High Fatty Acid Content Research Articles

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

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

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

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

Reconfiguring the Escherichia coli Electron Transport Chain to Enhance trans-2-Decenoic Acid Production.

trans-2-Decenoic acid is a pivotal α,β-medium-chain unsaturated fatty acid that serves as an essential intermediary in the synthesis of 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid and various pharmaceutical compounds. Biosynthesis yield of trans-2-decenoic acid by decanoic acid has significantly improved in recent years; however, the oxidative stress of Escherichia coli at high fatty acid concentrations restricts the conversion rate. Here, we introduced a combination of rational design and metabolic rewiring of the E. coli electron transport chain (ETC) to improve trans-2-decenoic acid production. Overexpressing ubiquinone (UbQ) biosynthesis genes enhanced the expression of ETC complex III: UbQ to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Furthermore, applying rotenone to inhibit ETC complex I improved the electron transfer efficiency of complex II. The integration of Vitamin B5 and B2 into the fermentation process increased the activities of fatty acyl-CoA synthetase (MaMACS) and fatty acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (PpfadE). Finally, the constructed E. coli BL21(DE3)(ΔfadBJR/pCDFDuet-1-PpfadE-MaMACS/pRSFDuet-1-sumo-CtydiI-ubiI) strain exhibited a 51.50% decrease in ROS and a 93.33% enhancement in trans-2-decenoic acid yield, reaching 1.45 g/L after 66 h, which is the highest yield reported for flask fermentation. This study reports the feasibility of rewiring the ETC regulation and energy metabolism to improve α,β-UCA biosynthesis efficiency.

Transcriptional Analysis of Different Cultivars and Genome-Wide Identification of FAD Gene Family in Tree Peony

The tree peony (Paeonia ostii), a newly recognized woody oil plant endemic to China, is noteworthy for its high content of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Fatty acid desaturases (FADs) are integral to plant development and defense mechanisms. Nonetheless, there is limited understanding of (i) the molecular mechanism underlying FA biosynthesis in various varieties during seed maturation and (ii) a genome-wide analysis of FAD family genes within the tree peony. We selected three distinct cultivars of tree peony for transcriptome sequencing and performed an extensive analysis of PoFAD genes. In total, 67,542 unigenes were acquired and annotated with six protein databases available to the public. Forty-one differentially expressed genes (DEGs) pertinent to FA biosynthesis and lipid metabolism were identified in this study. Notably, genes such as PoFAD2, PoFAD6, and PoSAD were found to be significantly upregulated, contributing to a differential linolenic acid and linoleic acid content across the three cultivars. Herein, 24 PoFADs from the P. ostii genome were recognized and categorized into four distinct clusters according to their conserved structural features. The distribution of PoFADs was found to be random and uneven across five chromosomes, indicating a complex genomic architecture. Six colinear gene pairs were found between P. ostii and V. vinifera, indicating a potential link due to their close relationship. Together, these findings significantly enhance our knowledge of the molecular processes governing fatty acid synthesis, elucidate the functional roles of the FAD gene family, and lay the groundwork for using genetic manipulation to boost lipid levels.

Structure–Function Relationships and Health-Promoting Properties of the Main Nutraceuticals of the Cactus Pear (Opuntia spp.) Cladodes: A Review

Over the past decade, several studies have established a direct link between functional foods, nutraceuticals, and a reduced risk of oxidative-stress-related diseases. Nutraceuticals, which encompass a variety of bioactive molecules, exhibit both nutritional and therapeutic properties. The cactus pear (Opuntia spp.) is a plant genus with many species recognized as functional foods, largely attributed to their high content of nutraceuticals, including polyphenols, fatty acids, vitamins, amino acids, pigments, and phytosterols. These compounds of different structures and functions possess different biological activities, contributing to the health-promoting properties of cactus pear. This makes cactus pears a valuable plant for the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. While extensive research has focused on the nutritional profile of cactus pear fruits, the cladodes have received comparatively limited attention. Notably, the nutritional composition of cladodes can exhibit considerable variability, influenced by species and growing conditions. Furthermore, although various bioactive compounds have been identified in cladodes, studies elucidating their mechanisms of action, health benefits, and potential therapeutic applications remain insufficient. Addressing these gaps is crucial for enhancing the understanding and utilization of cactus pear cladodes. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the structure–function relationships of the main nutraceuticals found in cactus pear cladodes. It synthesizes data from recent and relevant literature to elucidate the content of these compounds in relation to species and geographical origin, while also detailing the main biological activities and health-promoting benefits associated with cactus pear cladodes.

