Docosahexaenoic acid impairs the maturation of very low density lipoproteins in rat hepatic cells.

One mechanism of the lipid-lowering effects of the fish oil n-3 fatty acids [e.g., docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] in cell and animal models is induced hepatic apolipoprotein B100 (apoB) presecretory degradation.

Cell-free supernatants from probiotic Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG decrease colon cancer cell invasion in vitro.

Probiotics have been shown to have a preventative role in colorectal carcinogenesis but research concerning their prophylactic potential in the later stages of colorectal cancer, specifically metastasis is limited. This study explored the potential of cell-free supernatants (CFS) from 2 probiotic Lactobacillus sp., Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, to inhibit colon cancer cell invasion by influencing matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity and levels of the tight junction protein zona occludens-1 (ZO-1) in cultured metastatic human colorectal carcinoma cells.

Bioassays of quorum sensing compounds using Agrobacterium tumefaciens and Chromobacterium violaceum.

In most bacteria, a global level of regulation exists involving intercellular communication via the production and response to cell density-dependent signal molecules. This cell density-dependent regulation has been termed quorum sensing (QS). QS is a global regulator, which has been associated with a number of important features in bacteria including virulence regulation and biofilm formation.

Presecretory oxidation, aggregation, and autophagic destruction of apoprotein-B: a pathway for late-stage quality control.

Hepatic secretion of apolipoprotein-B (apoB), the major protein of atherogenic lipoproteins, is regulated through posttranslational degradation. We reported a degradation pathway, post-ER pre secretory proteolysis (PERPP), that is increased by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated within hepatocytes from dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). We now report the molecular processes by which PUFA-derived ROS regulate PERPP of apoB.

Differences in cell morphology, lipid and apo B secretory capacity in caco-2 cells following long term treatment with saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids.

The suitability of the caco-2 cell line as a model for studying the long term impact of dietary fatty acids on intestinal lipid handling and chylomicron production was examined. Chronic supplementation of caco-2 cells with palmitic acid (PA) resulted in a lower triacylglycerol secretion than oleic acid (OA). This was coupled with a detrimental effect of PA, but not OA, on transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) measurements, suggesting a loss of structural integrity across the cell monolayer.

Saturated fat-induced changes in Sf 60-400 particle composition reduces uptake of LDL by HepG2 cells.

The ability of human postprandial triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins (TRLs), isolated after meals enriched in saturated fatty acids (SFAs), n-6 PUFAs, and MUFAs, to inhibit the uptake of 125I-labeled LDL by the LDL receptor was investigated in HepG2 cells. Addition of TRLs resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of heparin-releasable binding, cell-associated radioactivity, and degradation products of 125I-labeled LDL (P < 0.001).

Prebiotics and synbiotics: towards the next generation.

Recent research in the area of prebiotic oligosaccharides and synbiotic combinations with probiotics is leading towards a more targeted development of functional food ingredients. Improved molecular techniques for analysis of the gut microflora, new manufacturing biotechnologies, and increased understanding of the metabolism of oligosaccharides by probiotics are facilitating development. Such developments are leading us to the time when we will be able to rationally develop prebiotics and synbiotics for specific functional properties and health outcomes.