Body composition in male rats subjected to early weaning and treated with diet containing flour or flaxseed oil after 21 days until 60 days.

The aim of this study was analyzed if the flour or flaxseed oil treatment contributes to body composition in male rats subjected to early weaning. Pups were weaned for separation from mother at 14 (early weaning, EW) and 21 days (control, C). At 21 days, part of the pups was evaluated (C21 v. EW21). After 21 days, control (C60) was fed with control diet. EW was divided in control (EWC60); flaxseed flour (EWFF60); flaxseed oil (EWFO60) diets until 60 days. Body mass, length and body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were determined. EW21 (v. C21) and EWC60 (v. C60 and EWFF60) showed lower (P<0.05) mass, length and body composition. EWFO60 (v. C60 and EWFF60) showed lower (P<0.05) body mass and length, body and trunk lean mass, bone mineral density and content and bone area. Flaxseed flour, in comparison with flaxseed oil, contributes to recovery of body composition after early weaning.

Influence of omega-3 fatty acids from the flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) on the brain development of newborn rats.

OBJECTIVES: The importance of essential fatty acids, in particular the omega-3 family, in the central nervous system development of newborns is well documented. The flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) is considered one of the best vegetable sources of omega-3 fatty acids. The influence of omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed on the brain development of newborn rats was evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Pups of the F1 generation were obtained from 18 female Wistar rats divided in 3 groups (n=6), FG: fed with diet based on Flaxseed added with casein, CG: Casein, and MCG: Modified Casein supplemented with fibers and soybean oil. Newborn pups were weighted and submitted to euthanasia; brains were collected for evaluation of weight and lipid profile through gaseous chromatography. RESULTS: Significant increase in brain weight (39%) and relative brain weight (37%) was verified in pups from mothers fed with flaxseed diet. The omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids from the flaxseed were found in abundance in the diet made with this oleaginous and also significant increase in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (38%), as well as in total of omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids (62%). CONCLUSION: Maternal diet of flaxseed during pregnancy influences the incorporation of omega-3 fatty acid in the composition of brain tissue, assuring a good development of this organ in newborn rats.

Hematologic and immunological indicators are altered by chronic intake of flaxseed in Wistar rats.

This work sought to evaluate the effects of chronic intake of flaxseed upon hematologic parameters and immunological findings on body development of Wistar rats. Female Wistar rats were used after gestation. They were randomly assigned into two groups during lactation period: Control group (CG), fed with casein based diet, made up of 17% protein and flaxseed group (FG), fed with casein based diet with the addition of 25% flaxseed. At weaning, 12 male pups of each group continued to receive the experimental diets of their mothers (with only 10% of protein) until adult age, when they were killed at 250 days of life aiming at blood collection. At 250 days old FG presented significant reduction in body mass (p<0.000) and higher levels of hemoglobin (p=0.019) and albumin (p=0.030) than CG. It was observed smaller percentage of segmented lymphocytes (p=0.016) in rats from FG and bigger percentage of segmented leucocytes (p=0.023) when compared to CG. The chronic consumption of flaxseed altered hematologic and immunological indicators in adult Wistar rats. Supplementation with flaxseed seems to be beneficial to maintenance or reduction of body mass.

Influence of omega-3 fatty acids from the flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) on the brain development of newborn rats / Influencia de los ácidos grasos omega-3 de la linaza (Linum usitatissimum) en el desarrollo del cerebro de ratas recién nacidas

