Nutrition
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To investigate the effect of two types of dietary protein on blood pressure, liver fatty acid desaturation and composition, and urine 6-keto-prostaglandin-F (PGF(1alpha)) level, the metabolite of prostacyclin. ⋯ The present data indicated a significant blood pressure-lowering effect caused by fish protein, rather than by casein, that modified the fatty acid composition of liver phospholipids and liver microsomal total lipids.
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Recent evidence has shown that circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and leptin are regulated by nutrition support. Our objective was to investigate the reliability of IGF-I and leptin in monitoring the efficacy of nutrition support and nutrition status in oral tumor patients. ⋯ Our results suggested that simultaneous measurements of serum IGF-I and leptin may provide information with regard to the efficacy of nutrition support and nutrition status in oral tumor patients undergoing surgery.
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We investigated the effect of L-carnitine supplementation on carnitine content in muscle fiber, glucose, and fatty acid metabolism and on performance in trained rats. ⋯ This study showed that carnitine supplementation increases fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle by a mechanism that includes increasing total carnitine content in soleus muscle mitochondria and the total content of acyl-carnitine. The most interesting finding was that the effect of supplementation was even greater in trained rats that had received 3-wk supplementation of carnitine.
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We investigated whether the intake of virgin olive oil or sunflower oil and performance of physical exercise (at different states) affect plasma levels of triacylglycerols, total cholesterol, and fatty acid profile in rats. ⋯ Results from the present study supported the idea that physical exercise and the intake of virgin olive oil are very good ways of reducing plasma triacylglycerols and cholesterol, which is desirable in many pathologic situations. Concerning findings on fatty acid profile, we had results similar to those of other investigators regarding the effect of different sources of dietary fat on plasma. The most interesting results came from the effect of physical exercise, with significant increases in the levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which may contribute to the antithrombotic state and lower production of proinflammatory prostanoids attributed to physical exercise.
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We investigated whether food restriction offers protection against the toxicity of carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) and, if so, at what percentage of restriction. ⋯ The present results suggested that food restriction can minimize drug-related increases in peroxidation and protect the system against drug toxicity, presumably by induction of antioxidant potential.