Anti‑osteoclastogenic effects of Coriandrum sativum L. via the NF‑κB and ERK‑mediated NFATc1 signaling pathways

Coriandrum sativum L. (CSL) is an aromatic plant that belongs to the Apiaceae family. The present study aimed to determine the effects of the ethanol extract of the aerial part of CSL on osteoclast formation in vitro and in vivo, and the underlying molecular mechanism of its anti‑osteoclastogenic effect. The levels of osteoclast formation and bone resorption were evaluated by tartrate‑resistant acid phosphatase staining and bone resorption pit assays. The expression levels of osteoclast‑related molecules were analyzed by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and western blotting. The ethanol extract of CSL suppressed osteoclast formation in a mouse co‑culture system. In osteoblasts, CSL exerted a minor effect on the mRNA ratio of receptor activator of nuclear factor‑κB (NF‑κB) ligand (RANKL) to osteoprotegerin, suggesting a direct effect of CSL on osteoclast precursors. Notably, CSL inhibited RANKL‑induced osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption activity in bone marrow‑derived macrophage cultures. Mechanistically, CSL abolished RANKL‑induced NF‑κB and extracellular signal‑regulated kinase (ERK) MAPK activation, which effectively impaired the induction of c‑Fos and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATc1). Finally, the ethanol extract of CSL prevented osteoclast formation in a lipopolysaccharide‑induced calvarial bone loss model in vivo. The findings of the present study suggested that CSL may suppress osteoclast differentiation and function by downregulating the NF‑κB and ERK/c‑Fos/NFATc1 signaling pathways. Thus, CSL could be explored as a potential candidate for the prevention and treatment of osteolytic diseases.

The farnesoid X receptor negatively regulates osteoclastogenesis in bone remodeling and pathological bone loss

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR, NR1H4) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors. Since the role of FXR in osteoclast differentiation remains ill-defined, we investigated the biological function of FXR on osteoclastogenesis, using FXR-deficient mice. We demonstrated that FXR deficiency increases osteoclast formation in vitro and in vivo. First, FXR deficiency was found to accelerate osteoclast formation via down-regulation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) 1/2 expression. Increased expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 (PGC-1)β seems to mediate the pro-osteoclastogenic effect of FXR deficiency via the JNK pathway. In addition, we found that FXR deficiency downregulated the expression of interferon-β (IFN-β), a strong inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis, via receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL). We further suggested that interference of IFN-β expression by FXR deficiency impaired the downstream JAK3-STAT1 signaling pathways, which in turn increased osteoclast formation. Finally, FXR deficiency accelerated unloading- or ovariectomy-induced bone loss in vivo. Thus, our findings demonstrate that FXR is a negative modulator in osteoclast differentiation and identify FXR as a potential therapeutic target for postmenopausal osteoporosis and unloading-induced bone loss.

F4/80 inhibits osteoclast differentiation via downregulation of nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 1

Osteoclastogenesis is an essential process in bone metabolism, which can be induced by RANKL stimulation. The F4/80 glycoprotein is a member of the EGF-transmembrane 7 (TM7) family and has been established as a specific cell-surface marker for murine macrophages. This study aimed to identify the role of F4/80 in osteoclastogenesis. Using mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs), we observed that the mRNA level of F4/80 was dramatically reduced as these cells differentiated into osteoclasts. Furthermore, osteoclastogenesis was decreased in F4/80^high BMMs compared to F4/80^-/low BMMs. The inhibitory effect of F4/80 was associated with decreased expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1). Ectopic overexpression of a constitutively active form of NFATc1 rescued the anti-osteoclastogenic effect of F4/80 completely, suggesting that the anti-osteoclastogenic effect of F4/80 was mainly due to reduction in NFATc1 expression. As an underlying mechanism, we demonstrated that the presence of F4/80 abrogated the effect of RANKL on the phosphorylation of CREB and activated the expression of IFN-β, which are restored by cyclic AMP. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the presence of F4/80 suppresses RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by impairing the expression of NFATc1 via CREB and IFN-β. Therefore, F4/80 may hold therapeutic potential for bone destructive diseases.

Peroxiredoxin II negatively regulates lipopolysaccharide-induced osteoclast formation and bone loss via JNK and STAT3

AIMS

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is considered a prominent pathogenic factor in inflammatory bone diseases. LPS challenge contributes to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in diverse inflammatory diseases. However, its mechanism remains to be clarified in bone. Thus, we investigated the critical mechanism of ROS in LPS-induced osteoclastogenesis and bone loss.

RESULTS

Antioxidant prevented LPS-induced osteoclast formation via inhibition of nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) and c-Fos expression in preosteoclasts. Moreover, LPS-induced osteoclast formation via ROS was attenuated by treatment with c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK) inhibitor. Interestingly, LPS also activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), which is suppressed by antioxidants. We found that knockdown of STAT3 or use of a STAT3 inhibitor resulted in a significant reduction in interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and nitric oxide (NO) production, followed by decreased osteoclast formation by LPS. Peroxiredoxin II (PrxII) is a member of the antioxidant enzyme family, and it plays a protective role against oxidative damage caused by ROS. In our study, ROS production and osteoclast formation by LPS was significantly enhanced in PrxII(-/-) cells. Moreover, JNK-mediated c-Fos and NFATc1 expression was promoted in PrxII(-/-) cells. Furthermore, STAT3 activation and accompanying IL-1β, IL-6, and NO production was also increased in PrxII(-/-) cells. Consistent with the in vitro result, PrxII-deficient mice showed increased osteoclast formation and bone loss by LPS challenge compared with wild-type mice.

INNOVATION

For the first time, we showed that LPS-induced ROS signaling is dependent on the coordinated mechanism of JNK and STAT3 during osteoclastogenesis, which is negatively regulated by PrxII.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that PrxII could be useful in the development of a novel target for inflammatory bone loss.

Maternal dietary ratio of linoleic acid to alpha-linolenic acid affects the passive immunity of hatching chicks

The objective of the current study was to examine the effect of dietary ratio of linoleic acid (LA) to alpha-linolenic acid (LNA) on the humoral immune response in laying hens and further on the passive immunity of their progeny. Thirty-two Single Comb White Leghorn laying hens, 24 wk of age, were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 diets that had LA-to-LNA ratios of 0.8, 5.4, 12.5, and 27.7, respectively, by changing the proportions of sunflower and linseed oils. After 5 wk on the experimental diets, hens were immunized intramuscularly with 1 mg of BSA, followed by 2 boosters 2 and 6 wk later. Serum and egg yolk were obtained weekly from 0 to 6 wk following the first injection of BSA. One week after the second booster, fertile eggs were collected and incubated. The sera of 11-d-old embryos and hatchlings were collected. All serum samples were stored at -20 degrees C before analysis. The results showed that dietary LA-to-LNA ratio had no effect on the total IgG and BSA-specific antibody IgG concentrations in the serum or egg yolk of laying hens. Hatchlings from hens fed the diet containing the LA-to-LNA ratio of 12.4 showed lower (P < 0.05) BSA-specific IgG titer in the serum than those from hens given the diet containing LA-to-LNA ratio of 0.8. A lower (P < 0.05) total IgG concentration was observed in hatchlings from hens fed the diet containing LA-to-LNA ratio of 12.4 compared with those from hens fed diets containing 0.8 and 5.4 of LA-to-LNA ratios. It is suggested that the dietary ratio of LA to LNA has no effect on laying hen humoral response but affects the passive immunity of hatching chicks.

