High Levels Of Linoleic Acid Research Articles

NMR in Analysis of the Nutritional Value of Lipids from Muscles and Livers of Wild Amazonian Fishes with Different Eating Habits Over Seasonal Variation

Endogenous and environmental factors can influence the lipid contents of fishes among which, in the Amazon River, seasonal dynamics influences stand out. Herein, nine most consumed Amazonian fish species had their lipid composition evaluated in terms of effects of tissue, season and eating habits. Higher amounts of lipids were obtained from fish livers than dorsal muscles. Statistical analysis has shown that Amazonian fishes presented different lipid profiles according to their eating habits, which mainly comprised saturated fatty acids to distinguish detritivorous livers, and linolenic acid, cholesterol, polar lipids for carnivorous and piscivorous fish muscles. Furthermore, in Amazonian fish, some very important lipids for human nutrition were found, such as w-3 and w-6 fatty acids whose availability depended on the tissue metabolism and fishes’ eating habit along with the seasonal periods. For example, our findings indicated that the piscivorous fish C. monoculus presented higher levels of linoleic acid for livers than linolenic acid and the opposite occurred for muscles. The w-6 and w-3 fatty acids ratio was influenced by the season dynamic of the Amazon River and availability of food according to each specific eating habit, pointing mainly to the piscivorous fishes as the healthiest fish for human consumption.

Natural Variation in Fatty Acid Composition of Diverse World Soybean Germplasms Grown in China

Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) is one of the most important crops in the world. Its major content of vegetable oil made it widely used for human consumption and several food industries. To investigate the variation in seed fatty acid composition of soybeans from different origins, a set of 633 soybean accessions originated from four diverse germplasm collections—including China, United States of America (USA), Japan, and Russia—were grown in three locations, Beijing, Anhui, and Hainan for two years. The results showed significant differences (P < 0.001) among the four germplasm origins for all fatty acid contents investigated. Higher levels, on average, of palmitic acid (PA) and linolenic acid (LNA) were observed in Russian germplasm (12.31% and 8.15%, respectively), whereas higher levels of stearic acid (SA) and oleic acid (OA) were observed in Chinese germplasm (3.95% and 21.95%, respectively). The highest level of linoleic acid (LA) was noticed in the USA germplasm accessions (56.34%). The largest variation in fatty acid composition was found in LNA, while a large variation was observed between Chinese and USA germplasms for LA level. Maturity group (MG) significantly (P < 0.0001) affected all fatty acids and higher levels of PA, SA, and OA were observed in early maturing accessions, while higher levels of LA and LNA were observed in late maturing accessions. The trends of fatty acids concentrations with different MG in this study further provide an evidence of the importance of MG in breeding for such soybean seed components. Collectively, the unique accessions identified in this study can be used to strengthen the soybean breeding programs for meeting various human nutrition patterns around the globe.

Forecast of the nutritional value of catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in the spawning period

In different periods of the life cycle, the chemical composition of fish muscle tissue is subject to significant fluctuations. These changes are most pronounced during the spawning period, when there is a switch to generative exchange. The studies of the nutritional value of the meat of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in the spawning period showed that the protein content of this species of fish falls into the category of protein products containing a full range of essential amino acids; by the fat content in muscle tissue, it can be attributed to the varieties of fatty fish. According to the research, the muscle mass of this fish species contains high levels of mono - and polyunsaturated fatty acids and is characterized by high levels of linoleic acid, which is an essential fatty acid. The content of linoleic acid in the muscles of African catfish is much higher than in the muscles of pink salmon. The content of linoleic acid in the caviar of African catfish is seven times higher than in the caviar of pink salmon. African catfish caviar also contains a large amount of oleic acid, which plays an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The results showed that during the spawning period, the nutritional value of the muscle tissue of the African catfish remains high. The results of the study are important for the development of African catfish caviar production and give a positive answer to the question whether it is possible to obtain edible caviar from catfish without compromising the production of commercial fish of high nutritional value.

