Fatty Acids Research Articles

The potential of aloe vera gel utilization for skin wound healing in rats based on GC–MS and HPLC chemical profile

Abstract Background Wound healing is a restoration process of tissue integrity and function targeting reducing the healing time and complications with priority of available, acceptable and affordable medication. The study aimed to evaluate wound healing of aloe vera gel as raw or ethanol extract on a dorsal full thickness circular wound in Wistar rats. Rats subjected to the excision surgery were grouped into: control (+ ve), without treatment. and Kenacomb, aloe raw gel and aloe ethanol extract applied groups for 3, 7, 14 and 21 days for treatment evaluation. The study chromatographically quantified anthraquinones and identified the raw gel and extract’ compounds. The evaluation was through the assessment of the wound contraction and complete blood count, serum interleukin-4 and skin tissue proline, hydroxyproline, glycine, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide contents and skin histopathology investigation at tested intervals. Results Raw gel and extract contained in μg/ml, aloin A (9.23 and 17.22), aloin B (8.87 and 10.31) and emodin (11.66 and 12.66), respectively. The predominates identified percentage in raw gel were coumarins (34.93), fatty acids (28.45), phytosterols (7.77) and tocopherols (8.44) and in gel extract were phytosterols (49.39), fatty acids (29.16) and tocopherols (3.70). Results after 21 days were recorded in + ve control 80.50% wound contraction and showed significantly decreased values of IL-4, lymphocytes, Hb, RBCs and skin glycine, proline, hydroxyproline and NO. Neutrophils, monocytes, platelets and MDA were significantly increased. Histologically revealed epidermal acanthosis, inflammatory infiltration, fibrosis with hair follicles and sebaceous glands loss and dermal hemorrhage. Aloe raw gel revealed incomplete healing (91.79%) and failed to normalize IL-4, lymphocytes, neutrophils and the skin glycine and NO contents. Skin showed moderate epidermal acanthosis, and dermis had fibrosis, hemorrhage and loss of sebaceous glands and hair follicles. The extract group acquired 100% healing, normalized tested parameters and showed skin tissue thinning epidermis and intact dermal tissue with sebaceous glands and hair follicles. Conclusion Results revealed aloe gel ethanol extract advantage over raw gel for wound healing which may be related to chemical constituents’ variation interpreted in interest to the extract as an efficient therapeutic, cost-effective, available wound healing material.

Population variation in fatty acid composition and response to climatic factors in Malania oleifera Chun et S.K. Lee

Malania oleifera Chun et S.K. Lee is a woody oil tree species and is rich in nervonic acid, which is associated with brain development. The variation in fatty acid composition and its response to environmental factors in natural populations has not been well studied. A total of 97 mature fruiting individuals were sampled from seven natural populations in Guangxi and Yunnan provinces, China. The fatty acid content (FAC) was 53.85%. Thirteen fatty acid components were identified. Nervonic acid (NVA), octadecenoic acid (OEA) and docosenoic acid (DSA) were the top three, averaging 45.68%, 30.21% and 14.03% of the FAC, respectively; the saturated fatty acid and unsaturated fatty acid contents were 4.82% and 95.18%, respectively. Coefficients of variation were low to moderate (7.64-18.42%) and Shannon-Wiener indices were moderate to high (1.80–2.04) for FAC, NVA, OEA and DSA. Significant variation between populations was observed for all traits, explaining 62.83%, 40.54%, 21.98% and 32.85% of the variance for FAC, NVA, OEA and DSA, respectively. The strong collinearity among traits summarized them into three principal components. FAC was positively correlated with NVA and NVA was negatively correlated with OEA and DSA at both the population and phenotypic levels. This pattern was significantly divergent from those documented in tree species with low NVA yields. The production of FAC and NVA is facilitated by elevated temperatures and reduced relative humidity. These findings provide a foundation for genetic improvement, industrial exploitation, resource management, and sustainable development of this species.

