Lipid Analysis Research Articles

Impact of multilamellar formulations on stratum corneumlipid organization and epidermal lipid barrier enhancement (Part II).

The integrity of the stratum corneum (SC) is crucial for the skin's barrier function, protecting against environmental stressors and minimizing transepidermal water loss. Advances in skincare formulations have introduced multilamellar systems designed to emulate the SC's lipid composition and organization. This study hypothesizes that the application of a multilamellar cream will significantly impact the SC's lipid content and lamellar structure, thereby enhancing the epidermal barrier. A saturated phosphatidylcholine-based multilamellar cream was applied to a cohort of adult subjects with very dry skin. Electron microscopy was utilized to analyse the micro-morphology of the cream and its integration into the lipid-depleted SC. Lipid analysis was conducted to quantify changes in the intercellular lipid matrix. Transmission-electron microscopy (TEM) imaging demonstrated that the multilamellar cream possesses a structured arrangement comparable to the natural SC architecture. Short-term application revealed a time-dependent restoration of lipid bilayers, while a 14-day regimen showed a marked increase in lipid lamellae density and length within the SC. Lipid analysis indicated a significant increase in total lipid content, with notable enhancements in ceramide and free fatty acid levels, without altering cholesterol levels. Lipid ratio analysis further confirmed the rebalancing of the SC's lipid composition. The multilamellar cream selectively increased specific lipids critical for barrier function, suggesting an action mechanism that aligns with the skin's natural regulatory processes. This selective augmentation indicates the potential of the formulation to not only restore but also enhance the epidermal barrier, with the maintenance of physiological lipid ratios suggesting compatibility with intrinsic repair mechanisms. The study confirms that a multilamellar cream can significantly improve the SC's lipid composition and structural integrity, indicating enhanced barrier function. They are pivotal for skincare professionals, dermatologists, and product developers, enriching the understanding of multilamellar creams' benefits and applications in improving epidermal barrier function.

Níveis de CO2, quebra técnica e qualidade dos grãos de milho armazenados em diferentes condições

ABSTRACT The use of CO2 sensors has been reported as an effective tool in the early detection of signs of deterioration, allowing good accuracy in decision-making about the quality of stored grains. The objective of this study was to quantify the CO2 levels produced by maize grains stored at ambient temperature in a prototype silo, with initial moisture contents of 14, 16 and 18% w.b., and to evaluate the quality of the product over time and the technical breakage. Analyses of moisture content, ash, proteins, lipids, Hue Angle (color), germination and electrical conductivity were performed. Inside the silos, the amount of CO2, relative air humidity and temperature were monitored every hour. Grain quality evaluations were carried out at four storage times (0, 30, 60 and 90 days). A completely randomized design in a 3 × 4 factorial scheme with six replicates was used. Grains with higher moisture contents showed higher technical breakage and losses associated with CO2 emissions. Moisture content, protein, lipids, germination, bulk density, lightness and chroma decreased over time, while the electrical conductivity increased, resulting in greater damage to membranes and loss of quality of maize grains. Monitoring of CO2 in the grain mass is a good tool to assess the quality of grain, and higher initial moisture content caused greater level of CO2 emission and reduction in quality of maize grains.

Meibomian Gland Shortening Is Associated With Altered Meibum Composition.

The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in the composition of meibum extracted from human meibomian glands displaying different morphological characteristics. Adult participants with evidence of meibomian gland shortening were enrolled. Glands were observed using infrared meibography, and meibum was collected from one short and one long gland from the lower eyelid of the same eye. Total protein concentration was evaluated using the detergent compatible (DC) protein assay and lipid analysis was performed using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Fifteen participants (8 women and 7 men) completed the study (mean age = 34.7 ± 7.7 years). The average volume of meibum collected from the short and long glands was 0.02 ± 0.01 and 0.05 ± 0.03µL, respectively (P=0.01). Average protein concentration in the short glands was significantly higher compared to the long glands (0.10 ± 0.03 vs. 0.08 ± 0.02 mg/mL, P=0.01). Among the non-polar lipids, the mole percent of cholesterol esters (CEs; P=0.02), triacylglycerols (TAGs; P=0.04), and ceramide (Cer; P=0.03) was significantly lower in short glands compared with long glands. Among the polar lipids, the mole percent of (O-acyl)-ω-hydroxy fatty acid (OAHFA; P=0.01) was significantly lower in short glands, whereas phosphatidylcholine (PC; P=0.02) and sphingomyelin (SM; P=0.01) were significantly higher in short glands than long glands. Meibum composition differed between short and long glands. The lower mole percent of CE, TAG, OAHFA, and Cer and a higher mole percent of PC and SM among short glands may indicate disease activity. This information may clarify the natural history of meibomian gland dysfunction and future targets for therapy.

