Octacosanol affects lipid metabolism in rats fed on a high-fat diet

Structural characterisation of bioactive compounds of Gymnosporia senegalensis (Lam.) Loes. using advanced analytical technique like FT-IR, GC-MS and 1H-NMR spectroscopy

The present investigation was carried out to characterise bioactive components from G. senegalensis by using Fourier-transform infra-red (FT-IR) spectroscopy, 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of > CH2, -CH3, C = C-C, C-H, C-F, C = C, -C = N-, C-C = N-, and -OH functional groups. The 1H-NMR spectrum revealed the presence of structures of four bioactive compounds i.e. tetratetracontana derivative, β-carotene, amyrin, and terpineol. GC-MS revealed the presence of different types of high and low molecular weight chemical entities with varying quantities including volatile and essential oil, monoterpenoid, tetraterpenoid, carotenoid, terpenoid, triterpenes, and nortriterpenes. From the results, it could be concluded that G. senegalensis contains various bioactive compounds of biological and pharmacological importance. Overall, this study will provide insight into the characterisation and development of drugs from medicinal plants.

Orally administered octacosanol improves liver insulin resistance in high-fat diet-fed mice through the reconstruction of the gut microbiota structure and inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory pathway

1-Octacosanol (Octa) is reported to possess many physiological properties. However, its relative mechanism has not been illustrated yet. Herein, we aimed to investigate the effect of Octa on insulin resistance in mice fed with a high fat diet (HFD) and used an in vitro simulated gastrointestinal tract to analyze its digestive behavior. The effects of Octa on the gut microbiota were verified by in vitro fermentation using the mouse fecal microbiota. As a result, the Octa monomer was digested into shortened saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (C10-C24) in the simulated gastrointestinal tract. Octa improved the fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin resistance (IR), plasma lipids, and inflammatory response in HFD-fed mice in a dose-dependent manner. This study also suggested that a high-dose of Octa effectively decreased the levels of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the plasma of HFD-fed mice. Octa improved the oxidative stress induced by a HFD and increased the expression of the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway. Importantly, Octa reshaped gut microbiota through decreasing Firmicutes content and increasing Bacteroidota and Verrucomicrobiota contents at the phylum level, and the changes of intestinal flora structure caused by Octa were significantly correlated with the changes of inflammatory biomarkers. In conclusion, the effects of Octa on insulin resistance might be attributed to the reconstruction of the gut microbiota structure and inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory pathway in HFD-induced obese individuals.

Analysis of Components and Properties of Extractives from Alnus cremastogyne Pods from Different Provenances

Chemical components with anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties extracted from Alnus bark and leaves have been extensively studied. However, less attention has been paid to extractives from Alnus pods, which are mostly treated as waste. Here, extractives of Alnus cremastogyne pods from 12 provenances in Sichuan Province were studied for high value-added utilization of Alnus waste. The extractives were analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS), Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis spectra), and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity. A total of 58, 49, and 51 chemical components were found when the organic solvents of ethanol, petroleum ether, and ethyl acetate were used to collect extractives, respectively. These chemical components including Phytol, CIS-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid, Germacrene D, Lupeol, and β-sitosterol, etc., have wide applications in the fields of pharmacy and cosmetics. Moreover, it was also found that extractives in ethanol and ethyl acetate had impressive UV resistance, especially for UV-C and UV-B blocking. The results showed that the maximum block ratio towards UV-C and UV-B could reach 99%. In addition, the ethanol extract showed good anti-oxidant activity with a maximum free radical scavenging rate of 96.19%. This comprehensive and systematic study on extractives from Alnus cremastogyne pods promotes the development of high-value utilization of Alnus components.

No Effect of Calanus Oil on Maximal Oxygen Uptake in Healthy Participants: A Randomized Controlled Study

We aimed to investigate the long-term effect of daily Calanus oil supplementation on maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in healthy 30- to 50-year-old participants. The study was motivated by preclinical studies reporting increased VO2max and metabolic health with omega-3 rich Calanus oil. In a double-blinded study, 71 participants were randomized to receive 2 g/day of Calanus or placebo supplementation for a total of 6 months. The participants underwent exercise testing and clinical investigations at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Main study endpoint was change in VO2max from baseline to 6 months. Fifty-eight participants completed the 6-month test and were included in the final data analysis (age: Calanus, 39.7 [38.0, 41.4] and placebo, 38.8 [36.8, 40.9] years; body mass index: Calanus, 24.8 [24.0, 25.6] and placebo, 24.8 [23.7, 25.8] kg/m2; and VO2max: Calanus, 50.4 [47.1, 53.8] and placebo, 50.2 [47.2, 53.1] ml·kg-1·min-1). There were no between-group differences at baseline, nor were there any between-group differences in absolute (Calanus, 3.74 [3.44, 4.04] and placebo, 3.79 [3.44, 4.14] L/min) or relative VO2max (Calanus, 49.7 [46.2, 53.2] and placebo, 49.5 [46.0, 53.1] ml·kg-1·min-1) at 6 months (mean [95% confidence interval]). There were no between-groups change in clinical measures from baseline to 3 and 6 months. In conclusion, VO2max was unaffected by 6 months of daily Calanus oil supplementation in healthy, physically fit, normal to overweight men and women between 30 and 50 years old.

