For Free Fatty Acids Research Articles

Thermal degradation of coconut oil with free fatty acid, peroxide value, and moisture content indicators

Coconut oil is consumed by people for cooking purposes. It is usually subjected to long heating at high temperatures and often reheated and reused. There is a need to investigate the degradation of coconut oil without a food matrix to determine its inherent degradation properties if it is subjected to long thermal stress. This study investigates the thermal degradation of refined, bleached, and deodorized coconut oil (RBDCO). The RBDCO samples were heated at three different temperatures (150, 175, and 200 °C) for 12 hours continuously. Samples were collected every hour interval and analyzed for free fatty acid (FFA), peroxide value (PV), and moisture contents (MC). Results reveal that increased temperature and heating time lead to higher FFA, PV, and MC, indicating significant oil degradation. The findings suggest that maintaining optimal processing conditions is crucial for preserving oil quality and safety standards.

Synthesis of Mesoporous Silica from Palm Oil Boiler Ash (MS-POBA) with Addition of Methyl Ester Sulfonate as a Template for Free Fatty Acid Adsorption from Crude Palm Oil (CPO)

The synthesis of mesoporous material by utilizing palm oil boiler ash (POBA) waste as the silica source and methyl ester sulfonate (MES) surfactant as the template for a high-porosity was investigated for free fatty acids (FFA) adsorption. The research was initiated with silica extraction from POBA by sodium hydroxide addition through the sol-gel precipitation method. Silica modification was carried out with MES surfactant and 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) as the co-structure-directing agent (CSDA) in different calcination temperatures. Mesoporous silica-POBA (MS-POBA) free template had a surface area, pore diameter, and pore volume (41.033 m2/g, 4.180 nm, and 0.250 cm3/g) lower than MS-POBA with the template (71.0147 m2/g, 7.923 nm, and 0.524 cm3/g). The ability of MS-POBA to adsorb FFA reached its optimum conditions with an adsorption time of 20 min and an adsorbent dosage of 0.24 g. The FFA removal by MS-POBA with the template was found to have higher adsorption ability, which was 35.54%, compared to the MS-POBA free template of 26.68%. The high porosity of MS-POBA with a template makes the FFA adsorption capacity of this material higher than MS-POBA free template.

Formulation and Stability of Microemulsion Preparations From Secang Wood Extract (Caesalpinia Sappan L) and Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO)

Research has been conducted to make microemulsion preparations from virgin coconut oil (VCO) and secang wood extract. The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of secang wood extract with ethanol solvent, determine the Hydrophilic Lipophilic Balance (HLB) value of a mixture of three surfactants that can form the most stable microemulsion preparations, and determine the most optimal variation in the concentration of secang wood extract in secang microemulsion formulations.This study began with the manufacture of secang wood ethanol extract from secang wood powder and 96% ethanol, then tested for flavonoid levels. Furthermore, VCO microemulsions in a mixture of water with secang extract are made with variations in HLB values, namely 12, 13, 14, and 15. Microemulsions with HLB variations were tested for stability through organoleptical observations and turbidity values by storage treatment at room temperature, heating, and centrifugation. Microemulsions were also tested for free fatty acid (FFA) levels. After that, the preparation of microemulsions with the most stable HLB is carried out with variations in the concentration of secang wood extract in the formulation. Microemulsions with extract variations were tested for stability through organoleptical observation and turbidity values after 24 hours, heating, and centrifugation. Microemulsions with optimal concentrations of secang wood extract were tested for antioxidant activity. The secang extract produced from the extraction was reddish-brown in color and had total flavonoids equivalent to 230.6 mg QE/g samples. The most stable microemulsion from this study is a microemulsion with an HLB value of 15 with a ratio of water:extract:VCO:surfactant which is 65:2,5:2,5:30. The microemulsion features transparent red, 1 phase, and smells like Tween 80 with turbidity value below 1% during storage, heating, and centrifugation with microemulsion FFA value of 0.53%. Based on variations in the concentration of secang wood extract, the higher the concentration of the extract, the more unstable the microemulsion produced. The 3% secang extract microemulsion is the most optimal microemulsion with antioxidant activity (IC50) of 1.4573±0.2694 mg/mL.

