Lipid Content Research Articles

A multi-target and responsive nanoplatform (MM/ZnS/ATV) combining H2S and atorvastatin for enhanced atherosclerosis therapy

Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the arterial walls. The pathological process of atherosclerosis mainly contains lipid metabolism disorder, endothelial dysfunction, and progressive inflammation. Given the complexity of pathological process, treatments based on a single target might have very limited therapeutic efficacy. Thus, developing a nanoplatform to obtain an enhanced multi-target therapy is promising. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has various functions including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation and endothelial protection. In this study, a responsive multi-target nanoplatform (MM/ZnS/ATV) combining the functions of H2S and atorvastatin was developed. The acidic microenvironment of the plaque can accelerate ZnS hydrolysis to trigger H2S and atorvastatin release. The responsive H2S release from ZnS can overcome the shortcomings of rapid H2S release from H2S donors in vivo. Furthermore, the ZnS hydrolysis-mediated H+ consumption in the microenvironment can reduce acidity to some extent. Results showed macrophage membranes (MM) coating reduced the phagocytosis of nanoparticles and increased the bioavailability. In vitro studies demonstrated that H2S release from MM/ZnS/ATV inhibited ROS-induced endothelial cell apoptosis and repaired the damaged endothelium. Moreover, atorvastatin released from MM/ZnS/ATV regulated lipid metabolism and reduced the blood lipid content. Both in vitro and in vivo studies confirmed MM/ZnS/ATV exhibited excellent therapeutic efficacy. Specifically, in vivo results showed that H2S combined with atorvastatin effectively reduced inflammatory infiltration, and promoted plaque regression and stabilization. Our study provides a promising strategy for atherosclerosis therapy.

Long-term dynamics of organic matter inputs in sediments of Lake Balkhash, arid Central Asia: Coupled climate and anthropogenic influences

Lake sediments as reservoirs of organic matter (OM) play crucial roles in the carbon burial and carbon cycle on the regional and global scales. However, the long-term history and patterns of sedimentary organic matter (SOM) inputs from various sources and its response to multiple drivers are not well constrained. Here, we demonstrated variations in the source and composition of SOM and the potential regulating factors using the multi-biomarker (n-alkanes, fatty acids, and alcohols) signatures in a core span the last ∼ 250 years from Lake Balkhash. The highest Paq (proportions of aquatic macrophytes) and relatively low short-chain lipid contents in sediments before 1860 CE indicate the dominant OM inputs from aquatic macrophytes and minor inputs from microalgae. This can be attributed to the humid conditions during the late Little Ice Age (LIA). The decreased Paq and the highest CPIH (carbon preference index for high molecular weight) in sediments deposited in 1860 ∼ 1930 CE revealed considerably elevated OM inputs from emergent plants coeval with declined aquatic macrophytes contributions. This pattern of OM inputs was likely caused by large variables of water levels during the climate transition period, promoting the growth of emergent plants and inhibited aquatic macrophytes. In sediments from 1930 ∼ 2016 CE, much higher terrestrial OM inputs and prevailing microalgal OM inputs were reflected by the highest principal components of each source, whereas the lowest Paq indicates minimal OM inputs from aquatic macrophytes. These changes were probably caused by intensification of anthropogenic perturbations, e.g., land reclamation, promoting more terrestrial OM and nutrients transported into the lake. These findings suggested that SOM inputs are highly linked to lake environmental changes and can be profoundly influenced by climate variability and anthropogenic activities, which provides insights into patterns of carbon burial and carbon cycle in lake-catchment systems in arid regions.

