Effect of maternal diabetes and hypercholesterolemia on fetal liver of albino Wistar rats

Oat β-glucan supplementation pre- and during pregnancy alleviates fetal intestinal immunity development damaged by gestational diabetes in rats

Oat β-glucan (OG) has been shown to improve intestinal microecology in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but the effect on fetal intestine health is unknown. Herein, we aimed to investigate the effects of OG supplementation during gestation in GDM dams on fetal intestinal immune development. OG was supplemented one week before mating until the end of the experiment. GDM rats were made with a high-fat diet (HFD) with a minimal streptozotocin (STZ) dose. The fetal intestines were sampled at gestation day (GD) 19.5, and the intestinal morphology, chemical barrier molecules, intraepithelial immune cell makers, and levels of inflammatory cytokines were investigated. The results showed that OG supplementation alleviated the decrease of the depth of fetal intestinal villi and crypts, the number of goblet cells (GCs), protein expression of mucin-1 (Muc1) and Muc2, the mRNA levels of Gpr41, Gpr43, and T cell markers, and increased the number of paneth cells (PCs), the mRNA levels of defensin-6 (defa6), and macrophage (Mø) marker and the expression of cytokines induced by GDM. In addition, OG supplementation alleviated the function of immune cell self-proliferation, chemotaxis and assembly capabilities, protein, fat, folic acid, and zinc absorption damaged by GDM. As indicated by these findings, OG supplementation before and during pregnancy improved the fetal intestinal chemical barriers, immune cells, cytokines, and the metabolism of nutrients to protect the fetal intestinal immunity.

Effect of Sodium Fluoride on Reproductive Function Through Regulating Reproductive Hormone Level and Circulating SIRT1 in Female Rats

Fluorosis causes female reproductive dysfunction with reduced fertility without established pathogenesis. To clarify the mechanism, Sprague-Dawley female rats were selected with drinking water containing 0, 50 (low), 100 (moderate), and 150 mg/L (high) sodium fluoride (NaF) for a short (2 months), medium (4 months), and long term (6 months). The water consumption and body weight of female rats were recorded daily. The effect of NaF on the estrous cycle was examined by vaginal smears and recorded in different term treatments. Female and male rats were mated in a 2:1 ratio for 1 week at 2-, 4-, and 6-month treatment time for mating performance and fertility rate. Selected female rats were executed for tissue and blood collection at different treatment terms. Twenty-four-hour urine sample from each female rat was collected using the metabolic cage. The levels of steroid hormones and silent information regulator 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) in serum were measured by appropriate ELISA kits. Body weight of the high NaF group was significantly less during short-term treatment than that of other treatment groups or control group. Urinary fluoride concentration was increased linearly with treatment time. Treatment of NaF significantly decreased steroid hormone level while increased SIRT1 level in the serum. In addition, NaF treatment significantly decreased pregnancy rate. It is concluded that NaF inhibits the secretion of hormone and estradiol (E₂) release from the ovary, thereby reducing the rate of pregnant. SIRT1 may be involved in this NaF-induced reproductive dysfunction in female rats through regulating reproductive hormone, FSH, and LH secretion.

Effect of synbiotic bread containing lactic acid on blood lipids and apolipoproteins in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial

Recently, the use of synbiotics for managing various diseases has dramatically increased. Synbiotics have been shown to be a good approach to influence the composition of the gut microbiota with positive health effects. Management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complications is one of the reasons for the ingestion of synbiotics and so the aim of the current study was to determine the effects of synbiotic bread intake on markers of lipid profile in T2DM patients. One hundred T2DM patients (age between 20 and 60 years) were randomly assigned to four groups to consume different types of synbiotic bread, three times/day, for 8 weeks: "synbiotic + lactic acid" (n = 25; IV), "synbiotic" (n = 25; III), "lactic acid brad" (n = 25; II), or "control" (n = 25; I). The measured outcomes included anthropometric characteristics, glycemic control parameters, blood lipids, and apolipoproteins. The consumption of "synbiotic + lactic acid bread" (group IV) and "lactic acid bread" (group II) led to a significant decrease in total cholesterol (TC) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) compared to the "control bread." The HbA1c levels were also significantly lower when compared to group II. Additionally, apolipoprotein A (Apo A1) levels were significantly decreased in group IV, compared to control and other groups (post hoc analysis). No significant differences between groups were observed for triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and apolipoprotein B100 (Apo B100) levels. The observed results show that the synbiotic bread (with or without lactic acid) promoted a decrease in total cholesterol (TC) and Apo A1 in diabetic patients when consumed daily for 8 weeks.

