Showing papers by "Duo Li published in 2006"

Natural products and anti-inflammatory activity.

Abstract: The aim of this review paper was to summarise some commonly available natural products and their anti-inflammatory activity. We have collected data from MEDLINE, Current Contents and scientific journals, which included 92 publications. There are numerous natural products detailed in this literature; however we have summarized a few of the most commonly available and potent ones. In this paper, the natural products with anti-inflammatory activity including curcumin, parthenolide, cucurbitacins, 1,8-cineole, pseudopterosins, lyprinol, bromelain, flavonoids, saponins, marine sponge natural products and Boswellia serrata gum resin were reviewed. Natural products play a significant role in human health in relation to the prevention and treatment of inflammatory conditions. Further studies are being conducted to investigate the mechanism of action, metabolism, safety and long term side effect of these natural products, as well as interactions between these natural products with food and drug components.

Polyunsaturated fatty acid content of edible insects in thailand

Abstract: Total lipid content and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition of six species of insects (mole cricket, ground cricket, spur-throated grasshopper, giant water bug, true water beetle and water scavenger beetle) were determined. The total PUFAranged from 726 mg/100 g in water scavenger beetle to 2883 mg/100 gingroundcricket;18:2n-6wasthemajorPUFAinmostinsects, except in spur-throated grasshopper where the predominant PUFA was 18:3n-3. The C20 PUFA, 20:4n-6 and 20:5n-3 were only found in aquicolous species, 149 and 57 mg/100 g in water scavenger beetle, 233 and 92 mg/100 g intruewaterbeetle,and569and264 mg/100 gingiantwaterbug,respectively. Totalmonounsaturatedfattyacid(MUFA)contentrangedfrom714 mg/100 gin water scavenger beetle to 5889 mg/100 g in giant water bug; total saturated fattyacid(SFA)contentrangedfrom653 mg/100 ginwaterscavengerbeetleto 5432 mg/100 gingiantwaterbug.ThemajorMUFAinallinsectswas18:1and predominant SFA was 16:0. Results also showed the ratios of n-6/n-3 ranged from 0.3 in spur-throated grasshopper to 31 in mole cricket. The aquicolous edible insects may be an alternative source of C20 long-chain PUFA.

A significant inverse relationship between concentrations of plasma homocysteine and phospholipid docosahexaenoic acid in healthy male subjects

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of a relationship between plasma homocysteine (Hcy) and phospholipid FA (PUFA) in healthy Australian males. One hundred thirty six healthy male subjects aged 20–55 yr were recruited from the Melbourne metropolitan area. Each volunteer completed a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire and gave a blood sample. Plasma Hcy concentrations were determined by an established HPLC method; the plasma phospholipid FA were determined by standard methods. Plasma Hcy concentration was significantly negatively correlated with plasma phospholipid concentration of the PUFA 20∶5n−3 (r=−0.226, P=0.009), 22∶5n−3 (r=−0.182, P=0.036), 22∶6n−3 (r=−0.286, P=0.001), total n−3 (r=−0.270, P=0.002) and the ratio n−3/n−6 PUFA (r=−0.265, P=0.002), and significantly positively correlated with 20∶4n−6 (r=0.180, P=0.037). In the partial correlation analysis, after controlling for serum vitamin B12 and folate concentration, plasma Hcy was significantly negatively correlated with the plasma phospholipid concentration of 22∶6n−3 (r=−0.205, P=0.019), total n−3 (r=−0.182, P=0.038) and the ratio n−3/n−6 PUFA (r=−0.174, P=0.048). Evidence indicates that an increased concentration of n−3 PUFA in tissues has a beneficial effect on cardiovascular health. Our findings provide further evidence that increased consumption of dietary n−3 PUFA increases the concentration of n−3 PUFA in plasma phospholipid, which is associated with a protective effect on cardiovascular diseases and lower plasma Hcy levels. The mechanism that might explain the association between plasma 22∶6n−3 and Hcy levels is not clear.

