Changes In Fatty Acid Profile Research Articles

Impaired Reverse Cholesterol Transport is Associated with Changes in Fatty Acid Profile in Children and Adolescents with Abdominal Obesity

BackgroundAbdominal obesity is an important cardiovascular disease risk factor. Plasma fatty acids display a complex network of both pro and antiatherogenic effects. High density lipoproteins (HDL) carry out the antiatherogenic pathway called reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), which involves cellular cholesterol efflux (CCE), and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activities. ObjectivesOur aim was to characterize RCT and its relation to fatty acids present in plasma in pediatric abdominal obesity. MethodsSeventeen children and adolescents with abdominal obesity and 17 healthy controls were studied. Anthropometric parameters were registered. Glucose, insulin, lipid levels, CCE employing THP-1 cells, LCAT and CETP activities, plus fatty acids in apo B-depleted plasma were measured. ResultsThe obese group showed a more atherogenic lipid profile, plus lower CCE (Mean±Standard Deviation) (6 ± 2 vs. 7 ± 2%; P < 0.05) and LCAT activity (11 ± 3 vs. 15 ±5 umol/dL.h; P < 0.05). With respect to fatty acids, the obese group showed higher myristic (1.1 ± 0.3 vs. 0.7 ± 0.3; P < 0.01) and palmitic acids (21.5 ± 2.8 vs. 19.6 ± 1.9; P < 0.05) in addition to lower linoleic acid (26.4 ± 3.3 vs. 29.9 ± 2.6; P < 0.01). Arachidonic acid correlated with CCE (r = 0.37; P < 0.05), myristic acid with LCAT (r = -0.37; P < 0.05), palmitioleic acid with CCE (r = -0.35; P < 0.05), linoleic acid with CCE (r = 0.37; P < 0.05), lauric acid with LCAT (r = 0.49; P < 0.05), myristic acid with LCAT (r = -0.37; P < 0.05) ecoisatrienoic acid with CCE (r = 0.40; P < 0.05) and lignoseric acid with LCAT (r = -0.5; P < 0.01). ConclusionsChildren and adolescents with abdominal obesity presented impaired RCT, which was associated with modifications in proinflammatory fatty acids, such as palmitoleic and myristic, thus contributing to increased cardiovascular disease risk.

Comparative assessment of the frying performance of palm olein and sunflower oil during deep-fat frying of Indian battered food products

The present study evaluates the frying performance of palm olein and sunflower oil during deep-fat frying of Indian snacks. Changes in parameters such as free fatty acids (FFA), peroxide value (PV), p-anisidine value (AV), total oxidation as TOTOX value (TV), dienes, and trienes value together with colour, were evaluated after deep frying of fried products, namely aloo pakora, onion pakora, bread pakora, boondi, and meduvada. The FFA and PV after frying were 0.12 ± 0.01 and 1.16 ± 0.07, 0.13 ± 0.02 and 1.3 ± 0.01, 0.66 ± 0.01 and 2.63 ± 0.00, 0.13 ± 0.01 and 1.65 ± 0.05, 0.22 ± 0.01% and 0.92 ± 0.00 meq/kg for fried medium after frying of aloo pakora, onion pakora, bread pakora, boondi, and meduvada fried in palm olein respectively. A similar trend was also observed for AV, TV, CD, and CT, where sunflower oil showed higher deterioration upon frying than palm olein. The changes in fatty acids profile showed significant change in sunflower oil, evidenced by increased saturated fatty acids and decreased unsaturated fatty acids. The colour also increased significantly for both oil after frying, depicting the buildup of oxidative by-products in the frying medium. The prospect of palm olein for frying various Indian snacks is prominent owing to its thermal resistance and techno-economic benefits over sunflower oil.

Transcriptome profiling brings new insights into the ethanol stress responses of Spathaspora passalidarum.

