APOE Genotypes, Lipid Profiles, and Associated Clinical Markers in a Finnish Population with Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors.

INTRODUCTION: The APOE ε4 allele predisposes to high cholesterol and increases the risk for lifestyle-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The aim of this study was to analyse interrelationships of APOE genotypes with lipid metabolism and lifestyle factors in middle-aged Finns among whom the CVD risk factors are common. METHODS: Participants (n = 211) were analysed for APOE ε genotypes, physiological parameters, and health- and diet-related plasma markers. Lifestyle choices were determined by a questionnaire. RESULTS: APOE genotypes ε3/ε4 and ε4/ε4 (ε4 group) represented 34.1% of the participants. Genotype ε3/ε3 (ε3 group) frequency was 54.5%. Carriers of ε2 (ε2 group; ε2/ε2, ε2/ε3 and ε2/ε4) represented 11.4%; 1.9% were of the genotype ε2/ε4. LDL and total cholesterol levels were lower (p < 0.05) in the ε2 carriers than in the ε3 or ε4 groups, while the ε3 and ε4 groups did not differ. Proportions of plasma saturated fatty acids (SFAs) were higher (p < 0.01), and omega-6 fatty acids lower (p = 0.01) in the ε2 carriers compared with the ε4 group. The ε2 carriers had a higher (p < 0.05) percentage of 22:4n-6 and 22:5n-6 and a lower (p < 0.05) percentage of 24:5n-3 and 24:6n-3 than individuals without the ε2 allele. CONCLUSIONS: The plasma fatty-acid profiles in the ε2 group were characterized by higher SFA and lower omega-6 fatty-acid proportions. Their lower cholesterol values indicated a lower risk for CVD compared with the ε4 group. A novel finding was that the ε2 carriers had different proportions of 22:4n-6, 22:5n-6, 24:5n-3, and 24:6n-3 than individuals without the ε2 allele. The significance of the differences in fatty-acid composition remains to be studied.

Ethical Aspects of Genotype Disclosure: Perceptions of Participants in a Nutrigenetic Study in Finland.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to gain insight into the understanding of genetics and perceptions on the ethical issues related to genotype disclosure of the participants in a nutrigenetic study. METHODS: A close-ended questionnaire was developed based on literature and discussions among the research group members. The questionnaire contained a -total of 33 questions, which were divided into 4 categories - demographics, knowledge assessment, concerns related to participation, and opinions on disclosure of information. Majority of the participants (250 out of 281) of a nutrigenetic study, in which effect of disclosing APOE allele status on lifestyle changes was studied, completed the questionnaire online following the informed consent process. The responses from the knowledge assessment and the concern categories were transformed into knowledge and concern scales, respectively, and analysed by descriptive statistical methods. The statistical associations between the categorical variables were determined using χ2 test of independence. The relationship between the continuous variables was assessed using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient and internal consistency of questions by Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: No correlation was observed between the level of education and knowledge scores. About 10% of the participants thought that the genetic predisposition would be stressful to them and their family members. CONCLUSIONS: Careful distribution of information before a nutrigenetic study supports understanding and reduces concerns of genetic susceptibility. In Finland, strong basic education is likely to have strengthened the trust in research process.

APOE Genotype Disclosure and Lifestyle Advice in a Randomized Intervention Study with Finnish Participants.

