To evaluate the niche of coastal fish populations in the Beaufort Sea, stable isotopes (SI) and fatty acids (FA) were used to characterize species-specific niches, niche overlaps and resource partitioning (nicheROVER) of the Shingle Point fish populations. Fishes were grouped into three isotopic groups: marine, coastal, and freshwater (Ward’s clustering analysis), and five dietary groupings (using FA), where benthic feeding strategies were prevalent (correspondence analysis). Niche metrics were used to evaluate if total mercury (THg) could contribute complementary trophic information (residual permutation procedure (RPP)). Three THg groups (high, intermediate, low) were identified (boxplot analysis). High THg was identified in high trophic and benthic feeders, high THg ranges were observed in species with large niche sizes, high trophic feeding, and freshwater influences (RPP). The bioavailability of freshwater introduced THg to marine biota was assessed, however further research needs to be performed. Combining dietary indicators SI, FA, and THg, allowed for the characterization of the diet and habitat use of coastal fish populations, better understanding of the niches of these species, and developed baseline information for future monitoring in an MPA, as climate change continues to effect the Beaufort coastal environment. / February 2017

One purpose of this investigation is to determine the fatty acid and lipid content of typical Vibrio cholerae cells. The comparison of cholera lipid constituents with those of closely-related bacteria might be of taxonomic value. Furthermore, chemical characterization of the cholera vibrio could provide useful criteria for identification of these disease-producing microorganisms.

NTRODUCTION: Colonic bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by fermentation of dietary carbohydrates and fiber. The production of SCFAs is greatest in proximal colon where propulsion is likely to be highly dependent on chemical/nutrient stimuli. Unabsorbed SCFAs entering the distal colon are likely to modify peristalsis initiated by fecal pellet-induced distension. AIM: To determine the effect of individual SCFAs on propulsive contractions in guinea pig proximal colon and on pellet propulsion in distal colon. METHODS: Proximal colon was excised, cannulated and placed in Krebs buffer in an organ bath. After equilibration, the colon was distended with 1ml of Krebs buffer alone or containing sodium salts of acetate, butyrate, or propionate at 10-100mM. Motility was video recorded, spatiotemporal maps generated, and the number of full-length propulsive contractions during a 5 min period was determined. The distal colon was removed from guinea pig and placed in an organ bath containing Krebs buffer. Following equilibration, video-tracking software was used to measure the velocity of propulsion of a clay pellet placed in the orad end of a segment. Krebs buffer alone or containing individual SCFAs at 30mM was perfused caudad to the pellet at 0.1 ml/min. RESULTS: The basal rate of propulsive contractions in Krebs buffer was 2.9 ± 0.7 per 5 min. Butyrate and propionate had concentration-dependent and opposing effects on propulsive contractions; acetate had no effect. Butyrate significantly increased propulsive contractions (maximal increase of 207% (p ≤ 0.05) at 30 mM) whereas propionate abolished propulsive contractions (91-100% inhibition at 10-30mM). Control Krebs buffer containing 10- 100mM NaCl had no effect. The mean rate of pellet propulsion during perfusion of Krebs buffer alone was 1.5 ± 0.2 mm/sec. Addition of sodium butyrate (30 mM) to the perfusate increased the velocity of pellet propulsion by 40 ± 4% (p<0.05) whereas addition of 30mM sodium propionate decreased velocity of pellet propulsion by 75 ± 8%. Acetate had no significant effect in either proximal or distal colon. Mixtures of SCFAs showed a general decrease in overall motility. CONCLUSION: SCFAs have differential effects on propulsive contractions in the proximal and distal colon of the guinea pig, with butyrate being excitatory and propionate being inhibitory. These studies suggest that the movement of feces in the colon depends not only on distension but the chemical (i.e. dietary) composition of the feces.