Association of circulating fatty acids with cardiovascular disease risk: Analysis of individual-level data in three large prospective cohorts and updated meta-analysis.

Associations of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (FAs) with cardiovascular disease (CVD) remain controversial. We therefore aimed to investigate the prospective associations of objectively measured FAs with CVD, including incident coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke, as well as CVD mortality. Circulating FA concentrations expressed as the percentage of total FAs were assayed in 172,891 participants without prior vascular disease at baseline from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-CVD (EPIC-CVD) (7,343 CHD; 6,499 stroke), UK Biobank (1,825; 1,474), and INTERVAL (285; 209) cohort studies. Hazard ratio (HR) per 1-standard deviation (SD) higher FA concentrations was estimated using Cox regression models and pooled by random-effects meta-analysis. Systematic reviews with meta-analysis published by 6 May 2023 on associations between FAs and CVDs were systematically searched and updated meta-analyses using random-effects model were conducted. Evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was also summarized. Higher concentrations of total saturated FAs (SFAs) were associated with higher cardiovascular risks in the combined analysis, with differential findings noted for SFA subtypes in further analysis restricted to EPIC-CVD: positive associations for even-chain SFA [HR for CHD 1.24 (95% CI: 1.18-1.32); stroke 1.23 (1.10-1.38)] and negative associations for odd-chain [0.82 (0.76-0.87); 0.73 (0.67-0.78)] and longer-chain [0.95 (0.80-1.12); 0.84 (0.72-0.99)] SFA. In the combined analysis, total n-3 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) [0.91 (0.85-0.97)], including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) [0.91 (0.84-0.98)], was negatively associated with incident CHD risk. Similarly, total n-6 PUFA [0.94 (0.91-0.98)], including linoleic acid (LA) [0.89 (0.83-0.95)], was negatively associated with incident stroke risk. By contrast, more detailed analyses in EPIC-CVD revealed that several downstream n-6 PUFAs of LA were positively associated with CHD risk. Updated meta-analyses of 37 FAs including 49 non-overlapping studies, involving between 7,787 to 22,802 CHD and 6,499 to 14,221 stroke cases, showed broadly similar results as our combined empirical analysis and further suggested significant inverse associations of individual long-chain n-3 PUFAs and LA on both CHD and stroke. The findings of long-chain n-3 PUFAs were consistent with those from published RCTs on CHD despite insufficient evidence in monotherapy, while RCT evidence remained unclear for the rest of the explored FAs. Our study provides an overview of the most recent evidence on the associations between objectively measured FAs and CVD outcomes. Collectively, the data reveals notable differences in associations by SFA subtypes and calls for further studies, especially RCTs, to explore these links.

Performance, Meat Quality and Gene Expression of Grazing Lambs Supplemented with Macadamia Oil and Vitamin E

Macadamia oil has high concentrations of oleic and palmitoleic fatty acids, which can increase tissue sensitivity to insulin, improving glucose absorption efficiency, and reducing lipogenesis through gene modulation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of macadamia oil associated with vitamin E supplementation on performance, blood parameters, meat quality and sensory characteristics, meat fatty acid profile, and expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism in grazing lambs. The experimental treatments were control diet (Control), Control + 0.1% of body weight of macadamia oil (MO), MO + 745 IU of vitamin E/dry matter (MOVE). Macadamia oil improved feed efficiency, reflecting a lower dry matter intake, as the average daily weight gain did not differ from Control. Meat quality parameters were not affected by macadamia oil or vitamin E supplementation. Supplementation with macadamia oil improved meat appearance, flavor, and overall liking. Supplementation with macadamia oil provided a higher proportion of C18:3 n3 and a lower proportion of CLA. The expression of SREBP-1c, PPAR-α, SCD1, and ELOVL6 genes were not modified with the supplementation of macadamia oil and vitamin E. In conclusion, supplementation with macadamia oil improves feed efficiency and meat quality; and the inclusion of 745 IU of vitamin E/kg of dry matter for grazing lambs reduces 36% of lipid oxidation of the meat.

