Prebiotic Galacto-Oligosaccharides Impact Stool Frequency and Fecal Microbiota in Self-Reported Constipated Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Constipation is a major issue for 10–20% of the global population. In a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial, we aimed to determine a dose-response effect of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) on stool characteristics and fecal microbiota in 132 adults with self-reported constipation according to Rome IV criteria (including less than three bowel movements per week). Subjects (94% females, aged: 18–59 years) received either 11 g or 5.5 g of Biotis^TM GOS, or a control product, once daily for three weeks. Validated questionnaires were conducted weekly to study primarily stool frequency and secondary stool consistency. At base- and endline, stool samples were taken to study fecal microbiota. A trend towards an increased stool frequency was observed after the intervention with 11 g of GOS compared to control. While during screening everybody was considered constipated, not all subjects (n = 78) had less than three bowel movements per week at baseline. In total, 11 g of GOS increased stool frequency compared to control in subjects with a low stool frequency at baseline (≤3 bowel movements per week) and in self-reported constipated adults 35 years of age or older. A clear dose-response of GOS was seen on fecal Bifidobacterium, and 11 g of GOS significantly increased Anaerostipes hadrus. In conclusion, GOS seems to be a solution to benefit adults with a low stool frequency and middle-aged adults with self-reported constipation.     

Effects of micronized okara dietary fiber on cecal microbiota,serum cholesterol and lipid levels in BALB/c mice

Abstract

Micronized by a dry grinding method (D-ODF) or a wet granulating method (W-ODF), okara dietary fiber (ODF), was fed to BALB/c mice for 28?d. The water holding capacity of D-ODF and W-ODF was significantly enhanced after micronization. W-ODF had a larger swell capacity and a higher content of soluble dietary fiber than crude ODF and D-ODF. After feeding for 28?d, the populations of Escherichia coli and Lactobacilli in the cecum were significantly lower and higher in the W-ODF group than other groups, respectively, while the population of Bifidobacterium increased in all groups. The effect of each diet on the population of E. coli. Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium was all maintained for a short period of time except that the effectiveness of W-ODF diet on the Bifidobacterium population lasted slightly longer than other diets. At the end of the feeding period, serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride in D-ODF and W-ODF diets were significantly lower and HDL-C/TC ratio was significantly higher than those in crude ODF.     

Measurement of retinoids and beta-carotene 15,15'-dioxygenase activity in HR-1 hairless mouse skin with UV exposure

We investigated the vitamin A status and beta-carotene 15,15'-dioxygenase activity in hairless mice with UV exposure to assess the regulation of vitamin A metabolism after UV irradiation. HR-1 hairless mice were irradiated with UV at 3 J/cm2 for 5 d. After UV irradiation, the mice were sacrificed and samples were obtained to analyze the retinoid concentration, expression of RXR-alpha, and beta-carotene 15,15'-dioxygenase activity. After UV exposure, the skin retinoid concentration was significantly lower as well as the expression of RXR-alpha. Higher skin beta-carotene dioxygenase activity was observed in the UV group as compared to the control group. We found no significant differences in the alpha-tocopherol concentration or acrolein levels in the skins of the two groups. In conclusion, the elevation of beta-carotene 15,15'-dioxygenase activity in hairless mice after UV exposure may be a response to reduction of the skin retinoid concentration.     

