Oral administration of a turmeric extract inhibits LDL oxidation and has hypocholesterolemic effects in rabbits with experimental atherosclerosis

The oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. Curcumin is a yellow pigment obtained from rhizomes of Curcuma longa and is commonly used as a spice and food colouring. Curcumin and turmeric extracts have several pharmacological effects including antitumour, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiinfectious activities although the precise mechanisms involved remain to be elicited. We evaluated the effect of an ethanol-aqueous extract obtained from rhizomes of C. longa on LDL oxidation susceptibility and plasma lipids in atherosclerotic rabbits. A total of 18 rabbits were fed for 7 weeks on a diet containing 95.7% standard chow, 3% lard and 1. 3% cholesterol, to induce atherosclerosis. The rabbits were divided into groups, two of which were also orally treated with turmeric extract at doses of 1.66 (group A) and 3.2 (group B) mg/kg body weight, respectively. A third group (group C) acted as a control. Plasma and LDL lipid composition, plasma alpha-tocopherol, plasma retinol, LDL TBARS, LDL lipid hydroperoxides and analysis of aortic atherosclerotic lesions were assayed. The low but not the high dosage decreased the susceptibility of LDL to lipid peroxidation. Both doses had lower levels of total plasma cholesterol than the control group. Moreover, the lower dosage had lower levels of cholesterol, phospholipids and triglycerides in LDL than the 3.2-mg dosage. In conclusion, the use of this extract could be useful in the management of cardiovascular disease in which atherosclerosis is important.

Pancreatic enzyme secretion in response to test meals differing in the quality of dietary fat (olive and sunflowerseed oils) in human subjects

The aim of the present study was to investigate in human subjects whether or not the ingestion of two liquid meals that differed only in their fatty acid composition (due to the addition of olive oil (group O) or sunflowerseed oil (group S) as the source of dietary fat) would lead to differences in the pancreatic enzyme activities secreted into the duodenum. The experiments were performed in eighteen cholecystectomized subjects who, during the 30 d period immediately before surgery, modified their habitual diets in such a way that their fat composition would reflect, as far as possible, that of the experimental meals. Lipase (EC 3.1.1.3), colipase, amylase (EC 3.2.1.1), chymotrypsin (EC 3.4.21.1) and trypsin (EC 3.4.21.4) activities were measured in duodenal contents aspirated before and after the ingestion of the test meals. The plasma levels of secretin and cholecystokinin (CCK) were also examined. Duodenal enzyme activities were similar in resting conditions. No significant differences were revealed in postprandial enzyme activities, except for lipase activity, which was higher in group O, probably in relation to the greater plasma CCK concentrations observed in this group. In the absence of enzyme output data, we should not exclude the possibility that the type of dietary fat will affect human pancreatic enzyme secretion to a greater extent than is evident from the present study, for instance through a flow-mediated effect, as we previously observed in dogs.

Effects of the amount and type of dietary fat on exocrine pancreatic secretion in dogs after different periods of adaptation

Mongrel dogs were fed, from weaning to 6 months of age, on one of two 9% lipid diets that differed only in the type of fat content (sunflower oil or virgin olive oil) to study their effects on exocrine pancreatic secretion, in the basal period and in response to food. In addition, the results were compared with those obtained in a previous work performed by us on dogs adapted for 8 months to diets containing a higher (15%) amount of the same dietary fats to further evaluate the influence of the amount of dietary fat and the length of the adaptation period. The results from the present study show that both the volume and bicarbonate secreted in the absence of stimuli are unaffected by the quality of dietary fat. In contrast, in response to food, the pancreatic juice flow and the bicarbonate output were significantly higher in the group of animals given the sunflower oil diet. The differences seem to be related with the oleic acid content in the diets and the effectiveness of this fatty acid in triggering the release of inhibitory peptides such as pancreatic polypeptide and peptide YY. The comparison between the results from our present and previous studies supports the afore-mentioned hypothesis and confirms the existence of a clear influence of the amount and type of dietary fat, especially the oleic acid content, upon the pancreatic response to food, without ruling out a role for the duration of the adaptation period.

