Lipid Weight Research Articles

Tertiary treatment of domestic wastewater by Spirulina platensis integrated with microalgal biorefinery

ABSTRACTThe present study aims at reclamation of secondarily treated water using the microalga Spirulina platensis. The objective is to consider wastewater pollutants as nutrients for microalgae cultivation. The process led to production of microalgal biomass that can be used for extraction of value-added products with the potential to be commercialized. An open raceway pond was used as a cultivation system. It can remove 2.86 g Chemical Oxygen Dmand (COD)/day, 0.12 g PO4-P/day, 0.82 g NH4-N/day, 0.13 g NO3-N/day and 0.88 g total nitrogen/day. The harvested microalgal biomass was used to produce biomethane at 0.1-L and 5-L capacities. The biomass was found to contain 26.65% (dry weight) of lipids with C:16 and C18:1 fatty acids. The residual biomass can produce 165.0 ± 5.39 mL of biogas per g Volatile Solids (VS) with an average methane content of 62.38 ± 2.12%. Different biomass pre-treatments methods were also studied to increase the biogas production. This study demonstrates the commercial potential of S. platensis cultivation using wastewater streams wherein it can reduce the cost of wastewater treatment and earn revenue from value-added products.

The effect of micronized corn fiber on body weight, glycemia, and lipid metabolism in rats fed cafeteria diet

Abstract During corn industrial dry milling, a residue rich in dietary fibers is generated. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of micronized corn fiber (MCF) as part of a cafeteria diet in the macronutrient metabolism and body weight. Wistar male rats, with initial body weight of 249 ± 14 g (n = 13), received AIN-93M diet (Group 1) or cafeteria diet (Groups 2, 3 and 4), composed of commercial ration, cookies, fried potato sticks, milk chocolate, bacon and chicken liver pâte. Groups 3 and 4 received MCF to replace 100 and 50% of the cellulose from the AIN-93M diet, respectively. After 35 days, blood, tissues and feces were collected. Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by Tukey test (p < 0.10). The weight gain of the animals increased by 25.9%, 20.8% and 22.0%, when fed cafeteria diet or 100 and 50% of MCF respectively, compared to the control group, although food consumption did not differ between them. Body weight and food efficiency ratio did not differ between the groups fed cafeteria diet with or without MCF. The addition of MCF to the cafeteria diet did not alter the animal lipid profile and glycemia, however, the accumulation of lipids in their livers was similar to the control group. The intake of 100% MCF resulted in higher fecal weight and fecal excretion of lipids, and lower fecal nitrogen, lipid absorption and lipid deposition in the liver than the cafeteria diet. In conclusion, MCF has a potential to improve intestinal transit and lipid excretion, but showed no benefit on blood lipid and glucose levels.

Label-free non-invasive quantitative measurement of lipid contents in individual microalgal cells using refractive index tomography

Microalgae are promising candidates for biofuel production due to their high lipid content. To facilitate utilization of the microalgae for biofuel, rapid quantification of the lipid contents in microalgae is necessary. However, conventional methods based on the chemical extraction of lipids require a time-consuming destructive extraction process. Here, we demonstrate label-free, non-invasive, rapid quantification of the lipid contents in individual micro-algal cells measuring the three-dimensional refractive index tomograms. We measure three-dimensional refractive index distributions within Nannochloropsis oculata cells and find that lipid droplets are identifiable in tomograms by their high refractive index. In addition, we alter N. oculata under nitrogen deficiency by measuring the volume, lipid weight, and dry cell weight of individual cells. Characterization of individual cells allows correlative analysis between the lipid content and size of individual cells.

