Saturated Fatty Acid Content Research Articles

Efficacy of Fe-BC in enhancing growth, photosynthesis, nutrition, and alleviating the toxicity of Cd and Cr in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.): A tool for managing the environment and attaining sustainable agriculture

Soil contamination with cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) pose serious threats to food safety and ecosystem stability. In current study, pristine biochar (BC) and iron-modified biochar (Fe-BC) were prepared, and the potential of BC and Fe-BC to reduce the bioavailability of Cd and Cr in soil, their uptake, toxicity in rapeseed (Brassica napus L) and the mechanisms involved were examined. In a pot experiment varying levels of BC and Fe-BC were applied to Cd and Cr-contaminated soil. The results indicated that soil supplementation with the highest level of Fe-BC (2 %) incremented the dry weights of roots, shoots, and seeds by 65 %, 33 %, and 149 %, respectively. Additionally, Fe-BC (2 %) treated rapeseed plants showed highest increase in photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 emissions, and chlorophyll contents by 43.2 %, 39.5 %, 33.5, 36.9 % and 28 %, respectively. Plants treated with Fe-BC (2 %) showed amplified superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities. The results regarding saturated and unsaturated fatty acid contents of seeds showed that Fe-BC (2 %) treatment exhibited the greatest increase in linolenic acid, oleic acid, erucic acid, and linoleic acid contents, increasing these acids by 21 %, 6.5 %, 53 %, and 14.5 %, respectively. Moreover, Fe-BC (2 %) treated seeds depicted increased oil and protein contents by 14 % and 29 %, respectively. Soil application of Fe-BC (2 %) dramatically decreased Cd and Cr levels in the roots, shoots, and seeds by 21 %, 44 %, 88 %, 16 %, 38 %, and 57 %, respectively. The addition of Fe-BC significantly lowered the concentration of exchangeable (Exc) and bound to carbonate (B-C) fractions of Cd and Cr in the soil, while increasing that of iron-manganese (B-Fe-Mn) bounded and residual (Res) fractions. In conclusion, soil application of the Fe-BC amendment could be used as a sustainable approach to reduce the ecological and environmental risks associated with soils contaminated with Cd and Cr, and ensure safer crop production.

Murine hepatic proteome adaptation to high-fat diets with different contents of saturated fatty acids and linoleic acid : α-linolenic acid polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios

Abstract Introduction Some health disorders, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, are associated with a poor diet and low quality of the fat in it. The type and duration of the diet have an impact on the liver. This investigation uses the proteomic approach to identify changes in the mouse liver protein profile in adaptation to high-fat diets with different saturated fatty acid contents and linoleic acid (18:2n-6) to α-linolenic acid (18:3n-3) fatty acid ratios. Material and Methods Four groups of male mice were fed different diets: one standard diet and three high-fat diets were investigated. After six months on these diets, the animals were sacrificed for liver dissection. Two-dimensional electrophoresis was used to separate the complex liver protein mixture, which enabled the separation of proteins against a wide, 3–10 range of pH and molecular weights of 15–250 kDa. Protein profiles were analysed in the PDQuest Advanced 8.0.1 program. Differentially expressed spots were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation–time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry and peptide mass fingerprinting. The levels of identified proteins were validated using Western blotting. Transcript levels were evaluated using a real-time quantitative PCR. Results The analysis of mouse liver protein profiles enabled the identification of 32 protein spots differing between nutritional groups. Conclusion A diet high in polyunsaturated fatty acids modulated the levels of liver proteins involved in critical metabolic pathways, including amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism and cellular response to oxidative stress.

