Eicosenoic Acid Research Articles

Analysis of the free fatty acid metabolome in the plasma of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and fever.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease with heterogeneous clinical manifestations mediated by immune dysregulation. We aimed to analyze the metabolomic differences in free fatty acids (FFAs) between patients with SLE and healthy controls (HCs). In this study, the levels of 24 FFAs, as their tert-butyldimethylsilyl derivatives, in the plasma of 41 patients with SLE and 41 HCs, were investigated using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry in selected-ion monitoring mode. The results showed that patients with SLE and HCs had significantly different levels of 13 of the 24 FFAs. The levels of myristic, palmitoleic, oleic, and eicosenoic acids were significantly higher, whereas the levels of caproic, caprylic, linoleic, stearic, arachidonic, eicosanoic, behenic, lignoceric, and hexacosanoic acids were significantly lower in patients with SLE, than in the HCs. In the partial-correlation analysis of the FFA profiles and markers of disease activity of SLE, several metabolic markers correlated with SLE disease activity. Our results provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between FFAs and markers of SLE disease activity. Thus, this approach has promising potential for the discovery of metabolic biomarkers of SLE.

Chemical Profiling and Bioactivity of Body Wall Lipids from Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis.

The lipids from gonads and polyhydroxynaphthoquinone pigments from body walls of sea urchins are intensively studied. However, little is known about the body wall (BW) lipids. Ethanol extract (55 °C) contained about equal amounts of saturated (SaFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) representing 60% of total fatty acids, with myristic, palmitic and eicosenoic acids as major SaFAs and MUFAs, respectively. Non-methylene-interrupted dienes (13%) were composed of eicosadienoic and docosadienoic acids. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) included two main components, n6 arachidonic and n3 eicosapentaenoic acids, even with equal concentrations (15 μg/mg) and a balanced n6/n3 PUFA ratio (0.86). The UPLC-ELSD analysis showed that a great majority of the lipids (80%) in the ethanolic extract were phosphatidylcholine (60 μg/mg) and phosphatidylethanolamine (40 μg/mg), while the proportion of neutral lipids remained lower than 20%. In addition, alkoxyglycerol derivatives—chimyl, selachyl, and batyl alcohols—were quantified. We have assumed that the mechanism of action of body wall lipids in the present study is via the inhibition of MAPK p38, COX-1, and COX-2. Our findings open the prospective to utilize this lipid fraction as a source for the development of drugs with anti-inflammatory activity.

Evaluation of metabolism of azo dyes and their effects on Staphylococcus aureus metabolome.

Dyes containing one or more azo linkages are widely applied in cosmetics, tattooing, food and drinks, pharmaceuticals, printing inks, plastics, leather, as well as paper industries. Previously we reported that bacteria living on human skin have the ability to reduce some azo dyes to aromatic amines, which raises potential safety concerns regarding human dermal exposure to azo dyes such as those in tattoo ink and cosmetic colorant formulations. To comprehensively investigate azo dye-induced toxicity by skin bacteria activation, it is very critical to understand the mechanism of metabolism of the azo dyes at the systems biology level. In this study, an LC/MS-based metabolomics approach was employed to globally investigate metabolism of azo dyes by Staphylococcus aureus as well as their effects on the metabolome of the bacterium. Growth of S. aureus in the presence of Sudan III or Orange II was not affected during the incubation period. Metabolomics results showed that Sudan III was metabolized to 4-(phenyldiazenyl) aniline (48%), 1-[(4-aminophenyl) diazenyl]-2-naphthol (4%) and eicosenoic acid Sudan III (0.9%). These findings indicated that the azo bond close to naphthalene group of Sudan III was preferentially cleaved compared with the other azo bond. The metabolite from Orange II was identified as 4-aminobenzene sulfonic acid (35%). A much higher amount of Orange II (~90×) was detected in the cell pellets from the active viable cells compared with those from boiled cells incubated with the same concentration of Orange II. This finding suggests that Orange II was primarily transported into the S. aureus cells for metabolism, instead of the theory that the azo dye metabolism occurs extracellularly. In addition, the metabolomics results showed that Sudan III affected energy pathways of the S. aureus cells, while Orange II had less noticeable effects on the cells. In summary, this study provided novel information regarding azo dye metabolism by the skin bacterium, the effects of azo dyes on the bacterial cells and the important role on the toxicity and/or inactivation of these compounds due to microbial metabolism.

