Pubali Dhar

Dietary effects of conjugated octadecatrienoic fatty acid (9 cis, 11 trans, 13 trans) levels on blood lipids and nonenzymatic in vitro lipid peroxidation in rats

The present study examined the antioxidant activity of conjugated octadecatrienoic fatty acid (9 cis, 11 trans, 13 trans-18∶3), α-eleostearic acid, of karela seed (Momordica charantia), fed to rats for 4 wk. The growth pattern of rats and the effect on plasma cholesterol and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and peroxidation of plasma lipid, lipoprotein, eryhrocyte membrane, and liver lipid were measured. Rats were raised on diets containing sunflower oil mixed with three different levels of conjugated trienoic fatty acid (9c,11t,13t-18∶3) 0.5,2, and 10% by weight; the control group was raised with sunflower oil as dietary oil as the source of linoleic acid (9c,12c-18∶2). The growth pattern of the three experimental groups of rats showed no significant difference compared to the control group of rats, but the group with 10% 9c,11t,13t-18∶3 had slightly higher body weight than the control group of rats. Concentrations of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and non-HDL-cholesterol in plasma were similar in all four groups. Plasma lipid peroxidation was significantly lower in the case of 0.5% 9c,11t,13t-18∶3 group than the control group and the 2 and 10% 9c,11t,13t-18∶3 dietary groups as well. Lipoprotein oxidation susceptibility test with 0.5,2 and 10% 9c,11t,13t-18∶3 dietary groups was significantly less susceptible to lipoprotein peroxidation when compared with sunflower oil dietary group, and the dietary group with 0.5% 9c,11t,13t-18∶3 showed least susceptibility. There was significant lowering in erythrocyte ghost membrane lipid peroxidation in the 0.5,2, and 10% 9c,11t,13t-18∶3 dietary groups compared to the sunflower oil groups. Nonenzymatic liver tissue lipid peroxidation was significantly lower in the group of rats raised on 0.5% 9c,11t,13t-18∶3, but the groups on 2 and 10% 9c,11t,13t-18∶3 acid did not show any significant difference compared with the control group of rats.

Antimicrobial activity of Sesbania grandiflora flower polyphenol extracts on some pathogenic bacteria and growth stimulatory effect on the probiotic organism Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Polyphenolic extracts (PE) of edible flower of Sesbania grandiflora were tested to evaluate its antimicrobial effect against some common pathogenic bacteria and growth promoting property against probiotic organism Lactobacillus acidophilus. The antimicrobial activity of S. grandiflora flower PE against selected pathogens was evaluated using both in vitro and in situ methods. In vitro studies suggested that PE has inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella flexneri 2a, Salmonella Typhi, Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae. The gram-positive organism S. aureus was the most sensitive organism to PE and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was found to be 0.013 mg/mL where as the MIC of PE against V. cholerae was the highest (0.25 mg/mL). On the other hand PE showed growth promoting effect on the common probiotic bacterium L. acidophilus. The major finding was that S. grandiflora PE induced a significant biomass increase of L. acidophilus grown in liquid culture media. PE showed reduction of S. aureus growth in food (fish) during storage at 10°C. High performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that rutin, a major flavonoid of the PE diminished in the culture medium MRS broth with the growth of L. acidophilus.

Lutein content and in vitro antioxidant activity of different cultivars of Indian marigold flower (Tagetes patula L.) extracts.

Three different cultivars of marigold flowers ( Tagetes patula L.) (marigold orange, marigold yellow, and marigold red) were analyzed for the lutein ester contents, and the in vitro antioxidative activities of the flower extracts were compared. The total antioxidant capacity, reducing power, hydroxyl, DPPH, and ABTS(*+) radical scavenging activities, iron chelation capacity, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation in a linoleic acid emulsion system were measured. Iron-mediated Fenton reaction was carried out to evaluate the protective effect of leutin against DNA damage. The marigold orange (MGO) variety contains the maximum amount of lutein. It also had the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity and ABTS radical scavenging activity, with an EC(50) value of 0.344 mg/mL. It was also the most effective against lipid peroxidation and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities. The MGO extract has the maximum reducing power. Hepatic cell damage in iron-mediated Fenton reaction caused by free radicals was reduced by the marigold extracts. Marigold flowers of Indian variety can be effectively utilized to produce lutein ester, which can be used as a food supplement or as an accessible source of natural antioxidants.

Antihyperlipidemic effect of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) protein isolate in rats fed a normal and high cholesterol diet.

