Cell Fatty Acid Composition Research Articles

Lipidomic and transcriptomic analysis of the increase in eicosapentaenoic acid under cobalamin deficiency of Schizochytrium sp.

Schizochytrium sp. is a heterotrophic microorganism capable of accumulating polyunsaturated fatty acids and has achieved industrial production of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It also has the potential for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) production. In this study, it was found that the cell growth, lipid synthesis and fatty acid composition of Schizochytrium sp. were significantly affected by the level of cobalamin in the medium, especially with regard to the content of EPA in the fatty acids. The content of EPA in the fatty acids increased 17.91 times, reaching 12.00%, but cell growth and lipid synthesis were significantly inhibited under cobalamin deficiency. The response mechanism for this phenomenon was revealed through combined lipidomic and transcriptomic analysis. Although cell growth was inhibited under cobalamin deficiency, the genes encoding key enzymes in central carbon metabolism were still up-regulated to provide precursors (Acetyl-CoA) and reducing power (NADPH) for the synthesis and accumulation of fatty acids. Moreover, the main lipid subclasses observed during cobalamin deficiency were glycerolipids (including glycerophospholipids), with EPA primarily distributed in them. The genes involved in the biosynthesis of these lipid subclasses were significantly up-regulated, such as the key enzymes in the Kennedy pathway for the synthesis of triglycerides. Thus, this study provided insights into the specific response of Schizochytrium sp. to cobalamin deficiency and identified a subset of new genes that can be engineered for modification.

Effect of Phytohormone Kinetin on Cell Density, Photosynthetic Pigments, Antioxidant Enzymes, and Fatty Acid Composition of the Microalgae Tetraselmis suecica

The effects of phytohormone Kinetin on cell density, photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant enzymes, and fatty acids composition of the microalgae Tetraselmis suecica were investigated. T. suecica was treated with different concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mg/L) of Kinetin at optimal growth conditions (salinity 28 g/L, temperature 25°C, and 24 hr photoperiod). Results indicated an increase in cell density in all treatments compared to the control; however, it was not significant, except for the treatment, 15 mg/L ( p < 0.05 ). The content of photosynthetic pigments and the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase, measured after 10 days, significantly increased in the presence of Kinetin ( p < 0.05 ). Total n-3 fatty acid was significantly higher at 25 mg/L of Kinetin. At 15 mg/L, arachidonic acid (ARA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were significantly higher compared to the control ( p < 0.05 ). Therefore, Kinetin could be useful for the production of the microalgae Tetraselmis suecica to increase growth, chemical composition, and antioxidant enzyme activity.

Associations of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid status and intake with paediatric major depressive disorder in Swiss adolescents: A case-control study

BackgroundObservational studies suggest a link between n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake, n-3 PUFA status, and depression in adults, but studies in adolescents are scarce. This study aimed to determine associations of n-3 PUFA status and intake with paediatric major depressive disorder (pMDD) in Swiss adolescents. MethodsWe conducted a matched case-control study in 95 adolescents diagnosed with pMDD and 95 healthy controls aged 13 to <18 years. We analysed red blood cell (RBC) fatty acid (FA) composition (% of total FA). n-3 PUFA intake was assessed using a focused food frequency questionnaire and depression severity was assessed by the Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised (CDRS-R). ResultsMean RBC eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were lower in cases than controls (EPA: 0.41 ± 0.11 vs 0.46 ± 0.12, p < 0.001; DHA: 4.07 ± 1.04 vs 4.73 ± 1.04, p < 0.001). Subsequently, the mean RBC n-3 index was lower (4.51 ± 1.10 vs 5.20 ± 1.11, p < 0.001) and the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio higher (5.51 ± 1.25 vs 4.96 ± 1.08, p < 0.001) in cases than controls. Adolescents with a higher n-3 index had lower odds for depression (OR = 0.49 [95% CI: 0.32–0.71]). In contrast, the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio was associated with higher odds for depression (OR = 1.58 [95% CI: 1.14–2.25]). Intake of alpha-linolenic acid, EPA and DHA did not differ between cases and controls. ConclusionOur results suggest that a higher RBC n-3 PUFA status during adolescence is associated with a lower risk for pMDD, whereas a higher n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio is associated with a higher risk for pMDD. Differences in n-3 PUFA intake did not explain the observed differences in n-3 PUFA status.