Issue Highlights

Issue Highlights

Identification of weak and gender specific effects in a short 3\xa0weeks intervention study using barley and oat mixed linkage \u03b2-glucan dietary supplements: a human fecal metabolome study by GC-MS

IntroductionMixed-linkage (1→3),(1→4)-β-d-glucans (BG) reduce cholesterol level and insulin response in humans. Despite this, their role in human metabolism and a mode of action remains largely unknown.ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of three structurally different BG on human fecal metabolome in a full cross-over intervention using GC-MS metabolomics.MethodsOver three weeks of intervention, young healthy adults received food supplemented with BG from oat, two different BG from barley or a non-fiber control in a full cross-over design. Untargeted metabolomics and short chain fatty acid analysis was performed on day three fecal samples. ANOVA-simultaneous component analysis was applied to partition the data variation according to the study design, and PLS-DA was used to select most discriminative metabolite markers.ResultsUnivariate and multivariate data analysis revealed a dominating effect of inter-individual variances followed by a gender effect. Weak effects of BG intake were identified including an increased level of gamma-amino-butyrate and palmitoleic acid in males and a decreased level of enterolactone in females. Barley and oat derived BG were found to influence the human fecal metabolome differently. Barley BG increased the relative level of formate in males and isobutyrate, isovalerate, 2-methylbutyrate in females. In total 15, 3 and 11 human fecal metabolites were significantly different between control vs. BG, control vs. oat BG, and barley BG vs. oat BG, respectively.ConclusionsThe study show that human fecal metabolome largely reflects individual (∼28% variation) and gender (∼15% variation) differences, whereas the treatment effect of the BG (∼8% variation) only manifests in a few key metabolites (primarily by the metabolites: d-2-aminobutyric acid, palmitoleic acid, linoleic acid and 11-eicosenoic acid).

Diversity of compounds in femoral secretions of Galápagos iguanas (genera: Amblyrhynchus and Conolophus), and their potential role in sexual communication in lek-mating marine iguanas (Amblyrhynchus cristatus).

BackgroundChemical signals are widely used in the animal kingdom, enabling communication in various social contexts, including mate selection and the establishment of dominance. Femoral glands, which produce and release waxy secretions into the environment, are organs of central importance in lizard chemical communication. The Galápagos marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) is a squamate reptile with a lek-mating system. Although the lekking behaviour of marine iguanas has been well-studied, their potential for sexual communication via chemical cues has not yet been investigated. Here we describe the diversity of the lipophilic fraction of males’ femoral gland secretions among 11 island populations of marine iguanas, and compare it with the composition of its sister species, the Galápagos land iguana (Conolophus subcristatus). We also conducted behavioural observations in marine iguana territorial males in order to explore the possible function of these substances in the context of male dominance in leks.MethodsFemoral secretions were analysed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and chromatography with a flame ionisation detector (GC-FID) in order to characterise the lipophilic composition. To understand the potential role of femoral secretions in marine iguana intraspecific communication, territorial males were sampled for their femoral glands and monitored to record their head bob rate—a territorial display behaviour in males—as well as the number of females present in their leks.ResultsWe found that the gland secretions were composed of ten saturated and unsaturated carboxylic acids ranging in chain length between C16 and C24, as well as three sterols. Cholesterol was the main compound found. Intriguingly, land iguanas have a higher diversity of lipophilic compounds, with structural group of lipids (i.e. aldehydes) entirely absent in marine iguanas; overall the chemical signals of both species were strongly differentiated. Lipid profiles also differed among populations of marine iguanas from different islands, with some islands demonstrating a high diversity of lipophilic compounds (i.e. full spectra of compounds), and others lacking one or more compounds. Among the compounds most frequently found missing were 11- and 13-eicosenoic acids. Gland secretions of males with a better body condition and with a higher dominance status (i.e. those accompanied by females and with higher head bob display) were proportionately richer in C20-unsaturated fatty acids (11-eicosenoic acid).DiscussionLand and marine iguanas strongly diverged in their chemical composition of the femoral glands likely due to ecological differences between both species. Despite that marine iguana populations varied in their femoral gland composition that was not related to their genetic structure. Our results indicated that 11-eicosenoic acid may play an important role in intraspecific chemical communication in marine iguanas.

