Effects of n-3 fatty acids on growth, antioxidant status, and immunity of preweaned dairy calves.

This study aimed to estimate the influences of flax oil and a mixture of ethyl esters of fatty acids from flax oil added to a milk replacer (MR) formulation on the biochemical, immunological, and antioxidant status of blood, production parameters, and health of calves. Twenty-seven Holstein-Frisian calves were assigned to 3 groups: the control group without fat added to the diet (CON, n = 9), a group receiving ethyl esters of flax oil (10 g/d) with lyophilized apples (25 g; MRE), or a group receiving flax oil (10 g/d) with lyophilized apples (25 g; MRL). The study was conducted from d 14 to d 42 of life. Intake of MR and feed were recorded daily, and fecal scores, rectal temperature, and body weight were recorded weekly. Laboratory blood tests were conducted every 7 d from d 14 to 42. Supplementation with the formulation containing ethyl esters of flax oil (MRE) positively affected health, average daily weight gain, growth rate, and feed efficiency. Intake of the starter feed was lower in the calves receiving the formulation with flax oil (MRL). The MRE formulations lowered the concentrations of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL fraction in blood serum and decreased the total antioxidant capacity (TAS) and levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx). The MRL formulation increased TAS and GPx levels in blood serum. The MRE treatment limited the circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor. The MRE and MRL preparations lowered the concentration of SFA (C16:0, C18:0, C18:1) in blood serum, and MRE significantly increased levels of α-linolenic acid. The MRE and MRL preparations beneficially affected production and physiological parameters. Our data support the idea that supplementation with n-3 fatty acids improves calf growth and metabolic and oxidative functions in young calves.

The protective effect of the Cornus mas fruits (cornelian cherry) on hypertriglyceridemia and atherosclerosis through PPARα activation in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits have been used in traditional cuisine and in folk medicine in various countries. This study was conducted to evaluate the constituents and impact of cornelian cherry (C. mas L.) fruits lyophilisate on lipid levels, PPARα protein expression, atheromatous changes in the aorta, oxido-redox state, and proinflammatory cytokines in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. The HPLC-MS method was used for determining active constituents in cornelian cherry. In a subsequent in vivo study the protective effect of the cornelian cherry on diet-induced hyperlipidemia was studied using a rabbit model fed 1% cholesterol. Cornelian cherry (100mg/kg b.w.) or simvastatin (5mg/kg b.w.) were administered orally for 60 days. Two iridoids - loganic acid and cornuside - and five anthocyanins were identified as the main constituents of the cornelian cherry. The administering of the cornelian cherry led to a 44% significant decrease in serum triglyceride levels, as well as prevented development of atheromatous changes in the thoracic aorta. Cornelian cherry significantly increased PPARα protein expression in the liver, indicating that its hypolipidemic effect may stem from enhanced fatty acid catabolism. Simvastatin treatment did not affect PPAR-α expression. Moreover, the cornelian cherry had a significant protective effect on diet-induced oxidative stress in the liver, as well as restored upregulated proinflammatory cytokines serum levels. In conclusion, we have shown loganic acid to be the main iridoid constituent in the European cultivar of the cornelian cherry, and proven that the cornelian cherry could have protective effects on diet-induced hypertriglicerydemia and atherosclerosis through enhanced PPARα protein expression and via regulating oxidative stress and inflammation.

Methyl paraben as a sex pheromone in canine urine--is the question still open?

The literature concerning the issue of canine sex pheromones includes reports presenting completely conflicting opinions about the chemical composition of the canine urine in the context of semiochemical communication. At present, the predominant report cited by many different authors is the article published in Science in 1979 by Goodwin at al., presenting methyl p-hydroxybenzoate (methyl paraben) as the main canine sex pheromone. While it has been proved that pure methyl paraben lacks semiochemical activity as do commercially available products containing this substance (Eau D'Estrus, Synbiotics, USA), in view of the conflicting published reports the aim of this study was to revaluate using modern techniques the presence of methyl p-hydroxybenzoate in canine urine during different phases of the ovarian cycle. Ten female dogs of different breeds were used. Urine samples from bitches collected during various stages of the ovarian cycle were examined with using the SPME and GC/MS methods. Methyl paraben was not detected in any of the samples. In conclusion, because of the lack of methyl-p-hydroxybenzoate in the samples examined, the present study confirmed negative opinions on the possibility of this substance playing a crucial role in semiochemical communication during reproduction in dogs (Canis familiaris).

Effect of preparation method on the properties of potato starch acetates with an equal degree of substitution.

Acetylated retrograded starch is one of the forms of resistant starch (RS3/4). Apart from the known resistance to amylolysis, it is characterized by the capability to form viscous pastes. Properties of this type of acetates are mainly determined by the degree of substitution and raw material used for esterification. The objective of this study was to produce starch acetates with a degree of substitution DS=0.1 from native potato starch and retrograded potato starch, and to compare selected properties of the resultant preparations. Retrograded starch was produced by freezing pastes with concentrations of 1, 4, 10, 18 or 30 g/100 g. Starch acetates with a degree of substitution DS∼0.1 were produced from native or retrograded starch through acetylation with various doses of acetic acid anhydride (6.5-26.0 cm(3)/100 g of starch). The preparations produced were characterized by various properties. A positive correlation was observed between resistance to amylolysis and the number of acetyl groups at C2 and C3 the produced starch acetates.