Formation Of Ethyl Esters Research Articles

Dry-Hopping to Modify the Aroma of Alcohol-Free Beer on a Molecular Level-Loss and Transfer of Odor-Active Compounds.

There are mainly two options for the dealcoholization of beer: evaporation of ethanol by heat treatment, whereby desired aroma-active compounds are also removed, and stopped fermentation that leads to beers still containing high amounts of unfermented sugar in parallel with lower amounts of aroma-active fermentation products. Thus, dry-hopping could be an opportunity to compensate for these aroma deficiencies. Therefore, following the sensomics approach, odorants were characterized in dry-hopped (Hallertauer Mandarina Bavaria, Hallertauer Cascade, or Hallertauer Mittelfrüh) top- and bottom-fermented alcohol-free beers either after thermal dealcoholization or stopped fermentation. Twenty-three odorants were quantitated via stable isotope dilution analysis, and odor activity values (OAVs; ratio of concentration to odor threshold) were calculated. Thermally dealcoholized samples showed high losses (up to 100%) of key odorants like 3-methyl-1-butanol or 3-methylbutyl acetate. During stopped fermentation, aroma compounds like ethyl butanoate or 2-phenylethanol were formed in relevant concentrations, leading to OAVs ≥ 1, but the amounts were significantly lower compared to beers with normal alcohol contents. For hop-derived odorants (linalool, geraniol, myrcene, and esters), transfer rates between 20 and 90% were found, leading to OAVs ≥ 1 in beer. Furthermore, hop addition apparently induced the formation of ethyl esters of hop-derived monocarboxylic acids.

Dynamics of microbial community and changes of metabolites during production of type Ι sourdough steamed bread made by retarded sponge-dough method.

Dynamics of microbial community and changes of metabolites during production of type Ι sourdough steamed bread made by retarded sponge-dough method (SSB) were studied. Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis and Lactobacillus pontis were the dominant bacterial species. Particularly, relative abundances of Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis were significantly higher than that of other sub-dominant bacterial species. The dominant fungal species were Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kazachstania humilis, and the latter was the most predominant. A stable bacterial and fungal consortia was established in sponge dough retarded from 12 to 24h and main dough proofed from 30 to 60min. Metabolism preference for maltose of Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis favoured a mutualistic association with maltose-negative Kazachstania humilis, and hence contributing to their competitiveness and dominance. Volatile compounds became more abundant with much more esters as sponge retarding time extended. Probably, the accumulation of organic acids and ethanol contributed mostly to formation of ethyl esters in sponge dough during retarding.

SC411 treatment can enhance survival in a mouse model of sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common inherited blood disorder among African Americans affecting 70,000–100,000 individuals in the United States. It is characterized by abnormal hemoglobin (HbS) which develops into severe hemolytic anemia and vaso-occlusive crisis. Therefore, patients with SCD suffer from a chronic state of inflammation, which is responsible for multiple organ damage, ischemic attacks, and premature death. Another major hallmark of SCD patients is the abnormally low levels of omega-3 fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in their red blood cell membranes. Treatment with DHA can reduce red blood cell adhesion and enhance cerebral blood flow, thus, our main goal is to investigate the effect of SC411, which is a novel, highly purified DHA ethyl ester formulation with a proprietary delivery platform in SCD. Utilizing a transgenic mouse model of SCD (HbSS-Townes) and recurrent hypoxic challenges (10%O2, 0.5% CO2 and balance N2 for 3 h) to mimic ischemic-like conditions, our data suggest that SC411 can elevate blood DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) levels after 8 weeks of treatment. SC411 can also decrease arachidonic acid (AA) and sickling of red blood cells. In addition, SC411-treated SCD mice showed presented with cerebral blood flow, alleviated neuroinflammation, and revived working memory which ultimately enhanced overall survival. In summary, this study suggests that treatment with SC411 improves cellular and functional outcomes in SCD mice. This finding may provide novel therapeutic opportunities in the treatment against ischemic injury elicited by SCD.

