Total Fatty Acid Levels Research Articles

Measurement of Steroid Fatty Acyl Esters in Blood and Brain

Steroid fatty acyl esters (FAEs) are a class of steroid conjugates that are abundant in circulation, have long half-lives, and are stored in lipid-rich tissues. Steroid-FAEs are present in many species, but their functions are poorly understood. They can be metabolized to active, unconjugated steroids and therefore may act as a reservoir of steroids. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an androgen precursor that can be conjugated to various fatty acids. DHEA also modulates aggression in several species, including songbirds, rodents and humans. Recent studies suggest that DHEA-FAEs might be present in songbird blood and/or brain, in part, to regulate aggression. Here, we (1) investigated the abundance of multiple fatty acids in songbird blood and (2) developed an indirect method to measure DHEA-FAEs in songbird blood and brain. First, preliminary work demonstrated high circulating levels of total (esterified and non-esterified) fatty acids, especially oleic, linoleic, and palmitic acids. These data, in conjunction with previous research, suggest that these fatty acids might be conjugated to steroids, including DHEA. Second, we successfully developed a saponification technique to indirectly measure DHEA-FAEs. Saponification cleaves the bond between the steroid molecule and the fatty acid, and we then measure the unconjugated steroid. DHEA-FAEs were incubated in 0.5M potassium hydroxide in ethanol for 30 min at room temperature, and steroids were subsequently extracted twice with dichloromethane. Unconjugated DHEA was quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), the gold standard in steroid measurement. DHEA recovery was 88% using reference standards in neat solution. We validated this method with song sparrow plasma and chicken serum and obtained recoveries of 94-105% with intra-assay variation of 2.6%. Future research will directly measure specific DHEA-FAEs (e.g. DHEA-oleate) in blood and brain using LC-MS/MS. This research will elucidate the possible roles of steroid-FAEs in brain function and the regulation of steroid-dependent behavior. This work may also clarify the identities, levels and functions of steroid-FAEs in other species, including rodent models and humans. These data have implications for basic and clinical neuroendocrinology, offering insights into a possible storage system for steroids that may influence social behaviour.

Comparison of nutritional quality and volatile flavor compounds among bighead carp from three aquaculture systems.

To explore the differences in the nutritional quality of the muscles of bighead carp from different environments and aquaculture systems, we investigated three types of water bodies typically used for aquaculture: A common culture pond (NC), a natural lake (PY), and a cold water reservoir (XHK). Parameters affecting quality were evaluated, including muscle microstructure, fatty acid profiles, amino acid profiles, and volatile compounds. Fish from the XHK reservoir had the smallest muscle fiber diameter and the highest muscle fiber density (25.3 fibers/0.01 mm2), while muscle fiber density was lowest in fish from the NC pond (9.7 fibers/0.01 mm2). The bighead carp from the XHK reservoir had a much wider variety of unsaturated fatty acids, as well as higher levels of total polyunsaturated fatty acids. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexenoic acid (DHA), and arachidonic acid (AA) were all significantly more abundant in the XHK group, increases of 7.48%, 12.12%, and 17.49%, respectively (P < 0.05). The bighead carp from NC contained more “fishy” volatile flavor substances, as well as hydrocarbons with higher threshold values. Fish from XHK and NC had a greater umami intensity due to the presence of abundant volatiles with special aromas, including 1-Octene-3ol, DL-Menthol, and 2-ethyl-.

Catechin-grafted arabinoxylan conjugate: Preparation, structural characterization and property investigation

In this study, a high molecular weight arabinoxylan (AX, Mw: 694 kDa) from wheat bran was alkaline extracted and covalently linked with Catechin (CA) by free radical catalytic reaction. Comparing to AX, arabinoxylan-catechin (AX-CA) conjugates demonstrated an extra UV–vis absorption peak at 274 nm, a new FT-IR absorption band at 1516 cm−1 and new proton signals at 6.5–7.5 ppm, which all confirmed the covalently linked structure. Grafting CA onto AX not only decreased the molecular weight, thermal stability and apparent viscosity of AX, but also enhanced its inhibition effects on starch digestibility in vitro. The in vitro fermentation test with pig feces showed that the degradation & utilization rate of AX, the total short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and acetic acid levels produced all were significantly delayed after grafting. This study provided a novel approach to synthesize AX-CA conjugates that could be a novel dietary fiber of enhanced functional/bioactive properties using in the fields of functional foods and medicine.

