Levels Of Palmitic Acid Research Articles

Biodegradation and high-value utilization of waste cooking oil: Strategies and mechanisms for producing lipopeptide biosurfactants using Bacillus subtilis YZQ-2

This study explored the strategies and mechanisms of Bacillus subtilis YZQ-2 in producing lipopeptide biosurfactants using waste cooking oil (WCO) as a raw material. The optimal conditions achieved a WCO utilization rate of 75.88 % and a biosurfactant yield of 0.30 g/L at pH 6.0, 30°C, with 20 g/L WCO and 5 g/L yeast extract. GC-MS analysis of degradation products at different intervals elucidated the mechanism of WCO degradation. After 72 hours of fermentation, a reduction in linoleic and palmitic acid levels indicated the completion of lipid hydrolysis and the continuation of β-oxidation. The biosurfactants, identified as lipopeptides (surfactin and fengycin), exhibited stability in alkaline environments (pH 7.0–11.0) and high-salt concentration (5–45 g/L). Genomic and transcriptomic analyses of Bacillus subtilis YZQ-2 revealed genes associated with biosurfactant production, which were upregulated in the presence of WCO. The differential expression values (log2 fold change) were SrfAA 3.30, SrfAB 3.31, SrfAC 3.63, FenA 2.42, FenB 2.55, FenC 1.99, FenD 2.03 and FenE 2.29, respectively. The proposed biosynthesis pathway of lipopeptides begins with the hydrolysis of WCO by lipase into glycerol and fatty acids. The glycerol is then transformed into pyruvate through glycolysis, entering the Tricarboxylic Acid cycle. Additionally, pyruvate contributes to synthesizing amino acids and branched-chain fatty acids, which serve as precursors for lipopeptide synthesis. These findings underscore the potential of WCO as a sustainable feedstock for biosurfactant production.

Elevated Porcupine Disrupts Lipid Metabolism and Promotes Inflammatory Response in MASLD.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) presents a high incidence globally and is a major cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, lacking of efficient interventions. Patients with MASLD exhibit exceeded serum levels of palmitic acid (PA). However, the association between PA and MASLD remains obscure. Gene expression omnibus dataset analysis, western blotting, mRNA-sequencing, RT-qPCR, a click chemistry-immunoprecipitation-immunofluorescence system, ELISA, lipid extraction and UHPLC-MS/MS analysis, CyTOF mass cytometry, gene knockdown via lentivirus-mediated shRNA, and high-fat methionine and choline-deficient diet-fed WT and db/db mice models were used to reveal the expression and functions of Porcupine in MASLD development both invitro and invivo. Our findings show that PA, as a crucial substrate for protein palmitoylation, induced the expression of palmitoyltransferase Porcupine in a time-dependent manner. This induction was closely associated with dysregulated lipid metabolism and stimulated inflammatory response observed invitro. Porcupine protein levels were significantly increased in liver tissues from both MASLD mice models, which was predominantly localised in lipid droplet-rich hepatocytes. Pharmacological inhibition of Porcupine by Wnt974 markedly ameliorated the aberrant lipid accumulation and inflammatory response in mouse livers. Furthermore, increased Porcupine positively correlated with CD36 at protein levels, and its inhibition or knockdown decreased CD36 protein levels via mechanisms irrelevant to transcriptional regulation, but primarily dependent on protein palmitoylation. The current study reveals that PA-induced Porcupine disrupts lipid metabolism and promotes inflammatory response during MASLD development, which can be ameliorated by the Porcupine inhibitor Wnt974. Therefore, Porcupine may be a potential pharmacological target for the treatment of MASLD.

Association of erythrocyte fatty acid compositions with the risk of pancreatic cancer: A case-control study.

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most fatal malignancies, which has attracted scientists to investigate its etiology and pathogenesis. Nevertheless, the association between erythrocyte fatty acids and PC risk remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the association between levels of erythrocyte fatty acids and PC risk. The erythrocyte fatty acid compositions of 105 PC patients and 120 controls were determined by gas chromatography. Cases and controls were frequency matched by age and sex. Multivariable conditional logistic regression model and restricted cubic spline were applied to estimate the odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (OR, 95% CI) of erythrocyte fatty acids and PC risk. Our main findings indicated a significant negative association between levels of erythrocyte total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) and the risk of PC (ORT3-T1 = 0.30 [0.14, 0.63] and ORT3-T1 = 0.15 [0.06, 0.33], respectively). In contrast, erythrocyte n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA) levels, were positively associated with PC incidence (RT1-T3 = 4.24 [1.97, 9.46] and ORT1-T3 = 4.53 [2.09, 10.20]). Total saturated fatty acid (SFA), especially high levels of palmitic acid (16:0), was positively associated with the risk of PC (ORT3-T1 = 3.25 [1.53, 7.08]). Our findings suggest that levels of different types of fatty acids in erythrocytes may significantly alter PC susceptibility. Protective factors against PC include unsaturated fatty acids such as n-3 PUFA and MUFA.