Physicochemical properties and flavor substances analyses of refined beef tallow with dry fractionation treatment

Dry fractionation represents a significant technique for separation of diverse fractions from beef tallow. The objective of this study was to undertake a systematic investigation of alterations in physicochemical properties, crystallization behavior, thermal properties, and flavor compounds that occur during the beef tallow dry fractionation process. The solid component yielded at 40, 30, and 15 °C were 44.88%, 33.72%, and 13.04% respectively, with an 8.36% liquid content at 15 °C, which was consistent with the characteristics of saturated fatty acids content. The β – β’ transformation in the dry fractionation process was clearly revealed by X-ray diffraction. Differential scanning calorimetry curves exhibited alterations in exothermic and endothermic peak, as well as enthalpy. Electronic nose identified short-chain compounds, aldehydes, ketones, and nitrogen-containing substances as flavor compounds. Volatile compounds were quantified using HS-SPME-GC–MS. Overall, dry fractionation produces beef tallow fractionated compounds with diverse physicochemical properties and aromatic-active substances, thereby expanding its potential utilization.

Evaluation of cottonseed oil as a substitute for fish oil in the commercial diet for juvenile swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus)

A six-week feeding trial was carried out to determine the feasibility of cottonseed oil (CSO) as a viable substitute for fish oil (FO) in the commercial diet of swimming crab. Ninety healthy swimming crabs (initial body weight 34.28 ± 0.59 g) were randomly assigned to 90 plastic baskets. Three isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets (450 g/kg protein and 120 g/kg lipid) were formulated replacing FO with CSO at 0%, 50% and 100% (CSO-0, CSO-50, and CSO-100), respectively. Each diet was randomly allocated to three replicates, each consisting of 10 crabs. Results indicated that crabs fed with CSO-100 diet had the lowest the percent weight gain (PWG), specific growth rate (SGR) and survival among all treatments (P < 0.05). Albumin (ALB), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glucose (GLU), triglyceride (TAG), total cholesterol (T-CHO), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) contents and alanine amino transferase (ALT) activity in hemolymph were significantly affected by dietary substitution of FO with CSO (P < 0.05). The contents of total saturated fatty acids (SFA), total mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and total long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) in the hepatopancreas and muscle were negatively correlated with the substitution level, whereas total n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6 PUFA) and linoleic acid (18:2n-6) contents increased significantly with increasing levels of dietary substitution of FO with CSO (P < 0.05). Dietary substitution of FO with CSO resulted in changes in the composition of volatile substances in muscle, with 16 volatile substances in muscle significantly affected (P < 0.05). The relative expression of genes related to lipid synthesis such as fatty acid synthase (fas), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (acc) and glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase 1 (gpat1) in the hepatopancreas were significantly up-regulated in the CSO-50 group compared to other treatment groups (P < 0.05). The relative expression of fatty acid anabolism-related genes fatty acyl desaturase 2 (fads2) and elongase 4 (elovl4) were significantly down-regulated with the increase of dietary substitution of FO with CSO (P < 0.05). In conclusion, 50% substitution with CSO had no negative effects on growth performance, promoted lipid synthesis and metabolism, facilitated lipid accumulation. However, complete substitution of FO with CSO inhibited fatty acid synthesis and metabolism, resulting in a lower tissue LC-PUFA content and an altered composition of muscle volatiles.

Metformin alleviates cryoinjuries in porcine oocytes by reducing membrane fluidity through the suppression of mitochondrial activity

Plasma membrane damage in vitrified oocytes is closely linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the mechanism underlying mitochondria-regulated membrane stability is not elucidated. A growing body of evidence indicates that mitochondrial activity plays a pivotal role in cell adaptation. Since mitochondria work at a higher temperature than the constant external temperature of the cell, we hypothesize that suppressing mitochondrial activity would protect oocytes from extreme stimuli during vitrification. Here we show that metformin suppresses mitochondrial activity by reducing mitochondrial temperature. In addition, metformin affects the developmental potential of oocytes and improves the survival rate after vitrification. Transmission electron microscopy results show that mitochondrial abnormalities are markedly reduced in vitrified oocytes pretreated with metformin. Moreover, we find that metformin transiently inhibits mitochondrial activity. Interestingly, metformin pretreatment decreases cell membrane fluidity after vitrification. Furthermore, transcriptome results demonstrate that metformin pretreatment modulates the expression levels of genes involved in fatty acid elongation process, which is further verified by the increased long-chain saturated fatty acid contents in metformin-pretreated vitrified oocytes by lipidomic profile analysis. In summary, our study indicates that metformin alleviates cryoinjuries by reducing membrane fluidity via mitochondrial activity regulation.

