Free Fatty Acid Levels Research Articles

Specific Knockout of Notch-1 in Macrophages Modulate the Progression of Hepatic Insulin Resistance in HFD Fed Mice via Regulating IRE1α-XBP1 Signals.

To develop an intervention based on Notch-1 signalling pathway blockade by investigating the potential application of the neurogenic locus notch homologue protein 1(Notch-1) signalling pathway as a key regulator of chronic inflammation and adipogenesis in the treatment of hepatic insulin resistance (HIR). Experimental study. Place and Duration of the Study: Animal Laboratory of the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China, from April 2021 to June 2022. HIR models were established in Notch-1WT and Notch-1MAC-KO mice by high fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks. Haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and oil red O (ORO) staining were used to detect inflammatory infiltration and lipid accumulation in each group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of TNF-α and IL-6. Free fatty acid (FFA) and total cholesterol (TC) were measured with relevant kits. Moreover, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect the relative expressions of F4/80, Mcp1, and CD11b in hepatic tissues. Mass spectrometry was used to analyse the levels of triglyceride (TG), diacylglycerol (DAG) and conformite europeenne (CE) in liver tissue. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of related proteins. Specific knockdown of Notch-1 in macrophages decreases the relative fluorescence intensity of CD68 and attenuates inflammatory infiltration and lipid degeneration. There was no difference in plasma levels of FFA and TG. Specific knockdown of Notch-1 in macrophages decreases the expression of F4/80, Mcp1, and CD11b, as well as the levels of TG, DAG, CE, IL-6, and TNF-α. Specific knockout of Notch-1 in macrophages may reduce HIR by inhibiting the IRE1α-XBP1 signalling pathway. Hepatic insulin resistance, Macrophages, Notch-1, IRE1α, XBP1.

Analysis of the effect of time and heat on free fatty acid levels in dura and tenera palm oil

Palm oil is one of the most extensively used edible oils in the world due to its low cost relative to other edible oils. Free fatty acids in palm oil are a key feature linked to its quality and commercial value. Palm oils which have high free fatty acids content are poor in quality and suffer significant losses during the refining process and also affect consumer’s health. Free fatty acids in palm oil were determined by titration method with a preferable index showing the comparison among Zomi palm oil, Abepa palm oil and Agric palm oil with three different storage times after production. The free fatty acid contents by prolonged heating of the palm oils at a standard temperature were determined. Different time ranges in five trials of heating of the samples of palm oil were performed. High free fatty acid content was observed with longer storage and heating. The Zomi palm oil had the highest free acid content while the Agric palm oil had the lowest free fatty acid content after four minutes of heating.

Combined serum CTRP7 and CTRP15 levels as a novel biomarker for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus

AimsThis study aimed to examine the alterations in the serum CTRP7 and CTRP15 concentrations in patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to assess the diagnostic potential of the log10 (CTRP7+CTRP15) for insulin resistance (IR) and T2DM. MethodsSerum CTRP7, CTRP15, and adiponectin levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to investigate CTRP7 and CTRP15-related genes and metabolic signaling pathways. ResultsLog10 (CTRP7+CTRP15) levels were notably elevated in the impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and T2DM cohorts compared with those in the normal control (NGT) cohort. Log10(CTRP7+CTRP15) exhibited positive correlations with HOMA-IR, area under the glucose curve (AUCg), HbA1c%, triglyceride (TG), visceral adiposity index (VAI), body mass index (BMI), and free fatty acid (FFA), levels but negative correlations with adiponectin. Multivariate stepwise regression analysis revealed that HOMA-IR, BMI, HbA1c and FFA levels were independent factors affecting the log10 (CTRP7+CTRP15). Logistic regression analysis revealed that log10 (CTRP7+CTRP15) was independently associated with T2DM and significantly associated with increased risk. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that the predictive value of log10 (CTRP7+CTRP15) for T2DM and IR was superior to that of CTRP7 or CTRP15 alone. Intervention studies demonstrated that insulin, FFAs and acute exercise contribute to the elevation of serum CTRP7 levels, while hyperglycemia inhibited CTRP7 secretion. Short-term changes in blood glucose, insulin, FFA and acute exercise had minimal effects on serum CTRP15 levels. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that CTRP7 and CTRP15 interact with multiple metabolism-related genes and are enriched in glucose and lipid metabolism-related pathways. ConclusionLog10 (CTRP7+CTRP15) may serve as a valuable diagnostic marker for the management of metabolic-related diseases, particularly T2DM and IR.

