Campesterol Concentrations Research Articles

Opportunistic Detection of Phytosterolaemia during Genetic Testing for FH: Case Series and Contextual Review.

Homozygous phytosterolaemia, is a rare autosomal recessive disorder which lead to severely elevated plasma levels of plant phytosterols causing an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and mimics the clinical presentation of familial hypercholesterolaemia(FH). Integration of the genetic variants for homozygous phytosterolaemia into the genetic panel for FH in clinical practice likely increases the detection of milder genetic forms of phytosterolaemia, of which the implications to clinical practice including cascade testing remain unclear. We report three families with pathogenic loss-of-function variants in ABCG5 and/or ABCG8, in which probands were identified incidentally when genetically testing them for FH. The proband of the first family was a 35-year-old man with a homozygous ABCG5 loss-of-function variant (c.1336C > T, p.Arg446*) causing severe phytosterolaemia and premature CAD on cardiac imaging; his younger brother was heterozygous for the same variant with mildly elevated phytosterol levels. The second family included 2 sisters (31 and 29-year-old) with digenic variants in ABCG5 (c.1336C > T, p.Arg446*) and ABCG8 (c.1269G > T, p.Glu423Asp with uncertain significance) with moderately elevated plasma phytosterol levels and premature CAD on cardiac imaging. The third family referred to a 68-year-old man and his 44-year-old daughter who were both heterozygous for a pathogenic ABCG5 variant (c.1166G > A, p.Arg389His), had mild phytosterolaemia and CAD on cardiac imaging. Treatment with ezetimibe alone or in combination with colesevelam reduced elevated plasma sitosterol and campesterol concentrations by 30 to 80%. Phytosterolaemia is specific genetic disorder that can mimic FH, cause premature atherosclerosis, and require specific pharmacotherapy. Cascade testing for pathogenic ABCG5/G8 variants can lead to earlier detection and treatment of affected family members.

Blood Phytosterol Concentration and Genetic Variant Associations in a Sample Population.

The main objective of this study was to determine plasma levels of PS and to study SNVs rs41360247, rs4245791, rs4148217, and rs11887534 of ABCG8 and the r657152 SNV at the ABO blood group locus in a sample of a population treated at our hospital, and to determine whether these SNVs are related to plasma PS concentrations. The secondary objective was to establish the variables associated with plasma PS concentrations in adults. Participants completed a dietary habit questionnaire and a blood sample was collected to obtain the following variables: campesterol, sitosterol, sitostanol, lanosterol, stigmasterol, biochemical parameters, and the SNVs. In addition, biometric and demographic variables were also recorded. In the generalized linear model, cholesterol and age were positively associated with total PS levels, while BMI was negatively related. For rs4245791, homozygous T allele individuals showed a significantly lower campesterol concentration compared with C homozygotes, and the GG alleles of rs657152 had the lowest levels of campesterol compared with the other alleles of the SNV. Conclusions: The screening of certain SNVs could help prevent the increase in plasma PS and maybe PNALD in some patients. However, further studies on the determinants of plasma phytosterol concentrations are needed.

Effect of copper ions on the composition of phytosterols of the vacuolar membrane of <i>Beta vulgaris</i> L.

The study set out to investigate the effect of different concentrations of copper ions on the composition of phytosterols of the vacuolar membrane (tonoplast) of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.). To characterise the stress caused by the action of copper ions, a conductometric study of the permeability of cell membranes and the level of lipid peroxidation was carried out. The results demonstrate an increase in these indicators in beetroot tissues. Among tonoplast phytosterols, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol, and cholesterol were studied. In cell membranes, these phytosterols perform a structural function, contributing to lipid microdomain formation, influencing plant growth and development, and participating in plant responses to stress. The study of the effect of copper ions on tonoplast phytosterols showed most of them to be occupied by the free form. In the presence of 100 μM copper, a significant increase in campesterol content was detected. The ratio of stigmasterol/β-sitosterol and 24-methyl-/ ethylsterol, which may influence the stress response of plants, is an important indicator of plant membrane health. The observed increases in the ratios of stigmasterol/β-sitosterol and 24-methyl-/ethylsterols can be explained in terms of mechanisms for regulating the functioning of the tonoplast under stress caused by copper ions. Thus, the obtained results may indicate the participation of cell membranes, including tonoplast, in the mechanisms of adaptation of beetroot tissue cells to stress caused by copper ions.