Production of biodiesel from waste culinary oil catalyzed by S2O82−/TiO2–SiO2 solid super-acid catalyst prepared with recovered TiO2 from spent SCR

Recovery and valorization of natural resources from waste materials are crucial for promoting sustainable development. In light of this, the present study explores the transesterification of waste culinary oil into biodiesel production using a silica-supported solid super-acid catalyst (S2O82−/TiO2–SiO2) prepared with recovered TiO2 from spent SCR. The synthesized materials were characterized through XRD, SEM-DES, XPS, FT-IR, NH3-TPD, and N2-BET analysis. Notably, the crystal structure of recovered TiO2 was not destroyed during the whole process. N2-BET analysis showed that the silica-supported catalyst significantly increased the specific surface area from 47.89 to 101.16 g/m2. The presence of superacid sites (Brønsted and Lewis acid sites) on the surface of the catalyst was confirmed by NH3-TPD and FT-IR analysis. The silica-supported catalyst (S2O82−/TiO2–SiO2) exhibited high catalytic activity for free fatty acid (FFA) about a conversion rate of 90.7 % under optimal reaction conditions: a reaction time of 4 h, at 180 °C with a 5 wt% catalyst loading, and a methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 12:1. The biodiesel production was confirmed by using FT-IR and 1HNMR techniques. Furthermore, the catalytic performance of the prepared catalyst was compared with other catalysts prepared from pure TiO2 reported in the literature. This approach showed a potential for sustainable biodiesel production by using low-cost solid acid catalyst synthesized from recovered materials.

Plant-based calcium silicate from rice husk ash: A green adsorbent for free fatty acid recovery from waste frying oil

Driven by the urgent need for a solution to tackle the surge of rice husk (RH) and waste frying oil (WFO) waste accumulation at a global scale, this report highlights the use of calcium silicates (CS) extracted from acid-pre-treated rice husk ash (RHA) for free fatty acid (FFA) removal from WFO as conventional RHA shows limited FFA adsorption performance. A novel alkaline earth silicate extraction method from acid-pre-treated RHA was outlined. The structural and behavioural attributes of the synthesised CS were identified through BET, SEM-EDS, and XRD analyses and compared to those of RHA. Notable morphology and structural modification were determined, including reducing specific surface areas, mitigating from amorphous to crystalline structure with regular geometric forms, and detecting Si–O–Ca functional groups exclusive to CS adsorbents. A comparison study showed superior lauric acid (LA) adsorption performance by CS absorbents over acid-pre-treated RHA, with a significant increase from 0.0831 ± 0.0004 mmol LA/g to 2.5808 ± 0.0011 mmol LA/g after 60 min. Recognised as the best-performing CS adsorbent, CS-1.0 was used for further investigations on the effect of dosage, LA concentration, and temperature for efficient LA adsorption, with up to 100% LA removal and 5.6712 ± 0.0016 mmol LA/g adsorption capacity. The adsorption isotherm and kinetic studies showed LA adsorption onto CS-1.0 followed Freundlich isotherm with KF = 0.0598 mmol(1-1/n) L(1/n) g−1 & Qe,cal = 3.1696 mmol g−1 and intraparticle diffusion model with kid = 0.1250 mmol g−1 min0.5 & Ci = 0.9625 mmol g−1, indicating rapid initial adsorption and involvement of carboxylate end of LA and the calcium ions on the CS-1.0 in the rate-limiting step. The high equilibrium adsorption capacity and LA adsorption rate indicated that the proposed CS-1.0 adsorbent has excellent potential to recover FFA from WFO effectively.

Saturated fatty acids stimulate cytokine production in tanycytes via the PP2Ac-dependent signaling pathway

The hypothalamic tanycytes are crucial for free fatty acids (FFAs) detection, storage, and transport within the central nervous system. They have been shown to effectively respond to fluctuations in circulating FFAs, thereby regulating energy homeostasis. However, the precise molecular mechanisms by which tanycytes modulate lipid utilization remain unclear. Here, we report that the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 2 A (PP2Ac), a serine/threonine phosphatase, is expressed in tanycytes and its accumulation and activation occur in response to high-fat diet consumption. In vitro, tanycytic PP2Ac responds to palmitic acid (PA) exposure and accumulates and is activated at an early stage in an AMPK-dependent manner. Furthermore, activated PP2Ac boosts hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) accumulation, resulting in upregulation of an array of cytokines. Pretreatment with a PP2Ac inhibitor, LB100, prevented the PA-induced elevation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV or CD26). Our results disclose a mechanism of lipid metabolism in tanycytes that involves the activation of PP2Ac and highlight the physiological significance of PP2Ac in hypothalamic tanycytes in response to overnutrition and efficacious treatment of obesity.