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da competição de triathlon na função e morte de neutrófilos de atletas de elite e investigar o possível envolvimento dos ácidos graxos livres (AGs) neste processo. Os neutrófilos foram obtidos do sangue coletado de 11 sedentários e de 12 triatletas em repouso e após competição de triathlon (Half Ironman, 2 Km de natação, 80 Km de ciclismo e 20 Km de corrida). A competição de triathlon aumentou a capacidade dos neutrófilos de migrar e de realizar burst oxidativo, porém inibiu a fagociose realizada por estas células. Além disso, induziu aumento da fragmentação de DNA e externalização de fosfatidilserina. A competição de triathlon aumentou a concentração de AGs no plasma dos triatletas e esta foi correlacionada positivamente com a proporção de neutrófilos com DNA fragmentado e fosfatidilserina externalizada. A elevação da concentração plasmática dos ácidos oléico, linoléico e esteárico induzida pela competição parece estar envolvida nas alterações funcionais e na apoptose verificadas após a competição de triathlon. / The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of triathlon competition on function and death of neutrophils from elite athletes and to investigate the involvement of fatty acids in this process. Neutrophils were obtained from blood collected from eleven sedentary volunteers and twelve triathletes under rest and after a Half Ironman triathlon competition (2 Km swimming, 80 Km cycling and 20 Km running). The triathlon competition increased the migration and reactive oxygen species production in neutrophils, however it reduced the phagocytosis activity. Moreover, it induced neutrophils death possibly by apoptosis as indicated by DNA fragmentation and phosphatidylserine externalization. The increase in plasma levels of oleic, linoleic and stearic acids induced by the competition may be involved in modulation on neutrophil function and death.

Chu Ching Yan. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 170-189). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Chapter 1 --- General Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Classes of Fatty Acids --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2 --- Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (n-6 & n-3) --- p.4 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- "High Fish Oil Content in Diet, High n-3 PUFAs Intake, Fight against Cardiovascular Risk" --- p.4 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- n-3 Fatty Acids Improve Hypertension --- p.7 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- n-3 Fatty Acids Protect from Atherosclerosis --- p.8 / Chapter 1.2.4 --- PUFAs are Beneficial in Inflammation --- p.11 / Chapter 1.2.5 --- n-3 PUFAs Help to Control Tumour Growth --- p.13 / Chapter 1.3 --- Obesity and Eating Disorder --- p.14 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- "Obesity, a Companion of the Modern World" --- p.14 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Health Risks Related to Obesity --- p.16 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Management of Obesity --- p.19 / Chapter 1.3.4 --- Care Must be Taken to Prevent the Development of Eating Disorder or Other Psychological Disturbances during Weight Loss Programme --- p.21 / Chapter 2 --- Weight Cycling with ChowDiet --- p.24 / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.24 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Definition of Weight Cycling --- p.25 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Incentives Leading to Weight Cycling --- p.26 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Problems Aroused by Weight Cycling --- p.26 / Chapter 2.1.3.1 --- "Food Preference, Efficiency and Expenditure" --- p.27 / Chapter 2.1.3.2 --- Increased Overall and Central Adiposity --- p.28 / Chapter 2.1.3.3 --- Increased Morbidity and Mortality of Cardiovascular Disease --- p.29 / Chapter 2.1.3.4 --- Psychological Impact and Social Consequences --- p.30 / Chapter 2.2 --- Objective --- p.30 / Chapter 2.3 --- Materials and Methods --- p.31 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Animal Handling --- p.31 