Compositional Analysis of Non-Polar and Polar Metabolites in 14 Soybeans Using Spectroscopy and Chromatography Tools.

There has been significant interest in soybean oil, fatty acid, and sugar composition to develop new value-added soybean products. Thus, compositional analysis is critical for developing value-added soybeans. In the present study, we showed simple screening tools (near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC)) coupled with multivariate analysis for the sample classification of 14 soybeans as a proof-of-concept. We further determined major non-polar and polar metabolites responsible for differences between different soybeans using gas and ion chromatography. These differences in soybean profiles were attributed to lower levels of total oil content in wild soybeans (~9%) versus cultivated soybeans (16%–22%). In addition, higher levels of linolenic acid (~17%) and stachyose (~53%) were determined in wild type, whereas higher levels of oleic acid (~19%) and sucrose (~59%) were detected in cultivated soybeans. Interestingly, one cultivated soybean had a desirable sugar profile with a high amount of sucrose (86%) and a low abundance of stachyose (9%). The correlation studies showed a positive correlation between oil and soluble sugars (R2 = 0.80) and negative correlations between methyl linolenate and soluble sugars (R2 = −0.79), oil (R2 = −0.94), and methyl oleate (R2 = −0.94) content. Both polar and non-polar metabolites showed significant differences in wild and cultivated soybeans.

Ameliorative Role of Cabernet Sauvignon Seed Oil on Hyperlipidemia, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in Mice

Virgin Cabernet Sauvignon grape seed oil (VGSO) contains high levels of linoleic acid (74%), and total unsaturated fatty acids amount to about 88%. In comparison to other edible oils, VGSO also contains an abundance of endogenous antioxidants, such as tocopherols, tocotrienols, and phenolic compounds, the consumption of which has been positively associated with improvements in health status. This study is the first to investigate regulatory mechanisms of VGSO on hyperlipidemia in mice fed a high‐fat diet via exploration of changes in the expression patterns of genes associated with lipid metabolism. Results show that liver CAT and GSH‐px levels are higher and liver MDA concentrations are lower in the VGSO group as compared to those of CO and LO groups. In addition, concentrations of liver pro‐inflammatory cytokines are significantly decreased in mice fed VGSO, likely associated with the down‐regulation of TNF‐α and IL‐6. In addition, hyperlipidemia in mice can be ameliorated by consumption of VGSO through the up‐regulation of PPARα expression and down‐regulation of the expressions of SREBP‐1c, ACC, and FAS. In addition, findings also suggest that unsaponifiables are the most important factor in regulating lipid metabolism and protecting the liver.Practical Applications: Virgin Cabernet Sauvignon grape seed oil (VGSO) is rich in linoleic acid, phytosterols, tocopherols/tocotrienols, and phenolic compounds. VGSO has been reported to have the potential beneficial effects on hyperlipidemia. This study further investigates regulatory mechanisms of VGSO on hyperlipidemia in mice fed a high‐fat diet via exploration of changes in the expression patterns of genes associated with lipid metabolism. This study also investigates the effect of VGSO on improving inflammation and oxidative stress in mice and key component of VGSO for regulating lipid metabolism and protecting the liver. This research will provide a theoretical basis for the development of functional grape seed oil.Virgin grape seed oil (VGSO) is produced to increase added values of the wine industry due to the fact that it contains high level of unsaturated fatty acids and endogenous antioxidants. This study investigates the effect of VGSO on mice fed a high‐fat diet, and finds that VGSO can improve inflammation in mice via down‐regulation of TNF‐α and IL‐6 expression.