Spathaspora passalidarum is a xylose-fermenting microorganism promising for the fermentation of lignocellulosic hydrolysates. This yeast is more sensitive to ethanol than Saccharomyces cerevisiae for unclear reasons. An RNA-seq experiment was performed to identify transcriptional changes in S. passalidarum in response to ethanol and gain insights into this phenotype. The results showed the upregulation of genes associated with translation and the downregulation of genes encoding proteins involved in lipid metabolism, transporters, and enzymes from glycolysis and fermentation pathways. Our results also revealed that genes encoding heat-shock proteins and involved in antioxidant response were upregulated, whereas the osmotic stress response of S. passalidarum appears impaired under ethanol stress. A pseudohyphal morphology of S. passalidarum colonies was observed in response to ethanol stress, which suggests that ethanol induces a misperception of nitrogen availability in the environment. Changes in the yeast fatty acid profile were observed only after 12 h of ethanol exposure, coinciding with the recovery of the yeast xylose consumption ability. These findings suggest that the lack of fast membrane lipid adjustments, the halt in nutrient absorption and cellular metabolism, and the failure to induce the expression of osmotic stress-responsive genes are the main aspects underlying the low ethanol tolerance of S. passalidarum. KEY POINTS: • Ethanol stress halts Spathaspora passalidarum metabolism and fermentation • Genes encoding nutrient transporters showed downregulation under ethanol stress • Ethanol induces a pseudohyphal cell shape, suggesting a misperception of nutrients.

Seasonal changes in fatty acid profile of the freshwater snail Viviparus contectus (Millet, 1813) from lake habitat

ABSTRACT The freshwater snail, Viviparus contectus, is an important shellfish owing to its nutritional composition (i.e., high amounts of protein, essential amino acids, fatty acid profile and minerals) and its promise as a candidate for the treatment of some diseases in traditional medicine. Hence, the seasonal changes in the fatty acid (FA) profile of Viviparus contectus caught from Demirköprü Dam Lake were determined in this study. Saturated fatty acid (SFAs) (64.54–80.39% of total fatty acids) had the highest concentration followed by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (10.63–21.83%) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) (6.57–10.13%). Stearic acid (C18:0) was the major SFA while arachidonic acid (C20:4 n−6) was the major PUFA. The season significantly affected the FA profile of V. contectus while no significant difference was determined between seasons with respect to tissue MUFAs levels. A higher level of total SFAs was detected during spring (80.39%) while a higher proportion of MUFAs was detected during the winter (10.13%). The total amounts of PUFAs were highest in winter (21.83%). Overall, V. contectus has nutritional value. However, V. contectus caught in autumn may be nutritionally the most valuable for human consumption due to higher eicosapentaenoic acid 20:5 n−3 and docosahexaenoic acid contents.

Partial and full replacement of dietary fish oil by poultry fat feeds in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

ABSTRACT The study investigated the effects of dietary fish oil replacement by poultry fat on growth performance, fillet quality, and serum enzymatic activities in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. The fish were fed three diets (0%, 50%, and 100% replacement) for 2 months with or without a washout period. No significant effects were observed among treatments on growth performance and viscerosomatic index or on fillet moisture, fat, protein, and ash contents (p > .05). Increased poultry fat led to decrease in ω-3 fatty acids and increase in ω-6 fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids. The washout period restored most of the changes in fillet fatty acid profiles and serum enzymatic activity in the fish feed containing poultry fat. In conclusion, replacement of dietary fish oil by poultry fat had no detrimental effects on fish growth performance, but reduced fish fillet ω-3 fatty acids, which can be restored via a washout period.

A novel type of Brassica napus with higher stearic acid in seeds developed through genome editing of BnaSAD2 family.

Modifications of multiple copies of the BnaSAD2 gene family with genomic editing technology result in higher stearic acid content in the seed of polyploidy rapeseed. Solid fats from vegetable oils are widely used in food processing industry. Accumulating data showed that stearic acid is more favorite as the major composite among the saturate fatty acids in solid fats in considerations of its effects on human health. Rapeseed is the third largest oil crop worldwide, and has potential to be manipulated to produce higher saturated fatty acids as raw materials of solid fats. Toward that end, we identified four SAD2 gene family members in B. napus genome and established spatiotemporal expression pattern of the BnaSAD2 members. Genomic editing technology was applied to mutate all the copies of BnaSAD2 in this allopolyploid species and mutants at multiple alleles were generated and characterized to understand the effect of each BnaSAD2 member on blocking desaturation of stearic acid. Mutations occurred at BnaSAD2.A3 resulted in more dramatic changes of fatty acid profile than ones on BnaSAD2.C3, BnaSAD2.A5 and BnaSAD2.C4. The content of stearic acid in mutant seeds with single locus increased dramatically with a range of 3.1-8.2%. Furthermore, combination of different mutated alleles of BnaSAD2 resulted in more dramatic changes in fatty acid profiles and the double mutant at BnaSAD2.A3 and BnaSAD2.C3 showed the most dramatic phenotypic changes compared with its single mutants and other double mutants, leading to 11.1% of stearic acid in the seeds. Our results demonstrated that the members of BnaSAD2 have differentiated in their efficacy as a Δ9-Stearoyl-ACP-Desaturase and provided valuable rapeseed germplasm for breeding high stearic rapeseed oil.

