Amount Of Lipids Research Articles

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

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

A convenient method for the relative and absolute quantification of lipid components in liposomes by 1H- and 31P NMR-spectroscopy

ObjectiveLiposomes are promising delivery systems for pharmaceutical applications and have been used in medicine in the recent past. Preparation of liposomes requires reliable characterization and quantification of the phospholipid components for which the traditional cumbersome molybdate method is used frequently. The objective was to improve relative and absolute quantification of lipid components from liposomes. MethodsA reliable method for quantification of lipid composition in liposome formulations in the 1–10 μmol range with 1H- and 31P NMR spectroscopy at 600 MHz has been developed. The method is based on three crystalline small-molecule standards (Ph3PO4, (Tol)3PO4, and Ph3PO) in CDCl3. ResultsExcellent calibration linearity and chemical stability of the standards was observed. The method was tested in blind fashion on liposomes containing POPC, PEG-ceramide and a pH-sensitive trans-aminocyclohexanol-based amphiphile (TACH).11Et3PO4 Triethyl phosphate, Ph3PO4 triphenyl phosphate, (Tol)3PO4 tritolyl phosphate, Ph3PO triphenylphosphine oxide, POPC 1-palmitoyl-2-oleyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, DPPC 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, DOPC 1,2-dioleyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, DOPE 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, POPE 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, PEG-ceramide N-palmitoyl-sphingosine-1-(succinyl[methoxy(polyethylene glycol)2000]), COSY correlation spectroscopy, TOCSY total correlation spectroscopy, HMBC heteronuclear multiple-bond correlation, TACH trans-aminocyclohexanol, ANTS 8-aminonaphthalene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid, disodium salt, DPX p-xylene-bis-pyridinium bromide, HEPES 2-[4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazin-1-yl]ethanesulfonic acid, pfg pulse-field gradient. Relative quantification (percentage of components) as well as determination of absolute lipid amount was possible with excellent reproducibility with an average error of 5%. Quantification (triplicate) was accomplished in 15 min based on 1H NMR and in 1 h based on 31P NMR. Very little change in mixture composition was observed over multiple preparative steps. ConclusionLiposome preparations containing POPC, POPE, DOPC, DPPC, TACH, and PEG-ceramide can be reliably characterized and quantified by 1H NMR and 31P NMR spectroscopy at 600 MHz in the μmol range.

Enabling superior drug loading in lipid-based formulations with lipophilic salts for a brick dust molecule: Exploration of lipophilic counterions and in vitro-in vivo evaluation

Lipid-based formulations (LbFs) are an extensively used approach for oral delivery of poorly soluble drug compounds in the form of lipid suspension and lipid solution. However, the high target dose and inadequate lipid solubility limit the potential of brick dust molecules to be formulated as LbFs. Thus, the complexation of such molecules with a lipophilic counterion can be a plausible approach to improve the solubility in lipid-based solutions via reducing drug crystallinity and polar surface area. The study aimed to enhance drug loading in lipid solution for Nilotinib (Nil) through complexation or salt formation with different lipophilic counterions. We synthesized different lipophilic salts/ complexes via metathesis reactions and confirmed their formation by 1H NMR and FTIR. Docusate-based lipophilic salt showed improved solubility in medium-chain triglycerides (∼7 to 7.5-fold) and long-chain triglycerides (∼30 to 35-fold) based lipids compared to unformulated crystalline Nil. The increased lipid solubility could be attributed to the reduction in drug crystallinity which was further confirmed by the PXRD and DSC. Prototype LbFs were prepared to evaluate drug loading and their physicochemical characteristics. The findings suggested that structural features of counterion including chain length and lipophilicity affect the drug loading in LbF. In addition, physical stability testing of formulations was performed, inferring that aliphatic sulfate-based LbFs were stable with no sign of drug precipitation or salt disproportionation. An in vitro lipolysis-permeation study revealed that the primary driver of absorptive flux is the solubilization of the drug and reduced amount of lipid. Further, the in vivo characterization was conducted to measure the influence of increased drug load on oral bioavailability. Overall, the results revealed enhanced absorption of lipophilic salt-based LbF over unformulated crystalline Nil and conventional LbF (drug load equivalent to equilibrium solubility) which supports the idea that lipophilic salt-based LbF enhances drug loading, and supersaturation-mediated drug solubilization, unlocking the full potential of LbF.

