Figure 1.
Animal feeding groups and experimental timeline. 0.3 mg Cr/kg of body weight as chromium picolinate (Cr-Pic) and chromium nanoparticles (Cr-NPs) were added to the diet as an emulsion together with dietary rapeseed oil for 9 weeks of supplementation after the initial 9 week period of experimental feed without Cr supplementation. Rats at 7 weeks of age were fed with two types of diet: a standard-fat-and-fiber (S) diet and a high-fat–low-fiber (F) diet for either 9 weeks or 18 weeks (9 + 9 weeks). The following groups of rats were studied: Control S: the S diet plus the S diet; Control FS: the F diet and the S diet; Cr–Pic FS: the F diet and the Cr–Pic S diet; Cr–NPs FS: the F diet and the Cr–NPs S diet; Control FF: the F diet and the F diet; Cr–Pic FF: the F diet and the Cr–Pic F diet; Cr–NPs FF: the F diet and the Cr–NPs F diet.
Figure 1.
Animal feeding groups and experimental timeline. 0.3 mg Cr/kg of body weight as chromium picolinate (Cr-Pic) and chromium nanoparticles (Cr-NPs) were added to the diet as an emulsion together with dietary rapeseed oil for 9 weeks of supplementation after the initial 9 week period of experimental feed without Cr supplementation. Rats at 7 weeks of age were fed with two types of diet: a standard-fat-and-fiber (S) diet and a high-fat–low-fiber (F) diet for either 9 weeks or 18 weeks (9 + 9 weeks). The following groups of rats were studied: Control S: the S diet plus the S diet; Control FS: the F diet and the S diet; Cr–Pic FS: the F diet and the Cr–Pic S diet; Cr–NPs FS: the F diet and the Cr–NPs S diet; Control FF: the F diet and the F diet; Cr–Pic FF: the F diet and the Cr–Pic F diet; Cr–NPs FF: the F diet and the Cr–NPs F diet.
Figure 2.
Blood plasma ACW of either chromium (Cr)-supplemented (9 weeks of supplementation) or non-supplemented (Control S, Control FS, and Control FF) rats. 0.3 mg of Cr per kg of body weight as chromium picolinate (Cr–Pic) or chromium nanoparticles (Cr–NPs) were added after the initial 9 weeks of experimental feed without Cr supplementation. Two types of diet were applied: a standard-fat-and-fiber (S) diet and a high-fat–low-fiber (F) diet. Rats at 7 weeks of age were fed with an S diet or an F diet for either 9 weeks or 9 + 9 weeks. The following groups of rats were studied: Control S, the S diet plus the S diet; Control FS, the F diet and the S diet; Cr–Pic FS, the F diet and the Cr–Pic S diet; Cr–NPs FS, the F diet and the Cr–NPs S diet; Control FF, the F diet and the F diet; Cr–Pic FF, the F diet and the Cr–Pic F diet; Cr–NPs FF, the F diet and the Cr–NPs F diet. Values are means ± SD, n = 10, p ≤ 0.05 (two-way ANOVA/Tukey’s multiple comparisons test). ACW is a marker that distinguishes Cr–NPs from Cr–Pic in rats fed with the F diet for 9 weeks. Abbreviations: ACW, antioxidant capacity of water-soluble compounds.
Figure 2.
Blood plasma ACW of either chromium (Cr)-supplemented (9 weeks of supplementation) or non-supplemented (Control S, Control FS, and Control FF) rats. 0.3 mg of Cr per kg of body weight as chromium picolinate (Cr–Pic) or chromium nanoparticles (Cr–NPs) were added after the initial 9 weeks of experimental feed without Cr supplementation. Two types of diet were applied: a standard-fat-and-fiber (S) diet and a high-fat–low-fiber (F) diet. Rats at 7 weeks of age were fed with an S diet or an F diet for either 9 weeks or 9 + 9 weeks. The following groups of rats were studied: Control S, the S diet plus the S diet; Control FS, the F diet and the S diet; Cr–Pic FS, the F diet and the Cr–Pic S diet; Cr–NPs FS, the F diet and the Cr–NPs S diet; Control FF, the F diet and the F diet; Cr–Pic FF, the F diet and the Cr–Pic F diet; Cr–NPs FF, the F diet and the Cr–NPs F diet. Values are means ± SD, n = 10, p ≤ 0.05 (two-way ANOVA/Tukey’s multiple comparisons test). ACW is a marker that distinguishes Cr–NPs from Cr–Pic in rats fed with the F diet for 9 weeks. Abbreviations: ACW, antioxidant capacity of water-soluble compounds.
