Levels Of Monounsaturated Fatty Acids Research Articles

Biochemical composition, biological activities and toxicological effects of two non-nodularin producing strains of Nodularia spumigena Mertens in Jürgens

We tested two non-nodularin-producing strains of the cyanobacterium Nodularia spumigena, isolated from a marine (Kachelotplate) and a brackish water (Banter Sea, Wilhelmshaven) habitat in Lower Saxony, Germany, for allelochemical production (e.g. alkaloids, flavonoids) and allelopathic activities (e.g. algicidal, anti-microbial). The growth experiments showed for the marine strain the highest cell density at 10 and 20 °C for the brackish water isolate (80 μmol photons m−2 s−1). Phytochemical screening of the biomass extracts gave positive results for alkaloids, flavonoids, sterols and terpenoids in some of the tested assays. Most of these compounds were not present in supernatant extracts. Besides proalgal and anti-cyanobacterial properties of the high temperature treated marine strain, the supernatant extracts showed profungal and antibacterial activities in the 20 °C treated assays. In both, supernatant and biomass extracts, significant anti-oxidative activities were observed in the high-irradiance-treated marine and brackish water isolates. The highest toxicity was observed at the 5 and 20 °C brackish water isolates as well as 5 °C treated marine strain. With regard to fatty acid composition, both strains showed high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and saturated fatty acids, with values of 36–54 % and 11–29 % of total fatty acids, respectively, whereas the levels of monounsaturated fatty acids were in general lower (8–16 %). Among PUFAs, linoleic (C18:2), α-linoleic (C18:3), γ-linoleic (C18:3) and arachidonic acid (C20:4) accounted 36.2 % of the total polyunsaturated fatty acids in the brackish water strain, while in the marine isolate, it was only 10.6 %.

Influence of the variety, the crop year and the growing on the fatty acid and tocopherols composition of some Algerian virgin olive oils

Six local varieties of olives were selected to study their oils and fatty acid composition, with the aim to determine one or several discriminating markers of the botanical origin. The relative percentages of fatty acids were well balanced, conferring to these oils high nutritional quality, characterized by important oleic acid content. The results showed the strongest effect of variety comparing to crop year and region which were less significant. We noticed that 80% of the fatty acids present clear differences between the various varieties population. Samples which present the highest level of oleic acid and mono-unsaturated fatty acids were Grosse du Hamma of first year with respective percentages of 79 and 85% and Azeradj for the same year with 77 and 78% respectively. Whereas, unsaponifiable minor components were present in very small quantities(ppm), but are sufficient to characterize and draw Nutritional and organoleptic olive oil profile. This is perfectly confirmed with principal component analysis results. Azeradj variety, in the four areas presented the highest rates of total tocopherol with averages between 251 and 271 ppm, tocopherol profile shows prevalence ofalpha tocopherol (95% of total fraction). Key words: Olive oil, fatty acids, oleic acid, tocopherols, unsaponifiable.