Utility of by‐products of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) production as feed ingredients for Pacific Whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

AbstractProjected growth in insect production as alternative feedstuffs will yield novel by‐products that are potentially valuable for aquafeed applications. We analyzed the nutrient composition of three by‐products occurring from black soldier fly larvae production (exuvia, cocoon, imago) and the bioavailability of key nutrients for Pacific Whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Protein accounted for 317 g kg−1 in exuviae, 433 g kg−1 in cocoons, and up to 521 g kg−1 in adult flies (imagines). Considerable amounts of essential amino acids were detected in imago meal, which significantly matched the ideal dietary amino acid composition for penaeid shrimp (r2 = 0.66, p = 0.0076). Exuviae and cocoons contained moderate amounts of lipids (64–140 g kg−1), while imagines comprised 356 g kg−1 total lipid. Saturated fatty acids predominated in all insect materials (47%–83% of total fatty acids). Chitin concentration was highest in cocoons and exuviae (154 and 139 g kg−1) and low in imagines (51 g kg−1). A feeding trial with shrimp, L vannamei, revealed apparent digestibility coefficients of 20%–59% for protein, 24%–54% for energy, 25%–49% for carbon, and 27%–68% for copper. Defatting of imago meal increased the digestibility of protein, energy, and carbon by 77%, 64%, and 61%, respectively. Defatted imago meal can serve as a protein supplement for shrimp diets.

Anti-Diabetic Activity of an Extract of Syzygium Jambolanum – A Review

Syzygium jambolanum is a promising natural treatment for diabetes. The potential benefits of S jambolanum for diabetes include lowering blood sugar levels, increasing insulin sensitivity, protecting pancreatic beta cells, and slowing the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. The anti-diabetic activity of the crude extract of S jambolanum was evaluated in L6 myotubes and the lipid deposition in tissue was measured using Nile red Staining. Nile red staining confirmed that a considerable quantity of lipids had been deposited in the tissue treated with a crude extract of S jambolanum, comparable to the quantity of lipids deposited with a standard drug known as Rosiglitazone. This study analyzed the anti-diabetic activity of a crude extract of S jambolanum to understand its potential as a feedstock for extracting bioactive constituents to screen for bioactive molecules in the treatment of diabetes.

Gluten-free lentil cakes with optimal technological and nutritional characteristics.

The celiac population usually struggle finding nutritive gluten-free (GF) baked goods. GF foods can be improved using legume flours. Eleven GF cake formulations were elaborated according to different percentages of lentil flour (LF), corn flour (CF) and rice flour (RF) using a simplex lattice design. Water holding capacity and particle size of flours were evaluated. Moisture, aw, pH, specific volume, texture profile, relaxation, color and alveolar characteristics were determined for crumbs of all formulations. An optimization process was used to enhance the technological and nutritional attributes, selecting the three best formulations containing LF: 46% LF + 54% RF (CLF+RF); 49% LF + 51% CF (CLF+CF); and 100% LF (CLF), evaluated in their proximal composition and sensory characteristics. Linear and quadratic models for predicting the behavior of GF lentil cakes were obtained. LF and CF could favor water incorporation and show more resistance to enzymatic digestion than RF. Formulations with LF showed an improvement in specific volume and alveolar parameters, while use of RF led to better cohesiveness, elasticity and resilience but with a deterioration in chewiness and firmness. CLF can be labeled as high in protein and fiber and presented the lowest amounts of lipids, carbohydrates and energy content. Consumer preference leaned towards CLF+RF. It was possible to elaborate GF cakes using LF, obtaining nutritive products that can be offered to people intolerant to gluten ingestion. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of Farming Conditions on the Nutritional Contents of Manihot esculenta Planted in four Regions of Niger Delta, Nigeria

