How can palm oil be modified to give improved dietary benefits?

Bovine chondrocyte cell cultures represent an experimental system that can be used to study arthritis in vitro and this was used in the work reported here. The relative effectiveness of different fatty acids in reducing inflammatory responses was studied using these cultures. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) proved to be most effective n-3 PUFA compared to docosahexaenoic (DHA) or alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), in suppressing the levels of mRNA for pro-inflammatory proteins (COX-2, IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, TNF-1alpha), aggrecanases (ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-5) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-3 and MMP-13) in the bovine monolayer cultures which had been induced by IL-1alpha. Arachidonic acid (AA), an n-I6 PUFA, had no effect on these mRNA levels. Similarly, hydrolysed palm olein had no consistent affect, showing that neither of these fatty acid preparations could be regarded as anti-inflammatory. Microscopic examination of the cells in culture showed some evidence for destructive effects on IL-1alpha stimulation and this was reduced by EPA. Moreover, this was confirmed when GAG release was examined. The latter was increased by IL-1alpha exposure and this was reduced by n-3 PUFAs with EPA being the most effective. To increase the potential value of palm olein products, the n-3 PUFAs, alpha-linolenic acid and EPA were incorporated into palm olein through lipase-catalyzed interesterification reactions. Palm olein, which had been modified with EPA, was tested for its anti-inflammatory properties. It was found to reduce GAG release, and the levels of mRNA for various inflammatory proteins (COX-2, TNF-alpha, IL-1alpha, IL-1beta) and the proteinase ADAMTS-4. These results showed that it is possible to modify palm olein by interesterification to yield an oil with improved nutritional properties

Investigation of the curative effects of palm vitamin E tocotrienols on autoimmune arthritis disease in vivo

The tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) from palm oil contains vitamin E, which possesses potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic joint inflammatory disease characterised by severe joint pain, cartilage destruction, and bone erosion owing to the effects of various pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines. Here, we investigated the therapeutic effects of TRF in a rat model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Arthritis was induced by a single intradermal injection of collagen type II in Dark Agouti (DA) rats. Rats were then treated with or without TRF by oral gavage from day 28 after the first collagen injection. Arthritic rats supplemented with TRF showed decreased articular index scores, ankle circumferences, paw volumes, and radiographic scores when compared with untreated rats. The untreated arthritic rats showed higher plasma C-reactive protein levels (p < 0.05) and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines than arthritic rats fed TRF. Moreover, there was a marked reduction in the severity of histopathological changes observed in arthritic rats treated with TRF compared with that in untreated arthritic rats. Overall, the results show that TRF had beneficial effects in this rat model of RA

How can palm oil be modified to give improved dietary benefits?

Bovine chondrocyte cell cultures represent an experimental system that can be used to study arthritis in vitro and this was used in the work reported here. The relative effectiveness of different fatty acids in reducing inflammatory responses was studied using these cultures. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) proved to be most effective n-3 PUFA compared to docosahexaenoic (DHA) or alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), in suppressing the levels of mRNA for pro-inflammatory proteins (COX-2, IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, TNF-1alpha), aggrecanases (ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-5) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-3 and MMP-13) in the bovine monolayer cultures which had been induced by IL-1alpha. Arachidonic acid (AA), an n-I6 PUFA, had no effect on these mRNA levels. Similarly, hydrolysed palm olein had no consistent affect, showing that neither of these fatty acid preparations could be regarded as anti-inflammatory. Microscopic examination of the cells in culture showed some evidence for destructive effects on IL-1alpha stimulation and this was reduced by EPA. Moreover, this was confirmed when GAG release was examined. The latter was increased by IL-1alpha exposure and this was reduced by n-3 PUFAs with EPA being the most effective. To increase the potential value of palm olein products, the n-3 PUFAs, alpha-linolenic acid and EPA were incorporated into palm olein through lipase-catalyzed interesterification reactions. Palm olein, which had been modified with EPA, was tested for its anti-inflammatory properties. It was found to reduce GAG release, and the levels of mRNA for various inflammatory proteins (COX-2, TNF-alpha, IL-1alpha, IL-1beta) and the proteinase ADAMTS-4. These results showed that it is possible to modify palm olein by interesterification to yield an oil with improved nutritional properties.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Therapeutic potential of palm oil vitamin E-derived tocotrienols in inflammation and chronic diseases: Evidence from preclinical and clinical studies