Figure 3.
Heart MDA (A), GSH+GSSG (B), SOD (C) and CAT (D) of either chromium (Cr)-supplemented (9 weeks of supplementation) or nonsupplemented (Control S, Control FS, and Control FF) rats. 0.3 mg Cr/kg of body weight as chromium picolinate (Cr–Pic) or chromium nanoparticles (Cr–NPs) were added after the initial 9 weeks of experimental feed without Cr supplementation. Two types of diet were applied: a standard-fat-and-fiber (S) diet and a high-fat–low-fiber (F) diet. Rats at 7 weeks of age were fed with an S diet or an F diet for either 9 weeks or 9 + 9 weeks. The following groups of rats were studied: Control S, the S diet plus the S diet; Control FS, the F diet and the S diet; Cr–Pic FS, the F diet and the Cr–Pic S diet; Cr–NPs FS, the F diet and the Cr–NPs S diet; Control FF, the F diet and the F diet; Cr–Pic FF, the F diet and the Cr–Pic F diet; Cr–NPs FF, the F diet and the Cr–NPs F diet. Values are means ± SD, n = 8, p ≤ 0.05 (two-way ANOVA/Tukey’s multiple comparisons test). In rats fed with the F diet for 9 weeks, Cr–NPs and Cr–Pic decreased the GSH+GSSG. In rats fed with F diet for 18 weeks Cr–NPs decreased both the MDA and CAT and increased SOD; meanwhile, Cr–Pic decreased CAT and increased SOD. No significant difference between Cr–NPs and Cr–Pic was observed in MDA, GSH+GSSG, SOD, and CAT. Abbreviations: CAT, catalase; GSH+GSSG, total glutathione; MDA, malondialdehyde; SOD, superoxide dismutase.
Figure 3.
Heart MDA (A), GSH+GSSG (B), SOD (C) and CAT (D) of either chromium (Cr)-supplemented (9 weeks of supplementation) or nonsupplemented (Control S, Control FS, and Control FF) rats. 0.3 mg Cr/kg of body weight as chromium picolinate (Cr–Pic) or chromium nanoparticles (Cr–NPs) were added after the initial 9 weeks of experimental feed without Cr supplementation. Two types of diet were applied: a standard-fat-and-fiber (S) diet and a high-fat–low-fiber (F) diet. Rats at 7 weeks of age were fed with an S diet or an F diet for either 9 weeks or 9 + 9 weeks. The following groups of rats were studied: Control S, the S diet plus the S diet; Control FS, the F diet and the S diet; Cr–Pic FS, the F diet and the Cr–Pic S diet; Cr–NPs FS, the F diet and the Cr–NPs S diet; Control FF, the F diet and the F diet; Cr–Pic FF, the F diet and the Cr–Pic F diet; Cr–NPs FF, the F diet and the Cr–NPs F diet. Values are means ± SD, n = 8, p ≤ 0.05 (two-way ANOVA/Tukey’s multiple comparisons test). In rats fed with the F diet for 9 weeks, Cr–NPs and Cr–Pic decreased the GSH+GSSG. In rats fed with F diet for 18 weeks Cr–NPs decreased both the MDA and CAT and increased SOD; meanwhile, Cr–Pic decreased CAT and increased SOD. No significant difference between Cr–NPs and Cr–Pic was observed in MDA, GSH+GSSG, SOD, and CAT. Abbreviations: CAT, catalase; GSH+GSSG, total glutathione; MDA, malondialdehyde; SOD, superoxide dismutase.