Microbial Secretion Platform for 3-Hydroxybutyrate Oligomer and Its End-Capped Forms Using Chain Transfer Reaction-Mediated Polyhydroxyalkanoate Synthases.

The biodegradable polyester 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) polymer [P(3HB)] is intracellularly synthesized and accumulated in recombinant Escherichia coli. In this study, native polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthases are used to attempt to microbially secrete 3HB homo-oligomers (3HBOs), which are widely distributed in nature as physiologically active substances. High secretory production is observed, especially for the two PHA synthases from Aeromonas caviae and Bacillus cereus YB4. Surprisingly, an ethyl ester at the carboxy terminus (ethyl ester form) of 3HBOs is identified for most of the PHA synthases tested. Next, 3HBOs with a functional carboxyl group (carboxyl form of 3HBO) are obtained by using the alcohol dehydrogenase gene (adhE)-deficient mutant strain, suggesting that the endogenous ethanol produced in E. coli acts as a chain transfer (CT) agent in the generation of 3HBOs. Furthermore, an in vitro polymerization assay reveals that CT agents such as ethanol and free 3HB are involved in the generation of ethyl ester and carboxyl form of 3HBO, respectively. The microbial platform established herein allows the secretion of 3HBOs with desirable end structures by supplementation with various CT agents. The obtained 3HBOs and their end-capped forms may be used as physiologically active substances and building blocks for polymeric materials.

Characterization of Lipid Profiles after Dietary Intake of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Using Integrated Untargeted and Targeted Lipidomics.

Illuminating the comprehensive lipid profiles after dietary supplementation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is crucial to revealing the tissue distribution of PUFAs in living organisms, as well as to providing novel insights into lipid metabolism. Here, we performed lipidomic analyses on mouse plasma and nine tissues, including the liver, kidney, brain, white adipose, heart, lung, small intestine, skeletal muscle, and spleen, with the dietary intake conditions of arachidonic acid (ARA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as the ethyl ester form. We incorporated targeted and untargeted approaches for profiling oxylipins and complex lipids such as glycerol (phospho) lipids, sphingolipids, and sterols, respectively, which led to the characterization of 1026 lipid molecules from the mouse tissues. The lipidomic analysis indicated that the intake of PUFAs strongly impacted the lipid profiles of metabolic organs such as the liver and kidney, while causing less impact on the brain. Moreover, we revealed a unique lipid modulation in most tissues, where phospholipids containing linoleic acid were significantly decreased in mice on the ARA-supplemented diet, and bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate (BMP) selectively incorporated DHA over ARA and EPA. We comprehensively studied the lipid profiles after dietary intake of PUFAs, which gives insight into lipid metabolism and nutrition research on PUFA supplementation.

A self-emulsifying Omega-3 ethyl ester formulation (AquaCelle) significantly improves eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid bioavailability in healthy adults.

Application of intelligent formulation design has the ability to address the poor bioavailability and improve the fasted state bioavailability of fish oils. In this study we assessed the ability of a self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS), AquaCelle®, as an additive to enhance the oral absorption of Omega-3 ethyl esters (EE) in healthy subjects under low-fat diet conditions. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) EE were formulated with AquaCelle®. A single dose (680mg dose of oil containing 272mg of EPA EE and 204mg of DHA EE), randomized, double-blind, study measured uptake of EPA and DHA over 24h in healthy adults. Participants were randomized into two groups, receiving either the SEDDS AquaCelle® fish oil formulation or the unformulated fish oil EE as control. The AquaCelle® fish oil EE formulation demonstrated instant and complete emulsification on addition to water to produce an emulsion with an average diameter of 43μm, compared to the oil alone which did not emulsify. The study revealed a significant difference in absorption (Cmax and AUC0-24h) between the AquaCelle® group and the control group. The AquaCelle® group was capable of increasing maximum plasma concentrations and absorption (AUC0-24h) of total Omega-3 (EPA + DHA) 3.7- and 7.1-fold, respectively, compared to the control. Formulating Omega-3 EE with a SEDSS concentrate (AquaCelle®) demonstrated a significant improvement in the oral absorption of Omega-3 fatty acids without requiring a high-fat meal.

