The relationship between insulin resistance and periodontitis is not affected by Mediterranean diet in a Spanish population.

OBJETIVE: To examine the insulin resistance measured by surrogate indices in subjects with and without periodontitis and to find out any correlation among dietary intake with insulin resistance. DESIGN: Fifty-five patients were recruited to participate in this cross-sectional study. Insulin resistance measured by the homoeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) and the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index moreover glycaemia, creatinine, uric acid, high density lipoproteins, low density lipoproteins, very low density lipoproteins and triglycerides among others. True periodontal disease was elucidated through the examination of probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, recession of the gingival margin and gingival bleeding. The statistical analyses used were the student's T-test for independent variables, Kolmogorov-Smirnov if variations were homogeneous; if not, the Mann-Whitney U Test was applied instead. Correlations between variables were assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficients. True periodontal disease was confirmed through the greater values of probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, gingival margin and gingival bleeding in the periodontitis group in comparison with non-periodontitis group. RESULTS: Insulin resistance was evidenced by the greater values of HOMA-IR as well as by the lower quantitative insulin sensitivity check index values in the periodontitis group. Fasting insulin, glucose, uric acid, creatinine, low density lipoproteins, triglycerides and very low density lipoprotein levels were significant higher in periodontitis group. Pearson's correlations did not show any association among diet data and insulin resistance parameters in periodontitis patients. CONCLUSION: A putative systemic relationship between insulin resistance and periodontitis exists but it does not seem conceivable any effect of diet over such relationship.

Confirmation of oxidative stress and fatty acid disturbances in two further Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome families with identification of a new mutation.

BACKGROUND: We have previously reported oxidative and fatty acids disturbances in one Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome (PLS) family. This Mendelian condition characterized by palmar plantar keratosis and severe aggressive periodontitis, is caused by mutations in the cathepsin C (CTSC) gene. In this study, we have analysed two further unrelated PLS families to confirm this association. METHODS: Mutations were identified by direct sequencing of CTSC. Biochemical analyses were performed in probands and their relatives in order to determine plasma levels of vitamin E, CoQ10 , lipid hydroperoxides (HP) and fatty acid patterns. RESULTS: Pathogenic CTSC mutations were identified in both families including a new mutation (c504C>G). Both probands showed low levels of vitamin E and CoQ10 , and high levels of lipid HP, and also very low levels of docohexaenoic acid. CONCLUSIONS: The previously reported oxidative and fatty acids disturbances were confirmed as a feature of this condition in two further families. There are low levels of antioxidant markers and high levels of oxidative markers, in addition of low levels of some anti-inflammatory fatty acids in persons suffering PLS and some of their relatives.

Olive oil and health: summary of the II international conference on olive oil and health consensus report, Jaén and Córdoba (Spain) 2008.

Olive oil (OO) is the most representative food of the traditional Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet). Increasing evidence suggests that monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) as a nutrient, OO as a food, and the MedDiet as a food pattern are associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and hypertension. A MedDiet rich in OO and OO per se has been shown to improve cardiovascular risk factors, such as lipid profiles, blood pressure, postprandial hyperlipidemia, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and antithrombotic profiles. Some of these beneficial effects can be attributed to the OO minor components. Therefore, the definition of the MedDiet should include OO. Phenolic compounds in OO have shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, prevent lipoperoxidation, induce favorable changes of lipid profile, improve endothelial function, and disclose antithrombotic properties. Observational studies from Mediterranean cohorts have suggested that dietary MUFA may be protective against age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Recent studies consistently support the concept that the OO-rich MedDiet is compatible with healthier aging and increased longevity. In countries where the population adheres to the MedDiet, such as Spain, Greece and Italy, and OO is the principal source of fat, rates of cancer incidence are lower than in northern European countries. Experimental and human cellular studies have provided new evidence on the potential protective effect of OO on cancer. Furthermore, results of case-control and cohort studies suggest that MUFA intake including OO is associated with a reduction in cancer risk (mainly breast, colorectal and prostate cancers).