LIMA1 links the E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF40 to lipid metabolism

LIMA1 is a LIM domain and Actin binding 1 protein that acts as a skeleton protein to promote cholesterol absorption, which makes it an ideal target for interfering with lipid metabolism. However, the detailed regulation of LIMA1 remains unclear. Here, we identified that ring finger protein 40 (RNF40), an E3 ubiquitin ligase previously known as an epigenetic modifier to increase H2B ubiquitination, mediated the ubiquitination of LIMA1 and thereby promoted its degradation in a proteasome-dependent manner. Fraction studies revealed that the 1–166aa fragment of LIMA1 was indispensable for the interaction with RNF40, and at least two domains of RNF40 might mediate the association of RNF40 with LIMA1. Notably, treatment with simvastatin dramatically decreased the levels of CHO and TG in control cells rather than cells with overexpressed LIMA1. Moreover, RNF40 significantly decreased lipid content, which could be reversed by LIMA1 overexpression. These findings suggest that E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF40 could directly target LIMA1 and promote its protein degradation in cytoplasm, leading to the suppression of lipid accumulation mediated by LIMA1. Collectively, this study unveils that RNF40 is a novel E3 ubiquitin ligase of LIMA1, which underpins its high therapeutic value to combat dysregulation of lipid metabolism.

Effect of mTORC Agonism via MHY1485 with and without Rapamycin on C2C12 Myotube Metabolism.

C2C12 myotubes were treated with MHY1485 or DMSO control both with and without rapamycin. Gene expression was assessed using qRT-PCR and insulin sensitivity and protein expression by western blot. Glycolytic and mitochondrial metabolism were measured by extracellular acidification rate and oxygen consumption. Mitochondrial and lipid content were analyzed by fluorescent staining. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to assess extracellular BCAAs. Rapamycin reduced p-mTORC expression, mitochondrial content, and mitochondrial function. Surprisingly, MHY1485 did not alter p-mTORC expression or cell metabolism. Neither treatment altered indicators of BCAA metabolism or extracellular BCAA content. Collectively, inhibition of mTORC via rapamycin reduces myotube metabolism and mitochondrial content but not BCAA metabolism. The lack of p-mTORC activation by MHY1485 is a limitation of these experiments and warrants additional investigation.

Impacts of elevated temperature, decreased salinity and microfibers on the bioenergetics and oxidative stress in eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica

Projected increases in temperature and decreases in salinity associated with global climate change will likely have detrimental impacts on eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, as these variables can influence physiological processes in these keystone species. We set out to determine how the interactive effects of temperature (20 °C or 27 °C) and/or salinity (27‰ or 17‰) impacted the energetic reserves, aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, and changes to oxidative stress or total antioxidant potential as a consequence of an altered environment over a 21-day exposure. Gill and adductor muscle were used to quantify changes in total glycogen and lipid content, Electron Transport System and Citrate Synthase activities, Malate Dehydrogenase activity, Protein Carbonyl formation, lipid peroxidation, and total antioxidant potential. A second exposure was performed to determine if these environmental factors influenced the ingestion of microfibers, which are now one of the leading forms of marine debris. Elevated temperature and the combination of elevated temperature and decreased salinity led to an overall decline in oyster mass, which was exacerbated by the presence of microfibers. Changes in metabolism and oxidative stress were largely influenced by time, but exposure to elevated temperature, decreased salinity, the combination of these stressors or exposure to microfibers had small impacts on oyster physiology and survival. Overall these studies demonstrate that oyster are fairly resilient to changes in salinity in short-term exposures, and elevations in temperature or temperature combined with salinity result in changes to the oyster energetic response, which can be further impacted by the presence of microfibers.

Investigation of small-scale farming status of Tire track eel (Mastacembelus favus) in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Tire track eel (Mastacembelus favus) is an economically important freshwater fish in the Mekong Delta. However, there is a lack of academic information about the current farming status, feed, and feeding related to this species in the region. Therefore, a field survey of small scale farming of tire track eel was conducted in An Giang, Dong Thap, Hau Giang and Kien Giang provinces of Vietnam. The objective of the survey was to determine the current farming practices information on households, especially the feed and feeding status of tire track eel in order to improve and develop a suitable feed for this fish in the future. The results showed that most of the small-scale farmers cultured fish in earthen ponds with or without plastic liners. Tire track eels were fed with feeds of other species and typically fed 3 - 5 times/d during the fingerling stage, and twice per day during the grow-out period. In terms of feed ingredients, crude protein contents in the feeds were 39.5 - 45.5% while crude lipid contents were 7.7 - 12.7%. Feed conversion ratios of tire track eels were 2 - 5. The farming periods of fish were 11.8 - 14 months when the fish reached the harvesting sizes of 318.2 - 421.4 g/fish, with the survival rates of 40 - 80%. It took 2.5 months to cultivate the fingerling stage (around 3 g/fish) from the fry with the survival rate of 55.7%. It was reported that this species was raised with a simple technique and got less illness compared to other fish species. However, the main reason of fish deaths during farming period related to management factors such as poor water quality due to decomposition of uneaten feed in water or lacks of dissolved oxygen due to high stocking density or power supply failures.