Assessment of taxonomically diverse Chlorococcum species and Chroococcus species for cell density, pigments, biochemical components, and fatty acid composition for fuel/food applications

In this study, a comparison of two microalgal and two cyanobacterial species for biomass yield, carbohydrate, protein, lipids, chlorophyll, and fatty acids was carried out to evaluate their potential for fuel/food/feed applications. Among the tested green algal strains, Chlorococcum sp. isolate 4, Chlorococcum sp. isolate 5, and cyanobacterial strains Chroococcus sp. isolate 1, Chroococcus sp. isolate 2, Chlorococcum sp. isolate 4 were found to yield higher biomass, i.e. about 1.33 g/L (under aeration), 1.21 g/L (no aeration condition) on the 24th day and it also showed higher chlorophyll content of 14.3 mg/g dry cell weight than other species. Besides, a maximal carbohydrate and protein content of 63.7 % and 27.3 %, respectively, were noticed in Chlorococcum sp. isolate 4. The lipid contents of Chlorococcum sp. isolate 4, Chlorococcum sp. isolate 5, Chroococcus sp. isolate 1 and Chroococcus sp. isolate 2 were 18.3, 16.7, 4.7, and 3.8 %, respectively. Eventually, the biodiesel production potential of Chlorococcum sp. isolate 4 showed 29.83, 9.11, 8.22, 19.42, 9.22 and 10.68 % of palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acid, respectively. Among the strains studied, Chlorococcum sp. isolate 4 can be proposed to be an ideal feedstock for the production of biodiesel and other high-value products due to its higher content of biomass, proteins, carbohydrates, total lipids, and desirable fatty acid composition.

66 Type of polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation affects red blood cell fatty acid composition in exercised Thoroughbreds

Omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs are essential nutrients for horses. SC-PUFAs (<20 carbon) include α-linolenic acid (ALA, n3), linoleic acid (LA, n6), and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, n6), while LC-PUFAs (≥20 carbon) include eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, n3), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, n3), dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA, n6), and arachidonic acid (AA, n6). Eicosanoids produced from AA tend to be pro-inflammatory while DGLA, EPA, and DHA give rise to lipid mediators that are anti-inflammatory. This study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding different chain length omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs on red blood cell (RBC) fatty acid (FA) composition in exercised horses. Thirteen fit Thoroughbred horses (age 4.1 ± 1.9 y, BW 496.0 kg ± 36.5 kg; mean ± SD) were split into 2 groups balanced for age, gender, and body weight. The horses received either 35 mL/d of a corn oil-flax oil supplement (LA-ALA) (n = 6) or 60 mL/d of a high-GLA safflower oil-fish oil supplement (GLA-EPA-DHA) (n = 7). The LA-ALA supplement provided 8.0 g LA and 10.2 g ALA per day. The GLA-EPA-DHA supplement provided 2.5 g LA, 5.4 g GLA, 0.3 g AA, 4.4 g EPA, 0.8 g DPA, and 3.8 g DHA per day. Each supplement provided a similar amount of total omega-6 and omega-3 per day. The horses were fed 4.9 ± 1.4 kg/d (mean ± SD) of a textured horse feed along with 1.0–1.5% BW/d of timothy hay and 60 g loose salt. The basal dietprovided about 140 g/d LA and 62 g/d ALA. For 90 d before the start and during the study, the horses were exercised 3 times per week on a racetrack and walked 3 d per week on a mechanical walker. For 90 d before the study the horses were fed the same basal ration. Twenty-four individual FA were measured at monthly intervals in RBCs over the 3-mo supplementation period. Differences related to time and treatment were analyzed using a 2-way ANOVA. RBC FA did not change in the LA-ALA group during the supplementation period. RBC GLA, DGLA, EPA, and DHA increased over time in the GLA-EPA-DHA group (P < 0.01) and were higher than with LA-ALA supplementation after 1, 2 and 3 mo of supplementation (P < 0.01). RBC AA increased over time in the GLA-EPA-DHA group (P < 0.05). These increases in GLA and LC-PUFAs were primarily offset by decreases in RBC oleic acid (18:1n9), LA, and ALA. The ratio of RBC AA to (DGLA+EPA+DHA) was 3.9 times higher in the LA-ALA supplemented group compared with the GLA-EPA-DHA group (P < 0.01). This study found that horses fed a high LA intake and supplemented with ALA did not efficiently elongate ALA to EPA and DHA, but that horses did elongate GLA to DGLA.

