Changes In Free Fatty Acids Research Articles

Abstract P436: The Role of Free Fatty Acids in Patients With Obesity and Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Post-hoc Analysis of the UFA-preserved Pilot Study

Background: Increased circulating free fatty acids (FFA) are associated with an increased risk for heart failure (HF). Interestingly, in the setting of established HF, the failing heart relies heavily on the use of FFA as energetic substrate, and therapeutics aimed at reducing FFA in HF have been found to worsen cardiac performance. A dietary intervention aimed at increasing unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) was associated with favorable changes in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in patients with obesity and HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in the UFA-Preserved Pilot Study, although the mechanism remains largely unknown. We hypothesized that dietary UFA supplementation is associated with an increase in circulating FFA and may improve determinants of CRF such as cardiac function and body composition. Methods: Eight subjects with obesity and HFpEF engaged in 12 weeks of UFA supplementation by increasing intake of foods rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (i.e., oleic acid) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (i.e., α-linolenic acid, linoleic acid) under instruction and monitoring of a research dietitian. Measures were performed at baseline and 12 weeks. Subjects underwent venipuncture to measure circulating FFA, plasma biomarkers of UFA consumption, and NT-proBNP.. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to estimate skeletal muscle mass (SMM). Maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed to measure CRF defined as peak oxygen consumption (VO 2 ). Data are presented as median and interquartile range. Within group changes were assessed using Wilcoxon rank test and correlations were performed using Spearman rank test. Results: Five subjects were female and median age was 53 [50-59] years. The dietary intervention resulted in a significant increase in FFA (from 0.29 [0.20-0.43] to 0.37 [0.32-0.73] μmol/L, p=0.012) and plasmatic UFA (from 1319 [1224-1477] to 1620 [1268-2110] μg/mL, p=0.05). Changes in FFA were positively associated with changes in plasmatic UFA (R=+0.74, p=0.035). Changes in FFA were associated with a trend toward improvement in peak VO 2 , although it did not reach statistical significance (R=+0.72, p=0.068). Changes in FFA were also positively and significantly associated with an increase in SMM expressed in kg (R=+0.99, p<0.001) and % of body weight (R=+0.90, p=0.006) and inversely associated with changes in NT-proBNP (R=-0.85, p=0.007). Conclusion: In patients with obesity and HFpEF, dietary UFA supplementation increases FFA, which are associated with favorable changes in cardiac function and body composition. This supports a novel mechanism through which UFA may positively affect CRF. Ongoing randomized controlled trials (NCT03966755) are underway investigating UFA supplementation as a therapeutic strategy to improve CRF in obesity and HFpEF.

Changes in chemical properties and oxidative stability of refined vegetable oils during short‐term deep‐frying cycles

In this study, changes in chemical properties, oxidative stability, fatty acid composition (FAC) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of soybean (SBO), rice bran (RBO), canola (CNO), cottonseed (CSO), and sunflower (SFO) oils during short-term deep frying of chickpea splits were determined. Free fatty acid (FFA), peroxide value (PV), p-anisidine value (p-AV), and viscosity of refined vegetable oils increased while the oxidative stability index (OSI) decreased with increment in frying cycles (FCs). The minimum changes in FFA, PV, p-AV, viscosity, and OSI were observed in SBO till fifth FCs. Oil uptake was also low in SBO and high in CNO after 5th and 10th FCs. CNO, RBO, and CSO exhibited higher changes in FAC and FTIR spectra (peak intensities at 3,009, 2,925, 2,854, and 1,745 cm−1) compared to SBO and SFO with increment in FCs. Thus, SBO with admissible ω6/ ω3 ratio (9.42:1) is suitable for short-term deep frying of chickpea splits. Practical applications In the deep-frying process of chickpea splits, five vegetable oils behaved differently in quality and stability characteristics. Soybean oil exhibited minimum changes in FFA content, viscosity, and OSI with increment in frying cycles. Oil uptake was lowest in soybean oil and it contains a desirable FAC for health benefits. Thus, soybean oil is recommended for short-term deep-frying operations among the studied vegetable oils.

