Abundant Fatty Acids Research Articles

Very-long-chain fatty acids induce glial-derived sphingosine-1-phosphate synthesis, secretion, and neuroinflammation

VLCFAs (very-long-chain fatty acids) are the most abundant fatty acids in myelin. Hence, during demyelination or aging, glia are exposed to higher levels of VLCFA than normal. We report that glia convert these VLCFA into sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) via a glial-specific S1P pathway. Excess S1P causes neuroinflammation, NF-κB activation, and macrophage infiltration into the CNS. Suppressing the function of S1P in fly glia or neurons, or administration of Fingolimod, an S1P receptor antagonist, strongly attenuates the phenotypes caused by excess VLCFAs. In contrast, elevating the VLCFA levels in glia and immune cells exacerbates these phenotypes. Elevated VLCFA and S1P are also toxic in vertebrates based on a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS), experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Indeed, reducing VLCFA with bezafibrate ameliorates the phenotypes. Moreover, simultaneous use of bezafibrate and fingolimod synergizes to improve EAE, suggesting that lowering VLCFA and S1P is a treatment avenue for MS.

Variability in nutrient composition of the edible long-horned grasshopper (Ruspolia differens) in Uganda and its potential in alleviating food insecurity.

Ruspolia differens Serville (Orthoptera: Tettigonidae) is a highly nutritious and luxurious insect delicacy that is consumed as a food source in many African countries. However, the nutrient profile of R. differens in different geographical regions have received limited research interest. Here, we provide comprehensive evidence of geographical impact on the nutrient profile of R. differens and its potential to meet the recommended dietary intake of the population. Our results demonstrated that proximate composition, fatty acids, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and flavonoid contents of R. differens collected from five districts in Uganda varied considerably. The crude protein (28-45%), crude fat (41-54%), and energy (582-644 Kj/100 g) contents of R. differens exceed that reported from animal origins. The highest crude protein, crude fat, and carbohydrate contents of R. differens were recorded in Kabale, Masaka, and Kampala, respectively. A total of 37 fatty acids were identified with linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid) being the most abundant polyunsaturated fatty acid in R. differens from Kabale, Masaka, and Mbarara. All essential amino acids were recorded in R. differens, particularly histidine with values exceeding the daily requirement for adults. Mineral and vitamin content differed significantly across the five districts. The highest quantity of flavonoids was recorded in R. differens from Hoima (484 mg/100 g). Our findings revealed that R. differens could be considered as functional food ingredients capable of supplying essential macro- and micronutrients that are critical in curbing the rising food insecurity and malnutrition in the regions.

Fatty Acids Profiling, Lipid Quality Indices and Antioxidant Properties of Some Small Indigenous Fishes of Manipur, India under Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot Region

Aims: The aim of the study is to access the nutritional qualities viz. fatty acids profile, lipid quality indices and antioxidant properties of fish oil. The present study will provide the information on the fulfillment of various nutritional qualities of small fishes.
 Study Design: The study was carried out during the month of October, 2017 to February, 2018 in fishery laboratory, department of Life Sciences, Manipur University, India.
 Methodology: The extraction and analysis of fatty acids were carried out following the method of Metcalfe et al. 1966. The fatty acids are identified searching in the NIST database using mass spectral search program. For antioxidant property the extract was analyzed using DPPH assay following the method described by Koleva et al. 2002. Data were analyzed using SPSS package (Version 17.0).
 Results: The most abundant fatty acid (SFA) is palmitic acid (C16:0) which is followed by Stearic acid (C18:0) and undecylic acid (C11:0). The concentration of C16:0 was in the ranged of 14.67% to 27.96% which was highest in H. myitkyinae and lowest in G. giuris. Among the monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) Oleic acid (C18:1n9) was the most abundant fatty acid which is followed by Vaccenic acid (C18:1n11) and heptadecanoic acid (C17:1) respectively. Docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and Ecosapentanoic acid (EPA) are the predominant n3 fatty acids in all the fish studied. The index of atherogenicity (AI), index of thrombogenicity (TI), Hypocholesterolemic/ Hypercholesterolemic (HH) fatty acid ratio and Flesh lipid quality (FLQ) was in the ranged of 0.79% to 1.10%, 0.13% to 0.67%, 0.53%- 2.53% and 1.90% to 7.72% respectively. The highest antioxidant property was found in P. chola (8.69 µg/ml) and the lowest was observed T. burmanicus (46.83 µg/ml).
 Conclusion: From the above analysis Small indigenous freshwater fishes (SIFFs) contained good lipid which provide enormous amount of PUFA and MUFA especially DHA and EPA contribute to various health related benefit. The scavenging activities of antioxidant properties of the SIFFs are also found to be considerable. Thus it can be indicates that these small fishes have good nutritional quality and can bring many benefits to human health.