LC-MS and GC-MS Analyses on Green Algae Penicillus Capitatus: Cytotoxic, Antimicrobial and Anticholinesterase Activity Screening Enhanced by Molecular Docking & Dynamics and ADME Studies.

In this comprehensive screening study, the chemical composition, and cytotoxic, antimicrobial, and anticholinergic activities of the green algae Penicillus capitatus, collected from Antalya-Türkiye, were determined as in vitro and in silico. GC-MS analysis of the hexane extract revealed a high content of fatty acids, with hexadecanoic acid constituting half of the total fatty acid content. LC-HRMS analysis of the DCM:MeOH extract identified ascorbic acid as the most abundant compound, followed by (-)-epigallocatechin and salicylic acid. The DCM:MeOH extract exhibited potent cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 breast cancer cell lines, outperforming doxorubicin with lower IC50 values and a higher selectivity index. Additionally, the extract demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans, along with selective inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (hAChE) over butyrylcholinesterase (hBChE). Molecular docking and dynamics studies revealed that apigenin-7-O-glucoside and epigallocatechin form stable interactions with estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and hAChE, suggesting their potential as inhibitors. In silico ADME studies indicated favorable pharmacokinetic profiles for the detected compounds, supporting their potential as drug candidates. The promising cytotoxic activity of the P. capitatus extracts, coupled with significant antimicrobial properties and selective hAChE inhibition, highlights their therapeutic potential for breast cancer treatment, infection management, and neurodegenerative disease intervention.

Effects of single-dose ruminal infusions of high or low short-chain fatty acid concentrations and high or low pH on apparent total tract digestibility and hindgut fermentation of pre-weaned dairy calves

While the importance of pH and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) on rumen development are well-known, their impact on the small and large intestine are unclear. This study investigated how single-dose ruminal infusions with high or low short-chain fatty acid concentrations and high or low pH affect calves' productivity as well as physiological parameters associated with hindgut acidosis at 3-time points in 49 d. Holstein bull calves (n = 32) were individually housed and fed milk replacer (900 g/d) twice daily and calf starter and water ad libitum. At d 10 ± 3 of life, the rumens were fistulated and cannulated. At d 14 of life, calves were grouped by body weight and assigned in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments: high or low SCFA concentration (285 vs. 10 mM) and high or low pH (6.2 vs. 5.2), creating 4 treatment groups: high SCFA concentration, high pH (HS-HP); high SCFA concentration, low pH (HS-LP); low SCFA concentration, high pH (LS-HP); and low SCFA concentration, low pH (LS-LP). On d 21, 35, 49, feces were sampled to calculate apparent total-tract digestibility, determinate organic acid concentrations (i.e., SCFA, BCFA and lactic acid), and pH. Afterward, the rumen was evacuated and underwent a single-dose infusion for 4 h with one of 4 treatment buffers. After completion of rumen infusion on d 49, calves were harvested, and the tissue weight and length, and digesta pH of the rumen, cecum, colon, and rectum were recorded along with the digesta pH of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum only at d 49 after dissection. Data were analyzed with main factors as fixed effects and repeated measures for weekly measurements. Treatments did not affect performance parameters such as feed intake, ADG, apparent total-tract digestibility and gut measurements. In the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, HS-HP had a greater digesta pH than LS-HP, while the hindgut digesta pH was only affected by the SCFA concentration. High SCFA concentration increased the concentration of colonic isovaleric acid and fecal BCFA, while only colonic acetic acid and fecal lactic acid concentrations were affected by treatment. Fecal SCFA and BCFA concentrations increased mainly on d 35. In summary, 4 h of physiological buffer infusion in the rumen does not change apparent total-tract digestibility and gut measurements but does affect hindgut fermentation parameters (i.e., organic acid concentrations and digesta pH). In addition, calves can experience increased risks of hindgut acidosis around 35 d of life.

Unraveling the genetic basis of oil quality in olives: a comparative transcriptome analysis.

