Chemical Characterization and In Vivo Toxicological Safety Evaluation of Emu Oil

In this study, the physicochemical properties, fatty acid composition, antioxidant activities, and in vitro as well as in vivo toxicological safety of emu oil were investigated. Emu oil was shown to have a low acid and peroxide value, low amounts of carotenoid and phenolic compounds, and high doses of oleic acid and linoleic acid. Furthermore, in a bacterial reverse mutation assay, emu oil demonstrated no change in the amount of revertant colonies for all strains. In a chromosomal assay, no aberrations occurred in any of the emu oil treatment groups (1.25, 2.5, and 5 μg/mL). In the bone marrow micronucleus test, emu oil up to 20 mL/kg showed no significant increase in the incidence of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes. Moreover, emu oil up to 19.3 mg/kg body weight did not affect body weight in an acute oral toxicity study. These results are crucial for the adoption of emu oil as an alternative source of edible oil.     

Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) Extract and Its Active Compound,Casuarinin, Activate Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cells In Vitro and In Vivo

Sarcopenia is an age-related skeletal muscle atrophy. Exercise is effective in improving sarcopenia via two mechanisms: activation of skeletal muscle satellite cells (SCs) and stimulation of muscle protein synthesis. In contrast, most nutritional approaches for improving sarcopenia focus mainly on muscle protein synthesis, and little is known about SC activation. Here, we investigated the effect of lemon myrtle extract (LM) on SC activation both in vitro and in vivo. Primary SCs or myoblast cell lines were treated with LM or its derived compounds, and incorporation of 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine, an indicator of cell cycle progression, was detected by immunocytochemistry. We found that LM significantly activated SCs (p < 0.05), but not myoblasts. We also identified casuarinin, an ellagitannin, as the active compound in LM involved in SC activation. The structure–activity relationship analysis showed that rather than the structure of each functional group of casuarinin, its overall structure is crucial for SC activation. Furthermore, SC activation by LM and casuarinin was associated with upregulation of interleukin-6 mRNA expression, which is essential for SC activation and proliferation. Finally, oral administration of LM or casuarinin to rats showed significant activation of SCs in skeletal muscle (p < 0.05), suggesting that LM and casuarinin may serve as novel nutritional interventions for improving sarcopenia through activating SCs.     

Investigation of Effect of Nutritional Drink on Chemotherapy-Induced Mucosal Injury and Tumor Growth in an Established Animal Model

Chemotherapy-induced mucositis represents a significant burden to quality of life and healthcare costs, and may be improved through enhanced nutritional status. We first determined the safety of two nutritional drinks (plus placebo), and then potential gut protection in tumor-bearing rats in a model of methotrexate-induced mucositis. In study 1, animals were fed one of two test diets (or placebo or control chow pellets) for a total of 60 days and were monitored daily. All diets were found to be safe to administer. In study 2, after seven days of receiving diets, a Dark Agouti Mammary Adenocarcinoma (DAMA) was transplanted subcutaneously. Ten days after starting diets, animals had 2 mg/kg intramuscular methotrexate administered on two consecutive days; after this time, all animals were given soaked chow. Animals were monitored daily for changes in bodyweight, tumor burden and general health. Animals were killed 10, 12 and 16 days after initially starting diets, and tissues were collected at necropsy. In study 1, animals receiving diets had gained 0.8% and 10.8% of their starting bodyweight after 60 days, placebo animals 4.4%, and animals fed on standard chow had gained 15.1%. In study 2, there was no significant influence of test diet on bodyweight, organ weight, tumor burden or biochemical parameters. Only animals treated with MTX exhibited diarrhea, although animals receiving Diet A and Diet C showed a non-significant increase in incidence of diarrhea. Administration of these nutritional drinks did not improve symptoms of mucositis.     