Investigation into the Reduction of Palm Oil in Foods by Blended Vegetable Oils through Response Surface Methodology and Oxidative Stability Tests.

Recently, there has been a significant transition in the dietary preferences of consumers toward foods containing health-promoting compounds. In addition, as people's environmental awareness increases, they are increasingly looking for sustainable solutions. Palm oil, an oil used extensively by the food industry, does not fit these criteria. This study investigated the development of a complex oil blend consisting of commonly used vegetable oils such as corn, rapeseed, sunflower, and palm oil. The aim was to find the optimal blended oil and compare this combination with palm oil in terms of its oxidative stability, antioxidant capacity, and the composition of bioactive compounds (i.e., fatty acids, tocopherols, and carotenoids). Palm oil was found to have greater oxidative stability as a result of its increased concentration of saturated fatty acids. The optimal blended oil, which consisted of corn and rapeseed oil at a ratio of 4:3 w/w, inhibited the superior antioxidant activity, showing a ~33% increase in DPPH• inhibition activity. ATR-FTIR spectra further verified the existence of a significant quantity of saturated fatty acids in palm oil and unsaturated fatty acids in the blended oil. Finally, several correlation analyses revealed interesting connections between oil samples and investigated parameters. This work has the potential to establish a basis for the mass production of oil blends that possess high concentrations of antioxidant compounds and reduce the use of palm oil.

Effects of replacing fishmeal with Spirulina platensis powder on the Zig-zag eel (Mastacembelus armatus): Growth performance, flesh quality, digestibility, and gut microbial composition

Protein demand from aquaculture exacerbates environmental pressures. Zig-zag eel (Mastacembelus armatus, MA) is a new aquaculture species in southern China and has great potential for future promotion. In this study, we used Spirulina platensis powder (SPP) to replace 0–20 % of fishmeal in the feed, respectively. A 10-week aquaculture experiment was conducted on 600 MAs with five groups of F0 (0 %), F1 (5 %), F2 (10 %), F3 (15 %), and F4 (20 %) set up with equal nitrogen (approximately 50.00 % crude protein) and equal fat (about 5.50 % crude fat) feeds. The experimental results showed that replacing fishmeal with different proportions of SPP significantly reduced FCR (p < 0.05), increased WGR and SGR (p < 0.05), and reduced the feeding cost, with the best performance in F2. Polynomial analysis combining WGR and SGR showed that the optimum percentage of substitution was 10.93 % and 11.09 % in MA diets, respectively. The addition of SPP significantly reduced the levels of EPA and DHA content (p < 0.05), significantly increased the proportion of C14:0, C16:1, C20:5n3, and C22:6n3 (p < 0.05), and a high proportion of SPP addition significantly decreased saturated fatty acid content (p < 0.05). The length of intestinal villi and the secretion levels of Chymotrypsin and Pepsin were significantly increased (p < 0.05), and the secretion level of Lipase was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the experimental group. A low percentage of SPP increased microbial diversity in MA’s gut. Functional pathways related to metabolic functions were the most obvious broad groups with the most significant changes in relative abundance in the experimental group, and Plesiomonas and Aeromonas may be the key microorganisms involved in regulating the digestion and metabolism of SPP in the gut of MA.

The Influence of Nitrogen and Sulfur Fertilization on Oil Quality and Seed Meal in Different Genotypes of Winter Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.)