Fatty acid profiling and multivariate analysis in the genus Leucas reveals its nutritional, pharmaceutical and chemotaxonomic significance

Genus Leucas with about 41 species found in India, is an Asian genus with separation from its close relatives in Africa based on phylogenetic evidence. Present study represents the only comprehensive phytochemical investigation on this genus. We have analyzed the seed fatty acid compositions of 26 species and five varieties of Leucas for nutritional, pharmaceutical and chemotaxonomic perspectives. The fatty acids and their composition in seeds of Leucas species, collected from different geographical regions in India, were analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Significant variations have been observed in fatty acid profiles among species and their varieties. We observed major fatty acids as palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and laballenic acid; whereas myristic, palmitoleic, cis-vaccenic, linolenic, eicosanoic, eicosenoic, phlomic and docosanoic acid were detected in minor quantities. Laballenic and phlomic acids are unusual allenic fatty acids found in few Lamiaceae members from order Lamiales. Laballenic acid, a proven molecule of pharmaceutical importance, was observed in all the Leucas species studied. Three species of Leucas; L. helianthimifolia, L. ciliata var. vestita and L. hirta were found to contain ≥40% laballenic acid and can act as potential source for isolation of pharmaceutical compounds. This study also reports the presence of another allenic fatty acid, phlomic acid, in several Leucas species. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis showed a distinct separation among the species based on abundance of similar fatty acids. The fatty acid profile appears to be overlapping at higher level and does not support separation of Asian Leucas from its African relatives and the inclusion of Asian taxa in morphologic sections. However, hierarchical clustering of L. helianthimifolia, L. ciliata var. vestita and L. hirta supported treatment under the morphologic section Astrodon. Multivariate analysis on the chemometric data also supported this cluster as the most prominent source of medicinally useful laballenic acid. Based on the FAs profile, a reconsideration of species boundaries in L. ciliata and L. marrubioides species complex is proposed.

Abstract 4645: A serum multiomics signature for enhancing prostate cancer diagnosis and prognosis

Abstract Introduction and Objective: Diagnosis of prostate cancer (CaP) has relied on prostate specific antigen (PSA) level and digital rectal examination (DRE) followed by prostate biopsies. These modalities have the potential to yield false-positive and false-negative results for CaP. These challenges prompted efforts to develop more specific body fluid based assays including PCA3, TMPRSS2:ERG, K4csore and PHI tests. Further, emerging data on significant racial differences of common CaP driver genes, e.g., PTEN and ERG in CaP can lead to significant limitations in biomarker performance. Thus, the goal of our study was to discover CaP serum markers with equal performance among African American (AA) and Caucasian American (CA) men. We employed proteomics, signal- and structural lipidomics and metabolomics platforms to discover serum biomarkers and evaluate their utility for diagnosis and prognosis of CaP in AA and CA men. Methods: Sera from 700 individuals were analyzed, which included AA and CA CaP patients stratified for ERG oncoprotein expression by immunohistochemistry (N=495). Sera from age-matched healthy control men were also included (N=205) in this study. Quantitative global profiles of lipidome, proteome and metabolome were analyzed by high resolution MS-based technologies. Random forest and Interrogative Biology® analytical platforms were used to identify analytes differentiating healthy from CaP cases including clinical-pathologic data. Results: The unbiased global profiling and integration of the data and clinical-pathologic features have led to the identification of molecular fingerprints differentiating cancer patients from healthy controls. Specifically, three analytes in serum metabolome showed robust separation between both AA and CA CaP and control groups. Elevated levels of nicotinamide and eicosenoic acid and decreased levels of a decanoylcarnitate alone have indicated strong separation between cases and controls. Further inclusion of additional 9 analytes provided an optimal multi-omics panel for distinguishing the combined cohort of AA and CA cases vs. healthy controls. Conclusions: The findings presented here support that an integrated multiomics approach has the potential to define serum marker panels for diagnosis of CaP in the context of racial diversity and molecular annotation (e.g., ERG) of CaP. These promising data are undergoing validation in additional patient cohorts. Citation Format: Michael A. Kiebish, Jennifer Cullen, Albert Dobi, Amina Ali, Leonardo O. Rodrigues, Yezhou Sun, Aniruddha Pawar, Aditee Dalvi, Denise Young, Vivek K. Vishnudas, Jason Sedarsky, Gyorgy Petrovics, Emily Chen, Viatcheslav Akmaev, Inger L. Rosner, David McLeod, Isabell A. Sesterhenn, Rangaprasad Sarangarajan, Alagarsamy Srinivasan, Elder Grainger, Niven R. Narain, Shiv Srivastava. A serum multiomics signature for enhancing prostate cancer diagnosis and prognosis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4645. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-4645

