Search

The reuse of by-products from the agro-industry in animal feeding is desirable to increase the sustainability of the productions. Hazelnut skin is a by-product of the food industry and due to the high content in crude fat and phenolic compounds can be potentially used in ruminants’ diet. In this study, we characterised and compared the microbial communities of rumen digesta (RD) from lambs fed a diet supplied with hazelnut skin vs. a control diet. Microbial DNA was extracted and high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons was performed. Six genera ([Eubacterium] nodatum group, Acidaminococcus, Dialister, Erysipelotrichaceae UCG-002, Megasphaera, and Olsenella) showed a positive correlation with the concentration of C18:1 t10, and their relative abundance was higher in the RD from lambs fed the control diet, compared to the RD from lambs fed the diet supplied with hazelnut skin. The results suggest that the relative abundance of microorganisms correlated to C18:1 t10 production in the rumen of animals fed a concentrate-based diet can be reduced by the administration of hazelnut skin.Highlights A diet with hazelnut skin affected the microbial community in the rumen of lambs The relative abundance of the genus Dialister decreased with hazelnut skin Administration of hazelnut skin can be a strategy to reduce the C18:1 t10/t11 ratio

For decades antibiotics have been used in poultry rearing to support high levels of production. Nevertheless, several problems have arisen because of the misuse of antibiotics (i.e., antibiotic resistance, residues in animal products, environmental pollution). Thus, the European Union (EU) as well as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) promote action plans to diminish the use of antibiotics in animal production. Alternatives to antibiotics have been studied. Polyphenols (PPs) or organic acids (OAs) seem to be two accredited solutions. Phenolic compounds, such as phenols, flavonoids, and tannins exert their antimicrobial effect with specific mechanisms. In contrast, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), the OAs mainly used as antibiotics alternative, act on the pathogens depending on the pKa value. This review aims to collect the literature reporting the effects of these substances applied as antimicrobial molecules or growth promoter in poultry feeding (both for broilers and laying hens). Organic acids and PPs can be used individually or in blends, exploiting the properties of each component. Collected data highlighted that further research needs to focus on OAs in laying hens’ feeding and also determine the right combination in blends with PPs.

In the past 10 years, the average demand for meat and milk across the world has significantly increased, especially in developing countries. Therefore, to support the production of animal-derived food products, a huge quantity of feed resources is needed. This paper does not present original research, but rather provides a conceptual strategy to improve primary production in a sustainable way, in relation to forthcoming issues linked to climate change. Increases in meat and milk production could be achieved by formulating balanced diets for ovines based on alfalfa integrated with local agricultural by-products. As the central component of the diet is alfalfa, one goal of the project is increasing the yield of alfalfa in a sustainable way via inoculating seeds with symbiotic rhizobia (i.e., Sinorhizobium meliloti). Seed inoculants are already present on the market but have not been optimized for arid soils. Furthermore, a part of the project is focused on the selection of elite symbiotic strains that show increased resistance to salt stress and competitiveness. The second component of the experimental diets is bio-waste, especially that obtained from olive oil manufacturing (i.e., pomace). The addition of agro-by-products allows us to use such waste as a resource for animal feeding, and possibly, to modulate rumen metabolism, thereby increasing the nutritional quality of milk and meat.

The intensive use of high-performing strains in poultry production has led to the extinction of several autochthonous chicken breeds and, consequently, loss of genetic variability. Interest in saving biodiversity is growing rapidly and has become a major objective worldwide. The aim of this study was to shed light on the production trends of native Italian poultry breeds and the related market. A questionnaire, which asked about the production cycles, the number of animals and table eggs produced per year and their retail prices was completed by 121 breeders across Italy. The surveyed breeders were divided into two categories: breeders conducting an agrozootechnical farm, referred to as ‘farmers’ (F), and breeders keeping chickens as backyard poultry, referred to as ‘fancy breeders’ (FB). Analysis of the data acquired indicated that animals were mainly slaughtered between 6 and 12 months of age, with F processing more animals per year. The same production trend was observed for table eggs. The recorded retail prices of native chicken products were higher than those for conventional products, but similar to those reported for valuable niche poultry products, such as the Poulet de Bresse in France and organic eggs. Knowledge about these highly valuable markets should be used to encourage the use of local breeds in alternative poultry farming and help protect biodiversity.

The preservation of genetic variability of autochthonous poultry breeds is crucial in global biodiversity. A recent report revealed small breed size and potential risk of extinction of all native Italian poultry breeds; therefore, a correct assessment of their genetic diversity is necessary for a suitable management of their preservation. In this work, we provided an overview of the contribution to poultry biodiversity of some Italian autochthonous breeds reared in conservation centers devoted to local biodiversity preservation. The level of genetic diversity, molecular kinship, inbreeding, contribution to overall genetic diversity, and rate of extinction of each breed were analyzed with a set of 14 microsatellite loci in 17 autochthonous chicken breeds. To evaluate genetic variability, total number (Na), and effective number (Ne) of alleles, observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosity, and F (Wright’s inbreeding coefficient) index were surveyed. The contribution of each analyzed breed to genetic diversity of the whole dataset was assessed using MolKin3.0; global genetic diversity and allelic richness contributions were evaluated. All the investigated loci were polymorphic; 209 alleles were identified (94 of which private alleles). The average number of alleles per locus was 3.62, and the effective number of alleles was 2.27. The Ne resulted lower in all breeds due to the presence of low-frequency alleles that can be easily lost by genetic drift, thus reducing the genetic variability of the breeds, and increasing their risk of extinction. The global molecular kinship was 27%, the average breed molecular kinship was 53%, and the mean inbreeding rate 43%, with a self-coancestry of 78%. Wright’s statistical analysis showed a 41% excess of homozygous due to breed genetic differences (34%) and to inbreeding within the breed (9%). Genetic variability analysis showed that 11 breeds were in endangered status. The contribution to Italian poultry genetic diversity, estimated as global genetic diversity, and ranged from 30.2 to 98.5%. In conclusion, the investigated breeds maintain a unique genetic pattern and play an important role in global Italian poultry biodiversity, providing a remarkable contribution to genetic variability.

The creation of genetic resource cryobanks provides a crucial link between in situ and ex situ techniques to improve the efficiency of conservation programs. Aim of the present review is to describe all the activities developed for the implementation of the first Italian Semen Cryobank of Autochthonous Chicken and Turkey Breeds. These activities can be classified into three main topics: (1) identification of species-specific semen freezing/thawing reference procedures; (2) drafting Standard Operative Procedures (SOP) for the implementation of the semen cryobank; (3) storage of semen doses from Italian chicken and turkey breeds to establish the cryobank. Several trials have been developed to identify a specie-specific semen cryopreservation protocol for chickens and turkeys. The major results are reviewed and a final reference protocol described. Taking into consideration the FAO guidelines for cryoconservation of animal genetic resources, SOP were drafted with the aim to provide technical guidance and logistical support on the choice of priority breeds, selection of birds for semen production, infrastructures and storage sites, birds and semen management, cryopreservation process and doses traceability. Lastly, the Italian Semen Cryobank was created. A total of 112 semen doses from 22 cockerels of three breeds, and 74 doses from 12 turkey males of three breeds were stored in the Cryobank. Breed specific semen quality parameters assessed before and after cryopreservation are reported. The described activities provide information and tools useful for the implementation of semen cryobanking in avian species and might be transferred also to other species after appropriate adaptations.HIGHLIGHTS Implementation of the first Italian Semen Cryobank of Autochthonous Chicken and Turkey Breeds Drafting Standard Operative Procedures provides technical guidance and logistical support on the design and establishment of the cryobank Semen cryobank is a precious genetic reservoir and could be useful to safeguard genetic variability in small population in vivo conserved