Detection of Peanut Oil Adulteration Mixed with Rapeseed Oil Using Gas Chromatography and Gas Chromatography–Ion Mobility Spectrometry

In this study, the feasibility of gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (GC–IMS) systems for detecting peanut oil (PO) adulterated with rapeseed oil (RO) in different ratios was evaluated. In the GC analysis, the oils were categorized on the basis of fatty acid compositions. In the GC–IMS analysis, the oils were distinguished on the basis of volatile fractions. To demonstrate the high quality of the GC–IMS results, principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) were conducted. The results showed that fatty acid profiles in PO exhibited higher amounts of palmitic acid (10.70 ± 0.18%), linoleic acid (32.87 ± 0.52%), and arachidic acid (2.30 ± 0.05%). RO had higher levels of linolenic acid (7.49 ± 0.36%) and erucic acid (8.02 ± 0.39%), which were not detected in PO. The linear regression analysis showed that the change in C18:2, C18:3, C20:1, and C22:1 content was highly correlated with the adulteration proportion of RO. However, only significant differences were visible in C18:3 and C20:1 when the adulteration proportion was a minimum of 5%. Satisfactory results of adulteration determination were obtained using the GC–IMS combined with the PCA and CA. Each oil type had unique characteristic compounds, and signals of some volatile compounds changed with the increase in the adulteration proportion especially at run times ranging from 100 to 300 s. For example, the intensity of peak signals of 89–92 increased with the addition of RO while peak intensity of 104 to 107 weakened. These individual signals revealed the volatile compounds responsible for the differences between PO and RO and could help to screen PO adulterated with RO. The established PCA scatter plots and CA could correctly differentiate authentic PO from adulterated samples with at least 1% of RO. Consequently, the GC–IMS shows higher efficiency and feasibility compared with the GC and may serve as a basis for the detection of adulteration of various substances.

Biomarkers of Dietary Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Incident Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality.

Global dietary recommendations for and cardiovascular effects of linoleic acid, the major dietary omega-6 fatty acid, and its major metabolite, arachidonic acid, remain controversial. To address this uncertainty and inform international recommendations, we evaluated how in vivo circulating and tissue levels of linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA) relate to incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) across multiple international studies. We performed harmonized, de novo, individual-level analyses in a global consortium of 30 prospective observational studies from 13 countries. Multivariable-adjusted associations of circulating and adipose tissue LA and AA biomarkers with incident total CVD and subtypes (coronary heart disease, ischemic stroke, cardiovascular mortality) were investigated according to a prespecified analytic plan. Levels of LA and AA, measured as the percentage of total fatty acids, were evaluated linearly according to their interquintile range (ie, the range between the midpoint of the first and fifth quintiles), and categorically by quintiles. Study-specific results were pooled using inverse-variance-weighted meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was explored by age, sex, race, diabetes mellitus, statin use, aspirin use, omega-3 levels, and fatty acid desaturase 1 genotype (when available). In 30 prospective studies with medians of follow-up ranging 2.5 to 31.9 years, 15 198 incident cardiovascular events occurred among 68 659 participants. Higher levels of LA were significantly associated with lower risks of total CVD, cardiovascular mortality, and ischemic stroke, with hazard ratios per interquintile range of 0.93 (95% CI, 0.88-0.99), 0.78 (0.70-0.85), and 0.88 (0.79-0.98), respectively, and nonsignificantly with lower coronary heart disease risk (0.94; 0.88-1.00). Relationships were similar for LA evaluated across quintiles. AA levels were not associated with higher risk of cardiovascular outcomes; in a comparison of extreme quintiles, higher levels were associated with lower risk of total CVD (0.92; 0.86-0.99). No consistent heterogeneity by population subgroups was identified in the observed relationships. In pooled global analyses, higher in vivo circulating and tissue levels of LA and possibly AA were associated with lower risk of major cardiovascular events. These results support a favorable role for LA in CVD prevention.

Effect of nitrate and irradiance on fatty acid production in microalgae cultivated for feeding larvae and broodstock conditioning in batch culture

The aim of this study was to compare conditions for the production of high levels of PUFA, EPA and DHA in cultured microalgae for larval bivalve feeding stages. It assessed fatty acid composition by gas chromatography for Isochrysis galbana Parke (T-Iso) and 2 species of Chaetoceros, C. gracilis Pantocsek and C. constrictus Gran. Species were studied in batch cultures, at the beginning of stationary growth phase with different irradiance and 2 levels of nitrogen content for Chaetoceros sp., and constant irradiance with 5 concentrations of sodium nitrate for I. galbana in an F/2 medium. Isochrysis galbana produced higher levels of linolenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid than eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) at low N-nitrate concentrations; however, fatty acids increased notably with surplus N-nitrate, above F/2 medium content. Low irradiance and normal concentration of nitrates in the batches of Chaetoceros gracilis species produced a greater EPA content. C. constrictus, a diatom isolated from phytoplankton samples, presented higher levels of EPA and DHA at low levels of nitrogen and low irradiance.

