Increased serum triglycerides and reduced HDL cholesterol in male rats after intake of ammonium chloride for 3 weeks

Drinking Natural Mineral Water Maintains Bone Health in Young Rats With Metabolic Acidosis

Introduction

Metabolic acidosis affects bone health. It remains unclear whether drinking natural mineral water is better for maintaining bone health in the youth with metabolic acidosis.

Materials and Methods

Sixty young female rats (3-weeks-old) were randomly divided into three groups and drank purified water (PW, as control), bicarbonate-rich natural mineral water (Bic-NMW), or sulfate-rich natural mineral water (Sul-NMW), which, respectively, contained calcium (0.17, 155, and 175 mg/L), bicarbonate (0.1360, and 139 mg/L) and sulfate (0, 35.6, and 532 mg/L), for 16 weeks. In the last 3 weeks, metabolic acidosis was induced in 10 rats per group by adding NH₄Cl (0.28 mM) to drinking water. The rats' blood, urine, and femur were collected for assessing acid-base status, calcium metabolism, bone microstructure, and strength. The difference between the three groups was determined using one-way ANOVA followed by the Student–Newman–Keuls test or Dunnett's T3 test.

Results

Compared with the PW rats, the Bic-NMW rats and the Sul-NMW rats had less urine net acid excretion (−1.51, 0.20 vs. 10.77, EQ/L), higher bone mineral density (442.50, 407.49 vs. 373.28, mg/mm³), growth cartilage width (271.83, 283.83 vs. 233.27, μm) and cortical trabecular area (9.33, 9.55 vs. 5.05, mm²), and smaller cortical marrow cavity area (5.40, 5.49 vs. 7.27, mm²) in the femur (P < 0.05). Besides, the Bic-NMW rats had less serum calcium (2.53 vs. 2.68, mmol/L) and C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type-I collagen (1.35 vs. 1.93, ng/mL), and higher serum calcitonin (0.61 vs. 0.39, μg/L), femoral trabecular thickness (0.10 vs. 0.09, μm), bone volume/total volume (0.42 vs. 0.34, %), cortical bone area (15.91 vs. 12.80, mm²), and ultimate stress (35.12 vs. 29.32, MPa) (P < 0.05). The Sul-NMW rats had more osteoclasts (22.50 vs. 11.54, cells/field) (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Drinking natural mineral water, especially bicarbonate-rich natural mineral water, is effective in improving bone health in young rats with metabolic acidosis. These benefits include maintaining bone mineral density, and improving bone microstructure and biomechanical properties via moderating metabolic acidosis.

Phyllanthus amarus attenuated derangement in renal-cardiac function, redox status, lipid profile and reduced TNF-α, interleukins-2, 6 and 8 in high salt diet fed rats

High salt diet (HSD) has been implicated in the etiopathogenesis of immune derangement, cardiovascular disorders and, metabolic syndromes. This study investigated the protective effect of ethanol extract of Phyllanthus amarus (EEPA) against high salt diet (HSD) induced biochemical and metabolic derangement in male Wistar rats. The rats were divided into 5 groups of 6 animals each as follows; control group fed with normal rat chow, negative control group, fed HSD only, animals on HSD treated orally with 75 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and, 150 mg/kg EEPA once daily. At the end of 8 weeks treatment, lipid profile (TG, TC, LDL, and VLDL), oxidative stress (catalase, reduced glutathione, and malondialdehyde), inflammatory (TNF-a, interleukins 2, 6, and 8), cardiac (lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase) and kidney function markers (urea, uric acid, creatinine) were assessed. Serum TG, TC, LDL, and VLDL content were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated in HSD-only fed rats, while HDL was significantly elevated in a concentration-dependent manner in EEPA treated animals. The extract produced a significant (p < 0.05) and dose-dependent increase in the antioxidant enzymes activities and a significant reduction in the malondialdehyde level. A significant (p < 0.05) dose-dependent reduction in serum TNF-alpha, IL-2, 6, and 8 of EEPA treated rats compared with HSD-fed rats was observed. More so, reduction in serum LDH, creatine kinase, creatinine, urea, and uric acid activity of extract-treated animals were noted. EEPA attenuated high salt diet-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and dyslipidemia in rats.

Supplements of an aqueous combination of Justicia adhatoda and Ocimum tenuiflorum boost antioxidative effects and impede hyperlipidemia

BACKGROUND

Justicia adhatoda and Ocimum tenuiflorum, locally known as bashok and tulsi, are two ethnomedicinally important herbs that have been using as dietary supplements for several therapeutic applications. This study evaluated the combined effect of both the herbs as an antioxidative and antihyperlipidemic agent.