Intestinal absorption of DHA microcapsules with different formulations based on ex vivo rat intestine and in vitro dialysis models.

Intestinal permeability is a key factor affecting the bioavailability and physiological efficacy of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) encapsulated in microcapsules. However, how the DHA microcapsules are transformed and the components absorbed across the small intestinal membrane has seldom been examined previously. In this study, an ex vivo absorption model based on the permeability of the rat small intestine was established to evaluate the intestinal absorption of DHA microcapsules with five formulations after gastrointestinal digestion in vitro. For pure glucose solutions, the apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) increased from 5.70 ± 0.60 × 10-6 cm s-1 at 5 mg mL-1 to 20.25 ± 0.88 × 10-6 cm s-1 at 30 mg mL-1 and decreased to 15.73 ± 0.91 × 10-6 cm s-1 at 100 mg mL-1. The Papp values obtained using the ex vivo model are comparable to those reported in the human jejunum. For algal oil DHA microcapsules with whey protein as the wall material (A-WP-DHA) after in vitro digestion, the Papp of glucose released was 3.81 × 10-6 cm s-1 with an absorption ratio of 59.55% in the ex vivo model, significantly lower than that from the in vitro porcine casing model. The Papp and absorption ratio varied little among the in vitro dialysis models with different molecular weight cut-off values. A similar trend was observed for the absorption of amino acids. However, the absorption ratio (26.6%) was the highest in the ex vivo model for free fatty acids (FFAs) released from the microcapsules due to the rapid accumulation of compounds on the inner wall of the intestinal sac. In addition, the DHA microcapsules with algal oil as the DHA source (36.40%) exhibited a higher absorption ratio of FFAs than that from tuna oil (14.26%) in the ex vivo model. The wall material compositions seemed to have little effect on FFA absorption. The present study is practically meaningful for the future formulation of DHA microcapsules with enhanced absorption.

Diphenyl Ether Derivatives as Novel GPR120 Agonists for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a serious disease affecting human health. Numerous attempts have been made to develop safe and effective new antidiabetic drugs. Recently, a series of G protein-coupled receptors for free fatty acids (FFAs) have been described and characterized, and small molecule agonists and antagonists of these receptors show considerable promise for managing diabetes and related complications. FFA-activated GPR120 could stimulate the release of glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1), which can enhance the glucose-dependent secretion of insulin from pancreatic β cells. GPR120 is a promising target for treating type 2 DM (T2DM). Herein we designed and synthesized a series of novel GPR120 agonists based on the structure of TUG-891, which was the first potent and selective GPR120 agonist. Among the designed compounds, 18 f showed excellent GPR120 activation activity and high selectivity for GPR40 in vitro. Compound 18 f dose-dependently improved glucose tolerance in normal mice, and no hypoglycemic side effects were observed at high dose. In addition, compound 18 f increased insulin release and displayed good antidiabetic effect in diet-induced obese mice. Molecular simulations illustrated that compound 18 f could enter the active site of GPR120 and interact with Arg99. Based on these observations, compound 18 f may be a promising lead compound for the design of novel GPR120 agonists to treat T2DM.

Loss of GPR40 in LDL receptor-deficient mice exacerbates high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