Optimizing Phaeodactylum tricornutum cultivation: integrated strategies for enhancing biomass, lipid, and fucoxanthin production

BackgroundPhaeodactylum tricornutum is a versatile marine microalga renowned for its high-value metabolite production, including omega-3 fatty acids and fucoxanthin, with emerging potential for integrated biorefinery approaches that encompass biofuel and bioproduct generation. Therefore, in this study we aimed to optimize the cultivation conditions for boosting biomass, lipid, and fucoxanthin production in P. tricornutum, focusing on the impacts of different nutrient ratios (nitrogen, phosphorus, silicate), glycerol supplementation, and light regimes.ResultsOptimized medium (− 50%N%, + 50% P, Zero-Si, 2 g glycerol) under low-intensity blue light (100 μmol m⁻2 s⁻1) improved biomass to 1.6 g L⁻1, with lipid productivity reaching 539.25 mg g⁻1, while fucoxanthin increased to 20.44 mg g−1. Total saturated fatty acid (ΣSFA) content in the optimized culture increased approximately 2.4-fold compared to the control F/2 medium. This change in fatty acid composition led to improved biodiesel properties, including a higher cetane number (59.18 vs. 56.04) and lower iodine value (53.96 vs 88.99 g I2/100 g oil). The optimized conditions also altered the biodiesel characteristics, such as kinematic viscosity, cloud point, and higher heating value.ConclusionOur optimization approach reveals the significant potential of P. tricornutum as a versatile microbial platform for biomass, lipid, and fucoxanthin production. The tailored cultivation strategy successfully enhanced biomass and lipid accumulation, with notable improvements in biodiesel properties through strategic nutrient and light regime manipulation. These findings demonstrate the critical role of precise cultivation conditions in optimizing microalgal metabolic performance for biotechnological applications.

Palmitate potentiates the SMAD3-PAI-1 pathway by reducing nuclear GDF15 levels

Nuclear growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) reduces the binding of the mothers’ against decapentaplegic homolog (SMAD) complex to its DNA-binding elements. However, the stimuli that control this process are unknown. Here, we examined whether saturated fatty acids (FA), particularly palmitate, regulate nuclear GDF15 levels and the activation of the SMAD3 pathway in human skeletal myotubes and mouse skeletal muscle, where most insulin-stimulated glucose use occurs in the whole organism. Human LHCN-M2 myotubes and skeletal muscle from wild-type and Gdf15−/− mice fed a standard (STD) or a high-fat (HFD) diet were subjected to a series of studies to investigate the involvement of lipids in nuclear GDF15 levels and the activation of the SMAD3 pathway. The saturated FA palmitate, but not the monounsaturated FA oleate, increased the expression of GDF15 in human myotubes and, unexpectedly, decreased its nuclear levels. This reduction was prevented by the nuclear export inhibitor leptomycin B. The decrease in nuclear GDF15 levels caused by palmitate was accompanied by increases in SMAD3 protein levels and in the expression of its target gene SERPINE1, which encodes plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1). HFD-fed Gdf15−/− mice displayed aggravated glucose intolerance compared to HFD-fed WT mice, with increased levels of SMAD3 and PAI-1 in the skeletal muscle. The increased PAI-1 levels in the skeletal muscle of HFD-fed Gdf15−/− mice were accompanied by a reduction in one of its targets, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)α, a cytokine involved in glucose metabolism. Interestingly, PAI-1 acts as a ligand of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and the phosphorylation of this transcription factor was exacerbated in HFD-fed Gdf15−/− mice compared to HFD-fed WT mice. At the same time, the protein levels of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) were reduced. These findings uncover a potential novel mechanism through which palmitate induces the SMAD3-PAI-1 pathway to promote insulin resistance in skeletal muscle by reducing nuclear GDF15 levels.

