Gondoic Acid Research Articles

Analysis of biodiesel and fatty acids using state-of-the-art methods from non-edible plants seed oil; Nicotiana tobaccum and Olea ferruginia

The long-term socioeconomic and environmental alternative to fossil fuels is biodiesel. Current biodiesel manufacturing research has developed competitive, sustainable methods. The study validates and explains biodiesel benefits while increasing output. Physicochemical characterizations, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), elemental analysis (EA), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission (ICP-OES), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) are studied. In this study, we discovered two inedible plant seeds, specifically Olea ferruginea (OF) and Nicotiana tobaccum (NT), which exhibited significant oil contents of 30–49% by weight; both seeds had minimal amounts of free fatty acids contents of 1.1% and 0.9%, and biodiesel yield 96.4–97.9% after an optimization process, i.e., methanol/ oil ratio (6:1), KOH concentration (0.32), temperature (65 °C), stirring rate (700 rpm), and time (60 mins). A comprehensive analysis was performed to investigate and contrast the physical, chemical, and compositional attributes of the FAMEs with those of mineral diesel. Gas chromatography determined biodiesel's chemical composition and detected various fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) i.e. palmitic (9.7–14.0), stearic (1.8–3.2), oleic (25.5–47.2), linoleic (8.5–32.2), α-Linolenic (3.6–1.1), arachidic (2.4–0.8), and gondoic acid was (48.5–0.5%), respectively. In novel biodiesel characterization, NMR spectroscopy defines and assigns sample chemical structures to identify and quantify unsaturated long-chain alkyl esters. NMR spectroscopic biodiesel methanol quantification is an alternative to official methods. 1H NMR revealed the molecular hydrogen nuclei. This study examines all biodiesel purity and transesterification performance parameters. Producing cost-effective and optimal biodiesel requires the intent of these properties. Inedible seeds can be cultivated in infertile terrain to improve biodiesel production and solve the energy dilemma.

Chemical Profile of Cold-Pressed Beech Nut (Fagus sylvatica L.) Oil

The objective of this study was to assess the chemical characteristics of cold-pressed beech nut oil. The nuts, gathered from the forest, comprised 25.35% water, 13.19% oil, and 19.40% protein. The predominant fatty acid was linoleic acid (40.5%), followed by oleic acid (35.0%) and gondoic acid (7.7%). All four tocopherols were present in the oil, with γ-tocopherol being the dominant form at 99.38 mg per 100 g of oil. The total sterol content was 2708.73 mg per kg of oil, with β-sitosterol constituting 80.5% of all sterols. The main characteristics of the oil included its relatively high tocopherol and gondoic acid content, a dominant oleic–linoleic fatty acid profile, and elevated levels of carotenoids.

Сравнительный анализ мононенасыщенных жирных кислот в периферической крови жителей различных климатогеографических территорий

Disordered endogenous synthesis as well as changes in the quantity and qualitative composition of fatty acids in the diet can become pathogenetic factors in a number of metabolic diseases. The purpose of this article was a comparative analysis of the content of monounsaturated fatty acids (palmitoleic, elaidic, oleic, gondoic, erucic and nervonic) in the peripheral blood of residents of different climatic regions. Materials and methods. The research was conducted between 2008 and 2018 and involved 697 subjects aged 22 to 60 years. Depending on the region of permanent residence, all the participants were divided into three groups: 1) residents of the Arctic region (AR); 2) people living in the circumpolar region (CR); 3) residents of the South Caucasus (SC). The level of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) in the blood serum was evaluated using gas-liquid chromatography. Results. The analysis of the data obtained demonstrates that the total concentration of MUFAs in the peripheral blood of AR and CR residents is statistically significantly lower compared to the people of SC. In particular, northerners showed lower concentrations of palmitoleic, oleic and gondoic acids. Moreover, in the AR group, the level of elaidic acid was higher than in the SC group, while the concentration of erucic acid was lower than in the CR and SC groups. In terms of nervonic acid, a statistically significantly lower content was detected in SC residents compared to the CR group, while the probability of differences between SC and AR residents was at the trend level. Thus, extreme factors of the North cause adaptive rearrangements in fat metabolism at the level of major and minor fatty acid components. At the same time, the changes are closely linked with the structure of nutrition and can be attributed to an unbalanced diet.