The Food and Agriculture Organization&rsquo, s previsions show that by 2050 the world&rsquo, s population will reach 9.6 billion people, and the request for a high value protein source will increase as well. Poultry can guarantee high value protein for humans, even in the poorest regions of the world. Hence, efficient poultry production is needed, matching with sustainable development. The residual meal from cardoon seed oil (used for biodiesel and biodegradable bioplastic production) is suitable for animal feeding due to its protein content. The aim of this preliminary study was to test for a possible use of cardoon meal as a protein source in a poultry diet during the finishing period. Forty-five Kabir chickens were divided into three groups and fed three diets in which soybean meal (control) was partially (16%) or completely replaced with cardoon meal as a protein source (treated groups). In vivo performances, animal welfare, dressing out and meat color were evaluated. No statistical differences in feed efficiency, dressing out, nor in meat quality were found among groups. Moreover, birds that were fed cardoon meal showed lower perivisceral fat. Therefore, cardoon meal could be considered as an alternative for soybean meal in the finishing period in poultry feeding.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women and, among different BC subtypes, triple negative (TN) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive BCs have the worst prognosis. In this study, we investigated the anticancer activity of the root ethanolic and hexane extracts from Lithospermum erythrorhizon, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine known also as tzu ts’ao or tzu-ken, against in vitro and in vivo models of TNBC and HER2-positive BC. Treatment with L. erythrorhizon root extracts resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of BC cell viability and in a significant reduction of the growth of TNBC cells transplanted in syngeneic mice. Acetylshikonin, a naphthoquinone, was identified as the main bioactive component in extracts and was responsible for the observed antitumor activity, being able to decrease BC cell viability and to interfere with autochthonous mammary carcinogenesis in Δ16HER2 transgenic mice. Acetylshikonin anticancer effect depends on its ability to act as a potent inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), to down-regulate key mediators governing cancer growth and progression, such as HER2, Src and STAT3, and to induce apoptosis by caspase-3 activation. The accumulation of acetylshikonin in blood samples as well as in brain, kidney, liver and tumor tissues was also investigated by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) highlighting that L. erythrorhizon treatment is effective in delivering the active compound into the target tissues. These results provide evidence that L. erythrorhizon extract and in particular its main component acetylshikonin are effective against aggressive BC subtypes and reveal new acetylshikonin mechanisms of action.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of adult-onset dementia is characterized by a progressive decline of cognitive functions accompanied by behavioral manifestations. The main class of drugs currently used for the treatment of AD are acetylcholinesterase/cholinesterase inhibitors (ChE-Is). The first ChE-I licensed for symptomatic treatment of AD was tacrine. The ChE-Is currently available in the market are donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine as tacrine is no longer in use, due to its hepatotoxicity. According to mechanism of action the ChE-Is are classified as short-acting or reversible agents such as tacrine, donepezil, and galantamine, as intermediate-acting or pseudo-irreversible agent such as rivastigmine. Overall, the efficacy of the three ChE-Is available in the market is similar and the benefit of administration of these compounds is mild and may not be clinically significant. Due to gastrointestinal side effects of these drugs, medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical delivery studies have investigated solutions to improve the pharmacological activity of these compounds. In spite of the limited activity of ChE-Is, waiting for more effective approaches, these drugs still represent a pharmacotherapeutic resource for the treatment of AD. Other approaches in which ChE-Is were investigated is in their use in combination with other classes of drugs such as cholinergic precursors, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists and antioxidant agents. After many years from the introduction in therapy of ChE-Is, the combination with other classes of drugs may represent the chance for a renewed interest of ChE-Is in the treatment of adult-onset dementia disorders.

Carlina acaulis (Compositae) is traditionally used for food and medicinal purposes in central and southern Europe. Its root essential oil (EO), mainly composed by carlina oxide, is included in the BELFRIT botanical list of food supplements. It is also recognized as a potent mosquito larvicide. It is matter of concern whether this EO could be endowed with intrinsic toxicity to limit its use on a food level. Focusing on the insecticidal activity of this EO, we investigated the acute toxicity and sublethal effects on Musca domestica. In topical assays, the EO was extremely effective (LD50 = 2.74 and 5.96 μg fly−1, on males and females, respectively). The exposure to a sublethal dose (LD30) led to significant reductions of female longevity (LT50 = 6.7–9.0 days vs. control LT50 = 12.9–13.7 days). Treated females laid 2.5 times fewer eggs over control ones. F1 vitality decreased: F1 larvae and pupae showed high mortality, 2-4-fold higher over the control. The EO also showed high cytotoxicity on normal human fibroblasts (NHF-A12, IC50 = 9.4–14.2 μg mL−1 after 6–48 h). Overall, our findings support the employ of this EO for developing botanical insecticides. At the same time, they encourage food safety authorities to perform a full toxicological assessment for possible restrictions at food level.

Chestnut tannins (CT) and saturated short medium chain fatty acids (SMCFA) are valid alternatives to contrast the growth of pathogens in poultry rearing, representing a valid alternative to antibiotics. However, the effect of their blends has never been tested. Two blends of CT extract and Sn1-monoglycerides of SMCFA (SN1) were tested in vitro against the proliferation of Clostridium perfringens, Salmonella typhymurium, Escherichia coli, Campylobacter jejuni. The tested concentrations were: 3.0 g/kg of CT, 3.0 g/kg of SN1, 2.0 g/kg of CT and 1.0 g/kg of SN1, 1.0 g/kg of CT and 2.0 g/kg of SN1. Furthermore, their effect on broiler performances and meat quality was evaluated in vivo: one-hundred Ross 308 male birds were fed a basal diet with no supplement (control group) or supplemented with CT or SN1 or their blends at the same concentration used in the in vitro trial. The in vitro assay confirmed the effectiveness of the CT and SN1 mixtures in reducing the growth of the tested bacteria while the in vivo trial showed that broiler performances, animal welfare and meat quality were not negatively affected by the blends, which could be a promising alternative in replacing antibiotics in poultry production.

The GPR17 receptor, phylogenetically related to both purinergic P2Y and CysLT receptors, is mainly expressed in the CNS and, in general, in organs that can typically undergo ischemic damage. This receptor is involved in various pathologies including stroke, brain and spinal cord trauma, multiple sclerosis and in all diseases characterized by neuronal and myelin dysfunction. Therefore, there is a strong needed to identify molecules capable of binding specifically to GPR17 receptors.The review provides a summary of patents, published between 2009 and 2018, on chemicals and biologics and their clinical use. In this work, information is reported about the representative structures and biological activity of recently developed GPR17 receptor ligands.The GPR17 receptor is an enigmatic receptor and an interesting therapeutic target in a variety of brain disorders and demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, schizophrenia, and depression. The modulation of this receptor could also be potentially useful in obesity treatment. Unfortunately, so far, there are no compounds under investigation in clinical trials but many researchers and companies are investing in the discovery of future potential GPR17 receptor drugs.