Plant Extracts in Obesity: A Role of Gut Microbiota

Obesity has become one of the most serious chronic diseases threatening human health. Its occurrence and development are closely associated with gut microbiota since the disorders of gut microbiota can promote endotoxin production and induce inflammatory response. Recently, numerous plant extracts have been proven to mitigate lipid dysmetabolism and obesity syndrome by regulating the abundance and composition of gut microbiota. In this review, we summarize the potential roles of different plant extracts including mulberry leaf extract, policosanol, cortex moutan, green tea, honokiol, and capsaicin in regulating obesity via gut microbiota. Based on the current findings, plant extracts may be promising agents for the prevention and treatment of obesity and its related metabolic diseases, and the mechanisms might be associated with gut microbiota.

Dietary Supplementation of Octacosanol Improves Exercise-Induced Fatigue and Its Molecular Mechanism

Several publications report that octacosanol (OCT) has different biological functions. This study was designed to evaluate the antifatigue effect and molecular mechanism of octacosanol (200 mg/(kg day)) in forced exercise-induced fatigue models of trained male C57BL/6 mice. Results showed that octacosanol ameliorated the mice's autonomic activities, forelimb grip strength, and swimming endurance, and the levels of liver glycogen (LG), muscle glycogen (MG), blood lactic acid (BLA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were also regulated. Gene analysis results showed that treatment with OCT upregulated 29 genes, while 38 genes were downregulated in gastrocnemius tissue. Gene ontology (GO) analyses indicated that these genes enriched functions in relation to myofibril, contractile fiber, and calcium-dependent adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) activity. Octacosanol supplementation significantly adjusted the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression levels related to fatigue performance. Octacosanol has an observably mitigating effect in exercise-induced fatigue models, and its molecular mechanism may be related to the regulation of tripartite motif-containing 63 (Trim63), periaxin (Prx), calcium voltage-gated channel subunit α1 H (Cacna1h), and myosin-binding protein C (Mybpc3) expression.

Nanoemulsification of Rice Bran Wax Policosanol Enhances Its Cardio-protective Effects via Modulation of Hepatic Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor gamma in Hyperlipidemic Rats

Policosanol, a mixture of long-chain alcohols found in animal and plant waxes, has several biological effects including lipid-lowering that have been extensively studied. However, its bioavailability is low. To investigate the effect of nanoemulsified rice bran wax policosanol (NPOL) on plasma homocysteine, heart and liver histology in hyperlipidemic rats, high-fat diet containing 2.5% cholesterol was used to induce hyperlipidemia in Sprague Dawley rats. The hyperlipidemic rats were treated with NPOL and rice bran wax policosanol (POL) in comparison with normal diet (ND), high-cholesterol diet (HCD) and simvastatin-treated rats. Plasma homocysteine, heart and liver histology, and hepatic mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) were evaluated. The NPOL group, similar to the simvastatin group, showed reduced plasma homocysteine, preserved heart and liver histology, and down-regulated hepatic PPARG mRNA in comparison to the control group, and was better than the POL group. The results suggest that the modest effect of NPOL on homocysteine and preservation of heart and liver histology could be through the regulation of PPARG expression on a background of increased assimilation of rice bran wax policosanol.

Orally administered octacosanol improves some features of high fructose-induced metabolic syndrome in rats

We examined whether orally administered octacosanol, a long-chain aliphatic saturated alcohol, improves the features of high fructose-induced metabolic syndrome in rats. Five-week-old rats were fed a high fructose diet containing 60% fructose for 3 weeks. Then, the high fructose fed rats received a daily single oral administration of octacosanol (10 or 100 mg/kg body weight) with high fructose feeding for one week. Three- or four-week high fructose feeding increased insulin resistance, serum insulin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, free fatty acids, uric acid, and lipid peroxide concentrations, and hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol contents significantly and decreased serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and adiponectin concentrations significantly but did not affect blood pressure and hepatic lipid peroxide and reduced glutathione contents. Four-week high fructose feeding decreased hepatic ascorbic acid content significantly. Oral administration of octacosanol (10 or 50 mg/kg body weight) to high fructose-fed rats for the last 1-week fructose diet feeding attenuated these changes except serum insulin level and insulin resistance significantly and increased hepatic reduced glutathione content significantly. The higher dose of Oct decreased hepatic lipid peroxide content significantly. These results indicate that orally administered octacosanol improves dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia, hypoadiponectinemia, and oxidative stress associated with the features of high fructose-induced metabolic syndrome rats.