Postnatal Cardiometabolic Health After Metformin Use in Gestational Diabetes: A Secondary Analysis of the EMERGE Trial.

Women with GDM display adverse lifetime cardio-metabolic health. We examined whether early metformin in GDM could impact cardio-metabolic risk factors postpartum. EMERGE, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial randomized pregnancies 1:1 to placebo or metformin at GDM diagnosis and followed participants from randomization until 12±4 weeks postpartum. In total 478 pregnancies were available for postpartum maternal assessment, 237 and 241 assigned to metformin and placebo respectively. Weight (kg), body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2), waist circumference (cm) and blood pressure (mmHg) were measured, infant feeding method documented and bloods drawn for a 75 gram oral glucose tolerance test, fasting insulin, C peptide and lipid analysis. Despite similar weight and BMI at trial randomization, participants receiving metformin had significantly lower weight (79.5±15.9 vs 82.6±16.9kg; p=0.04) and BMI (29.3(5.6) vs 30.5(5.4); p=0.018) at the postpartum visit. However no difference in weight change from randomisation to 12 weeks postpartum was observed between metformin and placebo groups. Overall 29% (n=139) of the cohort met criteria for prediabetes or diabetes, with no positive impact with metformin. There were also no differences in measurements of insulin resistance, blood pressure or lipids between groups. Early metformin use in GDM did not impact important cardio-metabolic parameters in the early postpartum period despite significant benefits in weight gain and insulin use in pregnancy.

Multi-omics analysis to evaluate the effects of solar exposure and a broad-spectrum SPF50+ sunscreen on markers of skin barrier function in a skin ecosystem model.

Sun exposure induces major skin alterations, but its effects on skin metabolites and lipids remain largely unknown. Using an original reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) model colonized with human microbiota and supplemented with human sebum, we previously showed that a single dose of simulated solar radiation (SSR) significantly impacted the skin metabolome and microbiota. In this article, we further analyzed SSR-induced changes on skin metabolites and lipids in the same RHE model. Among the significantly altered metabolites (log2-fold changes with p ≤ 0.05), we found several natural moisturizing factors (NMFs): amino acids, lactate, glycerol, urocanic acid, pyrrolidone carboxylic acid and derivatives. Analyses of the stratum corneum lipids also showed that SSR induced lower levels of free fatty acids and higher levels of ceramides, cholesterols and its derivatives. An imbalance in NMFs and ceramides combined to an increase of proinflammatory lipids may participate in skin permeability barrier impairment, dehydration and inflammatory reaction to the sun. Our skin model also allowed the evaluation of an innovative ultraviolet/blue light (UV/BL) broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF50+). We found that using this sunscreen prior to SSR exposure could in part prevent SSR-induced alterations in NMFs and lipids in the skin ecosystem RHE model.

LC–MS/MS-based phospholipid profiling of plant-pathogenic bacteria with tailored separation of methyl-branched species

Plant-pathogenic bacteria are one of the major constraints on agricultural yield. In order to selectively treat these bacteria, it is essential to understand the molecular structure of their cell membrane. Previous studies have focused on analyzing hydrolyzed fatty acids (FA) due to the complexity of bacterial membrane lipids. These studies have highlighted the occurrence of branched-chain fatty acids (BCFA) alongside normal-chain fatty acids (NCFA) in many bacteria. As several FA are bound in the intact phospholipids of the bacterial membrane, the presence of isomeric FA complicates lipid analysis. Furthermore, commercially available reference standards do not fully cover potential lipid isomers. To address this issue, we have developed a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) to analyze the phospholipids of various plant-pathogenic bacteria with a focus on BCFA containing phospholipids. The study revealed the separation of three isomeric phosphatidylethanolamines (PE) depending on the number of bound BCFA to NCFA. The validation of the retention order was based on available reference standards in combination with the analysis of hydrolyzed fatty acids through gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) after fractionation. Additionally, the transferability of the retention order to other major lipid classes, such as phosphatidylglycerols (PG) and cardiolipins (CL), was thoroughly examined. Using the information regarding the retention behavior, the phospholipid profile of six plant-pathogenic bacteria was structurally elucidated. Furthermore, the developed LC–MS/MS method was used to classify the plant-pathogenic bacteria based on the number of bound BCFA in the phospholipidome.Graphical

