Linoleic Fatty Acids Research Articles

Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties of Ethanolic Pot-Pollen Extracts of Melipona beecheii and Determination of the Major Components by GC-MS.

Melipona beecheii pot-pollen is a natural product that has barely been studied, unlike other hive products such as honey and propolis. Its application has been reported since ancient times in traditional Mayan medicine, and it is also a functional food with high nutritional value. In the present study, samples of ethanolic pot-pollen extracts from five locations in the Yucatán Peninsula were analyzed to determine their antibacterial and antioxidant properties. All the extracts showed activity against five medically important bacteria; Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Listeria monocytogenes were the most susceptible bacteria in all samples. The evaluated antioxidant activity was higher than that reported by other studies. Palmitic, linoleic, and linolenic fatty acids and their respective ethyl ethers were detected by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) in all samples in different concentrations. Based on these results, pot-pollen extract from Mama, Yucatán exhibited the best biological activities (Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) between 6 and 40 mg/mL, EC50 DPPH 28 μg/mL, EC50 RP 30 μg/mL), which could be related to a higher content of unsaturated fatty acids and their ethyl esters. The present study demonstrates that M. beecheii pot-pollen has therapeutic potential in addition to its benefits as a nutritional supplement.

Baru nut oil physicochemical properties, fatty acid and mineral nutritional quality: a high source of oligoelement selenium

Baru nut (Dipteryx alata Vogel) oil obtained by cold pressed machine yielded 24% (mg g–1), primarily composed of unsaturated fatty acids (⁓ 79%), with oleic and linoleic acids in the proportion of 2:1. The oxidative stability assessed by Rancimat method, Thermogravimetry analysis and Differential Scanning Calorimetry revealed thermal stability, which attributed to a higher amount of oleic than linoleic fatty acids, synergistic action of the natural antioxidants and low iodine index. The nutritional qualities were calculated to atherogenic (AI = 0.07), thrombogenic (TI = 0.22) and hypocholesterolemic/ hypercholesterolemic (HH = 13.77), and physicochemical indices: acidity (0.62), peroxide (9.99), saponification (179.93) were higher, whereas iodine (93.00) and relative density (0.9121) were found between the recommended Codex Alimentarius parameters. Mineral elements were quantified using ICP OES (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy) in decreased order of Mg > Se > Zn > Mn > Al > Cu, whereas As, Co, Cd, Cr, Fe, Ni, and Pb < LOD. In addition, this oil showed optimal indices to non-cancer risk (CR < 10–6), and non-carcinogenic: hazard quotient (HQ), and total hazard indices (HI) < 1. Nevertheless, major attention is necessary for children and Se hypersensitive consumers, which baru oil daily consumption quantity was estimated based on selenium (Se) trace element at 0.7964 g kg–1. Thus, we recommend the consumption of baru nut oil for human health promotion and metabolic disease prevention.

PSIII-10 Flaxseed oil-based supplement alters water consumption and plasma fatty acid profile of beef heifers

