Fatty Acid Composition Research Articles

Fatty acid composition and anti-cancer activity of essential oil from Tenebrio molitor larvae in combination with zoledronic acid on prostate cancer

The essential oil extracted from Tenebrio molitor larvae (EOTM) is a natural product containing trace elements with potential therapeutic properties. This study aimed to assess the anticancer effects of EOTM and its synergistic interactions with zoledronic acid, a bisphosphonate drug, on prostate cancer cell lines. The chemical composition of EOTM was analyzed using GC-MS revealing a high concentration of fatty acids. The cytotoxicity of EOTM, both as a standalone treatment and in combination with zoledronic acid, was evaluated on prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP, PC3) and normal hSKM using MTT assays. Results demonstrated that EOTM exhibited selective toxicity, inhibiting the growth of cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner while sparing normal cells. Morphological assessments and gene expression analyses of BCL2 and BAX were conducted through microscopy, Western blotting, and real-time RT-qPCR. These analyses indicated that EOTM induced apoptosis in cancer cells, as evidenced by cellular shrinkage, membrane blebbing, and nuclear fragmentation. Western blot results showed that EOTM downregulated the anti-apoptotic protein BCL2 and upregulated the proapoptotic protein BAX, suggesting activation of apoptosis pathways. Additionally, the combination of EOTM with zoledronic acid amplified these effects. Hoechst 33258 staining further confirmed the purity of cells following treatment. In conclusion, EOTM exhibits strong anticancer properties by inducing apoptosis in prostate cancer cells and demonstrates synergistic potential when combined with zoledronic acid. These findings warrant further investigation of EOTM as a natural and effective cancer treatment option.

Fatty acid profiling of bottle gourd [<i>Lagenaria siceraria </i>(Mol.) Standl.] seed oil using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

The present investigation was carried out to study the oil quality and estimate fatty acid (omega-3 and omega- 6) composition in bottle gourd using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results indicated that the extracted bottle gourd seed oil was estimated to have an oil content (25.2%), polyunsaturated fatty acids viz., omega-3 (6.63%), omega-6 (69.74%) and others (0.17%), which play a major role in, cardiovascular health and has anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and anti-cancer benefits. It also consisted of saturated fatty acids viz., palmitic acid (9.78%), stearic acid (4.45%) and others (0.97%) along with monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (5.99%) without oleic acid (omega-9). Due to increased demand for specialty edible oil in both domestic and industrial use, it becomes necessary to exploit the potential of bottle gourd seeds as a novel source of edible oil. Being a rich source of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which lacks omega-9 known for oxidative stability required for storage and cooking, it can be commercialized as cooking oil by blending it with edible oil rich in oleic acid or can also be supplied as an omega-6-rich capsule as a food supplement in future.

Cow Milk Fatty Acid and Protein Composition in Different Breeds and Regions in China.

Cow milk is rich in proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and minerals; however, its precise nutrient content varies based on various factors. In the current study, we evaluated the differences in the fatty acid and protein contents of milk and the factors associated with these differences. To achieve this, samples were collected from seven types of cows in different regions. These included samples from three dairy breeds: Chinese Holstein milk from Beijing, China (BH), Chinese Holstein milk (HH) and Jersey milk (JS) from Hebei province, China; and four dairy/meat breeds: Sanhe milk (SH) from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China, Xinjiang brown milk (XH) and Simmental milk (SI) from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China, and Shu Xuanhua milk (SX) from Sichuan province, China. Breed significantly affects total fat, fatty acid, and protein contents. Additionally, geographic region significantly affects the contents of different fatty acids, α-lactalbumin, and lactoferrin. JS has the highest total fat and casein contents. XH samples contain significantly higher unsaturated fatty acid content than BH samples and do not differ significantly from JS. Additionally, the low β-lactoglobulin and high lactoferrin contents in XH samples may be favorable for the growth and development of infants. Our results may inform the development of dairy products from different cow breeds and advance the process of accurate breed identification.