Drum drying of whole maize flour enhances bioaccessibility of zeaxanthin, α-tocopherol, phytosterols, phenolics and flavonoids

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of drum drying of maize flour at slurry concentration of 30%–40% on phytonutrients content and their bioaccessibility. Content of tocopherols (TP), tocotrienol (TT), carotenoids, phytosterols, polyphenols and flavonoids, and antioxidant activity in drum dried maize was decreased. Bioaccessible content of stigmasterol, β-sitosterol and flavonoids was increased in drum dried maize. Bioaccessible content of campesterol and total phenolics was comparable to the bioaccessible content in raw maize. Bioaccessible content of TP, TT, lutein, zeaxanthin and β-carotene decreased in drum dried samples. DPPH + radical scavenging activity of bioaccessible fraction of drum dried maize was increased. The ferric reducing power was stable and total antioxidant activity decreased in bioaccessible fraction of drum dried sample. Percentage bioaccessibility of α-TP, phytosterols, zeaxanthin, phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity was increased. Bioaccessibility of lutein and β-carotene retained, and γ-TP, δ-TP, α-, γ-, δ-TT decreased in drum dried sample. Overall, phytonutrients content was found to be low in drum dried samples, but there was retention of components in bioaccessible fraction which resulted higher percentage bioaccessibility of maize phytonutrients.

Overexpression of the OsFes1A increased the phytosterols content and enhanced drought and salt stress tolerance in Arabidopsis.

Overexpression of the rice gene, OsFes1A, increased phytosterol content and drought and salt stress tolerance in Arabidopsis. Phytosterols are key components of the phospholipid bilayer membrane and regulate various processes of plant growth and response to biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, it was demonstrated that the overexpression of OsFes1A (Hsp70 nucleotide exchange factor Fes1) increased phytosterols content and enhanced tolerance to salt and drought stress in Arabidopsis. In transgenic plants, the average content of campesterol was 17.6% higher than that of WT, and the average content of β-sitosterol reached 923.75μg/g, with an increase of 1.33-fold. In fes1a seeds, the contents of campesterol and β-sitosterol reduced by 20% and 10.93%, respectively. In OsFes1A transgenic seeds, the contents of campesterol and β-sitosterol increased by 1.38-fold and 1.25-fold respectively. Furthermore, the germination rate of transgenic Arabidopsis was significantly higher than WT under stress (salt, ABA, and drought treatment). Under salt stress, transgenic plants accumulated a lower MDA content, higher chlorophyll content, and POD activity relative to the wild type, while the mutants showed the opposite pattern Our study found multiple other functions of OsFes1A beyond the defined role of Fes1 in regulating Hsp70, contributing to the better understanding of the essential roles of Fes1 in plants. Meanwhile, it provides the theoretical basis for developing high phytosterol crop varieties.

FRI094 Case Report: Treatment Of Sitosterolemia With Ezetimibe - 17 Years Of Follow-up