Absence of rapid adaptation of the exocrine pancreas of conscious dogs to diets enriched in fat or carbohydrates

Adult mongrel dogs were fed during 8 days on one of two diets, one rich in fat (FR) and the other rich in carbohydrates (CR), in order to compare the exocrine pancreatic secretion in the basal period and in response to food. Under resting conditions, mean pancreatic juice flow and mean values of protein content, amylase and lipase activity and production were similar in both experimental groups, suggesting that the period of adaptation used did not produce any influence on the measured parameters. No significant difference between the two dietary groups was found in postprandial volume of pancreatic juice. The peak of pancreatic juice flow in FR-group was smaller but remained elevated until the end of the 5th h, possibly due to the fact of delayed gastric emptying when animals are fed with a high fat diet. No significant differences were found between the groups in neither postprandial amylase activity and secretion nor lipase activity. On the other hand, lipase output was significantly higher in FR-group but only during the 5 postprandial h. This fact may be related to some intestinal factor stimulated by the hydrolysis products of fat. Finally, our findings show that no rapid adaptation of exocrine pancreatic secretion exist to the diet, at least in our experimental conditions. Of course, this does not exclude that the phenomenon of adaptation may appear in the dog under long-term adaptation to the diet.

Blood platelet function in healthy individuals of different ages. Effects of exercise and exercise conditioning

The influence of age, physical conditioning and physical exercise on platelet function on human being is still controversial. The aim of our study were to evaluate the effect of physical exercise on platelet activation measured by beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG) levels and the number of platelets in sedentary and athlete subjects of different ages, and also to investigate the response of these parameters during the period of recover immediately after a bicycle exercise test. Our results show differences in platelet count and beta-TG levels among the experimental groups studied, in basal conditions, in response to the exercise test and during postexercise period. These results seem to indicate that regardless age, regular physical exercise diminish age negative effects on platelet aggregation.

Biliary secretion in suckling goats: the effect of maternal milk and of a lamb milk replacer

A total of 45 preruminant goats were fed either goat milk or a milk substitute. The postnatal development of bile secretion and biliary lipids composition of suckling goats and the influence upon these parameters of maternal milk substitution were studied during the first month of life. Samples of hepatic and gallbladder bile were obtained from kids of 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 day-old. Bile flow rate, cholesterol, total bile salts and phospholipids were measured. Our results show that the quality of the protein and fat used in the elaboration of the milk replacer, affects the evolution of both hepatic bile flow and biliary lipids composition. Differences between gallbladder and hepatic bile composition show a scarce concentration capacity of the gallbladder with both diets and at all ages studied.

Conjugated bile acids and intestinal flora during the preruminant stage in goat. Influence of a lamb milk replacer

A total of 45 preruminant goats were fed either goat milk or a milk substitute to compare the evolution of taurine and glycine conjugated bile acids and the evolution of the intestinal flora during the first month of life. Samples of hepatic bile were obtained from kids of 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days old and conjugated bile acids were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Bacterial flora were determined in 14 and 28 day old animals. Ours results show that under our experimental conditions tauroconjugated bile acids clearly predominated over the conjugated with glycine. This pattern of preferential tauroconjugation persisted at all ages tested and in both groups studied. On the other hand, it seems that the quality of the protein and fat used in the elaboration of the milk replacer affects the intestinal flora and the postnatal evolution of conjugated bile acids.

Long-term effects on lipid metabolism in miniature swine (Sus scrofa) of diets enriched in saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated (N-6 and N-3) fatty acids

In this paper we study the effect of long-term adaptation (twelve months) of lipidic parameters of miniature swine to diets enriched in saturated (lard; L-group), monounsaturated (olive-oil; O-group) and polyunsaturated (sunflower and fish-oil; S- and F-groups respectively). The experimental group with the highest level of total cholesterol, free cholesterol and phospholipids was the S-group. This group had as well levels of HDL-C and LDL-C significantly higher when compared with the remaining groups. The L-group had the lowest value of HDL-C. In spite of that, the index of artherogenicity (HDL/LDL+VLDL) was significantly higher in the L-group, followed by the O-, F- and S-group respectively. On the other hand, after 12 months adaptation we observed that the fatty acid composition of serum lipids clearly reflects the quality of the dietary fats. The O-group had significantly higher serum oleic acid levels than all the other groups, and its content in saturated fatty acids was the lowest. The same happens with red blood cell (Rbcs) membranes fatty acids but the effect is less marked. Membranes of the L-group were found to have the highest saturation index (SI) in Rbcs membranes, while the F-group had the highest unsaturation index (UI), followed by the O-group. Taken together, our findings show that the diet enriched in olive oil produces a lipid pattern intermediate between that obtained with the fish-oil-diet and the sunflower-oil-diet but with the advantage of Rbcs membranes with a lower amount of PUFAS. As it is known, membranes with high percentages of PUFAS are more accessible for peroxidation, and the degree of peroxidation of lipids is directly related with changes in the membranes functionality.

