A new-born’s health and wellbeing is determined by the diet and lifestyle of the mother prior, during and after conception. Polyunsaturated fatty acids play an important role for proper development of brain and other organs in the body. This study sought to assess dietary intake of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids among pregnant and breastfeeding women in Morogoro municipality, Tanzania. About 318 women completed a repeated 24 h dietary recall questionnaire. For calculation of fatty acid intake, the foods consumed by each participant were entered independently in Nutri Survey software where the amount of nutrients consumed by each individual was calculated and then exported to SPSS for further analysis. The results showed high intake of non-alcoholic and carbonated beverages (213.4 g/day) and low intake of omega 6 and omega 3 rich foods (54.6 g/day). More than half could not attain the recommended minimum dietary diversity score. The average intake of important omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids ranged from 0.06 to 1.19 g/day and 0.17 to 0.25 g/day, respectively. When compared with the recommended intake of energy as well as important omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids for both pregnant and breastfeeding women, there were gaps in all of these aspects. Intake of omega 6 and omega 3 rich foods among pregnant and breastfeeding women was lower than recommended. Nutrition education on consumption of appropriate polyunsaturated fatty acid rich foods prior, during and after pregnancy should be given to all women of reproductive age. Key words: Omega 3 fatty acid, omega 6 fatty acids, diet, essential fatty acids, pregnant women, breastfeeding women.
There are great concerns in Nigeria about lifestyle diseases which are now emerging among adolescent school children due to emphasis on the food taste rather than nutritional value of the food. Survey of the consumption pattern of junk foods among adolescent school children drawn from both public and private school in Ukwuani LGA of Delta State, Nigeria was carried out. The study sample is class three (3) of the Junior Secondary School (JSS 3) using random sampling techniques. Early stages in human development often mark the harbinger of overweight in school children because most of them at this age could hardly resist the attraction and urge to consume junk food. Survey analyses show an average consumption of 92.78% as against 7.22% non-consumption of junk food. The mean and standard deviation based on daily consumption of junk foods commonly found in schools within the region was 2.36 and 0.74, while that of weekly consumption was 2.56 and 0.85, respectively. There is negligible significant difference between daily or weekly consumption of these food types. The mean and standard deviation of junk food intake was correlated with weight and height of the students in computing the body mass index (BMI). The bio-data was statistically analyzed using students t-test and the null hypothesis was rejected. By implication, it was shown that junk food consumption influences the anthropometric index of the study sample. The consumption of junk food by adolescent school children as indicated by the results show that it has a considerable effect on the BMI and other consequent health implications. Key words: Junk food, overweight, height, consumption pattern, adolescent, calories.
Malnutrition, in all its forms, is a problem of global proportions and requires urgent action. In many parts of the world, most adolescents receive inadequate nutrients needed to meet the body’s daily requirements in terms of quantity, frequency, and quality to survive, grow and develop to their full potential. Food systems are therefore important in addressing problems of malnutrition, food insecurity and diet-related health problems. This study profiled the dietary patterns and nutrient adequacy of youths (aged 15-24 years) in Ruaka and The Technical University of Kenya using demographic questionnaires, food frequency questionnaires and a 24-h recall method. The study found that 17.6% of males and 13.0% of females skip their breakfast at least thrice a week due to too much time spent watching TV at night and waking up very late hence only having morning or afternoon snacks. In addition, many did not consume foods from at least four essential food groups according to the 24-h recall method. Thus, there is a need to educate youths and the society at large about healthy dietary patterns and the need to include at least four essential food groups in their meals in order to gain essential nutrients (both macronutrients and micronutrients) for healthy growth and development. Key words: Youth, diet, dietary pattern, fast foods, healthy eating habits, nutrition, malnutrition, food system.
The change in appetite and food cravings before, during and after menstruation and the relationships between each premenstrual symptom and change in appetite and type of food with increased intake were investigated. This study was conducted by a self-administered questionnaire in 311 female students of health sciences. It was found that the proportion of students who increased the appetite was 70.4% during the menstruation cycle, and the highest period was before menstruation (85.8%). Sweets had the highest intake in all menstrual phases followed by junk food. It was found that increased appetite was significantly associated with depression and sleepiness. Moreover, increased intake of sweets was associated with depression, anger and sleepiness, while intake of junk food was associated with irritability and depression. In conclusion, the relationships between increased appetite for sweets and junk food and premenstrual symptoms indicate the need for promoting proper menstruation-related eating habits. Key words: Premenstrual symptoms, change in appetite, food craving, sweets, junk food.
