Fatty Acid Content Research Articles

Intake of Condensed Tannins (Acacia mearnsii) by Lambs in Confinement and Its Impact on Growth Performance, Rumen Environment, and Meat

This study determined whether adding condensed tannins to the diet of confined lamb improves performance, metabolism, health, and meat composition and quality. We used 24 Lacaune lambs with an average initial weight of 24.5 ± 0.24 kg. The animals were divided into 12 pens with two animals each. In the treatment group, a black wattle extract was added to the lamb concentrate (2.5 g/kg dry matter), while the control group received only the basal diet (without extract). Black wattle contained 98.6 g/kg of condensed tannin. There was no difference between the performance variables, which included weight gain, feed intake, and feed efficiency. However, the group fed on condensed tannins showed higher carcass yield and a higher percentage of linked intramuscular fat. In meat, a lower proportion of saturated fatty acids combined with higher concentrations of unsaturated fatty acids was observed in lambs of the condensed tannin group. The polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were no different; however, a higher PUFA/SFA ratio was observed in animals with condensed tannin intake, and a higher proportion of ω6 and ω3 was observed in the meat of these animals. The meat’s protein and ash content did not differ between treatments, as did the meat’s water retention capacity, color, and luminosity. Furthermore, animals that fed on condensed tannins had lower cholesterol levels and higher globulin content. The values of erythrogram variables were lower in lambs that consumed condensed tannins. More significant ruminal bacterial activity was also observed in the group receiving condensed tannins. The antioxidant effect was verified with lower thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) levels and more significant antioxidant enzyme activity. We conclude that adding condensed tannins improves carcass yield and increases the percentage of fat in the carcass, improving the fatty acid profile, which may be linked to the antioxidant effect, in addition to the health benefits of the consumer of this product.

Characterization of Lipid Production in Chlorella sp. Cultivated in Different Plant Fertilizers

Microalgae have gained attention due to their higher reproduction rate and lipid productivity. In particular, various stress conditions lead to an overproduction of lipids in microalgae cells. The study investigated the influence of additional CO2 introduced with air into the reactor during biomass growth of Chlorella sp. Additionally, increased phosphorus concentration in the medium under stress cultivation (low nitrogen concentration) was examined. The partial pressure of CO2 and its increased availability to Chlorella sp. in the cultivation medium increased biomass growth (1.4 times) and chlorophyll content (2.5 times) in microalgae cells. A high phosphorus fertilizer significantly increased lipid production under stress conditions with CO2 supply to 85.2 mg/g (2.6 times) and without CO2 to 73.8 mg/g (2.2 times). A high concentration of phosphorus in the culture medium stimulated the synthesis of C16:0 (about 38–45%) and C18:1 CIS9 (about 24–30%). The results confirm that the fertilizers can be used as a culture medium to induce stress and stimulate lipid production. Adjusting the composition of the fertilizers and controlling the additional CO2 supply could prove beneficial to increase the content of the desired fatty acids.

Fermentation of cigar tobacco leaves with citrus flavonoids: changes in chemical, microbiological, and sensory properties

IntroductionFermentation plays a significant role in improving the quality of cigar tobacco leaves. Particularly, fermentation with characteristic additives has been identified as an effective approach to enhance the fermentation process. The objective of this study was to develop new additives and investigate their influence on cigar tobacco leaves.MethodsThe active ingredients extracted from three citrus species were obtained by ultrasonic-assisted extraction followed by solid phase purification. The effects of these ingredients as fermentation additives on the primary chemical components, microbial communities, and sensory quality of cigar tobacco leaves were subsequently analyzed.ResultsResults showed that: (1) Flavonoids were the main components of the prepared citrus extracts. (2) The addition of citrus extracts resulted in a reduced content of amino acids, oxalic acid, and unsaturated fatty acids in cigar tobacco leaves, while increasing the content of citric acid. Besides, the total amount of aroma substances in cigar tobacco leaves increased by 38.15% with the addition of citrus extracts, with notable enhancements in the levels of D-limonene, β-dihydroionone, dihydroactiniolactone, and other representative aroma components. (3) The addition of citrus extracts promoted the succession of the microbial community in cigar tobacco leaves and promoted the enrichment of Pseudomonas and Corynebacterium. (4) The addition of citrus extracts effectively reduced the irritation and improved the aroma richness of cigar tobacco leaves.DiscussionIn this study, the influence of citrus-derived active ingredients on cigar quality was systematically analyzed, providing a reference for the development of characteristic fermentation additives for cigars and the extension of cigar quality enhancement technologies.

