Distinct Fatty Acid Research Articles

Parity changed fecal microbiota of sows and its correlation with milk long-chain fatty acid profiles.

The goal of this study was to characterize the fecal microbiota profiles of gestating sows, along with the fecal microbiota and milk fatty acid contents of lactating sows and their correlations with reproductive performance at different parities. The results showed that the microbiota of third parity gestating sows contained a greater abundance of Prevotella compared to the other two parity groups, while lactating sows exhibiting higher reproductive performance at fifth parity exhibited a greater abundance of Lactobacillus species. The lactating sows with higher reproductive performance also exhibited higher total monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and higher total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels relative to sows with lower reproductive performance at all three analyzed parities, especially sows at fifth parity produced the lowest total saturated fatty acid (SFA) levels, and showed the highest C18:1n9c and C18:2n6c concentrations. In correlational analyses, the abundance of Oligella, Lactobacillus, and Corynebacterium was highly positively correlated with C18:1n9c, C18:2n6c, and C20:4n6. Overall, these results provide a rational basis for efforts to improve sow reproductive performance through the provision of precisely regulated nutrition. KEY POINTS: • Clear differences in the fecal microbiota were evident between sows of different parities. • Lactating sows with high reproductive performance showed distinct milk fatty acid profiles.

The polyketide to fatty acid transition in the evolution of animal lipid metabolism

Animals synthesize simple lipids using a distinct fatty acid synthase (FAS) related to the type I polyketide synthase (PKS) enzymes that produce complex specialized metabolites. The evolutionary origin of the animal FAS and its relationship to the diversity of PKSs remain unclear despite the critical role of lipid synthesis in cellular metabolism. Recently, an animal FAS-like PKS (AFPK) was identified in sacoglossan molluscs. Here, we explore the phylogenetic distribution of AFPKs and other PKS and FAS enzymes across the tree of life. We found AFPKs widely distributed in arthropods and molluscs (>6300 newly described AFPK sequences). The AFPKs form a clade with the animal FAS, providing an evolutionary link bridging the type I PKSs and the animal FAS. We found molluscan AFPK diversification correlated with shell loss, suggesting AFPKs provide a chemical defense. Arthropods have few or no PKSs, but our results indicate AFPKs contributed to their ecological and evolutionary success by facilitating branched hydrocarbon and pheromone biosynthesis. Although animal metabolism is well studied, surprising new metabolic enzyme classes such as AFPKs await discovery.

Tween 80™-induced changes in fatty acid profile of selected mesophilic lactobacilli.

Fatty acid profiles are crucial for the functionality and viability of lactobacilli used in food applications. Tween 80™, a common culture media additive, is known to influence bacterial growth and composition. This study investigated how Tween 80™ supplementation impacts the fatty acid profiles of six mesophilic lactobacilli strains (Lacticaseibacillus spp., Limosilactobacillus spp., Lactiplantibacillus plantarum). Analysis of eleven strains revealed 29 distinct fatty acids. Tween 80™ supplementation significantly altered their fatty acid composition. Notably, there was a shift towards saturated fatty acids and changes within the unsaturated fatty acid profile. While some unsaturated fatty acids decreased, there was a concurrent rise in cyclic derivatives like lactobacillic acid (derived from vaccenic acid) and dihydrosterculic acid (derived from oleic acid). This suggests that despite the presence of Tween 80™ as an oleic acid source, lactobacilli prioritize the synthesis of these cyclic derivatives from precursor unsaturated fatty acids. Myristic acid and dihydrosterculic acid levels varied across strains. Interestingly, palmitic acid content increased, potentially reflecting enhanced incorporation of oleic acid from Tween 80™ into membranes. Conversely, cis-vaccenic acid levels consistently decreased across all strains. The observed fatty acid profiles differed from previous studies, likely due to a combination of factors including strain-specific variations and growth condition differences (media type, temperature, harvesting point). However, this study highlights the consistent impact of Tween 80™ on the fatty acid composition of lactobacilli, regardless of these variations. In conclusion, Tween 80™ significantly alters fatty acid profiles, influencing saturation levels and specific fatty acid proportions. This work reveals key factors, including stimulated synthesis of lactobacillic acid, competition for oleic acid incorporation, and strain-specific responses to myristic and dihydrosterculic acids. The consistent reduction in cis-vaccenic acid and the presence of cyclic derivatives warrant further investigation to elucidate their roles in response to Tween 80™ supplementation.