BACKGROUND: The APOE ε4 allele is associated with higher risks of cardiovascular diseases and Alzheimer disease than ε3 and ε2. OBJECTIVES: We studied the effectiveness of dietary and lifestyle guidance and personal genetic risk information [ε4 carrier (ε4+); ε4 noncarrier (ε4-)] as motivators for a healthier lifestyle. METHODS: A total of 188 healthy Finnish volunteers (82.4% women; mean ± SD age: 51.0 ± 5.6 y; BMI: 26.0 ± 3.6 kg/m2; total cholesterol: 5.2 ± 0.9 mmol/L) participated in our randomized intervention study. The participants were genotyped for APOE and divided into intervention (INT; INTε4+, n = 33; INTε4-, n = 57) and control groups (CTRL; CTRLε4+, n = 36; CTRLε4-, n = 62). Blood samples, measured observations, and questionnaire data were obtained at baseline and at 1 and 1.5 y. INT participants received their ε4 carrier status at baseline. Monthly Internet-based guidance based on the Finnish Dietary guidelines was provided for all. RESULTS: The proportion of SFAs in plasma over time fluctuated less in INTε4+ than in the other groups (P-interaction < 0.05; primary outcome). The lifestyle guidance increased vegetable consumption from 3.5 to 3.6 portions/d, improved the dietary fat quality score by 5.3%, increased the plasma n-3 (ω-3) FA proportion by 7.3%, and decreased the consumption of high-fat/high-sugar foods from 7.3 to 6.5 portions/wk and total- and LDL-cholesterol concentrations by 4.3% and 6.1%, respectively, in the entire participant population (P < 0.05; secondary outcome). Compared with the ε4- participants, ε4+ participants had 2.4% higher plasma n-6 (ω-6) FA, lower C-peptide (3.9 compared with 4.2 nmol/L × h) and sensitive C-reactive protein values, and decreased plasma malondialdehyde concentrations over time (P < 0.05; secondary outcome). CONCLUSIONS: Lifestyle guidance given to healthy Finnish participants yielded small but beneficial changes. The INTε4+ group did not seem markedly more responsive to the guidance than the other groups.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03794141.

Information Provided to Consumers about Direct-to-Consumer Nutrigenetic Testing.

BACKGROUND: Nutrigenetic tests are often considered to be less serious compared to other health-related genetic tests, although they share similar ethical concerns. Nutrigenetic tests are mainly available through direct-to-consumer genetic testing (DTC GT) and increasing in popularity. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the contents of nutrigenetic DTC GT websites with respect to the adequacy of the information provided to support a well-informed decision of purchasing the tests. METHODS: The websites of DTC GT companies selling nutrigenetic tests that could be ordered online without involving any healthcare professional, available in English, marketing tests in Europe, the USA, Australia, or Canada, and accessible from Finland were included in the study (n = 38). Quantitative and qualitative content analyses of the websites were carried out with the help of a codebook. RESULTS: Of the 38 websites, 8 included a clearly identifiable and easy-to-find information section about genetics. The quality and contents of these sections were often insufficient and/or misleading. Fourteen websites had specific sections discussing the risks related to GT, and on 13 signed informed consent was requested for GT. Furthermore, only 2 of the companies offered any kind of pretest consultation and 13 offered mostly separately charged posttest consultation. The complex structure of the websites made it difficult to find all key information, with many important aspects buried in legal documents, which were challenging to comprehend even for a professional. CONCLUSION: The structure of the websites and the amount and quality of the content therein do not support a well-informed decision.

A Long-Term Follow-Up Study on Disclosing Genetic Risk Information (APOE) to Promote Healthy Lifestyles in Finland.

AIM: This observational follow-up study was designed to assess the long-term behavioural and clinical effects of receiving personal genetic risk information. The information disclosed was the carrier status of the apolipoprotein E (APOE)alleles, which differentially contribute to the genetic risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and Alzheimer's disease. METHODS: This study forms a continuum with a previous 1-year intervention (2010-2011) monitoring the effects of disclosing the carrier status of the APOE ε4risk allele. The follow-up measurements, performed 5.5 years post-intervention, included clinical measurements (blood values and anthropomorphic parameters) and questionnaires (psychological and behavioural factors). The participants were healthy adult volunteers, aged 26-73 years (n = 70) who had participated in the previous intervention, and received their APOE allele status either at the beginning (former test group) or the end of the intervention (former control group). RESULTS: Personal genetic risk information resulted in a moderate health-conscious change in diet and had a slight positive long-term effect on clinical factors, particularly the serum lipids. These improvements were subsequent to the disclosure of genetic information and occurred mainly in the APOE ε4-positive members of the former control group, that is, those who were at increased genetic risk for CVD but had not been informed of their status before the end of the intervention. In contrast, changes in the values and health behaviour of the APOE ε4-positive individuals in the former test group, who had already changed their health behaviour during the previous intervention as a result of being informed of their carrier status, varied more: some continued to improve, some remained at their previously improved level, and some relapsed slightly. Both groups had nonetheless displayed an improvement immediately subsequent to the disclosure of their personal genetic risk. CONCLUSION: Receiving information on increased personal genetic risk (carrier status of APOE ε4)for CVD provided the motivation for improvements in health behaviour. The resulting changes, while modest, in most cases remained visible even after a number of years.

