Higher Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Research Articles

Fatty Acid Indices and the Nutritional Properties of Karakul Sheep Meat.

This study aimed to evaluate the fatty acid profile and health lipid indices of sheep meat (from 52 Karakul sheep from NE Romania). The effect of age at slaughter and the influence of muscle region were studied for nutritional parameters, especially the fatty acids from lipid fractions. Based on the fatty acid profiles and lipid contents, the sanogenic indices were determined for two sheep muscle groups. Thus, two different muscle regions from lamb and adult sheep were analysed from both genders, the Longissimus dorsi and Triceps brachii, to argue the advantages of each category and the rationalization, in terms of meat consumption, regarding their impact on human health. Sheep meat has many components with beneficial effects on human health. Apart from the fact that it is an important source of nutrients due to its high content of proteins, lipids, and minerals, it is also a product that can provide fundamental bioactive compounds for maintaining metabolic functions. The qualitative indices assessment revealed that lambs have meat with high PUFA content on Longissimus dorsi muscles (approx. 25% of total fatty acids), 0.68 for PUFA/SFA, with highest values for n-3 (approx. 8%) and n-6 (approx. 14%). Appropriate values can also be observed in Triceps brachii muscles from adult sheep. The sanogenic indices also presented good values for Longissimus dorsi from lambs and Triceps brachii from adult sheep (polyunsaturation index = 7.2-10.2; atherogenic index = 0.56-0.67; thrombogenic index = 0.78-0.96; hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic index = 2.4-2.7 (for Longissimus dorsi)).

High Maternal Intake of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids During Pregnancy in Mice Alters Offsprings’ Aggressive Behavior, Immobility in the Swim Test, Locomotor Activity and Brain Protein Kinase C Activity

Populations in Western countries consume an excess of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), even during pregnancy. Since (n-6) PUFA is critical for brain development, we studied whether a high maternal consumption of this fatty acid alters offsprings’ affective-like behaviors and (n-6) PUFA-induced protein kinase C (PKC) activity in the brain. Three different strains of pregnant mice were fed isocaloric diets containing either 16% (control) or 43% (high) energy derived from fat high in (n-6) PUFA (corn oil: Balb/c and CD-1 mice, or soybean oil: C3H mice) throughout gestation. From birth onward dams and offspring were fed a nonpurified diet containing 12% energy from a variety of fats. Two- to 12-month-old female and male offspring of dams exposed to a high (n-6) PUFA diet during pregnancy were significantly more active in an open field, more aggressive in the resident-intruder test and spent less time immobile in the swim test than offspring of dams exposed to a control (n-6) PUFA diet. Significantly greater PKC activity in the hypothalamus and moderately less PKC activity in the whole brain (P = 0.10) were seen in the 2-month-old female and male high (n-6) PUFA offspring compared to controls. Our findings indicate that in utero exposure to a high (n-6) PUFA diet subsequently increases locomotor activity and aggression, and reduces immobility in the swim test. The mechanism mediating these effects may be linked to an increased PKC activity in the hypothalamus.

RNAseq reveals modulation of genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis in chicken liver according to genetic background, sex, and diet.

Increases in chicken production are mainly due to specialised breeds. However, local breeds are of increasing importance, known for ability to adapt to the environment and unique products. Conventional poultry products contain lower levels of n-3 fatty acids (FAs) compared to those obtained from local breeds, therefore the aim of this study was to evaluate the modulation of expression of genes involved in long-chain polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) biosynthesis pathways according to genetic background, diet conditions, and sex. Animals from two local breeds and a commercial line were fed different diets: control and experimental diet (10% linseed supplementation). For each breed and diet group, both sexes were reared. The RNA was extracted from 36 liver samples and sequenced by RNAseq method. Bioinformatic analysis was carried out to find differentially expressed genes from comparisons between experimental groups. Results showed low impact of diet on differentially expressed genes related to FA biosynthesis, but linseed diet increased percentage of n-3 FAs of liver. Sex and genetic background determined the differential expression of genes related to long-chain PUFA biosynthesis. Specifically, females of local breeds shared 23 up-regulated genes when compared to their respective commercial line groups. Some of the shared genes had a role in de novo triglyceride biosynthesis (MTTPL and GPAM), and in de novo FA biosynthesis (ACACA and SCD) was detected. In conclusion, local breeds are able to better adapt to a diet rich in PUFA, by triggering certain transcriptomic shifts in the liver that allow birds to process the high PUFA content provided by diet.