All through human existence, the ability to cultivate crops to better human life has been affected by the nature of the soil; different crops strive in different regions. The relationship between humans, the earth and food production affirms soil as the foundation of crop production. Hence, the objective of this paper as to the effects of farming conditions on the nutritional contents of Manihot esculenta planted in four regions of Niger Delta, Nigeria. Using appropriate standard methods. Data obtained revealed that the moisture contents varied in the order; herbicide > oil-spilled > inorganic fertilizer > normal. The amount of water-soluble vitamins varied in the order; normal > oil spilled > inorganic fertilizer > herbicide. The amount of crude lipids varied in the order; herbicide > normal > inorganic fertilizer > oil-spilled. The amount of hydrogen cyanide varied in the order; inorganic fertilizer > herbicide > oil-spilled > normal. The amount of carbohydrate varied in the order; inorganic fertilizer > oil-spilled > normal > herbicide. The amount of crude protein and fiber varied in the order; herbicide > normal > inorganic fertilizer > oil-spilled. Root tubers from the normal practice was most abundant in ash contents, while that from the use of herbicide was the least. These results indicated that the normal practice showed commended amount of moisture content, water soluble vitamins and ash content; the herbicide induced land produced cassava tuber with the highest amount of crude lipids, crude fibre and crude proteins; that with the use of inorganic fertilizer produced the highest amount of hydrogen cyanide. All practices were adoptive for carbohydrate formation, except the herbicide induced soil.

Effect of salting and dehydration treatments on the physicochemical and gel properties of hen and duck egg yolks, plasma and granules.

Salted hen egg yolks are less oily and less flavorful than salted duck egg yolks. However, hen eggs have a more adequate market supply and have a broader application prospect than duck eggs. In the present study, egg yolks, plasma, and granules were dehydrated by adding 1% NaCl to simulate traditional curing process of salted egg yolk. The changes in the pickling process of hen egg yolks (HEY) and duck egg yolks (DEY) plasma and granules were compared to reveal the gelation mechanism and the underlying causes of quality differences in salted HEY and DEY. Salted HEY can be compared with the changes in DEY during the pickling process to provide a theoretical basis for the quality improvement of salted HEY to salted DEY. The results showed that both plasma and granules were involved in gel formation, but exhibited different aggregation behaviors. Based on the intermolecular forces, the HEY proteins achieved aggregation mainly through hydrophobic interactions and DEY proteins mainly through covalent binding. According to spin-spin relaxation time, HEY gels immobilized a large amount of lipid and interacted strongly with lipids. DEY gels showed much free lipid and had weak interaction with lipid. The microstructure showed that HEY proteins were easily unfolded to form a homogeneous three-dimensional gel network structure after salting, whereas heterogeneous aggregates were formed to hinder the gel development in DEY. Changes in protein secondary structure content showed that pickling can promote the transformation of the α-helices to β-sheets structure in HEY gels, whereas more α-helices structure was formed in DEY gels. The present study has demonstrated that different gelation behaviors of hen and duck egg yolk proteins (especially in plasma) through salting treatment led to the difference in the quality of salted HEY and DEY. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

The investigation of the molecular changes during lipopolysaccharide-induced systemic inflammation on rat hippocampus by using FTIR spectroscopy.

The aim of this study is to reveal the molecular changes accompanying the neuronal hyper-excitability during lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced systemic inflammation on rat hippocampus using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. For this aim, the body temperature of Wistar albino rats administered LPS or saline was recorded by radiotelemetry. The animals were decapitated when their body temperature began to decrease by 0.5°C after LPS treatment and the hippocampi of them were examined by FTIR spectroscopy. The results indicated that systemic inflammation caused lipid peroxidation, an increase in the amounts of lipids, proteins and nucleic acids, a decrease in membrane order, an increase in membrane dynamics and changes in the secondary structure of proteins. Principal component analysis successfully separated control and LPS-treated groups. In conclusion, significant structural, compositional and functional alterations occur in the hippocampus during systemic inflammation and these changes may have specific characteristics which can lead to neuronal hyper-excitability.