Ethnopharmacological relevance The top flowering aerial parts of the Hypericum species are traditionally used to prepare ointments to heal cuts and burns. Sometimes even the fruits are used for these purposes. Hypericum androsaemum L., commonly known as tutsan or shrubby St. John's Wort, is a Mediterranean medicinal plant which has been traditionally used to prepare an ointment for treating cuts and wounds. Aim of the study To evaluate the extracts obtained from H. androsaemum red berries as functional ingredients for skin care formulations. Materials and methods The methanolic extract was obtained by Soxhlet extraction while the aqueous extract was prepared by decoction; their composition was determined by HPLC analysis. Their biological activities were measured in terms of proliferation and migration of human fibroblasts, inhibition of collagenase activity, and immunomodulatory effects on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In addition, we evaluated their photostability by UV spectroscopy and their protective effects against APPH-induced hemolysis in red blood cells (RBC). Results The polar extracts contained significant amounts of shikimic (108,143.7–115,901.3 mg/kg) and chlorogenic acids (45,781.1–57,002.7 mg/kg). The main components of these extracts made an important contribution to a significant increase in human fibroblast migration. Both extracts were also active as collagenase inhibitors, with the aqueous one showing a greater inhibitory capacity (IC 50 value of 88.1 µg/mL), similar to that of chlorogenic acid. The kinetic parameters determined for the enzymatic reaction revealed for both aqueous extract and chlorogenic acid an uncompetitive mechanism of inhibition. The methanolic extract showed important effects on PBMCs by modulating IL-6. Both extracts proved to be photostable in the UVA/B range and protected RBC against peroxidation at low concentrations. Conclusions H. androsaemum red berries were proven to contain phytochemicals that improve skin regeneration, hence potentially employable in skin care formulations.

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent important targets for drug discovery because they participate in a wide range of cellular signalling pathways that play a role in a variety of pathological conditions. The characterization of the patho-physiological profile and functional roles of new receptors is highly dependent on the availability of potent and selective ligands and new screening assays. The study of the pharmacological profile of new chemical entities is very important in order to predict the activity of drugs and their clinical adverse effect in humans. In the last decade, a large number of new in vitro radiolabel-free assays were developed and relevant information on diseases was upgraded. In particular, radiolabel-free assays led significant easy to handle and safer tools for operators. The aim of this review is to analyze these assays in terms of new drug activity and toxicology prediction and translation of non-clinical findings to humans in order to provide a powerful tool to aid drug development.

The trial was performed with 80 laying hens belonging to two Tuscan autochthonous breeds: 40 birds of the Mugellese (MU) breed and 40 of the White Leghorn (WL) breed.The animals were allotted to 4 groups of individually caged 20 hens each: two groups were fed on a commercial diet and worked as the control groups (MUC and WLC); the other two groups received the same diet, integrated with 2 g of chestnut tannin (CT) extract per kg of diet (MUT and WLT).A sample of 70 eggs were randomly collected and analysed for cholesterol content, fatty acid (FA) profile, weight, thickness of shell and colour of yolk.Physical parameters, including yolk colour, and indices of egg quality were not affected by the treatments.The concentration of unsaturated FAs increased, whereas cholesterol was significantly decreased: −17% in WLT and −9% in MUT. Dietary supplementation with CT extract resulted in a modification of lipid composition, towards a more healthy quality of eggs.

The fungal microbiota usually growing on the cheese surface during ripening processes promote rind formation and the development of organoleptic characteristics, imparting positive sensory attributes to cheeses. As cheese contamination may also occur by undesirable molds, specific actions for preventing their growth are usually realized in dairy industries by using the antibiotic natamycin, which may represent a risk factor for human health and environmental sustainability. Here, agroindustrial by-products with natural antimicrobial properties, i.e. tannins and chitosan, were tested in a cheese-making trial producing PDO Tuscan pecorino cheese. Morphological and molecular methods revealed that the main components of rind fungal communities of PDO Tuscan pecorino cheese were represented by P. solitum, P. discolour and P. verrucosum. The use of chitosan on cheese rinds did not significantly affect the composition of rind fungal communities developing during the whole ripening process compared with controls treated with natamycin, whose numbers ranged from 3.4 ± 1.3 × 103 to 3.2 ± 1.8 × 104 and from 6.3 ± 3.5 × 102 to 4.0 ± 1.5 × 104, respectively. Overall, grape marc tannins and chitosan did not significantly affect the number and composition of fungal communities developing during PDO Pecorino Toscano cheese ripening, as well as its physical, chemical and nutritional profiles, showing that they may represent effective alternatives to the antibiotic natamycin.

This paper describes identification of the first-in-class multi-target adenosine A2A receptor antagonists-carbonic anhydrase (CA) IX and XII inhibitors, as new potential antitumor agents. To obtain the multi-acting ligands, the 8-amino-2,6-diphenyltriazolo[4,3-a]pyrazin-3-one, a potent adenosine hA2A receptor (AR) antagonist, was taken as lead compound. To address activity against the tumor-associated CA isoforms, it was modified by introduction of different substituents (OH, COOH, CONHOH, SO2NH2) on the 6-phenyl ring or on a phenyl pendant connected to the former through different spacers. Among the new triazolopyrazines 1–23, the most active were those featuring the sulfonamide residue. Derivative 20, featuring a 4-sulfonamidophenyl residue attached through a CONH(CH2)2CONH spacer at the para-position of the 6-phenyl ring, showed the best combination of activity at the three targets. In fact, it inhibited both the tumor-associated hCA IX and XII isozymes at nanomolar concentration (Ki = 5.0 and 27.0 nM), and also displayed a quite good affinity for the hA2A AR (Ki = 108 nM). Compound 14, bearing the 4-sulfonamidophenyl residue linked at the para-position of the 6-phenyl ring by a CONH spacer, was remarkable because both its hA2A AR affinity and hCA XII inhibitory potency were in the low nanomolar range (Ki = 6.4 and 6.2 nM, respectively). Molecular docking studies highlighted the interaction mode of selected triazolopyrazines in the hA2A AR recognition pocket and in the active site of hCA II, IX and XII isoforms.

Olive oil pomace (OOP) is a bio-waste rich in highly soluble polyphenols. OOP has been proposed as an additive in ruminant feeding to modulate rumen fermentations. Three groups of ewes were fed the following different diets: a control diet and two diets supplemented with OOP, obtained with a two-phase (OOP2) or three-phase (OOP3) olive milling process. Rumen liquor (RL) showed a higher content of 18:3 cis9 cis12 cis15 (α-linolenic acid, α-LNA) with OOP2 inclusion, and of 18:2 cis9 trans11 (rumenic acid, RA) with OOP3 inclusion. The overall composition of the RL microbiota did not differ among treatments. Significant differences, between control and treated groups, were found for six bacterial taxa. In particular, RL microbiota from animals fed OOPs showed a reduction in Anaerovibrio, a lipase-producing bacterium. The decrease in the Anaerovibrio genus may lead to a reduction in lipolysis, thus lowering the amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids available for biohydrogenation. Milk from animals fed OOP showed a higher content of 18:1 cis9 (oleic acid, OA) but the α-LNA concentration was increased in milk from animals treated with OOP2 only. Therefore, inclusion of OOP in ruminant diets may be a tool to ameliorate the nutritional characteristics of milk.