New insights on the fauna of Ireland's Younger Dryas and Early Holocene from Alice & Gwendoline Cave

The nature of the mechanisms that have shaped the animal communities of the island of Ireland remains a pervasive question in the study of the Quaternary of north-western Europe. Archived Quaternary faunal bone assemblages from antiquarian excavations of cave sites are a direct line of evidence with demonstrable potential to shed light on this issue, but are currently constrained by limited publication, understanding of early excavation protocols, and a lack of chronological reference. Alice and Gwendoline Cave in the west of Ireland was the subject of extensive excavations in 1902, which yielded a substantial faunal assemblage and the first evidence of an Upper Palaeolithic human presence on the island during the terminal Pleistocene. Here, we report further results from this important site. Archaeological excavations and a radiocarbon dating programme in 2019-2020 have shed light on the environmental context of the faunal assemblage, the cave taphonomy and site chronology. Nineteen radiocarbon dates are now available, including new direct dates for brown bear (Ursus arctos), giant deer (Megaloceros giganteus) and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus). The archaeological excavations and the analysis of sedimentary lipids – the first of its kind for an Irish cave site, both suggest that the sediments are primarily of exogenous origin, likely carried into the cave through fissures and openings by runoff or colluvial movements. Our analyses indicate that there were at least three main ‘pulses’ of bone-bearing sediment accumulation: at the beginning of the Younger Dryas (c. 12,700 cal. BP), in the aftermath of the Younger Dryas (11,300 cal. BP) and in the Early Holocene (c. 10,000 cal. BP), with a hiatus in sediment deposition after 9700 cal. BP.

Near-infrared multispectral photoacoustic analysis of lipids and intraplaque hemorrhage in human carotid artery atherosclerosis

Spectral photoacoustic imaging in combination with unmixing techniques may be applied to retrieve information about high-risk features present in atherosclerotic plaques, possibly providing prognostic insights into future stroke events. We present the photoacoustic spectral contrast found in 12 systematically scanned advanced atherosclerotic plaques in the near-infrared wavelength range (850–1250 nm). The main absorbers are lipid, water, and hemoglobin, with the highest photoacoustic intensities at the lipid’s second overtone at 1190 and 1210 nm. Linear unmixing resulted in visualizing regions with high lipid and hemoglobin absorption, corresponding to the histological presence of lipid and intraplaque hemorrhage. A non-negative matrix factorization approach reveals differences in lipid spectral contrast, providing potential insights into the vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaque. These results provide a reference for future, more complex, in vivo photoacoustic imaging of carotid artery atherosclerosis, potentially contributing to assessing the risk of future events and treatment decision.

Membrane vectorial lipidomic features of coral host cells’ plasma membrane and lipid profiles of their endosymbionts Cladocopium

The symbiotic relationships between coral animal host and autotrophic dinoflagellates are based on the mutual exchange and tight control of nutritional inputs supporting successful growth. The corals Sinularia heterospiculata and Acropora aspera were cultivated using a flow-through circulation system supplying seawater during cold and warm seasons of the year, then sorted into host cells and symbionts and subjected to phylogenetic, morphological, and advanced lipid analyses. Here we show, that the lipidomes of the dinoflagellates Cladocopium C1/C3 and acroporide-specific Cladocopium hosted by the corals, are determined by lipidomic features of different thermosensitivity and unique betaine- and phospholipid molecular species. Phosphatidylserines and ceramiaminoethylphosphonates are not detected in the symbionts and predominantly localized on the inner leaflet of the S. heterospiculata host plasma membrane. The transmembrane distribution of phosphatidylethanolamines of S. heterospiculata host changes during different seasons of the year, possibly contributing to mutualistic nutritional exchange across this membrane complex to provide the host with a secure adaptive mechanism and ecological benefits.