Tuberculostearic Acid Controls Mycobacterial Membrane Compartmentalization.

The intracellular membrane domain (IMD) is a laterally discrete region of the mycobacterial plasma membrane, enriched in the subpolar region of the rod-shaped cell. Here, we report genome-wide transposon sequencing to discover the controllers of membrane compartmentalization in Mycobacterium smegmatis. The putative gene cfa showed the most significant effect on recovery from membrane compartment disruption by dibucaine. Enzymatic analysis of Cfa and lipidomic analysis of a cfa deletion mutant (Δcfa) demonstrated that Cfa is an essential methyltransferase for the synthesis of major membrane phospholipids containing a C19:0 monomethyl-branched stearic acid, also known as tuberculostearic acid (TBSA). TBSA has been intensively studied due to its abundant and genus-specific production in mycobacteria, but its biosynthetic enzymes had remained elusive. Cfa catalyzed the S-adenosyl-l-methionine-dependent methyltransferase reaction using oleic acid-containing lipid as a substrate, and Δcfa accumulated C18:1 oleic acid, suggesting that Cfa commits oleic acid to TBSA biosynthesis, likely contributing directly to lateral membrane partitioning. Consistent with this model, Δcfa displayed delayed restoration of subpolar IMD and delayed outgrowth after bacteriostatic dibucaine treatment. These results reveal the physiological significance of TBSA in controlling lateral membrane partitioning in mycobacteria. IMPORTANCE As its common name implies, tuberculostearic acid is an abundant and genus-specific branched-chain fatty acid in mycobacterial membranes. This fatty acid, 10-methyl octadecanoic acid, has been an intense focus of research, particularly as a diagnostic marker for tuberculosis. It was discovered in 1934, and yet the enzymes that mediate the biosynthesis of this fatty acid and the functions of this unusual fatty acid in cells have remained elusive. Through a genome-wide transposon sequencing screen, enzyme assay, and global lipidomic analysis, we show that Cfa is the long-sought enzyme that is specifically involved in the first step of generating tuberculostearic acid. By characterizing a cfa deletion mutant, we further demonstrate that tuberculostearic acid actively regulates lateral membrane heterogeneity in mycobacteria. These findings indicate the role of branched fatty acids in controlling the functions of the plasma membrane, a critical barrier for the pathogen to survive in its human host.

DSC Melting Profile of Cold-Pressed Hemp Seed Oil as an Authenticity Fingerprint Influenced by Scanning Rate

Among the variety of edible cold-pressed oils on the market, hemp seed oil is becoming increasingly popular among scientists and consumers due to its plethora of nutritional compounds. In this study, the goal was to examine the thermal characteristics of cold-pressed hemp seed oil pressed from seeds of the Henola cultivar procured by five different suppliers in two different seasons. This aim of this research was to establish how various scanning rates can affect the unique thermal profile of cold-pressed hemp seed oil in terms of an authenticity assessment. The melting transition was manifested by curves with four peaks for all hemp seed oils; however, they differed for each scanning rate in terms of the shape and peak intensity. Comparing the curves obtained at heating rates of 1 and 2 °C/min, noticeable differences were observed in the melting transition parameters between hemp seed oils, showing that small differences in fatty acid composition can cause changes in DSC profiles. In contrast, at a scanning rate 5 °C/min, the melting curves were similar for all hemp seed oils. It was also observed that for all the scanning rates, there was a strong negative correlation between the total content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (ƩPUFAs) and the peak temperature of the three peaks (Tm2, Tm3, and Tm4). The most abundant fatty acids were PUFAs, i.e., linoleic acid (C18:2), with contents ranging from 47 to 55%; and α-linolenic acid (C 18:3 n–3), with contents ranging from 17 to 25%. The application of linear discriminant analysis (LDA) enabled a discriminant model to be built based on the DSC data obtained for differentiation of oils pressed from fresh and stored seeds.

