Use of experimental design methodology for the development of new magnetic siRNA nanovectors (MSN).

Short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) can downregulate the synthesis of proteins and thus be used to treat certain diseases where the protein synthesis is upregulated, such as cancer. The challenge is to deliver siRNAs in the target cell as they are rapidly degraded by nucleases and have difficulties to cross the cellular membranes. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are widely studied as platforms for smart biocompatible nanosystems which can be used for magnetic drug targeting and magnetic resonance imaging.

Gut emptying affects dietary fat contribution to postprandial lipemia following sequential meals in healthy subjects.

Objective: The present study examined the kinetic of plasma triacylglycerol (TAG) and gut emptying after sequential ingestion of breakfast and lunch, and the contribution of dietary fat ingested at breakfast to subsequent TAG after lunch.

Methods: Nine subjects ingested a breakfast (0730 h) and a lunch (1200 h) containing 25 and 44 g of fat, respectively. [1-(13)C] palmitate was added in breakfast only.

Dietary beta-carotene inhibits mammary carcinogenesis in rats depending on dietary alpha-linolenic acid content.

To investigate whether dietary alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) content alters the effect of beta-carotene on mammary carcinogenesis, we conducted a chemically induced mammary tumorigenesis experiment in rats randomly assigned to four nutritional groups (15 rats per group) varying in beta-carotene supplementation and ALA content. Two oil formula-enriched diets (15 %) were used: one with 6 g ALA/kg diet in an essential fatty acids (EFA) ratio of linoleic acid:ALA of 5:1 w/w (EFA 5 diet), the other with 24 g ALA/kg diet in an EFA ratio of 1:1 w/w (EFA 1 diet), both designed with a similar linoleic acid content. beta-Carotene was either added (10 mg/kg diet per d) or not added to these diets.

Enhanced radiosensitivity of rat autochthonous mammary tumors by dietary docosahexaenoic acid.

Dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which integrates into tumor cell membranes, has been reported to enhance the efficacy against tumors of cytotoxic drugs that induce reactive oxygen species (ROS). Because ionizing radiation also generate ROS, we initiated a study to determine whether dietary DHA might sensitize mammary tumors to irradiation. Mammary tumors were induced by N-methylnitrosourea (NMU) in Sprague-Dawley rats.