Periodontitis is associated with altered plasma fatty acids and cardiovascular risk markers.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In periodontitis it has been found that some perturbation exists in lipid biomarkers, such as increased serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Nevertheless, the relationship between fatty acids and periodontitis has been demonstrated only in a few studies and remains controversial. The aim of this investigation was to explore the effects of periodontitis on a cluster of traditional and novel cardiovascular risk factors such as plasma-lipids profile, types of plasma fatty acids, adhesion molecules and systemic inflammatory markers. METHODS AND RESULTS: At a university dental school, 56 patients all over 35 years old were enrolled and invited to participate in the study. Total plasma fatty acids, saturated, n-6 polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, peroxidability index, soluble VCAM, TNF-alpha, cholesterol, triacylglycerols, and VLDL-c were significantly higher in the periodontitis group compared to the non-periodontitis group. CONCLUSIONS: This close association found between plasma triacylglycerols, LDL-c, saturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, total amount of fatty acids and coenzyme Q(10) with some periodontal data such as periodontal probing depth, recession of the gingival margin and clinical attachment level (Pearson correlation between 0.3 and 0.6), leads to the conclusion that there is an inter-relationship between periodontitis, plasma fatty acids profile and the increase in metabolic risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

Metabolic syndrome and periodontitis: is oxidative stress a common link?

A review of pathological mechanisms that can explain the relationship between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is necessary to improve the management of both conditions. Metabolic syndrome is a combination of obesity, hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes, hyperinsulinemia, and dyslipidemia. All these have been examined in recent years in terms of their relationship to periodontitis. Reviewed data indicate an association between some of them (body mass index, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [HDL-C], triglycerides, high blood pressure, among others) and periodontitis. Oxidative stress may act as a potential common link to explain relationships between each component of metabolic syndrome and periodontitis. Both conditions show increased serum levels of products derived from oxidative damage, with a pro-inflammatory state likely influencing each other bidirectionally. Adipocytokines might modulate the oxidant/anti-oxidant balance in this relationship.

Oxygen, a paradoxical element?

Oxygen is an essential element for life on earth. No life may exist without oxygen. But in the last forty years, conclusive evidence demonstrated the double-edge sword of this element. In certain conditions, oxygen may produce reactive species, even free radicals. More, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) takes place everywhere: in air, nature or inside human bodies. The paradox of oxygen atom is entirely due to its peculiar electronic structure. But life began on earth, only when nature found efficient weapons against ROS, these antioxidants, which all creatures are extensibly endowed with. The consequences of oxygen activation in human bodies are only partly known, in spite of extensive scientific research on theoretical, experimental and clinical domains.

Oxidative stress markers in oral lichen planus.

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a relatively common disorder whose cause is still unknown. Oral cancer is preceded in most cases by pre malignant lesions-leukoplasia, submucous fibrosis and lichen planus. Free radicals and reactive oxygen species play important roles in both pathogenesis of lichen planus and carcinogenesis. Thus monitoring systemic and saliva compounds important for the antioxidant defence (oxidative balance) could be important for the clinician's treatment strategy. Thorough medical management and early active treatment are necessary to improve symptoms and might also be a relevant prevention strategy from squamous cell carcinoma risk, although data to fully support this statement still need investigation. The principal aim of this study was to determine the systemic uric acid, GGT, and albumin levels as well as the levels of uric acid and albumin in 20 patients diagnosed with lichen planus and 20 controls. Extensive medline search failed to reveal any study of this type. Our results showed a significant decrease of saliva (p < 0.005) uric acid and an increase in serum gamma glutamyl transpherase (GGT) (p < 0.01) as well as in the total antioxidant capacity of saliva in patient group with respect to the control one. The preliminary conclusion of our study is that uric acid, the most important salivary antioxidant and GGT could be considered in the future as useful markers of oxidative stress for elaboration of treatment strategy and monitoring.

Breeding strawberry (Fragaria X ananassa Duch) to increase fruit nutritional quality.