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a flaxseed oil-based supplement (FlaxLic, New Generations, SD) on reproductive parameters, feeding behavior, and lipid profile in beef heifers. Crossbred Angus heifers [n = 60 body weight (BW) = 397kg ± 5.2 kg) were blocked by BW and antral follicle count and randomly assigned to two supplementation treatments: free-choice commercial lose mineral supplement (CON; n = 30) or free-choice flaxseed oil-based supplement (FLAX; n = 30) for 7 wk. Heifers were individually fed via the Insentec feeding system (Insentec RIC, Hokofarm, Marknesse, Netherlands), where basal diet (TMR) and supplements were provided in separate feeders to measure supplement intake and feeding behavior. Further, water intake and behavior were measured via Insentec water system. Individual intake was compiled over 24 h for each animal. Body weight, transrectal ultrasonography, and blood samples were collected weekly. On wk 5, heifers were enrolled in a fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) commercial protocol. Largest follicle diameter (LF) and corpus luteum (CL) presence were recorded weekly and on d of the FTAI protocol (d 0, d 7, and d 0). Pregnancy diagnosis was performed 30 d and 60 d following AI. Blood samples were analyzed for progesterone (P4) by radioimmunoassay (RIA) to determine puberty attainment before wk 5, and fatty acid profile was determined via gas chromatography-flame ionization detection. Heifers with a CL or P4 ≤ 1.0 ng/mL were considered pubertal. Data were analyzed using SAS 9.4. ADG was similar between groups (P = 0.90) but was affected by week (P < 0.01). TMR intake was similar in duration and quantity (P > 0.18) between groups. Supplement intake was greater (P < 0.01) for FLAX (0.73 ± 0.03 kg/d) compared with CON (0.18 ± 0.02 kg/d) and from wk 2 to wk 8 (P = 0.01). Time spent consuming the supplements was greater for FLAX compared with CON heifers (62.65 ± 2.11 vs 0.10 ± 0.11 min/d, respectively) over the entire trial (P < 0.01). Further, FLAX heifers consumed less water than CON heifers (32.2 ± 0.39 vs 33.93 ± 0.35 kg/d, respectively; P = 0.03) and from wk 2 to wk 7 (P = 0.03). LF was not different between groups on any of the days of the protocol (d 0, d 7, d 0; P > 0.20). Additionally, P4 (P ≤ 0.20), puberty attainment by wk 5 (P = 0.24), and pregnancy rates (P > 0.48) were similar between groups. Concentrations of arachidonic acid (3.00 ± 0.24 vs 2.32 ± 0.19 mg/mL; P = 0.04), linoleic (60.11 ± 4.34 vs 40.35 ± 4.04 mg/mL; P = 0.002), αLinolenic (16.73 ± 0.26 vs 15.86 ± 0.23 mg/mL; P = 0.02), and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA; 130.52 ± 5.97 vs 111.19 ± 5.56 mg/mL; P = 0.02) were greater on wk 8 for FLAX compared with CON heifers. Collectively, these findings did not show evidence that the flaxseed oil-based supplement affects variables that impact reproductive performance. However, it altered the plasma lipid profile, increasing omega-3, arachidonic, and linoleic fatty acids, as well as total PUFA.

Linoleic and Arachidonic Fatty Acids and their Potential Relationship with Inflammation, Pregnancy, and Fetal Development.

To summarize the evidence of maternal, placental, and fetal alterations that an excessive intake of n-6 polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs), LA, and AA, could produce during pregnancy. A thorough review of the literature regarding the effects of n-6 PUFAs during pregnancy and lactation including in vivo and in vitro models, was carried out using the PubMed database from the National Library of Medicine-National Institutes of Health. An elevated intake of n-6 PUFA, specifically LA, during pregnancy influences children's motor, cognitive, and verbal development during infancy and early childhood. Similarly, they could harm the placenta and the development of other fetal organs such as the fat tissue, liver, and cardiovascular system. Maternal diet, specifically LA intake, could have significant repercussions on fetal development and long-term consequences in the offspring, including the possibility of future metabolic and mental diseases. It would be necessary to focus on the prevention of these alterations through timely dietary interventions in the target population.

Long-chain fatty acids block allergic reaction against lipid transfer protein Sola l 7 from tomato seeds.

Due to the benefits of tomato as an antioxidant and vitamin source, allergy to this vegetable food is a clinically concerning problem. Sola l 7, a class I lipid transfer protein found in tomato seeds, has been identified as an allergen linked to severe anaphylaxis. However, the role of lipid binding in Sola l 7-induced allergy remains unclear. Here, the three-dimensional structure of recombinant Sola l 7 (rSola l 7) has been elucidated using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). Its interaction with free fatty acids has been deeply studied; fluorescence emission spectroscopy revealed that different long-chain fatty acids interact with the protein, affecting the only tyrosine residue present in Sola l 7. On the contrary, no changes in the overall secondary structure were observed after the analysis of the circular dichroism spectra in the presence of fatty acids. Unsaturated oleic and linoleic fatty acids presented higher affinity and promoted more significant changes than saturated or short-chain fatty acids. 1H-15N HSQC NMR spectra allowed to determine the regions of the protein that were modified when rSola l 7 interacts with the fatty acids, suggesting epitope modification after the interaction. For corroboration, IgG and IgE binding to rSola l 7 were assessed in the presence of free fatty acids, revealing that both IgE and IgG binding were significantly lower than in their absence, suggesting a potential protective role of unsaturated fatty acids in tomato allergy.

Monomeric Fe(III)-Hydroxo and Fe(III)-Aqua Complexes Display Oxidative Asynchronous Hydrogen Atom Abstraction Reactivity.