Fusarium solani infection disrupts metabolism during the germination of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) seeds.

Fungal infections adversely influence the production and quality of seeds. Previously, Fusarium solani was reported as the causal agent of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) seed rot. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of F. solani infection on the germination, biochemical composition, energy reserves, and antioxidant activity of roselle seeds because there is currently a lack of information on the relationship between seed metabolism and infection with F. solani. The results showed that roselle seeds infected with F. solani exhibited a ca. 55% reduction in overall germination. Additionally, the fungal infection decreased antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, protein, sugar (sucrose, fructose, and glucose), and some amino acid (glutamine, serine, and arginine) contents. In contrast, some metabolites were more abundant in infected seeds, including alanine (2.1-fold) and some fatty acids (palmitic acid and heptadecanoic acid by 1.1- and 1.4-fold, respectively). The infection-associated changes in fatty acid profile resulted in the ratio of unsaturated/saturated fatty acids being 2.1-fold higher in infected seeds. Therefore, our results reveal that F. solani infection remarkably altered the biochemical composition of roselle seeds, which may have contributed to the loss of germination and quality of roselle seeds.

Polymorphisms at Candidate Genes for Fat Content and Fatty Acids Composition: Effects on Sheep Milk Production and Fatty Acid Profile Using Two Dietary Supplementations.

The nutritional value of sheep's milk and its derivatives is influenced by the lipid fraction, which is affected by diet and genetics. This study aimed to explore the genetic variations in the DGAT1 and SCD genes and assessed the impact of the DGAT1 genotype on milk quality in Valle del Belìce sheep, considering diet supplementation with carob pulp and barley grain. Among the potentially polymorphic sites, only DGAT1 g.127 C > A and SCD g.87 C > A showed variability. The DGAT1 genotype did not significantly impact milk yield and composition, except for higher urea content in the CA genotypes than in the CC ones. Carob pulp increased the milk fat content compared to barley grain. Genetic variation in DGAT1 was associated with changes in the milk fatty acid profile; specifically, the CA genotype exhibited higher levels of short-chain fatty acids and lower levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to the CC genotype. Carob pulp supplementation increased saturated fatty acids and reduced unsaturated fractions, leading to milk with higher atherogenic and thrombogenic indices. No significant interaction was found between genotype and diet. This study provides insights into the genetic and dietary factors influencing sheep's milk composition. Further research is needed to understand the impact of these genetic variations on milk production and composition, as well as to determine optimal levels of carob pulp for improving fat percentage and promoting sustainable sheep breeding practices.

Bioconversion of olive oil pomace by black soldier fly increases eco-efficiency in solid waste stream reduction producing tailored value-added insect meals.

Olive oil is one of the most important agricultural products in Mediterranean areas, and currently the European Union is the largest producer. Due to technological innovations, Portugal has become one of the main olive oil producing countries over the last few years, accompanied by large amounts of olive oil pomace (OOP), the most representative residue of the olive oil extraction process. This is causing serious waste management problems since current management solutions also present environmental impacts. Here we explored the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) potential to biotransform OOP into valuable insect meals by feeding them OOP-based diets as substrates. Results show that despite survival rates not being affected by higher replacement (75% and 50%) levels of OOP, there was an increase in larval instar duration. Substrate reduction was significantly lower for higher replacement levels but was not affected up to the 50% replacement level. Feed conversion rate differed among all the treatments, increasing as the replacement level increased, while bioconversion rate, which also differed among all the treatments, decreased as replacement level increased. Differences in larval protein content were only seen at higher replacement levels (75%), with an increase in protein content for replacements of up to 25%. One of the most striking results was the change in fatty acid profile, which became more abundant in monounsaturated fatty acids (mostly oleic acid) as the olive pomace replacement levels increased in comparison with the control substrate, rich in saturated fatty acids (palmitic acid). These results show that BSF can be an effective OOP bioconversion agent, and resulting insect meals can be used as alternatives to currently available saturated fatty acid insect meals.