The effect of fish oil rich in cetoleic acid on the omega-3 index and skin quality

Objective: The objective of the study was to provide preliminary data on the effect of a long chain monounsaturated oil rich in cetoleic acid on the omega-3 index, a validated measure of EPA and DHA in blood cells, as well as a potential effect of the oil on skin quality.Design: Two intervention studies were performed, each as double blinded, placebo controlled, randomised nutritional trials. The CetoIndex study (N = 55) measured omega-3 index using a blood spot collection kit (Omegaquant). The Optihud study (N = 28) measured skin quality parameters in healthy women using the VISIA system. The cetoleic-rich-oil (CRO) was an oil derived from North Atlantic fish with a predominance of long chain mono-unsaturated fatty acids including cetoleic acid (C22:1 n-11) and gondoic acid (C20:1 n-9).Results: In a placebo-controlled study, the omega-3 index in healthy volunteers was increased similar to that seen with an oil with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids. In a separate placebo-controlled study, the CRO reduced erythema in skin, which is a marker of inflammation.Conclusions: The results of this pilot study suggest that the use of a CRO increases the omega-3 index more than expected from the levels of EPA and DHA in the oil. The CRO may potentially have benefits on skin inflammation.Summary: Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are commonly taken as dietary supplements for a range of health benefits. Other marine fatty acids may also provide health benefits and it is of interest to understand their activity. Long chain mono-unsaturated fatty acids (LCMUFA) have shown biological activity in studies of metabolic health in animal models. Here, we report two intervention studies using a fish oil with a high LCMUFA content where cetoleic acid is the predominant fatty acid (Cetoleic rich oil: CRO). In CetoIndex, a placebo-controlled study in 55 healthy volunteers, the omega-3 index increased similarly to that seen with an oil containing higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids. In Optihud, a placebo-controlled study in 28 female volunteers, the CRO reduced erythema in skin, which is a marker of inflammation. The results of this pilot study support the use of a CRO for increasing the omega-3 index with potential benefits on skin inflammation.

Acer truncatum Bunge seed oil ameliorated oxaliplatin-induced demyelination by improving mitochondrial dysfunction via the Pink1/Parkin mitophagy pathway.

Dietary nutritional support for special populations is an effective and feasible method to improve the quality of life of patients and reduce medical pressure. Acer truncatum Bunge seed oil (ATSO) is widely recognized for its ability to promote nerve myelin regeneration. To evaluate the ameliorative effects of ATSO on chemotherapy-induced demyelination, a zebrafish model of chemotherapy-induced demyelination was established. The results showed that 100 μg mL-1 of ATSO reversed tail morphology damage, axon degeneration, touch response delay, ROS level upregulation and the expression of myelin basic protein decrease in chemotherapy-induced zebrafish. In addition, the expression of myelin markers (including sox10, krox20, and pmp22) in oxaliplatin-induced cells was markedly reversed by ATSO and its active components (gondoic acid, erucic acid, and nervonic acid). ATSO and its active components could reverse demyelination by ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction. Conversely, linoleic acid and linolenic acid promoted demyelination by exacerbating mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, the Pink1/Parkin pathway was recognized as the main reason for ATSO and its active components improving mitochondrial function by activating mitophagy and restoring autophagic flow. Taken together, this study demonstrated that ATSO and its active components could be further developed as novel functional food ingredients to antagonize demyelination.

Assessment of the amino and fatty acid composition and biological value of meat of broiler chickens taken by “Subtiform” probiotic bio preparation

