The Impact of Short-Term Shark Liver Oil Supplementation on the Fatty Acid Composition of Erythrocyte Membranes

Fatty acid (FA) balance is strictly related to human health. The composition of fatty acids in lipid membranes seems to be influenced by diet. Shark liver oil (SLO) supplementation has been widely used recently in the prevention and treatment of human diseases. We analyzed the impact of short-term SLO supplementation on certain biochemical parameters and erythrocyte FA composition in a group of young healthy women. Our results showed that 6 weeks of SLO supplementation led to a significant decrease in C-reactive protein levels in sera and intracellular cholesterol levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. SLO supplementation caused a significant increase in the content of the polyunsaturated omega-3 FAs: docosahexaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid and α-linolenic acid. In the group of omega-6 FAs, we observed a significant elevation of arachidonic and dihomo-gamma-linoleic acid content. Due to these alterations, the omega-3 index increased significantly from 3.6% (before) to 4.2% (after supplementation). We also observed the impact of SLO supplementation on the membrane fluidity index. The ratio between saturated and unsaturated FAs decreased significantly from 13.1 to 9.9. In conclusion, our results show that even short-term SLO supplementation can improve human erythrocyte fatty acid composition and other parameters that may have health-promoting consequences.

Characteristics of catfish oil, red palm oil and shark liver oil as functional foods

Functional food is a food ingredient in addition to basic needs as nutrients that can also play a functional role in health. This research aimed to determine the physicochemical characteristics and fatty acid composition of catfish oil, red palm oil, and shark liver oil as functional food ingredients. The research method was to extract fish oil from belly flap, purify catfish oil, and process red palm oil (RPO) from crude palm oil (CPO). The analysis parameters consisted of sensory analysis, oil chemical characteristics (free fatty acid analysis, peroxide, iodine, saponification, and acid numbers), total carotene, tocopherol, and analysis of fatty acid composition. The results showed that the catfish oil after being purified had sensory characteristics, smelled slightly fishy and semi-solid, and had a bright yellow color. The results of the analysis of chemical characteristics showed that the free fatty acid numbers of catfish oil and shark liver oil were following IFOS standards (1.33 and 0.62%), and the RPO numbers for peroxide and free fatty acids according to the SNI standards (9.56 meq kg and 1.44%). The highest ω-3 and ω- 6 fatty acids were in shark liver oil (3.56 and 35.35%), followed by catfish oil (1.72 and 19.9%). and RPO does not contain ω-3 and ω-6. Catfish oil, RPO, and shark liver oil act as functional foods. The fatty acid composition of catfish, shark liver and red palm oil contains saturated and the fatty acid composition of catfish, shark liver and red palm oil contains saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Mono and poly unsaturated fatty acid (FUFA anf MUFA) in crude catfish oil, pure catfish oil, shark liver oil, and red palm oils were 56.71, 58.12, 63.81 and 47.39% respectively. The result of analysis showed composition of in catfish oil 1.72 and 19.9 %. The content of and of shark liver oil was 3.5 and 35.5%. Whereas in red palm oil does not Ω 3 and Ω 6. The content of EPA and DHA in shark liver oil was 0.08, 0.09 but not in catfish and red palm oil. The total content of carotene and tocopherol in red palm oil was 513.86 and 925.80 mg/kg, respectively. The nutritional composition of catfish oil, red palm oil, and shark liver oil has the potential to be used as functional food. Keywords:Characteristic physicochemicalCaroteneTocopherolω-3ω-6

Determination of the protective effect of shark cartilage and shark liver oil (SLO) on colon cancer by using experimental DMH

Objectives: It is a known fact that cancer is one of the biggest health problems. There are many different alternative products that are preferred for use among cancer patients. Our study is based on shark cartilage and liver oil as alternative products within alternative treatment (CAM) due to low incidence of cancer in sharks. Method: With this study; it was aimed to search the toxic effects of DMH on colon, SC and SLO ‘s conservative effects against these toxic and carcinogic effects. 40 rats have been classified as follows: 40 DMH group: 4; control group – 6; given DMH but not cured group – 15; given DMH and cured with SC group – 15; given DMH and cured with SLO group. Results and Conclusion: The negative effects of DMH on biochemical, genetic, and pathological were observed in rat column; The treatment of SLO and SC against to colon cancer is thought to be associated with damage and regression of tumor cells. When we look at the numerical results, it can be said that SC is more successful and effective in correcting the effect of DMH. It can be said that our experimental model provides the desired aim and success in this direction.

