Effect of galactose-depleted and intact xyloglucan intake on glucose and lipid metabolism in diet-induced obese mice

This study investigated the effects of galactose-depleted xyloglucan derived from tamarind seed gum (GXG-TG) on glucose and lipid metabolism in diet-induced obese mice by comparison with intact xyloglucan (TG). Twenty-four male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet containing 3 g/100 g of either GXG-TG or TG for 12 weeks. Reduction of postprandial glucose rise was observed in the TG group compared to the control, whereas the GXG-TG group showed intermediate values. Serum cholesterol levels and hepatic mRNA expression of HMG-CoA reductase were significantly lower in the GXG-TG and TG groups compared to the control, while there was no increase in cecal short chain fatty acids in the GXG-TG or TG group. These results indicated that GXG-TG was converted to insoluble dietary fiber and maintained the serum cholesterol-lowering effect, although the blood glucose level-lowering effect was attenuated. TG, although moderately viscous, improved glucose tolerance and lipid metabolism in diet-induced obesity model mice

An overview of sex and reproductive immunity from an evolutionary/anthropological perspective

Mammalian pregnancy is a curious life phenomenon. Immunologically, the mechanism of pregnancy is difficult to explain because it involves the coexistence of an external foreign body (the embryo) and the host (the mother) for a period of time. How did mammals acquire the ability to become pregnant in parallel with altered immunity? Sex in the evolution of life and its impact on anthropology are major topics of discussion. In this paper, we outline (1) sex and evolution in mammals after the advent of our direct ancestors (apes) up to humans (i.e., the Cenozoic Quaternary), including anthropological aspects such as the development of the central nervous system; (2) the development of reproductive immunity during the Paleozoic era, when biodiversity developed explosively (and many sexually reproducing organisms have emerged); and (3) the characteristic reproductive strategies of mammals, including humans with the immunological aspects of viviparity. We present an overview of mammalian reproductive immunity, which is a heretical aspect of immunology