Abstract Disclosure: J.V. Coutinho: None. A.S. Costa: None. M.M. Issa: None. N.P. Paim: None. E.P. Quedas: None. V.S. Nunes: None. A.L. Jorge: None. E.R. Nakandakare: None. A.F. Carrilho: None. Background: Sitosterolemia is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by inactivating mutations in the ABCG5 or ABCG8 genes. It is characterized by the accumulation of plant sterols in tissues in the form of xanthomas and vascular atheroma. Ezetimibe has been used to decrease serum sterol levels, but its role in xanthomas and arterial atherosclerosis progression remains undetermined. We present a patient diagnosed with sitosterolemia done at age 23 years and followed for 17 years on treatment with ezetimibe 20 mg daily. Clinical case: A 23-year-old man showed typical xanthomas on the extensor surfaces of his hands and Achilles tendons, in addition to splenomegaly and thrombocytopenia. Serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were normal and sitosterolemia was suspected by a tendon biopsy. The diagnosis was confirmed by high serum concentrations of β-sitosterol and campesterol, and the patient was advised to follow a low plant-sterol diet and to take ezetimibe 20 mg daily. Seven years later, there was no change in xanthoma size, abdominal ultrasound showed normal spleen, and plasma lipid levels were: total cholesterol (TC) 147 mg/dL, HDL cholesterol (HDL) 44 mg/dL, LDL cholesterol (LDL) 61 mg/dL, triglycerides (Tg) 206 mg/dL, desmosterol 0. 137 µg/mL (n < 1.6 µg/mL), lanosterol 0.368 µg/mL (n < 2.2 µg/mL), campesterol 39.65 µg/mL (n < 5.5 µg/mL), β-sitosterol 87.53 µg/mL (n < 1.7 µg/mL) and platelet count 109,000/mL. Seventeen years after diagnosis, at age 40, there was no significant change in xanthoma size and the patient remained without cardiovascular symptoms (normal echocardiography and exercise stress test), however ultrasound showed bilateral carotid-intimal-medial thickening (0.1 on the right and 0.17 on the left, n < 0.1) and serum lipid concentrations were: TC 203 mg/dL, LDL 130 mg/dL, HDL 46 mg/dL, Tg 145 mg/dL, campesterol 21.34 µg/mL (n < 5.5 µg/mL) and β-sitosterol 65.13 µg/mL (n < 1.7 µg/mL). Then, atorvastatin 20 mg daily was added to ezetimibe. In addition, genomic DNA sequencing revealed a compound heterozygous mutation of the ABCG5 gene (NM_022436:exon1:c.64C>T:p.Q22* and NM_022436:exon9:c.1217G>A:p.R406Q). Conclusion: treatment with ezetimibe prevented the growth of xanthomas, however it was not able to normalize plasma levels of campesterol and β-sitosterol. Furthermore, the small carotid intimal-medial thickening found raised the question about the role of plant sterols in atherosclerosis. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

Evaluation of Moringa oleifera seed oil extracted with different extraction methods

Moringa seed oil composition extracted with different methods such as supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), soxhlet extraction (SOXE) and solvent extraction (SE) was evaluated and compared. The oil yield obtained by SFE, SE and SOXE was 25.25, 27.53 and 29.81%, respectively. There were slightly significant differences among SFE, SOXE and SE oils in their refractive indices, peroxide values, tocopherols, carotenoids, β-sitosterol and campesterol contents. However, SOXE and SE oils showed no significant differences in their TBA, unsaponifiable matter, phenols, flavonoids, oxidative stability, oleic acid, stigmasterol, Δ7- avenasterol and Δ5-avenasterol contents. Furthermore, SFE oil showed significantly higher unsaponifiable matter, phenols, flavonoids, tocopherols, carotenoids, oleic acid, unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids ratio, sterols contents and oxidative stability. The high content of tocopherol, phenols, and flavonoids of the Moringa oils could be attributed to the higher resistance to oxidation, especially extracted by SFE. These results promote the use of SFE for the extraction of high quality Moringa oil. extraction of high quality.

LED Light Quality Affected Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Potential, and Nutritional Value of Red and White Cabbage Microgreens

Microgreens are environmentally friendly and have health benefits in addition to their basic nutritional contents. The effect of white (W), white–blue (W + B), and white–red (W + R) light on the bioactive compounds, nutrient composition, and antioxidant potential of red and white cabbage microgreens were investigated using light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The results showed that protein, fat, ash, chlorophylls, and carotenoids were the highest in microgreens under W light, while phenolic compounds were highest in microgreens under W + B light. Supplementation with white light, as well as red or blue light, resulted in higher levels of sugars and total fiber in both white and red microgreens. Twenty-six and thirty-three phenolic compounds were identified in white and red cabbage microgreens, respectively. The identified phenolics belonged to three classes, including phenolic acids, flavonols, and anthocyanins. The antioxidant potential of both cabbage microgreens was determined by four methods (ABTS, DPPH, ORAC, and FRAP). It was found that the highest antioxidant potential was observed in microgreens grown under the W + B light combination. On the other hand, the W + R light combination increased the content of β-sitosterol and campesterol. The results may be helpful in the selection of the type of LED lighting that determines the high nutritional and health-promoting potential of white and red cabbage microgreens.