Morphofunctional characterization of the three main adipose tissue depots in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is the primary fat reservoir and energy source in fish. Other relevant fat depots include subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), located under epithelial layers, and intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), found between the myotomes. The present study investigates the morphological, gene expression and functional characteristics of these different depots in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Commercial rainbow trout of two different average weights were sampled for histology, lipid quantification and fatty acids profile. Mature adipocytes were isolated for gene expression analyses of lipid metabolic markers. Both VAT and SAT showed large adipocytes, and high total lipid content, suggesting hypertrophic growth. Adipocytes in IMAT were consistently smaller regardless of fish size. While fatty acid composition was similar across depots, SAT had lower levels of palmitic acid and higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids that act as precursors of phospholipids and eicosanoids such as eicosapentaenoic acid, compared to VAT and IMAT. Gene expression analyses revealed higher levels of fatty acid transporters, lipolysis and β-oxidation markers in VAT and SAT compared to IMAT, suggesting a more active lipid metabolism. These data support the role of VAT as the main energy depot, while SAT may act as a secondary reservoir, and IMAT potentially serves as an occasional energy source for muscles. This study provides valuable insights into the distinct properties of the different fat depots in fish, which may help to optimize strategies to modulate adiposity for improved health, metabolism, and product quality.

ANT-Mediated Inhibition of the Permeability Transition Pore Alleviates Palmitate-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Lipotoxicity.

Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for vascular lesions in diabetes mellitus and other metabolic disorders, although its basis remains poorly understood. One of the key pathogenetic events in this condition is mitochondrial dysfunction associated with the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) pore, a drop in the membrane potential, and ROS overproduction. Here, we investigated the effects of bongkrekic acid and carboxyatractyloside, a potent blocker and activator of the MPT pore opening, respectively, acting through direct interaction with the adenine nucleotide translocator, on the progression of mitochondrial dysfunction in mouse primary lung endothelial cells exposed to elevated levels of palmitic acid. Palmitate treatment (0.75 mM palmitate/BSA for 6 days) resulted in an 80% decrease in the viability index of endothelial cells, which was accompanied by mitochondrial depolarization, ROS hyperproduction, and increased colocalization of mitochondria with lysosomes. Bongkrekic acid (25 µM) attenuated palmitate-induced lipotoxicity and all the signs of mitochondrial damage, including increased spontaneous formation of the MPT pore. In contrast, carboxyatractyloside (10 μM) stimulated cell death and failed to prevent the progression of mitochondrial dysfunction under hyperlipidemic stress conditions. Silencing of gene expression of the predominate isoform ANT2, similar to the action of carboxyatractyloside, led to increased ROS generation and cell death under conditions of palmitate-induced lipotoxicity in a stably transfected HEK293T cell line. Altogether, these results suggest that targeted manipulation of the permeability transition pore through inhibition of ANT may represent an alternative approach to alleviate mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death in cell culture models of fatty acid overload.

Palmitic acid promotes miRNA release from adipocyte exosomes by activating NF-κB/ER stress