Ginsenoside Rb1 ameliorates lipotoxicity-induced myocardial injury in diabetes mellitus by regulating Mfn2

PurposeDiabetic cardiomyopathy is a prevalent cardiovascular complication of diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1) on the diabetic myocardium. MethodsLeptin receptor-deficient db/db mice and palmitic acid (PA)-treated cardiomyocyte models were utilized. Cardiac systolic and diastolic function, mitochondrial morphology, and respiratory chain function were determined. The expression of mitochondrial dynamics proteins was measured. Mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) overexpression and inhibition were achieved by lentiviral infection and small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection. ResultsIn comparison to non-diabetic mice, db/db mice exhibited significant increases in body weight, blood glucose, blood lipids, and cardiac free fatty acid levels. This was accompanied by myocardial hypertrophy and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, which were significantly ameliorated by GRb1 intervention. Stimulation with PA increased oxidative stress and apoptosis, and decreased viability in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. PA also reduced sarcomere contractility and relaxation in adult mice ventricular myocytes. PA-induced cellular and mitochondrial damage were reversed with GRb1 treatment. The cardiac tissue of db/db mice and PA-treated cardiomyocytes exhibited a decrease in Mfn2 expression, which was markedly improved by GRb1. Mfn2 overexpression reversed PA-induced mitochondrial fragmentation and functional damage in cardiomyocytes, while inhibition of Mfn2 expression by siRNA transfection blocked the protective effects of GRb1. ConclusionGRb1 alleviated myocardial lipid accumulation and mitochondrial injury, and attenuated ventricular diastolic dysfunction in diabetic mice. The regulation of Mfn2 was involved in the protective effects of GRb1 against lipotoxic myocardial injury.

Metabolic characterization of sphere-derived prostate cancer stem cells reveals aberrant urea cycle in stemness maintenance.

Alteration of cell metabolism is one of the essential characteristics of tumor growth. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the initiating cells of tumorigenesis, proliferation, recurrence, and other processes, and play an important role in therapeutic resistance and metastasis. Thus, identification of the metabolic profiles in prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) is critical to understanding prostate cancer progression. Using untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics methods, we show distinct metabolic differences between prostate cancer cells and PCSCs. Urea cycle is the most significantly altered metabolic pathway in PCSCs, the key metabolites arginine and proline are evidently elevated. Proline promotes cancer stem-like characteristics via the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Meanwhile, the enzyme pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1 (PYCR1), which catalyzes the conversion of pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid to proline, is highly expressed in PCSCs, and the inhibition of PYCR1 suppresses the stem-like characteristics of prostate cancer cells and tumor growth. In addition, carnitine and free fatty acid levels are significantly increased, indicating reprogramming of fatty acid metabolism in PCSCs. Reduced sphingolipid levels and increased triglyceride levels are also observed. Collectively, our data illustrate the comprehensive landscape of the metabolic reprogramming of PCSCs and provide potential therapeutic strategies for prostate cancer.

Comprehensive assessment of HF-rTMS treatment mechanism for post-stroke dysphagia in rats by integration of fecal metabolomics and 16S rRNA sequencing.

