Higher Levels Of C18 Research Articles

Effects of protein grass hay as alternative feed resource on lamb's fattening performance and meat quality

Protein grass hay (PGH) was used as a new feed source for lambs to study its effect on fattening performance and meat quality. Fifty-six male lambs were allotted to four experimental groups and fed for eight weeks either alfalfa hay (AH)-based diet (control) or diets in which AH was replaced with 33 %, 66 %, or 99 % PGH. The inclusion of PGH did not affect final body weight, dry matter intake, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, or carcass weight. Moreover, substituting AH with PGH at any level did not influence the ruminal fermentation or serum biochemical parameters, meat color, water holding capacity, shear force, or amino acid profile. However, relative liver weight was increased with 66 % substitutions. Furthermore, replacing 99 % AH with PGH decreased the meat's pH at 24 h. Higher levels of C18:3n-3, C20:5n-3, and total n-3 PUFA and a lower ratio of n-6: n-3 PUFA were also observed in meat from lambs fed PGH at 99 %. These findings suggest that PGH could be incorporated into the lamb's diet up to 99 % without compromising fattening performance and body health while improving their meat n-3 PUFA deposition.

Chemometrics analysis of camellia oil authenticity using LF NMR and fatty acid GC fingerprints

Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF NMR) parameters and fatty acid contents, combined with chemometrics, were employed to detect the adulteration of camellia oil (CAO) with various oils, including rapeseed oil (RO), sunflower oil (SSO), sesame oil (SEO), corn oil (COO), rice bran oil (RBO), peanut oil (PEO), palm superolein (PAO), or high oleic-peanut oil (HO-PEO). In principal component analysis (PCA), CAO was characterized by higher levels of C18:1n9 and S22, which differentiates it from other vegetable oils. Partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) revealed robust clustering among CAO and other samples. Adulterated CAO samples, with an adulteration level exceeding 10 %, could be accurately classified, achieving a total discrimination accuracy of over 97.15 %. Notably, when the adulteration rate surpassed 40 %, the recognition accuracy for all samples reached 100 %. The optimized partial least squares (PLS) models, relying on fewer than 18 potential key markers identified by variable importance in projection, demonstrated efficiency and precision in predicting the adulteration levels in CAO.

Seasonal variations of physiological responses, milk production, and fatty acid profile of local crossbred cows in Tunisia.

The study investigates the seasonal variations of physiological responses, milk yield, milk composition, and milk fatty acid profile of local crossbred cows (Friesian × Brown Atlas) in northwestern Tunisia. A total of 80 multiparous cows from smallholder farmers were sampled between 2018 and 2019. The cows were feed the same diet ad libitum and exposed to the same Mediterranean climatic conditions. Weekly rectal temperature (RT; °C), respiratory rate (RR; rpm), and heart rate (HR; bpm) were measured per cow in each season. Individual milk yield and samples were recorded bi-weekly and collected in duplicate for chemical analyses. Milk fatty acids (FAs) were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results showed an increase (P < 0.05) in RT (+ 1.3%), RR (+ 12.1%), and HR (+ 9.9%) when the temperature-humidity index (THI) increased from winter (53.6) to summer (74.4) in response to heat stress. Milk yield did not vary significantly between seasons (8.3 L/day on average). Summer milk contained more fat (+ 7.8%) and log SCC (+ 13.7%). The proportion of the monounsaturated (31.2 vs. 27.2%) and polyunsaturated (4.29 vs. 3.86%) FAs decreased (P < 0.05) between winter and summer. Saturated FAs (64.5 vs. 67.7%) were higher (P < 0.05) in summer than in winter. Winter milk fat contained higher levels of C18:2cis-9 trans-11 (CLA) (0.73 vs. 0.56%) and ω-3 FA (0.83 vs. 0.63%), but a lower ω-6/ω-3 ratio (4.07 vs. 6.17%) compared to summer. As the cows were fed the same diet throughout the two seasons, the performances obtained were mainly due to the resistance of the local crossbred cow to the hot conditions. It is concluded that the local crossbred cow maintains its productivity and tolerate the hot Mediterranean climate.

A comprehensive comparison of Chinese olive oils from different cultivars and geographical origins.