ObjectiveThe release of adipose tissue-derived miRNAs is increased under conditions of obesity, but the exact molecular mechanisms involved have not been elucidated. This study investigated whether obesity-induced increases in palmitic acid (PA) content could activate the NF-κB/endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) pathway and promote the expression and release of exosomal miRNAs in adipocytes.MethodsAbdominal adipose tissue and serum samples were collected from normal weight individuals and people with obesity to clarify the correlation of serum PA content with NF-κB/ER stress and the release of exosomal miRNAs. NF-κB and ER stress were blocked in obese mice and in vitro cultured adipocytes to demonstrate the molecular mechanisms by which PA promotes the release of exosomal miRNAs.The morphology, particle size and distribution of the exosomes were observed via transmission electron microscopy and NTA.ResultsAccompanied by increased serum PA levels, the NF-κB/ER stress pathway was activated in the adipose tissue of people with obesity and in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice; moreover, the levels of miRNAs in both adipose tissue and serum were increased. P-p65 (Bay11-7082) and ER stress (TUDCA) blockers significantly reduced the levels of miRNAs in abdominal adipose tissue and serum, decreased blood glucose levels, and improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in obese mice. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, high concentrations of PA activated the NF-κB/ER stress pathway and increased the expression and release of miRNAs in exosomes. P-p65 (Bay11-7082) and ER stress (TUDCA) blockers significantly reversed the increased release exosomal miRNAs cause by PA.ConclusionsObesity-induced increases in PA content increase the expression and release of miRNAs in adipocyte exosomes by activating the NF-κB/ER stress pathway.

Nutritional prospects and heavy metal risks in fattened versus wild mud crabs of the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta: Implications for sustainable management

Scylla olivacea, or the mud crab, is a crucial economic contributor in Southeast Asia, notably in the coastal region of the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. This study compared the nutritional and heavy metals of fattened and wild-captured mud crabs from the southwest coastal areas of the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta, focusing on proximate composition, fatty acids, amino acids, and heavy metals. Fattened mud crabs showed higher crude protein levels (13.2%–14.4%), particularly in males, and higher crude fat and ash contents than their wild counterparts. Among fatty acids, fattened crabs had the highest palmitic acid levels (34.0%–41.2%), whereas wild crabs were rich in linoleic and linolenic acids. Amino acid analysis revealed that histidine and arginine were the most prevalent essential amino acids in fattened and wild crabs, respectively. Elemental analysis indicated that calcium levels were high in both groups. However, zinc, copper, iron, and manganese concentrations exceeded recommended dietary allowances. Furthermore, the wild mud crabs contained heavy metals lower than that of the fattened mud crabs. Notably, nickel, lead, and cadmium levels surpassed maximum permissible limits, suggesting potential health risks in fattened and wild mud crabs. The concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids was higher in wild crabs than in cultured ones. These findings emphasize the need for cautious consumption and strict monitoring in mud crab aquaculture to ensure food safety and sustainability.

Periodic protein-restricted diets extend the lifespan of high-fat diet-induced Drosophila melanogaster males.

Research has shown that sustained protein restriction can improve the effects of a high-fat diet on health and extend lifespan. However, long-term adherence to a protein-restricted diet is challenging. Therefore, we used a fly model to investigate whether periodic protein restriction (PPR) could also mitigate the potential adverse effects of a high-fat diet and extend healthy lifespan. Our study results showed that PPR reduced body weight, lipid levels, and oxidative stress induced by a high-fat diet in flies and significantly extended the healthy lifespan of male flies. Lipid metabolism and transcriptome results revealed that the common differences between the PPR group and the control group and high-fat group showed a significant decrease in palmitic acid in the PPR group; the enriched common differential pathways Toll and Imd were significantly inhibited in the PPR group. Further analysis indicated a significant positive correlation between palmitic acid levels and gene expression in the Toll and Imd pathways. This suggests that PPR effectively improves fruit fly lipid metabolism, reduces palmitic acid levels, and thereby suppresses the Toll and Imd pathways to extend the healthy lifespan of flies. Our study provides a theoretical basis for the long-term effects of PPR on health and offers a new dietary adjustment option for maintaining health in the long term.

Untargeted Metabolomics and Gut Microbiota Modulation Study of Fermented Brown Rice for Obesity.

Obesity or excess adipose tissue mass increases the risk of heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Obesity might be prevented by consuming plant-based probiotic fermented foods. This study aimed to determine whether adding Pediococcus acidilactici MNL5 to fermented brown rice (FBR) enhances its metabolites, lipase activity, and antioxidant efficiency. UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis revealed significant changes in untargeted metabolite profiles, while, compared with those of raw brown rice (RBR), FBR contained more antioxidant and lipase inhibitors. We evaluated the FBR in HFD (high-fat-diet)-induced obese mice by employing biochemical, histological, gut microbiome, and serum metabolomics approaches. FBR MD (250 mg/kg) decreased body weight (BW) and fat content compared with RBR. With subsequent FBR MD, mice fed a HFD may have reduced serum lipid levels. A HFD with a mid-dose FBR improved the gut microbiota diversity, composition, and structure; reduced the abundance of obesity-related genera such as Helicobacter, Clostridium, and Desulfovibrio; and promoted the abundance of beneficial genera such as Bifidobacterium, Akkermansia, and Lactobacillus, which are inversely correlated with BW, total cholesterol, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C. In addition, FBR MD has been associated with increased levels of palmitic acid, EPA, oleic acid, α-linolenic acid, indole, dodecanoic acid, and amino acids. FBR, in its entirety, has exhibited promise as a functional material for ameliorating obesity.