Figure 4.
The vasodilator response to acetylcholine (ACh) in aortic rings from either chromium (Cr) supplemented (9 weeks of supplementation) or non-supplemented (Control S, Control FS, and Control FF) rats. 0.3 mg Cr/kg of body weight as chromium picolinate (Cr–Pic) or chromium nanoparticles (Cr–NPs) were added after the initial 9 weeks of experimental feed without Cr supplementation. Two types of diet were applied: a standard-fat-and-fiber (S) diet and a high-fat–low-fiber (F) diet. Rats at 7 weeks of age were fed with an S diet or an F diet for either 9 weeks or 9 + 9 weeks. The following groups of rats were studied: Control S, the S diet plus the S diet; Control FS, the F diet and the S diet; Cr–Pic FS, the F diet and the Cr–Pic S diet; Cr–NPs FS, the F diet and the Cr–NPs S diet; Control FF, the F diet and the F diet; Cr–Pic FF, the F diet and the Cr–Pic F diet; Cr–NPs FF, the F diet and the Cr–NPs F diet. FS group (A), FF group (B), Control groups (C), FS vs. FF group (D). Results (means ± SEM) are expressed as a percentage of the inhibition of the contraction induced by noradrenaline (0.1 μM), n = 8, * p ≤ 0.05 (two-way ANOVA/Šídák’s). F diet given for 18 weeks decreased vasodilation to ACh compared to either S diet (18 weeks) or F diet (9 weeks), and it was Cr–Pic that modified vasodilation.
Figure 4.
The vasodilator response to acetylcholine (ACh) in aortic rings from either chromium (Cr) supplemented (9 weeks of supplementation) or non-supplemented (Control S, Control FS, and Control FF) rats. 0.3 mg Cr/kg of body weight as chromium picolinate (Cr–Pic) or chromium nanoparticles (Cr–NPs) were added after the initial 9 weeks of experimental feed without Cr supplementation. Two types of diet were applied: a standard-fat-and-fiber (S) diet and a high-fat–low-fiber (F) diet. Rats at 7 weeks of age were fed with an S diet or an F diet for either 9 weeks or 9 + 9 weeks. The following groups of rats were studied: Control S, the S diet plus the S diet; Control FS, the F diet and the S diet; Cr–Pic FS, the F diet and the Cr–Pic S diet; Cr–NPs FS, the F diet and the Cr–NPs S diet; Control FF, the F diet and the F diet; Cr–Pic FF, the F diet and the Cr–Pic F diet; Cr–NPs FF, the F diet and the Cr–NPs F diet. FS group (A), FF group (B), Control groups (C), FS vs. FF group (D). Results (means ± SEM) are expressed as a percentage of the inhibition of the contraction induced by noradrenaline (0.1 μM), n = 8, * p ≤ 0.05 (two-way ANOVA/Šídák’s). F diet given for 18 weeks decreased vasodilation to ACh compared to either S diet (18 weeks) or F diet (9 weeks), and it was Cr–Pic that modified vasodilation.
Figure 5.
Effects of 1400 W (1 µM) on the concentration–response curves to acetylcholine (ACh) in aortic rings from the following groups of rats: control S (A), control FS (B), control FF (C), Cr–Pic FS (D), Cr–Pic FF (E), Cr–NPs FS (F), and Cr–NPs FF (G). 0.3 mg Cr/kg of body weight as chromium picolinate (Cr–Pic) and chromium nanoparticles (Cr–NPs) were added for 9 weeks of supplementation after the initial 9-week period of experimental feed without Cr supplementation. Two types of diet were applied: a standard-fat-and-fiber (S) diet and a high-fat–low-fiber (F) diet. Rats at 7 weeks of age were fed with an S diet or an F diet for either 9 weeks or 9 + 9 weeks. The following groups of rats were studied: Control S, the S diet plus the S diet; Control FS, the F diet and the S diet; Cr–Pic FS, the F diet and the Cr–Pic S diet; Cr–NPs FS, the F diet and the Cr–NPs S diet; Control FF, the F diet and the F diet; Cr–Pic FF, the F diet and the Cr–Pic F diet; Cr–NPs FF, the F diet and the Cr–NPs F diet. Results (means ± SEM) are expressed as percentage of inhibition of contraction induced by noradrenaline (0.1 µM). n = 8, * p ≤ 0.05 (two-way ANOVA/Šídák’s) compared with control conditions. In arteries from rats fed with the F diet for 9 weeks, both Cr–Pic and Cr–NPs enhanced participation of NO derived from iNOS in vascular relaxation to ACh.
