Chain Saturated Fatty Acids Research Articles

Dysfunctional Plasma Lipid Metabolism Contributes to Chronic Migraine Pathology

BackgroundLipids are a major storage form of energy, and the source of inflammatory and pain signaling molecules, yet their contribution to chronic migraine (CM) is not fully known. Our aim is to determine if plasma lipid metabolism contributes to CM pathology.MethodsWe obtained plasma from healthy controls (CT, n=10) or CM subjects (n=17) diagnosed using the International Headache Society criteria, and measured unesterified (UFA), and esterified fatty acids (EFA) using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Plasma glycerophospholipids (GP) and sphingolipids (SP) were determined using LC‐MS/MS and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity was determined using fluorescent substrates.ResultsAge, gender distribution, and BMI were similar, but while 48 % and 35 % of CM participants were on NSAIDs or taking anti‐oxidants, respectively, no CT subjects were on medications. Unesterified levels of three even chain saturated fatty acids (SAFA), two odd chain SAFAs, the sum of even chain SAFAs, sum of SAFAs, six even chain monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), 2 odd chain MUFAs, five omega‐3 (n−3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and five omega‐6 (n−6) PUFAs are higher in CM. The sum of all UFAs is significantly elevated in CM plasma. Esterified levels of two even chain SAFAs, the sum of even chain SAFAs, one odd chain SAFAs, the sum of all SAFAs, five even chain MUFAs, three odd chain MUFAs, five n−3 PUFAs, the sum of n−3 PUFAs, and three n−6 PUFAs, are higher in CM plasma. For both UFA and EFA, only the C16:1 composition was significantly higher in CM plasma. The ratios C16:1/C16:0 and C20:4n−6/homo‐γ‐C20:3n−6 representative of delta‐9 and delta‐5 desaturases, respectively, are higher in CM. While PLA2 activity was similar, the UFA to EFA ratio of even chain MUFA and the sum of MUFAs is higher in CM. Elongase indices < C18:0 were lower and indices >C20:0 were higher in CM. Of all GP/SPs detected, only ceramide composition is lower (p=0.0003) in CM (0.26 ± 0.07) compared to CT (0.48 ± 0.06). The ceramide to dihydroceramide and ceramide to sphingomyelin ratios are also significantly lower in CM.ConclusionSince plasma UFAs are known to correspond to adipose tissue levels, higher plasma fatty acids and UFA/EFA ratios suggest enhanced mobilization from adipose storage sites in CM. Higher C16:1 composition concomitant with an increase in the C16:1/C16:0 ratio suggests increased delta‐9 desaturase activity in CM. Lower ceramide ratios suggest reduced de novo synthesis and/or hydrolysis of sphingomyelin. Together, these studies show dysfunctional lipid metabolism in CM. We propose that controlling plasma lipid metabolism may relieve CM symptoms.Support or Funding InformationRecruitment and sample collection at Stanford University School of Medicine was supported by generous gifts from the Higgins Family Trusts. Lipid analyses was supported by NIH 5R01NSO72497 and HMRI.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Fast approach for fatty acid profiling of dairy products fats using 1H-NMR spectroscopy

A quick and modern alternative for the analysis of milk-based products is proposed. The fats from hard and white fermented cheese samples were extracted and examined using NMR. The identification and quantification of the fatty acid profile was based on a set of chemometric equations. At the same time, based on the ratio of long chain (C10–C22) saturated fatty acids to short chain (C4–C8) fatty acids, the suspected adulteration with vegetable fats could be quickly established (the ratio varied with the addition of exogenous fats). The accuracy of the results offered by NMR method was confirmed by a standard GC-FID method.