Objectives: The importance of essential fatty acids, in particular the omega-3 family, in the central nervous system development of newborns is well documented. The flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) is considered one of the best vegetable sources of omega-3 fatty acids. The influence of omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed on the brain development of newborn rats was evaluated. Material and methods: Pups of the F1 generation were obtained from 18 female Wistar rats divided in 3 groups (n = 6), FG: fed with diet based on Flaxseed added with casein, CG: Casein, and MCG: Modified Casein supplemented with fibers and soybean oil. Newborn pups were weighted and submitted to euthanasia; brains were collected for evaluation of weight and lipid profile through gaseous chromatography. Results: Significant increase in brain weight (39%) and relative brain weight (37%) was verified in pups from mothers fed with flaxseed diet. The omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids from the flaxseed were found in abundance in the diet made with this oleaginous and also significant increase in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (38%), as well as in total of omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids (62%). Conclusion: Maternal diet of flaxseed during pregnancy influences the incorporation of omega-3 fatty acid in the composition of brain tissue, assuring a good development of this organ in newborn rats (AU)

Objetivos: La importancia de los ácidos grasos esenciales, en particular la familia omega-3, en el desarrollo del sistema nervioso central de los recién nacidos está bien documentada. La semilla de linaza (Linum usitatissimum) es considerada una de las mejores fuentes vegetales de ácidos grasos omega-3. Se evaluó la influencia de los ácidos grasos omega-3 de la linaza en el desarrollo del cerebro de ratas recién nacidas. Material y métodos: Las crías de la generación F1 se obtuvieron a partir de 18 ratas Wistar divididas en 3 grupos (n = 6), GL: alimentados con dieta a base de linaza adicionada con caseína, GC: a base de caseína, y GCM: con caseína modificada suplementada con fibras y aceite de soja. Las crías recién nacidas fueron pesadas y sometidas a eutanasia; los cerebros fueron recolectados para la evaluación del peso y el perfil lipídico mediante cromatografía gaseosa. Resultados: Se verificó aumento significativo en el peso cerebral (39%) y en el peso relativo del cerebro (37%) en las crías de madres alimentadas con la dieta de linaza. Los ácidos grasos omega-3 (n-3) de la linaza se encontraron en abundancia en la dieta elaborada con esta oleaginosa, y también hubo importante aumento en el ácido docosahexaenoico (DHA) (38%), así como en el total de ácidos grasos omega-3 (n-3) (62%). Conclusión: La dieta materna a base de linaza durante el embarazo influye en la incorporación de ácidos grasos omega-3 en la composición del tejido cerebral, asegurando un buen desarrollo de este órgano en ratas recién nacidas (AU)

Hematologic and immunological indicators are altered by chronic intake of flaxseed in Wistar rats / Indicadores hematológicos e inmunológicos alterados por el consumo crónico de linaza en ratas Wistar

This work sought to evaluate the effects of chronic intake of flaxseed upon hematologic parameters and immunological findings on body development of Wistar rats. Female Wistar rats were used after gestation. They were randomly assigned into two groups during lactation period: Control group (CG), fed with casein based diet, made up of 17% protein and flaxseed group (FG), fed with casein based diet with the addition of 25% flaxseed. At weaning, 12 male pups of each group continued to receive the experimental diets of their mothers (with only 10% of protein) until adult age, when they were killed at 250 days of life aiming at blood collection. At 250 days old FG presented significant reduction in body mass (p < 0.000) and higher levels of hemoglobin (p = 0.019) and albumin (p = 0.030) than CG. It was observed smaller percentage of segmented lymphocytes (p = 0.016) in rats from FG and bigger percentage of segmented leucocytes (p = 0.023) when compared to CG. The chronic consumption of flaxseed altered hematologic and immunological indicators in adult Wistar rats. Supplementation with flaxseed seems to be beneficial to maintenance or reduction of body mass (AU)

