Levels Of Medium-chain Fatty Acids Research Articles

Case for supporting astrocyte energetics in glucose transporter 1 deficiency syndrome.

In glucose transporter 1 deficiency syndrome (Glut1DS), glucose transport into brain is reduced due to impaired Glut1 function in endothelial cells at the blood-brain barrier. This can lead to shortages of glucose in brain and is thought to contribute to seizures. Ketogenic diets are the first-line treatment and, among many beneficial effects, provide auxiliary fuel in the form of ketone bodies that are largely metabolized by neurons. However, Glut1 is also the main glucose transporter in astrocytes. Here, we review data indicating that glucose shortage may also impact astrocytes in addition to neurons and discuss the expected negative biochemical consequences of compromised astrocytic glucose transport for neurons. Based on these effects, auxiliary fuels are needed for both cell types and adding medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) to ketogenic diets is a biochemically superior treatment for Glut1DS compared to classical ketogenic diets. MCTs provide medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which are largely metabolized by astrocytes and not neurons. MCFAs supply energy and contribute carbons for glutamine and γ-aminobutyric acid synthesis, and decanoic acid can also block α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid glutamate receptors. MCTs do not compete with metabolism of ketone bodies mostly occurring in neurons. Triheptanoin, an anaplerotic but also gluconeogenic uneven MCT, may be another potential addition to ketogenic diets, although maintenance of "ketosis" can be difficult. Gene therapy has also targeted both endothelial cells and astrocytes. Other approaches to increase fuel delivery to the brain currently investigated include exchange of Glut1DS erythrocytes with healthy cells, infusion of lactate, and pharmacological improvement of glucose transport. In conclusion, although it remains difficult to assess impaired astrocytic energy metabolism invivo, astrocytic energy needs are most likely not met by ketogenic diets in Glut1DS. Thus, we propose prospective studies including monitoring of blood MCFA levels to find optimal doses for add-on MCT to ketogenic diets and assessing of short- and long-term outcomes.

Long chain monomethyl branched-chain fatty acid levels in human milk vary with gestational weight gain

Breastfeeding is an important determinant of infant health and there is immense interest in understanding its metabolite composition so that key beneficial components can be identified. The aim of this research was to measure the fatty acid composition of human milk in an Irish cohort where we examined changes depending on lactation stage and gestational weight gain trajectory. Utilizing a chromatography approach optimal for isomer separation, we identified 44 individual fatty acid species via GCMS and showed that monomethyl branched-chain fatty acids(mmBCFA's), C15:0 and C16:1 are lower in women with excess gestational weight gain versus low gestational weight gain. To further explore the potential contribution of the activity of endogenous metabolic pathways to levels of these fatty acids in milk, we administered D2O to C57BL/6J dams fed a purified lard based high fat diet (HFD) or low-fat diet during gestation and quantified the total and de novo synthesized levels of fatty acids in their milk. We found that de novo synthesis over three days can account for between 10 and 50 % of mmBCFAs in milk from dams on the low-fat diet dependent on the branched-chain fatty acid species. However, HFD fed mice had significantly decreased de novo synthesized fatty acids in milk resulting in lower total mmBCFAs and medium chain fatty acid levels. Overall, our findings highlight the diverse fatty acid composition of human milk and that human milk mmBCFA levels differ between gestational weight gain phenotypes. In addition, our data indicates that de novo synthesis contributes to mmBCFA levels in mice milk and thus may also be a contributory factor to mmBCFA levels in human milk. Given emerging data indicating mmBCFAs may be beneficial components of milk, this study contributes to our knowledge around the phenotypic factors that may impact their levels.