Synergistic effect of selenium and gibberellic acid for enhanced biomass, lipid and improved biodiesel quality from Tetradesmus obliquus through response surface methodology

Biodiesel production from microalgae presents an innovative solution for renewable energy. This study investigates biodiesel production using Tetradesmus obliquus ON506010.1 by optimizing substrates, selenium and gibberellic acid. Using 15 µg/L selenium, lipid content and biomass productivity reached 35.45 %±0.92 and 0.178 g/L/day ± 0.051. With 50 µM gibberellic acid, biomass productivity and lipid content peaked at 0.785 ± 0.101 g/L/day and 38.95 %±0.35, surpassing the control. Fatty acid composition, biodiesel properties, and mRNA expression of lipid synthesis enzymes (acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC) and fatty acid desaturase (FAD)) correlated. Combining 10 µg/L selenium with 75 µM gibberellic acid with response surface methodology (RSM) increased lipid content (42.80 % ±0.11) and biomass productivity (0.964 g/L/day ± 0.128). ACC and FAD upregulation validated this enhancement, with a 4.4-fold increase in FAD expression. Fatty acid composition and most biodiesel properties met international standards demonstrating Tetradesmus obliquus ON506010.1′s potential for sustainable biodiesel production with better cold flow property and oxidative stability.

High-throughput screening of non-conventional yeasts for conversion of organic waste to microbial oils via carboxylate platform

Converting waste into high-value products promotes sustainability by reducing waste and creating new revenue streams. This study investigates the potential of diverse yeasts for microbial oil production by utilizing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that can be produced from organic waste and focuses on identifying strains with the best SCFA utilisation, tolerance and lipid production. A collection of 1434 yeast strains was cultivated with SCFAs as the sole carbon source. Eleven strains emerged as candidates with promising growth rates and high lipid accumulation. Subsequent fermentation experiments in liquid SCFA-rich media, which focused on optimizing lipid accumulation by adjusting the carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio, showed an increase in lipid content at a C/N ratio of 200:1, but with a concurrent reduction in biomass. Two strains were characterized by their superior ability to produce lipids compared to the reference strain Yarrowia lipolytica CECT124: Y. lipolytica EXF-17398 and Pichia manshurica EXF-7849. Characterization of these two strains indicated that they exhibit a biotechnologically relevant balance between maximizing lipid yield and maintaining growth at high SCFA concentrations. These results emphasize the potential of using SCFAs as a sustainable feedstock for oleochemical production, offering a dual benefit of waste valorisation and microbial oil production.

FOOD AVAILABILITY ON INFLUENCE MUSSEL Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lamarck, 1819) ON PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL STATUS

Phytoplankton, as the primary food source for suspension-feeding bivalves, can significantly impact the growth and survival of bivalves. To investigate the influence of food availability on the condition index and biochemical composition of mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis from the Romanian Black Sea coast, phytoplankton and mussels samples were collected from four sites between November 2017 and November 2018. The phytoplankton quality and quantity varied across locations and seasons. The ports had the highest diversity and abundance of phytoplankton, while the area with low trophic conditions had the lowest. The most dominant phytoplankton groups observed were diatoms and dinoflagellates. The condition index values were higher in sites with greater food availability, reaching the peak in spring. The lipid and carbohydrate content peaked in spring when the food availability was high. The protein content was higher in winter and autumn. Condition index was positively correlated with phytoplankton abundance and biomass (p 0.05). Several significant correlations were found between the biological parameters of mussels, such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, tissue dry weight, moisture, ash free dry weight, and ash. In conclusion, the results indicated that higher food availability and increasing seawater temperatures led to greater condition index and reserve accumulation, primarily in the form of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, providing mussels with enough energy to withstand stressful conditions.