Exercise induces dynamic changes in intra-articular metabolism and inflammation associated with remodeling of the infrapatellar fat pad in mice

We hypothesized that daily exercise promotes joint health by upregulating anti-inflammatory mediators via adaptive molecular and metabolic changes in the infrapatellar fat pad (IFP). We tested this hypothesis by conducting time-resolved analyses between 1 and 14 days of voluntary wheel running exercise in C57BL/6J mice. IFP structure and cellularity were evaluated by histomorphology, picrosirius red collagen staining, and flow cytometry analysis of stromal vascular fraction cells. Joint inflammation and metabolism were evaluated by multiplex gene expression analysis of synovium-IFP tissue and synovial fluid metabolomics, respectively. Exercise transiently increased cytokine and chemokine gene expression in synovium-IFP tissue, resolving within the first 5 days of exercise. The acute inflammatory response was associated with decreased adipocyte size and elevated CD45+Gr1+ myeloid cells, increased collagen content, and oxidized phospholipids. Exercise acutely altered synovial fluid metabolites, characterized by increased amino acids, peptides, bile acids, sphingolipids, dicarboxylic acids, and straight medium chain fatty acids and decreased hydroxy fatty acids and diacylglycerols. Between 5 and 14 days of exercise, inflammation, collagen, and adipocyte size returned to pre-exercise levels, and CD206+ immuno-regulatory macrophages increased. Thus, although the onset of new daily exercise transiently induced synovium-IFP inflammation and altered tissue structure, sustained daily exercise promoted IFP homeostasis.

Elucidating role of long non-coding RNAs of Tamarindus indica Linn. in post-transcriptional gene regulation

Tamarindus indica Linn., commonly known as tamarind, is a rich source of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds. It is well established that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) plays an important role in transcriptional, post-transcriptional and epigenetic regulation. Despite the availability of tamarind genome information, a handful of studies have been done on its non-coding genome, especially lncRNAs. In this study, we have computationally predicted lncRNAs from the coding DNA sequences of T. indica and analysed the sequences. We experimentally validated seven randomly chosen lncRNAs by performing quantitative Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). 320 lncRNAs have been predicted and sequence analysis of these predicted, lncRNAs reveals the presence of different motifs and tandem repeats. Along with the experimental validation of 7 randomly chosen lncRNAs, functional analysis of the predicted lncRNAs and their targets elucidated their roles in various biological pathways. We believe prediction and validation of the lncRNAs along with their interaction with mRNAs will enhance our knowledge about the non-coding genome of tamarind and their involvement in post transcriptional gene regulation, medicinal properties, metabolic engineering, stress tolerance and genome editing.

Kineococcus halophytocola sp. nov., Isolated from Leaves of Halophyte Sesuvium portulacastrum L.

An aerobic, Gram-stain-positive, motile, coccus-shaped actinomycete, designated strain LSe6-4T, was isolated from leaves of sea purslane (Sesuvium portulacastrum L.) in Thailand and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic studies. Growth of the strain occurred at temperatures between 15 and 38°C, and with NaCl concentrations 0-13%. The 16S rRNA gene sequences analysis indicated that the strain was most closely related to Kineococcus endophyticus KLBMP 1274T (99.2%), and Kineococcus mangrovi L2-1-L1T (99.0%). The genome of strain LSe6-4T was estimated to be 4.22 Mbp in size, with DNA G+C content of 74.57%. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) relatedness values between strain LSe6-4T and the closely related species were less than the threshold values for identifying a novel species. Strain LSe6-4T showed morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics of the genus Kineocoocus. The whole-cell hydrolysates contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid, with arabinose, galactose, and ribose as whole-cell sugars. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H2). The polar lipid profile composed of phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified phospholipid, three unidentified aminophospholipids, and an unidentified aminolipid. Major cellular fatty acids (> 10% of total fatty acids) were anteiso-C15:0 and iso-C14:0. It is evident from the combination of genotypic and phenotypic characteristics that strain LSe6-4T represents a novel species of the genus Kineococcus, for which the name Kineococcus halophytocola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain LSe6-4T (= TBRC 17798T = NBRC 116401T).

Effects of Breed and Lactation-stage of Goat on the Composition and Lipid Fraction of Milk in Algeria

Background: Fatty acid profile plays an important role in human health and sensory quality of dairy products. This study focused on the influence of breed and lactation-stage, on the composition and lipid fraction of goat milk in Algeria. Methods: Milk composition of a herd comprising a total of 50 dairy goats of various breeds was monitored during the 7 months of lactation. Result: Results showed that Alpine breed milk is richer in fat, protein and casein as compared to Saanen and local breeds. Same changes were observed depending on the lactation stage in favour of the Late Lactation stage. Similarly, the fatty acid profile varies depending on the breed and lactation stage. This study highlights the potential benefits of selecting dairy goats by combining the hardiness of the local breed with the milk quality of imported breeds, which appear to have a healthier profile than the milk of the local breed.