This paper presents the synthesis and characterization of a series of novel monomeric aqua-ligated iron(III) complexes, [FeIII(L5R)(OH2)]2+ (R=OMe, H, Cl, NO2), supported by an amide-containing pentadentate N5 donor ligand, L5R [HL5R=2-(((1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)methyl)(pyridin-2-yl-methyl)amino)-N-(5-R-quinolin-8-yl)acetamide]. The complexes were characterized by various spectroscopic and analytical techniques, including electrochemistry and magnetic measurements. The Fe(III)-hydroxo complexes, [FeIII(L5R)(OH)]1+, were generated in situ by deprotonating the corresponding aqua complexes in a pH ~7 aqueous medium. In another way, adding one equivalent of a base to a methanolic solution of the Fe(III)-aqua complexes also produced the Fe(III)-hydroxo complexes. The study uses linoleic fatty acid as a substrate to explore the hydrogen atom abstraction (HAA) reactivity of both hydroxo and aqua complexes. The investigation highlights the substitution effect of the L5R ligand on reactivity, revealing a higher rate when an electron-withdrawing group is present. Hammett analyses and(or) determination of the asynchronicity factor (η) suggest an oxidative asynchronous concerted proton-electron transfer (CPET) pathway for the HAA reactions. Aqua complexes exhibited a higher asynchronicity in CPET, resulting in higher reaction rates than their hydroxo analogs. Overall, the work provides insights into the beneficial role of a higher imbalance in electron-transfer-proton-transfer (ET-PT) contributions in HAA reactivity.

Differently processed Sri Lankan traditional rice as a source of oleic, linoleic, and other fatty acids

Differently processed Sri Lankan traditional rice as a source of oleic, linoleic, and other fatty acids

Characteristics of Arabica and Robusta Spent Coffee Grounds Oil Extract with Different Solvents

Abstract High coffee consumption contributes to waste, such as spent coffee grounds (SCG). SCG contains up to 20 % oil, with the main oil content being linoleic and palmitic fatty acids. So, SCG has the potential to be used in valuable products. This study aims to characterise Arabica and Robusta SCG oil using maceration methods with different solvents (hexane, ethanol, and petroleum benzene) to obtain maximum coffee oil as an alternative. Arabica and Robusta SCG characterisation comprises the composition content, oil yield, fatty acid profile, and viscosity. The results showed that Arabica SCG oil yield was higher than Robusta, with hexane becoming the most efficient solvent to extract the oil, with 28,87% and 25,57%, respectively. The lowest free fatty acid (FFA) found in Arabica SCG oil extract using hexane is 1,95%, which consists of palmitic acid (9.41%), linoleic acid (5.37%), and stearic acid (4.7%). The highest viscosity is Arabica SCG oil extract using hexane, which is caused by the large amount of long-chain fatty acids extracted by the solvent, such as palmitic acid and linoleic acid. The FFA content of Arabica SCG oil extract using hexane has the potential to be edible oil (cooking oil) and biodiesel.

Физиологическое состояние стерляди в условиях садковых и бассейновых хозяйств

The growing conditions of sturgeon fish affect the growth and physiological state, their morphological characteristics. The study of changes in physiological processes under the influence of a complex of factors in the conditions of cage complexes and closed water supply systems will allow for timely adjustment of technology and reduce risks when growing commercial products. The repair and breeding herds of fish breeding enterprises contain sterlet individuals of different ages, which annually, upon reaching puberty, enter the fish breeding process as producers. In this regard, we have studied the main morphophysiological indicators of two-year-olds kept in cages and in closed water supply installations (CWSI). The influence of environmental factors was noted not only on growth indicators, but also on the size of the internal organs of fish and their condition. The unstable temperature regime in the cages, dependence on unpredictable changes in the hydrochemical parameters of the aquatic environment contributes to deep physiological transformations of an adaptive nature, which slows down the growth rate and accumulation of reserve substances. Changes in morphometric parameters were also evident. In sturgeon, there is an increase in the relative weight of the heart, spleen and gonads, a decrease in the weight of the kidneys and liver. The influence of optimal temperature and trophic conditions on the index of the gastrointestinal tract was noted, which was slightly lower in fish from the CWSI than in individuals exposed to negative factors in cages. Sterlet blood counts, regardless of the conditions of detention, corresponded to physiologically healthy individuals. The creation of optimal hydrological and trophic conditions in CWSI contribute to the accumulation of phospholipids and linolenic fatty acids in tissues, which play an important role in the adaptation of the body to negative environmental factors.