Effect of α-linolenic acid on vascular function and metabolic risk markers during the fasting and postprandial phase: A randomized placebo-controlled trial in untreated (pre-)hypertensive individuals.

Only a limited number of studies have examined the vascular and postprandial effects of α-linolenic acid (ALA, C18:3n-3). Therefore, we performed a well-controlled trial focusing specifically on the effects of ALA on vascular function and metabolic risk markers during the fasting and postprandial phase in untreated (pre-)hypertensive individuals. In a double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled parallel study, 59 overweight and obese adults (40 men and 19 women, aged 60±8 years) with a high-normal blood pressure or mild (stage I) hypertension consumed daily either 10g of refined cold-pressed flaxseed oil, providing 4.7g ALA (n=29), or 10g of high-oleic sunflower (control) oil (n=30) for 12 weeks. As compared with the high-oleic oil control, intake of flaxseed oil did not change brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation, carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity, retinal microvascular calibers and plasma markers of microvascular endothelial function during the fasting and postprandial phase. Fasting plasma concentrations of free fatty acid (FFA) and TNF-α decreased by 58μmol/L (P=0.02) and 0.14pg/mL (P=0.03), respectively. No differences were found in other fasting markers of lipid and glucose metabolism, and low-grade systemic inflammation. In addition, dietary ALA did not affect postprandial changes in glucose, insulin, triacylglycerol, FFA and plasma inflammatory markers after meal intake. A high intake of ALA, about 3-5 times the recommended daily intake, for 12 weeks decreased fasting FFA and TNF-α plasma concentrations. No effects were found on other metabolic risk markers and vascular function during the fasting and postprandial phase in untreated high-normal and stage I hypertensive individuals.

Effects of natural herbal extracts on hemp (Cannabis Sativa L.) oil quality indicators

The present research features such natural herbal extracts as rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), pome- granate (Punica granatum L.), and green tea (Camellia sinensis L.). Together with vitamin E, they were chosen to investigate hemp oil stability. The experiments revealed the effect of various fatty acids compositions on hemp oil properties. The effect of herbal extracts on the oxidative stability of oils was measured using the Rancimat method. The chemical tests included peroxide value (PV), free fatty acid (FFA) value, and acidity value (AV). Each herbal extract was applied in amounts of 30 mg/l and 50 mg/l. Vitamin E was mixed with the oil in the amount of 2 g/l. The changes in PV, FFA, AV, and fatty acid composition were measured on day 6, 12, 18, and 24. Hemp oil, pure or mixed with the extracts, was analyzed using the Rancimat method at 120°C with an airflow rate of 20 l/h to identify the in- duction periods (IP). IP values of oils with additional herbal extracts were found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of the control samples. The oil sample with vitamin E demonstrated the longest IP (4.12 hours at 120°C) during the Rancimat test. The herbal extracts and vitamin E had a positive effect on hemp oil PV compared with the control sample. Gas chromatography (GC) showed that hemp oil included a high amount of polyunsaturated Ome- ga-3 fatty acids, and the oil was not resistant to oxidation. In general, the natural herbal extracts and vitamin E in the recommended quantities had a positive effect on the oxidative stability of hemp oil.

ANGPTL-4 is Associated with Obesity and Lipid Profile in Children and Adolescents.

Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL-4) regulates lipidic metabolism and affects energy homeostasis. However, its function in children with obesity remains unknown. We investigated plasma ANGPTL-4 levels in children and its relationship with body mass index (BMI) and different lipidic parameters such as free fatty acids (FFA). Plasma ANGPTL-4 levels were analyzed in two different cohorts. In the first cohort (n = 150, age 3–17 years), which included children with normal weight or obesity, we performed a cross-sectional study. In the second cohort, which included only children with obesity (n = 20, age 5–18 years) followed up for two years after an intervention for weight loss, in which we performed a longitudinal study measuring ANGPTL-4 before and after BMI-loss. In the cross-sectional study, circulating ANGPTL-4 levels were lower in children with obesity than in those with normal weight. Moreover, ANGPTL-4 presented a negative correlation with BMI, waist circumference, weight, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA index), triglycerides, and leptin, and a positive correlation with FFA and vitamin-D. In the longitudinal study, the percent change in plasma ANGPTL-4 was correlated with the percent change in FFA, total-cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. This study reveals a significant association of ANGPTL-4 with pediatric obesity and plasma lipid profile.

Effects of Modest Weight Gain On Circulating Free Fatty Acids

BackgroundIncreases in circulating free‐fatty acids (FFAs) contribute to obesity‐associated cardiometabolic pathology and may be considered a surrogate marker for adipose tissue dysfunction. However, alterations in FFA metabolism resulting from modest weight gain have not been previously evaluated.ObjectiveExamine the changes in FFAs during modest weight gain in healthy individuals and to investigate the relationship between regional fat depots.Study DesignWe evaluated the effects of overfeeding in 8 healthy, non‐obese participants (4 men; age 29 ± 5.7 years; BMI: 25.1 ± 2.1 kg/m2). FFA concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry under fasting conditions and during oral‐glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at baseline and after 8 weeks of weight gain. Prior to the baseline and weight gain visits, subjects consumed isocaloric macro‐nutrient stable diet for three days (50% carbohydrate, 35% fat and 15% protein). Body composition and regional fat depots were assessed using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and abdominal computed tomography scans.ResultsOverfeeding was accompanied by 3.9 ± 1.6 kg weight gain (p=0.01) resulting from 2.9 ± 0.9 kg (p=0.01) increase in fat mass and 1.0 ± 0.9 kg (p=0.04) increase in fat‐free mass. Compared to baseline, fasting FFA (439 ± 162 μM vs. 368 ± 123 μM, p=0.55) and area under the curve (AUC) for FFA during OGTT (23319 ± 11686 μM. min−1 vs. 20495 ± 4847 μM.min−1, p=0.55) did not change with weight gain. However, at 120 min. of the OGTT FFA were significantly greater after weight gain (60 ± 18 μM vs. 77 ± 34 μM, p=0.04). We found a negative relationship between relative changes in visceral fat area and FFA at 120 min of glucose challenge (rho=−0.76, p=0.03). Furthermore, relative changes in fasting FFA and AUC for FFA during OGTT with weight gain were associated with baseline total fat mass (fasting FFA: rho=0.76, p=0.03; AUC FFA: rho=0.81; p=0.02) and baseline abdominal fat area (fasting FFA: rho=0.76, p=0.03; AUC FFA: rho=0.79; p=0.02).ConclusionsModest weight gain does not alter fasting FFA or overall FFA response to oral glucose challenge. However, our data suggest development of early stages of adipose tissue insulin resistance which is apparent via lesser suppression of FFA at 120 min. of OGTT. Furthermore, the relationships between fasting FFA, AUC‐FFA, and baseline fat mass suggest that individuals with high baseline adiposity may be more susceptible to develop adipose tissue insulin resistance with weight gain.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Enhancement of lipid content and inflammatory cytokine secretion in SZ95 sebocytes by palmitic acid suggests a potential link between free fatty acids and acne aggravation.