Features of the metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a widespread disease with a high risk of cardiovascular complications, disability and mortality. The progression of T2DM is closely related to lipid metabolism disorders, caused both by insufficient intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and by a violation of their endogenous metabolism. Desaturase enzymes, FADS1/2, are involved in the regulation of PUFA metabolism. Violation of the functioning of FADS1/2 and their genes leads to a change in the biosynthesis of PUFAs and the fatty acid composition of cell membranes. The purpose of this research was to summarize the data of modern literature on the metabolism of PUFAs and the effect of FADS genetic variants on the fatty acid composition of cell membranes in T2DM. Material and methods. The search and analysis of publications was carried out using the PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science databases, mainly for the last 10 years, using the search keywords: polyunsaturated fatty acids, fatty acid desaturases, desaturase genes, type 2 diabetes mellitus. Results. In the pathogenesis of T2DM and its complications, many factors play a role, including impaired PUFA metabolism. A large evidence base has been accumulated on the effect of PUFAs on cardiometabolic risk factors in T2DM. The effect of desaturase activity on the fatty acid composition of cells was identified as the most important link in the metabolism of PUFAs. Focusing on the modulation of desaturase activity and studying the polymorphism of fatty acid desaturase genes may be a useful therapeutic option in the treatment of patients with T2DM and its complications. Conclusion. A promising direction of scientific research in the treatment and prevention of T2DM and its complications is the study of genetic mechanisms associated with the metabolism of PUFAs and their metabolites.

Red blood cell fatty acid composition is detrimentally affected by changes from whole-fat to reduced-fat dairy products in children

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Chokeberry juice affects membrane lipid status and cellular antioxidant enzymes in healthy women with aerobic training activity

The present study examined the effects of aerobic training alone or combined with chokeberry juice on membrane lipid status and activities of antioxidant enzymes in non-athlete women. Participants were randomly assigned into the training group performing aerobic training three times per week; the chokeberry-training group followed the same training regime and additionally consumed 100 ml of chokeberry juice per day and the control group neither trained nor consumed the juice. Blood samples were collected at baseline and the end of the eight-week-long intervention. Membrane fatty acids’ composition was analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography, while the activities of antioxidant enzymes were measured by spectrophotometry. As a result, the n-3 fatty acids’ content was significantly higher in the chokeberry-training (median (interquartile range) of 5.96 (1.65) %) compared with the control group (5.12 (0.87) %), while saturated fatty acids’ content was lower in the chokeberry-training (40.14±1.19 %) than in the training group (42.59±2.29 %). We detected significantly higher activity of superoxide dismutase in the training (2224 (2170) U/gHb) compared with the chokeberry-training (1252 (734) U/gHb) and control group (1397 (475) U/gHb). Our study indicates that supplementation with chokeberry juice may induce favorable changes in cell fatty acid composition and antioxidant response in women performing aerobic training.

