Coconut Oil Research Articles

A Comprehensive Review of Plant-Based Cosmetic Oils (Virgin Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Argan Oil, and Jojoba Oil): Chemical and Biological Properties and Their Cosmeceutical Applications

A Comprehensive Review of Plant-Based Cosmetic Oils (Virgin Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Argan Oil, and Jojoba Oil): Chemical and Biological Properties and Their Cosmeceutical Applications

Effects of Krill Oil and Coconut Oil on Inflammatory Processes in Rats With Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress-Induced Depression and Obesity Model.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of two different types of fat (krill oil [KO] and coconut oil [CO]) on obesity, behavioral tests, and some inflammatory markers when consumed with a high-fat or control diet in rats with depression. The study was conducted mainly in two phases: the induction of depression (37 days) and the dietary intervention (60 days). After the induction of depression by chronic unpredictable mild stress, dietary intervention started. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups with 10 rats in each group: (1) standard diet (SD), (2) SD + 5% KO, (3) SD + 5% medium-chain triglyceride (MCT)* (*CO to contain 5% MCT), (4) high-fat diet (HFD), (5) HFD + 5% KO, and (6) HFD + 5% MCT*. The open field test (OFT), forced swimming test (FST), and sucrose preference test were performed at baseline, end of the depression induction, and dietary intervention to observe behavioral changes in rats. After the final behavioral test, animals were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses C-reactive protein (milligram per liter), cortisol (microgram per deciliter), and insulin (micro-international units per milliliter) to assess inflammatory changes in the blood. All data were analyzed under two headings: baseline, end of depression induction, end of dietary intervention, and dietary intervention groups. Body weight gain was highest in the SD+KO and lowest in the SD+MCT group (P < .05). When behavioral tests were evaluated according to dietary intervention, it was found that the SD+MCT group spent the most time in the center, the least time in the periphery, and the lowest immobilization time (P < .05). In FST, the SD+KO with the highest weight gain was the most immobile group (P < .05). The study indicates that the weight-reducing effects of MCTs resulted in positive behavioral responses, particularly in OFT and FST. Through these properties, MCTs can be used medicinally in the prevention and treatment of behavioral changes due to depression.

Unveiling a novel exopolysaccharide produced by Pseudomonas alcaligenes Med1 isolated from a Chilean hot spring as biotechnological additive

Exopolysaccharides (EPSs), a constitutive part of bacterial biofilm, act as a protecting sheath to the extremophilic bacteria and are of high industrial value. In this study, we elucidate a new EPS produced by thermotolerant (growth from 34–44 °C) strain Pseudomonas alcaligenes Med1 from Medano hot spring (39.1 °C surface temperature, pH 7.1) located in the Central Andean Mountains of Chile. Bacterial growth was screened for temperature tolerance (10–60 °C) to confirm the thermotolerance behaviour. Physicochemical properties of the EPS were characterized by different techniques: Scanning Electron Microscopy- Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Whole genome of P. alcaligenes Med1 has also been studied in detail to correlate the structural and functional characteristics with genomic insight. The EPS demonstrated amorphous surface roughness composed of evenly distributed macromolecular lumps composed of mainly carbon and oxygen. The monosaccharide analysis has shown the presence of glucose, galactose, and mannose sugars at different ratios. TGA revealed the high thermal stability (315.3 °C) of the polysaccharide. The GPC has shown that Med1 is a low molecular weight polysaccharide (34.8 kDa) with low PI. The 2D-NMR linkage analysis suggests a diverse array of glycosidic bonds within the exopolysaccharide structure. The functional properties of the EPS were evaluated for food industry applications, specifically for antioxidant (DPPH, FRAP an H2O2). Extracted Med1 EPS revealed significant emulsification activity against different food grade vegetative oils (Coconut oil, Corn oil, Canola oil, Avocado oil, Sunflower oil, Olive oil, and Sesame oil). The highest 33.9% flocculation activity was observed with 60 mg L−1 EPS concentration. It showed water-holding (WHC) of 107.6% and oil-holding (OHC) capacity of 110.8%. The functional EPS produced by Pseudomonas alcaligenes Med1 from Central Andean Chilean hot spring of central Chile can be a useful additive for the food-processing industry.