A relationship between acne and free fatty acids (FFAs) has been suggested recently. However, the effects of FFAs on sebaceous glands are still largely unknown. At the same time, the role of FFAs during chronic inflammation is well established. Considering that FFAs are also a major component of sebum, it is likely that changes in FFA affect both the synthesis of sebum and the inflammatory response in sebaceous glands. In this study, we examined a hypothesis that FFAs increase the production of sebum and induce inflammation in the sebaceous glands. We found that treatment of SZ95 sebocytes with exogenously applied palmitic acid (PA), a major saturated FFA, induced a significant increase in intracellular lipid levels. Moreover, PA treatment also increased the expression and secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines in SZ95 sebocytes. We also found that Toll-like receptors were required for the inflammatory response triggered by PA. The results of our study strengthen the notion about the link between acne and FFAs and suggest the mechanism underlying this relationship. Our results serve as a foundation for future work that will explore the association between FFA and acne and pave way to the development of novel treatment options for acne.

Elevated free fatty acid level is associated with insulin-resistant state in nondiabetic Chinese people

BackgroundFree fatty acids (FFAs) are associated with insulin secretion and insulin resistance. However, the associations among FFAs, obesity, and progression from a normal to a prediabetic state are unclear.MethodsNondiabetic subjects (5,952) were divided in two groups according to their body mass index (BMI): obese subjects (BMI ≥24 kg/m2) and nonobese subjects (BMI <24 kg/m2). Clinical and multiple glucolipid metabolism data were collected. The homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and β-cell function (HOMA-β) was used. HbA1c level between 5.7% and 6.4% was considered prediabetic. Nonparametric tests, one-way ANOVA, and linear correlation analysis were performed. R and SPSS 23.0 software programs were used to analyze the results.ResultsA U-shaped relationship between FFAs and HOMA-IR was observed. After adjusting for potential confounders, the turning points of FFA levels in the curves were 0.54 mmol/L in the nonobese group and 0.61 mmol/L in the obese group. HOMA-IR levels decreased with increasing FFA concentrations before the turning points (regression coefficient [β]= – 0.9, P=0.0111, for the nonobese group; β=0.2, P=0.5094, for the obese group) and then increased (β=0.9, P=0.0069, for the nonobese group; β=1.5, P=0.0263 for the obese group) after the points. Additionally, our study also identified that FFAs were associated with the prediabetes status in obese individuals.ConclusionFFA levels were associated with insulin resistance in nondiabetic subjects, and HOMA-IR in nonobese individuals was more sensitive to FFA changes. Monitoring and controlling plasma FFA levels in obese subjects is significant in decreasing insulin resistance and preventing diabetes.

Age- and Diabetes-Related Changes in the Free Fatty Acid Composition of the Human Stratum Corneum

Of particular importance for Stratum corneum (SC) lipids are the free fatty acids (FFAs). Age-related changes of the SC structure lead to diminished capacity for barrier compensation. The aims of this cross-sectional study were to identify even-numbered especially odd-numbered FFAs within the intercorneocytic lamellar lipid structures of the SC and to explore age- and diabetes-related changes in FFAs. Gas chromatography – flame ionisation detection was used to qualitatively and quantitatively assess FFAs extracted from the SC. 110 subjects aged over 60 years (elderly/healthy), 110 subjects aged 18–40 (young/healthy) and 38 subjects with diabetes mellitus aged 18–40 (young/diabetic) were investigated. Overall, odd-numbered FFAs comprised about 21, 23 and 24% of total FFAs in subgroups elderly/healthy, young/healthy and young/diabetic. The most abundant short-chain FFAs were C16: 0 and C18: 0 and long-chain FFAs were C24: 0 and C26: 0. Only levels of C15: 0 and C17: 0 decreased with age. In contrast, levels of C18: 2 and C19 were significantly decreased and levels of C15, C17, C18: 1 and C23 were significantly increased in young diabetic subjects. In general, compared with younger healthy subjects, FFA composition was only partly significantly altered in older healthy subjects but was significantly altered in younger diabetic subjects.

Adiponectin, Free Fatty Acids, and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Acute Coronary Syndrome.