Immunohistochemical Observation and Correlation of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Downstream Signaling Proteins with Plasma Medium-Chain Fatty Acids Levels in Breast Cancer

Abstract Aim: The aim of this study was to correlate the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) downstream signaling molecules with plasma medium-chain fatty acids in breast cancer (BC). Materials and Methods: One hundred and sixteen plasma samples were collected from BC and control subjects. mRNA was extracted and gene expression of mRNA was analyzed by reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Plasma levels of phosphorylated EGFR (p-EGFR), p-Akt, and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) were measured using an ELISA kit. Thirty BC tissue sections were used to analyze the expression of EGFR/p-EGFR, Akt/p-Akt, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/p-mTOR by immunohistochemistry. Results: The relative mRNA expression levels of EGFR, Akt, and mTOR were high in BC compared to the control subjects, whereas plasma levels of phosphorylated EGFR downstream signaling molecules were upregulated in BC patients, which was statistically significant. The expression of p-EGFR was high in both the cytoplasm and the nuclei, and also, the higher the expression of the downstream molecules in BC tissue sections. Conclusion: In the present investigation, there was a noteworthy inverse relationship between plasma levels of caprylic and lauric acid and the expression of EGFR downstream signaling molecules in BC. These findings suggest that EGFR signaling in BC may be efficiently repressed by increasing the amount of caprylic and lauric acid supplements taken through diet.

Abstract 6451: Dietary medium-chain fatty acids and risk of incident colorectal cancer in a predominantly low-income population: a report from the Southern Community Cohort Study (SCCS)

Abstract Purpose: Previous studies have investigated medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) as a part of saturated fat intake and risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, unlike long-chain saturated fatty acids, MCFAs possess many unique properties, including inhibition of pro-carcinogenic bacteria, biofilm formation, and induction of apoptosis. Further, C12:0 has been consistently shown in vitro to exhibit the most potent anti-microbial properties in a dose-dependent manner compared to other MCFAs. Black Americans have the highest CRC incidence and mortality across all racial subgroups in the US. In a predominantly low-income population, we aimed to examine whether dietary intake of MCFAs is associated with a reduced risk of CRC overall and among racial subgroups. Methods: The daily intake of total energy and individual nutrients, including MCFAs, was derived from a food frequency questionnaire. Multivariable-adjusted Cox regression was used to assess the associations between dietary intake of MCFAs and the risk of incident CRC during the 13.75-year follow up after adjustment for confounders. Results: Among 71,599 eligible participants, 868 incident CRC cases were identified (622 Blacks, 220 Whites and 26 other racial groups). High intake of C12:0 was significantly associated with a reduced risk of CRC only in White participants in a dose-response manner (for highest VS lowest quartile: HR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.80; P for trend =0.0068). This protective association primarily appeared in White participants at high risk of CRC, such as those aged 50 years or older, overweight or obese, ever smokers, or living in a neighborhood with greater deprivation. On the other hand, we did not find a significant association in Black participants (HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.59 to 1.27); P for trend =0.72). However, there was a marginal linear association in Black participants with the lowest deprivation index while the association disappeared among Black participants with higher deprivation index. Finally, we found from the NHANES 2005-2016, a representative sample of the US general population, that Black Americans had the lowest intake of MCFAs across all racial subgroups and, overall, intakes of MCFAs decreased with reducing poverty-income ratio. No associations were found between intakes of C6:0, C8:0, or C10:0 and the risk of incident CRC overall or within the racial group. Conclusion: In this predominantly low-income population, increasing dietary C12:0 intake was associated with a substantially reduced risk of CRC only among White participants, but not in Black participants. This racial difference in associations may be because Black Americans consumed the lowest levels of MCFAs in all racial groups while a much higher proportion of Black participants had lactose intolerance and a lower proportion of them consumed lactose-free fermented foods. Citation Format: Lei Fan, Xiangzhu Zhu, Qingxia Chen, Xiang Huang, Mark D. Steinwandel, Martha Shrubsole, Qi Dai. Dietary medium-chain fatty acids and risk of incident colorectal cancer in a predominantly low-income population: a report from the Southern Community Cohort Study (SCCS) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 6451.

Medium-chain fatty acids suppress lipotoxicity-induced hepatic fibrosis via the immunomodulating receptor GPR84.

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which consist of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), are unique forms of dietary fat with various health benefits. G protein-coupled 84 (GPR84) acts as a receptor for MCFAs (especially C10:0 and C12:0); however, GPR84 is still considered an orphan receptor, and the nutritional signaling of endogenous and dietary MCFAs via GPR84 remains unclear. Here, we showed that endogenous MCFA-mediated GPR84 signaling protected hepatic functions from diet-induced lipotoxicity. Under high-fat diet (HFD) conditions, GPR84-deficient mice exhibited nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and the progression of hepatic fibrosis but not steatosis. With markedly increased hepatic MCFA levels under HFD, GPR84 suppressed lipotoxicity-induced macrophage overactivation. Thus, GPR84 is an immunomodulating receptor that suppresses excessive dietary fat intake-induced toxicity by sensing increases in MCFAs. Additionally, administering MCTs, MCFAs (C10:0 or C12:0, but not C8:0), or GPR84 agonists effectively improved NASH in mouse models. Therefore, exogenous GPR84 stimulation is a potential strategy for treating NASH.