Nutritional values of the lipid composition of the free-range chicken eggs

Poultry eggs are eaten in most areas of the world with fewer social taboos associated with them than pigs and cattle. The most commonly used bird eggs are those from chicken. In Nigeria, the domestic foul dominates the poultry industry. Of the 120 million indigenous poultry population in Nigeria, the domestic fowl constitutes about 91 % of this. For this reason, the present work tried to evaluate the nutritional levels of the lipid composition of the free-range fertilized cooked chicken eggs. Five eggs were involved in the study and they were collected at once. The following experimental procedures were carried out on the yolk and the albumen using standard analytical methods: crude fat determination, preparation of methyl esters and fatty acid analysis. Also determined was the quality assurance of the determinations to ensure their accuracies, calculation of uncertainty interval percentage (UIP) particularly for the fatty acid values. Statistical evaluations carried out included: linear correlation coefficient (rxy), coefficient of determination (rxy 2 ), linear regression coefficient (Rxy), coefficient of alienation (CA) and index of forecasting efficiency (IFE). The study reports the nutritional values of the lipid composition of the free-range chicken eggs analyzing separately the yolk and the albumen. The yolk was 32.8 % of the total egg weight while the albumen was 53.8 %. The total crude fat in yolk was 22.9 g/100 g whilst it was 0.001 g/100 g in albumen. The total fatty acid in yolk was 19.0 g/100 g; it was 0.00083 g/100 g in albumen. The SFA level was 35.0 % in total fatty acids in yolk; it was 31.8 % in albumen. Total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in yolk was 43.5 % but 42.9 % in albumen. Total n-6 PUFA was 21.8 % in yolk and 25.2 % in albumen. The PUFA/SFA was 0.62 in yolk and 0.79 in albumen. Lecithin was high in yolk [115 mg/100 g; 46.0 %] but at trace level [23.3e-3 mg/100 g; 63.1 %] in albumen. Sterol was not detected in the albumen but total sterol in the yolk was 386 mg/100 g having cholesterol level of 86.3 mg/100 g (22.4 %). The levels of MUFA + PUFA in yolk was 65.3 % and 68.1 % in albumen showing that the chicken egg could be classified as being made up majorly of unsaturated oil. Free-range laying hens are given outdoor access instead of being contained in crowded cages; this gives them wide range of various feeding opportunities. This report showed the free-range chicken eggs yolk to be far more concentrated in crude fat; total fatty acids; SFA; MUFA; n-6 PUFA; high PUFA/SFA; high lecithin; high cephalin; high stigmasterol and cholesterol than the corresponding albumen. The cholesterol level was also below the average recommended level.

Combined deletion of SCD1 from adipose tissue and liver does not protect mice from obesity

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) catalyzes the synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) from saturated FA. Mice with whole-body or skin-specific deletion of SCD1 are resistant to obesity. Here, we show that mice lacking SCD1 in adipose and/or liver are not protected from either genetic- (agouti; A(y)/a) or diet-induced obesity (DIO) despite a robust reduction in SCD1 MUFA products in both subcutaneous and epididymal white adipose tissue. Adipose SCD1 deletion had no effect on glucose or insulin tolerance or on hepatic triglyceride (TG) accumulation. Interestingly, lack of SCD1 from liver lowered the MUFA levels of adipose tissue and vice versa, as reflected by the changes in FA composition. Simultaneous deletion of SCD1 from liver and adipose resulted in a synergistic lowering of tissue MUFA levels, especially in the A(y)/a model in which glucose tolerance was also improved. Lastly, we found that liver and plasma TG show nearly identical genotype-dependent differences in FA composition, indicating that FA composition of plasma TG is predictive for hepatic SCD1 activity and TG FA composition. The current study suggests that SCD1 deletion from adipose and/or liver is insufficient to elicit protection from obesity, but it supports the existence of extensive lipid cross-talk between liver and adipose tissue.

Changes in fatty acid composition of thymus cells, liver, blood plasma, and muscle tissue in mice with solid Ehrlich carcinoma

The fatty acid composition of thymus cells, liver, blood plasma, muscle tissue, and tumor focus has been studied in mice with solid Ehrlich carcinoma. The tumor growth in the mice was associated with an increase in the total content of monounsaturated fatty acids in all organs and tissues studied and with a decrease in the total amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids in all tissues except blood plasma. The tumor tissue was characterized by increased levels of monounsaturated fatty acids in comparison with their levels in organs and tissues of intact animals. In the thymus of tumor-bearing mice, the contents of myristic and palmitic saturated fatty acids, which are associated with activation of the T-cell immunity, were increased. The most expressed and considerable changes in the fatty acid composition during tumor growth were observed in the muscle tissue of the animals. A possible role of changes in the fatty acid composition in the investigated organs and tissues of tumor-bearing mice in the organism's response to tumor growth is discussed.