Changes in Chemical Composition and Fatty Acid Profile of Milk and Cheese and Sensory Profile of Milk via Supplementation of Goats' Diet with Marine Algae.

The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of the low level of Schizochytrium limacinum marine algae (daily 5 g per animal) on the milk, cheese, and whey composition; fatty acid profile of milk and cheese; and the sensory profile of goat milk using an e-nose device. Thirty Alpine goats were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (C, n = 15)-fed grass with daily 600 g concentrate and the experimental group (MA, n = 15) who received the same forage and concentrate supplemented with 5 g/head/day marine algae. Animals were kept indoors and the investigation period lasted 52 days, including the first six weeks as the period of adaptation and the last 10 days as the treatment period. During the adaptation period, bulk milk samples from each group were collected once a week (0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 d), while during the treatment period (10 days), bulk milk samples from each group were taken every day, and cheese samples were processed from bulk milk each day from both groups. Marine algae supplementation had no negative effect on milk composition. In contrast, the marine algae inclusion significantly elevated the fat and protein content of whey and the protein content of cheese, as well as the recovery of fat and protein in the curd, while increasing the cheeses' moisture content on a fat-free basis. The marine algae supplementation significantly increased the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and the rumenic acid (CLA c9t11) concentrations and decreased the n-6/n-3 ratio in the milk and cheese. There were no significant differences between the C and the MA group with regard to the sensory profiles of the milk. It can be concluded that the milk obtained from goats given daily supplementation of 5g of MA has a fatty acid profile more beneficial to human health, without any negative effects on the milk's aromatic components.

Impact of Modern Oven Treatments on Lipid Oxidation and Vitamin E Content of Fillets from Sardine (Sardina pilchardus) at Different Reproductive Cycle Phases.

The beneficial effects of sardine consumption can be related to the presence of bioactive compounds, such as vitamin E and ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. In any case, the levels of these compounds in sardine fillet depend on different factors mainly related to the diet and reproductive cycle phase of the fish as well as the technological treatments carried out to cook the fillets. The aim of the present study is two-fold: first, to evaluate changes in the total fatty acid profile, lipid oxidation, and vitamin E content of raw fillets from sardine (Sardina pilchardus) at different reproductive cycle phases (pre-spawning, spawning, and post-spawning); and second, to highlight how these nutritional profiles are affected by three oven treatments (conventional, steam, and sous-vide). For this purpose, raw fish was grouped into pre-spawning, spawning, and post-spawning phases according to the mesenteric fat frequency and the gonadosomatic index evaluation, and submitted to conventional (CO), steam (SO), and sous-vide (SV) baking. The ratio of EPA/DHA and vitamin E increased from post-spawning to pre-spawning, to spawning. Considering the reproductive phases, baking affected the oxidative degree differently: a CO > SO ≥ SV impact was found in the worst scenario (post-spawning), mitigated by vitamin E, to CO ≥ SO > SV in the best scenario (spawning). SV was the best treatment with high values of vitamin E in pre-spawning individuals (110.1 mg/kg). This study shows how vitamin E is correlated to the combined effect of endogenous and exogenous factors.

Changes in fatty acids profile and sucrose concentration of coffee beans during drying process

AbstractSolar drying and forced convection of hot air (mechanical drying) are traditionally used for the drying process of coffee beans. This work describes the changes of the concentration of sucrose and 11 fatty acids contained in Castillo® variety coffee beans during the drying process using HPLC and CG MS. A single‐factor experimental design with three blocks was carried out like this: three solar and three mechanical drying. A phenomenological mathematical model was developed allowing to know the evolution of chemical compounds concentration over time by using a parameter called characteristic time, which can be experimentally measured. For the 18‐h mechanical drying, sucrose concentration increased by 14.55 ± 0.20 mg/g db, while palmitic and linoleic fatty acids decreased by 0.372 ± 0.013 mg/g dry basis (db). For solar drying of 94, 120, and 218 h the initial sucrose concentration was reduced by 24.81 ± 0.23, 29.28 ± 0.27, and 47.10 ± 0.21 mg/g db, likewise palmitic and linoleic fatty acids were reduced by 0.442 ± 0.010, 0.680 ± 0.012, and 1.088 ± 0.014 mg/g db. These results suggest that a short drying time leads to a higher concentration of the analyzed chemical compounds in the coffee beans.Practical ApplicationsThe coffee drying process impacts the concentration of chemical compounds that are of great interest in forming coffee aroma and flavor in the roasting process. This study highlights the impact of drying time on the concentration of sucrose and fatty acids in coffee beans. The main application of this research shows how in solar and mechanical drying variations organic compounds occur. The presence of these organic compounds in coffee beans is of great interest for the later coffee roasting process. The proposed phenomenological mathematical model allows a physical understanding in the effect of drying time on the concentration of sucrose and 11 fatty acids.