Physico-chemical, textural, microbiological and sensory properties together with fatty acid profiles of presumptive probiotic yoghurts fortified with persimmon (Diospyros kaki) powder.

This research paper focuses on enrichment of yoghurt containing probiotic Lactobacillus casei with persimmon (Diospyros kaki) powder in concentrations of 0 (Control) and then 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% (A-D respectively) and determination of some characteristics of the product during refrigerated storage for 21 d. Powder addition affected the color characteristics, textural properties, titratable acidity and water-holding capacity values. The viability of both yoghurt bacteria (Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus) and L. casei increased proportionally to adding persimmon powder for all storage days. Furthermore, addition of fruit powder increased short-chain fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid contents. According to sensory analysis results, sample D had the lowest scores from the panelists, whereas the Control together with samples B and C were the most liked yoghurts in terms of flavor characteristics. In terms of overall acceptability, all of the samples received scores over three points on a five-point scale throughout storage. This study indicates that persimmon powder enriched yoghurt is a good vehicle for L. casei and yoghurt bacteria with improved fatty acid profile and acceptable sensory characteristics.

Nano-Selenium Reduces Concentrations of Fecal Minerals by Altering Bacteria Composition in Feedlot Goats

This study examined the effect of dietary supplementation of nano-selenium (nano-Se) on the average daily gain (ADG), fecal bacteria community, and concentrations of fecal minerals and volatile fatty acids in feedlot Hainan black goats. Eighteen goats (18.6 ± 0.69 kg) were divided randomly into three groups, with each group receiving a different level of supplementary nano-Se (n = six goats per treatment) as follows: (1) 0.0 mg (CON); (2) 0.2 mg; and (3) 0.4 mg nano-Se/kg dry matter intake (DMI). The final body weight (p = 0.012) and ADG increased linearly (p < 0.01), whereas the ratio of DMI to ADG decreased linearly (p < 0.01) with increasing dietary nano-Se levels. Fecal concentrations of Se increased linearly (p < 0.001), whereas Cu (p < 0.01), Zn (p = 0.020), and Fe (p = 0.010) decreased linearly with increasing dietary nano-Se levels. The relative abundances of Treponema (p = 0.046), norank_f__norank_o__Clostridia_UCG-014 (p < 0.01), norank_ f_norank_o__RF39 (p < 0.01), Eubacterium_siraeum_group (p < 0.001), and Family_XIII_AD3011_group (p = 0.040) increased linearly, and unclassified_f__Lachnospiraceae (p < 0.001), Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group (p < 0.01), Eubacterium_ruminantium_group (p = 0.021), and Prevotella (p < 0.001) decreased linearly with increasing dietary nano-Se levels. It was concluded that supplementary nano-Se could improve ADG and reduce the DMI to ADG ratio and fecal heavy metals by altering the bacterial community in feedlot goats. We recommend a dietary supplementation of approximately 0.4 mg nano-Se/kg DM for feedlot Hainan black goats, but further research is warranted to determine the precise dose and the possible contamination risks of Se.