Effects of olive cake meal on serum constituents and fatty acid levels in breast muscle of Japanese quail

This study was aimed at determining the effects of various levels of dietary olive cake meal (OCM) on certain blood parameters and breast muscle fatty acid and cholesterol levels. For this purpose, 400 day-old Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) chicks of both sexes were randomly assigned to four trial groups, each including five replicates of 20 animals. The quail were fed on a maize and soybean meal-based basal diet supplemented with 0%, 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% of OCM for six weeks. Dietary supplementation with 5% and 7.5% of OCM decreased total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the blood serum, and increased cholesterol levels in the breast muscle. Dietary supplementation with various levels of OCM decreased saturated fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid levels, and increased monounsaturated fatty acid and total unsaturated fatty acid levels in the breast muscle. As a result, it was concluded that, olive cake meal, which contains a high level of olive oil, could be incorporated in poultry feed at a level of 5%, owing to its beneficial effects of decreasing serum LDL cholesterol, which plays a major role in the aetiology of cardiovascular diseases, and in reducing saturated fatty acid levels in breast muscle.

Curative effects of sophorolipid on physical wounds: In vitro and in vivo studies.

Early‐weaning syndrome is harmful to animals because an effect on growth in the early‐stage of life generally determines the overall growth rate. Sophorolipid (SPL), a surface‐active glycolipid compound, has been shown to exhibit antimicrobial activity and stimulate cell proliferation. Thus, in vitro and in vivo studies were conducted to evaluate the potential of SPL on the gut turnover after the wound. The in vitro experiment with HT‐29 cells showed the increased proliferation with increasing gene levels of collagenase‐1 and matrilysin‐1. Next, the 16‐day in vivo experiment was conducted with thirty rats (14‐day‐old), and the allocation was performed according to their body weight (BW) into three treatments: control diet (CON), 48 ppm of oxytetracycline‐supplemented diet (OTC) and 10 ppm of SPL‐supplemented diet (SPL). Dietary SPL accelerates the growth of rats in overall periods, and intestinal permeability was lower in SPL at day 16. Villus:crypt ratio and the goblet cell count were also higher in SPL than in CON at day 8. Caecal Streptococcus spp. were significantly reduced with dietary SPL and OTC at day 8 and 16, and total short‐chain fatty acid, acetate and butyrate levels were increased in the SPL at day 8. In conclusion, these data demonstrated that SPL could improve gut remodelling potential and modulate the gut environments, resulted in acceleration of post‐weaning growth. Therefore, SPL could have a potential as a feed additive aimed at promoting repair system after wound in animal's gut.

High process activity of a two-phase UASB (upflow anaerobic sludge blanket) receiving ethanol wastewater: Operational conditions in relation to granulation development

The high process activity of a two-phase UASB (upflow anaerobic sludge blanket) system receiving ethanol wastewater was achieved in conjunction with sludge granulation. The optimal OLR (organic loading rate), as expressed in COD load of feed and overall effective liquid holding capacity, was found to be 32 kg m−3 d−1 with a mean granule diameter of 1.12 mm and granule density of 1.23 kg m−3. The system yielded a very high process effectiveness, as indicated in a high specific CH4 production rate (11.83 m3 CH4·mR−3 ·d−1) and a high total COD removal of above 90%. Moreover, the system showed the total energy yield was very high as 15,840 kJ kg−1 COD applied with the energy extraction efficiency of 82.5%. The sludge granulation seemed to begin and was clearly observed at high OLRs of 24 and 28 kg m−3 d−1, respectively. Apart from the long time operation (about 2 y) with a slowly increased rate of OLR, causing the accumulation of metal sulfide particles to act as nuclei to facilitate for the formation of microbial granules, the low pH of 5.5 in the primary reactor was responsible for avoiding the micronutrient deficit situation which, in turn, became a main factor in the success of granulation in the investigated two-phase UASB. The presence of lactic acid (HLa) in the secondary reactor can be used to indicate the system overload and process instability. The inhibition levels of total volatile fatty acids (VFA) to acidogens and methanogens were about 9,000 and 400 mg L−1 as acetic acid (HAc), respectively.