Figure 5.
Effects of 1400 W (1 µM) on the concentration–response curves to acetylcholine (ACh) in aortic rings from the following groups of rats: control S (A), control FS (B), control FF (C), Cr–Pic FS (D), Cr–Pic FF (E), Cr–NPs FS (F), and Cr–NPs FF (G). 0.3 mg Cr/kg of body weight as chromium picolinate (Cr–Pic) and chromium nanoparticles (Cr–NPs) were added for 9 weeks of supplementation after the initial 9-week period of experimental feed without Cr supplementation. Two types of diet were applied: a standard-fat-and-fiber (S) diet and a high-fat–low-fiber (F) diet. Rats at 7 weeks of age were fed with an S diet or an F diet for either 9 weeks or 9 + 9 weeks. The following groups of rats were studied: Control S, the S diet plus the S diet; Control FS, the F diet and the S diet; Cr–Pic FS, the F diet and the Cr–Pic S diet; Cr–NPs FS, the F diet and the Cr–NPs S diet; Control FF, the F diet and the F diet; Cr–Pic FF, the F diet and the Cr–Pic F diet; Cr–NPs FF, the F diet and the Cr–NPs F diet. Results (means ± SEM) are expressed as percentage of inhibition of contraction induced by noradrenaline (0.1 µM). n = 8, * p ≤ 0.05 (two-way ANOVA/Šídák’s) compared with control conditions. In arteries from rats fed with the F diet for 9 weeks, both Cr–Pic and Cr–NPs enhanced participation of NO derived from iNOS in vascular relaxation to ACh.
Figure 6.
Effects of indomethacin (10 µM) and NS-398 (10 µM) on the concentration–response curves to acetylcholine (ACh) in aortic rings from the following groups of rats: control S (A), control FS (B), control FF (C), Cr–Pic FS (D), Cr–Pic FF (E), Cr–NPs FS (F), and Cr–NPs FF (G). 0.3 mg Cr/kg of body weight as chromium picolinate (Cr–Pic) and chromium nanoparticles (Cr–NPs) were added for 9 weeks of supplementation after the initial 9-week period of experimental feed without Cr supplementation. Two types of diet were applied: a standard-fat-and-fiber (S) diet and a high-fat–low-fiber (F) diet. Rats at 7 weeks of age were fed with an S diet or an F diet for either 9 weeks or 9 + 9 weeks. The following groups of rats were studied: Control S, the S diet plus the S diet; Control FS, the F diet and the S diet; Cr–Pic FS, the F diet and the Cr–Pic S diet; Cr–NPs FS, the F diet and the Cr–NPs S diet; Control FF, the F diet and the F diet; Cr–Pic FF, the F diet and the Cr–Pic F diet; Cr–NPs FF, the F diet and the Cr–NPs F diet. Results (means ± SEM) are expressed as percentage of inhibition of contraction induced by noradrenaline (0.1 µM). n = 8, * p ≤ 0.05 (two-way ANOVA/Šídák’s) compared with control conditions. In arteries from rats fed with the F diet for 9 weeks, both Cr–Pic and Cr–NPs attenuated vasodilation.
Figure 6.