Fabrication and Stability Improvement of Monoglyceride Oleogel/Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate-Stabilized W/O High Internal Phase Pickering Emulsions.

To decrease the lipid content in water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions, high internal phase Pickering W/O emulsions (HIPPE) were fabricated using magnetic stirring using a combination of monoglyceride (MAG) oleogel and polyglycerol polyacrylate oleate (PGPR) as stabilizers. Effects of MAGs (glyceryl monostearate-GMS, glycerol monolaurate-GML and glycerol monocaprylate-GMC) and internal phase components on the formation and properties of HIPPEs were investigated. The results showed that milky-white stabilized W/O HIPPE with up to 85 wt% aqueous phase content was successfully prepared, and the droplet interfaces presented a network of MAG crystals, independent of the MAG type. All HIPPEs exhibited great stability under freeze-thaw cycles but were less plastic. Meanwhile, GML-oleogel-based HIPPEs had larger particle size and were less thermal stable than GMS and GMC-based HIPPEs. Compared to guar gum, the internal phase components of sodium chloride and sucrose were more effective in reducing the particle size of HIPPEs, improving their stability and plasticity, and stabilizing them during 100-day storage. HIPPEs presented great spreadability, ductility and plasticity after whipping treatment. This knowledge provides a new perspective on the use of oleogels as co-stabilizers for the formation of W/O HIPPEs, which can be used as a potential substitute for creams.

Black Goji Berry (Lycium ruthenicum) Juice Fermented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Enhances Inhibitory Activity against Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV and Key Steps of Lipid Digestion and Absorption.

With the global increase in hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, there is an urgent need to explore dietary interventions targeting the inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) and lipid digestion and absorption. This study investigated how Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) affects various aspects of black goji berry (BGB) (Lycium ruthenicum Murr.) juice, including changes in physicochemical and functional properties, as well as microbiological and sensory attributes. Throughout the fermentation process with 2.5-10% (w/v) BGB, significantly improved probiotic viability, lactic acid production, and decreased sugar content. While total flavonoids increase, anthocyanins decrease, with no discernible change in antioxidant activities. Metabolite profiling reveals elevated phenolic compounds post-fermentation. Regarding the inhibition of lipid digestion and absorption, fermented BGB exhibits improved bile acid binding, and disrupted cholesterol micellization by approximately threefold compared to non-fermented BGB, while also increasing pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity. Furthermore, a decrease in cholesterol uptake was observed in Caco-2 cells treated with fermented BGB (0.5 mg/mL), with a maximum reduction of 16.94%. Fermented BGB also shows more potent DPP-IV inhibition. Sensory attributes are significantly improved in fermented BGB samples. These findings highlight the potential of BGB as a bioactive resource and a promising non-dairy carrier for LGG, enhancing its anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic properties.

Metabolite Compounds of Euglena sp. on Mass Cultivation System under MgCl2 and CaCl2 Salt Stress

Euglena sp. is rich in primary and secondary metabolite compounds. This cosmopolitan organism can survive extreme conditions such as salt stress because it can increase cell growth rate and metabolism. This mass cultivation research uses an open pond system that is very vulnerable to contamination, so variations in salinity of MgCl2 and CaCl2 are used as treatments because they minimize contamination. The research examines the correlation of salt types to cell growth rate, biomass, monosaccharide profile, paramylon, pigment, and lipid of Euglena sp. Research methods include preparation, medium making, mass cultivation, and measurement of test parameters. Data were analyzed through One-Way ANOVA followed by DMRT, with a 5% confidence level. Based on the research result, the highest value of biomass and paramylon content and productivity at CaCl2 treatment with consecutive values 0.013 ± 0.001, 0.002 ± 0.000, 9.556 ± 0.070, and 0.149 ± 0.019. Monosaccharides analysis produced in the form of sucrose, glucose, fructose, and arabinose amounted to < 10 ppm. CaCl2 treatment produced the highest sucrose of 6251 ppm. The highest chlorophyll-a and carotenoid pigments are located at CaCl2 treatment, respectively (1.698 ± 0.051)b and (0.500 ± 0.032)b. At the same time, the salt treatment has a significant effect on lipid content. To summarize, almost all metabolite compounds were highest in CaCl2 treatment. This research is expected to contribute to developing the Euglena sp. mass cultivation system as a source of bioenergy and biomaterials.