Medium-Chain Fatty Acids and Breast Cancer Risk by Receptor and Pathological Subtypes.

Introduction: Medium-chain fatty acids contain 6-12 carbon atoms and are absorbed directly into the blood vessels, proceeding to the portal vein and, finally, to the liver, where they are immediately utilized for energy. We aimed to determine the medium-chain fatty acid levels in women with and without breast cancer. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 women (100 breast cancer subjects and 100 control subjects) were recruited for the study as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Blood samples were collected for biochemical estimations. Fatty acid methyl esters were isolated, and medium-chain fatty acid levels in plasma were analyzed using gas chromatography (GC-FID). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 software; p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The fatty acid analysis revealed a significant decrease in the levels of caprylic acid (C:8) and lauric acid (C:12) and a significant increase in the level of capric acid (C:10) in the breast cancer subjects when compared to the control group. The level of caproic acid (C:6) was not significantly increased in the breast cancer subjects. In particular, the HER2- and ER-positive breast cancer subjects showed a decrease in their caprylic acid and lauric acid levels compared to other receptors. Conclusions: The results of the current study imply that lower levels of caprylic and lauric acid may be associated with a higher risk of breast cancer. The relevance of medium-chain fatty acids for preventive and therapeutic interventions will be amplified by further research on the possibility that alteration in a patient's medium-chain fatty acid composition may mechanistically contribute to disease progression or breast cancer risk.

Ca:Mg ratio, medium-chain fatty acids, and the gut microbiome

Ketogenic medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) with profound health benefits are commonly found in dairy products, palm kernel oil and coconut oil. We hypothesize that magnesium (Mg) supplementation leads to enhanced gut microbial production of MCFAs and, in turn, increased circulating MCFAs levels. We tested this hypothesis in the Personalized Prevention of Colorectal Cancer Trial (PPCCT) (NCT01105169), a double-blind 2×2 factorial randomized controlled trial enrolling 240 participants. Six 24-hdietary recalls were performed for all participants at the baseline and during the intervention period. Based on the baseline 24-hdietary recalls, the Mg treatment used a personalized dose of Mg supplementation that would reduce the calcium (Ca): Mg intake ratio to around 2.3. We measured plasma MCFAs, sugars, ketone bodies and tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle) metabolites using the Metabolon's global Precision Metabolomics™ LC-MS platform. Whole-genome shotgun metagenomics (WGS) sequencing was performed to assess microbiota in stool samples, rectal swabs, and rectal biopsies. Personalized Mg treatment (mean dose 205.58mg/day with a range from 77.25to 389.55mg/day) significantly increased the plasma levels of C7:0, C8:0, and combined C7:0 and C8:0 by 18.45%, 25.28%, and 24.20%, respectively, compared to 14.15%, 10.12%, and 12.62% decreases in the placebo arm. The effects remain significant after adjusting for age, sex, race and baseline level (P=0.0126, P=0.0162, and P=0.0031, respectively) and FDR correction at 0.05 (q=0.0324 for both C7:0 and C8:0). Mg treatment significantly reduced the plasma level of sucrose compared to the placebo arm (P=0.0036 for multivariable-adjusted and P=0.0216 for additional FDR correction model) whereas alterations in daily intakes of sucrose, fructose, glucose, maltose and C8:0 from baseline to the end of trial did not differ between two arms. Mediation analysis showed that combined C7:0 and C8:0 partially mediated the effects of Mg treatment on total and individual ketone bodies (P for indirect effect=0.0045, 0.0043, and 0.03, respectively). The changes in plasma levels of C7:0 and C8:0 were significantly and positively correlated with the alterations in stool microbiome α diversity (r=0.51, p=0.0023 and r=0.34, p=0.0497, respectively) as well as in stool abundance for the signatures of MCFAs-related microbiota with acyl-ACP thioesterase gene producing C7:0 (r=0.46, p=0.0067) and C8:0 (r=0.49, p=0.003), respectively, following Mg treatment. Optimizing Ca:Mg intake ratios to around 2.3 through 12-week personalized Mg supplementation leads to increased circulating levels of MCFAs (i.e. C7:0 and C8:0), which is attributed to enhanced production from gut microbial fermentation and, maybe, sucrose consumption.