The microdomains (rafts) of plasmalemma in the protection of the plant cell under oxidative stress.

The investigation of the lipid-protein microdomains of the plasmalemma isolated with the aid of the non-detergent technique in the zones of the sucrose density gradient after high-speed centrifugation from the tissue pieces of beet roots, which underwent oxidative stress, was conducted. The microdomains, whose lipid composition - according to the definition - allowed us to classify them as rafts, were studied. After the exposure to oxidative stress (100mM hydrogen peroxide), the variations in the composition of membrane lipids bound up mainly with the elevations of the content of raft-forming lipids (sterols, sterol esters). Oxidative stress provoked redistribution in the composition of sterols, which led to an elevation in the content of campesterol and in the ratio of stigmasterol/sitosterol. Furthermore, the variations were registered in the content of phospholipids and phosphoglycerolipids, which are capable of stabilizing the lamellar structure of membranes. The results obtained allow one to assume that under the oxidative stress, variations in the composition of lipids in microdomains of the plasma membrane can take place. These variations may influence the functioning of the membranes, and the membranes may participate in the protection of the plant cell.

Phytosterols Are Involved in Sclareol-Induced Chlorophyll Reductions in Arabidopsis.

Sclareol, a diterpene, has a wide range of physiological effects on plants, such as antimicrobial activity; disease resistance against pathogens; and the expression of genes encoding proteins involved in metabolism, transport, and phytohormone biosynthesis and signaling. Exogenous sclareol reduces the content of chlorophyll in Arabidopsis leaves. However, the endogenous compounds responsible for sclareol-induced chlorophyll reduction remain unknown. The phytosterols campesterol and stigmasterol were identified as compounds that reduce the content of chlorophyll in sclareol-treated Arabidopsis plants. The exogenous application of campesterol or stigmasterol dose-dependently reduced the content of chlorophyll in Arabidopsis leaves. Exogenously-applied sclareol enhanced the endogenous contents of campesterol and stigmasterol and the accumulation of transcripts for phytosterol biosynthetic genes. These results suggest that the phytosterols campesterol and stigmasterol, the production of which is enhanced in response to sclareol, contribute to reductions in chlorophyll content in Arabidopsis leaves.

Comparative analysis of the composition of sterols in embryogenic and nonembryogenic cell lines of <i>Larix sibirica</i> Ledeb.

The cell lines of Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.), possessing different embryogenic potential, were studied. Qualitative and quantitative content of sterol components was comparatively analyzed in their tissues with the help of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Significant differences in these parameters were found between both groups of the lines in fractions of free sterols and their esters. In addition to sterol compounds, squalen, which is a triterpenic intermediate in sterol biosynthesis, was revealed. Of free sterols, -sitosterol, campesterol, isofucosterol, and stigmasterol dominated in the embryogenic lines, while -sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol in nonembryogenic ones. The campesterol concentration was 1.31.9 times higher in the embryogenic than nonembryogenic lines. Since campesterol is a precursor of brassinosteroids, it is likely that its level is high due to an embryogenic state of these cell lines. Only the embryogenic lines contained appreciable amounts of isofucosterol. The fraction of sterol esters exhibited wider component diversity in the nonembryogenic than the embryogenic lines. In all the cell lines, among the identified sterol esters, the substances without double bonds, bearing, as a structural fragment, a sterane coreperhydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthrenewere the most abundant. Their content ranged from 52 to 71% of the total amount of sterol esters. The revealed differences in the compositions of sterols and their esters, between the L. sibirica cell lines with different embryogenic potential, witness to the considerable rearrangements in sterol metabolism in the course of embryogenesis. The line-specific differences may indicate the involvement of these metabolites in formation of embryos.