Can palm oil be substituted? A rheological study of fat mixtures.

Due to its distinctive fatty acid makeup, which makes it simple to utilize in various applications, palm oil is one of the most widely used fats in the food business. However, the increased palm oil production is causing global environmental issues, including the loss of rainforests. As a result, companies that use palm oil, particularly the food industry, must hunt for alternate sources of fat that can replace palm oil. Oleogels, which are created from liquid oils, are one of the potential substitutes. Another alternative is to combine solid fat and liquid oil, however, research in this area is scarce. To fill this gap, we used a fully hydrogenized rapeseed oil and sunflower oil mixture in three different ratios for our research. We examined the rheological behavior of the mixtures using oscillatory and rotational viscometry. According to our results, 35% FH rapeseed oil sample yielded results most closely resembling the control palm mid fraction. Our findings show that replacing palm oil with a combination of completely hydrogenated rapeseed oil and sunflower oil is only viable to a limited degree from a rheological point of view.

Discovery of novel neutral glycosphingolipids in cereal crops: rapid profiling using reversed-phased HPLC–ESI–QqTOF with parallel reaction monitoring

This study explores the sphingolipid class of oligohexosylceramides (OHCs), a rarely studied group, in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) through a new lipidomics approach. Profiling identified 45 OHCs in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), elucidating their fatty acid (FA), long-chain base (LCB) and sugar residue compositions; and was accomplished by monophasic extraction followed by reverse-phased high performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionisation quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–ESI–QqTOF–MS/MS) employing parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). Results revealed unknown ceramide species and highlighted distinctive FA and LCB compositions when compared to other sphingolipid classes. Structurally, the OHCs featured predominantly trihydroxy LCBs associated with hydroxylated FAs and oligohexosyl residues consisting of two–five glucose units in a linear 1 → 4 linkage. A survey found OHCs in tissues of major cereal crops while noting their absence in conventional dicot model plants. This study found salinity stress had only minor effects on the OHC profile in barley roots, leaving questions about their precise functions in plant biology unanswered.

Three novel marine species of the genus Reichenbachiella exhibiting degradation of complex polysaccharides.

Three novel strains designated ABR2-5T, BKB1-1T, and WSW4-B4T belonging to the genus Reichenbachiella of the phylum Bacteroidota were isolated from algae and mud samples collected in the West Sea, Korea. All three strains were enriched for genes encoding up to 216 carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), which participate in the degradation of agar, alginate, carrageenan, laminarin, and starch. The 16S rRNA sequence similarities among the three novel isolates were 94.0%-94.7%, and against all three existing species in the genus Reichenbachiella they were 93.6%-97.2%. The genome sizes of the strains ABR2-5T, BKB1-1T, and WSW4-B4T were 5.5, 4.4, and 5.0 Mb, respectively, and the GC content ranged from 41.1%-42.0%. The average nucleotide identity and the digital DNA-DNA hybridization values of each novel strain within the isolates and all existing species in the genus Reichenbachiella were in a range of 69.2%-75.5% and 17.7-18.9%, respectively, supporting the creation of three new species. The three novel strains exhibited a distinctive fatty acid profile characterized by elevated levels of iso-C15:0 (37.7%-47.4%) and C16:1 ω5c (14.4%-22.9%). Specifically, strain ABR2-5T displayed an additional higher proportion of C16:0 (13.0%). The polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, unidentified lipids, aminolipids, and glycolipids. Menaquinone-7 was identified as the respiratory quinone of the isolates. A comparative genome analysis was performed using the KEGG, RAST, antiSMASH, CRISPRCasFinder, dbCAN, and dbCAN-PUL servers and CRISPRcasIdentifier software. The results revealed that the isolates harbored many key genes involved in central metabolism for the synthesis of essential amino acids and vitamins, hydrolytic enzymes, carotenoid pigments, and antimicrobial compounds. The KEGG analysis showed that the three isolates possessed a complete pathway of dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA), which is involved in the conservation of bioavailable nitrogen within the ecosystem. Moreover, all the strains possessed genes that participated in the metabolism of heavy metals, including arsenic, copper, cobalt, ferrous, and manganese. All three isolated strains contain the class 2 type II subtype C1 CRISPR-Cas system in their genomes. The distinguished phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and genomic characteristics led us to propose that the three strains represent three novel species in the genus Reichenbachiella: R. ulvae sp. nov. (ABR2-5T = KCTC 82990T = JCM 35839T), R. agarivorans sp. nov. (BKB1-1T = KCTC 82964T = JCM 35840T), and R. carrageenanivorans sp. nov. (WSW4-B4T = KCTC 82706T = JCM 35841T).