Higher antioxidant and lower cadmium concentrations and lower incidence of pesticide residues in organically grown crops: a systematic literature review and meta-analyses.

Demand for organic foods is partially driven by consumers' perceptions that they are more nutritious. However, scientific opinion is divided on whether there are significant nutritional differences between organic and non-organic foods, and two recent reviews have concluded that there are no differences. In the present study, we carried out meta-analyses based on 343 peer-reviewed publications that indicate statistically significant and meaningful differences in composition between organic and non-organic crops/crop-based foods. Most importantly, the concentrations of a range of antioxidants such as polyphenolics were found to be substantially higher in organic crops/crop-based foods, with those of phenolic acids, flavanones, stilbenes, flavones, flavonols and anthocyanins being an estimated 19 (95 % CI 5, 33) %, 69 (95 % CI 13, 125) %, 28 (95 % CI 12, 44) %, 26 (95 % CI 3, 48) %, 50 (95 % CI 28, 72) % and 51 (95 % CI 17, 86) % higher, respectively. Many of these compounds have previously been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including CVD and neurodegenerative diseases and certain cancers, in dietary intervention and epidemiological studies. Additionally, the frequency of occurrence of pesticide residues was found to be four times higher in conventional crops, which also contained significantly higher concentrations of the toxic metal Cd. Significant differences were also detected for some other (e.g. minerals and vitamins) compounds. There is evidence that higher antioxidant concentrations and lower Cd concentrations are linked to specific agronomic practices (e.g. non-use of mineral N and P fertilisers, respectively) prescribed in organic farming systems. In conclusion, organic crops, on average, have higher concentrations of antioxidants, lower concentrations of Cd and a lower incidence of pesticide residues than the non-organic comparators across regions and production seasons.

An intervention study of individual, apoE genotype-based dietary and physical-activity advice: impact on health behavior.

AIM: To assess the behavioral effects of receiving personal genetic information, using apoE genotypes as a tool for promoting lifestyle changes. apoE was chosen because it has a significant impact on lipid metabolism and cholesterol absorption, both factors in cardiovascular disease. METHODS: This study was a 1-year intervention study of healthy adults aged 20-67 years (n = 107). Their behavioral changes were measured by diet (e.g., fat quality, as well as consumption of vegetables, berries, fruits, and fatty and sugary foods), alcohol consumption, and exercise. Health and taste attitudes were assessed with the Health and Taste Attitude Scales (HTAS). The measurements were performed 4 times: at baseline (T0), as well as 10 weeks (T1), 6 months (T2), and 12 months after baseline (T3). These behavioral effects were assessed for three groups: a high-risk (Ɛ4+; n = 16), a low-risk (Ɛ4-; n = 35), and a control group (n = 56). RESULTS: Personal genetic information affected health behavior. Dietary fat quality improved more in the Ɛ4+ group than in the Ɛ4- and control groups after personal, genotype-based health advice. This change differed significantly between the Ɛ4+ and the control group (p < 0.05), but only for a short time. CONCLUSION: Personal genetic information, based on apoE, may affect dietary fat quality. More research is required to determine how to utilize genotype-based health information and how to efficiently achieve long-term changes in the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases.

Black currant seed oil supplementation of mothers enhances IFN-γ and suppresses IL-4 production in breast milk.