Lipid profile, volatile compounds and oxidative stability during the storage of Moroccan Opuntia ficus-indica seed oil

The fatty acids, sterol, tocopherol and volatile compositions of Moroccan cold-pressed cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) seed oil were studied. The most abundant fatty acid, tocopherol and sterol were linoleic acid (60.6%), γ-tocopherol (533 mg/kg) and β-sitosterol (6075 mg/kg), respectively. In this study, 23 volatile compounds were identified with perceivable odor attributes for 14 compounds. The oxidative quality of cactus seed oil was monitored over 4 weeks at 50 °C. Increases in PV, K232 and FFA were detected during the first two weeks as well as a decrease in the induction time; whereas no change was reported for the K270 values. The amount of total phenolic content increased until it reached 0.3 mg/kg and then decreased by the end of the storage period; while tocopherols started to decrease after the first week. The fat-free residue extracts showed a very strong effect to reduce the oxidation of linoleic acid. Consequently, the extracts were significantly more effective to bleach β-carotene in the β-carotene-linoleic acid assay in comparison with the control.

Tree peony transcription factor PrWRI1 enhances seed oil accumulation

BackgroundWRINKLED1 (WRI1) encodes a transcription factor, belonging to the APETALA2 (AP2) family, and plays a key role in regulating plant oil biosynthesis. As a newly woody oil crop, tree peony (Paeonia rockii) was notable for the abundant unsaturated fatty acids in its seed oil. However, the role of WRI1 during the accumulation of P. rockii seeds oil remains largely unknown.ResultsIn this study, a new member of the WRI1 family was isolated from P. rockii and was named PrWRI1. The ORF of PrWRI1 consisted of 1269 nucleotides, encoding a putative protein of 422 amino acids, and was highly expressed in immature seeds. Subcellular localization analysis in onion inner epidermal cells showed that PrWRI1 was located at the nucleolus. Ectopic overexpression of PrWRI1 could significantly increase the total fatty acid content in Nicotiana benthamiana leaf tissue and even PUFAs in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana seeds. Furthermore, the transcript levels of most genes related to fatty acids (FA) synthesis and triacylglycerol (TAG) assembly were also up-regulated in transgenic Arabidopsis seeds.ConclusionsTogether, PrWRI1 could push carbon flow to FA biosynthesis and further enhance the TAG amount in seeds with a high proportion of PUFAs.

The Arachidonic Acid Content of the Australian Diet Is Lower than Previously Estimated

Linoleic acid [18:2(n-6)] is the most abundant polyunsaturated fatty acid in the Western diet and is considered to be the primary source of tissue arachidonic acid [20:4(n-6)]. Dietary 20:4(n-6) may also contribute to tissue 20:4(n-6) levels in humans, but the extent of this contribution is unclear. We believe that literature estimates of 20:4(n-6) intake of 200–1000 mg/d are too high, possibly because of incorrect values in food composition tables where high amounts of 20:4(n-6) are recorded in margarines, some vegetable products and animal fat. We assessed the 20:4(n-6) content of common Australian foods and found that the 20:4(n-6) levels (on a 100-g edible basis), were 891 mg and 390 mg, respectively, for duck and chicken egg yolks, 294 mg for liver, 153 mg for kidney, 75 mg for skinless turkey, 56 mg for lean pork, 49 mg for lean lamb, 31 mg for chicken breast, 56 mg for chicken legs and 35 mg for lean beef. Eicosapentaenoic acid [20:5(n-3)] levels were <10 mg/100 g in chicken meat, turkey meat, emu meat and chicken eggs, whereas the values for 20:5(n-3) for beef, lamb, liver, kidney and duck egg yolk ranged from 11 to 138 mg/100 g food. Applying our current 20:4(n-6) measurements to previously determined food intakes of Australian adults determined in an Australiawide survey in 1983, we estimated the mean 20:4(n-6) intake for Australian adult males to be 130 mg/d and females 96 mg/d. Whether such intakes of dietary 20:4(n-6) make an important contribution to tissue 20:4(n-6) levels is uncertain.