Extracted and Characterized Humic Substances as Feed Supplement in Rabbit Feeding: Effects on Performance, Blood Metabolites and Caecal Fermentation Activity

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary humic acid (HA) supplementation on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics, blood metabolites, and caecal fermentation activity in growing rabbits. Six-week-old New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits (n = 63) with an initial body weight of 726.32 ± 42.85 g, were randomly allocated to three groups of 21 rabbits each. Rabbits were fed on the basal diet with 0 (HA0, control), 5 (HA5) and 10 (HA10) gram/kilogram diet for 70 days in a completely randomised experimental design. A significant heavier (P < 0.001) final body weight and a higher average daily gain, with lower feed intake, and a better feed conversion ratio were in HA5 and HA10 rabbits. The digestibility of HA-supplemented diets was greater than that of HA0. Heaviest carcass weights (P < 0.05) were observed in the HA5 rabbits, followed by the HA10 rabbits vs. HA0. Protein and ash content of meat increased (P < 0.001) in all HA rabbits, while the ether extract decreased (P < 0. 01) in HA5 and HA10 rabbits. The HA-treated rabbits were distinguished by increased (P < 0.001) total protein, albumin, and globulin levels. However, the total cholesterol, triglycerides, and urea levels decreased (P < 0.001), and the blood glucose and creatinine levels remained unaffected with HA supplementation. Addition of HA reduced the pH of caecum and sharply decreased (P < 0.001) NH3-N content but it had no significant effect on the levels of total volatile fatty acids and acetic acid. Levels of propionic and butyric acid increased (P < 0.001) in response to HA supplementation. In conclusion, supplementation of HA of up to 10 g/kg can be used in diets of growing rabbits, with significant effects on the digestion, growth performance, blood cholesterol concentration, and caecal fermentation activity.

Probiotics ameliorate chronic low-grade inflammation and fat accumulation with gut microbiota composition change in diet-induced obese mice models.

Recent reports suggest that obesity is caused by dysbiosis of gut microbiota and that it could be prevented or treated through improvement in the composition and diversity of gut microbiota. In this study, high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice were orally administered with Lactobacillus plantarum K50 (K50) isolated from kimchi and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) as a positive control for 12 weeks. Body weight and weights of epididymal, mesenteric, and subcutaneous adipose tissues and the liver were significantly reduced in K50-treated HFD-fed mice compared with HFD-fed mice. The serum triglyceride level was decreased and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was increased in K50-treated HFD-fed mice. The gut microbiota analysis showed that the L. plantarum K50 treatment reduced the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and improved the gut microbiota composition. In addition, the level of total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in K50-treated HFD-fed mice was higher than that in HFD-fed mice. A remarkable reduction in the fat content of adipose tissue and liver was also observed in K50-treated HFD-fed mice, accompanied by improvements in gene expression related to lipid metabolism, adipogenesis, and SCFA receptors. K50-treated mice had downregulated expression levels of genes and proteins such as TNFα and IL-1β. Our findings confirm that L. plantarum K50 could be a good candidate for ameliorating fat accumulation and low-grade inflammation in metabolic tissues through gut microbiota improvement.

Biochemical changes and antioxidant capacity of naringin and naringenin against malathion toxicity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Flavonoids are rich in seeds, citrus fruits, olive oil, tea and red wine. Citrus flavonoids constitute an important type of flavonoids. Naringin and naringenin belong to flavonoids with known antioxidant and were found to display antioxidant activities. Malathion is an organophosphorus pesticide that has been broadly used throughout the world to control weeds and pests. It has also been used in public health for mosquito control and fruit fly eradication programs. Malathion, naringin, and naringenin were added to be in 40, 80, and 160 mg doses in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cultures mainly used to determine the antioxidant capacity, it is known that they have shown similar results to man. At the end of the experiment, total protein, malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin D, ergosterol, stigmasterol, β-Sitosterol, and fatty acids were analyzed by HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) and GC (gas chromatography) devices in the tested S. cerevisiae samples. The contents of the yeast cell of octanoic acid (C8:0), lauric acid (C12:0), myristic acid (C14:0), palmitic acid (C16:0), palmitoleic acid (C16:1n-7), heptadecanoic acid (C17:0), stearic acid (C18:0), oleic acid (C18:1n-9), and linoleic acid (C18:2n-6) were identified. There were statistically significant changes in total protein, MDA, GSH, GSSG, vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin D, phytosterol and fatty acid levels. It was determined that naringin and naringenin showed statistically significant decreases against malathion toxicity on these parameters. From this study it is found that, the mitigating effect of naringin against DPPH stable free radical was higher than that of naringenin. Citrus flavonoid, naringin showed promising antioxidant activity which can be used as effective protecting agents against oxidative stress.