The dietary influence of sesame protein isolate (protein content 91.5%), produced from dehulled, defatted sesame meal, on blood and tissue lipid profile and lipid peroxidation has been assessed in normal and hypercholesterolemic rats. To evaluate their hypocholesterolemic and antioxidative activity in vivo, we fed 18% sesame protein isolate with or without 2% cholesterol in comparison with casein to rats for 28 d. We determined plasma total protein, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, triacylglycerol as well as susceptibility of plasma and erythrocyte membrane lipid to oxidation ex vivo. Liver tissue lipid, cholesterol, phospholipids, and lipid peroxidations were also determined. The total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels were significantly reduced in the sesame protein isolate and isolate containing cholesterol group than the corresponding control casein groups. HDL-cholesterol level was also increased in sesame protein isolate (41%) and protein isolate containing cholesterol group (38%) than the corresponding control casein and casein containing cholesterol groups. There was 49% and 64% lowering of plasma lipid peroxidation as well as 36% and 56% lowering of lipoprotein oxidation susceptibility (LOS) in the 2 experimental groups (sesame protein isolate and isolate containing cholesterol group) than the corresponding control (casein and casein containing cholesterol) groups. There was significant lowering of erythrocyte membrane lipid peroxidation (68% and 63% lowering in sesame protein isolate and isolate containing cholesterol groups) and liver lipid peroxidation (61% and 76% lowering in the 2 experimental groups than the corresponding control casein groups). Therefore, our results indicate that sesame protein isolate decreases cholesterol concentration in plasma, increases HDL-cholesterol, and also decreases plasma and erythrocyte membrane lipid peroxidation with or without cholesterol fed diet in rats.

Influence of polyphenolic extracts from Enydra fluctuans on oxidative stress induced by acephate in rats

Acephate, an organophosphorus pesticide, has been proved to play an important role in tissue damage by inducing oxidative stress through the release of free radicals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of the plant phenolic compounds present in Enydra fluctuans against acephate toxicity based on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes profile in rats. An oral dose of acephate at 30 mg/kg of body weight has been given against the extracts containing 20mg of polyphenolic compounds (expressed as gallic acid equivalents)/kg body weight for 14 days. The results showed that under the influence of the pesticides, there was significant decrease in the activities of the antioxidant enzymes SOD, Catalase and Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and an increase in the non-enzymatic Glutathione, with respect to the normal and the plant extract gavaged groups. Also that there was an increase in the plasma and erythrocyte membrane lipid peroxidation levels in the pesticide treated group compared to the normal or the group treated with the plant extract. The present study thus gives an insight into the ill-effects of this organophosphate and the protective role of plant polyphenols in minimizing those effects.

Comparative real-time study of cellular uptake of a formulated conjugated linolenic acid rich nano and conventional macro emulsions and their bioactivity in ex vivo models for parenteral applications.

The objective of the present study was to fabricate and monitor real-time, impact of a stable conjugated linolenic acid, α-eleostearic acid (ESA) rich nanoemulsion (NE) formulation (d < 200 nm) vis-à-vis ESA conventional emulsion (CE) system in ex vivo systems against both endogenous and exogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS). Accordingly, stable nanoemulsion formulation of ESA was engineered with the aid of bitter melon seed oil and non-toxic excipients. Morphology and particle size of the emulsion formulations were studied to validate stability. The real-time rapid uptake of the ESA NE and its increased prophylactic efficacy against induced endogenous and exogenous ROS in terms of cell viability and membrane integrity was evaluated flow-cytometrically and with fluorescence microscopic analysis of different primary cells. It was found that the fabricated non-toxic ESA NE had stable parameters (hydrodynamic mean diameter, particle size distribution and zeta potential) for over 12 weeks. Further, ESA NE at a concentration of ∼ 70 μM exhibited maximum efficacy in protecting cells from oxidative damage against both endogenous and exogenous ROS in lymphocytes and hepatocytes as compared to its corresponding presence in the CE formulation. This study provides a real-time empirical evidence on the influence of nano formulation in enhancing bioavailability and antioxidative properties of ESA.

Comparative evaluation of essential fatty acid composition of mothers' milk of some urban and suburban regions of West Bengal, India

This study investigated the fatty acid composition of lipid present in breast milk of mothers residing in urban and suburban regions of West Bengal with special emphasis on n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which played a crucial role in the growth and development of neonates. Milk samples collected from 135 mothers of middle income group (average monthly income around ‘Rs 10,000/-’) were analysed by gas liquid chromatography after extraction and transmethylation to determine fatty acid composition. Information about the dietary intake of individual mothers was obtained through food frequency questionnaire. The fractions of n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids available in milk of urban mothers were 13.59 ± 0.94 and 3.65 ± 0.49, respectively, and in suburban mothers 12.74 ± 0.89 and 4.36 ± 0.39, respectively. The green leafy vegetables, fishes and vegetable oils were the major sources of essential fatty acids in the diet of the experimental groups of Bengali mothers. This study revealed a relationship between the alimentary habits of mothers and the concentration of essential fatty acids in breast milk of Bengali mothers.