The immune mechanism of the mTOR/ACC1/CPT1A fatty acid oxidation signaling pathway in Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is the most common autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD), which is distinguished by high thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) or thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb). The differentiation of CD4+T cell subsets in patients with HT is imbalanced, with Treg cells decreased and Th17 cells abnormally activated. Fatty acid oxidation supports the differentiation of Th17 cells and induces inflammation, but the specific mechanism is still unknown. This study aimed to explore the role of fatty acid oxidation and its pathway in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroiditis and the immune mechanism. In in vitro experiments, a total of 60 HT patients and 20 healthy controls were selected and their CD4+T cells were sorted by magnetic beads. All 80 samples were divided into 4 groups on average: HC group (Healthy control group), HT group (Hashimoto thyroiditis CD4+T cell inactive group), TCC group(Hashimoto thyroiditis CD4+T cell activation), TCC + ETO group(Hashimoto thyroiditis CD4+T cell activation + Etomoxir group). In in vivo experiments, the mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: Con group(Control group), mTg group (CBA/J mice were injected with mTg for modeling, that is EAT mice group), and mTg + ETO group (Etomoxir intervention in EAT mice group). Fatty acid oxidation substrates of CD4+T cells in human peripheral blood were detected by targeted metabolomics. The expressions of key fatty acid oxidation proteins mTOR, ACC1 and CPT1A were detected by Western blotting. The proportion of CD4+T cell subtype differentiation in human and mouse models was detected by flow cytometry. The severity of EAT was detected by HE staining. Compared with healthy controls, the level of CPT1A in CD4+T cells of HT patients was increased, and the intracellular fatty acid content was significantly decreased, indicating that the level of fatty acid oxidation was enhanced in HT patients. After adding Etomoxir, the level of fatty acid oxidation was significantly inhibited, and the imbalance of CD4+T cell subpopulation differentiation in HT patients was reversed. In EAT mice, the mTOR/ACC1/CPT1A pathway was significantly activated, and its expression level was decreased after adding Etomoxir. At the same time, Etomoxir could reverse the reprogramming of abnormal metabolism in EAT mice cells, reduce the spleen index, and improve lymphocyte infiltration in the thyroid. The mTOR/ACC1/CPT1A fatty acid oxidation pathway of CD4+T cells in Hashimoto's thyroiditis was increased, and treatment with Etomoxir could inhibit the activation of this pathway, and reverse the reprogramming of abnormal metabolism in CD4+T cells, thereby reducing Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Cold acclimation with shivering improves metabolic health in adults with overweight or obesity.

Cold acclimation increases insulin sensitivity, and some level of muscle contraction appears to be needed for provoking this effect. Here 15 men and (postmenopausal) women with overweight or obesity, the majority of whom had impaired glucose tolerance, were intermittently exposed to cold to induce 1 h of shivering per day over 10 days. We determined the effect of cold acclimation with shivering on overnight fasted oral glucose tolerance (primary outcome) and on skeletal muscle glucose transporter 4 translocation (secondary outcome). We find that cold acclimation with shivering improves oral glucose tolerance, fasting glucose, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acid concentrations and blood pressure. Cold acclimation with shivering may thus represent an alternative lifestyle approach for the prevention and treatment of obesity-related metabolic disorders. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT04516018 .

Spatiotemporally Resolved Approach for Profiling Ferroptosis-Associated Metabolic Vulnerabilities in Tumors Using Mass Spectrometry Imaging and Stable Isotope Tracing.

Ferroptosis, as an iron-dependent cell death mediated by lipid peroxidation, has sparked great interest in the tumor research community. Targeting ferroptosis has been proven to be a new therapeutic opportunity for inhibiting tumor growth. However, it is challenging to precisely characterize the metabolic pattern of ferroptosis in heterogeneous tumors and further identify ferroptosis-associated metabolic vulnerabilities for tumor treatment. In this work, we developed a spatiotemporally resolved method to image ferroptosis-associated metabolic alterations in 3D tumor spheroids by combining mass spectrometry imaging and stable isotope tracing techniques. The construction of a 3D tumor spheroid model allows for a more accurate simulation of ferroptosis, and the introduction of MALDI-MSI enables in situ screening of abnormal molecules in tumor tissues. Using this method, we showed that the expression proportion of nC═C = 4 polyunsaturated fatty acids, including arachidonic acid (FA-20:4) and adrenic acid (FA-22:4), were upregulated in RSL3-induced 3D tumor ferroptosis models. And the isotope tracing experiment revealed that the absorption of fatty acids and the biosynthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids were significantly increased during ferroptosis. In addition, we discovered that arachidonic acid and adrenic acid supplementation render tumor cell sensitive to ferroptosis, thereby limiting the growth of tumor cells and the formation of 3D tumor spheroids. Such findings provide significant clues for understanding the metabolic signatures of tumor ferroptosis and raise the possibility to screen potential metabolic vulnerabilities for better tumor treatment in combination with ferroptosis.

