The liver plays a central role in fatty acid (FA) metabolism, triacylglycerol synthesis, and energy homeostasis. The study aims to evaluate how a four-week dietary intervention with fish-based (EF), milk-based (EM), and standard diets (ES) affects relationships between mineral levels, FA profiles and indices, and oxidative stress parameters in female Wistar rats. Liver tissue samples were collected and analyzed for these variables. Post hoc analysis revealed significant differences in trace elements between the EM and EF and the EM and ES groups, and in toxic trace elements only between the EM and EF groups. Individual mineral differences were observed for calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb), all showing large effect sizes (ηp2 = 0.32–0.63). The strongest mineral–FA correlations occurred mainly in the ES group (15/25) and, to a lesser extent, in EF (9/25), involving 14 minerals, while only one mineral was significant in EM. Individual mineral correlations were most frequent in ES (13/25), followed by EF (8/25) and EM (4/25). Zn was the strongest predictor of malondialdehyde (MDA) in EF (90.6%), and Cu was the main determinant in ES (72.9%). We concluded that EM showed minimal interactions, limited to Fe and oleic acid, whereas EF and ES displayed multiple strong mineral–FA correlations, with ES exhibiting the most extensive and complex interaction network.

Background/Objectives: This research aimed to investigate phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) distribution in the brain, kidneys, and white adipose tissue (WAT) and lipid profiles in response to high-fat diets. Methods: Adult female C57BL/6 mice were fed high-fat diets containing 25% linseed, palm, or sunflower oil for 100 days. The fatty acid composition of dietary oils and tissue PL were analyzed using gas-liquid chromatography. Results: Linseed oil increased n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) with subsequent conversion into long-chain n-3 PUFAs in the brain and kidney PL, while only alpha-linolenic acid was elevated in WAT. Palm and sunflower oils resulted in unique PLFA distributions in the kidneys and WAT. Palm oil raised linoleic acid without conversion to pro-inflammatory n-6 PUFAs. Sunflower oil increased saturated palmitic acid, as opposed to the rise in monounsaturated oleic acid. Linseed oil also significantly improved lipid profiles, reducing LDL and increasing HDL levels while enhancing cardiovascular indices. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that dietary oils significantly impact organ-specific PLFA profiles, with linseed oil enriching brain and renal n-3 PUFAs, while palm and sunflower oils induce distinct modifications in the kidney and WAT. Moreover, linseed oil offers notable cardioprotective benefits due to the favorable lipid profile changes. These findings highlight the importance of dietary fat selection in achieving balanced lipid metabolism and suggest that diverse oil combinations may be essential for optimizing health outcomes.

Liver phospholipid fatty acid composition depends on the dietary lipid intake and the efficiency of hepatic enzymatic activity. Our study aimed to simultaneously investigate the liver phospholipid fatty acid composition in response to chronic linseed, palm, or sunflower oil diets. We used adult female C57/BL6 mice and randomly divided them into control and three groups treated with 25 % dietary oils. Prior to treatment, we analyzed the fatty acid profiles in dietary oils and hepatocytes and, after 100 days, the fatty acid composition in the liver using gas-liquid chromatography. Linseed oil treatment elevated alpha-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosapentaenoic acids and reduced arachidonic and docosatetraenoic acids, consequently lowering the n-6/n-3 ratio. Palm oil treatment increased linoleic acid and decreased docosahexaenoic acid, contributing to an elevated n-6/ n-3 ratio. Sunflower oil treatment elevated total monounsaturated fatty acids by increasing palmitoleic, oleic, and vaccenic acids. The estimated activity of Delta 9 desaturase was significantly elevated in the sunflower oil group, while Delta 5 desaturase was the highest, and Delta 6 desaturase was the lowest after the linseed oil diet. Our findings demonstrate that chronic consumption of linseed, palm, or sunflower oil alters the distribution of liver phospholipid fatty acids differently. Sunflower oil diet elevated total monounsaturated fatty acids, proposing potential benefits for liver tissue health. Considering these outcomes, a substantial recommendation emerges to elevate linseed oil intake, recognized as the principal ALA source, thereby aiding in reducing the n-6/n-3 ratio. Moreover, modifying dietary habits to incorporate specific vegetable oils in daily consumption could substantially enhance overall health.