三氯乙烯对裸鼠皮肤中NO含量的影响及银杏叶提取物和维生素E的作用

目的 研究三氯乙烯(TCE)刺激对BALB/c裸鼠皮肤一氧化氮(NO)含量的影响,并观察银杏叶提取物(GbE)和维生素E(VE)的保护作用.方法 将132只BALB/c裸鼠随机分成空白对照组、溶剂对照组(橄榄油)、TCE组(20%TCE、40%TCE、80%TCE和100%TCE)、GbE保护组(0.1%GbE、1%GbE和10%GbE)和VE保护组(5%VE、10%VE和20%VE),每组11只,其中5只用于急性刺激试验,6只用于累积性刺激试验,观察皮肤刺激反应,并检测背部皮肤组织中NO的含量.结果 (1)各浓度TCE处理后裸鼠背部皮肤均产生不同程度的红斑和水肿,随着TCE浓度的升高以及染毒时间延长,皮肤的炎症反应程度逐渐加重.10%GbE组和20%VE组皮肤基本保持完好状态.(2)在急性刺激试验中,80%、100%TCE组NO含量分别为(69.895±9.605)和(77.273±9.290)μmol/mg蛋白.与空白对照组和溶剂对照组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05或P<0.01);各浓度GbE和VE预处理均能降低NO含量.与100%TCE组比较.差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05或P<0.01).(3)在累积性刺激试验中,80%、100%TCE组NO含量分别为(60.362±9.817)和(68.027±9.354)μmol/mg蛋白,与空白对照和溶剂对照组相比,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05或P<0.01);1%GbE和10%GbE组以及10%VE和20%VE组NO含量明显降低,与100%TCE组比较.差异有统计学意义(P<0.05或P<0.01).结论 TCE对BALB/c裸鼠皮肤产生刺激作用,并诱导皮肤中NO含量升高;GbE和VE对TCE所引起的皮肤损伤有一定的保护作用.     

Gynura procumbens extract improves insulin sensitivity and suppresses hepatic gluconeogenesis in C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESThis study was designed to investigate whether Gynura procumbens extract (GPE) can improve insulin sensitivity and suppress hepatic glucose production in an animal model of type 2 diabetes.MATERIALS/METHODSC57BL/Ksj-db/db mice were divided into 3 groups, a regular diet (control), GPE, and rosiglitazone groups (0.005 g/100 g diet) and fed for 6 weeks.RESULTSMice supplemented with GPE showed significantly lower blood levels of glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin than diabetic control mice. Glucose and insulin tolerance test also showed the positive effect of GPE on increasing insulin sensitivity. The homeostatic index of insulin resistance was significantly lower in mice supplemented with GPE than in the diabetic control mice. In the skeletal muscle, the expression of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase, pAkt substrate of 160 kDa, and PM-glucose transporter type 4 increased in mice supplemented with GPE when compared to that of the diabetic control mice. GPE also decreased the expression of glucose-6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase in the liver.CONCLUSIONSThese findings demonstrate that GPE might improve insulin sensitivity and inhibit gluconeogenesis in the liver.     

Protection by tea against UV‐A + B‐induced skin cancers in hairless mice

Consumption of tea, especially green tea, has been shown to reduce the incidence of ultraviolet (UV)‐related skin tumors in hairless mice. Because milk is added to much of the tea consumed in Western cultures, we have studied the effects of including milk in the tea consumed by hairless mice receiving simulated solar radiation. Under these conditions, mice consuming tea with 10% whole milk had 30% fewer papillomas, 50% fewer tumors, and 55% smaller lesions than mice consuming water. Mice consuming tea alone had fewer papillomas and tumors than mice consuming tea with milk; however, the difference in area affected was not statistically significant. In separate experiments, there was a significant dose response to black tea as a preventive against UV‐related skin lesions, and also consumption of black tea was associated with a small but significant reduction in the incidence of papillomas in mice previously exposed to UV radiation. The results of these studies demonstrate that, in hairless mice, black tea can inhibit the formation of UV‐induced skin tumors in a dose‐dependent manner and, even with the addition of milk, can still inhibit the growth of UV‐related skin tumors.     

The effect of 1, 25(OH)2 D3 (calcitriol) alone and in combination with all-trans retinoic acid on ROR-γt,IL-17, TGF-β, and FOXP3 gene expression in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Objectives: It has been shown that calcitriol and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) have modulatory effects on the immune system. The present study investigates the synergistic effects of combination treatment of calcitriol and ATRA in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods: The mice were allocated to four preventive groups, each consisting of eight animals, ATRA (250 μg/mouse), calcitriol (100?ng/mouse), combination of ATRA and calcitriol (125 μg/mouse and 50?ng/mouse) and vehicle groups. EAE was induced by MOG35-55 peptide in female C57BL/6 mice. Treatments were initiated at day 1 before immunization and continued every other day throughout the study until the day 21 post-immunization. Splenocytes were isolated from EAE-induced mice and the expression of retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor gamma t (ROR-γt), Interleukin-17 (IL-17), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), and forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) genes was measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results: The expression of FOXP3 and TGF-β genes in the splenocytes of combination-treated and calcitriol alone-treated mice was significantly increased compared to vehicle group (P?The expression of ROR-γt and IL-17 genes in the splenocytes of ATRA, calcitriol and combination- treated mice was significantly reduced compared to those of vehicle- treated mice (P?P?Discussion: This study demonstrated that treatment with combination of calcitriol and ATRA can be considered as a new strategy for MS prevention and treatment.     