Binahong (Anredera cordifolia (Tenore) Steen.) Leaf Extract Modulates Fatty Acids and Amino Acids to Lower Blood Glucose in High-Fat Diet-Induced Diabetes Mellitus Rats.

Patients with diabetes are 1.6 times more likely to use complementary alternative medicine than nondiabetic patients. Previous studies have shown that Anredera cordifolia (Tenore) Steen. (A. cordifolia) leaf extract has the capacity to lower blood glucose, but the actual mechanisms are unclear. Therefore, in this study, we explored the effect of A. cordifolia leaf extract on the metabolism of fatty acids and amino acids. Six-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six experimental groups (n = 5 per group). Two groups were fed with a regular diet or a high-fat diet (HFD) for six weeks. The regular diet and HFD groups were administered with 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose as a vehicle, and HFD rats were also fed with a suspension of glibenclamide (0.51 mg/kg body weight (BW)) or A. cordifolia leaf extract (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg BW). During the whole treatment, BW and food intake were recorded weekly. The rats were euthanized seven weeks after treatment. Blood glucose was evaluated by spectrophotometry, while fatty acids and amino acids were evaluated using a gas chromatography/flame ionization detector (GC/FID). All doses of A. cordifolia administration reduced blood glucose significantly, and 50 mg/kg BW was most effective in lowering blood glucose, similar to the effects of glibenclamide. A. cordifolia leaf extract affected the levels of medium-chain fatty acids, especially at 50 mg/kg BW. In contrast, glibenclamide affected long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) to lower blood glucose. Based on the analysis conducted, we conclude that administration of A. cordifolia leaf extract can decrease blood glucose levels by regulating fatty acid metabolism and that a dose of 50 mg/kg BW in rats was the optimal dose.

Fine tuning of medium chain fatty acids levels increases fruity ester production during alcoholic fermentation

Pichia fermentans Z9Y-3 and its intracellular enzymes were inoculated along with S. cerevisiae in synthetic grape must to modulate fruity ester production. The levels of ester-related enzymes, ester precursors, and fruity esters were monitored every 24 h during fermentation. Results showed that the levels of ethyl acetate, acetate higher alcohol esters (AHEs), short chain fatty acid ethyl esters (SFEs), and medium chain fatty acid ethyl esters (MFEs) were significantly enhanced in mixed fermentation. Pearson correlation analysis further revealed that higher alcohols and fatty acids played a more important role in fruity ester production than enzymes; Particularly, the correlation coefficient between fatty acids and MFEs was 0.940. In addition, supplementation of medium chain fatty acids (7.2 mg/L) at the metaphase of single S. cerevisiae fermentation improved ethyl acetate, AHE, SFE, and MFE production by 42.56%, 21.00%, 61.33%, and 90.04%, respectively, although the high level of ethyl acetate might result in off-flavors.

72 Young Scholar Presentation: Use of medium chain fatty acids as mitigation or prevention strategies against pathogens in swine feed