CHARACTERIZATION OF GENE KETOACYL-ACP SYNTHASE II (KAS II) β ON Elaeis guineensis, Elaeis oleifera, AND INTERSPECIFIC HYBRID

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is currently the highest edible oil-producing plant in the world. E. oleifera is another species of oil palm that is not widely cultivated due to lower productivity. Oil extracted from E. guineensis has a balance ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids level, while E. oleifera has a higher unsaturated fatty acids. Long chain saturated fatty acids are more harmful for human health than unsaturated fatty acids. Gene encoding β-ketoacyl ACP synthase II (KAS II, EC 2.3.1.179) was studied, as this enzyme is responsible for biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. Observation and analysis were conducted for KAS II gene and fatty acids content of E. guineensis represented by DxP Lame, DxP Langkat and CMR78 samples, E. oleifera represented by Suriname origin, and two hybrids (E. guineensis x E. oleifera (Brazil and Suriname)). The results showed E. oleifera Suriname had the highest concentration of oleic acid, followed by E. guineensis (CMR78). KAS II gene sequences alignment showed some genetic variation within E. guineensis and hybrids, while the high level of variation found between E. guineensis and E. oleifera was considered caused by species difference.

Synthesis of novel medium-long-medium type structured lipids from microalgae oil via two-step enzymatic reactions

The aim of this study is to produce new medium-long-medium structured triacylglycerols (MLM-STAGs) containing caprylic acid (CA) at the sn-1,3 positions, and long chain saturated fatty acids (LCSFAs) and bioactive fatty acids at the sn-2 position via two-step enzymatic process by Lipozyme TL-IM, using autotrophic microalgae (Isochrysis galbana) TAGs. In the first step, the ethanolysis of microalgae oil TAGs for 2-monoacylglycerols (2-MAGs) production are performed in the presence of water content of 5 wt% at ethanol/oil mole ratio of 24:1 with Lipozyme TL-IM at 25 °C for 12 h. In the larger-scale production of 2-MAGs, the 2-MAGs yield and the purity of the purified MAGs attained are 31.44-36.08 wt% and 91.57 mol%, respectively. In the second reaction, these 2-MAGs are esterified with caprylic acid (CA) in n-hexane system to synthesize almost pure MLM-STAGs with the recycled Lipozyme TL-IM under the optimized conditions. The final MLM-STAGs contain 64.28% CA and 13.35% ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The CA-LCSFAs-CA (43.01%) and novel CA-stearidonic acid (SDA, C18:4ω-3)-CA (23.88%) are the major MLM-STAGs present. In all, Isochrysis galbana-derived oil containing SDA is a promising source for producing high-value microalgal bioproducts by two-step enzymatic process in a cost-effective manner.

Improving Vegetable Oil Properties by Transforming Fatty Acid Chain Length in Jatropha Oil and Coconut Oil Blends

Efforts to improve the physical and chemical properties of vegetable oils as diesel fuels such as viscosity and calorific value are indispensable with the depletion of fossil oil reserves. Jatropha oil with long chain fatty acids and high degree of unsaturation is mixed with short chain saturated fatty acid coconut oil in various compositions. The mixture was heated and stirred for 30 min at 90 °C. This mixing leads to a decrease in viscosity which allows for the breaking of the bond. The fatty acid molecule structure undergoes transformation that changes the degree of unsaturation and the average length of the carbon chain. Consequently, the kinematic viscosity and flash point of the mixture decreases while its calorific value increases.

Transcriptome-wide survey of gene expression changes and alternative splicing in Trichophyton rubrum in response to undecanoic acid