Targeted metabolomics study of fatty-acid metabolism in lean metabolic-associated fatty liver disease patients.

The annual incidence of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in China has been increasing and is often overlooked owing to its insidious characteristics. Approximately 50% of the patients have a normal weight or are not obese. They are said to have lean-type MAFLD, and few studies of such patients are available. Because MAFLD is associated with abnormal lipid metabolism, lipid-targeted metabolomics was used in this study to provide experimental evidence for early diagnosis and pathogenesis. To investigate the serum fatty-acid metabolic characteristics in lean-type MAFLD patients using targeted serum metabolomic technology. Between January and June 2022, serum samples were collected from MAFLD patients and healthy individuals who were treated at Shanghai Putuo District Central Hospital for serum metabolomics analysis. Principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis models were developed, and univariate analysis was used to screen for biomarkers of lean-type MAFLD and analyze metabolic pathways. UPLC-Q-Orbitrap/MS content determination was used to determine serum palmitic acid (PA), oleic acid (OA), linoleic acid (LA), and arachidonic acid (AA) levels in lean-type MAFLD patients. Urea nitrogen and uric acid levels were higher in lean-type MAFLD patients than in healthy individuals (P < 0.05). Alanine transaminase and cholinesterase levels were higher in lean-type MAFLD patients than in healthy individuals (P < 0.01). The expression of high-density lipoprotein and apolipoprotein A-1 were lower in lean-type MAFLD patients than in healthy individuals (P < 0.05) and the expression of triglycerides and fasting blood glucose were increased (P < 0.01). A total of 65 biomarkers that affected the synthesis and metabolism of fatty acids were found with P < 0.05 and variable importance in projection > 1". The levels of PA, OA, LA, and AA were significantly increased compared with healthy individuals. The metabolic profiles of lean-type MAFLD patients and healthy participants differed significantly, yielding 65 identified biomarkers. PA, OA, LA, and AA exhibited the most significant changes, offering valuable clinical guidance for prevention and treatment of lean-type MAFLD.

Chemical Composition and Lipid Bioactive Components of Centaurea thracica Dwelling in Bulgaria.

Centaurea thracica (Janka) Hayek is a plant common in southern Bulgaria. The inflorescences were collected during June and September 2021, while their seeds were obtained in September 2021. The chemical and lipid composition of the inflorescences during the vegetation process of the plant were established. A significant decrease in total proteins (from 8.7 to 7.4%), glyceride oils (2.0-1.7%), and ash (4.5-4.2%) content was observed, while the amount of carbohydrates (72.3-77.2%) and fibers (28.7-35.8%) increased. During the vegetation of the plant, the content of oleic and linoleic acids increased up to 2-3 times, while the level of palmitic acid decreased. The lipids from the seeds were rich in oleic (53.0%) and palmitic (36.2%) acids. The tocopherol content in the oils of the inflorescences during vegetation increased from 58 to 110 mg/kg, and the content in the oil from the seeds was 260 mg/kg. The phospholipid content decreased during vegetation, and differences were observed in the composition between the inflorescences and the seeds. The high content of oleic acid, linoleic acid, tocopherols, and phospholipids determine the nutritional and biological value of the oils isolated from Centaurea thracica, and contribute to their potential use in various directions.