The changes in fatty acid profile during senescence and methyl jasmonate-induced senescence of Ginkgo biloba leaves

The present study describes changes in fatty acid (FA) composition in Ginkgo biloba leaves subjected to senescence and to senescence induced by methyl jasmonate (MeJA). Green leaves were treated with MeJA in lanoline on the abaxial or adaxial side of the leaf blades. After three weeks of treatment, leaf blades and petioles were collected separately for FA analyses. Additionally, petioles and leaf blades were sampled for analyses before the experiment and after 6 weeks when leaf senescence was occurring. Linolenic (C18:3) and palmitic (C16:0) acids appeared to be the quantitatively most abundant FA in leaf blades and petioles of G. biloba. Both leaf senescence and that induced by MeJA caused a decrease in unsaturated FA content, especially linolenic (C18:3). However, the decrease in C18:3 acid in both leaf blades and petioles was greater when MeJA was applied to the abaxial side than when it was applied to the adaxial side of leaves or during senescence. At the same time, saturated FA content increased, resulting in a significant decrease in the ratio of total unsaturated to saturated FA. Since leaf fatty acids occur mainly as components of cell membranes, changes in their composition may have a crucial effect on membrane function and stability, as pointed out in the discussion of the results.

Dominance of mixed ether/ester, intact polar membrane lipids in five species of the order Rubrobacterales: Another group of bacteria not obeying the “lipid divide”

The composition of the core lipids and intact polar lipids (IPLs) of five Rubrobacter species was examined. Methylated (ω-4) fatty acids (FAs) characterized the core lipids of Rubrobacter radiotolerans, R. xylanophilus and R. bracarensis. In contrast, R. calidifluminis and R. naiadicus lacked ω-4 methyl FAs but instead contained abundant (i.e., 34–41 % of the core lipids) ω-cyclohexyl FAs not reported before in the order Rubrobacterales. Their genomes contained an almost complete operon encoding proteins enabling production of cyclohexane carboxylic acid CoA thioester, which acts as a building block for ω-cyclohexyl FAs in other bacteria. Hence, the most plausible explanation for the biosynthesis of these cyclic FAs in R. calidifluminis and R. naiadicus is a recent acquisition of this operon. All strains contained 1-O-alkyl glycerol ether lipids in abundance (up to 46 % of the core lipids), in line with the dominance (>90 %) of mixed ether/ester IPLs with a variety of polar headgroups. The IPL head group distribution of R. calidifluminis and R. naiadicus differed, e.g. they lacked a novel IPL tentatively assigned as phosphothreoninol. The genomes of all five Rubrobacter species contained a putative operon encoding the synthesis of the 1-O-alkyl glycerol phosphate, the presumed building block of mixed ether/ester IPLs, which shows some resemblance with an operon enabling ether lipid production in various other aerobic bacteria but requires more study. The uncommon dominance of mixed ether/ester IPLs in Rubrobacter species exemplifies our recent growing awareness that the lipid divide between archaea and bacteria/eukaryotes is not as clear cut as previously thought.

Heat treatment effect on tocopherols, total phenolics and fatty acids in table olives (Olea europaea L.)

The olive fruits are rich source of oil, vitamins, minerals, organic acids and pigments. The fruits contain high level of bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of heat treatment on tocopherols, total phenolics and antioxidant activity in green and black olives, as well as their fatty acid composition. The instrumental methods used in this experiment were high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC/FID) and spectrophotometric methods. The results revealed that the β+γ-tocopherols content after the heat treatment had the biggest reduction, which was 68.4% for green and 80.2% for black olives. Also, a significant loss of total phenolic content was observed after heat treatment in green and black olives by 18.6% and 18.4%, respectively, as well as antioxidant activity (decrease up to 28.1%). The most abundant fatty acids in green and black olives were oleic (C18:1), palmitic (C16:0) and linoleic acid (C18:2). The changes in fatty acids composition during the heat treatment occurred mostly at the level of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially linolenic acid (C18:3) in black olives had the significant reduction (by 57.4%) in relation to the initial quantity.