Este trabajo pretendía evaluar el efecto de la ingestión crónica de linaza sobre parámetros hematológicos y hallazgos inmunológicos del desarrollo corporal de ratas Wistar. Se emplearon ratas hembra Wistar tras la gestación. Se las distribuyó al azar en dos grupos durante el período de lactancia: grupo control (GC), alimentado con una dieta basada en caseína, con un 17% de proteína y el grupo linaza (GF), alimentado con una dieta basada en caseína con la adición de un 25% de linaza. En el destete, 12 ratas macho continuaron recibiendo las dietas experimentales consumidas por sus madres (con sólo el 10% de proteína) hasta la edad adulta, en que fueron sacrificados a los 250 días de vida para la recogida de las muestras. A los 250 días de edad, el GF presentaba una reducción significativa de la masa corporal (p < 0,000) y mayores concentraciones de hemoglobina (p = 0,019) y albúmina (p = 0,030) que el GC. Se observó un menor porcentaje de linfocitos segmentados (p = 0,016) en las ratas del GF y un mayor porcentaje de leucocitos segmentados (p = 0,023) en comparación con el GC. El consumo crónico de linaza alteró los indicadores hematológicos e inmunológicos en las ratas Wistar adultas. La suplementación con linaza parece ser beneficiosa en el mantenimiento o la reducción de la masa corporal (AU)

Behavioral analysis of Wistar rats fed with a flaxseed based diet added to an environmental enrichment / Análisis del comportamiento de ratas Wistar alimentadas con una dieta a base de linaza añadidos a un enriquecimiento ambiental

Flaxseed has a high content of n-3 fatty acids and its in take associated with an environmental enrichment may promote distinct behavioral results upon habituation and animal behavior. This work aimed to evaluating animal behavior under the use of these two tools in the Open Field Test. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups (n = 6): FEEG, receiving chow made up off lax seed and kept in enriched environment; FSEG, receiving flaxseed based diet and kept in a standard environment; CEEG, receiving casein based diet and kept in enriched environment; CSEG, receiving case in based chow and kept in standard environment; MCEEG, receiving chow made up of case in but modified so as to provide the same content of fibers and lipids found in flaxseed diet and kept in enriched environment; MCSEG, receiving modified case in based diet and kept in standard environment. All animals were kept under controlled temperature, collective cages and dark/light cycle, receiving chow and water ad libitum, except for MCEEG and MCSEG, which were pair fed with FEEG and FSEG, respectively. Chow intake and animal body weight were evaluated twice in a week. Animals were maintained in these groups from the first until the second month of life, by the time when 3 day tests in Open Field Test began. Finishing the tests, animals were sacrificed and their brains were obtained in order to calculate the relative brain weight. Our results show an interplay between flaxseed and environmental enrichment in habituation to a new environment, making the animals more manage able and less stressed (AU)

La linaza posee una gran cantidad de ácidos grasos n-3 y su consumo asociado a ambiente enriquecido, puede promover diferentes resultados comportamentales sobre el animal y su habituación. Este trabajo tubo por objetivo evaluar el comportamiento animal utilizando dos herramientas en el Open Field Test. Treinta y seis ratón Wistar fueron divididos en 6 grupos (n=6): FEEG, que recibió dieta a base de linaza y fue mantenido en ambiente enriquecido; FSEG, que recibió dieta a base de linaza y fue mantenido en ambiente padrón; CEEG, que recibió dieta a base de caseína y fue mantenido en ambiente enriquecido; CSEG, que recibió dieta a base de caseína y fue mantenido en ambiente padrón; MCEEG, que recibió dieta a base de caseína con modificaciones de modo a proporcionar el mismo contenido de fibras y grasa encontrados en la dieta a base de linaza, y mantenido en ambiente enriquecido; MCSEG, que recibió dieta a base de caseína modificada y fue mantenido en ambiente padrón. Todos los animales tuvieron temperatura ambiente controlada, jaulas colectivas (n = 3) y ciclo claro/oscuro (12 h), recibiendo agua y ración ad libitum, excepto los grupos MCEEG y MCSEG que fueron sometidos a sistema pair feeding con los grupos FEEG y FSEG, respectivamente. El consumo y peso corporal de los animales fue medido dos veces por semana. Los animales fueron mantenidos en sus respectivos grupos a partir del primer mes de vida y hasta el segundo, cuando se inició un período de pruebas en el Open Field Test. Al término de las pruebas se sacrificaron los animales y se retiraron sus cerebros para calcular el peso relativo. Nuestros resultados muestran una interacción entre la linaza y el enriquecimiento ambiental en la habituación a un nuevo ambiente, haciendo que los animales sean mas manipulables y menos nerviosos (AU)