Fatty acid composition of habitual omnivore and vegetarian diets

Abstract: High-fat diets are implicated in the onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, and obesity. Large intakes of saturated and trans FA, together with low levels of PUFA, particularly long-chain (LC) omega-3 (n-3) PUFA, appear to have the greatest impact on the development of CVD. A high n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio is also considered a marker of elevated risk of CVD, though little accurate data on dietary intake is available. A new Australian food composition database that reports FA in foods to two decimal places was used to assess intakes of FA in four habitual dietary groups. Analysis using the database found correlations between the dietary intakes of LC n-3 PUFA and the plasma phospholipid LC n-3 PUFA concentrations of omnivore and vegetarian subjects. High meat-eaters (HME), who consumed large amounts of food generally, had significantly higher LC n-3 PUFA intakes (0.29 g/d) than moderate meat-eaters (MME) (0.14 g/d), whose intakes in turn were significantly higher than those of ovolacto-vegetarians or vegans (both 0.01 g/d). The saturated FA intake of MME subjects (typical of adult male Australians) was not different from ovolacto-vegetarian intakes, whereas n-6:n-3 intake ratios in vegetarians were significantly higher than in omnivores. Thus, accurate dietary and plasma FA analyses suggest that regular moderate consumption of meat and fish maintains a plasma FA profile possibly more conducive to good health.

Omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acid imbalance early in life leads to persistent reductions in DHA levels in glycerophospholipids in rat hypothalamus even after long-term omega 3 fatty acid repletion $

Abstract: Failure to provide omega 3 fatty acids in the perinatal period results in alterations in nerve growth factor levels, dopamine production and permanent elevations in blood pressure. The present study investigated whether changes in brain (i.e., hypothalamus) glycerophospholipid fatty acid profiles induced by a diet rich in omega 6 fatty acids and very low in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) during pregnancy and the perinatal period could be reversed by subsequent feeding of a diet containing ALA. Female rats (6 per group) were mated and fed either a low ALA diet or a control diet containing ALA throughout pregnancy and until weaning of the pups at 3 weeks. At weaning, the pups (20 per group) remained on the diet of their mothers until 9 weeks, when half the pups were switched onto the other diet, thus generating four groups of animals. At 33 weeks, pups were killed, the hypothalamus dissected from the male rats and analysed for glycerophospholipid fatty acids. In the animals fed the diet with very little ALA and then re-fed the control diet containing high levels of ALA for 24 weeks, the DHA levels were still significantly less than the control values in PE, PS and PI fractions, by 9%, 18% and 34%, respectively. In this group, but not in the other dietary groups, ALA was detected in all glycerophospholipid classes at 0.2-1.7% of the total fatty acids. The results suggest that omega 6-3 PUFA imbalance early in life leads to irreversible changes in hypothalamic composition. The increased ALA and reduced DHA proportions in the animals re-fed ALA in later life are consistent with a dysfunction or down-regulation of the conversion of ALA to 18:4n-3 by the delta-6 desaturase.

The effect of exercise and training status on platelet activation: Do cocoa polyphenols play a role?

Abstract: Sedentary and trained men respond differently to the same intensity of exercise, this is probably related to their platelet reactivity and antioxidant capacity. There is growing interest in the utilization of antioxidant-rich plant extracts as dietary food supplements. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an acute bout of sub maximal exercise on platelet count and differential response of platelet activation in trained and sedentary subjects and to observe if cocoa polyphenols reverse the effect of exercise on platelet function. The practical significance of this study was that many sedentary people engage in occasional strenuous exercise that may predispose them to risk of heart disease. Fasting blood samples were collected from 16 male subjects, pre and post 1-h cycling exercise at 70% of maximal aerobic power (VO2max) before and after consumption of cocoa or placebo. Agonist stimulated citrated whole blood was utilized for measuring platelet aggregation, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) r...

