Effects of the microencapsulated feed additive of lactic acid bacteria on production parameters and post-vaccinal immune response in pigs.

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of feed addition of LAVIPAN PL5 probiotic preparation containing compositions of microencapsulated lactic acid bacteria (Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Pediococcus pentosaceus) on production parameters and post-vaccinal immune response in pigs under field condition. The study was performed on 400 pigs in total and 60 pigs from this group were used to evaluate the effect of the product tested on the post-vaccinal response. The animals were divided into two groups: control group, fed without additive of LAVIPAN PL5 and the study group, receiving LAVIPAN PL5 at doses recommended by manufacturer from weaning to the end of fattening. The following parameters were recorded: main production parameters, including weight gains, fattening time (slaughter age) and animal health status during the study (mortality), and specific humoral post-vaccinal response after vaccination against swine erysipelas. The results indicate that the application of LAVIPAN PL5 had positive influence on the animals` productivity and did not significantly affect the post-vaccinal antibody levels and the development and maintenance of the post-vaccinal response, albeit the levels of antibodies were slightly higher in the animal receiving the test preparation. The higher average daily weight gains (by over 3%) which resulted in a 2 kg higher average weight at slaughter and a reduction of the fattening period by 5 days, undoubtedly contributed to significant economic benefits.

Review: SARS-CoV-2 infection in farmed minks - an overview of current knowledge on occurrence, disease and epidemiology.

Coronaviruses (CoVs), which are enveloped, positive-sense RNA viruses, may cause infections in mammals and birds. Apart from the respiratory manifestations, CoVs are also responsible for infections of the gastrointestinal tract and nervous systems. Their propensity to recombine allows them to easily transmit and adapt to new hosts. The emergence of a new CoV in humans, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is attributed to a zoonotic origin, has provoked numerous studies to assess its pathogenicity for different animal species (pets, farm and wild animals). Available results indicate that numerous animal species are susceptible to infection with SARS-CoV-2. From April 2020, when the first SARS-CoV-2 infection in minks was reported in the Netherlands, to the end of January 2021, further outbreaks have been confirmed in Denmark, Italy, Spain, Sweden, the United States, Greece, France, Canada, Lithuania and Poland. It has also been established that human-to-minks and minks-to-human transmission may occur. The results obtained to date indicate that the virus was originally introduced into the minks population by humans, possibly at the start of the pandemic and had been circulating in the population for several weeks before detection. Recent data indicate that minks are highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, but the route or routes of virus transmission between farms, other than by direct contact with infected humans, have not been identified. In minks, infection can occur in clinical and subclinical form, making it possibly difficult to detect. Therefore, minks could represent potentially dangerous, not always recognized, animal reservoir for SARS-CoV-2. The current data indicate that further studies on minks and other Mustelidae are needed to clarify whether they may be a potential reservoir for SARS-CoV-2, and if so, how and whether this can be prevented.

Pulmonary function and health-related quality of life after COVID-19 pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to many cases of pneumonia with extensive lung abnormalities on CT-scans. The consequences of COVID-19 pneumonia on survivors' pulmonary function and quality of life are unknown. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of COVID-19 pneumonia on pulmonary function, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and perceived dyspnoea. METHODS: A prospective longitudinal cohort study regarding patients discharged from our hospital after PCR-proven, non-critical COVID-19 pneumonia was conducted. Cases were classified as moderate or severe pneumonia according to WHO definitions. Six weeks post-discharge subjects underwent interviews and pulmonary function tests, and completed questionnaires to assess their HRQoL, perceived dyspnoea (Borgscale and mMRC), and symptoms of depression and anxiety (HADS). RESULTS: 101 patients were included. Twenty-eight (27.7%) pneumonias were classified as moderate cases of COVID-19 pneumonia and 73 (72.3%) were classified as severe cases. Diffusion limitation (DLCOc < 80% of predicted value) was found in 66 (71.7%) of 92 cases, obstruction in 26 (25.7%) of 101, and restriction in 21 (21.2%) of 99. Diffusion capacity was significantly lower in cases after severe pneumonia. In the entire group, HADS scores ≥8 for depression were found in 16.6% and in 12.5% for anxiety. Across all SF-36 domains, except for bodily pain, significant impairment was found. FEV1 and DLCOc showed significant positive correlations with mMRC scores and multiple SF-36 domains, especially physical functioning. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 non-critical pneumonia survivors have significant impairment in diffusion capacity and HRQOL six weeks after being discharged from hospital.

