Fat bodies and reproduction in female Anolis carolinensis

Background and Aim:Many metabolic and immunological changes occur during the transition period. Innate immunity plays an important role against to infections and natural antibodies (NAb) are important in immunity. This study aims to determine a connection between serum NAb titers, beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations in Tuj and Hemşin sheep during the peripartum period.Materials and Methods:Serum NAb, BHBA, and NEFA levels were determined from the blood samples collected from Tuj and Hemşin sheep on days 30 and 15 before birth, on the day of birth (day 0), and on days 15 and 30 after birth.Results:NAb titers were found to be higher in Tuj than in Hemşin sheep (p<0.001). No statistically significant difference was found in serum BHBA concentrations of both breeds on all sampling days (p>0.05). The serum NEFA level was lower in Tuj sheep in the last 15 days of pregnancy compared to Hemşin sheep (p<0.05), while no difference was found in samples collected at the other time points.Conclusion:This study indicated that serum NAb titers significantly changed in Tuj and Hemşin sheep during the transition period. Serum BHBA and NEFA concentrations increased during the last stages of pregnancy and decreased after birth. Based on these findings, it is suggested that the immunological status could vary by the breed of sheep or various factors that affect the sheep’s metabolic state.

Background and objectives: Aroma therapy is a complementary therapy using essential oils diluted with carrier oils. Jojoba oils have been widely used as carrier oils. However, limited information is available regarding their effects on blood biochemical parameters. This study aimed to investigate the effect of transdermal administration of jojoba oil on blood biochemical parameters in mice. Materials and Methods: Eight-week-old male hairless mice were randomly divided into naïve control and treatment groups. In the treatment group, mice were topically administered 4 μL of jojoba oil, per gram of body weight, on the dorsa 30 min before euthanasia. Thereafter, serum biochemical parameters were assayed, and gene expression was analyzed in various tissues via a real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Serum non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels increased significantly 30 min after topical application of jojoba oil (p < 0.05). Atgl was significantly upregulated in the liver (p < 0.05), and Atgl upregulation in the liver was positively correlated with serum NEFA levels (r = 0.592, p < 0.05). Furthermore, a trend of decreasing fatty acid trafficking-related gene (FABPpm, FATP-1, FATP-3, and FATP-4) expression in the skin after topical application of jojoba oil (p = 0.067, 0.074, 0.076, and 0.082, respectively) was observed. Conclusions: Serum NEFA levels were elevated 30 min after transdermal administration of jojoba oil. The mechanisms of elevated serum NEFA levels might be related to both enhanced lipolysis in the liver and reduced fatty acid trafficking in the skin.

Lipid metabolism and insulin resistance in cirrhosis

BackgroundLactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 (LG2055) inhibits dietary fat absorption in rats and exerts preventive effects on abdominal adiposity in rats and humans. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of LG2055 on postprandial serum lipid responses in Japanese subjects with hypertriacylglycerolemia after the intake of oral fat-loading test (OFLT) meals.MethodsWe conducted a single-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject, repeated-measure intervention trial. Twenty subjects initially ingested the fermented milk (FM) without LG2055 for 4 weeks (control FM period), followed by a 4-week washout period, and then consumed FM containing LG2055 for 4 weeks (active FM period). The subjects were asked to consume FM at 200 g/day. At the end of each 4-week period, an 8-h OFLT was conducted. Blood samples were collected at fasting and every hour for 8 h after OFLT meal intake. Thereafter, postprandial serum non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and triacylglycerol (TAG) levels and fasting blood parameters were measured.ResultsThe OFLT showed that the postprandial serum NEFA levels from 120 to 480 min and the postprandial serum TAG level at 120 min in the active FM period were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than those in the control FM period. The fasting serum NEFA level in the active FM period significantly (P < 0.001) decreased at week 4 from the initial period compared with the control FM period.ConclusionsThe consumption of probiotic LG2055 reduced postprandial and fasting serum NEFA levels, suggesting its possible contribution to the reduction of the risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus.Trial registrationUMIN000011605