While fatty acids are known to be toxic to dermatophytes, key physiological aspects of the Trichophyton rubrum response to undecanoic acid (UDA), a medium chain saturated fatty acid (C11:0), are not well understood. Thus, we analysed RNA-seq data from T. rubrum exposed to sub-lethal doses of UDA for 3 and 12 h. Three putative pathways were primarily involved in UDA detoxification: lipid metabolism and cellular membrane composition, oxidative stress, and pathogenesis. Biochemical assays showed cell membrane impairment, reductions in ergosterol content, and an increase in keratinolytic activity following UDA exposure. Moreover, we assessed differential exon usage and intron retention following UDA exposure. A key enzyme supplying guanine nucleotides to cells, inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), showed high levels of intron 2 retention. Additionally, phosphoglucomutase (PGM), which is involved in the glycogen synthesis and degradation as well as cell wall biosynthesis, exhibited a significant difference in exon 4 usage following UDA exposure. Owing to the roles of these enzymes in fungal cells, both have emerged as promising antifungal targets. We showed that intron 2 retention in impdh and exon 4 skipping in pgm might be related to an adaptive strategy to combat fatty acid toxicity. Thus, the general effect of UDA fungal toxicity involves changes to fungal metabolism and mechanisms for regulating pre-mRNA processing events.

No effect of saturated fatty acid chain length on meal-induced thermogenesis in overweight men

Monounsaturated (MUFA) fatty acids have been shown to induce greater meal-induced thermogenesis (MIT) than saturated fatty acids (SFA) in some studies, however, the effect of SFA chain length has not been examined. We hypothesized that a meal rich in short- to medium-chain SFA would elicit a greater MIT than one rich in long-chain SFA, and that MIT responses would be comparable between the short- to medium-chain SFA and the MUFA rich meal. A 3-arm crossover study was conducted with healthy overweight men, aged 18 to 40 years. Participants consumed either an iso-energetic (3780 ± 4.3 kJ), high fat (45%) meal rich in short-/medium-chain SFA (SMCSFA) (2-12 carbons); long-chain SFA (LCSFA) (14-24 carbons), and MUFA. MIT, fat oxidation, triglyceride and subjective appetite were measured for 6 hours post-prandial. Data were analyzed as total area under the curve and compared using a one-way repeated-measures ANOVA. The mean BMI of participants (n =13) was 29.3 ± 0.6 kg/m2 and mean age 23.8±1.4 years. MIT was not different between the meals: MUFA (204.2 ± 20.5 kJ/6 h), SMCSFA (192.6 ± 21.8 kJ/6 h), LCSFA (198.1 ± 21.5 kJ/6 h) (P = .888). Fat oxidation, plasma triglyceride, and hunger and fullness were similar after each meal (P > .05 all values). This study demonstrated that in healthy overweight men, SFA chain length, and fatty acid saturation have no acute differential effect on MIT, fat oxidation, triglyceride, or subjective appetite responses.

Differential effects of saturated fatty acids on the risk of metabolic syndrome: a matched case-control and meta-analysis study

BackgroundWe investigated the association between plasma saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and the risk of metabolic syndrome among ethnic Chinese adults in Taiwan who attended a health check-up center. MethodsA case-control study based on 1000 cases of metabolic syndrome and 1:1 matched control participants (mean age, 54.9 ± 10.7 y; 36% females) were recruited. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the criteria of the International Diabetes Federation. Gas chromatography was used to measure the distribution of fatty acids in plasma (% of total fatty acids). ResultsEven-chain SFAs, including 14:0, 16:0, and 18:0, were associated with metabolic syndrome; the adjusted odds ratio [OR] and 95% confidence interval [CI] per standard deviation [SD] difference was 3.32, [1.98–5.59]; however, very-long-chain SFAs, including 20:0, 21:0, 22:0, 23:0, and 24:0, were inversely associated with metabolic syndrome. The adjusted OR [95% CI] per SD difference was 0.67 [0.58–0.78]. The area under the receiver operative characteristic curve increased from 0.814 in the basic model to 0.815 (p = 0.54, compared with the basic model), 0.818 (p < 0.0001), and 0.820 (p < 0.0001) after adding odd-chain, even-chain, and very-long chain SFAs. A meta-analysis based on 12 studies showed that the summarized OR for type 2 diabetes mellitus was 1.16 [0.96–1.41] for the top versus bottom SFAs. ConclusionsDifferent carbon numbers of SFAs have been shown to have differential effects on the status of metabolic syndrome, implying that SFAs are not homogenous for the effects.