China has become increasingly interested in producing olive oil in recent years. In this study, we determined the characteristics of virgin olive oil in five typical cultivars (cv. 'Arbequina,' 'Coratina,' 'Ezhi 8,' 'Frantoio,' and 'Koroneiki') from two of the most suitable production areas for olive cultivation in China. In addition, linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was used to differentiate oils originating from various cultivars and geographical origins. Heatmap was also constructed to describe the differences straightly. Compared to Xichang oils, Longnan oils generally contained higher levels of C18:0, lignans, total esters and total furans, and lower levels of phenolic acids and phenolic alcohols. A variety of cultivars differed in total sterols, hydroxytyrosol derivatives, and volatile compounds. Coratina oils showed excellent properties in two regions. Our findings are closely related to select the optimum olive cultivars in different regions to promote the development of Chinese olive industry scientifically.

Green cabbage supplementation influences the gene expression and fatty acid levels of adipose tissue in Chinese Wanxi White geese.

Dietary green cabbage was evaluated for its impact on fatty acid synthetic ability in different adipose tissues during fattening of Wanxi White geese. A total of 256 Wanxi White geese at their 70 days were randomly allocated into 4 groups with 4 replicates and fed 0%, 15%, 30%, and 45% fresh green cabbage (relative to dry matter), respectively, in each group. Adipose tissues (subcutaneous and abdominal fat), liver and blood were collected from 4 birds in each replicate at their 70, 80, 90, and 100 days for fatty acid composition, relative gene expression and serum lipid analysis. Two-way or three-way analysis of variance was used for analysis. The contents of palmitic acid (C16:0), palmitoleic acid (C16:1), linoleic acid (C18:2), and alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3) were feeding time dependently increased. The C16:0 and stearic acid (C18:0) were higher in abdominal fat, while C16:1, oleic acid (C18:1), and C18:2 were higher in subcutaneous fat. Geese fed 45% green cabbage exhibited highest level of C18:3. Geese fed green cabbage for 30 d exhibited higher level of C16:0 and C18:0 in abdominal fat, while geese fed 30% to 45% green cabbage exhibited higher C18:3 in subcutaneous fat. The expression of Acsl1 (p = 0.003) and Scd1 (p<0.0001) were decreased with green cabbage addition. Interaction between feeding time and adipose tissue affected elongation of long-chain fatty acids family member 6 (Elovl6), acyl-CoA synthetase longchain family member 1 (Acsl1), and stearoly-coA desaturase 1 (Scd1) gene expression levels (p = 0.013, p = 0.003, p = 0.005). Feeding time only affected serum lipid levels of free fatty acid and chylomicron. Higher contents of C16:0, C18:1, and C18:3 were associated with greater mRNA expression of Scd1 (p<0.0001), while higher level of C18:2 was associated with less mRNA expression of Scd1 (p<0.0001). Considering content of C18:2 and C18:3, 30% addition of green cabbage could be considered for fattening for 30 days in Wanxi White geese.

The Arabidopsis thaliana Gulono-1,4 γ-lactone oxidase 2 (GULLO2) facilitates iron transport from endosperm into developing embryos and affects seed coat suberization

Plants synthesize ascorbate (ASC) via the D-mannose/L-galactose pathway whereas animals produce ASC and H2O2via the UDP-glucose pathway, with Gulono-1,4 γ-lactone oxidases (GULLO) as the last step. A. thaliana has seven isoforms, GULLO1-7; previous in silico analysis suggested that GULLO2, mostly expressed in developing seeds, might be involved in iron (Fe) nutrition. We isolated atgullo2-1 and atgullo2-2 mutants, quantified ASC and H2O2 in developing siliques, Fe(III) reduction in immature embryos and seed coats. Surfaces of mature seed coats were analysed via atomic force and electron microscopies; suberin monomer and elemental compositions of mature seeds, including Fe, were profiled via chromatography and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.Lower levels of ASC and H2O2 in atgullo2 immature siliques are accompanied by an impaired Fe(III) reduction in seed coats and lower Fe content in embryos and seeds; atgullo2 seeds displayed reduced permeability and higher levels of C18:2 and C18:3 ω-hydroxyacids, the two predominant suberin monomers in A. thaliana seeds. We propose that GULLO2 contributes to ASC synthesis, for Fe(III) reduction into Fe(II). This step is critical for Fe transport from endosperm into developing embryos. We also show that alterations in GULLO2 activity affect suberin biosynthesis and accumulation in the seed coat.