BACKGROUNDWhile most hypertriglyceridemia is asymptomatic, hypertriglyceridemia-associated acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP) can be more severe than AP of other etiologies. The reasons underlying this are unclear. We thus examined whether lipolytic generation of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) from circulating triglycerides (TGs) could worsen clinical outcomes.METHODSAdmission serum TGs, NEFA composition, and concentrations were analyzed prospectively for 269 patients with AP. These parameters, demographics, and clinical outcomes were compared between HTG-AP (TGs >500 mg/dL; American Heart Association [AHA] 2018 guidelines) and AP of other etiologies. Serum NEFAs were correlated with serum TG fatty acids (TGFAs) alone and with the product of TGFA serum lipase (NEFAs - TGFAs × lipase). Studies in mice and rats were conducted to understand the role of HTG lipolysis in organ failure and to interpret the NEFA-TGFA correlations.RESULTSPatients with HTG-AP had higher serum NEFA and TG levels and more severe AP (19% vs. 7%; P < 0.03) than did individuals with AP of other etiologies. Correlations of long-chain unsaturated NEFAs with corresponding TGFAs increased with TG concentrations up to 500 mg/dL and declined thereafter. However, NEFA - TGFA × lipase correlations became stronger with TGs above 500 mg/dL. AP and intravenous lipase infusion in rodents caused lipolysis of circulating TGs to NEFAs. This led to multisystem organ failure, which was prevented by pancreatic TG lipase deletion or lipase inhibition.CONCLUSIONSHTG-AP is made severe by the NEFAs generated from intravascular lipolysis of circulating TGs. Strategies that prevent TG lipolysis may be effective in improving clinical outcomes for patients with HTG-AP.FUNDINGNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, NIH) (RO1DK092460 and R01DK119646); Department of Defense (PR191945 under W81XWH-20-1-0400); National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), NIH (R01AA031257).

The aim of the study was to determine whether fasting serum non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) could be associated with long-term progressive deterioration of insulin secretion in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Seventy-seven Japanese patients with Type 2 diabetes (mean BMI 23.3 kg/m(2) ) were followed for 10 years. We measured fasting C-peptide level every 1-2 years. By using the slope of regression line between fasting C-peptide level and duration, we calculated its individual annual decline as an index of insulin secretion. During the follow-up periods of C-peptide, the patients were evaluated for fasting serum non-esterified fatty acid, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and HbA(1c) levels for the last 8 years. We excluded patients who had renal dysfunction or anti-insulin antibodies from among the insulin-treated patients. Association between the individual annual decline of fasting C-peptide level and related factors were evaluated. The mean individual annual decline of fasting serum C-peptide level was -0.013 ± 0.027 nmol/l/year. Fasting serum non-esterified fatty acid level had no significant difference between the first and the last 2 years of the 8-year observation period of non-esterified fatty acid. Using multiple regression analysis, mean fasting serum non-esterified fatty acid level was associated with the individual annual decline of fasting serum C-peptide level (standardized regression coefficient -0.358, P=0.0056), although other related factors, including HbA(1c) level, were not associated. Mean fasting serum non-esterified fatty acid level during an 8-year observation was independently associated with long-term progressive deterioration of insulin secretion in Japanese patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Lipid metabolism and substrate oxidation during intravenous fructose administration in cirrhosis

