The influence of a diet based on flaxseed, an omega-3 source, during different developmental periods, on the blood pressure of rats submitted to stress.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate a flaxseed diet during different developmental periods, and its effect on the blood pressure of rats submitted to stress. METHODS: Fifty-six male rats (F1), born from 14 rats (F0), were divided into seven groups (n = 8): flaxseed group (FG); flaxseed group gestation and lactation (FG-GL); flaxseed group weaning (FG-W); flaxseed group weaning and stress (FG-WS); flaxseed group stress (FG-S); flaxseed group gestation lactation and weaning (FG-GLW), and control Group (CG). Stress protocol was undertaken for 1 month. Blood pressure was analysed before and after the stress protocol. The left adrenal glands and serum corticosterone levels were analysed. RESULTS: Systolic blood pressure before stress was lower in all groups with flaxseed diet compared with the CG (p = .00001). After stress, CG showed higher blood pressure compared with FG, FG-GL, and FG-GLW (p = .004). The levels of corticosterone were lower in the FG between all groups (p < .000001) and the CG showed higher compared with FG-W, FG-WS, FG-GL, and FG-GLW (p < .0001). The adrenal gland did not show differences. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest a possible factor from a flaxseed diet against the effects of stress on a blood pressure in all periods of life but especially in the gestation and lactation periods.

Assessments of body composition and bone parameters of lactating rats treated with diet containing flaxseed meal (Linum usitatissinum) during post-weaning period / Evaluaciones de composición corporal y parámetros óseos en ratas lactantes tratadas con dietas a base de linaza (Linum usitatissinum) durante el periodo de destete

Introduction: There are few studies on body composition and the effects of diet on weight postpartum women. The aim was to evaluate the body composition and bone parameters in lactating rats treated with diet containing flaxseed flour during postweaning period. Methods: After weaning, the lactating rat were divided in control (n = 6) and experimental (F, n = 6) group, treated with 25% flaxseed flour diet. After 30 days, body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, serum analysis, organs and intra-abdominal fat mass, femur and lumbar vertebra parameters were determined. Results: The groups showed similar food intake, body mass and bone parameters. While F group showed the following: lower body (-5%), gonadal (-17%), mesenteric (-23%) and intra-abdominal (-6%) fat mass. Increase of HDL-cholesterol (+10%) and lower glucose (-15%), triglycerides (P < 0.05, -37%) and cholesterol (P < 0.05, -21%). Conclusions: The findings highlight the effects of flaxseed for control of adiposity and to maintain a healthy biochemical profile during the postnatal period (AU)

Introducción: Hay pocos estudios sobre la composición corporal y los efectos de la dieta en mujeres en el periodo postparto. El objetivo consistió en evaluar la composición corporal y los parámetros óseos en ratas lactantes tratadas con dietas a base de linaza durante el periodo de destete. Métodos: Después del destete, las ratas lactantes fueron divididas en un grupo de control (n = 6) y un grupo experimental (F, n = 6), tratadas con una dieta a base de harina de lino al 25%. Al cabo de 30 días, se midieron los parámetros corporales mediante absorciometría de rayos X de doble energía, se realizó un análisis sérico, y se evaluó órganos y masa grasa intra-abdominal así como los parámetros en fémur y vértebras lumbares. Resultados: El grupo mostró una ingesta alimenticia similar, así como parámetros óseos y de masa corporal. Mientras que el grupo F mostró los porcentajes siguientes en masa grasa: parte inferior del cuerpo (-5%), gonadal (-17%), mesentérica (-23%) e intra-abdominal (-6%). Aumento de HDL-colesterol (+10%) y disminución de glucosa (-15%), triglicéridos (P < 0,05, -37%) y colesterol (P < 0,05, -21%). Conclusiones: Los resultados destacan los efectos del lino para el control de la adiposidad y para mantener un perfil bioquímico sano durante el periodo postnatal (AU)