Influence of fatty acid composition on contact angle and wear rate of Jatropha curcas and sunflower’s mixture by varying compositions mixture

United Nation Sustainable Development Goals make sustainability become common goals which drives into investments of innovative product and technology focusing on sustainability. Cutting oils are generally made from mineral oil and the renewable replacement is sought after and one of them are Jatropha curcas and sunflower oil or blend of them. Viscosity and adsorption will influence the properties of cutting oil. The study concern on the relationship between percentage of JCO in the mixture to anti-wear properties and contact angle measured using goniometer contact angle and pin-on-disk tribometer by varying percentage of Jatropha curcas oil in mixtures for 2.5 %, 5 %, 10 %, 20 %, and 30 %. Also, molecular simulation is conducted through molecular dynamic in search of dipole moment, electrostatic potential, polarizability and bond energy. The approach is employed to connect molecular interaction and non-linearity trending of experiment. The experiment shows contact angle and wear scar width and also wear rate become higher when percentage of Jatropha curcas oil is higher. The lowest contact angle is 26.9 deg. and the highest is 36.9 deg. of 2.5 % and 30 % Jatropha oil. The highest wear rate is 6.77e-7 and the lowest is 2.74e-7 of 2.5 % and 30 % Jatropha oil. The simulation gives supporting basis in the finding of experiment in which the viscosity is more prominent in governing wear rate than adsorption. Increases of Jatropha curcas percentages have inversely proportional to dipole moment, polarizability, electrostatic potential and bonding which explain why the fatty acids become more adhere to the fatty acid than to surface. The finding is restricted only for idealized conditions both of molecular structure and surface.

Perspective on the health effects of unsaturated fatty acids and commonly consumed plant oils high in unsaturated fat.

Epidemiological and clinical trial evidence indicates that n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake is cardioprotective. Nevertheless, claims that n-6 PUFA intake promotes inflammation and oxidative stress prevail. This narrative review aims to provide health professionals with an up-to-date evidence overview to provide the requisite background to address patient/client concerns about oils containing predominantly unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), including MUFA and PUFA. Edible plant oils, commonly termed vegetable oils, are derived from vegetables, nuts, seeds, fruits and cereal grains. Substantial variation exists in the fatty acid composition of these oils; however, all are high in UFA, while being relatively low in saturated fatty acids (SFA), except for tropical oils. Epidemiological evidence indicates that higher PUFA intake is associated with lower risk of incident CVD and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Additionally, replacement of SFA with PUFA is associated with reduced risk of CVD and T2DM. Clinical trials show higher intake of UFA from plant sources improves major CVD risk factors, including reducing levels of atherogenic lipids and lipoproteins. Importantly, clinical trials show that increased n-6 PUFA (linoleic acid) intake does not increase markers of inflammation or oxidative stress. Evidence-based guidelines from authoritative health and scientific organisations recommend intake of non-tropical vegetable oils, which contain MUFA and n-6 PUFA, as part of healthful dietary patterns. Specifically, vegetable oils rich in UFA should be consumed instead of rich sources of SFA, including butter, tallow, lard, palm and coconut oils.

Characterization of quality parameters and phytosterol content in oils and their formulated margarines

AbstractUnlike lipid stability and oxidation studies in commonly used edible oils and margarines, margarines formulated with unconventional oils are not well characterized. This study investigated the effect of heat treatment (HT) on the stability and content of phytosterol in njangsa seed oil (NSO), bush mango oil (BMO), soybean oil (SBO), coconut oil (CCO), and margarines formulated from their blends: BN (BMO and NSO), BS (BMO and SBO), CN (CCO and NSO), CS (CCO and SBO), and commercial margarines (CM1 and CM2). Both oils and margarines were heat‐treated at 130, 170, and 210°C for 10, 15, 20, and 120 min (only oils). Changes in free fatty acid (FFA), peroxide value (PV), para‐anisidine value (AnV), and fatty acid (FA) composition and phytosterol content were determined after 20 min (margarines) and 120 min (oils) of HT and compared to their control/pre‐HT/unheated (UH) counterparts. The FA composition did not change significantly with HT. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)‐rich oils such as NSO and SBO showed significantly higher increase in FFA content with HT compared with oils with higher saturated fatty acid content (BMO and CCO). Oils with higher proportions of linoleic acid, such as SBO (68.3%) and NSO (60.35%), had higher AnV at the end of the HT compared with oils with lower content, such as BMO (0.51%). Phytosterol content fluctuated with HT, and changes in content were generally more pronounced in β‐sitosterol than in stigmasterol and campesterol. Both principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least‐squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) were carried out to observe possible clusters. The results suggest that changes in quality and content of oils and margarines during heating are dependent on more than their fatty acid composition.