The effect of length of storage and sodium benzoate on the nutritive value of reconstituted sorghum grain silages for dairy cows

Twenty Holstein cows at 168 ± 87 d in milk (mean ± SD) were assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement to evaluate the effects of 2 storage lengths (30 or 90 d) and the presence of sodium benzoate (control or 0.2% as fed) on the nutritive value of reconstituted sorghum grain silages (RSGS). For each treatment, dry ground sorghum grain was rehydrated to 35% moisture and ensiled in 200-L plastic drums. The treatments were RSGS stored for 30 d without sodium benzoate (30 CON), RSGS stored for 30 d with sodium benzoate (30 BEN), RSGS stored for 90 d without sodium benzoate (90 CON) and RSGS stored for 90 d with sodium benzoate (90 BEN). Diets contained 16.3% RSGS. Silages stored for 90 d had higher concentrations of 1,2-propanediol, soluble protein, and ammonia nitrogen than did those stored for 30 d. Sodium benzoate reduced ethanol and ethyl-ester formation. Silages stored for 90 d had higher starch (89.3 vs. 86.9%) and protein (57.1 vs. 54.0%) digestibility compared with silages stored for 30 d. The ruminal acetate-to-propionate ratio tended to be lower in RSGS stored for 90 d than in RSGS stored for 30 d (3.75 vs. 3.34). Milk yield increased from 30.0 kg/d in cows fed RSGS stored for 30 d to 31.2 kg/d in cows fed RSGS stored for 90 d, without a change in dry matter intake (23.5 kg/d on average). Hence, feed efficiency and milk N efficiency also had tendencies to increase in cows fed RSGS stored for 90 d. Sodium benzoate did not alter cow performance but slightly increased plasma glucose (65.2 vs. 63.6 mg/dL). In conclusion, increasing the storage period of RSGS from 30 to 90 d improved starch and protein digestibility, milk yield, and feed efficiency.

Evidence of enzyme-mediated transesterification of synthetic cannabinoids with ethanol: potential toxicological impact

PurposeSynthetic cannabinoids (SCs) represent a large proportion of novel psychoactive substances on the black market and have caused a number of deaths. Polydrug use including combination of SCs and ethanol could further complicate the toxicological impact. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports presenting evidence of transesterification between SCs and ethanol in vitro.MethodsThe in vitro metabolism of the four carboxylate SCs PB-22, NPB-22, 5-fluoro-PB-22 (5F-PB-22), and 5-fluoro-NPB-22 (5F-NPB-22) in the presence of ethanol using human liver microsomes with and without appropriate enzyme inhibitors was studied. Newly identified SC ethyl esters were chemically synthesised and fully characterised. The activity of these SCs and their ethanol transesterification products were assessed using cannabinoid receptor (CB1 and CB2) activation assays.ResultsSCs/ethanol transesterification products were detected and studied using liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry. We have shown that the SC ethyl ester formation is mediated by human carboxyl esterase enzymes. The ethyl esters exhibited a reduced activity for the CB receptors compared with their parent compounds.ConclusionsThese novel ethyl esters may be useful additional markers of cannabinoid administration, and especially so if they prove to have longer half-lives than their parent compounds.

Ethanol Exposure Impairs AMPK Signaling and Phagocytosis in Human Alveolar Macrophages: Role of Ethanol Metabolism.