Shared technologies for pottery and acorns processing? Multidisciplinary and functional approach to modular kilns

This paper deals with the so-called modular kilns, ceramic structures characteristic of the Bronze and Iron Age periods in various regions of Europe. Despite the interest shown in these material forms in recent years, their exact function is still unclear. However, the dominant interpretation within archaeological research has tended to associate them with pottery production. While this hypothesis has been based mainly on macro-observations derived from settlement surveys and excavations, our aim is to go further by exploring through a material-analytical approach. A set of samples from the sites of A Fontela and Castromao, in northwestern Iberia, have been analysed using a set of methods (mineralogical, geochemical, archaeobotanical and organic chemical) to evaluate the hypotheses on production and use. Although the samples share a similar morphology and technology, the analytical results reveal differences in the manufacturing processes between the two sites studied. Local clays, crop by-products and wild plants from the surrounding areas were used in the modelling, but with different purposes. In some cases, cereal chaff was added as a temper. Organic-chemical analysis revealed traces of oils of vegetal origin, with high levels of C18:1 fatty acid (probably mostly oleic acid) and its degradation products, together with phytosterols, such as β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol, and δ-5-avenasterol. The organic compounds are compatible with the processing or culinary transformation of acorns, that appeared persistently in hearths, pots, and storage structures during Late Prehistory in the region.

Adverse cardiovascular and metabolic perturbations among older women: 'fat-craving' hearts.

Despite known sex-based differences in cardiovascular aging, differences in aging biology are poorly understood. We hypothesize that circulating metabolites studied cross-sectionally with cardiac aging may be associated with cardiovascular changes that distinguish cardiac aging in women. A population-based cohort of community men and women without cardiovascular disease from Singapore underwent detailed clinical and echocardiography examinations. Cross-sectional associations between cardiac functional characteristics and metabolomics profiles were examined. Five hundred sixty-seven adults (48.9% women) participated. Women were younger (72 ± 4.4years vs 73 ± 4.3years, p = 0.022), had lower diastolic blood pressures (71 ± 11.0mmHg vs 76 ± 11.2mmHg, p < 0.0001, and less likely to have diabetes mellitus (18.0% vs 27.6%, p = 0.013) and smoking (3.8% vs 34.5%, p < 0.001). Body mass indices were similar (24 ± 3.8kg/m2 vs 24 ± 3.4kg/m2, p = 0.29), but women had smaller waist circumferences (81 ± 10.1cm vs 85 ± 9.2cm, p < 0.001). Women had a significantly higher E/e' ratios (10.9 ± 3.4 vs 9.9 ± 3.3, p = 0.007) and mitral A peak (0.86 ± 0.2m/s vs 0.79 ± 0.2m/s, p < 0.001) than men. Among women, lower E/e' ratio was associated with higher levels of C16 (OR 1.019, 95%CI 1.002-1.036, p = 0.029), C16:1 (OR 1.06, 95%CI 1.006-1.118, p = 0.028), serine (OR 1.019, 95%CI 1.002-1.036, p = 0.025), and histidine (OR 1.045, 95%CI 1.013-1.078, p = 0.006). Lower mitral A peak was associated with higher levels of histidine (OR 1.039, 95%CI 1.009-1.070, p = 0.011), isoleucine (OR 1.013, 95%CI 1.004-1.021, p = 0.004), and C20 (OR 1.341, 95%CI 1.067-1.684, p = 0.012). Impairments in diastolic functions were more frequent among older women compared to men, despite lower prevalence of vascular risk factors and preserved cardiac structure. Cardiac aging in women correlated with metabolites involved in fatty acid oxidation and tricyclic acid cycle fuelling.

Nutritional composition of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) reared on chicken waste meal, fruit &amp; vegetable waste, and their mixture

