Małgorzata Drywień

Effect of inulin and oligofructose enrichment of the diet on rats suffering thiamine deficiency

Thiamine deficiency resulted in inhibition of two main pathways supplying energy to the tissues: glycolysis and β-oxidation. Glycolysis was found to be inhibited to 40% of initial value calculated on the basis of RBC trans-membrane transport of glucose. Prolongation of experiment cause lowering of uptake of this sugar. In rats, energy production from fatty acids (FA) seems to be less sensitive to thiamine deficiency than glycolysis. After 30 days of feeding, utilization of FA in rats was depressed to the 61% of initial value. Thiamine deficiency suppressed insulin secretion, and the changes were statistically significant. Feeding of rats with thiamine restricted diet for 1 month caused the reduction of serum insulin by 14%. In the same animals, trans-membrane glucose transport was reduced over two-times, what might suggest a decreased efficiency of insulin action in such conditions. The kind and concentration of non-digestible fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) did not affect significantly serum insulin concentration in animals fed thiamine restricted diet. Substitution of a part of wheat starch with FOS has only insignificant compensatory effect on the uptake of glucose. A partial amelioration of the β-oxidation inhibition caused by feeding rats with thiamine deficient diet was observed in animals supplemented with FOS. However, this effect was statistically significant only in rats receiving diet containing 10% of inulin. The effect of supplemented FOS and their concentration on trans-membrane glucose transport in RBC was statistically significant, when pulled supplementation groups were used for statistical evaluation.

Somatotype, diet and nutritional status of women

Abstract The relationship between energy value and nutrients intake and the body shape and size parameters (weight, height, waist and hip circumferences) has become an interesting research area for nutritionists and dieticians. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the body shape and size parameters (weight, height, waist and hip circumferences), somatotype (according to the Rohrer (RI) index) and energy value and nutrients intake of women. The study was conducted in 2014 and 2016 on 148 female volunteers aged 57-88 from the Mazovian and Lublin province (Poland). Sample selection was targeted at elderly people with different body types. The exclusion criteria were: multi-organ failure, cancer and disability. Then among the subjects, a survey was conducted, that included demographic data, lifestyle, health status and vitamins and minerals supplements use. Food intake has been assessed using a 3-day dietary food records. The somatotype was determined using the RI with the Curtis key, classifying the subjects as ectomorphic (n=30), mesomorphic (n=31) and endomorphic (n=87). The somatotype was significantly related to place of residence, physical activity, waist and hip circumference, WHR and BMI index, total protein intake, animal protein intake, vitamin E intake (p≤0.05) and to fat, phosphorus and thiamine intake (p≤0.1). The obtained results showed that the place of residence, physical activity, chronic diseases, the use of specialized diet, body weight fluctuations, BMI and WHR were different depending on the somatotype in the examined group of women. Endomorphic subjects had significantly greater waist and hip circumference and diastolic blood pressure compared to the other somatotypes. The somatotype had only a significant effect on total protein, animal protein and vitamin E intake, and ectomorphic elderly women may be particularly susceptible to nutrient deficiencies. Due to the risk of macronutrient, vitamin and mineral deficiencies in the diets of the examined women, it seems necessary to educate this group as well as caregivers and doctors in the area of nutrition adapted to the needs of the elderly.

Antioxidant Vitamins as Oxidative Stress Markers in Rat Plasma After Physical Exercise - a Short Report

Abstract The aim of the study was to verify the hypothesis that β-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C administered individually or in combination may differently modify their levels in blood plasma being also markers of the oxidative stress. Male Wistar rats were supplemented antioxidants per os (α-to-copherol - 2 mg/d, ascorbic acid - 12 mg/d, β-carotene - 1 mg/d), both individually or in combination of 2 or 3, for 14 days. During experiment, half of the animals in each group (n=8) were subjected to treadmill exercise for 15 min at the speed of 20 m/min, to induce oxidative stress. Vitamins in rat plasma were assessed by the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results suggest that vitamin E and C supplemented simultaneously may provide some benefit during physical exercise. The significant influence of administered α-tocopherol acetate and physical exercise on the level of α-tocopherol in the plasma was observed. Thus only the concentration of α-tocopherol in blood may be treated as a marker of oxidative stress.