Linoleic Acid Increases Prostaglandin E2 Release and Reduces Mitochondrial Respiration and Cell Viability in Human Trophoblast-Like Cells.

The omega 6 fatty acid (FA) linoleic acid (LA) is required for embryonic development; however, omega 6 FAs can alter cellular metabolism via inflammation or modulation of mitochondrial function. Fetal LA is obtained from the maternal diet, and FAs are transported to the fetus via placental FA transporters (FATPs) and binding proteins (FABPs), but specific proteins responsible for LA transport in placental trophoblasts are unknown. Dietary LA consumption is increasing, but the effect of elevated LA on trophoblast function is not clear. Swan71 trophoblasts were exposed to physiological and supraphysiological concentrations of LA for 24 hours. Quantification of mRNA was determined using real time PCR, and protein concentration was determined by Western blot analysis. Cell viability, citrate synthase activity and mitochondrial respiration were determined. Exposure to 300 and 500 μM LA increased FATP1 and FATP4 mRNA expression. 500 μM LA increased FATP1 and FATP4 protein expression. Exposure to 500 μM increased FABP5 mRNA expression, while exposure to 100 to 500 μM LA decreased FABP3 mRNA expression. 300 and 500 μM LA decreased FABP3 protein expression. Cell viability was decreased by exposure to LA (100 to 1000 μM). Citrate synthase activity and routine mitochondrial respiration were significantly decreased by exposure to 300 and 500 μM LA, and maximal respiration and spare respiratory capacity were decreased by exposure to 100 to 500 μM LA. 300 and 500 μM LA increased reactive oxygen species generation in human trophoblasts. Moreover, exposure to 300 and 500 μM LA decreased IL-6 secretion. Exposure to 500 μM LA increased IL-8, NF-κB and PPAR-γ mRNA expression, but decreased NF-κB protein expression. 300 μM LA decreased IL-8 protein expression. Further, exposure to 100 to 500 μM LA increased prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene B₄ release. Exposure to LA decreases cell viability, alters mRNA expression of FA transport related proteins, mitochondrial respiration and function, and inflammatory responses in trophoblasts. These findings may have implications on placental function when women consume high levels of LA.

Feeding high oleic acid soybeans in place of conventional soybeans increases milk fat concentration

It is well established in the literature that feeding free vegetable oils rich in oleic acid results in greater milk fat secretion than does feeding linoleic-rich oils. The objectives of these experiments were to analyze the effects of oleic and linoleic acid when fed in the form of full-fat soybeans and the interaction between soybean particle size and fatty acid (FA) profile. Soybeans were included in diets on an iso-ether extract basis and diets were balanced for crude protein using soybean meal. Experiment 1 used 63 cows (28 primiparous, PP; 35 multiparous, MP) housed in a freestall barn with Insentec roughage intake control gates (Marknesse, the Netherlands). Cows were divided into 4 mixed parity groups within the same pen. Two groups were assigned to each of the 2 diets: whole raw Plenish (WP, high oleic; Dupont-Pioneer, Johnston, IA) soybeans or whole raw conventional (WC, high linoleic) soybeans. The MP cows exhibited significantly increased milk fat yield on the WP diet compared with the WC diet. A significantly greater C18 milk FA yield by the MP cows fed WP was observed compared with those fed WC, but no difference was present in the C16 or short-chain FA yield. No effects were seen in the PP cows. Experiment 2 used 20 cows (10 PP, 10 MP) in 2 balanced 5 × 5 Latin squares within parity. Cows received 5 diets: raw WP and WC diets, raw ground Plenish and conventional soybean diets (GP and GC, respectively), and a low fat control. A significant benefit was found for the GP diet compared with the GC diet for milk fat concentration and yield. In experiment 2, no difference was observed between cows fed the WP compared with the WC diet. In experiment 2, cows consuming the Plenish diets produced less milk than when consuming the conventional soybean diets. The soybean diets resulted in significantly more C18 and less <C18 FA compared with the low fat diet. The GP diet resulted in significantly more C18 FA than the GC diet and the ground soybeans resulted in less C16 FA compared with whole soybeans. In both experiments, cows fed the Plenish diets exhibited decreased trans-10 18:1, a FA often increased during milk fat depression, compared with those fed the conventional soybean diets, though differences were not observed in trans-10,cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid. These results indicate that feeding whole soybeans rich in oleic acid may result in some increased milk fat secretion compared with conventional whole soybeans containing high levels of linoleic acid. This advantage is clear for ground high-oleic soybeans compared with ground conventional soybeans.