Neuroprotective Roles of Lauric Acid and Resveratrol: Shared Benefits in Neuroinflammation and Anxiety, Distinct Effects on Memory Enhancement

ABSTRACTNeuroinflammation can be triggered by a high‐fat/high‐fructose diet (HFFD), and CD36 may be an underlying mechanism. Lauric acid (LA), the major fatty acid in coconut oil, and resveratrol, the plant‐based polyphenolic compound, may exert anti‐inflammatory effects. Therefore, this study investigated the possible effects of LA and resveratrol on diet‐induced neuroinflammation and CD36. Healthy male C57BL/6 mice (8 weeks of age, n = 31) were fed a control diet (10%kcal fat) or diets containing high fat (60%kcal fat) and fructose (5% w/v fructose drinking water) for 6 weeks, ad libitum. Supplemented to the HFFD, mice daily received resveratrol (7.5 mg/kg) (HFFD‐RSV) or LA (750 mg/kg) (HFFD‐LA). At the end of the study, HFFD resulted in anxiety‐like behavior, reduced locomotor activity, neuroinflammation (increased brain GFAP, IL‐6, MCP‐1, IFN‐γ, TNF‐α), and systemic inflammation (increased plasma GFAP, IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐12p70, reduced plasma IL‐10). HFFD‐RSV and HFFD‐LA alleviated HFFD‐induced anxiety‐like behavior, neuroinflammation, and systemic inflammation. HFFD‐LA improved memory. Brain and plasma CD36 levels were increased by HFFD and reduced by HFFD‐RSV or HFFD‐LA. Dietary resveratrol and LA intake may alleviate HFFD‐induced neuroinflammation, systemic inflammation, and anxiety‐like behavior and improve memory, as CD36 may be an underlying mechanism.

Evaluation of protective potency of coconut oil-based probiotic against antibiotic-induced compromised gastrointestinal attributes and associated complications in Swiss albino mice

Background: Antibiotic-induced gastrointestinal toxicity is a major concern globally. The gut-organ axis has been explicitly studied, and hence, any damage to the gut ecosystem directly or indirectly manifests into compromised multi-organ functions. Therefore, the present study was designed to explore the protective potency of coconut oil-probiotic (C-PRO) against antibiotic-induced compromised gastrointestinal attributes and associated complications. Methods: Animals were divided into 5 groups (n=6). Normal saline was given to the control group; the antibiotic cocktail was given to the antibiotic group. In the treatment group, low and high doses of C-PRO were given post-antibiotic treatment. In the per se group, only a high dose of C-PRO was given. After 28 days, animals were studied for neurobehavioral parameters and scarified. Blood and organs were collected and stored for histopathological, immune histochemical, and biochemical analysis. Results: Antibiotic treatment reduced body weight, increased oxidative stress, and caused histopathological damage to the stomach, duodenum, colon, brain, heart, liver, lungs, kidney, spleen, and testis. It also altered biochemical parameters such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), albumin, creatinine, urea, uric acid, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Additionally, Antibiotic exposure in mice exhibited depressive-like behaviour and declined cognitive function. The treatment with a low dose of C-PROs showed negligible protective effect, whereas a high dose of C-PRO effectively reversed the structural, biochemical, and neurobehavioral attributes toward normal. Conclusions: We conclude that the synergistic effect of coconut oil and probiotics, which have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, might be responsible for multidimensional protective effects against compromised gastrointestinal attributes and associated complications.