Total Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Level in Abdominal Adipose Tissue as an Independent Predictor of Recurrence-Free Survival in Women with Ovarian Cancer.

Prognostic factors for epithelial ovarian cancers (EOCs) are in particular clinical factors such as pathology staging at diagnosis (FIGO stages), genetic mutation, or histological phenotypes. In the present study, FIGO stage, tumor residue after surgery, and body mass index were clinical predictors of recurrence-free survival (RFS). Nonetheless, a number of studies support a lipid metabolism disorder in ovarian cancer patients. The objective of this pilot study was to explore whether fatty acid composition of adipose reflecting the qualitative dietary intake and fatty acids metabolism may be associated with RFS. Forty-six women with EOCs and six with borderline ovarian tumors between March 2017 and January 2020 were included in this prospective study at Tours university teaching hospital (central France). The patients involved in the present study are part of the METERMUS trial (clinicaltrials.gov NCT03027479). Adipose tissue specimens from four abdominal locations (superficial and deep subcutaneous, visceral (pericolic), and omental) were collected during surgery or exploratory laparoscopy. A fatty acid profile of adipose tissue triglycerides was established by gas chromatography. Fatty acids composition was compared among the four locations using nonparametric Friedman's ANOVA test for repeated measures. Median follow-up of EOC patients was 15 months and patients' RFS was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank test by separating patients into two groups according to median fatty acid levels. The content of long-chain saturated fatty acids (SFAs) was increased and that of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) decreased in deep versus superficial subcutaneous adipose tissue in EOC patients. Nevertheless, the content of total SFAs was ~28%, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) ~55%, PUFAs n-6 ~11.5%, and PUFAs n-3 about 1.3%, whatever the adipose tissue. When EOC patients were separated into two groups by median fatty acid content, total PUFAs (n-6+n-3) levels, whatever the adipose tissue, were positively and independently associated with RFS. RFS was about two times longer in EOC patients with high versus low total PUFA content (median survival: 12 vs. 27 months, p = 0.01 to <0.0001 according to the tissue). Content of total PUFAs (n-6+n-3) in abdominal adipose tissue (visceral and subcutaneous) are new prognostic factors in EOC.

Interaction between SIDT2 and ABCA1 Variants with Nutrients on HDL-c Levels in Mexican Adults.

Previous studies have reported that the SIDT2 and ABCA1 genes are involved in lipid metabolism. We aimed to analyze the association-the gene x gene interaction between rs17120425 and rs1784042 on SIDT2 and rs9282541 on ABCA1 and their diet interaction on the HDL-c serum levels-in a cohort of 1982 Mexican adults from the Health Workers Cohort Study. Demographic and clinical data were collected through a structured questionnaire and standardized procedures. Genotyping was performed using a predesigned TaqMan assay. The associations and interactions of interest were estimated using linear and logistic regression. Carriers of the rs17120425-A and rs1784042-A alleles had slightly higher blood HDL-c levels compared to the non-carriers. In contrast, rs9282541-A was associated with low blood HDL-c levels (OR = 1.34, p = 0.013). The rs1784042 x rs9282541 interaction was associated with high blood HDL-c levels (p = 3.4 × 10-4). Premenopausal women who carried at least one rs17120425-A allele and consumed high dietary fat, protein, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated fatty acids levels had higher HDL-c levels than the non-carriers. These results support the association between the genetic variants on SIDT2 and ABCA1 with HDL-c levels and suggest gene-gene and gene-diet interactions over HDL-c concentrations in Mexican adults. Our findings could be a platform for developing clinical and dietary strategies for improving the health of the Mexican population.

Influence of season on milk fatty acid profile and sensory characteristics of grazing goats in a Mediterranean environment: a sustainable agro-food system