Probiotics are widely used for intensive technologies of growing broiler chickens due to their ecologically harmless properties, increasing productivity and obtaining safe and high-quality meat products. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of the probiotic biopreparation Subtiform on the amino and fatty acid composition and biological value of chicken meat after drinking the probiotic biopreparation Subtiform in different doses. Broiler chickens from 28 to 42 days of age were given the probiotic bio preparation Subtiform, which contains Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis at 2.5 × 109 CFU/g and dry milk serum per 20 birds in a cage: control - birds were not given probiotics with water; experiment 1 – 0.5 g/10 dm3 of water; experiment 2 – 2.0 g/10 dm3 of water; experiment 3 – 4.0 g/10 dm3 of water. The total content of amino acids in the breast meat of broiler chickens slightly increased in experiment 1 – by 1.71 % (Р < 0.01), in experiment 2 – by 3.57 % (Р ≤ 0.001), in experiment 3 – by 12.35 % (Р ≤ 0.001). The content of essential amino acids in breast meat was increased – 5.39 ± 0.04 mg/100 mg (Р ≤ 0.001) due to an increase in the content of methionine – 1.7 times (Р ≤ 0.01), leucine – by 1.3 times (Р ≤ 0.001), lysine and isoleucine – 1.2 times compared to the control group; the content of substituted amino acids also increased – 9.07 ± 0.04 mg/100 mg (Р ≤ 0.001) due to an increase in the content of aspartic acid – 1.2 times (Р ≤ 0.01), glutamic acid – 1.13 times (Р ≤ 0.01), as well as a decrease in glycine content – by 1.2 times (Р≤0.01) compared to the control group. The protein-quality index in experiment 3 was higher due to the increased content of tryptophan – 0.37 ± 0.025 mg/100 mg of meat (Р ≤ 0.001) and oxyproline – 0.06 ± 0.002 mg/100 mg of meat (Р ≤ 0.001). A positive effect of the probiotic biological preparation of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis on the fatty acid composition of the meat of broiler chickens of the research groups was established. The highest total content of saturated fatty acids to the total content of fatty acids in percentage was in experimental group 3 – 38.39 ± 0.002 %, which accordingly increased by 8.11 % compared to the control group (35.51 ± 0.002 %), due to the increase due to the increase in palmitic, stearic, iso-stearic content. The content of monounsaturated acids was characterized by the content of myrostolenic, palmitoleic, heptadeceneic, oleic, gondoic, and erucic nervonic acids. The highest content of monounsaturated fatty acids in experimental group 3 is 43.77 ± 0.002 % (Р≤0.001) due to an increase in the content of 43.77 ± 0.002 % (Р ≤ 0.001) of palmitoleic, oleic and gondoic acids. The increase in the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the meat of broiler chickens in experimental sample 3 was the highest – 25.16 ± 0.02 % (Р ≤ 0.001) due to the increase in the content (Р ≤ 0.001) of linoleic, linolenic and arachidonic fatty acids. The highest total content of omega-3 was in experimental groups of broiler chicken meat 2 and 3, respectively – 1.03 ± 0.001 % (Р ≤ 0.001) and 1.30 ± 0.001 % (Р ≤ 0.001) and omega-6, respectively – 22.98 ± 0.014 % (Р ≤ 0.001) and 23.40 ± 0.015 % (Р ≤ 0.001). The ratio ∑Omega-6/∑Omega-3 was – 22.31 and 18.00 in experimental groups 2 and 3, respectively. An increase in the relative biological value of meat (103.85 %) was observed when using Tetrachimena piriformis in a dose of the probiotic biopreparation Subtiform – 4.0 g/10 dm3 of water. The practical value of the research lies in the use of the probiotic biopreparation Subtiform to increase the biological value of meat and improve the amino acid and fatty acid profile.

Higher Availability of Long-Chain Monounsaturated Fatty Acids in Preterm than in Full-Term Human Milk.

While the role of n-3 and n-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) in the maturation of the infantile nervous system is extensively studied and relatively well-characterized, data on the potential developmental importance of the n-9 long-chain monounsaturated fatty acid (LCMUFA), nervonic acid (NA, C24:1n-9) are scarce and ambiguous. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to reanalyze our available data on the contribution of NA and its LCMUFA precursors, gondoic acid (C20:1n-9) and erucic acid (EA, C22:1n-9) to the fatty acid composition of human milk (HM) during the first month of lactation in mothers of both preterm (PT) and full-term (FT) infants. HM samples were obtained daily during the first week of lactation, and then on the 14th, 21st, and 28th days. Values of the LCMUFAs, C20:1n-9, EA, and NA were significantly higher in colostrum than in transient and mature HM. Consequently, there were highly significant inverse associations between LCMUFA values and the duration of lactation. Moreover, C20:1n-9, EA, and NA values were monotonously, considerably, and at many timepoints significantly higher in PT than in FT HM samples. By the 28th day of lactation, summarized LCMUFA values in PT HM samples declined to the level measured in FT HM samples on the first day of lactation; however, EA and NA values were still significantly higher in PT than in FT HM on the 28th day. Significantly higher availability of LCMUFAs in PT than in FT HM underpins the potential biological role of this hitherto somewhat neglected group of fatty acids.

Molecular targets and mechanisms involved in the action of Banxia Shumi decoction in insomnia treatment.