The Effect of Nutritional Intervention with Lactoferrin,Galactooligosacharides and Vitamin D on the Gut Microbiota Composition of Healthy Elderly Women

Background: Nutritional supplements, such as bovine lactoferrin (bLF), have been studied for their immunomodulatory properties, but little is known of their effect on the gut microbiota composition of the elderly when supplemented alone or combined with other nutritional supplements such as prebiotics and micronutrients. In the present study, fecal samples from a double-blind, placebo-controlled nutritional intervention study were analysed. At baseline (T1), 25 elderly women were distributed into two groups receiving dietary intervention (n = 12) or placebo treatment (n = 13) for 9 weeks. During the first 3 weeks of the study (T2), the intervention group consumed 1 g/day bLF, followed by 3 weeks (T3) of 1 g/day bLF and 2.64 g/day active galactooligosaccharides (GOS), and 3 weeks (T4) of 1 g/day bLF, 2.64 g/day GOS and 20 μg/day of vitamin D. The placebo group received maltodextrin, in dosages matching those of the intervention group. Fecal bacterial composition was profiled using partial 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) were determined in fecal water as were levels of calprotectin, zonulin, and alpha-1-antitrypsin, as markers of gastrointestinal barrier and inflammation. Results: A significant increase was observed in the relative abundance of the genus Holdemanella (p < 0.01) in the intervention group compared to the placebo at T1. During T2, Bifidobacterium relative abundance increased significantly (p < 0.01) in the intervention group compared to the placebo, and remained significantly higher until the end of the study. No other effect was reported during T3. Furthermore, concentrations of SCFAs and calprotectin, zonulin and alpha-1-antitrypsin did not change during the intervention, although zonulin levels increased significantly within the placebo group by the end of the intervention. Conclusions: We conclude that supplementation of bLF enhanced the relative abundance of Holdemanella in the fecal microbiota of healthy elderly women, and further addition of GOS enhanced the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium.     

Oral administration of live Bifidobacterium substrains isolated from healthy centenarians enhanced immune function in BALB/c mice

Generally, there is an age-related decline in the human gut titer of Bifidobacterium species, but the titer in healthy centenarians was previously reported to be comparable to that found in much younger people. We addressed whether elevated Bifidobacterium titers relate positively to immune function. This study evaluated the immunoactivities of 2 Bifidobacterium strains (B adolescentis BBMN23 and B longum BBMN68) isolated from healthy centenarians in China. Different dosages (2 × 10¹¹, 2 × 10⁹, or 2 × 10⁷ colony-forming units [CFU]/kg body weight) of live bifidobacteria were orally administered once per day to healthy BALB/c mice, and the control group was given sterile skim milk every day. After 4 weeks, the immune parameters including cellular immunity (delayed-type hypersensitivity [DTH], and splenic lymphocyte proliferation), humoral immunity (serum hemolytic activity in immunized animals), and nonspecific immunity (peritoneal macrophages phagocytsis natural killer [NK] cell activity) were measured. We report that both Bifidobacterium strains independently increased the DTH response. Macrophage phagocytosis was also enhanced, while activities of the NK cells and levels of the serum hemolysin also were significantly higher than in the control group. There was a significant increase in splenic lymphocyte proliferation in bifidobacteria treatment animals compared to controls. In conclusion, ingestion of B. adolescentis BBMN23 and B. longum BBMN68 can enhance both innate and acquired immunity in healthy specific pathogen-free (SPF) mice and strains of bifidobacteria from healthy centenarians in Bama longevity villages in China may possess potentially valuable immunomodulatory properties.     

Naringenin Suppresses Chemically Induced Skin Cancer in Two-Stage Skin Carcinogenesis Mouse Model

Abstract

Background: Naringenin, a flavonoid present in citrus fruits has many health promoting activities. It has been reported to protect skin from UV radiation, thermal damage and atopic allergies. Despite many skin protective effects, in vivo effect of naringenin on skin cancer has not been reported so far.

Objective: The present work was designed to study the chemo preventive effect of naringenin on chemically induced skin cancer in mice.