Salinity affects the lipid metabolism and intestinal microbial composition of swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus

The swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus) is an aquaculture species with high commercial value. However, there is limited information available on the effects of salinity on the lipid metabolism and gut microbiota of P. trituberculatus. This study investigated the hepatopancreatic index, hepatopancreatic lipid metabolism, physiological and biochemical indicators and gut microbiota of P. trituberculatus cultured at salinity 28 ‰, 25 ‰, 22 ‰ and 19 ‰ for 8 weeks. The results showed that the highest expression level of SREBP1, FAS, LPR1, ACOX and FABP was found in 19 ‰ group compared to the 28 ‰ group, along with the enzyme activities of CPT1 and FAS. On the contrary, the expression level of DGAT1 and LPR2 in the 28 ‰ group was significantly higher than that of 19 ‰ group, along with the enzyme activities of LPS. The results of fatty acid content showed that only polyunsaturated fatty acids showed significant changes in response to salinity, such as C18:2n6, C20:2n6 and C20:3n3. Moreover, the intestine microbial α-diversity index of crab in the 28 ‰ treatment was higher than that of other groups. The dominant phylum in gut samples was Proteobacteria, followed by Firmicutes and Bacteroidota. Moreover, Mycoplasma, Candidatus Endoecteinascidia and Shewanella showed a significant decline in the 28 ‰ group compared to the 19 ‰ group. Bacterial functional pathway prediction has also shown that the KEGG pathways involved in ovarian steroidogenesis, NF-kappa B signaling pathway and regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes increased in 28 ‰ group compared with 19 ‰ group. In conclusion, hepatopancreatic fatty acid metabolism was more active in the 19 ‰ group, whereas the 28 ‰ group not only promoted triglyceride synthesis in the hepatopancreas, but also facilitated ovarian development of P. trituberculatus by influencing the gut microbial composition.

The Health-Related Fatty Acid Profile of Milk from Holstein–Friesian Cows as Influenced by Production System and Lactation Stage

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of production system and lactation stage (LS) on the yield, centesimal composition, and fatty acid profile of milk from Holstein–Friesian cows. A total of 539 milk samples were collected in winter from cows in six certified organic dairy herds (ODHs) and eight conventional dairy herds (CDHs). The samples were collected randomly from up to 30% of cows at a given stage of lactation (7–45, 46–90, 91–135, 136–180, 181–225, 226–270, 271–315, and 316–360 days after calving). Milk samples were analyzed for proximate composition and the concentrations of fatty acids. The average daily milk yield was 11.4 kg higher (p < 0.01) in CDHs than in ODHs (28.1 kg vs. 16.7 kg). The concentrations of milk fat, protein, and lactose were also higher in CDHs than in ODHs. The fatty acid profile of milk fat was more desirable in ODHs than in CDHs (higher concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including n-3 PUFAs, trans-vaccenic acid, linolenic acid, and conjugated linoleic acid, and a higher desaturase index). Milk yield decreased (the decrease was more pronounced in ODHs), the concentrations of milk constituents increased, and the proportion of short-chain fatty acids in milk fat decreased (p < 0.05) with advancing lactation.

Placental nutrient and transport system in fetus with small for gestational age and growth restriction compared to appropriate for gestational age

BACKGROUND Fetal growth restriction (FGR) has multifactorial etiology, including nutrition. Fetal nutrient status depends not only on an adequate supply of key nutrients but also optimal delivery, served by the placenta as a major metabolic and transport organ. This study aimed to evaluate the status of placental oxygen and nutrient concentration and their transporters between appropriate for gestational age (AGA), small for gestational age (SGA), and FGR. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, from July 2018 to December 2020. Patients were divided into 3 groups, namely AGA, SGA, and FGR. The placental samples were taken following delivery. Placental concentration of glucose, amino acids (AAs), and fatty acids (FAs) were measured by calorimetric assay, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. Placental concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), system y+L, and fatty acid transport protein 1 (FATP1) were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS A total of 57 subjects participated in the study. Compared with the AGA group, the SGA and FGR groups had lower placental AA concentration (p = 0.004), higher placental FA concentration (p = 0.048), higher placental expression of VEGF (p = 0.003), system y+L (p = 0.07), and FATP1 (p = 0.021). No difference in placental glucose and GLUT1 concentration was observed among all groups (p = 0.301). CONCLUSIONS The similar profile of macronutrient concentration with increased expression of oxygen and several nutrient transporters in SGA and FGR groups might indicate similar pathogenesis between these groups.