Correction to: Cognitive profiles discriminate between genetic variants of behavioral frontotemporal dementia.

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake.

Cognitive profiles discriminate between genetic variants of behavioral frontotemporal dementia.

INTRODUCTION: Trials to test disease-modifying treatments for frontotemporal dementia are eagerly awaited and sensitive instruments to assess potential treatment effects are increasingly urgent, yet lacking thus far. We aimed to identify gene-specific instruments assessing clinical onset and disease progression by comparing cognitive functioning between bvFTD patients across genetic mutations. METHODS: We examined differences in 7 cognitive domains between bvFTD patients with GRN (n = 20), MAPT (n = 29) or C9orf72 (n = 31) mutations, and non-carriers (n = 24), and described longitudinal (M = 22.6 months, SD = 16.6) data in a subsample (n = 27). RESULTS: Patients showed overall cognitive impairment, except memory recall, working memory and visuoconstruction. GRN patients performed lower on executive function (mean difference - 2.1; 95%CI - 4.1 to - 0.5) compared to MAPT and lower on attention compared to MAPT (mean difference - 2.5; 95%CI - 4.7 to - 0.3) and C9orf72 (mean difference - 2.4; 95%CI - 4.5 to - 0.3). Only MAPT patients were impaired on delayed recall (mean difference - 1.4; 95%CI - 2.1 to - 0.7). GRN patients declined rapidly on attention and memory, MAPT declined in confrontation naming, whereas C9orf72 patients were globally impaired but remained relatively stable over time on all cognitive domains. DISCUSSION: This study shows gene-specific cognitive profiles in bvFTD, which underlines the value of neuropsychological tests as outcome measures in upcoming trials for genetic bvFTD.

Treatment selection of early stage non-small cell lung cancer: the role of the patient in clinical decision making.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to investigate the role and experience of early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patient in decision making process concerning treatment selection in the current clinical practice. METHODS: Stage I-II NSCLC patients (surgery 55 patients, SBRT 29 patients, median age 68) were included in this prospective study and completed a questionnaire that explored: (1) perceived patient knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of the treatment options, (2) experience with current clinical decision making, and (3) the information that the patient reported to have received from their treating physician. This was assessed by multiple-choice, 1-5 Likert Scale, and open questions. The Decisional Conflict Scale was used to assess the decisional conflict. Health related quality of life (HRQoL) was measured with SF-36 questionnaire. RESULTS: In 19% of patients, there was self-reported perceived lack of knowledge about the advantages and disadvantages of the treatment options. Seventy-four percent of patients felt that they were sufficiently involved in decision-making by their physician, and 81% found it important to be involved in decision making. Forty percent experienced decisional conflict, and one-in-five patients to such an extent that it made them feel unsure about the decision. Subscores with regard to feeling uninformed and on uncertainty, contributed the most to decisional conflict, as 36% felt uninformed and 17% of patients were not satisfied with their decision. HRQoL was not influenced by patient experience with decision-making or patient preferences for shared decision making. CONCLUSIONS: Dutch early-stage NSCLC patients find it important to be involved in treatment decision making. Yet a substantial proportion experiences decisional conflict and feels uninformed. Better patient information and/or involvement in treatment-decision-making is needed in order to improve patient knowledge and hopefully reduce decisional conflict.

Four years of African swine fever in Poland. New insights into epidemiology and prognosis of future disease spread.

Four and a half years of African Swine Fever (ASF) in population of free-ranging wild boars and domestic pigs revealed a number of novel insights into the disease epidemiology. Until No- vember 20th, 2018, in total 3048 cases in wild boars and 213 outbreaks in domestic pigs have been confirmed. In spite of low contagiosity as well as low rate of ASF spread in wild boars the disease has an enormous socio-economical impact on the production of pigs in Poland. One of the most important aspects which directly influences the dynamics of ASF spread is the unpredictable hu- man activity. Another important factor responsible for continuous ASF spread is fast recovery of wild boar population in spite of efforts taken by hunters. Assuming our scientific opinion ASF seems to be present in wildlife for the incoming few or several years. Therefore, extraordinary measures should be prepared and undertaken to limit the risk of the occurrence of future out- breaks in domestic pigs. One of the most crucial issues is implementation of strict biosecurity measures in all domestic pigs holdings.