METHODS

Antihyperlipidemic effect was assessed in a high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic model in Wistar albino rats. The rats were treated orally with extracts of bashok (J adhatoda, 200 mg/kg bw), tulshi (O tenuiflorum, 200 mg/kg bw), and a combination of bashok and tulshi (50:50), as well as with a reference drug, atorvastatin (10 mg/kg/day), with or without high-fat diet for 14 days. The antioxidative effect was studied using established in vitro models. The studies were supported by experimentally testing the effects of the extracts on membrane stabilization and inhibition of protein denaturation.

RESULTS

The results showed that the serum lipid profile was significantly decreased in the different treatment groups, with bashok having the greatest effect. Body weights, total serum protein, LDH, and relative liver and adipose tissue weights were markedly restored towards baseline values, the lowest atherogenic index being achieved with the combined extract. The combination treatment significantly enhanced total phenolic content and antioxidative capacity and greatly potentiated membrane stabilization, but inhibition of protein denaturation was not significantly affected.

CONCLUSION

The data demonstrate that a combination of Justicia adhatoda and Ocimum tenuiflorum could be developed as a food supplement with antioxidative and antihyperlipidemic benefits.

Protective effect of Chuquiraga spinosa Lessing associated with simvastatin on N-Nitroso-N-methylurea (NMU)-induced prostate cancer in rats

Background and objective

Chuquiraga spinosa Lessing (ChS) has shown protective effect on  N-Nitroso-N-methylurea (NMU)-induced prostate cancer in rats. Currently, statins are being studied for their pro-apoptotic and antimetastatic effects. The main objective of this research was to determine the protective effect associated with the oral administration of simvastatin and ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of ChS in the prevention of prostate cancer.

Methods

Fifty-six albino male rats were randomized into seven groups: I) negative control: physiological serum: 2 mL/kg; II) TCN: testosterone 100 mg/kg + cyproterone 50 mg/kg + NMU 50 mg/kg; III) TCN + S40 (simvastatin 40 mg/kg); IV) TCN + ChS250 (ChS 250 mg/kg); V) TCN + ChS50 (ChS 50 mg/kg) + S40; VI) TCN + ChS250 (ChS 250 mg/kg) + S40; and VII) TCN + ChS500 (ChS 500 mg/kg) + S40. The antioxidant activity was tested by using (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) (DPPH) assay. Hematology, toxicological biochemical parameters, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), histology and prostate size were evaluated as main indicators of protective effect.

Results

Triglyceride values were decreased in the groups receiving ChS, being significant (P=0.02) in IV and VII group compared to cancer-inducing group (TCN). In groups that received ChS, PSA levels (P=0.71) were significant compared with TCN group. The VII group had the lowest prostate volume by sonography. The TCN group showed multiple foci of high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HG-PIN) with the presence of cells in mitosis; whilst, groups V and VI had few areas of HG-PIN.

Conclusion

In experimental conditions, the ethanolic extract of C. spinosa in association with simvastatin showed a protective effect on prostate cancer through hypolipidemic and antioxidant activity.

Changes in glucose-lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and inflammatory factors in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease

Background

Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is a common organ‐specific autoimmune disorder, and genetic, environmental, and endogenous factors are responsible for initiation of thyroid autoimmunity. Some AITD patients suffer from a certain degree of glucose‐lipid metabolism disorder. This study aims to explore the changes in glucose‐lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and inflammatory factors in patients with AITD.

Methods

A total of 91 patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis were retrospectively analyzed and divided into hypothyroidism group (n = 42) and normal thyroid group (n = 49), while 50 healthy people were selected as control group. The changes in glucose‐lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and inflammatory factors in each group were compared, and their correlations with the thyroid function were analyzed.

Results

The levels of serum interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), IL‐12, IL‐10, (FINS), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) were gradually declined in sequence of hypothyroidism group, normal thyroid group, and control group (P < 0.05). In hypothyroidism group, the levels of serum‐free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) were significantly lower than those in normal thyroid group (P < 0.05), while the level of serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was significantly higher than that in normal thyroid group (P < 0.05). However, the fasting blood glucose and 2‐hour postprandial blood glucose levels had no statistically significant differences among the three groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Autoimmune thyroid disease patients are prone to fat metabolism disorder, and the serum thyroid hormone level has a close correlation with blood lipid metabolism, insulin metabolism, and inflammatory factors.