Fruits and vegetables are wasted in huge amounts and nearly 30% of all produced food is never consumed which leads to many economic and environmental issues. Similarly, the poultry industry generates a huge volume of waste. This refuse is reported to have high nutritional value and could be used as ingredients in the feed industry. Black soldier flies,Hermetia illucens, are potentially capable of converting different organic wastes into protein-rich biomass and considered as a viable alternative protein source to partially substitute fish meal used in aquafeeds, thereby contributing to the sustainability of aquaculture. In this study, the effect of two different organic waste substrates and their mixture, namely chicken waste meal (C), fruit &amp; vegetable waste (FV), and a combination (1:9) of chicken waste meal and fruit &amp; vegetable waste (M) on the nutritional content of black soldier fly prepupae (BSFP) was investigated. Significant differences were observed in energy content and proximate composition of the substrates which significantly altered the energy content and nutritional composition of the BSFP. BSFP reared on FV were low in crude protein, crude lipid and high in crude carbohydrate compared to BSFP reared on C and M. The amino acid contents of BSFP were characterised by high levels of lysine, leucine, and valine. Significant differences were detected between BSFP groups in terms of amino acid content. The fatty acid composition of the BSFP were dominated by the saturated fatty acids (SFA) ranging between 41.8±0.10% (M) and 67.11±0.08% (C). M-fed BSFP had significantly higher SFA, monosaturated fatty acid (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) compositions than C- and FV-fed BSFP. M-fed BSFP had a high C18:1n9 (17.01±0.02%), C16:0 (17.02±0.09%), C18:2n-6 (14.63±0.02%), and C12:0 (15.19%) fatty acid composition. The fatty acid profile of the C-fed BSFP was characterised by high levels of C14:0 (28.16±0.11%), C12:0 (25.79±0.09%), and C18:1n-9 (13.41±0.03%), whereas FV-fed BSFP was characterised by high levels of C16:0 (19.33±0.08%), C12:0 (16.64±0.18%), and C18:1n-9 (12.51±0.04%). Our results demonstrated that chicken waste meal, fruit &amp; vegetables waste, and their mixture can be used to feed BSFP for sustainable production. However, M-fed BSFP could be used to partially substitute fish meal in carnivorous fish feeds for having a substantially greater nutritional value than BSFP reared on other wastes and for its similarity to fish meal in terms of amino acid content.

Dietary application of dried citrus pulp, with or without soybean oil, in lactating Holstein cow diet: Effects on feed intake, digestibility, performance, a milk fatty acid profile and total phenolics

The effect of dietary dried citrus pulp (DCP), with or without soybean oil (SO), on nutrient intake and digestibility, performance, milk fatty acids (FAs) profiles, and total phenolic (TP) was studied in lactating cows. Ten lactating Holstein cows (145 ± 25 DIM and average body weight (BW) of 650 ± 40 kg) were allocated to a changeover 5 × 5 Latin square design with 28-d periods. Treatments included the control diet, diet without SO and DCP; SO0 + DCP1, diet without SO and containing 86.5 g DCP/kg DM; SO0 + DCP2, diet without SO and containing 173 g DCP/kg DM; SO1 + DCP1, diet containing 17.3 g SO and 86.5 g DCP per kg DM; SO1 + DCP2, diet containing 17.3 g SO and 173 g DCP per kg DM. The maximum EE digestibility was observed for SO1 + DCP1 diet (P = 0.030). The addition of DCP and SO to experimental diets could not affect the milk production. The milk TP (mg/mL, P = 0.003 and mg/d, P = 0.030) production was increased as a result of the addition of SO and DCP. The milk produced by cows fed with the control diet contained lower C4:0 compared to that of cows fed with other diets (P = 0.014). Concentrations of C8:0 (P = 0.028), C10:0 (P = 0.003) and C12:0 (P = 0.0001) within the milk of cows with SO0 + DCP1 diet were lower than those with SO0 + DCP2 diet. The interaction effect of SO and DCP on C16:1 was significant (P = 0.022). The concentration of C18:0 in the milk of cows fed with SO (P = 0.008) or DCP (P = 0.002) was lower than those with the control diet. The low and high levels of SO-contained DCP, as well as high level of DCP without SO respectively increased the concentration of C18:1 trans (P = 0.002), total monounsaturated fatty acids (TMUFA) (P = 0.046) and decreased the content of total saturated fatty acids (TSFA) (P = 0.022). The milk produced by cows supplemented with SO had higher levels of C18:1 (P = 0.039) and C18:2 cis (n-6) (P = 0.0005) compared to those with the control diet. Current findings suggested that SO plus DCP could be added to the diets of dairy cow without any detrimental effects on the performance. Also, it could be useful due to the existence of TP and unsaturated fatty acids (UFA).

Phase behaviour of C18-N-acyl sphingolipids, the prevalent species in human brain