Tannins are bioactive compounds able to interfere with protein and lipid metabolism in the rumen, by forming undegradable complexes with dietary proteins and by modulating several bacterial activities, including the biohydrogenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The aim of this trial was to study the effect of dietary supplementation with chestnut hydrolysable tannin extract on ewes milk yield and quality. Ninety-six multiparous Sarda ewes in their mid-lactation phase were allotted to two homogeneous groups (control group, C group; group fed concentrate supplemented with chestnut tannin extract, CHE group), each of 48 animals, for a feeding trial. Animals of both groups grazed 8 h per day on the same pasture based on a mixture of Lolium multiflorum, Avena sativa and Trifolium repens (1:1:1). The two diets differed only in their concentrate supplement. The control group received 450 g/head per day of a concentrate feed without chestnut tannin extract, whereas the CHE group received 500 g/head per day of a concentrate feed formulated with the same ingredients of the control concentrate plus 80.0 g/kg DM of chestnut tannin extract. The amounts of concentrate offered to the animals of both groups were calculated in order to obtain isoproteic and isoenergetic dietary treatments considering the expected DM intake of animals. The inclusion of chestnut tannin in the concentrate resulted in a greater production of milk (+18.64%; P < 0.001). Moreover, no differences in casein fraction profile between milks from both groups were found while the casein index was greater (P = 0.034) in milk from ewes fed CHE than milk from ewes fed C. As regard fatty acid composition, milk from CHE group had a greater concentration of omega-3 fatty acids if compared to milk from C group (alpha-linolenic acid: 2.18 vs 2.57 g/100 g of total lipids in C and CHE group, respectively), whereas the percentage of CLA and of C18:1 trans11 in milk fat from CHE group was smaller (CLA: 2.20 vs 1.85 g/100 g of total lipids, in C and CHE group, respectively with P = 0.001; C18:1 trans11: 3.89 vs 3.57 g/100 g of total lipids in C and CHE group, respectively with P = 0.001). The use of practical doses of CHT in the diet of grazing ewes may improve the response to dietary linseed supplementation, resulting in milk with a greater concentration of alpha-linolenic acid.

In the present study, we have hypothesized that replacing barley with high proportions of dried citrus pulp in a concentrate-based diet for lambs could increase the intake of unsaturated fatty acids and could reduce the rate of the ruminal biohydrogenation of PUFA, with a consequent improvement of the intramuscular fatty acid composition. To test this hypothesis, 26 Comisana lambs were divided into 3 groups and for 56 d were fed a barley-based concentrate diet (CON; 8 lambs) or 2 diets in which barley was replaced with 24% (CIT24; 9 lambs) or 35% (CIT35; 9 lambs) dried citrus pulp. An overall improvement of the fatty acid composition of LM from lambs fed citrus pulp-containing diets was found. The PUFA/SFA ratio was lower (P < 0.05) in the LM from lambs in the CON group compared with both the CIT24 and CIT35 groups. The thrombogenic index was lower (P < 0.05) in meat from lambs fed the CIT35 diet compared with those fed the CON diet. The CIT35 diet increased the proportion of C20:5 n-3 in the LM (P < 0.05), whereas the CIT24 diet enhanced that of C22:6 -3 (P < 0.05) compared with the CON diet. Some of these results might be explained considering that feeding the CIT24 and CIT35 diets increased the intake of total fatty acids (P < 0.05) and of C18:3 n-3 (P < 0.01) compared with feeding the CON treatment. On the other hand, phenolic compounds present in citrus pulp could have inhibited the ruminal biohydrogenation of PUFA. This is supported by the fact that regardless of the level of inclusion in the diet, citrus pulp increased the proportion of rumenic acid (P < 0.001) in LM compared with the CON diet. The plasma from lambs fed both CIT24 and CIT35 diets had a greater percentage of vaccenic acid (VA; < 0.001) compared with that from lambs fed the CON diet, and the CIT35 diet increased the proportion of rumenic acid in plasma compared with the CON treatment (P < 0.05). In the ruminal fluid, stearic acid (SA) tended to decrease, and the sum of CLA tended to increase (P = 0.09) with increasing level of citrus pulp in the diets. Furthermore, the SA/(SA + VA) ratio tended to be lower (P = 0.10) in the ruminal fluid from lambs fed the CIT35 diet compared with that of the CON group. In conclusion, our results support the hypothesis that replacing barley with citrus pulp in the diet of growing lambs improves intramuscular fatty acid composition and underline the need for specific studies to clarify the mechanisms by which feeding citrus pulp affects the fatty acid metabolism in ruminants.

Arylpiperazines 2 – 11 were synthesized, and their biological profiles at α1-adrenergic receptors (α1-ARs) assessed by binding assays in CHO cells expressing human cloned subtypes and by functional experiments in isolated rat vas deferens (α1A), spleen (α1B), and aorta (α1D). Modifications at the 1,3-benzodioxole and phenyl phamacophoric units resulted in the identification of a number of potent compounds (moderately selective with respect to the α1b-AR), in binding experiments. Notably, compound 7 (LDT451) showed a subnanomolar p K i of 9.41 towards α1a-AR. An encouragingly lower α1B-potency was a general trend for all the series of compounds, which showed α1A/D over α1B selectivity in functional assays. If adequately optimized, such peculiar selectivity could have relevance for a potential LUTS/BPH therapeutic application.

Strains belonging to the genus Cladosporium can cause black spots on the surface of sheep cheese, making it impossible to sell. Two water solutions of chestnut tannin extract (i) 200 g L−1 (CHE200) and (ii) 400 g L−1 (CHE400), and the chestnut tannin extract powder (CHEP) were tested in a cheese making trial in which 60 cheese units were allotted to 5 experimental groups (each of 12 cheeses: C1, control 1 without any treatment; C2, control 2 treated with a silver ion solution; and cheeses LCHE200, LCHE400, and LCHEP, treated with CHE200, CHE400, and CHEP, respectively). The cheeses were ripened in a room polluted with Cladosporium cladosporioides with the aim to create conditions for the proliferation of this fungus on the cheeses. The results indicated that chestnut tannin extract at a concentration of 200 g L−1 is capable of completely inhibiting C. cladosporioides proliferation, avoiding spoilage of the sheep cheese.

Ruminants derived products have a prominent role in diets and economy worldwide; therefore, the capability to control the rumen microbial ecosystem, for ameliorating their quality, is of fundamental importance in the livestock sector. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with chestnut and quebracho tannins on microbial community and fatty acid profile, in the rumen fluid of dairy ewes. Multivariate analysis of PCR-DGGE profiles of rumen microbial communities showed a correlation among the presence of chestnut or quebracho in the diet, the specificButyrivibriogroup DGGE profiles, the increase in 18:3cis9,cis12, andcis15; 18:2cis9 andcis12; 18:2cis9 andtrans11; 18:2trans11 andcis15; and 18:1trans11 content, and the decrease in 18:0 concentration. Phylogenetic analysis of DGGE band sequences revealed the presence of bacteria representatives related to the generaHungatella,Ruminococcus, andEubacteriumand unclassified Lachnospiraceae family members, suggesting that these taxa could be affected by tannins presence in the diets. The results of this study showed that tannins from chestnut and quebracho can reduce the biohydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids through changes in rumen microbial communities.