Polychlorinated biphenyls and chlorinated paraffins in home-produced eggs from an e-waste polluted area in South China: Occurrence and human dietary exposure

The levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and short/median-chain chlorinated paraffins (S/MCCPs) in 68 home-produced eggs collected in 2013 and 2016 from an electronic-waste (e-waste) site in South China were measured and the human dietary exposure to these two classes of contaminants via egg consumption was calculated. The levels of PCBs, SCCPs, and MCCPs varied from 236 to 8870 ng/g lipid weight (lw), 477 to 111,000 ng/g lw, and 125 to 91,100 ng/g lw, respectively. There are no significant differences in the levels of PCBs, SCCPs, and MCCPs between 2013 and 2016 (p > 0.05). The congener profiles of PCBs and MCCPs were similar to each other between 2013 and 2016; however, the homologue profiles of SCCPs were different. The Toxic Equivalent Quantities (TEQs) of ∑DL-PCBs and the levels of ∑ICES-6 PCBs strongly exceeded the limits set by EU Regulation 1259/2011 (2.5 pg World Health Organization-TEQ2005 g−1 lw for DL-∑PCBs and 40 ng/ g lw for ∑ICES-6 PCBs). The estimated daily intakes (EDI) of PCBs, SCCPs, and MCCPs by adults and children ranged between 5.57 and 1100, 11.8 and 11,900, and 3.62 and 11,400 ng/kg bw/d, respectively. PCBs pose serious health risks for local residents, especially for children, due to the high ratios of EDI (68% in 2013 and 70% in 2016 for adults and 100% for children) in excess of the exposure limits.

Selection of passerine birds as bio-sentinel of persistent organic pollutants in terrestrial environment

A broad suite of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites, were analyzed in pectoral muscle of eight terrestrial passerine bird species from an extensive e-waste recycling site in South China. Concentrations of PCBs, PBDEs, and DDTs in bird samples ranged from 1260–279,000, 121–14,200, and 31–7910ng/g lipid weight, respectively. Insectivorous birds had significantly higher levels of PCBs, PBDEs, and DDTs than those in granivorous birds. Concentrations of POPs in resident insectivorous birds were significantly greater than those in migrant insectivorous birds. PCBs were the predominant pollutants in all bird species from the e-waste site, followed by PBDEs and DDTs, indicating that PCBs were mainly derived from e-wastes. The granivorous birds had higher proportions of hepta-CBs in total PCBs and higher proportions of octa- to deca-BDEs in total PBDEs compared with the insectivorous birds. The various dietary sources, migration behavior, and possible biotransformation were suspected as reasons of the distinct profiles of POPs in different bird species. The δ15N values were significantly and positively correlated with concentrations of POPs in resident insectivorous birds, but not in other passerine bird species, suggesting the influence of trophic levels on bioaccumulation of POPs in resident insectivorous birds. The resident insectivorous birds seem to be promising bio-sentinel of POPs in terrestrial environment around the e-waste sites.

Bioaccumulation and Spatiotemporal Trends of Polyhalogenated Carbazoles in Great Lakes Fish from 2004 to 2016.

Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) were recently discovered in Great Lakes sediment and other aquatic systems. However, knowledge about their bioaccumulation and potential risks to fish and wildlife remains very limited. The present study investigated PHCZs in Great Lakes lake trout ( Salvelinus namaycush) and walleye ( Sander vitreus; Lake Erie only) composites collected between 2004 and 2016. Median concentrations of ∑PHCZs by lake ranged from 54.7 to 154 ng/g lipid weight or lw (6.8-28.0 ng/g wet weight). Dominant congeners included 3,6-dichlorocarbazole, 1,3,6-tribromocarbazole, and 1,3,6,8-tetrachlorocarbazole. The highest ∑PHCZs concentrations were found in Lakes Michigan and Ontario fish, followed by Lake Huron, whereas Lakes Erie and Superior fish contained the lowest concentrations. Congener profiles of PHCZs also exhibited spatial variations. After age normalization to minimize fish age influence on bioaccumulation rates, fish ∑PHCZs' concentrations declined significantly over time in all lakes except Lake Erie, with slopes ranging from -10.24% to -3.85% per year. The median toxic equivalent (TEQ) of PHCZs due to their dioxin-like activity was determined to range from 8.7 to 25.7 pg/g lw in Great Lakes fish. This study provides the first insight into the bioaccumulation and spatiotemporal trends of PHCZs in Great Lakes and suggests the need for further research on this group of chemicals.