Context Pasture is widely used in rural Mediterranean areas as a local resource for animal feeding in a sustainable food system. Aims The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of pasture from a Mediterranean environment on milk fatty acid profile and organoleptic characteristics in grazing Cilentana goats bred in Cilento (Salerno province, southern Italy). Methods Twelve Cilentana dairy goats, grazing on local feeding resources were studied for 5 months (from May to September), starting from 60 days after kidding. Bodyweight and milk yield were recorded, whereas milk samples were collected and analysed for milk chemical composition and fatty acid profile. Milk organoleptic characteristics were analysed using an instrumental sensory platform. Key results Season significantly (P < 0.01) affected the pasture fatty acid profile, with the highest polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content (64.83%) occurring in May. Results of the milk fatty acid composition, permitted to classify as ‘High quality’ the goat milks sampled in May and June, with the significantly (P < 0.01) highest monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA; 23.98% and 25.37%) and PUFA (4.74% and 4.43%) contents and lowest saturated fatty acid:unsaturated fatty acid (SFA:UFA) ratio (2.50 and 2.36), and as ‘Low quality’ those sampled in August and September with the significantly (P < 0.01) highest SFA (75.79% and 75.84%) content. Milk n-6:n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio was always lower than 4. Some sensory differences in milk organoleptic characteristics were detected by the artificial senses platform, which would be almost impossible to detect by a human panel. Conclusions Milk samples obtained from grazing goats were influenced by the quality of local feeding resources in terms of nutraceutical value and sensory profile. Implications Pasture influenced the composition of milk functional compounds, improving the UFAs and conjugated linoleic acid isomers, widely recognised as having beneficial effects on human health. The n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio, lower than 4, confirms the positive effects of pasture on nutritional characteristics of goat milk and underlines the important role of pasture of marginal areas for the quality of livestock products in the frame of a sustainable agro-food system. Some differences were detected by the artificial senses platform among milk samples, which were almost impossible to detect by a human panel, highlighting the potentiality of the artificial senses to link animal-sourced foods to a territory.

Ph.D. 2015- New Aspects on Stability of some Edible Oils

Rania Ibrahim Mohammad Almoselhy: New Aspects on Stability of some Edible Oils. Unpublished Ph.D Thesis, Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University, 2015. The present study was planned to evaluate the stability of four edible oils namely extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), moringa oil (MO), apricot kernel oil (AKO) and sunflower oil (SO). The oils were analyzed in order to identify the relation between their composition and stability, with great stress to investigate what components are responsible for their stability. Fourier transform infra red (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic determinations were also applied. MO showed the highest induction period (IP) measured by Rancimat being 190.00 hr indicating superior resistance to oxidation, followed by EVOO (59.11 hr), then AKO (26.00 hr). SO recorded only 7.45 hr. The highest resistance of MO to oxidation followed by EVOO was due to their less linoleate (LO), higher percentage of oleate (OL) and saponifiable matter, as well as antioxidant content of tocopherols, flavonoids, sterols, phenolics, chlorophyll, and carotenoids. In addition, MO contained the highest percentages of stigmasterol, campesterol, Δ5-avenasterol and δ-tocopherol which its antioxidant activity exceeds that of α- and γ-tocopherols and making clear the long IP of this oil. The highest percentages of β-sitosterol was found in EVOO, besides Δ5-avenasterol that may be mainly responsible for olive oil stability, also polyphenols were the main antioxidants in EVOO that approached half of its IP. AKO with middle IP had relatively high stability due to its higher percentage of OL, but it had higher LO and lower antioxidant content compared to MO and EVOO. The lowest IP of SO was due to its higher PUFA and lower antioxidant content. It seems that β-sitosterol and Δ5-avenasterol were also a main factor in AKO and SO oxidative stability. From FTIR spectral data of the tested oils, the shift of absorption peak around 3005 cm-1 ordered the oils, where the lowest shift was related to the lowest PUFA and the highest stability which arranged as follows: MO (3003.59 cm-1) ˃ EVOO (3004.55 cm-1) ˃ AKO (3005.52 cm-1) ˃ SO (3006.48 cm-1). This arrangement reflects the same order of oils stability evaluated by Rancimat method. Also, the higher in intensity of this peak around 3005 cm-1, the higher in USFA From this relation, it was easy to predict the order and the approximate values of the USFA in the oils. When the oil shows a peak around 3470cm-1, it is an indication that the oil is non-oxidized. The chemical shifts of solvent peaks around 2.5 and 3.3 ppm in the 1H-NMR spectra ordered the oils stability, where the lesser shift was corresponded to the oil of higher stability, this order was as obtained by Rancimat; it also agreed with the order of tocopherols content. MO showed the presence of both stigmasterol and β-sitosterol from the signals at 0.662 and 0.784 ppm, respectively. However, EVOO showed a peak at 0.780 ppm assigned to β-sitosterol. Some shifts were denoted in the spectra of the stored oils for 6 months attributed to free fatty acids indicating hydrolytic degradation of acyl groups and the formation of new compounds, as well as conjugated systems. Also, new signals were aroused after 60 months due to different kinds of alcohols, free fatty acids and diglycerides. All the 13C-NMR spectral data from the signals in the four regions of the tested oils, agreed with their GC and the other composition analysis carried out, and reflect the same composition and order of oils stability obtained by Rancimat method. In addition, its technique is particularly useful in distinguishing between mono-, di-, and triglycerides. In conclusion, FTIR and NMR spectroscopy proved their potency as new analytical methods to investigate the stability of some edible oils and the results obtained agreed with the old common methods of analyses.