The balanced fatty acid profile of olive oil not only enhances its stability but also contributes to its positive effects on health, making it a valuable dietary choice. Olive oil's high content of unsaturated fatty acids and low content of saturated fatty acids contribute to its beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The quantities of these fatty acids in olive oil may fluctuate due to various factors, with genotype being a crucial determinant of the oil's quality. This study investigated the genetic basis of oil quality by comparing the transcriptome of two Iranian cultivars with contrasting oil profiles: Mari, known for its high oleic acid content, and Shengeh, characterized by high linoleic acid at Jaén index four. Gas chromatography confirmed a significant difference in fatty acid composition between the two cultivars. Mari exhibited significantly higher oleic acid content (78.48%) compared to Shengeh (48.05%), while linoleic acid content was significantly lower in Mari (4.76%) than in Shengeh (26.69%). Using RNA sequencing at Jaén index four, we analyzed genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis. Differential expression analysis identified 2775 genes showing statistically significant differences between the cultivars. Investigating these genes across nine fundamental pathways involved in oil quality led to the identification of 25 effective genes. Further analysis revealed 78 transcription factors and 95 transcription binding sites involved in oil quality, with BPC6 and RGA emerging as unique factors. This research provides a comprehensive understanding of the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying oil quality in olive cultivars. The findings have practical implications for olive breeders and producers, potentially streamlining cultivar selection processes and contributing to the production of high-quality olive oil.

Caveolin 1 ameliorates nonesterified fatty acid-induced oxidative stress via the autophagy regulator Beclin 1 in bovine mammary gland epithelial cells

High blood concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) during ketosis enhance uptake by the mammary gland and impair autophagy while causing oxidative stress. Caveolin 1 (CAV1) is closely related to autophagy and plays a role in regulating oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to explore the potential role of CAV1 on oxidative stress and autophagy during a high NEFA challenge in the immortalized bovine mammary epithelial cell line MAC-T. Mammary gland tissue biopsies and blood samples were collected from healthy (n = 15) and clinically ketotic (n = 15) Holstein cows at 3 to 10 (average = 6) days in milk. Compared with healthy cows, ketotic cows had lower dry matter intake (DMI), daily milk yield, serum glucose and greater serum NEFA and BHBA, accompanied by greater milk fat and lower milk protein. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was greater but activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH) were lower in cows with clinical ketosis. A lower protein abundance of CAV1, Beclin 1, autophagy relative gene 5 (ATG5), and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) as well as greater protein abundance of sequestosome-1 (SQSTM1, also called p62) were detected in mammary tissue of cows with clinical ketosis. In vitro, the MAC-T cells were treated with 0, 0.6 and 1.2 mM NEFA for 12 h or treated with 1.2 mM NEFA for various time points (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h). Compared with 0 mM NEFA, protein abundance of CAV1, Beclin 1, ATG5 and LC3 was greater in the MAC-T challenged with 0.6 mM NEFA, but lower in the 1.2 mM NEFA group. Protein abundance of p62 was lower with 0.6 mM NEFA, but higher with 1.2 mM NEFA. In response to increasing doses of NEFA, mRNA abundance of CAV1, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and SOD activity decreased while the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and content of MDA increased. The protein abundance of CAV1, Beclin 1, ATG5 and LC3 peaked at 0.5 h and 1 h, resulting in both linear and quadratic effects. The protein abundance of p62 decreased, reaching a nadir at 4 h in both a linear and quadratic manner. The silencing of CAV1 in MAC-T cells aggravated the 1.2 mM NEFA-induced decrease in Beclin 1 expression, impaired autophagy, and increase in oxidative stress, whereas the overexpression of CAV1 alleviated these effects. Pretreatment of MAC-T cells with Beclin 1 siRNA (si-Beclin 1) and overexpressing CAV1 followed by challenged with 1.2 mM NEFA reversed the CAV1 induced autophagy, thereby enhancing oxidative stress. Overall, these data suggest that CAV1 protects bovine mammary epithelial cells from NEFA-induced oxidative stress through enhancing the expression of Beclin 1 and activating autophagy.

