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Wheat bread is a widely consumed food and is suitable for the introduction of functional ingredients. The aim of this work was to study the effects of bread with garlic and resistant starch as a fiber source on physiological, metabolic, and functional parameters using an in vivo Wistar rat model. Rats were fed with three diets: a control diet prepared according to the American Institute of Nutrition (C), and two semisynthetic diets containing wheat bread (B) and wheat bread with garlic, resistant starch and calcium citrate (BGR). Fresh feces were weighed and lactobacilli (L) and Enterobacteriaceae (E) were analyzed at different times: 1, 20, 45 and 60 days. The pH of the caecal content was recorded and at the end of the study changes in the bone mineral density of total skeleton (ts BMD), femur (F-BMD), spine (S-BMD) and tibia (T-BMD) were determined. Lipoprotein profile was assessed, atherogenic indexes were calculated and malonaldehyde content was measured in the serum and liver. In relation to gut microbiota, the BGR group showed an increase in the L/E ratio with respect to the other groups which was correlated with a lower cecal pH. Besides, the BGR group presented lower weight and a more favourable metabolic profile. In relation to bone measurements, the BGR group presented higher values of ts BMC, ts BMD, F-BMD, and T-BMD than the B group. Thus, bread with resistant starch, garlic and calcium citrate showed a prebiotic effect increasing calcium bioavailability and deposition in bones, compared with wheat bread. The observed beneficial health effects allow us to consider the design of healthier breads.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of α-galactosides present in a lupin diet on metabolic parameters in growing Wistar rats. Lupin (Lupinus albus) is a rich source of non-digestible carbohydrates called α-galactosides whose beneficial health effects have been widely reported. For our investigation, twenty male Wistar rats were fed with two different diets: control (C) and lupin flour (L) for a 60-day period. The fermentation of these α-galactosides was monitored by measuring the following indicators: changes in the dynamic lactobacilli and enterobacteriaceae population, cecal content pH, generation of short chain fatty acids (SCFA), Ca and P absorption, and serum lipid (triglycerides and cholesterol) contents. The body weight was lower in the L diet than that in the control with significant differences (p < 0.05). The microbial analyses showed an increase of total lactobacilli counts and a decrease of enterobacteriaceae counts in the L diet when compared to the control, with significant differences (p < 0.05). The fermentations of α-galactosides were also confirmed by decrease in pH levels and the formation of relevant SCFA in the cecal content. The total content of SCFA (μmol per g) at the end of the assay period reached values of 13.58 and 3.64 for L and C rats, respectively. This significant increase of total SCFA in the L diet is responsible for a low pH of the cecal content that in turn prevents the growth and development of potentially pathogenic bacteria (p < 0.05). Regarding lipids, serum triglycerides and cholesterol levels were significantly reduced in the case of animals fed with lupin flour with respect to C animals (p < 0.05). Finally, the L rats showed higher values of an apparent Ca absorption percentage and bone volume percentage with respect to the C animals (p < 0.05). All these results confirm that lupin flour which contains α-galactosides could possibly be considered as a functional ingredient with health promoting properties.

The influence of whole grain (WG) rice based diets on the lipid profile and antioxidant status was evaluated. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were fed with Control (C), extruded Brown rice (B), extruded Soaked whole rice (S) and extruded Germinated whole rice (G) diets for 60 days. Triacylglycerols (TAGs), cholesterol and malondialdehyde equivalent (MDA eq.) in serum and liver were determined. Catalase (CAT), Glutathione Reductase (GR) and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) enzyme activities and Glutathione Reduced (GSH) and Oxidized (GSSG) in the liver were analyzed. Animals consuming B and S diets presented lower body weight gain. All WG diets reduced TAGs in serum and MDA eq. content in liver in comparison with the C diet. WG rice diets improved the redox status in animals mainly fed G due to their higher GR activity and GSH/GSSG ratio.