Lipidomic analysis of the N-acyl components of sphingolipids in different mammalian tissues had revealed that brain tissue differed from all the other samples in that SM contained mainly C18:0 and C24:1N-acyl chains, and that the most abundant Cer species was C18:0. Only in the nervous system was C18:0 found in sizable proportions. The high levels of C18:0 and C16:0, respectively in brain and non-brain SM, were important because SM is by far the most abundant sphingolipid in the plasma membrane. In view of these observations, the present paper is devoted to a comparative study of the properties of C16:0 and C18:0 sphingolipids (SM and Cer) pure and in mixtures of increasing complexities, using differential scanning calorimetry, confocal microscopy of giant unilamellar vesicles, and correlative fluorescence microscopy and atomic force microscopy of supported lipid bilayers. Membrane rigidity was measured by force spectroscopy. It was found that in mixtures containing dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin and cholesterol, i.e. representing the lipids predominant in the outer monolayer of cell membranes, lateral inhomogeneities occurred, with the formation of rigid domains within a continuous fluid phase. Inclusion of saturated Cer in the system was always found to increase the rigidity of the segregated domains. C18:0-based sphingolipids exhibit hydrocarbon chain-length asymmetry, and some singularities observed with this N-acyl chain, e.g. complex calorimetric endotherms, could be attributed to this property. Moreover, C18:0-based sphingolipids, that are typical of the excitable cells, were less miscible with the fluid phase than their C16:0 counterparts. The results could be interpreted as suggesting that the predominance of C18:0 Cer in the nervous system would contribute to the tightness of its plasma membranes, thus facilitating maintenance of the ion gradients.

Fatty Acid Levels and Their Inflammatory Metabolites Are Associated with the Nondipping Status and Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Stroke Patients.

Background: This paper discusses the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of nondipping blood pressure and its role in the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of free fatty acids (FAs) and their inflammatory metabolites on the nondipping phenomenon and the risk of sleep apnea in stroke patients. Methods: Sixty-four ischemic stroke patients were included in the prospective study. Group I consisted of 33 patients with a preserved physiological dipping effect (DIP), while group II included 31 patients with the nondipping phenomenon (NDIP). All subjects had FA gas chromatography and inflammatory metabolite measurements performed with the use of liquid chromatography, their 24 h blood pressure was recorded, and they were assessed with the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS). Results: In the nondipping group a higher level of C16:0 palmitic acid was observed, while lower levels were observed in regard to C20:0 arachidic acid, C22:0 behenic acid and C24:1 nervonic acid. A decreased leukotriene B4 level was recorded in the nondipping group. None of the FAs and derivatives correlated with the ESS scale in the group of patients after stroke. Correlations were observed after dividing into the DIP and NDIP groups. In the DIP group, a higher score of ESS was correlated with numerous FAs and derivatives. Inflammation of a lower degree and a higher level of anti-inflammatory mediators from EPA and DHA acids favored the occurrence of the DIP. A high level of C18: 3n6 gamma linoleic acid indicating advanced inflammation, intensified the NDIP effect. Conclusions: We demonstrated potential novel associations between the FA levels and eicosanoids in the pathogenesis of the nondipping phenomenon. There are common connections between fatty acids, their metabolites, inflammation, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and nondipping in stroke patients.

Lipid accumulation patterns and role of different fatty acid types towards mitigating salinity fluctuations in Chlorella vulgaris

Mangrove-dwelling microalgae are well adapted to frequent encounters of salinity fluctuations across their various growth phases but are lesser studied. The current study explored the adaptive changes (in terms of biomass, oil content and fatty acid composition) of mangrove-isolated C. vulgaris UMT-M1 cultured under different salinity levels (5, 10, 15, 20, 30 ppt). The highest total oil content was recorded in cultures at 15 ppt salinity (63.5% of dry weight) with uncompromised biomass productivity, thus highlighting the ‘trigger-threshold’ for oil accumulation in C. vulgaris UMT-M1. Subsequently, C. vulgaris UMT-M1 was further assessed across different growth phases under 15 ppt. The various short, medium and long-chain fatty acids (particularly C20:0), coupled with a high level of C18:3n3 PUFA reported at early exponential phase represents their physiological importance during rapid cell growth. Accumulation of C18:1 and C18:2 at stationary growth phase across all salinities was seen as cells accumulating substrate for C18:3n3 should the cells anticipate a move from stationary phase into new growth phase. This study sheds some light on the possibility of ‘triggered’ oil accumulation with uninterrupted growth and the participation of various fatty acid types upon salinity mitigation in a mangrove-dwelling microalgae.