Follicular fluid lipidomics analysis reveals altered lipid signatures in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Background This research investigates the metabolic profiles of follicular fluid (FF) samples from patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing in vitro fertilisation and aims to identify diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for PCOS through lipidomic analysis. Methods We performed non-targeted lipid analysis of FF samples from women with PCOS (n = 6) and normal controls (n = 6) using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Differential lipids between the two groups were screened using multidimensional statistical analysis, followed by fold change analysis and t-tests to identify potential PCOS biomarkers. Results Multivariate statistical analysis revealed significant differences in FF lipid levels between the PCOS and control groups. Five different lipids were selected as standards, with p < .05. Phosphatidylcholine (PC), the main differentially expressed lipid, was significantly increased in the FF of the POCS group and was closely related to other lipids. Conclusions Using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, we investigated lipid biomarkers based on FF lipidomics to provide useful information for the discovery of diagnostic markers for PCOS. Our study identified five distinct lipids as potential markers of PCOS, with PC being the primary aberrant lipid found in the FF of patients with PCOS.

Roles of plastoglobules and lipid droplets in leaf neutral lipid accumulation during senescence and nitrogen deprivation.

Upon abiotic stress or senescence, the size and/or abundance of plastid-localized plastoglobules and cytosolic lipid droplets, both compartments devoted to neutral lipid storage, increase in leaves. Meanwhile, plant lipid metabolism is also perturbed, notably with the degradation of thylakoidal monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) and the accumulation of neutral lipids. Although these mechanisms are probably linked, they have never been jointly studied, and the respective roles of plastoglobules and lipid droplets in the plant response to stress are totally unknown. To address this question, we determined and compared the glycerolipid composition of both lipid droplets and plastoglobules, followed their formation in response to nitrogen starvation, and studied the kinetics of lipid metabolism in Arabidopsis leaves. Our results demonstrated that plastoglobules preferentially store phytyl-esters, while triacylglycerols (TAGs) and steryl-esters accumulated within lipid droplets. Thanks to a pulse-chase labeling approach and lipid analyses of the fatty acid desaturase 2 (fad2) mutant, we showed that MGDG-derived C18:3 fatty acids were exported to lipid droplets, while MGDG-derived C16:3 fatty acids were stored within plastoglobules. The export of lipids from plastids to lipid droplets was probably facilitated by the physical contact occurring between both organelles, as demonstrated by our electron tomography study. The accumulation of lipid droplets and neutral lipids was transient, suggesting that stress-induced TAGs were remobilized during the plant recovery phase by a mechanism that remains to be explored.

Molecular cloning and functional analysis of a plastidial ω3 desaturase from Emiliania huxleyi.

Emiliania huxleyi is a marine microalga playing a significant ecological and biogeochemical role in oceans. It can produce several polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6-4,7,10,13,16,19) and octadecapentaenoic acid (OPA, 18:5-3,6,9,12,15), providing a primary source for nutritionally important ω3 PUFAs in the marine food chain. However, the biosynthesis of these PUFAs in this organism is not well understood. In this study, a full length plastidial ω3 desaturase cDNA (EhN3) was cloned from this alga. Heterologous expression of EhN3 with and without the chloroplast targeting peptide (cTP) in cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus showed that it possessed high desaturation activity toward C18-ω6 PUFAs, linoleic acid (LA, 18:2-9,12), γ-linolenic acid (GLA, 18:3-6,9,12), and C20-ω6 PUFAs, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA, 20:3-8,11,14) and arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4-5,8,11,14) that were exogenously supplied. Desaturation efficiency could reach almost 100% in a time course. On the other hand, when expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, EhN3 with and without cTP did not exhibit any activity. Lipid analysis of Synechococcus transformants expressing EhN3 showed that it utilized galactolipids as substrates. Transcriptional expression analysis revealed that the expression of the gene increased while the growth temperature decreased, which was correlated with the increased production of ω3-PUFAs, particularly OPA. This is the first report of a plastidial ω3 desaturase from microalgae that can effectively introduce an ω3 double bond into both C18-ω6 and C20-ω6 PUFAs. EhN3 might also be one of the key enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of OPA in E. huxleyi through the plastidial aerobic pathway.