BACKGROUND: The first year of infancy is crucial for the development of atopic immune response. Inadequate early Th1 and Treg responses and increased production of Th2 cytokines are associated with atopy. Breast milk contains several immunomodulatory cytokines and other factors that might influence the maturation of the infant's immune system. We assessed the cytokines in breast milk of mother of newborn infants and their associations with black currant seed oil (BCSO) supplementation during pregnancy, mother's atopic status and the development of infant's atopic dermatitis. METHODS: Mothers and infants from an intervention study by black currant seed oil (n = 31) or olive oil as placebo (n = 30) were included in the study. Breast milk samples were collected during the first 3 months of breastfeeding. Breast milk levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12, IFN-γ and TNF were measured by Luminex technology. RESULTS: BCSO intervention group had decreased level of IL-4 (p = 0.044) and elevated level of IFN-γ (p = 0.014) in breast milk as compared to olive oil group. No significant differences were observed in IL-5, IL-10, IL-12 and TNF levels between the BCSO and olive oil groups. Mothers who had atopic dermatitis had significantly decreased levels of IL-10 (p = 0.044) in breast milk. Breast milk of the mothers of the children who developed atopic dermatitis had lower levels of IFN-γ (p = 0.039) as compared to the breast milk of the mothers of the children without dermatitis. CONCLUSION: Dietary intervention with BCSO had immunomodulatory effects on breast milk cytokine production towards Th2 to Th1 immunodeviation.

The glycaemic and C-peptide responses of foods rich in dietary fibre from oat, buckwheat and lingonberry.

Dietary fibre has a beneficial effect on metabolic syndrome, e.g. by influencing the absorption of glucose. The source and structure of fibre affect the glucose response. In this study, the glycaemic and insulinaemic response to oat bread, oat bread with lingonberry fibre, oat-buckwheat bread and buckwheat porridge were tested in a small-scale clinical study (KHSHP E514/09). Nine healthy volunteers consumed test foods after overnight fasting. Serum glucose and C-peptide levels were determined by colorimetric and ELISA methods, respectively, from samples taken at seven time points during 120 min. The mean glycaemic and C-peptide indexes (C-pepIs) were 32 and 100 for oat bread, 47 and 119 for oat-lingonberry fibre bread, 58 and 105 for oat-buckwheat bread and 71 and 77 for buckwheat porridge. Similar to rye, buckwheat porridge having a relatively high glycaemic index (GI) tended to have a low C-pepI. Buckwheat and lingonberry fibres provide new alternatives for low GI foods.

Children's hedonic response to berry products: Effect of chemical composition of berries and hTAS2R38 genotype on liking.

The hedonic response of 104 healthy children, recruited from day-care centres and schools, to 12 different berry products with varying content of added sugar was studied. The berries used as ingredients were blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum), sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides), bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), and lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea). Another aim of the study was to study the effects of the chemical composition of berries as well as children's hTAS2R38 taste receptor genotypes on liking. The most liked product was bilberry with yoghurt, followed by bilberry juice, dried bilberries, and lingonberry rye bread. The most disliked products were sea buckthorn juice, sea buckthorn berries with yoghurt, and oatmeal with blackcurrant powder and berry oil. High total organic acid concentration was strongly related with a poor average liking score of the berries/berry products. A total of four different alleles of hTAS2R38 gene were observed in the study. Of the genotyped children, 45% were bitter taste insensitive individuals of the genotype AVI/AVI, and 40% were of the genotype PAV/AVI. Children of the genotype PAV/AVI were reported using more vegetables, but not berries, than the AVI/AVI children. The results also show that the liking scores of the children of the AVI/AVI, PAV/AVI, and PAV/PAV genotypes differed from each other, and that the familiarity of a berry product is likely to be an important factor in liking.

Finnish adolescents' attitudes towards wholegrain bread and healthiness.

BACKGROUND: Wholegrain food may have an important role in the prevention of chronic diseases, and therefore its consumption should be increased. However, wholegrain products have a low consumption because of unfamiliar taste and poor understanding about the health benefits. Generally, adolescents unfamiliar with wholegrain bread dislike it. Food use in childhood correlates positively with practices in adult life, and therefore adolescents are an important target group for research. The aim was to study adolescents' attitudes towards wholegrain bread in a society where wholegrain products are widely used. RESULTS: A qualitative focus group method (n = 61) and a quantitative procedure (n = 104) with 13-15-year-old secondary school students indicated that Finnish adolescents considered wholegrain breads healthier and more acceptable than refined breads. The motives for wholegrain bread consumption were taste, feeling of fillingness and weight control. Girls were more interested in bread healthfulness than boys (P < 0.01), and participants who showed a more positive attitude towards general health interest reported using more rye and wholegrain breads than participants with negative attitudes. CONCLUSION: Adolescents familiar with the sensory properties and healthfulness of rye and wholegrain breads consumed them regularly and perceived them as pleasant and very acceptable.