Inhibition of Fatty Acid Metabolism Increases EPA and DHA Levels and Protects against Myocardial Ischaemia-Reperfusion Injury in Zucker Rats.

Long-chain ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are known to induce cardiometabolic benefits, but the metabolic pathways of their biosynthesis ensuring sufficient bioavailability require further investigation. Here, we show that a pharmacological decrease in overall fatty acid utilization promotes an increase in the levels of PUFAs and attenuates cardiometabolic disturbances in a Zucker rat metabolic syndrome model. Metabolome analysis showed that inhibition of fatty acid utilization by methyl-GBB increased the concentration of PUFAs but not the total fatty acid levels in plasma. Insulin sensitivity was improved, and the plasma insulin concentration was decreased. Overall, pharmacological modulation of fatty acid handling preserved cardiac glucose and pyruvate oxidation, protected mitochondrial functionality by decreasing long-chain acylcarnitine levels, and decreased myocardial infarct size twofold. Our work shows that partial pharmacological inhibition of fatty acid oxidation is a novel approach to selectively increase the levels of PUFAs and modulate lipid handling to prevent cardiometabolic disturbances.

Does the length of time dried distillers' grain with solubles substitution for soybean meal affect physiological indicators and meat quality in finishing lambs?

This study examined how inclusion of dried distillers' grains with solubles (DDGS) in finishing lamb diets for different periods affects some physiological indicators and meat quality. A total of 40 male lambs were divided into four groups according to feeding regimen during the 120-day finishing period as follows: C120: no DDGS included in diet for 120days; D120: DDGS included in diet for 120days; D75: no DDGS included in diet for 45days+DDGS included in diet for 75days; D45: no DDGS included in diet for 75days+DDGS included in diet for 45days. Dietary inclusion rate of DDGS was 27.5%. Fattening performance and rumen parameters were not affected by treatment. Feeding regimens had no significant effect on meat quality except the instrumental tenderness and juiciness score. DDGS fed lambs had higher level of total trans fatty acids and n-6/n-3 ratio in meat. 10t-C18:1, 11t-C18:1 and 9c,11t conjugated linoleic acid contents of adipose tissue were higher in all the DDGS groups compared with C120 lambs (p<.001). These results suggest that soybean meal can be replaced with corn DDGS in lamb diets for up to 120days during the finishing period with no adverse effects on some physiological response feedlot performance and meat quality.

Comparative Long-chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Levels in Blood, Placenta and Cord Blood of Pregnant Women with or without Pre-eclampsia

Background and Objective: Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) play an important role in the regulation of fat metabolism in the placenta and fetus. Changes in placental function in pre-eclampsia affect the transport of fatty acids and affect fetal nutrition. The aim of the study was to compare LCPUFA levels in blood, placenta and cord blood of pregnant women with or without pre-eclampsia. Methods: The blood, placenta and umbilical cord blood of pregnant women (n = 30 each) who were normotensive and with pre-eclampsia were collected. The levels of fatty acids in maternal blood, placenta and umbilical cord blood were determined by the quartz capillary gas chromatography technique. Results: The average age of normal pregnant women was 27.0±4.5 years and that of pre-eclampsia pregnant women was 30±4.0 years (P &gt; 0.05). The levels of total fatty acids, arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were higher in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia than in normal women. The level of linoleic acid in cord blood and placenta was significantly higher in pre-eclampsia group than in the normal pregnant women while linoleic acid content in maternal blood being lower in pre-eclampsia group compared to the normal maternal group. Conclusion: The changes of LCPUFA in blood, placenta and umbilical blood of pre-eclampsia may be related to the changes of LCPUFA in placenta. These changes may be involved in the pathophysiological process of pre-eclampsia. Maternal supplement of LCPUFA, such as DHA, in early gestation may be helpful in improving morbidity associated with maternal eclampsia.