Effect of Season on Heavy Metal Contents and Chemical Compositions of Chub Mackerel (Scomber japonicus) Muscle

Seasonal variations of heavy metals concentrations and overall chemical compositions were determined in chub mackerel caught in the Southern Sea of Korea. The average mercury and lead content varied between 0.04 and 0.08 mg/kg and between 0.01 and 0.02 mg/kg, respectively. Seasonal variations were not detected in lead, but mercury displayed maximal values in winter (P < 0.05). A distinct seasonal pattern was found in crude fat content with maximal values in December and minimal values in April. Fatty acid composition showed that monounsaturated fatty acids levels were the highest in August, while polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) levels were the highest in April. The major contributing factors to the seasonal variation of PUFA amounted to 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3. The total amino acids content varied from 180.6 to 187.7 mg/g. There were no significant seasonal variations in total amounts of amino acids. Practical Application: Mackerel (Scomber japonicus) is one of the most important fishing resources in Korea. The effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on the human body have been identified, and consequently, the intake of fish lipids has steadily increased among the human population. There have been few studies on safety and alterations in chemical composition of mackerel attributed to seasonal fluctuations. Therefore, the results presented in this study could be used to improve the safety and nutrition information available to consumers.

Changes in tissue and mitochondrial membrane composition during rapid growth, maturation and aging in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

Membrane compositions, particularly of mitochondria, could be critical factors in the mechanisms of growth and aging processes, especially during phases of high oxidative stress that result in molecular damage. In the present study, liver and mitochondrial membrane phospholipid (PL) compositions were analyzed in rainbow trout during its four first years of life, a period characterized by rapid growth and high oxidative stress. Specifically, farmed fish of three ages (1-, 2- and 4-years) were studied, and PL compositions of whole liver and liver mitochondria, and fatty acid compositions of individual PL classes were determined. Liver mitochondrial membranes showed a PL composition different to that of the whole tissue suggesting adaptation of cell and subcellular membranes to specific functions. Individual PL had characteristic fatty acid compositions that were similar in whole liver and mitochondrial membranes. Whole liver and mitochondria showed increased lipid peroxidation with age along with changes in membrane PL fatty acid compositions. Most PL classes showed similar changes in fatty acid composition among the age groups, with reduced proportions of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and, generally, concomitantly increased levels of monounsaturated fatty acids, which together resulted in reduced peroxidation index (PIn). However, total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content did not change significantly with age due to increased eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid and, in most PL, increased n-6 PUFA. These results suggest there may be oxidation of PL DHA with compensatory mechanisms to maintain membrane fluidity and function. However, modification of fatty acid composition of specific PLs, such as cardiolipin, could affect the electron transport chain efficiency and propagate the oxidative reaction throughout the cell. In addition, both the content and fatty acid composition of sphingomyelin, which has been suggested as a possible mediator of cell dysfunction and apoptosis, changed with age differently to the other PL classes. Moreover, these changes showed different trends between mitochondria and whole liver. These data suggest there is marked oxidative stress associated with rapid growth and maturation in rainbow trout. Changes observed in membrane lipids point to their possible participation in the processes involved in this species response to oxidative stress and damage accumulation rate.

Jacaric Acid, a Linolenic Acid Isomer with a Conjugated Triene System, Reduces Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase Expression in Liver of Mice

Conjugated fatty acid is a collective term used for fatty acids with conjugated double bond systems. Seed oils from certain plants include conjugated linolenic acids, which have a conjugated triene system and are geometrical and positional isomers of α-linolenic acid. One of these isomers, jacaric acid (JA, 8c, 10t, 12c-18:3), has not been examined widely. Therefore, we investigated the absorption and metabolism of JA in normal animals (ICR mice). An oral dose of JA of 5 mg/day for 1 week had no effects on body weight, food intake and tissue weight of mice. JA was detected in the serum, kidney, liver, lung and epididymal white adipose tissue. Analysis of the fatty acid composition in liver and white adipose tissue showed a tendency to increase levels of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) such as palmitic acid (16:0) and stearic acid (18:0) and to decrease levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) such as palmitoleic acid (16:1) and oleic acid (18:1). Thus, JA treatment decreased the desaturation index (16:1/16:0, 18:1/18:0) in liver and white adipose tissue. This index is used as an indicator of the activity of stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase (SCD), an endoplasmic reticulum enzyme that catalyzes the biosynthesis of MUFAs from SFAs. The change in this index indicates that JA inhibited SCD activity in ICR mice, and further experiments showed that JA also decreased the expression level of SCD-1 mRNA. Inhibition of SCD activity may have anti-obesity and anti-diabetes effects, and therefore the findings in this study suggest that JA may be effective for preventing obesity and diabetes.