Serum Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Concentration Is Not Dependent on Cholesterol Synthesis and Absorption in Healthy Humans.

Introduction. Pharmacological reduction of cholesterol (C) synthesis and C absorption lowers serum low-density lipoprotein C (LDL-C) concentrations. We questioned whether high baseline C synthesis or C absorption translates into high serum LDL-C concentrations or if there was no connection. Therefore, we studied the association between serum LDL-C and C synthesis or C absorption in healthy subjects. Methods. Three published data sets of young subjects on different diets (study 1), mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects without cardiovascular disease (study 2) and healthy controls of the Framingham study (study 3) were used. The three study populations varied in sex, age, and weight. C synthesis and C fractional absorption rate (FAR) were measured with fecal sterol balance and stable isotope techniques (studies 1 and 2). Additionally, serum lathosterol and campesterol concentrations corrected for the serum total C concentration (R_lathosterol and R_campesterol) were used as markers for hepatic C synthesis and C FAR, respectively (studies 1−3). Linear regression analysis was applied to evaluate associations between LDL-C, C synthesis, and C absorption. Results. Seventy-three, 37, and 175 subjects were included in studies 1, 2, and 3, respectively. No statistically significant associations were found between LDL-C and the measured C synthesis and C FAR, nor for R_lathosterol and R_campesterol in any of the study groups. This lack of associations was confirmed by comparing the male subjects of studies 1 and 2. Study 1 subjects had a 50% lower serum LDL-C than the study 2 subjects (p < 0.01), but not a lower C synthesis, C FAR, R-lathosterol, or R_campesterol. Conclusions. Under physiological conditions, C synthesis and C FAR are not major determinants of circulating serum LDL-C concentrations in healthy subjects. The results need to be confirmed in large-scale studies in healthy subjects and patients at risk for cardiovascular disease.

Intestinal microbiology and metabolomics of streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes mice by polysaccharide from Cardamine violifolia

• A food, Cardamine violifolia polysaccharide, was used to study type 2 diabetic mice. • Studied the effect on intestinal microorganisms in type 2 diabetic mice. • Analyzed the metabolic pathway of Cardamine violifolia polysaccharide on type 2 diabetic mice. Cardamine violifolia polysaccharide (CVP) has been studied mainly for structural analysis and in vitro activity. The present study showed that CVP supplementation was effective in enhancing the production of N -Oleoylethanolamin and improving the content of campesterol and stigmasterol in the Steroid biosynthesis - Mus musculus metabolic pathway. The genus levels of Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 genus, Lactobacillus genus, were significantly increased in the intestine of mice after CVP infusion. Importantly, CVP had a protective effect on the intestinal microbiota of mice, which may result from the increase in short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria of the genera Ruminococcaceae and Lactobacillus. The therapeutic effect of CVP in STZ-induced type 2 diabetic mice may be achieved by modulating the structure of the intestinal microbiota and regulating the Steroid biosynthesis - Mus musculus metabolic pathway, and CVP is expected to be a potential food for the treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes.

Thermal regime and cultivar effects on squalene and sterol contents in olive fruits: Results from a field network in different Argentinian environments