Polyploidy affects fillet yield, composition, and fatty acid profile in two-year old, female rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

Gonadal development in fish is a dominant physiological process that alters growth and fat metabolism, thereby affecting fillet quality. Sterile, triploid (3 N) female rainbow trout are generated by pressure-induced shock of zygotes (3NP), and by crossing a diploid (2 N; fertile) female and a tetraploid (4 N; fertile) male to produce triploid offspring 100% of the time (3NC; sterile). We have shown female intercross-triploids (3NC) have faster growth rates than pressure-induced triploids (3NP). Using a subset of these animals, we examined fillet yield, texture and fatty acid composition; additionally, fatty acid composition of triglycerides and phospholipids was determined. Variables were measured immediately prior to ovulation of (2 N; fertile) animals. Separable muscle as a percent of whole body weight was higher (P ≤ 0.05) in 3NC (46.5%) compared with 3NP (43.6%) fish, and both had higher yields than 2 N (38.3%) individuals. Fillets from 3NC fillets contained more (P ≤ 0.05) intramuscular crude fat than 3NP and 2 N fillets (13.4%, 11.2%, 8.17%, respectively). Also, 2 N fillets contained (P ≤ 0.05) fewer total saturated fatty acids (29.2%) compared to 3NP (33.4%) fillets which in turn, had fewer than 3NC (34.9%) fillets; suggesting diploids that stored SFA were used for egg development. Although 2 N fillets contained more (P ≤ 0.05) total polyunsaturated fatty acids relative to all fatty acids (PUFA, 28.7%) than 3NC and 3NP fillets (23.6% and 24.8%, respectively), the 3NC had the highest concentration per gram of fillet. 3NC and 3NP muscle had higher (P ≤ 0.05) levels of C12:0, C14:0, compared to 2 N. Fatty acids, C16:0 and 16:1, were highest (P ≤ 0.05) in 3NC, and 2 N muscle contained more (P ≤ 0.05) C22:6n3, C20:3n6 and C18:1n9c compared to 3NC and 3NP. Linoleic acid (18:2n6c) was highest in 2 N followed by 3NP and 3NC muscle (P ≤ 0.05). Thin Layer Chromatography plates were used to separate lipid classes and to evaluate the fatty acid composition of each lipid class. Ploidy did not affect (P > 0.05) fatty acids present in triglyceride and phospholipids. Albeit, triglycerides had higher (P ≤ 0.10) levels of C16:1, C18:1n9c, C18:2n6c, C18:3n3 and C22:1n9 compared to the phospholipids; whereas phospholipids contained higher levels of C16:0, C20:4n6, C20:5n3, and C22:6n3. Notably, phospholipids contained 3 times more C22:6n3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) compared to triglycerides. Overall, intercross-triploids (3NC) exhibited superior growth and fillet yields and higher concentrations of intramuscular crude fat compared to 3NP and 2 N females, fillet texture and fatty acid profile were not different, with the exceptions of C18:2n6c, C16:0, and C16:1.

Plasma levels of ceramides relate to ischemic stroke risk and clinical severity

Recent studies have suggested that specific plasma ceramides are independently associated with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases, but it is currently unknown whether plasma ceramide levels are associated with ischemic stroke. Here, we examined whether ceramides were associated with both ischemic stroke risk and clinical severity at admission. We measured three previously identified high-risk plasma ceramide molecules [Cer(d18:1/16:0), Cer(d18:1/22:0), and Cer(d18:1/24:0)] in 202 patients with acute ischemic stroke and 202 age and sex matched control cases. Plasma ceramides levels were measured by a targeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay at baseline. The median age of the 202 stroke patients was 66 (interquartile range [IQR], 58–75) years and 54.0 % were men. Plasma levels of C16:0, C22:0, and C24:0 ceramides in stroke patients were significantly higher than in those control cases (P < 0.001, all). In multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for other risk factors, higher levels of C16:0, C22:0, and C24:0 ceramides were associated with higher risk of ischemic stroke (odd ratio [OR] for one IQR increase: 2.15[1.42–2.99]; 2.90[2.13–4.01] and 1.29[1.10–1.69]; respectively). At admission, 103 patients (51.0 %) had a minor stroke (NIHSS < 6). In these patients, plasma levels of C16:0, C22:0, and C24:0 ceramides were lower than that observed in patients with moderate-to-high clinical severity (P < 0.001, all). In multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for other risk factors, higher levels of C16:0, C22:0, and C24:0 ceramides were associated with higher risk of moderate-to-high stroke (OR for one IQR increase: 2.96 [2.05–4.22], 3.03 [2.01–4.25] and 1.72 [1.25–3.31], respectively). An elevated plasma levels of ceramides were predictors of both risk and severity at admission in ischemic stroke patients. The underlying mechanisms of these associations remain to be investigated.