Effect of Tween Emulsifiers on the Shear Stability of Partially Crystalline Oil-in-Water Emulsions Stabilized By Sodium Caseinate

We investigated the effects of Tween emulsifier fatty acid chain length on the shear stability and crystallization behavior of 35 wt% partially crystalline oil-in-water emulsions prepared with and without 1 wt% sodium caseinate. Emulsions containing sodium caseinate and Tween 20, 40, 60 or 80 varied in shear stability, degree of supercooling and crystallization behavior depending on the type and concentration of Tween as well as the presence of protein. Generally, emulsions containing the unsaturated emulsifier Tween 80 were the most shear sensitive followed by the saturated emulsifiers Tween 20, 40 and 60 in order of increasing fatty acid chain length. Long chain saturated Tween emulsifiers (40 and 60) improved shear stability regardless of whether sodium caseinate was present indicating that alone, these emulsifiers form more robust interfacial films compared to the saturated short chain length Tween 20 and Tween 80. In emulsions prepared with sodium caseinate, the degree of supercooling decreased and the crystallization rate diminished with increasing saturated fatty acid chain length but only negligible changes were found without sodium caseinate. Together, these findings indicate that long chain saturated Tween emulsifiers provide better emulsion stability regardless of the presence of sodium caseinate but with sodium caseinate, stability may also be affected by changes to fat crystallization. These novel findings provide guidance on how combinations of proteins and emulsifiers can be used to modify and control the stability of partially crystalline oil-in-water emulsions through their combined effects on the properties of the interfacial film and fat crystallization.

Palatability Characterization of Fresh and Dry-Aged Ground Beef Patties

Descriptive trained sensory attributes, fatty acids, and volatile compounds were determined to characterize the effects of dry-aging on ground beef. Beef shoulder clods were ground to include 100% fresh beef, 100% dry-aged beef, and a 50% fresh and 50% dry-aged ground beef blend. Samples comprised of 100% dry-aged beef were rated greatest (P &lt; 0.001) for browned/grilled, earthy/mushroom, and nutty/roasted-nut flavors; however, panelists also detected greater (P ≤ 0.011) incidences of sour/acidic and bitter flavors. The addition of dry-aged beef increased (P &lt; 0.001) hardness and reduced (P &lt; 0.001) tenderness. Dry-aging also caused a shift in saturated fatty acids, where shorter chain saturated fatty acids (≤ 16:0) were reduced (P ≤ 0.034) compared to stearic acid (18:0). Meanwhile, increases of trans-octadecenoic acid (18:1 trans) and decreases of cis monounsaturated fatty acids were present in dry-aged beef. Concentrations of 18:2 conjugated linoleic isomers were greatest (P &lt; 0.001) in fresh beef and decreased with the incorporation of dry-aged beef. Several lipid-derived volatile compounds were greater (P &lt; 0.05) in dry-aged beef compared with fresh beef, implying a greater degree of lipid degradation among dry-aged beef. Increases (P ≤ 0.031) were determined for 3- and 2-methyl butanal with the addition of dry-aged beef. Intermediates of the Maillard reaction, 2,3-butanedione and acetoin, were determined to be greatest (P ≤ 0.046) from dry-aged beef. Alterations of fatty acids and volatile compounds with dry-aging were determined to be related with intensity of individual flavor attributes. Overall, it may be concluded that inclusion of dry-aged beef impacts flavor profile through altered fatty acid profiles and flavor related compounds. These results support the idea that dry-aging may be utilized to impart an altered ground beef flavor experience.

Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Reprogramming from Roots to Haustoria in the Parasitic Plant, Thesium chinense.