Quantitative Estimation of Oxidative Stress in Cancer Tissue Cells Through Gene Expression Data Analyses

Quantitative assessment of the intracellular oxidative stress level is a very important problem since it is the basis for elucidation of the fundamental causes of metabolic changes in diseased human cells, particularly cancer. However, the problem proves to be very challenging to solve in vivo because of the complex nature of the problem. Here a computational method is presented for predicting the quantitative level of the intracellular oxidative stress in cancer tissue cells. The basic premise of the predictor is that the genomic mutation level is strongly associated with the intracellular oxidative stress level. Based on this, a statistical analysis is conducted to identify a set of enzyme-encoding genes, whose combined expression levels can well explain the mutation rates in individual cancer tissues in the TCGA database. We have assessed the validity of the predictor by assessing it against genes that are known to have anti-oxidative functions for specific types of oxidative stressors. Then the applications of the predictor are conducted to illustrate its utility.

Improvement of Lipids and Reduction of Oxidative Stress With Octacosanol After Taekwondo Training

PURPOSE

Athletes in combat sports undergo rapid changes in body weight prior to competition in order to gain a size advantage over their opponent. However, these large weight changes with concomitant high-intensity exercise training create poor lipid profiles and high levels of oxidative stress, which can be detrimental to health and sport performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of the nutritional supplement octacosanol to combat the physiological detriments that occur in taekwondo players during rapid weight loss with high-intensity exercise training.

METHODS

A total of 26 male taekwondo players were randomly divided into 2 groups: An experimental group performed a 5% weight-loss and taekwondo training program with 40-mg octacosanol intake (OCT; n = 13) for 6 d, and a control group performed the same weight-loss and taekwondo training program with a placebo (CON; n = 13).

RESULTS

There were significant (P < .05) group × time interactions for low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides, which significantly decreased (Δ18 [5] mg/dL and Δ80 [7] mg/dL, respectively), and high-density lipoprotein, which significantly increased (Δ10 [7] mg/dL), in the OCT group compared with the CON group. There were also significant (P < .05) group × time interactions for superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA), with SOD increasing (Δ226 [121] U/gHb) in the OCT group, while GPx decreased (Δ20 [13] U/gHb) and MDA increased (Δ72 [0.04] nmol/mL) in the CON group.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that octacosanol may be a beneficial supplement to protect against the poor cholesterol levels and oxidative stress that occurs during taekwondo training.

Octacosanol and policosanol prevent high-fat diet-induced obesity and metabolic disorders by activating brown adipose tissue and improving liver metabolism

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is an attractive therapeutic target for treating obesity and metabolic diseases. Octacosanol is the main component of policosanol, a mixture of very long chain aliphatic alcohols obtained from plants. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of octacosanol and policosanol on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. Mice were fed on chow, or HFD, with or without octacosanol or policosanol treatment for four weeks. HFD-fed mice showed significantly higher body weight and body fat compared with chow-fed mice. However, mice fed on HFD treated with octacosanol or policosanol (HFDo/p) showed lower body weight gain, body fat gain, insulin resistance and hepatic lipid content. Lower body fat gain after octacosanol or policosanol was associated with increased BAT activity, reduced expression of genes involved in lipogenesis and cholesterol uptake in the liver, and amelioration of white adipose tissue (WAT) inflammation. Moreover, octacosanol and policosanol significantly increased the expression of Ffar4, a gene encoding polyunsaturated fatty acid receptor, which activates BAT thermogenesis. Together, these results suggest that octacosanol and policosanol ameliorate diet-induced obesity and metabolic disorders by increasing BAT activity and improving hepatic lipid metabolism. Thus, these lipids represent promising therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of obesity and obesity-related metabolic disorders.