Optimization of Wheat Straw Conversion into Microbial Lipids by Lipomyces tetrasporus DSM 70314 from Bench to Pilot Scale

Microbial lipids are renewable platforms for several applications including biofuels, green chemicals, and nutraceuticals that can be produced from several residual carbon sources. Lignocellulosic biomasses are abundant raw materials for the production of second-generation sugars with conversion yields depending on the quality of the hydrolysates and the metabolic efficiency of the microorganisms. In the present work, wheat straw pre-treated by steam explosion and enzymatically hydrolysed was converted into microbial lipids by Lipomyces tetrasporus DSM 70314. The preliminary optimization of the enzymatic hydrolysis was performed at the bench scale through the response surface methodology (RSM). The fermentation medium and set-up were optimized in terms of the nitrogen (N) source and carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio yielding to the selection of soy flour as a N source and C/N ratio of 160. The bench scale settings were scaled-up and further optimized at the 10 L-scale and finally at the 50 L pilot scale bioreactor. Process optimization also included oxygen supply strategies. Under optimized conditions, a lipid concentration of 14.8 gL−1 was achieved corresponding to a 23.1% w/w lipid yield and 67.4% w/w lipid cell content. Oleic acid was the most abundant fatty acid with a percentage of 57%. The overall process mass balance was assessed for the production of biodiesel from wheat straw.

Can marine heatwaves affect the fatty acid composition and energy budget of the tropical fish Zebrasoma scopas?

Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are extreme weather events featuring abnormally high seawater temperature, and expected to increase in frequency, duration and severity over this century. The impacts of these phenomena on physiological performance of coral reef species require understanding. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a simulated MHW (category IV; ΔT = +2 °C, 11 days) (after exposure and 10-day recovery period) on fatty acid (FA) composition (as a biochemical indicator) and energy budget (i.e., growth, G, excretion (faecal, F and nitrogenous losses, U), respiration, R and food consumption, C) of a juvenile tropical surgeonfish species (Zebrasoma scopas). Significant and different changes were found under MHW scenario for some of the most abundant FA and respective groups (i.e., an increase in the contents of 14:0, 18:1n-9, ΣMonounsaturated (ΣMUFA) and 18:2n-6; and a decrease in the levels of 16:0, ΣSaturated (ΣSFA), 18:1n-7, 22:5n-3 and ΣPolyunsaturated (ΣPUFA)). The contents of 16:0 and ΣSFA were also significantly lower after MHW exposure compared to control (CTRL). Additionally, lower feed efficiency (FE), relative growth rate (RGR) and specific growth rate in terms of wet weight (SGRw), as well as higher energy loss for respiration were observed under MHW exposure conditions in comparison with CTRL and MHW recovery period. The energy proportion channelled for faeces dominated the mode of energy allocation, followed by growth in both treatments (after exposure). After MHW recovery, this trend was reversed, and a higher percentage was spent for growth and a lower fraction for faeces than in the MHW exposure period. Overall, FA composition, growth rates and energy loss for respiration of Z. Scopas were the physiological parameters most influenced (mainly in a negative way) by an 11-day MHW event. The observed effects in this tropical species can be exacerbated with increasing intensity and frequency of these extreme events.

Compositional characteristics and indication of n-fatty acids in alpine meadow plants and soils

AimTo explore the distributions and indication of n-fatty acids in the plants and soils from alpine meadow, and how n-fatty acids in plants and soils are associated. MethodsThe plant (grass, herb, and shrub) and soil samples were collected from alpine meadow in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and the compositional characteristics of n-fatty acids were analyzed using GC-MS. Results and conclusionn-Fatty acids ranging from C6 to C28 were identified, C16 was the most abundant fatty acid in most plants, which contributed between 39.1% and 74.2% to total n-fatty acids; the most abundant fatty acid in soils was C15, which contributed between 72.1% and 89.1% to total n-fatty acid. The total n-fatty acid content of Artemisia hedinii and the long chain n-fatty acid content of Ajuga lupulina were the highest, while the total and long chain n-fatty acid content of Saxifraga tangutica were the lowest. The contents of C20, C22, C24 and C26 in indicative plants of degradation and typical dominant plants (Festuca sinensis, Elymus nutans, Poa crymophila, Kobresia humulis, Kobresia pygmaea) were higher than other long chain n-fatty acids (C ≥ 20). The n-fatty acids content of the plants in degraded alpine meadow were higher than that in non-degraded alpine meadow except C6, C23, C25 and C27. The total n-fatty acids content of plants and soils in degraded alpine meadow were higher than that of non-degraded meadow. The n-fatty acids content in soils were decreased with the increasing depth of sampling except C15. The positive correlation of long chain n-fatty acids content in soils and plants was strongly significant (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.926). The compositional characteristics of n-fatty acids in plants and soils were similar. Therefore, the source of the long chain n-fatty acids in the soil might be deduced from native vegetation.

