El caseinato de sodio y la caseína α inhiben la proliferación de la línea celular mieloide de ratón 32D clone 3 (32Dcl3) mediante el TNF-α / Sodium caseinate and alfa-casein inhibit proliferation of the mouse myeloid cell line 32D clone 3 (32Dcl3) via TNF-α

Resumen Introducción. Se ha demostrado que el caseinato de sodio y sus componentes (caseínas α, β y κ) inhiben la proliferación de la línea celular hematopoyética de ratón 32D clone 3 (32Dcl3) e inducen su diferenciación hacia macrófagos. Se sabe que la caseína α induce la producción de IL-1β y que esta última citocina inhibe la proliferación celular mediante la producción del factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (TNF-α), pero se desconoce si el caseinato de sodio y las caseínas inducen la producción de TNF y si este es el responsable de la inhibición de la proliferación. Objetivo. Evaluar si el caseinato de sodio y las caseínas α, β y κ inhiben la proliferación de la línea celular 32Dcl3 mediante la producción de TNF-α. Materiales y métodos. Se usaron diferentes concentraciones de caseinato de sodio y de las caseínas α, β y κ en las células 32Dcl3. Posteriormente, se evaluaron la viabilidad celular mediante una prueba con el MTT [3-(4,5-dimetiltiazol-2-ilo)-2,5-difeniltetrazol], la inducción de apoptosis con la citometría de flujo y la síntesis del TNF-α con el ELISA. Además, se hicieron pruebas de neutralización con anti-TNF-α en células 32Dcl3 tratadas con caseinato de sodio y caseína α, y se evaluó la proliferación celular. Resultados. Se encontró que el caseinato de sodio y las caseínas α, β y κ reducían la proliferación de la línea celular 32Dcl3 sin afectar la viabilidad, y que solo el caseinato y la caseína α inducían la apoptosis y la liberación al medio de TNF-α. La proliferación de células 32Dcl3 tratadas con caseinato y caseína α se restableció al usar anticuerpos anti-TNF-α. Conclusión. El TNF-α fue el principal responsable de la inhibición de la proliferación en las células 32Dcl3 tratadas con caseinato de sodio o caseína α.

Abstract Introduction: Sodium caseinate (CS) and its components (alpha-casein, beta-casein, and kappa-casein) have been shown to inhibit the proliferation of the mouse hematopoietic 32D clone 3 (32Dcl3) cell line and induce its differentiation into macrophages. It is well-known that alpha-casein induces IL-1β production and that this cytokine inhibits the proliferation via the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), but it is not known if CS and the caseins inhibit the proliferation via TNF-alpha production. Objective: To evaluate if CS and alpha-casein, beta-casein and kappa-casein inhibit the proliferation on 32Dcl3 cell line via TNF-alpha. Materials and methods: We used different concentrations of CS, alpha-casein, beta-casein and kappa-casein in 32Dcl3 cells to evaluate cell proliferation. We assessed cell viability by MTT, induction to apoptosis by flow cytometry, and TNF-alpha synthesis by ELISA. Additionally, we performed anti-TNF-alpha neutralization assays on 32Dcl3 cells treated with CS and alpha-casein and we evaluated proliferation. Results: The results showed that CS, alpha-casein, beta-casein, and kappa-casein reduced proliferation of the 32Dcl3 cell line without affecting the viability and that only CS and alpha-casein induced apoptosis and the release of TNF-alpha. The 32Dcl3 cells treated with CS and alpha-casein reestablished their proliferation by using anti-TNF-alpha antibodies. Conclusion: TNF-alpha was the main responsible for the inhibition of proliferation in 32Dcl3 cells treated with CS or alpha-casein.