Phase behavior of cholesterol in mixtures with hypo- and hypercholesterolemic lipids

Some lipidic bioactives are largely reported to present hypocholesterolemic effects, for example, oleic acid, α-tocopherol, and octacosanol, found in rice-bran, olive, and sunflower oils. In contrast, some saturated and trans-unsaturated lipids found in animal fats or partially hydrogenated oils have been associated with the opposite effect. However, the mechanisms in which these lipids act for lowering or increasing cholesterol are not fully understood. In this context, this work was aimed at a fundamental physicochemical comprehension of how cholesterol phase behavior is affected in mixtures with these compounds. The complete solid-liquid equilibrium (SLE) phase diagrams of these mixtures were depicted by differential scanning calorimetry and microscopy, and also evaluated by the SLE thermodynamic theory. The minimal melting temperature (eutectic points) of the mixtures followed the order: α-tocopherol < oleic acid < elaidic acid < stearic acid < octacosanol. Among all biocompounds, stearic and trans-oleic acids promoted few changes in the normal thermodynamic behavior of cholesterol when in a mixture. In contrast, α-tocopherol induced a significant temperature depression in the system. Furthermore, at high concentrations of cholesterol (>90% molar fraction), the formation of solid solution was observed in all other systems, to a higher degree for oleic acid. The higher interactions of these beneficial compounds and the formation of solid solution that literature associates with the alteration of cholesterol enteric absorption probably correlates with their hypocholesterolemic effects.

Nutrition Supplements to Stimulate Lipolysis: A Review in Relation to Endurance Exercise Capacity

Athletes make great efforts to increase their endurance capacity in many ways. Using nutrition supplements for stimulating lipolysis is one such strategy to improve endurance performance. These supplements contain certain ingredients that affect fat metabolism; furthermore, in combination with endurance training, they tend to have additive effects. A large body of scientific evidence shows that nutrition supplements increase fat metabolism; however, the usefulness of lipolytic supplements as ergogenic functional foods remains controversial. The present review will describe the effectiveness of lipolytic supplements in fat metabolism and as an ergogenic aid for increasing endurance exercise capacity. There are a number of lipolytic supplements available on the market, but this review focuses on natural ingredients such as caffeine, green tea extract, L-carnitine, Garcinia cambogia (hydroxycitric acid), capsaicin, ginseng, taurine, silk peptides and octacosanol, all of which have shown scientific evidence of enhancing fat metabolism associated with improving endurance performance. We excluded some other supplements owing to lack of data on fat metabolism or endurance capacity. Based on the data in this review, we suggest that a caffeine and green tea extract improves endurance performance and enhances fat oxidation. Regarding other supplements, the data on their practical implications needs to be gathered, especially for athletes.

Effects of Octacosanol Extracted from Rice Bran on the Laying Performance, Egg Quality and Blood Metabolites of Laying Hens

A 42-d study with 384 Hy-line brown laying hens was conducted to assess the effects of dietary octacosanol supplementation on laying performance, egg quality and blood metabolites of laying hens. Hens were randomly allocated into 4 dietary groups of 8 cages each, which were fed basal diet supplemented with 0 (Control), 9 (OCT9), 18 (OCT18), and 27 (OCT27) mg/kg diet of octacosanol isolated from rice bran, respectively. The experiment was conducted in an environmental controlled house and hens were fed twice daily for ad libitum intake. Laying performance was determined over the 42-d period, and egg quality as well as blood metabolites were estimated on d 21 and d 42. Diets in OCT18 and OCT27 increased (p<0.05) laying rate, egg weight, egg mass, egg albumen height, Haugh unit and eggshell strength on d 42, but decreased (p<0.05) feed conversion rate and levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein cholesterol in the serum as compared to those of Control. Feed intake, yolk color, yolk diameter, eggshell thickness and high density lipoprotein cholesterol were similar (p>0.05) among treatments. Results demonstrate that supplementing 18 to 27 mg/kg diet of rice bran octacosanol can improve laying rate and egg quality and reduce blood lipid of laying hens.

Effects of Dietary Octacosanol on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality of Broiler Chicks

Octacosanol, which has prominent physiological activities and functions, has been recognized as a potential growth promoter in animals. A total of 392 1-d-old male Arbor Acres broiler chicks with similar body weight were randomly distributed into four dietary groups of seven replicates with 14 birds each supplemented with 0, 12, 24, or 36 mg octacosanol (extracted from rice bran, purity >92%)/kg feed. The feeding trial lasted for six weeks and was divided into the starter (day 1 to 21) and the grower (day 22 to 42) phases. The results showed that the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly improved in broilers fed a diet containing 24 mg/kg octacosanol compared with those fed the control diet in the overall phase (day 1 to 42, p = 0.042). The average daily gain and FCR both showed linear effects in response to dietary supplementation of octacosanol during the overall phase (p = 0.031 and 0.018, respectively). Broilers fed with 24 or 36 mg/kg octacosanol diet showed a higher eviscerated yield, which increased by 5.88% and 4.26% respectively, than those fed the control diet (p = 0.030). The breast muscle yield of broilers fed with 24 mg/kg octacosanol diet increased significantly by 12.15% compared with those fed the control diet (p = 0.047). Eviscerated and breast muscle yield increased linearly with the increase in dietary octacosanol supplementation (p = 0.013 and 0.021, respectively). Broilers fed with 24 or 36 mg/kg octacosanol diet had a greater (p = 0.021) pH_45min value in the breast muscle, which was maintained linearly in response to dietary octacosanol supplementation (p = 0.003). There was a significant decrease (p = 0.007) in drip loss value between the octacosanol-added and the control groups. The drip loss showed linear (p = 0.004) and quadratic (p = 0.041) responses with dietary supplementation of octacosanol. These studies indicate that octacosanol is a potentially effective and safe feed additive which may improve feed efficiency and meat quality, and increase eviscerated and breast muscle yield, in broiler chicks. Dietary supplementation of octacosanol at 24 mg/kg diet is regarded as the recommended dosage in the broilers’ diet.