Fatty Acid Composition of Northern Pike from an Arctic River (Northeastern Siberia, Russia)

We assayed the fatty acid composition of muscles of the northern pike Esox lucius Linnaeus, 1758 inhabiting the Gyda River, Siberia, Russia using gas-liquid chromatography. Of 43 fatty acids identified in the pike samples, 23 fatty acids accounted for 99.3% of the total content. The most abundant saturated fatty acids (SFA, 31.6%) were palmitic (C16:0, 20.0%) and stearic (C18:0, 7.3%) acids. Among monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA, 15.1%), oleic acid (C18:1n9, 10.2%) and palmitoleic acid (C16:1, 4.1%) demonstrated the highest levels. The most represented polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA, 53.3%) were arachidonic acid (C20:4n-6, 7.6%), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5n-3, 7.3%), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n-3, 26.3%). The fatty acid profile of specimens from the Gyda River was different in comparison to profiles found in other pike populations, most likely due to different diets. Pike flesh has good nutrition quality in terms of a low n-6/n-3 ratio (0.36), low atherogenic (0.39), and thrombogenic (0.22) indices, and a high ratio of hypocholesterolemic to hypercholesterolemic fatty acids (2.83), and this species can be recommended as a replacement or alternative to other fish sources in traditional diets.

Amelioration of Osteoarthritis Development by Daily Oral Supplementation of Royal Jelly.

Royal jelly (RJ), an essential food for the queen honeybee, has a variety of biological activities. Although RJ exerts preventive effects on various lifestyle-related diseases, such as osteoporosis and obesity, no study evaluated the effect of RJ on the development of osteoarthritis (OA), the most common degenerative joint disease. Here, we showed that daily oral administration of raw RJ significantly prevented OA development in vivo following surgically-induced knee joint instability in mice. Furthermore, in vitro experiments using chondrocytes, revealed that raw RJ significantly reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines and enzymes critical for the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Similar results were observed after treatment with 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid, the most abundant and unique fatty acid in raw RJ. Our results suggest that oral supplementation with RJ would benefit the maintenance of joint health and prophylaxis against OA, possibly by suppressing the activity of inflammatory cytokines and ECM-degrading enzymes.

Temporal evolution of fatty acid content in human milk of lactating mothers from the Philippines

Fatty acids (FA) play a key role in infant growth and development. The aim of this study was to study the temporal evolution of FA from 3 or 4 weeks to 4 months postpartum in human milk (HM) from Filipino mothers. Mid-morning HM samples (n = 41) were collected after full expression from a single breast and FA were assessed using gas-liquid chromatography coupled to flame ionization detector. The total FA content remained relatively constant over the study period. The most abundant FA in HM were oleic acid (OA), palmitic acid (PA) and linoleic acid (LA), a trend similarly reported in HM from European and Chinese mothers. The former two were unchanged over the course of lactation while there was a slight increase in LA content over time. Similarly, the saturated fatty acid (SFA) and monounsaturated FA (MUFA) contents did not vary over the first four months of lactation. The SFA content was much higher than that reported in HM from Europe and China, mainly driven by PA, lauric and myristic acids. The MUFA content on the other hand, while comparable to that reported in HM from Chinese populations was lower than that reported in Europe. There was a small increase in the polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) content over the study duration. The levels of essential FA, linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA) were found to be much lower than that reported in other populations. The concentrations of arachidonic acid (AA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) remained stable over the study duration. AA and DHA in HM from Filipino mothers were comparable to global averages, however in case of the latter the concentration was found to be lower than in previous reports. DHA is of great clinical significance as it plays a key role in infant growth and development. In our study, we observed a wide inter- and intra-individual variability in the levels of DHA in HM, presumably reflecting diverse intakes of DHA rich foods and bioconversion in vivo. Personalized recommendations may help achieve recommended levels of DHA amongst population with levels below global averages. This may help achieve HM sufficiency and therefore be linked to clinical benefits for the mother and the baby. SummaryThis study details the temporal evolution of human milk (HM) fatty acids (FA) in Filipino mothers up to four months postpartum. The total FA content remained relatively constant over the study period. The most abundant FA were oleic, palmitic and linoleic acids. HM from Filipino mothers had relatively higher saturated FA content driven by palmitic, lauric and myristic acids, while the levels of essential FA, linoleic and α-linoleic acids were lower compared to other populations. Similarly, the concentration of monounsaturated FA were also lower than that reported in HM from European mothers. Arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) concentrations were comparable to global averages however the HM DHA levels were seen to have decreased when compared to previous reports from the Philippines. Additionally, a wide variability was seen in HM DHA levels suggesting a need for strategies such as personalized recommendations in order to ensure HM DHA sufficiency.