Temporal Development of Dyslipidemia and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in Syrian Hamsters Fed a High-Fat,High-Fructose,High-Cholesterol Diet

The use of translationally relevant animal models is essential, also within the field of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Compared to frequently used mouse and rat models, the hamster may provide a higher degree of physiological similarity to humans in terms of lipid profile and lipoprotein metabolism. However, the effects in hamsters after long-term exposure to a NASH diet are not known. Male Syrian hamsters were fed either a high-fat, high-fructose, high-cholesterol diet (NASH diet) or control diets for up to 12 months. Plasma parameters were assessed at two weeks, one, four, eight and 12 months and liver histopathology and biochemistry was characterized after four, eight and 12 months on the experimental diets. After two weeks, hamsters on NASH diet had developed marked dyslipidemia, which persisted for the remainder of the study. Hepatic steatosis was present in NASH-fed hamsters after four months, and hepatic stellate cell activation and fibrosis was observed within four to eight months, respectively, in agreement with progression towards NASH. In summary, we demonstrate that hamsters rapidly develop dyslipidemia when fed a high-fat, high-fructose, high-cholesterol diet. Moreover, within four to eight months, the NASH-diet induced hepatic changes with resemblance to human NAFLD.     

Milk Fatty Acid Profiles in Different Animal Species: Focus on the Potential Effect of Selected PUFAs on Metabolism and Brain Functions

Milk contains several important nutrients that are beneficial for human health. This review considers the nutritional qualities of essential fatty acids (FAs), especially omega-3 (ω-3) and omega-6 (ω-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) present in milk from ruminant and non-ruminant species. In particular, the impact of milk fatty acids on metabolism is discussed, including its effects on the central nervous system. In addition, we presented data indicating how animal feeding—the main way to modify milk fat composition—may have a potential impact on human health, and how rearing and feeding systems strongly affect milk quality within the same animal species. Finally, we have presented the results of in vivo studies aimed at supporting the beneficial effects of milk FA intake in animal models, and the factors limiting their transferability to humans were discussed.     

Benefits of Structured and Free Monoacylglycerols to Deliver Eicosapentaenoic (EPA) in a Model of Lipid Malabsorption

In the present study, we used a preclinical model of induced lipolytic enzyme insufficiency, and hypothesized that the use of monoacylglycerols (MAG) will enhance their bioavailability and delivery to the tissues. Experimental diets containing 20% lipids were fed to rats for 21 days with or without Orlistat. The control diet of fish oil (FO), a source of EPA and DHA, was tested against: structured (A) vanillin acetal of sn-2 MAG (Vanil + O) and (B) diacetyl derivative of sn-2 MAG (Acetyl + O) and (C) free MAG (MAG + O). FA profiles with an emphasis on EPA and DHA levels were determined in plasma, red blood cells (RBC), liver, spleen, brain and retina. We observed significant reduction of lipid absorption when rats co-consumed Orlistat. As expected, the FO groups with and without Orlistat showed the biggest difference. The Vanil + O, Acetyl + O and MAG + O groups, demonstrated higher levels of EPA (5.5 ± 1.9, 4.6 ± 1.6 and 5.6 ± 0.6, respectively) in RBC compared with FO + O diets (3.3 ± 0.2, 2.6 ± 0.2). Levels of EPA incorporation, in plasma, were similar to those obtained for RBC, and similar trends were observed for the collected tissues and even with DHA levels. These observations with two MAG derivatives providing the fatty acid esterified in the sn-2 position, show that these molecules are efficient vehicles of EPA in malabsorption conditions which is in line with our hypothesis. Free MAG, characterized as having exclusively sn-1(3) isomers of EPA, demonstrated better absorption efficiencies and accretion to tissues when compared to structured MAG. The study demonstrated that structured and free MAG can be used efficiently as an enteral vehicle to supply bioactive fatty acids such as EPA and DHA in lipid malabsorption where diminished lipolytic activity is the underlying cause.     

An Integrated Analysis of miRNA and Gene Expression Changes in Response to an Obesogenic Diet to Explore the Impact of Transgenerational Supplementation with Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Insulin resistance decreases the ability of insulin to inhibit hepatic gluconeogenesis, a key step in the development of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic alterations, fat accumulation, and fibrosis in the liver are closely related and contribute to the progression of comorbidities, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or cancer. Omega 3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), were identified as potent positive regulators of insulin sensitivity in vitro and in animal models. In the current study, we explored the effects of a transgenerational supplementation with EPA in mice exposed to an obesogenic diet on the regulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) and gene expression in the liver using high-throughput techniques. We implemented a comprehensive molecular systems biology approach, combining statistical tools, such as MicroRNA Master Regulator Analysis pipeline and Boolean modeling to integrate these biochemical processes. We demonstrated that EPA mediated molecular adaptations, leading to the inhibition of miR-34a-5p, a negative regulator of Irs2 as a master regulatory event leading to the inhibition of gluconeogenesis by insulin during the fasting–feeding transition. Omics data integration provided greater biological insight and a better understanding of the relationships between biological variables. Such an approach may be useful for deriving innovative data-driven hypotheses and for the discovery of molecular–biochemical mechanistic links.     