Considering the importance of nutritional health for people living with HIV, programs delivering nutritional support have been scaled up globally. Among various programs, the Food by Prescription (FBP) program has been implemented in Ethiopia since 2010. This study was undertaken to assess the level of adherence to the FBP program and identify the associated factors among HIV infected adults. Facility-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from May to June 2018 among 481 adult people living with HIV who have been enrolled in the program in 15 public health facilities. The study subjects were selected through a convenient sampling technique and data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data were entered and analyzed using Epi Info version 7 and Statistical Package for Social Science version 20 statistical software respectively. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were used. More than half 285(59.3) of the study subjects were found to be adherent to the FBP program. The amount of prescribed food, the duration of stay in nutrition program, the practice of sharing the supplement and experiencing of supplement stock out was found to be the most important predictors. The study revealed the level of adherence to the FBP program and identified some of the most important associated factors among adult people living with HIV. Strengthening the counseling component of the program, improving the supply management of the health facilities and linking people living with HIV to the economic strengthening activities should be considered to improve the adherence level of the program. Key words: Adherence, Food by Prescription Program, adult PLWHA, Ethiopia.
This work is a prospective study that aims to evaluate the vitamin D status of Moroccan women during the last trimester of their pregnancy to establish the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D. We carried out, within the Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital (HMIMV), a six-month prospective study on the vitamin status D of 152 Moroccan women during their last gestational trimester. Maternal blood was collected at the Gynecology-Obstetrics Department during the last prenatal visit or during the delivery process. Serum assays for 25 (OH) D3, PTH, calcium, phosphorus and PAL were performed in the HMIMV Biochemistry Laboratory. A questionnaire was developed to reveal different parameters influencing vitamin status. The vitamin D deficiency rate is very high in our study sample. We found 97.37% hypovitaminosis D (<30 ng / ml) of which 9.21% in insufficiency ([20-30] ng / ml), 88.16% in deficiency (<20 ng / ml). Statistical analysis shows no correlation between age and vitamin concentration (p = 0.933). We found a negative correlation between 25 (OH) D3 and parathormone (PTH) (p = 0.016, r = - 0.194) and observed a variation of 25 (OH) D3 according to the sun, the BMI and the pigmentation of the skin although no statistical relationship has been established. There is no association between physical activity and 25 (OH) D3 concentration (p = 0.331). We recommend the implementation of corrective measures that focus on vitamin D information campaigns. The pregnant woman should be encouraged to receive adequate nutrition and a balanced diet. Keys words: 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3, calciferol, pregnancy, hypovitaminosis D.
People’s perception of food products during food choice is a very complex phenomenon that is influenced by a wide range of characteristics that an individual, groups and local communities make. This study investigated nutritional status and associated motives of food choice among lactating women from Debre Birhan Town. Anthropometric measurements and motives of food choice questionnaire were administered among 423 randomly selected women using cross-sectional study. Data was analyzed via SPSS version 20. Associated drivers of food choice to nutritional status of women were identified by logistic regression analysis, and p-value < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Prevalence of chronic energy deficiency was 21.7%. From multivariate logistic regression model, healthy meal eating motivation, price and mood concern were identified as most significant drivers of food choice influencing nutritional status of women with AOR (95% CI) of 2.1 (1.21-3.62), 3.01(1.32-6.9) and 0.5(0.30-0.95) respectively. Focus on supporting women’s motivations to attain their good health by addressing issues of dietary behavior through nutrition education about healthy food choice is recommended. Since awareness creation is an important to inspire women, their families and communities to increase food intake, proper dietary practices and dietary diversification in order to be successful in improving the livelihood of women. Key words: Nutritional status, motives, food choice, lactating women.
Introduction of complementary foods to infants is a common practice. However, according to recommended infant and young child feeding protocol the timing of introduction, frequency of feeding and the quality of diet are not appropriate. Thus, the aim of this study is to determine the magnitude and identify the predictors of appropriate complementary feeding practice among mothers of children 6-23 months of age in Kedida Gamela district, southern Ethiopia. A community based cross sectional study was conducted among mothers of children aged 6-23 months on March 2017. A total of 777 randomly selected mothers/caregivers paired with their children aged 6-23 months were interviewed by trained nurses. Data were entered, cleaned and analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Descriptive analyses were done for main variables. Exposures with p-value less than 0.25 on bivariate analysis were taken for multivariate analysis. Statistical significance was declared at p<0.05 and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported. The proportion of appropriate complementary feeding was 21% in the study area. Maternal age 18-24 years [AOR=4.01,95% CI (1.78, 9.04)], mothers with children 6-11 months of age [AOR=2.88, 95% CI (1.68, 4.94)] and 12-23 months of age [AOR=2.67, 95% CI (1.61, 4.45)], mothers who attended postnatal care follow up [AOR=2.14, 95% CI (1.14, 4.02)], and living in a food secure household [AOR=2.23, 95% CI (1.30, 3.82)] were the factors associated with appropriate complementary feeding practice. Mothers in the age range of 18-24 years, mothers having children of 6-11 months and 12-23 months of age, attending postnatal care follow up and living in a food secure household were the predictors of appropriate complementary feeding practice. Mothers should be encouraged to attend postnatal care follow up and income generating activity should be made to assure household food security status to prevent economical vulnerability of households. Key words: Complementary feeding, children, 6-23 months.
This study was carried out to produce and evaluate the nutritional quality of cookies formulated from sorghum and fortified with cowpea, plantain and sweet potato. The sorghum and cowpea were subjected to processing technique of sprouting while plantain and sweet potato was peeled oven dried at 45°C. The sorghum variety used was Chakalari white, a low tannin variety, cowpea (Borno red), plantain (unripe) and sweet potato (Yellow variety). Sorghum (60%) was supplemented with legume and tubers at varying proportions: five formulations were made. The parameters assayed include proximate composition, mineral element, in-vitro protein digestibility, vitamin and tannin content, using standard methods. The result showed a significant protein yield for sorghum 60: Cowpea 40 fortification (12.82±0.00) when compared with the control (unprocessed) (5.07±0.00) and the processed samples at (p<0.05). Increases in moisture, crude protein, and crude fiber content in the formulated cookies were observed. Carbohydrate content of the cookies increased as the level of cowpea flour decreased by 10%. The result showed a percentage increase in the in-vitro protein digestibility of processed samples with cowpea having the maximum level (91.90)% at 6 h digestibility. For the mineral element, there was an increase in Ca and K. For the vitamin content a significant increase was observed in the level of vitamin B6 of processed samples and formulated cookies compared to control. The tannin content of processed sample (1.54%) significantly decreased compared to unprocessed sample (control) 2.07%. The sensory evaluation revealed that SSSC and SSDSp were more acceptable than the other ratio blends. It can be concluded that the nutritional quality of the cookies were improved with the addition of cowpea. Sample with sorghum: cowpea (60:40) is a better option for cookies, as it is more superior in nutrient analysis compared to the remaining ratios. Key words: Sorghum, cowpea, plantain, sweet potato, cookies.
While multidisciplinary consultation meetings on therapeutic protocols, psychological management, treatment of pain for patients living with cancer are setting up, their nutritional status in Côte-d'Ivoire is almost absent in oncology units. This study aimed to assess the nutritional profile of adult patients with cancer, followed at the oncology service of the University Hospital of Treichville. A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted over a 40-day period, from an anonymous questionnaire and involving fifty-three (53) cancer patients. sociodemographic, clinical and biological data as well as qualitative parameters on food consumption (24-hour recall) were collected. The results revealed that the mean age was 51 years with a female predominance (87.5%). The nutritional status of patients was evaluated according to several parameters: The Body Mass Index (BMI) accounted for 8.33% of malnourished patients with 37.5% of patients being obese or overweight. Weight loss in the 6 months preceding the survey concerned 77.55% patients, 30.61% of whom were severely malnourished. Albuminemia and the Nutritional Risk Index (NRI) showed that respectively 13.5% of the patients were malnourished and 22.5% of patients were at risk of complications related to undernutrition. In 18.87% of cases, surveyed patients had taken less than three meals a day. Therefore, prevalence of undernutrition/malnutrition was high in the study population. No single parameter was sufficiently sensitive and specific. Based on this, the combination of several parameters is necessary for an objective assessment for intervention. Nutritional management of patients living with cancer deserves to be integrated into the overall therapeutic project. Key words: Nutrition, cancer, undernutrition, nutritional assessment, food intake.
Poor and inadequate glycemic control among patients with Type 2 diabetes constitutes a major public health problem and major risk factor for development of diabetes complications. In clinical practice, optimal glycemic control is difficult to obtain because the reasons for poor glycemic control in Type 2 diabetes are complex. This study aims to determine Acute glycemic level and its association with physical activity recommendations adherence among type 2 diabetic patients in Illubabor zone southwest, Ethiopia. Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 19 to May 19, 2018. Among 422 diabetic patients attending regular follow up at government health facilities in illuababor zone, southwest Ethiopia, participants were selected using systematic random sampling method.Data were collected using interview administered semi structured questionnaires; FBS was used to determine patient’s glycemic control level. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the independent predictor’s of diabetic patient’s Acute glycemic control level. In the current, study nearly two third (64.5%) of respondents had poor (inadequate) Acute glycemic control. While 51.8 and 38% of participants were non adherence to dietary and physical activity recommendations respectively. Patients Acute glycemic control was significantly affected by patients occupational status [AOR=0.39 (0.22-0.68)], family history of DM [AOR=0.34 (0.18-0.62)], presence of co-morbidities [AOR= 3.72(1.39-9.94)], and physical activity adherence [AOR=0.46 (0.28-0.75)]. High proportion of diabetic patients had poor Acute glycemic control. Patient’s occupational status, family history of DM, presence of co morbidities, physical activity adherence was an independent predictors of diabetic patient’s Acute glycemic control. Early identification and management of co-morbidities and delivery of focused health information physical activity recommendations should be strengthened. Key words: Adherence, diabetic, glycemic level, Illuababor.
The protective effect of vitamin C against theobromine induced toxicity in male albino Wistar rats was investigated. Twenty-five (25) male Wistar rats weighing between 140 – 160 g were divided into 5 groups with 5 rats in each group. Group 1 served as the control. Group 2 received 700 mg/kg body weight of theobromine daily for 4 days. Group 3 was administered 100 mg/kg body weight of Vitamin C daily for 21 days. Group 4 was intoxicated with 700 mg/kg of theobromine daily for 4 days before treatment with 100 mg/kg of Vitamin C for 21 days while Group 5 received 700 mg/kg of theobromine daily for 4 days and was allowed to recover naturally for 21 days. Biochemical indices of liver, kidney function and lipid profile were assayed using serum. The liver, kidney and heart tissues were used for histological studies. Significant increase (p<0.05) in serum enzyme activities and concentrations of urea, creatinine, total and LDL cholesterol as well as decreased HDL cholesterol concentration were observed in Group 2 compared to the control. Treatment with Vitamin C in Groups 3 and 4 significantly decreased (p<0.05) the activities of the serum enzymes, concentrations of urea, creatinine, total and LDL cholesterol while the concentration of HDL cholesterol was significantly increased when compared to Group 2. Histological evaluation of the liver, kidney and heart sections revealed degenerated cytoarchitecture and inflammation of these tissues following theobromine intoxication. However, the toxic features were observed to resolve in Group 4 when vitamin C was administered while cytoarchitectural degeneration persisted in Group 5. In conclusion, theobromine induced liver, kidney and cardio toxicity with negative modulation of lipid profile while vitamin C ameliorated the toxic effect of theobromine in albino Wistar rats. Key words: Vitamin C, theobromine, liver function, kidney function, lipid profile, cardiotoxicity.
Rapeseed oils are commonly used as edible oil in rural and urban areas in Bangladesh. This study used various rape seeds like mustard, rai and canola oils to investigate the effect on lipids and cardio-hepatic enzymes in experimental rats. Body weight, food efficiency ratio (FER), serum lipids and cardio hepatic enzymes were measured in this study. Body weights were reduced in fried rai (37.67%) and mustard oils (33.18%) in comparison with the control and canola oils (19.78%). While both wild and hybrid mustard oils (20.97 and 24.72%, respectively) and rai oils (23.08 and 24.76%, respectively) also decreased the body weight. FER of rats was high in control group (0.11%) and lower in both fried mustard and rai oils (0.05%). Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were significantly high in fried rai (56.11, 144.1 and 16.25 mg/dl, respectively) and fried mustard oils (55.03, 142.01 and 14.68 mg/dl, respectively) while the lowest were in control (39.04, 90.02 and 7.07 mg/dl, respectively) and canola oils (40.46, 95.06 and 7.80 mg/dl, respectively). On the contrary, high density lipoprotein (HDL) was raised in control group (28.06 mg/dl) and decreased in fried rai and mustard oils (11.12 and 12.07 mg/dl, respectively). This result also showed that cardio hepatic enzymes like creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT) were increased in fried rape seeds than control and canola oils. Fried mustard oils were more detrimental than wild mustard oils and canola oils due to the highly concentrated erucic acids. Key words: Mustard oils, canola, lipid profiles, aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB).
Inadequate nutritional intake prior to pregnancy, during pregnancy and lactation process increases postnatal nutritional stresses and health risk of the mother resulting in a high maternal mortality. The aim of this study was to compare nutritional status and associated factors of urban and rural lactating women from Shashemene Woreda, West Arsi Zone of Oromia, Ethiopia. A community based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 484 randomly selected lactating mothers from six kebeles. Anthropometric measurements were taken from each mother using calibrated equipment and standardized techniques. A 24 hr dietary intake was also collected from randomly selected sub sample (n=48) of mothers. The energy and nutrient content of foods consumed by the mothers was calculated using Ethiopian food composition and world food tables. Logistic regression model, independent t-test analyses and chi-square test were used to see the mean difference in nutrient intake and nutritional status among lactating mothers. Variables with a p-value less than 0.05 on multiple variable logistic regressions were taken as significant variables. The prevalence of under-nutrition (MUAC<23 cm) among lactating mothers was higher in rural than urban communities with observed statistical significant difference (X2=12.5, p ≤ 0.001), but they are comparable in other indices. Residence of lactating women [AOR=2.54, 95% CI (1.5, 4.31)] and age of breast fed child [AOR=0.46, 95% CI (0.28, 0.78)] were significantly associated with nutritional status of lactating mothers. Having breast feeding child was significantly associated with nutritional status (BMI) of lactating mothers [AOR=0.37, 95% CI (0.17, 0.81)]. Feeding practices in urban study subjects had better feeding practices than that of rural areas (X2 = 25.0, p-value ≤ 0.001). It was not sufficient to attain their increased energy and nutrient requirements, which is worse among rural than urban study subject. Therefore, improvements of health and nutrition are recommended to lactating mother on increased food intake, proper dietary practices, and dietary diversity during lactation. Key words: Lactating women, nutritional status, dietary diversity, feeding practice.
Adequate dietary intake is important in achieving optimal nutrition and health for people before and during treatment of HIV. Inadequate nutrition causes health issues and fatalities among prisoners. Thus, this study assesses dietary intake and factors affecting food service among male prisoners living with HIV at selected prisons in Kenya. A cross sectional analytical study design was adopted on a sample of 113 male prisoners living with HIV, randomly sampled from 4 prisons. Data collection tools included a structured questionnaire used to collect demographic, 24 h recall and food frequency data. During data analysis, 24 h recall data was analyzed using Nutri-survey software, and further analysis via SPSS software. Results revealed that slightly more than half the prisoners (50.4%) were aged 36-53 years. Primary education was attained by 60.2% and secondary education by 21.2%. Mean dietary intake for macronutrients was: Energy (1815±218 Kcal), Protein (56±12 g), fat (32±6 g), Carbohydrates (322±45 g), Fiber (41±23 g) and PUFA (8±1 g). None attained Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) for energy, fat and PUFAs. Mean key micronutrients were: Vitamin A (1195.1±812.7), Vitamin B6 (1.9±0.9), Vitamin C (55.7±18.4), Iron (10.2±2.7), Magnesium (488.1±152.3) and Zinc (13.9±6.7). None met RDA for Iron. Therefore, provision of a nutritionally balanced diet in prisons can ensure nutrients adequacy. Key words: Dietary intake, food service, prisoners living with HIV.
The consumption patterns of energy drinks in the Tema Municipality of the Greater-Accra region of Ghana were investigated via a cross sectional survey and the caffeine contents of these energy drinks were determined by iodimetry. The survey showed that more males than females consume energy drinks. Five types of energy drinks; Lucozade (LU), Rush (RU), Red Bull (RB), Five Star (FS) and Monster (MT) were revealed. MT was not available on the market at the time of the survey. RU was the most consumed whereas RB was the least consumed. LU had a higher consumption rate than FS. The energy drinks were normally taken for enhanced performance. The caffeine contents of the various brands of energy drinks were as follows: LU- 0.192 mg/ml, RU- 0.245 mg/ml, FS- 0.139 mg/ml and RB- 0.089 mg/ml. Most of the correspondents (148 out of 156) consumed one to three cans or bottles of energy drinks per day and this led to an intake of caffeine which was less than the recommended daily allowance of 400 mg. Some, however, ingested more than 400 mg and experienced some side effects. Key words: Energy drinks, caffeine, cross sectional survey, iodimetry.
Real-time, effective and affordable nutrition and dietetics wearable technology and sensors are emerging field with immense opportunities and benefits to the global nutrition challenge.As a powerful public health nutrition game changer, it requires more research and development support in tackling food security and nutrition safety challenges and evidence in local and global priorities needs worldwide.Such revolution real time, home, work and hospital-based rapid, accurate and cost-effective self-detection and diagnosis of direct or indirect causes or diet deficiency or excess are much needed for generating evidence-based information and knowledge for individual and vulnerable group nutritional and dietary mitigation and lifestyle adaptation through wearable sensors and technology.Importantly, they foster national decision making nutrition policy and guidelines, programs and interventions can best practices in self-management, healthier lifestyle and increasing life expectancy, productivity and wellness.However, urgent political commitment and financial investment is needed in building and sustaining dietary and nutrition wearable and implantable technologies and devices of research and development.These can enhance evidence-based, coherent and coordinated nutrition and dietary programs and strategies to a targeted group or illness, vital in addressing malnutrition and under-nutrition public health burden amongst African children.Moreover, enhancing balanced dietary and nutrition promotion and awareness, education and best practices culture in improving sustained lifestyle adaptations in people living with HIV (PLWHIV) and diabetes or overweight or stroke patients.Diseases, building wearable consumers' health and fitness prognosis, prospective digital nutrition, dietetic data and database or nutrition informatics platforms.These provide a paradigm shift in engaging participatory communication amongst public consumers, dietetic and nutritionist professionals in improving quality interventions, management and outcomes.Furthermore, fostering and sustaining new ideas and solutions including the quest for food and nutrition enlightenment, knowledge and resilience.However, assessment and understanding of nutritional and dietary needs, and potential opportunities in functional health benefits and resource development in personalized accessibility and availability of needed resources to encourage positive behavior, diet and nutrition changes is needed in monitoring current and future healthy generations.
Studies have shown that pasture-raised pork is fresher and of higher nutritional value than its conventional counterpart. This study was to determine the effect of grazing systems on meat quality, carcass traits, and on lipid metabolism gene expressions. Control pigs were fed 100% commercial diet. Fifty/fifty (50/50) group was placed on 50% of the diet consumed by control group plus free access to ryegrass-clover pasture. The twenty-five/seventy-five (25/75) group was fed 25% of the diet consumed by the control plus access to free pasture. The overall meat quality (flavor, overall acceptability and carcass traits (marbling, color)) were scored significantly higher (P<0.05) in the 25/75 group than in control or 50/50 group. Back-fat thickness was lower in 25/75 group (P<0.05) than in control and 50/50 group. No differences were observed between the control and 50/50 in meat and carcass qualities. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), and sterol-regulatory-element binding protein 2 (SREBP-2) responded differently in muscle and adipose tissues. The results indicated that pasture-based pork production could positively influence lipid metabolism genes important in meat and carcass quality traits, with pasture exposure and feed allowance. Key words: Pigs, lipid metabolism, meat quality, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
A 21-day study was carried out to determine the effect of resin from Commiphora swynnertonii on plasma levels of glucose and lipids together with liver functions in both normal and carbon-tetrachloride-treated chickens. Sixty growing male broiler chickens were randomly assigned into six groups (n = 10). G1 was a negative control, which received distilled water throughout the experiment. G2 was a positive control and received 1.59 g CCl4 per kg body weight orally every other day to induce liver injury. G3 received 500 mg resin per kg body weight daily, while G4, G5 and G6 received 500, 750 and 1000 mg resin per kg body weight respectively daily plus 1.59 g CCl4 per kg body weight every other day, throughout the experiment. Plasma levels of glucose, triglycerides, lipoproteins and total proteins together with liver functions were determined. Results revealed that oral administration of CCl4 caused liver injury with consequent significant increase (P < 0.05) in the plasma glucose and lipid levels. Also a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the activities of liver enzymes (P< 0.01) and a decrease in total plasma protein was evident. On the other hand, oral administration of moderate dose of the resin reversed these effects by significantly lowering plasma glucose and lipid levels while decreasing liver enzyme activities and boosting plasma protein levels. It is concluded that administration of moderate levels of C. swynnertonii to chickens was capable of reducing plasma levels of glucose (hypoglycemic effect) and lipids (hypolipidemic effect), while protecting the liver against the injury caused by CCl4 (hepatoprotective effect). These findings could have a positive implication on the use of the C. swynnertonii resin for treating diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in humans. Key words: Commiphora swynnertonii, carbon tetrachloride, liver injury, hepatoprotective effect, plasma glucose, plasma lipids, chickens.