Investigation of the possibility of obtaining butter with a high content of unsaturated fatty acids

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) consumed with dietary fats are physiologically active substances involved in metabolic processes in the organism, in particular, carbohydrate-fat and cholesterol metabolism, regulation of redox processes. Butter is one of the main food items of the daily human diet. The basis of butter is milk fat, which is characterized by a rich fatty acid composition and unique properties. The possibility of obtaining butter with the desired ratio of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids without making adjustments to the technological process using milk with high PUFA content has been investigated. The purpose of the study was to obtain butter enriched with PUFA from the milk of Holstein cows with a modified fatty acid composition towards an increased content of unsaturated fatty acids. Material and methods. For the research, dairy raw materials from lactating Holstein cows were used, the milking herd included 881 cows. Dairy raw materials were studied, selected individually from each cow. According to the results of an in-depth assessment of the composition of milk lipid fractions, a group of cows was isolated after the first calving - 15 heads, whose milk was characterized by an increased content of unsaturated fatty acids. The content of milk fat, protein, lactose and fatty acid composition of milk were determined by infrared spectrometry with Fourier transform. Butter was produced from the milk of the experimental and control (combined) groups, which was evaluated by organoleptic (on a 20-point scale), physico-chemical parameters, including fatty acid composition determined by gas chromatography. Results. Milk obtained from cows of the experimental group differed downward from the combined milk produced in the whole herd in terms of protein and casein content by 12.8%, dry matter - by 4.4%, SOMO - by 3.1%. It varied upwards in milk sugar level (by 3.2%). In the milk fat of the milk of the experimental group of cows, the total amount of saturated fatty acids was reduced by 14.9%, and unsaturated fatty acid level was increased by 12.6%; as a result, the ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids was higher by 31.7%. The butter produced from the milk of cows of the experimental group was slightly inferior to the control sample in terms of the characteristics of «taste and smell», «consistency» and total score. At the same time, the prototype fat differed from the control one by a more pronounced, saturated yellow color. Evaluation of the fatty acid composition of the experimental and control fat samples showed the advantage of the prototype in terms of PUFA content compared to the control. The total amount of unsaturated fatty acids exceeded the same indicator for the control sample by 8.3%, while the superiority of polyunsaturated fatty acids was 14.4%. At the same time, saturated fatty acid level in the experimental sample was 4.2% less, but the amount of volatile low-molecular- weight fatty acids was significantly reduced compared to the control sample - by 19.1%. Conclusion. The results obtained show the possibility and open the prospect of obtaining butter with a more favorable ratio of fatty acids in favor of PUFAs by selecting cows for milk with a higher ratio of unsaturated and saturated fatty acids and further selection aimed at an increased content of PUFAs in milk.

Assessment of Basic Nutritional Profile and Antioxidant Potential of Pakistani Pomegranate (Punica Granatum L.) Varieties

Background: Pomegranate seeds are the remains of industrial processing of pomegranate fruit into various products such as juice, jam, and jelly that cause environmental pollution and a loss of lipid and water-soluble bioactive compounds. The seeds comprise 15-25% of the whole fruit weight. Its lipid fraction has a distinct fatty acid profile with high polyunsaturated fatty acid contents such as punicic acid (PA) (50-80%), tocopherols, and phenolic compounds.
 Objective: The objective of the current study was to characterize the three main Pakistani pomegranate varieties (Desi, Kandhari, and Bedana), supporting waste exploitation strategies. The physicochemical characteristics, fatty acid profile, antioxidant potential of all three varieties were studied.
 Methodology: The extracted oils samples were investigated for their lipid contents, fatty acid composition, physicochemical properties, and antioxidant potential on the varietal base.
 Results: Total lipid contents ranged from 8.70-15.9% dry matter with conjugated linolenic acid (68.5-76.7% of total fatty acids) as the predominant fatty acid in all samples, followed by linoleic, oleic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid. Further characterization revealed that Desi was superior regarding acidity and oxidation stability over the other two varieties associated with higher total phenolic and tocopherol contents with potent antioxidant activities.
 Conclusion: The present results demonstrate a preferable fatty acid pattern in pomegranate seed oil (PSO), which may be potential functional ingredient for product development in food and non-food applications in combination with high antioxidant contents.