In vitro neuroprotective effects of the leaf and fruit extracts of Juglans regia L. (walnut) through enzymes linked to Alzheimer's disease and antioxidant activity

Several extracts of the leaves and fruits of Juglans regia L. were assessed for their neuroprotective effects through antioxidant and anti-cholinesterase methods. Anticholinesterase activity was determined against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), the enzymes vital for Alzheimer's disease, at 50, 100 and 200 μg ml^{? 1}. Antioxidant activity was tested using radical scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine (DMPD), superoxide (SO), nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) radicals, as well as ferric ion-chelating capacity, ferric- and phosphomolybdenum-reducing antioxidant power at 500, 1000 and 2000 μg ml^{? 1}. Total phenol and flavonoid quantification of the extracts was calculated. The extracts scavenged DPPH radical in varying degrees; however, they did not scavenge DPMD and H₂O₂. Only the dichloromethane and water extracts were able to quench SO (10.09 ± 1.38%) and NO (24.09 ± 2.19%) radicals, respectively, at low level. The extracts showed either low or no BChE inhibition and no AChE inhibition.     

Indexing of Fatty Acids in Poultry Meat for Its Characterization in Healthy Human Nutrition: A Comprehensive Application of the Scientific Literature and New Proposals

Chicken meat is becoming the most consumed in the world for both economic and nutritional reasons; regarding the latter, the lipid profile may play positive or negative roles in the prevention and treatment of diseases. In this study, we define the state of the art of lipid-based nutritional indexes and used the lipid content and fatty acid profile (both qualitative and quantitative) of breast meat of two poultry genotypes with different growth rates and meat traits. Further, we summarize and review the definitions, implications, and applications of nutritional indexes used in recent years and others of our own design to provide a useful tool to researchers working in the field of meat quality (not only in poultry) to select the most appropriate index for their own scientific purposes. All indexes show advantages and disadvantages; hence, a rational choice should be applied to consider the nutritional effect of meat on human health and for a possible assessment of the most suitable rearing systems (genotype, feeding, farming system or postmortem handling).     

脂肪酸水平与儿童注意缺陷多动障碍的关系及膳食补充n-3类脂肪酸的影响

目的研究儿童注意缺陷多动障碍(ADHD)与非ADHD儿童体内脂肪酸水平差异及膳食补充n-3类脂肪酸对ADHD儿童体内脂肪酸水平的影响作用。方法在1 555名2~5年级学生中筛选出ADHD儿童79名,取50名非ADHD儿童作为对照,采集静脉血分析其脂肪酸差异。采用随机对照试验(RCT)原则,将ADHD儿童随机分为干预组和对照组,采用不同浓度的n-3多不饱和脂肪酸(PUFAs)膳食补充干预3个月,观察干预后脂代谢改善情况。结果ADHD儿童血红细胞膜的饱和脂肪酸(SFAs)中的C15∶0、C16∶0、C20∶0,单不饱和脂肪酸(MUFAs)中的C15∶1、C18∶1、C20∶1、C24∶1及PUFAs中的亚油酸C18∶2 n-6(LA)明显高于非ADHD组儿童(P0.05);花生四烯酸C20∶4 n-6(AA)、二十碳五烯酸C20∶5 n-3(EPA)及C22∶4(n-6)低于非ADHD组儿童。ADHD儿童补充n-3PUFAs后,体内α-亚麻酸C18∶3 n-3(ALA)、C24∶0、二十二碳六烯酸C22∶6 n-3(DHA)及n-3PUFAs水平显著提高,n-6PUFAs、n-6/n-3比例则显著降低。结论ADHD与非ADHD儿童体内的脂肪酸组成存在差异,补充n-3类脂肪酸可提高ADHD儿童体内n-3类脂肪酸水平,同时降低n-6/n-3比例。     

Efficacy and Safety of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Supplementation in the Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials

Based on epidemiological and animal studies, the rationale for using polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as a treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) seems promising. Here, the objective was to systematically identify and critically assess the evidence from clinical trials. The primary outcome was ADHD core symptoms. The secondary outcomes were behavioral difficulties, quality of life, and side effects. We performed a systematic search in Medline, Embase, Cinahl, PsycInfo, and the Cochrane Library up to June 2020. The overall certainty of evidence was evaluated using Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). We identified 31 relevant randomized controlled trials including 1755 patients. The results showed no effect on ADHD core symptoms rated by parents (k = 23; SMD: −0.17; 95% CI: −0.32, −0.02) or teachers (k = 10; SMD: −0.06; 95% CI: −0.31, 0.19). There was no effect on behavioral difficulties, rated by parents (k = 7; SMD: −0.02; 95% CI: −0.17, 0.14) or teachers (k = 5; SMD: −0.04; 95% CI: −0.35, 0.26). There was no effect on quality of life (SMD: 0.01; 95% CI: −0.29, 0.31). PUFA did not increase the occurrence of side effects. For now, there seems to be no benefit of PUFA in ADHD treatment; however, the certainty of evidence is questionable, and thus no conclusive guidance can be made. The protocol is registered in PROSPERO ID: CRD42020158453.     

Enhanced Zinc Intake Protects against Oxidative Stress and Its Consequences in the Brain: A Study in an In Vivo Rat Model of Cadmium Exposure

We examined, in a rat model of moderate environmental human exposure to cadmium (Cd), whether the enhanced intake of zinc (Zn) may protect against Cd-caused destroying the oxidative/antioxidative balance and its consequences in the brain. The intoxication with Cd (5 mg/L, 6 months) weakened the enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase) and non-enzymatic (total thiol groups, reduced glutathione) antioxidative barrier decreasing the total antioxidative status and increased the concentrations of pro-oxidants (hydrogen peroxide, myeloperoxidase) in this organ and its total oxidative status. These resulted in the development of oxidative stress and oxidative modifications of lipids and proteins. The co-administration of Zn (30 and 60 mg/L enhancing this element intake by 79% and 151%, respectively) importantly protected against Cd accumulation in the brain tissue and this xenobiotic-induced development of oxidative stress and oxidative damage to lipids and proteins. Moreover, this bioelement also prevented Cd-mediated oxidative stress evaluated in the serum. The favorable effect of Zn was caused by its independent action and interaction with Cd. Concluding, the enhancement of Zn intake under oral exposure to Cd may prevent the oxidative/antioxidative imbalance and oxidative stress in the brain and thus protect against injury of cellular macromolecules in the nervous system.     

Effect of Concomitant Consumption of Fish Oil and Vitamin E on T Cell Mediated Function in the Elderly: A Randomized Double-Blind Trial

Objectives: To determine if concomitant consumption of fish oil and vitamin E would modify the vitamin E level needed for improving T cell mediated function in elderly.

Methods: A randomized and double-blind study was conducted using 40 healthy male and female elderly subjects (>65 y) who were randomly assigned to one of 4 groups (n = 10/group). All the subjects received 5 g of fish oil daily containing 1.5 g eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 1 g docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and a capsule containing different doses of dl-α-tocopherol (0, 100, 200 or 400 mg/day) for 3 mo. Plasma vitamin E and fatty acid levels, and in vivo [delayed-type hypersensitivity skin response (DTH) and T cell sub-population analysis] and ex vivo [mitogen-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) proliferation and interleukin (IL)-2 production] immune functions were determined at baseline and after supplementation.

Results: The control group (fish oil only) did not show a statistically significant change in either DTH or PBMC proliferation. DTH response, however, was significantly increased from baseline in all groups supplemented with fish oil plus vitamin E and a significant positive correlation between DTH response and plasma concentrations of α-tocopherol was observed. PBMC proliferation was only significantly increased in the group supplemented with fish oil plus 200 mg vitamin E. However, the changes caused by fish oil plus vitamin E in either DTH or PBMC proliferation were not significantly different from those observed in control group. Plasma levels of α-tocopherol were significantly increased in all three fish oil plus vitamin E groups and the increase in plasma α-tocopherol level was less profound than that previously reported when vitamin E was given alone.