The addition of polyphenol extracts in ruminant diets is an effective strategy to modulate rumen microflora. The aim of this in vitro trial was to study the effects of chestnut tannin extract (CHT), vescalagin (VES) and gallic acid (GAL) on dietary fibre degradability and on the dimethyl acetals (DMA) profile and microbial community composition of rumen liquor. Four diets (basal diet, basal diet plus CHT, basal diet plus VES, basal diet plus GAL) were fermented for 24 h using ewe rumen liquor. At the end of the fermentation, the microbial communities were characterized by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. The DMA profile was analyzed by gas chromatography. Chestnut tannin extract did not affect fibre degradability, whereas VES and GAL showed a detrimental effect. The presence of CHT, VES and GAL influenced the concentration of several DMA (i.e., 12:0, 13:0, 14:0, 15:0, 18:0 and 18:1 trans-11), whereas the composition of the microbial community was marginally affected. The inclusion of CHT led to the enrichment of the genera Anaerovibrio, Bibersteinia, Escherichia/Shigella, Pseudobutyrivibrio and Streptococcus. The results of this study support the hypothesis that the activity of CHT is due to the synergistic effect of all components rather than the property of a single component.

The aim of the present paper was to investigate the role of the octamethylene spacer of methoctramine ( 1 ) on the biological profile. Thus, this spacer was incorporated into a dianiline or dipiperidine moiety to determine whether flexibility and the basicity of the inner nitrogen atoms are important determinants of potency with respect to muscarinic receptors. The most potent compound was 4 , which displayed, in the functional assays, a comparable potency at muscarinic M 2 receptors with respect to 1 , and, in the binding assays, a loss of potency and selectivity toward muscarinic M 1 and M 3 receptor subtypes. Both compounds were endowed with antinociceptive activity. Furthermore, in microdialysis tests in rat parietal cortex, they enhanced acetylcholine release, most likely by antagonizing presynaptic muscarinic receptor subtypes.

The GPR17 receptor is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that seems to respond to two unrelated families of endogenous ligands: nucleotide sugars (UDP, UDP-galactose, and UDP-glucose) and cysteinyl leukotrienes (LTD4, LTC4, and LTE4), with significant affinity at micromolar and nanomolar concentrations, respectively. This receptor has a broad distribution at the level of the central nervous system (CNS) and is found in neurons and in a subset of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). Unfortunately, disparate results emerging from different laboratories have resulted in a lack of clarity with regard to the role of GPR17-targeting ligands in OPC differentiation and in myelination. GPR17 is also highly expressed in organs typically undergoing ischemic damage and has various roles in specific phases of adaptations that follow a stroke. Under such conditions, GPR17 plays a crucial role; in fact, its inhibition decreases the progression of ischemic damage. This review summarizes some important features of this receptor that could be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of demyelinating diseases and for repairing traumatic injury.

The A2A adenosine receptor (A2A AR) is a key target for the development of pharmacological tools for the treatment of central nervous system disorders. Previous works have demonstrated that the insertion of substituents at various positions on adenine leads to A2A AR antagonists with affinity in the micromolar to nanomolar range. In this work, a series of 9-ethyladenine derivatives bearing phenylalkylamino, phenylakyloxy or phenylakylthio groups of different lengths at the 2-position were synthesised and tested against the human adenosine receptors. The derivatives showed sub-micromolar affinity for these membrane proteins. The further introduction of a bromine atom at the 8-position has the effect of improving the affinity and selectivity for all ARs and led to compounds that are able bind to the A2A AR subtype at low nanomolar levels. Functional studies confirmed that the new adenine derivatives behave as A2A AR antagonists with half-maximal inhibitory concentration values in the nanomolar range. Molecular modelling studies provide a description of the possible binding mode of these compounds at the A2A AR and an interpretation of the affinity data at this AR subtype.

In the present work we conducted a comprehensive chemical analysis of blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea) spontaneously growing in eastern Russia. HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS analysis showed cyanidin-3-glucoside as the major constituent among phenolics, while nutritional analysis revealed fibre, protein, calcium and magnesium as the most important macro- and micronutrients, respectively. Fatty acid composition was dominated by polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid being the most abundant. Furthermore, we evaluated several in vitro biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiproliferative, wound healing and immunomodulatory effects of blue honeysuckle aqueous and ethanolic extracts that are often incorporated in food and nutraceutical preparations. While the fruit extracts were revealed to be potent radical scavengers with significant inhibition of ABTS radical, thus confirming the literature data, their inhibitory effects against microbial pathogens and tumor cell lines were negligible. The fruit aqueous extract did not show toxicity to human fibroblasts, but 24 h treatment with 150-200 μg per mL of extract slightly enhanced the cell migration when tested by scratched wound assay. Worth mentioning was the inhibitory effect displayed by the blue honeysuckle fruit aqueous extract on human lymphocytes.

a b s t r a c t Diet composition is the major factor influencing the fatty acid composition of meat and milk from ruminants because the fatty acids (FA) which reach the duodenum are, at least in part, of dietary origin as well as the result of rumen microbial biohydrogenation (BH) of dietary lipids. In this review, effects of synthesis of conjugated linoleic (CLA) and linolenic (CLNA) acid isomers in the rumen, effects of the lipids in herbage, and plant endogenous factors on synthesis of nutraceutical fatty acids are discussed. Discovery of beneficial FA in ruminant products, such as CLA and other -3 FA, stimulated many studies in the last 20 years, including those on the roles of minor FA intermediates on rumen BH and mammary gland metabolism. Much of this research was targeted at identifying the intermediates formed during BH as well as the rumen microbial ecology involved in these processes. However, shifting the research to feedstuff endogenous factors which influence lipolysis (LP) and losses of polyunsaturated FA in the rumen may be of interest in identifying nutri- tional strategies to manipulate FA profiles in ruminant products. The presence of FA with healthful properties in milk or meat from ruminants can be enhanced by inclusion of fresh forages in their diet. Hence, there is increasing interest in the crucial role of endogenous LP, plant secondary metabolites (PSM) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) on ruminal BH. To better understand the pathways through which PSM or PPO impact FA metabolism, char- acterization of lipids in fresh forages suggests the important role of the diet matrix on the ruminal fate of lipids. A critical discussion of the role of odd chain branched FA (OBCFA) is also reported, including potential impacts on rumen microbial metabolism. Finally, new insights into lipid metabolism from in vitro techniques are discussed.

The purple non-sulfur photosynthetic bacteria Rhodopseudomonas palustris (strain 42OL) was investigated for a co-production of both bio-H(2) and biodiesel (lipids). The investigation was carried out using malic and glutamic acids in a fed-batch cultivation system under continuous irradiances of 36, 56, 75, 151, 320, 500, and 803 W m(-2). Boltzmann's sigmoidal regression model was used to determine growth kinetic parameters during hydrogen photoevolution. The upper limit of volumetric hydrogen photoevolution was 15.5 + or - 0.9 ml l(-1) h(-1). During the entire cultivation period (408 h), the highest average hydrogen production rate (HPR(av)) of 11.1 + or - 3.1 ml l(-1) h(-1) was achieved at an irradiance of 320 W m(-2). Biomasses stored at the end of each experimental set were analyzed in order to determine lipid content, which ranged from a minimum of 22 + or - 1% to a maximum of 39 + or - 2% of biomass dry weight.