Supercritical CO2 Extraction of Natural Compounds from Capuchin (Tropaeolum majus) Leaves and Seeds

This study investigated the supercritical CO2 extraction of oils from capuchin (Tropaeolum majus) seeds (4.34% moisture content) and leaves (5.26% moisture content) and analyzed the effects of varying temperature and pressure conditions. The extraction yields were 3% for the seeds and 2% for the leaves. The seed extracts were rich in oleic, linoleic, and palmitic fatty acids, whereas the leaf extracts contained a high concentration of octacosanol (73.37%). Kinetic analysis revealed distinct mass transfer mechanisms during extraction, and the Sovová model effectively described the extraction kinetics, showing good agreement with experimental data (ADD% < 4%). An analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated the impact of temperature and pressure on the yields, with temperature being the most influential factor. The experimental conditions ranged from 22 to 28 MPa and from 313.15 to 333.15 K. This study contributes to the understanding of capuchin oil extraction and its potential applications in various fields, owing to the presence of bioactive compounds.

Study of Lipid Accumulation from Chlorococcum Microalga for Biodiesel Conversion

Microalgae-derived biodiesel seems to be a viable substitute for petroleum-based transportation fuels as a renewable biofuel. Raising the lipid content of microalgal strains may therefore provide a low-cost second-generation feedstock for the synthesis of biodiesel. Chlorococcum growth and lipid accumulation were investigated under a range of culture conditions, including CO2 concentration, temperature, and nitrate concentrations. The lipid content increased significantly by 33.1 ± 0.28% of dry cell weight in N-/30 ºC/CO2 cultivation in Bristol medium. The highest biomass productivity was achieved at 30ºC when there was adequate nitrogen and CO2 supplementation (N+/30 oC/CO2). Gas chromatography was employed to determine the proper ratio of fatty acids. The biomass of chlorococcum shows great potential as a feedstock for the manufacture of biodiesel since it is mostly composed of oleic and linoleic fatty acids.

Зміни жирнокислотного складу проростків кукурудзи за впливу мікробіологічного комплексу

Orientation of agricultural production to ecological expediency leads to interest in the use of microbial preparations that are able to increase the resistance of plants to negative environmental factors and activate germination processes. This study was conducted with the aim to investigate the influence of a microbiological complex on the sowing properties of seeds and the fatty acid composition of seedlings of different breeding samples of corn. Methods. Corn seeds of two lines 1-Ak026 and 2-Ak033 and their simple interline hybrid, which is the parent component of the three-line hybrid NUBiSe included in the State Register of plant varieties suitable for distribution in Ukraine, were used for the research. Seed inoculation was carried out with a microbial complex, which contained biological preparations Sporazyn, Avercom, and Phytovit. Seedlings from the seeds of the corresponding corn samples not treated with the microbial complex served as controls. The fatty acid composition of lipids was determined in the biological material of corn seedlings of different variants of the experiment. The Folch method was used to extract fats from plant material. Hydrolysis and methylation of fatty acids of lipids obtained from corn seedlings was carried out according to DSTU ISO 5509-2002. Fatty acids were detected and identified by gas chromatography. The quantity of fatty acids was calculated by the method of internal normalization in percentages. Results. The influence of the microbiological complex on the quantitative and qualitative composition of fatty acids of the lipid complex of corn seedlings was established, which depended on the breeding sample. In the process of research, 22 fatty acids were detected and quantitatively identified in corn seedlings. In the seedlings of lines 1-Ak033 and 2-Ak033, 20 and 19 of them were found, respectively, and in the hybrid – 18. The highest percentage content (more than 90 %) was revealed for palmitic (C16:0), oleic (C18:1n9c), and linoleic (C18:2ω6c) fatty acids. The use of the microbial complex made it possible to detect the fatty acids in line 1 and the hybrid that were not detected in the samples without inoculation. Conclusions. The study of the fatty acid composition of the microbial preparation Sporazyn revealed the highest content of unsaturated fatty acids (67.47 %) and the ratio of saturated to unsaturated (0.48). The use of microbiological preparations on corn seeds increased the activity of the germination processes, which led to the improvement of sowing properties and changes in the fatty acid composition of the lipid complex of seedlings of various breeding forms of Zea mays.

Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Droppings as Sensitive Markers of Chicken Health Status.