Production and transfer of essential fatty acids in a man‐made tropical lake ecosystem

Production and transfer of essential fatty acids in a man‐made tropical lake ecosystem

Ethanol-Based Transesterification of Rapeseed Oil with CaO Catalyst: Process Optimization and Validation Using Microalgal Lipids

Microalgal oil has been increasingly studied as a feedstock for biodiesel production through transesterification reactions using heterogeneous catalysts. This route offers several benefits, including catalyst reuse, ease of separation, and improved safety, while addressing environmental and technical issues associated with using homogeneous acids and bases. Most studies use methanol for the transesterification, and few studies have investigated the transesterification of microalgal oil using ethanol. Beyond the environmental benefits of microalgae compared to plant-based biomass, replacing methanol with bioethanol is advantageous due to its lower cost and reduced toxicity. If the emulsion issue between the produced biodiesel and ethanol is resolved, ethanol could be a more environmentally friendly alternative for green fuel production. This study evaluated various metal oxides as catalysts for the transesterification of rapeseed oil using ethanol as both reagent and solvent to improve miscibility. From catalyst screening, CaO showed the highest fatty acid ethyl esters yield and this catalyst was then tested at different reaction times in two systems (round-bottom flask and autoclave reactor) for the transesterification of both rapeseed and microalgal (Scenedesmus sp.) oil. The highest reaction yield was 86.0% for rapeseed oil and 81.3% for microalgal oil using 114:1 ethanol: oil molar ratio with CaO in an autoclave reactor. This work addresses the limited studies on ethanol in microalgal oil transesterification, demonstrating the effectiveness of CaO as a catalyst. It highlights the potential of ethanol as a greener, cost-effective alternative to methanol for biodiesel production.Graphical

Prebiotic Properties of Dates and Their Impact on Health

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), primarily cultivated in desert regions like the Middle East, is a significant source of nutrition, rich in sugars, polysaccharides, and bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, flavonoids, phenolics, anthocyanins, and sterols. Notably, the polysaccharides in dates exhibit prebiotic properties, supporting beneficial gut microbiota. Research highlights that dates promote the growth of helpful bacteria, including Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, which enhance intestinal health, improve barrier function, and increase the production of short-chain fatty acids. Beyond gut health, dates offer additional benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardiovascular, neuroprotective, and blood sugar-regulating effects. This review synthesizes recent findings on the prebiotic effects and broader health impacts of dates, suggesting their potential in dietary strategies for promoting health and preventing gastrointestinal disorders.

Dietary inclusion of high Amylose cornstarch increased Lactobacillus and Terrisporobacter and decreased Streptococcus in the cecal digesta of weanling pigs.

The study investigated the effect of dietary inclusion of high amylose cornstarch (HA-starch) on cecal microbiota composition and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations in weanling pigs fed high levels of cold-pressed canola cake (CPCC). Weaned pigs (240 mixed sex; 7.1 ± 1.2kg) were housed in 40 pens (6 pigs/pen) and fed a common commercial diet for 7 days, followed by the experimental diets for 28-d, which contained either 0% or 40% CPCC with either 0% or 40% HA-starch. At the end of the study, one pig from each pen (n=8) was selected and euthanized to collect cecal digesta for microbial and VFA composition analyses. The HA-starch increased (p < 0.001) acetate, propionate, and butyrate concentrations, thereby increasing total VFA concentration (p < 0.001). There was a tendency for cecal butyrate and total VFA concentrations to decrease when pigs were fed the 40% CPCC diet without HA-starch but increase when fed the 40% CPCC diet containing 40% HA-starch (CPCC × HA-starch effect; p = 0.09), indicating HA-starch can increase cecal butyrate and total VFA concentrations in pigs fed a diet with high CPCC level. The proportions of Lactobacillus and Terrisporobacter were high, whereas low proportions of Streptococcus genus were observed in the cecal microbiota of pigs fed diets containing 40% HA-starch. Also, pathways consistent with carbohydrate digestion, absorption, and phosphate metabolism were enriched in pigs when the diet included 40% HA-starch. In summary, incorporating high amounts of HA-starch in a weanling pig diet containing high levels of CPCC may benefit intestinal health and digestive performance by enhancing the abundance of probiotic commensal bacteria, contributing to increased enzymatic activity and carbohydrate metabolism.