A Review on Formulation of Body Lotion

The body is shielded by protective layers of skin. A plant-based herbal body lotion provides soothing hydration. Common ingredients often feature aloe vera, known for its healing properties, pain relief, and moisture retention. For centuries, it has been used to treat skin burns and wounds. Aloe vera, honey, glycerin, rose water, and triethanolamine were selected for the formulation of the herbal body lotion. Evaluation parameters were conducted to ensure that the formulation is safe for human use. The aloe vera body lotion was created using these ingredients, which include aloe vera known for its antimicrobial and hydrating properties, protecting the skin from microbial damage while providing moisture. In conclusion, this herbal body lotion is designed for topical application. Aloe vera enhances the lotion's synergistic and moisturizing effects on the skin. Herbal remedies are gaining worldwide popularity, and the combination of aloe vera, honey, coconut oil, Lavender oil, and glycerin in this formulation is an excellent approach. These formulations were assessed using various evaluation parameters, including homogeneity, appearance, after-feel, acid value, pH measurement, irritancy test, viscosity, accelerated stability testing, subjective properties, spreadability, type of emulsion test, sensitivity test, washability test, statistical analysis, in vitro permeation studies, thermal stability tests, total fatty matter determination, water content analysis, and patch tests. The aim of this review is to compile information on different herbal lotion formulations and their evaluations. Numerous researchers have studied herbal lotion formulations, and this knowledge can assist other researchers in developing novel herbal cosmetic formulations featuring new ingredients.

Enhancing surface properties with coconut oil/cocoa butter/chia seed/titanium dioxide: Innovations in water‐based coating technologies

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to enhance water‐based coating technologies by using additives. The physical and chemical properties of a water‐based organic coating were improved by incorporating coconut oil, cocoa butter, chia seed, and titanium dioxide into the coating. Cocoa butter was added to enhance the hydrophobic properties of the coating. To increase its corrosion‐resistant properties, coconut oil was also included. Chia seed was added to observe its adhesion effect on the water‐based coating. Titanium dioxide, obtained as waste from a pharmaceutical company, was supplied and added to the coating to both maintain color change and improve the durability of the coating. The additives were added to the water‐based coating in different proportions ranging from 0% to 6% by weight. For the experiments in this study, Design Expert Box–Behnken method was applied by selecting three levels and four parameters. The optimal experiment was selected, and both the optimal coating and reference coating samples were analyzed. Based on the contact angle analysis results, the contact angle of the reference sample was measured to be 65.20°, while the optimum coating sample was measured to be 87.4°. According to the TG‐DTA, the optimum coating exhibited a mass loss of 37.7. It was observed that both the reference and optimum coatings had a degradation temperature of ~408°C. As a result of this study and analyzes, it was observed that the coating exhibited enhanced hydrophobic properties, increased mechanical strength, improved adhesion properties, and preserved its combustion characteristics.

Cosmeceuticals are the product of cosmetics that are biologically active ingredient that impersonates to medical or drug benefits. But the daily use of synthetic results in many side effects and need of organic lip balms is roaring in the society. In the

Cosmeceuticals are the product of cosmetics that are biologically active ingredient that impersonates to medical or drug benefits. But the daily use of synthetic results in many side effects and need of organic lip balms is roaring in the society. In the present study we, aimed to formulate organic lip balm using natural ingredients. Lip balm has been formulated using Golden shower flower, red cabbage, honey, ghee, beeswax, vitamin E and coconut oil. Various parameters such as stability, melting point, spreadability, pH, were evaluated for the evaluation of lip balm. pH was found to be 6 and melting point was 60°C 65°C for cassia lip balm and red cabbage lip balm respectively. On preforming skin irritation test the formulation was found to be not irritant, and formulation was observed to be stable. Lip balm from above ingredients could be a better option for daily use to a small extend for minor lip issues.

Adsorption, Aggregation, and Application Properties of Green Pluronic Aliphatic Alcohol Ether Carboxylic Acids and Nonionic/Amphoteric Surfactants in Water.