Comparative Long-chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Levels in Blood, Placenta and Cord Blood of Pregnant Women with or without Pre-eclampsia

&lt;p&gt;Background and Objective: &amp;nbsp;Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) play an important role in the regulation of fat metabolism in the placenta and fetus. Changes in placental function in pre-eclampsia affect the transport of fatty acids and affect fetal nutrition. The aim of the study was to compare LCPUFA levels in blood, placenta and cord blood of pregnant women with or without pre-eclampsia.&lt;/p&gt;&#x0D; &lt;p&gt;Methods: &amp;nbsp;The blood, placenta and umbilical cord blood of pregnant women (n = 30 each) who were normotensive and with pre-eclampsia were collected. The levels of fatty acids in maternal blood, placenta and umbilical cord blood were determined by the quartz capillary gas chromatography technique.&lt;/p&gt;&#x0D; &lt;p&gt;Results: &amp;nbsp;The average age of normal pregnant women was 27.0&amp;plusmn;4.5 years and that of pre-eclampsia pregnant women was 30&amp;plusmn;4.0 years (P &amp;gt; 0.05). The levels of total fatty acids, arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were higher in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia than in normal women. The level of linoleic acid in cord blood and placenta was significantly higher in pre-eclampsia group than in the normal pregnant women while linoleic acid content in maternal blood being lower in pre-eclampsia group compared to the normal maternal group.&lt;/p&gt;&#x0D; &lt;p&gt;Conclusion: &amp;nbsp;The changes of LCPUFA in blood, placenta and umbilical blood of pre-eclampsia may be related to the changes of LCPUFA in placenta. These changes may be involved in the pathophysiological process of pre-eclampsia. Maternal supplement of LCPUFA, such as DHA, in early gestation may be helpful in improving morbidity associated with maternal eclampsia.&lt;/p&gt;

Maternal vitamin D deficiency influences long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and pregnancy outcome in association with alterations in one-carbon metabolism

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific disorder, leading to maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. Abnormal placentation has been reported in preeclampsia. Nutrients like vitamin D and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) are known to play a role in placental development. In an animal model, we have previously demonstrated that maternal vitamin D deficiency increases the thromboxane/prostacyclin ratio and contributes to inflammation and vasoconstriction. We hypothesize that maternal vitamin D status influences placental LCPUFA metabolism through alterations in one carbon metabolism in women with preeclampsia. To test this hypothesis, we recruited 69 normotensive control (NC) women and 50 women with preeclampsia. Women with preeclampsia had lower placental protein and mRNA levels of cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), higher plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and higher levels of arachidonic acid (AA) and total omega-6 fatty acids in the placenta. Women with preeclampsia also demonstrated higher placental mRNA levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) as compared to NC women. Maternal 25(OH)D levels were negatively associated with maternal plasma MDA levels. Placental vitamin D receptor (VDR) levels were positively associated with CBS while maternal MDA levels were positively associated with serum levels of thromboxane-B2 (TXB2) levels. Our findings indicate that vitamin D deficiency increases oxidative stress through alterations in one carbon metabolism to influence pro-inflammatory omega-6 metabolic pathway in the placenta. This study demonstrates a possible mechanism through which vitamin D deficiency can result in an imbalance in the LCPUFA metabolites and contribute to placental inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in preeclampsia.

Influence of rosuvastatin dose on total fatty acids and free fatty acids in plasma: Correlations with lipids involved in cholesterol homeostasis.

This study investigates for the first time the influence of four doses of rosuvastatin on total fatty acids (TFA) and free fatty acids (FFA) in human plasma and correlates their changes in concentration with changes in the concentration of other lipids involved in cholesterol homeostasis.This study was a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, crossover experiment. The study used a single group of 16 men and consisted of 5 treatment periods lasting 4 weeks each with placebo and 4 doses of rosuvastatin (5, 10, 20, and 40 mg). Each subject changed 5 medical treatments and received in each new treatment different tablets of rosuvastatin or placebo compared to those taken in previous treatments, in a random order. Between treatment periods there was a wash-out period of 2 weeks, without treatment.Changes in TFA and FFA were significant compared to placebo and between different doses of rosuvastatin. We found a continuous logarithmic decrease in levels of TFA, FFA, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, and apolipoprotein B-100, and a continuous increase in levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-1 by increases the dose of rosuvastatin. Analysis of the correlation of TFA and FFA with the main lipids and lipoproteins in cholesterol homeostasis indicated a linear regression with high correlation coefficients and all P-values were less than .05 level.The concentrations of TFA and FFA are significantly influenced by the dose of rosuvastatin. They are strongly correlated with those of other lipids and lipoproteins involved in cholesterol homeostasis. The mechanisms of cholesterol homeostasis regulation are involved in changing the concentrations of TFA and FFA.