Docosahexaenoic Acid Alters Lipid Metabolism Processes via H3K9ac Epigenetic Modification in Dairy Goat.

Goat milk is increasingly recognized by consumers due to its high nutritional value, richness in short- and medium-chain fatty acids, and richness in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Exogenous supplementation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an important approach to increasing the content of PUFA in goat milk. Several studies have reported benefits of dietary DHA in terms of human health, including potential against chronic diseases and tumors. However, the mechanisms whereby an increased supply of DHA regulates mammary cell function is unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect of DHA on lipid metabolism processes in goat mammary epithelial cells (GMEC) and the function of H3K9ac epigenetic modifications in this process. Supplementation of DHA promoted lipid droplet accumulation increased the DHA content and altered fatty acid composition in GMEC. Lipid metabolism processes were altered by DHA supplementation through transcriptional programs in GMEC. ChIP-seq analysis revealed that DHA induced genome-wide H3K9ac epigenetic changes in GMEC. Multiomics analyses (H3K9ac genome-wide screening and RNA-seq) revealed that DHA-induced expression of lipid metabolism genes (FASN, SCD1, FADS1, FADS2, LPIN1, DGAT1, MBOAT2), which were closely related with changes in lipid metabolism processes and fatty acid profiles, were regulated by modification of H3K9ac. In particular, DHA increased the enrichment of H3K9ac in the promoter region of PDK4 and promoted its transcription, while PDK4 inhibited lipid synthesis and activated AMPK signaling in GMEC. The activation of the expression of fatty acid metabolism-related genes FASN, FADS2, and SCD1 and their upstream transcription factor SREBP1 by the AMPK inhibitor was attenuated in PDK4-overexpressing GMEC. In conclusion, DHA alters lipid metabolism processes via H3K9ac modifications and the PDK4-AMPK-SREBP1 signaling axis in goat mammary epithelial cells, providing new insights into the mechanism through which DHA affects mammary cell function and regulates milk fat metabolism.

Enrichment of Argan [Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels] Oil with Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Stigma Powder and Induced Changes in Oil Quality Attributes

Argan oil (AO) is a globally reputed vegetable oil thanks to its nutritional and cosmetic value. AO oxidation induces changes that result in a low quality. In this research, we aimed at fortifying AO using saffron stigmas powder (SSP) and assessing its quality. Dried and grounded saffron stigmas were added to AO at three different concentrations (0.2, 0.5, and 1%). All enriched AOs were stored for six consecutive months under two conditions, namely, light and darkness. Quality indices including free fatty acids (FFA), peroxide value (PV), and specific extinction coefficients K232 and K270 as well as profiling of fatty acids, sterols, and tocopherols were monitored on a monthly basis. Our outcomes reveal that the addition of SSP improved AO oxidation parameters by significantly decreasing ( p &lt; 0.05 ) FFA, PV, K232, and K270 of enriched AO (EAO) as compared to unenriched AO (UAO) especially when AO samples are stored in darkness. Such decrease of oxidation parameters was SSP dose-dependent as a general trend. However, AO enrichment did not induce significant changes ( p &lt; 0.05 ) in fatty acid and sterol profiles. Furthermore, the quality parameter values of EAO and UAO did not exceed the limits set by the Moroccan standard throughout the storage period. Sensory analysis results indicate that EAO showed a low rancidity but high scores of saffron smell, flavor, and color as compared to UAO especially with SSP 1%. In conclusion, AO enrichment using SSP could be used to improve AO oxidative stability and its nutritional value.