Adequate nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) fertilization of oilseed rape crops is necessary to obtain good-quality oil and post-extraction rapeseed meal. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different doses of N fertilization (100, 160 and 220 kg ha−1) and S (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg ha−1) on the value of seeds of three winter oilseed rape genotypes. Two winter oilseed rape genotypes obtained by mutagenesis (cultivar Polka and breeding genotype PN440) were characterized by changed fatty acid profile. The cultivar Polka, type HO (high oleic), had a high content of oleic acid (C18:1, 78.0%) and the breeding genotype PN440, type HOLL (high-oleic and low-linolenic), had a high content of oleic acid (C18:1, 75.0%) and a low content of linolenic acid (C18:3, 3.0%). We also used the canola type of winter oilseed rape cultivar, Monolit. The analysed winter oilseed rape genotypes responded similarly to the N and S fertilization factors with regard to the content of crude fat and total protein in the seeds and the composition of fatty acids in the oil. N fertilization increased the content of glucosinolates (GLS-alkenyl, indole and total) in seeds, whereas S application decreased the content of saturated fatty acids (stearic acid-C18:0) in oil and increased the content of alkenyl and total glucosinolates (GLSs) in seeds. A significant interaction between N and S was observed for crude-fat and total-protein content. This study suggests that ensuring an adequate supply of both nitrogen and sulfur in the soil is essential for optimizing meal and oil quality in different types of winter oilseed rape cultivars. Proper management of these nutrients can lead to improved oil content and overall crop performance.

Changes in the Fatty Acid Profile of Lactating Women Living in Poland-A Comparison with the Fatty Acid Profile of Selected Infant Formulas.

The present study examined the fatty acid content of human milk from Polish women living in the Warmia and Mazury region with regard to different lactation periods and compared it with the fatty acid content of selected infant formulas. The analysis included samples of breast milk-colostrum (n = 21), transitional milk (n = 26), and mature milk (n = 22). Fat was extracted using the Rose-Gottlieb method, and the fatty acid profile was determined by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (FID). The proportion of SFAs (saturated fatty acids) > MUFAs (monounsaturated fatty acids) > PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids) was determined in each fraction of breast milk and infant formula. Palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids predominated in breast milk and infant formulas. Colostrum contained lower contents of selected SFAs (caprylic, capric, lauric) and higher contents of selected MUFAs (ercucic) and PUFAs (arachidonic and docosahexaenoic) (p < 0.05) relative to transitional and mature milk. Infant formulas were distinguished from human milk in terms of their SFA (caproic, caprylic, lauric, arachidic), MUFA (oleic), and PUFA (linoleic, α-linoleic) content. It should be noted that infant formulas contained significantly lower trans fatty acid (TFA) content-more than thirty-six and more than nineteen times lower than in human milk. Furthermore, human milk contained branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) at 0.23-0.28%, while infant formulas contained only trace amounts of these acids. The average ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids for human milk was 6.59:1 and was close to the worldwide ratio of 6.53 ± 1.72:1. Both principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) indicated significant differences in the fatty acid profile relative to lactation and a different profile of infant formulas relative to breast milk.

Disruption of Cell Membranes and Redox Homeostasis as an Antibacterial Mechanism of Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma against Fusarium oxysporum.

Direct barrier discharge (DBD) plasma is a potential antibacterial strategy for controlling Fusarium oxysporum (F. oxysporum) in the food industry. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect and mechanism of action of DBD plasma on F. oxysporum. The result of the antibacterial effect curve shows that DBD plasma has a good inactivation effect on F. oxysporum. The DBD plasma treatment severely disrupted the cell membrane structure and resulted in the leakage of intracellular components. In addition, flow cytometry was used to observe intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and mitochondrial membrane potential, and it was found that, after plasma treatment, intracellular ROS accumulation and mitochondrial damage were accompanied by a decrease in antioxidant enzyme activity. The results of free fatty acid metabolism indicate that the saturated fatty acid content increased and unsaturated fatty acid content decreased. Overall, the DBD plasma treatment led to the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids, which altered the cell membrane fatty acid content, thereby inducing cell membrane damage. Meanwhile, DBD plasma-induced ROS penetrated the cell membrane and accumulated intracellularly, leading to the collapse of the antioxidant system and ultimately causing cell death. This study reveals the bactericidal effect and mechanism of the DBD treatment on F. oxysporum, which provides a possible strategy for the control of F. oxysporum.