Background and Objectives: Fatty acids play an important role in many physiological processes in different organs. Their effect is well documented in neurodegenerative diseases and inflammatory diseases. Also, the brain as an organ is known to be enriched by docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA). However, there are not many studies showing the effect of long-term oil diets on brain lipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary sunflower oil (enriched with oleic acid, GA-ME-HA, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Hercegovina) on fatty acid profiles in the brain after 100 days of treatment. Methods: Six-week-old adult female C57BL/6 mice were used in these experiments. A total of 20 laboratory female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into two groups, the control (n = 10) and sunflower diet treatment groups (n = 10), enriched with 25% saturated/unsaturated fats in isocaloric diet conditions. Mice were obtained from the vivarium (Galenika a.d. Belgrade, Serbia) and housed at four or five animals per cage under identical and controlled conditions (temperature 22 ± 1 °C, humidity 65 ± 1%, 12 h circadian rhythm). Fatty acid ester analysis was performed by gas–liquid chromatography (Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan) and presented as percentages of overall 100% fatty acids identified. Results: Our results showed that a sunflower oil diet increases DHA (p < 0.05) as well as arachidonic acid (AA) (p < 0.05). There was also a trend of increasing linoleic acid (LA), but it was not significant. Our future studies would perform more investigations.

Background and Objectives: The liver plays a central role in the biosynthesis and metabolism of fatty acids. The liver’s phospholipids fatty acids composition depends on the dietary intake of lipids and the efficiency of enzymatic activity in the liver. Our study aimed to simultaneously investigate the liver’s phospholipids fatty acids composition and desaturase activity in response to long-term linseed or sunflower oil diets. Methods: We used adult female C57/BL6 mice and randomly divided them into a control and two other groups treated with 25% linseed or sunflower oils in isocaloric diet conditions. Before treatment, we analyzed the fatty acid profiles in dietary oils and hepatocytes. After 100 days of oil diet, we analyzed the fatty acids composition in the liver through GC-chromatography. Results: Sunflower oil elevated total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) due to the increase in palmitoleic, oleic, and vaccenic acids. Linseed oil elevated linolenic (ALA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA), and docosapentaenoic (DPA) acids and reduced arachidonic (AA) and docosatetraenoic (DTA) acids, reducing the n-6/n-3 ratio. The estimated activity of desaturase 9 was significantly elevated in the sunflower oil group. The estimated activity of desaturase 5 was the highest, while the estimated activity of desaturase 6 was the lowest in the mice treated with linseed oil. Discussion: We showed that long-term linseed or sunflower oil consumption affects the liver’s phospholipids fatty acids composition in different ways. Sunflower oil could have beneficial effects on the liver tissue due to the increase in the total MUFA. Based on this and other studies, we conclude that the metabolism of n-3 PUFAs after linseed oil consumption is not sex-specific in the C57/BL6 mice model.

Hyperlipidaemia is a recognised risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In this study, the antihyperlipidaemic properties of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis, strain S2 from Serbia) were tested in adult Wistar rats before and after induction of hypercholesterolaemia by a high-fat diet (HFD) to compare the preventive with the curative effect. Total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels were measured in the blood samples. The chemical composition (lipids, proteins and cholesterol) and the content of bile acids in the faeces of the animals were also analysed. Feeding rats with an atherogenic diet for 10 weeks led to the successful development of hyperlipidaemia, as serum TC and LDL-C levels as well as lipids, cholesterol and bile acids in the animals’ faeces were significantly increased. Pre- and post-treatment with spirulina led to a reduction in serum LDL, TC and ALT levels. Administration of spirulina resulted in both a significant increase in primary bile acids excretion and a decrease in bile acids metabolism, with pre-treatment being more effective than post-treatment in some cases. These results suggest that increased excretion of bile acids as well as an effect on the gut microbiota may be the mechanism responsible for the anti-hyperlipidaemic activity of the tested spirulina strain.

Intake of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) benefits human and animal health. Our study aimed to analyze the long-chain n-3 PUFA content of two types of food and their effect on plasma and erythrocyte phospholipids of Belgian Shepherd dogs. A total of 10 dogs were fed commercial granulated food (Food 1), and another 10 were provided commercial Premium granulated food of high quality (Food 2). All the analyses were performed using gas-liquid chromatography. Our results showed that Food 1 contained more n-3 PUFA than Food 2, which was reflected in higher n-3 PUFA in plasma and erythrocyte phospholipids. Because long-chain n-3 PUFA in phospholipids are precursors for antioxidative molecules, further studies should investigate the effects of the analyzed commercial granulated food rich in n-3 on oxidative stress parameters in dogs.

Our focus was to obtain an overall picture of the different beneficial properties of zeolite, based on its chemical and physical characteristics, which depend on zeolite absorption and exchange of ions. These characteristics make them very useful for various applications, including agriculture (as an animal feed additive and in food technology production), veterinary and human medicine, ecology, certain manufacturing, and cosmetics. Zeolite has pleiotropic effects, and the most important of them are detoxifying, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory roles. We wanted to underline, with the review of the scientific literature, the positive medical beneficial effects of zeolite on the general health status.