Maternal diet with diverse omega-6/omega-3 ratio affects the brain docosahexaenoic acid content of growing chickens

Eggs with diverse omega-6/omega-3 ratio produced by feeding breeder hens a wheat-soybean meal-basal diet containing 5% (wt/wt) sunflower oil (H(omega)6), 5% fish oil (H(omega)3) or 2.5% sunflower oil plus 2.5% fish oil (M(omega)3omega6) were incubated. The hatched chicks were fed a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-deficient diet up to 6 weeks of age. The fatty acid composition of chick brain was determined on 0, 2, 4 and 6 weeks and brain weight was taken on day 0 and day 42. The omega-6/omega-3 ratios were 37.12, 4.21 and 0.98 for the maternal diet; 28.36, 2.83 and 0.89 for the egg yolk; 1.94, 0.48 and 0.18 for hatched chick brain (p < 0.05). At 2 weeks of age, the omega-6/omega-3 ratios were 1.88, 0.81 and 0.60 for chicks hatched from hens fed H(omega)6, M(omega)3omega6 and H(omega)3 diets, respectively. The brain DHA contents at 0 and 2 weeks of age were Homega3 > M(omega)3omega6 < H(omega)6 (p < 0.05) and at 4 and 6 weeks of age H(omega)3 = M(omega)3omega6 > H(omega)6. Dietary C18:3omega3 in the starter and finisher diet did not increase brain DHA (p > 0.05). The significant increase in the content of C22:5omega3 at 6 weeks of age in group 1 birds with a concomitant reduction in DHA suggests a weak delta-4 desaturation but an effective delta-6 and delta-5 desaturation similar to human infants. Considering the role of DHA in early brain development and growth, the maternal supply of DHA during growth might be of importance when fed a DHA-deficient neonatal diet.

Maternal dietary FA modulate the long-chain n−3 PUFA status of chick cardiac tissue

The effect that egg yolk or maternal n-3 FA have on the cardiac tissue long-chain n-3 FA status of chicks during growth was investigated. Eggs with low, medium, and high levels of n-3 PUFA were obtained by feeding breeder hens a wheat/soybean meal-based diet containing 5% sunflower oil (Low n-3), 2.5% sunflower oil plus 2.5% fish oil (Medium n-3), or 5% fish oil (High n-3). The chicks hatched from Low, Medium, and High n-3 eggs were fed a diet containing 18:3n-3, but devoid of long-chain n-3 FA. The FA composition of cardiac tissue was determined on days 0, 14, 28, and 42. At day 0, the cardiac FA reflected maternal diet. With time, the level of all the long-chain n-3 FA decreased compared with day 0, and this was true especially by day 14. These data show that dietary 18:3n-3 fed to the chicks did not sustain high levels of EPA and DHA in cardiac tissue, despite the high content of long-chain n-3 FA in the maternal diet. At days 0 and 14, the chicks hatched from High and Medium n-3 eggs had higher 20:5n-3, 22:5n-3, and 22:6n-3 contents with a concomitant reduction in 20:4n-6 in the cardiac tissue compared with the Low n-3 egg group. Cardiac tissue of birds hatched from Medium n-3 eggs retained higher levels of 20:5n-3 up to day 42 of growth when compared with other treatments (P < 0.05). None of the treatments was effective in maintaining DHA levels after day 14 of growth.

Maternal and posthatch dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids alter tissue tocopherol status of chicks

The effects of maternal and starter diet polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition on the tocopherol (TOC) status of posthatch chicks were investigated. Fertile eggs enriched with long chain n-3, 18:3 n-3 or 18:2 n-6 PUFA were incubated. The eggs were collected from hens fed diets containing 3.5% menhaden oil (MO), linseed oil (LO), or sunflower oil (SO) and a vitamin E mix containing 400 microg/g total TOC. Posthatch chicks from MO, LO, or SO were fed starter diets containing 3.5% MO, LO, or SO along with vitamin E mix containing 48 microg/g total TOC. Tissues (liver, blood, brain) were collected on d 0 (day of hatch), 7, 14, and 21 posthatch. On d 0, MO chicks had the lowest liver and plasma TOC (P < 0.05). A rapid depletion of liver and plasma TOC was observed on d 7 and 14 posthatch (P < 0.001) and was lower in MO chicks (P < 0.05) than LO. When compared with d 0, a 98% decrease of tocopherol on d 7 was observed for chicks from all treatments. No changes due to age or diet PUFA was observed in the brain TOC status. Data showed that maternal and starter diet PUFA could alter the TOC status of chicks in early life.

Maternal dietary N-3 fatty acids alter the spleen fatty acid composition and bovine serum albumin-induced wing web swelling in broilers

Effects of maternal dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on the spleen fatty acid composition and BSA-induced wing web swellings were investigated in broilers. One hundred twenty broiler breeder hens 26 wk of age were randomly assigned to diets containing mainly wheat, corn, soy meal, barley, oat and 5% (wt/wt) added sunflower oil, fish oil, or a mix of sunflower and fish oils (1:1). After 2 wk on the experimental diets, birds were inseminated, eggs were collected and incubated. Progeny chicks were then fed identical diets for 6 wk. The maternal dietary oils affected (P < 0.05) n-6 and n-3 PUFA in the spleens of hatching chicks. After 2 wk, n-6 PUFA did not differ among the groups; n-3 PUFA, docosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids were higher (P < 0.05) in the spleens of broilers from hens fed 2.5 or 5% fish oil. After 4 wk, broilers from hens fed 5% fish oil still had higher levels of DHA (P < 0.05) in their spleens than those from hens fed 5% sunflower oil. The BSA-induced wing web swelling response was suppressed (P < 0.05) by n-3 PUFA in breeder hens. Broilers from hens fed high levels of n-3 PUFA had lower (P < 0.05) wing web swelling reactions to BSA at 2 wk (2.5% fish oil) and 4 wk (2.5 and 5% fish oil). In conclusion, n-3 PUFA in breeder hen diets suppressed the BSA-induced wing web swellings of the hens, increased the spleen n-3 fatty acids (especially DHA), and decreased BSA-induced wing web swellings of progeny up to 4 wk of age.