Cardiovascular Health of Construction Workers in Hong Kong: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Given a shortage of construction workers, it is important to develop strategies to avoid early retirement caused by cardiovascular diseases in Hong Kong. Objectives: (1) to describe the cardiovascular health of construction workers in Hong Kong, (2) to examine the demographic differences in cardiovascular health, and (3) to examine the association between health behaviors and cardiovascular health factors. Methods: 626 registered construction workers were included in the analysis. Blood chemistry, blood pressure, weight, and height were measured. Face-to-face questionnaire interviews for health behaviors were conducted. Results: Approximately two-thirds of the construction workers achieved only three out of the seven “ideal” cardiovascular health metrics. The younger, more educated, and female subjects had better cardiovascular health scores than the older, less educated, and male counterparts. Fish and seafood consumption was associated with (1) ideal weight status and (2) ideal cholesterol level, whereas less soft drink consumption was associated with ideal cholesterol level. Conclusions: The findings highlighted the importance of promoting cardiovascular health in the construction industry. This study provided some insights for future interventions, which should include increasing fish and seafood intake, decreasing soft drink consumption, and enhancing the health literacy amongst older, less educated, and male construction workers.

Partial Reversal of Obesity-Induced Insulin Resistance Owing to Anti-Inflammatory Immunomodulatory Potential of Flaxseed Oil

The present study was designed to assess the potential of supplementation of diet with Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum, L.) oil (FXO), on obesity-related inflammation and reversal of obesity-induced insulin resistance. Swiss Albino mice, C57bl/6 mice and co-culture of 3T3-L1 adipocytes - RAW 264.7 macrophages to mimick obese adipose tissue environment were used for the study. Oral gavage of FXO at concentrations of 4, 8 or 16 mg/kg body weight (bwt) for 4 weeks or high-fat diet (HFD, 60% energy as fat) supplemented with dietary FXO (4, 8 or 16 mg/kg bwt) was given to the mice. FXO was characterised using gas chromatography - mass spectrometry. FXO supplemented HFD-fed mice (4 mg/kg bwt exhibited reduced adiposity index, serum glucose levels and triglycerides (8 and 16 mg/kg bwt) and improvement in insulin sensitisation (4, 8 and 16 mg/kg bwt) when compared with HFD mice. The co-culture showed a dose-dependent shift in cytokines towards anti-inflammatory (IL-4) state, with a decrease in pro-inflammatory TNF-α (p < 0.05). For immunomodulatory studies a dose-dependent increase (p < 0.05) was observed in antigen-specific levels of Th2 (IL-4) cytokine, serum anti-ova IgG1 and IgE levels. Suppression in anti-ova IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG3 and antigen-specific Th1 cytokines like TNF-α and IFN-γ significantly (p < 0.05) was observed at 16 mg/kg bwt dosage. The results indicate that FXO exhibits an anti-inflammatory immunomodulatory potential and may partially relieve symptoms of obesity-associated insulin resistance.

High-dose consumption of NaCl resulted in severe degradation of lipoproteins associated with hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and infertility via impairment of testicular spermatogenesis

Although the effect of NaCl on serum lipid levels and hypertension is well known, the detailed mechanism of lipoprotein metabolism still remains unclear. To study the physiological effects of high salt consumption on lipoprotein metabolism, NaCl was administered to human cells and zebrafish. Wildtype zebrafish (10-week old) were fed 10% NaCl (wt/wt) in tetrabit diet with or without 4% cholesterol (wt/wt) for 21 weeks. Treatment with NaCl accelerated oxidation and glycation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) as well as induced proteolytic degradation and aggregation. NaCl treatment also exacerbated phagocytosis of oxLDL into macrophage as well as cytotoxicity. The consumption of high salt diet (HSD, final 5% or 10% in diet, wt/wt) supplemented with or without 4% cholesterol for 21 weeks resulted in a remarkable elevation of serum cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, and hepatic inflammation levels in zebrafish with significant weight loss. Fertility based on egg production was reduced by up to 45% in the HSD group. However, embryonic survivability after hatching was significantly lowered to less than 55%, whereas the control group showed 87% survival. The HSD group showed abnormal testicular histology as well as spermatogenic defects, especially upon the consumption of HCD. These results suggest that hyperlipidemia and high salt consumption have an additive effect on male fertility impairment. High salt consumption exacerbates hyperlipidemia, inflammation, spermatogenic defects, and infertility via a modification of lipoproteins.