Enhancement of carbamazepine removal rate using Tetradesmus obliquus KNUA061 and NaOCl and utilization of the resulting biomass

Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) are discharged into receiving water bodies mainly from sewage treatment plants. Due to the inefficient removal in conventional wastewater treatment facilities, PPCPs have become a major concern to aquatic ecosystems, water quality, and public health worldwide since they cause harmful effects on aquatic life and human even at low doses. Among the PPCPs, carbamazepine (CBZ) is one of the most commonly prescribed anticonvulsant drugs and consumed more than 1,000 tons per year. Due to its structural complexity, CBZ is known as recalcitrant compound highly stable during wastewater treatment. Consequently, it has become one of the most frequently detected pharmaceuticals in waste water, surface water, and even drinking water. In this study, Korean indigenous microalgae strains were tested as eco-friendly and cost-effective solutions for CBZ removal. Based on the preliminary biological CBZ degradation tests, Tetradesmus obliquus KNUA061 demonstrating the best CBZ removal rate was selected for further experiments. In order to increase strain KNUA061's CBZ removal efficiency, NaOCl, which is widely accepted in the water purification process, was used as an additional stimulus to induce stress conditions. At around 20 μg L−1 CBZ, addition of 1.0 mg NaOCl resulted in approximately 20% of removal rate increase without suppressing cells growth. Roughly 90% of CBZ remained its original form and the composition of the transformed secondary metabolites was less than 10% during the biodegradation process by the microalga. Based on the results of the antioxidant enzyme activities, degree of lipid oxidation, and amino acid contents, it was concluded that the redox-defence system in microalgal cells may have been activated by the NaOCl treatment. Biomass analysis results showed that higher heating value (HHV) of strain KNUA061 biomass was higher than those of lignocellulosic energy crops suggesting that it could be utilized as a possible renewable energy source. Even though its biodiesel properties were slightly below the international standards due to the high PUFA contents, the biodiesel produced from T. obliquus KNUA061 could be used as a blending resource for transportation fuels. It was also determined that the microalgal biomass has acceptable feasibility as a sustainable dietary supplement feedstock due to its high essential amino acid contents.

Low Sulfur Amino Acid, High Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Diet Inhibits Breast Cancer Growth

Cancer cells may acquire resistance to stress signals and reprogram metabolism to meet the energetic demands to support their high proliferation rate and avoid death. Hence, targeting nutrient dependencies of cancer cells has been suggested as a promising anti-cancer strategy. We explored the possibility of killing breast cancer (BC) cells by modifying nutrient availability. We used in vitro models of BC (MCF7 and MDA-MB-231) that were maintained with a low amount of sulfur amino acids (SAAs) and a high amount of oxidizable polyunsatured fatty acids (PUFAs). Treatment with anti-apoptotic, anti-ferroptotic and antioxidant drugs were used to determine the modality of cell death. We reproduced these conditions in vivo by feeding BC-bearing mice with a diet poor in proteins and SAAs and rich in PUFAs (LSAA/HPUFA). Western blot analysis, qPCR and histological analyses were used to assess the anti-cancer effects and the molecular pathways involved. We found that BC cells underwent oxidative damage to DNA and proteins and both apoptosis and ferroptosis were induced. Along with caspases-mediated PARP1 cleavage, we found a lowering of the GSH-GPX4 system and an increase of lipid peroxides. A LSAA/HPUFA diet reduced tumor mass and its vascularization and immune cell infiltration, and induced apoptosis and ferroptotic hallmarks. Furthermore, mitochondrial mass was found to be increased, and the buffering of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species limited GPX4 reduction and DNA damage. Our results suggest that administration of custom diets, targeting the dependency of cancer cells on certain nutrients, can represent a promising complementary option for anti-cancer therapy.

