Dietary supplementation with blueberry extract improves survival of transplanted dopamine neurons

The exact mechanisms contributing to poor neuronal survival in cell transplantation paradigms for Parkinson's disease (PD) are unknown. However, transplantation-induced host immune response, inflammation, and subsequent oxidative stress are likely contributors to cell death since dopamine (DA) neurons are exquisitely sensitive to oxidative damage. Multiple studies have attempted to improve cell survival by treating transplant material with antioxidant and antiinflammatory compounds, whereas far fewer studies have attempted to modify the host environment to reduce these threats. Flavonoids, phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables, have antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. For example, supplementation with dietary blueberry extract (BBE) prevents oxidative stress-associated impairment of striatal motor function during aging and restores lost motor function in aged rats. We hypothesized that dietary supplementation of rodent diets with BBE would improve the survival of embryonic DA neurons transplanted into the unilaterally DA-depleted striatum. Inclusion of 2% BBE in a custom chow diet significantly increased the survival of implanted DA neurons and ameliorated rotational behavior asymmetries as compared to transplanted animals consuming a standard diet. These findings provide support for the potential of dietary phytochemicals as an easily administered and well-tolerated therapy that can be used to improve the effectiveness of DA neuron replacement.     

Dietary supplementation with bean extract improves lipid profile in overweight and obese subjects

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of a dietary supplementation of bean extract on serum lipids, nutritional parameters, and fat excretion in feces.Sixty-two overweight and obese (body mass index > 25 kg/m(2)) volunteers were randomized to receive the dietary supplement (n = 31, supplement group) or the placebo (n = 31, placebo group). There were 41 women and 21 men, ages 22 to 66 years. Two capsules of a dietary supplement or a placebo were administered three times daily for 3 mo. The supplement group was then invited to participate in an open-label study for 9 mo. Twenty-four subjects (7 men and 17 women) were randomized to receive two or four capsules of the supplement three times daily. Lipids and nutritional blood parameters were measured at baseline, after 3 mo, and at 12 mo. Excretion of fat in feces was measured.At 3 mo, reduction in serum concentration of cholesterol was found in the supplement group but not in the placebo group. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triacylglycerols in serum did not change in either group. In the 9-mo open-label study, no further reduction in serum cholesterol was observed. Low-density lipoprotein and the ratio of low- to high-density lipoprotein decreased, whereas triacylglycerols remained unchanged. Serum vitamin B12 and folic acid decreased but remained within the normal range. Ferritin and albumin in serum remained unchanged. No differences were observed in serum lipids and nutritional parameters between groups. The bean extract significantly increased fat excretion in feces.In conclusion, this dietary supplementation improved lipoprotein profile and enhanced fat excretion in feces in overweight and obese subjects.     

Dietary vitamin E supplementation protects the rat large intestine from experimental inflammation

Vitamin E, the most potent antioxidant in the lipid phase, was tested for antiinflammatory activity in trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced rat colitis. Rats were fed a nonpurified diet (saline and control groups) or a vitamin E supplemented diet (treated group, 300 mg/kg nonpurified diet). Vitamin E supplementation, which resulted in increased colonic vitamin E levels, reduced colonic weight and damage score, prevented lipid peroxidation and diarrhea, reduced interleukin-1 beta levels and preserved glutathione reductase activity and total glutathione levels. However, it did not modify myeloperoxidase levels, which are indicative of neutrophil infiltration in the inflamed colon. Vitamin E protects the rat colon from oxidative stress associated with inflammation.     

Dietary zinc improves and calcium depresses growth and zinc uptake in rats fed rice bran

Wistar rats were fed a basal stabilized-rice bran diet (B), and five additional ones, fortified to supply either 50 or 100% of zinc and calcium requirements, and a combination furnishing 100% of both minerals. Another diet supplemented with the complete mineral mix (MM) was also used. Results show that the low feed efficiency of B was maximized either by supplementation with MM, or by supplementing bran with 50% of the zinc requirement. Attempts to compensate for the low calcium content of bran by supplementation with 50 or 100% of the mineral requirement, did not increase either feed efficiency, growth or liver zinc. These data confirm that only about 11% of zinc contained in bran is nutritionally available and that supplementing with calcium is detrimental, indicating that this by-product is not a recommendable source of minerals.     