Contamination trends and factors affecting the transfer of hexabromocyclododecane diastereomers, tetrabromobisphenol A, and 2,4,6-tribromophenol to breast milk in Japan.

This study investigated contamination trends and factors affecting the levels of brominated flame retardants (BFRs), including hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) diastereomers, tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBP-A), and 2,4,6-tribromophenol (2,4,6-TBP), in breast milk in Japan. Breast milk samples (n = 64) were collected from mothers living in six prefectures in Japan. The mean concentrations were 2.2, 0.19, 0.29, 3.0, and 0.59 ng/g lipid weight for α-HBCD, β-HBCD, γ-HBCD, TBBP-A, and 2,4,6-TBP, respectively. Based on the previous studies, the levels of ΣHBCD in Japanese women's milk appear to be increasing, and the levels of TBBP-A are higher than those in other Asian countries. Although ΣHBCD were not correlated to phenolic BFRs, the concentration of β-HBCD was significantly correlated to the concentrations of TBBP-A (r = 0.440, p < 0.01) and 2,4,6-TBP (r = 0.320, p < 0.01). The concentration of γ-HBCD increased significantly with maternal age (r = 0.378, p < 0.01), but the concentrations of the other analytes were not dependent on age. The concentration of α-HBCD was higher in primiparae than in multiparae (p < 0.05), while TBBP-A was higher in multiparae. No significant correlation was found between the phenolic BFR levels in milk and mothers' age, working place, and drinking/smoking habits. These results suggest that exposure to α- and γ-HBCD diastereomers could be affected by maternal age and parity, respectively, because of their different kinetics and sources. Therefore, these factors should be considered when conducting infant risk assessments.

Polystyrene microplastics induce gut microbiota dysbiosis and hepatic lipid metabolism disorder in mice

Microplastic (MP) has become a concerning global environmental problem. It is toxic to aquatic organisms and can spread through the food chain to ultimately pose a threat to humans. In the environment, MP can interact with microbes and act as a microbial habitat. However, effects of polystyrene MP on the gut microbiota in mammals remain unclear. Here, male mice were exposed to two different sizes of polystyrene MP for 5 weeks to explore its effect. We observed that oral exposure to 1000 μg/L of 0.5 and 50 μm polystyrene MP decreased the body, liver and lipid weights in mice. Mucus secretion in the gut decreased in both sizes of polystyrene MP-treated groups. Regarding the gut microbiota, at the phylum level, polystyrene MP exposure decreased the relative abundances of Firmicutes and α-Proteobacteria in the feces. Furthermore, high throughput sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene revealed significant changes in the richness and diversity of the gut microbiota in the cecums of polystyrene MP-treated mice. At the genus level, a total of 6 and 8 types of bacteria changed in the 0.5 and 50 μm polystyrene MP-treated groups, respectively. Furthermore, an operational taxonomic unit (OTU) analysis identified that 310 and 160 gut microbes were changed in the 0.5 and 50 μm polystyrene MP-treated groups, respectively. In addition, the hepatic triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TCH) levels decreased in both 1000 μg/L 0.5 and 50 μm polystyrene MP-treated groups. Correspondingly, the relative mRNA levels of some key genes related to lipogenesis and TG synthesis decreased in the liver and epididymal fat. These results indicated that polystyrene MP could modify the gut microbiota composition and induce hepatic lipid disorder in mice; while the mouse is a common mammal model, consequently, the health risks of MP to animals should not be ignored.

Quantification of polychlorinated biphenyl contamination using human placenta as biomarker from Punjab Province, Pakistan.