Effects of indomethacin (10 µM) and NS-398 (10 µM) on the concentration–response curves to acetylcholine (ACh) in aortic rings from the following groups of rats: control S (A), control FS (B), control FF (C), Cr–Pic FS (D), Cr–Pic FF (E), Cr–NPs FS (F), and Cr–NPs FF (G). 0.3 mg Cr/kg of body weight as chromium picolinate (Cr–Pic) and chromium nanoparticles (Cr–NPs) were added for 9 weeks of supplementation after the initial 9-week period of experimental feed without Cr supplementation. Two types of diet were applied: a standard-fat-and-fiber (S) diet and a high-fat–low-fiber (F) diet. Rats at 7 weeks of age were fed with an S diet or an F diet for either 9 weeks or 9 + 9 weeks. The following groups of rats were studied: Control S, the S diet plus the S diet; Control FS, the F diet and the S diet; Cr–Pic FS, the F diet and the Cr–Pic S diet; Cr–NPs FS, the F diet and the Cr–NPs S diet; Control FF, the F diet and the F diet; Cr–Pic FF, the F diet and the Cr–Pic F diet; Cr–NPs FF, the F diet and the Cr–NPs F diet. Results (means ± SEM) are expressed as percentage of inhibition of contraction induced by noradrenaline (0.1 µM). n = 8, * p ≤ 0.05 (two-way ANOVA/Šídák’s) compared with control conditions. In arteries from rats fed with the F diet for 9 weeks, both Cr–Pic and Cr–NPs attenuated vasodilation.
Figure 7.
Effects of SQ-29,548 (1 µM) on the concentration–response curves to acetylcholine (ACh) in aortic rings from the following groups of rats: control S (A), control FS (B), control FF (C), Cr–Pic FS (D), Cr–Pic FF (E), Cr–NPs FS (F), and Cr–NPs FF (G). 0.3 mg Cr/kg of body weight as chromium picolinate (Cr–Pic) and chromium nanoparticles (Cr–NPs) were added for 9 weeks of supplementation after the initial 9-week period of experimental feed without Cr supplementation. Two types of diet were applied: a standard-fat-and-fiber (S) diet and a high-fat–low-fiber (F) diet. Rats at 7 weeks of age were fed with an S diet or an F diet for either 9 weeks or 9 + 9 weeks. The following groups of rats were studied: Control S, the S diet plus the S diet; Control FS, the F diet and the S diet; Cr–Pic FS, the F diet and the Cr–Pic S diet; Cr–NPs FS, the F diet and the Cr–NPs S diet; Control FF, the F diet and the F diet; Cr–Pic FF, the F diet and the Cr–Pic F diet; Cr–NPs FF, the F diet and the Cr–NPs F diet. Results (means ± SEM) are expressed as percentage of inhibition of contraction induced by noradrenaline (0.1 µM). n = 8, p ≤ 0.05 (two-way ANOVA/Šídák’s) compared with control conditions. No significant difference was observed between the analyzed groups.
Figure 7.
Effects of SQ-29,548 (1 µM) on the concentration–response curves to acetylcholine (ACh) in aortic rings from the following groups of rats: control S (A), control FS (B), control FF (C), Cr–Pic FS (D), Cr–Pic FF (E), Cr–NPs FS (F), and Cr–NPs FF (G). 0.3 mg Cr/kg of body weight as chromium picolinate (Cr–Pic) and chromium nanoparticles (Cr–NPs) were added for 9 weeks of supplementation after the initial 9-week period of experimental feed without Cr supplementation. Two types of diet were applied: a standard-fat-and-fiber (S) diet and a high-fat–low-fiber (F) diet. Rats at 7 weeks of age were fed with an S diet or an F diet for either 9 weeks or 9 + 9 weeks. The following groups of rats were studied: Control S, the S diet plus the S diet; Control FS, the F diet and the S diet; Cr–Pic FS, the F diet and the Cr–Pic S diet; Cr–NPs FS, the F diet and the Cr–NPs S diet; Control FF, the F diet and the F diet; Cr–Pic FF, the F diet and the Cr–Pic F diet; Cr–NPs FF, the F diet and the Cr–NPs F diet. Results (means ± SEM) are expressed as percentage of inhibition of contraction induced by noradrenaline (0.1 µM). n = 8, p ≤ 0.05 (two-way ANOVA/Šídák’s) compared with control conditions. No significant difference was observed between the analyzed groups.