Insomnia is a common sleep-wake rhythm disorder, which is closely associated with the occurrence of many serious diseases. Recent researches suggest that circadian rhythms play an important role in regulating sleep duration and sleep quality. Banxia Shumi decoction (BSXM) is a well-known Chinese formula used to treat insomnia in China. However, the overall molecular mechanism behind this therapeutic effect has not yet been fully elucidated. This study aimed to identify the molecular targets and mechanisms involved in the action of BSXM during the treatment of insomnia. Using network pharmacology and molecular docking methods, we investigated the molecular targets and underlying mechanisms of action of BSXM in insomnia therapy. We identified 8 active compounds from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform and the traditional Chinese medicine integrative database that corresponded to 26 target genes involved in insomnia treatment. The compound-differentially expressed genes of the BXSM network indicated that cavidine and gondoic acid could potentially become key components of drugs used for insomnia treatment. Further analysis revealed that GSK3B, MAPK14, IGF1R, CCL5, and BCL2L11 were core targets significantly associated with the circadian clock. Pathway enrichment analysis of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes revealed that epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance was the most prominently enriched pathway for BSXM in the insomnia treatment. The forkhead box O signaling pathway was also found to be significantly enriched. These targets were validated using the Gene Expression Omnibus dataset. Molecular docking studies were performed to confirm the binding of cavidine and gondoic acid to the identified core targets. To our knowledge, our study confirmed for the first time that the multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway characteristics of BXSM may be the potential mechanism for treating insomnia with respect to the circadian clock gene. The results of this study provided theoretical guidance for researchers to further explore its mechanism of action.

Seed and Fruit Fatty Acid Compositions of Crambe orientalis and Crambe tataria Oils Collected from Three Different Provinces in Turkey

Crambe is an annual or perennial plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family. The interest in Crambe is mainly due to its unique fatty acid profile, low input management, and broad adaptability to the environment. Thus, Crambe seed and fruit fatty acids were investigated by GC / MS in order to examine the chemical variability which correlates with the environmental variability. In the study, Crambe orientalis var. orientalis and Crambe tataria var. tataria were used and they were collected from the different areas of three provinces of Türkiye. Fifteen compounds were found, representing 84.6-100% of the total seed and fruit oils. The major components in both species were erucic acid (24.7-44.7%), gondoic acid (19.0-28.3%), oleic acid (14.9-28.5%), and linoleic acid (8.1-17.6%). As a consequence, it is needed to increase the production of erucic acid (C22:1) and gondoic acid (C20:1) in Crambe by using wild populations via plant breeding. These two promising fatty acids may be an alternative to meet industrial fatty acid market demand in a more environmentally friendly way compared to using fatty acids from fossil oil.

Scabicidal Potential of Coconut Seed Extract in Rabbits via Downregulating Inflammatory/Immune Cross Talk: A Comprehensive Phytochemical/GC-MS and In Silico Proof.

Scabies is an invasive skin condition caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites. The present study investigates the antiscabies potential of coconut seed extract (CSE) in rabbits. GC-MS analysis of the seed oil identified 17 known compounds, while CSE phytochemical investigation afforded 4 known ones. The topical application of seed extract improved all signs of infection, and the improvement started 3 days post application. However, in vitro application of the extract caused 99% mortality of mites 1 day post application. Histopathological examination revealed the absence of inflammatory infiltration and hyperkeratosis of the epidermis, compared with ivermectin-treated groups which revealed less improvement. The mRNA gene expression results revealed a suppression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, MMP-9, VEGF, and MCP-1, and an upregulation of I-CAM-1, KGF as well as TIMP-1. The docking analysis emphasized a strong binding of gondoic acid with IL-1β, IL-6, and VEGF with high binding scores of -5.817, -5.291, and -8.362 kcal/mol, respectively, and a high binding affinity of 3″(1‴-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-sucrose with GST with -7.24 kcal/mol. Accordingly, and for the first time, our results highlighted the scabicidal potential of coconut seed extract, which opens the gate for an efficient, cost-effective as well as herbal-based alternative for the control of scabies in rabbits.