Impact of dietary flaxseed (linum usitatissimum) supplementation on biochemical profile in healthy rats / Impacto de la suplementación dietética de la linaza (linum usitatissimum) en perfil bioquímico en ratas sanas

Flaxseed has been suggested play preventive and therapeutic roles in cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of flax seed-supplemented dietary in healthy rats. We used 30 rats divided in three groups (n = 10): Control Group (C) was fed with a case in-based chow (10% protein; 5% fiber; 7% lipid);Flaxseed Group (F) was fed with the casein-based chow supplemented with 25% flaxseed (10% protein; 7%fiber; 11% lipid); Internal Control Group (IC) was fed with the casein-based chow plus soybean oil and fiber(10% protein; 7% fiber; 11% lipid). The blood was obtained by cardiac puncture (after 180 days) and the serum was separated for lipid profile, glucose and uric acid analyses by commercial kit. Although all groups fed the same amount of ration, F group presented low (p <0.05) body mass than C and IC groups. Total cholesterol and triacylgycerol were similar between all groups. F group presented HDL-C (High-density lipoprotein cholesterol)increase (p < 0.05) in 47% when compared Cgroup. The LDL-C (Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol),glucose and uric acid were reduced (p < 0.05) 22%, 78%64%, respectively, in F compared to C group. All results together suggest that the supplementation with 20% of lax seed might be important to prevent cardiovascular disorders (AU)

Ha sido sugeridos papeles preventivos y terapéuticos de la linaza en enfermedad cardiovascular. Le objetivo de este estudio era evaluar la influencia de la complementación de la linaza en ratas sanas. Utilizamos 30 ratas divididas en tres grupos (n = 10): El grupo Controle (C) fue alimentado con ración basado en caseína (10% del proteína;5% del fibra; 7% del lípido); El grupo de la linaza (F) fue alimentado con ración basado en caseína con complementación del 25% de la linaza (10% del proteína; 7% del fibra; 11% del lípido); El grupo Controle Interno (IC) fue alimentado con ración basado en caseína con el aceite desoja y la fibra 10% del proteína; 7% del fibra; 11% del lípido). La sangre fue obtenido por puntura cardiaca(después de 180 días) y el suero fue separado para el perfil del lípido, la glucosa y los análisis del ácido úrico por el kit comercial. Aunque todos los grupos alimentaran la misma cantidad de ración, el grupo F presentó bajo (p <0,05) peso que grupos C y IC. El colesterol y el triacylgycerol totales eran similares entre todos los grupos. El grupo de F presentó el aumento del HDL-C (colesterol dela lipoproteína de alta densidad) (p < 0,05) en 47%cuando comparado como grupo C. Le LDL-C (colesterol de la lipoproteína de baja densidad), la glucosa y el ácido úrico del grupo F fueron reducidos el 22%, el 78% el64%, respectivamente, en compararon al grupo C. Todos los resultados juntos sugieren que la suplementación del 20% con la linaza pudiera ser importante a prevenir desordenes cardiovasculares (AU)

Dietary supplements for the lactating adolescent mother: influence on plasma micronutrients.