The early lactation phase in dairy cows is characterised by significant metabolic and inflammatory changes. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs), a marker of negative energy balance (NEB), and serum amyloid A (SAA), an indicator of systemic inflammation. Blood samples were collected from 71 Holstein cows during the transition period 17 (±3) DIM, and serum concentrations of NEFAs and SAA were measured. The results revealed a significant negative correlation between NEFAs and SAA (r = -0.441, p < 0.001), suggesting that increased fat mobilisation may suppress the inflammatory response, thereby increasing the susceptibility to metabolic and infectious diseases. The emerging research indicates a negative association between SAA levels and milk fat-to-protein ratio in dairy cows, particularly under inflammatory conditions. The research indicates that elevated levels of SAA, which is an inflammatory biomarker, are frequently associated with alterations in milk composition, including a reduced fat-to-protein ratio. This study examined the correlations among serum NEFAs, SAA, milk composition, and dairy cattle health. A strong positive correlation was identified between serum NEFAs and milk fat content (r = 0.459, p < 0.001), as well as between serum NEFAs and the milk fat-to-protein ratio (r = 0.516, p < 0.001). Cows with elevated serum NEFA levels (classified as II-NEFA) exhibited significantly higher milk fat content (4.20%) and milk fat-to-protein ratios (1.33) compared to cows with lower serum NEFA levels (I-NEFA class; 3.81% and 1.17, respectively). The data indicate that elevated serum NEFA levels are associated with an increased milk fat synthesis, likely driven by enhanced fat mobilisation during NEB. A significant negative correlation was observed between SAA and both milk fat content (r = -0.426, p < 0.001) and the milk fat-to-protein ratio (r = -0.535, p < 0.001), indicating that inflammation may impair milk fat production. Elevated SAA levels were also associated with increased cow activity (r = 0.382, p < 0.001), suggesting that inflammation may lead to behavioural changes driven by discomfort. Our findings suggest that milk composition reflects the metabolic and inflammatory status of dairy cows and could serve as a non-invasive alternative to blood sampling for assessing energy balance and health. NEB, which typifies early lactation, promotes fat mobilisation, resulting in elevated serum NEFA levels and an increased risk of metabolic disorders such as fatty liver syndrome and ketosis. Moreover, high serum NEFA levels adversely affect immune function, increasing vulnerability to infections such as mastitis. Monitoring milk composition may enable the early detection of NEB and inflammatory conditions, thereby supporting proactive health management. However, further research is necessary to elucidate the role of NEFAs and inflammation in the development of metabolic diseases in cattle.

Bariatric surgery is associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes and also affects lipid levels, but few studies have compared the effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery with those of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on serum fatty acid levels. The present study compares the effects of RYGB and LSG surgeries on serum fatty acid levels. The study participants were women who were undergoing either RYGB or LSG and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls. Fasting blood samples to measure glucose, insulin, and fatty acids were drawn at baseline and at 6 and 18months from baseline. Serum fatty acid data were available for 57 participants at baseline, of whom 56 had data at 6months and 41 had data at 18months from baseline. Compared with baseline, serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) levels were significantly higher at 6 and 18months in the LSG group compared with the RYGB group. In the RYGB group, 2 saturated fatty acids (SFAs), 2 monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and 1 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) were significantly decreased after surgery, compared with those of the LSG group. A significant increase in NEFAs was seen after LSG, compared with RYGB. Compared with the LSG group, several serum fatty acids were significantly reduced after RYGB. NCT01228097.

Non-esterified fatty acid is being validated as a substitute measure for non-protein respiratory quotient in patients with cirrhosis

Effect of a diabetogeic factor from bovine adenohypophysis on dog serum nefa levels

To investigate the possible relationship of serum levels of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), ghrelin, and homocysteine levels to metabolic and hormonal features in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Materials and methods: Thirty women with PCOS and 30 healthy women with similar age and body mass index (BMI) were recruited. Fasting serum NEFA, ghrelin, homocysteine, growth hormone (GH), cardiac troponin I, glucose, insulin, lipids, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were measured. Results: Serum NEFA, homocysteine, insulin, HOMA-IR, cholesterol, and testosterone levels were significantly higher but in contrast ghrelin level was significantly lower in women with PCOS compared to the controls. No significant differences were found in the troponin I and GH levels between the 2 groups. Significant positive correlations between insulin-NEFA and insulin-homocysteine levels were observed. There was no significant correlation between ghrelin-insulin and ghrelin-homocysteine levels. Conclusion: The decreased ghrelin, elevated NEFA and homocysteine levels, and the correlation of NEFA and homocysteine to fasting insulin level might play an important role in the pathogenesis of the PCOS. These findings need to be confirmed and larger prospective and controlled studies are necessary.