Effects of octacosanol extracted from rice bran on blood hormone levels and gene expressions of glucose transporter protein-4 and adenosine monophosphate protein kinase in weaning piglets

The object of this study was to explore the regulatory mechanism of octacosanol to the body of animals and the effects of octacosanol on blood hormone levels and gene expressions of glucose transporter protein (GLUT-4) and adenosine monophosphate protein kinase (AMPK) in liver and muscle tissue of weaning piglets. A total of 105 crossbred piglets ([Yorkshire × Landrace] × Duroc) with an initial BW of 5.70 ± 1.41 kg (21 d of age) were used in a 6-wk trial to evaluate the effects of octacosanol and tiamulin supplementation on contents of triiodothyronine (T₃), thyroxine (T₄), growth hormone (GH), glucagon (GU) and adrenaline (AD) in blood and gene expressions of GLUT-4 and AMPK in liver and muscle. Piglets were randomly distributed into 3 dietary treatments on the basis of BW and sex. Each treatment had 7 replicate pens with 5 piglets per pen. Treatments were as followed: control group, tiamulin group and octacosanol group. The results showed that compared with control group and tiamulin group, octacosanol greatly promoted the secretion of T₃, GH, GU and AD (P < 0.01) and significantly up-regulated the gene expressions of GLUT-4 and AMPK in muscle and liver tissues (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the control group and tiamulin group in T₃, T₄, GH, GU or AD (P > 0.05). Results of the present study has confirmed that octacosanol affects energy metabolism of body by regulating secretion of blood hormones and related gene expression in tissue of weaning piglets, which can reduce stress response and has an impact on performance.

Synthesis of Amphiphilic Naturally-Derived Oligosaccharide-block-Wax Oligomers and Their Self-Assembly

Self-assembly characteristics of amphiphilic macromolecules into micelles, nanoparticles and vesicles has been of fundamental interest for many applications including designed nanoscale therapeutic delivery systems and enzymatic reactors. In this work, a class of amphiphilic block oligomers was synthesized from naturally occurring oligosaccharides and aliphatic alcohol precursors, which are all currently prominent in the pharmaceutical, food, and supplement industries. These block oligomer materials were synthesized by functionalization of the precursor materials followed by subsequent coupling by azide-alkyne cycloaddition and their bulk self-assembly was investigated after solvent vapor annealing. Self-assembly of the amphiphilic materials into liposomes in aqueous solution was also investigated after preparing solutions using a nanoprecipitation method. Encapsulation of hydrophobic components was demonstrated and verified using dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy experiments.

Characterization of rice bran wax policosanol and its nanoemulsion formulation

Policosanol, a mixture of long-chain alcohols found in animal and plant waxes, has several biological effects; however, it has a bioavailability of less than 10%. Therefore, there is a need to improve its bioavailability, and one of the ways of doing this is by nanoemulsion formulation. Different droplet size distributions are usually achieved when emulsions are formed, which solely depends on the preparation method used. Mostly, emulsions are intended for better delivery with maintenance of the characteristics and properties of the leading components. In this study, policosanol was extracted from rice bran wax, its composition was determined by gas chromatography mass spectrophotometry, nanoemulsion was made, and the physical stability characteristics were determined. The results showed that policosanol nanoemulsion has a nanosize particle distribution below 100 nm (92.56–94.52 nm), with optimum charge distribution (−55.8 to −45.12 mV), pH (6.79–6.92) and refractive index (1.50); these were monitored and found to be stable for 8 weeks. The stability of policosanol nanoemulsion confers the potential to withstand long storage times.