Palm oil is rich in tocotrienols (T3s), a type of vitamin E that has garnered considerable research interest as it exhibits anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant characteristics that are comparable to or exceed those of tocopherols (Toc). Notably, T3 must be consumed as it cannot be produced by the human body. Here, we reviewed the anti-inflammatory activities of T3s in the prevention and treatment of various inflammatory disorders; focusing on recent preclinical and clinical studies. There is compelling data from experimental models and human studies that shows that T3 administration can inhibit the release of various inflammatory mediators that contribute to age-related disease by enhancing oxidative stress, reducing melanin production and skin damage, and preventing cardiovascular disease and stroke. There is evidence to show that T3s possess neuroprotective, anticancer, and anti-osteoporosis properties. In addition, T3s also protect the gastrointestinal tract, facilitate blood glucose control in people with diabetes, and prevent fatty liver disease. Furthermore, results from some clinical studies suggest that T3s are beneficial nutritional supplements with no evident side-effects when administered to patients with neurological or cardiovascular disorders. There is growing evidence from clinical trials that shows that T3s can help prevent dementia and Alzheimer's disease. More well-designed clinical trials, as well as human intervention studies, are required to confirm the health benefits of palm T3

Effects of palm oil tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) and carotenes in ovalbumin (OVA)-challenged asthmatic Brown Norway rats

Synthetic therapeutic drugs for asthma, a chronic airway inflammation characterised by strong eosinophil, mast cell, and lymphocyte infiltration, mucus hyper-production, and airway hyper-responsiveness, exhibit numerous side effects. Alternatively, the high antioxidant potential of palm oil phytonutrients, including vitamin E (tocotrienol-rich fractions; TRF) and carotene, may be beneficial for alleviating asthma. Here, we determined the therapeutic efficacy of TRF, carotene, and dexamethasone in ovalbumin-challenged allergic asthma in Brown Norway rats. Asthmatic symptoms fully developed within 8 days after the second sensitization, and were preserved throughout the time course via intranasal ovalbumin re-challenge. Asthmatic rats were then orally administered 30 mg/kg body weight TRF or carotene. TRF-treated animals exhibited reduced inflammatory cells in bronchial alveolar lavage fluid. TRF- and carotene-treated rats exhibited notable white blood cell reduction comparable to that from dexamethasone. TRF- and carotene-treatment also downregulated pro-inflammatory markers (IL-β, IL-6, TNF-α), coincident with anti-inflammatory marker IL-4 and IL-13 upregulation. Treatment significantly reduced asthmatic rat plasma CRP and IgE, signifying improved systemic inflammation. Asthmatic lung histology displayed severe edema and inflammatory cell infiltration in the bronchial wall, whereas treated animals retained healthy, normal-appearing lungs. The phytonutrients tocotrienol and carotene thus exhibit potential benefits for consumption as nutritional adjuncts in asthmatic disease

Acute and subchronic oral toxicity of oil palm puree in Sprague–Dawley rats

Palm puree is rich in antioxidants and is produced via blending various proportions of mesocarp fibre and crude palm oil. The aim of this study was to assess the acute and subchronic toxicity of palm puree in male and female Sprague–Dawley rats. For the acute toxicity study, animals administered single palm-puree doses (2000 mg kg−1) by gavage were observed daily for 14 d. For the subchronic toxicity study, the rats were administered 500, 1000, or 2000 mg kg−1 palm puree daily for 28 d. We evaluated body and organ weights; performed haematological, biochemical, and histopathological analyses of blood and organ samples during and after treatment; and calculated the oral no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL). The toxicity studies showed no signs of toxicity or mortality. The haematological, biochemical, and histopathological analyses and body and organ weights indicated no evidence of substantial toxicity at any dose of palm puree. The oral lethal dose and NOAEL for the palm puree were greater than 2000 mg kg−1 d−1 over 28 d. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to confirm the safety of palm puree as a novel functional food. These encouraging results warrant further studies to elucidate its potential for pharmaceutical formulations

Analysis of expression of vitamin E-binding proteins in H2O2 induced SK-N-SH neuronal cells supplemented with α-tocopherol and tocotrienol-rich fraction.