The present study biomonitored the placental polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations in women from Punjab Province, Pakistan, that provides the pioneer data for occurrence and body burden of PCBs in placental tissues from South Asian women. The ∑34PCB concentrations in placental tissues were ranged from 20.2 to 115.98ng/g lipid weight (lip. wt.), with predominance of tetra-PCB (54.67%). The levels of ∑8DL-PCBs and ∑6-indicator PCBs were ranged from 2.03 to 27.64ng/g (lip. wt.) and 1.71 to 30.8ng/g (lip. wt.), respectively. The WHO-TEQ2005 values for DL-PCBs were ranged from 1.18 × 10-5 to 0.067ng/g (lip. wt.), with highest value evaluated for CB-126. The estimated daily intake (EDI) for DL-PCBs was ranged from 9.27 × 10-8 to 5.25 × 10-4pg WHO-TEQ/kg body weight (bw), which was within the tolerable daily intake (TDI) values established by international organizations. The spatial distribution patterns of Σ34PCB concentrations from study area have shown relative higher concentrations in samples from urban and industrial cities than rural areas, and industrial and urban releases along with e-waste handling were recognized as vital PCB sources in the environment. In order to ascertain the transplacental transfer of PCBs, the fetal growth parameters were correlated with the ∑34PCB concentrations in placental tissues. The relationship between ∑34PCB concentrations in placental tissues and infant's anthropometric measures through multiple linear regression showed a negative correlation of infant's body weight (R2= 0.0728), crown to heel length (R2= 0.068), head circumference (R2= 0.0342), chest circumference (R2= 0.0001), and mid arm circumference (R2= 0.0096) that noticeably highlights the inhibited fetal anthropometric development associated with maternal PCB bioaccumulation. Hence, an immediate elimination of ongoing PCB addition in the studied area has been emphasized and further investigations are suggested to appropriately manage the public and neonatal health risks in the region.

Bioprospecting microbes for single-cell oil production from starchy wastes

ABSTRACTProduction of lipid from oleaginous yeast using starch as a carbon source is not a common practice; therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to explore the capability of starch assimilating microbes to produce oil, which was determined in terms of biomass weight, productivity, and lipid yield. Saccharomyces pastorianus, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Rhodotorula glutinis, and fungal isolate Ganoderma wiiroense were screened for the key parameters. The optimization was also performed by one-factor-at-a-time approach. Considering the specific yield of lipid and cell dry weight yield, R. glutinis and R. mucilaginosa showed superiority over other strains. G. wiiroense, a new isolate, would also be a promising strain for starch waste utilization in terms of extracellular and intracellular specific yield of lipids. Extracellular specific yield of lipid was highest in R. glutinis culture (0.025 g g−1 of biomass) followed by R. mucilaginosa (0.022 g g−1 of biomass) and G. wiiroense (0.020 g g−1 of biomass). Intracellular lipid was again highest in R. glutinis (0.048 g g−1 of biomass). The most prominent fatty acid methyl esters among the lipid as detected by GC-MS were saturated lipids mainly octadecanoic acid, tetradecanoate, and hexadecanoate. Extracellular lipid produced on starch substrate waste would be a cost-effective alternative for energy-intensive extraction process in biodiesel industry.

Randomised trial of coconut oil, olive oil or butter on blood lipids and other cardiovascular risk factors in healthy men and women

IntroductionHigh dietary saturated fat intake is associated with higher blood concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), an established risk factor for coronary heart disease. However, there is increasing interest in...

Emerging brominated flame retardants and dechlorane-related compounds in European eels (Anguilla anguilla) from Latvian lakes

Fifteen halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) including seven emerging brominated flame retardants (EBFRs) and eight dechlorane-related compounds (DRCs) were analyzed in eels (Anguilla anguilla) sampled from five Latvian lakes. Out of the seven EBFRs, hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) were found in eels in quantifiable concentrations, up to 6.58 and 33.0 ng g−1 lipid weight (l.w.), respectively. The mean total concentration of DRCs (∑DRC) in the samples was 0.62 ng g−1 l.w. and the geographical distribution of DRC contamination was nearly uniform among the selected lakes. Dechlorane 602 (Dec 602) was the predominant component, whereas the composition of mixture containing syn- and anti-Dechlorane Plus (DP) stereoisomers showed a pronounced enrichment of the anti-DP isomer and was close to the composition of OxyChem® DP commercial product. The determined concentrations of HFRs were lower than in other studies of aquatic biota from Europe and Asia, and the obtained results reflect the acceptable environmental status of Latvian lakes with regard to the total content of HBCD (∑HBCD), considering the environmental quality standards (EQS) stated in the Directive 2013/39/EU. The highest ∑HBCD levels were observed in eels from lakes corresponding to the industrialization of those areas, while the results of principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the concentration of HBCD depended on the particular sampling lake, reflecting non-uniform contamination of the Latvian environment with this EBFR.