In the realm of colloid and interface science, new types of green surfactants, including anionic Pluronic alcohol ether carboxylate (AEC), branched alkyl glucoside (IG), and zwitterionic coconut oil amide propyl betaine (CAB), have been identified and merit further exploration. AEC, characterized by its inclusion of 5 EO and 3.5 PO units, was synthesized, and its behavior in aqueous solutions with IG and CAB was meticulously examined. Their performance in applications such as foam generation, wetting, and the dispersion and stabilization of graphene was also evaluated. At αAE5P3C = 0.5, AE5P3C/CAB exhibited superior surface and interfacial properties compared to AE5P3C/IG. In these hybrid systems, the self-assembly of micelles is predominantly influenced by hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, and hydrophobic forces. Kinetic analysis further confirmed that the driving force for micelle formation in these hybrid systems is enthalpy, with the adsorption process involving a mixed diffusion-kinetic adsorption mechanism. AE5P3C/CAB demonstrated enhanced foaming ability, foam stability, and wetting properties compared to AE5P3C/IG. Intriguingly, the optimal dispersion and stabilization of graphene were achieved with AE5P3C/IG at αAE5P3C = 0.2, providing a foundational basis for its potential application in graphene-based systems. A thorough examination of the synergistic mechanisms and application potential of these three distinct surfactants in aqueous solutions was presented, taking into account various charged ions and the specific hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups of EO and PO. This study not only provides fundamental insights into their intrinsic properties but also offers a fresh perspective for the ongoing exploration of green surfactants.

Green dielectric exploration: spectrographic analysis and technical feasibility of vegetable oils in EDM via PIV, TOPSIS, and MOORA evaluation methods

Achieving a sustainable dielectric medium for Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) has now drawn the attention of researchers and industries alike. Increased awareness among the Government and NGOs paved the way for the manufacturing industries to move towards a green environment and sustainability in the production process. To search for sustainable dielectric, 5 different types of oils viz., Jatropha, coconut, groundnut, sunflower, and EDM 4 oil (conventional oil) are experimented in this paper and revealed its suitability of potential replacement for the conventional dielectric. The properties such as viscosity, density, flash point, electrical conductivity, and BDV (Break down Voltage) are tested as per the standards. Since the number of output response is more than, Multi Attribute Decision Making (MADM) algorithms namely PIV, TOPSIS, and MOORA are used for the ranking and optimization. Entropy weight method is adopted to endow criteria weight to each of the MADM techniques. Jatropha oil has been ascertained to be rank 1 followed by groundnut, coconut, sunflower, and EDM 4 oil. Subsequently, the Gas Chromatography & Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis has revealed the quantitative constituents present in Jatropha as well as remaining oils. Furthermore GC–MS analysis reports that the retention time of Jatropha (43.042 min) is relatively longer than other oils except coconut oil, to release Ricinoleic acids. Groundnut and EDM 4 oils took relatively less retention time to release the alkanes. Machining performance was also conducted with the obtained dielectric and compared with conventional type oil (EDM 4 oil).

Optimizing Cutting Parameters for Effective Turning of EN-31 Steel by Utilizing Vegetable-Based Cutting Fluids as a Coolant

&lt;div&gt;The primary objective of this article is to study the improvement of machining efficiency of EN-31 steel by optimizing turning parameters using newly developed cutting fluids with different proportions of aloe vera gel and coconut oil, utilizing the Taguchi technique. Furthermore, performance metrics including material removal rate (MRR), surface roughness, and tool wear rate (TWR) were assessed. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) suggested that as cutting speed and feed increase, the MRR is positively influenced, but likewise tool wear is intensified. The surface roughness exhibited a positive correlation with cutting speed, and a negative correlation with increasing both cutting speed and feed. It was found that the maximum MRR value was attained at a cutting speed of 275 m/min, a feed rate of 1.00 mm/rev, and a cutting fluid composition of 30% aloe vera and 70% coconut oil. For the best surface smoothness, it is advisable to adjust the cutting speed to 350 m/min and the feed rate to 0.075 mm/rev. A cutting speed of 275 m/min and a feed rate of 1.00 mm/rev led to a lower TWR. The results suggest that the combined use of coconut oil and aloe vera as cutting fluids improves the turning quality of EN-31 steel, particularly when employing a combination of 30% aloe vera and 70% coconut oil. As a possible solution for performance problems in achieving desired results during the turning of EN-31 steels, these recommendations may be used in industries to enhance turning performance.&lt;/div&gt;

Removal and mechanism investigation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in coconut oils by ionic liquids

Removal and mechanism investigation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in coconut oils by ionic liquids

Double (W1/O/W2) emulsions prepared with natural vegetable oils and varied inner glucose concentration: Microstructure, rheology and stability