Dietary supplementation with zinc oxide increases Igf-I and Igf-I receptor gene expression in the small intestine of weanling piglets

This study was conducted to investigate the mechanism for the effect of elevated levels of dietary zinc oxide (ZnO) in enhancing the intestinal growth of weanling piglets. In Experiment 1, 4-wk-old (8.1 +/- 0.6 kg) crossbred barrows (n = 36) were assigned randomly to 1 of the 2 dietary groups, with 6 pens/group (3 pigs/pen). One group was fed the basal diet containing 100 mg Zn/kg diet. The other group was fed the basal diet supplemented with ZnO to provide 3000 mg Zn/kg diet. Pigs consumed their feed ad libitum for 14 d. In Experiment 2, 4-wk-old (7.6 +/- 0.16 kg) crossbred barrows (n = 16) were housed individually and assigned to 1 of the 2 dietary groups (8 pigs/group) as in Experiment 1, except that the 2 groups were pair-fed the same amount of feed. At the end of a 14-d treatment period, all of the pigs in both Experiments 1 and 2 were weighed, feed consumption was measured, and blood samples were collected for assays of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). In addition, 1 pig from each pen in Experiments 1 and 2 was selected randomly to obtain the small-intestinal mucosa for analyzing IGF-I and IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) gene expression and to determine the small-intestinal morphology. In Experiment 1, dietary supplementation of ZnO increased (P < 0.05) the daily body weight gain and daily feed intake. In Experiment 2, dietary supplementation of ZnO increased (P < 0.05) the daily body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency. In both experiments, the villous height of the small-intestinal mucosa and both the mRNA and protein levels for IGF-I and IGF-IR in the small intestine were markedly enhanced (P < 0.05) by feeding elevated levels of Zn. Serum IGF-I levels did not differ between the control and Zn-supplemental groups in either experiment. Collectively, these results suggest that dietary Zn supplementation exerts its beneficial effects on the intestinal growth of weanling piglets through increasing IGF-I and IGF-IR expression in the small-intestinal mucosa.     

Dietary supplementation with antioxidants improves functions and decreases oxidative stress of leukocytes from prematurely aging mice

OBJECTIVES: Aging is accompanied by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, which lead to a marked impairment of immune function and therefore increased mortality. This study assessed the effect of dietary supplementation, for 15 wk, with 5% and 20% (w/w) of biscuits enriched with nutritional doses of vitamins C and E, zinc, selenium, and beta-carotenes on function and oxidative stress parameters of peritoneal leukocytes from middle-aged, prematurely aging mice (PAM) and non-prematurely aging mice (NPAM). METHODS: After supplementation we measured leukocyte functions (adherence, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, lymphoproliferation, natural killer activity, and interleukin-2 release), antioxidant defenses (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and reduced glutathione), oxidant compounds (extracellular O(2)(-), glutathione disulfide, glutathione disulfide/reduced glutathione ratio, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, nitric oxide, and prostaglandin E(2)), and lipid and DNA oxidative damage, measured by malondialdehyde and 8-oxo,7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine levels, respectively. RESULTS: In general, leukocyte functions were improved and redox homeostasis was restored after intake of antioxidants. In consequence, malondialdehyde and 8-oxo,7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine in PAM and NPAM were strikingly decreased after 5% and 20% supplementation (malondialdehyde, P < 0.001 in PAM; P < 0.01 in NPAM after both treatments; 8-oxo,7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine, P < 0.01 after 5% supplementation and P < 0.001 after 20% supplementation in PAM and NPAM). Moreover, the effect of the antioxidants was stronger in PAM than in NPAM, and 20% supplementation was more effective than 5%. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that improvement of leukocyte function and restoration of redox balance after consumption of adequate levels of antioxidants from adulthood may be useful to attain healthy aging, especially in animals with premature aging.     

Parenteral supplementation with a fish-oil emulsion prolongs survival and improves rat lymphocyte function during sepsis

Nutritional intervention with omega-3 fatty acids during trauma and infection has been shown to improve the clinical outcome of patients and the survival rate in laboratory animals. This study evaluated the effects of parenteral administration of lipid emulsions containing fish oil (FO) or soybean oil (SBO) on survival and T-lymphocyte response during sepsis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (250-275 g) were prepared for parenteral feeding 4 d before inducing sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Standard resuscitation was provided with normal saline. Thirty minutes after completing CLP, sham control or CLP rats were infused continuously with saline or a parenteral diet containing SBO or a 1:1 FO:SBO emulsion. The survival rate was significantly improved in rats receiving the FO-supplemented diet, with 50% alive by 120 h in comparison with the saline-infused, chow-fed rats (0% alive by 120 h) or the SBO-fed rats (12% alive at 120 h). The T-lymphocyte response was evaluated at 24 h after CLP. Sepsis led to a decline in lymphocyte proliferation in rats infused with saline or the SBO emulsion, which was associated with a greater release of splenocyte interleukin-10, transforming growth factor-beta and prostaglandin E2. Administering the 1:1 FO:SBO parenteral diet during sepsis improved the survival rate and prevented the sepsis-induced suppression of lymphocyte proliferation and interleukin-2 release. The FO effect on lymphocyte function was associated with decreased splenocyte release of transforming growth factor-beta and prostaglandin E2.     

