Effect of calcium and calcium rich cheese on fat absorption and metabolism
A number of studies have indicated that cheese, despite its high content in saturated fat, does not confer a negative impact on cardiovascular disease. One hypothesis is that cheese has a high content of calcium which may reduce uptake of long chain saturated fatty acids that are often associated with higher risk of CVD. Free calcium can form insoluble calcium-soaps when in proximity of saturated fatty acids and hence reduce uptake of them. In this project we aim to feed mice with cheese as the fat source and compare it with a diet where butter is used as a fat source. To adjust for calcium levels, we will have different amounts of calcium in the feed. The aim is therefore to test whether the amount of calcium in dairy diets influences long chain saturated fatty acid digestibility and weight development in mice. We will monitor how fatty acid digestibility is affected and study whether there are any changes in gene expression in liver and gut.
We will use male wild type mice of the type C57BL/6J Rj as a model animal for this experiment. The C57BL/6 strain is often used in obesity studies, as they are known to gain weight when put on a high fat diet. To achieve this, we will set up a short-term feeding trial (5 weeks) with experimental high fat diets (45% fat) from two different fat sources, cheese and butter. There will be different amounts of calcium in the diets, in order to study if this has an impact on fat uptake and digestibility. In addition, we will investigate gene expression in liver and intestine, as well as markers of metabolic syndrome, including insulin resistance and changes in blood cholesterol.
Number of animals applied for is 60.
These experiments can not be easily modeled or mimicked by in vitro studies. We do not expect that animals will experience pain or a significant degree of discomfort. Nevertheless, animals are closely monitored on a daily basis to minimize discomfort. Number of animals in this study is calculated on the basis of power-analysis, literature searches and own experience. The animals are housed in individually ventilated cages, with controlled temperature, light regulation and humidity. Cages also contain running wheels, house and nesting material.
We will use male wild type mice of the type C57BL/6J Rj as a model animal for this experiment. The C57BL/6 strain is often used in obesity studies, as they are known to gain weight when put on a high fat diet. To achieve this, we will set up a short-term feeding trial (5 weeks) with experimental high fat diets (45% fat) from two different fat sources, cheese and butter. There will be different amounts of calcium in the diets, in order to study if this has an impact on fat uptake and digestibility. In addition, we will investigate gene expression in liver and intestine, as well as markers of metabolic syndrome, including insulin resistance and changes in blood cholesterol.
Number of animals applied for is 60.
These experiments can not be easily modeled or mimicked by in vitro studies. We do not expect that animals will experience pain or a significant degree of discomfort. Nevertheless, animals are closely monitored on a daily basis to minimize discomfort. Number of animals in this study is calculated on the basis of power-analysis, literature searches and own experience. The animals are housed in individually ventilated cages, with controlled temperature, light regulation and humidity. Cages also contain running wheels, house and nesting material.