Release of the tourniquet immediately after the implantation of the components reduces the incidence of deep vein thrombosis after primary total knee arthroplasty.

AIMS: The length of the tourniquet time during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is related to the incidence of post-operative deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Our aim in this study was to investigate the effect of the early release of the tourniquet on the incidence of DVT in patients undergoing TKA. METHODS: A total of 200 patients who underwent TKA between November 2015 and November 2016 were prospectively enrolled. The tourniquet was inflated before surgery and released immediately after the introduction of the components (early release group). This group was compared with a retrospective cohort of 200 primary TKAs, in which the tourniquet was released after the dressings had been applied (late release group). The presence of a DVT was detected using bilateral lower limb ultrasonography. Peri-operative clinical and follow-up data were collected for analysis. RESULTS: The incidence of DVT in the early release group (9 of 196, 4.6%) was significantly lower compared with the late release group (24 of 200, 12%; odds ratio (OR) 0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.16 to 0.78, p = 0.008). The incidence of proximal DVT in the early release group (1 of 196 (0.5%)) was significantly lower than in the late release group (8 of 196, 4%; OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.99, p = 0.020). Although the mean intra-operative blood loss was higher in the early release group, the mean post-operative drainage, total blood loss, transfusion requirements and complications were not significantly different in the two groups. CONCLUSION: In patients who undergo TKA, releasing the tourniquet early is associated with a decreased incidence of DVT, without increasing the rate of complications.Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2017;6:535-541.

Prevalence and factors associated with the occurrence of bacterial enteropathogens in suckling piglets in farrow-to-finish herds.

The aim of the study was to determine both environmental and infectious factors, influencing occurrence of bacterial enteropathogens in suckling piglets. For this purpose, a cross-sectional study in 70 Polish farrow-to-finish pig herds was performed. In each herd, presence of selected intestinal pathogens (Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens and Salmonella species) in faeces of suckling piglets were determined using bacteriological and PCR methods. Using logistic regression models, risk factors for enterotoxigenic E coli with fimbriae F4 (ETEC-F4) and C perfringens type A were established. Prevalence of bacterial enteropathogens in investigated herds was as follows (on herd and sample level): ETEC-F4 30.0 per cent and 9.3 per cent, respectively, C perfringens type A 91.4 per cent and 58.3 per cent, C perfringens type C 1.4 per cent and 0.3 per cent, Salmonella species 2.9 per cent and 0.5 per cent. The occurrence of ETEC-F4 was associated with presence of diarrhoea in piglets and vulval discharge in sows. Vulval discharge in sows, not slatted floor in farrowing pen and lack of coccidiosis prevention were determined as risk factors for C perfringens type A. The results obtained in the study revealed the high prevalence of enteropathogenic bacteria in pig herds and indicate management and organisation of production as factors having the greatest impact on the incidence of bacterial enteropathogens in piglets before weaning.

Effects of amoxicillin, ceftiofur, doxycycline, tiamulin and tulathromycin on pig humoral immune responses induced by erysipelas vaccination.

It addition to their antimicrobial properties, antibiotics can influence the host immune system (modulation of cytokine secretion, antibody production and T-cell proliferation). In the present study, the authors studied the effects of therapeutic doses of amoxicillin (AMX), ceftiofur (CEF), doxycycline (DOXY), tiamulin (TIAM) and tulathromycin (TUL) on the postvaccinal immune response after pigs had been vaccinated against erysipelas. Because humoral immunity is considered as the most important in the protection against swine erysipelas, the present study focused on the interactions between antibiotics and postvaccinal humoral immunity. One hundred and five, eight-week-old pigs of both sexes were used. Specific antibodies to the Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae antigen were determined using a commercial ELISA test. In pigs treated with DOXY or CEF or TIAM, a significant reduction in the number of positive pigs was observed four and six weeks after the second dose of vaccine, compared with the remaining vaccinated groups. In pigs treated with CEF, the ELISA score was significantly lower than in non-treated vaccinated pigs. While in vaccinated pigs treated with AMX or TUL, the ELISA score was significantly higher than in pigs treated with the remaining antibiotics and than in non-treated vaccinated controls. The results of the present study indicate that vaccination of pigs against erysipelas in the presence of antibiotics may result in a decrease (CEF, DOXY, TIAM) or enhancement (AMX, TUL) in the production of specific antibodies.