Abstract Four experiments were conducted to evaluate: 1) medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) application to swine feed pre- or post-viral contamination with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), 2) MCFA levels and combinations measured by qRT-PCR, and 3) selected MCFA in bioassay. In Exp. 1, treatments were a 2x2 + 1 factorial with the main effects of chemical treatment (0.3% commercial formaldehyde (CF), Sal CURB [Kemin Industries, Des Moines, IA] or 1% MCFA blend (Blend) of 1:1:1 C6:C8:C10 [PMI, Arden Hills, MN]) and timing of application pre- or post-inoculation with PEDV; plus a positive control (PC; feed inoculated with PEDV and no chemical treatment). All combinations of treatment and timing decreased detectable PEDV compared to PC (P< 0.05). Pre-inoculation had decreased PEDV detection compared to post-inoculation (P=0.009). Commercial formaldehyde decreased PEDV detection compared to MCFA (P< 0.001). In Exp. 2 and 3, pre-inoculation treatments consisted of: 1) PC, 2) 0.3% CF, and varying levels (0.125-0.66%) and combinations of MCFA (C5:0, C6:0, C8:0, or C10:0). In Exp. 2, treating feed with 0.33% C8:0 decreased (P< 0.05) PEDV detection compared to all levels of MCFA and PC. In Exp. 3, treating feed with CF, 0.5-1% Blend, all levels of C6:0+C8:0, 0.25% C6:0+C10:0, 0.33% C6:0+C10:0, 0.25% C8:0+C10:0, or 0.33% C8:0 + 0.33% C10:0 resulted in decreased PEDV detection compared to PC (P< 0.05). In Exp. 4, feed was treated pre-inoculation with either 1) no treatment (PC), 2) 0.3% CF, 3) 0.5% Blend, or 4) 0.3% C8:0 and analyzed via qRT-PCR and bioassay. Adding 0.5% Blend or 0.3% C8:0 resulted in decreased PEDV detection compared to PC. All chemical treatments resulted in no evidence of infectivity in the bioassay while the positive control did produce evidence of infectivity. In conclusion, lower levels of MCFA than previously evaluated may provide in-feed protection against PEDV.

Influence of medium chain fatty acids on some botrytised wine-related yeast species and on spontaneous refermentation of Tokaj essence

Medium chain fatty acids are candidates of partial sulphur dioxide replacement in wine, as a solution to the growing consumer concerns about chemical additives. In botrytised sweet wine specialties, large amount of sulphur dioxide addition is one of the effective practices to stop alcoholic fermentation. Increasing medium chain fatty acid levels up to 80 mg l-1 was tested as a sole inhibitor on solid agar surface. S. bacillaris seemed to be the most sensitive, S. cerevsisiae and S. bayanus were more tolerant, while Z. bailii showed the highest tolerance. Then, increasing medium chain fatty acid levels up to 40 mg l-1 combined with 100 mg l-1 sulphur dioxide was introduced into a Tokaj Essence under refermentation. After 56 days, the highest dosage had pronounced effect on the yeast population, but the refermentation was not inhibited completely. Medium chain fatty acids have varying inhibitory effect on botrytised wine-related yeasts, moreover, it could be used effectively in media with high ethanol content, unlike Tokaj Essence.

A comparative study of lipid composition and powder quality among powdered infant formula with novel functional structured lipids and commercial infant formulas

Pancreatic lipase activity and bile salt concentration are very low in infants. Therefore, infant formula (IF) preparation with structured lipids (SLs) containing essential fatty acids and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) with easy absorption features has attracted great attention. In this work, the lipid composition and physiochemical properties of novel SLs enriched with medium- and long-chain triacylglycerols (MLCTs) and their incorporation into a powdered IF compared to commercial IFs were evaluated. The obtained results showed that the SL contains arachidonic (ARA), caprylic, and capric as major fatty acids (FAs). Further, the evaluation of commercial IFs oil showed that oleic, linoleic, palmitic, and lauric were the most abundant FAs. A novel SL possessed highest levels of MCFAs (36.33 ± 1.05%) at sn-1,3 positions and LCUFAs (65.91 ± 1.32%) at the sn-2 position especially ARA (42.82 ± 0.89%). A total of 45, 38, and 25 triacylglycerols molecular species were revealed in a novel SL and commercial IFs available in China and the USA, respectively. Thermoprofile revealed that all IFs oil samples melted below the body temperature. The formula produced with microencapsulated SL and the dry-mixing process showed better optical properties and oxidative stability having lower moisture content. The study has potential applications in the development of IF with improved properties.