Formation of 4‐Hydroxy‐2‐Trans‐Nonenal, a Toxic Aldehyde, in Thermally Treated Olive and Sunflower Oils

Abstract4‐Hydroxy‐2‐trans‐nonenal (HNE) is a toxic aldehyde produced mostly in oils containing polyunsaturated fatty acid due to heat‐induced lipid peroxidation. The present study examined the effects of the heating time, the degree of unsaturation, and the antioxidant potential on the formation of HNE in two light olive oils (LOO) and two sunflower oils (one high oleic and one regular) at frying temperature. HNE concentrations in these oil samples heated for 0, 1, 3, and 5 hours at 185 °C were measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography. The fatty‐acid distribution and the antioxidant capacity of these four oils were also analyzed. The results showed that all oils had very low HNE concentrations (&lt;0.5 μg g−1 oil) before heating. After 5 hours of heating at 185 °C, HNE concentrations were increased to 17.98, 25.00, 12.51, and 40.00 μg g−1 in the two LOO, high‐oleic sunflower oil (HOSO), and regular sunflower oil (RSO), respectively. Extending the heating time increased HNE formation in all oils tested. It is related to their fatty‐acid distributions and antioxidant capacities. RSO, which contained high levels of linoleic acid (59.60%), a precursor for HNE, was more susceptible to degradation and HNE formation than HOSO and LOO, which contained only 6–8% linoleic acid.

Fatty acid composition of breast milk in Galicia (NW Spain): A cross-country comparison

Based on the premise that the fatty acid composition of human milk can be substantially altered by diet, the current study investigated the fatty acid profile (fattyacidome) of breast milk in Galicia, a small region located in the north-west of Spain and characterized by the Southern European Atlantic Diet (SEAD). A cross-country comparison was also performed to assess worldwide variety and diet impact, reviewing the profiles reported various European, North and South American, Asian and African countries and Australia. Galician human milk appeared similar to the rest of Europe, with some particular features related to the SEAD (dairy, pork, beef and sunflower and olive oils), such as relatively high levels of linoleic acid and lower α-linolenic acid. The results also showed the existence of woman-specific profiles and significant changes over lactation in some fatty acids. Worldwide, the fatty acid profiles were similar, with the clear exception of Asiatic breast milk. The impact of fatty acids on infant health warrants further investigation.

Hemp seed oil: Chemical characterization of three non-drug varieties cultivated in Morocco