Fecal metabolomic analysis of the role of gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids in the therapeutic mechanism of Timosaponin AIII in Sjögren's syndrome.

Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic inflammatory and difficult-to-treat autoimmune disease. Timosaponin AIII (TAIII), a plant-derived steroidal saponin, effectively inhibits cell proliferation, induces apoptosis, and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. This study explored the mechanisms of action of TAIII in SS treatment by studying gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) using fecal metabolomics. The model group used non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. The treatment group was classified into TAIII and hydroxychloroquine groups. The gut microbiota, SCFAs, and metabolites were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. TAIII effectively alleviated dry mouth in NOD mice, slowed the progression of salivary gland tissue injury, reduced inflammatory factor expression, and increased the levels of aquaporins 1 and 5. TAIII regulated SCFA content and tryptophan metabolism by altering the abundance of the Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, thereby reducing the inflammatory response. TAIII can improve imbalances in the gut microbiota and the metabolic levels of related SCFAs and tryptophan, thereby reducing the level of inflammation. The significant differences observed in the abundance of the Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group between the treatment and control groups indicated the potential relationship between bacteria and metabolites in SS. Key Points • The safe and effective treatment of SS with traditional Chinese medicine • Multi-means study on intestinal flora, short-chain fatty acids, and metabonomics.

FORMULASI DAN EVALUASI FISIK SABUN CAIR EKSTRAK DAUN SAGA (ABRUS PRECATORIUS L.) DENGAN VARIASI KOH

Soap is often combined with sodium and potassium salt formulations of fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats. This study discusses the needs of the skin such as the manufacture of liquid soap with natural ingredients saga leaves. The research method used is by maceration method with 70% ethanol solvent soaked for 3 days at room temperature stirred every 8 hours. The purpose of the research that has been done is the formulation and evaluation of liquid soap preparation from saga leaf extract (Abrus Precatorius L.). Quality testing includes organoleptic test, pH test, viscosity test and foam height Test. Organoleptic test results showed that liquid soap is yellow, rancid odor, fine texture, pH test obtained all the results exceed the requirements of SNI 8-11, viscosity test all the results obtained are too low than the requirements of SNI is 400-4000cps and high foam test results obtained also do not meet the requirements of SNI is about 13-220 mm

Integrative bioinformatics and machine learning approach unveils potential biomarkers linking coronary atherosclerosis and fatty acid metabolism-associated gene

BackgroundAtherosclerosis (AS) is increasingly recognized as a chronic inflammatory disease that significantly compromises vascular health and acts as a major contributor to cardiovascular diseases. Advancements in lipidomics and metabolomics have unveiled the complex role of fatty acid metabolism (FAM) in both healthy and pathological states. However, the specific roles of fatty acid metabolism-related genes (FAMGs) in shaping therapeutic approaches, especially in AS, remain largely unexplored and are a subject of ongoing research.MethodsThis study employed advanced bioinformatics techniques to identify and validate FAMGs associated with AS. We conducted differential expression analysis on a select list of 49 candidate FAMGs. GSEA and GSVA were utilized to elucidate the potential biological roles and pathways of these FAMGs. Subsequently, Lasso regression and SVM-RFE were applied to identify key hub genes and assess the diagnostic efficacy of seven FAMGs in distinguishing AS. The study also explored the correlation between these hub FAMGs and clinical features of AS. Validation of the expression levels of the seven FAMGs was performed using datasets GSE43292 and GSE9820.ResultsThe study pinpointed seven FAMGs with a close association to AS: ACSBG2, ELOVL4, ACSL3, CPT2, ALDH2, HSD17B10, and CPT1B. Analysis of their biological functions underscored their significant involvement in critical processes such as fatty acid metabolism, small molecule catabolism, and nucleoside bisphosphate metabolism. The diagnostic potential of these seven FAMGs in AS differentiation showed promising results.ConclusionsThis research has successfully identified seven key FAMGs implicated in AS, offering novel insights into the pathophysiology of the disease. These findings not only contribute to our understanding of AS but also present potential biomarkers for the disease, opening avenues for more effective monitoring and progression tracking of AS.