Chronic alcohol consumption impairs alveolar macrophage's (AM) function and increases risk for developing lung infection and pneumonia. However, the mechanism and metabolic basis of alcohol-induced AM dysfunction leading to lung infection are not well defined, but may include altered ethanol (EtOH) and reactive oxygen species metabolism and cellular energetics. Therefore, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, the formation of fatty acid ethyl esters [FAEEs, nonoxidative metabolites of EtOH], AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, and phagocytic function were examined in freshly isolated AM incubated with EtOH. AMs separated from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples obtained from normal volunteers were incubated with EtOH for 24hours. AMPK signaling and ER stress were assessed using Western blotting, FAEEs by GC-MS, oxidative stress by immunofluorescence using antibodies to 4-hydroxynonenal, and phagocytosis by latex beads. Oxidative stress was also measured in EtOH-treated AMs with/without AMPK activator [5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR)] or inhibitor (Compound C), and in AMs incubated with FAEEs. mRNA expression for interleukins (IL-6 and IL-8), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β was measured in AM treated with EtOH or FAEEs using RT-PCR. EtOH exposure to AM increased oxidative stress, ER stress, and synthesis of FAEEs, decreased phosphorylated AMPK, and impaired phagocytosis. Attenuation or exacerbation of EtOH-induced oxidative stress by AICAR or Compound C, respectively, suggests a link between AMPK signaling, EtOH metabolism, and related oxidative stress.The formation of FAEEs may contribute to EtOH-induced oxidative stress as FAEEs also produced concentration-dependent oxidative stress. An increased mRNA expression of IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 by FAEEs is key finding to suggest a metabolic basis of EtOH-induced inflammatory response. EtOH-induced impaired phagocytosis, oxidative stress, ER stress, and dysregulated AMPK signaling are plausibly associated with the formation of FAEEs and may participate in the pathogenesis of nonspecific pulmonary inflammation.

Abstract 1606: The ethyl ester forms of the n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid decrease the proliferation, invasion, and matrixmetalloproteinase activity of colorectal cancer cells

Abstract More than half of individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) will die from their cancer. The 5-year survival rate for patients diagnosed metastatic CRC is only 14%. Effective and well-tolerated therapies, such as dietary supplements, that prevent metastasis may increase the survival of these patients. The ability of the n-3 fatty acids (n-3FAs) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to decrease the proliferation of a variety of cancers in vitro, including CRC, is well established; however, the efficacy of n-3FAs with respect to inhibition of CRC metastasis has received little attention. EPA- and DHA ethyl esters (EE) are alternative forms of n-3FAs that may be more efficacious than free, non-esterified n-3FAs due to their ability to resist degradation allowing them to exert their effects for longer durations. Our objectives were to (1) compare the efficacy of free vs EE-n-3FAs with respect to inhibition of CRC cell proliferation, (2) to determine if EE-n-3FAs decreased CRC cell invasion, and (3) to begin to elucidate the mechanism through which EE-n-3FAs decrease cell invasion. We used two human invasive CRC cell lines, HCT-116 and SW620. To examine the effects of each n-3FA on cellular proliferation, cells were treated with 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 µM free or EE- EPA or DHA for 72 h [CAS numbers: free EPA (10417-94-4), free DHA (6217-54-5), EE-EPA (86227-47-6), EE-DHA (81926-94-5)]. All cells received equal volumes of ethanol vehicle. Data shown are mean +/- n=3 unless indicated. As n-3FA concentration increased, cellular proliferation decreased, regardless of n-3 FA type. Importantly, the IC50 (inhibitory concentration) for EE-EPA (7.7 ± 1.6 µM) was lower than that of free EPA (24.5 ±4.2 µM). The ability of EE-EPA and -DHA to decrease the invasion of CRC cells through Matrigel coated Boyden chambers was assessed following treatment with 12.5 µM EE-EPA or -DHA for 24 h. EE-EPA and EE-DHA inhibited the invasion of HCT-116 cells to 37.1 ± 13.5% and 50.6 ± 17.5% of control, respectively (n=4). Similarly, SW620 cell invasion was decreased to 27.5 ± 9.7% of control by EE-EPA and 24.2 ± 6.7% of control by EE–DHA. The decrease in metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity, assessed via zymography following EE-n-3FA treatment, reflected the decrease in CRC cell invasion. Finally, EE-n-3FAs failed to inhibit the invasion of HCT-116 cells expressing two alleles of constitutively active phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, suggesting their ability to decrease cell invasion is conferred by inhibition of PI3K activity. In conclusion, EE-n-3FAs are likely more effective inhibitors of CRC proliferation than free n-3FAs, potentially because they are more stable. Additionally, EE-n-3FAs also inhibit CRC invasion and decrease MMP-2 activity through a mechanism that may involve PI3K. Citation Format: Eric Pfister, Michelle A. Lane. The ethyl ester forms of the n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid decrease the proliferation, invasion, and matrixmetalloproteinase activity of colorectal cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1606.