INTRODUCTION: The nutritional status of micronutrients in lactating adolescent women is crucial to guarantee an adequate secretion of these in breast milk and, consequently, an adequate nutritional status of children. Hence, more attention should be given to micronutrient status of adolescent mother who breastfeed. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of multimicronutrients supplementation upon nutritional status of iron, copper, zinc and calcium of lactating adolescent mother from low socioeconomic status in Rio de Janeiro/Brazil. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. During 60 days, 36 adolescents were allocated into two groups: supplemented group (SG) with 17 volunteers, receiving daily multimicronutrients supplement and the placebo group (PG) with 19 volunteers, receiving an inert compound. Plasma iron, copper, zinc and calcium and hemoglobin were determined at 7, 11 and 15 of the postpartum weeks (PPW). The effect of supplementation was analyzed by analysis of variance, comparing the differences between groups and within groups. RESULTS: The average age of volunteers was 17.1 ± 0.8 for the supplemented group and 16.3 ± 1.4 for the placebo group. We observed an increase in the mean concentration of zinc (p < 0.05) and hemoglobin (p < 0.05) in the SG during the study (60 days), while the PG showed reduction (p < 0.05) in the mean concentration of copper between the 7th and 11t h PPW. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that supplementation with multimicronutrientes exerted positive effect on hemoglobin, copper and zinc.

Flaxseed and its contribution to body growth and brain of Wistar rats during childhood and adolescence.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of flaxseed upon body growth and brain of rats. METHODS: Experimental phase lasted 52 days, using 42 Wistar rats which were divided into four groups: Control (CG, n = 12), 10% casein diet; Flaxseed (GL, n = 12), 10% flaxseed diet plus casein; Modified Control (GCM, n = 12), 10% casein diet with changes in lipid and fiber comparable to GL; Non-protein (GA, n = 6), diet without protein. Considering food intake, protein intake and weight variation, the Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) was calculated. Net Protein Retention (NPR) and the Food Efficiency Ratio (CEA) were also determined relative to brain weight at 30 days of life (M30) and at 52 days (M52). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Test of Sheffe and post-test of Bonferroni were used, p < 0.05. RESULTS: GL had lower food intake, protein and weight variation than GC, but had higher values than GCM. Concerning PER, GL was lower than GC and similar to the GCM, as well as CEA. As for NPR, GL had lower values than the CG and GCM. At M30, GL was superior to GC in relation to brain weight. Likewise, the same was observed at M52. CONCLUSION: Flaxseed promoted adequate growth and better brain development in animals, which might be explained by increased incorporation of omega-3 into these tissues.

Dietary supplements for the lactating adolescent mother: influence on plasma micronutrients / Suplementos dietéticos para la madre adolescente en periodo de lactancia: su influencia en micronutrientes del plasma

Introduction: The nutritional status of micronutrients in lactating adolescent women is crucial to guarantee an adequate secretion of these in breast milk and, consequently, an adequate nutritional status of children. Hence, more attention should be given to micronutrient status of adolescent mother who breastfeed. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of multimicronutrients supplementation upon nutritional status of iron, copper, zinc and calcium of lactating adolescent mother from low socioeconomic status in Rio de Janeiro/Brazil. Methods: We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. During 60 days, 36 adolescents were allocated into two groups: supplemented group (SG) with 17 volunteers, receiving daily multimicronutrients supplement and the placebo group (PG) with 19 volunteers, receiving an inert compound. Plasma iron, copper, zinc and calcium and hemoglobin were determined at 7, 11 and 15 of the postpartum weeks (PPW). The effect of supplementation was analyzed by analysis of variance, comparing the differences between groups and within groups. Results: The average age of volunteers was 17.1 ± 0.8 for the supplemented group and 16.3 ± 1.4 for the placebo group. We observed an increase in the mean concentration of zinc (p < 0.05) and hemoglobin (p < 0.05) in the SG during the study (60 days), while the PG showed reduction (p < 0.05) in the mean concentration of copper between the 7th and 11th PPW. Conclusion: The results of this study show that supplementation with multimicronutrientes exerted positive effect on hemoglobin, copper and zinc (AU)