Effects of full-fat high-oleic soybean meal in layer diets on performance, egg quality and chemical composition

The utilization of full-fat high-oleic soybean meal in layer diets could lead to value-added poultry products. To test this idea, 336 hens were randomly assigned to 4 isonitrogenous (18.5% CP) and isocaloric (2,927 kcal/kg) formulated diets and fed the following diets for eight weeks: conventional control solvent-extracted defatted soybean meal (CON); extruded-expelled defatted soybean meal (EENO); full fat normal-oleic soybean meal (FFNO); or full fat high-oleic soybean meal (FFHO). Body weights (BW) were collected at week 0 and week 8. Eggs were collected daily, and the totals counted each week. Feed consumption was measured weekly, and egg quality was measured bi-weekly. Eggs were collected at wk 0 and wk 8 for fatty acid analysis. There were no significant treatment differences in any of the production parameters measured, BW, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio or egg production (P > 0.05). Eggshell strength was significantly greater in eggs produced from the EENO group as compared to the control (P < 0.01), while egg yolk color was significantly darker in eggs of the control and EENO treatment groups relative to the FFNO and FFHO treatments (P < 0.0001). Eggs produced by hens fed the FFHO diet had a 52% increase in monounsaturated n-9 oleic acid content (P < 0.0001) and reduced palmitic (P < 0.01) and stearic (P < 0.0001) saturated fatty acid levels as compared to the conventional controls. These results validate the utilization of FFHO as a value-added poultry feed ingredient to enrich the eggs and/or poultry meat produced.

Dose-dependent effect of Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide on anti-aging in Caenorhabditis elegans: A metabolomics analysis focused on lipid and nucleotide metabolism regulation

Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide (DOP) has garnered attention for its potential anti-aging effects, yet the dose-dependent impact on aging, especially from a metabolomics perspective, remains less explored. Here, we investigated the dose-dependent effect of DOP on anti-aging in Caenorhabditis elegans, examining underlying mechanisms through metabolomics analysis. Based on food clearance assays, doses of 62.5, 125.0, and 250.0 mg/L of DOP were selected for lifespan experiments in C. elegans. Results indicated that both 125 and 250 mg/L DOP significantly extended lifespan, enhanced stress resistance, and preserved locomotion behavior, with superior effects observed at 250 mg/L. Metabolomics analysis revealed a dose-effect relationship between DOP concentration and 14 metabolites, primarily associated with lipid and nucleotide metabolism. Notably, metabolites including docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), arachidonic acid, uric acid, uridine 5′-diphosphogalactose (UDP-galactose), UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc), citric acid, l-Saccharopine, L-2-Aminoadipic acid, 5′-S-Methyl-5′-thioadenosine, 1-Linoleoyl glycerol, cyclic ADP-ribose, glycerol 3-phosphate (G3P), and adenosine exhibited increased levels with higher DOP doses, while palmitic acid levels declined with escalating DOP dose in the range from 62.5 to 250.0 mg/L. Furthermore, Pearson correlation analysis revealed strong associations between mean lifespan and levels of DPA, palmitic acid, G3P, UDP-galactose and UDP-GlcNAc. These findings underscore a significant relationship between lifespan extension and metabolic products of lipid and nucleotide metabolism in DOP-treated C. elegans, shedding light on potential mechanisms underlying anti-aging effects of DOP.

Palmitic acid induces β-cell ferroptosis by activating ceramide signaling pathway

Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus frequently display heightened levels of palmitic acid (PA) in their serum, which may lead to β-cell damage. The involvement of ferroptosis, a form of oxidative cell death in lipotoxic β-cell injury remains uncertain. Here, we have shown that PA induces intracellular lipid peroxidation, increases intracellular Fe2+ content and decreases intracellular glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expression. Furthermore, PA causes distinct changes in pancreatic islets and INS-1 cells, such as mitochondrial atrophy and increased membrane density. Furthermore, the presence of the ferroptosis inhibitor has a significant mitigating effect on PA-induced β-cell damage. Mechanistically, PA increased ceramide content and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation. The ceramide synthase inhibitor effectively attenuated PA-induced β-cell damage and GPX4/Fe2+ abnormalities, while inhibiting JNK phosphorylation. Additionally, the JNK inhibitor SP600125 improved PA-induced cell damage. In conclusion, by promoting ceramide synthesis, PA inhibited GPX4 expression and increased intracellular Fe2+ to induce β-cell ferroptosis. Moreover, JNK may be a downstream mechanism of ceramide-triggered lipotoxic ferroptosis in β-cells.

