Spirulina platensis is a microalga that may be a source of antioxidants that can reduce body fat deposition. Consumption of a high fat diet produces elevated blood lipid levels, inflammation and apoptosis. We investigated the possible effects of S. platensis on the blood lipid profile, and liver inflammation and apoptosis in rats fed a high fat diet. Sixty-four young male rats were divided into eight equal groups. The control group was fed a basic diet. The experimental groups were fed a diet for 60 days that was prepared by mixing variable amounts of 43% vegetable oil and 10% cholesterol with or without 3% S. platensis mixed with the basal diet. Blood and liver tissue samples were collected from each animal. Serum samples were used to analyze lipid parameters, total antioxidant status and total oxidant status. iNOS and eNOS were determined by immunohistochemistry. TUNEL staining was used to detect apoptosis to investigate a possible connection between inflammation and apoptosis in the liver tissue. The relations between fat deposition and liver degeneration were assessed by Sirius red staining and alpha-smooth muscle actin immunostaining. S. platensis reduced serum HDL-C, LDL-C and triglyceride, increased HDL-C levels in rats fed a high fat diet to near control levels, and reduced iNOS levels and increased eNOS levels in the liver tissue compared to vegetable oil and cholesterol treated groups. The apoptotic index was reduced in the groups that were fed a high fat or a basic diet when supplemented with S. platensis.

The aim of the study was to observe the changes in haematological parameters and blood lipid profile through copper (Cu) deficiency. Eighty broiler chicks were used in the study. The chicks were separated into two equal groups (n = 40), feed treatment according to the groups started on day 7. The animals in the control group were fed with normal feed. Those in the Cu-deficient group were fed with feed that did not contain supplemental Cu. Blood samples were taken from all the animals on days 7, 21 and 49. Fibrinogen and prothrombin time were assayed in plasma; total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol), triglyceride and ceruloplasmin were assayed in sera; and haematocrit and thrombocyte levels were assayed in the blood samples. Total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the Cu-deficient group than in the control group. Serum ceruloplasmin levels were lower in the Cu-deficient group than in the control group. Prothrombin time was higher in the Cu-deficient group than in the control group. Haematocrit levels were lower in the Cu-deficient group than in the control group. It was concluded that Cu deficiency created hypertriglyceridaemia, hypercholesterolaemia, insufficient growth and anaemia in broilers.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of Garcinia cambogia extract on serum calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) concentrations in rats fed with the normal or the high-lipid and -cholesterol diet. Thirty 1-year-old female Sprague-Dawley rats (pathogen-free), weighing an average of 229 g, were randomly assigned to three experimental groups of ten animals each. Diets and tap water were given ad libitum for 75 days. Group 1 (control group) was fed with basal diet (2 % liquid vegetable oil, 0 % cholesterol), while the diets of groups 2 and 3 contained vegetable oil (2 % liquid vegetable oil and 5 % hydrogenated vegetable oil) and cholesterol (3 %) in high levels. 4,5 % G. cambogia extract containing 65 % HCA was added to the diet of group 3 as from day 45. Blood samples were withdrawn on days 0, 45 and 75. Serum mineral levels were analyzed using standard enzymatic colorimetric methods with a spectrophotometer. All significant differences were p<0.05. Serum Ca levels were not significantly different between all groups on days 45 and 75. Serum P level was significantly higher in the group fed with high-lipid diet and G. cambogia extract than in the control group on day 45. Serum Mg level was significantly higher in group 2 than in the control group on day 45. Serum Fe levels were significantly lower in the control group than in the other groups on days 45 and 75. Serum Zn level of the group fed with high-lipid diet and G. cambogia extract was significantly higher than in the control group on day 75. Serum Cu levels were significantly higher in group 2 than in the control group, and in group 3 than in group 2 on day 75. In conclusion, a diet containing the high fat amounts may lead to the increase in circular levels of some minerals due to the short-chain fatty acid production lowering the luminal pH which increases mineral solubility, or serving as a fuel for mucosal cells and stimulating cell proliferation in the large intestine. G. cambogia extract may be used in the P and Cu deficiencies due to increases resulting in the present P and Cu amounts in G. cambogia extract, or the use of phytate P in diet. It was hoped that with further evidence-based study this product will enter to mainstream medicines.