The influence of diets with whole rice processed ingredients on cecum health, calcium absorption and bone parameters was studied using an animal model. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were fed with Control (C), extruded Brown rice (B), extruded Soaked whole rice (S) and extruded Germinated whole rice (G) diets for 60 days. The cecum weight, cecal content pH, cecal sIgA content, and β-glucosidase and β-glucuronidase activities were determined. Calcium apparent absorption, total bone mineral content and density and right femur parameters (ashes, organic content, calcium and P) were evaluated. The results showed that animals fed with whole grain diets have lower food intake in comparison with the C diet, and decreased cecal content pH (7.06 vs. 6.33) and β-glucosidase activity (1.66 vs. 0.21 μmol p-nitrophenol g(-1) cc h(-1)). Even though calcium apparent absorption was not different among treatments (∼70%), none of the whole grain diets improved calcium related bone parameters over the control fed rats (cellulose as dietary fibre).

Introduction: Aluminum (Al) is a toxic element which may contaminate pharmaceutical products used as individual components to prepare total parenteral nutrition mixtures (TPN)., Objectives: 1) to determine Al levels in the individual components used to prepare TPN mixtures; 2) to compare detected Al levels with those imposed by international regulations (FDA); 3) to calculate the total amount of Al administered to adult and children receiving those typical TPN mixtures., Methods: Al was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma- Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) (Perkin Elmer OPTIMA 5100 DV) in 44 individual products, from different labs and lots, belonging to 16 components available in Argentina: dextrose and amino acids for adult formulas and for pediatric formulas: lípids; potassium chloride; sodium chloride, magnesium sulfate; sodium phosphate; calcium gluconate; sodium glycerophosphate, zinc sulfate; multitrace elements; steril water (ampoules and great volume presentations)., Results: Al levels were detected in 43 of the 44 the studied components, except sterile water. The components of large volume presented between 249 y 1,580 μg Al/ L, between 4 and 180 times FDA established levels (25 μg Al/ L). Small volume components presented Al levels between 85 y 4,909 g/ L, not declared in labels., Conclusions: The highest amounts of Al were detected in calcium gluconate, sodium phosphate and multitrace elements. 2) Usually prescribed TPN mixtures would have higher Al levels than those accepted by FDA regulation; 3) The highest aluminum concentration was provided by dextrose, amino acids and lipids in adult TPN mixtures. In neonate TPN mixtures, Al highest amounts were provided by dextrose and calcium gluconate. The calculated concentration of Al in TPN mixtures was higher than those stipulated by international regulation (5 μg Al/kg (body weight)/ d). It would be advisable for manufacturers to declare the content of aluminum in the label, with the aim of avoiding toxicities which would compromise the critical patients' evolution., (Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of diets with different types of fibres on Ca bioavailability and metabolic parameters in growing Wistar rats. Twenty four male Wistar rats were fed with 3 different diets: control (C), polydextrose (PD), and extruded whole maize (M) during a 60 day period. Apparent Ca absorption percentage (%Ca Abs), total skeleton bone mineral content (t BMC), total bone mineral density (t BMD), femur (F), spine (S) and tibia (T) BMD, cecum weight, and pH were evaluated. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and lipid (TG and cholesterol) contents in serum and liver were also evaluated. The results showed that rats fed with M and PD had the same cecum weight, but higher than that of C (1.53 ± 0.02 vs. 0.94 ± 0.01). There was moderate acidification of the cecal content in rats fed with M compared to C (pH 5.93 vs. 6.98) and the fecal weight was 1.06 ± 0.02, 3.07 ± 0.03 and 4.81 ± 0.05 for PD, M and C, respectively. There were significant differences in %Ca Abs between PD and C (87.57 ± 1.20 vs. 71.10 ± 1.11). The PD group had the highest values of F-BMD, S-BMD, and T-BMD, but there were no differences between M and C groups. Regarding lipids, there was a significant lowering effect in the M liver triglycerides content. Moreover, liver MDA levels significantly decreased with M and PD diets. The consumption of PD and grain fibres can exert some beneficial gastrointestinal effects such as lowering of the pH, hepatic TG and MDA content related to fibre colon fermentation.