Influence on the lipase concentration and substrate on the lipid profile and sensory characteristics of enzyme‐modified cheese

AbstractEnzymatically modified cheeses (EMC) aim to achieve, in a shorter time frame, a composition and sensory characteristics akin to those of aged cheese. This study analyzed the lipid profile, composition, free fatty acid (FFA) content, and sensory attributes of EMC pastes with the objective of emulating the flavor profile of a red smear‐ripened cheese (SR). Two different smear ripened cheeses were utilized as references: SR1, aged for 2–3 months, and SR2 aged for 10 months. Twelve formulations of EMC were prepared using a fatty medium moisture cheese corresponding to Mercosur's Danbo type cheese (MD) as sole base, with the addition of the two types of SR cheeses and enzymes including exopeptidase, endopeptidase, and lipase, with varying concentrations of the latter. The EMC formulations exhibited a different physicochemical composition compared to the SR cheeses, with higher moisture, ash content, lower fat, and protein content. The highest total FFA contents were found in formulations with SR2, followed by formulations with SR1. As the concentration of lipase increased in the formulations, a greater degree of lipolysis was observed. Sensory profile was not influenced by the concentration of lipase, but rather depended on the type of cheese used as the base. All EMC samples prepared with SR1 besides those prepared with SR2 as the base cheese and the highest concentration of lipase, exhibited sensory profiles more closely resembling that of lightly aged SR1. The enzymatic modification of cheeses proved to be a useful tool for generating sensory profiles similar to slightly aged SR cheese.

Nutri-Score in the European Food Retail Supply: A Potential Incentive for Food Reformulation?

Background: To improve consumers’ diet, policy measures such as food reformulation strategies and front-of-pack nutritional labels (FOPNLs) are implemented, aiming to guide consumers’ food choice and to stimulate an improvement in food composition by manufacturers. The FOPNL Nutri-Score has been implemented in several European countries. Changes in food compositions in relation to the Nutri-Score over time have been limitedly studied. This study evaluates food compositions in Europe over time, and if changes in compositions of the food supply could have potentially resulted in changes in Nutri-Score classifications of foods. Materials and Methods: Food composition data were available from EUREMO, from which bread products, breakfast cereals, hot sauces, and processed potato products from Austria, Belgium, Finland, Italy, and the United Kingdom from 2019 to 2021 were selected (n = 2260). Of these countries, only Belgium had implemented the Nutri-Score in 2019. Distributions of food compositions and Nutri-Score classifications were calculated and changes in median salt, sugar, and saturated fatty acids content were plotted by food group, country and year. Distribution of the final sum of Nutri-Score points was plotted by nutrient, food group, country and year. Results: Overall, more favourable Nutri-Score classifications (i.e., towards Nutri-Score classification A) were observed in most of the selected food groups and countries over the years, due to the influence of specific nutrients such as salt in breakfast cereals (lower median of 0.1–0.4 g/100 g) and processed potato products (lower median of 0.1–1.2 g/100 g); and sugar in processed potato products (lower median of 0.1–1.9 g/100 g) and bread products (lower median of 0.7–2.2 g/100 g). For nutrient contents in other food groups, no consistent changes were observed. Conclusions: Changes in the compositions of the food supply resulted in favourable changes in Nutri-Score classifications, suggesting a potential for food reformulation. Monitoring after the actual implementation of Nutri-Score is recommended.