Contaminant-induced oxidative stress underlies biochemical, molecular and fatty acid profile changes, in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.)

Chemical contaminants such as heavy metals, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and drugs, are constantly found in the marine environment determining the interest of the scientific community for their side effects on animal welfare, food safety and security. Few studies have analyzed the effects of mix of contaminants in fish, in terms of molecular and nutritional composition response, beside it is indispensable to think more and more on effect of contaminants along the food web system. In this study, Sparus aurata specimens were exposed for 15 days, by diet, to a mixture of carbamazepine (Cbz), polybrominated diphenyl ether-47 (PBDE-47) and cadmium chloride (CdCl2), at two doses (0.375 μg g-1 D1; 37.5 μg g-1 D2) (T15). After, fish were fed with a control diet, without contaminants mix, for other 15 days (T30). The study explored the effect on oxidative stress in the liver, analyzing specific molecular markers and effects on quality, by fatty acid profile and lipid peroxidation. Molecular markers involved in ROS scavenging, such as superoxide dismutase (sod), catalase (cat) and glutathione peroxidase (gpx) were evaluated by gene expression; as markers of quality and lipid peroxidation, the fatty acids (FAs) profile and the level of malondyaldeide (MDA) were assessed. Sod and cat genes underwent to up-regulation after 15 days of diet containing contaminants and showed down-regulation after the next 2 weeks of detoxification (T30). At T15, the FAs profile showed an increase of the saturated fatty acids (SFA), and a decrease of the polyunsatured fatty acids (PUFA). The MDA levels increased over time, indicating an ongoing radical damage. These results suggest that the effects of the contaminants can be perceived not only at molecular but also at nutritional level and that the molecular and biochemical markers adopted could be differently used to monitor the health of aquatic organisms in the marine environment.

Shortened Daily Photoperiod Alleviates Anxiety-like Behaviour by Antioxidant Effect and Changes Serum Fatty Acid Profile in Diabetic Rats.

The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of a shortened daily photoperiod on anxiety-like behaviour, brain oxidative stress, lipid status and fatty acid composition of serum lipids in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced model of diabetes mellitus in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into the following groups: first group-control group (C12/12); second group-diabetic group (DM12/12; 100 mg/kg STZ); third group-control group exposed to a light/dark cycle 6/18 h (C6/18); fourth group-diabetic group exposed to a light/dark cycle 6/18 h (DM6/18). Anxiety-like behaviour was tested three weeks following STZ injection by elevated plus maze (EPM) and open-field test (OFT). Oxidative stress parameters were measured in the cortex, hippocampus and thalamus, while lipid status and fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were measured in the serum. Both EPM and OFT showed a lower degree of anxiety-like behaviour in the DM6/18 vs. DM12/12 group. Lipid peroxidation in the cortex, hippocampus and thalamus was significantly lower in the DM6/18 vs. DM12/12 group (p < 0.05), associated with an increased level of antioxidant enzymes and protein thiols in the cortex and thalamus. In the DM6/18 group, oleic, vaccenic, dihomo-γ-linolenic and docosahexaenoic acid concentrations were significantly higher in comparison to the DM12/12 group. A shortened daily photoperiod alleviates anxiety-like behaviour in diabetic rats by reduced lipid peroxidation and changes in the serum fatty acids profile.

Evaluation of the changes in physiochemical properties and fatty acid profile of industrially pasteurized coconut (&lt;em&gt;Cocos nucifera&lt;/em&gt;) milk during storage

The changes in the quality of coconut milk in industrial storage conditions have received scarce attention despite its widespread use. The study was carried out to evaluate the quality of industrially pasteurized coconut milk based on physicochemical parameters; pH, total solid content, acidity, total microbial count, and the changes in the fatty acid profile during storage. The study revealed that pH of the coconut milk samples varied in the range of 5.2-7.2 and acidity drastically increased during storage. The total microbial count increased with an increasing number of days in all samples. The highest total microbial count was observed on day 5 in 3 samples indicating the unfavourable microbial spoilage. Total solids in all samples were higher than 35% throughout the study. The ANOVA confirmed a significant increase (p&gt;0.05) in the acidity and total microbial count from day 1 to 5, illustrating the crucial roles which these variables play in determining the quality of industrially pasteurized coconut milk during storage. The presence and changes of fatty acids in industrially pasteurized coconut milk were quantitatively analyzed by GC/MS and a total of 8 fatty acids were identified. The fatty acid contents changed significantly after industrial pasteurization and storage.

