Hemp Seed Cake as a Novel Ingredient for Dog's Diet

In the last few years, the popularity of industrial hemp and its products is increased. From a nutritional point of view, hemp and its products are rich in protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and useful minerals. Nowadays, the European Commission authorizes the use of hempseed and hempseed oil co-products in animal nutrition. This study is aimed to evaluate the use of hempseed cake in dogs' nutrition, comparing the effect of the supplementation of two lipid sources: swine tallow (T-diet) and hempseed cake (H-diet). A double-blind nutritional trial was performed at a municipal kennel located in Naples. Eight crossbreed neutered dogs recognized in good health were recruited and divided into two homogeneous groups (T- vs. H-group). Both diets were analyzed for chemical composition and fatty acid profile. Blood count and biochemical profile were evaluated at recruitment (T0) and the end of the trial (T30). Oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids were the most representative fatty acids in both diets; however, the H-diet contains more than double concentration of linoleic and α-linoleic acids compared to the T-diet (p < 0.01). The H-diet has shown significantly (p < 0.01) higher peroxidation index as the only negative aspect, which could compromise its shelf-life. After 30 days of administration, the H-group has shown a significant (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05) reduction of liver and renal markers [aspartate transferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and creatinine] and cholesterol, due to the healthier fatty acid profile. Hempseed cake seems a suggestable source of polyunsaturated fatty acids for dogs considering these preliminary results.

Membrane lipids and maximum lifespan in clownfish

The longevity-homeoviscous adaptation (LHA) theory of ageing states that lipid composition of cell membranes is linked to metabolic rate and lifespan, which has been widely shown in mammals and birds but not sufficiently in fish. In this study, two species of the genus Amphiprion (Amphiprion percula and Amphiprion clarkii, with estimated maximum lifespan potentials [MLSP] of 30 and 9–16 years, respectively) and the damselfish Chromis viridis (estimated MLSP of 1–2 years) were chosen to test the LHA theory of ageing in a potential model of exceptional longevity. Brain, livers and samples of skeletal muscle were collected for lipid analyses and integral part in the computation of membrane peroxidation indexes (PIn) from phospholipid (PL) fractions and PL fatty acid composition. When only the two Amphiprion species were compared, results pointed to the existence of a negative correlation between membrane PIn value and maximum lifespan, well in line with the predictions from the LHA theory of ageing. Nevertheless, contradictory data were obtained when the two Amphiprion species were compared to the shorter-lived C. viridis. These results along with those obtained in previous studies on fish denote that the magnitude (and sometimes the direction) of the differences observed in membrane lipid composition and peroxidation index with MLSP cannot explain alone the diversity in longevity found among fishes.

Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. as a Sustainable Source of Nutrients and Bioactive Compounds for Animal Feeding

With the aim to explore the use of A. hypochondriacus seeds for animal feeding, the agronomic traits, nutrients, and bioactive compounds of four accessions with different origin (India, Nebraska, Iowa, and Pennsylvania) grown in a Mediterranean environment were studied. Proximate composition was determined using the official methods of analyses, fatty acid profile by gas chromatography, total phenolic content (TPC) and the scavenging activity (DPPH• and ABTS•+) by colorimetric method. A one-way ANOVA model was performed to determine the differences between accessions. The four A. hypochondriacus accessions showed interesting seed yield results. No significant differences were observed for crude protein and crude fiber; the oil content showed the significant highest values in the seeds from Nebraska and Pennsylvania, but their nutritional characteristics were significantly different. The accession from Nebraska showed the highest oleic and linoleic acid levels, the highest values of polyunsaturated fatty acids, the best atherogenic and thrombogenic indices and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolaemic ratio, and the highest TPC content. The accession from Pennsylvania showed the highest antioxidant activity and lowest peroxidation index. On the whole, A. hypochondriacus seeds can be used as pseudo-cereal to balance the animal diet and the accession should be chosen according to the different metabolic pathways of unsaturated fatty acids in ruminant and monogastric animals.

Antioxidant and pro-oxidant effects of tocopherol during the storage of Flat-European hybrid hazelnut oil

In order to analyze promotion and antioxidant effects of tocopherol in Flat-European hybrid hazelnut Oil, different amounts of α and δ-tocopherol were added into the purified Flat-European hybrid hazelnut oil and accelerated at 62 ℃ for 20 days to simulate the storage process of it, and the peroxidation index was measured respectively. Compared with the purified Flat-European hybrid hazelnut oil without tocopherol, the inflection point of tocopherol concentration and the change trend of its oxidation index were observed, and the antioxidant effects of several antioxidants in the hazelnut oil were compared, which provided a theoretical basis for adding antioxidants during storage of Flat-European hybrid hazelnut oil. When the content of α-tocopherol in Flat-European hybrid hazelnut oil filtered from tocopherol or normal one is respectively less than 500mg/kg or 300mg/kg, which plays an anti-oxidation effect. If it exceeds this value, it will act as a pro-oxidant effect, but δ-tocopherol has no such phenomenon. During the storage of oil with two kinds of tocopherol, α-tocopherol has better anti-oxidation ability than δ-tocopherol . The antioxidant effects of various antioxidants in hazelnut oil are: gallic acid> TBHQ> VC> tocopherol. Under the addition conditions specified in the national standard, gallic acid, TBHQ, VC, α-tocopherol and δ-tocopherol can prolong the storage period of Flat-European hybrid hazelnut oil at room temperature by 720.3, 318, 42.3, 19.5, and 9.6 days respectively compared with that without addition.