In observational cohorts, adiponectin is inversely associated and free fatty acids (FFAs) are directly associated with incident coronary heart disease (CHD). Adiponectin tends to be reduced and FFAs elevated in type 2 diabetes. We investigated relationships of adiponectin and FFA and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and death in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and type 2 diabetes using data from the AleCardio (Effect of Aleglitazar on Cardiovascular Outcomes After Acute Coronary Syndrome in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus) trial, which compared the PPAR-α/γ agonist aleglitazar with placebo. Using Cox regression adjusted for demographic, laboratory, and treatment variables, we determined associations of baseline adiponectin and FFAs, or the change in adiponectin and FFAs from baseline, with MACEs (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke) and death. A twofold higher baseline adiponectin (n = 6,998) was directly associated with risk of MACEs (hazard ratio [HR] 1.17 [95% CI 1.08-1.27]) and death (HR 1.53 [95% CI 1.35-1.73]). A doubling of adiponectin from baseline to month 3 (n = 6,325) was also associated with risk of death (HR 1.20 [95% CI 1.03-1.41]). Baseline FFAs (n = 7,038), but not change in FFAs from baseline (n = 6,365), were directly associated with greater risk of MACEs and death. There were no interactions with study treatment. In contrast to prior observational data for incident CHD, adiponectin is prospectively associated with MACEs and death in patients with type 2 diabetes and ACS, and an increase in adiponectin from baseline is directly related to death. These findings raise the possibility that adiponectin has different effects in patients with type 2 diabetes and ACS than in populations without prevalent cardiovascular disease. Consistent with prior data, FFAs are directly associated with adverse outcomes.

The acute effects of inulin and resistant starch on postprandial serum short-chain fatty acids and second-meal glycemic response in lean and overweight humans.

Background/ObjectivesColonic-fermentation of dietary-fibre to short-chain fatty-acids (SCFA) may protect against obesity and diabetes, but excess production of colonic SCFA has been implicated in the promotion of obesity. We aimed to compare the effects of two fermentable-fibres on postprandial SCFA and second-meal glycaemic response in healthy overweight or obese (OWO) vs lean (LN) participants.Methodsusing a randomized cross-over design, 13 OWO and 12 LN overnight fasted participants were studied for 6h on 3 separate days after consuming 300mL water containing 75g glucose(GLU) as control or with 24g inulin(IN) or 28g resistant-starch(RS). A standard lunch was served 4h after the test-drink.ResultsWithin the entire group, compared to control, IN significantly increased serum SCFA (p<0.001) but had no effect on FFA or second-meal glucose and insulin responses. In contrast, RS had no significant effect on SCFA but reduced FFA rebound (p<0.001) and second-meal glucose (p=0.002) and insulin responses (p=0.024). OWO had similar postprandial serum SCFA and glucose concentrations but significantly greater insulin and FFA than LN. However, the effects of IN and RS on SCFA, glucose, insulin and FFA responses were similar in LN and OWO.ConclusionsResistant-starch has favorable second-meal effects, likely related to changes in FFA rather than SCFA concentrations. However, a longer study may be needed to demonstrate an effect of RS on SCFA. We found no evidence that acute increases in SCFA after IN reduce glycaemic responses in humans, and we were unable to detect a significant difference in SCFA responses between OWO vs LN subjects.

Global and Targeted Metabolomics Evidence of the Protective Effect of Chinese Patent Medicine Jinkui Shenqi Pill on Adrenal Insufficiency after Acute Glucocorticoid Withdrawal in Rats.