A novel metabolic function of Myc in regulation of fatty acid synthesis in prostate cancer.

A subset of human prostate cancer exhibits increased de novo synthesis of fatty acids, but the molecular driver(s) of this metabolic abnormality remains obscure. This study demonstrates a novel metabolic function of c-Myc (Myc) in regulation of fatty acid synthesis. The role of Myc in regulation of fatty acid synthesis was investigated by: (a) interrogation of the prostate cancer The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset, (b) chromatin immunoprecipitation, and (c) determination of the expression of fatty acid synthesis enzymes and targeted metabolomics using a mouse model and human specimens. The expression of MYC was positively associated with that of key fatty acid synthesis genes including ACLY, ACC1, and FASN in prostate cancer TCGA dataset. Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed Myc occupancy at the promoters of ACLY, ACC1, and FASN. Prostate-specific overexpression of Myc in Hi-Myc transgenic mice resulted in overexpression of ACLY, ACC1, and FASN proteins in neoplastic lesions and increased circulating levels of total free fatty acids. Targeted metabolomics confirmed increased circulating levels of individual fatty acids in the plasma of Hi-Myc mice and human subjects when compared to corresponding controls. Immunohistochemistry also revealed a positive and statistically significant association in expression of Myc with that of ACC1 in human prostate adenocarcinoma specimens. We propose that Myc-regulated fatty acid synthesis is a valid target for therapy and/or prevention of prostate cancer.

The Role of Lipid Composition in the Sensory Attributes and Acceptability of the Salted and Dried Mullet Roes (Bottarga): A Study in Human and Animal Models.

A taste component is implicated in the oro-sensory detection of dietary lipids and free fatty acids seem to be involved in fatty food recognition. Bottarga, the salted and semi-dried ovary product of mullet (Mugil spp.), is a rich-fat food. A comparative sensory assessment of different commercial bottarga samples was performed in insect and human models in relation to their lipid composition. The bottarga attractant effect to Ceratitis capitata was assessed by behavioral tests. The subjective odor and taste perception of bottarga samples was investigated in human determining the rate of pleasantness, familiarity, and intensity dimensions using the 7-points Likert-type scale. Bottarga samples showed similar lipid profiles, but differences emerged in total and free fatty acid levels. Significant differences were observed in the attractant effect/acceptability of samples to medflies, negatively correlated to their total and free fatty acids. Insect female exhibited the ability to select among bottarga samples based on their visual and olfactory properties. In the human model, a potential contribution of free fatty acid amount in the pleasantness and familiarity dimensions of taste of bottarga samples was evidenced. Women exhibited a greater ability than men to select bottarga samples based on their better olfactory perception. Our results increase the knowledge about this outstanding product with nutritional and nutraceutical properties.

Effects on the liver lipidome of rat offspring prenatally exposed to bisphenol A

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a well-known endocrine disruptor that has obesogenic properties. We have previously reported sex- and age-dependent changes in hepatic transcriptome and proteome of several lipid homeostasis-related genes in rat offspring prenatally exposed to BPA. To further understand the impacts of prenatal BPA exposure, we analyzed lipidomic profiles in the postnatal day (PND) 21 and 60 rats using a high-resolution QTOF mass spectrometer coupled with a HPLC system. We found that the total lipid content was significantly decreased in PND21 females prenatally exposed to 5000 μg/kg bw/day of BPA. Levels of total fatty acids, acylcarnitines, and monoacylglycerols significantly increased in both female and male BPA-exposed rats at PND21. An elevation in total cholesterol esters and reductions in triacylglycerols and monogalactosyl diacylglycerols were found only in PND21 females prenatally exposed to BPA. Interestingly, opposite responses were observed for phospholipids and sphingolipids between PND21 females and males following BPA exposure. The effects on the body weight and total lipid content were mitigated in the latter stage, although the alterations of lipid profiles continued until PND60. A Data Integration Analysis for Biomarker discovery using Latent cOmponents (DIABLO) revealed a high correlation of the lipidome with our previously published transcriptome data. DIABLO also identified potential biomarkers of prenatal exposure to BPA; glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 1 (Gpd1) and glyceronephosphate O-acyltransferase (Gnpat), which are involved in the glycerophospholipid metabolism, in females and males, respectively. Collectively, we highlighted the sex- and age-dependent effects of prenatal BPA exposure on hepatic lipid homeostasis in rat offspring.