Targeted metabolomics analysis of fatty acids in lamb meat for the authentication of paper mulberry silage as a substitute for alfalfa silage

BackgroundThe paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera L.) is a valuable source of woody forage that can be used for ruminants, such as goat and lambs. However, there is limited knowledge about how paper mulberry silage affects carcass characteristics, meat physicochemical attributes, amino acid and unsaturated fatty acids in Hu lambs compared to alfalfa silage. The objective of this experiment was to investigate the impact of substituting alfalfa silage with paper mulberry silage on the slaughter performance, meat quality, free amino acid and fatty acid composition in muscles of Hu lambs.ResultsThirty 60-day-old male Hu lambs with 17.13 ± 0.26 kg body weight were randomly allocated into paper mulberry silage (30% of total mixed ration) and alfalfa silage (30% of total mixed ration) treatment, and the feeding trial lasted 70 days. The results indicated no significant differences in all measurements (P > 0.05). However, compared to the group fed with alfalfa silage, the group fed with paper mulberry silage exhibited a reduction in meat drip loss (P < 0.05) without any notable effect on meat nutrients (P > 0.05). Targeted metabolomics analysis revealed that feeding paper mulberry silage led to decreased levels of certain bitter amino acids, such as valine, leucine, isoleucine, tryptophan, and phenylalanine (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the consumption of paper mulberry silage significantly augmented the levels of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly n6-polyunsaturated fatty acids (C18:2n6, C20:3n6, C20:4n6, etc.), in meat.ConclusionsSubstituting paper mulberry silage for alfalfa in the daily diet of Hu lambs not only has no detrimental effect on animal performance but also improves meat unsaturated fatty acid composition.Graphical

Dietary oyster mushroom fermented Vachellia erioloba pods enhance Boschveld chicken meat healthiness without altering its physicochemical quality, growth performance and physiology

The high content of fibre and antinutritional phytochemicals limit the utilization of Vachellia erioloba tree pods as nutraceutical feed additive for indigenous chicken diets. The pods can however be solid-state fermented using oyster mushrooms to enhance the nutritional utility of their spent substrate for the nutrition of the native birds. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of dietary incorporation of V. erioloba pods oyster mushroom spent substrate (OMSS) on growth performance, carcass traits, visceral organs, haemato-biochemistry, and meat quality including its fatty acid composition in Boschveld chickens. In a completely randomized design, 250 4-week old mixed gender Boschveld chicks were randomly allotted to 25 pens in which they were offered treatment diets (0, 1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10% OMSS) each with 5 replicates of 10 for 12 weeks and then slaughtered. While there were neither linear nor quadratic effects of diet on overall feed intake (FI) (P > 0.05) and body weight gain (BWG) (P > 0.05), dietary incorporation of OMSS decreased overall feed conversion efficiency (FCE) (quadratic: P < 0.05) particularly in weeks 5 (linear: P < 0.05), 6 (quadratic: P < 0.01) and 11 (quadratic: P < 0.05) with no effects in subsequent weeks (P > 0.05). Also, OMSS induced no effects on all carcass characteristics, visceral organs, haemato-biochemistry and meat physico-chemical quality (P > 0.05) except for the increase in serum albumin (quadratic: P < 0.05) and bilirubin (quadratic: P < 0.05) as well as 24 h post-slaughter meat lightness (linear: P < 0.01), redness (quadratic: P < 0.05), yellowness (linear: P < 0.05), hue angle (quadratic: P < 0.05), and drip loss (quadratic: P < 0.05). Further, the spent substrate decreased meat myristic (linear: P < 0.01), palmitic (linear: P < 0.05), palmitoleic (linear: P < 0.01), and oleic (linear: P < 0.01) acids, as well as its total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (linear: P < 0.05), monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs) (quadratic: P < 0.01), and n-6 PUFAs (linear: P < 0.05). Furthermore, it decreased the meat n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio (quadratic: P < 0.01), with meat from birds fed diets incorporated with 2.5% OMSS eliciting the lowest ratio of 3.63. In contrast, dietary OMSS increased meat stearic (linear: P < 0.001), docosahexaenoic (quadratic: P < 0.01), and tricosanoic (linear: P < 0.001) acid concentrations as well as its total saturated FAs (SFAs) (linear: P < 0.01) and n-3 PUFAs (quadratic: P < 0.01). In conclusion, dietary feeding of V. erioloba pods-derived OMSS enhanced meat nutritional healthiness without majorly altering its physico-chemical quality as well as growth performance, carcass traits, and haemato-biochemistry in Boschveld indigenous chickens. It is recommended for inclusion in indigenous chicken diets at 2.5% level.