Nutritional composition of Polyrhachis vicina Roger (Edible Chinese black ant)

Abstract: Edible black ant (Polyrhachis vicina Roger) is a traditional edible insect species in China. It has been used as a functional ingredient in various tonics or health foods. This study determined the nutritional composition of the black ant, which included minerals, amino acids, superoxide dismutase (SOD), Vitamin E, and total acid. Supercritical CO 2 fluid extraction was used to extract the organic compounds. The compounds were identified and quantified by GC-MS. Results showed that the ant powder contained 77000 IU/100g of SOD, 56.6g/100g protein, 9.0g/100g fat, 13.2g/100g volatile oil, 6.0g/100g moisture, 1.6g/100g total acid and 6.3g/100g ash. There were 18 amino acids, of which, glutamic acid, glycine, aspartic acid, alanine, leucine, proline and tyrosine were predominant. Among the 16 minerals, K, Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Mn and Zn were predominant. More than 20 organic components were identified, the main ones were 9-octadecenoic acid, ethyl oleate, cholesterol and n-hexadecanoic acid. Six of the compounds found, i.e. hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester, linoleic acid, ethyl oleate, oleic acid and cholesta-3, 5-diene, have not been reported previously. The results indicate that P. vicina Roger is rich in nutrients and is a potential ingredient for health food.

Variation of lipid and fatty acid compositions in Thai Perilla seeds grown at different locations

Abstract: Siriamornpun, S., Li, D., Yang, L., Suttajit, S. and Suttajit, M. Variation of lipid and fatty acid compositions in Thai Perilla seeds grown at different locations Songklanakarin J. Sci. Technol., 2006, 28(Suppl. 1) : 17-21 Perilla or Nga-Kee-Mon (Perilla frutescens) seed has long been known as a rich source of α-linolenic acid (18:3, n-3). It is widely cultivated throughout Thailand. However, there are no data on the variation of lipid and fatty acid compositions among crops from different regions. The aim of this study was to examine the compositions of lipids and fatty acids in Thai perilla seed grown at different locations. Two different perilla seeds were harvested from Maehongsorn and Chiang Mai districts, and one commercial perilla was purchased from local market. Seeds were ground, lipid was extracted with chloroform: methanol (2:1, v/v) and its composition determined by Iatroscan (TLC/FID). Fatty acid composition was analyzed with GLC using standard methods. Lipid content was between 34-36% (w/w). Triacylglycerol was a predominant lipid in perilla seed (97% of total lipids), and a minor component was phytosterol (3% of total lipids). The ratio of Lipids and fatty acids in perilla seeds saturates: monounsaturates: polyunsaturates was approximately 1: 1: 8. Most predominant fatty acid was α-linolenic acid (18:3, n-3) (55-60% of total fatty acid). Seeds from Maehongsorn district had the highest concentration of α-linolenic acid, and commercial perilla had the lowest (P<0.05). Other two predominant fatty acids were linoleic acid (18:2, n-6) (18-22% of total fatty acid) and oleic acid (18:1) (11-13% of total fatty acid). The results showed that the compositions of lipids and fatty acids in Thai perilla seeds varied significantly among samples from different locations.

Seasonal variations of total lipid and fatty acid contents in the muscle of two australian farmed abalone species

Abstract: The total lipid content and individual fatty acid (FA) concentrations of two farmed abalone species, greenlip abalone ( Haliotis laevigata ) and blacklip abalone ( Haliotis rubra ), were analyzed through four seasons using gas liquid chromatography. Similar variations were recorded for the two species. Sig- nificantly higher concentrations of total lipid and total saturated fatty acids were found in summer, while the contents of total n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and total monounsaturated fatty acids were markedly higher in winter and spring. The two predominant n-3 PUFAs were eicosap- entaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3; 34–43%) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, 22:5n-3; 40–53%). The seasonal variation of EPA was similar to that of total n-3 PUFA, while the contents of DPA were significantly higher in winter, spring and summer than in autumn. A higher n-3/n-6 PUFA ratio was found in winter and autumn in greenlip abalone. Other main FAs, including 16:0, 18:0, 17:1, 18:1n-9, 18:1n-7, 18:2n-6, 20:4n-6 and 22:2 NMI, also showed seasonal variations. Farmed abalone represents a source of the health-benefiting long- chain n-3 PUFA (n-3 LC-PUFA) for human consumption, with n-3 LC-PUFA content of 65–106 mg/100 g.