In the last few years the nutritional value of fruit has been widely studied and requested by the consumers, especially for protection against cardiovascular events, cancer and others as well as for the general health benefits it can provide. These benefits can be ascribed mainly to the Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) of fruit which is determined by a complex combination of bioactive compounds, generally related to specific characteristics of the genotype and of its interaction with the environment. Strawberry breeding programs are currently used to acquire new varieties improved for specific agronomic (Yield and Size), qualitative (Firmness, Sugars Content and Acidity) and sensorial (Colour and Aroma) characteristics, all combined to increased disease resistance and plant adaptability. Nowadays, besides to all these parameters is necessary to look for the specific bioactive components well known for their effect on human health. This aspect is now highly requested by the consumer. By testing different commercial strawberry varieties, a wide difference among their production and fruit quality, mostly related to their adaptability to the local evaluation conditions, is generally detected. Regarding their nutritional values, only few varieties nowadays differ for their higher phenol content and total antioxidant capacity. By taking into account this knowledge different breeding programs specifically addressed to increase fruit nutritional value, have been started. A first approach is based on the use of inter-specific crosses within wild and cultivated genotypes, so to increase variability for these characters, while the second by considering the intra-specific crosses within cultivars already known for their agronomic behavior and good quality performance. Herewith, we report on the major aspects related to breeding program aimed to increase strawberry fruit nutritional quality and what we can expect for the improvement of consumer acceptability of this fruit.

Nifedipine and cyclosporin affect fibroblast calcium and gingiva.

It has been stated that cyclosporin and nifedipine produce gingival overgrowth. However, the specific pathogenic mechanism remains uncertain. We used an experimental rat model to test the hypothesis that changes in collagen metabolism and numbers of gingival blood vessels are not mediated by intracellular calcium concentration (ratiometric Fura-2 AM measurement) in gingival fibroblasts. In the cyclosporin group, both width (364.2 +/- 67.5 mum) and microvessel density (number of vessels/mm(2), stained with anti-CD34 antibody) (41.6 +/- 5.1) of gingiva were statistically different when compared with those in the control group (width = 184.3 +/- 35.2 mum, microvessel density = 19.6 +/- 2.4). The nifedipine group showed the highest content of collagen (proportion of total stroma occupied by collagen, stained with Picro-Mallory) (nifedipine group = 66.3 +/- 9.4, cyclosporin group = 55.2 +/- 7.9, control group = 30.1 +/- 10.2). Freshly cultured fibroblasts from the cyclosporin group exhibited higher ratiometric values of fluorescence than did both the control and nifedipine groups (p = 0.03). Our results support the hypothesis that changes in gingival collagen metabolism are not mediated by calcium intracellular oscillations.

Could constitute saliva the first line of defence against oxidative stress?

The oral cavity, a very complex and unique milieu due to its dual function, respiratory and digestive, is the only place in the body where the mineralized tissue is exposed to the external environment. In this environment there are complex interactions between various surfaces: host soft and hard tissues, food, air and microorganisms. Saliva is in the middle of this environment and tries to cope with an ever-changing milieu. It includes a large number of inorganic and organic compounds, which act as a "mirror of the body's health". In addition to its other functions, saliva could constitute the first line of defence against oxidative stress. The body contains a number of protective antioxidant mechanisms. Saliva is also rich in antioxidants. We review the current available data and from our laboratory concerning antioxidant capacity of saliva. Substantial data are available in literature on the role of reactive oxygen species and antioxidants in diseases, but few information is available on oral pathology. Due to its composition and functions, saliva could have a significant role in controlling and/or modulating oxidative damages in the oral cavity.

International conference on the healthy effect of virgin olive oil.