In vitro studies of chicken egg yolk antibody (IgY) against Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella typhimurium

Chicken egg yolk antibody (IgY) raised against Salmonella enteritidis or Salmonella typhimurium was found in highly specific activity levels by ELISA. S. enteritidis- and S. typhimurium-specific IgY powder, prepared by freeze-drying the egg yolk water-soluble fraction, contained 15.5 and 10.0% of specific IgY, respectively. Anti-S. enteritidis IgY cross-reacted 55.3% with S. typhimurium. The cross-reactivity of anti-S. typhimurium IgY with S. enteritidis was 42.4%. Salmonella-specific IgY was demonstrated to inhibit Salmonella growth in liquid medium. The growth rate of S. enteritidis incubated with S. enteritidis-specific IgY was fourfold less than that of the control group during a 4-to-6-h incubation. Cell counts of S. typhimurium incubated with S. typhimurium-specific IgY were reduced by 1.6 log cfu/mL in comparison to that of the control group after 6 h of incubation. The specific binding activity of IgY was further evaluated by using immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy. It was found that Salmonella-specific IgY could bind to the antigens expressed on the Salmonella surface, resulting in structural alterations of the bacterial surface.

Maternal dietary alpha-linolenic acid (18:3n-3) alters n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism and liver enzyme activity in hatched chicks

We investigated the effects of dietary alpha-linolenic acid (LNA; 18:3n-3) of laying hens on the fatty acid composition of liver microsomes and activity of delta-6 desaturase in hatched chicks. Laying hens were fed wheat-soybean meal-based diets with (Flax) or without ground flax (control). At Day 21 of feeding, fertile eggs were collected and incubated. On the day of hatching, chicks (n = 6) were killed, and liver microsomes were isolated and assayed for delta-6 desaturase enzyme activity. The total n-3 fatty acids in the Flax eggs was 13.0% compared with 2.3% (P < 0.001) in the control group. LNA was the major n-3 fatty acid in the Flax eggs and constituted 10%. The long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (20:5n-3, 22:5n-3, and 22:6n-3) constituted 3.1% in Flax eggs compared with 1.5% in control eggs. Docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) composed 2.1 and 1.2% in Flax and control eggs (P < 0.05), respectively. The liver microsomes of Flax chicks incorporated higher 18:3n-3, 20:5n-3, and 22:5n-3 (P < 0.05) with a concomitant reduction in 20:4n-6, 22:4n-6, and 22:5n-6 compared with control chicks (P < 0.05). The delta-6 desaturase activities in Flax and control groups were 49.4 and 82.8 pmol/min per mg of protein, respectively (P < 0.05). These results demonstrate the role of maternal and yolk n-3 fatty acids in modulating the activity of rate-limiting enzymes for PUFA synthesis in hatched chicks.

Dietary palm oil alters the lipid stability of polyunsaturated fatty acid-modified poultry products

Laying hens were fed a high polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) diet with three levels [low (LPO, 0%), medium (MPO, 1.5%), and high (HPO, 3.5%)] of palm oil (PO) or a PUFA diet with tocopherol mix (control). Flax and fish oils were used as PUFA sources in all of the diets. Inclusion of tocopherols resulted in a lower (P < 0.05) thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the control eggs in white and dark meats. Among the PO treatments, eggs from HPO diet had the lowest TBARS (P < 0.05). A higher (P < 0.05) TBARS was observed for eggs, meat, and liver from hens on the LPO diet. No difference was observed between the TBARS of LPO and MPO dark meat. The C22:6 n-3 fatty acid was lower (P < 0.05) in MPO and HPO eggs and the HPO white meat.

Interface vessels on color/power Doppler US and MRI: a clue to differentiate subserosal uterine myomas from extrauterine tumors

PURPOSE

In subserosal myomas, vessels are often demonstrated between the masses and the uterus. This study was performed to assess the usefulness of demonstrating these vessels in differentiating subserosal myomas from extrauterine tumors on color or power Doppler US (CDUS/PDUS) and MRI.

METHOD

This retrospective study included 41 patients with subserosal myomas and 27 patients with solid extrauterine tumors. The incidence and shape of these vessels seen on CDUS/PDUS and MRI were compared in the myoma and extrauterine tumor groups.

RESULTS

The interface vessels were demonstrated in 39 of 41 subserosal myomas (18 on CDUS/PDUS, 14 on MRI, 7 on both), whereas they were seen in only 3 of 27 extrauterine tumors (1 on CDUS/PDUS, 2 on MRI). These three extrauterine tumors were ovarian malignancies that directly invaded the uterus. The shapes of these interface vessels were 7 intervening, 12 crossing, and 20 mixed in the myoma group, whereas they were mixed in all three extrauterine tumor groups. The sensitivity/specificity of this finding in differentiating subserosal myomas and extrauterine tumors was 100/92%, 91/91%, and 95/89%, respectively, with CDUS/PDUS, MRI, and either CDUS/PDUS or MRI.

CONCLUSION

Observation of the interface vessels between the uterus and juxtauterine masses seems to be a useful clue in differentiating subserosal myomas from extrauterine tumors.

Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids alter lymphocyte subset proportion and proliferation, serum immunoglobulin G concentration, and immune tissue development in chicks

The effects of fat source on immune response of the offspring of the Single Comb White Leghorn laying hens were investigated. The laying hens were fed for 6 wk with a wheat-soybean meal basal diet with added sunflower oil (SO), animal oil (AO), linseed oil (LO), or menhaden fish oil (FO) at 5% (wt/wt). Upon hatching, the chicks (30/group) were given the same types of diets for 8 wk. The dietary SO, AO, and LO provided different n-6 to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ratios. The FO and LO had ratios of n-6 to n-3 PUFA that were close but had different components of n-3 PUFA. The results demonstrated that the chicks fed LO or FO had significantly lower (P < 0.05) splenocyte proliferative response to ConA than the chicks fed SO or AO at either 4 wk or 8 wk of age, with a stronger (P < 0.05) suppressive effect produced by LO at 4 wk. A significantly lower (P < 0.05) splenocyte response to PWM was produced by the chicks fed AO, LO, and FO compared with the chicks fed SO at 8 wk. The thymus lymphocyte proliferation in response to ConA at 4 wk was lower (P < 0.05) in the chicks fed AO, LO, and FO than in the chicks fed SO. Both LO and FO elevated (P < 0.05) the proportion of IgM+ lymphocytes in spleen, but only FO increased (P < 0.05) the serum IgG concentration. The LO elevated (P < 0.05) the percentage of CD8+ T-lymphocytes but not the ratio of CD4+ to CD8+ cells (P > 0.05) in spleen. Growths of thymus, spleen, and bursa were impacted significantly (P < 0.05) by the amount of dietary PUFA, the ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids, and n-3 PUFA components.