The Obscure Effect of Tribulus terrestris Saponins Plus Inulin on Liver Morphology, Liver Fatty Acids, Plasma Glucose, and Lipid Profile in SD Rats with and without Induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes is a predictor of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). There are data suggesting that Tribulus terrestris (TT) saponins act as antidiabetic agents and protect against NAFLD. The effect of saponins may be increased by fermentable fibers such as inulin. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of TT saponins and TT saponins plus inulin on the plasma lipid profile and liver fatty acids of rats with induced diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM). The study was performed on 36 male Sprague–Dawley rats divided into two main groups: control and diabetic. Animals of the diabetic (DM) group were fed a high-fat diet and injected with streptozotocin (low doses). Animals of the control group (nDM) were on a regular diet and were injected with buffer. After the injections, the animals were split into subgroups: three non-diabetic (nDM): (i) control (c-C); (ii) saponin-treated rats (C-Sap); (iii) rats treated with saponins + inulin (C-Sap + IN), and three diabetic subgroups (DM): (iv) control (c-DM); (v) saponin-treated rats (DM-Sap); (vi) rats treated with saponins + inulin (DM-Sap + IN). Liver fatty acids were extracted and analyzed by gas chromatography, and plasma glucose and lipids were measured. The study showed significant changes in liver morphology, liver fatty acids, plasma lipid profile, and plasma glucose. In summary, supplementation with TT saponins or saponins with inulin for one month decreased the level of steatosis in rats with induced type 2 diabetes. Moreover, there were favorable effects on the plasma lipid profile in the rats. However, additional supplementation with inulin had a negative effect on liver morphology (with a microvesicular type of steatosis) in the non-diabetes group. Moreover, supplementation with inulin had a negative effect on plasma glucose in both diabetic and non-diabetic rats. These data show that a diet enriched with fermentable fibers reveals different effects in different organisms, and not all sources and forms of fiber are beneficial to health.

Lentinus edodes Exposure before and after Fetus Implantation: Materno-Fetal Development in Rats with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Background: The presence of β-glucans and phenolic compounds in Lentinus edodes suggests this mushroom can be used as a nutritional supplement. Two gestational conditions (before and after fetus implantation) were evaluated, and Lentinus edodes exposure was performed in diabetes mellitus rat model induced by streptozotocin in pre-clinical tests. Methods: On the 20th day of pregnancy, cesarean sections were performed. Blood was collected for biochemical, hematologic parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers. Placenta and amniotic fluid were collected, and fetuses were analyzed through morphological evaluation. Results: The mushroom did not reduce the severe hyperglycemia of the mother-concept but promoted an increase in maternal insulin levels; reduced the levels of alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase, triglyceride and total cholesterol; protected the animals from post-implantation losses. Liver damage induced by streptozotocin was reversed in experimental groups. Conclusions: Lentinus edodes mushroom has antioxidant properties that can minimize the damage caused by gestational diabetes mellitus.

Expression of cholesterol packaging and transport genes in human and rat placenta: impact of obesity and a high-fat diet

Evidence suggests that sub-optimal maternal nutrition has implications for the developing offspring. We have previously shown that exposure to a low-protein diet during gestation was associated with upregulation of genes associated with cholesterol transport and packaging within the placenta. This study aimed to elucidate the effect of altering maternal dietary linoleic acid (LA; omega-6) to alpha-linolenic acid (ALA; omega-6) ratios as well as total fat content on placental expression of genes associated with cholesterol transport. The potential for maternal body mass index (BMI) to be associated with expression of these genes in human placental samples was also evaluated. Placentas were collected from 24 Wistar rats at 20-day gestation (term = 21-22-day gestation) that had been fed one of four diets containing varying fatty acid compositions during pregnancy, and from 62 women at the time of delivery. Expression of 14 placental genes associated with cholesterol packaging and transfer was assessed in rodent and human samples by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction. In rats, placental mRNA expression of ApoA2, ApoC2, Cubn, Fgg, Mttp and Ttr was significantly elevated (3-30 fold) in animals fed a high LA (36% fat) diet, suggesting increased cholesterol transport across the placenta in this group. In women, maternal BMI was associated with fewer inconsistent alterations in gene expression. In summary, sub-optimal maternal nutrition is associated with alterations in the expression of genes associated with cholesterol transport in a rat model. This may contribute to altered fetal development and potentially programme disease risk in later life. Further investigation of human placenta in response to specific dietary interventions is required.

Hepatoprotective effects of synbiotic soy yogurt on mice fed a high-cholesterol diet

OBJECTIVES

The role of probiotic yogurt in the prevention and treatment of hypercholesterolemia has attracted global attention. Mounting evidence has indicated that probiotics and prebiotics improve lipid metabolism by lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration in plasma of hypercholesterolemic patients. The present study aimed to develop synbiotic soy yogurt that had a greater cholesterol-lowering effect in hypercholesterolemic mice compared with control soy yogurt.

METHODS

Synbiotic soy yogurt was prepared using soy milk and synbiotic capsule containing LactoBacil Plus (SCLBP) probiotic cultures and fructo-oligosaccharide. Synbiotic soy yogurt was analyzed for proximate composition and microbiological and antioxidative properties during storage periods of 28 d. To study hypocholesterolemic effect, hypercholesterolemia was induced in mice with administration of 1.25% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid for 4 wk. After that 24 male Balb/c mice were randomly divided into four groups and fed basic, high-cholesterol, high-cholesterol with soy yogurt, or high-cholesterol with synbiotic soy yogurt diet for 5 wk. Blood samples were collected to measure lipids concentration and oxidative and antioxidative status.