The influence of dietary fat source (sunflower oil or olive oil) on LDL composition and serum lipid levels in miniature swine (Sus scrofa)

A total of 24 miniature swine (Sus scrofa) were fed with two diets of 9% fat content, differing only in the quality of the fat source (sunflower oil and olive oil). Two groups of animals were fed for a 12-week period, and the other two groups were fed for a 50-week period. After the two experimental periods, the influence of the dietary fat on serum lipids and protein and fatty acid composition of isolated LDLs was studied. In the short term, the serum cholesterol level was slightly higher in the olive oil group but, with the time of adaptation to the diet, serum levels of TC, FC and PL increased significantly in the sunflower group. In the long term, LDL and HDL were also significantly higher in the sunflower group when compared to the monounsaturated diet. In the sunflower group, PROT/TC and PROT/LIP ratios decreased significantly with the experimental period, while in the olive oil group they increased, due to the decrease in EC and TG fractions. The LDL particle in the olive group contained fewer saturated fatty acids and more monounsaturated fatty acids, specially oleic acid, than the LDL in the sunflower group. The changes found in chemical and fatty acid compositions of LDL, according to the saturation degree of the predominant fat of the diet, could alter its cellular metabolism.

Effects of adaptation to dietary fat on fatty acid composition of serum and serum lipids in miniature swine

The influence of dietary fat on the serum fatty acid composition and distribution in different serum lipids was studied in 24 miniature swine (Sus scrofa) divided into 4 groups. Three groups were fed a low-fat chow with different kind of fats added (sunflower oil, olive oil and bovine lard) and the other group was fed a control diet with no fat added. The animals were fed the four diets for an experimental period of 12 weeks. Afterwards blood samples were taken to obtain serum, and the serum lipids were separated into the following fractions: phospholipids, triglycerides, and esterified cholesterol. The fatty acid composition of the serum and fractions was analyzed by gas chromatography. Under our experimental conditions, the fatty acid composition of the diets was reflected in serum, but not in all cases. In the triglyceride fraction the fatty acid composition was more evident. Our results show the interaction of the fatty acids in the different series and even within a single series, along with the endogenous synthesis processes.

Effects of adaptation to diets enriched with saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats on lipid and serum fatty acid levels in miniature swine (Sus scrofa)

A total of 37 miniature swine (Sus scrofa) was fed with three diets of 9% fat content, differing only in the quality of the fat source (sunflower oil, olive oil and lard fat). Three groups of animals were fed for a 3 month period, and three other groups were fed for a 12 month period. After the two experimental periods, the influence of the diet on serum lipids and serum fatty acids was studied. In the short term, the serum cholesterol level was higher in the lard group, but with time, it undergoes a significant increase in the sunflower group, due to increases both in HDL-C and in LDL-C. In the olive oil group, LDL-C hardly varies with time, while HDL-C tends to decrease. In the lard group, LDL-C increases and HDL-C decreases. The atherogenic index is, in the long term, lower in the lard group and higher in the polyunsaturated fat group. The fatty acid composition of serum lipids in the long term shows a greater saturation index (SI) for the sunflower group and lard group, an increase in monounsaturated fatty acids in the olive oil group, and a higher percentage of linoleic acid in the sunflower group.

Role of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), secretin and gastrin in the genesis of the late exocrine pancreatic hypersecretion, food intake dependent in conscious dogs

Plasma levels of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), secretin and gastrin were studied in four saphenous vein-catheterized dogs during the first 12 h after ingestion of a standard solid meal. Under these conditions we found significant postprandial increases in secretion only, which rose from a basal value of 219 +/- 27 pg/ml to 449 +/- 66 pg/ml 60 min postprandial (p < 0.001), and remained elevated until 4 h after food intake. However, no increase was seen from 8 to 12 h in any of the hormones studied, indicating that they are not directly involved in the enhancement of exocrine pancreatic secretion during this period.

Effect of dietary fat composition on biliary cholesterol saturation index in dogs

In dogs, the effect of dietary fat on bile cholesterol saturation index and the evolution of molar percentages of biliary lipids have been studied in both fasting and postprandial periods after a long-term adaptation period to diets which only differ in their lipidic source (olive oil and sunflower oil). It has been observed that for similar bile cholesterol saturation indexes in both groups, dietary fat altered differently biliary lipid composition through a double mechanism which involved bile acids and phospholipids. Dietary fat is postulated to affect differently the lipidic composition of bile as well as the biliary tree motility both during interdigestive and postprandial periods.

Distal ileum resection totally suppresses the late pancreatic postprandial hypersecretion in conscious dogs

Exocrine pancreatic secretion and serum levels of secretin, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and gastrin within postprandial 12 hours have been studied in dogs that have undergone a partial ileum resection (last 25 cm) 4 weeks before. In these conditions the following effects were observed: 1) the flow of pancreatic juice secreted after the food intake (1-4h period) was strictly similar to the flow described in intact dogs which did not suffer that surgical manipulation but it came back to its basal value more rapidly; 2) there were no effects regarding the postprandial hormonal pattern; 3) the late pancreatic hypersecretion period that is usually observed in intact dogs within the postprandial 8-12 h period, completely disappeared. These results allow to conclude that the mechanisms inducing the late hypersecretion process that usually takes place within the postprandial 8-12 h in dogs are generated in the distal ileum.