Effect of moderate heating during alkaline extraction on composition and functional properties of brewer's spent grain protein concentrates

Brewer's spent grain (BSG) is a low-cost protein-rich residue and a valuable source of plant proteins. Extraction conditions and parameters can influence the composition and functionality of the resultant BSG protein concentrates. In this study, alkaline extraction at room temperature and 50 °C was investigated to explore the alterations induced by moderate heating in the composition, fatty acid and amino acid profiles, emulsion stability, and foaming properties of BSG protein concentrates. The protein content of the sample extracted at 50 °C decreased by 6%. An increase of 29.4% in the carbohydrate content and 2.5% in the lipid content was observed due to extraction at 50 °C. Hydrophobic amino acid content and saturated/unsaturated fatty acid ratio decreased by 20.9% and 4.8% respectively, in the protein concentrate extracted at 50 °C. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gel electrophoresis showed some degree of protein structural modification and aggregation in the sample extracted at 50 °C. Although the heat-induced compositional alterations in the protein concentrate were not in favour of functionality, its emulsion stability and foaming capacity were significantly improved. These findings demonstrate that the heat-induced improvements in the surface hydrophobicity and conformational flexibility of proteins play a dominant role in the functionality of BSG protein concentrates. It can provide insights into modulating the performance of these valuable side-stream proteins for various food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics products.

Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Vermicelli Made of Modified White Rice, Brown Rice, and Black Rice

Modification technology of starch has been developed to enhance its utilization in the food industry and for health-related purposes. Starch serves as a carbohydrate source that contributes to energy when digested in the body. The starch modification enables starch to be converted into resistant starch. This study investigated the physicochemical properties of vermicelli made from modified rice flour. The rice flour used in this study originated from three varieties: white rice, brown rice, and black rice. The physicochemical properties of vermicelli evaluated were chemical composition, pasting properties, and starch morphology. Analyses were conducted on both the rice flour and the vermicelli product. The results indicate that the protein content in rice flour ranged from 10.30% to 10.87% (dry weight), whereas the protein content in vermicelli decreased to 9.78% to 10.26% (dry weight). There was also a decrease in other components like lipid content, amylopectin, anthocyanin, and crude fiber. The antioxidant activity of vermicelli tended to be lower than that of the flour form, as did the anthocyanin content. Processing rice flour enhanced the water-holding capacity of starch and reduced its swelling power. Rice flour modification can be employed as an alternative to improve the functional properties of starchy food materials.

Assessing the Impact of Hexavalent Chromium (Cr VI) at Varied Concentrations on Spirulina platensis for Growth, Metal Sorption, and Photosynthetic Responses.