Epoxidation of crambe seed oil with peracetic acid formed in situ

AbstractThis study investigated the epoxidation of crambe seed oil (CSO) using peracetic acid formed in situ during the reaction process. First, a preliminary study of the main operational variables was carried out. Then, the kinetic behavior of the reaction was verified, evaluating the effect of the molar ratio of hydrogen peroxide to ethylenic unsaturation, catalyst percentage and temperature. The results indicate that the smallest amount of hydrogen peroxide (1.1 mol mol−1) favors the relative conversion to oxygen oxirane (RCO) and that an increase in the catalyst percentage up to 2.4 wt% intensifies the reaction, maintaining the stability of the process. In addition, the reaction carried out at high temperatures results in greater conversions in short time, however, it is necessary that the reaction is stopped at the exact time, avoiding exceeding the formation of epoxy resulting in the obtaining of by‐products. Some unsaturated fatty acids are partially consumed while others (linolenic and gondoic acid) are completely consumed during the entire reaction. The epoxidized oils showed higher viscosities in relation to the CSO. The FTIR spectra indicated the appearance of the epoxide group and the analysis by gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer indicated the formation of two epoxidized compounds, 3‐octyl oxirane octanoic acid and 10‐oxo‐octadecanoic acid methyl ester. The highest efficiency for the formation of CSO epoxides, within the ranges of the variables evaluated, was observed at 80°C, 8 h reaction, using a H2O2 to CC molar ratio of 1.1 mol mol−1 and 2.4 wt% H2SO4.

Gondoic acid alleviates LPS‑induced Kupffer cells inflammation by inhibiting ROS production and PKCθ/ERK/STAT3 signaling pathway

Kupffer cells (KCs) is the main macrophage in liver, and its inflammation is related to liver diseases. It has been shown that inflammatory macrophages are accompanied by changes in monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content. However, the effect of gondoic acid (GA) on inflammation and its underlying mechanism have not been described. In the current study, we demonstrated that GA significantly inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory factors in LPS-exposed KCs. Further research found that GA reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and enhanced the expression of antioxidant genes. Meanwhile, GA obviously blocked the LPS-stimulated PKCθ/ERK/STAT3 signaling pathways to alleviate the inflammatory responses. These results demonstrated for the first time that GA improves KCs inflammation through the inhibition of ROS production and PKCθ/ERK/STAT3 signaling pathway, the results assist in the potential development of functional foods or prodrugs based on the GA rich plant oils.

The Effects of Chemotherapy on Circulating Plasma Omega-9, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Plasmalogen in Breast Cancer Patients

ObjectivesChemotherapy produces long-term cognitive impairment (CICI) in ∼30% of those receiving solid tumor treatment. Our previous results revealed a positive correlation between doxorubicin treatment and murine hippocampal concentrations of omega-9 fatty acids, relative to untreated controls. Our objective was to measure these and other structurally analogous fatty acids in human plasma following breast-cancer treatment, to determine if they might serve as biomarkers and/or nutritional targets during treatment. MethodsSerum samples were collected from patients (n = 51) at ≥ 2 of 3 visits: immediately prior to standard adjuvant and neo-adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer (baseline), prior to the third cycle of chemotherapy, and 6 months after chemotherapy termination. Lipophilic extracts of serum were analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) to quantify eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), linoleic acid, oleic acid, mead acid, gondoic acid, erucic acid, nervonic acid and PE(P-18:0/22:6) (plasmalogen). Linear models assessed the impact of visit on fatty acid concentrations, with a fixed intercept used for each subject. A P < 0.05 for chemotherapy was considered significant. ResultsChemotherapy significantly increased plasma concentrations of gondoic, erucic, nervonic acids and plasmalogen (with no effect on the other fatty acids tested). Six months following chemotherapy, concentrations of gondoic, erucic, nervonic acids and plasmalogen approached baseline concentrations. ConclusionsBreast cancer chemotherapy significantly increased plasma concentrations of omega-9 fatty acids previously reported as increased in subjects with increasing severity of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. Ongoing work includes correlating the concentrations of these fatty acids with measures of memory and cognition. Future investigations will determine if these compounds may serve as nutritional targets for dietary interventions prior to or during chemotherapy treatment, and/or serve as objective biomarkers of CICI. Funding SourcesThe Ohio State University Stefanie Spielman Breast Cancer Center Kroger Fund, Pelotonia, NIH R01CA189947, NIH Award Number Grant P30 CA016058, OSU, and OSUCCC.