Purpose. To evaluate the effect of polydextrose (PDX) on Ca bioavailability and prevention of loss of bone mass. Methods. Twenty-four two-month-old ovariectomized rats were fed three isocaloric diets only varied in fiber source and content up to 60 days (FOS group, a commercial mixture of short- and long-chain fructooligosaccharide, OVX group fed AIN 93 diet, and PDX group). A SHAM group was included as control. Apparent Ca absorption percentage (%ABS), changes in total skeleton bone mineral content (tsBMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) and femur BMD, % Bone Volume, Ca and organic femur content, caecal weight, and pH were evaluated. Results. %ABS and caecum weight of PDX and FOS were higher, and caecum pH was lower compared to OVX and SHAM. PDX reached a higher pH and lower caecum weight than FOS possibly because PDX is not completely fermented in the colon. Changes in tsBMC and femur BMD in FOS and PDX were significant lower than SHAM but significantly higher than OVX. % Bone Volume and femur % of Ca in PDX were significantly higher than OVX and FOS but lower than SHAM. Conclusions. PDX increased Ca absorption and prevented bone loss in OVX rats.

Objectives: 1) to determine zinc and copper levels of contamination in the individual component solutions used to prepare the pediatric total parenteral nutrition mixtures in Argentina; 2) to compare zinc and copper amounts prescribed by the physician with the true amount given to a neonate weighing 1.2 kg and to a child weighing 10 kg, who would receive total parenteral nutrition formulas prepared with those component solutions., Materials and Methods: Zn and Cu were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in 59 individual solutions belonging to 14 components chosen between the commercial products available in Argentina., Results: zinc and copper, as contaminants, were found neither in the sterile water, nor in the potassium chloride or in the vitamin solutions. Zinc, but no copper, was detected in sodium chloride, manganese sulfate, chromium chloride and seleniose acid solutions. Zinc and copper were detected in dextrose, amino acids, calcium gluconate and lipid solutions at variable levels. Zinc sulfate solutions contained between 90.4% and 140% of the declared content and a variable contamination with copper. Copper sulfate solutions presented between 4% and 18% less the declared copper concentration and a variable contamination with zinc. Dextrose and lipid solutions presented the highest amount of zinc and copper. Therefore, the total parenteral mixtures prepared with the analyzed solutions must have had an excess of zinc and copper in relation to the prescription: ranging between 103% and 161% and between 7%-426% higher than the Zn and Cu amounts prescribed for neonates, respectively; the excess in the total parenteral nutrition for a child weighing 10 kg would ranged between 105% and 189% and between 7%-365% higher than the prescribed for Zn and Cu, respectively., Conclusions: 1) Nine components presented Zn and five Cu, both of them not declared in the label; 2) the usually prescribed total parenteral nutrition mixtures must have had a zinc and copper amount higher than the prescribed one according to international recommendations; 3) those figures would be safe in patients without complications, but it would be harmful in renal failure, hepatic compromise or colestasis mainly in pediatric patients; 4) It would be advisable to declare in the label the true content of zinc and copper, with the aim to avoid deficiencies and excess which would compromise the evolution of pediatric patients.

This study was designed to investigate the effects of moderate zinc deficiency during growth on renal morphology and function in adult life. Weaned male Wistar rats were divided into two groups and fed either a moderately zinc-deficient diet (zinc: 8 mg/kg, n=12) or a control diet (zinc: 30 mg/kg, n=12) for 60 days. We evaluated: renal parameters, NADPH-diaphorase and nitric oxide synthase activity in kidney, renal morphology and apoptotic cells in renal cortex. Zinc-deficient rats showed a decrease in glomerular filtration rate and no changes in sodium and potassium urinary excretion. Zinc deficiency decreased NADPH diaphorase activity in glomeruli and tubular segment of nephrons, and reduced activity of nitric oxide synthase in the renal medulla and cortex, showing that zinc plays an important role in preservation of the renal nitric oxide system. A reduction in nephron number, glomerular capillary area and number of glomerular nuclei in cortical and juxtamedullary areas was observed in zinc deficient kidneys. Sirius red staining and immunostaining for alpha-smooth muscle-actin and collagen III showed no signs of fibrosis in the renal cortex and medulla. An increase in the number of apoptotic cells in distal tubules and cortical collecting ducts neighboring glomeruli and, to a lesser extent, in the glomeruli was observed in zinc deficient rats. The major finding of our study is the emergence of moderate zinc deficiency during growth as a potential nutritional factor related to abnormalities in renal morphology and function that facilitates the development of cardiovascular and renal diseases in adult life.