Randle Cycle in Practice: a student exercise to teach glucose- and fatty acid metabolism in fasted, fed and exercised states.

Here we describe an approach and overall concept on how to train undergraduate university students to understand basic regulation and integration of glucose and fatty acid metabolism in response to fasting, intake of carbohydrates and aerobic exercise. During lectures and both theoretical and practical sessions, the students read, analyse, and discuss the fundamentals of Randle cycle. They focus on how metabolism is regulated in adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and liver at a molecular level under various metabolic conditions. Subsequently, students perform one of four different trials: 1) overnight fast followed by ingestion of jelly sandwiches and lemonade ad libitum; 2) overnight fast followed by ingestion of a chocolate bar and a soda; 3) overnight fast followed by ingestion of carrots and 4) light fast and aerobic exercise for 2 hours, while monitoring glucose- and fatty acid levels. The data from these trials clearly show that glucose levels are kept constant around 5 mM while fatty acid levels raise to 300-700 mM, after an overnight fast. Upon carbohydrate intake, glucose levels increase whereas fatty acid levels are reduced. In response to aerobic exercise, the glucose level is kept constant at 5 mM, while fatty acids levels increase over time. Collectively, the data clearly recapitulates the essence of Randle cycle. The exercise shows the great pedagogical value of experiments within practical courses to help students gain knowledge of energy metabolism and regulation of biochemical pathways. In an active learning environment, students successfully tackled physiological assignments, enhancing constructive communication and collaboration among peers.

Agronomic characteristics, mineral nutrient content, antioxidant capacity, biochemical composition, and fatty acid profile of Iranian pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) cultivars

BackgroundPistachio (Pistacia vera L.) nuts are among the most popular nuts. The pistachio cultivars are tolerant to both drought and salinity, which is why they are extensively grown in the arid, saline, and hot regions of the Middle East, Mediterranean countries, and the United States.ResultsThis study evaluated the agronomic and chemical characteristics of 10 pistachio cultivars (‘Abbasiali’, ‘AhmadAghaei’, ‘Akbari’, ‘Chrook’, ‘Fandoghi’, ‘KalehGhoochi’, ‘Momtaz’, ‘Rezaei’, ‘Sefied’, and ‘Shahpasand’). Total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, fruit mineral elements, soluble protein content, kernel-oil content, and fatty-acid composition were determined in 60 fruits (20 fruits per replication). Leaf mineral elements were determined in 450 leaves (150 leaves per replication). Significant differences were observed (p < 0.05) among the cultivars, with the coefficient of variation (CV) ranging from 1.03 (unsaturated fatty acids) to 115.16% (early nut splitting). Flower buds varied from 4 (‘AhmadAghaei’) to 7 (‘Momtaz’), and fruit per bunch ranged from 11 (‘Abbasiali’) to 21 (‘Momtaz’). Hull percentage ranged from 36.8 (‘KalehGhoochi’) to 43.1% (‘Chrook’), and nut percentage ranged from 56.3 (‘Chrook’) to 62.4% (‘KalehGhoochi’). Iron content in leaves ranged from 267 (‘Chrook’) to 367 mg/kg (‘Rezaei’), while iron in fruits ranged from 65.72 (‘Fandoghi’) to 81.90 mg/kg (‘Sefied’). Total phenolic content varied from 99.9 (‘Rezaei’) to 184.30 mg/g (‘Fandoghi’), and antioxidant activity ranged from 39.14 (‘Shahpasand’) to 82.89% (‘Sefied’). Oil content ranged from 49.26 (‘Rezaei’) to 67.72% (‘AhmadAghaei’), with oleic acid between 48.4 (‘Rezaei’) and 55.55% (‘KalehGhoochi’). Leaf phosphorus positively correlated with split nut percentage (r = 0.669) and negatively with blank nut percentage (r = -0.734). Fruit potassium strongly correlated with total phenolics (r = 0.917) and oleic acid (r = 0.654). Multiple regression analysis showed that blank nut percentage was negatively correlated with leaf zinc (β = -0.77) and positively with antioxidants (β = 0.77). Early nut splitting showed a negative correlation with antioxidants (β = -0.72). The first three principal components (PC1 = 22.48%, PC2 = 18.15%, PC3 = 15.82%) explained 56.45% of the total variation. Heat map analysis using Ward clustering revealed cultivar groupings based on traits like nutrient content and fatty acid composition.ConclusionsThe findings obtained in this study allow producers to select the most suitable cultivars for obtaining more efficient and high-quality products. Additionally, choosing cultivars based on environmental factors and market demands contributes to the development of more effective production strategies. The ultimate goal is to provide insights that guide the selection of pistachio cultivars optimized for both agricultural sustainability and market-specific requirements.