Dietary L-arginine supplementation enhances intestinal development and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in weanling piglets

Oral administration of L-arginine has been reported to prevent gut disease in human infants. However, little is known about the effects of dietary arginine supplementation on intestinal development of weaned piglets. In the present study, twenty 21-d-old castrated piglets with 5·3 (SEM 0·13) kg body weight (BW) were weaned from sows, individually housed and randomly assigned to one of the two maize- and soyabean meal-based diets supplemented with 0 or 1% L-arginine. After consuming the diets for 7 d, six pigs were randomly selected from each group to obtain various tissues. Compared with control pigs, dietary supplementation with 1% L-arginine did not affect feed intake but enhanced (P<0·05) the relative weight of the small intestine (+33 %), daily BW gain (+38 %) and feed efficiency (+28 %). The villus height of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum in arginine-supplemented piglets was 21, 28 and 25% greater (P<0·05) than in the nonsupplemented control group. Arginine supplementation increased (P<0·05) protein levels for vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in duodenal, jejunal and ileal mucosae by 14, 39 and 35 %, respectively. Compared with the control group, dietary supplementation with 1% L-arginine increased (P<0·05) plasma concentrations of arginine and insulin (+36 %), and decreased (P<0·05) plasma concentrations of cortisol (233 %), NH3 (221 %) and urea (219 %). These results indicate that arginine supplementation enhances intestinal growth, development and expression of VEGF in early-weaned pigs fed a maize- and soyabean meal-based diet. The findings may have important implications for neonatal pigs under stressful or diseased conditions.     

Dietary supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) improves seminal antioxidant status and decreases sperm DNA fragmentation

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) dietary supplementation on semen quality, fatty acid composition, antioxidant capacity, and DNA fragmentation. In this randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, 74 subjects were recruited and randomly assigned to either the placebo group (n=32) or to the DHA group (n=42) to consume three 500-mg capsules of oil per day over 10 weeks. The placebo group received 1,500 mg/day of sunflower oil and the DHA group 1,500 mg/day of DHA-enriched oil. Seminal parameters (semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and vitality), total antioxidant capacity, deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation, and lipid composition were evaluated prior to the treatment and after 10 weeks. Finally, 57 subjects were included in the study with 25 in the placebo group and 32 in the DHA group. No differences were found in traditional sperm parameters or lipid composition of the sperm membrane after treatment. However, an increase in DHA and Omega-3 fatty acid content in seminal plasma, an improvement in antioxidant status, and a reduction in the percentage of spermatozoa with deoxyribonucleic acid damage were observed in the DHA group after 10 weeks of treatment.     

Increased nerve growth factor by zinc supplementation with concurrent vitamin A deficiency does not improve memory performance in mice

We investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of zinc (Zn) with or without vitamin A (Vit. A), to elucidate any cross activity between the two micronutrients, on memory and nerve growth factor (NGF) production in ddY male mice depleted for the two elements. After 3 mo-feeding with a Zn and Vit. A deficient (VAD) diet, mice were divided into three groups and replenished with normal Zn with VAD diet (NZ-VAD), high Zn with VAD diet (HZ-VAD) or normal Zn + normal Vit. A (NZ-NVA) for additional 2 mo. One more group was made and given the normal diet for the same period (Control group). Levels of NGF were measured from extracts of hippocampus, cerebellum and cortex at the end of the 3rd and 5th month. In addition, a radial arm maze task was performed at the end of the 5th month. The two Zn supplemented groups (NZ-VAD and HZ-VAD) tended to show high NGF concentration but memory was not improved. However, improved memory was observed in the NZ-NVA group. From these results we concluded that Zn may increase NGF; however, memory was improved only when Vit. A was sufficient.     

