Biological evaluation of some modified snacks

This investigation aims to assess the effect on health of some modified snacks prepared by addition of different food items known to be rich either in protein or compounds with health value. A basic formula based on snacks available in the local market was modified by adding each of eggs, whey protein, chickpea, soybean, wheat germ, carrot, orange peel or strawberry. The modified products were evaluated through assessment of their effect on lipid pattern and possible atherosclerosis by following the level of plasma total cholesterol and triglycerides, the state of oxidation stress through estimation of R.B.C's malondialdehyde [MDA] and plasma superoxide dismutase enzyme activity [SOD] and the state of the liver and bile duct through determining the level of gamma -glutamyl transferase [gamma -GT]. Groups of rats were given either the basic formula of snack or the modified ones together with a selectively high cholesterol level. It was observed that the modified formulas succeeded to protect against the increase in plasma cholesterol and triglycerides. Also they protect against the state of oxidation stress confirmed by decreased MDA level and with no hazard on the liver indicated by the normal or even low activity of gamma -GT. It is concluded that snacks available in the local market can be modified to better ones through addition of different food items. The modified snacks are of high protein content and can protect against hyperlipidemia and oxidation stress with no harmful effect on liver

impact of antioxidant supplementation on improving antioxidant status among Egyptian porcelain workers exposed to benzene

Workers exposed to hydrocarbon were reported to suffer from oxidative stress due to over production of reactive oxygen species [ROS]. Cells are protected against ROS by an integrated antioxidants defense system, and some interacting elements. This study aims to assess the antioxidant status of Egyptian workers occupationally exposed to the inhalation of benzene in porcelain industry. The protective role of pharmaceutical preparation based on capsules containing vitamins A, C and E and the trace elements selenium and zinc were studied as well. This study consisted of 33 porcelain workers and 33 age - matched controls. Baseline data included the determinations of plasma malondialdehyde [MDA], total-carotenes, vitamins A, C and E; selenium [Se] and zinc [Zn] and the erythocytic reduced glutathione [GSH], enzyme activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase [SOD]. The porcelain workers administered daily capsules for 30 days. At the termination of the supplementation period, blood samples were collected for the analysis of the same biomarkers indicated above. The results demonstrated that at baseline, plasma MDA was significantly higher compared to the respective mean value of the control group. On the other hand, the mean blood GSH level and the activities of catalase and SOD were significantly lower than controls. Similar trend was found with the plasma levels of vitamins A, C, E, Se and Zn. The 30 day administration of the pharmaceutical preparation to the porcelain workers corrected all the studied biochemical parameters and the mean values were quite overlapping with those of the controls. porcelain workers are potentially at high risk of lipid peroxide [LPO] induced injuries. Rigid preventive measures should be undertaken to minimize exposure to benzene with concomitant monitoring of their health status and prophylactic intervention with antioxidant vitamins and trace elements supplements

Impact of low dietary carbohydrate diets on some nutritional and clinicopathological parameters of cat fish [clarious lazara] infected with saprolegnia parasitica and exposed to copper nitrite

The effect of low dietary carbohydrate diet on catfish infested with Saprolegnia parasitica and treated with copper nitrite was studied for three weeks. Results obtained showed, nonsignificant decrease in levels of Hb, PCV% and iron with nonsignificant increase of creatinine. Significantly, marked elevations were recorded for serum copper, sodium and cortisol during the three weeks of the experimental period, while insulin, potassium, urea, ALT and AST were increased significantly during only the first and second week of experimental period. It was concluded that copper nitrite as a treatment for saprolegnia infestation in catfish fed low dietary carbohydrate diet produced metabolic stress, cell damage with malfunction of the hemopoietic system

effect of adding lemon juice or mint to tea or fenugreek on iron absorption

The effect of each of tea and fenugreek beverages on intestinal iron absorption was tested on rats. Absorption tests were done in tied off intestinal segments in vivo. The tied off segments included the duodenum and the front part of jejunum. The effect of addition of lemon juice or mint to these beverages were also tested. The results show that tea and fenugreek hinder the absorption of iron. Addition of lemon juice to tea beverage slightly improved the absorption of iron. Lemon juice appreciably promoted the absorption of iron from fenugreek. Mint did not improve absorption of iron from tea. It is recommended to add lemon juice to tea or fenugreek beverage to minimize the hindering action of these two beverages on absorption of iron