Enhancement of lipase transesterification activity by immobilization on β–cyclodextrin-based polymer

Silica–β-cyclodextrin matrices were prepared by the sol–gel technique using tetraethoxysilane as precursor and different concentrations (0.5–4.0%) of the organic component, β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). Hybrid matrices were activated with glutaraldehyde to introduce functional groups for the attachment of Burkholderia cepacia lipase, used here as a model enzyme. The goal was to produce biocatalysts with high activity and satisfactory properties for transesterification reactions. The biocatalysts exhibited similar hydrolytic activities, coupling yields, and kinetic parameters (Km and Vmax), but differed in terms of thermal stability and transesterification activity. The best biocatalyst, prepared using 2.0% β-CD, was used to study the influence of oil/alcohol molar ratio on ester yield, viscosity, and residual monoacylglycerol (MG) and diacylglycerol (DG) contents. The molar ratio of palm kernel oil to ethanol had a considerable effect on the formation of ethyl esters and the best performance was achieved with an oil/alcohol molar ratio of 1:6. Under this condition, a high ethyl ester yield, a low residual MG content (<0.5%), and undetectable DG levels were obtained. Kinematic viscosity measurements (40 °C) confirmed the high transesterification yield, as the viscosity of palm kernel oil decreased from 30.13 mm2s−1 to <4 mm2s−1.

Strategies to improve bioavailability of omega-3 fatty acids from ethyl ester concentrates.

To describe recent strategies that have been developed to enhance absorption of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from dietary supplements. The long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA have important physiologic functions, and numerous potential health benefits have been suggested by results from observational studies and randomized, controlled trials. EPA and DHA intakes in the average American diet are substantially below recommended levels. Dietary supplements are available for consumers wishing to increase their intakes, but many of these are in ethyl ester formulations from which EPA and DHA are poorly absorbed when consumed without a meal containing dietary fat. Technologies have been developed to enhance EPA and DHA absorption through in-situ emulsification, which facilitates bioavailability, even in the absence of a fat-containing meal. Findings from randomized controlled trials of absorption enhancers incorporated into omega-3 fatty acid supplements demonstrate that they can markedly improve the bioavailability of EPA and DHA. The development of absorption enhancement technology to increase bioavailability of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids has important implications for studies on the health effects of dietary supplement and pharmaceutical products containing EPA and/or DHA.

A Single-dose, Comparative Bioavailability Study of a Formulation containing OM3 as Phospholipid and Free Fatty Acid to an Ethyl Ester Formulation in the Fasting and Fed States