The mechanism by which high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) improves swallowing function by regulating intestinal flora remains unexplored. We aimed to evaluate this using fecal metabolomics and 16S rRNA sequencing. A Post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) rat model was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion. The magnetic stimulation group received HF-rTMS from the 7th day post-operation up to 14th day post-surgery. Swallowing function was assessed using a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining was used to assess histopathological changes in the intestinal tissue. Intestinal flora levels were evaluated by sequencing the 16S rRNA V3-V4 region. Metabolite changes within the intestinal flora were evaluated by fecal metabolomics using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. VFSS showed that the bolus area and pharyngeal bolus speed were significantly decreased in PSD rats, while the bolus area increased and pharyngeal transit time decreased after HF-rTMS administration (p < 0.05). In the PSD groups, H&E staining revealed damaged surface epithelial cells and disrupted cryptal glands, whereas HF-rTMS reinforced the integrity of the intestinal epithelial cells. 16S rRNA sequencing indicated that PSD can disturb the intestinal flora and its associated metabolites, whereas HF-rTMS can significantly regulate the composition of the intestinal microflora. Firmicutes and Lactobacillus abundances were lower in the PSD group than in the baseline group at the phylum and genus levels, respectively; however, both increased after HF-rTMS administration. Levels of ceramides (Cer), free fatty acids (FA), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), triacylglycerol (TAG), and sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol were increased in the PSD group. The Cer, FA, and DG levels decreased after HF-rTMS treatment, whereas the TAG levels increased. Peptococcaceae was negatively correlated with Cer, Streptococcus was negatively correlated with DG, and Acutalibacter was positively correlated with FA and Cer. However, these changes were effectively restored by HF-rTMS, resulting in recovery from dysphagia. These findings suggest a synergistic role for the gut microbiota and fecal metabolites in the development of PSD and the therapeutic mechanisms underlying HF-rTMS.

Hyperspectral imaging predicts free fatty acid levels, peroxide values, and linoleic acid and oleic acid concentrations in tree nut kernels

Imaging technologies are advancing rapidly in food processing systems to reduce food waste. However, modelling techniques, sample sizes and dataset proportioning methods significantly affect the performance of models in predicting food quality variables. This study examined the potential of hyperspectral imaging to predict peroxide values (PV), free fatty acid (FFA) levels and fatty acid concentrations, including oleic and linoleic acid, in two tree nuts, canarium and macadamia. The effectiveness of artificial neural network (ANN) regression and partial least squares regression (PLSR) techniques to make these predictions was examined. Additionally, the importance of the dataset size on prediction accuracy and the dataset-proportioning method for developing predictive models were assessed. Both ANN and PLSR models predicted FFA levels and oleic acid concentrations with high accuracy, but PV and linoleic acid concentrations were predicted poorly. Changing the test-dataset proportioning method for the small dataset led to comparable R2test values by both ANN and PLSR in predicting FFA levels. Successful prediction of FFA levels could be explained partly by high variability, even in the dataset with the small number of samples. The study highlights the significance of factors like dataset size, test-dataset proportioning method, and model selection when predicting the quality attributes.

High-fat diet consumption promotes adolescent neurobehavioral abnormalities and hippocampal structural alterations via microglial overactivation accompanied by an elevated serum free fatty acid concentration

Mounting evidence suggests that high-fat diet (HFD) consumption increases the risk for depression, but the neurophysiological mechanisms involved remain to be elucidated. Here, we demonstrated that HFD feeding of C57BL/6J mice during the adolescent period (from 4 to 8 weeks of age) resulted in increased depression- and anxiety-like behaviors concurrent with changes in neuronal and myelin structure in the hippocampus. Additionally, we showed that hippocampal microglia in HFD-fed mice assumed a hyperactive state concomitant with increased PSD95-positive and myelin basic protein (MBP)-positive inclusions, implicating microglia in hippocampal structural alterations induced by HFD consumption. Along with increased levels of serum free fatty acids (FFAs), abnormal deposition of lipid droplets and increased levels of HIF-1α protein (a transcription factor that has been reported to facilitate cellular lipid accumulation) within hippocampal microglia were observed in HFD-fed mice. The use of minocycline, a pharmacological suppressor of microglial overactivation, effectively attenuated neurobehavioral abnormalities and hippocampal structural alterations but barely altered lipid droplet accumulation in the hippocampal microglia of HFD-fed mice. Coadministration of triacsin C abolished the increases in lipid droplet formation, phagocytic activity, and ROS levels in primary microglia treated with serum from HFD-fed mice. In conclusion, our studies demonstrate that the adverse influence of early-life HFD consumption on behavior and hippocampal structure is attributed at least in part to microglial overactivation that is accompanied by an elevated serum FFA concentration and microglial aberrations represent a potential preventive and therapeutic target for HFD-related emotional disorders.

Krüppel-like factor 10 protects against metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis by regulating HNF4α-mediated metabolic pathways

BackgroundKrüppel-like factor 10 (KLF10), a zinc finger transcription factor, plays a pivotal role in modulating TGF-β-mediated cellular processes such as growth, apoptosis, and differentiation. Recent studies have implicated KLF10 in regulating lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis. This study aimed to elucidate the precise role of hepatic KLF10 in developing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in diet-induced obese mice. MethodsWe investigated hepatic KLF10 expression under metabolic stress and the effects of overexpression or ablation of hepatic KLF10 on MASH development and lipidemia. We also determined whether hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) mediated the metabolic effects of KLF10. ResultsHepatic KLF10 was downregulated in MASH patients and genetically or diet-induced obese mice. AAV8-mediated overexpression of KLF10 in hepatocytes prevented Western diet-induced hypercholesterolemia and steatohepatitis, whereas inactivation of hepatocyte KLF10 aggravated Western diet-induced steatohepatitis. Mechanistically, KLF10 reduced hepatic triglyceride and free fatty acid levels by inducing lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation and inhibiting lipogenesis, and reducing hepatic cholesterol levels by promoting bile acid synthesis. KLF10 highly induced HNF4α expression by directly binding to its promoter. The beneficial effect of KLF10 on MASH development was abolished in mice lacking hepatocyte HNF4α. In addition, the inactivation of KLF10 in hepatic stellate cells exacerbated Western diet-induced liver fibrosis by activating the TGF-β/SMAD2/3 pathway. ConclusionsOur data collectively suggest that the transcription factor KLF10 plays a hepatoprotective role in MASH development by inducing HNF4α. Targeting hepatic KLF10 may offer a promising strategy for treating MASH.

Analysis of blood biochemistry and non-targeted metabolomics of endometritis in dairy cows

The incidence of bovine endometritis, which has a negative impact on the reproduction of dairy cows, has been recently increasing. In this study, the differential markers and metabolites of healthy cows and cows with endometritis were analyzed by measuring blood biochemical indicators and immune factors using biochemical and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits combined with nontargeted metabolomics. The LC-QTOF platform was used to evaluate the serum metabolomics of healthy cows and cows with endometritis after 21–27 days of calving. The results showed that glucose, free fatty acid, calcium, sodium, albumin, and alanine aminotransferase levels were significantly lower in the serum of cows with endometritis than in healthy cows (P < 0.05). However, the serum potassium, interleukin-1, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor levels were significantly higher in cows with endometritis (P < 0.05). In addition, the serum metabolome data analysis of the two groups showed that the expression of 468 metabolites was significantly different (P < 0.05), of which 291 were upregulated and 177 were downregulated. These metabolites were involved in 78 metabolic pathways, including amino acid, nucleotide, carbohydrate, lipid, and vitamin metabolism pathways; signal transduction pathways, and other biological pathways. Taken together, negative energy balance and immune activation, which are related to local abnormalities in amino acid, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism, were the important causes of endometritis in dairy cows. Metabolites such as glucose, carnosine, dehydroascorbic acid, L-malic acid, tetrahydrofolic acid, and UDP-glucose may be used as key indicators in the hematological diagnosis and treatment of endometritis in dairy cows.

β-Cell Insulin Resistance Plays a Causal Role in Fat-Induced β-Cell Dysfunction In Vitro and In Vivo.

In the classical insulin target tissues of liver, muscle, and adipose tissue, chronically elevated levels of free fatty acids (FFA) impair insulin signaling. Insulin signaling molecules are also present in β-cells where they play a role in β-cell function. Therefore, inhibition of the insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 pathway may be involved in fat-induced β-cell dysfunction. To address the role of β-cell insulin resistance in FFA-induced β-cell dysfunction we co-infused bisperoxovanadate (BPV) with oleate or olive oil for 48 hours in rats. BPV, a tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, acts as an insulin mimetic and is devoid of any antioxidant effect that could prevent β-cell dysfunction, unlike most insulin sensitizers. Following fat infusion, rats either underwent hyperglycemic clamps for assessment of β-cell function in vivo or islets were isolated for ex vivo assessment of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). We also incubated islets with oleate or palmitate and BPV for in vitro assessment of GSIS and Akt (protein kinase B) phosphorylation. Next, mice with β-cell specific deletion of PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog; negative regulator of insulin signaling) and littermate controls were infused with oleate for 48 hours, followed by hyperglycemic clamps or ex vivo evaluation of GSIS. In rat experiments, BPV protected against fat-induced impairment of β-cell function in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro. In mice, β-cell specific deletion of PTEN protected against oleate-induced β-cell dysfunction in vivo and ex vivo. These data support the hypothesis that β-cell insulin resistance plays a causal role in FFA-induced β-cell dysfunction.

Impact of Hydroxytyrosol-Rich Extract Supplementation in a High-Fat Diet on Gilthead Sea Bream (Sparus aurata) Lipid Metabolism.

High-fat diets (HFDs) enhance fish growth by optimizing nutrient utilization (i.e., protein-sparing effect); however, their potential negative effects have also encouraged the search for feed additives. This work has investigated the effects of an extract rich in a polyphenolic antioxidant, hydroxytyrosol (HT), supplemented (0.52 g HT/kg feed) in a HFD (24% lipid) in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata). Fish received the diet at two ration levels, standard (3% of total fish weight) or restricted (40% reduction) for 8 weeks. Animals fed the supplemented diet at a standard ration had the lowest levels of plasma free fatty acids (4.28 ± 0.23 mg/dL versus 6.42 ± 0.47 in the non-supplemented group) and downregulated hepatic mRNA levels of lipid metabolism markers (ppara, pparb, lpl, fatp1, fabp1, acox1, lipe and lipa), supporting potential fat-lowering properties of this compound in the liver. Moreover, the same animals showed increased muscle lipid content and peroxidation (1.58- and 1.22-fold, respectively, compared to the fish without HT), suggesting the modulation of body adiposity distribution and an enhanced lipid oxidation rate in that tissue. Our findings emphasize the importance of considering this phytocompound as an optimal additive in HFDs for gilthead sea bream to improve overall fish health and condition.

Insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in low-birth-weight goat kids.

Low birth weight (LBW) impairs the development and health of livestock by affecting postnatal growth performance and metabolic health in adulthood. Previous studies on indigenous goats in southwest China showed that LBW goat kids had higher mortality and morbidity rates, including hepatic dyslipidemia and liver damage. However, the mechanism of insulin resistance affecting lipid metabolism under LBW conditions remains unclear. In this study, we conducted in vivo glucose-insulin metabolic studies, measured biochemical parameters, and analyzed related regulatory pathways. Both glucose tolerance tests and insulin tolerance tests indicated insulin resistance in LBW goat kids compared to controls (p < 0.05). The marker of insulin resistance, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), was 2.85-fold higher in LBW than in control goats (p < 0.01). Additionally, elevated levels of free fatty acids in both plasma and skeletal muscle were observed in LBW goats compared to normal birth weight (NBW) goats (p < 0.05). Transcriptome analysis revealed impairments in lipid metabolism and insulin signaling in LBW goats. The observed lipid accumulation was associated with the upregulation of genes linked to fatty acid uptake and transport (FABP3), fatty acid oxidation (PPARA), triacylglycerol synthesis (LPIN1 and DGAT1), oxidative stress (ANKRD2), and insulin resistance (PGC1α). Furthermore, the insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) was lower in the liver of LBW goat kids (p < 0.05). While there was no change in insulin function in skeletal muscle, LBW may lead to lipid accumulation in skeletal muscle by interfering with insulin function in the liver. These findings collectively impact the health and growth performance of livestock.

Effect of Chitosan and Its Water-Soluble Derivatives on Antioxidant Activity.

The antioxidant activity of chitosan (CS) and three water-soluble derivatives was analyzed comparatively by in vitro and in vivo experiments, including hydroxypropyl chitosan (HPCS), quaternary ammonium salt of chitosan (HACC), and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS). The results show that chitosan and its water-soluble derivatives have a scavenging ability on DPPH radicals, superoxide radicals, and hydroxyl radicals, and a reducing ability. A remarkable difference (p < 0.05) was found for HACC and HPCS compared with CS on DPPH radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and reducing ability. The antioxidant ability of the four chitosan samples was in the order of HPCS > HACC > CMCS > CS. Furthermore, antioxidant activity of all samples increased gradually in a concentration-dependent manner. The in vivo result indicates that oral CS and its derivatives samples result in a decrease in lipid peroxides (LPO) and free fatty acids (FFA) levels in serum with an increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Especially for the HPCS and HACC groups, the LPO, FFA, and SOD activity in serum was different significantly in comparison with the high-fat controlgroup (HF) (p < 0.05). These results indicate that chitosan and its derivatives can be used as good antioxidants, and the antioxidant activity might be related to the molecular structure of chitosan derivatives.

High-intensity interval training combining rowing and cycling improves but does not restore beta-cell function in type 2 diabetes.

We investigated whether a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocol could restore beta-cell function in type 2 diabetes compared with sedentary obese and lean individuals. In patients with type 2 diabetes, and age-matched, glucose-tolerant obese and lean controls, we examined the effect of 8 weeks of supervised HIIT combining rowing and cycling on the acute (first-phase) and second-phase insulin responses, beta-cell function adjusted for insulin sensitivity (disposition index), and serum free fatty acid (FFA) levels using the Botnia clamp (1-h IVGTT followed by 3-h hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp). At baseline, patients with type 2 diabetes had reduced insulin sensitivity (~40%), acute insulin secretion (~13-fold), and disposition index (>35-fold), whereas insulin-suppressed serum FFA was higher (⁓2.5-fold) compared with controls (all P < 0.05). The HIIT protocol increased insulin sensitivity in all groups (all P < 0.01). In patients with type 2 diabetes, this was accompanied by a large (>200%) but variable improvement in the disposition index (P < 0.05). Whereas insulin sensitivity improved to the degree seen in controls at baseline, the disposition index remained markedly lower in patients with type 2 diabetes after HIIT (all P < 0.001). In controls, HIIT increased the disposition index by ~20-30% (all P < 0.05). In all groups, the second-phase insulin responses and insulin-suppressed FFA levels were reduced in response to HIIT (all P < 0.05). No group differences were seen in these HIIT-induced responses. HIIT combining rowing and cycling induced a large but variable increase in beta-cell function adjusted for insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes, but the disposition index remained severely impaired compared to controls, suggesting that this defect is less reversible in response to exercise training than insulin resistance. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03500016).

Progress of the acyl-Coenzyme A thioester hydrolase family in cancer.

In recent years, the acyl-Coenzyme A thioester hydrolase family (ACOTs) has received wide attention as a key link in lipid metabolism. This family is a class of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of fatty acyl-Coenzyme A, disrupting the thioester bond present within acyl-CoA ester molecules to produce free fatty acids (FFA) and the corresponding coenzyme A (CoA). Such enzymes play a very important role in lipid metabolism through maintaining appropriate levels of intracellular FFA and fatty acyl-CoA as well as CoA. It is broadly divided into two distinct subgroups, the type-I α/β-hydrolase fold enzyme superfamily and the type-II 'hot dog' fold superfamily. There are currently four human type-I genes and eight human type-II genes. Although the two subgroups catalyze the same reaction, they are not structurally similar, do not share the same sequence homology, and differ greatly in protein executive functions. This review summarizes the classification of the acyl-CoA thioester hydrolase family, an overview of the structural sequences, and advances in digestive, respiratory, and urinary systemic tumors. In order to explore potential specific drug targets and effective interventions, to provide new strategies for tumor prevention and treatment.

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.

The potential of biochar derived from banana peel/Fe3O4/ZIF-67@K2CO3 as magnetic nanocatalyst for biodiesel production from waste cooking oils

Using biomass-based catalysts in biodiesel production can make the process more economical and environmentally friendly. In this study, a new magnetic nanocatalyst was developed using banana peel biochar, ZIF-67, Fe3O4, and K2CO3, and then utilized in a catalytic transesterification process to convert waste cooking oils (WCO) into biodiesel. The level of free fatty acids of the treated WCO (WCOT) was reduced to generate a biodiesel with more suitable characteristics. The physicochemical aspects of the magnetic nanocatalyst were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and map techniques. In the transesterification process, the effect of temperature, methanol-to-oil ratio, process time, and nanocatalyst weight on the potential of nanocatalyst to produce biodiesel from WCO and WCOT was explored. The highest yield of biodiesel from WCO (96.82%) and WCOT (99.18%) was attained at 65 °C, nanocatalyst weight of 3 wt %, methanol-to-oil ratio of 19:1, a processing time of 3 h, and a mixing rate of 600 rpm. Based on thermodynamic studies, the biodiesel production process was endothermic and non-spontaneous. The regeneration of the nanocatalyst was studied using various solvents and n-hexane had a good ability to recover the catalyst (90% up to 5 stages). The results of the 1H NMR test revealed that the desired nanocatalyst had a high potential to generate biodiesel from WCO and WCOT. The properties of produced biodiesel met ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 standards.

Lipidomics analysis unveils the dynamic alterations of lipid degradation in rice bran during storage

Recent explorations into rice bran oil (RBO) have highlighted its potential, owing to an advantageous fatty acid profile in the context of health and nutrition. Despite this, the susceptibility of rice bran lipids to oxidative degradation during storage remains a critical concern. This study focuses on the evolution of lipid degradation in RBO during storage, examining the increase in free fatty acids (FFAs), the formation of oxylipids, and the generation of volatile secondary oxidation products. Our findings reveal a substantial rise in FFA levels, from 109.55 to 354.06 mg/g, after 14 days of storage, highlighting significant lipid deterioration. Notably, key oxylipids, including 9,10-EpOME, 12,13(9,10)-DiHOME, and 13-oxoODE, were identified, with a demonstrated positive correlation between total oxylipids and free polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), specifically linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA). Furthermore, the study provides a detailed analysis of primary volatile secondary oxidation products. The insights gained from this study not only sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of lipid rancidity in rice bran but also offers significant implications for extending the shelf life and preserving the nutritional quality of RBO, aligning with the increasing global interest in this high-quality oil.

Millets based alternative sustainable cost-effective culture media for microbial growth

Millets are a rich source of starch, proteins, lipids, and other nutrients. This study aimed to assess whether millets can be used to formulate sustainable and economically viable culture media, thus potentially replacing the expensive traditional media used for growing microorganisms. Millet samples from Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu were assayed for their protein and lipid content. Sorghum vulgare (Jowar), Pennisetum glaucum (Bajra), and Eleusine coracana (Ragi) demonstrated high protein content ranging from 0.63–0.78 mg/ml. Using Thin Layer Chromatography, lipids extracted with hexane were fractionated into several bands and compared against standard fatty acids and cholesterol. Panicum miliaceum (Proso) and Setaria italica (Kang) showed the maximum levels of free fatty acids and cholesterol. Based on the protein, lipid, and nutrient content, millets were used in different compositions to formulate media for growing bacteria and fungi. A mixture of Ragi and Bajra, which serves as calcium and phosphate sources respectively, exhibited zones of phosphate solubilization, thus confirming its potential as an alternative to Pikovskaya medium, which is used to cultivate phosphate- solubilizing bacteria. A mixture of Varai and Rajgira, which serves as carbohydrate and protein sources respectively, showed luxurious growth of fungi, thus confirming its potential as an alternative to Sabouraud’s Agar medium. Phosphate-solubilising bacteria are utilized in biofertilizer formation, thereby contributing to increased agricultural productivity. Besides proving a sustainable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective alternative, the use of millets for media preparation can boost the agriculture sector and the economy of farmers as well.