Chokeberry juice affects membrane lipid status and cellular antioxidant enzymes in healthy women with aerobic training activity

The present study examined the effects of aerobic training alone or combined with chokeberry juice on membrane lipid status and activities of antioxidant enzymes in non-athlete women. Participants were randomly assigned into the training group performing aerobic training three times per week; the chokeberry-training group followed the same training regime and additionally consumed 100 ml of chokeberry juice per day and the control group neither trained nor consumed the juice. Blood samples were collected at baseline and the end of the eight-week-long intervention. Membrane fatty acids’ composition was analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography, while the activities of antioxidant enzymes were measured by spectrophotometry. As a result, the n-3 fatty acids’ content was significantly higher in the chokeberry-training (median (interquartile range) of 5.96 (1.65) %) compared with the control group (5.12 (0.87) %), while saturated fatty acids’ content was lower in the chokeberry-training (40.14±1.19 %) than in the training group (42.59±2.29 %). We detected significantly higher activity of superoxide dismutase in the training (2224 (2170) U/gHb) compared with the chokeberry-training (1252 (734) U/gHb) and control group (1397 (475) U/gHb). Our study indicates that supplementation with chokeberry juice may induce favorable changes in cell fatty acid composition and antioxidant response in women performing aerobic training.

Screening of symbiotic Streptomyces spp. and optimization of microalgal growth in a microalgae-actinomycetes co-culture system

Microalgal biodiesel as a substitute for fossil energy has attracted extensive attention. However, the high cost of microalgae cultivation limits the industrial production of microalgal biodiesel. The co-culture system may offer a means to increase microalgae’s biomass production. In this study, Streptomyces strains were selected to construct and optimize co-culture systems with Monoraphidium sp. HDMA-11 and the algal cell biomass, lipid content, phycocyanin content, starch content, and fatty acid composition were determined. The results showed that Streptomyces nojiriensis significantly promoted Monoraphidium sp. HDMA-11 growth and a co-culture system were established. Orthogonal experiments showed that the Monoraphidium sp. HDMA-11 biomass was further increased when the initial culture pH was 7.5, the inoculation time of Streptomyces strain supernatants was 36 h, the volume ratio of microalgal actinomycetes was 1:1, and no additional acetic acid was added. Under these conditions, compared with monocultured Monoraphidium sp. HDMA-11, the cell biomass and lipid productivity of the co-culture system increased by 525.8 and 155.1%, respectively. These results suggest that S. nojiriensis supernatant potentially enhances microalgae biomass and may represent a new method to improve microalgae growth.

Effects of increasing dietary zinc sulfate fed to gestating ewes: II. Milk somatic cell count, microbial populations, and fatty acid composition

The objective of the research was to evaluate the effects of increasing dietary Zn sulfate concentration for primiparous gestating ewes on subsequent milk SCC, intramammary microbial identifications, and fatty acid composition. Commercial white-face (WF; n = 27) and black-face (BF; n = 24) ewes (age ≈18 mo; BW = 87.48 ± 8.37 kg) were sorted into breed-type groups and within groups ranked by BW, and then, they were randomly divided into 3 dietary supplement treatment groups: CON (n = 13; 40 mg/kg Zn; ≈1 × NASEM recommendations), Zn500 (n = 21; 500 mg/kg Zn; ≈4 × NASEM recommendations), and Zn1000 (n = 17; 1,000 mg/kg Zn; ≈7 × NASEM recommendations). Treatments were administered in Zn-fortified pelleted alfalfa (0.45 kg/ewe per day) and fed from 87.5 ± 8.9 d of gestation until parturition. Milk traits collected at parturition (d 1 of lactation), ≈30 d of lactation, and lamb weaning (≈90 d of lactation) were assessed as repeated measures with fixed effects of treatment, breed type, and litter size. The treatment × breed type interaction affected ewe logSCC ( P = 0.01), and within Zn500, BF had greater logSCC than WF ewes (5.90 ± 0.08 vs. 5.46 ± 0.08; P < 0.01). However, breed types did not differ between CON and Zn1000 treatments ( P ≥ 0.92). Ewe logSCC was greatest ( P < 0.01) at weaning (6.03 ± 0.06), intermediate at parturition (5.72 ± 0.06; d 1), and least at d 30 of lactation (5.21 ± 0.06). Intramammary infections were common in milk samples collected at parturition (77%) and weaning (47%) based on culture-based microbial identifications. The most frequently identified species included Bacillus spp. and Staphylococcus spp. Black-face ewes had greater concentrations of C16:1 (1.78 mg/100 vs. 1.39 mg/100 mg of fatty acid per 100 mg of total fatty acids), C17:1 (0.86 mg/100 vs. 0.76 mg/100 mg of fatty acid per 100 mg of total fatty acids), and C20:4 (0.28 mg/100 vs. 0.24 mg/100 mg of fatty acid per 100 mg of total fatty acids; P ≤ 0.04) than WF ewes. Including Zn in diets beyond NASEM recommendations from mid to late gestation had no effect on ewe milk SCC, microbial pathogens identified, or fatty acid composition. However, findings indicated there may be important breed differences in dietary Zn utilization and requirements affecting intramammary inflammation.