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Lipid Analysis --- p.35 / Chapter 2.3.2.1 --- Adipose Tissues --- p.35 / Chapter 2.3.2.2 --- Carcass --- p.36 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Proximate Analysis --- p.37 / Chapter 2.3.3.1 --- Crude Fat --- p.37 / Chapter 2.3.3.2 --- Crude Protein --- p.38 / Chapter 2.3.3.3 --- Moisture --- p.40 / Chapter 2.3.3.4 --- Ash --- p.40 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Serum Analysis --- p.41 / Chapter 2.3.4.1 --- Serum Triglycerides --- p.41 / Chapter 2.3.4.2 --- Serum Cholesterol --- p.42 / Chapter 2.4 --- Results --- p.44 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Body Weight --- p.44 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Food Intake --- p.44 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Organ Weight --- p.47 / Chapter 2.4.3.1 --- Liver --- p.47 / Chapter 2.4.3.2 --- Adipose Tissues --- p.47 / Chapter 2.4.4 --- Lipid Analysis --- p.52 / Chapter 2.4.4.1 --- Adipose Tissues --- p.52 / Chapter 2.4.4.2 --- Carcass --- p.52 / Chapter 2.4.5 --- Proximate Analysis --- p.60 / Chapter 2.4.5.1 --- Crude Fat --- p.60 / Chapter 2.4.5.2 --- Moisture --- p.60 / Chapter 2.4.5.3 --- Crude Protein and Ash --- p.62 / Chapter 2.4.6 --- Serum Analysis --- p.64 / Chapter 2.4.6.1 --- Serum Triglycerides --- p.64 / Chapter 2.4.6.2 --- Serum Cholesterol --- p.64 / Chapter 2.5 --- Discussion --- p.66 / Chapter 3 --- Degrees of Food Restriction on Bod y Fa tty Acid Composition --- p.71 / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.71 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Skipping Breakfast --- p.71 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- "Nibbling, Grazing vs Gorging" --- p.72 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- Reducing Food Intake in Meals --- p.74 / Chapter 3.1.3.1 --- Anti-Aging Action --- p.74 / Chapter 3.1.3.2 --- Effects on Other Health Issues --- p.75 / Chapter 3.1.3.3 --- Energy Expenditure --- p.77 / Chapter 3.2 --- Objective --- p.78 / Chapter 3.3 --- Materials and Methods --- p.79 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Animal Handling --- p.79 / Chapter 3.4 --- Results --- p.81 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Body Weight --- p.81 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Food Intake --- p.81 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Organ Weight --- p.83 / Chapter 3.4.3.1 --- Liver --- p.83 / Chapter 3.4.3.2 --- Adipose Tissues --- p.83 / Chapter 3.4.4 --- Lipid Analysis --- p.88 / Chapter 3.4.4.1 --- Adipose Tissues --- p.88 / Chapter 3.4.4.2 --- Carcass --- p.88 / Chapter 3.4.5 --- Proximate Analysis --- p.102 / Chapter 3.4.5.1 --- Crude Fat --- p.102 / Chapter 3.4.5.2 --- Moisture --- p.102 / Chapter 3.4.5.3 --- Crude Protein and Ash --- p.103 / Chapter 3.4.6 --- Serum Analysis --- p.106 / Chapter 3.4.6.1 --- Serum Triglycerides --- p.106 / Chapter 3.4.6.2 --- Serum Cholesterol --- p.106 / Chapter 3.5 --- Discussion --- p.108 / Chapter 4 --- Food Restriction with Diets Containing Various Amount of FAT --- p.112 / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.112 / Chapter 4.1.1 --- Adverse Effects of High-Fat Diets --- p.113 / Chapter 4.1.2 --- Adverse Effects of Low-Fat Diets --- p.114 / Chapter 4.2 --- Objective --- p.116 / Chapter 4.3 --- Materials and Methods --- p.117 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Animal Handling --- p.117 / Chapter 4.4 --- Results --- p.120 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- Body Weight --- p.120 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- Food Intake --- p.120 / Chapter 4.4.3 --- Organ Weight --- p.122 / Chapter 4.4.3.1 --- Liver --- p.122 / Chapter 4.4.3.2 --- Adipose Tissues --- p.122 / Chapter 4.4.4 --- Lipid Analysis --- p.127 / Chapter 4.4.4.1 --- Adipose Tissues --- p.127 / Chapter 4.4.4.2 --- Carcass --- p.127 / Chapter 4.4.5 --- Proximate Analysis --- p.147 / Chapter 4.4.5.1 --- Crude Fat --- p.147 / Chapter 4.4.5.2 --- Moisture --- p.147 / Chapter 4.4.5.3 --- Crude Protein and Ash --- p.148 / Chapter 4.4.6 --- Serum Analysis --- p.151 / Chapter 4.4.6.1 --- Serum Triglycerides --- p.151 / Chapter 4.4.6.2 --- Serum Cholesterol --- p.151 / Chapter 4.5 --- Discussion --- p.153 / Chapter 5 --- Future Prospects --- p.159 / Chapter 5.1 --- Leptin --- p.159 / Chapter 5.2 --- Enzymes --- p.162 / Chapter 6 --- Conclusion --- p.166 / Chapter 7 --- References --- p.170