Purification and Activity Evaluation of a Novel Thrombopoietin Mimetic Peptide

The emergence of thrombopoietin mimetic peptides presents a promising therapeutic strategy for addressing thrombocytopenia. This particular study aimed to establish a direct, expeditious, and efficient method for modifying and purifying a novel thrombopoietin mimetic peptide. Precursor proteins were subjected to modification utilizing three distinct fatty acids: C25H42O7N2, C39H66O15N4, and C41H70O15N4. Liquid chromatography analyses demonstrated that C41H70O15N4 yielded the most effective modification results. Mass spectrometry findings validated the correspondence between the theoretical and actual molecular weights of each sample. In vivo experiments conducted on normal mice showcased that the C41H70O15N4 modification group exhibited the highest platelet count, peaking at an impressive 5047 × 109/L. This count was approximately twice that of the peak platelet count observed in the dTMP group and four times higher than the control group. Pharmacokinetic investigations revealed that the C41H70O15N4 modification group displayed the lengthiest half-life among beagles, persisting for 128.5 h. This duration was approximately 28.5 times longer than that of the unmodified dTMP group. These findings underscore the effectiveness of the established C41H70O15N4 modification and purification method in preserving the biological activity of the thrombopoietin mimetic peptide. The novel thrombopoietin mimetic peptide showcased notable attributes of simplicity and cost-effectiveness, while also exhibiting a significant platelet-promoting effect and an extended half-life. Consequently, this novel peptide holds substantial significance for advancing the treatment of thrombocytopenia.

Intake of palmitic acid and its association with metabolic flexibility in middle-aged individuals: a preliminary study

Objective This study aimed to assess the relationship between dietary palmitic acid (PA) intake and its association with body fat deposition and metabolic flexibility (MF) in middle-aged healthy individuals. Methods Fifteen healthy participants (n = 15; 6 males, 9 females) with a mean age of 54 were enlisted. They were subjected to graded exercise tests using a cycle ergometer coupled with a calorimeter. Respiratory gas exchange was evaluated to determine two MF parameters. First, the MF index was derived by multiplying peak fatty acid oxidation (PFO) per kg of fat-free mass (FFM) with the percentage of VO2max at PFO. The second parameter, peak energy substrates’ oxidation (aka PESO), was computed by aggregating the kilocalories from PFO and peak carbohydrate oxidation, normalized per kg FFM. Dietary intake was gauged using a 7-day dietary record. Spearman’s regression was employed to analyze the association between dietary intake of specific fat classes, PA, MF parameters, and body fat percentage. Results Preliminary results demonstrate that dietary saturated fatty acids (SFA) within physiological limits correlate with enhanced substrate oxidation capacity. This suggests augmented MF in middle-aged subjects. Among dietary SFA, PA was identified as the primary factor in this favorable correlation. Conclusions Our initial observations, even though preliminary, strongly suggest a beneficial association between PA intake, MF, and body fat percentage. This underscores the potential nutritional importance of PA in promoting MF. Significance Statement Disparities in data regarding the health effects of dietary fats may arise from the distinct roles various dietary fatty acids play in MF.

Understanding wax ester synthesis in Euglena gracilis: Insights into mitochondrial anaerobic respiration

Euglena gracilis, photosynthetic protist, has a unique ability to generate wax esters in the absence of oxygen, employing a distinctive fatty acid synthesis mechanism. Through comprehensive inhibitor assays and gene-silencing techniques, our research clearly emphasized the indispensable role of the mitochondrial anaerobic respiratory chain in this biosynthesis. We identified acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, electron transfer flavoprotein (ETF), and rhodoquinone (RQ) as central molecular components in the pathway. These findings strongly indicated a potential reversal of beta-oxidation occurring within mitochondria for fatty acid production in anaerobic conditions. Furthermore, our analysis revealed the pivotal function of nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT) in efficiently managing the NADPH/NAD+ conversion essential for sustaining anaerobic metabolism. This review outlines our key findings and provides a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms that enable E. gracilis to produce wax ester anaerobically.