Varying Levels of Medium‐Chain Fatty Acids Affect Triacylglycerol Composition and Crystallization Behavior of African Elephant Milk Fat

AbstractAfrican elephant milk fats from different stages of lactation are studied to investigate the link between high contents of medium‐chain fatty acids (MCFA), triacylglycerol (TAG) species, and crystallization in a milk fat system. The elephant milk fats contain high amounts of MCFA, specifically C8:0, C10:0, and C12:0, which mainly form medium molecular weight TAG species (C26–C34). The milk fats with the highest MCFA levels (97% and 82%) correspond to mid‐ and late‐lactation stages. These milk fats display simpler TAG compositions and crystallization behaviors. The great majority of mid‐ and late‐lactation milk fats are comprised of medium molecular weight (C28–C30) TAG. Both melting and crystallization are sharp events, and only β’ polymorph is observed. At early lactation, with 66% MCFA, a more diverse fatty acid composition is observed, and TAG species with medium molecular weight (C30–C34) and high molecular weight (C36–C44) are the dominant. Under dynamic conditions, crystallization and melting take place gradually over a wide temperature range, both α and β’ polymorph crystals are observed.Practical Applications: Mammals of different species provide milk lipids with a wide variety of fatty acid composition yet with common stereospecific features. The study of milk lipids, other than the common bovine milk lipids, allows the investigation of crystallographic properties in relation to fatty acid composition while preserving the stereospecific arrangement. Specifically, the study of elephant milk fats from different stages of lactation provides insight in to the effect of varying contents of medium‐chain fatty acids and fatty acid diversity on triacylglycerol composition and crystallization behavior.

Effects of medium chain fatty acids as a mitigation or prevention strategy against porcine epidemic diarrhea virus in swine feed.

Feed has been shown to be a vector for viral transmission. Four experiments were conducted to: 1) determine if medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) are effective mitigants when applied to feed both pre- and post-porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) inoculation measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), 2) evaluate varying levels and combinations of MCFA measured by qRT-PCR, and 3) evaluate selected treatments in bioassay to determine infectivity. In exp. 1, treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 + 1 factorial with main effects of treatment (0.3% commercial formaldehyde [CF] product, Sal CURB [Kemin Industries, Inc.; Des Moines, IA], or 1% MCFA blend (Blend) of 1:1:1 C6:C8:C10 [PMI, Arden Hills, MN]) and timing of application (pre- or post-inoculation with PEDV) plus a positive control (PC; feed inoculated with PEDV and no treatment). All combinations of treatment and timing decreased detectable PEDV compared with the PC (P < 0.05). Pre-inoculation treatment elicited decreased magnitude of PEDV detection (cycle threshold value) compared with post-inoculation (P = 0.009). Magnitude of PEDV detection was decreased for CF compared with Blend (P < 0.0001). In exp. 2, pre-inoculation treatments consisted of: 1) PC, 2) 0.3% CF, 3 to 5) 0.125% to 0.33% C6:0, 6 to 8) 0.125% to 0.33% C8:0, 9 to 11) 0.125% to 0.33% C10:0, and 12 to 15) 0.125% to 0.66% C5:0. Treating feed with 0.33% C8:0 resulted in decreased (P < 0.05) PEDV detection compared with all other treatments. Increasing concentration of each individual MCFA decreased PEDV detectability (P < 0.042). In exp. 3, pre-inoculation treatments consisted of: 1) PC, 2) 0.3% CF, 3 to 7) 0.25% to 1% Blend, 8 to 10) 0.125% to 0.33% C6:0 + C8:0, 11 to 13) 0.125% to 0.33% C6:0 + C10:0, and 14 to 16) 0.125% to 0.33% C8:0 + C10:0. Treating feed with CF, 0.5% Blend, 0.75% Blend, 1% Blend, all levels of C6:0+C8:0, 0.25% C6:0 + 0.25% C10:0, 0.33% C6:0 + 0.33% C10:0, 0.25% C8:0 + 0.25% C10:0, or 0.33% C8:0 + 0.33% C10:0 elicited decreased detection of PEDV compared with PC (P < 0.05). Increasing concentration of each MCFA combination decreased PEDV detectability (linear, P < 0.012). In exp. 4, feed was treated pre-inoculation with: 1) no treatment (PC), 2) 0.3% CF, 3) 0.5% Blend, or 4) 0.3% C8:0 and analyzed via qRT-PCR and bioassay. Adding 0.5% Blend or 0.3% C8:0 resulted in decreased PEDV compared with PC and only PC resulted in a positive bioassay. Therefore, MCFA can decrease detection of PEDV in feed. Further, inclusion of lower levels of MCFA than previously evaluated are effective against PEDV.