In vitro effect of amorphous calcium phosphate paste applied for extended periods of time on enamel remineralization

Abstract Dental applications based on the unique characteristics of amorphous calcium phosphate stabilized by casein phosphopeptides (CPP-ACP) have been proposed, as well as the improvement of its properties. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the ability of topically applied CPP-ACP from a commercial product to remineralize subsurface lesions when applied for extended periods of time (3 h and 8 h). Material and Methods: Artificially induced carious lesions were produced in 50 bovine enamel blocks previously selected by surface hardness. After treatments with gel without F and CPP-ACP applied for 1 minute (Placebo); 2% NaF neutral gel applied for 1 minute (Fluoride 1 min); CPP-ACP applied for 3 min (ACP 3 min); and CPP-ACP applied for 3 h (ACP 3 h) and for 8 h (ACP 8 h), the enamel blocks were submitted to the remineralization pH-cycling. Surface hardness and synchrotron micro-tomography were used to determine the percentage of surface hardness recovery (%SHR) and to calculate mineral concentration (gHAp.cm−3), respectively. The data were submitted to ANOVA followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls test (p<0.05). Results: Fluoride gel presented higher %SHR followed by ACP 3 min (p<0.001). No difference (p = 0.148) was found for Placebo, ACP 3 h and ACP 8 h groups for %SHR. Fluoride gel showed greater mineral concentration (p<0.001) when compared with the other groups. ACP 3 min demonstrated a significant difference (p<0.001) from ACP 3 h and ACP 8 h. The ACP 3 h and 8 h presented a subsurface lesion with development of laminations in all blocks. Conclusion: In this in vitro study the use of CPP-ACP for extended periods of time did not produce an additive effect in the remineralization process.

Effect of CPP-ACP paste with and without CO2 laser irradiation on demineralized enamel microhardness and bracket shear bond strength

ABSTRACT Introduction: Many patients seeking orthodontic treatment already have incipient enamel lesions and should be placed under preventive treatments. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of CPP-ACP paste and CO2 laser irradiation on demineralized enamel microhardness and shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets. Methods: Eighty caries-free human premolars were subjected to a demineralization challenge using Streptococcus mutans. After demineralization, the samples were randomly divided into five equal experimental groups: Group 1 (control), the brackets were bonded without any surface treatment; Group 2, the enamel surfaces were treated with CPP-ACP paste for 4 minutes before bonding; Group 3, the teeth were irradiated with CO2 laser beams at a wavelength of 10.6 µm for 20 seconds. The samples in Groups 4 and 5 were treated with CO2 laser either before or through CPP-ACP application. SEM photomicrographs of a tooth from each group were taken to observe the enamel surface. The brackets were bonded to the buccal enamel using a conventional method. Shear bond strength of brackets and ARI scores were measured. Vickers microhardness was measured on the non-bonded enamel surface. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey test at the p< 0.05 level. Results: The mean shear bond strength and microhardness of the laser group were higher than those in the control group and this difference was statistically significant (p< 0.05). All groups showed a higher percentage of ARI score 4. Conclusion: CO2 laser at a wavelength of 10.6 µm significantly increased demineralized enamel microhardness and enhanced bonding to demineralized enamel.

RESUMO Introdução: muitos pacientes, ao buscar o tratamento ortodôntico, já apresentam lesões incipientes no esmalte e precisam ser submetidos a tratamentos preventivos. O objetivo do presente estudo in vitro foi avaliar o efeito da pasta CPP-ACP e da irradiação com laser de CO2 na microdureza do esmalte desmineralizado e na resistência ao cisalhamento de braquetes ortodônticos. Métodos: oitenta pré-molares humanos hígidos foram submetidos a desmineralização usando Streptococcus mutans. Após a desmineralização, as amostras foram divididas aleatoriamente em cinco grupos experimentais: Grupo 1 (controle), os braquetes foram colados sem qualquer tratamento de superfície; Grupo 2, a superfície do esmalte foi tratada com pasta CPP-ACP por 4 minutos antes da colagem; Grupo 3, os dentes foram irradiados com laser de CO2 no comprimento de onda de 10,6 µm, por 20 segundos; Grupos 4 e 5, as amostras foram tratadas com laser de CO2 antes ou durante a aplicação de CPP-ACP. Foram feitas fotomicrografias por Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV) de um dente de cada grupo, para avaliação da superfície do esmalte. Os braquetes foram colados ao esmalte na face vestibular, usando-se o método convencional. Foram medidos a resistência ao cisalhamento dos braquetes e o escore do Índice de Adesivo Remanescente (ARI). A microdureza Vickers foi medida nas superfícies do esmalte onde não foi realizada colagem. Os dados foram analisados com ANOVA e teste Tukey ao nível de p< 0,05. Resultados: a média da força de resistência ao cisalhamento e da microdureza do grupo laser foi superior à do grupo controle, com diferença estatisticamente significativa (p < 0,05). Todos os grupos apresentaram maior porcentagem do escore ARI=4. Conclusões: o laser de CO2 no comprimento de onda de 10,6 µm aumentou significativamente a microdureza do esmalte desmineralizado e melhorou a adesão dos braquetes nele.