Fatty acid determination in chicken egg yolk: a comparison of different methods

Four different methods (direct-methylation, saponification, chloroform-methanol extraction, and postextraction saponification) were compared to determine the fatty acids in egg yolk. About 50 mg of pooled egg yolk samples, with C23:0 as an internal standard, was used for all assays. No difference (P > 0.05) was observed among the four methods for C17:0, C18:0, C18:1, C20:1, C18:2n-6, and C22:6n-3 content of egg yolk. Direct saponification resulted in a lower (P < 0.05) content of C14:0, C16:1, C18:3n-3, and C20:4n-6. Fatty acids at less than 0.5%, such as C15:0 and C14:1, were not detectable in the direct saponification method. The total saturated, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated fatty acids did not differ (P > 0.05) among the four methods. Direct methylation of egg yolk resulted in lower variability than other methods and is fast and economic for determining egg fatty acid composition.

Differentiation of small hyperechoic renal cell carcinoma from angiomyolipoma: computer-aided tissue echo quantification

To assess the value of computer-aided tissue echo quantification in differentiating small hyperechoic renal cell carcinomas from angiomyolipomas, we studied ultrasonographic images of 15 renal cell carcinomas and 20 angiomyolipomas. After digitizing the images, we measured the absolute gray scale values of the renal cortex, central echo complex, and mass. The relative gray scale value (%) of the mass was calculated by setting the gray scale value of the cortex as 0% and the central echo complex as 100%. The relative gray scale value of renal cell carcinomas was in the range of 12 to 73% (mean, 28%), whereas that of angiomyolipomas was 30 to 204% (mean, 130%). The differentiation between small hyperechoic renal cell carcinomas and angiomyolipomas can be facilitated by computer-aided tissue echo quantification.

Definitive diagnosis of intestinal volvulus in utero

Midgut volvulus with or without intestinal malrotation can occur in fetal life. Several reports have described congenital midgut volvulus showing non-specific sonographic findings of intestinal obstruction and perforation in utero. None of the previously reported cases, however, were definitively diagnosed as midgut volvulus by fetal sonography. We report two cases both exhibiting the sonographic 'whirlpool' sign, in utero. Color Doppler interrogation provided a clue to the viability of the involved intestinal segment.

Control of clonorchiasis by repeated praziquantel treatment and low diagnostic efficacy of sonography

In Korea, Clonorchis sinensis infection is still highly prevalent because case detection in the field is difficult and the detected cases used to be incompletely cured due to treatment failure. The present study tried to control clonorchiasis in an endemic village by repeated treatments with praziquantel every 6 months and to evaluate sonography as a diagnostic measure. By stool examinations, the egg positive rate in the endemic village was 22.7%, but it decreased to 19.6% at 6 months, 15.1% at 12 months. 12.2% at 18 months, 6.3% at 24 months, 11.4% at 30 months, and 6.3% at 42 months after the beginning of repeated praziquantel administration. The sonography showed 61 (49.6%) positive cases of 123 screened residents: among egg-positives the sonography positive rate was 52.2% and among egg-negatives it was still 49%. The rate among cured cases was 64.3% after 6 months, 50.0% after 12 months, 50.0% after 18 months, and 66.7% after 24 months. In a non-endemic village, 64 residents were found egg-negative by fecal examination, but 20 (31.3%) of them were positive by sonography. The present findings indicate that control of clonorchiasis in an endemic village by repeated praziquantel treatment for 42 months is still insufficient and sonography is of little value for diagnosis of clonorchiasis.

Isolation and characterization of proteoglycans from growing antlers of wapiti (Cervus elaphus)

Proteoglycans were extracted with 4 M guanidine-HCl from the zone of maturing chondrocytes, the site of endochondral ossification of growing antlers of wapiti (Cervus elaphus). Proteoglycans were isolated by DEAE-Sephacel chromatography and separated by Sepharose CL-4B chromatography into three fractions. Fraction I contained a high molecular mass (> 1000 kDa) chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan capable of interacting with hyaluronic acid. Its amino acid composition resembled that of the cartilage proteoglycan, aggrecan. Fraction II contained proteoglycans with intermediate molecular weight which were recognized by monoclonal antibodies specific to chondroitin sulfate and keratan sulfate. Fraction III contained a low molecular mass (< 160 kDa) proteoglycan, decorin, with a glucuronate-rich glycosaminoglycan chain.

Isolation, characterization and localization of glycosaminoglycans in growing antlers of wapiti (Cervus elaphus)

Glycosaminoglycans were isolated from the four sections (tip, upper, middle and base) of the main beam of growing antlers of wapiti (Cervus elaphus) by papain digestion and DEAE-Sephacel chromatography. Chondroitin sulfate was the major glycosaminoglycan in each section of antler accounting for, on average, 88% of the total uronic acid. The yield of chondroitin sulfate liberated from the tissue was approximately 6-fold greater in the cartilaginous (tip and upper) sections than in the bony (middle and base) sections. This was consistent with the higher intensity of glycosaminoglycan staining with either Alcian Blue or Safranin-O. The majority (average 88%) of chondroitin sulfate was precipitated with 40 and 50% ethanol. The average molecular size of chondroitin sulfate determined by gel chromatography on Sephacryl S-300 tended to be greater in the 40% ethanol than in the 50% ethanol fraction. In either fraction, the molecular size of chondroitin sulfate was smaller in cartilaginous tissues than in osseous tissues of growing antler. In addition to chondroitin sulfate, the antler contained small amounts of hyaluronic acid, dermatan sulfate and keratan sulfate. The immunohistochemical study showed wide distribution of chondroitin sulfate, decorin, and keratan sulfate throughout the antler. On the other hand, keratan sulfate was more prominent in the cartilaginous sections than in the bony sections where the anti-keratan sulfate monoclonal antibody staining was seen in the osteoid tissue only.

Extraction of Glycosaminoglycan Peptide from Bovine Nasal Cartilage with 0.1 M Sodium Acetate

Cartilage is a nonedible byproduct with little saleable value, but it is rich in glycosaminoglycan (GAG), which can be converted to a highly profitable product. In this study, GAG was extracted from bovine cartilaginous tissues including nasal cartilage, occipital articular cartilage, and temporomandibular joint disk without using the expensive exogenous proteinase commonly used to extract GAG from tissues. The GAG was extracted with highest yield ( approximately 80% of total tissue uronic acid) by incubating nasal cartilage in 0.1 M sodium acetate, pH 4.5, at 37 degrees C. Tissue autolysis was suggested to occur under the incubation condition to release GAG-peptide. The GAG-peptide purified by DEAE ion-exchange chromatography contained approximately 7% protein, 89% chondroitin sulfate, and 4% keratan sulfate and had no capability to interact with hyaluronic acid. The results suggest that the extraction method with 0.1 M sodium acetate described in this paper is useful for the preparation of GAG-peptide at a low cost.