Composition analysis of fatty acids and stereo-distribution of triglycerides in human milk from three regions of China

Understanding the components composition characteristics of human milk is conductive for the development of infant formulas. The total fatty acids composition and the stereo-distribution of fatty acids in human milk triglycerides (TGs) from three regions (Zhengzhou, Wuhan and Harbin) of China were analyzed. The total and intrapositional fatty acids composition of human milk TGs showed significant differences among three regions. Zhengzhou, Harbin and Wuhan human milk possessed highest levels of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA, 6.36 ± 1.46%), short-chain fatty acids (SCFA, 0.10 ± 0.03%) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA, 34.61 ± 0.45%), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA, 30.34 ± 0.33%), respectively. The preference distribution of fatty acids in human milk TGs was hardly affected by regions, for the relative conservative interpositional levels of each fatty acids in three regions. Not only the specific distribution of sn-2 position, but the esterification of fatty acids in sn-1 and sn-3 positions also had preference. SCFA and MCFA were mainly esterified at sn-3 position, but LCSFA most unlikely distributed at the sn-3 position. The preference esterification of MUFA were sn-1, sn-3 > sn-2, and PUFA were sn-3 > sn-1 > sn-2. Therefore, the optimization of infant formulas not only needs considering total fatty acid composition of TGs but requires thinking over the stereo-distribution of fatty acids.

Protected Organic Acids Improved Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Decreased Gas Emission in Broilers.

Simple SummaryRecently, the development of antimicrobial resistance of bacteria has become a global health problem. Such a situation has compelled nutritionists and researchers to explore other potential alternatives. Among a variety of candidates for the replacement of antibiotic growth promoters, organic acids (OAs), both individual and as a blend of several acids are the most promising ones as feed additives in animal production. Organic acids maintain cellular integrity of the gut lining and improve the digestive process by maintaining normal gut flora. Addition of OAs to the diet can improve the absorption rate of proteins, amino acids, and minerals. This may contribute not only in improving performance but also reducing nitrogen and phosphorus excretion. Besides, medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) constitute another type of acid and have been shown to be potential alternatives for in-feed antibiotics in farm animals as they have strong antibacterial activity against Gram-positive cocci and Escherichia coli. The combination of OAs and MCFAs has been reported to improve the nutrient digestibility, growth performance, proliferation of Lactobacillus, and immunity of the animal. The present study investigated the effect of a blend of dietary protected OAs and MCFAs on broiler chickens. The results of this study showed that the blend of OA and MCFA supplementation positively influenced growth performance, DM digestibility, excreta Lactobacillus counts, as well as NH3 gas emission in broiler chickens.We investigated the effects of a blend of organic acids (OAs) and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) supplementation in 800 1-d-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens (42 ± 0.90 g) in a 7-week study. Broiler chicks were randomly allocated into one of the five dietary treatments (16 birds per pen with 10 pens per treatment). Dietary treatments consisted of corn-soybean meal based basal diet and the basal diet supplemented with blend of OAs and MCFAs at 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 g, and 1 g per kg of feed. In the current study, during the whole experimental period, the inclusion of the blend of OAs and MCFAs in the basal diet linearly improved (p < 0.05) body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and dry matter digestibility. The increasing inclusion of the blend of OA and MCFA levels in the diets linearly decreased (p = 0.002) feed intake during d 1 to 7. Broilers fed diets containing different levels of the blend of OAs and MCFAs showed a linear increase (p = 0.006) in Lactobacillus concentrations and decrease (p = 0.014) in ammonia (NH3) at the end of the experiment. However, the blend of OAs and MCFAs did not affect carcass quality, E. coli, and Salmonella counts, as well as hydrogen sulfide and total mercaptans gas emission (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the blend of OA and MCFA supplementation positively influenced growth performance, DM digestibility, excreta Lactobacillus counts, as well as NH3 gas emission in broiler chickens.