Alpha-linolenic acid content of commonly available nuts in Hangzhou.

Abstract: The total lipid content of eight species of nuts available in Hangzhou ranged from 49.5 g/100 g weight in Cannabis sativa to 75.4 g/100 g in walnut. The predominant content of lipid is triacylglycerol, ranging from 91.1% in Cannabis sativa to 98.4% in macadamia. There were two polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in all nuts analyzed; 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3. The content of 18:3n-3 ranging from 0.2% in almond to 15.2% in Cannabis sativa, 18:2n-6 ranged from 2.5% in macadamia to 61.6% in pine nut. The proportion of total PUFA in analyzed eight nut species ranging from 2.8% in macadamia to 71.7% in walnut (p < 0.001). Monounsaturated fatty acid composition ranged from 18.0% in Cannabis sativa to 82.6% in macadamia (p < 0.001). The proportion of saturated fatty acid ranged from 7.4% in filbert to 14.7% of total fatty acids in macadamia (p < 0.001). No C20 fatty acids were detected in any of the samples in the present study. The lipids content and fatty acid compositions in analyzed samples were varied between nut species. Cannabis sativa and walnut contained relatively high 18:3n-3, consumption of several these nuts each day can contribute to n-3 PUFA intake, especially for the vegetarian population.

Uric acid status and its correlates in Hangzhou urban population.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the uric acid status and its correlates in relation to selected cardiovascular risk factors in a cross-sectional study in Hangzhou, China. In this cross-sectional study, 186 male (56 +/- 14 yrs) and 85 female (55 +/- 11 yrs) free-living subjects were recruited from the Hangzhou metropolitan area, China. Their physiological parameters were measured. Each subject gave fasting blood, urine and faeces samples, from which serum uric acid and other parameters of biochemistry and haematology were measured by standard methods. Serum uric concentration was 329 +/- 69 micromol/L for male and 237 +/- 53 micromol/L for female (P < 0.0001). Compared with female subjects, males had significantly higher BMI (P = 0.0215), serum triacylglycerol (TAG) (P = 0.0012) and creatinine (P<0.0001), and significantly lower total cholesterol (TC) (P = 0.0013) and HDL-C (P < 0.0001). In the partial correlation analysis, after controlling for sex, age and BMI, serum uric acid was significantly positively correlated with serum concentrations of TC (r = 0.205, P = 0.001), LDL-C (r = 0.229, P < 0.001),TAG (r = 0.172, P = 0.008) and creatinine (r = 0.330, P < 0.001). The results from the present study indicated that prevalence rates of hyperuricaemia are lower in Hangzhou than in Beijing; increased serum uric acid concentration was associated with a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors for the Hangzhou urban population.

Thai jute seed oil: a potential polyunsaturated fatty acid source

Abstract: Siriamornpun, S., Li, D., Yang, L., Kanchanamayoon, W. and Suttajit, M. Thai jute seed oil: a potential polyunsaturated fatty acid source Songklanakarin J. Sci. Technol., 2006, 28(Suppl. 1) : 11-15 This study examined lipid and fatty acid compositions of different varieties of jute (Po-kra-jao, Corchorus olitorius L.) seed grown in Thailand. Four different jute seeds (Nonn-Soong, Keaw-Yai, Cuba and Khonkaen) harvested from northeastern Thailand were ground, their lipid was extracted with chloroform: methanol (2:1, v/v), and lipid composition was determined by Iatroscan (TLC/FID). Fatty acid composition was analyzed using GLC with standard methods. Triacylglycerol was a predominant lipid in jute seed oil, ranging from 70% to 74%, and other two minor components were phytosterol (12% to 28%) and diacylglycerol (0% to 9%). The ratio of saturates: monounsaturates: polyunsaturates, was approximately 2: 3: 4. Most predominant polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) was linoleic acid (18:2n-6), accounting for 40-67% of total fatty acid. Nonn-Soong had the highest amount of PUFA (67.7%), followed by Khonkaen (44.53%), Keaw-Yai (41.14%), and Cuba (40.19%). Another PUFA found was α-linolenic acid (18:3n-3), accounting for about 1% of total fatty acid. The results indicated that jute seed oil was a potential edible PUFA source. The oils obtained from different kinds of jute seeds had significantly different lipid and fatty acid compositions.