Methods: Two stage model of skin papillomagenesis, using DMBA plus croton oil, was used to study the effect of naringenin in Swiss albino mice. The chemo preventive effect was evaluated using morphological, histopathological and biochemical features.

Results: Oral administration of naringenin reduced the skin papilloma in both pre-treatment as well as post-treatment groups of mice. The number as well as size of papilloma was significantly reduced in the treated groups. Histopathological studies showed that naringenin treatment suppressed papillomagenesis. Biochemical studies further revealed decrease in the activity of glyoxalase-1 enzyme and an increase in carbonyl content. The effect was more pronounced in ant-initiation group.

Conclusion: Naringenin exhibited anti-tumor effect in two stage carcinogenesis mouse skin tumor model. This study revealed that consumption of citrus fruits and the naringenin therein may be helpful in suppression of skin cancer.     

Protective effects of dietary soy isoflavones against UV-induced skin-aging in hairless mouse model

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the anti-aging effects of dietary isoflavones on photoaged hairless mouse skin. METHODS: Female hairless mice were administered soy isoflavone extract orally and irradiated with UV light for four weeks. The effects of the isoflavones on the skin appearance, collagen deposition and epidermal thickness in the UV-damaged mouse skin were measured using bioengineering and histochemical methods. In addition, the influence of the isoflavones on the collagen metabolism in the UVB-irradiated human skin fibroblasts was also investigated. RESULTS: In the isoflavone treated group, the skin had a better appearance and less wrinkling than that of the control group. Additionally, the amount of collagen deposition was higher in the isoflavone group. In the human fibroblast cells, the amount of procollagen de novo synthesized did not increase after isoflavone treatment and/or UV irradiation. However, the increase in the expression of the metalloproteinases (MMPs) as a result of UV irradiation was suppressed by the isoflavone treatment. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that isoflavones had an anti-aging effect on the UV-damaged hairless mice model, which is partly due to the inhibitory effects on UV-induced MMP-1 expression and the subsequent collagen degradation.     

Augmentation of cellular immunity and protection against influenza virus infection by bovine late colostrum in mice

ObjectiveWe investigated whether oral administration of skimmed and concentrated bovine late colostrum (SCBLC) activates the immune system and protects against influenza virus (Flu) infection.MethodsMurine Peyer's patch (PP) cells (2.5 105) were cultured in 0.1 ml RPMI-1640 supplemented with SCBLC at a concentration of 0, 0.1 or 1.0 mg/ml. To determine the levels of IL-12 and IFN-, supernatants were collected on day 3. Mice were orally administered sterile saline solution (control group), or 400 g/g body weight (SCBLC 400 group) or 2,000 g/g body weight (SCBLC 2,000 group) of SCBLC for three weeks. These mice were measured for natural killer (NK) cells activity on PP cells, splenocytes and lung cells. Also, these mice in the control and SCBLC 2,000 groups were infected with Flu and were measured for the accumulated symptom rate.ResultsIn PP cells cultured with SCBLC, the levels of IL-12 and IFN- were significantly increased in vitro. Oral administration of SCBLC to mice significantly increased NK cell activity of PP cells, splenocytes and lung cells. The accumulated symptom rate of the SCBLC 2,000 group was significantly lower than that of the control group in a mouse model of Flu infection.ConclusionThese results indicate that oral administration of SCBLC activates not only systemic cellular immunity but also local cellular immunity, such as in the respiratory tract, and that activation of cellular immunity is one of the mechanisms of amelioration of Flu infection.     

Protective effect of the standardized green tea seed extract on UVB-induced skin photoaging in hairless mice

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation on skin can induce production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and collagen degradation. Thus, chronic exposure of skin to UVB irradiation leads to histological changes consistent with aging, such as wrinkling, abnormal pigmentation, and loss of elasticity. We investigated the protective effect of the standardized green tea seed extract (GSE) on UVB-induced skin photoaging in hairless mice.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Skin photoaging was induced by UVB irradiation on the back of Skh-1 hairless mice three times per week and UVB irradiation was performed for 10 weeks. Mice were divided into six groups; normal control, UVB irradiated control group, positive control (UVB + dietary supplement of vitamin C 100 mg/kg), GSE 10 mg/kg (UVB + dietary supplement of GSE 10 mg/kg), GSE 100 mg/kg (UVB + dietary supplement of GSE 100 mg/kg), and GSE 200 mg/kg (UVB + dietary supplement of GSE 200 mg/kg).