Tomato defences modulate not only insect performance but also their gut microbial composition

Plants protect their tissues from insect herbivory with specialized structures and chemicals, such as cuticles, trichomes, and metabolites contained therein. Bacteria inside the insect gut are also exposed to plant defences and can potentially modify the outcome of plant–insect interactions. To disentangle this complex multi-organism system, we used tomato mutants impaired in the production of plant defences (odorless-2 and jasmonic acid–insensitive1) and two cultivars (Ailsa Craig and Castlemart), exposed them to herbivory by the cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni H.) and collected the insect frass for bacterial community analysis. While the epicuticular wax and terpene profiles were variable, the leaf fatty acid composition remained consistent among genotypes. Moreover, larval weight confirmed the negative association between plant defences and insect performance. The distinctive frass fatty acid profiles indicated that plant genotype also influences the lipid digestive metabolism of insects. Additionally, comparisons of leaf and insect-gut bacterial communities revealed a limited overlap in bacterial species between the two sample types. Insect bacterial community abundance and diversity were notably reduced in insects fed on the mutants, with Enterobacteriaceae being the predominant group, whereas putatively pathogenic taxa were found in wildtype genotypes. Altogether, these results indicate that plant defences can modulate insect-associated bacterial community composition.

Evidence for the Beneficial Effects of Brazilian Native Fruits and Their By-Products on Human Intestinal Microbiota and Repercussions on Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases-A Review.

Non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) are the most widespread cause of mortality worldwide. Intestinal microbiota balance can be altered by changes in the abundance and/or diversity of intestinal microbiota, indicating a role of intestinal microbiota in NCD development. This review discusses the findings of in vitro studies, pre-clinical studies and clinical trials on the effects of Brazilian native fruits, their by-products, as well as their bioactive compounds on human intestinal microbiota and NCD. The major bioactive compounds in Brazilian native fruits and their by-products, and the impacts of their administration on outcomes linked to intestinal microbiota modulation are discussed. Mechanisms of intestinal microbiota affecting NCD could be linked to the modulation of absorption and energy balance, immune and endocrine systems, and inflammatory response. Brazilian native fruits, such as acerola, açaí, baru, buriti, guava, jabuticaba, juçara, and passion fruit, have several bioactive compounds, soluble and insoluble fibers, and a variety of phenolic compounds, which are capable of changing these key mechanisms. Brazilian native fruits and their by-products can help to promote positive intestinal and systemic health benefits by driving alterations in the composition of the human intestinal microbiota, and increasing the production of distinct short-chain fatty acids and phenolic metabolites, thereby enhancing intestinal integrity and homeostasis. Evidence from available literature shows that the modulatory impacts of Brazilian native fruits and their by-products on the composition and metabolic activity of the intestinal microbiota could improve several clinical repercussions associated with NCD, reinforcing the influence of intestinal microbiota in extra-intestinal outcomes.

Leaf Biochemical and Kernel Metabolite Profiles as Potential Biomarkers of Water Deficit in Walnut (Juglans regia L.) cv. Chandler

Walnut cultivation is expanding into regions where water availability for irrigation is lower than crop evapotranspiration. However, information regarding the responses and adaptations of walnut trees to water deficit remains scarce. In this study, we applied three irrigation levels, 100%, 75%, and 50% of crop evapotranspiration (referred to as T100, T75, and T50, respectively), to Chandler walnut trees over two consecutive seasons. During the second season, we evaluated leaf water-deficit biomarkers, including proline, malondialdehyde, soluble sugars, phenols, and flavonoids, using targeted spectrophotometry. Despite not finding significant differences in biomarker concentrations among the irrigation regimes, we observed variations between different collection times (sprouting, endocarp hardening, and maturity). Furthermore, we assessed the kernel metabolome using untargeted gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, profiling seventy-one metabolites across all samples. Notably, forty-one of these metabolites were identified as members of distinct groups, comprising carbohydrates (n = 11), fatty acids (n = 11), organic acids (n = 9), and amino acids (n = 5). Linear mixed models showed no significant differences between the irrigation regimes. However, in the T50 treatment, multivariate analysis (PCA) revealed a higher concentration of osmotic adjustment metabolites, which are potentially associated with protecting oil biosynthesis under high-temperature and water deficit conditions.