Dietary conditions influencing relative zinc availability from foods to the rat and correlations with in vitro measurements

Zinc availability from a series of foods was determined using 65Zn-labeled test meals fed to rats. Zinc availability relative to zinc chloride depended on the amount of the zinc source in the test meal. Zinc availability from several foods was similar to that from zinc chloride when tested in smaller amounts, but enhanced when fed in larger amounts. The range of zinc availability was similar for foods of plant and animal origin. Rats retained significantly more zinc from pork, chicken, peanut butter, egg or milk than from rice, beef, soybean flour or navy beans. Foods with intermediate zinc availability were sweet corn, whole wheat bread, cheese and oysters. Several food characteristics were examined for possible relationships with zinc availability, including the solubility or molecular size of zinc compounds after an in vitro enzymatic digestion and the contents of phytic acid, minerals, amino acids, carbohydrate and fatty acids relative to the zinc content of the food. Protein and several amino acids predicted about half of the variance in zinc availability. Following in vitro enzymatic digestion, neither zinc solubility nor the partitioning of zinc between low and high molecular weight substances was a strong predictor of zinc availability.     

High-dose dietary supplementation of vitamin A induces brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor production in mice with simultaneous deficiency of vitamin A and zinc

Marginal vitamin A and zinc (Zn) deficiency often co-exist in many populations. Vitamin A plays a trophic role in brain and is important for its development. We investigated effects of dietary supplementation of vitamin A on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) production in mice depleted for vitamin A and Zn. After 3 months' feeding with a low vitamin A and Zn (LVA-LZ) diet, mice were divided into two groups and replenished with either normal or high vitamin A with low Zn diet for an additional 2 months. Levels of BDNF and NGF were measured from extracts of hippocampus, cortex and cerebellum at the end of the third and fifth months. The LVA-LZ group tended to show decreased amounts of the BDNF and NGF, while animals supplemented with high vitamin A along with Zn deficiency had high BDNF and NGF concentrations. From these results, we conclude that vitamin A may increase BDNF and NGF levels.     

High-dose dietary supplementation of vitamin A induces brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor production in mice with simultaneous deficiency of vitamin A and zinc

Abstract

Marginal vitamin A and zinc (Zn) deficiency often co-exist in many populations. Vitamin A plays a trophic role in brain and is important for its development. We investigated effects of dietary supplementation of vitamin A on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) production in mice depleted for vitamin A and Zn. After 3 months' feeding with a low vitamin A and Zn (LVA-LZ) diet, mice were divided into two groups and replenished with either normal or high vitamin A with low Zn diet for an additional 2 months. Levels of BDNF and NGF were measured from extracts of hippocampus, cortex and cerebellum at the end of the third and fifth months. The LVA-LZ group tended to show decreased amounts of the BDNF and NGF, while animals supplemented with high vitamin A along with Zn deficiency had high BDNF and NGF concentrations. From these results, we conclude that vitamin A may increase BDNF and NGF levels.     

Dietary fat during pregnancy and lactation increases milk fat and insulin-like growth factor I concentrations and improves neonatal growth rates in swine

Primiparous (n = 24) and multiparous (n = 24) sows were used to examine the effects of supplemental dietary fat and induction of parturition (d 112) on colostrum and milk composition and suckling piglet growth. Sows were assigned to one of eight treatments on d 90 of gestation that included variables such as parity (1 vs. >/=3), dietary fat (0 vs. 10%), and farrowing (natural vs. induction via lutalyse on d 112). Piglets suckling fat-supplemented dams grew up to 25% faster than control pigs nursing unsupplemented sows (250 vs. 200 g/d; P < 0.01). Improved growth was correlated with elevated milk fat and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) concentrations associated with fat supplementation. Dietary fat elevated milk fat concentration at 48 and 72 h postfarrowing by 21.6 and 22.6%, respectively (P < 0.05). Compared with nonfat-fed controls, multiparous sows fed 10% fat showed a more consistent rise in milk fat concentration, with 26% and 41% elevations for induced or naturally farrowing sows, respectively, vs. a 19% reduction or a 1% elevation in induced or naturally farrowing gilts (P < 0.01). The concentration of milk IGF-I tended to be lower in gilts than in multiparous sows (P < 0.2, 95.7 vs. 117.4 microg/L), and levels were particularly low in milk from induced gilts receiving no additional dietary fat (44.7 microg/L). However, fat supplementation elevated IGF-I to levels (110.6 microg/L) exceeding those measured in unsupplemented, naturally farrowing control sows and gilts (95.8 microg/L). In conclusion, supplemental dietary fat elevates milk fat in multiparous sows more than primiparous gilts regardless of farrowing treatment (induced vs. natural farrowing) and improves piglet growth throughout lactation irrespective of parity or farrowing treatment. The potential of supplemental dietary fat to reverse the reductions in milk IGF-I observed in first-parity females and in dams induced to farrow merits further investigation.     