THE EFFECT OF THE ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD OF EXTREMELY LOW FREQUENCIES ON THE QUALITY OF WHEAT GRAIN

The paper presents the results of studies of how the electromagnetic field (EMF) of extremely low frequencies (ELF), magnetic induction of the EMF, and the duration of processing and storage affect the quality characteristics of wheat grain of the cultivar Shestopalivka harvested in the Odesa Region in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Treatment of grain with the EMF of the frequencies 20 and 30 Hz and with magnetic induction of 5 and 10 mT for 2–20 min reduces the germination capacity of wheat, as compared with the control, by 1–12%. As an exception, in several experiments, the germination capacity increased. The biggest increase (by 14%) was observed when the duration of treatment was 12 minutes, the frequency 30 Hz, and the magnetic induction 5 mT. Treatment of grain for 6 min with the EMF at the frequencies 10–28 Hz and with magnetic induction showed that at 10, 18–24 Hz, the germination capacity increased by 1–5%, but after 15 days, at the frequency 12–26 Hz, the germination power increased by 1–9%. A month later, with the frequency 18, 20, and 28 Hz, the germination power exceeded the control by only 2–7%, and after 10 months of storage, only the experiment with the frequency of treatment 24 Hz was at the control level. With all other frequencies, there was a significant decrease in grain germination. It has been established that treating grain 15 days prior to sowing at 14–22 Hz increases the germination capacity by 7–9%, and it reaches the values 92–94%. In the grain treated with the EMF at 10–30 Hz and stored for 14 months at the controlled air temperature 9–23°C and the relative humidity 33–82.5%, the protein content on a dry basis did not change compared with the control (16.5%). Storage of grain treated for 6 minutes with an EMF at 10–30 Hz, the magnetic induction being 10 mT, allows increasing the gluten content by 1.07–1.21 times, as compared with the control. The biggest increase in the amount of gluten is achieved at the frequency 16 Hz. Even under unfavourable conditions, at the temperature 23°C and relative air humidity 82.5%, the gluten quality goes up by 27.65 conditional units of the device VDK (1.49 times) and becomes as high as the gluten quality of grain that was preserved under far better conditions, at 9°C and the humidity 33 %. When grain is EMF-treated for 6 min at 10–30 Hz, with the magnetic induction being 10 mT, under different storage conditions, this most often affects the content of stearic and gondoic acids. The biggest changes in them were noted during storage at 9°C and the relative air humidity 82%: gondoic acid increased by 12.5–18.7%, and stearic acid decreased by 15.5–25.0%. Under any other conditions of EMF treatment and storage of wheat grain, changes in fatty acids are within the allowable error.

The effect of camelina oil on vascular function in essential hypertensive patients with metabolic syndrome: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study

The effects of a dietary supplementation with the vegetable ω-3 α-linolenic acid (ALA) on cardiovascular homeostasis are unclear. In this context, it would be interesting to assess the effects of camelina oil. This study aimed to assess the cardiovascular and metabolic effects of camelina oil in hypertensive patients with metabolic syndrome. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized study, treated essential hypertensive patients with metabolic syndrome received, during 6 mo, either cyclodextrin-complexed camelina oil containing≈1.5g ALA/d (n=40) or an isocaloric placebo (n=41), consisting of the same quantity of cyclodextrins and wheat starch. Anthropometric data, plasma lipids, glycemia, insulinemia, creatininemia, TBARs, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and n-3, n-6, and n-9 fatty acids in erythrocyte membranes were measured. Peripheral and central blood pressures, arterial stiffness, carotid intima-media thickness, and brachial artery endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and endothelium-independent dilatation were assessed. Compared with placebo, camelina oil increased ALA (mean±SD: 0±0.04 compared with 0.08±0.06%, P<0.001), its elongation product EPA (0±0.5 compared with 0.16±0.65%, P<0.05), and the n-9 gondoic acid (GA; 0±0.04 compared with 0.08±0.04%, P<0.001). No between-group difference was observed for cardiovascular parameters. However, changes in FMD were associated with the magnitude of changes in EPA (r=0.26, P=0.03). Compared with placebo, camelina oil increased fasting glycemia (-0.2±0.6 compared with 0.3±0.5mmol/L, P<0.001) and HOMA-IR index (-0.8±2.5 compared with 0.5±0.9, P<0.01), without affecting plasma lipids, or inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. Changes in HOMA-IR index were correlated with the magnitude of changes in GA (r=0.32, P<0.01). Nutritional intake remained similar between groups. ALA supplementation with camelina oil did not improve vascular function but adversely affected glucose metabolism in hypertensive patients with metabolic syndrome. Whether this adverse effect on insulin sensitivity is related to GA enrichment, remains to be elucidated.