Abstract 5169: Circulating levels of ANGPTL3, PCSK9, apoCIII and lipoprotein (a) in high-grade serous ovarian cancer

Abstract Background: Ovarian cancers require abundant amounts of lipids for their growth. Recent years have highlighted the role of ANGPTL3, PCSK9, ApoCIII and Lp(a) as key players in lipid metabolism. But circulating levels of these factors in ovarian cancers have not been thoroughly investigated to date. Objective: We assessed the profiles of plasma ANGPTL3, PCSK9, ApoCIII and Lp(a) in ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). Methods: Plasma samples collected from women diagnosed with an HGSC (n=31) or a benign ovarian lesion (BOL, n=40) were analyzed for plasma lipid profile (ApoB, total cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides, Lp(a) levels) on a clinical modular platform (Roche). ApoCIII, ANGPTL3 and PCSK9 levels were measured with commercially-available ELISA kits. Differences between HGSC and BOL were assessed by two-group comparisons. Pairwise correlation strength between variables was evaluated with Spearman’s rank order tests. Logistic regression modelling was used to further examine the associations between selected variables and HGSC diagnoses. Results: ANGPTL3 levels increased in HGSC (84.1 ng/ml, SD=29.2ng/ml, n=31) compared to BOL (66.9ng/ml, SD=30.7 ng/ml, n=40; HGSC vs BOL p=0.02). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve suggested that plasma ANGPTL3 levels were moderately associated with HGSC (AUC=67.7%, p=0.005 1) and did not increase predictive performance of ovarian tumor biomarkers CA125 and HE4 in multivariable model. Associations between ANGPTL3 levels and cholesterol (HDL, non-HDL, LDL and total) could be observed in the control group but not in the HGSC group. The same dissociation was observed for the inverse correlation between HDL and triglycerides in HGSC. Furthermore, moderate associations were observed between PCSK9 & CA19-9 in the entire cohort (rho=0.34, n=53, p=0.013) and Lp(a) & CA125 in HGSC cases (rho=0.51, p= 0.017). Conclusion: In this cohort of 71 women, we report increased levels of ANGPTL3 in HGSC with an effect size (Cohen’s D) of 0.57. Confirmation of this result in larger cohort studies (minimal n>50 in each group) would warrant further investigation into the roles of circulating ANGPTL3. Its inhibition may allow to tackle deregulated lipid metabolic pathways contributing to ovarian cancer progression. Citation Format: Emilie Wong Chong, France-Hélène Joncas, Pierre Douville, Dimcho Bachvarov, Frédéric Calon, Nabil Seidah, Caroline Diorio, Anne Gangloff. Circulating levels of ANGPTL3, PCSK9, apoCIII and lipoprotein (a) in high-grade serous ovarian cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 5169.

Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles Synthesized via Lipid-Based Surface Engineering for a robust drug delivery platform

Herein, lipid-polymer core-shell hybrid nanoparticles composed of poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)/lecithin (PLNs) were synthesized through lipid-based surface engineering. Lipids were absorbed onto the surface of the PLGA core to enhance the advantages of polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes. The amounts of lipids and encapsulation of the drug nicardipine hydrochloride (NCH) in the PLNs were studied. NCH-loaded PLNs (NCH-PLNs) were produced in high yield (66%) with a high encapsulation efficiency (92%) and a size of 176 nm. The mass of phosphorus (P) on the NCH-PLN surface was qualitatively and quantitatively investigated using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and lecithin addition increased the P mass percentage due to the phosphate group (PO43-) in its structure. These data confirmed the lipid-based surface engineering of NCH-PLNs. The zeta potential of NCH-PLN exceeded −30 mV, ensuring colloidal stability, and preventing precipitation through electrostatic stabilization. In vitro, NCH was continuously and slowly released from NCH-PLNs over 16 days. Furthermore, PSVK1 cells exhibited high viability after treatment with NCH-PLNs, indicating favorable cytocompatibility. After comparing various mathematical equations of drug release kinetics, the data best fit the Korsmeyer-Peppas model with R2 values of 0.989, 0.990, and 0.982 for 1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 mg/mL lecithin, respectively. The release exponents obtained ranged from 0.480 to 0.505, suggesting anomalous transport release. Thus, NCH-PLNs have potential as a robust drug delivery platform for the controlled administration of NCH, particularly for vasodilation during neurosurgery.

Pharmacokinetics of soy-derived lysophosphatidylcholine compared with that of glycerophosphocholine: a randomized controlled trial.

Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) is present in various foods and contains a choline moiety such as in glycerophosphocholine (GPC). However, the potential of LPC as a choline source remains unclear. This study investigated the single-dose pharmacokinetics of 480mg soy-derived LPC in 12 healthy men compared with that of either soy oil with the same lipid amount (placebo) or GPC with the same choline amount. Both LPC and GPC supplementation increased plasma choline, serum phospholipid, and serum triglyceride concentrations, but neither of them significantly elevated plasma trimethylamine N-oxide concentration. In addition, although the intake of LPC slightly increased plasma LPC16:0, LPC18:2, and total LPC concentrations, their concentrations remained within physiological ranges. No adverse events were attributed to the LPC supplementation. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to compare LPC and GPC pharmacokinetics in humans and shows that LPC can be a source of choline.

Nutritional- and flavor-enhancing effects of biomass production by Rhodotorula spp. on cantaloupe juice

To investigate the feasibility of applying Rhodotorula spp. production of biomass in juice to enhance juices’ nutrient and flavor properties of juices. In this study, six strains of Rhodotorula spp. were selected to be inoculated into eight fruit juices, and according to their physicochemical properties and carotenoid production, cantaloupe juice was selected as the juice for the subsequent study. The carotenoid composition and content, fatty acid composition and content, volatile substances, and sensory qualities of cantaloupe juice inoculated with the six Rhodotorula spp strains were determined. The results showed that the carotenoid content of cantaloupe juice inoculated with Rhodotorula alborubescrns H7 increased the most from 13.07 mg/L to 29.78 mg/L, which enhanced the nutrition of cantaloupe juice. The crude fat content of cantaloupe juice inoculated with strain Rhodotorula paludigena H12 was the highest at 5.80 g/L. The types and total amounts of many volatile alcohols, acids and lipids also increased, while most aldehydes decreased. Among the tested strains, the best sensory evaluation was obtained with Rhodotorula alborubescrns H7 and H8, which may be the most suitable for commercial production.

Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein is necessary to maintain lipid homeostasis and retinal function.

Lipid processing by the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is necessary to maintain retinal health and function. Dysregulation of retinal lipid homeostasis due to normal aging or age-related disease triggers lipid accumulation within the RPE, on Bruch's membrane (BrM), and in the subretinal space. In its role as a hub for lipid trafficking into and out of the neural retina, the RPE packages a significant amount of lipid into lipid droplets for storage and into apolipoprotein B (APOB)-containing lipoproteins (Blps) for export. Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP), encoded by the MTTP gene, is essential for Blp assembly. Herein we test the hypothesis that MTP expression in the RPE is essential to maintain lipid balance and retinal function using the newly generated RPEΔMttp mouse model. Using non-invasive ocular imaging, electroretinography, and histochemical and biochemical analyses we show that genetic depletion of Mttp from the RPE results in intracellular lipid accumulation, increased photoreceptor-associated cholesterol deposits, and photoreceptor cell death, and loss of rod but not cone function. RPE-specific reduction in Mttp had no significant effect on plasma lipids and lipoproteins. While APOB was decreased in the RPE, most ocular retinoids remained unchanged, with the exception of the storage form of retinoid, retinyl ester. Thus suggesting that RPE MTP is critical for Blp synthesis and assembly but is not directly involved in plasma lipoprotein metabolism. These studies demonstrate that RPE-specific MTP expression is necessary to establish and maintain retinal lipid homeostasis and visual function.

Stratum Corneum Lipids in Non-Lesional Atopic and Healthy Skin following Moisturizer Application: A Randomized Clinical Experiment.

It is an international standard to recommend patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) to use moisturizers; however, little is known about their effect on lipids in the stratum corneum (SC). In this randomized clinical experiment of 30 Caucasian participants (15 with AD and 15 healthy controls), the superficial SC lipid profile was assessed through tape stripping non-lesional skin following treatment thrice daily for seven days with a moisturizer, and subsequently compared with untreated skin. No discernible disparity in superficial SC lipid quantity was evident between the AD group and the control group. However, the SC lipid composition diverged significantly, with the AD group exhibiting diminished levels of long-chain EO CERs (p = 0.024) and elevated levels of short-chain C34 CERs (p = 0.025) compared to healthy skin. Moisturizer application significantly reduced the total SC lipids and all lipid subgroups in both groups. Within the AD group, a non-significant inclination towards an augmentation in EO CERs (p = 0.053) and reduction in C34 CERs (p = 0.073) was observed. The recent identification of distinctions in SC lipid composition between AD and healthy skin was substantiated by our findings. Topical moisturizer application, despite reducing overall total lipids, indicated a potential tendency towards a healthier lipid constitution in AD skin.

МОРФОЛОГИЧЕСКАЯ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА ПРЕПУЦИАЛЬНЫХ И КЛИТОРАЛЬНЫХ ЖЕЛЕЗ У ДЕКОРАТИВНЫХ КРЫС

The aim of the study is to investigate the structural features of the preputial glands of males and clitoral glands of females in clinically healthy adult sexually mature pet rats. The object of the study is pet rats kept by private owners in the city of Krasnoyarsk and the Krasnoyarsk Region, which died from various disea¬ses not associated with pathologies of the studied glands. The material of the study was the clitoral and preputial glands collected from the corpses of dead animals during pathological examination. The material from 13 females weighing from 248 to 567 g and 11 males weighing from 229 to 720 g was studied. The age of the animals ranged from 12 to 36 months. The preputial and clitoral glands are paired organs of external secretion, located in the thickness of the subcutaneous fat, and are well developed in animals of both sexes. Their absolute weight significantly differs between rats of different sexes and is (0.22 ± 0.02) g in males and (0.14 ± 0.01) g in females (P ≤ 0.01). The relative mass of the glands in animals of both sexes is (0.4 ± 0.01) % of the body mass. It has been established that the preputial glands in males and the clitoral glands in females of pet rats have a comparable histological structure. According to the type of secretion, they are holocrine, according to the characteristics of the excretory ducts, they are branched, and according to the shape of the terminal sections, they are alveolar. They produce a pasty secretion, which has a color from yellowish to light brown, contains a large amount of lipids and has a pungent odor.

Phosphorus drives adaptive shifts in membrane lipid pools and synthesis between soils

Phospholipids are key constituents of microbial membranes and account for a substantial fraction of microbial P, while P-free betaine lipids provide a pathway for membrane synthesis independent of P. The aim of this study was to test if modulation of relative amounts of phospholipids vs P-free betaine lipids is a response to P availability. To examine responses of membrane lipids to P availability, we added P or P + C to an extremely P-poor sandstone-derived soil (total P = 41 μg g−1) and a higher P shale-derived soil (total P = 201 μg g−1). By using D2O labelling and LC-MS we were able to disentangle membrane lipid synthesis dependent on P (i.e. 2H incorporation into phospholipids) from membrane lipid synthesis independent of P (i.e. 2H incorporation into P-free betaine lipids). In unamended soils, P-free betaine lipids were almost 60% of the membrane lipid pool of the P-poor sandstone-derived soil, but only 10% of the higher-P shale-derived soil. Hence, to produce a unit of membrane lipid, the microbial population of sandstone soil required only 54% as much P as the microbial population of shale soil. Four days after adding P to the sandstone soil, phospholipids accounted for a larger proportion of the pool and synthesis of membrane lipids while pool and synthesis of P-free betaine lipids decreased. The increased allocation to phospholipids in sandstone soil amended with P likely reflected amelioration of P limitation given that P addition did not affect pools or synthesis of phospholipids versus betaine lipids in the higher-P shale soil. Collectively these data support the idea that having membranes with a high proportion of P-free betaine lipids is a key adaptive trait of microbial populations of P-poor soil, while the plasticity afforded by membrane lipid remodelling enables short-term fine-tuning of membrane lipid composition to P availability.