Glucocorticoids are commonly used in anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory therapies, but glucocorticoid withdrawal can result in life-threatening risk of adrenal insufficiency. Chinese patented pharmaceutical product Jinkui Shenqi pill (JKSQ) has potent efficacy on clinical adrenal insufficiency resulting from glucocorticoid withdrawal. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. We used an animal model to study JKSQ-induced metabolic changes under adrenal insufficiency and healthy conditions. Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with hydrocortisone for 7 days with or without 15 days of JKSQ pretreatment. Sera were collected after 72 h hydrocortisone withdrawal and used for global and free fatty acids (FFAs)-targeted metabolomics analyses using gas chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry and ultraperformance liquid chromatography/quadruple time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Rats without hydrocortisone treatment were used as controls. JKSQ pretreatment normalized the significant changes of 13 serum metabolites in hydrocortisone-withdrawal rats, involving carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids. The most prominent effect of JKSQ was on the changes of FFAs and some [product FFA]/[precursor FFA] ratios, which represent estimated desaturase and elongase activities. The opposite metabolic responses of JKSQ in adrenal insufficiency rats and normal rats highlighted the "Bian Zheng Lun Zhi" (treatment based on ZHENG differentiation) guideline of TCM and suggested that altered fatty acid metabolism was associated with adrenal insufficiency after glucocorticoid withdrawal and the protective effects of JKSQ.

Profiling of Free Fatty Acids Using Stable Isotope Tagging Uncovers a Role for Saturated Fatty Acids in Neuroexocytosis

The phospholipase-catalyzed release of free fatty acids (FFAs) from phospholipids is implicated in many critical biological processes such as neurotransmission, inflammation, and cancer. However, determining the individual change in FFAs generated during these processes has remained challenging due to the limitations of current methods, and has hampered our understanding of these key mediators. Here, we developed an "iTRAQ"-like method for profiling FFAs by stable isotope tagging (FFAST), based on the differential labeling of the carboxyl group and designed to resolve analytical variance, through a multiplexed assay in cells and subcellular fractions. With nanomolar sensitivity, this method revealed a spectrum of saturated FFAs elicited during stimulation of exocytosis that was identical in neurons and neurosecretory cells. Purified secretory vesicles also generated these FFAs when challenged with cytosol. Our multiplex method will be invaluable to assess the range of FFAs generated in other physiological and pathological settings.

Antioxidant activities of orange peel extract in ghee (butter oil) stored at different storage temperatures.

Antioxidant activities of butylatedhydroxyanisole (BHA) and orange peel powder extract in ghee stored at different storage temperatures (T1:6 ± 2°C; T2: 32 ± 2°C; T3:60 ± 2°C) were evaluated during storage period of 21days. Peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid (TBA), radical scavenging activity (RSA) and free fatty acids (FFA) of ghee samples were analyzed during the study. PV, TBA and FFA of ghee samples increased significantly while radical scavenging activity (RSA) of ghee samples decreased significantly at accelerated temperature (T3) as compared to the temperatures at T1 and T2. Effect of storage temperature on development of peroxides and TBA of ghee samples was significantly higher than the effect of treatment and storage period while treatment had more significant effect on the change in FFA and RSA as compared to storage temperature and storage period. Ghee incorporated with orange peel extract (OPE) showed stronger activity in quenching DPPH radicals and least development of PV, TBA and FFA than ghee incorporated with BHA and control. The study revealed that orange peel could be a good natural source of antioxidants which can be used in fat rich food products like ghee to retard oxidative deterioration.

Effects of exercise at individual anaerobic threshold and maximal fat oxidation intensities on plasma levels of nesfatin-1 and metabolic health biomarkers

Exercise is recognized as an effective method of weight management and short-term appetite regulation tool. The effect of different exercise intensities on appetite regulation hormones in healthy overweight participants has not been intensively studied. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of exercise at individual anaerobic threshold (IAT) and maximal fat oxidation (Fatmax) intensities on the nesfatin-1 response and metabolic health biomarkers in overweight men. Nine healthy overweight males (age, 23.1 ± 1.1 years) volunteered in this study in a counterbalanced order. Blood samples were obtained before, immediately after, and following the first 45 min of recovery for measuring plasma variables. There was significant decrease in plasma levels of nesfatin-1 and leptin after exercise at the IAT intensity which remained lower than baseline following 45 min of recovery. However, nesfatin-1 and leptin levels did not change significantly in any time courses of Fatmax intensity (P > 0.09). Plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration increased during exercise in both intensities (P < 0.05), whereas changes in free fatty acids (FFAs) and epinephrine concentrations were significant only at the IAT. In addition, a significant correlation was found among nesfatin-1 levels with insulin (r = 0.39, P < 0.05) and glucose (r = 0.41, P < 0.05) at basal and in response to exercise. These results indicate that IAT has a greater exercise-induced appetite regulation effect compared with Fat(max). Based on these data, the intensity of exercise may have an important role in changes of nesfatin-1, leptin, FFA, and epinephrine concentrations even though this was not the case for IL-6 and insulin resistance.