Lipids characterization of ultrasound and microwave processed germinated sorghum

BackgroundCereal crops and oilseeds provide diverse pool of fatty acids with characteristic properties. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) provides the staple food with serving as main source of energy and protein. Germination of sorghum generally increases the nutritive value of seeds and the effects of germination on lipids composition of seeds vary greatly with processing conditions. Therefore, the current study was conducted to compare the effect of emerging processing techniques such as ultrasound (US) and microwave (MW) on fatty acids composition and oil yield of sorghum seeds before and after germination.MethodsInitially sorghum grains were soaked with 5% NaOCl (sodium hypochlorite) for surface sterilization. Afterwards, grains were soaked in excess water for 22 h at room temperature and were divided into four portions. The first portion (100 g grains) was subjected to germination without applying any microwave and ultrasonic treatment (T0). Second portion was further divided into four groups (T1, T2, T3, T4) (100 g of each group) and grains were subjected to ultrasonic treatments using two different ultrasonic intensities (US1: 40%; US2: 60%) within range of 0–100% and with two different time durations (tUS1: 5 min; tUS2: 10 min) at constant temperature. Third portion was also divided into four groups (T1, T2, T3, T4) (100 g of each group) and exposed to microwave treatments at two different power levels (MW1: 450 watt; MW2: 700 watt) within the range of 100-900 W for two different time durations (tMW1: 15 s; tMW2: 30s). Similarly, fourth portion was divided into four groups (T1, T2, T3, T4) (100 g of each group). Each group was exposed to both MW (MW1, MW2) (100–900 watt power) & US (US1, US2) (0–100% intensity) treatments at two different time levels (tUS, tMW). Then, germination was carried out and pre-treated raw and pre-treated germinated sorghum grains were analyzed for total oil yield, fatty acid composition and unsaturated fatty acids (Un-SFA)/saturated fatty acids (SFA) ratio by gas chromatography.ResultsThe results revealed that oil yield in sorghum before and after germination ranged from 6.55 to 7.84% and 6.28 to 7.57%, respectively. All the microwave and ultrasound processed samples showed significant difference in oil yield than the raw sorghum grains. The highest tested yield was 7.84 ± 0.31% when combination of microwave power (700 W) and ultrasound intensity (60%) was applied for 30s and 10 min, respectively. The results further demonstrate that the raw sorghum contained palmitic (13.73 ± 0.10%), palmitoleic (0.43 ± 0.02%), stearic (1.07 ± 0.04%), oleic (37.15 ± 0.10%), linoleic (43.33 ± 0.21%), linolenic (1.55 ± 0.04%), arachidic acid (0.13 ± 0.01%) and eicosenoic acid (0.37 ± 0.02%), respectively. The highest fatty acid percentage for palmitic, stearic and arachidic acid was 13.75 ± 0.07%, 1.11 ± 0.09% and 0.15 ± 0.03% at 60% US intensity for 10 min (T4), respectively. Maximum amount observed was 1.60 ± 0.09% of linolenic acid while amount of eicosenoic acid decreased from 0.37 ± 0.02% to 0.31 ± 0.01% after processing. In case of applying combination of microwave and sonication treatments, the change in eicosenoic acid increased from 0.35 ± 0.02% to 0.40 ± 0.04% while there was no significant change in other fatty acids. The ungerminated sorghum oil possessed 14.93–15.05% and 82.83–83.12% of SFA and Un-SFA, respectively. After germination, percentage of saturated fatty acids increased (16.4–16.55%) while decreased for unsaturated fatty acids (80.13–80.56%) were noted.ConclusionsThe results of the present study conclude that the yield of oil from sorghum grains increased by emerging processing. Fatty acid analysis of sorghum oil suggested that pre-treatment strategies will not affect the quality of the oil with respect to essential fatty acids content. Overall, the composition of saturated fatty acid in germinated grain is improved than ungerminated grains after processing.

Effects of dietary inclusion of high concentrations of crude glycerin on meat quality and fatty acid profile of feedlot fed Nellore bulls.