RESULTS

Proximate composition of SCLBP-formulated soy yogurt exhibits a marked difference from control soy yogurt in terms of total solids, moisture, protein, fat, ash, carbohydrate, and energy content. Results indicated that the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (75.28%) in synbiotic yogurt containing 2% SCLBP was significantly greater (P ≤ 0.05) compared with control soy yogurt (52.98%). In mice with hypercholesterolemia that were fed synbiotic soy yogurts, the yogurts had a favorable effect in reducing blood cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and lipid peroxidation in liver. These led to a significant decrease of the atherogenic index compared with soy yogurt (control) only. Treatment with synbiotic soy yogurt cultures ameliorates lipid peroxidation in liver.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicated that the synbiotic soy yogurts have beneficial effects against hypercholesteroemia and can be used as a therapeutic agent in hypercholesteremic patients.

Effect of maternal dyslipidaemia on the cardiorespiratory physiology and biochemical parameters in male rat offspring

The present study evaluated the effects of maternal dyslipidaemia on blood pressure (BP), cardiorespiratory physiology and biochemical parameters in male offspring. Wistar rat dams were fed either a control (CTL) or a dyslipidaemic (DLP) diet during pregnancy and lactation. After weaning, both CTL and DLP offspring received standard diet. On the 30th and 90th day of life, blood samples were collected for metabolic analyses. Direct measurements of BP, respiratory frequency (RF), tidal volume (VT) and ventilation (VE) under baseline condition, as well as during hypercapnia (7 % CO2) and hypoxia (KCN, 0·04 %), were recorded from awake 90-d-old male offspring. DLP dams exhibited raised serum levels of total cholesterol (TC) (4·0-fold), TAG (2·0-fold), VLDL+LDL (7·7-fold) and reduced HDL-cholesterol (2·4-fold), insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis at the end of lactation. At 30 d of age, the DLP offspring showed an increase in the serum levels of TC (P<0·05) and VLDL+LDL (P<0·05) in comparison with CTL offspring. At 90 d of age, DLP offspring exhibited higher mean arterial pressure (MAP, approximately 34 %). In the spectral analysis, the DLP group showed augmented low-frequency (LF) power and LF:high-frequency (HF) ratio when compared with CTL offspring. In addition, the DLP animals showed a larger delta variation in arterial pressure after administration of the ganglionic blocker (P=0·0003). We also found that cardiorespiratory response to hypercapnia and hypoxia was augmented in DLP offspring. In conclusion, the present data show that maternal dyslipidaemia alters cardiorespiratory physiology and may be a predisposing factor for hypertension at adulthood.

Early life programming and the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease and can be considered the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. NAFLD represents a spectrum of disease, from the relatively benign simple steatosis to the more serious non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, which can progress to liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and end-stage liver failure, necessitating liver transplantation. Although the increasing prevalence of NAFLD in developed countries has substantial implications for public health, many of the precise mechanisms accounting for the development and progression of NAFLD are unclear. The environment in early life is an important determinant of cardiovascular disease risk in later life and studies suggest this also extends to NAFLD. Here we review data from animal models and human studies which suggest that fetal and early life exposure to maternal under- and overnutrition, excess glucocorticoids and environmental pollutants may confer an increased susceptibility to NAFLD development and progression in offspring and that such effects may be sex-specific. We also consider studies aimed at identifying potential dietary and pharmacological interventions aimed at reducing this risk. We suggest that further human epidemiological studies are needed to ensure that data from animal models are relevant to human health.

Effects of blue light phototherapy on DNA integrity in preterm newborns

In previous studies, exposure to phototherapy, but not oxygen therapy, resulted in damage to genetic material in newborns. The objective of this study was to determine whether micronucleated erythrocytes (MNE) increased in preterm newborns (PNBs) who were exposed to blue light phototherapy lamps. MNE of mature organisms are rapidly eliminated by the spleen, and the presence of MNE has been related to immaturity in some species. Furthermore, PNBs present spontaneous MNE. Blood samples were taken from 17 PNBs at birth to establish baseline frequencies (0 h). After beginning blue light phototherapy, blood samples were obtained from 11 of these PNBs at 24-h intervals for 96 h, after the baseline sample. MNE and micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE) were counted. The basal values of MNE and MNPCE from 17 PNBs were 0.62 ± 0.48 and 1.52 ± 1.28 (‰), respectively, and no increase in MNE or MNPCE was observed in the serial samples of 11 PNBs exposed to blue light and oxygen therapies, though previous studies reported increases using other types of lamps. In conclusion, under the conditions described no increase in the number of MNE or MNPCE was observed in the peripheral blood of PNBs exposed to blue light phototherapy.