Maternal coconut oil intake on lactation programs for endocannabinoid system dysfunction in adult offspring

Lipid endocannabinoids in energy metabolism, stress and developmental programming

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates brain development and function, energy metabolism and stress in a sex-, age- and tissue-dependent manner. The ECS comprises mainly the bioactive lipid ligands anandamide (AEA) and 2-aracdonoylglycerol (2-AG), cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2), and several metabolizing enzymes. The endocannabinoid tonus is increased in obesity, stimulating food intake and a preference for fat, reward, and lipid accumulation in peripheral tissues, as well as favoring a positive energy balance. Energy balance and stress responses share adaptive mechanisms regulated by the ECS that seem to underlie the complex relationship between feeding and emotional behavior. The ECS is also a key regulator of development. Environmental insults (diet, toxicants, and stress) in critical periods of developmental plasticity, such as gestation, lactation and adolescence, alter the ECS and may predispose individuals to the development of chronic diseases and behavioral changes in the long term. This review is focused on the ECS and the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD).

Citrate enrichment in a Western diet reduces weight gain via browning of adipose tissues without resolving diet-induced insulin resistance in mice

Citrate, a major component of processed foods, reduces weight gain without resolving insulin resistance.

Quality of Life and a Surveillant Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an important brain modulatory network. ECS regulates brain homeostasis throughout development, from progenitor fate decision to neuro- and gliogenesis, synaptogenesis, brain plasticity and circuit repair, up to learning, memory, fear, protection, and death. It is a major player in the hypothalamic-peripheral system-adipose tissue in the regulation of food intake, energy storage, nutritional status, and adipose tissue mass, consequently affecting obesity. Loss of ECS control might affect mood disorders (anxiety, hyperactivity, psychosis, and depression), lead to drug abuse, and impact neurodegenerative (Alzheimer's, Parkinson, Huntington, Multiple, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and neurodevelopmental (autism spectrum) disorders. Practice of regular physical and/or mind-body mindfulness and meditative activities have been shown to modulate endocannabinoid (eCB) levels, in addition to other players as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). ECS is involved in pain, inflammation, metabolic and cardiovascular dysfunctions, general immune responses (asthma, allergy, and arthritis) and tumor expansion, both/either in the brain and/or in the periphery. The reason for such a vast impact is the fact that arachidonic acid, a precursor of eCBs, is present in every membrane cell of the body and on demand eCBs synthesis is regulated by electrical activity and calcium shifts. Novel lipid (lipoxins and resolvins) or peptide (hemopressin) players of the ECS also operate as regulators of physiological allostasis. Indeed, the presence of cannabinoid receptors in intracellular organelles as mitochondria or lysosomes, or in nuclear targets as PPARγ might impact energy consumption, metabolism and cell death. To live a better life implies in a vigilant ECS, through healthy diet selection (based on a balanced omega-3 and -6 polyunsaturated fatty acids), weekly exercises and meditation therapy, all of which regulating eCBs levels, surrounded by a constructive social network. Cannabidiol, a diet supplement has been a major player with anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antioxidant activities. Cognitive challenges and emotional intelligence might strengthen the ECS, which is built on a variety of synapses that modify human behavior. As therapeutically concerned, the ECS is essential for maintaining homeostasis and cannabinoids are promising tools to control innumerous targets.

Coconut oil supplementation during development reduces brain excitability in adult rats nourished and overnourished in lactation

INTRODUCTION

Coconut oil has been considered as a therapeutic alternative in several pathologies, but there is limited information regarding its effects on brain functioning.

OBJECTIVE

This study analyzed whether early virgin coconut oil (VCO) supplementation interferes with electrical activity of the adult rat brain and its lipid peroxidation. Moreover, it investigated whether the putative effect on brain electrophysiology could be affected by overnutrition occurring during lactation, and/or by environmental enrichment (EE). Electrophysiology was measured through cortical spreading depression (CSD), a phenomenon related to brain excitability.

METHODS

Wistar rats were suckled in litters of either nine or three pups, forming nourished (N) or overnourished (ON) groups, respectively. Between the 7th and 30th days of life, half of the animals in each group received VCO (10 mg kg^-1 d^-1; by gavage). The other half received an equivalent amount of vehicle (V, 0.009% cremophor). On day 36, animals from both groups were subjected to EE for 4 weeks. At 105 ± 15 days of life, each animal was subjected to CSD recordings and lipid peroxidation analyses.

RESULTS

Overnutrition during lactation enhanced body and brain weights. VCO decelerated the CSD propagation velocity (control - 3.57 ± 0.23 mm min^-1versus VCO - 3.27 ± 0.18 mm min^-1; p < 0.001), regardless of whether subjected to overnourishment or EE exposure. Neither VCO nor EE modified the cerebral lipid peroxidation (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

VCO supplementation impaired the spreading of CSD, indicating reduction of brain excitability. VCO effects occurred regardless of the nutritional state during lactation.

Coconut Wastes as Bioresource for Sustainable Energy: Quantifying Wastes, Calorific Values and Emissions in Ghana

Coconut husks with the shells attached are potential bioenergy resources for fuel-constrained communities in Ghana. In spite of their energy potential, coconut husks and shells are thrown away or burned raw resulting in poor sanitation and environmental pollution. This study focuses on quantifying the waste proportions, calorific values and pollutant emissions from the burning of raw uncharred and charred coconut wastes in Ghana. Fifty fresh coconuts were randomly sampled, fresh coconut waste samples were sun-dried up to 18 days, and a top-lit updraft biochar unit was used to produce biochar for the study. The heat contents of the coconut waste samples and emissions were determined. From the results, 62–65% of the whole coconut fruit can be generated as wastes. The calorific value of charred coconut wastes was 42% higher than the uncharred coconut wastes. PM2.5 and CO emissions were higher than the WHO 24 h air quality guidelines (AQG) value at 25 °C, 1 atmosphere, but the CO concentrations met the WHO standards based on exposure time of 15 min to 8 h. Thus, to effectively utilise coconut wastes as sustainable bioresource-based fuel in Ghana, there is the need to switch from open burning to biocharing in a controlled system to maximise the calorific value and minimise smoke emissions.