Most plants show remarkable developmental plasticity in the generation of diverse types of new organs upon external stimuli, allowing them to adapt to their environment. Haustorial formation in parasitic plants is an example of such developmental reprogramming, but its molecular mechanism is largely unknown. In this study, we performed field-omics using transcriptomics and metabolomics to profile the molecular switch occurring in haustorial formation of the root parasitic plant, Thesium chinense, collected from its natural habitat. RNA-sequencing with de novo assembly revealed that the transcripts of very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) biosynthesis genes, auxin biosynthesis/signaling-related genes and lateral root developmental genes are highly abundant in the haustoria. Gene co-expression network analysis identified a network module linking VLCFAs and the auxin-responsive lateral root development pathway. GC-TOF-MS analysis consistently revealed a unique metabolome profile with many types of fatty acids in the T. chinense root system, including the accumulation of a 25-carbon long chain saturated fatty acid in the haustoria. Our field-omics data provide evidence supporting the hypothesis that the molecular developmental machinery used for lateral root formation in non-parasitic plants has been co-opted into the developmental reprogramming of haustorial formation in the linage of parasitic plants.

Enzymatic synthesis of structured lipids with behenic acid at the sn-1, 3 positions of triacylglycerols.

A long chain saturated fatty acid (SFA), behenic acid, is incorporated into the sn-1, 3 positions of triacylglycerols in palm olein (POo) and high-oleic sunflower oil (HOS) by solvent-free interesterification catalyzed by Lipozyme RM IM. The enzymatic interesterified HOS (EIE-HOS) yielded 76.5% of BOO and BOB as compared to 45.6% in POo (EIE-POo). The sn-2 position of EIE-HOS displayed 5.3mol% of SFA which is significantly lower compared to 13.5mol% in EIE-POo (P<0.001). The sn-1, 3 positions of EIE-POo exhibited greater amount of behenic acid (82.0mol%) in relation to EIE-HOS (64.0mol%) (P<0.001). Due to the greater variety of constitutive triacylglycerol, EIE-POo showed greater differences between onset (To) and offset temperature (Tf) in the melting endotherms (76.99°C) as compared to EIE-HOS (68.65°C), and may offer more intensive cooling sensation and flavor release.

Sodium butyrate induces senescence and inhibits the invasiveness of glioblastoma cells.

Sodium butyrate (SB), a short chain (C-4) saturated fatty acid, is present in the human bowel at increased concentrations (~2 mM) as a food metabolite. It has been demonstrated that SB exerts an anti-tumor effect as a histone deacetylase inhibitor; however, its precise mechanism of action remains to be elucidated. The present study focused on the mechanisms underlying the effects of SB on glioblastoma (GB) cell proliferation, motility and invasion. In human GB A172 cells, flow cytometry and a Boyden chamber assay demonstrated that physiological concentrations of SB (0.25–4.00 mM) dose-dependently inhibited cell proliferation and invasion. SB also affected cellular morphology, with increases in cell area and the number of focal adhesions observed. However, the phosphorylation (Y397 site) of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) was increased, while that of myosin light chain (S19 site) was unaltered. All of these SB-induced effects were reversible and attenuated following SB withdrawal. In addition, A172 cells treated with SB exhibited positivity for senescence-associated (SA) β-galactosidase (gal) staining and elevated protein expression of p53 and p21 in a time- and dose-dependent manner, whereas the expression of p21 mRNA decreased. Knockdown of p21 expression using small interfering RNA reversed the inhibition of cell growth inhibition and positivity for SA β-gal staining, but did not reverse the inhibition of cell motility and enhanced phosphorylation of FAK. This suggests that cells require p21 to induce senescence but not for SB-mediated decreased motility. Therefore, the current study demonstrated that SB inhibits GB cell proliferation, induces cells to senesce and inhibits tumor cell invasion, indicating that it may be developed as a novel therapeutic strategy to treat GB.