Lipid peroxidation in bull semen influences sperm traits and oxidative potential of Percoll®-selected sperm

Summary Although bovine embryo in vitro production (IVP) is a common assisted reproductive technology, critical points warrant further study, including sperm traits and oxidative status of sperm for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Our aim was to evaluate whether the lipid peroxidation index of commercial bull semen is influenced by sperm traits and oxidative status of sperm populations selected using Percoll® gradient. Semen straws from 48 batches from 14 Nelore bulls were thawed individually, analyzed for motility and subjected to Percoll selection. After Percoll, the lipid peroxidation index of the extender was evaluated, whereas selected sperm were analyzed for motility, acrosome and membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, chromatin resistance and oxidative potential under IVF conditions. Batches were divided retrospectively in four groups according to lipid peroxidation index. Sperm from Group 4 with the lowest index of lipid peroxidation had, after Percoll selection, greater plasma membrane integrity (81.3%; P = 0.004), higher mitochondrial potential (81.1%; P = 0.009) and lower oxidative potential (135.3 ng thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)/ml; P = 0.026) compared with Group 1 with highest lipid peroxidation index (74.3%, 73% and 213.1 ng TBARS/ml, respectively). Furthermore, we observed negative correlations for the lipid peroxidation index with motility, membrane integrity and mitochondrial potential, and positive correlations with oxidative potential. In conclusion, oxidative stress in semen straws, as determined using lipid peroxidation in the extender, is associated with sperm traits and their oxidative potential under IVF conditions. These results provided further insights regarding the importance of preventing oxidative stress during semen handling and cryopreservation, as this could affect sperm selected for IVF. Finally, Percoll selection did not completely remove sperm with oxidative markers.

Membrane Lipids and Maximum Lifespan in Clownfish

The longevity-homeoviscous adaptation (LHA) theory of aging states that lipid composition of cell membranes is linked to metabolic rate and lifespan, which has been widely shown in mammals and birds but not sufficiently in fish. In this study, two species of the genus Amphiprion (A. percula and A. clarkii, with estimated maximum lifespan potentials [MLSP] of 30 and 9-16 years, respectively) and the damselfish Chromis viridis (estimated MLSP of 1-2 years) were chosen to test the LHA theory of aging in a potential model of exceptional longevity. Brain, livers and samples of skeletal muscle were collected for lipid analyses and integral part in the computation of membrane peroxidation indexes (PIn) from phospholipid (PL) fractions and PL fatty acid composition. When only the two anemonefish were compared, results pointed to the existence of a negative correlation between membrane PIn value and maximum life expectancy, well in line with the predictions from the LHA theory of aging. Nevertheless, contradictory data were obtained when the two clownfish were compared to the shorter-lived C. viridis. This results along with those obtained in previous studies on fish denote that the magnitude (and sometimes the direction) of the differences observed in membrane lipid composition and peroxidation index with MLSP cannot explain alone the diversity in longevity found among fishes.

Attenuative role of idebenone on deltamethrin mediated peroxidative toxicity of ram semen stored at 4°C

The current study was conducted to evaluate the different concentrations of deltamethrin (DEL; Exp. 1) and the protective role of idebenone (IDB) supplemented with toxic dose of deltamethrin (Exp. 2) during chilled storage of ram semen. Collected samples were pooled and diluted at 500×106 spermatozoa per mL. In Exp. 1, effect of DEL at 1, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 μM levels were evaluated on different variables of spermatozoa motion characteristics. In Exp. 2, different amounts of IDB (2, 4, and 8 μM) concurrent with constant doses of DEL (10 μM) were examined on semen quality upon chilled preservation up to 72 h. Indices of spermatozoa kinematics, functionality of plasma membrane and viability were recorded. Biochemical metabolites were measured in spermatozoa and its medium (extender) at different time points. In Exp.1, different parameters of spermatozoa kinematics were affected by exposure to DEL in a dose dependent manner. In Exp. 2, combination of IDB with DEL, resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) increase in total motility, forward progressive motility and curvilinear path velocity compared to DEL group at 24, 48 and 72 h. Simultaneous administration of IDB with DEL increased the percentage of spermatozoa with functional membrane and viability compared to DEL group at 72 h (P < 0.05). The amounts of lipid peroxidation index were lower in medium of combination groups compared to DEL group at 48 h and 72 h (P < 0.05). Antioxidant capacity were higher in spermatozoa and medium of IDB treated groups compared to DEL group at 72 h (P < 0.05). Amounts of total nitratenitrite and superoxide dismutase activity of spermatozoa and medium did not affect by treatment (P > 0.05). In conclusion, IDB could ameliorate oxidative and peroxidative damages induced by DEL mild toxicity upon cold preservation of ram semen.