Effects of egg and yolk weights on yolk antibody (IgY) production in laying chickens

Twenty 35-wk-old chickens, including 10 Single Comb White Leghorn (SCWL) and 10 Rhode Island Red (RIR) hens, were used to examine the effects of egg and yolk weights on egg yolk antibody (IgY) production in the two strains of chickens immunized with BSA. The SCWL chickens had a greater (P < 0.01) percentage hen-day production and greater egg and yolk weights than did the RIR chickens. However, the anti-BSA antibody activities determined by ELISA in the serum and the egg yolk were similar (P > 0.05) between the SCWL and RIR chickens. Similarities between the two strains of hens were also observed in protein and total IgY contents (expressed as the percentage of wet weight of yolk) and the percentage of BSA-specific antibody in the total IgY. It was concluded that both the SCWL and RIR chickens immunized with BSA can produce egg yolk IgY containing similar proportions of BSA-specific antibodies. Therefore, the egg yolk weight and the percentage hen-day production, both of which are greater in the SCWL hens, are considered to be important factors for the efficient production of IgY.

Egg yolk polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E content alters the tocopherol status of hatched chicks

Polyunsaturated fatty acid composition and tocopherol status of newly hatched chicks from hens fed diets containing 3.5% menhaden (MO), flax (LO), palm (PO), or sunflower oils (SO) with (+T) or without tocopherols were examined. Addition of tocopherols increased (P < 0.05) the tocopherol content of eggs and hatched chick tissues. The total tocopherol content was lower (P < 0.05) in MO + T eggs than in LO + T, PO + T, or SO + T eggs. The tocopherol content of chick tissues was as follows liver > plasma > brain. Among the tocopherol-supplemented group, The MO + T chicks incorporated the lowest (P < 0.05) level of total tocopherols in the liver and plasma when compared to chicks hatched from LO + T, PO + T, or SO + T eggs. Brain tissue incorporated the lowest level of tocopherols among all the tissues examined. The fourfold increase in egg tocopherols did not alter the brain tocopherol in MO + T, LO + T, or SO + T chicks. In the MO and LO eggs, there was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in n-3 PUFA when compared with SO or PO eggs. The C22:6 n-3 content in liver and plasma was higher (P < 0.05) in chicks hatched from MO and LO eggs than in chicks hatched from PO or SO eggs. The brain tissue of MO chicks incorporated the highest (P < 0.05) levels of C22:6 n-3 followed by the brain tissue of LO chicks.

Effect of maternal dietary n-3 fatty acids on the accretion of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in the tissues of developing chick embryo

The effect of maternal diets on the accretion of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the brain and liver tissue of developing chick embryos was investigated. Hens were fed diets containing high (HLNA) or low levels of 18:3n-3 (LLNA). The HLNA diet increased (p < 0.05) the content of the 18:3n-3, 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 in the yolk lipids with a concomitant reduction (p < 0.005) in 20:4n-6. Diet and time significantly (p < 0.05) affected the transfer of 22:6n-3 (docosahexaenoic acid, DHA) and 20:4n-6 acid from the HLNA and LLNA yolk lipid. In the brain of HLNA chick embryos, a diet- and time-associated increase (p < 0.05) in the phospholipid content was observed. In the brain of HLNA and LLNA embryos, DHA levels increased (p < 0.05) from day 15 to the day of hatching, with a concomitant reduction (p < 0.05) in the liver. The accretion of arachidonic acid plateaued on day 15 in the brain of HLNA and LLNA embryos.

Light microscopic histochemical and immunohistochemical localisation of sulphated glycosaminoglycans in the rooster comb and wattle tissues

Comb and wattle tissues, which consist of layers of epidermis, dermis and central connective tissue, are known to contain sulphated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) including dermatan sulphate and chondroitin sulphate-dermatan sulphate copolymers. Little is known about distribution of these CAGs in each tissue. The objective of this study was to localise sulphated GAGS in the comb and wattle tissues from mature roosters. Monoclonal antibodies 6D6, CS-56 and AH12 specific to dermatan sulphate proteoglycan (decorin), chondroitin sulphate and keratan sulphate, respectively, were used. In both tissues, 6D6 epitope was found to be more concentrated in the superficial layer of dermis and the central connective tissue than in the intermediate layer of dermis containing fibromucoid tissue. The staining pattern for 6D6 epitope was similar to that for collagen fibres. In contrast, CS-56 epitope was uniformly distributed in most parts of the dermis and the central connective tissue. The stratum germinativum in the epidermis was the major tissue showing positive staining with AH12, haematoxylin and safranin-O.

Lack of chondroitin sulphate epitope in the proliferating zone of the growth plate of chicken tibia

Monoclonal antibodies specific to chondroitin sulphate (CS-56) and keratan sulphate (AH12) were used to localize proteoglycans in the proximal tibial articular cartilage and growth plate of broiler chickens. There was no CS-56 labelling in the proliferative zone of the growth plate. In contrast, intense labelling with this antibody was observed in the transitional and hypertrophic zones of the growth plate and the articular cartilage. This was confirmed by extracting chondroitin sulphate fractions from different zones of the growth plate and articular cartilage, and examining their antigenicities to CS-56 by ELISA inhibition assay. It was suggested that the maturation of chondrocytes in the growth plate is related to the production of chondroitin sulphate with CS-56 epitope, which may be a prerequisite for normal endochondral bone formation in the chicken tibia. The role of chondroitin sulphate recognized by CS-56 in the articular cartilage is unknown.

Helical CT anatomy of pancreatic arteries

BACKGROUND

To assess the frequency of visualization of pancreatic arteries in the arterial phase of helical computed tomography (CT).

METHODS

The visibility of pancreatic and peripancreatic arteries in helical CT images was evaluated in 20 consecutive patients who had no evidence of pancreatic disease. CT examinations were performed by using a continuously rotating CT scanner and intravenous injection of contrast media. The scans were taken 35 s after the start of injection and with a table speed of 3 mm/s. Images were reconstructed in 3-mm section increments.

RESULTS

Frequently visualized arteries were the gastroduodenal, anterior and posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal, and right gastroepiploic arteries. Infrequently visualized arteries were the dorsal pancreatic, pancreatica magna, caudal pancreatic, transverse pancreatic, and common, anterior, and posterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries.

CONCLUSION

Helical CT enabled us to recognize small pancreatic arteries, and the evaluation of these arteries should be considered in the staging of pancreatic carcinoma.

Immune responses in chickens against lipopolysaccharide of Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium

Immunization of chickens with whole bacteria results in the production of antibodies specific to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a major constituent of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. However, there is relatively limited information available concerning immune response of purified LPS in this species. In the present study, immune responses were examined in serum and egg yolk from two groups of chickens injected with entire LPS from Escherichia coli and lipid A free LPS from Salmonella typhimurium. The results demonstrated that the increase of antibody activity occurs first in serum, and then in egg yolk with a lag in time of 1 to 3 wk in both groups of chickens. However, the time of elevated levels of antibodies activity was much shorter in chickens immunized with S. typhimurium LPS (< 1 wk) than in those immunized with E. coli LPS (4 wk). A lack of lipid A is the S. typhimurium antigen may be a factor related to this difference.