Combined Short‐Path Distillation and Solvent‐Assisted Crystallization of Beef Fatty Acid Methyl Esters

AbstractSolvent‐assisted crystallization has previously been employed to remove long‐chain saturated fatty acids (≥ 18 carbons) from animal fat to improve its cold temperature biofuel properties. The same technology can be used for removing long‐chain saturated fatty acids (SFA) from animal fats for human consumption, but SFA remaining (i.e., 14:0 and 16:0) are more atherogenic than longer chain SFA. In the present study, an easy and efficient method was developed using short‐path distillation prior to solvent‐assisted crystallization for the more complete removal of SFA from beef tallow, and for the first time reports the distillation and crystallization behavior of polyunsaturated fatty acid biohydrogenation products (PUFA‐BHP). Shorter chain SFA methyl esters (i.e., 14:0 and 16:0) were efficiently removed at 90 °C, 9.3 Pa, with a rotor speed of 70 rpm and either two cycles of distillation at 90 drops/min or three cycles at 110 drops/min. Stearic acid (18:0) was then effectively removed by crystallization at −20 °C using a sample to methanol ratio of 1:10. The remaining fraction enriched with PUFA‐BHP (i.e., rumenic acid, c9,t11‐18:2, and its precursor vaccenic acid, t11‐18:1) have potential use in disease model (i.e., cell culture and animal) studies to help further elucidate their bioactivity and mode of action, and may in the future have functional food or nutraceutical potential.

Analysis of the biosynthetic process of fatty acids in Thraustochytrium

Thraustochytrium is a marine protist producing a specific profile of nutritionally important fatty acids, including very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLCPUFAs) docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3), even chain saturated fatty acids (SFAs) palmitic acid (16:0), and odd chain SFAs pentadecanoic acid (15:0). To study how these fatty acids are synthesized, a series of radiolabeled precursors were used to trace the biosynthetic process in vivo and in vitro. When Thraustochytrium was fed with long chain fatty acid intermediates such as [1–14C]-oleic acid, [1–14C]-linoleic acid and [1–14C]-α-linolenic acid, no VLCPUFAs were produced, indicating that the aerobic pathway for the biosynthesis of VLCPUFAs was not functional in Thraustochytrium. When fed with [1–14C]-acetic acid, both SFAs and VLCPUFAs were labeled, and when fed with [1–14C]-propionic acid, mainly SFAs were labeled. However, when fed with [1–14C]-acetic acid in the presence of cerulenin, a type I FAS inhibitor, only VLCPUFAs were labeled, and when fed with [1–14C]-propionic acid in the presence of cerulenin, neither SFAs nor VLCPUFAs were labeled. This result clearly indicates that the type I fatty acid synthase (FAS) in Thraustochytrium could use acetic acid and propionic acid as the primers to synthesize even chain and odd chain SFAs, respectively, and VLCPUFAs were synthesized by the PUFA synthase using acetic acid as the primer. In addition, radioactive acetic acid could label both phospholipids (PL) and triacylglycerols (TAG), and VLCPUFAs appeared first and were largely accumulated in PL, whereas TAG accumulated much more SFAs than VLCPUFAs. The in vitro assay with [1–14C]-malonyl-CoA in presence of cerulenin showed that the crude protein of Thraustochytrium produced only VLCPUFAs, not SFAs, further confirming the role of the PUFA synthase in the biosynthesis of VLCPUFAs. Collectively, these results have elucidated the biochemical mechanisms for the biosynthesis of all fatty acids in Thraustochytrium.

Serum metabolomic profile in genetically modified cows carrying human α‑lactalbumin gene.