(+)Alpha-Lipoic Acid Regulates Lipid Metabolism Gene Expression and Lipidic Profile in a Cellular Model of Fatty Acid Overload

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent condition characterized by hepatic fat accumulation, often progressing to severe liver injury, for which approved treatments are currently lacking. This study explores the potential therapeutic impact of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), a natural compound crucial in lipid metabolism, on NAFLD using an in vitro model. Methods: HepG2 cells were treated with a palmitic acid:oleic acid (PA:OA) mixture, representing a cellular model of steatosis. Subsequent treatment with ALA at concentrations of 1 µM and 5 µM aimed to evaluate its effects on lipid content and metabolism. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), BODIPY staining, cytofluorimetric analysis, and lipidomics were used to assess gene expression, lipid droplet accumulation, and fatty acid profiles. Results: Our results showed that ALA significantly reduced lipid droplets in PA:OA-treated HepG2 cells, with a concentration-dependent effect. Analysis of fatty acid profiles demonstrated a decrease in palmitic acid levels with ALA treatment, while oleic acid reduction was observed only at the higher concentration. Moreover, ALA modulated the expression of genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) metabolism, indicating a potential role in lipid homeostasis. Further insights into molecular mechanisms revealed that ALA modulated peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs), specifically PPAR-alpha and PPAR-gamma, involved in fatty acid metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Finally, ALA counteracted the overexpression of thermogenic genes induced by exogenous fatty acids, suggesting a regulatory role in energy dissipation pathways. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study highlights ALA as a therapeutic agent in mitigating lipid accumulation and dysregulation in NAFLD.

Legacy and alternative per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) alter the lipid profile of HepaRG cells

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals used in various industrial and consumer products. They have gained attention due to their ubiquitous occurrence in the environment and potential for adverse effects on human health, often linked to immune suppression, hepatotoxicity, and altered cholesterol metabolism. This study aimed to explore the impact of ten individual PFAS, 3 H-perfluoro-3-[(3-methoxypropoxy) propanoic acid] (PMPP/Adona), ammonium perfluoro-(2-methyl-3-oxahexanoate) (HFPO-DA/GenX), perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) on the lipid metabolism in human hepatocyte-like cells (HepaRG). These cells were exposed to different concentrations of PFAS ranging from 10 µM to 5000 µM. Lipids were extracted and analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC- MS-QTOF). PFOS at 10 µM and PFOA at 25 µM increased the levels of ceramide (Cer), diacylglycerol (DAG), N-acylethanolamine (NAE), phosphatidylcholine (PC), and triacylglycerol (TAG) lipids, while PMPP/Adona, HFPO-DA/GenX, PFBA, PFBS, PFHxA, and PFHxS decreased the levels of these lipids. Furthermore, PFOA and PFOS markedly reduced the levels of palmitic acid (FA 16.0). The present study shows distinct concentration-dependent effects of PFAS on various lipid species, shedding light on the implications of PFAS for essential cellular functions. Our study revealed that the investigated legacy PFAS (PFOS, PFOA, PFBA, PFDA, PFHxA, PFHxS, and PFNA) and alternative PFAS (PMPP/Adona, HFPO-DA/GenX and PFBS) can potentially disrupt lipid homeostasis and metabolism in hepatic cells. This research offers a comprehensive insight into the impacts of legacy and alternative PFAS on lipid composition in HepaRG cells.

Vacuum pyrolysis of Tamanu seed (Calophyllum inophyllum): Fuel properties, distillation, and composition study of the pyrolytic oil

BackgroundThe pyrolysis of Calophyllum inophyllum seeds holds significant potential for producing biofuels and value-added chemicals. Research aims to identify optimal process conditions for maximum yield of oil, and evaluate its properties and composition for fuel application. MethodsIn this study, vacuum pyrolysis of extractive-rich biomass such as Tamanu seed (Calophyllum inophyllum) was performed at 25 °C min−1. The composition, fuel properties, and distillation of oil confirmed its application as fuel which is compared with various non-edible seed pyrolytic oils. Significant FindingsThe resulting pyrolysis oil, constituting 69.53 % of the seed, boasted a calorific value of 42.78 MJ kg−1, 10 % water content, and a viscosity of 12.9 cSt. Its flashpoint and pour point were measured at 42 °C and 7 °C, respectively. Distillation exhibited a broad range of fractions, mimicking crude oil distillation, with 55 % comprising diesel-range fractions. GC–MS analysis identified 46 hydrocarbon compounds, indicative of fatty acid, cellulose, and hemicellulose degradation, producing alkanes, alkenes, esters, nitriles, acids, amides, and amines. Notably, the oil contained significant levels of oleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid. The mechanism involved radical reactions, yielding diverse hydrocarbons and oxygenates, albeit with minimal aromatic formation. This elucidates the potential of Tamanu seed pyrolysis for sustainable biofuel production and value-added chemical synthesis.