Biochemical and physiological responses of Selenastrum gracile (Chlorophyceae) acclimated to different phosphorus concentrations

Algae are able to adjust their metabolism according to their environment, maximizing growth rate and production of biomolecules under adverse conditions such as pulses of excess of a contaminant or limitation of a nutrient. In order to evaluate the effects of phosphorus (P) availability on the biochemical composition of the freshwater microalga Selenastrum gracile, we acclimated the microalgae to different phosphorus concentrations. After acclimation, exponentially growing cells were inoculated and after 120 h, samples were processed for the determination of carbohydrate, lipid, fatty acid, chlorophyll, cell density, growth rate, and dry weight. Cell density, growth rate, and dry weight decreased with less P, while chlorophyll a, carbohydrates, lipids, and fatty acids per cell increased under P limitation. According to our lipid class and fatty acid results, algae alter their metabolism and membrane configuration to avoid more structural or metabolic damage under limitation, especially at 23 μmol P L−1. The most sensitive parameters under P limitation were chlorophyll a, lipids, and poly- and monounsaturated fatty acids. The changes in fatty acids contributed to the fluorescence and photosynthesis changes under P limitation, and they occurred before changes were detected in other parameters, such as growth rate. Furthermore, we suggest that prior acclimation to different P affected microalgal physiology and metabolism.

Bioconcentration and effects of hexabromocyclododecane exposure in crucian carp (Carassius auratus).

As a cycloaliphatic brominated flame retardant, hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) has been widely used in building thermal insulation and fireproof materials. However, there is little information on the bioconcentration as well as effects with respect to HBCD exposure in the aquatic environment. To investigate the bioconcentration of HBCD in tissues (muscle and liver) and its biochemical and behavioural effects, juvenile crucian carp (Carassius auratus) were exposed to different concentrations of technical HBCD (nominal concentrations, 2, 20, 200 μg/L) for 7 days, using a flow-through exposure system. HBCD was found to concentrate in the liver and muscle with a terminal concentration of 0.60 ± 0.22 μg/g lw (lipid weight) and 0.18 ± 0.02 μg/g lw, respectively, at an environmentally-relevant concentration (2 μg/L). The total thyroxine and total triiodothyronine in the fish plasma were lowered as a result of exposure to the HBCD. Acetylcholinesterase activity in the brain was increased, while swimming activity was inhibited and shoaling inclination was enhanced after exposure to 200 μg/L HBCD. Feeding rate was suppressed in the 20 and 200 μg/L treatment groups. In summary, HBCD concentrations 10-100× higher than the current environmentally-relevant exposures induced adverse effects in the fish species tested in this study. These results suggest that increasing environmental concentrations and/or species with higher sensitivity than carp might be adversely affected by HBCD.

Temporal Changes and Stereoisomeric Compositions of 1,2,5,6,9,10-Hexabromocyclododecane and 1,2-Dibromo-4-(1,2-dibromoethyl)cyclohexane in Marine Mammals from the South China Sea.

Stereoisomeric compositions of 1,2,5,6,9,10-hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and 1,2-dibromo-4-(1,2-dibromoethyl)cyclohexane (TBECH) were investigated in the blubber of two species of marine mammals, finless porpoises ( Neophocaena phocaenoides) and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins ( Sousa chinensis), from the South China Sea between 2005 and 2015. The concentrations of ΣHBCD in samples of porpoise ( n = 59) and dolphin ( n = 32) ranged from 97.2 to 6,260 ng/g lipid weight (lw) and from 447 to 45,800 ng/g lw, respectively, while those of ΣTBECH were both roughly 2 orders of magnitude lower. A significant increasing trend of ΣHBCD was found in dolphin blubber over the past decade. The diastereomeric profiles exhibited an absolute predominance of α-HBCD (mostly >90%), while the proportions of four TBECH diastereomers in the samples appeared similar. A preferential enrichment of the (-)-enantiomers of α-, β-, and γ-HBCD was found in most blubber samples. Interestingly, the body lengths of porpoises showed a significant negative correlation with the enantiomer fractions of α-HBCD. Significant racemic deviations were also observed for α-, γ-, and δ-TBECH enantiomeric pairs. This is the first report of the presence of TBECH enantiomers in the environment. The estimated hazard quotient indicates that there is a potential risk to dolphins due to HBCD exposure.