Synthesis and microencapsulation of acylglycerols rich in omega-3 PUFAs by glycerolysis using lipase immobilized on activated carbon

This work aimed to explore the potential of immobilized lipase (Rhizomucor miehei) on activated carbon to convert the high Free Fatty Acid (FFA) content of squid waste oil into acylglycerols (Mono-diacylglycerols (MDG)) rich in n-3 PUFAs in a solvent-free system. The product was microencapsulated by complex coacervation, and stability studies were investigated. The effect of glycerolysis conditions was evaluated according to enzyme concentration, derivative (immobilized lipase) concentration, substrate molar ratio, and reaction time, with the conversion of Free Fatty Acid as the response variable. The optimal parameters were 15 mg g−1 support, 8 % of derivative (w/v of the reaction mixture), 1:5 of glycerol:oil, and 24 h. The lipid class of squid waste oil in the optimal conditions was Ethyl ester (EE) = 2.63 %, Triacylglycerol (TAG) = 17.91 %, FFA = 8.08 %, and MDG = 71.38 %. The fatty acid composition analysis confirmed that squid waste oil had a high content of omega-3 PUFAs (ω-3 = 42.28 %). The enzyme-treated oil was microencapsulated through complex coacervation to protect the oil against oxidation. Microscope and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) confirmed the microcapsule formation. The microcapsules showed unexpectedly high oxidative stability (OSI = 52.35 h) compared to untreated (OSI = 0.04 h) and lipase-treated oil (OSI = 2.46 h). Therefore, immobilized lipase on activated carbon has the potential to efficiently synthesize acylglycerol without solvents, making it a fast and reusable enzyme technology for creating omega-3-rich functional ingredients. Furthermore, microencapsulation by complex coacervation can stabilize the omega-3 oil structure against oxidation for food and pharmaceutical distribution.

Seed Oil Contents, Fatty Acid Compositions, and Gossypol Concentrations of Some Okra Landraces

ABSTRACTOkra has recently attracted attention owing to its superior tolerance to high temperatures, greater adaptation to poor soil conditions, and having a robust plant structure. The plant contains a high amount of oil and valuable fatty acids; however, the main restriction of using okra seeds as an oil crop results from its gossypol contents. The aim of this study was to determine the oil content of okra landraces and to evaluate its potential as an oil crop. For this aim, seed oil content, fatty acid compositions of cold‐pressed seed oil, and gossypol concentrations of fruit, oil cake, and seed oil were investigated in a core collection of 26 okra landraces, lines, and cultivars. Individual plants were harvested at the full maturity stage, and seeds were harvested and dried under 35°C for 2 days prior to oil extraction. Oil content, fatty acid composition, and gossypol content were analyzed by NMR, GC‐FID, and HPLC, respectively. The calibration coefficients (r2) of all the methods were determined to be &gt; 0.99. The seed oil content of the samples ranged between 12.15% and 18.83%. Linoleic (42.01%), palmitic (31.65%), oleic (18.39%), and stearic acids (3.20%) were found to be the largest fraction of the fatty acids. The data matrix from 19 fatty acids and oil content was subjected to Principle Component Analysis (PCA). As a result, 6 principal components (PCs, eigenvalues &gt; 1) explained 83.84% of total variance in the data set, with PC1 contributing 32.69% of the total. Gossypol contents of the fruit, oil cake, and seed oil fractions ranged between LOQ‐2.12, &lt; LOQ‐7.01, and &lt; LOQ‐62.46 mg/kg, respectively. In conclusion, okra may have the potential to be an alternative oil crop for food/feed purposes due to the presence of reasonable oil content, high‐quality fatty acid variations, and very low amounts of toxic gossypols, warranting further breeding and agronomic studies.