The Growth, Lipid Accumulation and Fatty Acid Profile Analysis by Abscisic Acid and Indol-3-Acetic Acid Induced in Chlorella sp. FACHB-8.

Microalgae are considered a promising source for biodiesel. The addition of plant hormone can exert a significant impact on the production of microalgae biomass and lipid accumulation. Nevertheless, the response of microalgae cells to hormones is species- or strain-dependent. It remains controversial which genes involved in strong increase of fatty acids production in response to abscisic acid (ABA) in Chlorella sp. FACHB-8 strain. We investigated cell growth, lipid accumulation, and fatty acid composition when ABA and indol-3-acetic acid (IAA) were used in the growth medium of Chlorella sp. FACHB-8. The four treatments, including 5 mg/L IAA (E1), 10 mg/L IAA (E2), 10 mg/L ABA (E3), the combination of 5 mg/L IAA and 5 mg/L ABA (E4), were found to increase cell growth, but only 10 mg/L ABA treatment could enhance the lipid accumulation. The fatty acid profile was changed by the addition of ABA, making fatty acids afflux from polyunsaturated fatty acids to monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids, which were suitable for diesel application. Furthermore, a transcriptome analysis was conducted, unraveling the differentially expressed genes enriched in fatty acid biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism, and biosynthesis of the unsaturated fatty acid pathway in response to ABA. Our results clarified the correlation of fatty acid synthesis-related genes and fatty acid profiles, helping understand the potential response mechanism of Chlorella sp. FACHB-8 strain respond to ABA treatment.

Impact of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in children with sickle cell disease in Saudi Arabia

BackgroundThough hydroxyurea (HU) is one of the most widely used FDA approved drug in sickle cell disease (SCD), it is associated with certain side effects. Therefore, safer and effective alternatives need to be tried out. Earlier researchers have shown abnormalities in the blood cell fatty acid composition, in patients with SCD. Omega-3 fatty acids being a safer nutritional supplement, possessing anti-adhesion, anti-aggregatory, and anti-depressive properties could be tried out. ObjectiveTo explore the impact of omega-3 fatty acids eicosa-pentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosa-hexaenoic acid (DHA) in reducing disease severity in children with SCD, in Saudi Arabia through a pilot interventional study. MethodsForty-three SCD patients, aged between 5 and 16 years, were supplemented omega-3 fatty acids for a period of six months. Their clinical complications and hematological markers were studied, pre and post supplementation. Results and conclusionOmega-3 supplementation resulted in overall favorable changes in the cell membrane and was found effective in reducing the number of vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) as well as complications accompanying SCD.

Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Docosahexaenoic Acid and Arachidonic Acid Supplementation in the Suckling and the Post-weaning Diet Influences the Immune System Development of T Helper Type-2 Bias Brown Norway Rat Offspring.