Evaluation of the blend of organic acids and medium-chain fatty acids in matrix coating as antibiotic growth promoter alternative on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, excreta microflora, and carcass quality in broilers

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the blend of organic acids (OAs) and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) in broiler chickens. A total of 816 1-d-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens (35 ± 0.44g) were randomly allocated into 1 of the following 6 dietary treatments (17 broilers per pen with 8 pens per treatment): dietary treatments consisted of corn-soybean meal-based basal diet and the basal diet supplemented with 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, and 0.06% blend of OAs and MCFAs. The study lasted 5 wk during which growth performance was determined. In the current study, the inclusion of 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, and 0.06% blend of OAs and MCFAs in the basal diet linearly increased (P < 0.05) body weight gain and improved feed conversion ratio (P < 0.0001) on day 7 to 14, day 14 to 35, as well as overall. Increasing inclusion of the blend of OAs and MCFAs levels in the diets also linearly increased (P = 0.001) the digestibility of dry matter on day 35. Broilers fed with different levels of the blend of OAs and MCFAs showed a linear increment (P = 0.042) in Lactobacillus concentration and decrease (P = 0.002) in Escherichia coli concentration. With regard to relative organ weight, a trend of linear reduction (P = 0.052) in bursa of Fabricius weight of broilers fed the blend of OAs and MCFAs was observed. There was a significant linear improvement (P = 0.011) in the IgG concentration associated with the inclusion of the blend of OAs and MCFAs levels in the diets. In conclusion, the blend of OAs and MCFAs supplementation positively influenced growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and excreta microflora in broiler chickens.

A New Class of Acetyl‐TAG Present in Seed Oils of Polygala Species

A New Class of Acetyl‐TAG Present in Seed Oils of <i>Polygala</i> Species

Consumption of Whey in Combination with Dairy Medium‐Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs) may Reduce Lipid Storage due to Urinary Loss of Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle Intermediates and Increased Rates of MCFAs Oxidation

The aim of the paper is to investigate whether changes in the metabolome could explain observed changes in body composition in overweight adults after consumption of butter with high level of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) in combination with casein or whey. With GC-TOF and LC-Q/MS, metabolites in plasma and urine from a 12-week randomized double-blinded human intervention including 52-abdominally overweight adults were analyzed. The participants consumed 63 g per day of milk fat (high or low in MCFAs) and 60 g per day of protein (whey or casein). Urinary loss of the tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites and a concomitantly increase of glycerol in blood were observed in the whey + high-MCFAs group, indicating potential lower anabolic processes, such as lipogenesis, by draining substrates. High intake of MCFAs resulted in elevated level of urinary adipic (independently of protein type) and plasma sebacic acid (with whey), indicating a potential increase in oxidation of MCFAs, which might lead to energy loss. The type of protein showed highest effect on the overall metabolic profiles, but ω-oxidation of MCFAs in the liver seemed to be the main reason for the observed reduction in body fat mass after consumption of high MCFAs, independent of type of protein.

An Increased Dietary Supply of Medium-Chain Fatty Acids during Early Weaning in Rodents Prevents Excessive Fat Accumulation in Adulthood.

Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) are a directly and readily absorbed source of energy. Exposure early-in-life to increased MCFA levels might affect development and impact (lipid) metabolism later in life. We tested whether an increased MCFA intake early-in-life positively affects adult body composition and metabolic status when challenged by a western-style diet (WSD). Male offspring of C57Bl/6j mice and Wistar rats were fed a control diet (CTRL; 10 w% fat, 14% MCFA) or a medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) diet with 20% MCFA until postnatal (PN) day 42, whereupon animals were fed a WSD (10 w% fat) until PN day 98. Body composition was monitored by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA). In rats, glucose homeostasis was assessed by glucose tolerance test (GTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT); in mice, the HOmeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. At autopsy on PN day 98, plasma lipid profiles, glucose, insulin, and adipokines were measured; organs and fat pads were collected and the adipocyte size distribution was analysed. Milk analysis in mice showed that the maternal MCT diet was not translated into milk, and pups were thus only exposed to high MCT levels from early weaning onward: PN day 16 until 42. Mice exposed to MCT showed 28% less fat accumulation vs. CTRL during WSD. The average adipocyte cell size, fasting plasma triglycerides (TG), and leptin levels were reduced in MCT mice. In rats, no effects were found on the adult body composition, but the adipocyte cell size distribution shifted towards smaller adipocytes. Particularly mice showed positive effects on glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. Increased MCFA intake early-in-life protected against the detrimental effects of an obesogenic diet in adulthood.