Crude glycerin, the main by-product of biodiesel production, can replace dietary energy sources, such as corn. The objective of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of up to 30% of crude glycerin in dry matter (DM) of the total diets, and its effects on meat quality parameters of feedlot Nellore bulls. Thirty animals (227.7 ± 23.8 kg body weight; 18 months old) were housed in individual pens and fed 5 experimental diets, containing 0, 7.5, 15, 22.5 or 30% crude glycerin (DM basis). After 103 d (21 d adaptation) animals were slaughtered and the Longissimus muscle was collected. The characteristics assessed were chemical composition, fatty acid profile, cholesterol, shear force, pH, color, water-holding capacity, cooking loss and sensory properties. The increasing inclusion of crude glycerin in the diets did not affect the chemical composition of the Longissimus muscle (P > 0.10). A quadratic effect was observed when levels of crude glycerin were increased, on the concentration of pentadecanoic, palmitoleic and eicosenoic fatty acids in meat (P < 0.05), and on the activity of the delta-9 desaturase 16 and delta-9 desaturase 18 enzymes (P < 0.05). The addition of crude glycerin increased the gamma linolenic fatty acid concentration (P < 0.01), and altered the monounsaturated fatty acids in Longissimus muscle of animals (Pquad. < 0.05). Crude glycerin decreased cholesterol content in meat (P < 0.05), and promoted higher flavor score and greasy intensity perception of the meat (P < 0.01). The inclusion of up to 30% crude glycerin in Nellore cattle bulls`diets (DM basis) improves meat cholesterol and sensory attributes, such as flavor, without affecting significantly the physical traits, the main fatty acid concentrations and the chemical composition.

Analysis of thermal, oxidative and cold flow properties of methyl and ethyl esters prepared from soybean and mustard oils

Oilseed crop with high oil content and promising ecological adaptability are potential sources for competitive biodiesel production. This study investigates the scope of utilizing biodiesel development through the methyl and ethyl ester from soybean and mustard oil as an alternative fuel. Methyl and ethyl esters of oils having different fatty acids compositions such as soybean (SOME and SOEE) and mustard oil (MUME and MUEE) were prepared by transesterification with methanol and ethanol in the presence of an alkali-KOH catalyst. The gas chromatographic (GC) analysis of oil samples revealed that primary fatty acid composition in soybean oil was linoleic acid (C18:2, 51.93%), followed by oleic acid (C18:1, 22.82%), palmitic acid (C16:0, 11.56%), linolenic acid (C18:3, 5.95%) and stearic acid (C18:0, 4.32%). Whereas, the main components in mustard oil were erucic acid (C22:1, 32.81%), oleic acid (C18:1, 24.98%), eicosenoic acid (C20:1, 10.44%), linolenic acid (C18:3, 8.61%) and palmitic acid (C16:0, 2.80%). The physicochemical properties (acid value, iodine value, calorific value, flash point, pour point etc.) of methyl and ethyl ester samples were estimated and found to be within the acceptable range of ASTM D6751 standards specifications. The prepared esters and oil samples were examined for cold flow properties by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results revealed better cold flow properties for MUME (−2.55 °C) and MUEE (−3.10 °C) than SOME (3.21 °C) and SOEE (1.83 °C) due to more unsaturated fatty acid content in MU. Thermal and oxidative stability of samples was determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The thermal and oxidative stability ranking of the samples was in the order of oil > methyl esters > ethyl esters.

MiR-144 affects fatty acid composition by regulating ELOVL6 expression in duck hepatocytes.

Lipid metabolism in duck is very important for both raisers and people's health. In our previous studies, we have detected that miR-144 is related to duck lipid metabolism and validated one of its target genes, elongation of very long chain fatty acids protein 6 (ELOVL6). In the present study, we isolated, cultured, and identified duck hepatocytes, and transfected with miR-144 mimics/inhibitor to mediate the miR-144 level. The qRT-PCR results showed that the ELOVL6 expression in duck hepatocytes was down/upregulated, respectively. The fat contents and each fatty-acid percent content of the hepatocytes and medium were also determined. When ELOVL6 expression suppressed (miR-144 mimics transfected), the palmitic acid (C16:0) content was significantly increased (P < 0.05); the oleic acid (C18:1, n-9), eicosenoic acid (C20:1, n-9), and eicosatrienoic acid (C20:3) contents were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The myristic acid (C14:0) and palmitic acid (C16:0) contents were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), and the oleic acid (C18:1, n-9) content was significantly increased (P < 0.05) when ELOVL6 expression upregulated (miR-144 inhibitor transfected). It indicated that miR-144 could regulate some saturated fatty acids elongated to longer unsaturated fatty acids through controlling ELOVL6 expression. Whereas, miR-144/ELOVL6 appeared not associated with fat deposition in duck hepatocytes (P > 0.05). Our findings suggest that miR-144 might regulate the percentages of fatty acids in duck hepatocytes through affecting ELOVL6 expression.