Introducción: Debido a lo estado nutricional relativo a los micronutrientes de la nutriz ser de fundamental importancia para la adecuada secreción de leche materna, y en consecuencia un adecuado estado nutricional de los niños, se debe prestar una mayor atención a la situación de los micronutrientes de la madre lactante. El trabajo tuvo como objetivo estudiar la influencia de la suplementácion con multimicronutrientes en lo estado nutricional de lo hierro, cobre, zinc y lo calcio de madres lactantes adolescentes de bajo nivel socioeconómico en Rio de Janeiro/Brasil. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio con un ensayo clínico, aleatorizado, controlado con placebo. Durante 60 días, 36 jóvenes lactantes fueron estudiadas y distribuidas en dos grupos: el grupo suplementado (GS) con 17 voluntarias que recibieron un compuesto con multimicronutrientes y el grupo placebo (GP), con 19 voluntarias que recibieron un compuesto inerte. En todas las participantes del estudio se determinaron las concentraciones plasmáticas de hierro, cobre, calcio y zinc y de hemoglobina con 7, 11 y 15 semanas después del parto (SDP). El efecto de los suplementos se analizó por test de comparación de medias (Anova two way) entre los grupos y dentro de los grupos. Resultados: La edad media de las voluntarias fue de 17 ± 0,8 años para el GP y 16,3 ± 1,4 para el GP. Se observó un aumento en las concentraciones medias de zinc y hemoglobina (p < 0,05) en el GS durante el estudio (60 días) y la reducción (p < 0,05) de cobre entre las 7a y 11a SDP en el GP. Conclusión: Los resultados de este estudio muestran que la suplementación con multimicronutrientes tiene un efecto positivo en las concentraciones de hemoglobina, cobre y zinc (AU)

Flaxseed and its contribution to body growth and brain of Wistar rats during childhood and adolescence / Linaza y su contribución al crecimiento del cuerpo y el cerebro de ratas wistar durante la infancia y la adolescencia

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of flaxseed upon body growth and brain of rats. Methods: Experimental phase lasted 52 days, using 42 Wistar rats which were divided into four groups: Control (CG, n = 12), 10% casein diet; Flaxseed (GL, n = 12), 10% flaxseed diet plus casein; Modified Control (GCM, n = 12), 10% casein diet with changes in lipid and fiber comparable to GL; Non-protein (GA, n = 6), diet without protein. Considering food intake, protein intake and weight variation, the Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) was calculated. Net Protein Retention (NPR) and the Food Efficiency Ratio (CEA) were also determined relative to brain weight at 30 days of life (M30) and at 52 days (M52). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Test of Sheffe and post-test of Bonferroni were used, p < 0.05. Results: GL had lower food intake, protein and weight variation than GC, but had higher values than GCM. Concerning PER, GL was lower than GC and similar to the GCM, as well as CEA. As for NPR, GL had lower values than the CG and GCM. At M30, GL was superior to GC in relation to brain weight. Likewise, the same was observed at M52. Conclusion: Flaxseed promoted adequate growth and better brain development in animals, which might be explained by increased incorporation of omega-3 into these tissues (AU)

Objetivos: Evaluar el efecto de la linaza en el crecimiento corporal y del cerebro de ratones. Métodos: El estudio experimental duró 52 días, utilizando 42 ratones Wistar, que fueron divididos en cuatro grupos: Control (GC, n = 12), dieta con 10% de caseína; Linaza (GL, n = 12), 10% de la dieta de linaza adicionada de caseína; Control Modificado (GCM n = 12), 10% de caseína con los cambios en los lípidos y fibra comparable a GL, Sin proteína (GA, n = 6), dieta sin proteínas. Fueron controlados la ingesta de alimentos, la ingesta de proteínas y la variación de peso, fueron calculados el Índice de Eficiencia Proteica (PER), la retención proteica neta (NPR) y el Índice de Eficiencia de Alimentación (CEA). Se determinó también el peso cerebral relativo a los 30 días de vida (M30) y 52 días (M52). Fue utilizado ANOVA, prueba de Sheffé y coeficiente de Bonferroni, con p< 0,05. Resultados: GL tuvo menor consumo de alimentos, proteínas y variación del peso sobre GC, pero tuvo valores más altos que GCM. Con relación a PER, GL fue inferior a GC y similar a GCM, así como en el CEA. GL tuvo valores menores valores de NPR que GC y GCM. En M30, GL fue superior a GC en relación al peso relativo del cerebro. Lo mismo se observó en M52. Conclusiones: La linaza promueve un crecimiento adecuado y un mejor desarrollo cerebral en los animales, lo que podría explicarse por una mayor incorporación de ácidos grasos omega-3 en estos tejidos (AU)