Background: Dietary long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) such as arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) play an important role in the development of the infant immune system. The role of LCPUFA in the T helper type 2 (Th2) biased immune system is unknown. We aimed to understand the effect of feeding LCPUFA during suckling and post-weaning on immune system development in Th2 bias Brown Norway rat offspring.Methods: Brown Norway dams were randomly assigned to nutritionally adequate maternal diet throughout the suckling period (0–3 weeks), namely, control diet (0% ARA, 0% DHA; n= 8) or ARA + DHA (0.45% ARA, 0.8% DHA; n = 10). At 3 weeks, offspring from each maternal diet group were randomized to either a control (0% ARA, 0% DHA; n = 19) or ARA+DHA post-weaning (0.5% ARA, 0.5% DHA; n = 18) diet. At 8 weeks, offspring were killed, and tissues were collected for immune cell function and fatty acid composition analyses.Results: ARA + DHA maternal diet resulted in higher (p < 0.05) DHA composition in breast milk (4×) without changing ARA levels. This resulted in more mature adaptive immune cells in spleen [T regulatory (Treg) cells and B cells], mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN, lower CD45RA+), and Peyer's patches (PP; higher IgG+, B cells) in the ARA+DHA group offspring at 8 weeks. ARA+DHA post-weaning diet (3–8 weeks) resulted in 2 × higher DHA in splenocyte phospholipids compared to control. This also resulted in higher Th1 cytokines, ~50% higher TNF-α and IFNγ, by PMAi stimulated splenocytes ex vivo, with no differences in Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-13, and IL-10) compared to controls.Conclusion: Feeding dams a diet higher in DHA during the suckling period resulted in adaptive immune cell maturation in offspring at 8 weeks. Providing ARA and DHA during the post-weaning period in a Th2 biased Brown Norway offspring model may support Th1 biased immune response development, which could be associated with a lower risk of developing atopic diseases.

Effects of quercetin and artemetin prenylation on bioavailability and bioactivity

Flavonoids are a huge class of polyphenolic compounds ubiquitous in higher plants, in most food and beverages of natural origin. They could be considered as dietary phenols, which exert many health-promoting effects on human and animal physiology with a wide range of biomedical and nutritional functions such as activation or inhibition of enzymes like lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase, the detoxification of carcinogens and chemoprevention. From a chemical point of view, these aromatic compounds can be divided in six subgroups depending on the position of aromatic B ring on C ring, the degree of unsaturation and oxidation, the position of hydroxyl groups and their functionalization. Between flavonoids, the prenylated ones represent a unique class occurring in nature where the C-prenylation is the most common, whereas O-prenylation is rarely present. The presence of this lipophilic functional group in different positions on the scaffold of flavonoids can sometimes lead to relevant changes in their biological activity due to an increased bioavailability. Capitalizing on the restricted incidence in nature of prenylated flavonoids, we have assessed the synthesis of C- and O-prenylated derivatives starting from two flavonoids, quercetin and artemetin, aimed at the exploration of structure-activity relationships. Results showed that prenylation significantly increased the cytotoxic effect of flavonoids in cancer HeLa cells, also improving their capacity to affect cell phospholipid and fatty acid composition. A marked cell bioavailability increase was demonstrated for the artemetin C-prenylated derivative.

Fatty Acid Composition of Rhodococcus aetherivorans Cells During Phenol Assimilation

The ability of microorganisms to survive in unfavorable conditions and maintain their biodegradation activity is mainly associated with changes in the composition of their cellular lipids. One of the factors of negative impact on cells can be their interaction with petroleum hydrocarbons, especially monoaromatic compounds, which are toxic to microorganisms even in small amounts. Aim. To research the changes in the cell fatty acids composition of Rhodococcus aetherivorans UCM Ac-602 strain during phenol degradation. Methods. The cultivation of the strain was carried out in a liquid mineral medium with initial phenol concentration 0.75, 1.0 and 1.5 g/L as a sole carbon and energy source. Cells grown in medium with n-hexadecane (7.5 g/L) and glucose (5.0 g/L) were used as controls. Fatty acid methyl esters were obtained by hydrolysis of cells in a 5% solution of acetyl chloride in methanol, followed by extraction with a mixture of ether-hexane. Identification of methyl esters was performed using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry system Agilent 6800N/5973 inert (Agilent Technologies, US). The fatty acid content was determined using AgilentChemStation software. Results. Among the cellular fatty acids of R. aetherivorans UCM Ac-602 the straight-chain saturated hexadecanoic (C16:0), unsaturated hexadecenoic (C16:1 cis-9) and octadecenoic (C18:1 cis-9) acids as well as branched 10-methyl octadecanoic (tuberculostearic) (10-Me-C18:0) acid were dominated during growth on phenol and glucose. While in n-hexadecane grown cells main components of fatty acids pool were saturated tetradecanoic (C14:0) and hexadecanoic (C16:0) and unsaturated hexadecenoic (C16:1 cis-9) acids. The quantitative ratio of individual fatty acids of R. aetherivorans UCM Ac-602 cells differed depending on the substrate and incubation time. Under the influence of high phenol concentrations (1.5 g/L) there was a threefold increase in the ratio of straight-chain saturated to unsaturated fatty acids in comparison to cells grown on glucose and double increase compared to those grown on n-hexadecane. The amounts of 10-Мe-C18:0 fatty acid in cells grown on phenol were 1.8–3.2-fold higher in comparison to cells grown on glucose and 38.3–60.3-fold higher compared to those grown on n-hexadecane. In addition, the content of this acid in cells increased with increasing the time of incubation on phenol. Conclusions. A significant increase in the ratio of straightchain saturated to unsaturated fatty acids in the cells of R. aetherivorans UCM Ac-602 strain during growth on phenol and n-hexadecane in comparison to cells grown on glucose, as well as significant increase of methyl-branched (10-Me-C18:0) acid amount in phenol grown cells indicates the possible involvement of these fatty acids in the adaptation of the strain to the assimilation of toxic substances.