Short-term supplementation with Aronia melanocarpa extract improves platelet aggregation, clotting, and fibrinolysis in patients with metabolic syndrome

Purpose

A diet rich in berries is believed to play a distinct role in the prevention of metabolic diseases associated with obesity. So far, there have been no published clinical observations evaluating the influence of Aronia melanocarpa on hemostasis. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of A. melanocarpa extract (AM) supplementation on platelet aggregation, clot formation, and lysis in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS).

Methods

Middle-aged non-medicated subjects with MS (n?=?38) and 14 healthy volunteers were included in this study. Patients with MS were treated with 100?mg of AM three times daily for 2?months.

Results

We observed a significant reduction in the concentration of TC, LDL-C, and TG after AM supplementation. Beneficial changes in coagulation parameters were also observed. After 1?month of AM administration, we noticed significant inhibition of platelet aggregation. However, this effect became less pronounced after 2?months of supplementation. In the case of coagulation induced by endogenic thrombin, a significant decrease in the overall potential for coagulation was induced after 1 or 2?months of supplementation. Moreover, after 1?month of AM extract supplementation, we observed a beneficial reduction in the overall potential for clot formation and fibrinolysis.

Conclusions

We observed the normalization of hemostasis parameters in MS patients after both 1 and 2?months of AM administration. After 1?month of AM supplementation, we found favorable changes in regards to the overall potential for plasma clotting, clot formation, and lysis, as well as in the lipid profiles of subjects.     

14 Days of supplementation with blueberry extract shows anti-atherogenic properties and improves oxidative parameters in hypercholesterolemic rats model

Abstract

The effects of supplementation with blueberry (BE) extract (Vaccinium ashei Reade) for 14 consecutive days on biochemical, hematological, histopathological and oxidative parameters in hypercholesterolemic rats were investigated. After supplementation with lyophilized extract of BE, the levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides were decreased. Histopathological analysis showed significant decrease (p?<?0.05) of aortic lesions in hypercholesterolemic rats. Oxidative parameters showed significant reductions (p?<?0.05) in oxidative damage to lipids and proteins and an increase in activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. The BE extract showed an important cardioprotective effect by the improvements in the serum lipid profile, antioxidant system, particularly in reducing oxidative stress associated with hypercholesterolemia and anti-atherogenic effect in rats.     

Dietary l-arginine supplementation improves the intestinal development through increasing mucosal Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin signals in intra-uterine growth retarded piglets

Intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR) impairs postnatal growth and development of the small intestine (SI) in neonatal pigs and infants. l-Arginine (Arg), a critical amino acid involved in promoting growth and metabolism in young mammals, is more deficient in IUGR fetuses. However, little is known whether dietary Arg supplementation would accelerate the impaired development of the SI induced by IUGR in piglets. In the present study, a total of six litters of newborn piglets were used. In each litter, one normal and two IUGR littermates were obtained. Piglets were fed milk-based diets supplemented with 0 (Normal), 0 (IUGR) and 0·60% Arg (IUGR+Arg) from 7 to 14?d of age, respectively. Compared with Normal piglets at 14?d of age, IUGR decreased (P?相似文献   

Controlled trial of zinc supplementation during recovery from malnutrition: effects on growth and immune function

To evaluate the effect of zinc on growth and immune function, 32 marasmic infants were selected on admission to the nutrition recovery center; 16 received 2 mg/kg daily of elemental zinc supplement as acetate and the remaining received a placebo. Immunity was assessed by skin-test response, T-cell blastic proliferation immunoglobulins, and infectious morbidity. Weight-for-length gain for initial 60 days in Zn-supplemented group was 9% of standard vs 3% for placebo (p less than 0.05). Energy intake was similar in both groups. Incidence of infections, especially pyoderma, was significantly higher in placebo group: 10 of 16 vs 3 of 16 in the supplemented group (p less than 0.025). Plasma Zn was correlated with number of febrile days in the prospective month (r = -0.66, p less than 0.05). The percent anergic infants decreased and serum IgA increased significantly only in Zn-supplemented group. Zinc supplementation has significant effects on weight gain and host defense mechanisms despite normal plasma levels. Zinc supplementation is recommended for optimal recovery from marasmus.