Blood lipid profiles, fatty acid deposition and expression of hepatic lipid and lipoprotein metabolism genes in laying hens fed palm oils, palm kernel oil, and soybean oil.

The palm oil, palm kernel oil and soybean oil have unique and distinctive fatty acid chain length and saturation profiles, and how they affect lipid peroxidation, fatty acid intake and metabolism is worth exploring in poultry. This study elucidated the influence the dietary oils on lipid peroxidation, blood lipid profiles, fatty acid deposition of liver, serum and yolk and the expression of liver genes related to lipid and lipoprotein metabolism in laying hens. About 150 Hisex brown laying hens were fed diets containing crude palm oil (CPO), red palm oil (RPO), refined palm oil (RBD), palm kernel oil (PKO) or soybean oil (SBO) for 16 weeks. Serum, liver and yolk lipid peroxidation were not different between dietary oils. The PKO increased liver, serum and yolk medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA). There was no difference in liver saturated fatty acids (SFA). The CPO and RPO reduced serum SFA, but the PKO increased yolk SFA. The SBO increased polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in liver serum and yolk. No difference in liver elaidic acid (C18:1-trans), but SBO lowered elaidic acid (C18:1-trans) in serum. Higher very-low density lipoprotein (VLDL) in CPO than RPO and SBO and greater serum lipase in CPO, RBD and PKO than SBO. There was no difference in sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP-II) between oils. Apolipoprotein VLDL-II (APOVLDL2) was upregulated in palm oils and apolipoprotein B-100 (APOB) in RBD. Downregulation in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) was observed in palm oils and PKO. In conclusion, different dietary oils greatly influence several aspects of fatty acid metabolism, deposition and lipoprotein profiles but have no influence on reducing lipid peroxidation.

Serum fatty acid profiles associated with metabolic risk in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Dyslipidemia is a feature of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that may augment metabolic disturbances. Serum fatty acids are important biomedical indicators of dyslipidemia. The aim of this study was to determine the distinct serum fatty acids in various PCOS subtypes and their association with metabolic risk in women with PCOS. Fatty acids in the serum of 202 women with PCOS were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Fatty acids were compared between PCOS subtypes and correlated with glycemic parameters, adipokines, homocysteine, sex hormones, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). The levels of total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the reproductive subtype of PCOS were lower than those in the metabolic subtype. Docosahexaenoic acid, a PUFA, was associated with higher SHBG after correction for multiple comparisons. Eighteen species of fatty acids emerged as potential biomarkers associated with the metabolic risk factors measured, independent of body mass index (BMI). Among them, myristic acid (C14:0), palmitoleic acid (C16:1), oleic acid (C18:1n-9C), cis-vaccenic acid (C18:1n-7), and homo-gamma-linolenic acid (C20:3n-6) were the strongest lipid species that were consistently associated with metabolic risk factors, particularly insulin-related parameters in women with PCOS. As for adipokines, 16 fatty acids were positively associated with serum leptin. Among them, C16:1 and C20:3n-6were significantly associated with leptin levels. Our data demonstrated that a distinct fatty acid profile comprising high C14:0, C16:1, C18:1n-9C, C18:1n-7, and C20:3n-6levels is associated with metabolic risk in women with PCOS, independent of BMI.

Integration analysis based on fatty acid metabolism robustly predicts prognosis, dissecting immunity microenvironment and aiding immunotherapy for soft tissue sarcoma.

Background: Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is a highly malignant tumor with a dismal prognosis. Presently, the dysregulation of fatty acid metabolism has received increasing attention in tumor research, but fewer reports are relevant to STS. Methods: Based on fatty acid metabolism-related genes (FRGs), a novel risk score for STS was developed utilizing univariate analysis and least absolute shrinkage selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analyses in the STS cohort, which were further validated using the external validation cohort from other databases. Furthermore, independent prognostic analysis, C-index, ROC curves, and nomogram were carried out to investigate the predictive performance of fatty acid-related risk scores. We also analysed the differences in enrichment pathways, the immune microenvironment, gene mutations, and immunotherapy response between the two distinct fatty acid score groups. Moreover, the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to further verify the expression of FRGs in STS. Results: A total of 153 FRGs were retrieved in our study. Next, a novel fatty acid metabolism-related risk score (FAS) was constructed based on 18 FRGs. The predictive performance of FAS was also verified in external cohorts. In addition, the independent analysis, C-index, ROC curve, and nomograph also revealed that FAS could serve as an independent prognostic factor for the STS patients. Meanwhile, our results demonstrated that the STS cohort in two distinct FAS groups had different copy number variations, immune cell infiltration, and immunotherapy responses. Finally, the in vitro validation results demonstrated that several FRGs included in the FAS exhibited abnormal expression in STS. Conclusion: Altogether, our work comprehensively and systematically clarifies fatty acid metabolism's potential roles and clinical significance in STS. The novel individualized score based on fatty acid metabolism may be provided as a potential marker and treatment strategy in STS.