Some studies recently reported a favourable effect for cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on plasma lipoprotein profile of healthy subjects. Aim of this crossover intervention study was to evaluate the influence of a short-term dietary intake of a cheese derived from sheep's milk naturally rich in CLA on several atherosclerotic biomarkers, in comparison with a commercially available cheese.Ten subjects (6 F; 4 M) with a median age of 51.5 followed for 10 weeks a diet containing 200 g/week of cheese naturally rich in CLA (intervention period) and for the same period a diet containing a commercially available cheese of the same quantity (placebo period). Consumption of the dairy product naturally rich in cis-9, trans-11 CLA determined a significant (p0.05) reduction in inflammatory parameters such as interleukin-6 (pre: 8.08+/-1.57 vs. post: 4.58+/-0.94 pg/mL), interleukin-8 (pre: 45.02+/-5.82 vs. post: 28.59+/-2.64 pg/mL), and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (pre: 53.58+/-25.67 vs. post: 32.09+/-17.42 pg/mL) whereas no significant differences in the placebo period were observed. With regard to haemorheological parameters, the test period significantly ameliorated erythrocytes' filtration rate (pre: 7.61+/-0.71% vs. post: 9.12+/-0.97%; p=0.03) with respect to the placebo period. Moreover, a reduction in the extent of platelet aggregation, induced by arachidonic acid [pre: 87.8+/-1.76% vs. post: 77.7+/-3.56%; p=0.04] was observed during the test period in comparison with the placebo period.Dietary short-term intake of the tested dairy product naturally rich in cis-9, trans-11 CLA appeared to cause favourable biochemical changes of atherosclerotic markers.

Thirty-two Appenninica lambs were submitted to a growth trial from day 60 to day 110 of age (on average) and the com- position of gains was estimated by means of the comparative slaughter technique. Sixteen different diets, based on wheat straw as the forage and on field bean (Vicia faba var. minor) as the sole protein feed, were tested both by means of ANOVA and of response surface analysis, a multiple regression method designed to study additive and interaction effects. This study thus examined the combined effect of 4 levels of dietary CP (13, 15, 18, 20% DM) and 4 levels of rumen protected lysine and methionine, replacing 4 levels of field bean CP (0, 1, 2, 3 percent units), upon intakes, gains, digestibility and retentions of nutrients within gains. The animals had rather high gains (250 g/d on average) and retention efficiencies both of feed nitrogen and energy. Dietary CP levels higher than 18% and amino acid supplementation appeared of no use in improving the lambs’ performance. It is concluded that field bean may represent a valid alternative to soy bean as a pro- tein feed for growing ruminants in the so-called “organic” animal production where transgenic soy is banned.&nbsp

Olive oil and CLA enriched olive oil were compared with each other in a growth trial with broiler chickens, as energy supplements to the diet. A commercial CLA blend was used at the level of 1 kg per 100 kg mixed integrated feed. Two hundred and forty commercial hybrid broilers (Ross 308) were randomly subdivided and allotted to 8 pens of 30 birds each. Four pens of birds were fed the olive oil diet and considered the control group; the other 4 pens were fed the olive oil supplemented with CLA and considered the treated group. The experiment lasted 47 days. The live performance of the treated birds resulted different from the performance of the control ones: the final body weight was slightly lighter (2.544 kg vs 2.639 kg; P≤0.05) with a lower feed intake (4.886 kg feed vs 4.998 kg, P≤0.05) and, of course, an almost perfectly overlapping feed/gain ratio (1.90 vs 1.91). The fatty acid composition of the breast fat of the CLA treated birds resulted enriched by the two major CLA isomers, trans 10 cis 12 and cis 9 trans 11, whereas oleic acid and the linoleic, linolenic and arachidonic polyunsaturated acids showed a decrease (P≤0.05). CLA appears a recommendable ingredient in the diets of broilers as it improves the beneficial characteristics of poultry meat.

Little information is available about the effect of different forage species on the rumen biohydrogenation process. The aim of the present work is to compare the in vitro production of CLA and C18:1 isomers after incubation of three different herbage species in rumen liquor from sheep. Pasture herbage samples of lucerne (Medicago sativa; MS), ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum; LM) and oats (Avena sativa; AS) were submitted to in vitro fermentation with sheep rumen inoculum. Samples were collected at 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours of fermentation. The fatty acid profile of MS was characterised by 11.62 (g/100 g of lipid extract) of linoleic acid (LA) and 27.08 (g/100 g of lipid extract) of α-linolenic acid (LNA), whereas LA in the other two herbages was 6.60 (g/100 g of lipid extract) and 6.95 (g/100 g of lipid extract) in AS and LM, respectively; LNA was 52.20 (g/100 g of lipid extract) and 54.49 (g/100 g of lipid extract) in AS and LM, respectively. The crude fat content of botanical species was respectively 11.90 (g/100g DM) for AS, and 15.77 (g/100g DM) for LM and 26.17 (g/100g DM) for MS. Rumenic acid (RA, cis-9, trans-11 CLA) was the predominant CLA isomer and the maximum yield was attained with AS after 6 hours of fermentation (0.81 g/100 g of lipid extract); RA concentration remained quite low with the other two herbages. The concentration of the other isomer (trans-10, cis-12 CLA) was always very low; the maximum yield (0.09 g/100 g of lipid extract) was reached after 6 hours with AS. The maximum yield of vaccenic acid (VA, trans-11 C18:1) was reached after 8 hours with MS (2.64 g/100 g of lipid extract). This herbage also produced the highest amount of trans-10 C18:1 at 6 and 8 hours (0.17 g/100 g of lipid extract). AS appeared to have induced the highest amounts of RA relative to the other two forages. The differences in conjugated dienes and C18:1 isomers content during fermentation could be due not only to different amounts of LA or LNA in the herbage, but also to different releasing times of FA from the plant substrate.

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and other selected milk fatty acid (FA) content and for unsaturation ratios in the Italian Holstein Friesian population. Furthermore, the relationship of milk FA with milk fat and protein content was considered. One morning milk sample was collected from 990 Italian Holstein Friesian cows randomly sampled from 54 half-sib families, located in 34 commercial herds in the North-eastern part of Italy. Each sample was analyzed for milk percentages of fat and protein, and for single FA percentages (computed as FA weight as a proportion of total fat weight). Heritabilities were moderate for unsaturated FA, ranging from 0.14 for C16:1 to 0.19 for C14:1. Less than 10% of heritability was estimated for each saturated FA content. Heritability for index of desaturation, monounsaturated FA and CLA/ trans -11 18:1 ratio were 0.15, 0.14, and 0.15, respectively. Standard errors of the heritability values ranged from 0.02 to 0.06. Genetic correlations were high and negative between C16:0 and C18:0, as well as between C14:0 and C18:0. Genetic correlations of index of desaturation were high and negative with C14:0 and C16:0 (−0.70 and −0.72, respectively), and close to zero (0.03) with C18:0. The genetic correlation of C16:0 with fat percentage was positive (0.74), implying that selection for fat percentage should result in a correlated increase of C16:0, whereas trans -11 C18:1 and cis- 9, trans- 11 C18:2 contents decreased with increasing fat percentage (−0.69 and −0.55, respectively). Genetic correlations of fat percentage with 14:1/14 and 16:1/16 ratios were positive, whereas genetic correlations of fat percentage with 18:1/18 and CLA/ trans -11 18:1 ratios were negative. These results suggest that it is possible to change the milk FA composition by genetic selection, which offers opportunities to meet consumer demands regarding health aspects of milk and dairy products.