Wax esters from the marine copepod Calanus finmarchicus reduce diet-induced obesity and obesity-related metabolic disorders in mice

We showed previously that dietary supplementation with oil from the marine zooplankton Calanus finmarchicus (Calanus oil) attenuates obesity, inflammation, and glucose intolerance in mice. More than 80% of Calanus oil consists of wax esters, i.e., long-chain fatty alcohols linked to long-chain fatty acids. In the present study, we compared the metabolic effects of Calanus oil-derived wax esters (WE) with those of purified eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) ethyl esters (E/D) in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity. C57BL/6J mice received a high-fat diet (HFD; 45% energy from fat). After 7 wk, the diet was supplemented with either 1% (wt:wt) WE or 0.2% (wt:wt) E/D. The amount of EPA + DHA in the E/D diet was matched to the total amount of n-3 (ω-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the WE diet. A third group was given an unsupplemented HFD throughout the entire 27-wk feeding period. WE reduced body weight gain, abdominal fat, and liver triacylglycerol by 21%, 34%, and 52%, respectively, and significantly improved glucose tolerance and aerobic capacity. In abdominal fat depots, WE reduced macrophage infiltration by 74% and downregulated expression of proinflammatory genes (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1), whereas adiponectin expression was significantly upregulated. By comparison, E/D primarily suppressed the expression of proinflammatory genes but had less influence on glucose tolerance than WE. E/D affected obesity parameters, aerobic capacity, or adiponectin expression by <10%. These results show that the wax ester component of Calanus oil can account for the biologic effects shown previously for the crude oil. However, these effects cannot exclusively be ascribed to the content of n-3 PUFAs in the wax ester fraction.

Protective effects of octacosanol on 6-hydroxydopamine-induced Parkinsonism in rats via regulation of ProNGF and NGF signaling

AIM

To investigate the protective effects of octacosanol in 6-hydroxydopamine-induced Parkinsonian rats and find whether octacosanol has effects on pro nerve growth factor (pro-NGF), NGF and the downstream effector proteins.

METHODS

Behavioral tests, enzymatic assay, tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry, TUNEL and Western blot were used to investigate the effects of octacosanol in this rat model of PD.

RESULTS

Oral administration of octacosanol (35-70 mg/kg, po for 14 d) significantly improved the behavioral impairments in rats induced by 6-OHDA and dose-dependently preserved the free radical scavenging capability of the striatum. Octacosanol treatment also effectively ameliorated morphological appearances of TH-positive neuronal cells in nigrostriatal systems and decreased the apoptotic cells induced by 6-OHDA in striatum. In addition, octacosanol strikingly blocked the 6-OHDA-induced increased expression of proNGF-p75NTR-sortilin death signaling complex and its downstream effector proteins. Meantime, octacosanol prevented the decreased levels of NGF, its receptors TrkA and p-Akt which together mediated the cell survival pathway.

CONCLUSION

The findings implicated that the anti-parkinsonism effects afforded by octacosanol might be mediated by its neuro-microenvironment improving potency through retrieving the ratios of proNGF:NGF and the respective receptors p75NTR:TrkA in vivo. Due to its excellent tolerability and non-toxicity, octacosanol may be a promising agent for PD treatment.

New hypotheses for the health-protective mechanisms of whole-grain cereals: what is beyond fibre?

Epidemiological studies have clearly shown that whole-grain cereals can protect against obesity, diabetes, CVD and cancers. The specific effects of food structure (increased satiety, reduced transit time and glycaemic response), fibre (improved faecal bulking and satiety, viscosity and SCFA production, and/or reduced glycaemic response) and Mg (better glycaemic homeostasis through increased insulin secretion), together with the antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties of numerous bioactive compounds, especially those in the bran and germ (minerals, trace elements, vitamins, carotenoids, polyphenols and alkylresorcinols), are today well-recognised mechanisms in this protection. Recent findings, the exhaustive listing of bioactive compounds found in whole-grain wheat, their content in whole-grain, bran and germ fractions and their estimated bioavailability, have led to new hypotheses. The involvement of polyphenols in cell signalling and gene regulation, and of sulfur compounds, lignin and phytic acid should be considered in antioxidant protection. Whole-grain wheat is also a rich source of methyl donors and lipotropes (methionine, betaine, choline, inositol and folates) that may be involved in cardiovascular and/or hepatic protection, lipid metabolism and DNA methylation. Potential protective effects of bound phenolic acids within the colon, of the B-complex vitamins on the nervous system and mental health, of oligosaccharides as prebiotics, of compounds associated with skeleton health, and of other compounds such as alpha-linolenic acid, policosanol, melatonin, phytosterols and para-aminobenzoic acid also deserve to be studied in more depth. Finally, benefits of nutrigenomics to study complex physiological effects of the 'whole-grain package', and the most promising ways for improving the nutritional quality of cereal products are discussed.