Efficacy of synergistic activity of seed oils from Carthamus tinctorius (Safflower) and Nasturtium officinale (Watercress) on the lethality of the cattle tick Hyalomma scupense (Acari: Ixodidae).

Background:Ticks and tick-borne diseases are a severe economic and public-health problem for cattle producers. The emergence of acaricide resistance to synthetic chemical treatments has prompted interest in developing alternative tick control methods.Aim:The main objective of the current research was to identify the chemical structure of Carthamus tinctorius and Nasturtium officinale seed oils and to assess their anti-tick properties against Hyalomma scupense ticks both alone and in combination (1:1).Methods:Analytical methods were used to analyze the chemical components. For in vitro assays, adults of H. scupense were immersed in C. tinctorius and N. officinale seed oils at 100, 125, 200, and 300 mg/ml concentrations; for 5 minutes. Larvae of H. scupense were dipped in 25, 50, 100, 125, 200, and 300 mg/ml doses of seed oils; the mortality percentage was determined after 24 hours.Results:The seed oil safflower was mainly composed of linoleic acid (84.48%), followed by palmitic acid (6.54%) and stearic acid (3.77%). Meanwhile, watercress seed oil was mainly composed of linolenic acid (50.78%), gondoic acid (13.57%), linoleic acid (10.58%), palmitic acid (8.02%), and erucidic acid (6.62%). The Adults Immersion Test showed the sensitivity of ticks to C. tinctorius and N. officinale seed oil: C. tinctorius seed oil caused (95%) mortality of H. scupense at 300 mg/ml, while N. officinale seed oil induced (88.68%) mortality at the same concentration. At a 200 mg/ml concentration, C. tinctorius and N. officinale oil combined caused 100% mortality. Tested oils showed larvicidal efficacy. LC50 values for C. tinctorius and N. officinale seed oils were 84.16 and 61.78 mg/ml, respectively, in 24 hours. LC50 value of oils association (50% C. tinctorius: 50% N. officinale) was 47.96 mg/ml.The mixture of seed oils from two plants tested against H. scupense larvae and adult females at a 1:1 ratio showed synergistic interaction.Conclusion:Seed oils tested alone, and the mixture could be used as an alternative solution in the fight against ticks.

Organic Remains in Early Christian Egyptian Metal Vessels: Investigation with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry

Organic remains preserved on eight copper alloy artifacts of the Byzantine Collection of the Benaki Museum with an Egyptian provenance were investigated, implementing a multi-analytical approach combining microscopy-FTIR and GC/MS. The transmission spectra of powder samples provided important information on the vessels regarding inorganic and organic components. In the latter case, subsequent extractions with a range of solvents allowed discrimination of components with different polarities and provided data on the suitability of the solvents for the acquisition of more informative spectra. GC/MS was implemented for the detailed characterization of the compounds present in the samples because of the complex nature of the residues preserved. A wide range of fatty acid oxidation products was identified, including a series of α, ω-dicarboxylic acids typical of such remains. In addition, vicinal dihydroxy-docosanoic and dihydroxy-eicosanoic acid, oxidation products of erucic and gondoic acid, respectively, were detected. Both are found in abundance in oils from plants belonging to the Brassicaceae family and imply their multiple uses in medieval Egypt.

Ectopic expression of cDNAs from larkspur (Consolida ajacis) for increased synthesis of gondoic acid (cis-11 eicosenoic acid) and its positional redistribution in seed triacylglycerol of Camelina sativa.

