Antihelmintic effects of nutmeg (Myristica fragans) on Anisakis simplex L3 larvae obtained from Micromesistius potassou.

Anisakis simplex is a foodborne pathogen that can produce human infections and allergic reactions due to the high consumption of raw fish. The seeds of Myristica fragans (Myristicaceae), popularly known as nutmeg, are worldwide used as a culinary spice due to its flavour and properties in food preservation. A nutmeg extract was prepared, analyzed, screened for cytotoxicity and tested against Anisakis simplex L3 larvae.

C-reactive protein levels and prevalence of chronic infections in subjects with hypoalphalipoproteinemia.

Low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) show a consistent relationship with the development of atherosclerosis. The underlying mechanisms are not well understood, but recent studies in subjects with primary hypoalphalipoproteinemia suggest that this could represent a proinflammatory condition. To better assess the link between HDL-C levels and C-reactive protein levels and the possible role of chronic infections as putative mediators of this relationship, we studied a population sample with nonselected causes of hypoalphalipoproteinemia.

Fatty acid saturation of the diet and plasma lipid concentrations, lipoprotein particle concentrations, and cholesterol efflux capacity.

Background: The fatty acid content and saturation degree of the diet can modulate HDL composition and cholesterol efflux.

Objective: We studied the modifications in plasma lipoprotein particles and serum capacity to stimulate cholesterol efflux induced by different fatty acids.

Design: Seventeen women and 24 men followed in the same sequence 4 diets containing 35% of total energy as fat.

Atorvastatin reduces the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis and in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells.

Inflammation is involved in the genesis and rupture of atherosclerotic plaques. We assessed the effect of atorvastatin (ATV) on the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and other proinflammatory molecules in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis. Fourteen animals underwent injury of femoral arteries and 2 weeks of atherogenic diet.