Dietary oils with added tocopherols: effects on egg or tissue tocopherols, fatty acids, and oxidative stability

The effect of dietary oils [menhaden (MO), flax (FL), palm (PO), and sunflower oils (SF)] with added tocopherols on the tocopherol deposition, fatty acid composition, and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values of egg or tissues (liver, adipose tissue, white meat, and dark meat) were examined. Addition of tocopherols increased (P < 0.05) the total egg or tissue tocopherol content. The enhancement of total tocopherols in the different tissues in the order of magnitude were egg yolk > liver > adipose tissue > dark meat > white meat. Dark meat contained higher (P < 0.05) total tocopherols than white meat. Dietary MO or FL resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) incorporation of C20:5 n-3 and c22:6 n-3 with a concomitant reduction in C20:4 n-6 in liver, egg, white meat and dark meat. Dietary SF resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) incorporation of C18:2 n-6 and C20:4 n-6 in all the tissues. Addition of PO did not result in any change in the yolk saturated fatty acid content. The content of monounsaturated fatty acids were greater (P < 0.05) in all the tissues from PO diets than in diets with other oils. Dietary tocopherols resulted in a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the content of C20:5 n-3 and C22:6 n-3 in the yolk, adipose tissue, and white meat from birds fed MO + T diets. Inclusion of tocopherols resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in TBA values in eggs, in liver for MO and FL diets, and in dark and white meat for the MO diet. Tocopherol supplementation did not result in any change in TBA values in the PO diet.

Changes in the breast milk fatty acids and plasma lipids of nursing mothers following consumption of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid enriched eggs

The effect of chicken eggs enriched with n-3 fatty acids on breast milk and plasma fatty acids was determined in eight nursing women. The n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) enriched eggs (n-3 eggs) contained 690 mg of n-3 fatty acid with 165 mg composed of longer chain n-3 fatty acid (C20:5 n-3, C22:5 n-3, and C22:6 n-3). Consuming two n-3 eggs as a part of their normal daily meal for 6 wk resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) deposition of total n-3 fatty acids at 3.6% compared with 1.9% for the pretest milk and a reduction in n-6:n-3 ratio (6.7 vs. 3.0). The C20 and C22 n-3 PUFA comprised 1.2% compared with 0.4% in the pretest milk (p < 0.05). Consuming n-3 eggs did not (p > 0.05) alter the C20:4 n-6 or the total n-6 fatty acid content of breast milk. Mean plasma total cholesterol and triglycerides were unchanged at the end of the 6-wk trial. Analysis of the breast milk lipids revealed increased (p < 0.05) predominance of n-6 and n-3 PUFA in the milk phospholipids over triglycerides. Positional distribution of phospholipid fatty acids indicated 20:4 n-6 and 20:5 n-3 in the sn-2 position, whereas the sn-1 position had increased levels of C16:0 and C18:0 (p < 0.05). The present study demonstrates that breast milk n-3 PUFA content can be increased without altering the plasma cholesterol or triglycerides when the n-3 PUFA eggs were consumed by nursing women.

Effects of dietary alpha-linolenic acid and strain of hen on the fatty acid composition, storage stability, and flavor characteristics of chicken eggs

A study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary alpha-linolenic acid on the fatty acid compositions of egg yolk lipids, tocopherols, and internal quality of raw eggs during storage and the sensory characteristics of hard-boiled eggs from six different laying hen strains. Laying hens (total 300 birds, 72 wk old) from six strains (Rhode Island Red, Barred Plymouth Rock, New Hampshire, Light Sussex, Brown Leghorn, and White Leghorn) were distributed in 12 floor pens (2 pens per strain, 25 birds per pen) with male roosters. One of the pens for each strain was fed with tallow-based control diet and another was assigned with 3% alpha-linolenic acid (LNA) enriched diet with 120 U of mixed tocopherol/kg diet for 3 mo. Ten eggs from each pen were collected every day after 2 wk with the experimental diets, and stored in a cold room at 4 C up to 4 wk. Total lipids, fatty acid compositions, Haugh units, and tocopherols of egg yolk were determined once a week during the 4-wk storage periods. Sensory studies were also conducted using the eggs stored for 2 wk at 4 C. Dietary LNA increased the amount of n-3 fatty acids (6.5%) in total lipid, and over 70% was C18:3n3, and the rest was C22:6n3 (20 to 25%) and C22:5n3 (5 to 10%). Only minor differences in fatty acids among strains were observed. The differences and the changes in tocopherols during storage periods by strain and diet appeared randomly and lacked consistency.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Metabolizable energy and amino acid availability of full-fat seeds, meals, and oils of flax and canola

The TME, true amino acid availability (TAAA), AME, and apparent amino acid availability (AAAA) were determined in full-fat seeds, meals, oils, and meal-oil mixtures of flax and canola using Single Comb White Leghorn roosters by the force feeding and total excreta collection assay. The metabolizable energy values were corrected to zero nitrogen balance to obtain AMEn and TMEn. The AMEn and TMEn contents of canola seed (4.46 and 4.56 kcal/g) were respectively higher (P < .05) than those of flax seed (3.75 and 3.75 kcal/g). Flax meal contains contents of AMEn (2.07 kcal/g) and TMEn (2.07 kcal/g) similar to those (1.98 and 2.09 kcal/g) of canola meal. There were no differences in AMEn and TMEn values between flax oil (8.10 and 8.28 kcal/g) and canola oil (8.25 and 8.46 kcal/g). No differences were observed among AME, AMEn, TME, and TMEn values within each test ingredient except canola meal: its TME value was higher (P < .05) than its AMEn value. The TAAA values were higher for full-fat seeds than for the meals and also higher for canola seed and meal than for flax seed and meal. The AAAA values, although lower than TAAA values, followed similar patterns as TAAA values. Both AAAA and TAAA values were higher when the ingredients were fed with a basal diet than when fed alone.

A study of the chemical composition of the proximal tibial articular cartilage and growth plate of broiler chickens

This study was undertaken to analyze the chemical composition of the proximal tibial articular cartilage and growth plate from 1-mo-old broiler chickens. The composition was different between the two types of cartilage (weight-bearing tissue and the tissue of growth center). The dry matter and collagen contents and the ratio of keratan sulfate to sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) were higher, and the total GAG uronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, and sialic acid contents were lower in the articular cartilage hyaluronic acid, and sialic acid contents were lower in the articular cartilage than in the growth plate. Chondroitin sulfate was the major GAG, accounting for an average 96% of total GAG in both tissues. The size of chondroitin sulfate examined by gel chromatography was similar between the two tissues. The articular cartilage contained a small amount of dermatan sulfate (approximately 1% of total GAG) with low iduronic acid content (38% of total uronic acid). There was no appreciable amount of dermatan sulfate found in the growth plate. Proteoglycans were extracted from these tissues with 4 M-guanidine hydrochloride and separated by ion-exchange chromatography and gel chromatography. The uronic acid to protein ratio in the proteoglycan fraction was similar (average 2.6) between the two tissues. However, gel electrophoresis of chondroitinase-ABC digests of proteoglycan fraction showed differences in their composition.