Exploring the Nutritive Values of the Fresh Water Mussel Lamellidens marginalis as Potential Functional Food

Prevention of under-nutrition has emerged as a critical challenge to Indias development planners in recent times. Insufficient protein consumption results in Protein Energy Malnutrition among the children in our Country. Due to increasing cost, limited amount of animal protein and the limited potential for improving the situation through increased animal production, the need of the hour is to search for an efficient utilization of cheap and available unconventional animal protein resources. Molluscs are regarded as under-exploited source of health-benefit molecules. Present investigation attempts to evaluate the nutritive values of the fresh water bivalve Lamellidens marginalis, widely accepted as food all over India. Proximate analyses revealed that mussel meat contains moderate amount of protein (8.30±0.67%), carbohydrate (8.01± 0.38%) and reducing sugar (4.75± 0.07%), but less amount of fat (1.02± 0.20%) and crude fibre (0.01± .001%). Lipid constitutes substantial amount of omega-3-fatty acids like, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which have proven prophylactic values. Protein analysis shows the presence of several essential amino acids required for proper body growth and maintenance. Moreover, antioxidant activity of the haemolymph further established that this benthic mussel can serve as an excellent alternate food source and can thus be commercialized as low cost functional food.

Studies on the fluidity of milk lipids of mothers from three socioeconomic groups of West Bengal, India.

This study evaluated the fluid character of human milk by determining the mean melting points (MMP) of fatty acids of milk lipid of Bengali mothers. Fatty acid methyl esters were analyzed by gas liquid chromatography. MMPs were calculated from the fatty acid concentration (% w/w) and their molar mass. Phospholipid content of samples was also determined. The MMPs of milk lipid of higher income group (n = 48), medium income group (n = 57) and lower income group (n = 112) mothers were found to be 31.33°C ± 0.61, 36.86°C ± 0.64 and 35.11°C ± 0.65, respectively, which showed a significant correlation with the fatty acid composition, with P < 0.0001, 0.003, 0.0001, respectively. The average MMP of milk lipid (34.43°C ± 0.63) of these three groups was below the core body temperature (37.4°C) of human beings, which perhaps helps in maintaining the milk fluidity as well as lipid digestion in breastfed infants.

Indian freshwater edible snail Bellamya bengalensis lipid extract prevents T cell mediated hypersensitivity and inhibits LPS induced macrophage activation.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Soup prepared from the foot of fresh water edible snail, Bellamya bengalensis, is traditionally consumed by the tribes of Jharkhand against rheumatism like bone and joint inflammation. As rheumatism has underlying involvement of cell mediated hypersensitivity, in vivo delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) model and in vitro LPS-induced macrophage signaling were studied to delineate the mechanism by which Bellamya bengalensis exerts its ethnomedicinal function. Since the whole meat is consumed, the lipid of Bellamya bengalensis (BBL) was hypothesized to be the active part. METHODS AND MATERIALS BBL isolated from the foot part of this species, was characterized and given by gavage daily (10mg BBL/kg; 20mg BBL/kg) to mice for 3 weeks prior to initiating development of DTH. Effects of DTH induced changes in paw diameter, serum nitric oxide (NO), serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α level, CINC1 level, splenic CD4(+)/CD8(+) cell ratios, and level of splenic Treg cells were then compared with values in untreated control mice. In vitro effect of BBL on LPS-stimulated macrophage, the immune cell that is active in DTH, was assessed by NF-kB p65 nuclear translocation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), TNFα, and NO production. RESULTS BBL was characterized, and its supplementation in situ led to significant decrease in paw edema, tissue myeloperoxidase activity, NO level, serum TNFα level and CINC 1 level as well as decrease in splenic CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratios and increase in level of Treg cells. BBL was shown to inhibit ROS, NO, and TNFα production along with NF-kB p65 nuclear translocation in LPS stimulated macrophage. CONCLUSION Bellamya bengalensis, traditionally used against diseases with underlying etiology of cell mediated immunity as in rheumatism, which acts through inhibition of overexpressed cell mediated immunity. The factor exerting this activity probably is the oleic acid and cyclopropane fatty acid rich lipid, isolated after the ethnomedicinal clue, from the foot of this species.