Some olive cultivars and production regions around the world, although they may provide good quality olive oils, may not comply with the current commercial regulations establishing acceptable levels of sterols in extra virgin olive oils. The present study was driven by the hypothesis that olive growing environments, differing in thermal regime conditions, affect squalene and sterol contents of olive fruits. On the basis of differences in agronomic characteristics and oil composition, two olive cultivars (Arbequina and Coratina) were selected and sampled at different fruit development stages. Various models were examined to look for relationships between environmental thermal records and chemical parameters; those including the accumulated thermal time (ATT) and minimum temperatures showed the best fit. In both cultivars, the total and individual sterol contents were positively associated with ATT over all the fruit development and ripening period considered. In all cases, the data from Arbequina fit the models better than for Coratina and differences between cultivars in individual sterol contents were greater in the warmest growing environments. Overall, findings indicated a strong impact of the growing environment on squalene and sterol contents. Such an effect was associated with specific thermal characteristics of the olive growing sites; concentrations were found to be higher in the warmer northernmost sites than in the cooler southernmost ones. There was also an effect of the cultivar, particularly on the contents of β-sitosterol, campesterol and total sterols. These latter results suggest greater sensitivity of sterol metabolism to temperature in cv. Arbequina.

Content of sterols in in vitro propagated Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub plants

Summary Introduction: Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub (syn. Epilobium angustifolium L.) plants have been used in the treatment and alleviating symptoms of mild Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Plants are abundant in polyphenols, particularly ellagitannins, phenolic acids and flavonoids. Apart from polyphenols, herb of this species also contains steroids, triterpenes and fatty acids. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the content of campesterol, β-sitosterol and stigmasterol in C. angustifolium genotypes cultivated in vitro. Methods: Plants grown in vitro and the plants harvested from field were subjected to the HPLC-DAD analysis. Results: The investigated genotypes differed in sterol content. Stigmasterol (375.64–577.77 mg/100 g of dry weight – DW) was a predominant compound among the tested sterols. In contrast to in vitro cultures, plants harvested from field synthesized mainly β-sitosterol (103.05 mg/100 g DW), whereas campesterol and stigmasterol were less abundant. Conclusions: C. angustifolium in vitro cultures are rich source of phytosterols, particularly stigmasterol. Genotype had a significant effect on phytosterol accumulation under in vitro conditions.

Effects of phytosterols' intake on systemic and tissue-specific lipid metabolism in C57BL/6J mice.

This study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of phytosterols (PS) intake on systemic and tissue-specific lipid metabolism in C57BL/6J mice. Healthy male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control diet group (CS) and PS diet group (2% PS). After 28 weeks of continuous feeding, serums, livers, and lungs were collected for targeted free sterols quantification, biochemical tests, lipid profile detection, and RNA-seq analysis. Compared with the CS group, 2% PS supplementation significantly increased campesterol concentrations and its ratio to cholesterol in the serum, liver, and lung of mice, with cholestanol concentrations and its ratio to cholesterol decreased. Total cholesterol (TC) levels were reduced in the serum of the PS group (p < 0.05), with the triglyceride (TG) levels unchanged. In response to the decreased circulating cholesterol concentration, the expression of endogenous cholesterol synthesis genes was upregulated in the liver, but caused no obvious lipid accumulation and inflammatory cell infiltration. However, for peripheral tissues, long-term PS-fed mice exhibited diminished cholesterol synthesis, fatty acid transport, and oxidation in the lung. The results provided clear indication that 2% PS diet effectively reduced circulating TC levels in the healthy mice, with tissue-specific lipid metabolic regulation in the liver and the lung.

Quality evaluation of oil by cold-pressed peanut from different growing regions in China.

In this study, twenty‐six peanut varieties and their cold‐pressed oils from eleven provinces in China were investigated for their oil content, acid value, peroxide value, fatty acid profiles, bioactive constituents, and induction period (IP) of lipid oxidation. Meanwhile, the effect of the geographical origin of peanut on the quality of cold‐pressed peanut oils (CPOs) was studied. The average acid value of CPOs in southern China was higher than that in northern China (0.49 mg KOH/g versus 0.22 mg KOH/g, p > .05). In addition, the average of oleic acid content, ratio of oleic acid to linoleic acid (O/L), and IP were also higher in southern China than that in northern China (p < .05). However, the average content of campesterol, β‐sitosterol, total phytosterol, linoleic acid, and ratio of unsaturated fatty acid to saturated fatty acid (UFA/SFA) exhibited reverse results (p < .05). At last, the comprehensive evaluation of CPOs based on principal component analysis (PCA) was performed. In all samples, Silihong from Liaoning province, northern China was No.1, and Zhonghua 21 from Xiaogan City, Hubei Province was No.4 which was the first one from southern China. Moreover, heat map clustering analysis further revealed the differences and similarities among different samples, and those results were in accordance with the comprehensive evaluation results.