Lipid quality in benni (Barbus sharpeyi ) fillets during ice storage

This research was conducted to evaluate qualitative changes of Benni Fish (Barbus Sharpeyi) during its maintenance in ice storage for 20 days. To do so, chemical spoilage indicators including peroxide (PV), thiobarbituric acid (TBA), free fatty acids(FFA), total lipid (TL), moisture (M), heme iron (HI), and also organoleptic parameters (tissue, gill appearance, gill smell, general appearance, and eyes) were measured. Fat quality of sample fish (in terms of oxidative and hydrolytic rancidity) showed a significant reduction during the maintenance period (p<0.05). Peroxide index changes from 3.73 to 7.52 (meq/kg) and TBA from 0.5 to 6.6 (mg MDA/kg) was recorded as markers of oxidative spoilage and FFA changes from 2.05 to 6.58 (expressed as % of oleic acid) were recorded as indicator of hydrolytic rancidity. Each one of sensory tests were rated as excellent to good until the fourth day and their quality was acceptable until the tenth day and then organoleptic results dropped significantly. In general, the best time of fish Shelf life in ice storage was determined to be 7 to 10 days.

Impact of antiretroviral therapy on selected metabolic disorders - pilot study.

Taking into consideration the aging of HIV infected individuals, changes in the metabolism aggravated by the antiretroviral therapy significantly impact their health. Mechanisms responsible for lipodystrophy, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance (IR) occurrence have not been completely understood. Only recently, the free fatty acids (FFAs) metabolic turnover has become considered to be the independent risk factor for cardiovascular complications. We designed the follow-up study in which patients were recruited before the introduction of ARV therapy and then observed up to 1 year. The impact of ARV therapy on the development of metabolic complications, inflammation markers and changes in adipokines secretion was investigated. The fasting and postprandial responses of FFAs, triglycerides (TG), glucose, insulin and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) were measured. Changes in body composition were followed by impedance and a CT scan of adipose tissue volume of the abdomen and thighs. Significant impact of ARV therapy on metabolic disturbances was reported. Not only fasting, but also postprandial levels of FFAs and TG were found to increase during the follow up. The increased concentration of FFAs is suggested to be the triggering event in the development of hypertriglyceridemia and insulin resistance during ARV therapy. Changes in postprandial FFAs and TG during the follow up indicate the increasing risk of cardiovascular diseases. We conclude that modern ARV therapy during the period of 12 months does not induce changes in the fat distribution, although increased limb fat correlated with higher plasma leptin level, which may be the marker of increased risk of metabolic driven cardiovascular complications.

Improved insulin sensitivity after gastric bypass correlates with decreased total body fat, but not with changes in free fatty acids