Reliability and validity of the Cancer Therapy Satisfaction Questionnaire in lung cancer.

PURPOSE: To test the reliability and validity of the Cancer Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (CTSQ), to assess its relation with quality of life (QoL), and to assess the interpretability of the domain scores in lung cancer patients receiving intravenous chemotherapy. METHODS: Patients with stage IIIB and IV non-squamous non-small cell lung carcinoma treated with pemetrexed were enrolled in our study. They completed the 16-item CTSQ and two other (health-related) QoL questionnaires. Information about sociodemographic characteristics, cancer stage, and the experience of adverse events was collected. Internal consistency, construct validity, and clinical interpretability were calculated. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients completed the CTSQ. Correlations of the CTSQ items with its domain were all above 0.40. A high correlation between item 8 and the expectations of therapy and satisfaction with therapy domain was observed (0.50 and 0.48, respectively). The CTSQ domains demonstrated good internal consistency and low to moderate correlations of the CTSQ with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 and World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF. No significant differences in mean domain scores were observed in relation to the number and severity of different adverse events and chemotherapy-related adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: The Dutch version of the CTSQ was found to be a reliable and valid instrument to assess satisfaction and expectations of treatment in lung cancer patients receiving intravenous chemotherapy. Furthermore, the CTSQ proved to be of additional informative value as not all of its domains correlated with the various domains of the existing HRQoL instruments.

Prevalence and risk factors for Lawsonia intracellularis, Brachyspira hyodysenteriae and Salmonella spp. in finishing pigs in Polish farrow-to-finish swine herds.

The aim of the study was to estimate the herd-level, within-herd prevalence, the frequency of mixed infections and risk factors for L. intracellularis, B. hyodysenteriae and Salmonella spp. in selected farrow-to-finish Polish pig herds. A total of 254 pooled fecal samples were collected from 9 to 24 week-old pigs in 70 herds. Real time PCR for detection of L. intracellularis and B. hyodysenteriae was performed. For Salmonella spp. bacteriological examination was performed. The herd-level prevalences of L. intracellularis, B. hyodysenteriae and Salmonella spp. among examined herds were 65.7%, 1.4% and 8.6%, respectively. The within-herd prevalences (in positive herds) for L. intracellularis, B. hyodysenteriae and Salmonella spp. were 51.5%, 75.0% and 30.4%, respectively. All herds with diarrhea observed during sampling were infected with L. intracellularis and 60% of herds with no diarrhea at the moment of sampling were infected with L. intracellularis (p=0.035). In herds with more than 200 sows the prevalence of Salmonella spp. was significantly higher compared to herds with less than 200 sows (p=0.027). In herds where all-in/all-out (AIAO) was respected, prevalence of L. intracellularis was significantly lower than in herds where this rule was not kept (p=0.024). Obtained results confirm that L. intracellularis is the major cause of bacterial diarrhea in finishing pigs. The present study identified AIAO and herd size as a risk factor, at the herd level, for L. intracellularis and Salmonella spp., respectively.

Local and systemic immune response in pigs during subclinical and clinical swine influenza infection.

Local and systemic immune responses in pigs intranasally (IN) and intratracheally (IT) inoculated with swine influenza virus (SIV) were studied. No clinical signs were observed in IN-inoculated pigs, while IT-inoculated pigs developed typical signs of influenza. Significantly higher titres of specific antibodies and changes of haematological parameters were found only in IT-inoculated pigs. Because positive correlations between viral titre, local cytokine concentration, and lung pathology have been observed, we hypothesise that both viral load and the local secretion of cytokines play a role in the induction of lung lesions. It could be that a higher replication of SIV stimulates immune cells to secrete higher amounts of cytokines. The results of the present study indicate that pathogenesis of SIV is dependent on both, the damage caused to the lung parenchyma directly by virus, and the effects on the cells of the host's immune system.