Figure 8.
Effects of TCP (10 µM) and TCP (10 µM) plus SQ-29,548 (1 µM) on the concentration–response curves to acetylcholine (ACh) in aortic rings from the following groups of rats: control S (A), control FS (B), control FF (C), Cr–Pic FS (D), Cr–Pic FF (E), Cr–NPs FS (F), and Cr–NPs FF (G). 0.3 mg Cr/kg of body weight as chromium picolinate (Cr–Pic) and chromium nanoparticles (Cr–NPs) were added for 9 weeks of supplementation after the initial 9-week period of experimental feed without Cr supplementation. Two types of diet were applied: a standard-fat-and-fiber (S) diet and a high-fat–low-fiber (F) diet. Rats at 7 weeks of age were fed with an S diet or an F diet for either 9 weeks or 9 + 9 weeks. The following groups of rats were studied: Control S, the S diet plus the S diet; Control FS, the F diet and the S diet; Cr–Pic FS, the F diet and the Cr–Pic S diet; Cr–NPs FS, the F diet and the Cr–NPs S diet; Control FF, the F diet and the F diet; Cr–Pic FF, the F diet and the Cr–Pic F diet; Cr–NPs FF, the F diet and the Cr–NPs F diet. Results (means ± SEM) are expressed as a percentage of inhibition of contraction induced by noradrenaline (0.1 µM). n = 8, * p ≤ 0.05 (two-way ANOVA/Šídák’s) compared with control conditions. In arteries from rats fed with the F diet for 9 weeks, Cr–NPs decreased the sensitivity to ACh in arteries pre-incubated with TCP and TCP+SQ-29,548.
Figure 8.
Effects of TCP (10 µM) and TCP (10 µM) plus SQ-29,548 (1 µM) on the concentration–response curves to acetylcholine (ACh) in aortic rings from the following groups of rats: control S (A), control FS (B), control FF (C), Cr–Pic FS (D), Cr–Pic FF (E), Cr–NPs FS (F), and Cr–NPs FF (G). 0.3 mg Cr/kg of body weight as chromium picolinate (Cr–Pic) and chromium nanoparticles (Cr–NPs) were added for 9 weeks of supplementation after the initial 9-week period of experimental feed without Cr supplementation. Two types of diet were applied: a standard-fat-and-fiber (S) diet and a high-fat–low-fiber (F) diet. Rats at 7 weeks of age were fed with an S diet or an F diet for either 9 weeks or 9 + 9 weeks. The following groups of rats were studied: Control S, the S diet plus the S diet; Control FS, the F diet and the S diet; Cr–Pic FS, the F diet and the Cr–Pic S diet; Cr–NPs FS, the F diet and the Cr–NPs S diet; Control FF, the F diet and the F diet; Cr–Pic FF, the F diet and the Cr–Pic F diet; Cr–NPs FF, the F diet and the Cr–NPs F diet. Results (means ± SEM) are expressed as a percentage of inhibition of contraction induced by noradrenaline (0.1 µM). n = 8, * p ≤ 0.05 (two-way ANOVA/Šídák’s) compared with control conditions. In arteries from rats fed with the F diet for 9 weeks, Cr–NPs decreased the sensitivity to ACh in arteries pre-incubated with TCP and TCP+SQ-29,548.
Figure 9.