PurposeFormulations of ω (OM)-3 with adequate bioavailability in the low-fat fed state are advantageous in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia (HTG), as these patients are advised to adhere to a low-fat diet. The OM3-containing prescription drugs approved by the US Food and Drug administration (FDA) provide OM3 in either ethyl ester (EE) or free fatty acid (FFA) forms. The OM3 FFA form and formulations with micelle-forming ability have shown improved bioavailability versus the EE form. OM3 phospholipid (PL)/FFA, a krill oil–derived OM3 mixture containing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) present as PL esters and FFA, is being developed for the treatment of severe HTG. Both forms of OM3 in OM3-PL/FFA are believed to be digested and absorbed more efficiently as compared to OM3 in EE. This hypothesis was tested by comparing the relative bioavailabilities of EPA and DHA from a single 4-g dose administration of OM3-PL/FFA to those the FDA-approved HTG drug OM3-EE in the fed (high-fat meal) and fasted states. The effects of food on the bioavailability of both drugs were also tested. MethodsThis open-label, randomized, 4-way crossover bioavailability study was conducted in 56 healthy adults who were randomly assigned to receive a single 4-g dose of OM3-PL/FFA or OM3-EE in the fasted and fed (high-fat meal) states. The relative bioavailabilities of EPA and DHA were compared between the 2 formulations using pharmacokinetic analysis. FindingsIn the fasted state, the AUC0–72 and Cmax of EPA + DHA were 5- and 2.7-fold higher, respectively, with OM3-PL/FFA versus OM3-EE. These values were 3- and 4-fold lower in the fed state with OM3-PL/FFA versus OM3-EE. On administration of OM3-EE, the AUC0–72 and Cmax of EPA + DHA were 25- and 11-fold higher, respectively, in the fed versus the fasted state. A much lower increase (1.7-fold) in the AUC0–72 of EPA + DHA was observed on administration of OM3-PL/FFA in the fed versus the fasted state, with similar Cmax values. ImplicationsThese results demonstrate that the bioavailabilities of EPA and DHA with OM3-PL/FFA, as FFA and conjugated to PL, are far less affected by the fat content of a meal as compared to the EPA and DHA EEs in OM3-EE. These findings suggest a potential clinical advantage with OM3-PL/FFA, since patients with HTG are advised to follow a fat-restricted diet.

Omega-3 fatty acids, cardiovascular risk, and the resolution of inflammation.

Although a high marine food intake is considered cardioprotective, randomized trials of ω-3 fatty acids initially generated conflicting results in terms of the role of ω-3 supplementation in cardiovascular prevention. This work demonstrates the results of the 3 most recent clinical trials with ω-3 fatty acids are put into the context of possible mechanisms mediating their beneficial cardiovascular effects. In particular, the randomized Reduction of Cardiovascular Events with EPA Intervention Trial (REDUCE-IT) showed that icosapent ethyl, which is the ethyl ester form of the ω-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), induced a significant reduction of cardiovascular events. Importantly, EPA serves as a substrate for the formation of the specialized proresolving mediator resolvin E1 (RvE1), which stimulates the resolution of inflammation. RvE1 reduces atherosclerosis and intimal hyperplasia by means of its specific receptor ERV1/ChemR23. The decreased levels of proinflammatory and proatherosclerotic leukotrienes by ω-3 fatty acids may further contribute to a beneficial inflammatory balance. Consequently, the Rv/leukotriene ratio is emerging as a marker of nonresolving vascular inflammation. Recent experimental studies have shown that anti-inflammatory and proresolving effects of lipid mediators derived from ω-3 fatty acids inhibit atherosclerosis independently of cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The results of the 3 most recent clinical trials of ω-3 fatty acid supplementation indicate an importance of the type and dose of ω-3 supplementation and highlight the need for risk stratification in the patient selection for ω-3 supplementation for either primary or secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.-Bäck, M., Hansson, G. K. Omega-3 fatty acids, cardiovascular risk, and the resolution of inflammation.