Effect of various husbandry conditions on the production parameters of swine herds in Poland.

The aim of this study was to collect production data of Polish swine herds, with special emphasis on the production parameters in farrow to finish pig herds. Another goal was to determine differences in the production performance of swine herds with different sizes, various status with regard to biosecurity, and with different veterinary expenditure. For this purpose, questionnaire surveys were carried out in 96 polish farrow to finish pig herds. The data concerning production parameters (e.g. the number of pigs born per sow per year, litters per sow per year, pre- and post-weaning mortality), farm size (small, medium, large), management (all in-all out by room or building), veterinary expenditure (including medication) and the percentage of pigs under medical treatment, were collected. The data obtained in the present study indicate that in general, the efficiency of swine production in evaluated farms was relatively low. It was also found that in large swine farms the efficiency was better than that in small ones and that the proper biosecurity positively influenced the performance of the swine farms. However, only in 10.4% facilities, the biosecurity rules and methods, including the principle "all-in all-out", were implemented and kept. It seems that inefficient swine production on the majority of Polish farms results from poor basic knowledge on pig production and understanding of fundamental economic rules of swine breeding.

Effects of antibiotics on acquired immunity in vivo--current state of knowledge.

Antibiotics are widely used in the therapy of infections. Besides the respective interactions between antibiotics and pathogens it seems that antibiotics also directly interact with the immune system. Some commonly used antibiotics are currently known to have effects on the innate immune response, as shown by in vitro, ex vivo and also in vivo animal experiments and clinical studies. Most of the experimental papers published to date, as well as most reviews, relate to how antibiotics affect the innate immune response or non-specific monocyte or lymphocyte proliferation. However the effects of antibiotics on the adaptive immune response are still not well characterized. This review of the literature considering different in vivo experiments indicate the real importance of interrelations existing between acquired immune responses and antibiotics, however, the mechanism of immunomodulatory effects of antibiotics are still poorly understood. Currently, data on the immunomodulating effects of antibiotics often remain heterogeneous, contradictory or insufficient, but most results published to date revealed the immunosuppressive effect of antibiotics on the antigen-specific immune response in vivo. In pigs as well as in poultry herds, it is not uncommon practice to add antibiotics to drinking water or feed at the time of vaccination. Information on the effects of such practices on the immune system of animals is restricted and more in vivo studies are needed to investigate the effects of antimicrobial drugs on the immune system, especially in the field conditions.

Influence of long-term vaccination of a breeding herd of pigs against PCV2 on reproductive parameters.

The objective of the study was to evaluate an efficacy of sows vaccination protocols in the herd with serious problems affecting efficacy of reproduction. The study was performed in a large pig herd with about 1200 sows. Before vaccination against PCV2, farrowing rate in this farm was about 65%. Sows, boar and replacement gilts were immunized using Circovac vaccine (Merial, France) according to producer's recommendations. Parameters of production were analyzed since 2007 until 2010 in selected batches of sows inseminated at the same weeks of the year (17th, 18th, 19th and 20th) to eliminate seasonal variability. In total, 940 sows were subjected to the study. No significant changes in management during these years were introduced. The applied protocol of sow herd long-term vaccination proved to be very efficient. All measured production parameters: reproduction rate, number of piglets born alive, birth weight of piglets and number of piglets weaned per a litter improved after implementation of immunization program. Moreover, further improvement was observed with vaccination in the following reproduction cycles. The most spectacular effect of vaccination regarded average farrowing rate that increased from 64.76% in control group to 86.93% after basic vaccination. Two years after implementation of vaccination program this parameter reached 93.6%. Number of piglets weaned per sow per a litter improved from 10.31 to 11.74 after one year of vaccination and remained relatively stable through the following year. Simultaneously, the percentage of newborn piglets with birth weight < 1 kg decreased significantly (p < 0.05). To summarize, vaccination against PCV2 influenced positively the insemination rate, number of piglets born alive and weaned per litter as well as birth body weight and percentage of piglets weighing < 1 kg.