RNAi of Sterol Δ24-Isomerase Implicated Its Involvement in Physalin Biosynthesis in Physalis angulata L.

Physalis angulata is a renowned traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of various conditions. Physalin is the major type of bioactive constituents conferring medicinal properties of P. angulata. Despite the medicinal importance, the pathways leading to physalin are largely unknown. In this study, we employed a transcriptomic approach to identify a Pa24ISO gene from P. angulata. Through heterologous expression in yeast, Pa24ISO was revealed to catalyze an isomerization reaction in converting 24-methylenecholesterol to 24-methyldesmosterol. Real-time PCR analysis showed that the abundance of Pa24ISO transcripts correlated with the accumulation pattern of physalin B in different tissues of P. angulata. A direct role of Pa24ISO in channeling of 24-methylenecholesterol for physalin B biosynthesis was illustrated by suppressing the gene in P. angulata via the VIGS approach. Down-regulation of Pa24ISO led to reduced levels of 24-methyldesmosterol and physalin B, accompanied with an increase of campesterol content in P. angulata. The results supported that 24ISO is involved in physalin biosynthesis in plants.

Non-Cholesterol Sterols in Breast Milk and Risk of Allergic Outcomes in the First Two Years of Life.

This study aimed to explore associations between non-cholesterol sterol concentrations in breast milk and allergic outcomes in children aged two. Data from the KOALA Birth Cohort Study, the Netherlands, were used. Non-cholesterol sterols were analyzed by gas–liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry in breast milk sampled one-month postpartum (N = 311). Sterols were selected for each allergic outcome, i.e., eczema, wheeze, and allergic sensitization, prior to analyses. Associations between the selected sterols with allergic outcomes were analyzed using multiple logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs). The odds of eczema in the first two years of life were lower with higher concentrations of cholestanol (OR (95%CI): 0.98 (0.95; 1.00), p = 0.04), lanosterol (0.97 (0.95; 1.00), p = 0.02), lathosterol (0.93 (0.87; 0.99), p = 0.02), and stigmasterol (0.51 (0.29; 0.91), p = 0.02) in breast milk sampled one-month postpartum. None of the sterols were associated with wheeze in the first two years of life. The odds of allergic sensitization at age two were lower with higher concentrations of campesterol in breast milk (OR (95%CI): 0.81 (0.70; 0.95), p = 0.01). In conclusion, our data suggest that exposure to higher non-cholesterol sterol concentrations in breast milk may indeed be associated with the prevention of allergic outcomes in the first two years of life.

Effect of Plasma Activated Water on Selected Chemical Compounds of Rocket-Salad (Eruca sativa Mill.) Leaves.

Plasma activated water (PAW) has proven to be a promising alternative for the decontamination of rocket leaves. The impact of PAW on the volatile profile, phytosterols, and pigment content of rocket leaves was studied. Leaves were treated by PAW at different times (2, 5, 10, and 20 min). Compounds of the headspace were detected and quantified using GC–MS analysis. A total of 52 volatile organic compounds of different chemical classes were identified. Glucosinolate hydrolysis products are the major chemical class. PAW application induced some chemical modifications in the volatile compounds. Changes in the content of the major compounds varied with the increase or decrease in the treatment time. However, PAW-10 and -2 were grouped closely to the control. A significant decrease in the content of β-sitosterol and campesterol was observed after PAW treatment, except for PAW-10, which showed a non-significant reduction in both compounds. A significant increase in β carotene, luteolin, and chlorophyll b was observed after the shortest treatment time of PAW-2. A reduction in chlorophyll content was also observed, which is significant only at longer treatment, or PAW-20. Overall, PAW has proven to be a safe alternative for rocket decontamination.