RESULTS

The dietary supplement GSE attenuated UVB irradiation-induced wrinkle formation and the decrease in density of dermal collagen fiber. In addition, results of the antioxidant analysis showed that GSE induced a significant increase in antioxidant enzyme activity compared with the UVB irradiation control group. Dietary supplementation with GSE 200 mg/kg resulted in a significant decrease in expression of MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9 and an increase in expression of TIMP and type-1 collagen.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings of this study suggest that dietary supplement GSE could be useful in attenuation of UVB irradiation-induced skin photoaging and wrinkle formation due to regulation of antioxidant defense systems and MMPs expression.     

Experimental leprosy with Mycobacterium lepraemurium in hairless mice (Mus musculus)

Forty-three homozygous albino hairless mice (Mus musculus) were inoculated intradermally on the head, back, sides and base of the tail with suspensions of lepromatous tissue containing numerous Mycobacterium lepraemurium (Hawaiian strain). Visible nodules were noted in all mice. These lepromatous nodules enlarged slowly and often merged with each other, covering up to two thirds of the dorsum. Several mice became blind during the course of the infection. All of the mice died or were killed 68 to 287 days following inoculation. Post-mortem examinations on representative mice showed, in addition to observed cutaneous lesions, generalized systemic murine leprosy. Smears and histological sections from nodules, skin, lymph nodes, spleen, liver, kidney, heart and lung were positive for acid-fast bacilli. The cysts in the skin (which are degenerated hair follicles filled with keratin-like material and which are one of the characteristics of hairless mice) contained scattered acid-fast bacilli, but no acid-fast globi. Ten mice with hair (M. musculus) which were used as controls did not reveal noticeable cutaneous nodules; however, all developed generalized visceral leprosy similar to that of the hairless M. musculus. Thus, hairless mice (with thymus) can be looked upon as a model for studying experimental cutaneous leprosy.     

Effects of supplementation with grass carp protein versus peptide on swimming endurance in mice

ObjectiveWe investigated the effects of grass carp protein or peptide administration on swimming endurance in mice.MethodsGrass carp protein or peptide was intragastrically administered to male National Institutes of Health mice at low [1 mg/(g·d)] and high [5 mg/(g·d)] doses, continuously once per day before swimming exercise. After training for 28 d, fatigue-related biochemical parameters, including liver glycogen, gastrocnemius muscle glycogen, plasma glucose, serum lactic acid, blood urea nitrogen, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, and catalase (CAT), were assayed.ResultsCompared with the control group, all treatments applied significantly prolonged the exercise time, and high-dose peptide administration was the most effective (P < 0.001). Liver glycogen was remarkably increased by seven times or more by protein or peptide ingestion compared with that of the control group. High-dose protein or peptide addition significantly elevated liver glycogen, muscle glycogen, glucose level, and the removal of metabolites, serum lactic acid, and blood urea nitrogen was greater after exercise. In terms of the comparison between protein versus peptide, high-dose peptide addition significantly enhanced CAT (P = 0.016) and SOD (P = 0.007), while no significant differences were observed for glutathione peroxidase, glucose, liver glycogen, or muscle glycogen between high-dose peptide and protein addition. The difference between low-dose protein and peptide supplementation was not significant.ConclusionGrass carp protein or peptide significantly improved the endurance capacity of mice. The superiority of peptide over protein was observed at high-dose supplementation, which was mainly attributed to the significant enhancement of antioxidant enzyme levels (CAT and SOD).     

Is the chronic use of Ferula harmonis to enhance mice erectile function effective and safe? A histopathological study

Abstract

Many studies are aimed towards a solution for erectile dysfunction which is a worldwide health problem. Medicinal and natural herbal medications have been prescribed but their long-term effects are not well known. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the chronic administration of F. hermonis root extract on the structure of the male mice reproductive organs and their fertility and to study the possible protective role of vitamin C. Sixty male albino mice were divided into 3 groups: the control, the experimental group that received F. hermonis root extract orally (6?mg/kg) for six weeks, and the treated group that received F. hermonis plus vitamin C for six weeks. Serum testosterone level and mice fertility were assessed. At the end of the experiment mice were sacrificed; testis, epididymis, and seminal vesicle were dissected and processed for routine histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. The chronic administration of F. hermonis extract significantly decreased the level of testosterone and partially impaired fertility. Histopathological degenerative changes and a significant reduction in estrogen receptor (ER)β expression were observed in testes, epididymis, and seminal vesicle. Vitamin C administration did not completely protect the testis from these harmful effects. Although F. hermonis roots are recommended to improve erectile and fertility problems, it should be used for short periods and with extreme caution. Further clinical studies to assess safety and efficacy are needed.     