Removal of amoxicillin and paracetamol from water by carbon from peanuts skin waste material

Recent studies show that amoxicillin (AMX) and paracetamol (PRC) are among the most frequently prescribed drugs worldwide. As a result, these substances and their derivatives inevitably end up in water systems. This is a concern for human health and the environment in general. This research investigated the effectiveness of peanut skin in adsorbing AMX and PRC from water. Pristine (PPS), carbonised (CPS) and activated peanut skin (ACPS) were produced and characterised using SEM, EXD XRD and FTIR. The SEM images showed that the morphology of PPS is amorphous and has a high content of fatty acids. After carbonisation (CPS) and activation (ACPS), the samples had an improved surface, which is heterogeneous with well-developed pores and voids. The EDX shows that (C) and oxygen (O) are the main elements with traces of heteroatoms. The effect of initial concentration on adsorption showed that the adsorption increased gradually from 20–100 mg/L. It was observed that the removal of AMX gradually decreased with increasing temperature of the reaction mixture. This occurred with all adsorbents and confirmed that adsorption was exothermic. In contrast, the removal of PRC was enhanced by increasing the temperature of the reaction mixture. The trends for PRC confirm that the uptake is endothermic. The adsorption data were described by Freundlich and PSOM. The highest removal was observed at an initial pH of 6 and 8 for PRC and AMX respectively. The △G° values were negative, indicating that adsorption was favoured and feasible for AMX and PRC on all adsorbents. △S° was negative for all adsorbents, indicating that freedom at the solid-solution interface was restricted when adsorption reached equilibrium. FTIR analysis after adsorption showed that synergistic uptake mechanisms such as hydrogen bonding, Yoshida hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic and π-π interactions facilitated the adsorption of AMX and PRC. The adsorbents had adsorption capacities of 20.82, 32.76, and 35.98 mg/g for PRC and 12.36, 17.67, and 19.59 mg/g for AMX by PPS, CPS and ACPS, respectively.

A review of antioxidant strategies to improve reproduction in aging male broiler breeders.

As only 10% of the broiler breeder flock is roosters, their fertility is very important. The rooster sperm plasma membrane has high concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids that are sensitive to oxidative stress. Lipid peroxidation can change membrane structure, permeability, and fluidity, adversely affecting the acrosome reaction and fertility. Aging roosters have decreases in sexual behavior, serum androgen concentrations, sperm quantity and quality, and fertility. Low fertility in aging roosters is attributed to an imbalanced testicular oxidant-antioxidant system, with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) damaging spermatogenic epithelium. However, antioxidant components can enhance antioxidant defenses in aging broiler breeder roosters. Protection against oxidative damage, particularly in the testes, improves reproductive hormone concentrations, testicular histology, sperm membrane function, and mitochondrial activity and thereby improves semen volume, sperm concentration, viability, motility, and sperm polyunsaturated fatty acid content, sperm-egg penetration, fertility, and reproductive performance. This review summarizes antioxidants that could improve fertility and reproductive performance and delay or prevent age-related declines in broiler breeder roosters, with benefits for poultry production.

Oleogels loaded with lycopene structured using Zein/EGCG/Ca2+ complexes: Preparation, characterization and potential application

Oleogels have attracted considerable attention due to their excellent viscoelasticity and high content of polyunsaturated fatty acid. This study explored the potential of Zein/(−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate/Ca2+ complexes oleogels loaded with lycopene as potential substitute for solid fats in biscuit formulations. Utilizing an emulsion-templated method, oleogels were prepared and characterized for visual appearance, droplet size, microstructure, and rheological properties. The incorporation of lycopene indicated a dose-dependent effect on these characteristics, achieving optimal properties at a concentration of 0.3 mg/mL. At this concentration, oleogels exhibited higher encapsulation efficiency (> 90 %), lower oil loss (< 2 %), and denser network structures. Rheological analysis highlighted the shear-thinning behavior, gel-like structure, and thixotropic recovery of oleogels. Substituting of margarine with lycopene-loaded oleogels in biscuits yielded products with regular appearance, uniform color, and potential health benefits, demonstrating the viability of these oleogels as a healthier alternative to traditional solid fats in baking.