Typescript, etc. / Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries

Background: The role of aspirin (100 mg daily) and omega-3 fatty acids (FA) (1 g daily) for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in diabetes is being investigated in the 2x2 factorial design ASCEND trial. To support the interpretation of the trial's efficacy findings, it is important to compare self-reported compliance by participants with measures of the biochemical effects of each intervention. The previous data on the effect of supplementation with omega-3 FA on coronary heart disease is uncertain. Methods: The ASCEND trial randomly allocated 15480 people with diabetes (94% type 2 DM) who do not already have diagnosed occlusive arterial disease to receive aspirin or placebo and to omega-3 FA or placebo. Blood and urine samples were collected by mail at baseline and after 3 years follow-up. The effectiveness of aspirin to suppress urinary thromboxane B2 (UTxB2), a marker of platelet activity, and, of omega-3 FA supplements to increase red cell membrane omega-3 index were assessed. A systematic review of previous trials of omega-3 FA was conducted to summarize the prior evidence for the effects of omega-3 FA supplements on major vascular events (MVEs). Results: Aspirin reduced UTxB2 levels by 67% (63-70%) (p < 0.0001) compared with placebo, from 3453 pg/mg (95% CI 3061-3895) at baseline to 1190 pg/mg (1100-1287) on those allocated to aspirin during the trial. During follow-up, the omega-3 index increased by 33% (95% CI 26%-39%) in those allocated omega-3 FA compared to placebo (p < 0.0001). The meta-analysis of previous studies of omega-3 FA showed no effect on MVEs (HR 0.97; [0.93-1.01]) overall or in any pre-specified sub-groups. Conclusions: Low dose aspirin and omega-3 FA are biochemically effective at reducing UTxB2 and increasing the omega-3 index, respectively. Previous trials show that supplementation with omega-3 FA had no significant effect on MVEs. The results of the ASCEND trial, assessing the effects of both aspirin and omega-3 FA on MVEs, will be available in 2018.

Recentemente o câncer de um modo geral, sobretudo o câncer de pulmão tem sido causa de grande preocupação no mundo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a atividade antitumoral do óleo (Copaifera reticulata Ducke) in natura e sua fração resina em linhagens celulares não cancerosas (E10) e cancerosas (E9) de pulmão de camundongo. O óleo foi submetido a hidrodestilação para a obtenção da fração resina. As células após o cultivo a 37&deg;C foram tratadas com 8 diferentes concentrações do óleo e da resina, foram mantidas na mesma temperatura por mais 48h na estufa. Depois adicionou-se o reagente Thyazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide para o teste de citotoxicidade e determinação da concentração inibitória de 50% de células viáveis (IC50). Com os resultados, observou-se que ambos os tratamentos agiram como antitumorais e quando comparados entre si percebe-se que o óleo in natura agiu melhor que sua fração resina, sugerindo ser mais citotóxico para as células cancerosas a uma concentração aproximadamente onze vezes menor (E9 [0,0287&micro;L/mL]) do que para as células não cancerosas (E10 [0,3142&micro;L/mL]). A fração resina também inibiu a proliferação celular, na concentração E10 [0,0930&micro;L/mL] e E9 [0,8002&micro;L/mL]. Verificou-se através da técnica de fluorescência com Laranja de Acridina e Brometo de Etídio que os tratamentos induziram a morte das células por apoptose. Conclui-se que o óleo in natura da C. reticulata Ducke agiu melhor como agente antitumoral do que a resina, sugerindo que ocorre um sinergismo entre suas frações e que estudos futuros in vitro e in vivo são necessários para garantir a sua padronização e utilização. / In recent times cancer in general, especially lung cancer has been a cause of great concern in the world. The objective of this work was to evaluate the antitumor activity of the oil (Copaifera reticulata Ducke) in natura and its