In vitro evaluation of low dosages of 2, 4-D on germination and seedling growth of wheat and associated weeds

Hormesis is a biphasic dose response to an environmental agent characterized by low dose stimulation and high dose inhibitory or toxic effect. In order to develop an effective weed management system, the stimulatory and/or inhibitory response of low doses of herbicides on germination and growth of weeds should be considered. Thus, a laboratory study was conducted to test the effect of low dosages of 2,4-D on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and associated dicotyledonous weeds. Low dosages of 2,4-D (0, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 50 g/ha) failed to accelerate either seed germination or seedling growth of T. aestivum and tested four weed species -Phalaris minor Retz., Avena ludoviciana Durieu., Medicago denticulata Willd. and Rumex dentatus L. under in vitro conditions in Petri-dishes. The application of 2,4-D inhibited the seed germination and seedling growth of these weeds in a dose dependent manner with higher concentrations being more inhibitory. The sodium formulation of 2,4-D more adversely affected the germination of P. minor and A. ludoviciana as compared to its ethyl ester formulation. The results indicated that 2,4-D when used as a post-emergence herbicide in wheat fields can delay the emergence of new flushes of weeds like P. minor, A. ludoviciana, M. denticulata and R. dentatus due to its inhibitory effect on their germination. It could be concluded that low doses of 2,4-D did not enhance germination/seedling growth of wheat and associated weeds.

Technological aspects of energy optimization during operating vehicles and increase their environmental safety

The paper discusses an actual scientific and practical problem of expanding the fuel base of the transport means by using biodiesel fuel in the form of ethyl esters made of rapeseed, sunflower and soybean oils. The choice of the optimal blend composition of diesel and biodiesel in appropriate operating conditions helps to provide the energy independence of transport companies on mineral hydrocarbons, reduce the anthropogenic influence on the environment and improve the environmental safety of transport. The research offers a new technological model for the production of biodiesel, which improves the quality and reduces the cost of biodiesel, reduces its negative impact on the elements of the vehicle fuel system. Reliability of fuel system elements is calculated. Mathematical expressions were obtained to determine the probability of failure-free operation of the fuel system and the probability of failure of its elements during operation at various fuel mixes. The assessment of the economic efficiency of the use of biodiesel as a fuel for vehicles was made.

Rapid classification and quantification of marine oil omega-3 supplements using ATR-FTIR, FT-NIR and chemometrics

The increased demand for marine oil dietary supplements requires rapid and accurate screening to verify product quality and accuracy of label declarations. Simple and rapid procedures, based on spectra from a portable Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) device and a benchtop FT-near infrared (FT-NIR) spectrometer combined with chemometrics, were developed to: (1) differentiate sources of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in their natural triacylglycerol (TAG) or concentrated ethyl ester (EE) forms, and (2) quantify six main fatty acids (FA)/FA classes. A partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) model developed for ATR-FTIR data was successfully used to classify a large number of representative products (n = 95) as belonging to the TAG or EE classes, or as mixtures of such. Broad-based partial least squares regression (PLSR) models for each of six fatty acid (FA)/FA classes were successfully validated by cross-validation and by using an independent validation test set. For both complementary procedures, PLSR model predictions showed good linear correlations with a reference gas chromatographic method (R2 > 0.91) and excellent predictive qualities for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These simple, rapid, and nondestructive spectroscopic procedures have the potential for differentiating between natural and concentrated forms of omega-3 PUFA and verifying the accuracy of label declarations.

Effects of a Self–micro-emulsifying Delivery System Formulation Versus a Standard ω-3 Acid Ethyl Ester Product on the Bioavailability of Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid: A Study in Healthy Men and Women in a Fasted State