Natural variation in GhKASI_A05 modulates cottonseed oil content in Gossypium hirsutum L

Cotton is of great economic value because of its fiber that is used in natural textile commodities and its seeds that contain an edible oil with a high content of unsaturated fatty acids and biodiesel applications. Here, we reported that GhKASI_A05 was associated with the cottonseed oil content (SOC) in a natural population via candidate gene association analysis. An 11-bp Indel located in the GhKASI_A05 promoter was found to contribute to SOC and differential expression in upland cotton inbred accessions. Interaction analysis showed that GhWRI1, an AP2/EREBP family transcription factor, that reportedly functions in plant seed oil and fatty acids (FAs) accumulation, directly bound to AW-box cis-elements in two haplotypes of the GhKASI_A05 promoter and activated the expression of GhKASI_A05 at different levels. The seed-specific overexpression of GhKASI_A05 resulted in increased seed size, weight, and protein content, and C16:0 and C18:1 contents but reduced SOC. Our results provide new insights into the biological function of GhKASI in SOC and effective strategies for cotton breeding in the future.

Effects of different trophic conditions on total fatty acids, amino acids, pigment and gene expression profiles in Euglena gracilis.

Euglena gracilis is a unique microalga that lacks a cell wall and is able to grow under different trophic culture conditions. In this study, cell growth, biomass production, and changes in the ultrastructure of E. gracilis cells cultivated photoautotrophically, mixotrophically, and under sequential-heterotrophy-photoinduction (SHP) were assessed. Mixotrophy induced the highest cell growth and biomass productivity (6.27 ± 0.59mg/L/d) in E. gracilis, while the highest content of fatty acids, 2.69 ± 0.04% of dry cell weight (DCW) and amino acids, 38.16 ± 0.08% of DCW was obtained under SHP condition. E. gracilis also accumulated significantly higher saturated fatty acids and lower unsaturated fatty acids when cultivated under SHP condition. Transcriptomic analysis showed that the expression of photosynthetic genes (PsbA, PsbC, F-type ATPase alpha and beta) was lower, carbohydrate and protein synthetic genes (glnA, alg14 and fba) were expressed higher in SHP-culture cells when compared to other groups. Different trophic conditions also induced changes in the cell ultrastructure, where paramylon and starch granules were more abundant in SHP-cultured cells. The findings generated in this study illustrated that aerobic SHP cultivation of E. gracilis possesses great potential in human and animal feed applications.

Effect of lipid type on betulin-stabilized water-in-oil Pickering emulsion: emulsion properties, in vitro digestion, and betulin bioaccessibility.

The Pickering emulsion delivery technique is widely acknowledged for its efficacy in serving as a carrier that can encapsulate functional components effectively. Previous studies have shown significant differences in the stability of Pickering emulsions composed of different oil phases and in the bioaccessibility of the encapsulated functional ingredients. This study therefore investigated the effects of different carrier oils in the betulin self-stabilized water-in-oil (W/O) Pickering emulsion on the stability of the emulsion and bioaccessibility of betulin. The results showed that the oil type was one of the main factors affecting the stability of the emulsion. Palm oil and coconut oil provided better storage stability and centrifugal stability due to the high saturated fatty acid content. The bioavailability of betulin correlated significantly with the composition and characteristics of fatty acids in carrier oils. Carrier oils rich in low-saturation long-chain fatty acids tended to release more free fatty acids (FFAs), thus forming larger and more mixed micelles with stronger swelling and dissolution ability, resulting in a relatively high bioaccessibility of betulin. In contrast, the bioaccessibility of betulin in the emulsion prepared by coconut oil (with high saturated fatty acid content) was relatively low (1.17%). The results of this study indicate that selecting an appropriate carrier oil is important for the design of self-stabilized W/O Pickering emulsions to improve the bioaccessibility of betulin and other lipophilic bioactivities effectively. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Advancing Human iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocyte Hypoxia Resistance for Cardiac Regenerative Therapies through a Systematic Assessment of In Vitro Conditioning.

Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is a sudden, severe cardiac ischemic event that results in the death of up to one billion cardiomyocytes (CMs) and subsequent decrease in cardiac function. Engineered cardiac tissues (ECTs) are a promising approach to deliver the necessary mass of CMs to remuscularize the heart. However, the hypoxic environment of the heart post-MI presents a critical challenge for CM engraftment. Here, we present a high-throughput, systematic study targeting several physiological features of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived CMs (hiPSC-CMs), including metabolism, Wnt signaling, substrate, heat shock, apoptosis, and mitochondrial stabilization, to assess their efficacy in promoting ischemia resistance in hiPSC-CMs. The results of 2D experiments identify hypoxia preconditioning (HPC) and metabolic conditioning as having a significant influence on hiPSC-CM function in normoxia and hypoxia. Within 3D engineered cardiac tissues (ECTs), metabolic conditioning with maturation media (MM), featuring high fatty acid and calcium concentration, results in a 1.5-fold increase in active stress generation as compared to RPMI/B27 control ECTs in normoxic conditions. Yet, this functional improvement is lost after hypoxia treatment. Interestingly, HPC can partially rescue the function of MM-treated ECTs after hypoxia. Our systematic and iterative approach provides a strong foundation for assessing and leveraging in vitro culture conditions to enhance the hypoxia resistance, and thus the successful clinical translation, of hiPSC-CMs in cardiac regenerative therapies.

Xylose, glucose and acetate as feedstock for three microalgal species cultivated in heterotrophy

Microalgae are known as good producers of high-added value bioproducts useful in many applications such as pharmaceuticals, nutrition or biofuel production. In contrast to phototrophy, heterotrophy emerges as a promising strategy for algal biomass production due to high cell densities, controlled conditions and reduced space requirement. Hemicellulose is the second most abundant material in land plants. Its hydrolysis liberates xylose, glucose, acetate. Our study focuses on three microalgal species, Galdieria sulphuraria, Euglena gracilis, and Auxenochlorella protothecoides, cultivated under heterotrophy with the above-mentioned carbon sources, supplemented alone or in combination. Growth parameters and biomass analysis revealed distinctive characteristics. G. sulphuraria, despite a modest fatty acid content (5–15 % w/w), displayed potential for hemicellulose valorization, demonstrating high biomass yield using xylose as a sole carbon source (approx. 0.5 gDW gxylose−1) and high saturated fatty acid (SFA) content (45–63 %). In our cultivation conditions, E. gracilis only assimilated acetate with low fatty acid content (approx. 6 % w/w), but high SFA content (60–77 %) and high paramylon content (47 % w/w), convertible to wax-esters under anaerobiosis. A. protothecoides exhibited biomass yields of 0.42–0.54 gDW gsubstrate−1 depending on the carbon substrate supplied but maintained constant fatty acid content (16–18 % w/w) in the presence of all substrates except xylose. Surprisingly, despite an inability to grow with xylose alone, sugar depletion analysis indicated decreasing xylose concentration when other carbon sources were present in the cultivation medium for this alga. This comparative study discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each strain, providing insights into their potential when grown on hemicellulose carbon sources.

Unraveling the role of black soldier fly larvae in chicken manure conversion: Facilitating maturation and enhancing humification

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) have garnered considerable attention for their efficacy in mitigating waste management challenges. However, their potential in treating antibiotics contaminated chicken manure remains uncertain. This study investigates the physicochemical properties changes and nutrient dynamics during the composting of contaminated-chicken manure using BSFL. The results indicate that BSFL treatment reduces electrical conductivity (by 6.01–58.09 %), organic matter, and dissolved organic carbon content in chicken manure throughout the composting process, while maintaining a more stable pH value (pH ∼ 6.0–8.0). This is attributed to the consumption of organic matter by BSFL and the subsequent promotion of organic acid formation. Additionally, BSFL treatment improves the degree of aromatization of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in chicken manure and increases the proportions of fulvic acid (up to 48.77 %) and humic acid (maximally 14.27 %) within the DOM. The germination index and pot experiments indicated improved compost maturity and plant growth in BSFL-treated composts. Furthermore, BSFL meal demonstrated high protein and essential fatty acid content, highlighting its potential as a protein supplement in animal feed. This study underscores the efficacy of BSFL in enhancing compost quality and nutrient availability, offering a sustainable solution for waste management and animal feed production.