The present study aimed to investigate the serum metabolomic profiles in genetically modified cows carrying and expressing human lactalbumin α (LALBA) and non-LALBA cows, and identify altered metabolic characteristics following the genetic modification. Serum biochemistry indexes were measured according to protocols recommended by International Federation of Clinical Chemistry. The metabolomic profiles were determined using the serum samples collected from LALBA (n=6) and non-LALBA cows (n=6). Welch's two-sample t-test was used to identify the metabolites that significantly differed between the LALBA and non-LALBA groups (fold-change ≠ 1 and P<0.05), followed by random forest and pathway analysis. The serum biochemistry indexes of LALBA and non-LALBA cows were within the normal ranges of healthy cows. A total of 273 metabolites were detected, among which 79 metabolites, including 46 increased and 33 decreased metabolites, differed significantly between the LALBA and non-LALBA groups. Random forest analysis identified 30 potential key metabolites, including 14 elevated and 16 reduced metabolites. These metabolites were primarily involved in pathways concerning the metabolism of leucine, isoleucine, valine, tryptophan and lipids, such as myristate and eicosapentaenoate. However, the serum in LALBA cow had unique metabolomic signature compared with non-LALBA cows. The accumulation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and amino acids, and the reduced levels of long chain saturated fatty acids in serum may benefit LALBA cows. However, further investigations are required to validate these benefits and the corresponding mechanisms.

Coconut phytocompounds inhibits polyol pathway enzymes: Implication in prevention of microvascular diabetic complications

Coconut oil (CO), the primary choice of cooking purposes in the south Asian countries, is rich in medium chain saturated fatty acids, especially lauric acid (50–52%). The oil has high medicinal use in Ayurvedic system and known to contain polyphenolic antioxidants. Studies have reported that CO improves insulin sensitivity and shows hypoglycemic effect. However, there is no information regarding its effect on chronic diabetic complications including retinopathy and nephropathy is available. The secondary diabetic complications are mediated by the activation of polyol pathway, where aldose reductase (AR) plays crucial role. In this study, in silico analysis has been used to screen the effect of CO as well as its constituents, MCFAs and phenolic compounds, for targeting the molecules in polyol pathway. The study revealed that lauric acid (LA) interacts with AR and DPP-IV of polyol pathway and inhibits the activity of these enzymes. Validation studies using animal models confirmed the inhibition of AR and SDH in wistar rats. Further, the LA dose dependently reduced the expression of AR in HCT-15 cells. Together, the study suggests the possible role of CO, particularly LA in reducing secondary diabetic complications.

Lampanah Local Tall-A High Yielding Variety for Replanting Coconut in Tsunami Affected Aceh Province Area

Aceh province is one of major coconut producing areas in Indonesia. In 2013 coconut areas in Aceh province was 107,654 ha in which total production of copra was equivalent to 63,743 tons. The entire coconut area in Aceh belong to smallholders. The coconut production in this area began to decrease in 2005 by an average of 9 percent per year, which was mainly caused by the tsunami. This had resulted in damage to many crops. Efforts to increase production and productivity of coconut plantation in Aceh needed rejuvenation of the old or unproductive coconut palms with the use of seeds of improved quality. Based on the results of the research conducted during 2014-2016, it is known that the origin of the Lampanah tall is passed from generation to generation and is a native of coconut in Aceh Besar Regent, Aceh Province. The morphology of Lampanah tall coconut comprising of the crown of leaves, stems, flowers and fruits in general is quite uniform. Of the data on the 23 quantitative characters, all have a value of coefficient of variance below 20%, except the character of 11 leaf scars obtained 23.29%. In the case of polar girth, Lampanah tall coconut is generally greater than the equatorial girth, fruit shape classified as round, egg-shaped and elliptic. The seednut of Lampanah tall generally round shape. The Lampanah tall coconut has the number of bunches at 13.35/palm and the number of fruit at 9.25 fruits/bunch or an average of 138 fruits/palm/ year. Fresh coconut meat weight is 449 g/nut or approximately 224 g copra/nut and the potential for copra production was 30.97 kg/palm/year or 3.80 tons of copra/ha/year. The fat content of Lampanah tall coconut was 66.40%, the water content of copra approximately 3.42% and protein at approximately 6.81%. Total saturated fatty acids was at 94.27%, medium chain saturated fatty acids at 67.21% and lauric acid content at 46.50%. The seed source of Lampanah tall coconut has been a selection of as much as 72 Selected Mother Palms (MAS) from a total of 407 palms of the High Yielding Block. The selected population is characterised with traits like copra yield more than 2.0 ton/ha/year, free from attack pests and diseases, number of bunch more than 12 per year, total nuts more than 7/bunch and weight of meat more than 400 g/nut. The MAS of Lampanah tall whole coconut has been marked using GPS. The Aceh government will build a minimum of 5 ha Coconut tall Seed Gardens on government land, as the development of source of Lampanah tall seednuts. Based on the above results, it can be concluded that the Lampanah tall coconut with plenty of nuts, at an average of 138 nuts per palm could be released as one of the national high yielding coconut.