1. Ageing represents a great concern in developed countries because the number of people involved and the pathologies related with it, like atherosclerosis, morbus Parkinson, Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, cognitive decline, diabetes and cancer. 2. Epidemiological studies suggest that a Mediterranean diet (which is rich in virgin olive oil) decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease. 3. The Mediterranean diet, rich in virgin olive oil, improves the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as the lipoprotein profile, blood pressure, glucose metabolism and antithrombotic profile. Endothelial function, inflammation and oxidative stress are also positively modulated. Some of these effects are attributed to minor components of virgin olive oil. Therefore, the definition of the Mediterranean diet should include virgin olive oil. 4. Different observational studies conducted in humans have shown that the intake of monounsaturated fat may be protective against age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. 5. Microconstituents from virgin olive oil are bioavailable in humans and have shown antioxidant properties and capacity to improve endothelial function. Furthermore they are also able to modify the haemostasis, showing antithrombotic properties. 6. In countries where the populations fulfilled a typical Mediterranean diet, such as Spain, Greece and Italy, where virgin olive oil is the principal source of fat, cancer incidence rates are lower than in northern European countries. 7. The protective effect of virgin olive oil can be most important in the first decades of life, which suggests that the dietetic benefit of virgin olive oil intake should be initiated before puberty, and maintained through life. 8. The more recent studies consistently support that the Mediterranean diet, based in virgin olive oil, is compatible with a healthier ageing and increased longevity. However, despite the significant advances of the recent years, the final proof about the specific mechanisms and contributing role of the different components of virgin olive oil to its beneficial effects requires further investigations.

In vitro antioxidant activities of antioxidant-enriched toothpastes.

Several forms of periodontal diseases (PD) are often associated with modified phagocytosing leukocytes and contemporary free radical production. Host antioxidant defenses could benefit from toothpastes used as adjuncts to counteract plaque-associated bacteria. The aim of the present study was to determine possible antioxidant activity (AA) of 12 differently antioxidant-enriched toothpastes, regardless of their efficacy as antimicrobial agents. Toothpastes were enriched alternatively with sodium ascorbyl phosphate, alpha-tocopherol acetate, pycnogenol, allantoin and methyl salycilate or a mixture of these. AA was tested in a cell-free system with a ABTS-decolorization assay improved by means of a flow injection analysis device. Comet assay, using NCTC 2544 keratinocytes, was performed to test if it was possible to identify any protection against in vitro DNA fragmentation provoked by a challenge with H(2)O(2) in cultures pre-incubated with toothpaste extracts. Only toothpastes containing sodium ascorbyl phosphate displayed clear AA with I(50) values ranging between 50 and 80 mg of toothpaste/ml water. COMET analysis of cells challenged with H(2)O(2) in presence of toothpaste extracts revealed a limited protection exerted by sodium ascorbyl phosphate. The results described herein indicate that toothpastes containing sodium ascorbyl phosphate possess AA. All the data were obtained in systems in vitro and the demonstration of in vivo AA is desirable. These findings could be useful in the treatment and maintenance of some forms of PD and should be considered when arranging new toothpaste formulations.

Immunohistochemical analysis of soft tissues in implants with healthy and peri-implantitis condition, and aggressive periodontitis.

Today, implant-supported prostheses are widely accepted as a reliable treatment modality, but failures in longitudinal studies have been shown. In some cases, peri-implantitis with a progressive periodontal bone loss takes place, and mechanical or load factors and biological or plaque-induced lesions have been claimed as main etiologic factors. We compared five cases of peri-implantitis, with five cases of healthy peri-implant tissues and five cases of aggressive periodontitis in order to give new findings on the osseointegration loss process. Biopsy specimens from the peri-implant tissues including oral (O), sulcular, and junctional epithelium and the underlying and supracrestal connective tissue, were taken in all cases for histological and immunohistochemical analysis. T lymphocytes were the most prominent cell in the peri-implantitis (PG) and aggressive periodontitis (AG) groups, but not in the peri-implant healthy group (HG). CD1a-positive cells (Langerhans and immature dendritic cells) were observed more frequently in the O than in the sulcular-junctional (S-J) epithelium: they were located in the basal and parabasal layers, without any differences between the three groups. Vascular proliferation analysed by immunoreactivity for CD34, Factor VIII, and vascular endothelial growth factor was more prominent in the PG comparing with HG and AG in the S-J area. Apoptosis, analysed by bcl2 and p53 immunoreactivity, was similar in the three groups. In conclusion, we suggest that the osseointegration loss process is due to an inflammatory process similar to that observed in aggressive periodontitis according to the number of T lymphocytes, but not to the vascular proliferation.

Coenzyme Q differentially modulates phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase gene expression and free radicals production in malignant and non-malignant prostate cells.