resin fraction in non-cancerous (E10) and cancerous (E9) lung cells lines of mouse. The oil was subjected to hydrodistillation to obtain the resin fraction. Cells after cultivation at 37&deg;C were treated with 8 different concentrations of oil and resin, and were maintained at the same temperature for another 48h in the oven. The MTT reagent was then added for the cytotoxicity test and determination of the 50% viable cell inhibitory concentration (IC50). The results showed that both treatments acted as antitumor and when the data were compared it was observed that the oil in natura acted better than its resin fraction because it was more cytotoxic to the cancer cells at a concentration almost eleven times smaller (E9 [0,0287&micro;L/mL) than for non-cancer cells (E10 [0,3142&micro;L/mL]). The resin fraction also inhibited cell proliferation, but at a very close concentration for the two cells line (E10 [0,0930&micro;L/mL] and E9 [0,8002 &micro;L/mL]). It was verified by the fluorescence technique with Acridine Orange and Ethidium Bromide that the treatments induced the death of the cells by apoptosis. Its concluded that the in natura oil of C. reticulata Ducke acted better as an antitumor than the resin, suggesting that synergism occurs between its fractions and that future in vitro and in vivo studies are necessary to guarantee its standardization and use.

Dans le contexte actuel d’allongement de l’espérance de vie, la prévalence des maladies liées à l’âge telles que l’ostéoporose est de plus en plus importante. Le coût de la prise en charge de ces pathologies constitue un problème de santé public majeur et la mise en place de stratégies de prévention nutritionnelle adaptées apparaît comme une excellente solution alternative aux traitements habituels. Pourtant, l’étude des activités biologiques des nutriments reste trop marginale pour certains tissus et certaines catégories de molécules, c’est notamment le cas du tissu osseux et des lipides, en particulier les acides gras.Ces derniers sont pourtant capables de moduler le devenir du tissu osseux que ce soit indirectement par des mécanismes systémiques ou directement au niveau de la cellule osseuse. La perte osseuse liée au vieillissement est souvent associée à l’établissement progressif d’une inflammation chronique à bas bruit à l’échelle de l’organisme. Dans ce contexte, les niveaux de cytokines pro-inflammatoires telles que l’interleukine 6 ou le Tumor Necrosis Factor α sont augmentés et ces composés, qui sont connus pour induire la résorption osseuse, pourraient contribuer à la dégradation du squelette. Notre hypothèse de travail était que certains Acides Gras Poly-Insaturés (AGPI) à propriétés anti-inflammatoires pouvaient éventuellement limiter l’inflammation chronique associée au vieillissement et ainsi contribuer à préserver le capital osseux. Dans cette optique, nous avons utilisé la souris SamP8 qui est un modèle de progeria présentant, à douze mois, un phénotype ostéoporotique. Dans ce modèle, l’administration d’un régime délétère à base d’huile de tournesol (ratio acide gras ω6 /ω3 très important) aggrave la perte osseuse en association avec une augmentation des marqueurs inflammatoires systémiques et osseux ainsi qu’une augmentation des marqueurs de la résorption osseuse. La supplémentation de ce régime tournesol avec de l’huile de bourrache ou de l’huile de poisson permet d’apporter des quantités importantes d’AGPI anti-inflammatoires (acide γ-linoléique pour l’huile de bourrache et ω3 pour l’huile de poisson). De manière intéressante, ces deux régimes supplémentés permettent, en plus de réduire les paramètres inflammatoires, de s’opposer à l’augmentation des marqueurs de résorption osseuse et de limiter la diminution de la densité minérale de l’os chez ces souris. Cette étude met donc en évidence le potentiel santé de certains AGPI au regard de la préservation du capital osseux et suggère un rôle déterminant de leurs propriétés anti-inflammatoires systémiques. En parallèle, la description des effets directs des acides gras au niveau cellulaire par l’activation de récepteurs spécifiques occupent une place croissante dans la littérature. Récemment, le récepteur membranaire GPR40 (G Protein