Cannabis sativa L. (hemp) seed oil is known for their food use, is the amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids from hemp seeds that would make these interesting products. The yield and the chemical characterization of three varieties of non-drugs hemp oil cultivated in Morocco were determined. Three varieties were used, namely, Santhica 27, Futura 75, and Epsilon 68 listed in the French and European catalogs. The chemical composition of all varieties from hemp oils was determined using gas chromatography???mass spectrometry method. The oil content of the hemp seeds ranged between 30.45% and 34.93%. Among the 09 detected fatty acids, a high level of linoleic acid (omega-6) was recorded between 56.71 ?? 0.1% and 57.70 ?? 0.1%, α-linolenic acid (omega-3) ranged from 13.66 ?? 0.04% to 14.80 ?? 0.06%, and the oleic acid ranged from 12.80 ?? 0.04% to 13.30 ?? 0.03%. Moreover, palmitic, stearic, and arachidic acids contents varied between 7.32 ?? 0.02% (Futura 75) to 7.70 ?? 0.03% (Santhica 27), 2.40 ?? 0.02% (Futura 75) to 2.60 ?? 0.04% (Epsilon 68), and 0.9% for all varieties, respectively. These results show that the hemp seeds cultivated in Morocco could be used as a source of food, characterized by high nutritional value.

Evidence for an interaction between linoleic acid intake and skin barrier properties in healthy dogs – a pilot study

AbstractDogs suffer from skin associated issues with a disproportionate frequency, with consequent interest in providing nutrition to optimize their skin's natural defences. Linoleic acid (LA) is known as an essential nutrient in dogs and plays a critical part in the lipid component of skin barrier formation. Minimum requirements have been defined, primarily based on eliminating signs of deficiencies such as dry, flaky skin and inflammation. Zn has been shown as an important nutrient for maintaining epidermal health. This pilot study investigated whether there are skin barrier benefits from feeding both linoleic acid and Zn at levels significantly in excess of published minimum requirements. Eight Labrador retrievers were fed a diet containing 3.8 g/Mcal LA, 21 mg/Mcal Zn for 12 weeks to establish baseline conditions for all dogs (basal diet). After this period, for a further 12 weeks, the dogs were switched onto a diet containing 7.9 g/Mcal LA and 50 mg/Mcal Zn (test diet). Transepidermal water loss (TEWL measurements) were used as a measure of skin quality and integrity and were taken at the end of the initial feeding period, and at 6 and 12 weeks of the test feeding period. TEWL was reduced by 8.11 g/m2/h (P &lt; 0.001) six weeks after instigation of the test diet, and by 7.52 g/m2/h (P &lt; 0.005) at 12 weeks, compared to the levels (14.73 g/m2/h) at the end of the basal feeding trial period. The results showed evidence of improved barrier properties as TEWL when feeding higher levels of LA and Zn for six and 12 weeks.

Tumor Growth Dynamics: Dietary Fish Oil Induced Inhibition of Human Breast Carcinoma Growth, A Phenomenon of Reduced Cellular DNA Synthesis or Increased Cell Loss?

Diets high in unsaturated fatty acids, especially those containing high levels of linoleic acid, e.g., corn oil, enhance mammary gland tumorigenesis in experimental animals. In contrast, diets high in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA), e.g. menhaden oil, appear to have a suppressive effect on this tumorigenic process. Many mechanisms have been proposed to explain the tumor inhibitory action exerted by menhaden oil and other fish oils, e.g., differences in prostaglandin metabolism, energy efficiency, alterations of the immune system, changes in lipid peroxidation, etc. Fundamental to a mechanistic understanding of this phenomenon, however, is an understanding as to whether or not the tumor inhibitory activities of dietary fish oil is mediated via an inhibition of tumor cell proliferation or mediated via an enhancement of tumor cell loss. Whether the amount of dietary fat or the type of fat effects mammary tumorigenic processes, via an effect on tumor cell proliferation or tumor cell loss, has not been clearly established. In the studies described in this communication, three methods were utilized to study tumor cell proliferation, i.e., H3-thymidine autoradiographic analysis, 5-bromo 2'-deoxyuridine (Brdu) flow cytometric analysis, and proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) flow cytometric analysis. Two methods were used to study tumor cell loss, i.e., a determination of the I125Urd tumor emission rate and a determination of a cell loss factor from the formulas of Steel and Begg. The tumor examined was the human breast carcinoma cell line MDA- MB231 maintained in athymic nude mouse. No significant difference in cell proliferation between carcinomas of mice fed a high corn oil diet (20% w/w) and a diet high in fish oil (19% menhaden oil, 1% corn oil). In contrast, a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in the rate of I125Urd emission rate and cell loss factor from the carcinomas in the fish oil fed mice compared to the corn oil fed mice was observed. In summary, the decreased tumor volume in the human breast carcinomas maintained in athymic nude mice fed a fish oil diet as compared to those fed a corn oil diet, appears to be due, at least in part, to an increased rate of carcinoma cell loss rather than a decreased rate of carcinoma cell proliferation.