Triacontanol and jasmonic acid differentially modulate the lipid organization as evidenced by the fluorescent probe behavior and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance shifts in model membranes

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), time-resolved fluorescence and anisotropy decays were determined in large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) of egg phosphatidylcholine with the FRET pair N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)-1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-ethanolamine as donor and lissamine rhodamine B 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine as acceptor, using 2-ps pulses from a Ti:sapphire laser on LUVs with incorporated plant growth regulators: triacontanol (TRIA) and jasmonic acid (JA). FRET efficiency, energy transfer rate, rotation correlation time, microviscosity, and diffusion coefficient of lateral diffusion of lipids were calculated from these results. It was observed that TRIA and JA differentially modulated all parameters studied. The effect of JA in such modulations was always partially reversed by TRIA. Also, the generalized polarization of laurdan fluorescence indicated that JA enhances the degree of hydration in lipid bilayers to a larger extent than does TRIA. Solid-state (31)P magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of LUVs showed two chemical shifts, at 0.009 and -11.988 ppm, at low temperatures (20 degrees C), while at increasing temperatures (20-60 degrees C) only one (at -11.988 ppm) was prominent and the other (0.009 ppm) gradually became obscure. However, LUVs with TRIA exhibited only one of the shifts at 0.353 ppm even at lower temperatures and JA did not affect the chemical shifts.

Antiatherosclerotic function of Kokuto, Okinawan noncentrifugal cane sugar

In the present study, we investigated the effect of phenolic compounds (PCs) and policosanol of Kokuto, Okinawan noncentrifugal cane sugar, on the development of atherosclerosis. A total of 67 male Japanese quail were divided into eight dietary groups in trial 1. The dietary groups were fed the atherosclerotic diet (AD) containing 5% corn oil, 2% cholesterol, and 30% sucrose or seven different types of Kokuto. Dietary intakes of Kokuto notably prevented the development of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation between the serum radical scavenging activity and the degree of atherosclerosis in the dietary groups. In trial 2, a total of 63 Japanese quail were fed AD with sucrose, Kokuto, PC extracts from Kokuto, wax extracts from sugar cane, octacosanol, vitamin C, and vitamin E. As a result, the supplementation of the diet with Kokuto and PCs significantly reduced the development of atherosclerosis as compared with the ingestion of AD with sucrose. In conclusion, these findings suggest that, among various components of Kokuto, PCs play a central role for the prevention of experimental atherosclerosis in Japanese quail.

Modifications in Postprandial Triglyceride-Rich Lipoprotein Composition and Size after the Intake of Pomace Olive Oil

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to determine the composition of postprandial triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL) after the intake of pomace olive oil (POO), which is a subproduct of the extraction of virgin olive oil (VOO) and presents a high concentration of minor components with biological activity.

METHODS

Meals enriched in POO and refined olive oil (ROO) were administrated to 9 healthy young men and blood was extracted every hour during a postprandial period of 7 hours. Serum and TRL lipid composition were measured by enzymatic and chromatographic methods and apolipoprotein B composition by SDS-PAGE.

RESULTS

POO and ROO showed a very similar fatty acid composition but differed in their unsaponifiable fraction. The content of phytosterols, tocopherols, terpenic acids and alcohols and fatty alcohols was much higher in POO than in ROO. Serum lipids were not affected by the administration of the oils but the triglyceride concentration in TRL and the size of the particles (p < 0.05) after POO was higher at time point 2 h and lower at time point 4 h compared with ROO. In contrast, the number of TRL particles was lower after POO, although the rate of clearance was similar.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that the unsaponifiable fraction between the two olive oils affect the size and composition of postprandial TRL, which might have a relevant impact on their atherogenicity.

Policosanol contents and compositions of wheat varieties

Policosanol (PC) is the common name for a mixture of high molecular weight (20-36 carbon) aliphatic primary alcohols, which are constituents of plant epicuticular waxes. Wheat germ oil has been reported to improve human physical fitness, and this effect is attributed to its high PC, specifically its high octacosanol (OC) content. Although the PC composition of wheat leaves has been studied extensively, information on PC content and composition of wheat grain fractions is scarce. The objective of this study was to examine the PC contents and compositions of wheat grain fractions of 31 varieties grown in Oklahoma. PC compositions of the samples were identified using a gas chromatograph coupled with a mass spectrometer. The PC content of wheat bran was higher than that of the germ, shorts, and flour. The Trego and Intrada varieties had the highest PC content among the 31 wheat varieties studied. Tetracosanol (C24), hexacosanol (C26), and OC (C28) were the major PC components in all varieties. This study showed that wheat varieties grown under identical growing conditions and management differ significantly in PC content and composition.