Ingestion of a single serving of saury alters postprandial levels of plasma n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids in healthy human adults

BackgroundSaury oil contains considerable amounts of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) with long aliphatic tails (>18C atoms). Ingestion of saury oil reduces the risk of developing metabolic syndrome concomitant with increases in n-3 PUFA and long-chain MUFA in plasma and organs of mice. We therefore evaluated changes in postprandial plasma fatty acid levels and plasma parameters in healthy human subjects after ingestion of a single meal of saury.FindingsFive healthy human adults ingested 150 g of grilled saury. Blood was collected before the meal and at 2, 6, and 24 hr after the meal, and plasma was prepared. Plasma levels of eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and long-chain MUFA (C20:1 and C22:1 isomers combined) increased significantly throughout the postprandial period compared with the pre-meal baseline. Postprandial plasma insulin concentration increased notably, and plasma levels of glucose and free fatty acids decreased significantly and subsequently returned to the pre-meal levels.ConclusionsOur study suggests that a single saury meal may alter the postprandial plasma levels of n-3 PUFA and long-chain MUFA in healthy human subjects.

Fasting and postprandial conditions affect both fatty acids and lipid compositions in the hypothalamus and fat-soluble vitamins in the serum of male rats

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of fasting and re-feeding on lipid derivative patterns in the hypothalamus, and on vitamin, cholesterol and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in serum. Adult male Wistar albino rats were assigned (n = 6/group) as follows: normally-fed controls (CON), fasted for 24 h (24F), fasted for 48 h (48F), and fed normally for 2 d after fasting for 48 h (FAF). Biochemical measures were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Our results demonstrate that hypothalamic saturated fatty acid (C16:0, C18:0) levels were lower, and unsaturated fatty acid (C22:6 n-3, C22:4 n-6, C20:4 n-6) levels were higher, in the 48F and FAF groups than in CON (). In addition, hypothalamic monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) levels were lower, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) levels were higher, in 24F than in CON. Total hypothalamic lipids in both 24F and 48F were higher than CON, and cholesterol was elevated in the hypothalami of all experimental groups as compared to CON. Serum malondialdehyde was higher in fasted and FAF groups; 24F and 48F also had higher serum cholesterol levels, than CON (, ). Serum α-tocoferol, retinol and vitamin C values were lower in 48F than CON (). In conclusion, we demonstrate that feeding state can significantly alter brain fatty acid and lipid derivative levels, and serum concentrations of cholesterol and vitamins. These changes may consequently influence lipid peroxidation, fatty acid synthase or desaturase system in hypothalamic fields.

Abstract 9939: Insulin Receptor Substrate-2 Genetic Variants Interact with Plasma Monounsaturated and n-3 PUFA Fatty Acid Levels to Influence Insulin Resistance: From the LIPGENE Study