In situ effect of CPP-ACP chewing gum upon erosive enamel loss

Abstract Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) is able to increase salivary calcium and phosphate levels at an acidic pH. Previous studies demonstrated that a CPP-ACP chewing gum was able to enhance the re-hardening of erosion lesions, but could not diminish enamel hardness loss. Therefore, there is no consensus regarding the effectiveness of CPP-ACP on dental erosion. Objective This in situ study investigated the ability of a CPP-ACP chewing gum in preventing erosive enamel loss. Material and Methods: During three experimental crossover phases (one phase per group) of seven days each, eight volunteers wore palatal devices with human enamel blocks. The groups were: GI - Sugar free chewing gum with CPP-ACP; GII - Conventional sugar free chewing gum; and GIII - No chewing gum (control). Erosive challenge was extraorally performed by immersion of the enamel blocks in cola drink (5 min, 4x/day). After each challenge, in groups CPP and No CPP, volunteers chewed one unit of the corresponding chewing gum for 30 minutes. Quantitative analysis of enamel loss was performed by profilometry (µm). Data were analyzed by Repeated-Measures ANOVA and Tukey's test (p<0.05). Results The use of chewing gum (CPP and No CPP) resulted in lower erosive enamel loss compared with the control group (p<0.05). CPP-ACP chewing gum (CPP) did not improve the protection against erosive enamel loss compared with conventional chewing gum (No CPP) (p>0.05). Conclusion The CPP-ACP chewing gum was not able to enhance the anti-erosive effect of conventional chewing gum against enamel loss.

Concentration of calcium, phosphate and fluoride ions in microbial plaque and saliva after using CPP-ACP paste in 6-9 year-old children

Statement of Problem: Dental caries is one of the most common chronic diseases in children. The balance between demineralization and remineralization of the decayed teeth depends on the calcium and phosphate content of the tooth surface. Therefore, if a product such as casein phospho peptides - amorphous calcium phosphate [CPP-ACP] which can significantly increase the availability of calcium and phosphate in the plaque and saliva should have an anti-caries protective effect

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the concentration of calcium, phosphate and fluoride in the plaque and saliva of children before and after applying the CPP-ACP paste

Materials and Methods: A total of 25 children aged between 6-9 years were selected for this clinical trial study. At first, 1 ml of unstimulated saliva was collected and then 1 mg of the plaque sample was collected from the buccal surfaces of the two first primary molars on the upper jaw. In the next step, CPP-ACP paste [GC Corp, Japan] was applied on the tooth surfaces and then the plaque and saliva sampling was performed after 60 minutes. The amount of calcium ions was measured by Ion meter instrument [Metrohm Co, Swiss] and the amounts of phosphate and fluoride ions were measured by Ion Chromatography instrument [Metrohm Co, Swiss]. Data were analyzed using paired t-test at a p < 0.05 level of significance

Results: There were statistically significant differences in the calcium and phosphate concentration of the saliva and plaque before and after applying the CPP-ACP paste. There were also statistically significant differences in the fluoride levels of the plaque before and after applying the CPP-ACP paste. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the fluoride levels of the saliva before and after applying the CPP-ACP paste