Nutritional significance and metabolism of very long chain fatty alcohols and acids from dietary waxes

Very long chain fatty alcohols obtained from plant waxes and beeswax have been reported to lower plasma cholesterol in humans. This review discusses nutritional or regulatory effects produced by wax esters or aliphatic acids and alcohols found in unrefined cereal grains, beeswax, and many plant-derived foods. Reports suggest that 5-20 mg per day of mixed C24-C34 alcohols, including octacosanol and triacontanol, lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by 21%-29% and raise high-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 8%-15%. Wax esters are hydrolyzed by a bile salt-dependent pancreatic carboxyl esterase, releasing long chain alcohols and fatty acids that are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Studies of fatty alcohol metabolism in fibroblasts suggest that very long chain fatty alcohols, fatty aldehydes, and fatty acids are reversibly inter-converted in a fatty alcohol cycle. The metabolism of these compounds is impaired in several inherited human peroxisomal disorders, including adrenoleukodystrophy and Sjögren-Larsson syndrome. Reports on dietary management of these diseases confirm that very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) are normal constituents of the human diet and are synthesized endogenously. Concentrations of VLCFA in blood plasma increase during fasting and when children are placed on ketogenic diets to suppress seizures. Existing data support the hypothesis that VLCFA exert regulatory roles in cholesterol metabolism in the peroxisome and also alter LDL uptake and metabolism.

Octacosanol Supplementation Increases Running Endurance Time and Improves Biochemical Parameters After Exhaustion in Trained Rats

This study evaluated the effects of octacosanol on running performance and related biochemical parameters in exercise-trained rats run to exhaustion on a treadmill. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of three groups - sedentary control group (SC), exercise-trained control group (EC), and exercise-trained, octacosanol-supplemented group (EO) - and raised on either control or octacosanol (0.75%)-supplemented diet with (or without for SC rats) exercise-training for 4 weeks. EC rats ran 184% longer until exhaustion than SC rats (P <.01), while octacosanol-supplemented trained rats ran 46% longer than EC rats (P <.05). Under the exhausted state immediately following the running performance test, EO rats exhibited significantly higher plasma ammonia and lactate concentrations compared with the values for EC rats (P <.05). Although EO rats ran significantly longer until exhausted, their plasma glucose level and gastronecmius muscle glycogen concentration were not significantly different from those of EC rats. Dietary supplementation of octacosanol resulted in significantly higher creatine phosphokinase activity in plasma (44% increase, P <.01) and citrate synthase activity in muscle (16% increase, P<.01) of exercise-trained rats. These results suggest that the ergogenic properties of octacosanol include the sparing of muscle glycogen stores and increases in the oxidative capacity in the muscle of exercise-trained rats.

Time-dependent effects of a high-energy-yielding diet on the regulation of specific white adipose tissue genes

White adipose tissue development is regulated by many factors, including the energy content of food and the genetic background. Nevertheless, little is known about possible differential effects of high-fat palatable diets when fed for short or long-time periods. Thus, the expression of certain genes involved with lipid metabolism (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, PPARgamma2; retinoic receptors; fatty acid binding protein, aP2 and uncoupling proteins, UCP) may be affected by those dietary manipulations (high-energy-yielding diet and time duration of feeding). High-fat feeding for 8 days decreased mRNA UCP3 levels compared to control fed animals, while feeding for 30 days increased them over controls. Similar findings occurred for PPARgamma2 and aP2. Furthermore, statistically significant associations were found among PPARgamma2, aP2 and UCP3 mRNA levels. These data suggest a physiological time-dependent response seeking to prevent excessive fat deposition when animals are fed for short-term with a high amount of dietary fat, which was followed by an adaptive period to the high-energy content of diet throughout a coregulation among certain lipid metabolism related genes: PPARgamma2, aP2, UCP3.

Cholesterol-lowering effect of policosanol on rabbits with hypercholesterolaemia induced by a wheat starch-casein diet

The effect of policosanol, a mixture of high-molecular-weight aliphatic alcohols isolated from sugarcane wax, on casein-induced hypercholesterolaemia in rabbits was studied. When policosanol was administered by the oral route once daily for 30 d (50 mg/kg) the increases in plasma total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol (LDC-C) were significantly reduced when compared with the control group. The incorporation of 3H2O into sterols in the liver was significantly depressed, suggesting inhibition of hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis. The oral administration of policosanol raised the rate of removal of 125I-labelled LDL from serum. Kinetic parameters calculated following injection of [125I]LDL showed than in casein-fed rabbits, the terminal half-life (t1/2) was significantly decreased after policosanol treatment. The hepatic LDL-binding activity was increased after policosanol administration which suggested that the enhanced clearance was due, at least in part, to increased receptor-mediated uptake of LDL by the liver. Considered together, these results suggest that policosanol can significantly reduce the increase of plasma LDL-C in rabbits fed on a wheat starch-casein diet by reducing cholesterol biosynthesis in the liver. Such an effect could account for the enhancement of LDL catabolism through the receptor-mediated pathway.