GPR40, a G protein-coupled receptor for free fatty acids (FFAs), is considered as a therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) since GPR40 activation in pancreatic beta cells enhances glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common complication of T2DM or metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, the role of GPR40 in NAFLD associated with T2DM or MetS has not been well established. Given that it is known that cholesterol and FFAs are critically involved in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and LDL receptor (LDLR)-deficient mice are a good animal model for human hyperlipidemia including high cholesterol and FFAs, we generated GPR40 and LDLR double knockout (KO) mice in this study to determine the effect of GPR40 KO on hyperlipidemia-promoted NASH. We showed that GPR40 KO increased plasma levels of cholesterol and FFAs in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed LDLR-deficient mice. We also showed that GPR40 KO exacerbated HFD-induced hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis. Further study demonstrated that GPR40 KO led to upregulation of hepatic CD36 and genes involved in lipogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, fibrosis and inflammation. Finally, our in vitro mechanistic studies showed that while CD36 was involved in upregulation of proinflammatory molecules in macrophages by palmitic acid (PA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), GPR40 activation in macrophages exerts anti-inflammatory effects. Taken together, this study demonstrated for the first time that loss of GPR40 in LDLR-deficient mice exacerbated HFD-induced hyperlipidemia, hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis potentially through a CD36-dependent mechanism, suggesting that GPR40 may play a beneficial role in hyperlipidemia-associated NASH in LDLR-deficient mice.

Role of AMPK-SREBP Signaling in Regulating Fatty Acid Binding-4 (FABP4) Expression following Ethanol Metabolism.

Fatty acid binding protein-4 (FABP4) is not normally expressed in the liver but is induced in alcohol-dependent liver disease (ALD)). This study sought to identify mechanisms whereby ethanol (EtOH) metabolism alters triglyceride accumulation and FABP4 production. Human hepatoma cells which were stably transfected to express alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) or cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1) were exposed to EtOH in the absence/presence of inhibitors of ADH (4-methylpyrazole) or CYP2E1 (chlormethiazole). Cells were analyzed for free fatty acid (FFA) content and FABP4 mRNA, then culture medium assayed for FABP4 levels. Cell lysates were analyzed for AMP-activated protein kinase-α (AMPKα), Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), and Lipin-1β activity and localization in the absence/presence of EtOH and pharmacological inhibitors. CYP2E1-EtOH metabolism led to increased FABP4 mRNA/protein expression and FFA accumulation. Analysis of signaling pathway activity revealed decreased AMPKα activation and increased nuclear-SREBP-1c localization following CYP2E1-EtOH metabolism. The role of AMPKα-SREBP-1c in regulating CYP2E1-EtOH-dependent FFA accumulation and increased FABP4 was confirmed using pharmacological inhibitors and over-expression of AMPKα. Inhibition of ACC or Lipin-1β failed to prevent FFA accumulation or changes in FABP4 mRNA expression or protein secretion. These data suggest that CYP2E1-EtOH metabolism inhibits AMPKα phosphorylation to stimulate FFA accumulation and FABP4 protein secretion via an SREBP-1c dependent mechanism.

Preparation of Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba-based silicate as adsorbent of free fatty acid from crude palm oil

In present work, alkaline silicate based on Ba, Ca, Mg and Sr were used as adsorbent for free fatty acids (FFA) removal to improve the quality of shelf-life in crude palm oil (CPO). Environmentally friendly alkaline silicate was successfully prepared using low-cost and facile preparation by sol-gel method annealed at 600, 700 and 800 °C for comparison. Several characterization namely scanning electron microscope (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area were used to characterize the alkaline silicate morphology, crystallinity, functional group and porosity, respectively. Based on experimental result, the FFA removal and carotene value of CPO were evaluated, it is found that MgSiO 3 annealed at 600 °C demonstrate the highest FFA removal percentage of 95% and carotene can be preserved around 45% due to high surface area of 420.2 m 2 /g, which is superior compared to BaSiO 3 , CaSiO 3 and SrSiO 3 . This can be due to the high surface area with large adsorption sites of granular structure of MgSiO 3 and crystallinity. Thus, this finding gives new pathways of alkaline silicate annealed at low temperature can be used efficiently for future biodiesel applications.