Production of superoxide anion (A) and hydrogen peroxide (B) in aortic rings from either chromium (Cr) supplemented (9 weeks of supplementation) or non-supplemented (Control) rats. 0.3 mg Cr/kg of body weight as chromium picolinate (Cr–Pic) and chromium nanoparticles (Cr–NPs) were added for 9 weeks of supplementation after the initial 9-week period of experimental feed without Cr supplementation. Two types of diet were applied: a standard-fat-and-fiber (S) diet and a high-fat–low-fiber (F) diet. Rats at 7 weeks of age were fed with an S diet or an F diet for either 9 weeks or 9 + 9 weeks. The following groups of rats were studied: Control S, the S diet plus the S diet; Control FS, the F diet and the S diet; Cr–Pic FS, the F diet and the Cr–Pic S diet; Cr–NPs FS, the F diet and the Cr–NPs S diet; Control FF, the F diet and the F diet; Cr–Pic FF, the F diet and the Cr–Pic F diet; Cr–NPs FF, the F diet and the Cr–NPs F diet. Values are means ± SD, n = 8, p ≤ 0.05 (two-way ANOVA/Tukey’s multiple comparisons test). In arteries from rats fed with the F diet for 9 weeks, both Cr–Pic and Cr–NPs increased relative O2.− production. In arteries from rats fed with the F diet for 18 weeks, Cr–Pic but not Cr–NPs decreased elevated H2O2 production.
Figure 9.
Production of superoxide anion (A) and hydrogen peroxide (B) in aortic rings from either chromium (Cr) supplemented (9 weeks of supplementation) or non-supplemented (Control) rats. 0.3 mg Cr/kg of body weight as chromium picolinate (Cr–Pic) and chromium nanoparticles (Cr–NPs) were added for 9 weeks of supplementation after the initial 9-week period of experimental feed without Cr supplementation. Two types of diet were applied: a standard-fat-and-fiber (S) diet and a high-fat–low-fiber (F) diet. Rats at 7 weeks of age were fed with an S diet or an F diet for either 9 weeks or 9 + 9 weeks. The following groups of rats were studied: Control S, the S diet plus the S diet; Control FS, the F diet and the S diet; Cr–Pic FS, the F diet and the Cr–Pic S diet; Cr–NPs FS, the F diet and the Cr–NPs S diet; Control FF, the F diet and the F diet; Cr–Pic FF, the F diet and the Cr–Pic F diet; Cr–NPs FF, the F diet and the Cr–NPs F diet. Values are means ± SD, n = 8, p ≤ 0.05 (two-way ANOVA/Tukey’s multiple comparisons test). In arteries from rats fed with the F diet for 9 weeks, both Cr–Pic and Cr–NPs increased relative O2.− production. In arteries from rats fed with the F diet for 18 weeks, Cr–Pic but not Cr–NPs decreased elevated H2O2 production.
Table 1.
Composition of diets fed to rats (%) *.
Table 1.
Composition of diets fed to rats (%) *.
Ingredient/Group | S | F |
---|
Casein | 14.8 | 14.8 |
DL-methionine | 0.2 | 0.2 |
Cellulose | 8.0 | 3.0 |
Choline chloride | 0.2 | 0.2 |
Cholesterol | 0.3 | 0.3 |
Vitamin mix | 1.0 | 1.0 |
Mineral mix | 3.5 | 3.5 |
Maize starch | 64 | 52 |
Rapeseed oil | 8.0 | 8.0 |
Lard | - | 17.0 |
Table 2.
The influence of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor (1400 W at 1 µM), the non-selective COX inhibitor (indomethacin at 10 µM), the selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor (NS-398 at 10 µM), the thromboxane-A2 receptor (TP) antagonist (SQ-29,548 at 1 µM), the PGI2 synthesis inhibitor (tranylcypromine, TCP at 10 µM), or TCP plus SQ-29,548 on the vasorelaxant effects to acetylcholine of thoracic arteries of either chromium (Cr)-supplemented (9 weeks of supplementation) or not-supplemented (Control) rats. 0.3 mg Cr/kg of body weight as chromium picolinate (Cr–Pic) and chromium nanoparticles (Cr–NPs) were added after 9 weeks of experimental feed without Cr supplementation. Rats were fed a standard (S) diet for 18 weeks, and a high-fat–low-fiber (F) diet for either 9 weeks (FS group) or 18 weeks (FF group).
