholesterolemic effects of phenolic extracts and purified hydroxytyrosol recovered from olive mill wastewater in rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet

In our previous studies, a phenolic-rich extract of olive mill wastewaters (OMW) was prepared under optimal conditions, using a continuous countercurrent extraction unit, and hydroxytyrosol was purified from the obtained OMW extract. The antioxidant activity of OMW extract and hydroxytyrosol was determined by a series of models in vitro. In this study, the hypocholesterolemic effects of hydroxytyrosol and OMW extract in rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet were tested. Wistar rats, fed a standard laboratory diet or a cholesterol-rich diet for 16 weeks, were used. Serum lipid levels, as well as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in liver were examined. Cholesterol-rich diet-induced hypercholesterolemia was manifested in the elevation of serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Administration of a low-dose (2.5 mg/kg of body weight) of hydroxytyrosol and a high-dose (10 mg/kg of body weight) of OMW extract significantly lowered the serum levels of TC and LDL-C while increasing the serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Furthermore, the TBARS contents in liver, heart, kidney, and aorta decreased significantly after oral administration of hydroxytyrosol and OMW extract as compared with those of rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet. In addition, OMW phenolics increased CAT and SOD activities in liver. These results suggested that the hypocholesterolemic effect of hydroxytyrosol and OMW extract might be due to their abilities to lower serum TC and LDL-C levels as well as slowing the lipid peroxidation process and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity.     

脱氢表雄酮对肉鸡脂类代谢和相关激素的影响

将180羽1日龄Arbor Acres(AA)肉鸡随机分为饲料中不添加脱氢表雄酮(DHEA)的对照组,添加20和5mg/kgDHEA的高、低剂量组,饲喂至42日龄时分别从各组随机取12只公鸡和母鸡,采集血样、肝脏、腹脂、左侧胸肌和腿肌,分别测定血清葡萄糖(BG)、甘油三酯(TG)、总胆固醇(TC)、高密度脂蛋白(HDL-C)、低密度脂蛋白(LDL-C)、非酯化脂肪酸(NEFA)、三碘甲腺原氨酸(T3)、甲状腺素(T4)、游离三碘甲腺原氨酸(FT3)、游离甲状腺素(FT4)、胰高血糖素(glucagon)和瘦素(leptin)含量。结果表明,与对照组相比,DHEA显著降低肉鸡体重、腹脂重和腹脂率,显著降低TG、TC、HDL-C、FT3和FT4含量,显著升高瘦素含量,而对血糖和LDL-C没有影响;DHEA使公鸡血清NEFA含量升高,母鸡血清NEFA含量降低;DHEA使公鸡血清LPL活性和胰高血糖素含量显著升高,血清T4显著降低。DHEA可能通过提高肉鸡体内脂类分解代谢相关酶的活性及激素水平,对脂类代谢起调节作用。     

Optimization of bioactive compounds in buckwheat sprouts and their effect on blood cholesterol in hamsters

Nutrient levels in buckwheats that were maximized in day 8 sprouts (D8SP) included total phenolics, quercetin, and l-ascorbic acid, whereas those of oxalic, malic, tartaric, and citric acids, rutin, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were found to reach maximum levels on day 10. Ethanolic extract of D8SP (2.5 mg/mL) revealed potent free-radical scavenging (FRS) and antioxidative (ANO) capabilities. However, its Fe2+-chelating capability was only moderate. To further study the hypolipidemic activity of D8SP, 36 Syrian hamsters were grouped into six groups and fed for 28 days, respectively, with (i) control meal, (ii) high fat plus high cholesterol meal, (iii) high fat plus high cholesterol plus 2.5% of buckwheat seeds, (iv) high fat plus high cholesterol plus 25% of buckwheat seeds, (v) high fat plus high cholesterol plus 2.5% of D8SP, and (vi) high fat plus high cholesterol plus 25% of D8SP. High seed meal prominently enhanced body weight gain, whereas high sprout meal exhibited the highest feed efficiency. Ratios of liver/body weight (L/B) were significantly lowered by all BS meals. Although low seed meal reduced serum total cholesterol (TC) levels (p<0.05), its effect was still inferior to the high seed and sprout meals (p<0.01). In contrast, serum triglyceride (TG) levels were lowered only by the high seed and sprout meals (p<0.05). Alternatively, levels of serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly suppressed by all buckwheat meals (p<0.01). Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were increased, however, insignificantly. Nutraceutically more meaningful is that both LDL-C/HDL-C and TC/HDL-C ratios were significantly lowered (p<0.01). Apparently, hepatic TC levels were significantly reduced, whereas hepatic TG levels were totally unaffected. Conclusively, sprouting triggers a variety of nutritional changes in buckwheats. Day 8 sprouts, consisting of high polyphenolic and moderate quercetin contents, are nutraceutically maximized when hypocholesterolemic, hypotriglyceridemic, and antioxidative activities are concerned.     