Regulation of Rice Grain Weight by Fatty Acid Composition: Unveiling the Mechanistic Roles of OsLIN6 by OsARF12.

Fatty acids play a putative role as second messengers of phytohormones and regulate the rice grain weight. However, the inner mechanism is still unclear and needs to be further studied. In this study, we identified that oleic acid (C18:1) negatively correlates while linoleic acid (C18:2) positively correlates with rice grain weight. Field trials showed that 1000-grain weight was significantly reduced when treated with the fatty acid synthesis inhibitor, Firsocostat S enantiomer (FSE), at the heading and flowering stages. RNA-seq analysis revealed that FSE affects grain weight by modulating processes, such as glycolysis, sucrose metabolism, and hormone signaling. Notably, FSE inhibited the expression of OsLIN6, which is responsible for transporting C18:1 to the phosphatidylcholine pool for C18:2 synthesis. Compared with the wild type (WT), the OsLIN6 knockout mutant exhibited a lower grain weight, an increased C18:1 content, and a decreased C18:2 content. Importantly, OsARF12 was shown to bind to the OsLIN6 promoter and activate its expression. In summary, this study highlights the crucial role of the fatty acid synthesis gene, OsLIN6, which was regulated by OsARF12, in rice grain weight determination, thus establishing the molecular link between fatty acid synthesis and auxin signaling.

Metabolome and Transcriptome Analyses Reveal Metabolomic Variations and Key Transcription Factors Involved in Lipid Biosynthesis During Seed Development in Carya illinoinensis.

Plant oils are a large group of neutral lipids that play a vital role in the food and oleochemical industries. The pecan (Carya illinoinensis) is a promising woody oil crop known for its high-quality sources of essential fatty acids and various bioactive compounds that may aid in preventing heart diseases. However, there is still a lack of understanding regarding the accumulation of lipids and the molecular mechanism of lipid biosynthesis during seed development. This study aims to analyze the metabolite variations and molecular mechanisms of lipid biosynthesis by integrating untargeted metabolomics and transcriptomics during pecan seed development. A total of 293 differentially accumulated metabolites were identified and further categorized into 13 groups, with lipids and lipid-like molecules constituting the largest group. The oil content and fatty acid compositions of pecan embryos were assessed at three stages of seed development. Oleic acid (c18:1) and linoleic acid (c18:2n6) were found to be the most abundant unsaturated fatty acid components in pecan embryos. Additionally, a comprehensive analysis revealed 15,990 differentially expressed genes, with a focus on the key genes related to lipid metabolism. Furthermore, the study identified 1201 transcription factors from differentially expressed genes. These transcription factors were divided into 65 families, with different members in the same family exhibiting different expression patterns during seed development. The expression patterns of ten transcription factor genes during seed development were verified by qRT-PCR. Two key genes, CiABI3 and CiFUS3 were further cloned and found to be localized in the nucleus. This study used metabolome and transcriptome analysis during key periods of pecan seed development to identify the key genes associated with seed development and fatty acid biosynthesis.