Ximenynic Acid Regulation of n-3 PUFA Content in Liver and Brain

Background/Aims: Ximenynic acid is a rare conjugated enyne fatty acid found primarily in plants in the Santalaceae family. It has been reported that sandalwood seed oil (SWSO) affects fatty acid metabolism in animal studies; however, the effects of pure ximenynic acid remain unclear. The present study aimed to study the impact of SWSO and ximenynic acid on n-3 fatty acid metabolism in the liver and brain. Methods: Thirty C57BL/6 male mice aged 4 weeks were fed SWSO (1.0 mL/20 g bodyweight), olive oil (OO), or a combination of SWSO and OO (n = 10/group) for 8 weeks. Liver and brain fatty acid compositions were determined using gas chromatography. HepG2 cells were treated with up to 150 μM ximenynic acid and oleic acid for 48–72 h. The expression and abundance of genes and proteins relevant to n-3 fatty acid metabolism pathways were investigated. Results: The intake of SWSO in mice elevated the levels of total n-3 fatty acids and decreased total n-9 fatty acids in the liver (p < 0.05) compared with the OO group. In contrast, total n-3 fatty acids were significantly decreased in the brain (p < 0.05). HepG2 cells treated with ximenynic acid for 48 h showed significant reductions in n-9 fatty acids and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3) (p < 0.05) compared with HepG2 cells treated with oleic acid. In HepG2 cells, stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) and fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2) gene expression, as well as FADS2 protein expression, were significantly down-regulated after a 72-h incubation with 150 μM of ximenynic acid compared with the vehicle (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Ximenynic acid may regulate fatty acid metabolism by suppressing the expression of key enzymes of lipid metabolism. In contrast, SWSO, which has a high level of C18:3n-3, positively affected n-3 fatty acid synthesis in mouse liver compared to pure ximenynic acid. We hypothesize that a high level of precursor C18:3n-3 in SWSO promotes the endogenous synthesis of C22:6n-3 despite the presence of ximenynic acid.

Elevated Plasma Ceramides Are Associated With Antiretroviral Therapy Use and Progression of Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis in HIV Infection.

Ceramides have been implicated in the pathophysiology of HIV infection and cardiovascular disease. However, no study, to our knowledge, has evaluated circulating ceramide levels in association with subclinical cardiovascular disease risk among HIV-infected individuals. Plasma levels of 4 ceramide species (C16:0, C22:0, C24:0, and C24:1) were measured among 398 women (73% HIV+) and 339 men (68% HIV+) without carotid artery plaques at baseline from the Women's Interagency HIV Study and the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study. We examined associations between baseline plasma ceramides and risk of carotid artery plaque formation, assessed by repeated B-mode carotid artery ultrasound imaging over a median 7-year follow-up. Plasma levels of C16:0, C22:0, and C24:1 ceramides were significantly higher in HIV-infected individuals compared with those without HIV infection (all P<0.001), and further analysis indicated that elevated ceramide levels were associated with antiretroviral therapy use, particularly protease inhibitor use, in HIV-infected individuals (all P<0.001). All 4 ceramides were highly correlated with each other ( r=0.70-0.94; all P<0.001) and significantly correlated with total-cholesterol ( r=0.42-0.58; all P<0.001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( r=0.24-0.42; all P<0.001) levels. Of note, C16:0 and C24:1 ceramides, rather than C22:0 and C24:0 ceramides, were more closely correlated with specific monocyte activation and inflammation markers (eg, r=0.30 between C16:0 ceramide and soluble CD14; P<0.001) and surface markers of CD4+ T-cell activation. A total of 112 participants developed carotid artery plaques over 7 years, and higher levels of C16:0 and C24:1 ceramides were significantly associated with increased risk of carotid artery plaques (relative risk [95% CI]=1.55 [1.29, 1.86] and 1.51 [1.26, 1.82] per standard deviation increment, respectively; both P<0.001), after adjusting for demographic and behavioral factors. After further adjustment for cardiovascular disease risk factors and immune activation markers, these associations were attenuated but remained significant. The results were consistent between men and women and between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected participants. In 2 HIV cohorts, elevated plasma levels of C16:0 and C24:1 ceramides, correlating with immune activation and inflammation, were associated with antiretroviral therapy use and progression of carotid artery atherosclerosis.