Hygienic assessment of dietary intake of saturated fatty acids and trans isomers of fatty acids

Introduction. An imbalance of the fat component of the diet is one of the most common violations of the population nutrition in developed countries, leading to the risk of occurring nutrition-dependent pathologies due to hyperlipidemia and dyslipoproteinemia. A special role in the formation of risk is played by an excess of medium-chain saturated fatty acids (SFA) and trans isomers of unsaturated fatty acids (TFA). Materials and methods. Actual nutrition was studied by reproduction method with three times 24-hour recall. Based on the research results, the content of SFA and TFA was calculated, and their main sources were determined. Three hundred fourteen students of the I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University took part in the study. Gender and age groups of respondents were analyzed separately. Results. The intake of SFA at the level of normal physiological needs was registered in only 7.6% of students. At the same time, 80% of respondents had a significant excess of both total fat and SFA; an adequate level of TFA intake was noted in 80% of students, and a significant excess of this indicator was registered only in 13.3% of respondents. A significant quantitative increase in SFAs was noted with the additional inclusion of processed products in the diet, including those with hidden fat. Excessive consumption of TFA is associated with the inclusion of rich confectionery products containing hydrogenated fats in the diet. Limitations. The study has age and regional restrictions: young 18–29 years people living in the Moscow region, as well as restrictions on the analyzed indicators: SFA and TFA supplied with the diet. Conclusions. A significant risk of developing nutrition-dependent non-infectious diseases is observed in 52.9% of respondents with an SFA content in the diet of more than 150% of the norm, and the maximum risk is in 13.3% of students receiving a combined excess of SFA and TFA. The results of the study confirm the need to correct the diets of students in terms of the fat component.

Dietary Effect of Curcumin on Amino Acid, Fatty Acid, and Volatile Compound Profiles of Chicken Meat.

This study investigated the dietary effect of curcumin (CUR) on amino acid, 5'-nucleotides, fatty acid, and volatile compound profiles of chicken meat. A total of 400 healthy 1-day-old broiler male chicks were divided into 4 groups (n = 10) and fed either a basal diet or a diet with the addition of CUR with concentrations of 100 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg for 43 days. The results show that the addition of CUR in chicken diets is conducive to promoting the deposition of amino acids and increasing the content of 5'-nucleotides in chicken meat, reducing the contents of saturated fatty acid (SFA) and C20:4 n6 but increasing the ratio between polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and SFA. In addition, the volatile compound profile shows that the main volatile compounds in chicken meat are aldehydes (including hexanal, heptanal, octanal, and nonanal), with significant increases in their contents observed among chickens in the CUR-intake group. Moreover, it has been found that (E, E)-2,4-nonadienal, trans-2-decenal, benzaldehyde, and trans-2-octenal in chicken meat can significantly increase its overall aroma, and the addition of CUR with 150 mg/kg had the best effect on improving nutritional quality and flavor of chicken meat. This study provides a basis for the comprehensive utilization of CUR as a feed additive with the potential to substitute antibiotics.

Contributing factors for textural characteristics of Serrano Artisanal Cheese: An instrumental approach