Indigenous Lactic Acid Bacteria as Antioxidant Agents in the Production of Organic Raw Fermented Sausages

The study aimed to assess the impact of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains on the antioxidant, physico-chemical properties, and microbiological quality of fermented sausages. Five treatments of raw sausages were prepared: two controls without LAB addition (C, P), and three samples with LAB addition (SCH1, BAL6, KL14). Fatty acid composition, cholesterol content, physico-chemical, microbiological tests, and antioxidant assays, were performed at time 0 and after 1 and 2 months of storage. A significantly higher ability to scavenge free radicals of DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) was found in sausages with all LAB strains. In the case of the ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) test, it was noted that KL14 treatment had higher antioxidant activity. The main fatty acids in sausages were monounsaturated and saturated. A significantly lower cholesterol content was observed in sausages with the addition of LAB. Sausages with LAB strains differed significantly in pH value. Water activity decreased significantly during storage. After 2 months of storage, the sausages with BAL6 and KL14 strains were characterized by significantly lower redox potential and a lower TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) index. It was found that P sausages had the darkest color. SCH1, BAL6, and KL14 strains were also capable of producing red color. The total number of microorganisms in the sausages was high, which is mainly due to the high LAB content and yeast and mold counts. No spoilage or pathogenic microflora were detected. Indigenous LAB strains have the potential to improve the quality and safety of fermented meat products.

Effect of Age at First Calving on the Reproduction Parameters, Metabolic Profile, and Fatty Acid Composition of Polish Holstein Friesian (PHF) and Crossbreds PHF × Swedish Red (SRB) Cattle

Background: The high dairy production of Polish Holstein Friesian (PHF) cows determines high energy requirements in the early stages of lactation. Unfortunately, it is very often difficult to meet this demand through feedstuffs; therefore, homeostasis may be disturbed and metabolic diseases may occur, causing a majority of cows’ health problems. Breeders are, therefore, looking for alternatives to the PHF breed using crossbreeding. Methods: This experiment involved 30 PHF cows and 30 PHF × Swedish Red (SRB) crossbred hybrid cows, divided into two age groups, &lt;2 years and &gt;2 years, at first calving. Milk and blood samples were collected at 35 ± 5 days postpartum for analysis. Data on reproductive performance were also analyzed. Results: This study revealed lower milk production for the crossbreds hybrid (27.44 kg compared to 32.08 kg), with a higher basic composition content than PHF cows (fat: 3.97% compared to 3.83%, protein: 3.53% compared to 3.27%). The heifers of the crossbreds hybrid reached sexual maturity earlier but did not affect the lower age at first calving. Dividing the cows into age categories provided a more detailed perspective of the impact of genotypic differences on reproductive and metabolic profiles in PHF and PHF × SRB cattle. The findings highlight the importance of considering age-specific effects when assessing the performance and health of dairy cattle with diverse genotypes. Conclusions: The choice between PHF and PHF × SRB should depend on the specific goals and priorities of the cattle farming operation. Factors such as overall milk yield requirements, market demands, reproductive management strategies, and health considerations should be carefully evaluated to determine the most suitable breed for a given farming context.

Impacts of Harvest Year and Cultivation Location on Off-Flavor Compounds and Functionality of Pea Protein Isolate.

The impact of four different harvest years and two cultivation locations (CLs) of pea seeds on their protein wet fractionation yield, volatile and non-volatile beany flavors, and functionality were investigated. Both harvest years and CLs significantly affected protein recovery, but protein purity was primarily influenced by CLs. Seed age emerged as a dominant factor causing the reduction in linolenic/linoleic acid content and lipoxygenase (LOX) activity which surpassed the effect of harvest years in the seeds but not in their proteins. CL significantly affected fatty acid composition in both seeds and proteins, whereas its effect on LOX activity was discernible only in the proteins. Volatile beany compounds in the proteins were affected by both harvest years and CLs, correlating with their polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content and LOX activity. Both factors minimally impacted the emulsification capacity of the proteins but imposed a significant effect on their rheological properties. Altogether, the results revealed that seed crop years and especially locations affect pea protein quality, calling for proper adaptation strategies.