Quantitative analysis of fatty acids and vitamin E and total lipid profiling of dietary supplements from the German market

Certain polyunsaturated fatty acids with n-3 double bonds are essential nutrients for the human body and are part of the bilayer of cell membranes or precursors of tissue hormones. The most abundant dietary n-3 fatty acids in human nutrition are α-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acid and can be taken up through dietary sources such as vegetable oils or fish or, alternatively, dietary supplements with high levels of n-3 fatty acids. In previous studies, considerable variation of lipid patterns and quantities of n-3 fatty acids were observed. In this study, 33 dietary supplements from the German market, based on fish-, krill-, microalgae, and plant oil, have been analyzed. Lipid profiling (LC–MS) revealed triacylglycerols as the dominant lipid species in most samples. However, krill oil was rich in phospholipids and samples containing fatty acid concentrates featured abundant fatty acid ethyl esters and diacylglycerols. Furthermore, total lipid profiles showed considerable variance depending on the lipid sources (e.g., fish or plant oil), which was also apparent in fatty acid analysis. The contents of n-3 fatty acids ranged between 150 and 570 mg/g capsule content (GC–MS) and vitamin E (α-tocopherol and tocopheryl acetate) were found in quantities ranging from 1.2 to 86.1 mg/g capsule content (HPLC–UV/Vis). While our analyses indicated a good agreement between labeled and present quantities of total n-3 fatty acids and vitamin E for the majority of samples, significant differences in agreement between individual fatty acids were observed, as well as frequent mismatches between declared and present vitamin E derivatives.

Lipidomic Characterization and Antioxidant Activity of Macro- and Microalgae Blend.

Macro- and microalgae are currently recognized sources of lipids with great nutritional quality and attractive bioactivities for human health promotion and disease prevention. Due to the lipidomic diversity observed among algae species, giving rise to different nutritional and functional characteristics, the mixture of macro- and microalgae has the potential to present important synergistic effects resulting from the complementarity among algae. The aim of this work was to characterize for the first time the lipidome of a blend of macro- and microalgae and evaluate the antioxidant capacity of its lipid fraction. Fatty acids were profiled by GC-MS, the polar lipidome was identified by high resolution LC-MS, and ABTS+• and DPPH• assays were used to assess the antioxidant potential. The most abundant fatty acids were oleic (18:1 n-9), α-linolenic (18:3 n-3), and linoleic (18:2 n-6) acids. The lipid extract presented a beneficial n-6/n-3 ratio (0.98) and low values of atherogenic (0.41) and thrombogenic indices (0.27). The polar lipidome revealed 462 lipid species distributed by glycolipids, phospholipids, and betaine lipids, including some species bearing PUFA and a few with reported bioactivities. The lipid extract also showed antioxidant activity. Overall, the results are promising for the valorization of this blend for food, nutraceutical, and biotechnological applications.

Unraveling Large and Polyploidy Genome of the Crucifer Orychophragmus violaceus in China, a Potential Oil Crop.

The genus Orychophragmus in the Brassicaceae family includes the types with 2n = 20, 22, 24, and 48. The species O. violaceus (L.) O. E. Schulz has 2n = 24 and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in China. This review summarizes the research progress of its genome structure and evolution in the context of cytogenetics and genome sequencing. This species has a large genome size of ~1 Gb and longer chromosomes than those of Brassica species, which is attributable to the burst of TE insertions. Even more, one tetraploidization event from about 600-800 million years ago is elucidated to occur during its genome evolution, which is consistent with the polyploidy nature of its genome revealed by the meiotic pairing patterns. Its chromosomes are still characterized by a larger size and deeper staining than those from Brassica species in their intergeneric hybrids, which is likely related to their inherent differences between genome structures and cytology. Its genome is dissected by the development of additional alien lines, and some traits are located on individual chromosomes. Due to the abundant dihydroxy fatty acids in its seed oil with superior lubricant properties and wide environmental adaptations, this plant promises to be utilized as one new oil crop in the future.