Serrano Artisanal Cheese (Queijo Artesanal Serrano or QAS) is a Protected Designation of Origin cheese made from raw milk of rustic cows in the Campos de Cima da Serra region in South of Brazil. It has naturally hay yellow coat, smooth texture, and slightly acidic and piquant flavor. Until recently, such products were required to ripen for at least 60 days before sale, but current regulations allow for fresher products to be marketed. This is advantageous to consumers who prefer cheese that is softer and melts, but poses the challenge of identifying how shorter ripening periods affect characteristic traits of QAS and desirable textural and viscoelastic qualities. To this end, this work investigated the changes in gross composition, fatty acids profile, color, texture, and viscoelastic behavior in summer and winter samples from seven farms at 15, 30, 45, and/or 60 days of ripening. Through Principal Component Analysis (PCA), it was possible to conclude that content and proportion of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids are closely associated with the producer. Color analysis shows a distinctive relationship between the Yellowness Index and the Saturated Fatty Acids content. Additionally, P, Ca, and Mg are good predictors for QAS texture profile. PCA indicated crossover temperatures closely correlated to Long Chain Fatty Acids. This proportion can be affected by nutrition and heritability, but results for fatty acids of de novo synthesis suggest the latter. Most (17 out of 23) samples showed meltability, reaching elastic to viscous crossover at temperatures below 90 °C. Four out of the 6 samples that did not were ripened for 60 days. This suggests that ripening periods shorter than 60 days would be more suitable to sustain such property.

Serum Fatty Acid Profiles and Neurofilament Light Chain Levels in the General Population

BackgroundPrevious studies have demonstrated associations between fatty acids and neurological disorders. However, no studies have examined the relationship between serum fatty acid levels and serum neurofilament light chain (NfL), a biomarker of neurological disorders. ObjectivesThis study aimed to comprehensively investigate the intricate relationship between 30 serum fatty acids and serum NfL levels in a nationally representative sample of United States adults, using data from the 2013–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. MethodsUsing a cross-sectional analysis, multivariable linear regression models were used to explore the associations between 30 serum fatty acids and serum NfL levels. This analysis involved adjustment for potential confounding variables, including age, sex, race, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes, to clarify the association between serum fatty acids and serum NfL levels. ResultsThe analysis revealed that certain fatty acids exhibited distinct associations with serum NfL levels. Notably, docosanoic acid (22:0) and tricosanoic acid (C23:0) were found to be inversely associated with serum NfL levels (β = −0.280, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.525, −0.035; β = −0.292, 95% CI: −0.511, −0.072). Conversely, palmitoleic acid (16:1n−7) demonstrated a positive association with serum NfL levels (β = 0.125, 95% CI: 0.027, 0.222). Notably, these associations remained significant even after adjustment for potential confounders. ConclusionsIndividuals with high relative concentrations of certain SFA exhibited decreased serum NfL, whereas those with high relative concentrations of certain monounsaturated fatty acids showed increased serum NfL. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the potential impact of serum fatty acids on NfL levels, shedding light on novel avenues for further investigation and potential interventions in the context of neurological health.

Aging AdipoR2-deficient mice are hyperactive with enlarged brains excessively rich in saturated fatty acids.

To investigate how the fatty acid composition of brain phospholipids influences brain-specific processes, we leveraged the AdipoR2 (adiponectin receptor 2) knockout mouse model in which the brain is enlarged, and cellular membranes are excessively rich in saturated fatty acids. Lipidomics analysis of brains at 2, 7, and 18 months of age showed that phosphatidylcholines, which make up about two-thirds of all cerebrum membrane lipids, contain a gross excess of saturated fatty acids in AdipoR2 knockout mice, and that this is mostly attributed to an excess palmitic acid (C16:0) at the expense of oleic acid (C18:1), consistent with a defect in fatty acid desaturation and elongation in the mutant. Specifically, there was a ~12% increase in the overall saturated fatty acid content within phosphatidylcholines and a ~30% increase in phosphatidylcholines containing two palmitic acids. Phosphatidylethanolamines, sphingomyelins, ceramides, lactosylceramides, and dihydroceramides also showed an excess of saturated fatty acids in the AdipoR2 knockout mice while nervonic acid (C24:1) was enriched at the expense of shorter saturated fatty acids in glyceroceramides. Similar defects were found in the cerebellum and myelin sheaths. Histology showed that cell density is lower in the cerebrum of AdipoR2 knockout mice, but electron microscopy did not detect reproducible defects in the ultrastructure of cerebrum neurons, though proteomics analysis showed an enrichment of electron transport chain proteins in the cerebellum. Behavioral tests showed that older (33 weeks old) AdipoR2 knockout mice are hyperactive and anxious compared to control mice of a similar age. Also, in contrast to control mice, the AdipoR2 knockout mice do not gain weight in old age but do have normal lifespans. We conclude that an excess fatty acid saturation in brain phospholipids is accompanied by hyperactivity but seems otherwise well tolerated.