Evidence, obtained in rodent and primate models of Parkinsons disease (PD) and in preliminary clinical trials, indicates that adenosine A receptor antagonists might represent a promising non-dopaminergic therapeutic tool for the treatment of PD. Recently, we have reported the biological evaluation of 8-substituted 9-ethyladenines (ANR) as new A receptor antagonists, three of which (ANR 82, ANR 94, and ANR 152) showed high efficacy in in vivo models for Parkinsons. Understanding the metabolic pathways of new drug candidates is an important aspect of drug discovery. The ANR compounds have been investigated in order to clarify their activity on rat liver microsomes, and more specifically on recombinant human cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6). The metabolites of all three compounds were detected by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The results indicate that this class of 9-ethyladenines is metabolized only to a fraction of 1.5-5%. These compounds also act as potent mechanism-based inhibitors of CYP450 and in particular of human isoform CYP2D6. Kinetic-analysis of enzyme inactivation was used to describe the effect of these time-dependent inhibitors and to derive the inhibition parameters K and K defined with respect to the O-demethylation of dextromethorphan.

The 31 Antarctic cyanobacterial strains, object of this study, were isolated from south polar lake sediments, soil and lichen associations and belong to the genera of Cyanothece, Chondrocystis, Leptolyngbya, Pseudophormidium, Phormidium, Hormoscilla and Nostoc. They are maintained in the Culture Collection of the Istituto per lo Studio degli Ecosistemi (ISE-CNR, Florence). The fatty acid composition varied among the strains, with relatively high quantities of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Arachidonic acid was found in two strains of Phormidium pseudopristleyi at 24% and 32% of the total fatty acid content. The total lipid content and the C/N ratio varied among strains from 13% to 9% and 3.7 to 11.2, respectively. The diversity of saturated and unsaturated fatty acid composition among the Antarctic strains and their possible application as nutrient supplements are discussed.

Samples of two diets with the same forage/concentrate ratio (60/40 DM) and characterized by the presence of dried herbage (Diet D) or green herbage (Diet G), obtained from the same natural pasture and Lucerne ( Medicago sativa ), were incubated in vitro with rumen fluid with the aim of monitoring the concentration of cis and trans C 18:1 fatty acids and of rumenic acid (RA) with fermentation time. More vaccenic acid (VA) and less RA were produced with Diet G than with Diet D. In particular, the biohydrogenation of unsatured fatty acid (UFA) showed a lower rate with Diet D than with Diet G. Moreover, for Diet G, the highest content of VA was reached as a simultaneous contribution of the direct hydrogenation of RA and linonenic acid (LNA), as reaction intermediate. The presence of green or dried herbage in the diets modified the profile of C 18:1 isomers produced during rumen fermentations. In particular cis 12, trans 12 and cis 13 isomers percentages were enhanced by the presence of fresh herbage in the diets while cis 11 C 18:1 increased with hay.

Aim of the study was to verify the effects of butyric acid glycerides, as a supplemental ingredient in the diet, on live performance of broiler chickens and on the morphology of their small intestine, since short chain fatty acids are known as selective protection factors against intestinal microbial parasites, potent growth promoters of the gut wall tissues, also in terms of immune modulation response. An experiment was carried out on 150 Ross 308 female chickens, allotted to 5 treatments, over a 35 d ays period: the control, with soybean oil as the energy supplement, and 4 treatments with increasing amounts (0.2, 0.35, 0.5, 1% mixed feed) of a mixture of butyric acid glycerides (mono-, di- and tri- glycerides). Treated animals showed a higher live weight at slaughtering (P

Fatty acids (FAs), tocopherols and retinoids were analysed in raw milk and cheese from six commercial sheep flocks monitored from early lactation in winter to late lactation in summer. In winter, animals received concentrate and forage indoors; in early spring, animals grazed part-time on cultivated or natural valley grasslands; and from mid spring on, animals were kept outdoors constantly on mountain natural pastures. Mountain grazing in late lactation significantly increased the amount of healthy desirable unsaturated FAs such as C18:1t11 (VA), C18:2c9t11 (RA), C18:2t11c13, C18:3c9c12c15 (ALA) and C20:5c5c8c11c14c17 (EPA), and those of α-tocopherol and α-tocotrienol of milk and cheese. Stepwise discriminant analysis was applied to classify cheese samples according to seasonal feeding management. The multivariate approach was able to discriminate beyond doubt mountain cheeses from those of indoor feeding and part-time valley grazing.

The aim of the study was to evaluate milk fatty acid (FA) profile, animal performance, and rumen microbial population in response to diets containing soybean oil supplemented or not with chestnut and quebracho tannins in dairy ewes. Eighteen Comisana ewes at 122±6 d in milking were allotted into 3 experimental groups. Diets were characterized by chopped grass hay administered ad libitum and by 800 g/head and day of 3 experimental concentrates containing 84.5 g of soybean oil/kg of dry matter (DM) and 52.8 g/kg of DM of bentonite (control diet), chestnut tannin extract (CHT diet), or quebracho tannin extract (QUE diet). The trial lasted 4 wk. Milk yield was recorded daily, and milk composition and blood parameters were analyzed weekly. At the end of the experiment, samples of rumen fluid were collected to analyze pH, volatile fatty acid profile, and the relative proportions of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens and Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus in the rumen microbial population. Hepatic functionality, milk yield, and gross composition were not affected by tannin extracts, whereas milk FA composition was characterized by significant changes in the concentration of linoleic acid (CHT +2.77% and QUE +9.23%), vaccenic acid (CHT +7.07% and QUE +13.88%), rumenic acid (CHT -1.88% and QUE +24.24%), stearic acid (CHT + 8.71% and QUE -11.45%), and saturated fatty acids (CHT -0.47% and QUE -3.38%). These differences were probably due to the ability of condensed versus hydrolyzable tannins to interfere with rumen microbial metabolism, as indirectly confirmed by changes in the relative proportions of B. fibrisolvens and B. proteoclasticus populations and by changes in the molar proportions of volatile fatty acids. The effect of the CHT diet on the milk FA profile and microbial species considered in this trial was intermediate between that of QUE and the control diet, suggesting a differential effect of condensed and hydrolyzable tannins on rumen microbes. Compared with control animals, the presence of B. fibrisolvens increased about 3 times in ewes fed CHT and about 5 times in animals fed QUE. In contrast, the abundance of B. proteoclasticus decreased about 5- and 15-fold in rumen liquor of ewes fed CHT and QUE diets, respectively. The use of soybean oil and a practical dose of QUE or CHT extract in the diet of dairy ewes can be an efficient strategy to improve the nutritional quality of milk.