ZusammenfassungHintergrund: Ein nennenswerter Teil der Patienten in Hausarztpraxen leidet unter rezidivierenden Infekten der Atemwege. Sowohl für die Behandlung als, wichtiger noch, für die Prophylaxe stehen kaum gesicherte klinisch relevante Prinzipien zur Verfügung. Im naturheilkundlichen Bereich werden einige therapeutische Methoden angeboten. Fragestellung: Ist die Wirksamkeit zweier häufig angewandter naturheilkundlicher PrinzipienEigenblutgabe und Homöopatikum (hier Komplexhomöopathi-kum Engystol ® ) -gleich? Gibt es Unterschiede bei den Nebenwirkungen und in der Patienten-Akzeptanz? Methoden: Randomisierte, unverblindete Studie über 20 Wochen mit n = 80 Teilnehmern. Die Studienpower wurde mit 80 % bei einem Alphafehler von 5 % kalkuliert. Der Kalkulation lag ein Krankheitsunterschied von einem Tag bei angenommenen acht Tagen Krankheit in 20 Wochen Studiendauer zugrunde. Ergebnisse: Es lässt sich kein statistischer Unterschied zwischen den Behandlungsprinzipien nachweisen. Die Akzeptanz beider Verfahren ist vergleichbar; die Nebenwirkungen gering. Die Patienten sind bei beiden Prinzipien mit dem Verlauf zufrieden. Es stellt sich allerdings heraus, dass die Varianz der Erkrankungstage deutlich größer war, als in der Power-Kalkulation angenommen. Außerdem bestand das eingeschlossene Patientenkollektiv aus zwei Untergruppen (zum Behandlungsbeginn erkältet bzw. nicht erkältet), die einen unterschiedlich bleibenden Krankheitsverlauf über die Initialphase hinaus aufwiesen. Dies machte eine getrennte statistische Berechnung beider Untergruppen notwendig. Die Gruppengröße reichte dadurch nicht aus, um mögliche Unterschiede mit der angenommenen Power zu finden. Schlussfolgerungen: Nur eine erneute Studie mit gleichem Design, aber größerem Kollektiv zur getrennte Auswertung nach Unterkollektiven kann die Studienfrage klären. AbstractBackground: Acute respiratory infections are common in general practice. Some patients suffer from recurrent respiratory infections. There is no proven therapy and prevention of clinical importance. Some therapies/prevention are offered by complementary medicine. Research Question: Two important principles -autologous blood injection and homeopathic therapy (in this case Engystol ® ) -are tested. Is Engystol ® equivalent to autologous blood injection? Are there differences in side effects and patients' acceptance? Method: Non-blinded randomised trial over 20 weeks with 80 patients and a power of 80 % (alpha error of 5 %) and 1 day of an expected difference in illness days -when having an average of 8 days of illness -both in a 20 weeks period. Results: There are no statistical differences between the two tested principles. Side effects and acceptance were similar. Patients felt better under treatment. The variance of illness was found wider than suggested. Besides that, the cohort consists of two sub-groups -those with acute respiratory infection at the beginning and those without, who unexpectedly showed differences of illness over the whole period of the study, so the number of patients...

Ghrelin is a peptide hormone which plays important role in maintaining growth hormone release and energy homeostasis in vertebrates. Spirulina platensis (SP) has antioxidant and hypolipidemic effects due to its ingredients. In this study we aimed to investigate the effects of SP on the testicular structure and relation between ghrelin and testosterone in the testis of rats fed a high fat diet (HFD). Sixty four young adult male rats were used and divided to 8 equal groups. Experimental groups received addition of 10% cholesterol (CHL), 43% hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) and 3% SP alone or in combination to basal diet while the control group received only basal diet. Serum ghrelin and testosterone levels were measured with ELISA. Receptors for ghrelin and androgen were detected with immunohistochemistry. For histomorphometric investigation, tubulus seminiferus, intertubular area, tubulus seminiferus lumen, Leydig cell nucleus, Sertoli cell nucleus, germ cell nucleus, spermatocyte nucleus and elongated spermatid volume densities were determined stereologically. Serum ghrelin level was increased especially in HVO and CHL combination group compared to the control while serum ghrelin levels were close to control levels in SP-received groups. Ghrelin receptor level was increased in tubulus seminiferus with HVO+CHL administration but this effect was, however, limited in HVO+CHL and SP challenged groups. HVO+CHL administration caused a significant decrease in Leydig cell nucleus volume density, as well as in all SP-received groups, compared to the control. Significantly increased spermatocyte nucleus volume density in cholesterol-receiving groups was decreased to control level with SP alone and its combinations.