Oral sea buckthorn oil attenuates tear film osmolarity and symptoms in individuals with dry eye.

Dry eye is a common condition that can severely impair the quality of life. We aimed to find out whether oral sea buckthorn (SB) oil, containing (n-3) and (n-6) fatty acids and antioxidants, affects dry eye. In this double-blind, randomized, parallel trial, 20- to 75-y-old women and men experiencing dry eye symptoms consumed 2 g of SB or placebo oil daily for 3 mo from fall to winter. One hundred participants were recruited and 86 completed the study. Clinical dry eye tests and symptom follow-ups were performed. Tear film hyperosmolarity is a focal factor in dry eye. There was a general increase in the osmolarity from baseline to the end of the intervention. Compared with the placebo group, the increase was significantly less in the SB group when all participants were included [intention to treat (ITT), P = 0.04] and when only participants consuming the study products for at least 80% of the intervention days were included [per protocol (PP), P = 0.02]. The maximum intensities of redness and burning tended to be lower in the SB group. In the ITT participants, the group difference was significant for redness (P = 0.04) but not for burning (P = 0.05). In the PP participants, the group difference was significant for burning (P = 0.04) but not for redness (P = 0.11). In conclusion, SB oil attenuated the increase in tear film osmolarity during the cold season and positively affected the dry eye symptoms.

Effect of a low dose of sea buckthorn berries on circulating concentrations of cholesterol, triacylglycerols, and flavonols in healthy adults.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies indicate beneficial effects of flavonoids on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. AIM OF THE STUDY: To study the effect of flavonoid-rich sea buckthorn berry (SBB) on circulating lipid markers associated with CVD risk and plasma flavonol concentration. Also investigated was whether changes in the circulating flavonol concentrations correlate with the SBB induced changes in C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration observed previously. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In all 229 healthy participants completed the randomized double-blind study and consumed daily 28 g of SBB or placebo for 3 months. Fasting blood samples for the analysis of lipid markers and flavonols were obtained at the beginning and end of the study. RESULTS: Compared to the placebo, the consumption of SBB increased the plasma concentration of the flavonols quercetin and isorhamnetin significantly [treatment differences 3.0 ng/ml (P = 0.03) and 3.9 ng/ml (P < 0.01), respectively]. The increase of kaempferol concentration was not significant [treatment difference 0.7 ng/ml (P = 0.08)]. SBB did not affect the serum total, HDL, LDL cholesterol, or the serum triacylglycerol concentrations. There was no correlation between the changes in flavonol and CRP concentrations of participants. CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of SBB significantly increased the fasting plasma concentration of quercetin and isorhamnetin indicating that it is a good dietary source of flavonols. However, this did not convert to affecting the circulating concentrations of lipid markers in healthy, normolipidemic adults having healthy diets.

Probiotic bacteria as potential detoxification tools: assessing their heavy metal binding isotherms.

Dietary exposure to heavy metals may have detrimental effects on human and animal health, even at low concentrations. Specific probiotic bacteria may have properties that enable them to bind toxins from food and water. We assessed the interaction of probiotic bacteria with cadmium and lead in vitro as an initial screening step to identify strains for heavy metal decontamination in food and intestinal models. Binding isotherms for cadmium and lead were characterized for Lactobacillus rhamnosus LC-705, Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. shermanii JS and a mix of them used by the food industry. Differences among the strains and their combinations in binding performance at a range of concentrations between 0.1 and 100 mg.L-1 were evaluated with the Langmuir model for biosorption. The effects of pH, contact time, and viability on the binding capacities were also investigated. All strains and their combinations were found to bind cadmium and lead efficiently at low concentration ranges commonly observed in foods. However, the two strains and their combinations differed significantly in their maximum binding capacities and affinities represented by the Langmuir constants Qmax and b, respectively. The binding seemed to occur instantaneously and in a pH-dependent manner, which can be perfectly described by a segmented linear-plateau model.