Chemico-Biological Characterization of Torpedino Di Fondi® Tomato Fruits: A Comparison with San Marzano Cultivar at Two Ripeness Stages.

Torpedino di Fondi (TF) is a hybrid tomato landrace developed in Sicily and recently introduced in the south Lazio area along with the classical San Marzano (SM) cultivar. The present study aimed at characterizing TF tomatoes at both pink and red ripening stages, and at comparing them with traditional SM tomatoes. A multidisciplinary approach consisting of morphological, chemical (FT-ICR MS, NMR, HPLC, and spectrophotometric methods), and biological (antioxidant and antifungal in vitro activity) analyses was applied. Morphological analysis confirmed the mini-San Marzano nature and the peculiar crunchy and solid consistency of TF fruits. Pink TF tomatoes displayed the highest content of hydrophilic antioxidants, like total polyphenols (0.192 mg/g), tannins (0.013 mg/g), flavonoids (0.204 mg/g), and chlorophylls a (0.344 mg/g) and b (0.161 mg/g), whereas red TF fruits were characterized by the highest levels of fructose (3000 mg/100 g), glucose (2000 mg/100 g), tryptophan (2.7 mg/100 g), phenylalanine (13 mg/100 g), alanine (25 mg/100 g), and total tri-unsaturated fatty acids (13% mol). Red SM fruits revealed the greatest content of lipophilic antioxidants, with 1234 mg/g of total carotenoids. In agreement with phenolics content, TF cultivar showed the greatest antioxidant activity. Lastly, red TF inhibited Candida species (albicans, glabrata and krusei) growth.

Growth performance and meat quality of broilers fed with microencapsulated organic acids

The aim of this study was to determine whether the addition of microencapsulated organic acids to replace conventional performance enhancers gives rise to adequate zootechnical performance, quality of chicken meat and animal health. We used 640 birds, divided into four groups with eight repetitions per group (n = 20), as follows: 1) negative control (NC): only basal feed; 2) positive control (PC): basal feed with antibiotics and coccidiostatic agents; 3) dose recommended by the manufacturer of organic acid according to the age of the birds (OA-R: days 1–21 – 3.0 kg/Ton; days 22–33 - 2.0 kg/Ton; days 34–42 – 1.0 kg/Ton); 4) test dose of organic acid (OA-T: days 1–21 – 2.2 kg/Ton; days 22–33 – 1.5 kg/Ton; days 34–42 – 0.75 kg/Ton). Zootechnical performance was measured on days 7, 21 and 42. Excreta were collected for parasitological analysis and total bacterial count on days 21 and 42. Blood samples were collected at 42 days of age for biochemical, hematological, and enzymatic analyses. At 42 days, eight birds per treatment were euthanized for meat quality analysis and fatty acid profile measurement. Birds supplemented with organic acids showed a production efficiency index equal to that of the PC (P < 0.05). There were lower total bacterial counts in the OAT group than in the NC and PC (P < 0.001) at 42 days. The lowest excretion of oocysts was found in the PC, followed by the OAT group compared to the NC (P < 0.001) at 42 days. A higher villus:crypt relationship was observed in birds in the OAT group than in the PC (P < 0.01). There were lower levels of total saturated fatty acids in samples from birds belonging to NC and OAT (P < 0.01) than in PC; levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids were higher in OAR than in PC (P < 0.01). We conclude that the addition of the tested molecules maintains the productive efficiency index, while adding coccidiostatic and antimicrobial activity, in addition to reducing the proportion of saturated fatty acids and increasing the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the meat.