Background: The insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2) is a major insulin signalling molecule. IRS-2 regulates body weight control and glucose homeostasis. Several IRS-2 polymorphic sites have been studied for their potential use as risk markers for obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Fatty acids are key metabolic regulators which may interact with genetic factors and influence glucose metabolism. Objective: To examine whether the genetic variability at the IRS-2 gene locus was associated with the degree of insulin resistance and plasma fatty acid levels in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Design: Intravenous glucose tolerance tests (IVGTT) and HOMA indices were used to estimate insulin sensitivity (insulin sensitivity index, HOMA-IR), insulin secretion (first phase insulin secretion (AIRg), disposition index, HOMA-B) and glucose effectiveness. Plasma fatty acid composition and three IRS-2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were also determined in a cross-sectional analysis of 452 subjects with MetS participating in the LIPGENE dietary intervention cohort ( NCT00429195 ). Results: The rs2289046 SNP interacted with plasma monounsaturated (MUFA) and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) levels which were significantly associated with insulin resistance. Among subjects with the lowest level of MUFA (below the median) the A/A genotype was associated with lower glucose effectiveness (P&lt;0.03), higher fasting insulin concentrations (P&lt;0.02) and higher HOMA-IR (P&lt;0.03) compared to subjects carrying the minor G-allele (A/G and G/G). In contrast, among subjects with the highest level of MUFA (above the median), the A/A genotype was associated with lower fasting insulin concentrations and HOMA-IR. Whereas, individuals carrying the G allele and with the highest level of n-3 PUFA (above the median) showed lower fasting insulin (P&lt;0.01) and HOMA-IR (P&lt;0.02) compared with A/A subjects. Conclusions: The rs2289046 polymorphism at the IRS-2 gene locus may influence insulin resistance and glucose effectiveness by interacting with plasma fatty acid composition in subjects with the MetS. Further studies are needed to confirm whether targeted dietary recommendations can prevent MetS in genetically susceptible individuals.

Altered hepatic lipid metabolism in C57BL/6 mice fed alcohol: a targeted lipidomic and gene expression study

Chronic alcohol consumption is associated with fatty liver disease in mammals. The object of this study was to gain an understanding of dysregulated lipid metabolism in alcohol-fed C57BL/6 mice using a targeted lipidomic approach. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used to analyze several lipid classes, including free fatty acids, fatty acyl-CoAs, fatty acid ethyl esters, sphingolipids, ceramides, and endocannabinoids, in plasma and liver samples from control and alcohol-fed mice. The interpretation of lipidomic data was augmented by gene expression analyses for important metabolic enzymes in the lipid pathways studied. Alcohol feeding was associated with i) increased hepatic free fatty acid levels and decreased fatty acyl-CoA levels associated with decreased mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation and decreased fatty acyl-CoA synthesis, respectively; ii) increased hepatic ceramide levels associated with higher levels of the precursor molecules sphingosine and sphinganine; and iii) increased hepatic levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide associated with decreased expression of its catabolic enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase. The unique combination of lipidomic and gene expression analyses allows for a better mechanistic understanding of dysregulated lipid metabolism in the development of alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Elevated Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase in Brains of Patients with Alzheimer's Disease

The molecular bases of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remain unclear. We used a lipidomic approach to identify lipid abnormalities in the brains of subjects with AD (N = 37) compared to age-matched controls (N = 17). The analyses revealed statistically detectable elevations in levels of non-esterified monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and mead acid (20:3n-9) in mid-frontal cortex, temporal cortex and hippocampus of AD patients. Further studies showed that brain mRNAs encoding for isoforms of the rate-limiting enzyme in MUFAs biosynthesis, stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD-1, SCD-5a and SCD-5b), were elevated in subjects with AD. The monounsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio (‘desaturation index’) – displayed a strong negative correlation with measures of cognition: the Mini Mental State Examination test (r = −0.80; P = 0.0001) and the Boston Naming test (r = −0.57; P = 0.0071). Our results reveal a previously unrecognized role for the lipogenic enzyme SCD in AD.

The effect of replacing dietary fish oil with canola oil on fatty acid composition and expression of desaturase and elongase genes in Jade Tiger hybrid abalone

This study investigates the effect of graded substitution of dietary fish oil (FO) with canola oil (CO) on fatty acid composition and expression of Δ-6 desaturase and elongase 2 genes in the muscle of Jade Tiger hybrid abalone. The control diet contained 1.5% FO supplement (0% CO). Four other diets contained FO/CO in ratios of 3:1 (CO 25%), 1:1 (CO 50%), 1:3 (CO 75%) and 100% CO. The result demonstrated that abalone fed the diets supplemented with 25% and 50% CO showed similarly high levels of total omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) (P<0.05) as the 0% CO group. The highest levels of total PUFA and total monounsaturated fatty acids were found in the 100% CO group (P<0.05). The results also showed that Δ-6 desaturase and elongase 2 gene expression was increased in a graded manner by increasing dietary CO (P<0.05). It was concluded that replacement of FO by CO at the levels of 25–50% can improve the contents of health-benefiting EPA and DHA in abalone.