Alterations of fatty acid β-oxidation capability in the liver of ketotic cows

Currently, there is little and inconsistent evidence regarding the possible adverse effects of circulating levels of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) on kidney function decline in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We followed for a median of 4.6 years 85 post-menopausal women with non-insulin-treated T2DM and preserved kidney function at baseline. Serum NEFA concentrations were measured using an enzymatic colorimetric method. Glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was estimated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. Enrolled patients had a baseline mean eGFRCKD-EPI of 83 ± 12mL/min/1.73m2 and a median serum NEFA concentration of 662uEq/L (interquartile range 524-842uEq/L). During the follow-up period, 13 patients developed kidney function decline at follow-up (defined as an eGFRCKD-EPI decline ≥ 30% from baseline). In Cox proportional hazards regression analyses, higher serum NEFA levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of developing kidney function decline (adjusted-hazard ratio 3.67, 95% CI 1.64-8.22, p < 0.001; for each 1-SD increment, i.e., 262uEq/L), even after adjustment for waist circumference, hemoglobin A1c, C-reactive protein, HOMA-estimated insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, microalbuminuria, baseline eGFRCKD-EPI, as well as temporal changes in HbA1c levels or the use of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors over the follow-up. The findings of this exploratory prospective study show that in post-menopausal women with T2DM and preserved kidney function at baseline, higher circulating levels of NEFA were strongly associated with a faster kidney function decline, even after adjustment for established renal risk factors and potential confounders.

The energy balance (EB) of dairy cows is typically assessed through calculated metrics of energy intake and expenditure, which require elaborate individual measurements. Increased concentrations of biomarkers, such as BHB and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), are associated with a catabolic status and require individual measurements through invasive blood sampling for reliable and precise assessment. Exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOC) could be a promising low-invasive alternative, but their suitability for this purpose has been scarcely studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify exhaled VOC correlated with the EB of dairy cows and compare their association with that between EB and serum BHB and NEFA concentrations. For this purpose, we used data from a feeding trial including 34 early-lactating dairy cows that were fed freshly cut herbage and concentrates according to their requirements for 6 wk. Exhaled breath and blood were sampled on 2 consecutive days (same time of the day) in lactation wk 5, 7, and 10, and EB was calculated per lactation week. Exhaled breath was subjected to untargeted VOC analysis, and serum was analyzed for BHB and NEFA concentrations. To identify exhaled VOC associated with EB, we selected 19 cows that exhibited calculated negative EB (NEB) in lactation wk 5 (average DIM 34.6 ± 13.4) and positive EB (PEB) in lactation wk 10 (average DIM 76.6 ± 13.4). Using this subset of cows, we then performed partial least squares-discriminant analysis (VOC data) and Wilcoxon signed rank tests (VOC data and serum BHB and NEFA concentrations) to investigate the differences between cows that initially exhibited an NEB followed by a PEB. Three exhaled VOC appeared to be discriminatory and differed between NEB and PEB of cows: the fatty aldehydes octanal, nonanal, and decanal. Serum BHB and NEFA concentrations were higher in cows exhibiting NEB than in cows with PEB. Using the data of all cows across all lactation weeks, we performed repeated measures correlations between EB, discriminatory VOC, and serum BHB and NEFA. The EB correlated positively with relative concentrations of octanal, nonanal, decanal, serum BHB, and serum NEFA. Relative concentrations of exhaled decanal, but not octanal and nonanal, correlated with serum BHB and NEFA concentrations, respectively. These findings suggest an association between exhaled fatty aldehydes and the energy status of cows that is as strong as that of serum BHB and NEFA. The physiological role and potential of these metabolites as new biomarkers of NEB in dairy cows and the causality of the association should be further investigated.