Rooster comb and wattle tissues contain an anti-keratan sulfate monoclonal antibody epitope

Glycosaminoglycan fractions isolated from either comb or wattle tissue were examined using ELISA for their antigenicities to AH12, a monoclonal antibody recognizing keratan sulfate. The results showed a positive antibody binding to a sulfated glycosaminoglycan fraction from either tissue. The treatment of the same fraction with keratan sulfate degrading enzyme, keratanase, or endo-beta-galactosidase resulted in a decrease in its antigenicity. These findings indicated the presence of AH12 epitope (keratan sulfate disaccharide) in both tissues.

Consumption of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid-enriched eggs and changes in plasma lipids of human subjects

The cholesterolemic effect of chicken eggs enriched with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was investigated in healthy volunteers. Twenty-three male university students consumed two regular or n-3 PUFA-enriched eggs per day with their habitual diet for 18 days. Plasma total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were raised in subjects who consumed regular eggs but were maintained virtually unchanged in those who consumed n-3 PUFA-enriched eggs. Intake of two regular eggs a day did not affect plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and plasma triglyceride (TG) levels, but intake of two n-3 PUFA-enriched eggs a day resulted in a significant elevation in HDL-C (p < 0.05) and a reduction in plasma TG (p < 0.01). Consuming regular eggs tended to decrease both HDL-C/TC and HDL-C/LDL-C ratios, whereas consuming n-3-enriched eggs tended to increase them. The n-3 PUFA contents in plasma lipids of subjects who consumed n-3 PUFA-enriched eggs were also found to be elevated. These results demonstrate that the cholesterolemic property of chicken eggs can be modified by altering the fatty acid composition of yolk lipids.

Net transfer and incorporation of yolk n-3 fatty acids into developing chick embryos

The effect of egg yolk fatty acid composition on the uptake and utilization of essential n-6 and n-3 fatty acids by the developing chick embryo was studied. Eggs were enriched with n-9, n-3, or n-6 fatty acids by incorporating sunflower seed high in oleic acid (C18:1 n-9), flax seed rich in linolenic acid (C18:3 n-3), or sunflower seed high in linoleic acid (C18:2 n-6) into the laying hen diets. Fertile eggs were collected and incubated. The fatty acid composition of eggs and newly hatched chicks were compared. Feeding diets containing flax seed increased (P < .05) total n-3 fatty to 528.4 mg compared with 53.9 and 39.3 mg for eggs from hens fed diets with high oleic acid or regular sunflower seed, respectively. Levels of C18:2 n-6 and monounsaturated fatty acids were higher in eggs from hens fed diets containing regular or high oleic acid sunflower seeds. Dietary fat did not influence the total lipid content of the egg yolk or total lipids of chick tissues. The fatty acid composition of the hatched progeny was significantly altered by egg yolk lipids. However, the percentage incorporation of essential n-6 and n-3 fatty acids into the progeny increased when yolk sources of these fatty acids were low. The developing chick embryo appeared to preferentially take up docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid from the yolk lipids. Evidence also suggests that conversion of C18:2 n-6 and C18:2 n-3 to longer chain n-3 or n-6 fatty acids occurs during the incubation period.

Effect of dietary full-fat flax seed with and without antioxidant on the fatty acid composition of major lipid classes of chicken meats

Male broiler chicks (Hubbard x Hubbard) were raised to 6 wk on one of five test diets: corn-soybean meal control diet and 15% full-fat flax seed (FFS) with and without the antioxidants mixed tocopherol (T), canthaxanthin (C), or both (FFS, FFS + T, FFS + C, FFS + T + C). The effects of the antioxidants on broiler performance, carcass yield, and fatty acid composition of the white and dark meat lipid were investigated. Particular attention was paid to the n-3 fatty acid composition of triglyceride, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, and phosphatidyl choline fractions. The antioxidants influenced neither broiler performance nor yield. The birds did not utilize the experimental diets as efficiently as the corn-soybean meal diet. The fatty acid compositions of white and dark meat lipids of broilers were influenced by dietary fatty acids, but to different extents among the lipid fractions. Fatty acids with 20 or more carbon atoms were moderately distributed in the phosphatidyl choline fraction as compared with the triglyceride and phosphatidyl ethanolamine fractions. The presence or absence of antioxidants influenced the fatty acid composition and distribution in the phosphatidyl ethanolamine fraction of white meat. The white meat from birds fed FFS + T, FSS + C, and FFS + T + C diets had elevated levels of C18:3n3, C20:5n3, C22:5n3, and C22:6n3 and reduced levels of total saturates and n-6:n-3 as opposed to the FFS and corn-soybean meal groups. From a nutritional standpoint, the lower n-6:n-3 ratio, observed from birds fed the FFS diet seemed to be more desirable.

Research note: the reactivity of anti-chondroitin sulfate antibody to comb and wattle galactosaminoglycans

The current study was undertaken to examine the reactivity of anti-chondroitin sulfate monoclonal antibody, CS-56, to the comb and wattle galactosaminoglycans containing varying proportions of L-iduronic acid. Galactosaminoglycans were isolated from mature rooster comb and wattle tissues and were separated into four fractions (I, II, III, and IV), which were precipitable with 18, 25, 40, and 50% ethanol, respectively. Each fraction was examined using an ELISA technique. The results demonstrated presence of CS-56 epitope in galactosaminoglycans from both tissues. Most (> 99%) of the epitope were found in Fractions III and IV, which were galactosaminoglycans rich in D-glucuronic acid. Fractions I and II, which were dermatan sulfates rich in L-iduronic acid, showed little or very weak antigenicities.

A quantitative chemical study of the comb and wattle galactosaminoglycans from single comb White Leghorn roosters

Galactosaminoglycans from mature rooster comb and wattle tissues were separated into five fractions by ethanol precipitation. An average of 90% total uronic acid was recovered in Fractions I to III. Fractions I and II were dermatan sulfate with relatively high proportions of L-iduronic acid (61 to 80%), but this uronic acid was a minor component (30%) in Fraction III, in which D-glucuronic acid was the major uronic acid. Digestion with testicular hyaluronidase suggested that most if not all of the galactosaminoglycans in Fractions I to III were copolymers containing both L-iduronic acid and D-glucuronic acid. Fractions IV and V contained much lower proportions of L-iduronic acid and showed broader electrophoresis bands than did Fraction III.