Impact of Soil Drench and Foliar Spray of 24-Epibrassinolide on the Growth, Yield, and Quality of Field-Grown Moringa oleifera in Southwest China

The effects of soil drench (SD) (0.4 and 0.8 mg plant−1) and foliar spray (FS) (0.02, 0.04, and 0.08 ppm) of 24-epibrassinolide on the growth, yield, and quality of field-grown Moringa oleifera were evaluated. The results showed that all of the SD and FS treatments enhanced the net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, total chlorophyll content, and nitrate reductase activity in Moringa leaves. Both SD and FS promoted vegetative and reproductive growth of Moringa, but FS at an excessive concentration could suppress reproductive growth. Within a certain concentration range, the effect of FS on the reproductive growth was superior to that of SD, whereas the effect of SD on vegetative growth was better than that of FS. All of the 24-epibrassinolide treatments except for FS 0.08 ppm increased the number of seeds per fruit pod, the yield of fruit pods per tree, and the yield of seeds per tree, but the yield of the plants treated with SD was lower compared with FS. The FS 0.04 ppm treatment significantly increased the contents of oleic acid and eicosenoic acid and reduced the content of stearic acid in the seeds. All of the SD and FS treatments increased crude protein content in the leaf powder and seeds of Moringa as well as vitamin C in the leaves. Our results showed that the optimal concentration of 24-epibrassinolide for FS was 0.04 ppm, and the optimal concentration for SD was inferred to be higher than 0.8 mg plant−1.

Effect of gamma irradiation on the nutritional and antinutritional qualities of Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal: An underutilized food legume

Abstract Effect of gamma irradiation on the nutritionally potent underutilized wild legume Vigna aconitifolia at various doses (2, 5, 10, 15 and 25 kGy) were assessed for its nutritional and antinutritional factors. Gamma irradiation significantly enhanced the crude protein content at all doses, while crude lipid, crude fibre and ash resulted in a significant dose-dependent decline. Raw seeds are rich in potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese and vitamins (niacin and ascorbic acid); significant diminution was reported in irradiated seeds. The essential amino acids of raw and gamma irradiated seeds were comparable with the FAO/WHO recommended pattern. A significant dose -dependent increase in IVPD on irradiation was observed. High amount of saturated fatty acids decreased after irradiation. However, linoleic acid, palmitoleic acid and eicosenoic acid were increased after irradiation at 25 kGy. Irradiating the seeds with gamma rays significantly curtailed the levels of the toxic non-proteinaceous amino acid, L -DOPA, hydrogen cyanide, trypsin inhibitors, oligosaccharides and phytohaemagglutinins. The aromatic compound, phenols, the water soluble polyphenols and tannins showed a dose-dependent significant increase. The overall findings are the indications to improvise the nutritional traits of the gamma irradiated underutilized tribal pulse, V. aconitifolia which could be a good source of protein for human consumption.

Bovine lipid metabolism related gene GPAM: Molecular characterization, function identification, and association analysis with fat deposition traits

Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase mitochondrial (GPAM) is the enzyme that catalyzes the initial and committed step of glycerolipid synthesis in animal lipometabolism related pathway. In the present study, the correlation of GPAM expression level with adipogenesis was examined in vitro by RNAi and gene expression to silencing and over-expression of GPAM gene in BEF cells. And then, 2 novel polymorphisms were identified within key functional domain of bovine GPAM gene by sequencing and the relationship between variants of GPAM gene with fat deposition traits of Chinese Simmental-cross steers was analyzed using statistical methods. The result showed that the knockdown of GPAM expression significantly reduced the synthesis of triglycerides and expression of lipid metabolism-related gene in BEF cells (p<0.05), and the over-expression of GPAM could significantly increased the levels of triglyceride and expression of lipid metabolism-related gene (p<0.05). The results of the correlation analysis also showed that cattle with TC genotype of GPAM E20-2823C>T was significantly associated with fatty acid composition of intramuscular fat (had higher content of arachidic acid, eicosenoic acid, and arachidonic acid), individuals with A-allele homozygotes and AG-allele heterozygotes of E20-3386G>A both had higher content of myristic acid, α-linolenic acid, and linoleic acid in intramuscular fat than those with G-allele homozygotes (p<0.05). The individuals with AA genotype of E20-3386G>A was significantly associated with higher marbling score, and the individuals with CC homozygotes of E20-2823C>T had higher GFW and omasum fat weight in beef cattle population. GPAM play a pivotal role in the regulation of cellular triacylglycerol and phospholipid levels, and its mutations could serve as a useful molecular marker used for marker assisted selection in beef cattle breeding process.