Nutritional composition, fatty acids, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of Nigella sativa seed grown in Bangladesh

Black cumin seeds are extensively utilized for foods, cosmetics, and medicinal purposes. The current investigation was undertaken to analyzse the nutritional values, fatty acid compositions, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant roles of different black cumin genotypes available in Bangladesh. The genotype BSK-2074 had a higher content of proximate composition of crude oil (35.17%), crude protein (23.51%), total carbohydrate (35.23%), moisture (6.54%), ash (3.74%), crude fiber (8.12%), and gross energy value (644.88 kcal/100 g) than the released varieties and cultivars of black cumin available in Bangladesh. The major fatty acid profile of the seed-oil of the BSK-2074 genotype revealed that the oil contained a high amount of linoleic (59.39%), oleic (25.72%), palmitic (13.11%), and stearic (2.25%) acids, as well as a low amount of arachidic, linolenic, myristic, behenic, palmitoleic, lignoceric, and eicosadienoic acids. Moreover, the genotype BSK-2074 contained a high amount of unsaturated (UFAs, 85%), and low content of saturated (SFAs, 18%) fatty acids, and the ratio of UFAs to SFAs was higher (4.39–5.37). Again, the seeds of the genotype BSK-2074 were also enriched in different minerals, viz., calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. Moreover, total phenolic contents (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC) were found significantly higher in the genotype BSK-2074 (478.47 ± 7.33 mg GAE/100 g and 284.07 ± 2.08 mg QE/100 g, respectively) than the local Kalozira variety (316.48 ± 2.33 mg GAE/100 g and 120.53 ± 3.57 mg QE/100 g) found in Bangladesh. The activities of antioxidants 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were found significantly higher in BSK-2074 (37.93% and 129.65 ± 0.19 mg GAE/100 g), than the local Kalozira variety (98.09% and 193.75 ± 0.19 mg GAE/100 g). Thus, the new genotype, BSK-2074, was identified and suggested as the most promising and nutritionally enriched genotype of black cumin.

A question of digestion: How microalgae species affects lipid and fatty acid digestibility in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Alternative nutrient sources for fish feed are currently of high interest. Feed ingredients with suitable lipid contents and valuable amounts of essential fatty acids are especially needed to relieve the usage of fish oil and maintain high product quality of fish from aquaculture. Microalgae contain promising nutrient contents and suitable fatty acid profiles that cover dietary requirements of fish. Nutrient digestibility, however, can be hindered by their rigid cell wall. Therefore, in the presented study, the microalgae species Isochrysis galbana and Tetraselmis chui were processed by freeze-drying and centrifugal milling to evaluate their nutrient and fatty acid digestibility in fish nutrition. For T. chui, an additional treatment with enzyme supplementation was tested. Test diets contained 70% of a fish meal based reference diet and 30% of the respective microalgae meal, as well as titanium dioxide as an inert marker to calculate apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC). Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were fed for 14 days and faeces were collected via manual stripping. The ADCs of Kjeldahl nitrogen (∼ 64–79%), nitrogen-free extracts (∼ 40–54%) and energy (∼ 52–66%) were not significantly different between the algae species, but I. galbana inclusion resulted in reduced lipid digestibility (∼ 57% to 77%), which was linked to the high content of saturated fatty acids. The fatty acid ADCs were higher for T. chui except for arachidonic acid (20:4 n-6) and lauric acid (12:0). Mechanical or enzyme-treating processing did not increase nutrient and fatty acid digestibility for the microalgae used in this trial, and sole freeze-drying sufficiently ensured nutrient availability. The high digestibility of nutrients and, particularly, polyunsaturated fatty acids of I. galbana and T. chui underscore their potential as fatty acid and nutrient sources in fish feed.

