Rowett Research Institute

About: Rowett Research Institute is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Rumen & Population. The organization has 2986 authors who have published 4459 publications receiving 239472 citations.

Development of a sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis reference method for the analysis and identification of fish species in raw and heat‐processed samples: A collaborative study

Abstract: A collaborative study was carried out in seven European labs with the aim of achieving a sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) standard operation procedure to identify fish species in raw and cooked samples. Urea and SDS-containing solutions were evaluated as extractants. Several preelectrophoretic operations — such as treatment with RNase/DNase, ultrafiltration and desalting — and up to ten types of gels and three SDS-PAGE systems were considered. The SDS-containing solution allowed a higher protein extractability than urea. Unlike urea extraction, SDS extraction seemed not to be influenced so much by the state of the sample (raw, cooked at 60oC, cooked at 85oC). Desalting, ultrafiltration or treatment with RNase/DNase did not improve the discriminatory power of the protein patterns. Commercial homogeneous 15% ExcelGels, especially when they were silver stained, yielded good results and afforded higher reproducibility, thus allowing a better matching of results among the laboratories participating in this collaborative study. Under the optimized technical conditions described above, all the fish species tested, either raw and cooked, yielded reproducible and discriminant species-specific protein patterns.

Effects of a soy milk supplement on plasma cholesterol levels and oxidative DNA damage in men--a pilot study.

Abstract: Background: Phytoestrogens are a major component of Asian diets and may be protective against certain hormone-dependent cancers (breast and prostate) and coronary heart disease. They may also have antioxidant function in scavenging potentially harmful free radicals and thus decreasing oxidative attack on DNA.

Hepatic copper- and zinc-binding proteins in ruminants. 2. Relationship between Cu and Zn concentrations and the occurrence of a metallothionein-like fraction.

Abstract: 1. A study has been made by gel-filtration techniques of the soluble copper- and zinc-binding proteins in livers from calves and sheep of widely differing Cu and Zn status. 2. Cu and Zn generally occurred together in three main fractions, with approximate molecular weights of > 75000, 35000 and 12000, and Zn also in one other fraction with molecular weight about 65000. The distribution of the metals between these fractions was variable and dependent on both the Cu and Zn status of the animals. 3. Zn was usually absent from the low-molecular-weight fraction in Zn-deficient or high-Cu livers, with Cu also being absent in the former instance. 4. The fraction with molecular weight of 35000 was tentatively identified as hepatocuprein. It generally accounted for only 4% of the total hepatic Cu except in Cu-deficient livers. 5. The possible relationship of these findings to the mutual antagonism between Cu and Zn is discussed.

Whole-Body Nitrogen and Splanchnic Amino Acid Metabolism Differ in Rats Fed Mixed Diets Containing Casein or Its Corresponding Amino Acid Mixture

Abstract: Whole-body and splanchnic metabolism of dietary amino acids derived from casein (CAS) or the corresponding crystalline L-amino acid mixture (AA) were compared. Male adult rats were adapted for 9 d to two isoenergetic, isonitrogenous diets (15 g/100 g protein, 5 g/100 g fat) containing either CAS or AA. On d 10, the rats were fed a single mixed meal (3 g dry mass) containing either intrinsically (13)C-labeled goat casein or the amino acid mixture containing [U-(13)C(6)] leucine and [alpha-(15)N] lysine. Rats were killed before and 1, 3, 5 and 7 h after meal ingestion and samples of plasma, stomach wall and contents, small intestine and liver were collected. (13)C and (15)N enrichments of free and protein-bound amino acids in plasma and tissues were analyzed by gas chromatography-combustion isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Urinary nitrogen excretion was higher (P < 0.05) and weight gain lower (P < 0.05) in rats given the AA diet, indicating a lower whole-body net protein synthesis. Free (13)C-leucine from the AA diet appeared in the intestinal mucosa free pool more rapidly (P < 0.05) than the CAS-(13)C-leucine, probably due to the faster transit through the stomach of the AA group. However, the incorporation of dietary leucine into plasma and liver proteins was higher in the CAS group 7 h after the meal (P < 0.05), whereas lysine incorporation into liver protein was higher in the AA group (P < 0.05). We conclude that whole-body protein homeostasis is better supported by dietary casein-bound than crystalline free amino acids, and that protein-bound leucine, but not lysine, is used more efficiently for liver protein synthesis than dietary free leucine.

Effects of vitamin E and selenium on the performance and immune status of ewes and lambs

Abstract: Inclusion in the diet of concentrations of vitamin E and selenium (Se) above requirement is associated with variable improvements in animal performance and immune function. At the cellular and molecular level, research in the last decade has produced a clearer understanding of the mechanisms underlying the multiple functions of vitamin E and Se and it is apparent that these functions extend beyond antioxidant protection. This paper reviews recent research relating to the functionality of vitamin E and Se in relation to the ewe and her lambs and attempts to relate this understanding to the whole animal level. Important aspects of this improved understanding are descriptions of three groups of seleno-proteins and the appreciation that there is a hierarchy in both the distribution of selenium between tissues and in the synthesis of different enzymes within tissues. In addition, there is diversity in the effects of vitamin E and Se derivatives on immune cell function. Given this heterogeneity in function it is not surprising that published responses for the production and health of ewes and lambs to supplementary vitamin E and selenium are variable and not always positive. Coupled with information on factors influencing variability in supply of vitamin E and Se from fresh and conserved forages and concentrate supplements, this review highlights the need for greater awareness of the importance of adequate supplementation of ewe and lamb diets with vitamin E and Se.