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of coenzyme Q on the mRNA abundance of PHGPx and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in two different cell lines from human prostate, a line of non cancer cells (PNT2) and a line of cancer cells (PC3). Results showed that malignant cells markedly differ in their response to coenzyme Q compared to non-malignant cells, with no changes in PHGPx expression and greater ROS production. Furthermore coenzyme Q supplementation significantly lowered cell growth of the PC3 cancer line without affecting the PNT2. If these results are confirmed with additional experiments, it could represent a novel and interesting approach on the biomedical use of coenzyme Q10 in cancer therapy.

Coenzyme Q, Vitamin E and Apo-E alleles in Alzheimer Disease.

Neurodegenerative Diseases represent the most common cause of Dementia, about 5-10% of the population aged above 65 years and about 30% above 80 years. A study about Apo-E alleles, Coenzyme Q and Vitamins E as biological indicators was performed in plasma samples of patients aged from 30 to 85 years, affected by Neurodegenerative Diseases. The results were compared with control subjects of approximately the same ages as the reference group. A frequency of 21.7% of epsilon4 allele in control group was estimated, against 15.8% observed in patients. The frequency of epsilon2 and epsilon3 alleles was 13.0% and 65.2% in the control group against 10.5% and 73.7% in patients. No significant differences were observed between the frequency of epsilon3/epsilon3 genotype and epsilon3/epsilon4 genotype in the control group compared to patients' group. The frequencies observed in epsilon2/epsilon3 genotype groups were 8.7% vs 15.8% and of e2/e4 genotype 17.4% vs 5.3%. The epsilon2/epsilon2 and epsilon4/epsilon4 genotypes were not identified in any groups. Plasma CoQ10 concentrations were similar in patient and control groups and no differences were found even taking into account the distribution of male and female subjects in the two groups. Also, vitamin E did not provide evidence of any differences between groups and the analysis among sexes revealed that again vitamin E concentrations were similar in between subgroups.

Coenzyme Q10, antioxidant status and ApoE isoforms.

The aim of this study was to inquire the antioxidant status in plasma and lipoproteins isolated from normal subjects possessing different ApoE genotypes. For this purpose we investigated blood samples from 106 healthy blood donors: the distribution of ApoE alleles (E2/E2 = 0.9%, E2/E3 = 10.4%, E2/E4 = 2.8%, E3/E3 = 71.7%, E3/E4 = 12.3% and E4/E4 1.9% with 1, 11, 3, 76, 13, and 2 subjects respectively for each genotype) was in agreement with previous data. Almost no differences were found in the concentrations of both coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and vitamin E for the different genotypes. Concentration of CoQ10 in isolated lipoproteins was also similar, in the different genotypes, when referred to cholesterol; CoQ10 in LDL was higher for the E3/E3 subjects when referred to protein. Neither CoQ10 nor vitamin E correlated with paraoxonase (PON) activity or cholesteryl-ester hydroperoxides (CHP). Furthermore, there was no correlation between the same lipophilic antioxidants and CHP levels. The only E2 homozygous subject found had high levels of PON and low levels of CHP; the two E4/E4 subjects had low PON activity together with low levels of CHP.

Ultrastructure of the gingiva in cardiac patients treated with or without calcium channel blockers.

OBJECTIVES: In the last few years, several studies have suggested that periodontal diseases are related to the development of atherosclerosis and its complications. Our objective was to study the ultrastructural morphology of the gingiva from cardiac patients, some of whom were treated and some not with calcium channel blockers compared to a control group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-five patients were studied and grouped in the following way: (a) healthy group (HG) (n=12) healthy patients with at least two pockets between 3 and 5 mm; (b) cardiac group (CG) (n=12) patients with cardiac disease untreated with calcium channel blockers; (c) diltiazem group (DG) (n=13) cardiac patients treated with diltiazem; (d) nifedipine group (NG) (n=18) cardiac patients treated with nifedipine. RESULTS: Ultrastructural studies in the CG showed inflammatory cells, collagen fibers disruption and a more extended morphologically compromised fibroblast mitochondria. Morphometric studies in CG showed mitochondria that were impaired in number but increased in volume, suggesting metabolic cell suffering. In DG and NG, morphometric data were similar to HG. The presence of myofibroblasts and collagen neosynthesis was detected in DG and NG. CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed differences in the ultrastructure of the gingival fibroblasts between the studied groups; the DG and NG showed features that could be interpreted as an attempt to restore the cellular metabolic function.