Relative Validity and Reproducibility of a Food Frequency Questionnaire for Assessing Dietary Intakes in a Multi-Ethnic Asian Population Using 24-h Dietary Recalls and Biomarkers.

The assessment of diets in multi-ethnic cosmopolitan settings is challenging. A semi-quantitative 163-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was developed for the adult Singapore population, and this study aimed to assess its reproducibility and relative validity against 24-h dietary recalls (24 h DR) and biomarkers. The FFQ was administered twice within a six-month interval in 161 adults (59 Chinese, 46 Malay, and 56 Indian). Fasting plasma, overnight urine, and 24 h DR were collected after one month and five months. Intra-class correlation coefficients between the two FFQ were above 0.70 for most foods and nutrients. The median correlation coefficient between energy-adjusted deattenuated FFQ and 24 h DR nutrient intakes was 0.40 for FFQ1 and 0.39 for FFQ2, highest for calcium and iron, and lowest for energy and carbohydrates. Significant associations were observed between urinary isoflavones and soy protein intake (r = 0.46), serum carotenoids and fruit and vegetable intake (r = 0.34), plasma eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (EPA + DHA) and fish/seafood intake (r = 0.36), and plasma odd chain saturated fatty acids (SFA) and dairy fat intake (r = 0.25). Associations between plasma EPA + DHA and fish/seafood intake were consistent across ethnic groups (r = 0.28–0.49), while differences were observed for other associations. FFQ assessment of dietary intakes in modern cosmopolitan populations remains feasible for the purpose of ranking individuals’ dietary exposures in epidemiological studies.

A pilot study of the opposing effects of hyperinsulinemia and hyperandrogenenism on serum lipid profiles and bioactive lipids in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective To investigate serum lipid profiles in newly diagnosed patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) using lipidomics and correlate these features with hyperinsulinemia and hyperandrogenism associated with PCOS and obesity. Methods 32 newly-diagnosed PCOS women and 34 controls were enrolled and divided into obese and lean subgroups according to the body mass index (BMI). Anthropometric, biochemical, and hormonal parameters were collected. Serum lipid profiles including phospholipids, free fatty acids (FFAs), and bioactive lipids were analyzed using GC-MS and LC-MS. Results PCOS patients, in particular, the obese ones with fatty liver, have abnormal phosphatidylcholine (PC)/lysophospholipid (LPC) metabolism. PC was increased (16∶0, 18∶0, 18∶1, 18∶2, and 20∶4), while LPC was decreased (16∶0, 18∶0, and 18∶1; all P<0.05). Serum polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), were decreased significantly, and the long chain saturated fatty acid was increased. We also found that insulin stimulated the metabolism of PUFAs, but the androgen inhibits the metabolism of PUFAs by measuring their metabolites. Conclusion PCOS patients have metabolic disorders of phospholipids and PUFAs. Insulin stimulated while androgen inhibited PUFAs metabolism. (Chin J Endocrinol Metab, 2017, 33: 644-650) Key words: Polycystic ovary syndrome; Lipidomics; Insulin resistance; Hyperandrogenism; Obesity