The objective was to study the microstructure, rheology and stability of double (W1/O/W2) emulsions prepared with Tween 80 as hydrophilic emulsifier and coconut, palm or sunflower oil. The effects of glucose concentration in inner aqueous phase and crystallization of lipid phase were analyzed. Aggregation of oil globules by partial coalescence was observed in emulsions prepared with coconut or palm oil because of the crystallization of the lipid phase. The increase of glucose concentration increased the amount of inner water by osmotic swelling and produced a higher partial coalescence degree due to a higher collision frequency between oil globules. Consequently, higher elastic and viscous modules were observed at higher glucose concentration. Fat crystals in lipid phase allowed a partial retention of inner water in the absence of glucose, but they also favored the release of inner water due to partial coalescence. Creaming stability was enhanced by the presence of glucose, because of the formation of a three-dimensional network of aggregated oil globules in emulsions with coconut or palm oil, and a higher packing and global density of oil globules in systems with sunflower oil. The obtained results contribute to the understanding of partial coalescence in W1/O/W2 emulsions, including its effects on inner water release and creaming stability. This work could be relevant for the design and stabilization of vegetable, lipid-reduced food emulsions prepared with natural oils.

Microbiological studies on Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae causing vaginal and urinary tract inflammation; prevalence, antibiotics-resistance and natural products susceptibility

Great efforts have been made for controlling multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDR). The antibacterial activity of natural products is an effective strategy due to its beneficial effects on human health. This study focused on the isolation, identification, studying the prevalence and the susceptibility of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. to some natural products. After isolation, the isolates primarily identified using biochemical and API tests. Then, the antibiotic susceptibility test was done to reveal the most antibiotics resistant isolates before further identification of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae using phoA and gyrA genes, respectively. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the most antibiotics resistant isolates to apple cider vinegar (ACV), garlic oil (GO), coconut oil (CNO), tea tree oil (TTO), and lavender oil (LO) was estimated. All tested extracts especially ACV and TTO showed good antibacterial activity against MRD selected isolates. Statistical analysis indicated that there was significant difference in ACV and TTO antibacterial response between Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae whereas there was no significant difference between natural products activity when tested against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae seperatly. GC-MS spectroscopy analysis revealed the most prominent active constituents present in tested ACV and TTO. Analyzing the 16S rRNA sequence confirmed the two most MRD pathogenic isolates that showed sensitivity to ACV and TTO were Escherichia coli MS1 and Klebsiella pneumoniae MS47, respectively. Essential oils tea tree and apple cider vinegar showed good antibacterial activities against antibiotics-resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae causing vaginal and urinary tract inflammation.

Evaluation of the therapeutic potential of novel nanoparticle formulations of glutathione and virgin coconut oil in an experimental model of carbon tetrachloride-induced liver failure.

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a critical condition characterized by rapid liver dysfunction, leading to high mortality rates. Current treatments are limited, primarily supportive, and often require liver transplantation. This study investigates the potential of a novel nanoparticle formulation of glutathione (GSH) and virgin coconut oil (VCO) alone and in combination to enhance therapeutic outcomes in a rat model of ALF induced by orogastric carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The study employed adult male Albino rats divided into ten groups, with ALF induced via a single oral dose of CCl4. Various treatment regimens were administered over seven days, including conventional and nanoparticle forms of GSH and VCO and their combinations. The efficacy of treatments was evaluated through biochemical analysis of liver function markers, oxidative stress indicators, inflammatory biomarkers, and histopathological examinations. Nanoparticles were synthesized using established methods, and characterization techniques were employed to ensure their quality and properties. The nanoparticle formulations significantly improved liver function, as indicated by reduced serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, alongside decreased oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde. Furthermore, they reduced tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1 beta inflammatory markers. Histological analysis revealed reduced hepatocellular necrosis and inflammation in treated groups compared to controls. Also, decreased nuclear factor-kappa B was detected by immunohistochemical analysis. The findings show that the nanoparticle mixture of GSH and VCO effectively reduces liver damage in ALF. This suggests a promising drug-based approach for improving liver regeneration and protection. This innovative strategy may pave the way for new therapeutic interventions in the management of ALF.