Conclusions: In this study, the use of the CPP-ACP paste significantly increased the fluoride levels of the plaque and the calcium and phosphate levels of both saliva and plaque. Hence, CPP-ACP paste can facilitate the remineralization of tooth surfaces and is useful for protecting the primary teeth

Effects of protein quality on appetite and energy metabolism in normal weight subjects / Efeitos da qualidade proteica no apetite e metabolismo energético de indivíduos eutróficos

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of consumption of different protein sources on food intake and energy expenditure in normal weight subjects. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Breakfast preparations (casein, soy protein, whey protein or control) were ingested during seven consecutive days. Appetite, food intake, and energy expenditure were assessed. RESULTS: Casein consumption led to a lower energy intake than whey protein. There was lower energy intake on day 7 than on day 1 of the casein session. Soy protein preparations resulted in higher diet induced thermogenesis (DIT) than in control preparations. The respiratory quotient (RQ) obtained in the whey protein session was lower than the control and soy protein sessions. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the consumption of different protein types leads to distinct effects on satiety (casein), DIT (soy protein), and/or RQ (whey protein).

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os efeitos do consumo de diferentes fontes proteicas na ingestão alimentar e gasto energético em indivíduos eutróficos. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Preparações (caseína, proteína da soja, proteína do soro de leite ou controle) foram ingeridas no desjejum, durante sete dias consecutivos. RESULTADOS: A caseína resultou em menor ingestão calórica do que o soro de leite. Houve uma menor ingestão calórica no último dia da sessão da caseína em relação ao primeiro dia. Preparações contendo proteína da soja resultaram em maior termogênese induzida pela dieta (TID) em comparação às preparações controle. O cociente respiratório (CR) obtido na sessão do soro de leite foi menor que na sessão controle e da proteína da soja. CONCLUSÃO: Esses resultados sugerem que o consumo de diferentes tipos de proteínas resulta em efeitos distintos na saciedade (caseína), TID (proteína da soja) e/ou CR (proteína do soro).

Hypocholesterolemic effect of protein prepared from Phaseolus aconitifolius (Jacq.).

Hypocholesterolemic effect of protein concentrate (PC) prepared from moth bean (Phaseolus aconitifolius Jacq.) seeds relative to that of pigeon pea PC and casein were investigated in rats fed on hypercholesterolemic diet containing two per cent cholesterol. The test diets containing casein and legume PCs at 10% protein level were fed to albino rats (Wistar strain) for 45 days. Compared to casein, the two legume PCs produced significantly lower levels of liver total lipid and cholesterol levels except that pigeon pea PC produced only non-significant decrease of total cholesterols in the heart. In addition, the legume PCs produced significantly lower levels of serum triglycerides and total lipids as well as lower levels of total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Moreover, only moth bean PC produced a significantly higher level of serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Generally, PC of moth bean seemed to be more potent at lowering the elevated hepatic and serum lipids and cholesterol levels, which were attributed to the amino acid profile of this lesser-known legume as these indices well correlated with serum cholesterol levels.

Protection of adrenocortical activity by dietary casein in ether anaesthetized rats.

Adrenal delta5-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (delta5-3beta-HSD) activity and serum corticosterone level were significantly higher in rats fed with 5% casein or 4% albumin diets after 1 hr of ether anaesthetic stress as compared to the controls, 5% casein and 20% casein (equivalent to 4% albumin) respectively. Ether anaesthesia to 20% casein fed rats caused no change in adrenal delta5-3beta-HSD activity and serum corticosterone level when compared with controls fed 20% casein diet. The results suggest that high milk protein diet may prevent acute stress effects by protecting adrenocortical activity. The present investigation opens up a new area of management of stress.

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in Gloriosa L.