Effect of Smoking and Storage Conditions on the Quality and Acceptability of Smoked Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

Background: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of smoking conditions on the quality attributes and consumer acceptability of the smoked catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Methods: The samples were divided into four equal portions and smoked. Sample FAD: smoked with charcoal for 2 hrs at 89°C; Sample SPA: smoked with charcoal for 2 hrs 15 min at 85°C; Sample ADF: smoked with wood for 1 hr and 30 min at 120°C; Sample PAS: smoked with wood for 1 hr 45 min at 105°C. Smoked samples were analyzed for free fatty acid (FFA), thiobarbituric acid (TBA), trimethylamine (TMA), total volatile base-Nitrogen (TVB-N) and sensory scores using standard methods. Result: The results showed that the FFA values increased as the storage day increases from 2.67-5.40, 2.47-5.90, 2.83-5.23 and 2.7 -5.33 for ADF, FAD, PAS and SPA respectively from 0-day to 15 day. TBA values in this study were within the range of 0.01-0.19, 0.01-0.20, 0.02-0.19 and 0.01-0.19 for ADF, FAD, PAS and SPA respectively from 0-day to 15 day. TVB-N values in this study showed sample ADF reduced from 0.63-2.37, 0.67-2.23, 0.70-2.57 and 0.67-2.33 for ADF, FAD, PAS and SPA respectively from 0-day to 15 day. The sensory evaluation results also showed high sensory scores for colour, aroma, texture and overall acceptability. There was significant difference (p greater than 0.05) between the samples for colour but there was no significant difference (p less than 0.05) between the samples for aroma, texture and overall acceptability. However, sample PAS was more preferred to other samples.

The aqueous fraction of Castanea crenata inner shell extract reduces obesity and intramuscular lipid accumulation via induction of mitochondrial respiration and fatty acid oxidation in muscle

BackgroundSkeletal muscle is responsible for free fatty acid (FFA) disposal via mitochondrial respiration and fatty acid oxidation (FAO). Obesity triggers high levels of circulating FFAs, which can cause intramuscular lipid (IMCL) deposition. Diverse phytochemicals, including crude Castanea crenata inner shell extract (CCE), have been shown to possess an anti-obesity effect. PurposeWe aimed to demonstrate whether the aqueous fraction of CCE (ACCE) provides an anti-obesity effect with a decrease in plasma FFAs and reduces IMCL. MethodsHigh-fat-fed C57BL/6 mice received ACCE via water intake. A204 cells incubated with fatty acids were treated with ACCE. Lipid accumulation and mitochondrial metabolism were assessed using histological and molecular techniques. ResultsACCE possessed a notably higher gallic acid content than CCE among the constituents. ACCE-administered mice exhibited reduced plasma FFA levels, adiposity, and IMCL. Muscle lipotoxicity was suppressed, including apoptosis, ER stress, and inflammation. The anti-lipid effect of ACCE was observed with the induction of mitochondrial respiration and fatty acid oxidation in muscle. ConclusionsACCE increases mitochondrial respiration and FAO in skeletal muscle and protects muscle from IMCL and lipotoxicity, reducing plasma FFA and adiposity.

Impact of Environmental Conditions and Variety on Seed Coat Fragment Issues in Georgia in 2020

In 2020, there were an abnormal number of seed coat fragment (SCF) reports from cotton produced in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida resulting in price deductions of more than $23 million in the region and $18 million in Georgia alone based on loan value. To understand what led to the historic number of SCF calls, variety trial samples from Georgia were evaluated for SCF issues. Trials were conducted across 24 locations in Georgia and included 12 varieties. A total of 286 seedcotton samples were ginned at the UGA Microgin in Tifton, GA, and two fiber samples were collected, one for High Volume Instrument and one for Advanced Fiber Information System (AFIS) analysis, and a seed sample was collected for free fatty acid (FFA) analysis. None of the samples sent to the Memphis, TN classing office received an extraneous matter call; however, there were differences in AFIS seed coat nep (SCN) counts, trash, and FFA when evaluated by site and variety. Variety was not as impactful as location, indicating that environmental differences between sites were responsible for the differences. As more rainfall occurred from first open boll to harvest, SCN count increased. Additionally, as average daily solar radiation increased, SCN count decreased. Therefore, it was determined that significant and prolonged weathering is what likely led to the outbreak of SCF issues in the Southeast. Future research should continue to evaluate environmental impacts on the occurrence of extraneous matter as well as an objective method to determine extraneous matter occurrences in cotton lint.

KAJIAN SISTEM PANEN TERHADAP POTENSI CPO (CRUDE PALM OIL) DI AFDELING I KEBUN TANAH RAJA PT. BAKRIE SUMATERA PLANTATION, Tbk.