Increased plasma free fatty acids (FFAs) are considered one of the key elements in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). We hypothesize that, in diabetic patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), a postoperative decrease in FFA will correlate with improved insulin sensitivity (Si). A total of 30 obese [body mass index ((BMI) >35 kg/m(2)] patients with a diagnosis of T2DM were studied preoperatively and 12 months after LRYGB in a prospective cohort study. Collected data included intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT), total body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and plasma levels of FFA. Si analysis from the IVGTT was estimated from minimal model analysis. Pre- and postoperative variables were compared using a paired sample t test. Relationships between changes in variables were determined with Pearson's correlation test. Twelve months after LRYGB the study population showed a significant decrease in BMI (p = 0.001), FFA (p = 0.03), and total body fat (p = 0.03), with an increase in Si (p = 0.001). Postoperative changes in Si significantly correlated (Pearson's r = -0.53, p = 0.01) with change in total body fat, but not with changes in plasma FFA (Pearson's r = -0.22, p = 0.31). Our study challenges the notion that IR is mediated to a significant degree by changes in plasma FFA concentration. Instead, changes in adiposity and consequently changes in adipokine release can be the key players in determining remission of T2DM after LRYGB.

Glycemic index of dietary formula may not be predictive of postprandial endothelial inflammation: a double-blinded, randomized, crossover study in non-diabetic subjects

The emerging role of endothelial inflammation in diabetes has stimulated research interest in the effects of nutrition on related indices. In the current study we investigated whether the nutrient composition of dietary formula as reflected in glycemic index (GI) may be predictive of postprandial endothelial inflammation in non-diabetic subjects. A double-blinded, randomized, crossover study was conducted in non-diabetic subjects (n = 8/group). Each subject consumed three types of diabetes-specific dietary formulas (high-fiber formula [FF], high-monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) formula [MF] and control formula [CF]) standardized to 50 g of available carbohydrates with a 1-week interval between each. The mean glycemic index (GI) was calculated and 3-hour postprandial responses of insulin, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), nitrotyrosine (NT) and free fatty acids (FFA) were measured. The MF showed the lowest mean GI and significantly low area under the curve (AUC) for insulin (P = 0.038), but significantly high AUCs for sICAM-1 (P < 0.001) and FFA (P < 0.001) as compared to the CF and FF. The FF showed intermediate mean GI, but significantly low AUC for NT (P < 0.001) as compared to the CF and MF. The mean GI was not positively correlated to any of the inflammatory markers evaluated, and in fact negatively correlated to changes in FFA (r = -0.473, P = 0.006). While the MF with the lowest GI showed the highest values in most of the inflammatory markers measured, the FF with intermediate GI had a modest beneficial effect on endothelial inflammation. These results suggest that nutrient composition of dietary formula as reflected in the GI may differently influence acute postprandial inflammation in non-diabetic subjects.

Follow-Ups of Metabolic, Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Markers, and Brachial–Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity in Middle-Aged Subjects without Metabolic Syndrome

This study investigates the association among metabolic risk factors, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, and brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV). We conducted a 3-year longitudinal, observational study of 288 middle-aged adults not meeting the criteria for metabolic syndrome (MetS) at the initial screening. We measured metabolic risk factors, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, and ba-PWV. Within the 3-year study period, 15.6% (45 out of 288) of participants developed MetS. At the 3-year follow-up, patients were categorized as those with MetS (n = 45) and those without MetS (n = 243). Patients with MetS had significantly unfavorable initial measurements of baseline body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, and ba-PWV. After 3 years, participants without MetS showed significant increases in WC, diastolic BP (DBP), total- and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidized-LDL (ox-LDL), and ba-PWV and a significant decrease in HDL-cholesterol and free fatty acids (FFA). Subjects who developed MetS showed significant increases in BMI, WC, BP, TG, glucose, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), MDA, ox-LDL, and ba-PWV and a significant decrease in HDL-cholesterol. Changes in BMI, WC, BP, TG, HDL-cholesterol, glucose, HOMA-IR index, FFA, C-reactive protein (P = .022), IL-6 (P = .004), leukocyte count (P < .001), MDA (P = .002), ox-LDL (P = .015), and ba-PWV (P = .001) differed significantly between the two groups after adjustment for baseline values. Changes in ba-PWV were positively correlated with the changes in systolic and DBP, total-cholesterol, glucose, leukocyte count, and MDA. The age-related increase in arterial stiffness is greater in the presence of MetS with higher levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers.