Lipid Content Research Articles

Histology and transcriptomic analysis reveal effects of dietary fish oil and soybean oil on lipid absorption and immune inflammation in the foregut of adult female spotted scat (Scatophagus argus)

The foregut is the main site of lipid absorption in fish, but the effect of different lipid sources on the foregut lipid absorption and metabolism in adult female spotted scat is still unclear. In this experiment, adult female spotted scat (length = 19.48 ± 1.13cm, weight = 242.83 ± 50.90g) were fed two iso-nitrogenous (45% crude protein) and iso-lipidic (12.5% crude lipid) diets configured with either 8% fish oil (FO) or 8% soybean oil (SO) for 60 days. Histological observations, serum measurements and transcriptome sequencing were used to investigate the effects of the oil sources on the foregut. Histological observation showed that the foregut folds of the SO group were shorter and narrower than those of the FO group, and nuclear vacuolation and villous atrophy were observed in the intestinal cells of fish in the SO group, indicating an inflammatory reaction. Both serum triglyceride and total cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the FO group than in the SO group. Transcriptome analysis revealed 1355 differentially expressed genes between the FO and SO groups. Genes related to lipid metabolism (adipor2 and creb3l3) and cholesterol absorption and efflux (npc1l1 and sphk2) were up-regulated, whereas genes related to fatty acid synthesis and transport (fad1 and mfsd2ab) were down-regulated in the FO group. Circadian rhythm related genes ciart and nfil3, which are also involved in lipid metabolism, were up- and down-regulated, respectively in the FO group. The immune-related genes steap4, ddit4 and cldn6 which can inhibit inflammation, were up-regulated in the FO group, whereas pro-inflammation gene rnf225 was up-regulated in the SO group. In conclusion, compared with SO, FO may enhance the lipid absorption and reduce the inflammatory response in the foregut of the spotted scat. The results of this study provide a reference for the selection of dietary oil sources for adult female spotted scat.

Effects of dietary carbohydrate levels on growth performance, feed utilization, liver histology and intestinal microflora of juvenile tiger puffer, Takifugu rubripes

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary carbohydrate levels on growth performance, body composition, and plasma biochemical parameters, liver and gut histology, and intestinal microbiota of Takifugu rubripes. Five isonitrogenous and isolipidic experimental diets were formulated with graded levels of cassava starch: 0% (C0), 8% (C8), 16% (C16), 24% (C24), and 32% (C32). The results showed that weight gain rate, specific growth rate (SGR) and protein efficiency ratio significantly increased in C16 and C24 groups (P < 0.05), while the feed conversion ratio expressed an opposite trend. Feeding rate is decreased with the increasing of carbohydrate levels (P < 0.05). Liver lipid content was dramatically increased in C24 treatment (P < 0.05). The intestinal amylase activity and muscle glycogen content were higher than other groups (P < 0.05). Plasma glucose levels were increased in C24 and C32 groups (P < 0.05). In addition, the abundance of intestinal potentially pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus) decreased, and the intestinal probiotics (Lactobacillus) increased with the increasing of dietary carbohydrate level (P < 0.05). The intestinal bacteria, indicated by Sobs, Chao and Shannon indexes, were more diverse with the increasing of the carbohydrate level (P < 0.05), meanwhile the abundance of transport and metabolism of carbohydrate, lipid and amino acid were enhanced with the increasing of carbohydrate levels (P < 0.05). In conclusion, appropriate supplementation of carbohydrate in diet promoted growth performance and feed utilization of juvenile Takifugu rubripes, and increased the liver lipid and muscle glycogen content, as well as intestinal microbial diversity. Based on the quadratic regression between SGR and carbohydrate levels, the optimal dietary carbohydrate level of juvenile Takifugu rubripes is 21.6%.

Optimal growth conditions to enhance Chlorella vulgaris biomass production in indoor phyto tank and quality assessment of feed and culture Stock

Commercial microalgae cultivation is a dynamic field with ongoing efforts to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and explore new applications. We conducted a study to examine how different light exposure periods affect Chlorella vulgaris's growth. We employed a Phyto tank batch system of approximately 3.5 liters with LED light control, controlled airflow, and sterilized bags, maintained at 22.0 ± 2.0°C indoors. Various methods, including spectrophotometry, and cell counter were employed to monitor Chlorella vulgaris growth under different light exposure cycles. Additionally, quality analysis as feed source was employed by proximate, amino acid, beta-glucan, and microbial content analysis. The results revealed significant variations in C. vulgaris biomass production based on light exposure duration. Notably, the 16:8-hour light-dark photoperiod exhibited the highest biomass concentration, reaching 6.48 × 107 ± 0.50 cells/mL with an optical density (OD) of 1.165 absorbance at 682 nm. The 12:12-hour light-dark photoperiod produced the second-highest biomass concentration, with 2.305 × 106 ± 0.60 cells/mL at an OD of 0.489. Proximate analysis of dry algae powder revealed low lipid content (0.48%), high protein content (37.61%), variable ash concentration (average 10.75%), and a significant carbohydrate fraction (51.16%) during extended daylight and shorter dark periods. Amino acid analysis identified nine essential amino acids, with glutamic acid being the most abundant (17.7%) and methionine the least (0.4%). Furthermore, quality analysis and microbiological assays demonstrated that the C. vulgaris biomass is well-suited for fish and livestock use as a feed source and possibility as human nutraceuticals. These findings can be considered more environmentally friendly and ethically sound due to the absence of genetic modification.

Cholecalciferol Effects on Lipid Profile of Experimental Animals: A Scoping Review

&lt;p&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt;Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that has various beneficial effects on the human body. The results of chol&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;e&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt;calciferol supplementation are varied, and there has yet to be a comprehensive review regarding its effect on animal models. Therefore, this scoping review aims to summarize the evidence regarding the effect of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) supplementation on the lipid profiles of animal subjects. PubMed, Scopus, and DOAJ were searched for original research articles published until 2022. Studies were included if they were experimental studies, cholecalciferol was used as a supplement, and the changes in the lipid profile were analyzed. A total of 260 articles were collected, of which 250 articles were excluded, and 10 articles were included for qualitative synthesis. All studies used oral routes to supplement cholecalciferol with various doses and duration ranging from several weeks to several months. Most studies reported reduced lipid parameters in serum or organ-specific animals supplemented with cholecalciferol. As conclusion, cholecalciferol reduces lipid content in animal subjects and may have a beneficial effect on populations with metabolic diseases such as diabetes and dyslipidemia. Further research is required to explore the mechanism of how cholecalciferol affects the lipid profiles of experimental animals.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Species Difference? Bovine, Trout, and Human Plasma Protein Binding of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) strongly bind to proteins and lipids in blood, which govern their accumulation and distribution in organisms. Understanding the plasma binding mechanism and species differences will facilitate the quantitative in vitro-to-in vivo extrapolation and improve risk assessment of PFAS. We studied the binding mechanism of 16 PFAS to bovine serum albumin (BSA), trout, and human plasma using solid-phase microextraction. Binding of anionic PFAS to BSA and human plasma was found to be highly concentration-dependent, while trout plasma binding was linear for the majority of the tested PFAS. At a molar ratio of PFAS to protein ν < 0.1 molPFAS/molprotein, the specific protein binding of anionic PFAS dominated their human plasma binding. This would be the scenario for physiological conditions (ν < 0.01), whereas in in vitro assays, PFAS are often dosed in excess (ν > 1) and nonspecific binding becomes dominant. BSA was shown to serve as a good surrogate for human plasma. As trout plasma contains more lipids, the nonspecific binding to lipids affected the affinities of PFAS for trout plasma. Mass balance models that are parameterized with the protein-water and lipid-water partitioning constants (chemical characteristics), as well as the protein and lipid contents of the plasma (species characteristics), were successfully used to predict the binding to human and trout plasma.

Nesfatin-1 and nesfatin-1-like peptide attenuate hepatocyte lipid accumulation and nucleobindin-1 disruption modulates lipid metabolic pathways.

Nesfatin-1 (NESF-1) has been shown to modulate lipid metabolism. We have identified a nesfatin-1-like-peptide (NLP) processed from a related precursor nucleobindin 1 (NUCB1). Here we determined if NLP, like NESF-1, regulates lipid accumulation in vitro, and tested if the disruption ofnucb1 gene affects hepatic lipid metabolism genes in mice. Hepatocytes (HepG2/C3A cells) express NLP and NESF-1 and both peptides significantly reduced lipogenic enzyme mRNAs and enhanced beta-oxidation enzyme mRNAs. Lipid contents in oleic acid induced HepG2/C3A cells were attenuated by NESF-1 and NLP. The inhibitory effect on cellular lipid content was blocked by compound C, an inhibitor of AMPK. The disruption of nucb1 gene affected lipid metabolism-related enzyme mRNAs, endogenous nucb2 mRNA and AMPK phosphorylation. The lipid-lowering effects identified here highlights the potential of nucleobindins and peptides processed from them to address lipid disorders, and its possible benefits in metabolic disease management.

Qualea grandiflora Mart. (Vochysiaceae) seed reserves and aluminum: Usage and mobilization during germination and seedling development

AbstractQualea grandiflora Mart. is an aluminum (Al)‐accumulating Cerrado species with a metabolic dependency on Al. This study aimed to determine the presence and concentration of Al and other reserve components in Q. grandiflora seeds, as well as their respective distribution patterns, mobilization, and usage during germination and seedling growth. Thus, the concentration of Al and other minerals in seeds, seedlings, and soils was measured. Also, histochemical and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyses were performed to observe the distribution of Al, proteins, and lipids in Q. grandiflora seeds and seedlings. Additionally, the concentration of proteins and lipids was assessed as well. Hence, even in soils with low exchangeable Al3+, Q. grandiflora seeds accumulated about 6.43 g of Al/kg of dry matter (DM) together with considerable concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg. Exogenous Al had no effect on the germination properties of Q. grandiflora seeds. Furthermore, approximately 60% of the seed Al was translocated to seedling leaves. Proteins and lipids were the main organic reserves in Q. grandiflora seeds. The histochemical analysis revealed that the bulk of Al in seeds was in the cotyledons, which were also the location sites of proteins and lipids. Proteins and lipids were the primary source of energy and carbon for seedling growth. Therefore, fatty acids, proteins, and Al could play a central role during seed germination and seedling establishment, which could help to explain why this species is one of the most widespread plants in the Cerrado.

Effect of high plant protein diet supplemented with Lysophospholipids-butyrate on the growth performance, liver health and intestinal morphology of Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with lysophospholipids-butyrate (LPB) in a high plant protein diet on the growth performance, liver health, and intestinal morphology of Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Three experimental diets were formulated: a positive control diet (PC) containing 15.00 % soybean meal (SBM) and 13 % chicken meal；a high-plant-protein diet (HPP) with 28.00 % SBM; a diet (LPB) supplemented LPB at 0.1 % in HPP. Largemouth bass with an average initial body weight of 9.3 g were fed for 60 days, with 4 replicates per group and 20 fish per replicate. The results demonstrated that the HPP group exhibited significantly lower final body weight (FBW), weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) compared to the PC group. Moreover, the HPP diet induced a notable increase in liver collagen fiber and liver lipid content, which was alleviated by LPB supplementation. In comparison to the HPP group, the LPB group showed significant increases in serum albumin and albumin/globulin, along with a significant decrease in alanine aminotransferase activity (P < 0.05). Compared with the PC group, the mRNA levels of acetyl-CoA carboxylase-1 (ACC-1), diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT), carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 (CPT-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in HPP group were increased significantly (P < 0.05), while adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) as well as apoptotic gene B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) were significantly down-regulated. The mRNA levels of fatty acid synthase (FAS), ACC-1, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-α (PPAR-α), ATGL, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and Bcl-2 were up-regulated (P < 0.05), while DGAT and TNF-α were down-regulated in the LPB supplemented groups than that in the HPP group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the supplementation of 0.1 % LPB can alleviate liver lipid accumulation and fibrosis caused by high level of soybean meal.

Evaluation of the potential growth and body composition of the Cobb 700 genotype

ABSTRACT 1. The potential growth of the chemical and physical components of males and females of the Cobb 700 strain was measured from hatch to 15 weeks of age. 2. A four-phase ad libitum feeding programme was used to feed 200 chicks of each sex. All birds were weighed weekly. Ten birds per sex were sampled at 0, 7, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, 84 and 105 d of age. They were weighed before and after plucking to determine the weight of feathers. Physical parts were measured on defeathered birds, whereafter these components were combined, minced, freeze dried to measure water content, and then analysed for protein, lipid and ash content. 3. Mature body weights of males and females averaged 8.38 and 6.94 kg, respectively, mature body protein weights averaged 1.48 and 1.19 kg and mature body lipid contents averaged 1.08 and 1.54 kg, respectively. 4. Rates of maturing of the empty feather-free body weights of males and females averaged 0.0417 and 0.0402/d, respectively. All chemical and physical components within a sex, other than feathers, had the same rate of maturing. The rate of maturing of feathers, calculated by iteration, in males was lower than in females (0.0324 vs. 0.0357/d) and the mature weight was higher (435 vs. 372 g). 5. The ratios of the chemical components to feather-free body protein at maturity for males and females were, for water, 3.80 and 3.34; for lipid, 0.73 and 1.29; and for ash, 0.13 and 0.19, respectively. Separate equations were required for males and females to describe the allometric relationship between lipid and protein in the feather-free body. 6. Mature body weights of broilers in this trial were considerably higher than those measured using the same protocol 28 years ago, whereas rates of maturing have remained the same.

Effects of temperature on the growth, total lipid content and fatty acid composition of Skeletonema dohrnii

The potential of diatoms as aquatic bait, attribute to their abundance in highly unsaturated fatty acids, has been extensively studied. Temperature plays a crucial role in the synthesis of these fatty acids. This study specifically investigated the impact of temperature on the growth, total lipid content, and fatty acid composition of Skeletonema dohrnii, a planktonic diatom commonly associated with red tides and water blooms in China. The aim is to evaluate its suitability as an aquatic bait and provide insights for large-scale factory farming. Results indicated that the highest biomass and maximum growth rate occurred at 28°C, with no significant deviation from the control group at 25°C. At 28°C and 15°C, there was a significant increase in the total lipid content and the total fatty acid content, with a more pronounced effect at 15°C. At 28°C, EPA and DHA content measured at 0.97 ± 0.01 mg.DW.L-1 and 0.264 ± 0.01 mg.DW.L-1 respectively, surpass those at 15°C due to lower biomass. Conversely, at 15°C, substantial synthesis of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, with EPA constituting up to 32.24 ± 0.24% of the total fatty acids, is observed. Modulating the temperature could optimize the utilization of S. dohrnii as an aquatic feed source. These findings underscore the potential of S. dohrnii as a high-quality aquafeed and lay the groundwork for its success in ocean warming scenarios.

Effects of stearic acid on the cryotolerance of the domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) embryos

The current work aimed to study the effect of domestic cat (Felissilvestris catus) embryosin vitroexposure to saturated stearic acid (SA) and to evaluate how the change in lipid content affects the cryopreservation results. The addition of SA to the culture medium did not affect the development of cat embryosin vitrobefore cryopreservation. The total lipid amount in the SA-treated embryos was not changed as well. However, the lipid unsaturation degree was lower in embryos afterin vitroexposure to SA. Moreover, the lipid phase transition onset temperature (T*) was higher in SA-treated embryos as compared with controls. These changes of intracellular lipids unsaturation degree andT*were associated with the impairment of embryo cryopreservation effectiveness. The results obtained may be of importance for the applying Genome Resource Banking concept to the Felinae species.

A new mechanism of thyroid hormone receptor β agonists ameliorating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by inhibiting intestinal lipid absorption via remodeling bile acid profiles.

Excessive dietary calories lead to systemic metabolic disorders, disturb hepatic lipid metabolism, and aggravate nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Bile acids (BAs) play key roles in regulating nutrition absorption and systemic energy homeostasis. Resmetirom is a selective thyroid hormone receptor β (THRβ) agonist and the first approved drug for NASH treatment. It is well known that the THRβ activation could promote intrahepatic lipid catabolism and improve mitochondrial function, however, its effects on intestinal lipid absorption and BA compositions remain unknown. In the present study, the choline-deficient, L-amino acid defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD) and high-fat diet plus CCl4 (HFD+CCl4)-induced NASH mice were used to evaluate the effects of resmetirom on lipid and BA composition. We showed that resmetirom administration (10 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.g.) significantly altered hepatic lipid composition, especially reduced the C18:2 fatty acyl chain-containing triglyceride (TG) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) in the two NASH mouse models, suggesting that THRβ activation inhibited intestinal lipid absorption since C18:2 fatty acid could be obtained only from diet. Targeted analysis of BAs showed that resmetirom treatment markedly reduced the hepatic and intestinal 12-OH to non-12-OH BAs ratio by suppressing cytochrome P450 8B1 (CYP8B1) expression in both NASH mouse models. The direct inhibition by resmetirom on intestinal lipid absorption was further verified by the BODIPY gavage and the oral fat tolerance test. In addition, disturbance of the altered BA profiles by exogenous cholic acid (CA) supplementation abolished the inhibitory effects of resmetirom on intestinal lipid absorption in both normal and CDAHFD-fed mice, suggesting that resmetirom inhibited intestinal lipid absorption by reducing 12-OH BAs content. In conclusion, we discovered a novel mechanism of THRβ agonists on NASH treatment by inhibiting intestinal lipid absorption through remodeling BAs composition, which highlights the multiple regulation of THRβ activation on lipid metabolism and extends the current knowledge on the action mechanisms of THRβ agonists in NASH treatment.

Reduction of specific enterocytes from loss of intestinal LGR4 improves lipid metabolism in mice

Whether intestinal Leucine-rich repeat containing G-protein-coupled receptor 4 (LGR4) impacts nutrition absorption and energy homeostasis remains unknown. Here, we report that deficiency of Lgr4 (Lgr4iKO) in intestinal epithelium decreased the proportion of enterocytes selective for long-chain fatty acid absorption, leading to reduction in lipid absorption and subsequent improvement in lipid and glucose metabolism. Single-cell RNA sequencing demonstrates the heterogeneity of absorptive enterocytes, with a decrease in enterocytes selective for long-chain fatty acid-absorption and an increase in enterocytes selective for carbohydrate absorption in Lgr4iKO mice. Activation of Notch signaling and concurrent inhibition of Wnt signaling are observed in the transgenes. Associated with these alterations is the substantial reduction in lipid absorption. Decrement in lipid absorption renders Lgr4iKO mice resistant to high fat diet-induced obesity relevant to wild type littermates. Our study thus suggests that targeting intestinal LGR4 is a potential strategy for the intervention of obesity and liver steatosis.

#707 Effectiveness of a personalized approach to the treatment of patients with chronic coronary syndrome with type 2 diabetes and renal dysfunction

Abstract Background and Aims To evaluate the effectiveness of complex personalized treatment of patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Method We observed patients with chronic stable angina pectoris III (FC) (Group I, 16) and CV IV FC (Group II, 18) with T2DM who underwent planned stenting of the coronary arteries (SCA). At baseline and after 3 and 6 months, we studied cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), ALT and AST, total bilirubin (TB), polymorphism of the CYP2C19 and 9p21 genes (rs 2383206 and rs 10757272), assessed myocardial viability (ECHOCG, MSCT), an ultrasound of the liver was performed. Against the background of basic therapy (antiplatelet agents, statins, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors), patients received a herbal hepatoprotector. Results Initial lipid parameters in patients with CCS and T2DM: cholesterol—6.9 mmol/l; LDL cholesterol –3.6; HDL cholesterol –1.1; TG –2.5 mmol/l. Parameters of global and regional systolic function were reduced. At the end of observation, lipid content: cholesterol—5.0; LDL cholesterol—2.3; HDL cholesterol –1.18; TG—1.61 mmol/l. Statins and antiplatelet agents were well tolerated, and there were no cases of withdrawal. Enzyme activity (ALT, AST), OB content were within normal values. The genetic studies carried out helped to select the most effective and safe doses of antiplatelet drugs and statins and significantly reduced the risk of complications and drug resistance. The hepatoprotector had a beneficial effect on the condition and function of the liver and improved the tolerability of medications. A personalized approach to the treatment of CCS was carried out taking into account the results of genetic testing with the selection of optimal doses of drugs. When the genotypes of CYP2C19*17 (rs 12248560) CC, ST and TT were distributed, the dose of antiplatelet agents was increased, and when the genotypes of the CYP2C19 gene (rs 4244285) GG, AG and AA were distributed, they were reduced. Assessment of myocardial viability, selection of doses of statins and antiplatelet agents according to individual characteristics, as well as a hepatoprotector increased the effectiveness and safety of treatment. SCA and basic treatment had an impact on the pathogenetic links of CCS, which is especially important in the treatment of patients with concomitant T2DM. Conclusion A personalized approach to the treatment of patients with CCS with T2DM who require SCA, taking into account the functional state and viability of the myocardium, the pharmacogenetic characteristics of the drugs, increases the effectiveness of revascularization, prevents the development of resistance, side effects and complications.

Tartaric acid ameliorates experimental non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by activating the AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathway

Tartaric acid (TA) has been shown beneficial effects on blood pressure and lipid levels. However, its effect on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role of TA in experimental NAFLD. Mice were fed a Western diet for 8 weeks, followed by administration of TA or a vehicle for an additional 12 weeks while continuing on the Western diet. Blood biochemistry including transaminases and glucose tolerance test and liver tissue RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), lipid content, and histology were investigated. The HepG2 cell line was used to explore the mechanism by which TA regulates lipid metabolism. We found that TA significantly improved weight gain, insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis in Western diet-fed mice. By comparing gene expression differences, we found that TA affects pathways related to lipid metabolism, inflammatory response, and fibrosis. Furthermore, TA effectively reduced oleic acid-induced lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells and downregulated the genes associated with fatty acid synthesis, which were enriched in the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. TA also enhanced the phosphorylation of AMPK which could be reverted by the AMPK inhibitor Compound C in HepG2 cells. Our study suggests that TA improves experimental NAFLD by activating the AMPK signaling pathway. These findings indicate that TA may serve as a potential therapy for the human NAFLD.

Exploring Pijuayo (Bactris gasipaes) Pulp and Peel Flours as Fat Replacers in Burgers: A Multivariate Study on Physicochemical and Sensory Traits

Meat products are known for their lipid profile rich in saturated fats and cholesterol, and also for the formation of oxidation compounds; therefore, a reduction in animal fat may result in a product less harmful to health. Pijuayo is an Amazon fruit known for its nutritional properties, such as its fiber and lipid content. For these reasons, it is an attractive fruit to replace animal fat in meat products. The present work used pijuayo pulp and peel flours to partially replace animal fat in beef-based burgers at 25% and 50% levels, considering sensory and physicochemical outcomes evaluated by Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Correspondence Analysis (CA) and Multiple Factor Analysis (MFA). Pijuayo flour affected the physicochemical characteristics evaluated by PCA, where the samples with greater fat replacement were characterized by a high carbohydrate content and instrumental yellowness. The minimal fat replacement did not abruptly affect the PCA’s instrumental texture and color, proximal composition, yield properties, and lipid oxidation. The overall liking was greater in the 25% fat reduction treatments, even greater than the control, in which positive sensory attributes for liking were highlighted for those treatments. A small segment of consumers (11% of total consumers) preferred the treatment with greater replacement of fat with pijuayo peel flour, which these consumers tended to characterize as seasoned. However, this treatment had the lowest liking. The MFA showed that the sensory characteristics tender and tasty were strongly correlated with overall liking and were highlighted in the samples of 25% fat reduction, suggesting that the pijuayo improves the tenderness and flavor of reduced-fat burgers. Other inclusion levels between 25% and 50% of fat replacement could be explored, and optimization studies are needed. In addition, the sensory characteristics and flavor-enhancing compounds of the fruit, as well as the nutritional aspects of the inclusion of pijuayo, should be studied, such as the fatty acid profile. These characteristics will be informative to explore pijuayo as a fat replacer at a pilot scale and industrial scale.

Comparison of the Lipid Composition of Milk Fat Globules in Goat (Capra hircus) Milk during Different Lactations and Human Milk

Goat milk is considered the optimal substitute for human milk and is characterized by variations in the lipid composition of its fat globules across lactation phases. Therefore, the objective of this study was to thoroughly analyze the differences between goat milk during different lactations and human milk, aiming to offer scientific guidance for the production of functional dairy products. Compared with transitional and mature milk, the findings indicated that the total membrane protein content in goat colostrum exhibited greater similarity to that found in human milk. Additionally, goat milk exhibited higher milk fat globule size, as well as a higher total lipid and protein content than human milk. A total of 1461 lipid molecules across 61 subclasses were identified in goat milk and human milk. The contents of glycerides and glycerophospholipids were higher in goat colostrum, whereas sphingolipids and fatty acids were more abundant in human milk. Meanwhile, the compositions of lipid subclasses were inconsistent. There were 584 differentially expressed lipids identified between human and goat milk, including 47 subclasses that were primarily involved in the metabolism of glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, and triglycerides. In summary, for both the membrane protein and the lipid composition, there were differences between the milk of different goat lactations and human milk.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial on the Effect of a Dietary Supplement Containing Dry Artichoke and Bergamot Extracts on Metabolic and Vascular Risk Factors in Individuals with Suboptimal Cholesterol Levels

The aim of this study was to assess whether dietary supplementation with a nutraceutical blend comprising extracts of bergamot and artichoke—both standardized in their characteristic polyphenolic fractions—could positively affect serum lipid concentration and insulin sensitivity, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and indexes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in 90 healthy individuals with suboptimal cholesterol levels. Participants were randomly allocated to treatment with a pill of either active treatment or placebo. After 6 weeks, the active-treated group experienced significant improvements in levels of triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein B-100 (Apo B-100), and apolipoprotein AI (Apo AI) versus baseline. Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (Non-HDL-C), and hs-CRP also significantly decreased in the active-treated group compared to both baseline and placebo. At the 12-week follow-up, individuals allocated to the combined nutraceutical experienced a significant improvement in TC, LDL-C, Non-HDL-C, TG, Apo B-100, Apo AI, glucose, alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (gGT), hs-CRP, several indexes of NAFLD, and brachial pulse volume (PV) in comparison with baseline. Improvements in TC, LDL-C, Non-HDL-C, TG, fatty liver index (FLI), hs-CRP, and endothelial reactivity were also detected compared to placebo (p &lt; 0.05 for all). Overall, these findings support the use of the tested dietary supplement containing dry extracts of bergamot and artichoke as a safe and effective approach for the prevention and management of a broad spectrum of cardiometabolic disorders.

A commercial seaweed extract increases growth performance, immune responses, and related gene expressions in whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Seaweed liquid extracts are an attractive source of phytochemicals with high potential applicability in the aquafeed-additive industry. A commercial seaweed liquid extract (True Algae Max, TAM®), which has a marine seaweed odor, also dislplays significant levels of polysaccharides, phytochemicals, phenolic, and flavonoid compounds showing antioxidant activities and DPPH inhibition. This study investigates the impact of diets supplemented with TAM® as a functional additive on the growth, nutrient utilization, immune responses, and immune-related gene expressions of whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). A total of 750 postlarvae (PL, with an average initial weight of 0.053±0.001 g) were divided into five experimental groups, comprising three replicates per dietary treatment. For an eight-week experimental period, all groups were fed identical diets except for the variation in TAM® inclusion levels. The basal diet (control diet) had no inclusion level of TAM® (TAM0%). Groups 2–5 each contain TAM® inclusion at levels of 1% (10 mL gk−1 diet TAM1%), 2% (20 mL gk−1 diet TAM2%), 3% (30 mL gk−1 diet TAM3%), and 4% (40 mL gk−1 diet TAM4%), respectively. The results concluded that TAM® has great potential as a feed additive for whiteleg shrimp, compared to the control group. The group TAM2% significantly achieved final weight (4.337 g), weight gain (4.287 g) specific growth rate (3.423% / day), feed conversion ratio (1.970), feed efficiency ratio (0.507), and protein efficiency ratio (1.407), compared to the control group (3.900 g, 3.850 g, 3.347%/day, 2.183, 0.458, and 1.270, respectively). Whole-body composition of protein and lipid contents were significantly improved by all TAM group including TAM2% (51.18% and 4.49%, respectively), compared to the control group (49.38% and 4.15%, respectively). As well as, shrimp in group TAM2% achieved the highest values of lysozyme (3.92 µg mL−1), superoxide dismutase (SOD, 11.92 IU mL−1), catalase (CAT, 13.04 IU g−1), lipase (31.24 IU L−1), and amylase (31.24 IU L−1), compared to the control group (3.19 µg mL−1, 8.80 IU mL−1, 10.84 IU g−1, 17.35 IU L−1, 21.65 IU L−1, respectively). For gene expressions experiment, four immune-related were performed in this study; Peroxiredoxin (Prx), Prophenoloxidase (PPO1), P53-like protein isoform delta (p53), and Hemocyanin subunit L5 (L5H). The results showed that shrimp in group TAM2% achieved the highest significant P53 gene transcription compared to the control group or the other TAM groups. Compared to other groups, the TAM1% group considerably increased PPO1 gene transcription, while TAM3% displayed the greatest Prx gene transcription. On the other hand, compared to control group, all TAM groups significantly improved L5H gene transcription. In conclusion, the current study revealed that TAM® diet supplementation (20 mL of TAM® per kg diet) represents a promising, eco-friendly, and sustainable feed additive in the shrimp aquadiet industry.

Exploring the use of ultrafiltration-diafiltration for the concentration and purification of mealworm proteins

This work aimed to study the performance of the UF-DF process, in terms of the permeation flux and membrane resistance, to produce a mealworm protein isolate. Moreover, a detailed characterization of the UF-DF retentates and permeates was performed. The results showed that the UF performances was reduced during the concentration phase, with a total flux decline close to 40 %. The membrane fouling was mainly reversible, and the flux was totally recovered during the DF. As expected, the ash content was drastically reduced in the retentate, but interestingly, low effects on the soluble sugars and lipids contents were noticed. The UF permeates were mainly composed of free amino acids and low molecular weight peptides, which confirms a high protein rejection of the UF membrane. Finally, compared to the protein concentrate before the UF-DF (57.29 %), the protein content increased by 26.4 % to reach 72.40 % which validates the feasibility of producing mealworm protein isolates using filtration parameters described in this work. This study demonstrated the potential of using UF-DF to produce a mealworm protein isolate with a complete amino acid profile rich in essential amino acids.