Relationship between serum uric acid and selected cardiovascular risk factors in Hangzhou populations

Abstract: Li, D., Yu, X., Siriamornpun, S., Zhou, X., Zhu, J., Zhang, Y., Yao, T., Sinclair, A.J. Relationship between serum uric acid and selected cardiovascular risk factors in Hangzhou populations Songklanakarin J. Sci. Technol., 2006, 28(Suppl. 1) : 133-137 Uric acid is the final metabolite of purine. Increased serum uric acid level is associated with incidence of gout and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum uric acid and parameters of biochemistry and haematology in Hangzhou populations, China. In this crosssectional study, 186 male (56±14 y) and 85 female (55±11 y) free-living subjects were recruited from Hangzhou, China. The physiological parameters were measured. Each subject gave fasting blood, urine and faeces samples, from which serum uric acid and other parameters of biochemistry and haematology were measured with standard methods. Serum uric concentration was significantly higher in males than in females, 329±69 μmol/L for male and 237±53 μmol/L for female (P<0.0001). Compared with female subjects, male had significantly higher BMI (P = 0.0215), serum TAG (P = 0.0012) and creatinine (P<0.0001), significantly lower TC (P = 0.0013) and HDL-C (P<0.0001). Bivariate analysis results showed that serum uric acid was significantly positively correlated with age (r = 0.171, P = 0.0076), BMI (r = 0.343, P<0.0001), systolic blood pressure (r = ORIGINAL ARTICLE 1Ph.D.(Nutrition and Food Safety), Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China 2Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, China 3Ph.D.(Food Science and Technology), Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, Mahasarakham University, Mueng, Maha Sarakham, 44000, Thailand 4Department of Food Science, Zhejiang Gongshan University, Hangzhou, China 5Ph.D.(Food Science), Prof., Department of Food Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia Corresponding e-mail: duoli@zju.edu.cn Received, 10 January 2005 Accepted, 24 November 2005 Songklanakarin J. Sci. Technol. Vol.28 (Suppl.1), 2006: Nutraceutical and Functional Food 134 Correlates of serum uric acid in humans

Correlations between concentrations of plasma homocysteine and phospholipid fatty acids in healthy male Australian

Abstract: Li, D. and Sinclair, A.J. Correlations between concentrations of plasma homocysteine and phospholipid fatty acids in healthy male Australian Songklanakarin J. Sci. Technol., 2006, 28(Suppl. 1) : 139-144 An increased plasma homocysteine level has been claimed as an independent risk factor, and increased levels of tissue membrane omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) has been suggested to have a protective effect on cardiovascular diseases. However, there is no data on the relationship between the concentrations of plasma homocysteine and phospholipid fatty acid. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of plasma homocysteine with phospholipid fatty acids in healthy male Australian. One hundred and thirty six healthy male subjects aged 20-55 years were recruited from Melbourne metropolitan area. Each volunteer completed a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and gave a blood sample. Plasma homocysteine concentrations were determined using HPLC, and plasma phospholipid fatty acids were determined with standard methods. Plasma homocysteine concentration was significantly negatively correlated with plasma phospholipid concentration of PUFA 20:5n-3 (r = -0.226, P = 0.009), 22:5n-3 (r = -0.182, P = 0.036), 22:6n-3 (r = -0.286, P = 0.001), total n-3 (r = -0.270, P = 0.002) and ratio n-3/n-6 PUFA (r = -0.265, P = 0.002), and significantly positively correlated with 20:4n-6 (r = 0.180, P = 0.037). Present results showed that increased concentration of n-3 PUFA in tissues was negatively correlated with plasma homocysteine levels.