The aim of this study was to analyze the physical and chemical characteristics of chicken droppings (n = 73), which were collected during different age periods and classified by visual inspection into normal (N) and abnormal (A). Significant differences were found in the texture, pH, dry matter (DM), fatty acids (FAs), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and volatile compounds (VCs) between the tested dropping groups (p ≤ 0.05). The age period of the chicken had a significant influence on the color coordinates, texture, pH, DM, and SCFA contents in N and A as well as on all FAs content in N (p ≤ 0.05). Droppings from the N group had a harder texture, lower values of a* and b* color coordinates, higher DM content, higher level of linoleic FA, and lower level of α-linolenic FA than the droppings from the A group in each age period (p ≤ 0.05). The predominant SCFA was acetic acid, the content of which was significantly lower in the N group compared to that of the A group. The alcohol and organic acid contents were the highest in most of the A group at different age periods, while ketones dominated in the N and A groups. In conclusion, the majority of the tested dropping characteristics were influenced by the age period. While certain characteristics demonstrate differences between N and A, a likely broader range of droppings is required to provide more distinct trends regarding the distribution of characteristics across different droppings.

PSIII-15 Effect of dietary fatty acids composition on growth performance, fecal consistency, and plasma fatty acid profile of weaned pigs

Abstract Dietary lipids are an important source of energy and fatty acids (FA), which have critical roles in mucosal immune responses, epithelial barrier functions, and overall intestinal development. Therefore, including fat in nursery pig diets can be used as a nutritional strategy to optimize pig growth performance and intestinal health after weaning. This study evaluated the effects of two different dietary fatty acid compositions derived from conventional soybean oil (CSO) and/or high oleic soybean oil (HOSO) supplementation on growth performance, fecal consistency, and plasma FA profile of weaned pigs. A total of 208 weaned pigs (body weights = 4.96 ± 0.8 kg) were used in a randomized complete block design and allotted to 16 pens of 13 pigs each. Experimental diets met NRC (2012) requirements and were provided in a 3-phase nursery feeding program: Phase 1 (d 0-d7), Phase 2 (d 8-d21), and Phase 3 (d 22-d42). Pens were assigned to one of two dietary treatments consisting of two dietary FA compositions derived from the supplementation of 3% of either CSO (20% Oleic acid; 50% Linoleic acid; 6% Linolenic acid) or HOSO (44% Oleic acid; 30% Linoleic acid; 3% Linolenic acid). Feed disappearance and body weight were measured at d 0, 21, and 42. Pen fecal score was assigned daily from d 0 to 21 and then 3 times per week until d 42. Blood samples were collected on d 21 (2 pigs/pen) for plasma FA profile analysis. Performance data were analyzed using T-TEST and fecal score using PROC FREQ procedures of SAS. From d 0 to 21, pigs fed CSO supplemented diets had a greater (P ≤ 0.05) body weight (8.6 vs. 7.4 kg) and daily gain (0.17 vs. 0.12 kg). In addition, daily feed intake and feed efficiency tended to be 23% and 16% greater in CSO-fed pigs, respectively. From d 21 to d 42, there were no differences between dietary treatments for growth performance. Overall nursery period, pigs fed CSO had greater (P ≤ 0.1) daily gain than HOSO pigs (0.34 vs. 0.30 kg). Pigs fed CSO had a greater (P ≤ 0.05) plasma concentration of palmitic, linoleic, and linolenic FA while pigs fed HOSO had a greater (P ≤ 0.05) plasma concentration of palmitoleic and oleic FA. There were no differences in fecal scores in wk 1 and 2. However, pigs fed CSO had less incidence of soft and watery feces (χ2 < 0.1) in wk 3 to 6. In conclusion, a greater dietary content of linoleic and linolenic FA promoted pig growth performance and reduced incidence of diarrhea after weaning compared with greater content of oleic FA.