A β-ketoacyl-ACP-synthase II (KAS2) like enzyme and a lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase (LPAT2) from Consolida ajacis catalyze gondoic acid biosynthesis and incorporation into the sn-2 position of seed TAG in engineered Camelina sativa. Gondoic acid (cis-11 eicosenoic acid, 20:1∆11) is the predominant very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) in camelina (Camelina sativa) seed oil accounting for 12-15% of total triacylglycerol fatty acids. To explore the feasibility of engineering increased levels of this fatty acid in camelina seed, oils from a range of plant species were analyzed to identify those producing 20-Carbon (C20) fatty acids as the only VLCFAs in their seed oil. Seeds of Consolida and Delphinium species (Ranunculaceae) were found to contain moderate levels (0.2% to 25.5%) of C20 fatty acids without accompanying longer chain fatty acids. The C20 fatty acids were abundant in both sn-2 and sn-1/3 positions of seed TAG in Consolida, but were largely absent from the sn-2 position in Delphinium seed TAG. Through generation of a developing seed transcriptome, sequences were identified and cDNAs amplified from Consolida ajacis encoding a β-ketoacyl-ACP-synthase II like protein (CaKAS2B) that lacked a predicted chloroplast transit peptide, and two homologues of Arabidopsis thaliana lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase 2 (CaLPAT2a and CaLPAT2b). Expression of CaKAS2B in conventional (WT) camelina and a line previously engineered for high seed oleic acid content (HO) resulted in increased seed VLCFA content. Total VLCFA levels were raised from 24 to 35% and from 7 to 23% in T3 seed from representative transformants in the WT and HO backgrounds, respectively. Gondoic acid was the predominant VLCFA in transformed HO lines with low endogenous cytoplasmic fatty acid elongation activity, suggesting limited capacity of CaKAS2B to elongate beyond C20. Expression in camelina of CaLPAT2b resulted in significantly increased C20-VLCFA esterification at the sn-2 position of seed TAG with VLCFA levels of 33.8% in this position in one transformed line compared to 0.3% at sn-2 in the corresponding control line. Only small changes in total seed VLCFA content were observed in transformed lines implying that increased VLCFA esterification capacity in camelina results in positional redistribution of VLCFAs but does not significantly enhance flux through the fatty acid elongation pathway. The full potential of CaKAS2B and CaLPAT2a for the engineering of high gondoic acid levels in camelina remains to be determined. Seed fatty acid composition of Consolida and Delphinium also provides information that may be of value in the systematics of the Ranunculaceae.

Assessment of Butter Adulteration Practices and Associated Food Safety Issues along the Supply Chain in Traditional Communities in the Central Highlands and Southwest Midlands of Ethiopia

Butter adulteration practices and their health risks were assessed along the supply chains in the central highlands and southwestern midlands of Ethiopia. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 1,101 respondents. Based on the results of the cross-sectional study, fatty acid profiles of butter samples collected from retailers' shops were investigated to determine the extent of adulteration and understand the risks of food safety. The assessment showed that an average of 94% of the respondents were aware of practices of butter adulteration. The common butter adulterants identified include different brands of hydrogenated vegetable oils, Irish potato puree, banana pulps, melted tallow, wheat and maize dough, and buttermilk, as well as water. The practice of adulteration significantly differed (P < 0.05) along the supply chain and increased from farm markets to the retail shops. Economically motivated adulteration is the main cause and resulted in up to 50% of butter spoilage. There were significant differences among the fatty acid profiles of pure butter; retailers' butter; pure butter intentionally adulterated with hydrogenated oil, potato puree, and banana pulp; and pure hydrogenated oil. The presence of methyl oleate, gondoic acid, and eicosadienoic acid in the retailers' butter might result from adulteration with hydrogenated oils and banana pulps. The study showed the presence of multiple-stage adulteration along the supply chain that could endanger the safety and quality of local butter. Policymakers and regulatory bodies in the area can use the information to improve the safety and quality of local butter along the supply chain.

No Evidence for Sex-specificity in Vitamins C, E, and Fatty Acid Content of Human Milk from Healthy Polish Mothers.

Human milk (HM) is a complex fluid that meets the nutritional needs of infants. Its composition is associated with environmental, maternal, and fetal variables. It provides nutrients and bioactive substances, including cytokines, immunoglobulins, and constituents with antioxidative properties. Boys are reportedly more susceptible to oxidative stress. This study aimed to determine the relationship between infant sex and the antioxidants vitamins C and E, and the fatty acid (FA) profile of HM. Results of this investigation may infer sex differences for the composition of infant formulas. Thirty days after delivery, a sample of HM was collected from 152 healthy, non-smoking mothers of full-term new-borns (77 males) born in good clinical condition. After FAs were extracted from the fat component, they were converted into methyl esters and separated using high-performance gas chromatography. Tocopherol content was determined using a method described in a previous study. Vitamin C content was determined using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection, as described in the same study. The study groups (male vs female offspring) did not differ in terms of vitamin and FA content in HM. The only difference found was in gondoic acid 20:1 (n-9), with a higher concentration in the HM of mothers with female offspring (mean 0.63 ± 0.18 vs 0.59 ± 0.15 g/100 g FA; P < 0.047). Despite the acknowledged differences in the composition of HM associated with infant sex and the increased oxidative stress in males, antioxidant content did not appear to differ according to infant sex. These results suggest that there is no need for the antioxidant content of infant formulas to be sex-specific.