Effect of Cassava Bioethanol By-Products and Crude Palm Oil Feeding on Fatty Acid Composition of Beef Meat and Fat in Crossbred Thai Indigenous Heifers

The quality and nutritional value of meat are significantly attributed to the composition of fatty acids (FAs). This investigation used gas chromatography to assess FAs in longissimus et lumborum (LL), semimembranosus (SM), and subcutaneous fat (SC) tissues of 18 heifers feeding low (15%, LCEP) or high (30%, HCEP) cassava bioethanol by-products (CEP) and 0 (CPO-0), 2 (CPO-2), or 4% (CPO-4) crude palm oil (CPO). The experimental diet was provided at 1.75% of body weight, along with free access to rice straw and water for 150 days. The results showed that the highest content of saturated (SFAs, 50.14, 42.76, and 68.76%, mainly C16:0), monounsaturated (MUFAs, 44.89, 49.14, and 30.41%, mainly C18:1n9c), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs, 4.96, 8.10, and 0.84%, mainly C18:2n6c and C18:2n6t) were observed in LL, SM, and fat tissues. CPO supplementation significantly affected the FAs in LL and SM meat, with CPO-2 and CPO-4 diets leading to decreased SFAs and increased MUFAs and PUFAs compared to the CPO-0 diet. Multivariate analysis showed the most important FAs that highlight discrimination between different oil supplementation levels (CPO-0 vs. CPO-2, CPO-0 vs. CPO-4, CPO-2 vs. CPO-4) in LL (C18:2n6c, C20:3n3, C13:0), SM (C13:0, C18:0, C13:0), and SC fat (C18:2n6t, none, none) tissues. This data generates key insights into FA profiles resulting from different levels of oil supplements in cattle diets, which could influence future research on precision nutrition in beef production.

Essential and Nonessential Elements, Lipids and Volatile Compounds in Coffee and Transfer to Coffee Brews: Assessment of the Benefits and Potential Risks for Human Health

ABSTRACTCoffee is a popular beverage with significant commercial and social importance. The study aimed to determine the fatty acids profile, volatile compounds, and concentration of major and trace elements (Na, Mg, K, Ca, P, S, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni, Cd, and Pb) in the two most important varieties of coffee, namely arabica and robusta. The leaching percentages of mineral elements and the effect of boiling time on the transfer of elements to aqueous extracts were also determined. In terms of fatty acids profile, the robusta variety was found to have a higher content of saturated fatty acids (46.68%) compared to the arabica variety (44.38%), whereas arabica contained a higher amount of omega‐6. Regarding the volatile compounds, arabica contained higher amounts of pyrazines (36%), ketones (5.4%), and furans (37.8%). The average contents of the major elements in roasted coffee (arabica and robusta) decreased in the order K > P > S > Mg > Ca > Na, while the trace elements content exhibited a decrease in the order Fe > Mn > B > Cu > Zn > Ni > Pb > Cd ≈ Cr. In coffee brews, the contents of elements have a similar decreasing trend, although variations in leaching percentages were observed. The health risk was assessed considering the concentrations of potentially toxic elements in coffee brews, and no health risks were indicated by the obtained scores. The contribution of coffee brews to the recommended dietary daily intake of essential elements is low. However, it can be significant considering that this beverage is consumed on a daily basis.

Atg5-Mediated Lipophagy Induces Ferroptosis in Corneal Epithelial Cells in Dry Eye Disease.

Ferroptosis occurred in corneal epithelial cells has been implicated in the inflammation in dry eye disease (DED). Given the proposed link between ferroptosis and autophagy, this study aims to investigate the role of autophagy in driving ferroptosis in corneal epithelial cell and enrich the pathogenesis underlying DED. DED models were established in C57BL/6 mice via scopolamine injection and in human corneal epithelial cell line (HCEC) using hyperosmotic medium. Lipidomic and transcriptomic analysis were conducted to assess lipid metabolism and regulatory pathways. Atg5 expression was manipulated in vivo using cholesterol-modified small interfering RNA. Lipid droplets (LDs) and lysosomes were labeled with BODIPY 493/503 and Lysotracker Red DND-99, respectively. Western blot, immunofluorescence (IF) staining, co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP), transmission electron microscopy and microplate reader were used to explore protein expressions and interactions, cellular structures, and free fatty acid (FFA) content. Our results revealed that autophagy was activated in DED, as evidenced by lipidomic and transcriptomic analyses. Enhanced lipophagy was observed in HCECs exposed to hyperosmolarity, manifested by lysosome-LD co-localization and autophagic vacuoles containing LDs. Upregulation of Atg5 promoted lipophagy, leading to elevated cellular FFA levels, lipid peroxidation, and expression of ferroptosis markers. Interaction between Atg5 and perilipin3 was confirmed through CO-IP and IF. In the DED mouse model, Atg5 inhibition effectively ameliorated corneal damage, suppressed ferroptosis and ocular surface inflammation. Our findings highlight the pivotal role of Atg5-mediated lipophagy in driving ferroptosis in corneal epithelial cells in DED, proposing Atg5 as a promising therapeutic target for mitigating ferroptosis-induced cell damage and inflammation in DED.