Harvest is one of determining factors to produce quality Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB). Quality FFB is determining factors for Free Fatty Acids (FFA) and yield of the resulting oil. To produce good CPO potential, synergy is needed between the plantation part and the palm oil mill part. The research method used a descriptive method, namely to explain the harvest system and its relation to the quality of oil palm fruit. Observation data in the form of a harvest system consisting of Harvest Density Number (AKP) and random system used, Analysis of palm oil potential in the form FFB Analysis and CPO Yield. The Results showed that the harvesting system in division 1 Tanah Raja PT BSP used fixed sleigh and the potency test of palm oil showed that the CPO yield was 21.22% and FFA was 2,42%.

Phytochemical Evaluation of Ficus Carica Seeds and their Cold Pressed Oil

The use of plant materials as the source of oil and functional foods is becoming more important with the new trends and scientific research. In this study, fig (Ficus carica) seed, which is a rarely found, seed and its oil, have been studied to determine the phytochemical properties for possible applications. Fig seeds were obtained from Aydın, Turkey. The oil was extracted by the cold press method. The seeds were analyzed for oil yield, protein, ash, ash insoluble in hydrochloric acid and trace elements. The oil was evaluated for fatty acid, sterol compositions by GC and the volatiles were analyzed with GCMS, tocopherols analyzed by HPLC, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were determined spectrophotometrically. The oil was also evaluated for free fatty acid (FFA), refractive index (RI), peroxide (PV) and p-anisidine value. The results showed that F. carica has 22.7% oil yield and was characterized by linolenic (41.27%), linoleic (30.06%), and oleic acids (18.10%). Total phenolics were 79.5 mg GAE/100 g, and nine different sterol components were analyzed and β-sitosterol was at the highest rate. Theα-β-γ-δ tocopherol content was 6.088, 0.18, 634, 18 mgkg-1, respectively. Antioxidant capacity was 52.54%. Fenchone, cymene, styrene d-limonene, linalool, camphor were found as important volatiles. Quality parameters were FFA (% oleic acid) 0.90, RI (40 oC) 1.4721, PV (meq O2/kg oil) 2.2, p-anisidine 2.22. As a result, F. carica oil can be an alternative oil source and a good option for functional foods with their rich contentof phytochemicals. For the future, more studies need to be done for both the seeds and the oil for further applications. Keywords Ficus carica seed, cold-pressed oil, fig seed, phytochemical properties

Assessment of the safety of dietary fish oil supplements in terms of content and quality.

The fatty acid composition of top-selling fish oil dietary supplements in the markets was compared with the content stated on product label, and their oxidative qualities and heavy metal contents were evaluated in this study. While all the capsule groups (C) confirmed the label information, it was observed that one-third of the syrup groups (S) had less than the specified content. Capsule groups generally had richer EPA and DHA contents than syrup groups in the samples examined. The peroxide values (PV) of all fish oil capsules and syrups were found in the range of 1.97-2.89mEq/kg and 2.22-18.30mEq/kg, respectively. As for free fatty acids (FFA) values, the C4, S6, S9, and S10 groups were above the 3% oleic acid limit recommended for high-quality oils. However, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) values were found below 1mg MA/kg in all groups. All fish oil supplements were within the limits specified in terms of As (0.50-4.19µg/g), Cd (0.14µg/g detected for one group, C5), Cu (not detected), Fe (0.32-15.7µg/g), and Hg (≤ 0.1µg/g). On the other hand, two fish oil supplements from the capsule group (0.17 for C6 and 1.01µg/g for C8) and one group from the syrup group (0.29µg/g for S10) exceeded the recommended limit in terms of Pb (0.1mg/kg). As a result of the research, it can be concluded that the chemical quality of fish oils in syrup form needs to be improved and their reliability in terms of fatty acid content should be increased. Considering the heavy metals, it seems significant to follow up the fish oil products more strictly.

Preparation and characterization of mesoporous polymer-based solid acid catalysts for biodiesel production via transesterification of palmitic oils

The hydrophobic and spherical PDVB-x-MeCN (x: molar ratio of p-styrene sulfonate/divinylbenzene; x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 1.0) catalyst was synthesized via polymerization and the ion-exchange process. Moreover, the hydrophobic property of PDVB-x-MeCN with high contact angles (> 124.0∘) was directly observed with a contact angle analyzer. The most appropriate x value of PDVB-x-MeCN for free fatty acid (FFA) removal and biodiesel production was 0.5, which was identified with gas chromatography (GC). During a 6-h transesterification-esterification, FFA removal and biodiesel yield of PDVB-0.5-MeCN reached 83.2% and 83.3%, respectively, at a ratio 45/1 (v/v) of methanol/palmitic acid mixture, approaching that of the Amberlyst 15 ones (83.4%). On the basis of these results, waste oils containing FFA can be transesterified efficiently from triglycerides and FFA into biodiesel.

Matrix structure of dairy products results in different postprandial lipid responses: a randomized crossover trial

The dairy matrix may influence digestion and absorption of lipids and thereby risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, few postprandial studies have compared dairy products that differed only in terms of their matrix. We aimed to investigate acute 8-h postprandial lipid, glycemic, and appetite responses after intake of isoenergetic dairy meals with different matrixes, but similar nutritional composition. Twenty-five normal-weight men (18-40 y old) were enrolled in a randomized controlled crossover trial. On 4 test days, a meal with 1 of 4 dairy products was served: cheddar cheese (Cheese), homogenized Cheese (Hom. Cheese), micellar casein isolate (MCI) with cream (MCI Drink), and a gel produced from the MCI Drink by addition of Glucono Delta-Lactone (MCI Gel). The fat- and protein-matched dairy products differed in terms of their casein network, fat droplet size, and/or texture. Blood biochemistry and appetite responses were collected. Eighteen participants completed the trial. Postprandial triglycerides (TGs) (primary outcome) increased by (mean±SEM) 0.24±0.07 and 0.19±0.07mmol/L after MCI Gel compared with Cheese and Hom. Cheese, respectively (both P≤0.05). Likewise, MCI Gel increased TG incremental AUC compared with Cheese and Hom. Cheese (both P<0.05), and peak compared with Cheese (P<0.05). ApoB-48 (primary outcome) was unaffected by dairy matrix. For free fatty acids (FFAs), glucose, and insulin, time × meal interactions were observed (all P<0.001). During the first 2h, FFAs were lower for Cheese than for MCI products, whereas the opposite was observed for glucose and insulin. Postprandial TG but not apoB-48 response was higher after MCI Gel, indicating that the type of casein network influences lipid responses. This suggests that the dairy matrix may also affect risk factors for CVDs. Reducing fat droplet size (i.e., Hom. Cheese) did not affect blood biochemistry.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03656367.

The Anti-Atherosclerotic Action of FFAR4 Agonist TUG-891 in ApoE-Knockout Mice Is Associated with Increased Macrophage Polarization towards M2 Phenotype.

Background: Over the past few years, a better understanding of the biology of G-protein coupled receptors (GPRs) has led to the identification of several receptors as novel targets for free fatty acids (FFAs). FFAR4 has received special attention in the context of chronic inflammatory diseases, including atherosclerosis, obesity and NAFLD, through to its anti-inflammatory effect. Methods: The present study investigates the influence of prolonged treatment with TUG-891-FFAR4 agonist on the development of atherosclerosis plaque in apoE-knockout mice, using morphometric and molecular methods. Results: TUG-891 administration has led to the reduction of atherosclerotic plaque size and necrotic cores in an apoE-knockout mice model. TUG-891-treated mice were administered subcutaneously at a dose of 20 mg/kg three times a week for 4 months. The FFAR4 agonist reduced the content of pro-inflammatory M1-like macrophages content in atherosclerotic plaques, as evidenced by immunohistochemical phenotyping and molecular methods. In atherosclerotic plaque, the population of smooth muscle cells increased as evidenced by α-SMA staining. We observed changes in G-CSF and eotaxin markers in the plasma of mice; changes in the levels of these markers in the blood may be related to macrophage differentiation. Importantly, we observed a significant increase in M2-like macrophage cells in atherosclerotic plaque and peritoneum. Conclusions: Prolonged administration of TUG-891 resulted in significant amelioration of atherogenesis, providing evidence that the strategy based on macrophage phenotype switching toward an M2-like activation state via stimulation of FFAR4 receptor holds promise for a new approach in the prevention or treatment of atherosclerosis.