Spirulina platensis, a photosynthetic cyanobacterium, has garnered attention for its potential role in environmental remediation due to its ability to absorb and metabolize toxic heavy metals. Understanding its response toward toxicity of one of the most common contaminants, Cr(VI) is crucial for assessing its efficacy in bioremediation efforts. This study aims to investigate the physiological and biochemical responses of Spirulina platensis to varying concentrations of Cr(VI) from 0.5 to 5ppm, shedding light on its potential as a bioindicator for environmental contamination and its suitability for bioremediation purposes. The impact of Cr(VI) on cell density, biosorption, pigment levels, nutrient content, fluorescence response, and photosynthetic efficiency was examined. The study revealed a gradual reduction in cell density, biomass production, and biosorption efficiency with increasing Cr(VI) concentrations. Pigment levels, carbohydrate, protein, and lipid content showed significant decreases, indicating physiological stress. Fluorescence response and photosynthetic efficiency were also adversely affected, suggesting alterations in electron transfer dynamics. A threshold for chromium toxicity was observed at 0.5ppm, beyond which significant physiological disturbances occurred. This investigation highlights the sensitivity of Spirulina platensis to Cr(VI) toxicity and its potential as a bioindicator for heavy metal contamination. Metal sorption was highest in 0.5ppm Cr(VI) with 56.56% removal. Notably, at lower concentrations, Cr(VI) acted as an intermediate electron acceptor, enhancing the electron transport chain and potentially increasing biomass under controlled conditions. The findings underscore the importance of understanding the mechanisms underlying heavy metal stress in microalgae for effective environmental remediation strategies. The research highlights the dual role of chromium(VI) in influencing S. platensis, depending on the concentration, and underscores the importance of understanding metal ion interactions with photosynthetic organisms for potential applications in bioremediation.

Multi-faceted effects of NaCl on salt-tolerant microalgae Golenkinia sp. SDEC-16

The salt-tolerant microalgae are extremely few and salt-tolerance mechanism is unclear, requiring urgent exploration of salt-tolerance mechanism of known microalgae. This study was first to reveal the salt-tolerance mechanism of Golenkinia sp. SDEC-16 by investigating the growth and metabolism under different salinities and high salinity long-term cultivation. SDEC-16 can survive under high salinity and resume normal growth after NaCl removal. Under long-term stress, SDEC-16 had higher lipid content and productivity than BG11. However, the suppressed Fv/Fm (58.4%) and Fv/F0 (84.0%) along with the increased reactive oxygen species (×6.6), and superoxide dismutase (×1.7) during the treatment revealed NaCl-induced photosynthetic inhibition and oxidative stress. RNA sequencing results showed inhibition of the photosynthetic system, and the enhancement of pathways such as nitrogen metabolism, energy metabolism, and lipid synthesis contributed to the good function of chloroplast, energy supply, and metabolic activity of SDEC-16. This study provides theoretical support for large-scale microalgal cultivation in seawater.

The role of autophagy/lipophagy in the response of osteoblastic cells to hyperlipidemia (Review).

There has been interest in the connection between cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis, both of which share hyperlipidemia as a common pathological basis. Osteoporosis is a progressive metabolic bone disease characterized by reduced bone mass, deteriorated bone microstructure, increased bone fragility and heightened risk of bone fractures. Dysfunction of osteoblastic cells, vital for bone formation, is induced by excessive internalization of lipids under hyperlipidemic conditions, forming the crux of hyperlipidemia-associated osteoporosis. Autophagy, a process fundamental to cell self-regulation, serves a critical role in osteoblastic cell function and bone formation. When activated by lipids, lipophagy inhibits osteoblastic cell differentiation in response to elevated lipid concentrations, resulting in reduced bone mass and osteoporosis. However, an in-depth understanding of the precise roles and mechanisms of lipophagy in the regulation of osteoblastic cell function is required. Study of the molecular mechanisms governing osteoblastic cell response to excessive lipids can result in a clearer understanding of osteoporosis; therefore, potential strategies for preventing hyperlipidemia-induced osteoporosis can be developed. The present review discusses recent progress in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of lipophagy in the regulation of osteoblastic cell function, offering insights into hyperlipidemia-induced osteoporosis.

Impact of dietary administration of Arthrospira platensis free-lipid biomass on growth performance, body composition, redox status, immune responses, and some related genes of pacific whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei.

