Nutrition
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Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is implicated in stress-related gastrointestinal dysfunction, possibly causing gut dysfunction following trauma and surgery. We investigated plasma and intestinal tissue CRF levels and gut function in patients with traumatic shock or those undergoing elective abdominal surgery. ⋯ The novel finding is the presence of CRF in the small bowel of both elective and emergency gastrointestinal surgery patients with concomitant gastrointestinal dysfunction. Circulating CRF is associated with poor gastric emptying, which prolongs ICU stay, whereas shock significantly impairs gastric emptying and gut permeability.
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Comparative Study
Quercetin reduces serum homocysteine level in rats fed a methionine-enriched diet.
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of quercetin on homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism and hepatic antioxidant status in high methionine (Met)-fed rats. ⋯ Quercetin is effective in decreasing serum Hcy level in high Met-fed rats and one of possible mechanisms is associated with increased transsulfuration of Hcy. Quercetin can acts as a prooxidant at high intake levels.
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Comparative Study
Catechin-rich oil palm leaf extract enhances bone calcium content of estrogen-deficient rats.
Postmenopausal estrogen deficiency often causes bone density loss and osteoporosis. This study evaluated the effects of an oral administration of oil palm leaf extract (OPL) on bone calcium content and structure, bone density, ash weights, and serum total alkaline phosphatase (T-ALP) of estrogen-deficient ovariectomized (OVX) rats. ⋯ The catechin-rich OPL increased the bone mass in estrogen-deficient rats by increasing osteoblast activities to higher levels than in normal rats and those supplemented with GT. This was shown by the modulation of serum T-ALP levels, bone calcium content, total mineral content, and bone histologic structure. The OPL is a potential inexpensive ingredient for protection against osteoporosis and influences bone metabolism by encouraging bone formation.
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To evaluate the effects of dietary restriction on oxidative status, the HuC/D-neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) myenteric neuron population, HuC/D-S100 glial cells, and the morphometry of the small intestine in rats at various ages. ⋯ The high oxidative status of the aging animals was reversed by dietary restriction, which also lowered cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels. The present dietary restriction elicited morpho-quantitative changes in the myenteric plexus and histology of the ileum, with likely effects on intestinal functions.
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Comparative Study
Changes in dietary intake and food sources of saturated and cis and trans unsaturated fatty acids in Costa Rican adolescents: 1996 versus 2006.
To identify how dietary intake and food sources of saturated (SFA) and cis (PUFA) and trans (TFA) unsaturated fatty acids in the diet of Costa Rican adolescents changed from 1996 to 2006--a period with several public health nutrition changes. ⋯ After public health initiatives that changed fatty acid profile of most foods, intakes of TFA, SFA, and food sources of fatty acids in adolescents' diets improved. Public health nutrition efforts should continue to strengthen diets that are low in SFA and TFA and higher in ALA content among Costa Rican adolescents.