Samples of three diets, previously tested with lactating dairy cows, were incubated in vitro with rumen fluid with the aim of monitoring the concentration of cis and trans C 18:1 fatty acids and of the isomers of conjugated linoleic acid with fermentation time. The three diets had a common forage basis (lucerne hay and maize silage), but different fat sources in the concentrate (basically made up of maize meal and soybean meal). The control diet (diet C) had no fat added and the other two diets were supplemented either with a calcium salt of olive oil (diet O) or with extruded full fat soybean (diet S). The fatty acid pattern in the fermentation vessels was affected by the kind of dietary fat in the samples, both in terms of concentration and of fermentation times (12, 24, 36, 48 h). Oleic acid (OA), elaidic acid and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers were particularly looked at. OA was not completely saturated to stearic acid, but isomerized to other acids of the C 18:1 family as well. Vaccenic acid was increased with all the three diets, especially with diet O after 36 h. CLA resulted increased with diet S only (P

Mixtures of mono-, di- and tri-glycerides from olive oil (MDT) were added to: palm oil (PO), olive oil (OO), soybean oil (SO), free fatty acids from palm oil (PFA), free fatty acids from olive oil (OFA). The compound mixtures were used as energy supplements in the diets of broiler chickens in comparison with plain SO and plain animal fat (AF). Two hundred and ten birds were randomly allotted to 7 dietary treatments with the diverse oil sources: 6 birds per cage, 5 cages per treatment. The effects of the treatments on growth rates, feed/gain ratios and acidic composition of abdominal fat of hybrid Ross 308 female chickens were studied. The animals were slaughtered at the end of the trial, at day 35. The breast meat quality was then evaluated by a panel of 15 trained members and analysed for shelf life duration. The AF treat- ment gave the highest weight gain, but only in the first week. MDT + OO (50/50) resulted the best combination, with slight, non significant, better performances and a decidedly better quality in terms of acidic composition of abdominal fat, taste and juiciness of breast meat and shelf life.

An in vitro trial was carried out to study the effects of Quebracho tannins extract (QE) on fatty acid profile of rumen solid adherent bacteria (SAB) during the fermentation of diets supplemented with soybean or linseed oil, as sources of linoleic (LA; 18:2 n-6) and α- linolenic acid (α-LNA; 18:3 n-3), respectively. Two control diets were prepared using a basal mixture of grass hay [760 g/kg on dry matter (DM)], soybean meal (55 g/kg DM), barley meal (130 g/kg DM), vitamin mineral premix (20 g/kg DM) and 35 g/kg DM of soybean (SOC diet) or linseed oil (LOC diet) as lipid supplement. Other two diets (SOCT and LOCT) were obtained by integrating SOC and LOC with QE (49 g/kg DM). The results confirmed that Quebracho tannins may be an effective method for reducing in SAB the biohydrogenation of LA (17.3 vs 34.5 g/100 g of fatty acid in SOC and SOCT, respectively) and LNA (10.7 vs 21.4 g/100 g of fatty acid in LOC and LOCT, respectively), but not for increasing the rumen accumulation of cis9, trans11 18:2 (0.77 vs 0.32 g/100 g of fatty acid in SOC and SOCT, respectively; 0.51 vs 0.43 g/100 g of fatty acid in LOC and LOCT, respectively) and trans11 18:1 (6.15 vs 3.64 g/100 g of fatty acid in SOC and SOCT, respectively; 5.53 vs 4.47 g/100 g of fatty acid in LOC and LOCT, respectively).

The anticancer activity of isofuranodiene, extracted fromSmyrnium olusatrum, was evaluated in human breast adenocarcinomas MDA-MB 231 and BT 474, and Caucasian prostate adenocarcinoma PC 3 cell lines by MTS assay. MTS assay showed a dose-dependent growth inhibition in the tumor cell lines after isofuranodiene treatment. The best antiproliferative activity of the isofuranodiene was found on PC 3 cells with an IC50value of 29 μM, which was slightly less than the inhibition against the two breast adenocarcinoma cell lines with IC50values of 59 and 55 μM on MDA-MB 231 and BT 474, respectively. Hoechst 33258 assay was performed in order to study the growth inhibition mechanism in prostate cancer cell line; the results indicate that isofuranodiene induces apoptosis. Overall, the understudy compound has a good anticancer activity especially towards the PC 3. On the contrary, it is less active on Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) and human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) appearing as a good candidate as a potential natural anticancer drug with low side effects.

The European Union is about to ban antibiotics as growth promoters in animal feeds. Organic products have been recently revalued and the animal science research showed a great interest in the study of alternative natural nutraceutical products in animal feeding. Flavonoids are plant pigments able to inhibit or kill many bacterial strains, to destroy some pathogenic protozoa and to scavenge free radicals.

Lately, animal science researchers are getting more and more interested in natural nutraceuticals in feeds because of their beneficial effect both to the animal and to the consumer. Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) consists of a pool of geometrical and positional isomers, acknowledged as a potent anti-carcinogenic, anti-atherogenic, anti-obesity, anti-diabetes and immune stimulating factor (Parodi, 1999). Food products from ruminant animals,milk in particular, are naturally more or less rich in CLA, depending on feeding. CLA may be increased by dietary means. Aim of the present study was an attempt to upgrade the lipid quality of rabbit meat by supplementing the diet with CLA.

The literature reported positive beneficial effects of butyric acid and canola oil on production performance traits of broiler chickens. Three hundred hybrid Ross 708 (150 males and 150 females) were randomly allotted to 10 pens per treatment with 5 males and 5 females per pen. Ten pens were administered a diet supplemented with soybean oil (control), ten pens the same basal diet but supplemented with a blend of mono-, di-, tri-glyceride of butyric acid added to soybean oil (T1) and ten pens the same basal diet supplemented with a mix of soybean and canola oil containing butyrate (T2). No differences in final body weight, dressing percentage, liver and thigh weight were found be- tween groups. The T2 birds showed the highest feed/gain ratio (P

A hydrolysable tannin extracted from chestnut (SaviotaN®) was tested for efficacy in controlling the proliferation of Clostridium perfringens in the gut of broiler chickens challenged via oral gavage first with coccidia (Eimeria tenella, Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima) at the age of 10 days, and then with Clostridium perfringens at the age of 15 days. We randomly allocated 150 broiler chickens within 5 poultry isolators (30 birds each). Dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet (C) composed of corn [575 g/kg on dry matter (DM)] and soybean meal (100 g/kg DM), barley bran (220 g/kg DM), corn gluten feed (30 g/kg DM), soybean oil (25 g/kg DM), vitamin mineral premix (49.5 g/kg DM), and four other diets obtained by adding chestnut tannin extract (1.5, 3, 5, and 12 g/kg during week 1, 10.0 g/kg during week 2, and 8.0 g/kg during the last two weeks, respectively) to C. At the age of 20 days, 15 birds/group were euthanised and individually examined for the level of gut infection by counting Clostridium perfringens and macroscopic gut lesions. Results demonstrated that chestnut tannin gave significant results even at low concentration levels in the feed (1.5 to 3.0 g/kg), but was actually efficient in controlling necrotic enteritis at levels ≥5.0 g/kg. The treatment (12.0 g/kg during the first week and 8.0 g/kg during the last two weeks of age) resulted very efficient in controlling the proliferation of Clostridium perfringens and in reducing the severity of gut damage compared to the untreated infected group.