Friable callus was initiated from shoot apices of Gloriosa superba L. on basal MS medium supplemented with 2, 4-D (4mg L(-1)) + Kn(5 mg L(-1)) + CH(10 mg L(-1)) + CW(20%). Subculture of callus on the same medium after 4-5 weeks showed induction of large number of somatic embryos, which was confirmed with histological studies. Development of embryoids in plantlet took place when the embryogenic callus was transferred to basal MS medium supplemented with BAP (5 mg L(-1)), CH(50 mg L(-1)) +CW(20%). Roots were developed by subculturing them on to the medium containing Kn or BAP (5 mg L(-1)) and IBA (4 mg L(-1)). Plantlets were successfully transferred to pots containing mixture of soil, sand and farmyard manure (2:1:1).

Prevention of adrenocortical hyperactivity by dietary casein in rats exposed to forced swimming stress.

Adrenal weight, adrenal hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity and serum corticosterone level were significantly higher in rats fed with 5% casein diet after 7 days of swimming stress (45 min/day) as compared to their controls. All the parameters were similar to their control levels in rats receiving 20% casein diet and exposed to swimming stress. The results suggest that casein can play an important role in preventing adrenocortical hyperactivity in swimming stressed rats.

Uso da caseína e acilderivados da caseína como excipiente para sistemas matriciais / Use of casein and its acylderivatives as excipients for matrix systems

O desenvolvimento tecnológico de novas formas farmacêuticas capazes de modular a liberaçÝo de fármacos tem atraído um grande interesse dos cientistas farmacêuticos. Uma das maneiras de modificar a liberaçÝo do fármaco consiste no uso de sistemas matriciais. No presente trabalho investigou-se a possibilidade do uso da caseína e acilderivados desta proteína como materiais formadores de matriz, verificando-se a influência da acilaçÝo e compressÝo em algumas propriedades físico-químicas dos sistemas matriciais obtidos. a caseína foi acilada com cinco reagentes fornecedores de grupamentos acil: ácidos cítrico, tartárico e láctico e anidridos acético e succínico. Comprimidos matriciais foram obtidos utilizando-se a caseína nÝo modificada e caseína modificada por acilaçÝo, mediante compressÝo direta, com forças correspondentes a 1,5; 3,0 e 6,0 toneladas métricas/'cm POT. 2'. Os sistemas obtidos foram avaliados com relaçÝo ao perfil de deformaçÝo, friabilidade, perfil de absorçÝo de água e liberaçÝo in vitro. Os ensaios in vitro foram conduzidos nos sucos gástrico e entérico artificiais, empregando o paracetamol como fármaco modelo. A acilaçÝo causou alteraçSes significativas nos perfis de absorçÝo de água, deformaçÝo e liberaçÝo in vitro dos sistemas matriciais comparados com aqueles preparados com a caseína nÝo modificada. Os perfis de absorçÝo de água e liberaçÝo in vitro dos sistemas matriciais comparados com aqueles preparados com a caseína nÝo modificada. Os perfis de absorçÝo de água e liberaçÝo in vitro mostraram a influência da natureza hidrofílica/hidrofóbica dos grupamentos introduzidos na caseína. As caseínas aciladas com anidrido acético e succínico induziram a um menor perfil de absorçÝo de água e, as caseínas mais polares (cítrica, tartárica e láctica) induziram a uma maior absorçÝo. O perfil de liberaçÝo in vitro foi maior para as matrizes hidrofílicas do que para as hidrofóbicas. A introduçào de grupamentos acético e succínio a uma força de compactaçÝo correspondente à 3,0 t/'cm POT. 2', sustentaram a liberaçÝo do fármaco modelo por um período de oito horas nos sucos gástrico e entérico artificiais. A introduçÝo de radicais aniônicos menos hidrofílicos na macromolécula, notadamente o succínio e o acético, podem contribuir para a obtençÝo de um sistema de liberaçÝo prolongada, desde que obtidos em condiçSes adequadas de secagem e compactaçÝo

Hidrolisado de colageno: utilizacao biologica em misturas proteicas e seu efeito no tecido cutaneo / Hidrolised collagen: biological utilization in proteics mix and its effect in cutaneous tissue