Effects of Acorns on Meat Quality and Lipid Metabolism-Related Gene Expression in Muscle Tissues of Yuxi Black Pigs

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acorn diets on the composition of fatty acid (FA) and the intramuscular fat (IMF) content in Yuxi black pigs. Methods: Ninety Yuxi black pigs with similar body weight (99.60 ± 2.32 kg) were randomly divided into five groups. The control group was fed a basal diet, and the AD20, AD30, AD40, and AD50 groups were fed experimental diets which contained 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% acorns, respectively. The feeding experiment lasted for 120 days. Results: The results showed that compared with the control group, the content of SFA in longissimus dorsi and biceps femoris tissues in the AD30 group decreased by 8.57% and 20.10%, and the content of MUFA increased by 5.40% and 15.83%, respectively, while the PUFA content of biceps femoris increased by 5.40% (p &lt; 0.05). Meanwhile, the IMF content of the AD30 group was significantly higher than that of the control group in the longissimus dorsi and biceps femoris. In addition, the mRNA expression levels of the ATGL, PPARγ, and FABP4 genes in longissimus dorsi (p &lt; 0.05) were up-regulated, and HSL were down-regulated (p &lt; 0.05) in the AD30 group. In the biceps femoris of the AD30 group, it was observed that the expression levels of the ACC and FAS genes were up-regulated (p &lt; 0.05), while HSL and ATGL genes were down-regulated (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: These results demonstrated that the addition of appropriate amounts of acorn to the diet (a 30% acorn diet) could improve the nutritional value of pork.

Exploring the Dynamic Changes of Brain Lipids, Lipid Rafts, and Lipid Droplets in Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease

Aging induces complex changes in the lipid profiles across different areas of the brain. These changes can affect the function of brain cells and may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Research shows that while the overall lipid profile in the human brain remains quite steady throughout adulthood, specific changes occur with age, especially after the age of 50. These changes include a slow decline in total lipid content and shifts in the composition of fatty acids, particularly in glycerophospholipids and cholesterol levels, which can vary depending on the brain region. Lipid rafts play a crucial role in maintaining membrane integrity and facilitating cellular signaling. In the context of Alzheimer’s disease, changes in the composition of lipid rafts have been associated with the development of the disease. For example, alterations in lipid raft composition can lead to increased accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) peptides, contributing to neurotoxic effects. Lipid droplets store neutral lipids and are key for cellular energy metabolism. As organisms age, the dynamics of lipid droplets in the brain change, with evidence suggesting a decline in metabolic activity over time. This reduced activity may lead to an imbalance in lipid synthesis and mobilization, contributing to neurodegenerative processes. In model organisms like Drosophila, studies have shown that lipid metabolism in the brain can be influenced by diet and insulin signaling pathways, crucial for maintaining metabolic balance. The interplay between lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation is critical in the context of aging and Alzheimer’s disease. Lipid peroxidation, a consequence of oxidative stress, can lead to the formation of reactive aldehydes that further damage neurons. Inflammatory processes can also disrupt lipid metabolism, contributing to the pathology of AD. Consequently, the accumulation of oxidized lipids can affect lipid raft integrity, influencing signaling pathways involved in neuronal survival and function.

Genetic Loci Mining and Candidate Gene Analysis for Determining Fatty Acid Composition in Rice

Fatty acid composition and its proportions are critical to the nutritional value and storage quality of rice (Oryza sativa L.) as the third major nutrient component in this staple food. This study involved crossing an indica rice variety, Huazhan (HZ), as the male parent, with a japonica variety, Nekken2, as the female parent, to produce the F1 generation. Subsequently, a population of 120 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) was developed through multiple generations of self-breeding. By utilizing a high-density molecular genetic linkage map and phenotypic data of four fatty acid components, we identified a total of 14 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) related to fatty acid composition across chromosomes 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 9. These included two QTLs for C14 content, three for C16:0 content, six for C18:1 content, and three for C18:2 content. Notably, the QTL qCOPT4.2 exhibited a high LOD score of 5.22. Within QTL intervals, genes such as OsACX3 and SLG affecting grain length were identified. The expression of candidate genes within these intervals was assessed and further analyzed by using quantitative real-time PCR. Genes such as LOC_Os01g15000, LOC_Os04g47120, LOC_Os04g49194, LOC_Os06g22080, LOC_Os06g23870, LOC_Os06g24704, LOC_Os06g30780, LOC_Os08g44840, and LOC_Os09g36860 were found to regulate fatty acid synthesis or metabolic pathways, potentially enhancing fatty acid content in rice. These QTLs are indispensable for breeding rice varieties with improved fatty acid profiles, offering new genetic resources for enhancing the nutritional and storage qualities of rice.