The effects of metformin in type 1 diabetes mellitus

BackgroundThis retrospective study investigated the effect of adding metformin to pharmacologic insulin dosing in type 1 diabetics on insulin therapy 1 year after treatment compared with patients on insulin therapy alone.MethodsTwenty-nine adults with type 1 diabetes who had metformin added to their insulin therapy for 12 months were compared with 29 adults with type 1 diabetes who remained on insulin-alone therapy.ResultsFifty-eight patients with C peptide negative-type 1 diabetics (26 females, mean age: 29.01 ± 7.03 years, BMI: 24.18 ± 3.16 kg/m2) were analyzed. Age, sex, body weight, insulin dose requirement, plasma glucose (PG), blood pressure (BP), and lipids did not differ between groups before treatment (p > 0.05). Metabolic syndrome (44.8 vs 41.4%, p > 0.05) did not differ between the metformin-insulin and insulin alone groups before treatment. Metabolic syndrome was more decreased in the metformin-insulin group than in the insulin alone group after treatment (−8.9 ± 1.3 vs. 2.5 ± 0.6%, p = 0.028). Insulin dose requirement was lower in the metformin-insulin group than in the insulin alone group (−0.03 vs. 0.11 IU/kg/d, p = 0.006). Fasting PG (−26.9 ± 54.2 vs. 0.7 ± 29.5 mg/dL, p = 0.022) and postprandial PG (−43.1 ± 61.8 mg/dL vs. −3.1 ± 40.1 mg/dL, p = 0.010) was more decreased in the metformin-insulin group than in the insulin alone group. Body weight, lipids, and HbA1c did not differ between the groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionsMetformin decreased glucose concentrations, reduced metabolic syndrome, as well as insulin dose requirement more than insulin therapy alone, 1 year after treatment. These results were independent of blood lipid improvement or weight loss, although on average weight remained decreased with metformin-insulin therapy, whereas the average weight increased with insulin therapy alone.

Variability and reliability of POP concentrations in multiple breast milk samples collected from the same mothers.

Risk assessment of infant using a realistic persistent organic pollutant (POP) exposure through breast milk is essential to devise future regulation of POPs. However, recent investigations have demonstrated that POP levels in breast milk collected from the same mother showed a wide range of variation daily and monthly. To estimate the appropriate sample size of breast milk from the same mother to obtain reliable POP concentrations, breast milk samples were collected from five mothers living in Japan from 2006 to 2012. Milk samples from each mother were collected 3 to 6 times a day through 3 to 7days consecutively. Food samples as the duplicated method were collected from two mothers during the period of breast milk sample collection. Those were employed for POP (PCBs, DDTs, chlordanes, and HCB) analysis. PCB concentrations detected in breast milk samples showed a wide range of variation which was maximum 63 and 60% of relative standard deviation (RSD) in lipid and wet weight basis, respectively. The time course trend of those variations among the mothers did not show any typical pattern. A larger amount of PCB intake through food seemed to affect 10h after those concentrations in breast milk in lipid weight basis. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analyses indicated that the appropriate sample size for good reproducibility of POP concentrations in breast milk required at least two samples for lipid and wet weight basis.