Regional Brain Volumes As Mediators of the Association Between Circulating Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cognitive Function: The Boston Puerto Rican Health Study

ObjectivesTo assess the mediating role of regional brain volume in the relationship between circulating very-long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and global cognitive function. MethodsData are from individuals of the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study with a T1-weighted MRI brain scan available approximately 8 y from the baseline visit (n = 200, mean age at baseline = 54.7 y, 77.5% female). Red blood cell fatty acid composition was measured at baseline and very-long-chain omega-3 fatty acid was defined as the sum of EPA and DHA. A battery of 7 cognitive tests was administered at baseline and 8-y follow-up in the language of preference. Global cognitive function was the average z-score of the cognitive tests. Whole MRI brain volumetric measures (of cortical and subcortical grey matter) were quantified using the FreeSurfer processing pipeline. Structural equation modeling was conducted to examine the mediating effect of regional brain volumetric measures on the association between omega-3 fatty acid concentration and global cognitive function. Bivariate associations were assessed by age- and sex-adjusted partial Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient with FDR correction. ResultsThe association between baseline omega-3 fatty acid concentration and 8-y global cognitive function was mediated by several cortical regions including the left caudal middle frontal gyrus, right inferior parietal lobes, and right isthmus of cingulate gyrus. Significant mediators in the subcortex included the putamen, amygdala, left ventral dorsal tract, and right thalamus. Omega-3 fatty acid concentration was positively correlated with global cognitive function (rs = 0.17, P < 0.05) and with brain regions identified as significant mediators (rs = 0.17 to 0.21, P < 0.05 for all). Greater volume of the brain region mediators was associated with higher global cognitive function score (rs = 0.17 to 0.24, P < 0.05 for all). ConclusionsThese results suggest that, among older Puerto Rican adults, greater circulating omega-3 fatty acids may be related to better cognitive function and that this relationship may be explained by maintenance of specific cortical and subcortical brain regions. Funding SourcesNIA R01AG055948.

Bulk milk quality as affected by cattle breed composition of the herd in mountain area