Estrogen deprivation and excess energy supply accelerate 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced mammary tumor growth in C3H/HeN mice

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESObesity is a risk factor of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Estrogen deprivation has been suggested to cause alteration of lipid metabolism thereby creating a cellular microenvironment favoring tumor growth. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of estrogen depletion in combination with excess energy supply on breast tumor development.MATERIALS/METHODSOvariectomized (OVX) or sham-operated C3H/HeN mice at 4 wks were provided with either a normal diet or a high-fat diet (HD) for 16 weeks. Breast tumors were induced by administration of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene once a week for six consecutive weeks.RESULTSStudy results showed higher serum concentrations of free fatty acids and insulin in the OVX+HD group compared to other groups. The average tumor volume was significantly larger in OVX+HD animals than in other groups. Expressions of mammary tumor insulin receptor and mammalian target of rapamycin proteins as well as the ratio of pAKT/AKT were significantly increased, while pAMPK/AMPK was decreased in OVX+HD animals compared to the sham-operated groups. Higher relative expression of liver fatty acid synthase mRNA was observed in OVX+HD mice compared with other groups.CONCLUSIONSThese results suggest that excess energy supply affects the accelerated mammary tumor growth in estrogen deprived mice.     

Daily rhythm and heat shock protein expression in obese ob/ob mice

Abstract

Objectives

This study examined heat shock protein (HSP) 70 expression and rhythms of drinking behavior and locomotor activity in obesity, in order to clarify the involvement of HSPs in obesity-induced disturbance of circadian rhythms.

Methods

C57BL/6J ob/ob mice were used as a murine model of severe obesity. Drinking behavior and locomotor activity of male C57BL/6J (control) mice and ob/ob mice were recorded with the behavioral analyzing system. HSP70 concentration in the homogenized supernatant of each tissue, including the brain, liver, and kidney, was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

We observed an attenuated locomotor activity rhythm in the ob/ob mice compared with the control mice at 13 weeks of age and especially at 27 weeks of age. The drinking rhythm was little affected by obesity. HSP70 protein expression was reduced in the brain and kidney of the ob/ob mice compared with the control mice. However, HSP70 expression in the liver was not altered.

Discussion

This study suggests that the obesity-induced reduction of HSP70 expression in the brain and kidney can be directly or indirectly associated with disturbance of rhythms of the master clock and peripheral clocks. The study provides a link between circadian rhythm and HSP expression in obesity; the disturbance of these factors may lead to the progression of metabolic disorders.     

Chronic Toxicity of Nitrogen Dioxide

Continuous (24 hr/day) exposure to 0.5 ppm nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) for three months or longer significantly increased the susceptibility of mice to airborne Klebsiella pneumoniae as demonstrated by enhanced mortality. Intermittent exposure to 0.5 ppm NO₂ for 6 or 18 hr/day for six months also resulted in a significantly increased mortality. After 12 months’ exposure to NO₂, mice in the three experimental groups     

Effects of eicosapentaenoic acid on hepatic dyslipidemia and oxidative stress in high fat diet-induced steatosis

Abstract

We investigated the ability of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to prevent high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Male C57BL/6J mice were fed standard chow (5.3% fat content), an HFD (32.0% fat content) or an HFD?+?EPA (1?g/kg/day EPA for the last 6 weeks) for 12 weeks. Serum total cholesterol, hepatic triglyceride and total cholesterol levels were significantly increased in the HFD group, in comparison with those of normal mice (p?<?0.01). In contrast, hepatic triglyceride and total cholesterol levels were significantly decreased in the HFD?+?EPA group, in comparison with those of the HFD group (p?<?0.05). In addition, EPA decreased the body weight of obese mice and improved hepatic function. Hepatic superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione levels were significantly decreased in obese mice, but increased with EPA administration. Our data suggest that EPA supplementation has a beneficial effect on NAFLD progression.