Estudou-se a adicao de hidrolisado de colageno a racoes com caseina nas proporcoes de 0 por cento, 25 por cento, 50 por cento, 65 por cento, 75 por cento e 100 por cento. As racoes com 25 por cento e 65 por cento de hidrolisado proteico foram acrescidas com prolina e aminoacidos essenciais (tirosina, triptofano, metionina e leucina). As reacoes continham 10 por cento e 20 por cento de proteina. Determinou-se o coeficiente de eficacia proteica, coeficiente de digestibilidade, composicao centesimal, aminograma e avaliou-se histologicamente o figado e rim e a pele. Doseou-se o teor de hidroxiprolina da pele dos animais testados. Verificou-se que: a adicao de 25 por cento de hidrolisado de colageno a caseina nao promoveu modificacao significativa no valor biologico da racao. A adicao de prolina em racao com 25 por cento de colageno para ratos em crescimento nao demonstrou alteracao do peso dos animais. Entretanto com adicao de 65 por cento de colageno houve queda no peso dos animais em relacao ao controle. O figado dos animais estudados (quando utilizados racoes com 10 por cento de proteina), nao demonstrou alteracao significativa em relacao as diferentes adicoes de colageno. Quando a racao foi acrescida de 50 porcento e 65 por cento de hidrolisado de colageno, o doseamento de hidroxiprolina na pele aumentou e os cortes histologicos de tecido cutaneo apresentaram ausencia de hipoderme

Nutrient interaction in relation to glycaemic and insulinaemic response.

Although it is known that protein, fat and fibre reduce the postprandial glycaemia following an oral carbohydrate load, the nature and extent of interaction of different nutrients with one another in this respect is not well understood. The present study was designed to explore systematically the glycaemic and insulinaemic response to glucose (G) alone, or in combination with one or more of the following: casein (CS), maize oil (MO), cellulose (CL) and pectin (P). Besides 100 g G, eleven isoenergetic and six isocarbohydrate meals were studied on healthy adult males using an incomplete block design. Addition of other nutrients to G led to a lowering of the glycaemic response. The lowest glycaemic responses were seen in case of meals containing the largest number of nutrients. P was more effective in reducing postprandial glycaemia than CL. As in case of glycaemic response, low insulinaemic responses were also associated with P-containing meals, and meals containing the largest number of nutrients. But unlike in case of glycaemic response, there was a tendency for elevation of the insulinaemic response in case of CL-containing meals. The degree of attenuation of glycaemic response observed with meals containing several nutrients was roughly predictable on the basis of the attenuation observed with meals in which only one nutrient had been added at a time to G. But the glycaemic response of natural foods is unlikely to be predictable on the basis of their nutrient composition because of the overriding influence of several other factors such as physical form, cooking, processing, storage and antinutrient content of the food.

Calidad nutricional de la proteína de la falsa lenteja (Vicia sativa ssp. abovata (Ser) Gaudin) / Nutritional quality of the protein of the false lentil (Vicia sativa ssp. abovata (Ser) Gaudin)

La falsa lenteja (Vicia sativa) es una leguminosa que se desarrolla en forma rústica en la zona central de Chile. Es consumida por la población rural, como lenteja, y también se utiliza en la alimentación animal. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue estudiar su valor nutricional con énfasis en la calidad biológica, digestibilidad de la proteína y características de su fibras dietética. Se estudiaron semillas proporcionadas por el Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (INIA), en las que se determinó la composición química, fibra dietética, calidad biológica de la proteína mediante el PER, y digestibilidad aparente y verdadera. Destacó la alta concentración de proteína )23.5%), superior a las legunosas de consumo habitual. El porcentaje de fibra dietética es de 14.2%, con 13.2% de fibra insolubre y 1.0% de la soluble. El PER mostró valores de 1.30 ñ 0.44 para el material crudo y de 1.32 ñ 0.37 en el cocido, la suplementación con 0.15% de DL - metionina produjo un incremento a 2.43 ñ 0.32, siendo el valor de la caseína de 3.02 ñ 0.36. la digestibilidad verdadera fue de 76.2 ñ 2.0 en el material crudo y de 73.8 ñ 2.2 en el cocido. Estos resultados demuestran que la falsa lenteja no presenta tóxicos termolábiles que son frecuentes en las leguminosas. Sin embargo, se ha descrito la presencia de derivados de la cianoalanina, que tienen un efecto neurotóxico. El presente estudio sugiere que la falsa lenteja es un alimento con características nutricionales promisoras. En consecuencia, es pues imprescindible profundizar los estudios tendientes a dilucidar la toxicidad real de este alimento