The current study aimed to assess the influence of dietary inclusion of cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis NIOF17/003 as a dry material and as a free-lipid biomass (FL) on the growth performance, body composition, redox status, immune responses, and gene expression of whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei postlarvae. L. vannamei were fed five different supplemented diets; the first group was fed on an un-supplemented diet as a negative control group (C-N), the second group was fed on a commercial diet supplemented with 2% of A. platensis complete biomass as a positive control group (C-P20), whereas, the three remaining groups were fed on a commercial diet supplemented with graded amounts of FL at 1%, 2%, and 3% (FL10, FL20, and FL30, respectively). The obtained results indicated that the diet containing 1% FL significantly increased the growth performance, efficiency of consumed feed, and survival percentage of L. vannamei compared to both C-N and C-P20 groups. As for the carcass analysis, diets containing A. platensis or its FL at higher levels significantly increased the protein, lipid, and ash content compared to the C-N group. Moreover, the shrimp group fed on C-P20 and FL10 gave significantly stimulated higher digestive enzyme activities compared with C-N. The shrimp fed C-P20 or FL exhibited higher innate immune responses and promoted their redox status profile. Also, the shrimp fed a low FL levels significantly upregulated the expression of both the peroxiredoxin (Prx) and prophenoloxidase (PPO1) genes than those receiving C-N. The current results recommended that dietary supplementation with 1% FL is the most effective treatment in promoting the performance and immunity of whiteleg shrimp.

Sustainable and eco-friendly production of biodiesel from Chlorella vulgaris supplemented with biogenic calcium oxide nanoparticles derived from Ulva intestinalis and eggshell as precursors

Biodiesel derived from microalgae has the potential to be a sustainable fuel. Eggshell waste is rich in vital compounds, but still creates pollution problems, due to being discarded in the landfills without any treatment. This study aims to convert eggshells to CaCl2 and use CaCl2 derived from eggshells to biogenic CaO-NPs. Tested the impact of CaCl2, CaCl2 derived from eggshells, and biogenic CaO-NPs, as supplementation to the BG11 media on the growth and lipids yield of Chlorella vulgaris green alga. This study used Ulva intestinalis green alga to synthesize (Ui-CaO-NPs). The characterizations of Ui-Ca-ONPs were analyzed by EDS, XRD, zeta potential, FT-IR, and TEM. Chlorella vulgaris cultivated in modified BG11 media that was supplemented by different concentrations of CaCl2, CaCl2 derived from eggshell, and Ui-CaO-NPs as eggshell precursors (0.009, 0.018, and 0.036 g/L). The low concentrations of CaCl2 as eggshell precursors possessed high optical density, dry weight, and lipids contents of C. vulgaris. The best Chlorophyll a and b contents were obtained with Ui-CaO-NPs (0.018 g/L). The highest carotenoid content was obtained with alga grown in a medium containing 0.036 g/L CaCL2 the GC.Ms. analysis possessed the high-quality lipids profile obtained with C. vulgaris cultivated in media containing 0.018 g/L Ui-CaO-NPs. Eggshells can be used as sources of CaCl2 and CaO-NPs for different applications as eco-friendly and economical materials.

Impact of Feeding Systems on Performance, Blood Parameters, Carcass Traits, Meat Quality, and Gene Expressions of Lambs

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of feeding systems on the growth performance of Santa Inês x Dorper lambs, meat quality, fatty acid profile, and gene expression. Thirty lambs at an initial body weight of 22.6 ± 2.59 kg were randomly assigned to one of three feed systems: a grazing system with 1.2% body weight concentrate supplementation (GS); a feedlot system with 28% forage and 72% concentrate (FFC); or feedlot with 85% whole corn grain and 15% pellets (FHG). The lambs were slaughtered after 60 days of experiment. Average daily gain, glucose, and insulin concentration were higher for lambs on FHC than lambs on a GS feeding system. The fatty acid profile in the meat of the lambs fed GS showed a higher proportion of c9t11-C18:2, C20:5, C22:5, and C22:6 compared with FFC and FHC (p < 0.05). Meat tenderness was lower for lambs under FFC treatment compared with GS and FHG. FHG treatment provides better performance and higher deposition of lipid content in meat compared with GS and FHG. The expression of the genes SCD-1, SREBP1-c, and EVOL6 was greater in lambs undergoing GS and FHC treatments compared with FFC. Results of this research showed a reduced performance of grazing lambs compared with the feedlot system; however, it enhanced the fatty acid profile with increased levels of polyunsaturated acids and reduced n6/n3 ratio.