Cricket (Acheta domesticus) flour as meat replacer in frankfurters: Nutritional, technological, structural, and sensory characteristics

This study investigated the use of cricket flour in frankfurters as a meat replacer and its impact on nutritional, technological, structural, and sensory characteristics. Four treatments were prepared with different concentrations of cricket flour (Control, CF2.5, CF5.0, and CF7.5). There was a significantly high protein content in treatments with cricket flour addition, but without change in the fat content. The CF7.5 treatment showed significantly high SFA and PUFA contents, but there was no significant impact on MUFA content, compared with control treatment. Cricket flour significantly improved the contents of zinc, calcium, and manganese but not that of sodium. The processing loss of reformulated frankfurters was significantly reduced. Reformulated frankfurters were brownish in color compared with the control, which affected the sensory scores of those treatments. No effect on the structural characteristics of frankfurters were observed. The CF2.5 treatment appeared to be the best alternative for using edible insects in frankfurters.

A matter of body weight and sex type: Pig carcass chemical composition and pork quality

This study compares minced carcass chemical composition and meat quality of castrated (CM), immunocastrated (IM) and entire male (EM), and female (FE) pigs at 70, 100 and 120 kg target body weights (TBW) (n = 80; 20 per sex). Sex affected fat, protein, and moisture content of the minced carcasses. Carcass fatty acid (FA) composition was affected by sex, with higher saturated and monounsaturated FA content in CM than in FE, IM and EM, and higher polyunsaturated FA in CM than in EM, with FE and IM in between. Except for intramuscular fat, which was higher in CM than in FE and EM, no significant differences between sexes were found in meat quality. TBW affected carcass chemical composition and some meat quality traits. An interaction between sex and TBW was found with IM approaching EM or CM depending on TBW.

The Effect of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Limitations at Different Salt Ratios on Growth and Biochemical Composition of Tetraselmis suecica (Chlorodendrophyceae)

Algae are plant organisms that produce organic molecules in the aquatic environment and absorb carbon. Since algae are photosynthetic organisms, they give oxygen to the environment. Algae, one of the most important living resources of the seas, are used in many fields such as food, agriculture, cosmetics, medicine, pharmacy, industry and also as a biofuel source thanks to the metabolites they store in the cell. In the study carried out to determine the effects of nitrogen and phosphorus limitations at different salinity rates on the chlorophyll a, dry weight, optical density, protein, lipid and fatty acid contents of the microalgae Tetraselmis suecica from the class Chlorodendrophyceae cultured in the laboratory conditions, at ‰15, 30 and 45 salinity rates 50% N and 50% P reductions were applied. The lowest growth was detected in the culture containing 50% N(-). The highest lipid ratio was determined as 39.8±1% in the 50% N(-) group, while the closest ratio was 34.6% in the 50% P(-) group. The highest polyunsaturated fatty acids were determined in the group containing 50% P(-) at all salinity values. The protein value was determined as 22.3% in the 50% P(-) group and 15.7% in the 50% N(-) group at ‰30 salinity.

Effects of altering the ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids and concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids in diets on milk production and energy balance of Holstein cows

Our objective was to examine the effects of different ratios of n-6 to n-3 (n-6/n-3) fatty acids (FA) and amounts of PUFA on milk production and nutrient utiliza- tion in mid-lactating Holstein cows. Twenty-four lactating cows (550 ± 50 kg of BW and 100 ± 5 DIM) were randomly assigned to receive 1 of the 4 diets: (1) high n-6/n-3 (8.45) FA and low PUFA (19.0 g/kg of DM) concentration (n- 6-SFA), (2) high n-6/n-3 (8.78) FA and high PUFA (26.7 g/kg of DM) concentration (n-6-UFA), (3) low n-6/n-3 (5.74) FA and low PUFA (21.2 g/kg of DM) concentration (n-3-SFA), and (4) low n-6/n-3 (6.22) FA and high PUFA (26.7 g/kg of DM) concentration (n-3-UFA). The n-3-SFA diet improved milk production, fat- and energy-corrected milk, milk fat and protein yields, and digestibility of NDF compared with other diets. Dry matter intake, milk fat and protein content, BW, and BCS were not affected, although es- timated energy balance was lower in n-3-SFA compared with the other diets. The n-3-SFA diet had the greatest feed efficiency value. Partial replacement of SFA with n-3 FA (n-3-SFA) could be considered for improving produc- tion and feed efficiency in dairy cows. Decreasing the ra- tio of n-6/n-3 and the amount of dietary PUFA increased milk, milk-fat, and milk-protein yields, whereas DMI was similar; thus, feed conversion to milk improved. Therefore, diets containing similar concentrations of fat but greater n-3 FA and less content of PUFA may be beneficial for improving production in mid-lactating Holstein cows.