Late postprandial pancreatic secretion periods in conscious dogs. Effect of vagotomy

It is well established that, in the dog, the exocrine pancreatic secretion in response to food intake is a two-phased mechanism with a first phase during 0-4 h period and a second one during 8-12 h period. In the present study we have investigated the role played by the vagus nerve in the genesis of this late pancreatic hypersecretion (second phase) in dogs with truncal vagotomy and pyloroplasty. Truncal vagotomy totally suppressed the first phase of the pancreatic secretion; it did not abolish the second postprandial phase but it increased its latency by delay of 4 hours. In fact, during the 12-18 h period a pancreatic hypersecretory response was evidenced after vagotomy which appeared to be statistically significant as compared to basal values (P less than 0.001). Our results indicate that the vagus nerve does not play a role in the genesis of the late hypersecretory second phase.

Comparative effect of truncal vagotomy and pirenzepine on postprandial secretory response of exocrine pancreas in dogs

The comparative effect of truncal vagotomy and associated pyloroplasty and orally administrated pirenzepine (75 mg, 1 h before food intake) on the exocrine pancreatic secretory response to food was studied in conscious dogs. Both pirenzepine administration and truncal vagotomy totally abolished the pancreatic hydromineral and organic secretory response to food intake while postprandial pH of intraduodenal content remained above 6. From the results of our study we conclude that the vago nerve must not be altered in order to assure a pancreatic response to food intake and that pirenzepine is as strong as truncal vagotomy in maintaining pH in postprandial intraduodenal content over 6.

Postprandial modifications of plasma secretin levels during pancreatic secretion in dogs

In dogs with a direct pancreatic fistula, a duodenal cannula and a catheter in a saphenous vein, plasma secretin levels, changes in the flow, bicarbonate and chloride concentrations of the exocrine pancreatic secretion as well as in the pH of intraduodenal content have been studied 12 hours after the ingestion of a standard diet. Under these conditions the pancreatic secretion showed a biphasic response with a maximum flow and bicarbonate concentration during the 0-4 and 8-12 h postprandial periods. This coincided with a marked decrease of pH in the intraduodenal content, with values close to 4.5. On the other hand, during the first postprandial hour, plasma secretin values increased from basal ones (218.66 +/- 27 pg/ml) to 448.94 +/- 66 pg/ml, remaining elevated for four hours after the meal ingestion. However, no increase occurred between 8-12 h when intraduodenal pH reached values below 4.5. This study indicated that: 1) plasma secretin levels increased significantly (P less than 0.05) after the ingestion of a standard solid diet, and 2) determinants liberating secretin were not only the presence of a duodenal pH below 4.5, but probably the presence of some macronutrients from the meal.

Protein digestibility in dog. Effect of the quantity and quality of dietary fat (virgin olive oil and sunflower oil)

Protein digestibility has been estimated in dog when fed on two similar diets except their lipid quality (virgin olive oil and sunflower oil) from weaning up to 6 months of life. Experiments were carried out at 60, 105 and 150 days of adaptation to either diet. In dog, age does not seem to affect the protein digestive and metabolic utilization when fed on a high lipid content diet. A higher dietary fat percentage led to an increase of the mentioned parameters which could be caused to a delayed gastric emptying due to fat. As far as the fat quality is concerned, an improved protein digestive and metabolic utilization was evidenced in adult animals fed on olive oil. On the other hand, the weight progress was normal in both experimental groups. These results suggest that olive oil may have beneficial effects on protein digestibility as compared to sunflower oil.

Effect of dietary fat on biliary lipids composition of gallbladder bile in miniature swine (Sus scrofa)

1. Weaning animals (34 days old) were fed for 6 months with four diets that differed only in the quantity and quality of fat sources (control group 3.2% (w/w), lard-fed group 7.6% (w/w), olive-oil-fed group 10.4% (w/w), and sunflower-oil-fed group 10.5% (w/w). Samples were collected and assessed after animals were killed at 6 months of age. 2. Our results show that the quality of fat did not alter biliary lipids composition of the gallbladder bile composition in miniature swine after 6 months adaptation to the diet, except for a significant increase of the phospholipid concentration in the lard-fed group with regard to the control group. 3. The highest and lowest bile cholesterol saturation indices were observed in sunflower and lard-fed groups, respectively showing in all cases saturation indices far from the saturation point.