Ear necrosis reduction in pigs after vaccination against PCV2.

The influence of sows vaccination against PCV2 on the prevalence of ear necrosis syndrome (ENS) reduction among weaners was analyzed using 12,931 piglets from 45 consecutive batches, born to both, vaccinated and non-vaccinated sows. The results were statistically tested with a nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-square tests. The results show that vaccination against PCV2 significantly reduced the prevalence of ENS (p<0.05). The percentage of affected pigs born to vaccinated sows was about over two times lower than in both groups of pigs born to non-vaccinated females (before the vaccination implementation and after its withdrawing). Even more distinct were the differences in the intensity of the lesions (p<0.05). In the group of pigs born to vaccinated sows, the percentage of severe lesions was three times lower than in the pigs born to non-vaccinated sows. It conclusion, it could statement that vaccination against PCV2 might be effective in reduction of ENS.

Dynamic changes of immunoglobulin concentrations in pig colostrum and serum around parturition.

The aim of the study was the determination of IgA, IgM and IgG concentrations in porcine serum and colostrum, in order to evaluate their variations in the perinatal period, as well as to clarify whether there is a correlation between colostrum intake, initial level of immunoglobulins (Ig) in piglet serum and development of their own immunity. The mean IgA, IgM and IgG concentrations in sow serum 10 days before parturition were 1.58, 6.12 and 39.56 mg/ml, respectively. Seven days later only the IgG level was insignificantly lower (34.94 mg/ml, p = 0.55), while concentrations of IgA and IgM increased to 2.25 and 7.25 mg/ml, respectively (p = 0.23 and 0.62, respectively). The mean initial IgG concentration in colostrum at farrowing was 118.5 mg/ml and differed between sows. The average value of IgA in colostrum at birth was 23.8 mg/ml and decreased to 7.85 mg/ml at 6 hours (h) and to 4.59 mg/ml at 24 h after the onset of farrowing. IgM concentration at birth was 12.1 mg/ml and decreased to 4.23 mg/ml at 24 h postpartum. Positive relationships were found between concentrations of IgM and IgA in serum of piglets at 14 and 56 days of life (r = 0.41 and 0.80, respectively, p < or = 0.05) as well as for IgG concentration in the piglets serum at 7 days and 56 days of age (r = 0.48, p < or = 0.05). The above observations suggest that there is a correlation between the level of Ig in piglet serum in the first days of life and improvement of their own immunity.

Antihiperlipemiantes de origen vegetal / No disponible

Las hiperlipidemias constituyen uno de los principales factores de riesgo para la salud cardiovascular en las sociedades desarrolladas. La necesidad de disponer de agentes activos frente a las alteraciones del perfil lipídico, ha conducido a que la búsqueda de los mismos, se haya extendido a la investigación de productos naturales con actividad en las hiperlipidemias. Gracias a estos estudios, se ha podido establecer la actividad antihiperlipemiante de varias plantas medicinales (Camellia thea, Glyeine max, Plantago spp, Gareinia cambogia, entre otras) y constituyentes vegetales (derivados azufrados del ajo, lecitina de soja, fitosteroles, berberina, distintos derivados polifenólicos, etc.). A la vista del interés de estos productos naturales, es fácil concluir que el mundo vegetal es una fuente de remedios en el tratamiento y prevención de las hiperlipidemias y sus graves secuelas

Hyperlipidemias constitute one of the main risk factors for the cardiovascular diseases at the developed societies. The need of active agents against the alterations of the lipid profile, has lead to the search of natural products with activity on elevated lipid levels. Thanks to these studies, the antihyperlipidemic activity of several medicinal plants (Camelia thea, Glycine maz, Plantago spp, Garcinia cambogia, among others) and plant constituents (i.e: sulphur containing derivates of garlic, soybean lecitine, phytoesterols, berberine, several polyphenol derivates, etc., has been well stablished. By regarding the interest of this natural products, it is easy to conclude that the plant kingdom is a useful source of therapeutic agent for the treatment and prevention of hypercholesterolemia and its serious sequelae consequences