Glycine max and Glycine soja are capable of cold acclimation

AbstractSoybean has been considered a cold intolerant species; based largely upon seed germination and soil emergent evaluations. This study reports a distinct acquisition of cold tolerance, in seedlings, following short acclimation periods. Diversity in cold responses was assessed in eight cultivars of Glycine max and six accessions of G. soja. All varieties of soybean significantly increased in freezing tolerance following acclimation. This study indicates soybean seedlings are indeed capable of sensing cold and acquiring cold tolerance. Germination rates after cold imbibition were negatively correlated with maturity group, but positively correlated with cold acclimation potential in G. soja. Seed fatty acid composition was varied between the species, with Glycine soja accessions containing about 2‐times more linolenic acid (18:3) than G. max. Furthermore, high levels of linoleic acid (18:2) in seeds were positively correlated with germination rates following cold imbibition in G. soja only. We suggest that domestication has not impacted the overall ability of soybean to cold acclimate at the seedling stage and that there is little variation within the domesticated species for ability to cold acclimate. Thus, this brief comparative study reduces the enthusiasm for the “wild” species as an additional source of genetic diversity for cold tolerance.

Structural and functional characteristics of photosynthetic apparatus of chlorophyll-containing grape vine tissue

Photosynthesis in tissues under periderm of woody stems and shoots of perennial plants occurs in environment that is very different from the internal environment of leaf chloroplasts. These tissues are characterized by high CO2 and low O2 concentrations, more acidic surroundings, besides that only light which have passed through periderm reaches photosynthetic antennas. In contrast to leaves of deciduous plants chlorenchyma tissues of wintering plant organs are exposed to temperature fluctuations during all seasons, that is why the photosynthetic apparatus of woody stems has to be able to adapt to a wide range of environmental temperatures. In order to reveal unique features, which enable photosynthetic apparatus of chlorenchyma cells in woody plant organs to implement biological functions under different light and temperature conditions, we studied photosynthetic tissues of stem cortex in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) under normal conditions and after exposure to suboptimal temperatures and high light intensity. Comparative analysis of photosynthetic pigment composition and low-temperature chlorophyll fluorescence emission spectrum of leaves, young shoots and chlorenchyma of lignified shoots revealed relatively high level of chlorophyll b and carotenoids, and high photosystem II (PSII) to photosystem I (PSI) ratio in woody shoots. Analysis of parameters of variable chlorophyll fluorescence revealed high PSII activity in grapevine shoot cortex and demonstrated improved freeze tolerance and higher sensitivity to light of photosynthetic apparatus in grape vine in comparison to leaves. It was shown for the first time that photosynthetic apparatus in chlorenchyma cells of vine undergoes so-called “state-transition”–fast rearrangements leading to redistribution of energy between photosystems. Analysis of fatty acid (FA) compositions of lipids in examined tissues showed that the FA unsaturation index in green tissue of vine is lower than in leaves. A distinct feature of FA compositions of lipids in vine cortex was relatively high level of linoleic acid.

Capsaicinoids, amino acid and fatty acid profiles in different fruit components of the world hottest Naga king chilli (Capsicum chinense Jacq)

The world hottest Naga king chilli is cultivated and consumed in Northeast India. Capsaicinoids, amino acids and fatty acids were studied in fruit and fruit components of Naga king chilli. Capsaicinoid content was increased in each ripening stage and maximum level was observed at red color fruits. Total protein and fat content of placenta was 19.41 and 20.36% respectively. Capsaicinoids of placenta (7.35±2.241%) was higher followed by seed (3.83±1.358%) and pericarp (2.91±0.667%). Similarly, essential amino acid content was also higher in placenta compared to other components. Amino acid score ranged from 37 to 38 with cystine and methionine as limiting amino acid. Low level of palmitic, stearic and α-linolenic acid and very high level of linoleic acid were found in seeds. Total polyunsaturates of seeds were higher followed by whole fruit. Naga king chilli is unique due to its high capsaicinoid content and it offers potential crop for the future exploitation.