Anti-Obesity Activity of Sanghuangporus vaninii by Inhibiting Inflammation in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet.

Obesity is an unhealthy condition associated with various diseases characterized by excess fat accumulation. However, in China, the prevalence of obesity is 14.1%, and it remains challenging to achieve weight loss or resolve this issue through clinical interventions. Sanghuangpours vaninii (SPV) is a nutritional fungus with multiple pharmacological activities and serves as an ideal dietary intervention for combating obesity. In this study, a long-term high-fat diet (HFD) was administered to induce obesity in mice. Different doses of SPV and the positive drug simvastatin (SV) were administered to mice to explore their potential anti-obesity effects. SPV regulated weight, serum lipids, and adipocyte size while inhibiting inflammation and hepatic steatosis. Compared with the vehicle-treated HFD-fed mice, the lowest decreases in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were 9.72%, 9.29%, and 12.29%, respectively, and the lowest increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was 5.88% after treatment with different doses of SPV. With SPV treatment, the analysis of gut microbiota and serum lipids revealed a significant association between lipids and inflammation-related factors, specifically sphingomyelin. Moreover, Western blotting results showed that SPV regulated the toll-like receptor (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in HFD-diet mice, which is related to inflammation and lipid metabolism. This research presents empirical proof of the impact of SPV therapy on obesity conditions.

P-235 Lipid profile changes during neurodevelopment (ND) of mouse embryos cultured in vitro

Abstract Study question Does in vitro culture (IVC) induce changes in lipid profile of the embryo? Summary answer IVC induces changes in embryonic lipid homeostasis that subsequently affect placenta-brain axis (PBA) function and are then maintained in the brain of adult mice. What is known already During ART, embryos are exposed to oxidative stress (OS)-prone environment. Cellular lipids are particularly sensitive to OS. Lipids are a crucial component for proper brain development and any aberrancies in lipid profile of the embryo can affect neurodevelopment (ND) through the PBA, leading to functional and behavioural deficits during adulthood. In particular, deficiencies of ether-linked glicerophospolipids (e.g. plasmalogens), which are highly abundant in the brain, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), have been associated with psychiatric and ND disorders. Study design, size, duration C57BL6 mouse embryos were cultured in vitro for 72hs, and analysed or transferred to 25 recipient females for further development. From 6 pregnant mice, conceptuses (placentae and brain) were collected at near-term pregnancy (19dpc, n &amp;gt; 8/group). Remaining 8 pregnant mice were allowed to deliver and raise litters. Subsequently, brain was collected from male offspring at 4 month of age for lipid homeostasis evaluation. Control group consisted of embryos and offspring obtained from naturally mated C57BL6 mice. Participants/materials, setting, methods C57BL6 blastocysts (n &amp;gt; 15/group) were fixed and subjected to lipid analysis by Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) and Coherent antistokes Raman spectroscopies (CARS). To reveal lipid changes indicative for ND disorders, selected PUFAs were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) (n &amp;gt; 8/group) in placenta and brains from prenatal and adult mice. Additionally, placental expression of genes regulating biosynthesis of plasmalogens and proteome of adult males brain, was performed. Values were considered different when p &amp;lt; 0.05, Mean±SEM; Mann-Whitney test. Main results and the role of chance Our results show that IVC induced lipid composition changes in blastocyst, characterised by increased proportion of phospholipids, fatty amides and cholesterol (59±8.2 vs.44.7±8.8; 149±4.5vs. 104±12; 44±2.9vs. 27±4.6 sum of absorbance, p &amp;lt; 0.05); and lipid droplets (LDs) distribution changes, such as, increase size (2.3±0.11 vs 1.8±0.07 µm2, p = 0.0021), and number of large LDs (5.5±0.7 vs. 3.3±0.2, p = 0.006). LC-MS revealed increased levels of linolenic (LA), arachidonic (AA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids in placenta (LA:15.49±1.7 vs. 6.92±2; AA:263.6±29.1 vs. 62.7±14.7 DHA:0±2.5 vs. 2.7±0.8 pmol/mg; p &amp;lt; 0.03) and foetal brain (LA:13.6±5.5 vs. 1.5±0.9; AA:240.5±100 vs. 39.3±9.6; 13.9±6.9 vs. 2.11±0.6 pmol/mg; p &amp;lt; 0.03) of IVC conceptuses, which may condition brain development and function. Conversely, levels of LA and AA were low in adult brain from IVC offspring (LA:4.4±1.5 vs 14.5±3.8; AA: 581±95 vs 1842±454 pmol/mg, p &amp;lt; 0.04). Additionally, the expression of genes regulating biosynthesis of plasmalogens was reduced in IVC placentae (Gnpat:0.2±0.04 vs 1.2±03; Tmem189:0.3±0.1 vs. 1.3±0.3 fold change; p ≤ 0.01). Proteome analysis demonstrated that pathways regulating lipid homeostasis, such as fatty acid oxidation and phospholipid binding and those involved in IL-17a signaling and neurogenesis were upregulated in brain of adult IVC offspring. Limitations, reasons for caution Our results may not entirely reflect what occurs in human embryo, as mouse oocytes have a higher lipid content than human oocyte. Differences in lipid content may cause an increased or decreased penetrance and exhibition of developmental changes of the embryos. Wider implications of the findings Being of non-genetic background, lipid changes induced by IVC may similarly threaten embryos regardless of species causing ND disorders. Our study sheds new light on non-genetic origins of ND disorders and will likely ignite further studies on embryonic lipid changes and their consequences, relevant for human pregnancy and neuropsychiatry. Trial registration number not applicable