ACSL4 is a target for β-hydroxybutyrate–induced increase in fatty acid content and lipid droplet accumulation in bovine mammary epithelial cells

ACSL4 is a target for β-hydroxybutyrate–induced increase in fatty acid content and lipid droplet accumulation in bovine mammary epithelial cells

Comprehensive lipid profile analysis of three fish roe by untargeted lipidomics using ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry

Fish roe is a significant nutrition source from marine byproducts, containing rich contents of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (n 3-LC PUFAs). However, investigations focused on the nutritional values and lipid composition of various fish roe species are limited. This research aims to perform a high-throughput lipidomics analysis to comprehensively evaluate and compare the lipid profiles of three consumed marine fish roe using ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC Q-TOF-MS/MS). Results showed notable differences in three fish roe species in terms of sphingolipids (SLs), phospholipids (PLs), and glycerolipids (GLs) compositions. Furthermore, the high percentages of n-3 PUFA-PLs in yellow croaker and mackerel roe indicate their significant nutritional value. In total, 449 lipid molecular species of 13 lipid subclasses were identified; of them, 31 lipid molecular species could serve as potential biomarkers for the differentiation of three fish roe. This study provides comprehensive lipid profiles of three fish roe, demonstrating their potential values in functional food industries.

Functional characteristics of whole-food arabinoxylans from sweet maize varieties

A comparative study was conducted to elucidate differences in the functional properties of arabinoxylans (AXs) derived from different sweet maize fibers (AX2, AX6, and AX39). AX39 had the highest A/X value of 0.68 and the largest Mw, while AX6 contained more disubstituted xylose. The difference in Mw led to the changes in viscosity of AXs. When the concentration was 9%, the difference in viscosity of AXs was obvious: AX39 > AX6 > AX2, and AX39 showed distinct shear thinning property. Moreover, ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid were the dominant phenolic acids in AXs. The content of ferulic acid was proportional to antioxidant activity, and AX2 with the highest content of ferulic acid (96.13 μg/g) had the highest antioxidant activity. The contents of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced during the in vitro fermentation of AXs were influenced by their structural properties. The total SCFAs of AX39 and AX2 were higher than that in AX6 due to their higher A/X and ferulic acid content. These results indicate that AX from different sources has different structural and functional characteristics, appropriate AXs can be selected according to actual needs to enhance the texture or nutritional value of the food.

Total minor ginsenosides exert anti-fatigue effects via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, regulating gut microbiota and serum metabolism

Minor ginsenosides have demonstrated notable anti-fatigue capabilities. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-fatigue mechanisms of total minor ginsenosides (TMGs) derived from a process involving probiotic fermentation and high-pressure steam treatment. The fatigue model was established in BALB/c male mice using weight-bearing swimming and TMGs were administered by orally at a dosage of 200 mg/kg for four weeks. The anti-fatigue mechanisms of TMGs were explored by assessing liver oxidative stress, skeletal muscle inflammation markers, as well as their impact on gut microbiota and serum metabolism. The results indicated that TMGs could significantly increase the levels of SOD, CAT, ATP and Na+-K+-ATPase and enhance the antioxidant capacity by modulating the PGC-1α/KEAP1/NRF2/HO-1 pathway. Meanwhile, TMGs reducing the levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 and inhibited inflammation by modulating the AMPK/TORC2/CREB/PGC-1α pathway. TMGs also regulated the gut microbiota, increasing the abundance of probiotic bacteria and the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the cecum. Serum metabolomics analyses have shown that TMGs can significantly affect the serum metabolic profile of fatigue model mice, regulating metabolic markers through affecting anti-fatigue-related metabolic pathways. In conclusion, TMGs exerted significant anti-fatigue effects through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and alleviate fatigue by regulating gut microbiota and serum metabolism.