Equine osteoarthritis modifies fatty acid signatures in synovial fluid and its extracellular vesicles

BackgroundIndividual fatty acids (FAs) and their derivatives (lipid mediators) with pro-inflammatory or dual anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving properties have potential to influence the health of joint tissues. Osteoarthritis (OA) is an age-associated chronic joint disease that can be featured with altered FA composition in the synovial fluid (SF) of human patients. The counts and cargo of extracellular vesicles (EVs), membrane-bound particles released by synovial joint cells and transporting bioactive lipids, can also be modified by OA. The detailed FA signatures of SF and its EVs have remained unexplored in the horse — a well-recognized veterinary model for OA research.MethodsThe aim of the present study was to compare the FA profiles in equine SF and its ultracentrifuged EV fraction between control, contralateral, and OA metacarpophalangeal joints (n = 8/group). The FA profiles of total lipids were determined by gas chromatography and the data compared with univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsThe data revealed distinct FA profiles in SF and its EV-enriched pellet that were modified by naturally occurring equine OA. Regarding SFs, linoleic acid (generalized linear model, p = 0.0006), myristic acid (p = 0.003), palmitoleic acid (p < 0.0005), and n-3/n-6 polyunsaturated FA ratio (p < 0.0005) were among the important variables that separated OA from control samples. In EV-enriched pellets, saturated FAs palmitic acid (p = 0.020), stearic acid (p = 0.002), and behenic acid (p = 0.003) indicated OA. The observed FA modifications are potentially detrimental and could contribute to inflammatory processes and cartilage degradation in OA.ConclusionsEquine OA joints can be distinguished from normal joints based on their FA signatures in SF and its EV-enriched pellet. Clarifying the roles of SF and EV FA compositions in the pathogenesis of OA and their potential as joint disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets warrants future studies.

Does fire drive fatty acid composition in seed coats of physically dormant species?

Seed dormancy is the key driver of seed germination regulation, hence is fundamental to the seedling recruitment life-history stage and population persistence. However, despite the importance of physical dormancy in timing post-fire germination, the mechanism driving dormancy-break within seed coats remains surprisingly unclear. We suggest that seed coat chemistry may play an important role in controlling dormancy in species with physical dormancy. In particular, seed coat fatty acids are hydrophobic, and have melting points within the range of seed dormancy-breaking temperatures. Furthermore, melting points of saturated fatty acids increase with increasing carbon chain length. We investigated whether fire could influence seed coat fatty acid profiles and discussed their potential influence on dormancy mechanisms. Seed coat fatty acids of 25 species within the Faboideae, from fire-prone and fire-free ecosystems, were identified and quantified through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Fatty acids profiles were interpreted in the context of species habitat and inter-specific variation. Fatty acid compositions were found to be distinct between species from fire-prone and fire-free habitats. Fire-prone species tended to have longer saturated fatty acid chains, a lower ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids, and a slightly higher relative amount of fatty acids compared to fire-free species. The specific fatty acid composition of fire-prone species seed coats indicated a potential role of fatty acids in dormancy mechanisms. Overall, the distinct fatty acid composition between fire-prone and fire-free species suggests that the chemistry of the seed coat may be under selection pressure in fire-prone ecosystems.