The antioxidant capacity of saliva.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Saliva, a heterogeneous fluid comprising proteins, glycoproteins, electrolytes, small organic molecules and compounds transported from the blood, constantly bathes the teeth and oral mucosa. It acts as a cleansing solution, an ion reservoir, a lubricant and a buffer. In addition to its other host-protective properties, saliva could constitute a first line of defence against free radical-mediated oxidative stress, since the process of mastication and digestion of ingested foods promotes a variety of reactions, including lipid peroxidation. Moreover, during gingival inflammation, gingival crevicular fluid flow increases the change of saliva composition with products from the inflammatory response; this, in turn, could have some rôle in controlling and/or modulating oxidative damages in the oral cavity. This is the reason why the antioxidant capacity of saliva has led to increasing interest, and the development of techniques suitable for saliva antioxidant evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Here, we review the current peer-reviewed literature concerning the nature and characteristics of free radicals, reactive oxygen species, oxidants, pro-oxidants and antioxidants in saliva, especially pro-oxidant and antioxidant features, as well as current methods for assessing the antioxidant capacity of saliva. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: In the last decade, several methods have been developed for assaying the antioxidant activity of saliva, indicating an increasing interest of researchers and clinicians. Unfortunately, systematic studies of saliva are still lacking, even in healthy populations.

Coenzymes Q9 and Q10, vitamin E and peroxidation in rat synaptic and non-synaptic occipital cerebral cortex mitochondria during ageing.

Great attention has been devoted both to ageing phenomena at the mitochondrial level and to the antioxidant status of membrane structures. These kinds of investigations are difficult to perform in the brain because of its heterogeneity. It is known that synaptic heavy mitochondria (HM) may represent an aged mitochondrial population characterized by a partial impairment of their typical mitochondrial function. We arranged a novel system requiring no extraction procedure, very limited handling of the samples and their direct injection into the HPLC apparatus, to carry out, for the first time, a systematic and concomitant determination of vitamin E, Coenzyme Q9 (CoQ9) and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) contents in rat brain mitochondria. The trends found for CoQ9 and CoQ10 levels in synaptic and non-synaptic occipital cerebral cortex mitochondria during rat ageing are consistent with previous data. Hydroperoxides (HP) differed with age and it was confirmed that in the HM fraction the summation of contributions results in an oxidatively jeopardized subpopulation. We found that vitamin E seems to increase with age, at least in non-synaptic free (FM) and synaptic light (LM) mitochondria, while it was inclined to remain substantially constant in HM.

Dietary fat type and regular exercise affect mitochondrial composition and function depending on specific tissue in the rat.

Physical exercise and fatty acids have been studied in relation to mitochondrial composition and function in rat liver, heart, and skeletal muscle. Male rats were divided into two groups according to dietary fat type (virgin olive and sunflower oils). One-half of the animals from each group were subjected to a submaximal exercise for 8 weeks; the other half acted as sedentary controls. Coenzyme Q, cytochromes b, c + c1, a + a3 concentrations, and the activity of cytochrome c oxidase were determined. Regular exercise increased (P < 0.05) the concentration of the above-mentioned elements and the activity of the cytochrome c oxidase by roughly 50% in liver and skeletal muscle. In contrast, physical exercise decreased (P < 0.05) cytochrome c oxidase activity in the heart (in micromol/min/g, from 8.4+/-0.1 to 4.9+/-0.1 in virgin olive oil group and from 9.7+/-0.1 to 6.7+/-0.2 in sunflower oil animals). Dietary fat type raised the levels of coenzyme Q, cytochromes, and cytochrome c oxidase activity in skeletal muscle (P < 0.05) among the rats fed sunflower oil. In conclusion, dietary fat type, regular exercise, and the specific tissue modulate composition and function of rat mitochondria.