Associations of air pollution exposures in preconception and pregnancy with birth outcomes and infant neurocognitive development: analysis of the Complex Lipids in Mothers and Babies (CLIMB) prospective cohort in Chongqing, China

ObjectivesTo investigate the associations of traffic-related air pollution exposures in early pregnancy with birth outcomes and infant neurocognitive development.DesignCohort study.SettingEligible women attended six visits in the maternity clinics of two...

Lipidomics reveals ceramide biomarkers for detecting central precocious puberty in girls

BackgroundPubertal timing is modulated by complex interactions between the pituitary and gonadal sex steroid hormones. Evidence indicates that sphingolipids are involved in the biosynthesis of steroid hormones at multiple levels. MethodThis study recruited adolescent female patients from pubertal and pediatric endocrine clinics in Northern and Southern Taiwan from the Taiwan Puberty Longitudinal Study. A total of 112 plasma samples (22 healthy control, 29 peripheral precocious puberty (PPP), and 61 CPP samples) were collected. We extracted lipids from the plasma samples using the modified Folch method. The un-targeted ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was employed for the lipid analysis. ResultsWe identified sphingolipid-linked metabolites, including Cer(18:0/15:0), Cer(18:1/16:0), and Cer(18:1/26:0) as candidate biomarkers for distinguishing girls with CPP from the control group by using an excellent discrimination model (AUC = 0.964). Moreover, Cer(18:0/22:0) and Cer(d18:0/18:1) were identified as potential biomarkers of PPP, with an AUC value of 0.938. Furthermore, CerP(18:1/18:0) was identified as the sole candidate biomarker capable of differentiating CPP from PPP. ConclusionsThe biomarkers identified in this study can facilitate the accurate detection of CPP in girls, provide insights into lipid-linked pathophysiology, and present a novel method of monitoring the progression of this disorder.

Homeocurvature adaptation of phospholipids to pressure in deep-sea invertebrates.

Hydrostatic pressure increases with depth in the ocean, but little is known about the molecular bases of biological pressure tolerance. We describe a mode of pressure adaptation in comb jellies (ctenophores) that also constrains these animals' depth range. Structural analysis of deep-sea ctenophore lipids shows that they form a nonbilayer phase at pressures under which the phase is not typically stable. Lipidomics and all-atom simulations identified phospholipids with strong negative spontaneous curvature, including plasmalogens, as a hallmark of deep-adapted membranes that causes this phase behavior. Synthesis of plasmalogens enhanced pressure tolerance in Escherichia coli, whereas low-curvature lipids had the opposite effect. Imaging of ctenophore tissues indicated that the disintegration of deep-sea animals when decompressed could be driven by a phase transition in their phospholipid membranes.