Conclusions: The immuno-enhancing effect of vitamin E in the elderly is dampened when it is concomitantly consumed with fish oil. This may be due to the smaller increase in plasma concentrations of vitamin E in the presence of fish oil.     

Seasonal Variations in Fatty Acid Composition and the N-6/N-3 Fatty Acid Ratio of Pikeperch (Sander LUCIOPERCA) Muscle Lipids

Total lipid, fatty acid composition and the N-6/N-3 fatty acid ratios of muscle of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) was determined once every two months. The ratio of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) was higher than half of the total fatty acid content, and the monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) was higher than the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio. The n-3 fatty acids were present in excess of the n-6 fatty acids. Eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosahexaenoic (DHA), and arachidonic (AA) acids were the most abundant PUFA. The fatty acid composition and n-6/n-3 fatty acids ratio in the muscle of pikeperch are significantly influenced by spawning and the season. Relative proportions of PUFA (especially n-3 fatty acids) diminished significantly with the maturation of gonads. The ratio of n-6/n-3 fatty acids was less than one except during the reproduction period. This result suggests that meat quality of pikeperch is very good except during the spawning period with respect to the n-6/n-3 fatty acids ratio.     

Flaxseed flour (Linum usitatissinum) consumption improves bone quality and decreases the adipocyte area of lactating rats in the post-weaning period

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of flaxseed flour in the intake on adiposity and femur structure of the lactating rats during the post-weaning period. After weaning, the lactating rats were divided into control (C, n?=?6) and experimental (F, n?=?6) groups treated with a diet containing flaxseed flour. Serum hormone and fatty acids composition, morphology of intra-abdominal adipocytes, computed tomography and biomechanical analyses of femur were determined. Food intake, body mass and hormone analysis have shown similar results. The F group showed the following (p?相似文献   

Overview of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and the Role of Sugary Food Consumption and Other Dietary Components in Its Development

NAFLD is the world’s most common chronic liver disease, and its increasing prevalence parallels the global rise in diabetes and obesity. It is characterised by fat accumulation in the liver evolving to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an inflammatory subtype that can lead to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Currently, there is no effective pharmacotherapeutic treatment for NAFLD. Treatment is therefore based on lifestyle modifications including changes to diet and exercise, although it is unclear what the most effective form of intervention is. The aim of this review, then, is to discuss the role of specific nutrients and the effects of different dietary interventions on NAFLD. It is well established that an unhealthy diet rich in calories, sugars, and saturated fats and low in polyunsaturated fatty acids, fibre, and micronutrients plays a critical role in the development and progression of this disease. However, few clinical trials have evaluated the effects of nutrition interventions on NAFLD. We, therefore, summarise what is currently known about the effects of macronutrients, foods, and dietary patterns on NAFLD prevention and treatment. Most current guidelines recommend low-calorie, plant-based diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, as the most effective dietary pattern to treat NAFLD. More clinical trials are required, however, to identify the best evidence-based dietary treatment approach.     

The effects of peeling and cooking on the mineral content and antioxidant properties in carrots enriched with potassium iodate and/or selenite (SeIV) and selenite (SeVI)

Research covered six variants: control, unfertilized carrots and carrots fertilized with: KIO₃, Na₂SeO₄, Na₂SeO₃, KIO₃ and simultaneously with Na₂SeO₄, and fertilized with KIO₃ and simultaneously Na₂SeO₃. Carrots enriched with iodate or selenite, or both iodate and selenite, were characterized by higher amount of these minerals. Changes to the content of micro- and macroelements, during the cooking time of the carrots, both in peeled and unpeeled carrots, did not head in the same direction (increase, decrease and no change). However, cooking an unpeeled carrot generally resulted in the increased content of polyphenol and carotenoids. On the other hand, cooking peeled carrots led to a decrease in the content of polyphenol and a general lack of change in carotenoid content in relation to the unpeeled cooked carrot. During cooking, the antioxidant activity of the carrot being assessed changed together with the direction of changes in polyphenol content but not in line with the direction of changes in carotenoids.     