Zinc- and nickel-induced changes in fatty acid profiles in the zinc hyperaccumulator Arabidopsis halleri and non-accumulator Arabidopsis lyrata

This pilot study aimed at comparing zinc (Zn) and nickel (Ni) effects on the fatty acid (FA) profiles, oxidative stress and desaturase activity in the Zn hyperaccumulator Arabidopsis halleri and the excluder Arabidopsis lyrata to allow a better picture of the physiological mechanisms which may contribute to metal tolerance or acclimation. The most significant changes in the FA composition were observed in the shoots of the hyperaccumulator and in the roots of the excluder, and were not only metal-dependent, but also species-specific, since the most significant changes in the shoots of A. halleri were observed under Ni treatment, though Ni, in contrast to Zn, was accumulated mainly in its roots. Several FAs appeared in the roots and shoots of A. lyrata only upon metal exposure, whereas they were already found in control A. halleri. In both species, there was an increase in oleic acid under Ni treatment in both organs, whereas in Zn-treated plants the increase was shown only for the shoots. A rare conjugated α-parinaric acid was identified only in the shoots of metal-treated A. halleri. In the shoots of the hyperaccumulator, there was an increase in the content of saturated FAs and a decrease in the content of unsaturated FAs, while in the roots of the excluder, the opposite pattern was observed. These metal-induced changes in FA composition in the shoots of A. halleri can lead to a decrease in the fluidity of membranes, which could diminish the penetration of ROS into the membrane and thus maintain its stability.

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.

Inhibition of diacylglycerol lipase β modulates lipid and endocannabinoid levels in the ex vivo human placenta.

Lipids and fatty acids are key components in metabolic processes of the human placenta, thereby contributing to the development of the fetus. Placental dyslipidemia and aberrant activity of lipases have been linked to diverse pregnancy associated complications, such as preeclampsia and preterm birth. The serine hydrolases, diacylglycerol lipase α and β (DAGLα, DAGLβ) catalyze the degradation of diacylglycerols, leading to the formation of monoacylglycerols (MAG), including one main endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). The major role of DAGL in the biosynthesis of 2-AG is evident from various studies in mice but has not been investigated in the human placenta. Here, we report the use of the small molecule inhibitor DH376, in combination with the ex vivo placental perfusion system, activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) and lipidomics, to determine the impact of acute DAGL inhibition on placental lipid networks. DAGLα and DAGLβ mRNA expression was detected by RT-qPCR and in situ hybridization in term placentas. Immunohistochemistry staining for CK7, CD163 and VWF was applied to localize DAGLβ transcripts to different cell types of the placenta. DAGLβ activity was determined by in- gel and MS-based activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) and validated by addition of the enzyme inhibitors LEI-105 and DH376. Enzyme kinetics were measured by EnzChek™ lipase substrate assay. Ex vivo placental perfusion experiments were performed +/- DH376 [1 µM] and changes in tissue lipid and fatty acid profiles were measured by LC-MS. Additionally, free fatty acid levels of the maternal and fetal circulations were determined. We demonstrate that mRNA expression of DAGLβ prevails in placental tissue, compared to DAGLα (p ≤ 0.0001) and that DAGLβ is mainly located to CK7 positive trophoblasts (p ≤ 0.0001). Although few DAGLα transcripts were identified, no active enzyme was detected applying in-gel or MS-based ABPP, which underlined that DAGLβ is the principal DAGL in the placenta. DAGLβ dependent substrate hydrolysis in placental membrane lysates was determined by the application of LEI-105 and DH376. Ex vivo pharmacological inhibition of DAGLβ by DH376 led to reduced MAG tissue levels (p ≤ 0.01), including 2-AG (p≤0.0001). We further provide an activity landscape of serine hydrolases, showing a broad spectrum of metabolically active enzymes in the human placenta. Our results emphasize the role of DAGLβ activity in the human placenta by determining the biosynthesis of 2-AG. Thus, this study highlights the special importance of intra-cellular lipases in lipid network regulation. Together, the activity of these specific enzymes may contribute to the lipid signaling at the maternal-fetal interface, with implications for function of the placenta in normal and compromised pregnancies.