Table 2.
The influence of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor (1400 W at 1 µM), the non-selective COX inhibitor (indomethacin at 10 µM), the selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor (NS-398 at 10 µM), the thromboxane-A2 receptor (TP) antagonist (SQ-29,548 at 1 µM), the PGI2 synthesis inhibitor (tranylcypromine, TCP at 10 µM), or TCP plus SQ-29,548 on the vasorelaxant effects to acetylcholine of thoracic arteries of either chromium (Cr)-supplemented (9 weeks of supplementation) or not-supplemented (Control) rats. 0.3 mg Cr/kg of body weight as chromium picolinate (Cr–Pic) and chromium nanoparticles (Cr–NPs) were added after 9 weeks of experimental feed without Cr supplementation. Rats were fed a standard (S) diet for 18 weeks, and a high-fat–low-fiber (F) diet for either 9 weeks (FS group) or 18 weeks (FF group).
| | Control Conditions * | 1400 W | Indomethacin | NS-398 | SQ-29,548 | Tranylcypromine | TCP plus SQ-29,548 |
---|
| | AUC | Emax (%) | pEC50 | AUC | Emax (%) | pEC50 | AUC | Emax (%) | pEC50 | AUC | Emax (%) | pEC50 | AUC | Emax (%) | pEC50 | AUC | Emax (%) | pEC50 | AUC | Emax (%) | pEC50 |
---|
S | Control | 305.3 | 96.16 | 7.967 | 308.0 | 96.38 | 7.950 | 287.2 | 92.37 | 7.921 | 254.9 * | 90.84 | 7.675 | 259.6 | 88.87 | 7.743 | 257.9 * | −91.97 | 7.566 * | 280.0 | 93.47 | 7.815 |
FS | Control | 310.4 | 98.78 | 8.002 | 305.2 | 96.47 | 7.943 | 278.0 * | 95.75 | 7.816 | 290.9 | 96.26 | 7.939 | 294.5 | 98.61 | 7.866 | 278.3 * | −97.01 | 7.632 * | 311.3 | 97.54 | 7.996 |
Cr–Pic | 300.4 | 95.60 | 7.940 | 285.2 * | 95.81 | 7.805 | 236.5 * | 86.90 * | 7.530 * | 223.0 * | 87.51 * | 7.384 * | 249.7 | 92.89 | 7.589 | 246.7 | −91.48 | 7.597 | 247.5 | 89.71 | 7.536 |
Cr–NPs | 315.6 | 98.77 | 8.032 | 283.5 * | 91.61 | 7.938 | 254.9 * | 92.52 * | 7.616 * | 228.2 * | 94.09 | 7.486 * | 276.5 | 96.21 | 7.759 | 267.3 * | −94.70 * | 7.641 * | 253.8 * | 92.49 * | 7.571 * |
FF | Control | 331.5 | 97.63 | 8.238 | 343.9 | 96.77 | 8.285 | 298.6 * | 95.93 | 7.867 * | 261.2 * | 94.13 | 7.562 * | 301.5 | 97.05 | 7.904 | 276.9 | −93.83 | 7.855 | 273.0 * | 96.29 | 7.661 * |
Cr–Pic | 302.3 | 98.81 | 7.943 | 278.3 | 94.88 | 7.710 | 233.9 * | 86.18 * | 7.605 * | 203.1 * | 83.53 * | 7.471 * | 296.5 | 97.64 | 7.858 | 294.9 | −95.57 | 7.924 | 270.3 | 97.58 | 7.676 |
Cr–NPs | 311.7 | 95.31 | 8.124 | 295.4 | 93.71 | 7.977 | 288.2 * | 95.10 | 7.805 * | 232.4 * | 86.34 | 7.503 * | 285.3 | 95.27 | 7.826 | 305.5 | −97.65 | 7.937 | 313.7 | 95.52 | 8.017 |