In vitro batch cultures of gut microbiota from healthy and ulcerative colitis (UC) subjects suggest that sulphate-reducing bacteria levels are raised in UC and by a protein-rich diet

Imbalances in gut microbiota composition during ulcerative colitis (UC) indicate a role for the microbiota in propagating the disorder. Such effects were investigated using in vitro batch cultures (with/without mucin, peptone or starch) inoculated with faecal slurries from healthy or UC patients; the growth of five bacterial groups was monitored along with short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. Healthy cultures gave two-fold higher growth and SCFA levels with up to ten-fold higher butyrate production. Starch gave the highest growth and SCFA production (particularly butyrate), indicating starch-enhanced saccharolytic activity. Sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) were the predominant bacterial group (of five examined) for UC inocula whereas they were the minority group for the healthy inocula. Furthermore, SRB growth was stimulated by peptone presumably due to the presence of sulphur-rich amino acids. The results suggest raised SRB levels in UC, which could contribute to the condition through release of toxic sulphide.     

Antidiabetic Effects of Yam (Dioscorea batatas) and Its Active Constituent,Allantoin, in a Rat Model of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes

The objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacies of crude yam (Dioscorea batatas) powder (PY), water extract of yam (EY), and allantoin (the active constituent of yam) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats with respect to glucose, insulin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), C-peptide, glycated hemoglobin (HbAlc), lipid metabolism, and oxidative stress. For this purpose, 50 rats were divided into five groups: normal control (NC), diabetic control (STZ), and STZ plus treatment groups (STZ + PY, STZ + EY, and STZ + allantoin). After treatment for one-month, there was a decrease in blood glucose: 385 ± 7 in STZ, 231 ± 3 in STZ + PY, 214 ± 11 in STZ + EY, and 243 ± 6 mg/dL in STZ + allantoin, respectively. There were significant statistical differences (p < 0.001) compared to STZ (100%): 60% in STZ + PY, 55% in STZ + EY, and 63% in STZ + allantoin. With groups in the same order, there were significant decreases (p < 0.001) in HbAlc (100% as 24.4 ± 0.6 ng/mL, 78%, 75%, and 77%), total cholesterol (100% as 122 ± 3 mg/dL, 70%, 67%, and 69%), and low-density lipoprotein (100% as 29 ± 1 mg/dL, 45%, 48%, and 38%). There were also significant increases (p < 0.001) in insulin (100% as 0.22 ± 0.00 ng/mL, 173%, 209%, and 177%), GLP-1 (100% as 18.4 ± 0.7 pmol/mL, 160%, 166%, and 162%), and C-peptide (100% as 2.56 ± 0.10 ng/mL, 129%, 132%, and 130%). The treatment effectively ameliorated antioxidant stress as shown by a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in malondialdehyde (100% as 7.25 ± 0.11 nmol/mL, 87%, 86%, and 85%) together with increases (p < 0.01) in superoxide dismutase (100% as 167 ± 6 IU/mL, 147%, 159%, and 145%) and reduced glutathione (100% as 167 ± 6 nmol/mL, 123%, 141%, and 140%). The results indicate that yam and allantoin have antidiabetic effects by modulating antioxidant activities, lipid profiles and by promoting the release of GLP-1, thereby improving the function of β-cells maintaining normal insulin and glucose levels.     

The Role of Lipid Composition in the Sensory Attributes and Acceptability of the Salted and Dried Mullet Roes (Bottarga): A Study in Human and Animal Models

A taste component is implicated in the oro-sensory detection of dietary lipids and free fatty acids seem to be involved in fatty food recognition. Bottarga, the salted and semi-dried ovary product of mullet (Mugil spp.), is a rich-fat food. A comparative sensory assessment of different commercial bottarga samples was performed in insect and human models in relation to their lipid composition. The bottarga attractant effect to Ceratitis capitata was assessed by behavioral tests. The subjective odor and taste perception of bottarga samples was investigated in human determining the rate of pleasantness, familiarity, and intensity dimensions using the 7-points Likert-type scale. Bottarga samples showed similar lipid profiles, but differences emerged in total and free fatty acid levels. Significant differences were observed in the attractant effect/acceptability of samples to medflies, negatively correlated to their total and free fatty acids. Insect female exhibited the ability to select among bottarga samples based on their visual and olfactory properties. In the human model, a potential contribution of free fatty acid amount in the pleasantness and familiarity dimensions of taste of bottarga samples was evidenced. Women exhibited a greater ability than men to select bottarga samples based on their better olfactory perception. Our results increase the knowledge about this outstanding product with nutritional and nutraceutical properties.