Assessment of Basic Nutritional Profile and Antioxidant Potential of Pakistani Pomegranate (Punica Granatum L.) Varieties

Background: Pomegranate seeds are the remains of industrial processing of pomegranate fruit into various products such as juice, jam, and jelly that cause environmental pollution and a loss of lipid and water-soluble bioactive compounds. The seeds comprise 15-25% of the whole fruit weight. Its lipid fraction has a distinct fatty acid profile with high polyunsaturated fatty acid contents such as punicic acid (PA) (50-80%), tocopherols, and phenolic compounds.&#x0D; Objective: The objective of the current study was to characterize the three main Pakistani pomegranate varieties (Desi, Kandhari, and Bedana), supporting waste exploitation strategies. The physicochemical characteristics, fatty acid profile, antioxidant potential of all three varieties were studied.&#x0D; Methodology: The extracted oils samples were investigated for their lipid contents, fatty acid composition, physicochemical properties, and antioxidant potential on the varietal base.&#x0D; Results: Total lipid contents ranged from 8.70-15.9% dry matter with conjugated linolenic acid (68.5-76.7% of total fatty acids) as the predominant fatty acid in all samples, followed by linoleic, oleic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid. Further characterization revealed that Desi was superior regarding acidity and oxidation stability over the other two varieties associated with higher total phenolic and tocopherol contents with potent antioxidant activities.&#x0D; Conclusion: The present results demonstrate a preferable fatty acid pattern in pomegranate seed oil (PSO), which may be potential functional ingredient for product development in food and non-food applications in combination with high antioxidant contents.

Targeting apoptosis in MCF-7 and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells by saponifiable fractions from green and black Vitis vinifera seed oil

Grape seed (GS) oil is one of the potential functional foods. For the first time, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of GS oil saponifiable (Sap)-fraction from black (BSap) and green (GSap) grapes on MCF-7 cells and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in mice. The fatty acid composition of BSap and GSap was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Approximately twelve distinct fatty acids were detected in BSap and eleven in GSap. BSap showed a greater cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells than GSap did by inducing apoptosis and reducing inflammation, while both grape fractions had superior potency to 5-FU. Furthermore, BSap massively boosted apoptosis and lowered redox potential (Eh) and CD44+ cells in EAC cells of EAC-bearing mice more than GSap, and both fractions were more efficient than 5-FU. Blood tests and liver histopathology revealed significant improvement in EAC-induced pathological alterations with these fractions. The in silico analysis implied the competitive inhibitory impacts of the most abundant fatty acid composites in BSap and GSap on cancer-metastasis-associated proteases (cathepsin B and MMP9). Also, this analysis predicted that the apoptotic action of these Sap fractions is independent of the 5ˈAMP-activated protein kinase. Therefore, grape Sap-fraction, especially BSap, may be a useful agent for cancer prevention.

The integrated landscape of fatty acid metabolism subtypes reveals with prognostic and therapeutic relevance in pancreatic cancer

BackgroundPancreatic Cancer (PAAD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies and the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Aberrantly expressed long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in tumourigenesis of PAAD, and associated with the overall survival and tumor fatty acid metabolism in PAAD patients.MethodsThe data on gene expression and corresponding clinical characteristics of PAAD patients in TCGA-PAAD (N=177) and GSE62452 (N=65) are taken from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Consensus cluster analysis to identify distinct fatty acid metabolism subtypes in PAAD based on 62 fatty acid metabolism gene. The single sample GSEA (ssGSEA) algorithm was developed for evaluation of tumor infiltrating immune cells between fatty acid metabolism subtypes. As well, the R package “pRRophetic” was used to predict chemotherapeutic response in PAAD patients. Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) was used to predict immunotherapy response in PAAD patients. Univariate and multivariate Cox analysis were utilized to calculate the prognostic-related lncRNAs.ResultsTotally, three fatty acid metabolism subtypes were obtained in PAAD based on 62 fatty acid metabolism gene. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) analysis showed that the overall survival rate of cluster3 group was significantly higher than the other two groups. Significant differences were seen between the three subtypes in immune cell infiltration characteristics and the immunotherapy response indicators, including Tumor mutational burden (TMB), immunophenoscore (IPS), and immune checkpoint molecules. The cluster1 group and cluster3 group were speculated to have the higher response to immunotherapy patients in cluster2 gains more benefit from chemotherapy than other groups. A 4-lncRNA signature was constructed based on the value of gene expression and regression coefficients which stratified patients into two risk groups. Patients in the higher-risk group had lower survival probabilities than those in the lower-risk group, based on the Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis confirmed the predictive capability. In GO and KEGG analysis, genes in the high-risk group were linked to PAAD development.ConclusionsWe constructed a signature that could predict prognosis of PAAD and provide certain theory guidance for novel therapeutic approaches of PAAD.