Incorporation of ω3 fatty acids in the diets of Nile tilapia juvenile (Oreochromis niloticus L.): effects on growth performance, fatty acid composition, and tolerance to low temperature.

In order to increase the low-temperature resistance of Nile tilapia, the purpose of this study was to determine the potential effect of ω3 fatty acid incorporation in Oreochromis niloticus diet. To perform this, two experimental diets containing soybean oil (D1) and cod liver oil (D2) have been supplied to juvenile tilapia for 30days. According to our results, similar improvements in the two diets have been recorded for growth performance of O. niloticus including the final body mass, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio. Our results showed that fish fed with diet D2 promoted high polyunsaturated fatty acids mainly n-3 series (PUFA (n-3)) percent, highlighting the increased levels of docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) as well as the activation of their conversion enzyme ratios D5D and D6D desaturases. The second objective was to assess the effect of the two experimental diets on low water temperature tolerance. This was done by exposing juvenile fish at the end of the first experiment to 16, 14, 12, 10, and 8°C for 12h, 24h, and 48h. The sub-lethal LT50 of O. niloticus fed with diet D1 was 10.6, 11.4, and 13°C respectively, after 12h, 24h, and 48h. This pattern was commonly observed for O. niloticus fed with D2, showing that the subLT50 were 10.3, 11.1, and 12°C during the same period. These results demonstrate that O. niloticus juveniles fed with diet D2 are more tolerant to low temperatures than those fed with diet D1.

Qualitative and Nutritional Evaluation of Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) Meat Production

Polyodon spathula is a valuable species of sturgeon native to North America that has acclimatized very well in Europe. Detailed knowledge of the quantitative and qualitative productive performance of paddlefish meat is of interest. Through this article, we aimed to highlight the chemical composition, cholesterol, and collagen content of fillets issued from paddlefish aged two and three summers and to highlight, as well as the nutritional value, the profile of fatty acids and amino acids, the sanogenic indices and the biological value of proteins for the epaxial and hypaxial muscle groups. The chemical analysis of the fillets by age indicated slightly higher values in summer three, compared to summer two: +5.32% dry matter, +0.89% protein, +41.21% fat, therefore +10.94% gross energy and for collagen by 2.94%; instead, for water, minerals and the W/P ratio the values were lower by 1.52%, 10.08%, and 2.29%. The nutritional assessment revealed that paddlefish has a meat with high PUFA content (approx. 22% of total fatty acids) and good values of sanogenic indices (Polyunsaturation Index = 7.01–8.77; Atherogenic Index = 0.57; Thrombogenic Index = 0.38–0.39; Hypocholesterolemic Fatty Acids = 33.01–41.34; Hypocholesteromic/Hypercolesteromic Fatty Acids ratio = 1.9). Also, the proteins of these fish are of good quality for young and adult consumers (EAA index = 156.11; Biological Value = 158.46; Nutritional Index (%) = 28.30) and good enough for children (Essential Amino Acids Index = 96.41; Biological Value = 93.39; Nutritional Index (%) = 17.45).

Cysteine restriction-specific effects of sulfur amino acid restriction on lipid metabolism.

Decreasing the dietary intake of methionine exerts robust anti-adiposity effects in rodents but modest effects in humans. Since cysteine can be synthesized from methionine, animal diets are formulated by decreasing methionine and eliminating cysteine. Such diets exert both methionine restriction (MR) and cysteine restriction (CR), that is, sulfur amino acid restriction (SAAR). Contrarily, SAAR diets formulated for human consumption included cysteine, and thus might have exerted only MR. Epidemiological studies positively correlate body adiposity with plasma cysteine but not methionine, suggesting that CR, but not MR, is responsible for the anti-adiposity effects of SAAR. Whether this is true, and, if so, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Using methionine- and cysteine-titrated diets, we demonstrate that the anti-adiposity effects of SAAR are due to CR. Data indicate that CR increases serinogenesis (serine biosynthesis from non-glucose substrates) by diverting substrates from glyceroneogenesis, which is essential for fatty acid reesterification and triglyceride synthesis. Molecular data suggest that CR depletes hepatic glutathione and induces Nrf2 and its downstream targets Phgdh (the serine biosynthetic enzyme) and Pepck-M. In mice, the magnitude of SAAR-induced changes in molecular markers depended on dietary fat concentration (60% fat >10% fat), sex (males > females), and age-at-onset (young > adult). Our findings are translationally relevant as we found negative and positive correlations of plasma serine and cysteine, respectively, with triglycerides and metabolic syndrome criteria in a cross-sectional epidemiological study. Controlled feeding of low-SAA, high-polyunsaturated fatty acid diets increased plasma serine in humans. Serinogenesis might be a target for treating hypertriglyceridemia.