Fatty acid profile of the backfat layers in four pig breeds

The aim of this study was to describe and compare the fatty acid profile of the backfat layers in four pig breeds – Landrace, Pietrain, Duroc and Large White. Six gilts per breed were used for the analysis. While differences between the examined breeds were limited to the content of C18:1n-9 and the total level of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), which were highest in the inner backfat layer of Duroc pigs, the two layers differed substantially. Generally, the inner backfat layer was more saturated when compared to the outer layer. On the other hand, the content of the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was higher in the outer layer. The differences in the fatty acid profile between the two backfat layers were most visible in the Landrace pigs. The latter showed significantly higher content of C18:0 (P&lt;0.001), which was also found in Duroc (P&lt;0.05), as well as total saturated fatty acids (SFA) (P&lt;0.01) in the inner layer. Furthermore, higher levels of C18:2n-6 (P&lt;0.05), C18:3n-3 (P&lt;0.01) and the total amount of PUFA (P&lt;0.05) were found in the outer backfat layer in the animals of the Landrace breed.

Effect of gender on breast and thigh turkey meat quality

ABSTRACT1. The influence of gender on chemical composition, physicochemical parameters, fatty acid profile, amino acid and mineral composition of turkey breast and thigh meat was studied in order to assess nutrient requirements.2. Chemical composition showed that only intramuscular fat in breast meat was significantly affected by gender (p < 0.05). The results showed a higher percentage of intramuscular fat in male samples, almost double the amount found in females (0.73% vs. 0.38%).3.For meat colour parameters, only a* showed different results between sexes, with male samples (breast: p < 0.01; thigh: p < 0.001) having the highest values.4. Fatty acid profiles showed that medium chain unsaturated fatty acids were the most abundant. The significant differences (p < 0.05) found in both breast and thigh muscle could be linked to a difference in metabolism between males and females.5.There were higher levels of C16:1n-7 in females (breast: p < 0.001; thigh: p < 0.01) compared with male muscle sample (5.05 vs. 2.67 g/100 g in breast and 4.95 vs. 3.27 g/100 g in thigh). Nutritional indices (n-6/n-3 and thrombogenic index) were more favourable in female samples demonstrating that female turkeys had better fatty acid profile than the others.6. Turkey meat is an important source of dietary amino acids, and female samples had the highest contents both of essential and non-essential amino acids. Furthermore, gender had a numeric effect (p > 0.05) on amino acid composition.7. Mineral composition showed that Na, Zn and Fe were the minerals most affected by turkey gender.

Maternal grazing on stubble and Mediterranean shrubland improves meat lipid profile in light lambs fed on concentrates

Concentrates-fed lamb meat is often associated with an unfavourable lipid profile (high levels of saturated and/or n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids; SFA and PUFA). For this reason, Spanish sheep producers from Mediterranean areas are turning to traditional grazing by ewes to obtain healthier lamb meat. The objective of this research was to determine the effects of maternal grazing on the fatty acid (FA) composition of weaned lamb meat. The ewes (Segureña breed) were allocated to two different rearing systems during pregnancy (5 months) and lactation (45 days): (i) feeding indoors on barley grain and lucerne pellets; (ii) grazing on cereal stubble, fallow land and seasonal pastures consisting of Mediterranean shrubs, herbs and trees. Two groups of 20 autumn and spring lambs were sampled. The lambs were weaned at 13.1±0.9 kg and 45.0±4.1 days age and fed on grain-based concentrates until they reached 24.8±2.1 kg live weight (light lambs slaughtered at 98.3±3.6 days of age). The FA content was determined in the intramuscular loin fat by gas chromatography using a flame ionization detector. The ewe diet did not affect the levels of the main lamb FAs (C18:1c+t, C16:0 and C18:2c), and so did not provide any additional reduction in fat saturation. Saturated fatty acids represented around 40% of total FAs determined in the meat. Ewe grazing acted as an n-3 PUFA-promoting diet, providing a lamb meat with a lower n-6/n-3 ratio. Spring lamb meat had higher proportions of n-3 PUFA (C18:3n-3, C20:5, C22:5 and C22:6) and conjugated linoleic acid (C18:2c9t11+c11t9) to the detriment of the n-6 PUFAs (C20:4, C20:2 and C22:4), while autumn lamb meat also had higher levels of C18:3n-3 and C18:3n-6, and lower level of C20:4, which points to little seasonal differences. The n-6/n-3 ratio achieved by ewe grazing fell from 8.2 to 4.1 (Spring) and from 7.6 to 5.5 (Autumn), values which are close to those recommended in human diet for good cardiovascular health. These n-6/n-3 reductions were associated with lower levels of total PUFA and C20:4n-6. Our research concluded that grazing on stubble and Mediterranean shrubland by ewes, a sustainable rearing practice involving local agro resources, contributed to obtaining weaned lamb meat with a more favourable lipid profile and so can be recommended to sheep farmers.