Natural α-tocopherol (α-TCP), but not tocotrienol, is preferentially retained in the human body. α-Tocopherol transfer protein (α-TTP) is responsible for binding α-TCP for cellular uptake and has high affinity and specificity for α-TCP but not α-tocotrienol. The purpose of this study was to examine the modification of α-TTP together with other related vitamin E-binding genes (i.e., TTPA, SEC14L2, and PI-TPNA) in regulating vitamin E uptake in neuronal cells at rest and under oxidative stress. Oxidative stress was induced with H2O2 for an hour which was followed by supplementation with different ratios of α-TCP and tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) for four hours. The cellular levels of vitamin E were quantified to determine bioavailability at cellular levels. The expression levels of TTPA, SEC14L2, and PI-TPNA genes in 0% α-TCP were found to be positively correlated with the levels of vitamin E in resting neuronal cells. In addition, the regulation of all the above-mentioned genes affect the distribution of vitamin E in the neuronal cells. It was observed that, increased levels of α-TCP secretion occur under oxidative stress. Thus, our results showed that in conclusion vitamin E-binding proteins may be modified in the absence of α-TCP to produce tocotrienols (TCT), as a source of vitamin E. The current study suggests that the expression levels of vitamin E transport proteins may influence the cellular concentrations of vitamin E levels in the neuronal cells

A new histological score grade for deep partial-thickness burn wound healing process

Burns are injuries on the skin or other tissues. Burns are divided into superficial, partial, and full-thickness, characterized by the depth of the affected tissues. Histological analysis is critical to assess the burn wound healing process. Thus, a systematic evaluation system is imperative for burn research. In the present study, a total of thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups. Deep partial-thickness burn wound was induced on the dorsal part of the rats. Six animals from each group were sacrificed on the 3rd, 7th, 11th, 14th and 21st day post-burn, respectively. Half of the wound tissue was immediately fixed in buffered neutral formalin for hematoxylin & eosin staining. The healing of the epidermis was evaluated with scores ranging from 0 to 7 based on the state of crust on wound surface, the degree of epithelialization as well as the formation of rete ridges. Meanwhile, healing of the dermis was also evaluated with scores ranging from 0 to 7 according to the proportion of adipose cells, inflammatory cells and fibroblasts, the state of collagen deposition as well as the formation of hair follicles. Furthermore, temporal changes of histological score of epidermis and dermis in the skin tissue with deep partial-thickness burn was evaluated. In conclusion, a new comprehensive system for assessing microscopic changes in the healing process of deep partial-thickness burn wound in hematoxylin & eosin staining slides was established, which simplified the scoring process and helped to obtain reproducible and accurate results in the burn study

Healing properties of epidermal growth factor and tocotrienol-rich fraction in deep partial-thickness experimental burn wounds

Background: An experimental study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) with tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) cream in the wound-healing process on skin with deep partial-thickness burn in rats. Methods: A total of 180 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups of six each and were: untreated control, treated with Silverdin® cream, base cream, base cream with c% EGF, base cream with 3% TRF or base cream with c% EGF and 3% TRF, respectively. Creams were applied once daily for 21 consecutive days. Six animals from each group were sacrificed using anaesthetic overdose on the third, seventh, 11th, 14th and 21st day post-burn. Skin tissues with the wound to be examined were excised for macroscopic and microscopic evaluation and biochemical analyses. Results: EGF + TRF formulation decreased the number of neutrophils, lymphocytes and myofibroblasts post-burn. However, no effects on the number of adipose cells in the healing process were recorded. In addition, lipid peroxidation and nitrite production were found to be reduced post-burn, reducing oxidative stress. Conclusions: Results of the present study indicate that the addition of EGF with TRF have ameliorating effects on deep-partial thickness burn healing parameters