Activation of lysosomal enzymes in chemotactically elicited rat peritoneal macrophages.

Activation profile of lysosomal enzymes in rat peritoneal macrophages elicited in response to three stimulants, thioglycollate (TG), protease peptone (PP) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was studied from 0 to 6 days. Macrophages elicited in response to LPS were larger in number and heterogeneous in nature while TG and PP induced cells were comparatively more homogeneous. Maximum elicitation of macrophages in response to the three stimulants, though at different degrees, was observed around 3 days. This could be correlated to increased blood monocytes. The progressive activation of macrophages reflected in corresponding decrease in total cellular protein content and increase in the activities of their lysosomal enzymes. The catalytic activities of aryl sulphatase, beta-glucuronidase and cathepsin D increased several fold (2-8 fold) over the resident values. TG elicited cells possessed the highest enzyme activities, followed by PP and LPS elicited ones. Beta-Glucuronidase was the most stimulated (4-8 fold) of the enzymes studied. The cellular catalytic activities of these enzymes were also enhanced 2- to 4-fold compared to the resident levels in the TG and PP elicited macrophages. Though the enzyme catalytic activities were increased in the LPS treated cells, their cellular levels remained below the resident activities in all the three enzymes studied. The results indicate that the events related to the elaboration of these macrophage lysosomal enzymes in vivo are subject to selective modulation and are stimulus specific.

Modulation of postprandial glycaemia and insulinaemia by pectin in mixed nutrient combinations.

The present study was designed to examine the effect of pectin (P) on postprandial glycaemia and insulinaemia when ingested with glucose (G), casein (Cs) and corn oil (Co) in various combinations. The study was conducted on five healthy male volunteers, on each of whom five meal tolerance tests were performed. The meals were isocaloric and consisted of G; G and P; G, Cs and P; G, Co and P; and G, Cs, Co and P. The meals were administered after an overnight fast. In addition to a fasting blood sample, blood was collected 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 h after ingestion for measurement of serum glucose and insulin levels. The glycaemic and insulinaemic response to GP did not differ significantly from that to G. All the other meals, viz. GCsP, GCoP and GCsCoP, gave a significant reduction in postprandial glycaemia as compared to G. The corn oil containing meals, viz. GCoP and GCsCoP, in addition, gave a significant reduction in postprandial insulinaemia as compared to G. Pectin alone is not a dependable dietary constituent for reducing postprandial glycaemia. Its combination with protein and fat significantly lowers the postprandial glycaemic as well as insulinaemic response to orally administered glucose.

Effect of protein deprivation and subsequent rehabilitation on the intestinal transport of L-methionine in vivo.

The effect of protein deprivation and subsequent rehabilitation on the intestinal transport of L-methionine was studied in albino rats of both sexes. The rats given diet containing no protein or 3 per cent maize protein for 28 days, lost their intestinal cell population by 50 and 20 per cent respectively. The net absorption rate of L-methionine was little affected, while absorptive capacity of intestinal cells was considerably enhanced in protein-deficient rats. The increase in absorptive capacity of intestinal cells was much higher in rats given protein-free diet than in those given maize diet. The augmentation is absorptive capacity of intestinal cells of protein-deprived rats was a temporary adaptation to the conditions that prevent the formation of new cells. Rehabilitation of malnourished rat on diet containing 17 per cent casein, resulted in a rapid increase in intestinal cell population, return of the absorptive capacity of intestinal cells to normal, and augmentation in net absorption rates.