Garcinia cambogia (malabar tamarind, bitter kola) is seen abundantly in the evergreen forests of Konkan in South India. Hydroxycitric acid, mainly obtained from Garcinia cambogia, was identified by the end of the 1960's as a strong competitive inhibitor of the extramitochondrial enzyme adenosine triphosphate citrate lyase. The objective of this study was to present the effect of Garcinia cambogia extract known as weakener on the supportive or preventive hormones (leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin, insulin) of obesity in the rats fed the diet containing hydrogenated-vegetable oil and cholesterol. For this purpose, thirty female 5-6 months-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups. Each group consisted of 10 rats. Group 1 (as control group) was fed with a basal diet while the diets of Groups 2 and 3 contained the hydrogenated-vegetable oil (20%) and cholesterol (1%) beside of other nutrients. Garcinia cambogia extract containing 6% hydroxycitric acid was added to the diet w/w of Group 3 after Day 30 up until Day 60. Blood samples were taken from animals on Days 0, 30 and 60 of the trial period. Body weights were weighed in the blood sampling days before sampling. Serum leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin, insulin levels and body weights were not significantly different between groups in the each sampling day. Serum leptin levels were significantly higher on Day 60 than on Days 0 and 30 in Groups 2 and 3. Serum ghrelin levels in Group 3 significantly decreased on Day 30 and significantly increased on Day 60. Serum adiponectin levels in Group 1 were significantly lower on Day 0 than on other days. The levels in Group 3 were significantly higher on Day 60 than on Day 0. The serum insulin levels and body weights were not significantly different between the days in each group. In conclusion, the high lipid diet in doses used in the study (20% hydrogenated-vegetable oil and 1% cholesterol) did not create fat accumulation or obesity in Sprague Dawley rats. Addition of Garcinia cambogia to diet (6%, w/w) of rats fed with the high lipid diet indicated no effect on weight gain. The evidences obtained from this research do not support the role of Garcinia cambogia plant spreadly used as a weight loss facilitator.

bsbd@balikesir.edu.tr www.bau-sbdergisi.com ÖZET Li pi t peroksidasyonu bağışıkl ığı, büyümeyi ve üremeyi de i çeren fi zyol oji k fonks i yon l a rın bozulmasına yol açar. Bazı antioksidan enzimler, E ve C vi ta mini gibi eksojen vi taminler i le ba zı mi neraller, hücreleri l ipit peroksidasyonuna karşı korurlar. E vi tamininin moleküler ve hücresel etki leri, antioksidan olarak reaktif oksijen türlerini ve nitrik oksiti temizlemek ya nında s pes i fi k enzi mler ve tra nskripsiyon faktörleriyle de etkil eşerek za rl a r ve l i pi t a l a nl a rı gi bi hücres el ya pıl arı korumaktır. E vi ta mini, hücre zarlarında bul una n uzun zi nci rl i çokl u doyma mış ya ğ a s itlerinin bütünlüğünü korur ve biyoaktivitel eri ni deva m etti ri r. E vi ta mi ni a ynı za ma nda , s teroid hormon üreten dokularda yoğun olarak bulunur ve bu dokul a rda s i tokrom p -450'ni n ol dukça duya rlı s teroidojenik aktivitelerini l ipit peroksidasyonuna karşı korur. Stres, hastalıkl a r ve i mmun ya nıtın teşviki, vi ta mi n ve es a ns i yel el ementl er gi bi bes i n ma ddel eri ne ol a n gereksinimleri arttırabilir. Besinsel dengesizlikler, s ıcak, soğuk, ka l a ba l ık, gürül tü ve ta şınma gi bi s tres unsurları, vücudun s avunma mekanizmalarını zayıfl a ta ra k enfeks i yöz ha s ta l ıkl a ra ya tkınlığa neden olabilirler. Stres durumlarında vi tamin ve minerallere olan gereks i ni m a rta r. Hücre za rına bağlı olan E vi tamini, immun ya nıtları tetikleyen ve düzenleyen kompl eks hücre -hücre etkileşimlerinde önemli bir rol oynar. Ka ra ci ğer ve s erumda ki E vi ta mi ni düzeyl eri , E vi ta mini a lımı veya vücuttaki durumunun güvenilir gös tergel eri di r. Bu derl emeni n a ma cı, E vi ta mininin antioksidan özel l i kl eri i l e i l gi l i bi l gi l eri ve ça l ışma l a rı bi r a ra ya geti rmekti r.Anahtar Kelimeler: Li pi t peroks i da s yonu, a nti oks i da n, E vi ta mi ni , s tres . SUMMARYLi pi d peroxidation l eads to deterioration of phys i ol ogi ca l functi ons i ncl udi ng growth a nd reproduction as well as the i mmunity. Some antioxidant enzymes and the exogenous vi tami ns s uch a s vitamin C a nd E, a nd some minerals protect cells a gainst lipid peroxidation. Mol ecul a r a nd cellular effects of vi tamin E a s a n antioxidant a re to clean the reactive oxygen species a nd ni tri c oxide s ynthase a nd to i nfluence cellular s tructures such as membranes a nd lipid domains by i nteracting with specific enzymes a nd tra nscription factors. Vitamin E maintains integri ty of the l ong chain polyunsaturated fatty a cids that are present in the cell membranes, and retains thei r bioactivity. Vi tamin E i s also i ntensely present i n tissues producing the steroi d hormone, a nd protects the very s ensitive steroi dogeni c a cti vi ti es of cytochrome P-450 a ga i ns t l i pi d peroxi dation i n these tissues. Stress, disease a nd the promotion of the immune respons e ma y i ncrease the need for nutrients s uch as vi tamins a nd essential elements. Stress factors s uch a s nutri tional i mbalances, hot and cold, ...

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