New trends in microbial lipid-based biorefinery for fermentative bioenergy production from lignocellulosic biomass

Using oleaginous microbial lipid-based biorefinery from lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) to produce fermentative bioenergy (i.e., biodiesel) represents an innovative second-generation fuel production technology. These lipids are predominantly intracellular triglycerides that accumulate through the metabolism of sugars in fermentation following pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis of LCB. This review investigates the recent advances in the microbial lipid production from LCB, focusing on the factors influencing the lead microbial lipid producers, different pretreatment methods (i.e., physical, chemical, biological, and combined pretreatment), enzymatic hydrolysis approaches, novel bioprocessing strategies (i.e., microbes-specific and fermentation model specific), and engineering techniques of the oleaginous microbes (i.e., genetic and metabolic alterations). The study demonstrates that oleaginous yeasts can synthesize significantly higher quantities of lipids when incorporated into the system, known as separated hydrolysis and lipid production, following various combined pretreatment methods. Interestingly, CRISPR is found to be the most suitable way of engineering microbes genetically and metabolically for increased lipid synthesis. The study also explores economically viable strategies for fermentative lipid production, addressing associated challenges, and outlines future directions, including comprehensive techno-economic and life cycle assessments. This review offers invaluable insights into microbial lipid production from LCB, highlighting the potential for significant technological and environmental enhancements through ongoing research and development efforts.

Recent advances and fundamentals of microalgae cultivation technology.

Microalgae are considered to be a promising group of organisms for fuel production, waste processing, pharmaceutical applications, and as a source of food components. Unicellular algae are worth being considered because of their capacity to produce comparatively large amounts of lipids, proteins, and vitamins while requiring little room for growth. They can also grow on waste and fix CO2 and nitrogen compounds. However, production costs limit the industrial use of microalgae to the most profitable applications including micronutrient production and fish farming. Therefore, novel microalgae based technologies require an increase of the production efficiencies or values. Here we review the recent studies focused on getting strains with novel characteristics or cultivating techniques that improve production's robustness or efficiency and categorize these findings according to the fundamental factors that determine microalgae growth. Improvements of light and nutrient delivery, as well as other aspects of photobioreactor design, have shown the highest average increase in productivity. Other methods, such as an improvement of phosphorus or CO2 fixation and temperature adaptation have been found to be less effective. Furthermore, interactions with particular bacteria may promote the growth of microalgae, although bacterial and grazer contaminations must be managed to avoid culture failure. The competitiveness of the algal products will increase if these discoveries are applied to industrial settings.

Biochemical analysis of Justicia carnea leaves used as a hematinic

Justicia carnea is the largest genus of Acanthaceae and is a medicinal plant used widely in Nigeria, reported to have diverse functions, including blood-boosting potential. The phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, amino acid and proximate compositions of the leaf extract of Justicia carnea were determined using standard methods. Results of the quantitative phytochemical analyses on the leaves of Justicia carnea recorded appreciable presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, cyanogenic glycosides, oxalate, and phytate using GC-FID. Ribalinidine with 42.08±0.03 mg/kg was the highest alkaloid, Flavan -3-ol was 21.18±0.02 mg/kg, presented the highest amount of flavonoids, and phytate with 25.69±0.07 mg/kg as the highest antinutrient. Analysis of Justicia carnea leaves recorded iron (8.61mg/kg) as the major elemental content followed by potassium (5.29±0.11mg/kg). The concentrations of vitamins in Justicia carnea leaves showed vitamin C, with the highest value of (232.32±12.26 mg/100g) followed by Vitamin A (22.16±2.12 mg/kg). The results of proximate composition on Justicia carnea leaves showed a high concentration of carbohydrate (60.35±3.05%) and appreciable amounts of ash (15.02±1.01%), fibre (9.29±0.93%), protein (8.40±0.41%), and low amount of lipid (1.50±0.09%). The amino acid results showed the presence of both essential and non-essential amino acids with their concentrations in increasing and decreasing orders. These results obtained showed that leaves of Justicia carnea may serve as rich source of natural antioxidants, this may be attributed to its rich phytochemicals, nutrients and vitamin compositions and could be recommended as a potential source of useful bioactive constituents as vegetable supplement and has no toxic effect and as an effective hematinic supplement when prepared adequately.