Black currant seed oil and fish oil supplements differ in their effects on fatty acid profiles of plasma lipids, and concentrations of serum total and lipoprotein lipids, plasma glucose and insulin.

European diets provide a suboptimal intake of eicosapentaenoic (20:5n3) and docosahexaenoic (22:6n3) acids, which are derived mainly from fish oils. The present study indicates that black currant seed oil, which contains 14.5% alpha-linolenic (18:3n3), 12.6% gamma-linolenic (18:3n6), 47.5% linoleic (18:2n6) and 2.7% stearidonic (18:4n3) acids, could potentially serve as alternative to fish oil as a n3 fatty acid source. Fifteen healthy females participated in a randomized, double-blind, crossover study including two 4-week periods with either 3 g/day of black currant seed oil or 2.8 g/day of fish oil separated by a 4-week washout period. The results show that black currant seed oil supplementation increased the proportion of 18:3n6 in triacylglycerols (TAG) and cholesteryl esters (CE), and that of dihomo-gamma-linolenic (20:3n6) in TAGs, CEs and glycerophospholipids (GPL) (P<.05). Proportion of 18:3n6 was higher (P<.05) after black currant seed oil than after fish oil in TAGs and CEs, and that of 20:3n6 in TAGs, CEs and GPLs. Black currant seed oil supplementation caused only minor changes in the proportions of 20:5n3 or 22:6n3. Serum levels of LDL cholesterol were lower (P<.05) after black currant seed oil compared to fish oil. Plasma glucose concentration decreased during the fish oil supplementation (P<.05).

Fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins in salted herring (Clupea harengus) products.

The fatty acid composition and contents of fat and fat-soluble vitamins of three salted products prepared from Icelandic herring were analyzed. The effects of storage on the products over their shelf life, 6 or 12 months, were investigated. The average oil content of salted, gutted herring and salted fillets in vacuum remained constant, 17 and 12% of wet weight, respectively. In the pickled product the oil content decreased during the 12 months of storage from 13 to 12%. The composition of the products was typical for herring, the most abundant fatty acids being oleic (18:1n-9), palmitic (16:0), cetoleic (22:1n-11), and gadoleic (20:1n-9) acids. Monounsaturated acids constituted clearly the main group with a proportion of >50% of all fatty acids. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) comprised together >12% of all fatty acids. During storage, some hydrolysis of triacylglycerol (TAG) occurred, causing a slight reduction in practically all esterified fatty acids. In none of the three products was the loss of polyunsaturated fatty acids from TAG greater than the loss of saturated ones, indicating that the loss of EPA and DHA was not due to oxidation. After packing, the average content of vitamins A, D, and E in the products varied between 27 and 87 microg/100 g (wet weight), between 17-28 microg/100 g (wet weight), and between 77-120 microg/100 g (wet weight), respectively. During storage, the level of vitamin A decreased significantly, whereas no loss of vitamin D was observed. The content of vitamin E was low in all products and showed wide variation. When compared to the recommended daily intake, it could be concluded that the products investigated were good and stable sources of long-chain n-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA) and vitamin D.

Positional distribution of decanoic acid: effect on chylomicron and VLDL TAG structures and postprandial lipemia.

Although medium-chain FA (MCFA) are mainly absorbed via the portal venous system, they are also incorporated into chylomicron TAG; therefore, the positional distribution of MCFA in TAG is likely to affect their metabolic fate. We studied chylomicron and VLDL TAG structures, as well as the magnitude of postprandial lipemia, after two oral fat loads containing decanoic acid (10:0) predominantly at the sn-1(3),2 (MML) or at the sn-1,3 positions (MLM) of TAG in a randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial with 10 healthy, normal-weight volunteers. An MS-MS method was used to analyze TAG regioisomers. The position of decanoic acid in chylomicron TAG reflected its position in the TAG ingested, and TAG with none, one, two, or three decanoic acid residues were detected after ingestion of both fats. More (P < 0.05) 30:0 and 38:1 TAG (acyl carbons:double bonds) and fewer 46:5, 54:5, and 54:4 TAG were found in chylomicrons after ingestion of MML than after MLM. The VLDL TAG composition did not differ between the fat loads but did change (P < 0.05) 2 to 6 h after ingestion of both fats. No statistical differences were seen between the fat loads in areas under the plasma, chylomicron, or VLDL TAG response curves or in FFA concentrations. Thus, the positional distribution of MCFA in TAG affects their metabolic fate, but the magnitude of postprandial lipemia does not seem to be dependent on the positional distribution of MCFA in the ingested fat.

