The photo-oxidability of lipids taken from 32 samples of krill from different dates of catch has been examined for photooxidation. Relations were indicated between the rate of accumulation of peroxides in the process of lipids, exposure and content of lipids in krill, its iodine value and amount number of carotenoids.

A composition of lipids of some Antarctic Crustacea (Euphausia superba. E. triacantha. Thysanoessa macrura and Mysidacea gen. sp. indet.) caught in the Admiralty Bay (South Shetlands) was compared. Lipids of E. superba differed in low content of waxes that evidences for different management of lipids than in other examined Crustacea.

Using a thin layer chromatography the content and composition of krill lipids was examined in different sex and maturity stages. The content of lipids decreased in the following sequence: immature males — females with eggs — juvenile specimens — spent females — mature males. In females the differences concerned mainly phospholipids and waxes, in males — triacylglicerols; this fact proves the different utilisation of lipids for reproduction in both sexes.

The amount and composition of lipids m some Antarctic animals were studied. The material consisted of crustaceans (Euphausia superba, Paramoera sp., Orchomene sp.), tunicates (Salpa thompsoni) and vertebrates (Notothenia rossi marmorata and Hydrurga leptonyx). The author's data are discussed on the background of available literature information.

Studies in human medicine have shown that in addition to affecting the reproductive system, the hormone estrogen also has cardioprotective effects. The present study hypothesized that ovariohysterectomized (OVH) dogs would have a higher incidence of cardiac dysfunction and impairment of lipid profiles compared to intact female dogs. Thirty healthy female dogs were divided into two groups, 15 intact female dogs and 15 OVH dogs. All the dogs underwent a physical examination, including investigation of physical parameters, blood collection for lipid profile measurement, thoracic radiography, electrocardiography and echocardiography. Physical examination parameters, electrocardiographic parameters, heart size and cardiac function in OVH dogs were not different when compared to intact female dogs. However, in the OVH dogs, triglyceride and very-low-density lipoprotein levels were increased, while high-density lipoprotein was significantly decreased compared to the intact female dogs (P<0.05). Differences between the groups in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein did not reach statistical signi- ficance. We concluded that estrogen deprivation in dogs can induce lipid profile impairment but not cardiac performance impairment 1 year after an ovariohysterectomy.

The purpose of this study was to validate the applicability of specialized microbial consortium for the degradation of lipids in wastewater. An experimental model of the process is proposed that enables prediction of the required batch length. This model can be used for supervision of the process and to control cycles of the batch reactor. The study involved 4 reactors with microbial consortium obtained by inoculation from a commercially available biopreparate. Each reactor was fed a different load of lipid containing substrate. The biodiversity, settling characteristics and COD reductions were measured. The biodiversity of the microbial consortium changed within a range of ±15% depending on lipids concentration, as shown by the Shannon index and increasing amount of β-proteobacteria. Higher concentrations of lipids increased the biodiversity suggesting higher growth of microorganisms capable of utilizing lipids as energy and carbon source by producing lipid hydrolyzing enzymes. High lipid concentrations degrade the settling capabilities of the biomass. Higher lipid concentrations (0.5–2.0 [g/l]) increase the final COD (1445–2160 [mg O2/l]). The time necessary for substrate degradation changes with the initial concentration and can be predicted using the proposed model. The study showed that specialized microbial consortium is capable of reducing the lipids containing substrate and maintains its biodiversity suggesting that utilization of such consortia in multiple cycles of a batch reactor is possible. Future research should concentrate on assessing the biodiversity and effectiveness of substrate reduction after an increased number of batch reactor cycles.

The aim of the present study was to determine changes in oxidative status in plasma of sows during periparturient period using markers of lipid and protein peroxidation intensity. Plasma from 12 pregnant gilts collected on days 14 and 1 before parturition and on days 1, 7 and 14 postpartum was used in the study. As indicators of alterations in the oxidative status, plasma concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and sulphydryl groups (SH groups) were measured spectrophotometrically, as well as plasma concentrations of bityrosine and formylokinurenine were determined by the spectrofluorimetric method. Compared to the 14th day antepartum, the concentration of TBARS increased significantly on day 1 postpartum and then decreased significantly on days 7 and 14 after parturition. The concentration of SH groups increased significantly on the last day before parturition and decreased significantly on day 14 postpartum. The concentration of bityrosine increased significantly on the last day before parturition and decreased significantly on days 7 and 14 postpartum. The concentration of formylokinurenine increased significantly on the last day before parturition, remained at this level on the first day after parturition and then decreased slightly on days 7 and 14 postpartum. These results indicate that during periparturient period in sows, especially around the parturition, the oxidative/antioxidative balance is disturbed, which leads to oxidative stress. Considering that oxidative stress is potentially harmful for mothers and neonates, this may be an important factor in the increased risk of diseases occurring during this period.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the addition of fungal solid-state fermented product (FP) enriched with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and β-carotene to feed on the haematological and immunological parameters of broiler chickens. Eighty 1-day-old COBB 500 broiler chickens were divided into two groups. The control group was fed with basic diets and chickens of the experimental group received 10% addition of FP, while the amount of basic diet was reduced. FP was produced during a solid-state fermentation (SSF) process using Umbellopsis isabellina CCF2412 as a producer of GLA and β-carotene. After 38 days of feeding, blood samples were collected and analyzed. Lower total and LDL-cholesterol values were measured in blood samples of the experimental animals (p<0.05). However, the triacylglycerol content was higher in the experimental group (p<0.05). Significantly higher levels of hematocrit and hemoglobin, and lower eosinophil and basophil content in the experimental group were recorded (p<0.05). The experimental group showed higher numbers of B lymphocytes and greater phagocytic capacity (p<0.05). The results indicate that a fermented product produced by SSF, using the fungal strain Umbellopsis isabellina, is a good source of GLA and β-carotene, which can influence the biochemical, hematological and immunological parameters of broiler chickens.