雷帕霉素靶蛋白(mTOR)信号通路参与沉默信息调节因子1(Sirt1)抑制小鼠脂肪沉积

探讨沉默信息调节因子1(Sirt1)对小鼠脂肪沉积的抑制作用和雷帕霉素靶蛋白(mTOR)信号通路的影响。用Sirt1的激动剂白藜芦醇(100mg·kg-·1d-1)和抑制剂尼克酰胺(500mg·kg-·1d-1)灌胃处理小鼠(Mus mussulus)15d,记录小鼠体质量变化,测定小鼠皮下脂肪、附睾脂肪和肾周脂肪的沉积量,试剂盒测定血脂指标,同时利用Real-timePCR分析与脂肪生成密切相关的转录因子过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体γ(PPARγ)、固醇调节元件结合蛋白1(SREBP1)和脂解基因甘油三酯水解酶(ATGL)、激素敏感性脂肪酶(HSL)、围脂滴蛋白(Perilipin)及生脂基因脂肪酸合成酶(FAS)mRNA的表达水平,检测mTOR通路关键因子雷帕霉素靶蛋白(mTOR)、核糖体S6蛋白激酶1(S6K1)和真核启动因子4E结合蛋白1(4EBP1)mRNA表达水平。与对照组相比,白藜芦醇处理组小鼠体质量增加量和体脂含量均显著降低(P<0.01),血清中甘油三酯(TG)、总胆固醇(TC)和低密度脂蛋白(LDL-C)浓度均显著降低(P<0.01),而高密度脂蛋白(HDL-C)浓度升高(P<0.01),mTOR通路关键因子mTOR、4EBP1和S6K1mRNA表达水平降低(P<0.01),脂代谢相关基因PPARγ、SREBP1及成脂基因FASmRNA表达水平显著降低(P<0.01),脂解相关基因ATGL、HSL和PerilipinmRNA表达水平显著升高(P<0.01);烟酰胺处理组小鼠体质量、附睾脂肪以与皮下脂肪沉积量增加缓慢(P>0.05),肾周脂肪沉积量增加(P<0.05),血清中LDL-C浓度升高(P<0.05),HDL-C浓度降低(P<0.01),mTOR通路关键因子mTOR和4EBP1mRNA表达水平升高(P<0.01),而脂代谢调控相关因子PPARγ和SREBP1mRNA水平升高(P<0.05),ATGLmRNA表达量显著降低(P<0.05),FAS、HSL和PerilipinmRNA表达量变化不显著(P>0.05)。表明激活Sirt1可减少脂肪合成,增加脂肪分解,从而降低体脂沉积,而mTOR信号通路参与这个过程。     

DHEA对肉鸡脂类代谢和相关激素的影响

本试验研究饲料中添加不同水平的DHEA对肉鸡脂类代谢和相关激素的影响。将180羽1日龄AA肉鸡随机分为饲料中不添加DHEA的对照组，添加20 mg•kg-1和5 mg•kg-1DHEA的高、低剂量组，饲喂至42日龄时分别从各组随机取12只公鸡和母鸡，采集血样、肝脏、腹脂、左侧胸肌和腿肌，分别测定血清葡萄糖(BG)、甘油三酯(TG)、总胆固醇(TC)、高密度脂蛋白(HDL-C)、低密度脂蛋白(LDL-C)、非酯化脂肪酸(NEFA)和三碘甲腺原氨酸(T3)、甲状腺素(T4)、游离T3(FT3)、游离T4(FT4)、胰高血糖素(glucagon)、瘦素(leptin)含量。结果表明：与对照组相比，DHEA显著降低肉鸡体重、腹脂重和腹脂率，显著降低TG、TC、HDL-C、FT3、FT4含量，显著升高瘦素含量，而对血糖和LDL-C没有影响；DHEA使公鸡血清NEFA含量升高，母鸡血清NEFA含量降低；DHEA使公鸡血清LPL活性和胰高血糖素含量显著升高，血清T4显著降低。提示，DHEA可能通过提高肉鸡体内脂类分解代谢相关酶的活性及激素水平，对脂类代谢起调节作用。     

浒苔多酚对肥胖小鼠血脂代谢及肠道菌群的调节作用

为了研究浒苔多酚(Enteromorpha prolifera polyphenols, EPP)对高脂饮食诱导小鼠肥胖的预防作用,将24只C57BL/6J小鼠分为4组,即空白对照组、模型对照组、低剂量浒苔多酚处理组(100 mg·kg^-1·d^-1)以及高剂量浒苔多酚处理组(300 mg·kg^-1·d^-1),连续灌胃14周,考察不同剂量浒苔多酚干预对肥胖小鼠生理生化指标以及肠道菌群数量和结构的影响。结果表明,EPP能抑制肥胖小鼠体重增长,降低血清中总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇浓度(LDL-C)、丙二醛(MDA)、谷草转氨酶(AST)和谷丙转氨酶(ALT)浓度,增加高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)浓度,提高超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)以及谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活性。此外,EPP干预可提高有益菌如拟杆菌属(Bacteroides)、艾克曼菌属(Akkermansia)及副杆菌属(Parabacteroides)的相对丰度,促进短链脂肪酸(SCFAs)分泌;降低有害菌如瘤胃球菌属(Ruminococcaceae)及颤螺菌属(Oscillospira)的相对丰度。因此,浒苔多酚作为功能性食品成分能够减轻高脂饮食诱导的小鼠肥胖症状。本研究为浒苔多酚作为海洋资源的开发与利用提供了理论依据与数据支撑。     