Behavioral analysis of Wistar rats fed with a flaxseed based diet added to an environmental enrichment.

Flaxseed has a high content of n-3 fatty acids and its intake associated with an environmental enrichment may promote distinct behavioral results upon habituation and animal behavior. This work aimed to evaluating animal behavior under the use of these two tools in the Open Field Test. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups (n = 6): FEEG, receiving chow made up of flaxseed and kept in enriched environment; FSEG, receiving flaxseed based diet and kept in a standard environment; CEEG, receiving casein based diet and kept in enriched environment; CSEG, receiving casein based chow and kept in standard environment; MCEEG, receiving chow made up of casein but modified so as to provide the same content of fibers and lipids found in flaxseed diet and kept in enriched environment; MCSEG, receiving modified casein based diet and kept in standard environment. All animals were kept under controlled temperature, collective cages and dark/light cycle, receiving chow and water ad libitum, except for MCEEG and MCSEG, which were pair fed with FEEG and FSEG, respectively. Chow intake and animal body weight were evaluated twice in a week. Animals were maintained in these groups from the first until the second month of life, by the time when 3 day tests in Open Field Test began. Finishing the tests, animals were sacrificed and their brains were obtained in order to calculate the relative brain weight. Our results show an interplay between flaxseed and environmental enrichment in habituation to a new environment, making the animals more manageable and less stressed.

Impact of dietary flaxseed (linum usitatissimum) supplementation on biochemical profile in healthy rats.

Flaxseed has been suggested play preventive and therapeutic roles in cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of flaxseed-supplemented dietary in healthy rats. We used 30 rats divided in three groups (n = 10): Control Group (C) was fed with a casein-based chow (10% protein; 5% fiber; 7% lipid); Flaxseed Group (F) was fed with the casein-based chow supplemented with 25% flaxseed (10% protein; 7% fiber; 11% lipid); Internal Control Group (IC) was fed with the casein-based chow plus soybean oil and fiber (10% protein; 7% fiber; 11% lipid). The blood was obtained by cardiac puncture (after 180 days) and the serum was separated for lipid profile, glucose and uricacid analyses by commercial kit. Although all groups fed the same amount of ration, F group presented low (p < 0.05) body mass than C and IC groups. Total cholesterol and triacylgycerol were similar between all groups. F group presented HDL-C (High-density lipoprotein cholesterol) increase (p < 0.05) in 47% when compared C group. The LDL-C (Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), glucose and uric acid were reduced (p < 0.05) 22%, 78% 64%, respectively, in F compared to C group. All results together suggest that the supplementation with 20% o flaxseed might be important to prevent cardiovascular disorders.