Hypothyroidism Induced Lipid Peroxidation and Coronary Hazard in Lucknow

BACKGROUND Dyslipidaemia is a common trait in subclinical (S.H.T.) and overt (O.H.T.) hypothyroidism and had been comprehensively studied; the association of dyslipidaemia, peroxidation of lipids, and coronary lipid risk factors have not been well-thought-out in sub-clinical and clinical hypothyroidism in contrast to controls. The intend of our study was to estimate lipid profile, coronary lipid risk factors, lipid peroxidation index, and malondialdehyde (M.D.A.). Our intension is also to determine their associations with TSH, thyroid hormone (fT3, fT4), and B.M.I. in hypothyroid patients. METHODS This is a case control study conducted among 176 OHT patients, 176 SHT patients, and 176 healthy controls from OPD of the medical college. RESULTS It was observed that all lipid parameters were higher in O.H.T. patients when measured against controls (p < 0.05). Similarly, the parameters were also high in the S.H.T patients group compared to euthyroid controls (p < 0.05). HDL-C was low in both hypothyroid groups when evaluated against controls (p < 0.05). Coronary lipid risk factors and levels of serum M.D.A. were also seen to be high in both hypothyroid patient groups (p < 0 .05). FT3 and FT4 were correlated with TC (p = < 0.05) and (p < 0.05) respectively and with non-HDL-C (p < 0.05) and correspondingly (r = - 0.34, p < 0.05) in OHT subjects. TC (p < 0.05), LDL-C (p < 0.05), Non-HDL-C (p < 0.05), LDL-C / HDL-C (p < 0.05) and MDA (p < 0.01) were correlated with TSH. After nullification with B.M.I., M.D.A.'s relation to LDLC / HDL-C along with TC / HDL-C ratios constantly continued although similarity between M.D.A. and LDL-C had been lost. If the function of M.D.A. was cancelled, B.M.I. correlations with T.G., T.C., and VLDL-C remained constant along with the correlation with atherogenic lipid factors and atherogenic index (A.I.) whereas the B.M.I. and LDL-C link had been lost. No associations were observed in patients with S.H.T however. CONCLUSIONS Dyslipidaemia, coronary lipid risk factors, and peroxidation of lipids were more distinct in overt hypothyroids than in the sub-clinical group. KEYWORDS Atherogenic Risk, Dyslipidaemia, Lipid Peroxidation, Thyroid Hormone

Dietary supplementation with magnesium citrate may improve pancreatic metabolic indices in an alloxan-induced diabetes rat model

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the protective properties of dietary magnesium supplementation on pancreatic tissue of rats with alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus. Twenty-five male Wistar rats were split into five groups (control, diabetes, diabetes with 100 mg Mg daily, diabetes with 250 mg Mg daily, diabetes with 500 mg Mg daily) with feeding supplementation starting on day 1, diabetes induction on day 21, and animal sacrifice on day 30. Fasting glucose in blood serum was measured on days 21, 25, 27, and day 30. Glucose metabolism enzymes, namely, lactate dehydrogenase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, were measured in pancreatic tissue upon the sacrifice, as well as lipid peroxidation, antioxidant system protective enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase), and glutathione system components (glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reduced). Pearson correlation coefficients showed strong negative correlation between serum glucose (control and diabetic animals) and glucose metabolism enzymes, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase in pancreatic tissue (r >-0.9, p <0.05), moderate negative correlation with reduced glutathione (r = -0.79, p <0.05), moderate positive correlation with lipid peroxidation index (r = +0.67, p <0.05), weak correlation with glutathione reductase (r = -0.57, p <0.05). Magnesium supplementation slowed down diabetes onset considering fasting glucose levels in rats (p <0.05), as well as partially restored investigated dehydrogenase levels in the pancreas of rats comparing to diabetes group (p <0.05). The lipid peroxidation index varied between treatments showing the dose-dependent influence of Mg2+. Magnesium supplementation partially restored catalase and superoxide dismutase activities in pancreatic tissue, as well as glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione levels (p <0.05), while glutathione reductase levels remained unaffected (p >0.05). The obtained results suggested a model, where magnesium ions may have a possible protective effect on pancreatic tissue against the negative influence of alloxan inside β cells of the pancreas.