In vivo safety assessment of two Bifidobacterium longum strains.

Bifidobacteria are important members of the intestinal microbiota and are considered to contribute to maintaining health. However, the level of bifidobacteria colonising the intestine of elderly subjects tends to be lower than in younger adults. Therefore, two Bifidobacterium longum strains, isolated from healthy elderly, were chosen for supplementation of the endogenous Bifidobacterium microbiota in the elderly. Bifidobacteria are generally regarded safe for human consumption. However, since the strains are intended for consumption by the elderly, whom may be more prone to disease, it is important to ascertain their safety. For this purpose, the strains were given to healthy adult volunteers. No side effects were reported and no undesirable changes observed in the immune parameters measured. Based on this study it appears that the two strains are well tolerated by human subjects and there are no reservations about their food use.

Chylomicron and VLDL TAG structures and postprandial lipid response induced by lard and modified lard.

Alterations in chylomicron and VLDL TAG and the magnitude of postprandial lipemia were studied in healthy volunteers after two meals of equal FA composition but different TAG FA positional distribution. Molecular level information of individual lipoprotein TAG regioisomers was obtained with a tandem MS method. The incremental area under the response curve of VLDL TAG was larger (P = 0.021) after modified lard than after lard. In plasma TAG, the difference did not quite reach statistical significance (P = 0.086). In general, there were less TAG with palmitic acid in the sn-2 position and more TAG with oleic acid in the sn-2 position in chylomicrons than in fat ingested. From 1.5 to 8 h postprandially, the proportion of individual chylomicron TAG was constant or influenced by TAG M.W. VLDL TAG regioisomerism was similar regardless of the positional distribution of fat ingested. Significant alterations were seen in VLDL TAG FA, in M.W. fractions, and in individual regioisomers with respect to time. The TAG sn-14:0-18:1-18:1 + sn-18:1-18:1-14:0, sn-16:0-16:1-18:1 + sn-18:1-16:1-16:0, and sn-16:1-18:1-18:1 + sn-18:1-18:1-16:1 decreased (P < 0.05); and sn-16:0-16:0-18:2 + sn-18:2-16:0-16:0, sn-16:0-16:0-18:1 + sn-18:1-16:0-16:0, sn-16:0-18:1-16:0, and sn-16:0-18:1-18:2 + sn-18:2-18:1-16:0 increased (P < 0.05) after both meals. In conclusion, positional distribution of TAG FA was found to affect postprandial lipid metabolism in healthy normolipidemic subjects.

Effects of an antioxidant-rich juice (sea buckthorn) on risk factors for coronary heart disease in humans.

There is increasing evidence to support the hypothesis that free radical-mediated oxidative processes contribute to atherogenesis. More recently the ability of antioxidant nutrients to affect cell response and gene expression has been reported in vitro, providing a novel mechanistic perspective for the biological activity of antioxidants. Sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) is a rich source of antioxidants both aqueous and lipophilic, as well as polyunsaturated fatty acids. The objective of the study was to characterize the antioxidant profile of Sea buckthorn juice (SBJ) and to evaluate its effect on plasma lipids, LDL oxidation, platelet aggregation and plasma soluble cell adhesion protein concentration. Twenty healthy male volunteers were given either a placebo or SBJ for 8 weeks. Additional daily intakes of vitamin C, alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene and flavonoids through SBJ supplementation were 462, 3.2, 1.0 and 355 mg respectively. There were no significant changes in plasma total cholesterol, LDL-C, platelet aggregation or plasma intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) levels between treatment groups. Although not significant, a 20% and 17% increase in plasma HDL-C and triacylglycerol (TAG) concentrations were observed. SBJ supplementation also resulted in a moderate decrease in the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation.