Gas-liquid Chromatographic Analysis Research Articles

Gas-liquid chromatography analysis of phospholipids and triglycerides in Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) larvae: Effect of different diets

The Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is an important insect pest on a wide range of stored food diets. This study employed gas-liquid chromatography to investigate the influence of different diets (pistachio, raisins, and walnuts) on the composition of phospholipids and triglycerides in fifth instar larvae of P. interpunctella. The fatty acid profiles of the larvae revealed seven essential fatty acids including myristic, palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids. The fatty acid composition of larvae-extracted phospholipids and triglycerides also varied according to the diet type. In terms of phospholipids, the highest concentration of myristic acid was observed in larvae fed walnut. Raisins exhibited the highest levels of palmitoleic and oleic acid, while pistachio demonstrated the highest concentration of linoleic acid. However, no significant differences were observed among the treatments concerning palmitic acid, stearic acid, and linolenic acid. Regarding triglycerides, no significant differences were found among the treatments in terms of myrisitc acid and oleic acid. However, the raisins treatment displayed the highest amount of palmitoleic acid, while both pistachio and walnut treatments exhibited the highest levels of linoleic acid. Additionally, the concentration of linolenic acid in larvae fed walnut was higher than other test diets. These findings provide valuable insights into the fatty acid composition of P. interpunctella fed different diets. Such knowledge can be utilized in developing pest management strategies, as the manipulation of fatty acid profiles in insects’ diet could potentially impact their growth, development, and fitness.

Intestinal microbiota features of children born by cesarean section and its correction

Introduction. Studying the gut microbiota of C-section newborns and its correction is a topical problem at present.Aim. To study the process of gut microbiota formation in healthy C-section infants, and the option for its correction using a Lactobacillus reuteri strain DSM 17938 probiotic.Materials and methods. A total of 80 healthy newborns were included in the study. Of these, 59 completed the study: the treatment group consisted of 36 elective caesarean (EC)-section infants and the control group was made up of 23 vaginally delivered infants. Newborns of the treatment study group were randomized into subgroups, one of which received the L. reuteri strain DSM 17938 (L subgroup) probiotic, and the second one did not receive it (0 subgroup). During the entire period of the study, infants were exclusively breastfed. The gut microbiota was analysed with the 16S rRNA sequencing method, and the metabolic activity of the gut microbiota was additionally assessed using gas-liquid chromatography.Results and discussion. The metagenomic analysis showed that the taxonomic richness and biological diversity of the gut microbiota in L subgroup infants increased in time interval 3, which indicated the active effect of the strain on the infant microbiota by Exposure Day 30. The gas-liquid chromatography analysis showed more pronounced changes in short-chain fatty acids in infants of the L subgroup: they were more similar to the findings in the control group (vaginal delivery). Also, bowel problems and allergies occurred less frequently in infants of this subgroup and they less frequently suffered from respiratory diseases during the year. The study showed the association between the mode of delivery and changes in anthropometric measurements.Conclusion. The use of L. reuteri strain DSM 17938 probiotic had a significant effect on the formation of the microbiota by the 30th day of age. A daily long-term addition of a L. reuteri strain DSM 17938 probiotic can prevent early microbiota dysbiosis and have a protective effect in later age period.

Improvement of (Eruca sativa Mill) yield, oil, chemical constituents and antioxidant activity utilizing a by-product of yeast production (CMS) with zinc and boron under salinity stress conditions

The impact of low-quality irrigation water on plant development has garnered significant attention from researchers. In light of this, two field experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance, yield, oil production and composition, as well as active constituents of Rocket (Eruca sativa Mill) cultivated in calcareous soil under saline water irrigation. Foliar sprays containing condensed molasses soluble (CMS), zinc (Zn), and boron (B) alone or in combination were used for irrigation. The data obtained from measuring various parameters of Rocket following foliar spraying with CMS, Zn, B or their combinations demonstrated that most treatments resulted in a significant increase in these parameters. The highest values for most measurements were observed when foliar application included all three components (CMS ​+ ​Zn ​+ ​B), resulting in a seed yield of 184.6 ​g/m2 and an oil content of 675.3 ​kg/ha. Compared to the control group, the macronutrient content of N, P, K, Mg, and Ca increased by 34.4%, 56%, 42%, 45%, and 39% respectively in the seeds treated with these components. Furthermore, carbohydrates, proteins, phenolics flavonoids, and antioxidants showed increases of 24%, 34%, 21%, 43%, and 28% respectively compared to the control group. Gas-liquid chromatography analysis identified ten components present in the seed oil characterized by higher unsaturated fatty acids ranging from 81.28% to 92.28% and lower saturated fatty acids ranging from 6.72% to 8.21%. Therefore, foliar spray application including CMS, zinc, and boron can help alleviate salinity effects on Rocket plants grown under saline water irrigation conditions while improving growth, yield, oil production, and nutritional content such as total carbohydrates, proteins, and macronutrients levels.

Clinical and functional state of the pancreas, liver, and intestinal microbiota in patients with chronic biliary-dependent pancreatitis after cholecystectomy

The purpose of the study: To evaluate the clinical and functional state of the pancreas, liver and intestinal microbiota in patients with chronic biliary- dependent pancreatitis (CKD) after cholecystectomy.Materials and methods. 110 patients with CKD were examined, who were divided into 2 groups: group 1–58 patients (CKD) with a history of cholecystectomy. Group 2–52 patients with CKD with concomitant GI. The control group consisted of 35 practically healthy people. Patients with CKD with preserved gallbladder formed a comparison group with the main group. Cholecystectomy was performed according to urgent indications in most cases, but in some cases it was performed “prophylactically” with asymptomatic GI.All patients underwent:• ultrasound elastometry of the liver on the device “FibroScan” (“EchoSens”, France).• the study of the ability of cells to produce cytokines — TNF-a and TGF-b was determined by the enzyme immunoassay using test systems manufactured by the company “Cytokine” (St. Petersburg) and the company “R&D systems” (USA).• study of the concentration of pancreatic elastase-1 in feces by ELISA using test systems of the company “ScheBoBiotech” (Germany).• determination of the absolute and relative content of FGC (C2-C4) by gas-liquid chromatographic analysis in blood serum and faeces on the Crystal 2000 M chromatograph.Conclusion. In patients with CKD with a history of cholecystectomy, there are more significant violations of the metabolic activity of the intestinal microflora, lipid metabolism, liver fibrosis indicators, the severity of external secretory pancreatic insufficiency (VSN pancreas), which is accompanied by an increase in cytokine levels: TGF-b and TNF-a, an increase in the absolute content of short- chain fatty acids (FFA) in blood serum and feces and multidirectional changes in their spectrum, depending on the severity of the pancreatic VSN, the stage of liver steatosis, cholesterol levels compared with those of patients with CKD with preserved LC.

Effect of GA3 and NAA on growth, physiological parameters, and bioactive constituents of Ammi majus L.

Coumarins, the naturally occurring benzo-α-pyrone derivatives, are important group of secondary plant-metabolites derived from phenylalanine metabolism. Two net-house experiment was carried out concurrently to examine the effects of Gibberellic acid (GA3) (Experiment 1) and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) (Experiment 2) on growth and physiological parameters, and active constituents of Ammi majus, which is a medicinally important plant rich in coumarins and various flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids. Foliar-spray treatments, consisting of increasing concentrations of GA3 (0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg L−1) and NAA (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg L−1) were applied at 45 days after sowing. Application of both of the PGRs improved all of the parameters significantly. The best results were obtained at 100 mg L−1 of GA3 (Experiment 1) and 50 mg L−1 of NAA (Experiment 2) in terms of growth characteristics (plant height, fresh weight and dry weight), physiological parameters (photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll fluorescence, and activities of nitrate reductase and carbonic anhydrase) and seed-quality parameters (bioactive constituents). The most effective treatments, viz. 100 mg L−1 of GA3 (Experiment 1) and 50 mg L−1 of NAA (Experiment 2), resulted in appreciable increases in seed bioactive ingredients. The primary components were Methoxsalen, 7 H-furo [3,2-g] [1] benzopyron-7-one, 4, 9 dimethoxy, and p-camphorene, according to gas liquid chromatographic analyses. In comparison to the control, foliar treatment of GA3 (100 mg L−1) considerably increased the plant's shoot length (29.54%), root length (27.58%), fresh weight (36.78%), and dry weight (41.71%). Whereas, 50 mg L−1 of NAA enhanced these growth attributes by 31.12%, 32.61%, 34.84%, and 30.32%, respectively, in comparison to the control. Foliar application of 100 mg L−1 of GA3 increased the chlorophyll fluorescence (51.8%) as well as total content of chlorophyll (39.81%), and carotenoids (47.53%), in contrast with the control. Comparing the control, 50 mg L−1 of NAA enhanced the chlorophyll fluorescence, and total content of chlorophyll and carotenoids by 42.3%, 30.92%, and 27.81%, respectively. The best foliar-application treatments of 100 mg L−1 of GA3 and 50 mg L−1 of NAA were most effective for NR activity, surpassing the control by 27.7% and 21.5%, respectively. The largest increase in leaf CA activity was observed due to 100 mg L−1 of GA3 and 50 mg L−1 of NAA, which exceeded the control by 24.6% and 19.04%, respectively.

Development of Lepidium sativum Extracts/PVA Electrospun Nanofibers as Wound Healing Dressing.

Lepidium sativum L. (Garden cress/Hab El Rashad) (Ls), family Brassicaceae, has considerable importance in traditional medicine worldwide because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Ls fruits were used in Ayurvedic medicines as a useful drug for injuries, skin, and eye diseases. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the total ethanol extract (TEE) and polysaccharide (Poly) of Ls seeds loaded on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofibers (NFs) as a wound healing dressing and to correlate the activity with the constituents of each. TEE and Poly were phytochemically analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Qualitative analysis proved the presence of phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, sterols, triterpenes, and mucilage. Meanwhile, quantitative determinations were carried out spectrophotometrically for total phenolic and total flavonoid contents. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for TEE identified 15 phenolic acids and flavonoid compounds, with gallic acid and catechin as the majors. Separation, purification, and identification of the major compounds were achieved through a Puriflash system, column Sephadex LH20, and spectroscopic data (1H, 13C NMR, and UV). Eight compounds (gallic acid, catechin, rutin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside, kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside, quercetin, and kaempferol) were obtained. Gas–liquid chromatography (GLC) analysis for Poly identified 11 compounds, with galactose being the main. The antioxidant activity for both extracts was measured by three different methods based on different mechanisms: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), and 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS). TEE has the highest effectiveness as an antioxidant agent with IC50 82.6 ± 8.35 μg/mL for DPPH and 772.47 and 758.92 μM Trolox equivalent/mg extract for FRAP and ABTS, respectively. The PVA nanofibers (NFs) for each sample were fabricated by electrospinning. The fabricated NFs were characterized by SEM and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR); the results revealed successful encapsulation of TEE and Poly in the prepared NFs. Moreover, the swelling index of TEE in the prepared NFs shows that it is the most appropriate for use as a wound dressing. Cytotoxicity studies indicated a high cell viability with IC50 216 μg/mL and 1750 μg/mL for TEE and Poly, respectively. Moreover, the results revealed that nanofibers possess higher cell viability compared to solutions with the same sample quantities: 9-folds for TEE and 4-folds for Poly of amount 400 μg. The in vitro wound healing test showed that the TEE nanofibers performed better than Poly nanofibers in accelerating wound healing, with 90% for TEE, more than that for the Poly extract (82%), after 48 h. These findings implied that the incorporation of TEE in PVA nanofibers was more efficient than incorporation of Poly in improving the biological activity in wound healing. In conclusion, the TEE and polysaccharides of L. sativum L seed are ideal candidates for nanofibrous wound dressings. Furthermore, the contents of phenolic acids and flavonoids in TEE, which have potential antioxidant activity, make the TEE of L. sativum more favorable for wound healing dressing.

Monoraphidium sp. IBASU-A 574 (Selenastraceae, Chlorophyta) – перспективний продуцент біомаси для біоенергетики

he present studies were carried out to evaluate a potential biofuel application of the native strain Monoraphidium sp. IBASU-A 574 (Selenastraceae, Chlorophyta) adapted to the temperate zone climatic conditions. This strain was isolated from a small freshwater lake situated in Kyiv-city (Ukraine) by the reached culture method for obtaining desired strains of different species with high growth rate. It was identified based on its morphological characterization under light microscopy and 18S rRNA sequence analysis. Its culture’s growth, kinetic characteristics (specific growth rate and productivity) and biological peculiarities of the investigated strain were studied in comparison with the well-known biomass producer Chlorella vulgaris Beijer. CALU 157 under the same autotrophic cultivating conditions with using the modified Tamiya medium. It was established an active growth of Monoraphidium sp. IBASU-A 574 which was practically equal to the well-known producer and characterized by following parameters: a maximum cell density of 248 ∙ 10-6 cells ∙ mL-1, the specific growth rate of 1.4 days-1 and productivity of 72.5 ∙ 10-6 cells ∙ mL-1 ∙ days-1. The results of gas-liquid chromatography analysis showed that a fatty acid profile of this microalga included a complex of palmitic (C16: 0), oleic (C18: 1), linoleic (C18: 2) and linolenic (C18: 3) major fatty acids with suitable proportion for developing biodiesel feedstocks. Moreover, there was considerable variation in formation of its fatty acid composition depending on the stage of growth, that confirmed the necessity for such studies to determine both optimal time for growing algae and gaing maximum yield of target products. Thus, Monoraphidium sp. IBASU-A 574 was found to be the promising producer of biomass for bioenergetic industry due to obtained data of its growth characteristics and suitable fatty acid profile of lipids.

Gross composition of raw camel’s milk produced in Turkey

The composition and quality of goat milk is determined, but there is no similar studies on Turkish camel’s milk. Raw camel’s milk was collected from one-humped camels at a farm in western Turkey and evaluated for its physicochemical components and microbial properties. The dispersion of chemical composition values were found to be at similar levels in this study. However, they were lower than small amounts of monosaccharides such as fructose and glucose. Also, the camel’s milk was found to be a good source of zinc and vitamin C. The levels of yeast, mold, and coliform bacteria in the camel’s milk samples were low. Gas liquid chromatography analysis of milk fat showed that the predominant fatty acids were C16:0, C18:1, C14:0, C16:1 and C18:0. Saturated fatty acids average content was 59.33% and unsaturated fatty acids content was 40.74% of total fatty acids with low (2.12) atherogenic index (AI). The ratio of unsaturated/saturated acid (0.69%) was more favorable in these samples of Turkish camel’s milk compared with that of cow’s or goat’s milk as well as some other camel’s milk studies. The study’s results suggest that environmental and geographic conditions where camels are raised may cause variation in the composition of raw camel’s milk.

Stability of milk fatty acid profile during simulated shipping for analysis by gas chromatography

Milk fat trans-10 C18:1 can be used in diagnosing low milk fat production on dairy farms because it is a specific marker of biohydrogenation-induced milk fat depression. Individual fatty acids (FA), including the trans C18:1 isomer, can be determined only by gas-liquid chromatography. The analysis is currently available at a limited number of laboratories and often requires long-distance shipping. Expedited shipping with dry ice or ice packs is expensive. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of heat treatment before shipping, shipping temperature, and shipping time on milk FA profile. Samples were collected from 3 farms on 2 occasions and stored in a polystyrene foam cooler with an ice pack, at room temperature, or at 37°C for 1, 2, 3, and 7 d. Heating the sample before shipping, shipping temperature, and shipping time had very little effect on any FA analyzed. Differences observed were of small magnitude and not of practical importance, demonstrating that milk FA profile is expected to be very stable during shipping. Based on this, we propose that freezing samples and shipping in a sealed bag by second-day shipment is appropriate and demonstrated that this had little effect on FA profile of 48 milk samples. Importantly, these methods are recommended only for gas-liquid chromatography analysis of FA profile. Freezing is not appropriate for shipping for analysis by mid-infrared spectrometry-based methods or methods quantifying compounds per unit of milk because it is difficult to homogenize samples after freezing or extended shipping that results in denaturization of proteins and breaking of fat globules.

Analytical approaches for discriminating native lard from other animal fats

Establishing the distinguishable characteristics of lard from other common animal fats might be helpful for authentication initiatives in foods and feeds. In this study, fatty acid and triacylglycerol compositions, thermal and spectroscopic characteristics of native lard (NL), respectively, were compared with those of beef tallow (BT), mutton tallow (MT), and chicken fat (CF) by using gas liquid chromatography (GLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). GLC analysis showed that the comparison of the overall fatty acid data might not be suitable for the discrimination of different animal fats, but the use of the principal component analysis and the percent palmitic acid enrichment factor [PAEF (%)] calculations were useful. HPLC analysis showed that NL displayed a TAG profile, which was quite different from those of either BT or MT, but appeared to be closely similar to that of CF. Results of DSC thermal analysis showed that both melting and crystallization curves of NL were remarkably different from those of other animal fats.

Factors Determining the Selectivity of Stationary Phases for Geometric Isomers of Fatty Acids in Gas–Liquid Chromatographic Analysis

The chromatographic analysis of food products for trans isomers of monounsaturated fatty acids, which are harmful components, in the presence of an excess of useful cis isomers is considered as a complex problem of considerable current interest. The separation of substances by gas–liquid chromatography occurs in accordance with two mechanisms with different selectivity for geometric isomers based on adsorption on a flat surface, which gives an energy advantage to trans isomers, and distribution in the bulk phase, which leads to the stronger retention of cis isomers. The theoretical model proposed previously to explain the distribution of an adsorbate as its “absorption” by a stationary-phase macromolecule due to a conformational rearrangement in the course of nonspecific interaction was supplemented by polar interactions and hydrogen bonds. The factors influencing the selectivity of a phase for geometric isomers were considered. A theoretical analysis of the experimental data was carried out and the parameters of stationary phases required for increasing the separation selectivity of the trans and cis isomers of fatty acid esters were determined.

Recovery of the Intestinal Microbiota Metabolic Activity in Patients with Bronchial Asthma

Aim . To investigate the feasibility of correcting the content and profile of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in feces of patients suffering from allergic bronchial asthma. Materials and methods . The study included 30 patients with allergic bronchial asthma (BA). All patients underwent a generally accepted range of clinical laboratory tests, functional respiratory tests and a hydrogen breath test with lactulose to detect SIBO. The SCFA spectrum was determined by gas-liquid chromatographic analysis. All patients with BA underwent standard basic therapy with combined preparations containing long-acting beta-2-adre nergic agonists and inhaled glucocorticoids. For the treatment of SIBO, 10 patients were prescribed rifaximin-α at a dose of 200 mg × 3 times a day for 7 days, 10 patients were prescribed rifaximin-α at the same dose, followed by the administration of the Lactobalans drug containing at least 3.0×10 9 CFU/caps. probiotic microorganisms ( Lactobacillus gassery KS-13, Lactobacillus gasser LAC-343, Lactobacillus ramnosus LCS-742, Bifi dobacterium bifi dum G9-1, Bifi dobacterium longum MM-2, Bifi dobacterium longum BB536 Strain M, Bifi dobacterium biumidum BB536 Strain M. Bifi dobacterium biumidum biumidum BB536 Strain M. lactis B1-04) in 1 capsule once a day for 1 month. A probiotic course of 1 month was assigned to 10 patients without SIBO as part of the complex treatment of BA. The study of SCFA was carried out in all groups immediately after the end of probiotic therapy (after 1 month). Results. All patients demonstrated normalisation of the SCFA spectrum and anaerobic index. In patients without SIBO, during a probiotic therapy, an increase in the total content of SCFA ( p <0.001), acetic and butyric acid ( p <0.001) was revealed. The administration of a probiotic after a course of rifaximin-α led to a decrease in the relative amount of isoacids and the isoacids/acids ratio in comparison with patients who received rifaximin-α only for treatment of SIBO ( p <0.05). Conclusion. The obtained results demonstrate the potential of drugs in affecting the composition and number of active bacterial metabolites of the intestinal biotope, which indicates the restoration of intestinal microbiocenosis.

Metabolism of the intestinal microbiota in children of the first year of life with intestinal pathology and its surgical correction as a potential marker of biological age

The article presents data on the study of the metabolic activity of the intestinal microbiota in children of the first year of life. The study was performed by gas-liquid chromatographic analysis with the determination of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in fecal matter, which reflects the microbiota metabolic activity. The content of fecal matter was determined, reflecting the activity of aerobic microbiota-acetic acid (C2); anaerobic microbiota – propionic (C3), butyric (C4) acids; the sum of acids (E); anaerobic index (AI), which is an integral indicator of the intestinal environment. It was found that despite surgical intervention in the intestine in the first months of life, the metabolic activity of microbiota in children with intestinal resection remains stable throughout the first year of life.

Investigation of lipoidal matter of Chenopodium quinoa seeds and its cytotoxicity potential against three human cancer cell lines

Background and objectives Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) is a plant species that belongs to Chenopodiaceae family. It has a high nutritional value as it is rich in proteins, lipids, and fiber, and has an extraordinary balance of essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, in addition to a high number of health-beneficial phytochemicals, including saponins and phytosterols. The present study aims to investigate the lipoidal components of C. quinoa and assessment of C. quinoa lipoidal components and different fractions (methanol, chloroform, ethylacetate, and butanol) cytotoxicity potential against three human cancer cell lines using MTT reduction assay. Materials and methods The seeds of C. quinoa were extracted by different solvents and the extracts prepared were tested for their lipiodial constituents and cytotoxic activities in three cancer cell lines. Results and conclusion The results obtained from Gas Liquid Chromatography (GLC) analysis of nonsaponifiable fraction of C. quinoa seeds indicated that it consists mainly of a mixture of a series of n-alkanes and sterols (79.96 and 7.91%. respectively). The oil was also found to be rich in linoleic acid (52.7%) and oleic acid (25.33%). The investigation of the cytotoxic potential of the plant’s low polarity fractions, including CHCl3, and nonsaponifiable fraction against the studied cell lines revealed the sensitivity of A549 human lung cancer cells. Further studies are needed to uncover the mechanism and chemical constituents of the obtained activity of C. quinoa.

First report on fatty acids composition, total phenolics and antioxidant activity in seeds oil of four fig cultivars (Ficus carica L.) grown in Morocco

With the progresses of oilseed industry, an important interest is currently being focused on exploiting novel and underutilized sources for vegetable oils. Being so far the less studied part in fig fruits, seeds separated from four fig cultivars were assessed for their oil content, fatty acids identification, total phenolics and invitro antioxidant analysis. A one-way Anova yielded statistically significant differences for all parameters, with the exception of pentadecylic, margaric and arachidic acids besides the total saturated fatty acids. Fig seeds presented a yellow colored oil, of which the content ranged from 21.54 ± 1.71 to 28.52 ± 0.62%. Gas liquid chromatography analysis of the seed oil showed high percentages of linolenic acid in the four cultivars ranging from 38.43 ± 0.01 to 43.57 ± 0.04, followed by linoleic acid (28.9 ± 0.06–34.5 ± 0.04%). Palmitic acid and stearic acid were the dominating saturated fatty acids in all samples, where the amounts were in the range from 8.54 ± 0.04 to 9.05 ± 0.06% and from 2.59 ± 0.13 to 3.3% respectively. The efficiency of the desaturation from oleic acid to linoleic acid estimated within desaturation pathway, was higher among all cultivars than the efficiency of the desaturation from linoleic acid to linolenic acid. This explains the large increase of 18:3 concentration in all samples. The local cultivar ‘C11A21’ exhibited the highest total unsaturated fatty acids and the lowest level of saturated fatty acids, while the cultivar ‘White Adriatic’ combined the most relevant phenolics content, antioxidant activity and half maximum inhibitory concentration. All sampled oil possessed an important phenolics content that displayed variable levels of antioxidant activity. The objective of this study is to bring new data on the biochemical attributes of fig seeds as a new source oil that can be used for nutritional, pharmaceutical and cosmetic purposes.

Intestinal Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Patients with Bronchial Asthma

Aim. Tostudy the content and profile of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in faeces of patients with bronchial asthma and healthy individuals, as well as to evaluate possible correlations between the SCFA spectrum and clinical phenotype of patients with bronchial asthma. Materials and methods. 44 patients with asthma and 17 healthy volunteers participated in the study. All participants underwent a generally accepted range of clinical and laboratory studies, as well as functional respiratory tests. The SCFA spectrum was determined using gas-liquid chromatographic analysis. The results of patients with asthma showed a significant decrease in the total fatty acid content in faeces (p <0.001); changes in the absolute concentrations of individual acids, such as acetate (p <0.001), propionate (p <0.001) and butyrate (p <0.001); as well as a change in the total isoacid content (p <0.001). In 83% of the cases, the anaerobic type of the SCFA spectrum was detected. The aerobic type of the SCFA metabolic profile was detected in 17% of the cases. The change in the metabolic profile did not depend on the phenotype of the disease.Conclusion. Changes in SCFAs indicate pronounced disorders in the microbiocenosis of the intestinal biotope. The values of the anaerobic index in the context of various changes in the acid metabolic profile indicate the disturbance of the microorganism’s habitat, contributing to the growth of anaerobic or aerobic microflora populations.

Markers of dysbiosis in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

The aim of the study was to study the taxonomic and functional composition of the gut microbiota in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) patients to identify key markers of dysbiosis in IBD. Fecal samples obtained from 95 IBD patients (78 UC and 17 CD) as well as 96 healthy volunteers were used for whole-genome sequencing carried out on the SOLiD 5500 W platform. Taxonomic profiling was performed by aligning the reeds, not maped on hg19, on MetaPhlAn2 reference database. Reeds were mapped using the HUNAnN2 algorithm to the ChocoPhlAn database to assess the representation of microbial metabolic pathways. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) level were measured in fecal samples by gas-liquid chromatographic analysis. Changes in IBD patients gut microbiota were characterized by an increase in the representation of Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes phyla bacteria and decrease in the number of Firmicutes phylum bacteria and Euryarchaeota phylum archaea; a decrease in the alpha-diversity index, relative representation of butyrate-producing, hydrogen-utilizing bacteria, and Methanobrevibacter smithii; increase in the relative representation of Ruminococcus gnavus in UC and CD patients and Akkermansia muciniphila in CD patients. Reduction of Butyryl-CoA: acetate CoA transferase gene relative representation in CD patients, decrease of absolute content of SCFA total number as well as particular SCFAs and main SCFAs ratio in IBD patients may indicate inhibition of functional activity and number of anaerobic microflora and/or an change in SCFA utilization by colonocytes. the revealed changes can be considered as typical signs of dysbiosis in IBD patients and can be used as potential targets for IBD patients personalized treatment development.

Preparation and characterization of Fe3O4@Boehmite core‐shell nanoparticles to support molybdenum or vanadium complexes for catalytic epoxidation of alkenes

Fe3O4 core nanoparticles were prepared via a solvothermal process, and then they were covered with a surface hydroxyl‐rich boehmite shell via the hydrothermal‐assisted sol–gel processing of aluminum 2‐propoxide. The outer surface of the boehmite shell was subsequently covalently functionalized with 3‐(tri‐methoxysilyl)‐propylamine or 3‐(tri‐methoxysilyl)‐propyl chloride, and the terminal chlorine groups were treated with imidazole. These compounds were used to support the hexa‐carbonyl molybdenum and oxo‐sulfato vanadium (IV) complexes. The supported catalysts were characterized by the FT‐IR, CHN, ICP, and TEM analysis techniques. They were then used in the epoxidation of cis‐cyclooctene. The catalytic procedures were optimized for different parameters such as the solvent, oxidant, and temperature. The reaction progress was investigated by the gas–liquid chromatography analysis. The catalysts used were simply recovered from the solution by applying a magnet, and recycling the experiments revealed that the heterogeneous nanocatalysts could be repeatedly used for the epoxidation of cis‐cyclooctene. The optimized conditions were also successfully used for the epoxidation of some other alkenes.

Metabolic activity of intestinal microflora in patients with bronchial asthma.

The gut microbiota plays the important role to support the immunological tolerance. To study a metabolic activity of the intestinal microflora the 44 patients suffering from bronchial asthma and 17 healthy volunteers were tested. The short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) spectrum was determined using the method of gas-liquid chromatographic analysis. We have detected a significant decrease the total content of the fatty acids in the feces (P<0.001), the absolute concentrations of the individual acids (acetate, propionate, butyrate; P<0.001) and the total content of isoacids (P<0.001) for all of the patients with bronchial asthma in the study, regardless of the phenotype. The anaerobic type of the SCFA spectrum was detected for the majority (83%) of the patients tested. The aerobic type of the SCFA metabolic profile was detected for another part (17%) of the patients tested. Being detected the parameters change could play the principal role as for the bronchial asthma course as to support the organism sensibilisation.

Роль короткоцепочечных жирных кислот в оценке состояния микробиоценоза

Aim of investigation: to study the content and qualitative profile of shot-chain fatty acids in feces and blood serum in patients with NAFLD of different stages as indicators of intestinal microbiocenosis status and systemic lipid metabolism, and to evaluate the effectiveness of course antibacterial (rifaximin) and prebiotic (psyllium) therapy in the period of 6 months for the correction of gut microbiocenosis disorders. Material and methods: The survey included 115 patients (82 (71,3%) men, 33 (28,7%) women) with NAFLD of different stages (steatosis - 40 people, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) of minimal activity - 30 people, NASH of moderate activity - 30 people, liver cirrhosis class A Child-Pugh - 15 people) at the average age of 51,83±8,48 years old. All the patients were examined by research of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) using gas-liquid chromatographic analysis in various biological substrates (blood serum and feces). According to the management scheme, the patients with NAFLD were divided into 3 groups. The first group of 30 people (on the background of lifestyle modification) received a 6-month intake of psyllium. The second group of 35 people in addition to lifestyle modification received a 7-day course of rifaximin (7 - days/800 mg/d) and psyllium during the period of observation (6 months). The third group of 35 people received standard therapy of NAFLD without pharmacotherapy aimed to correction of gut microbiocenosis disorders. In the course of treatment the frequency and severity of clinical manifestations of intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome (SIBO) reduced in patients of groups 1 and 2 (in group 1 the complaints on abdominal pain and flatulence decreased by 11%, in group 2 - by 37%, the normalization of stool occurred in both groups), SIBO was not detected according to the results of the hydrogen breath test with lactulose, the level of total endotoxin was determined within normal values. Negative dynamics was noted in group 3: the increase in the number of complaints of abdominal pain by 16%, flatulence and unstable stool - by 10%, the frequency of registration of SIBO increased by 20%, increased level of total endotoxin was detected in 5.7% of patients. Results. The absolute concentration of SCFA in feces in patients with NAFLD (steatosis) is reduced, in patients with NASH of minimal activity, NASH of moderate activity and liver cirrhosis is increased, in the profile of C2-C4 acids there was the increase in the share of propionic and butyric acids and the decline in the share of acetic acid, the anaerobic index (AI) deflected in the region of strongly negative values, the total relative content of isoacids increased in all groups of patients, worsening with the severity of the pathological process (at normal Σ(C2-C6)=10.51±2.50 mg/g, C2=0.634±0.004, C3=0.189±0.001, C4=0.176±0.004, AI= -0.576(±0.012), Σ(isoCn)=0.068±0.004). The obtained results indicate marked changes in the qualitative and quantitative composition of the microflora, the decrease in the number and activity of obligate microorganisms and the increase in facultative and residual anaerobic bacteria. These changes in the microbial landscape lead to the marked disorders in the intestinal phase of lipid metabolism. The absolute concentration of SCFA in serum in patients with NAFLD (steatosis) is reduced, in patients with NASH of minimal activity, NASH of moderate activity is increased, in the profile of C2-C4 acids there is the decrease in the share of propionic acid and the increase in the share of butyric acid, most pronounced in steatosis and NASH of minimal activity. In patients with liver cirrhosis, the absolute concentration of SCFA in serum is increased, in the profile of C2-C4 acids, the share of acetic acid is sharply reduced with an increase in the share of propionic and butyric acids and the total relative content of isoacids. The content of caproic and isocaproic acids is increased in all groups (at normal Σ (C2-C6)=0.195±0.011 mg/g, C2=0.902±0.006, C3=0.071±0.004, C4 = 0.027±0.002, Σ (isoCn)=0.040±0.007, isoC6+C6=0.025±0.004). This fact can be explained by the changes in the functional state of hepatocytes, and, consequently, in the metabolic function of the liver (in particular with respect to lipid metabolism). The clinical efficacy of therapeutic management with the use of drugs aimed at the relief of the intestinal microflora disorders (course of rifaximin (if SIBO is identified) on the background of prolonged ingestion of psyllium) in patients with NAFLD of different stages, is supported by the normalization of the content and profile of SCFA in various biological substrates. In patients of group 3 there was noted the negative dynamics of estimated parameters SCFA. Thus, the results of the undertaken research of the parameters of SCFA in various biosubstrates indicate the marked changes in the intestinal microbiocenosis and their contribution to the development and enhancement of systemic metabolic processes. The inclusion of means aimed at correcting the microecological status disorders in the complex management of NAFLD is not only effective, but also pathogenetically necessary.