Seasonal Variations in Fatty Acid Composition of Different Tissues of Mirror Carp, Cyprinus Carpio, in Orenler Dam Lake, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey

The seasonal variations of fatty acids compositions in the muscle, liver, and ovarian tissues of mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio) living in Örenler Dam Lake were determined by using gas chromatography. The results obtained were subjected to statistical analyses by employing SPSS software and p < 0.05 was accepted as significant value. In the statistical analyses, multiple comparisons tests were performed. The results showed that monounsaturated fatty acids levels were found to be higher than that of polyunsaturated fatty acids and saturated fatty acids in all seasons. Palmitic and stearic acid levels were the highest in ovaries (19.95% in winter and 7.79% in summer, respectively). Oleic and palmitoleic levels were at the highest levels in liver tissues (34.53% in summer and 18.37% in winter, respectively). Docosahexaenoic (C22:6ω3, DHA), eicosapentaenoic (C20:5ω3, EPA), eicosatrienoic acid, and arachidonic (C20:4ω6, AA) levels were at the highest level as 17.27, 2.54, and 8.41% in ovaries in the winter and 6.37% in muscle tissues in the spring, respectively. ω3/ω6 ratios were 0.62–0.98 in muscle, 1.54–2.82 in the liver, and 2.82–3.89 in the ovaries. From the point of total fatty acid variations, the highest variations were observed as follows: muscle in spring (26.73%), liver in winter (33.85%), and ovaries in winter 36.38%.

Plasma Fatty Acid Composition in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: An Increased Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratio and Deficiency of Essential Fatty Acids

Patients with end-stage renal disease, including those treated with peritoneal dialysis, have a high risk for death, particularly from cardiovascular causes. Plasma fatty acid (FA) composition is used as an indicator of disease risk, because its alteration has been related to metabolic disease and cardiovascular disease. For this purpose, we have measured plasma FA composition in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients and compared them with those of healthy subjects. This study was performed on 51 (21 M, 30 F) CAPD patients at least 6 months under dialysis, aged 20–75 years (mean 47.81 ± 11.8 years) and 45 (25 M, 20 F) healthy control subjects aged 20–60 years (mean 38.62 ± 12.9 years). Plasma 10-cis-pentadecanoic acid, 10-cis-heptadecanoic acid, heneicosanoic acid, tricosanoic acid, nervonic acid, saturated fatty acid, and monounsaturated FA levels and delta 9 desaturase activity were significantly higher whereas linoleic acid, linolenic acid, 11,14-eicosedienoic acid, arachidonic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and omega-3 FA levels were significantly lower in the CAPD group than those in the healthy group. Our results show that there are FA abnormalities and especially a depletion in essential FA levels and a high level of omega-6/omega-3 ratio in CAPD patients, the underlying mechanism of which is not known and needs to be investigated. Therefore, we believe that essential FA supplementation should be encouraged for CAPD patients.

Porcine Fatty Acid Synthase Gene Polymorphisms Are Associated with Meat Quality and Fatty Acid Composition

We assessed the effects of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the porcine fatty acid synthase (FASN) gene regarding meat quality and fatty acid composition in two pig populations: Korean native pigs (KNP) were crossed with Yorkshire (YS) <TEX>$F_2$</TEX>, and KNP were crossed with Landrace (LR) <TEX>$F_2$</TEX>. Direct DNA sequencing using eight KNP and eight YS pigs revealed two SNPs: c.265C>T (silent) in exon 4 and c.6545A>C (Asn<TEX>${\rightarrow}$</TEX>His) in exon 39. The frequency of the two SNPs was analyzed using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method in seven pig breeds and their association with meat quality traits and fatty acid composition was studied. In the <TEX>$KNP{\times}YSF_2$</TEX> population, both SNPs were significantly associated with the level of monounsaturated fatty acids, including palmitoleic (C16:1) and oleic acid (C18:1) (p<0.005). c.6545A>C was associated with intramuscular fat content in both populations. Our results indicate that variations in c.265C>T and c.6545A>C of the pig FASN can be used to select animals with better fatty acid composition and meat quality. Moreover, KNP was a useful breed for identifying genetic factors affecting meat quality and fatty acid composition and for producing high quality pork.

Effect of cooking on the chemical composition of low-salt, low-fat Wakame/olive oil added beef patties with special reference to fatty acid content

Changes in chemical composition, with special reference to fatty acids, as affected by cooking, were studied in low-salt (0.5%)/low-fat patties (10%) with added Wakame (3%) and partial or total replacement of pork backfat with olive oil-in-water emulsion. The addition of Wakame and olive oil-in-water emulsion improved ( P < 0.05) the binding properties and the cooking retention values of moisture, fat, fatty acids and ash, which were close to 100%. Partial and total replacement of animal fat with olive oil-in-water emulsion reduced ( P < 0.05) saturated fatty acids (SFAs), while total replacement also reduced (P < 0.05) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFAs) contents. The fatty acid concentration in cooked patties was affected by product formulation. Unlike the case of all animal fat patties, when olive oil was added the cooking process increased ( P < 0.05) SFAs, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and PUFA n−3 (linolenic acid) and n−6 (linoleic acid) contents. Cooked formulated patties with seaweed and partial or total replacement of pork backfat by oil-in-water emulsion and with seaweed added were less calorie-dense and had lower SFAs levels, while samples with olive oil had higher MUFAs levels.

Effect of different dietary lipid sources on growth and gonad maturation of pre-adult female Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens)

The effects of four dietary lipid sources (fish oil, peanut oil, soybean oil, pork lard) on growth and gonad maturation of pre-adult female red claw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus, were evaluated. Performance was evaluated by weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), survival, feed conversion ratio (FCR), gonadosomatic index (GSI), fatty acid composition, and vitellogenin (vg) gene expression. The proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFA), mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in hepatopancreas varied as a result of lipid source, while differences in muscle were limited to MUFA levels. Vg expression and growth, but not GSI, differed significantly, with peak expression and optimal growth observed in red claws receiving the soybean oil diet. Conversely, diets high in EPA (20:5n3) and DHA (22:6n3) produced suboptimal results, suggesting that the importance of maturation diets with high EPA and DHA content may be exaggerated. As the dietary lipid requirements of growing and reproductively active red claw crayfish were satisfied by a plant oil that contained high levels of 18-carbon unsaturated fatty acids, soybean oil may be an economic alternative to the expensive lipid-fortified feed currently utilized by the aquaculture industry.

Anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic effects of the modified fatty acid tetradecylthioacetic acid in psoriasis – a pilot study

Tetradecylthioacetic acid (TTA) is a bioactive 3-thia fatty acid, giving hypolipidemic response, inhibiting the proliferation and increasing the differentiation of normal adult epidermal keratinocytes and showing anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease associated with abnormalities in lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant capacity, eicosanoid metabolism and increased frequency of cardiovascular events. On this background we have conducted a pilot study to explore the hypothesis that this modified fatty acid could improve dyslipidemia and reduce inflammation in psoriatic patients. In this double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, we assessed the metabolic effects of systemic TTA in a limited number of patients with mild to moderate psoriasis, 1000 mg TTA daily for 28 days. The most important findings were: (i) TTA reduced plasma total cholesterol, non HDL-cholesterol, LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio, triglycerides and total fatty acids; (ii) TTA decreased plasma TNF-α, IL-8 and VCAM-1; and (iii) plasma fatty acid composition changed with an increased level of monounsaturated fatty acids and decreased n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. In conclusion TTA exerts both hypolipidemic and anti-inflammatory effects in psoriasis patients. The results further indicate that TTA can be of therapeutic benefit for a subgroup of psoriatic patients.