Orange juice may be a nutrient vehicle that helps to improve diet quality. The addition of whey allows the incorporation of high quality proteins. However, a good acceptability is necessary. The aims of the present study were: a) to assess the acceptability of a beverage prepared with orange juice (J) and whey powder (WP) at 7 g/100 g (J+WP7) or at 13 g/100 g (J+WP13); b) to measure available lysine content and ascorbic acid retention of the more accepted formulation, comparing the effect of HIPEF treatment (29 kV/cm, t(acum): 59 micros) with a conventional heat treatment at 75 degrees C, for 15 minutes (HT). The beverages were subjected to sensory evaluation (Friedman test). Available lysine was assessed by the Carpenter method, modified by Booth, and vitamin C by HPLC; minerals Na and K, by flame photometry; Ca, Mg and Zn by atomic absorption spectrometry. There were no significant differences between the acceptance of J and J+WP7. J+WP13 was significantly less accepted (p < 0.01), so it was discarded. Available lysine (mg/g protein) in untreated J+WP7 was 60.2 +/- 0.15; after treatments: 50.0 +/- 2.8 (HT) and 51.0 +/- 3.4 (HIPEF). The HIPEF treated J and (J+WP7) retained 100% and 98% of their vitamin C initial content and the HT treated, 91% and 88%, respectively. The amount of whey powder added to the orange juice conditioned the acceptability. The juice containing 7% of whey powder was well accepted, and after treatment by HIPEF, it retained a good nutritional quality, regarding available lysine, vitamin C retention and provision of mineral nutrients.

The aim of this study was to analyze zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) contents in milk and the lactational performance in rats fed different Ca levels. Female Wistar rats were fed during pregnancy and lactation with experimental diets containing 20% protein and high (0.90%, HCa), normal (0.60%, NCa) or low (0.20%, LCa) Ca levels. Milk samples were collected after 15 days to determine the milk mineral composition. Pup weight was recorded from birth to weaning (litter size: 6-8 pups) to determine weight gain and calculate milk production. At delivery there were no significant differences in the body weight of the pups between the groups, but at day 15, the LCa group showed lower values than both NCa and HCa groups (p<0.05). The weight gain of the LCa group was significantly lower than of the HCa and NCa groups, between delivery and day 5 (p<0.05). This reduced rate of weight gain led to the LCa group reaching weaning weight later than the other groups. Milk production (g/pup/day) was significantly lower when dams were fed the LCa than the NCa and HCa diets (p<0.05). There were no significant differences among the groups in milk Ca, P and Zn levels and Ca/P ratio. The body mineral composition of the pups at birth did not differ between the groups; at weaning, however, both LCa and HCa groups had lower element contents than the NCa group (p<0.05). In conclusion, dams fed with a diet containing low Ca levels produced smaller volumes of milk and their pups reached weaning weights later than the other groups. As the milk mineral composition was not affected, it can be hypothesized that in dams fed low dietary Ca, the smaller milk yield might have been a way of maintaining milk quality. High Ca levels affected neither pregnancy outcome nor lactational performance.