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the variation of gross composition, somatic cell count, urea content, and fatty acids (FA) composition of bulk milk from single-breed and multi-breed farms in alpine area, keeping either Brown Swiss (BS), Holstein Friesian (HF), Simmental (SI), or their combinations. Gross milk composition, urea content, and FA composition were predicted using mid-infrared spectroscopy. Observations were grouped in 7 combinations consisting of 3 singlebreed and 4 multi-breed types of herd. A mixed linear model was used for data analysis, accounting for the fixed effects of herd composition (7 combinations), month of sampling, year of sampling, and the interactions between herd composition and month of sampling, and between herd composition and year of sampling. Farm was included as random effect. Results highlighted that about two thirds of South Tyrolean farms were single-breed and herds with more than 20 lactating cows changed herd structure over time, switching from multi- to single-breed. Single-breed BS farms produced milk with greater fat, protein, casein, lactose, and FA content than single-breed HF and SI farms. Further, multi-breed herds including BS cows produced milk with greater fat, protein, casein, and polyunsaturated FA content than multi-breed HF+SI herds. Overall, single-breed SI farms produced milk with lower somatic cell count than other herd combinations. Despite the number of BS cows in South Tyrol has decreased in favor of SI in the last years, this breed is still the most interesting for alpine dairy farming to achieve optimal milk quality in both single- and multi-breed scenarios. The tendency to move to SI is mainly related to good milk performance of SI cows coupled with their robustness, high carcass value, high market value of calves, and adaptability to mountain farming system.

Linoleic Acid Status in Cell Membranes Inversely Relates to the Prevalence of Symptomatic Carotid Artery Disease.

The red blood cell fatty acid composition objectively reflects the long-term dietary intake of several fatty acids. In patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy, we explored whether red blood cell status of selected fatty acids related to symptomatic carotid artery disease. We included patients with symptomatic (n=22) and asymptomatic (n=23) carotid artery disease. We determined all-C18:1 trans, linoleic acid (LA, C18:2n6), alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3n3), and the omega-3 index (sum of eicosapentaenoic [C20:5n3] and docosahexaenoic [C22:6n3] acids) in both red blood cells and carotid plaque phospholipids by gas-chromatography. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, we only observed a significant association for LA, whose red blood cell status was inversely related to symptomatic carotid artery disease (odds ratio, 0.116 [95% CI, 0.022-0.607], P=0.011, for each 1-SD increase). A similar result was observed for LA in carotid plaque phospholipids. Cell membrane enrichment in LA, which reflects its intake, was inversely related to symptomatic carotid disease. This increases evidence supporting a favorable role of dietary LA in vascular health.

Increased Neuroanatomic Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease: Exploring the Interaction of Fine Particle Exposure and Long-Chain Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

Background/Aim: Ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) may increase Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk. Although epidemiologic and experimental studies have shown neurotrophic effects of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn3FAs), no studies have investigated whether LCn3FAs modify the neurotoxic effect of PM2.5 on neuroanatomic risk for AD. Methods: Community-dwelling older women (aged 71-89) from the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study of MRI completed two structural brain scans (MRI-1: 2005-6; MRI-2: 2010-11). The AD pattern similarity (AD-PS) score, developed by supervised machine learning and validated with AD Neuroimaging Initiative data, was used to measure neuroanatomic risk determined by the degree of high-dimensional gray matter atrophy in brain areas vulnerable to AD. Residential three-year average PM2.5 exposure preceding MRI-1 was aggregated from daily estimates, based on nationwide spatiotemporal modeling. Red blood cell fatty acid composition was analyzed using gas chromatography, with the omega-3 index defined as the sum of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). We examined whether omega-3 index, EPA, and DHA modified the association between PM2.5 and AD-PS scores (5-year standardized difference) using generalized linear models, adjusting for geographic region, sociodemographics, lifestyle factors, clinical characteristics, intracranial volume, and total energy intake. Results: Among 627 women, PM2.5 (per 2.82-µg/m3) was significantly associated with increased AD-PS scores (β=0.026; p=0.003; equivalent to a 24% increase in AD risk) over 5 years. This association with PM2.5 was greater among women with lower (β=0.042; p=0.001) vs. higher (β=0.006; p=0.660) omega-3 index (median=0.050-g/1,000-kcal; pinteraction=0.056) and among women with lower (β=0.042; p=0.001) vs. higher (β=0.007; p=0.577) DHA (median=0.044-g/1,000-kcal; pinteraction=0.064). There was no evidence that EPA modified the association (pinteraction=0.340). Conclusions: Our findings support potential interactions between PM2.5 neurotoxicity and neurotrophic effects of LCn3FAs, though tests of interactions did not reach statistical significance. Higher LCn3FAs, achievable by dietary intervention, may reduce the AD risk associated with long-term PM2.5 exposure.