Omega-3 fatty acid and cholesterol content of newly hatched chicks from alpha-linolenic acid enriched eggs

Egg yolk was enriched with alpha-linolenic acid (18:3n-3) by feeding laying hens diets containing flax, canola or soybean seeds. Fertilized eggs were incubated and the fatty acid composition of whole body, liver, plasma, brain and the cholesterol content of plasma and liver tissue of the hatched chicks were studied. Eggs enriched with 18:2n-6 fatty acids by feeding hens diets containing sunflower seeds were used as the controls. Feeding flax enriched (P < 0.05) egg yolk and the developing progeny with 18:3n-3, 20:5n-3, 22:5n-3 and 22:6n-3. Feeding sunflower seeds resulted in an increase (P < 0.05) of 18:2n-6, 20:4n-6, 22:4n-6 and 22:5n-6. The predominant polyunsaturated fatty acid of the brain was docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) which was higher (P < 0.05) in the flax and canola fed group. The cholesterol content of the liver tissue was lower (P < 0.05) in chicks hatched from hens fed flax seeds. This study indicates that 18:3n-3 and 18:2n-6 in the maternal diet are potent modulators of long-chain polyunsaturated n-3 or n-6 fatty acid and of cholesterol content in the developing progeny.

Effects of dietary n-3 fatty acid-enriched chicken eggs on plasma and tissue cholesterol and fatty acid composition of rats

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of feeding n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-enriched chicken eggs on plasma and liver cholesterol levels and fatty acid composition in rats. Eggs were collected from laying hens fed diets containing 10% flax seed (Hn-3), 12% sunflower seed (Hn-6), or wheat and soybean meal control (CON). Yolk powders were prepared and fed at the 15% level to weanling female Sprague-Dawley rats for 28 days. Consumption of n-3 PUFA-enriched yolks significantly reduced both plasma and liver total cholesterol. Liver total lipids and phospholipids of rats fed Hn-3 diet were enriched with linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acids with a concomitant reduction of arachidonic acid in liver phospholipids. The plasma cholesterol of rats fed yolk powders enriched with n-6 PUFA (mainly linoleic acid) was reduced to the same extent as in those fed the n-3 enriched, but the liver cholesterol was significantly increased, indicating differential effects of dietary n-3 and n-6 PUFA. The results demonstrated that the cholesterolemic and tissue lipid modulating properties of chicken eggs could be modified in a favorable way by altering the fatty acid composition of yolk lipids through manipulation of laying hen diets.

Effects of feeding flax and two types of sunflower seeds on fatty acid compositions of yolk lipid classes

Single Comb White Leghorn laying hens were fed diets high in oleic, linolenic, or linoleic acid prepared by incorporation of high oleic acid sunflower seed (HOAS), full-fat flax seed (FLAX), or regular high linoleic acid sunflower seed (HLAS), respectively, to investigate the effects of dietary fats on the fatty acid compositions of major lipid classes of chicken eggs. Egg production, Haugh units, specific gravity, and yolk total lipid content were measured. After 3 wk of feeding, the fatty acid compositions of yolk total lipids, triglycerides, phosphatidylcholine (PC), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) were measured by gas chromatography. Dietary treatments had no effect on egg production, Haugh units, specific gravity, or yolk total lipid content. Feeding HOAS increased yolk oleic acid by 17%, and the change was only in triglycerides. The increases of yolk linoleic and arachidonic acids upon HLAS feeding were distributed evenly among triglycerides and PC, with moderate effect in the PE fraction. The enrichment of linolenic acid in eggs from the FLAX regime was mainly in triglycerides. The longer chain n-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic, dososapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acids, were deposited exclusively in phospholipids, particularly in PE. The contents of the longer chain n-3 fatty acids in PE were three to seven times those in PC, indicating a preferential incorporation of these fatty acids into PE.

Chemical composition of glycosaminoglycan fractions from the comb and wattle of single comb white Leghorn roosters

Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) fractions were isolated from papain digests of comb and wattle tissues of 52-wk-old Single Comb White Leghorn roosters and the chemical composition of each fraction was examined. Total GAG concentrations were greater in the comb than in the wattle tissue with the ratio of hyaluronic acid to sulfated GAG being similar between the two tissues. L-iduronosyl-N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulfate was the predominant disaccharide unit in the sulfated GAG fraction.

Effect of feeding cholesterol to laying hens and chicks on cholesterol metabolism in pre- and posthatch chicks

Single Comb White Leghorn laying hens that were 60 wk of age were fed wheat and soybean meal diets containing either 0 or 1% cholesterol. Birds were artificially inseminated, and fertilized eggs were collected for incubation after a plateau of egg cholesterol content was reached. Posthatch chicks were raised with starter diets containing either 0 or .5% cholesterol. Samples of developing embryos and posthatch chicks at various stages were prepared for cholesterol analysis. As compared with controls, cholesterol content of eggs from hens fed 1.0% cholesterol diet was increased by approximately 70%. Embryos from the cholesterol-loaded eggs had significantly higher (P less than .05) cholesterol content. The plasma total cholesterol (TC) level in chicks from cholesterol-loaded eggs, when compared with TC in control eggs, was significantly higher at hatching but decreased to the same level by 2 wk after hatching. Cholesterol feeding to newly hatched chicks elevated plasma TC and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The TC contents of liver and heart, but not skeletal muscle, were significantly higher in chicks fed the .5% cholesterol starter diet than those fed the cholesterol-free diet. These results show that cholesterol metabolism in developing embryos and posthatch chicks is influenced by cholesterol in both maternal and chick diets.

Glycosaminoglycans from the rooster comb and wattle

Glycosaminoglycans (GAG) were isolated from the rooster comb and wattle by digestion with papain and analyzed by cellulose acetate electrophoresis and enzymatic digestion. The results indicated that the concentration of GAG uronic acid is approximately two-fold greater (P less than .01) in the comb than in the wattle. In both tissues, hyaluronic acid was the major GAG, with a small proportion of dermatan sulfate.

Effects of excess vitamin D3 and cage density on the incidence of leg abnormalities in broiler chickens

A 2 X 2 factorial experiment was designed to investigate the effects of excess vitamin D3 and cage density on the incidence and severity of leg abnormalities in broiler chickens. One hundred eighty 1-day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into densities of either 10 (680 cm2/chick) or 20 (340 cm2/chick) per cage and fed a diet containing 22% protein and 2879 kcal/kg metabolizable energy formulated to meet National Research Council requirements. Two levels of vitamin D3 were incorporated to supply either 400 ICU or 4000 ICU/kg feed. High density and excess vitamin D3 resulted in a significant (P less than 0.05) increase in the incidence of twisted leg. Differences in incidence could not be explained through differences in body weight or feed consumption. However, broilers fed the excess vitamin D3 consumed more feed but gained less body weight, suggesting that metabolic stress may have been involved. High density appeared to increase the severity of the disorders, whereas excess vitamin D3 had no effect on severity.