Soy leaf lowers the ratio of non-HDL to HDL cholesterol in hamsters

The present study was to examine effect of soy leaf powder (SLP) and soy leaf ethanol extract (SLEE) on serum lipoproteins in hamsters. The control group was fed a semisynthetic diet containing 0.1% cholesterol, while the tested groups were maintained on the same diet but supplemented with 3% SLP or the equivalent amount of SLEE derived from 3% SLP for 4 weeks. SLP supplementation led to a trend of lowering serum total cholesterol (TC) and nonhigh density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), with HDL-C being unaffected, whereas incorporation of SLEE into the diet led to an elevated level of HDL-C and a lower level of non-HDL-C with TC being unchanged. Both SLP and SLEE supplementation caused favorably a decrease in the ratio of non-HDL-C to HDL-C. The present results demonstrate that not only soybean seeds but also soy leaves are cardioprotective, by favorably modulating serum lipid profile.     

Both soybean and kudzu phytoestrogens modify favorably the blood lipoprotein profile in ovariectomized and castrated hamsters

The present study compared the hypolipidemic activity of kudzu phytoestrogens with that of soybean phytoestrogen in estrogen- and androgen-deficient hamsters. In the first experiment, ovariectomized hamsters (n = 37) were randomly divided into four groups (n = 9-10 each group). The first group was the control group, whereas the second group had the time-releasing estradiol-17beta subcutaneous (pellet) implants as a positive control. The third and fourth groups were orally administered soybean or kudzu phytoestrogen extracts (30 mg/kg of body weight) per day. In the second experiments, the first group of male hamsters (n = 9) received a sham operation, whereas the other three groups of male hamsters (n = 9 each) were castrated. The castrated control group received orally distilled water, whereas the second and third castrated groups were orally given 30 mg/kg soybean or kudzu phytoestrogen extracts. The results for the first experiment showed that the ovariectomized hamsters orally given soybean and kudzu phytoestrogen extracts had significantly decreased serum total cholesterol (TC) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) with HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) being unaffected. The data from the second experiment demonstrated that administration of soybean but not kudzu phytoestrogen extracts decreased significantly serum TC. However, administration of kudzu phytoestrogens caused redistribution of cholesterol among lipoproteins, leading to a significant decrease in the ratio of non-HDL-C to HDL-C. It was concluded that both soybean and kudzu phytoestrogens could modify favorably lipoprotein profiles in ovariectomized and castrated hamsters.     

Nutrition education for illiterate children in southern Madagascar--addressing their needs, perceptions and capabilities

OBJECTIVE: A Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) study was conducted in three villages of Bekily District in southern Madagascar prior to the implementation of a health education programme with children. The participatory learning concept of the Child-to-Child approach was followed to involve the children in the planning and implementation of the programme, which was covered by the German Agency for Technical Cooperation. DESIGN: To this effect, qualitative research methods such as Participatory Learning and Action techniques (focus group discussions, mapping and matrix ranking, etc.) were applied. SUBJECTS: The survey was conducted between August and December 1999. It involved a total of 55 school-aged children (6-14 years) along with 21 mothers and 34 fathers, representing different ethnic groups and educational backgrounds. RESULTS: The results show that children's KAP related to health and nutrition strongly reflect those of adults. They are not aware of a possible link between bad hygiene and the occurrence of diseases. According to them, diarrhoea or malaria is caused by consuming too large amounts of certain foods. Even if they know about certain elementary hygiene behaviours, they do not practise this in their everyday life. CONCLUSION: A major objective of the health education programme for children should be to tackle the discrepancy between hygiene-related knowledge and behaviour. Through the participatory study approach the children revealed their ability to contribute to the programme development. In using appropriate communication channels, the Child-to-Child health education programme is expected to influence the health behaviours of both adults and children. The health education programme should be combined with a literacy programme to address the children's desire to learn reading and writing.     

A mixed green vegetable and fruit beverage decreased the serum level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic patients

The effects of a canned mixed green vegetable and fruit beverage, containing broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis L.) and cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata L.) as main materials, on serum lipid levels in hypercholesterolemic patients were investigated. Thirty-one adult subjects were administered two cans of the beverage (160 g/can) per day for 3 weeks. Their serum total cholesterol (TC) levels significantly decreased from 6.7 +/- 0.8 to 6.1 +/- 0.6 mmol/L, and, more strikingly, the level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) significantly decreased from 4.4 +/- 0.8 to 3.8 +/- 0.7 mmol/L. At 9 weeks after the cessation of the administration, these levels had returned to the preadministration levels. Furthermore, 14 other subjects who were administered one can of the sample for 12 weeks also showed a significant reduction in the levels of serum TC and LDL-C. Thus, daily consumption of this mixed green vegetable and fruit beverage may be useful in lowering serum TC and LDL-C levels in hypercholesterolemic patients.