Seed morphology, oil content and fatty acid composition variability assessment in yellow horn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge) germplasm for optimum biodiesel production

Yellow horn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge) seed oil methyl esters have emerged as the potential candidate for producing biodiesel. The present study was conducted on 15 yellow horn germplasm accessions to assess the variability in its seed morphological characteristic, oil content and fatty acid composition. Variations of seed dry biomass, seed coat weight, kernel dry biomass, seed length, seed breadth and seed thickness were significant (P<0.01). These yellow horn accessions were mainly divided into two groups according to kernel percentage. One group mainly included XS-233 and XS-281 with heavy kernels, while the other was the rest of the yellow horn accessions with heavy seed coats. Wide variability in oil content (49.77%–68.30%) was observed among the 15 accessions. Oil content showed a negative correlation with seed coat weight (r=−0.519*). The palmitic acid (C16:0), oleic acid (C18:1), linoleic acid (C18:2), eicosenoic acid (C20:1) and erucic acid (C22:1) were the predominant fatty acids in the 15 yellow horn accessions. Meanwhile, a small amount of docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6) (0.33%) was detected in XS-272 accession. Iodine value, cetane number, density and kinematic viscosity of yellow horn methyl esters changed from 119.1 to 125.6, 46.0–47.6, 881.3–882.3 and 4.50–4.66, respectively. Accessions XS-202 and XS-253 were found most suitable for breeding as biodiesel genotypes. And accessions XS-203, XS-213, XS-222, XS-232, XS-271 and XS-281 may be preserved as potential biodiesel types. Such assessment can be utilized for yellow horn plantations established with promising genotypes.

Modulatory Effect of an Isolated Triglyceride from Fenugreek Seed Oil on of α-Amylase, Lipase and ACE Activities, Liver-Kidney Functions and Metabolic Disorders of Diabetic Rats.

This study was designed to examine physicochemical characteristics, chemical compositions and biological activities of fenugreek seed oil (FSO) and its pure triglyceride (TG). One fenugreek TG was purified using a bioassay-guided fractionation and administrated to surviving diabetic rats. The free fatty acids percentage as well as, the peroxide, the saponification and the iodine values were 2%, 12 mequiv. O2/kg of oil, 189 (mg KOH/g) and 110 (g/100 g of oil), respectively. Linolenic acid (C18:3 26.14%), Linoleic acid (C18:2 41.13%) and Oleic acid (C18:1 17.07%) were the dominant fatty acids in the FSO. β-sitosterol was the major sterol (85.3%) in the FSO. LnLnO (17.1%), LLL (16.6%), OLL and OOLn (8.4%), were the abundant triglycerides. The hexane extract of fenugreek seed (exhibiting the powerful inhibitory activity against alpha-amylase) was purified using a bioassay-guided fractionation affording one fenugreek TG: (11Z)-11- eicosenoic acid 2, 3- bis[((9Z, 12Z, 15Z)-1-oxo-9, 12, 15-octadecatrien-1-yl)oxy] propyl ester. In diabetic rats, the administration of the fenugreek TG inhibited α-amylase activity in small intestine by 36% as compared to untreated diabetic rats. Moreover, fenugreek TG increased insulin sensibility which leads to decrease in blood glucose level by 43%. In addition, this study demonstrated that administration of pure fenugreek TG to diabetic rats ameliorated the glycogen rate in liver and muscle. In addition, the administration of fenugreek TG reverted back the activity of angiotensin converting enzyme respectively in kidney and plasma by 33 and 29%. Interestingly, the fenugreek TG inhibited lipase activity in small intestine by 33% which leads to the regulation of lipid profile. Moreover, the fenugreek TG protected liver-kidney function evidenced by histological study. In conclusion, our finding demonstrates that the administration of fenugreek TG to diabetic rats can make it a potential candidate for industrial application as a pharmacological agent for the treatment of hyperglycemia.

GC-MS Determination and Identification of Eleven Fatty Acids in Triglycerides Isolated from the Seeds of Traditional Kurdish Medicinal Plant Anchusa azurea Mill.