Characterization of a Polyphenol Oxidase and Lipase Produced by Microbes Derived from Palm Oil Sludge

Introduction: The waste-to-wealth concept was applied in this study. Our main objective was to identify and evaluate several microorganisms responsible for the production of important industrial enzymes using sludge from palm oil processing. We were able to isolate several bacteria that are tyrosinase producers: Bacillus cereus, Acinobacter seifertii, Klebsiella variicola and Pseudomonas stutzeri. Laccase producers Trametes polyzona, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus and Staphylococcus condimenti, as well as lipase producers. Methods: In addition, we focused specifically on B. cereus because we knew that it produces tyrosinase. Lipase is another target enzyme, and S. condimenti was found to be a hyperproducer. Production conditions included a 24-hour incubation period at 40°C and a pH of 6.0, while typical substrates such as starch and coconut oil were used. Results: Preliminary protein purification studies identified a 43 kDa lipase that is active at pH 7.0 and 40°C. Salts such as NaCl, various detergents such as Triton X-100 and Tween-80 as well as many metal ions enhanced the activity and made the enzyme unique in its biological function. Conclusion: Even with EDTA (2.5 mM), which does not completely block its function, only 40% inhibition was observed. Only a few organic solvents such as butanol, acetone and DMF are involved in inhibiting its activity.

Studies on surface roughness and axial thrust force of drilled holes in Mg-Zn-Ca bio-medical alloy

Mg-Zn-Ca alloy is a promising candidate for orthopaedic implants such as bone plates and screws, as it has a similar mechanical strength and elastic modulus to bone, and it degrades in the body without causing toxicity or inflammation. Drilling studies are necessary to optimize the drilling process parameters, to evaluate the machinability and surface integrity of Mg-Zn-Ca alloy, and to ensure the effective and efficient drilling for various applications in the medical and engineering fields. The present experimental study emphasizes the influence of Ca content, biofriendly coolants and their combined effect with standard drill bits on the surface quality and axial thrust force in the drilling operation of Mg-Zn-Ca alloy. The drilling parameters such as cutting speed, feed rate, standard tools, bio-compatible coolants were optimized with respect to the amount of Ca in the Mg-Zn alloy. The axial thrust force and average surface roughness of drilled holes were considered as response of the experiments. The drilled surfaces were measured for average surface roughness in the transverse direction along the centre path of the drilled hole and a qualitative analysis was also carried out using advanced confocal microscope. The results revealed that the cutting speed among continuous factors significantly influenced the axial thrust force and average surface roughness. The effect of categorical factors was assessed using a regression based ranking method. The results of statistical analysis revealed that high speed steel, and vegetable oil offered improved surface quality, whereas the coconut oil showed low axial thrust force. The liquid nitrogen showed high value of axial thrust force and average surface roughness due to the brittleness induced by cryogenic coolant before drilling operation.

Positive effects of a mixture of fish oil and soybean oil as a dietary lipid source on the ovarian development and health of female giant river prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii broodstock

Lipids are key nutrients that affect the development of the ovary in aquatic animals. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different lipid sources on the ovarian development and health of Macrobrachium rosenbergii broodstock. The M. rosenbergii broodstock, with an initial body weight of 8.07±0.74 g, were fed diets containing 5 % fish oil (FO), soya bean oil (SO), rapeseed oil (RO), coconut oil (CO), and a 1:1 mixture of fish oil and soybean oil (MO) as lipid sources for a period of 56 days. The results indicated that there were no significant differences in survival rate (SR) and hepatopancreatic index (HSI) among the different groups (P > 0.05). However, the specific growth rate (SGR) and gonadosomatic index (GSI) in the MO group were significantly higher than other groups (P < 0.05). Additionally, fatty acid levels in diets directly influenced the fatty acid composition of prawn hepatopancreas, showing a similar trend to that observed in the diet itself. Furthermore, compared to the other trial groups, haemolymph levels of 17-β estradiol (E2) and progesterone (PROG) were significantly increased in the MO group (P < 0.05). The ovarian section also exhibited better histomorphology and larger oocyte diameter in this group. Moreover, total antioxidant capacity was significantly increased in the MO group (P < 0.05). Saturated fatty acids in RO and CO groups could promote the expression of lipid synthesis-related genes fatty acid synthase (fas) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (acc), concurrently suppressing the expression of lipid catabolism-related genes acyl-CoA oxidase-1 (acox-1) and AMP-activated protein kinase alpha (ampkα) (P < 0.05). Conversely, polyunsaturated fatty acids in the MO group significantly up-regulated the expression levels of fatty acid binding protein-3 (fabp-3) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (pparγ) (P < 0.05). Based on the findings of hepatopancreatic tissue structure, it was determined that the use of a single vegetable oil resulted in some damage to the hepatopancreatic tissue structure of M. rosenbergii broodstock, leading to increased oxidative stress. In conclusion, it is recommended that a 1:1 mixture of fish oil and soybean oil be used as a dietary lipid source to effectively meet the nutritional requirements during the ovarian development period of M. rosenbergii broodstock. This combination also enhances antioxidant properties, promotes the synthesis of haemolymph steroid hormones and lipid metabolism in female prawns, thereby facilitating ovarian development and overall health of M. rosenbergii broodstock.