Characterization of fatty acid compositions in longissimus thoracis muscle and identification of candidate gene and SNPs related to polyunsaturated fatty acid in Hu sheep.

Fatty acid (FA) composition contributes greatly to the quality and nutritional value of lamb meat. In the present study, FA was measured in longissimus thoracis (LT) muscles of 1,085 Hu sheep using gas chromatography. Comparative transcriptomic analysis was conducted in LT muscles to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between six individuals with high polyunsaturated fatty acids (H-PUFA, 15.27% ± 0.42%) and six with low PUFA (L-PUFA, 5.22% ± 0.25%). Subsequently, the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a candidate gene PLIN2 were correlated with FA traits. The results showed a total of 29 FA compositions and 8 FA groups were identified, with the highest content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA, 46.54%, mainly C18:1n9c), followed by saturated fatty acids (SFA, 44.32%, mainly C16:0), and PUFA (8.72%, mainly C18:2n6c), and significant correlations were observed among the most of FA traits. Transcriptomic analyses identified 110 upregulated and 302 downregulated DEGs between H-PUFA and L-PUFA groups. The functional enrichment analysis revealed three significant Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways and 17 gene ontology (GO) terms, in which regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes, the AMPK signaling pathway, and the PPAR signaling pathway may play important roles in FA metabolism and biosynthesis. In addition, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified 37 module genes associated with PUFA-related traits. In general, PLIN1, LIPE, FABP4, LEP, ACACA, ADIPOQ, SCD, PCK2, FASN, PLIN2, LPL, FABP3, THRSP, and ACADVL may have a great impact on PUFA metabolism and lipid deposition. Four SNPs within PLIN2 were significantly associated with FA. Of those, SNP1 (g.287 G>A) was significantly associated with C18:1n9c and MUFA, and SNP4 (g.7807 T>C) was significantly correlated with PUFA (C18:3n3). In addition, the combined genotype of SNP1 (g.287 G>A), SNP3 (g.7664 T>C), and SNP4 (g.7807 T>C) were significantly correlated with C16:1, C17:0, C18:1C6, PUFA (C18:3n3, C22:6n3), and n-6/n-3 PUFA. These results contribute to the knowledge of the biological mechanisms and genetic markers involved in the composition of FA in Hu sheep.

Arecaceae fruits: Fatty acids, phenolic compounds and in vitro antitumor activity

Arecaceae fruits are regarded as raw sources of valuable phytochemicals. In this work, several Arecaceae fruits belonging to eleven taxa were screened for fatty acids (FA) by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector and checked for their in vitro antitumor activity against the HT-29 colorectal cancer cells line through the MTT test. The parallel use of two chromatography systems, HPLC-DAD and LC-MS, allowed the precise characterization of all phenolic compounds contained in the fruits. Howea belmoreana had the highest FA amounts (11.7 g/100 g on dry weight); Syagrus romanzoffiana had a relatively high PUFA content (26.3% of total FA); and Butia capitata contains high amounts of medium-chain saturated FA (51.2%). Total phenolics reached 201.8 mg/100 g on dry weight in Phoenix dactylifera var. Medjool. Among phenolics, occurred benzoic acids, phenylpropanoic acid, and cinnamic acid derivatives. It highlights the great diversity of flavonoids detected as (−)-catechin, quercetin, and kaempferol, as well as phenolic glycosides, such as isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside. The methanol:water (60:40, v/v) extracts of fruits induced dose- and time-dependent inhibitory effects on HT-29 cancer cells. Overall, the fruits of Arecaceae taxa evaluated here constitute suitable candidates to be used as functional foods.