Sargassum beaching on mangrove sediments shifts microbial and crab metabolisms and enhances blue carbon storage

AbstractBenthic metabolism and net carbon accumulation in mangroves sediments strongly depend on the quantity and quality of organic matter (OM) supplied, including material brought by coastal waters such as the macroalgae Sargassum spp. Mesocosms were used to assess the effect of eutrophication by Sargassum on mangrove sediments. The concentration of fatty acids (FAs), organic carbon and its carbon isotopic signature, and the sediments–air CO2 fluxes were used to follow the evolution of sedimentary OM in surface and subsurface sediments for 60 d. Sargassum beaching shifted microbial and crab metabolism, leading to a preferential degradation of the labile fraction of OM from both Sargassum (δ13C = −17.7‰ and high concentration of essential FAs) and mangrove leaves (δ13C: −28.9‰ and high concentrations of 18:2ω6 and 18:3ω3). Fatty acids composition of crabs hepatopancreas revealed they preferentially fed on Sargassum and these invertebrates also increased the particulate OM tidal export. In addition, microbial activity at the sediment surface was enhanced, as revealed by strong production of branched FAs and higher CO2 fluxes in mesocosms containing Sargassum. However, Sargassum beaching also increased the transfer and preservation of more refractory OM from mangrove leaves found in higher quantity in subsurface sediments (6–8 cm) after 60 d. Inputs of macroalgae induced a negative priming effect and enhanced the preservation of blue carbon in the sediments. This negative priming effect was enhanced by crab activities. These biotic interactions that include microbial communities apparently make mangrove efficient in storing carbon in a context of growing eutrophication of the tropical ocean.

Growth performance, carcass characteristics, fatty acid composition, blood parameters, and gut morphology of Italian quails fed diets containing chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.)

The main objective of the study was to determine the growth, hematological parameters, and gut-associated attributes in Italian quails fed chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) (CS). Two hundred mixed-sex, 1-day-old Italian quails were randomly distributed into four treatment groups (n=50 birds/group) kept in five replicate pens with 10 birds per pen from day 1 to 35, under a completely randomized design. The control group received a basal diet with no CS, whereas the other groups were fed diets containing 1%, 2%, and 3% CS. Results revealed that for the 0-5 weeks study period, the live weigh, and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly (P = 0.05) improved with supplementation of 3% CS. However significant (P &lt; 0.05) difference was noticed within groups for slaughter live weight, hot carcass, cold carcass, dressing percentage, heart and liver weight, and pH of carcass at the time of slaughter and after 24 hours. Similarly, breast meat dry matter, ash percentage, cooking loss, and water holding capacity were also not influenced (P &lt; 0.05) by supplementation of CS. Regarding gut associated attributes, the ileal villus height (VH) of the control diet is higher compared with those fed CS means supplementation of CS resulted in reduced (P &lt; 0.05) VH, whereas crypt depth (CD) was reduced (P = 0.001) quadratically. The total protein and cholesterol profile significantly (P = 0.001) improved, and the lipids profile decreased significantly (P = 0.001) with the supplementation of CS. The CS-fed groups had substantially greater values of myristoleic acid, linoleic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, PUFA, USFA, PUFA/SFA, UFA/SFA, and omega 6 (n6), whereas lower values of palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, eicosanoic acid, erucic acid, SFA in breast meat of quails compared to the control group. In conclusion, the supplementation of 3% CS resulted in better growth performance, improved blood parameters, and enhanced nutritional profile of quail breast meat for human consumption.