Introduction:Fatty acids (FAs) composition and desaturase activities can be altered in different metabolic conditions, but the adiposity-independent associations with clinical and biochemical indicators of cardiometabolic risk are still unclear. This study aimed to analyze the associations of FAs composition and estimated desaturase activities with anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical cardiometabolic risk indicators in non-diabetic Serbian women, and to investigate if these associations were independent of the level of adiposity and other confounders.Methods:In 76 non-diabetic, otherwise healthy Serbian women, aged 24-68 years, with or without metabolic syndrome or obesity (BMI=23.6±5.6 kg/m2), FA composition in erythrocyte phospholipids was measured by gas-liquid chromatography. Desaturase activities were estimated from product/precursor FAs ratios (D9D:16:1n-7/16:0; D6D:20:3n-6/18:2n-6; D5D:20:4n-6/20:3n-6). Correlations were made with anthropometric, biochemical (serum glucose, triacylglycerols, LDL-C, HDL-C, ALT, AST, and their ratios) and clinical (blood pressure) indicators of cardiometabolic risk. Linear regression models were performed to test the independence of these associations.Results:Estimated desaturase activities and certain FAs were associated with anthropometric, clinical and biochemical indicators of cardiometabolic risk: D9D, D6D, 16:1n-7 and 20:3n-6 were directly associated, while D5D and 18:0 were inversely associated. However, the associations with clinical and biochemical indicators were not independent of the associations with the level of adiposity, since they were lost after controlling for anthropometric indices. After controlling for multiple confounders (age, postmenopausal status, education, smoking, physical activity, dietary macronutrient intakes, use of supplements, alcohol consumption), the level of adiposity was the most significant predictor of desaturase activities and aforementioned FAs levels, and mediated their association with biochemical/clinical indicators. Vice versa, desaturase activities predicted the level of adiposity, but not other components of cardiometabolic risk (if the level of adiposity was accounted). While the associations of anthropometric indices with 16:1n-7, 20:3n-6, 18:0 and D9D and D6D activities were linear, the associations with D5D activity were the inverse U-shaped. The only adiposity-independent association of FAs profiles with the indicators of cardiometabolic risk was a positive association of 20:5n-3 with ALT/AST ratio, which requires further exploration.Discussion:Additional studies are needed to explore the mechanisms of the observed associations.

BACKGROUND:The pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) seem effective in increasing bone mineral density and promoting osteogenesis and bone healing.OBJECTIVE:To examine the effect of two different modalities of PEMFs therapy in comparison with the recommended pharmacological treatment on experimental osteoporosis in rats.METHODS:The experimental model of estrogen-deficient osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy was used in this study. The animals were exposed to PEMFs of various frequencies (40 Hz and 25 Hzk), intensities (10 mT and 36.4 μT), lengths of exposure, and the effects were compared with the standard treatment with pamidronate, vitamin D, and calcium supplementation.RESULTS:The application of PEMF40Hz, significantly reduced the osteoporotic bone loss in female rats that were confirmed with biochemical, biomechanical, and histological analyses. These effects were more pronounced than in osteoporotic animals treated with pamidronate, vitamin D, and calcium supplementation. On the contrary, the exposure to PEMF25Hz did not show restorative effects but led to further progression of osteoporosis.CONCLUSION:The exposure to PEMF40Hz, significantly restored osteoporosis and attenuated bone fragility in comparison to the rats exposed to PEMF25Hz or those treated with pamidronate, vitamin D, and calcium supplementation.

We observed different outcomes upon the subacute exposure to the 128 mT highly homogeneous static magnetic field (SMF) when its orientation was (i) aligned with the vertical component of the geomagnetic field; (ii) in the opposite direction. We employed the fatty acids (FA) composition and digital image analyses (DIA) to provide insights into the underlying processes and examine the possible weak SMF effects. Swiss-Webster male mice were whole-body exposed for 1 h/day over five days. Brain tissue's thin liquid chromatography resulted in brain FA composition, indicating a possible sequence of changes due to the SMF exposure. Quantitative DIA accurately assessed different image parameters. Delicate textural changes were revealed in the group where pathohistological or biochemical alterations have not been detected. DIA-based biological markers seem to be very promising for studying delicate tissue changes, which results from the high sensitivity and wide availability of DIA.

The essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is present in high amounts in oils such as flaxseed, soy, hemp, rapeseed, chia, and perilla, while stearidonic acid is abundant in echium oil. ALA is metabolized to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by desaturases and elongases in humans. The conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA is limited, and these long-chain n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are mainly provided from dietary sources (fish and seafood). This review provides an overview of studies that explored the effects of dietary supplementation with ALA in obesity and related diseases. The obesity-associated changes of desaturase and elongase activities are summarized, as they could influence the metabolic conversion of ALA. Generally, supplementation with ALA or ALA-rich oils leads to an increase in EPA levels and has no effect on DHA or omega-3 index. According to the literature data, stearidonic acid could enhance conversion of ALA to long-chain n−3 PUFA in obesity. Recent studies confirm that EPA and DHA intake should be considered as a primary dietary treatment strategy for improving the omega-3 index in obesity and related diseases.

Background/Aim: Sulphur mineral water is widely used in the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases. Hydrogen sulphide is an important regulator of bone metabolism and its application in the treatment of osteoporosis is intensively researched. The aim of this study was to analyse biochemical and histological effects of H2S containing mineral water of "Mlječanica" spring on ovariectomy-induced experimental osteoporosis in rats. Methods: In this experiment a 14-week-old Wistar female rats were used. The animals undergone bilateral ovariectomy (OVX groups) as an experimental model for oestrogen-deficient osteoporosis. After six weeks, animals were divided into control and the experimental group. Rats from the experimental group treated with H2S (SW group) containing mineral water ad libitum during five weeks. Biochemical parameters for monitoring sulphur water effects were concentration in serum of osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, calcium and phosphorus. Histological analyses of the left tibia coloured with haematoxylin-eosin were carried out. Results: Regarding the biochemical parameters, a statistically significant increase was observed in the OVX group for osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase calcium and phosphorus compared to the sham-operated (CNT) group (p < 0.01). In SW + OVX, alkaline phosphatase was statistically significantly decreased (p < 0.01) and serum osteocalcin and phosphorus increased (p < 0.01). Calcium values were increased without significance. In the OVX + SW group, histological analyses showed numerous osteoblasts along the trabecular endosteum and the growth of young chondrocytes in the central bone zone and their migration to the peripheral parts. Conclusion: Drinking the H2S containing "Mlječanica" mineral water has led to decreased alkaline phosphatase, increased osteocalcin and phosphorus concentration in serum and stimulated the bone reparation in osteoporotic rats.

The main objective of the research is to demonstrate the possible approaches to treatment of architectural heritage largely destroyed by bombardment, particularly to give an alternative method in reconstruction of bombarded urban landmarks, in regards to negative emotional attachment (detachment or alienation). The background research is based on the essential theories and studies connected to the treatment of bombarded places and war architecture, architecture of ruins, memory, identity, and emotional attachment, reflecting on reconstruction, conservation, and revitalisation methods. The hypothesis of the research is that the emotional attachment defines place identity. The paper focuses on the case study of the bombarded urban landmark of Generalštab complex in Belgrade. Using a questionnaire which involved 235 respondents, a relationship was established between the citizens of Belgrade and the Generalštab complex. The questionnaire gathered information on (1) recognisability, values, and significance, (2) emotional connection, and (3) citizens’ attitudes to possible approaches on the treatment of the Generalštab in the future. Finally, as a result of comprehensive analysis, the paper proposes one of the potential architectural approaches towards Generalštab complex, which is in line with the principles of the profession, but also the citizens’ attitudes and the needs of the City of Belgrade. Overall, the research aims to show the complexity of the observed topics, as well as an attempt to raise and develop the awareness about the importance and value of the bombarded architectural heritage.

The fruit juice industry generates pomace as a valuable by-product especially rich in polyphenols, dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals, and unsaturated fatty acids. In the cookies used in this study, 30% of the gluten-free flour was replaced with dried and ground blueberry and raspberry pomace, rich source of polyphenols, dietary fibers, linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid. In order to examine whether the addition of blueberry and raspberry pomace in cookie formulation can have beneficial effects on certain blood parameters and anthropometric measurements, the designed cookies were tested in 20 healthy, normally fed female subjects, aged 30–50 years (41.35 ± 8.58 years) over four-week dietetic intervention study. Significant changes in the composition of fatty acids serum phospholipids, decrease in LDL-cholesterol level (20.16%), increase in adiponectin level (25.52%) and decrease in ALT and AST values were observed, thus indicating that inclusion of cookies containing blueberry and raspberry dried and ground pomace to usual diet might have positive effects on certain cardiovascular risk factors and liver function indicators.