Determination of Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and metabolites residues in fish species from eastern Lake Tanganyika

In this study, the levels and status of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) residues in fish samples collected from Eastern Lake Tanganyika were investigated. The analytes were determined using gas chromatography equipped with an electron capture detector (GC–ECD) and by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The compounds p,p’ -DDE (4,4’-DDE), p,p’ -DDD (4,4’-DDD), o,p’ -DDT (2,4’-DDT) and p,p’ -DDT (4,4’-DDT) were detected in all the samples, with total DDT concentrations ranging from 23 ± 8.3 to 339 ± 27 μ g kg –1 fresh weight and 1736 ± 1388 μ g kg –1 to 25 552 ± 4241 μ g kg –1 lipid weight. The highest concentrations of total DDT were detected in Lates stappersii species. The ratios of the metabolites (DDD + DDE) to the parent compound ( p,p’ -DDT) were low (< 1) in all the fish samples, indicating exposure to fresh DDT. The concentrations of the DDT residues exceeded the extraneous maximum residue limit of 1.0 μ g kg –1 , indicating risks and concerns for public health and the environment because of the indication of fresh application of banned pesticides and bioaccumulation. There is need for continued monitoring of the residues in Lake Tanganyika environs and controlling the pesticides used in the area. Keywords: Pesticides, DDT, fish, lake, Tanzania

Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) in Goby (Gobius spp.) and Sole(Solea solea) from Thermaikos Gulf, Greece

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) mass fractions were estimated in samples from two benthic species of fish, goby and sole, originating from Thermaikos Gulf in north Greece. The samples were analyzed using a well-established cold extraction method. The average total (Σ PBDE) ranged from 8.98 to 35.00 ng g-1 lipid weight (lw) and 12.36 to 163.26 ng g-1 lw for goby and sole, respectively. Significant differences were observed between samplings but not between the two species. Thermaikos Gulf was classified as low polluted or comparable with regard to similar areas worldwide; however, the notable mass fraction increase in some cases as well as the increasing temporal trend of PBDE levels established for both species signify the need for further monitoring. Congener profiles showed dominance of penta-/octa-BDEs (50-70% from Σ PBDEs) and the presence of deca-BDE as well (18-19%). Congener correlation analysis suggested different pollution sources between higher and lower brominated congeners, as well as different metabolic/degradation processes. Calculations of bioaccumulation factors (BSAF) highlighted the influence of congener bromination degree on the bioaccumulation potential

Efficacy of Momordica charantia L. on blood glucose, blood lipid, and body weight: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background: Previous studies reported that Momordica charantia (MC) improves several metabolic parameters, yet outcomes from numerous trials are contradictory. Objectives: This study aimed to assess MC efficacy for improving glycemic status, lipid profile, and body weight. Materials and Methods: The databases included PubMed, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, CINALH, AMED, ThaiLIS, and Thai Medical Index, from inception to June 2016. References from retrieved articles were also evaluated. For this analysis, we selected randomized placebo versus controlled intervention trials conducted in humans dosed with various forms of MC, excluding studies where patients coadministered other medications. We performed a quality assessment of the retrieved studies using Jadad's scoring and Cochrane's risk of bias assessment. Results: Eight studies (507 participants) met inclusion criteria, which included six randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Meta-analysis revealed a reduction in fasting blood sugar (FBS) (weight mean difference [WMD] −25.03 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval [CI] −41.17,-8.89) and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), favoring MC (WMD −0.20%; 95% CI −0.36, −0.04). Similar results were observed for LDL-C (WMD −5.86 mg/dL; 95% CI: −10.83, −0.89), total cholesterol (WMD −6.29 mg/dL; 95% CI: −10.64, −1.93), and triglyceride (WMD −16.22 mg/dL; 95% CI: −26.40, −6.04). Moreover, patients administering MC experienced a significant reduction in body weight (WMD v3.45 kg; 95% CI −6.73, −0.16). Conclusions: MC may improve fasting blood glucose levels, lipid profile, or body weight. A large, well-designed RCT and head-to-head comparison using a standardized preparation of MC will provide definitive data on specific participants. Abbreviations used: ACROBAT: A Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool, WMD: Weight mean difference, CI: Confidence interval, SDs: Standard deviations, FBS: Fasting blood sugar, OGTT: Oral glucose tolerance test level; HDL: High-density lipoprotein, TC: Total cholesterol, TG: Triglyceride, BMI: Body mass index.