Microsomal Omega-3 Fatty Acid Desaturase Genes in Low Linolenic Acid Soybean Line RG10 and Validation of Major Linolenic Acid QTL.

High levels of linolenic acid (80 g kg−1) are associated with the development of off-flavors and poor stability in soybean oil. The development of low linolenic acid lines such as RG10 (20 g kg−1 linolenic acid) can reduce these problems. The level of linolenic acid in seed oil is determined by the activities of microsomal omega-3 fatty acid desaturases (FAD3). A major linolenic acid QTL (>70% of variation) on linkage group B2 (chromosome Gm14) was previously detected in a recombinant inbred line population from the RG10 × OX948 cross. The objectives of this study were to validate the major linolenic acid QTL in an independent population and characterize all the soybean FAD3 genes. Four FAD3 genes were sequenced and localized in RG10 and OX948 and compared to the genes in the reference Williams 82 genome. The FAD3A gene sequences mapped to the locus Glyma.14g194300 [on the chromosome Gm14 (B2)], which is syntenic to the FAD3B gene (locus Glyma.02g227200) on the chromosome Gm02 (D1b). The location of the FAD3A gene is the same as was previously determined for the fan allele, that conditions low linolenic acid content and several linolenic acid QTL, including Linolen 3-3, mapped previously with the RG10 × OX948 population and confirmed in the PI 361088B × OX948 population as Linolen-PO (FAD3A). The FAD3B gene-based marker, developed previously, was mapped to the chromosome Gm02 (D1b) in a region containing a newly detected linolenic acid QTL [Linolen-RO(FAD3B)] in the RG10 × OX948 genetic map and corresponds well with the in silico position of the FAD3B gene sequences. FAD3C and FAD3D gene sequences, mapped to syntenic regions on chromosomes Gm18 (locus Glyma.18g062000) and Gm11 (locus Glyma.11g227200), respectively. Association of linolenic acid QTL with the desaturase genes FAD3A and FAD3B, their validation in an independent population, and development of FAD3 gene-specific markers should simplify and accelerate breeding for low linolenic acid soybean cultivars.

Early life exposure to polyunsaturated fatty acids and psychomotor development in children from the EDEN mother-child cohort

Epidemiological studies have reported that breastfed children have improved psychomotor development compared to never breastfed children. Human studies suggest that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), especially long chain PUFA (LC-PUFA) which are highly contained in breast milk, could explain this link, since they are needed for pre-and postnatal brain development. Our aim was to study the relationships between several measures of pre-and postnatal exposures to PUFA and child's psychomotor development at 2 and 3 years in the EDEN cohort. We evaluated breastfeeding duration, colostrum PUFA levels and maternal dietary PUFA intake during pregnancy, that we related with three scores of psychomotor development, after taking into account potential confounders. Breastfeeding duration was positively associated with psychomotor development. No relationship was found with both pre-and postnatal exposure to LC-PUFA. However, the maternal dietary omega-6/omega-3 ratio was negatively associated with psychomotor development, mainly driven by intake in linoleic acid (LA). Among breastfed children, linoleic acid levels were negatively associated with psychomotor development. Furthermore, children exposed to the highest colostrum LA levels tended to score closer to never breastfed children than to children exposed to the lowest colostrums LA levels. Taken together, these results do not provide evidence in favour of a positive role of pre-and postnatal exposure to LC-PUFA on later psychomotor development, but highlight a potential negative role of being exposed in early life to high LA levels. From a public health perspective, this work reiterates the need to promote breastfeeding duration, and to monitor the balance of PUFA intake during pregnancy and lactation periods.