Association Between Dietary Habits and the Semen Quality of South Asian Men Attending Fertility Clinic: A Cross-sectional Study.

The purpose of the study is to explore the impact of dietary habits, including daily intake of nutrients and dietary patterns, on the semen characteristics of South-Asian men. This cross-sectional study included 162 South-Asian men aged 21-40 years who were undergoing infertility evaluation.Based on semen analysis, men were grouped into categories of normal and abnormal semen characteristics. The participants' dietary habits were captured using '24-hour dietary recall' and 'Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ)'. Daily dietary intake of various nutrients and adherence to prevalent dietary patterns were compared between men with normal and abnormal semen characteristics. Six dietary patterns were identified following factor analysis of FFQ data. Men with normal semen characteristics showed significantly higher consumption of"coastal diet" rich in seafood, fish, cereals, beans, and coconut oil than those with abnormal semen characteristics. Further, themultivariable-adjustedmodel, adjusted for clinically relevant confounders, like age, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, smoking and sexual abstinence, also showed a lower risk of abnormal semen characteristics among men consuming "coastal diet" (odds ratio [OR] = 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37-0.82). In terms of daily nutrient intake, men with normal semen characteristics showed significantly lower consumption of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) compared to men with abnormal semen characteristics (p = 0.008).Our findings suggest that higher consumption of "coastal pattern diet" lowers the risk of abnormal semen characteristics. Additionally, anegative association of MUFA consumption with semen quality was also identified, which needs cautious interpretation until replicated in future studies with biochemical validations.

Fat composition in milk replacer modulates plasma cholesterol of dairy calves

This study evaluated the effect of feeding milk replacers (MR) formulated with alternative fat sources and containing different fat compositions on plasma cholesterol of dairy calves. Forty-five individually housed male Holstein calves (2.3 ± 0.82 d; mean ± SD) were blocked by arrival day and age. Within each block, calves were randomly assigned to one of 3 treatments: 1) an MR containing a fat blend with 65% rapeseed and 35% coconut fats (RC), 2) an MR containing 65% palm and 35% coconut fat (PC), and 3) an MR containing 65% lard and 35% dairy cream (LD). All MR were isoenergetic with 30% fat, 25% protein, and 36% lactose (DM basis). Calves were fed 6.0 L/d from d 1 to 5, 7.0 L/d from d 6 to 9, and 8.0 L/d from d 10 to 35 at 13.5% solids. Water and chopped wheat straw were available ad libitum from arrival onwards. Milk, water, and straw intakes were recorded daily. Blood was sampled and BW was measured at arrival and weekly thereafter at 1300 h. Fecal scores were recorded daily after the morning meal. Growth and intakes did not differ among treatments. Plasma total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol concentrations were higher in calves fed RC than PC and LD, and higher in calves fed PC than LD. Additionally, plasma TG was greater in calves fed PC than LD at wk 2 after arrival, while calves fed RC did not differ from the other treatments. The proportion of abnormal fecal scores were reduced in calves fed RC in wk 2. Including palm and rapeseed fats in the MR did not affect growth but increased plasma total cholesterol.