Walnut consumption mostly has a positive implication for cardiovascular health. Walnut diet effects on the cardiac fatty acid (FA) metabolism of healthy rats and those with fructose diet-induced metabolic burden were analysed. Both walnuts and fructose increased CD36 transporter level and the nuclear content of some/all of Lipin 1/PPARα/PGC-1 complex partners, as well as cytosolic and nuclear FOXO1. However, fructose, independently of walnuts, increased the content of palmitic (PA), oleic, and vaccenic acid (VA), while in walnut-fed rats failed to increase palmitoleic acid (POA) level and the POA/PA ratio, as well as total MUFA content. In opposite, walnuts reduced the level of PA and VA and increased alpha-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic and docosapentaenoic acid level, regardless of fructose. In conclusion, both fructose and walnuts stimulated the uptake and oxidation of FA in the heart, but the walnuts, opposite to fructose, favourably altered cardiac FA profile in healthy and metabolically compromised rats.

One of the most popular dairy products worldwide is yogurt, which flavor is highly influenced by lactic acid content. Yogurts with fruit preparations contain polyphenols, secondary plant metabolites with proven antioxidant properties. As there is no data regarding neither lactate nor polyphenol content in commercial yogurts in Serbia, this study aimed to determine lactate and polyphenol levels, as well as antioxidant activity in selected yogurts. A total of 15 plain and 5 fruit yogurts with strawberry preparations were analyzed. Lactate contents were from 0.83 to 1.33%. Three plain yogurts in plastic containers differed in lactate content. There was no difference in lactate content among the same plain yogurts packed in plastic and Tetra Pack containers. Fruit yogurts with strawberry preparations differed in total polyphenol content in the range from 6.84 to 29.11mg GAE/100 g and antioxidant properties were determined by reducing power test (from 0.22 to 0.79) and DPPH assay (from 28.13 to 87.23%), while there was no difference regarding lactate. Our results provided new information about the levels of lactate, total polyphenols and antioxidant activity of selected commercial yogurts available on the Serbian market.

The synthesis, degradation, and reconstruction of the cell membrane as a metabolic pathway of phospholipids is a constant and dynamic process. Fatty acids as bioactive lipid components of plasma and erythrocyte phospholipids as structural lipids have biological roles in the integrity of cell membranes. Fatty acids, depending on the chain length, the degree of saturation, and the synthesis pathways, can alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress caused by excessive exercise. Considering that changing food intake or diet can influence fatty acid phospholipid metabolism, our study aimed to determine the potential benefits of fish-based diets in working (police) dogs undergoing intensive training concerning bioactive lipids such as fatty acids, phospholipids of plasma, and erythrocytes. Fatty acid esters' composition of plasma and erythrocyte phospholipids as a bioactive lipids, in addition to markers of oxidative stress and metabolic parameters, were analysed by GC chromatography. The food was well tolerated by all dogs, and the compliance to the diet was high throughout the study. After the treatment with fish-based food, blood glucose, total, and LDL cholesterol levels were significantly reduced, indicating positive biochemical profiles of dogs. Correlations of fatty acid phospholipid compositions between plasma and erythrocytes have shown that both plasma and erythrocytes could represent markers of omega-3 eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid intake levels in dogs. Morover, fish-based food supplementation caused a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation markers. The enrichment of dogs' diets with marine fish could improve oxidative status and improve roles and status of bioactive lipids, such as membrane phospholipids and fatty acids, as its components in plasma and erythrocytes in police dogs exposed to intensive exercise.

Microscopic examination of stained peripheral blood smears is, nowadays, an indispensable tool in the evaluation of patients with hematological and non-hematological diseases. While a rapid automated quantification of the regular blood cells is available, recognition and counting of immature white blood cells (WBC) still relies mostly on the microscopic examination of blood smears by an experienced observer. Recently, there are efforts to improve the prediction by various machine learning approaches. An open dataset collection including the recently digitalized single-cell images for 200 patients, from peripheral blood smears at 100 × magnification, was used. We studied different morphological, fractal, and textural descriptors for WBC classification, with an aim to indicate the most reliable parameters for the recognition of certain cell types. Structural properties of both the mature and non-mature leukocytes obtained from (i) acute myeloid leukemia patients, or (ii) non-malignant controls, were studied in depth, with a sample size of about 25 WBC per group. We quantified structural and textural differences and, based on the statistical ranges of parameters for different WBC types, selected eight features for classification: Cell area, Nucleus-to-cell ratio, Nucleus solidity, Fractal dimension, Correlation, Contrast, Homogeneity, and Energy. Classification Precision of up to 100% (80% on average) was achieved.