PurposeIntakes of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are associated with several potential health benefits, but standard ethyl ester (EE) formulations of these ω-3 fatty acids require the co-ingestion of fat for adequate absorption. The objective of this research was to assess the relative bioavailability of EPA and DHA administered in a proprietary self–micro-emulsifying delivery system (SMEDS) formulation compared with EPA and DHA in a standard ω-3 acid EE product in healthy men and women in a fasted state. MethodsThis randomized crossover study investigated the bioavailability of 2 encapsulated formulations of EPA and DHA, a capsule containing 500 mg EPA + DHA administered in a SMEDS formulation (SMEDS treatment), and a capsule containing 840 mg EPA + DHA in a standard ω-3 acid EE formulation (EE treatment). Subjects consumed a single dose of their assigned capsule in a fasting state, and plasma was collected before and for 24 h after dosing. Subjects underwent a ≥14-day washout and were crossed over to the other treatment condition. Plasma concentrations of EPA, DHA, and EPA + DHA were assessed. FindingsTwenty-three subjects (11 women, 12 men; mean [SEM] age, 33.8 [2.1] years; and body mass index, 24.9 [0.7] kg/m2) completed the trial. The baseline-adjusted, dose-normalized, arithmetic means (SD) of the incremental (i)-AUC0–24h for EPA + DHA were 543 (266) and 102 (88.2) h · μg/mL/g for the SMEDS and EE formulations, respectively (P < 0.001). The iAUC0–24h least-squares geometric mean ratio (90% CI) for SMEDS:standard EE was 475/58 = 8.2 (4.8–13.9), indicating markedly higher bioavailability of EPA + DHA with the SMEDS formulation compared to the standard EE formulation. This finding was also true for EPA (geometric mean ratio [90% CI], 18.2 [11.3–29.3]) and DHA (geometric mean ratio [90% CI], 4.5 [2.9–7.0]). ImplicationsThe SMEDS delivery system markedly enhanced appearance in plasma of EPA and DHA, compared to a standard EE formulation, when ingested in the fasting state. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03443076.

A comparative study about EPA-PL and EPA-EE on ameliorating behavioral deficits in MPTP-induced mice with Parkinson’s disease by suppressing oxidative stress and apoptosis

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) enriched phospholipids (EPA-PL) are widely distributed in marine products. It has been reported that the protective effects of the mixture of EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on Parkinson’s disease (PD), however, it is hard to confirm the improvement of EPA alone on PD. In the present study, EPA-PL was extracted from the sea cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa) to compare the effects of EPA-PL and commercial EPA in the form of ethyl ester (EPA-EE) on PD mice induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6 -tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Results showed that dietary EPA-PL instead of EPA-EE notably improved MPTP-induced behavioral deficiency. Further research showed that EPA-PL suppressed MPTP-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis, thereby alleviating the loss of dopaminergic neurons via mitochondria – mediated pathway and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. These findings firstly confirmed that EPA-PL could improve MPTP-induced symptoms and pathology of PD, providing a reference for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Double-blind, randomized, multicenter phase 2 study of SC411 in children with sickle cell disease (SCOT trial)

AbstractBlood cell membranes in sickle cell disease (SCD) have low docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA treatment reduces sickle cell crisis (SCC) rate and ameliorates the inflammation, oxidative stress, and hypercoagulable state of SCD. SC411 is a novel DHA ethyl ester formulation with a proprietary delivery platform (Advanced Lipid Technology) that enhances DHA bioavailability. The SCOT trial investigated the effect of 3 different doses of SC411 on clinical and biochemical endpoints in 67 children with SCD (5-17 years old). Seventy-six percent of subjects were also receiving hydroxyurea. After 4 weeks of treatment with SC411 at 20, 36, and 60 mg DHA/kg per day or placebo a statistically significant (P < .001) mean percentage increase of blood cell membrane DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid was seen vs baseline: 109.0% (confidence interval [CI], 46.7-171.3), 163.8% (CI, 108.3-219.2), 170.8% (CI, 90.2-251.4), and 28.6% (CI, 250.1 to 107.3), respectively. After 8 weeks of treatment, statistically significant changes vs placebo were also observed in D-dimer (P = .025) and soluble E-selectin (P = .0219) in subjects exposed to 36 mg/kg. A significant increase in hemoglobin was observed against placebo in subjects receiving 20 mg DHA/kg per day (P = .039). SC411 significantly reduced electronic diary recorded SCC, analgesic use at home, and days absent from school because of sickle cell pain. The lower rate of clinical SCC observed in the pooled active groups vs placebo did not reach statistical significance (rate ratio, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.20-1.11; P = .07). All tested doses were safe and well tolerated. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02973360.