HO-CR and HOLL-CR: new forms of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) with altered fatty acid composition and resistance to selected pathotypes of Plasmodiophora brassicae (clubroot)

The priority in oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) research and breeding programs worldwide is to combine different features to develop cultivars tailored to specific applications of this crop. In this study, forms with a modified fatty acid composition of seed oil were successfully combined with a source of resistance to Plasmodiophora brassicae Wor., a harmful protist-causing clubroot. Three HO-type recombinants in F6–F12 generations with oleic acid content of 80.2–82.1% and one HOLL-type F6 inbred mutant recombinant (HOmut × LLmut), with a high oleic acid content (80.9%) and reduced linolenic acid content (2.3%), were crossed with the cultivar Tosca, resistant to several pathotypes of P. brassicae. The work involved genotyping with the use of DNA markers specific for allelic variants of desaturase genes responsible for the synthesis of oleic and linolenic fatty acids, CAPS (FAD2 desaturase, C18:1), and SNaPshot (FAD3 desaturase, C18:3), respectively. Of 350 progenies in the F3 generation, 192 (55%) were selected for further studies. Among them, 80 HO (≥ 72%) lines were identified, 10 of which showed resistance to at least one up to four P. brassicae pathotypes. Thirty lines in the selected progeny contained high oleic acid and less than 5% linolenic acid; eight of them belonged to the HOLL type conferring resistance to at least one pathotype. Two HO lines and two HOLL lines were resistant to four pathotypes. The resulting HO-CR and HOLL-CR inbred lines with altered seed oil fatty acid composition and resistance to P. brassicae represent unique oilseed rape material with the desired combination of valuable traits.

Physicochemical composition, centesimal, and phytochemical profile of umbu seed flour (Spondias tuberosa Arruda)

This study aimed to investigate the nutritional potential of umbu (Spondias tuberosa Arruda) seed flours. This was an experimental study. The seeds of the umbu fruit were subjected to an oven-drying process in order to obtain the flour. Subsequently, the analysis of the centesimal composition, physicochemical, mineral, and fatty acid profile, microbiological investigation, and the screening of bioactive phytochemicals of the umbu seed flours in hydroethanolic extracts were carried out. A completely randomized design (CID) was used, with three replications, and the results were expressed as means followed by standard deviation. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out, and the Tukey’s test was applied at a 5% probability level. It was possible to obtain flour from umbu seeds. It was observed that they contained significant amounts of insoluble dietary fiber (80.9 ± 0.55a g.100-1), protein (6.95 ± 0.10a g.100-1), and lipids (5.54 ± 1.13a g.100-1). The minerals present included zinc (1.87 ± 0.05b mg.100 g-1), manganese (14.36 ± 0.34c mg.100 g-1), and calcium (104.79 ± 0.92c mg.100 g-1). The flours had high levels of oleic monounsaturated fatty acids (33.10 ± 0.13a g.100-1), linoleic polyunsaturated fatty acids (38.06 ± 0.06b g.100-1), and palmitic saturated fatty acids (19.1 ± 0.04b g.100-1), in addition to considerable levels of phenolic compounds (276.21 ± 14.01a mg.g-1 GAE) and flavonoids (891.09 ± 9.01ª mg.g-1 rutin), with satisfactory sanitary conditions for Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Bacillus cereus molds, and yeasts. This study suggests that umbu seed meals can be considered relevant sources of dietary fiber, minerals, and natural antioxidants.

In vitroruminal fermentation, core nutrient, fatty acids and mineral matter of pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium L.) herbage at different phenological stages.

In ruminants, fibrous feedstuffs must be included in the ration to ensure normal rumen physiology and to prevent the occurrence of rumen-related metabolic diseases. In addition to being a source of fibrous feedstuffs, they contain energy depending on the level of digestion and protein, minerals, fatty acids, minerals, and secondary compounds. This study aimed to determine the nutrient matter, fatty acid, mineral and in vitro rumen fermentation values of the pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium L.) plant. The pennyroyal plant samples were collected at different phenological stages (vegetative, full flowering, and seed bulking) from the natural meadow. The samples were analysed for core nutrients, condensed tannins, minerals, fatty acids, and in vitro ruminal fermentation parameters. The calcium (Ca) and iron (Fe) contents and in vitro ruminal fermentation parameters (total gas production and methane production, organic matter digestion (OMd), and the ammonia-nitrogen) decreased with increasing phenological stage (p < 0.05). The percentages of linoleic, α-linolenic, ω-3, ω-6 and polyunsaturated fatty (PUFA) acids of the pennyroyal plant linearly increased with the phenological stages (p < 0.05). However, butyric acid (BA) concentration in the in vitro ruminal fermentation fluid in the full flowering stage was lower than that of other stages (p < 0.05). Pennyroyal plant is a functional plant in terms of high values of ether extract (EE), α-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, ∑ω-3 fatty acids, Ca, Fe and Zn contents. For this plant to be used as animal feed, the stage when it has the highest values for Ca, Mg, S and Zn minerals and in vitro OMd were vegetative and full flowering. The stage with good potential as animal feed for ∑ω-3 and ∑ω-6 fatty acids and core nutrients (CP and EE) is the seed bulking stage.

