Research was conducted to examine the effect of inulin on the rheological and textural characteristics of yog-ice cream desserts in relation to their sensory attributes. Addition of inulin to yog-ice cream was shown to increase viscosity of the yogurt-ice cream mix and increase hardness of the resulting yog-ice cream. Meltdown characteristics of the yog-ice creams demonstrated a clear relationship between increased oligosaccharide levels and improved melting properties.
The present study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of 10-dehydrogingerdione (10-DHGD) and pentoxifylline (PTX) either individually or in combined form on calcium deposition in high cholesterol diet (HCD)-fed rabbits as compared to atorvastatin (ATOR), and to clarify the underlying mechanisms. Three-months-old male New Zealand white rabbits received either normal chow or HCD for 12 weeks. The latter group was subdivided into five groups and concurrently treated either with vehicle (dyslipidemic control), ATOR, 10-DHGD, PTX or combined 10-DHGD and PTX. Blood samples and aortic tissue were collected for biochemical and histological analyses. HCD-fed rabbits displayed dyslipidemia, inflammation, atherosclerotic lesions, and calcium deposition in aortas as compared to normal group. This was associated with up-regulation of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), wingless-type MMTV integration site family 3A (Wnt3a) mRNA levels and osteopontin expression in their aortic tissue, along with higher serum alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin levels. Furthermore, a marked decrease in osteoprotegerin, along with a significant increase in receptor activator of NF-κB(RANK) levels, was found in aortic tissue of dyslipidemic rabbits. 10-DHGD and PTX monotherapy significantly modulated the afore-mentioned calcification markers and attenuated aortic calcification to greater extent than ATOR. Combination of 10-DHGD and PTX exerted more anti-calcifying effect than either individual drug. Our findings suggested therapeutic roles of 10-DHGD and PTX against aortic calcium deposition in dyslipidemic rabbits, likely mediated by HDL-raising effect and attenuation of associated inflammation. Combination of 10-DHGD and PTX may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for aortic calcification associated with atherosclerosis.
The anti-atherogenic potentials of total ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract (TGE) or curcuminoids extracted from turmeric (Curcuma longa), members of family Zingiberaceae, were compared in hypercholesterolaemia. Rabbits were fed either normal or atherogenic diet. The rabbits on atherogenic diet received treatments with TGE or curcumenoids and placebo concurrently for 6 weeks (n = 6). The anti-atherogenic effects of curcuminoids and ginger are mediated via multiple mechanisms. This effect was correlated with their ability to lower cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity. Ginger extract exerted preferential effects on plasma lipids, reverse cholesterol transport, cholesterol synthesis and inflammatory status. Curcuminoids, however, showed superior antioxidant activity.
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