Anchusa azurea Mill. is naturally grown in Iraqi Kurdistan, and it belongs to the Boraginaceae family. The species A. azurea is eaten by Kurdish people and from a phytochemical point of view it has been almost neglected so far and it was thus considered worthy of study. In this investigation the lipids were extracted from seeds and leaves of A. azurea plant with petroleum ether, followed by chloroform and methanol using soxhlet apparatus. The lipid percentage from seeds and leaves were (7.03%) and (1.17%) respectively. Preliminary work on the first extract allowed for the isolation of a mixture of triglycerides, which were submitted to hydrolysis, followed by methylation of free fatty acids. GC-MS analysis showed that the main components were oleic, palmitic, palmitoleic, 11-eicosenoic, erucic and two ω-9 acids. Totally, eleven fatty acids were analyzed from the seeds of the studied plant using GC-MS analysis. The results showed that the plant seeds contain high percentage of elaidic acid (46.42%), palmitic acid (18.9%), linoleic acid (14.59%), and the other main fatty acids (FAs) are erucic acid (6.33%), 11-eicosenoic acid (5.02%), stearic acid (4.55%) and 6,9,12-octadecatrienoic acid (2.43%). The percentage of minor FAs is (0.78%) nervonic acid, (0.46%) myristic acid, (0.38%) palmitoleic acid and (0.14%) for 11-hexadecenoic acid. The total percentages of polyunsaturated (PUFAs), monounsaturated (MUFAs) and saturated fatty acids (SFAs) from the seeds of A. azurea are (17.02, 59.07, 23.91%) respectively. It was found that the percentage and type of fatty acid constituents from A. azurea seeds oil in the present study varied from the same plant in other places and countries.

Quantitative Analysis of the Distribution of cis-Eicosenoic Acid Positional Isomers in Marine Fishes from the Indian Ocean.

This study investigated the occurrence and distribution of cis-eicosenoic acid (c-20:1) positional isomers in fishes from the Indian Ocean and compared to those from the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. Lipids were extracted from the edible part of the fish and then methylated. The eicosenoic acid methyl ester fraction was separated from total fatty acid methyl esters by reversed-phase HPLC and quantitatively analyzed using a GC-FID fitted with the SLB-IL111 highly polar GC column. c14-20:1 was used as an internal standard. The results indicated that the highest levels of c-20:1 positional isomers were found in fishes from the Pacific Ocean (saury, 166.95±12.4 mg/g of oil), followed by the Atlantic Ocean (capelin, 162.7±3.5 mg/g of oil), and lastly in fishes from the Indian Ocean (goatfish, 34.39 mg/g of oil). With only a few exceptions, the most abundant 20:1 positional isomer found in fishes of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean was the c11-20:1 isomer (>50%) followed by the c13-20:1 isomer (<25%). Unusually, the c7-20:1 isomer was predominantly found in a few fishes such as the tooth ponyfish, longface emperor, and commerson's sole. The c9, c5, and c15-20:1 isomers were the least occurring in fishes from the Indian and Atlantic Ocean. In contrast, the c9-20:1 isomer was the principal isomer identified in fishes from the Pacific Ocean. The results revealed that the content and distribution of c-20:1 positional isomers varied among fishes in different oceans. The data presented in the current study are the first to report on the distribution of c-20:1 positional isomers in fishes from the Indian Ocean.

Grilling enhances antidiarrheal activity of Terminalia bellerica Roxb. fruits

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTerminalia bellerica Roxb. fruits are rich in a variety of biologically active ingredients. Tharu and Buksa tribes of Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand, India use grilled fruits of Terminalia bellerica as an effective cure for diarrhea Aim of the studyWe validated the ethnobotanical claim by comparing the antidiarrheal effect of grilled fruits (GF) with dried fruits (DF). Materials and methodsThe 50% ethanolic extracts of GF and DF were successively fractionated; the antioxidant and bacterial inhibition activity were studied using DPPH free radical scavenging, anti-lipid peroxidation and broth dilution method respectively. Difference in metabolites of ethyl acetate fractions of GF and DF was analyzed using GC-MS, gallic acid content was determined through HPTLC. Further the in-vivo antidiarrheal effect of ethyl acetate fractions of DF and GF was studied on castor oil induced diarrhea model. ResultsThe ethyl acetate fractions showed potential DPPH free radical scavenging (IC50 11.13µg/ml in DF and 8.56µg/ml in GF), anti-lipid peroxidation and antibacterial activity. The non-targeted metabolic profiling showed higher content of tartaric acid, valeric acid, gallic acid, succinic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, malic acid, 1,2,3 trisbenzene, uridine and 11-eicosenoic acid in GF. The HPTLC results indicated that gallic acid content was 2.8 (±0.14) and 4.92 (±0.28) mg/g while ellagic acid content was 4.7 (±0.32) and 4.45 (±0.45) mg/g dry powder in DF and GF respectively. According to in vivo antidiarrheal activity DF and GF (100mg/kg oral) inhibited diarrhea by 41.87% and 71.72% respectively. ConclusionGrilling significantly altered the levels of metabolites in T. bellerica fruits which could be responsible for its increased therapeutic potential.