Increased lipogenesis and lipidosis of gallbladder epithelium in dogs with gallbladder mucocele formation.

Gallbladder disease in people is frequently associated with disorders of lipid metabolism and metabolic syndrome. A recently emergent gallbladder disease of dogs, referred to as mucocele formation, is characterized by secretion of abnormal mucus by the gallbladder epithelium and is similarly associated with hyperlipidemia, endocrinopathy, and metabolic dysfunction. The cause of gallbladder mucocele formation in dogs is unknown. A prospective case-controlled study was conducted to gain insight into disease pathogenesis by characterization of plasma lipid abnormalities in 18 dogs with gallbladder mucocele formation and 18 age and breed matched control dogs using direct infusion mass spectrometry for complex plasma lipid analysis. This analysis was complemented by histochemical and ultrastructural examination of gallbladder mucosa from dogs with gallbladder mucocele formation and control dogs for evidence of altered lipid homeostasis of the gallbladder epithelium. Gallbladder mucocele formation in dogs carried a unique lipidomic signature of increased lipogenesis impacting 50% of lipid classes, 36% of esterified fatty acid species, and 11% of complex lipid species. Broad enrichment of complex lipids with palmitoleic acid (16:1) and decreased abundance within complex lipids of presumptive omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic (20:5) and docosahexaenoic (22:6) was significant. Severe lipidosis of gallbladder epithelium pinpoints the gallbladder as involved causally or consequently in abnormal lipid metabolism. Our study supports a primary increase in lipogenesis in dogs with mucocele formation and abnormal gallbladder lipid metabolism in disease pathogenesis.

Effect of temperature and body size on anterior and posterior regeneration in Hermodice carunculata (Polychaeta, Amphinomidae)

In recent years, population outbreaks of the annelid Hermodice carunculata (Polychaeta, Amphinomidae) are recurrently detected along the coastal zone of the Salento peninsula (Southern Italy), with impacts on marine benthic ecosystems. Annelida are renowned for their remarkable regeneration potential, enabling them to reform lost body parts. A handful of studies have reported posterior regeneration of H. carunculata, but anterior regeneration has not been fully explored. In this study, we investigated the capacity of H. carunculata collected in shallow coastal areas (Ionian Sea, 40°08’26.9” N 17°58’44.1” E) to regenerate anterior body parts under different temperature conditions (22 and 14 °C) and considering two different body sizes (∼ 4 g and 25 g). In addition, histological analysis and lipid analyses were carried out to detect changes in the reproductive cycle and lipid storage during ongoing regeneration. The results suggest that small and large-sized specimens of H. carunculata can regenerate efficiently anterior body parts in 12–20 weeks post amputation when kept at 22 °C. Small-sized worms kept at 14 °C regenerated slower but died in 24 weeks post amputation before regenerating a mouth, while large-sized worms kept at 14 °C were affected by a 100% mortality during blastema formation. In addition, lipid extraction analyses show that H. carunculata can regenerate during extended periods of starvation by de novo synthesizing lipid reserves and regeneration in H. carunculata does not negatively impact the reproductive cycle, as gametogenesis occurs also during the regenerative processes.

Comprehensive analysis of key aroma compounds enhanced by Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb in mutton roasted by air-frying roast technology by means of SAFE-GC-O-MS and lipidomics

Little information is known about the increased aroma compounds and possible mechanism in Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb roasted mutton (TRM). A comprehensive analysis of aroma compounds and lipids were firstly performed by lipidomics and sensomics approach. The results indicated that 9 out of 53 aroma compounds were considered as key odorants, including 5-methyl-2,3-diethylpyrazine. The roasted mutton contained highest levels of phosphatidylcholine (PC, 13.95%), triglyceride (TG, 13.50%), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE, 12.25%). TG 18:0_18:0_18:1 and nine odorants were the potential biomarkers for discriminating differential samples due to variable importance in projection (VIP) > 1 and p < 0.05. PCs and TGs, including PC 21:0_13:1 and TG 16:0_18:1_18:1, might be predominantly responsible for the formation and retention of aroma compounds, respectively. This will clarify the enhanced effect of Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb on the presence of aroma compounds via lipid pathways in roasted mutton.