Comparative analysis of lipid composition in colostrum and mature milk from women of seven Chinese ethnic groups

This study compared the lipid content, total and sn-2 fatty acids, and the levels of 1, 3-dioleoy-2-palmitoyl glycerol (OPO), 1-oleoyl-2-palmitoyl-3-linoleoyl glycerol (OPL), and 1, 3-linoleoyl-2-palmitoyl glycerol (LPL) in colostrum and mature milk (n = 122) from seven ethnic groups in China. Compared with the Han breast milk, the content of saturated fatty acid (SFA) and trans fatty acid (TFA) in the breast milk of ethnic groups (especially in Uygur) was higher, while monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) were lower. This disparity may be attributed to the higher consumption of meat and diary products. In terms of the distribution of fatty acids and the content of triacylglycerol (TAG), ethnic groups and Han showed consistency. The OPO, OPL, and LPL in colostrum (0.16 ± 0.06, 0.17 ± 0.08, 0.09 ± 0.04 g 100 mL−1) were significantly lower than those in mature milk (0.28 ± 0.11, 0.26 ± 0.09, 0.16 ± 0.07 g 100 mL−1). The results have shown that the composition and content of total and sn-2 FAs in breast milk were affected by lactation stage, ethnic minority background, and maternal diets. This study contributed to the enhancement of the Chinese breast milk lipid database and offered a scientific foundation for formulating lipid compositions in infant formulas tailored to specific ethnic groups.

Exogenous melatonin delays yellowing in harvested broccoli by maintaining chloroplast integrity

Yellowing of broccoli is a crucial limiting factor for its commercial value and consumer acceptance during postharvest. In this study, the impacts of exogenous melatonin (MEL) on chlorophyll content and fluorescence, as well as ultrastructure and membrane lipid metabolism of chloroplasts in broccoli were investigated during postharvest. The results showed that MEL treatment (200 μmol L−1) maintained the chlorophyll content, chloroplast autofluorescence and integral structure, and reduced the level ofserotonin in the chloroplasts in broccoli. Also, MEL treatment inhibited the membrane lipid peroxidation of chloroplasts, as indicated by low levels of superoxide anion (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and high levels of endogenous MEL. In addition, the stability and fluidity of chloroplast membranes were also better maintained in the treated broccoli via increasing the contents of phosphatidylglyceroland (PG), monogalactosyldiglyceride (MGDG), digalactosyldiglyceride (DGDG) and unsaturated fatty acids as well as decreasing saturated fatty acid content and the activities of lipoxygenase (LOX) and lipase (LPS). Thus, the application of MEL facilitated the maintenance of chloroplast integrity, thus contributing to yellowing postponement and the extension of the storage life of broccoli.

Potential of dragon’s blood fruit (Calamus draco) as a class I preservative agent and additive ingredient to improve the quality of whole coconut VCO (Virgin coconut oil)

The method developed uses whole coconut as the raw material for making VCO through an easy-to-apply fermentation process, adding dragon’s blood fruit extract in concentrations of 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%. Peroxide and iodine numbers were tested as parameters of VCO quality. The gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) method was used to analyze the fatty acid profile of VCO after transesterification. The results showed that the highest total saturated fatty acid content of 97.28% was found in the VCO sample with a 40% concentration of dragon’s blood fruit, and the unsaturated fatty acid profiles detected in the VCO included palmitoleic acid, methyl linoleic, and methyl oleic. The addition of dragon’s blood fruit can also reduce the peroxide number and increase the iodine number in accordance with SNI 7381-2008, which is below the maximum limit of the VCO peroxide number of 2.0 mEq/kg of oil while the iodine number of the VCO is in the range of 4.1–11 g iodine/100g. It can be concluded that a 40% dragon’s blood fruit concentration can improve the quality of VCO preservation.