There is an increasing interest in the involvement of trace elements such as zinc in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. This study was designed to examine whether moderate zinc deficiency during growth influences blood pressure (BP) and vascular nitric oxide (NO) pathway. Three-week-old weaned male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two dietary groups and fed either a moderately zinc-deficient diet (zinc content 9 mg/kg; n = 12) or a control diet (zinc content 30 mg/kg; n = 12) for 60 d. The following were measured: systolic BP, nitrates and nitrites urinary excretion, urinary chemiluminescence intensity, NADPH-diaphorase activity in the thoracic aorta and intestinal arterioles, and NO synthase (NOS) catalytic activity using L-[U14C]-arginine as substrate in the thoracic aorta. Zinc deficiency during growth induced an increase in BP from day 30 of the experimental period, leading to hypertension on day 60. Animals that were fed the zinc-deficient diet had lower urinary excretion levels of nitrates and nitrites and higher intensity of spontaneous luminescence on day 60. At the end of the experiment, zinc-deficient rats showed decreased NADPH diaphorase activity in endothelium and smooth muscle of the thoracic aorta and intestinal arterioles and decreased activity of NOS in thoracic aortic tissue. An imbalance in zinc bioavailability during postnatal and growing periods may be may be a risk factor in development of cardiovascular alterations in adult life. The mechanisms involved may include an impaired vascular NO system as a result of decreased NOS activity and higher systemic oxidative stress.

Objectives: To study in severe patients that required parenteral nutrition the relationship between Zn and Cu amounts present in formulas, the clinical course and changes in some biochemical parameters (plasmatic and erythrocytic Zn and Cu levels) during the parenteral nutrition therapy., Patients and Methodology: Five adult severe patients were studied, submitted to major abdominal surgery, and that required parenteral nutrition. Determinations were done for: 1) Zinc and copper in parenteral formulas; 2) in patients, at the beginning (T0) and at the end (Tf) of treatment, in erythrocytes: zinc (Zn-E) and cupper (Cu-E); in plasma, zinc (Zn-Pl) and in serum, cupper (Cu-S). Zinc and cupper were determined by means of atomic absorbance spectrometry., Results: mean +/- standard deviation values and ranges (between brackets) were: parenteral formulas (microg/g): zinc: 0.6 +/- 1.1 (2.2 - 7.0); Cupper: 2.4 +/- 0.7 (0.5-3.7). Biochemical parameters: at T0 (n = 5): Zn-E (microg/mL): 21.6 +/- 10.0 (13.6-36.1); Zn-Pl (microg/dL): 88 +/- 72 (29-205); Cu-E (microg/dL): 113 +/- 22 (60-102); Cu-E (microg/dL): 139 +/- 29 (106 +/- 156); Cu-S (microg/dL): 172 +/- 20 (158-195). Individual values compared to reference ones (normal individual from Buenos Aires with adequate nutrition) indicated that the three patients with favorable course normalized Zn-Pl and Zn-E levels. However, Cu-S increased in the three cases and Cu-E in two of them., Conclusions: These results make clear that in the studied patients Zinc levels in parenteral formulas would be adequate to prevent deficiency while Copper levels could be too high.

Objective: To study, in healthy women, the correlation between the basal urinary zinc/creatinine ratio and dietary zinc intake., Subjects: A group of 36 healthy female University students was evaluated. Mean age and body weight were, respectively, 25.6+/-3.3 years and 54.4+/-7.0 kg., Methods: Basal urine was collected; Zn was determined by AAS and Creatinine (Creat) by the Jaffe method. A nutritional survey of seven days was recorded. Mean daily dietary intake of energy (DE) and zinc (DZn) were calculated according to the INCAP and English or German Food Composition Tables, respectively., Results: Mean dietary daily intake were as follows (x +/- SD): Energy (kcal): 1606+/-570; zinc (mg): 9.1+/-3.8; basal urine Zn/Creat ratio: 0.41+/-0.24. Individual values of the Zn/Creat ratio correlated with dietary Zn (r=0.481, p=0.0339); data grouped according to ranges of dietary Zn fit the following equation: Zn/Creat=0.160+/-0.034 DZn (mg/day); (r=0.870, p=0.00497)., Conclusions: These results showed that the basal urinary Zn/Creat ratio could be a useful indicator of dietary Zn intake in healthy adult women.