Infant Formula with 50% or More of Palmitic Acid Bound to the sn-2 Position of Triacylglycerols Eliminate the Association between Formula-Feeding and the Increase of Fecal Palmitic Acid Levels in Newborns: An Exploratory Study.

The binding ratio of palmitic acid (PA) at the sn-2 position of triacylglycerols in infant formulas is lower than that in breast milk, resulting in higher levels of fecal PA. Even if the ratio is increased to 40-50%, fecal PA levels in formula-fed infants remain higher than those in breast-fed infants. In Japan, infant formulas with 50% or more of PA bound to sn-2 (high sn-2 PA milk) are commercially available; however, their effects on PA excretion have not been investigated. Therefore, this observational study aimed to preliminarily evaluate whether the feeding volume of high sn-2 PA milk is significantly associated with fecal total/soaped PA levels in newborns. Infant formulas were classified as high (≥50% of PA bound to sn-2) or low sn-2 (<50%) PA milk. Associations between feeding volume of high or low sn-2 PA milk and fecal PA levels were evaluated using multiple regression analysis models. The results showed that the feeding volume of low sn-2 PA milk was positively associated with fecal total/soaped PA levels, while there was no significant association between those of high sn-2 PA milk and fecal total/soaped PA levels. Our preliminary study suggests that high sn-2 PA milk may reduce increased fecal PA levels in formula-fed newborns.

Lipid Variability Induces Endothelial Dysfunction by Increasing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress.

This study investigates the impact of fluctuating lipid levels on endothelial dysfunction. Human aortic and umbilical vein endothelial cells were cultured under varying palmitic acid (PA) concentrations: 0, 50, and 100 μM, and in a variability group alternating between 0 and 100 μM PA every 8 hours for 48 hours. In the lipid variability group, cells were exposed to 100 μM PA during the final 8 hours before analysis. We assessed inflammation using real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and cytokine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels with dichlorofluorescin diacetate assay; mitochondrial function through oxygen consumption rates via XF24 flux analyzer; and endothelial cell functionality via wound healing and cell adhesion assays. Cell viability was evaluated using the MTT assay. Variable PA levels significantly upregulated inflammatory genes and adhesion molecules (Il6, Mcp1, Icam, Vcam, E-selectin, iNos) at both transcriptomic and protein levels in human endothelial cells. Oscillating lipid levels reduced basal respiration, adenosine triphosphate synthesis, and maximal respiration, indicating mitochondrial dysfunction. This lipid variability also elevated ROS levels, contributing to a chronic inflammatory state. Functionally, these changes impaired cell migration and increased monocyte adhesion, and induced endothelial apoptosis, evidenced by reduced cell viability, increased BAX, and decreased BCL2 expression. Lipid variability induce endothelial dysfunction by elevating inflammation and oxidative stress, providing mechanistic insights into how lipid variability increases cardiovascular risk.

The role of fatty acids in patients with Behçet's disease and their association with thrombosis.

Behçet's disease (BD) is a systemic disease with unknown etiopathogenesis and varying disease presentations. Fatty acids (FA) are essential biological compounds that are involved in complex metabolic pathways. They may contribute to inflammation and endothelial dysfunction by participating in many signaling pathways. Increased FAs levels are associated with an increased risk for various diseases. This study aimed to determine the relationship between FA, BD, and thrombotic complications. A total of 97 patients were recruited from the rheumatology department of a single center as a case-control study. The participants were divided into three groups: 36 patients with BD with thrombosis (Group 1), 24 patients with BD without thrombosis (Group 2), and 37 age- and sex-matched controls (Group 3). The analysis of 37 different FA with carbon numbers in the range of (4:0) and (24:1) in the samples were analyzed and compared between groups. Myristic acid (MA), methyl eicosatrienoate, and stearic acid (STA) levels were found to be significantly higher in BD with thrombosis than in BD without thrombosis, and palmitic acid (PA) levels were significantly higher in BD with thrombosis than in healthy individuals. MA was found to be a significant marker for differentiating between thrombotic BD. PA and STA are important markers for detecting thrombotic BD. In BD, lipotoxicity created by FA, such as PA, STA, and MA, plays a role as an inducer of inflammation and thrombosis through various mechanisms.