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective property of squalene for counteracting the oxidative damage induced by methotrex- ate in experimental rats

Methotrexate (MTX), an antifolate drug, is extensively prescribed for patients suffering from diseases like cancer, psoriasis, neoplasms, and rheumatoid arthritis. Despite its effectiveness, MTX sometimes finds limited application because its undesirable side effects, including hepatic or renal impairment, bone marrow toxicity and gastrointestinal mucosal injury. Squalene, a highly unsaturated isoprenoid compound, isolated from shark liver oil has great potential in neutralizing the damaging effects triggered by free radicals. Therefore, in this study, the protective role of dietary squalene supplementation on oxidative stress induced by methotrexate in experimental rats was evaluated. A significant reduction was displayed in the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in MTX-intoxicated groups compared to other groups. Similarly, the activities of glutathione dependant enzymes (GPx and GST) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in MTX-induced groups were shown to be lower compared to the untreated control. Increased LPO (lipid peroxide) level was found in MTX-intoxicated groups compared to other groups. In addition, alterations in the levels of liver marker enzymes like AST, ALP, ALT, and LDH were noticed in MTX intoxicated groups compared to other groups. Biochemical results were confirmed by the histopathological examination of liver sections. In conclusion, the result obtained in the present study proposes that squalene exerts antioxidant activity and is capable of ameliorating oxidative stress and liver injury induced by MTX.

Determination of wound healing activity of Shark liver oil using the excision wound model in Wistar rats

There are various promising preclinical models, such as in mice, wistar rats, rabbits and pigs, which can be utilized to initiate acute or chronic wounds. These can be persuaded by many distinctive techniques, with excision the most common. After determining a proper model for a study, investigators need to choose an appropriate and reproducible technique that will permit the monitoring of the wound improvement over time. In this study, the healing power of Shark Liver Oil Emulgel (SLO) in Wistar rats were analyzed by using the excision wound model. The shark liver oil was prepared as emulgel at a concentration of 5%,10% and 15%, respectively and both Standard drug(Povidone-Iodine Ointment USP 5% w/w-PI) and SLO is applied at a concentration of 1mg/mm2; Topically. The parameters integrated for the assessment of the effects of SLO were Relative body weight changes, wound area contraction in mm2, relative wound percentage and epithelialization time. Wound area contraction was measured on 1st, 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, 15th, 18th and 21st day. Wistar rats treated with SLO showed substantial variations in epithelialization period and improved wound contraction in the excision wound treatment as compared to disease control. The biochemical biomarkers like SOD(Superoxide dismutases), GSH(Reduced Glutathione)and LPO(Lipid peroxidase) in the treated group have shown a significant change in the improvement of wound healing. Histopathological studies and microscopic observations specify that the topical use of Shark liver oil Emulgel extensively improved wound contraction, collagenation and epithelialization with well-organized dermis devoid of inflammatory cells in contrast to disease control.

The Therapeutic Effect of Shark Liver Oil in a Rat Model of Acetic Acid-Induced Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of the most well-known types of inflammatory bowel disease that manifests as recurrent inflammation of rectum and colon. The goal of this study is to evaluate the protective effects of shark liver oil (SLO) on acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats. Eighty induced UC rats were randomly divided into ten equal groups and received the following treatments for seven days: 1 ml of normal saline rectally, 1 ml of gel base (carboxymethyl cellulose) rectally, 10 mg/kg of Asacol rectally, 10 mg/kg of mesalazine orally, 5% gel form of SLO rectally, 10% gel form of SLO rectally, 200 mg of SLO orally, and 400 mg of SLO orally. We examined the oxidative stress indices, histopathological features, and body weight changes, as well as the function of the liver and kidneys at the end of treatment. Administration of 10% rectal and 400 mg oral SLO resulted in a significant weight gain. Also, glutathione peroxidase activity was significantly higher in 5% and 10% SLO-treated groups, and elevated superoxide dismutase activity in rats that received 5% SLO was observed compared to negative control and Asacol groups. While no significant changes were observed in most of the kidney and liver function markers, higher levels of aspartate aminotransferase were detected in the group that received 400 mg SLO orally compared to negative control and Asacol groups. Many histopathological signs of improvement were observed in mesalazine, Asacol, and SLO groups. There were no significant changes detected in the mean rank among different groups. Our data indicate that SLO supplementation could improve the amelioration of acetic acid-induced UC in rats due to its antioxidant effects.