A Metabolome-Wide Mendelian Randomization Study Identifies Dysregulated Arachidonic Acid Synthesis as a Potential Causal Risk Factor for Bipolar Disorder

BackgroundBipolar disorder (BPD) is a debilitating mood disorder with an unclear etiology. A better understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms will help to identify novel targets for improved treatment options and prevention strategies. In this metabolome-wide Mendelian randomization study, we screened for metabolites that may have a causal role in BPD. MethodsWe tested a total of 913 circulating metabolite exposures assessed in 14,296 Europeans using a mass spectrometry-based platform. For the BPD outcome, we used summary data from the largest and most recent genome-wide association study reported to date, including 41,917 BPD cases. ResultsWe identified 33 metabolites associated with BPD (padjusted < 5.48 × 10−5). Most of them were lipids, including arachidonic acid (β = −0.154, SE = 0.023, p = 3.30 × 10−11), a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid, along with several complex lipids containing either an arachidonic or a linoleic fatty acid side chain. These associations did not extend to other closely related psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia or depression, although they may be involved in the regulation of lithium response. These lipid associations were driven by genetic variants within the FADS1/2/3 gene cluster, which is a robust BPD risk locus encoding a family of fatty acid desaturase enzymes that are responsible for catalyzing the conversion of linoleic acid into arachidonic acid. Statistical colocalization analyses indicated that 27 of the 33 metabolites shared the same genetic etiology with BPD at the FADS1/2/3 cluster, demonstrating that our findings are not confounded by linkage disequilibrium. ConclusionsOverall, our findings support the notion that arachidonic acid and other polyunsaturated fatty acids may represent potential targets for BPD.

Chemical Profile of Cold-Pressed Beech Nut (Fagus sylvatica L.) Oil

The objective of this study was to assess the chemical characteristics of cold-pressed beech nut oil. The nuts, gathered from the forest, comprised 25.35% water, 13.19% oil, and 19.40% protein. The predominant fatty acid was linoleic acid (40.5%), followed by oleic acid (35.0%) and gondoic acid (7.7%). All four tocopherols were present in the oil, with γ-tocopherol being the dominant form at 99.38 mg per 100 g of oil. The total sterol content was 2708.73 mg per kg of oil, with β-sitosterol constituting 80.5% of all sterols. The main characteristics of the oil included its relatively high tocopherol and gondoic acid content, a dominant oleic–linoleic fatty acid profile, and elevated levels of carotenoids.

Phytochemistry, Mineral Estimation, Nutritional, and the In Vitro Anti-Sickling Potentials of Oil Extracted from the Seeds of Mucuna Flagellipes

Abstract. Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder indicative of red blood cells becoming sickle-shaped. The study investigated the in vitro anti-sickling potentials of the seed oil of M. flagellipes. The phytochemistry (fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals) was also determined using standard protocols. Finally, nutritional calculations on the oil were performed to determine its suitability for nutritional purposes. The result showed high zinc content (780 ± 2.50 µg/ 100 mg), while low iron content was observed (170 ± 1.30 µg/ 100 mg). Vitamin analysis showed the presence of vitamins A, E and K with values of 220 ± 1.60, 370 ± 2.20, and 197 ± 0.23 µg/100 mg respectively. The fatty acid profile revealed oleic (31.87 %) and linoleic (18.30 %) fatty acids as the major unsaturated fat in the oil, while palmitic fatty acid (5.91 %) was the major saturated fatty acid. Nutritional calculations showed high PUFA/SFA (2.07), MUFA/SFA (3.62), and UI (68.47). However, the index of thrombogenicity (0.07) and atherogenicity (0.11) was low in the seed oil. Finally, the in vitro anti-sickling potentials of the seed oil showed the oil inhibited and reversed sickling in a dose-dependent manner. Hbs polymerization was also inhibited and Fe2+/Fe3+ was upregulated following treatment with the seed oil. Collectively, the oil showed good anti-sickling potentials, which can be labelled to the presence of zinc, vitamins and unsaturated fat. The nutritional calculations suggest that the seed oil is cardio-friendly and does not pose any nutritional threat.