coupled Receptor 40) a été mis en évidence pour ses interactions avec les acides gras libres à longues chaînes et nous avons pu montrer son expression dans les précurseurs ostéoclastiques. Nous avons donc émis l’hypothèse que ce récepteur pourrait jouer un rôle dans la médiation des effets des acides gras sur les paramètres du remodelage osseux. Ce travail a permis de mettre en évidence l’existence d’un phénotype ostéoporotique chez la souris invalidée pour le GPR40. L’effet protecteur de ce récepteur semble lié principalement à un effet inhibiteur de son activation sur la différenciation des ostéoclastes. En effet, l’utilisation de l’agoniste spécifique du GPR40 empêche in vitro la différenciation ostéoclastique par RANKL de deux modèles cellulaires de manière GPR40-dépendante. De surcroit, cet agoniste est également capable in vivo de s’opposer à une perte osseuse induite chez la souris. Ces résultats révèlent pour la première fois l’implication du récepteur GPR40 dans la physiologie osseuse et apportent la connaissance d’une nouvelle possibilité de modulation directe des cellules osseuses par les acides gras. / With increasing lifespan, prevalence of age-related complications has grown including skeletal defects such as osteoporosis. Socio-economic consequences of these disorders represent a major public health problem worldwide and in this context, nutritional prevention strategies may be considered as a good option to be associated with usual therapies. However, biological activities of some nutrients have been too poorly deciphered in regards to their bone health potential. This is notably true concerning fatty acids and both their direct and indirect relationships with the skeleton. Age-related bone complications are often associated with a gradual establishment of a systemic low-grade inflammatory condition. This leads to high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 6 or tumor necrosis factor α which are known to favour osteoclast-induced bone resorption. Then, these high pro-inflammatory cytokines levels may contribute to age associated bone loss. We hypothesize that in this context, poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) with known anti-inflammatory properties may counteract both the low-grade inflammation establishment and the associated bone loss. Thus, animals from the progeria mouse model SamP8 were used and were shown to exhibit osteoporosis at twelve months. Feeding these mice with a deletary (very high ω6/ω3 ratio) sunflower oil-based diet results in an exacerbated bone loss, associated with increased systemic and bone inflammation parameters as well as increased bone resorption markers. Either borage or fish oil supplementation of the sunflower oil-based diet result in high amounts of anti-inflammatory PUFAs in the diet (γ-linoleic acid with borage oil and ω3 with fish oil). Interestingly, mice fed with the two “supplemented” diets show reduced inflammatory parameters but also reduced levels of bone resorption markers and preserved bone mineral density. In this work, the bone health potential of some PUFAs was established and was linked to their systemic anti-inflammatory properties. Besides, fatty acids are increasingly studied as signalling molecules, able to modulate cell signalling by their interactions with specific receptors. A few years ago, long chain fatty acids were shown to be ligands of the membrane bound fatty acid receptor GPR40 (G Protein coupled Receptor 40). As we showed GPR40 expression in osteoclast precursors, we hypothesized that it may be involved in fatty acid-induced bone remodelling regulation. In this study, an osteoporotic phenotype was found in GPR40-deficient mice. This GPR40- mediated bone protection seems to involve an anti-osteoclastogenic effect. As a matter of fact, a GPR40 specific agonist led to blunted RANKL-induced osteoclastic differentiation in a GPR40-dependant way. In addition, this agonist was also able in vivo to counteract ovariectomy-induced bone loss in mice. Thus, involvement of GPR40 in bone remodelling was established for the first time in this work, bringing to light a new mechanism in the fatty acid-induced modulation of bone metabolism.

No description available.