Influence of flaxseed during lactation on the reproductive system of female Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this article was to evaluate the association between flaxseed intake during lactation and its effects on the reproductive indexes in female offspring at infancy, puberty and adult age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two groups were evaluated, an experimental group (FG, n=24) which consumed a flaxseed based diet and a control group (CG, n=26) which had access to a casein based diet. Both of them were fed exclusively with the mentioned diets during all lactation and after weaning the pups received a standard laboratory diet until sacrifice (at weaning, in the moment of vaginal opening or at 90 days old). It was analyzed the puberty onset, estrous cycle, serum estradiol and albumin concentrations, body weight, uterine and ovarian weights. RESULTS: Estradiol and albumin serum concentrations, body weight, uterine and ovarian relative weights were similar in FG and CG at weaning, at vaginal opening and at 90 days old. There was not significant difference in puberty onset between FG and CG, both had similar body weight at vaginal opening. The length of estrous cycle was similar for both groups. There was no significant difference concerning number of females with irregular estrous cycle, only 2 females had irregular cycle in FG and 3 in the CG. None of the females was acyclic. CONCLUSION: Flaxseed intake during lactation did not interfere with sexual maturation and reproductive organs development, suggesting that its consumption during this period is safe for sexual development of female offspring.

Influence of flaxseed during lactation on the reproductive system of female Wistar rats / Influencia de la linaza durante la lactancia sobre el sistema reproductivo de ratas Wistar

Objetives: The goal of this article was to evaluate the association between flaxseed intake during lactation and its effects on the reproductive indexes in female offspring at infancy, puberty and adult age. Material and methods: Two groups were evaluated, an experimental group (FG, n = 24) which consumed a flaxseed based diet and a control group (CG, n = 26) which had access to a casein based diet. Both of them were fed exclusively with the mentioned diets during all lactation and after weaning the pups received a standard laboratory diet until sacrifice (at weaning, in the moment of vaginal opening or at 90 days old). It was analyzed the puberty onset, estrous cycle, serum estradiol and albumin concentrations, body weight, uterine and ovarian weights. Results: Estradiol and albumin serum concentrations, body weight, uterine and ovarian relative weights were similar in FG and CG at weaning, at vaginal opening and at 90 days old. There was not significant difference in puberty onset between FG and CG, both had similar body weight at vaginal opening. The length of estrous cycle was similar for both groups. There was no significant difference concerning number of females with irregular estrous cycle, only 2 females had irregular cycle in FG and 3 in the CG. None of the females was acyclic. Conclusion: Flaxseed intake during lactation did not interfere with sexual maturation and reproductive organs development, suggesting that its consumption during this period is safe for sexual development of female offspring (AU)

Objetivos: el propósito de este artículo era evaluar la asociación entre la ingestión de hierba del chancho durante la lactancia y sus efectos sobre los índices de reproducción en las hijas en la lactancia, pubertad y edad adulta. Material y métodos: se evaluaron dos grupos, uno experimental (FG, n = 24) que consumía una dieta basada en la hierba del chancho y un grupo control (CG, n = 26) que consumía una dieta basada en caseína. Ambos grupos fueron alimentados exclusivamente con las dietas mencionadas durante toda la lactancia y tras el destete los cachorros recibieron una dieta estándar de laboratorio hasta su sacrificio (en el destete, en el momento de la apertura vaginal o hasta la edad de 90 días.) Se analizó el inicio de la pubertad, el ciclo estrogénico, el estradiol sérico y las concentraciones de albúmina, el peso corporal, y los pesos del útero y los ovarios. Resultados: las concentraciones séricas de estradiol y albúmina, el peso corporal y los pesos relativos del útero y los ovarios fueron similares entre FG y CG en el destete, en el momento de la apertura vaginal y a los 90 días de vida. No hubo una diferencias significativas en el inicio de la pubertad entre FG y CG, y ambos grupos mostraron un peso corporal similar en el momento de la apertura vaginal. La duración del ciclo estrogénico fue similar en ambos grupos. No hubo una diferencia significativa con respecto al número de hembras con ciclos estrogénicos irregulares; sólo 2 hembras tuvieron un ciclo irregular en el FG y 3 en el CG. Ninguna hembra se quedó sin ciclo. Conclusión: el consumo de hierba del chancho durante la lactancia no interfirió con la maduración sexual ni el desarrollo de los órganos reproductores, lo que sugiere que su consumo durante este periodo es seguro para el desarrollo sexual de los descendientes femeninos (AU)