Fatty acid desaturase 3-mediated α-linolenic acid biosynthesis in plants.

Omega (ω)-3 fatty acids (FAs) are essential components of cell membranes that also serve as precursors of numerous regulatory molecules. α-linolenic acid (ALA), one of the most important ω3 FAs in plants, is synthesized in both the plastid and extraplastidial compartments. FA Desaturase (FAD) 3 is an extraplastidial enzyme that converts linoleic acid (LA) to ALA. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that FAD3 proteins are distinct from FAD7 and FAD8 desaturases, which convert LA to ALA in plastids. Structural analysis of FAD3 proteins indicated a positive relationship between enzymatic activity and transmembrane pore length and width. An inverse relationship between temperature and ALA biosynthesis was also evident, with ALA accumulation decreasing with increasing temperature. These findings suggest that certain FAD3 enzymes are more effective at converting LA to ALA than others. This information could potentially be used to engineer crop plants with higher levels of ALA.

Impact of Fatty Acid Supplementation on Migraine Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Migraines are a prevalent neurological condition that significantly impacts the quality of life. Although narrative reviews and clinical trials suggest the potential effects of fatty acid supplementation as a promising approach for migraine prophylaxis, the findings remain inconsistent. The aim was to evaluate the efficacy of fatty acid supplementation on migraine clinical outcomes through a systematic review and meta-analysis. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using electronic databases including Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL from their inception up to October 7, 2024. Studies meeting the PICOS criteria were included: adults diagnosed with migraine, dietary supplementation with fatty acids, assessing migraine clinical outcomes, and only randomized controlled trials. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed independently by 2 reviewers using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Meta-analyses were conducted using Review Manager software. A random-effects model was applied to account for heterogeneity among studies. A standardized mean difference (SMD) of 0.2, 0.5, and 0.8 was interpreted as small, moderate, and large effects, respectively. Six randomized controlled trials, including 407 participants with chronic migraines, were analyzed. Interventions varied, including omega-3 supplementation with or without omega-6 restriction, lasting from 8 to 16 weeks, and 1 trial assessing alpha-lipoic acid. The overall risk of bias was assessed as low. The pooled analysis demonstrated significant reductions in headache intensity (SMD = -1.77; 95% CI: -3.32 to -0.21; P = .03), headache duration (SMD = -0.77; 95% CI: -1.05 to -0.50; P < .00001), headache frequency (SMD = -1.91; 95% CI: -2.61 to -1.21; P < .00001), and HIT-6 score (SMD = -2.44; 95% CI: -4.13 to -0.76; P = .004). This meta-analysis provides moderate evidence that fatty acid supplementation, particularly omega-3, improves migraine clinical outcomes. Additional high-quality, randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings, particularly for the promising effects of alpha-lipoic acid. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42024592084.

The comprehensive regulatory network in seed oil biosynthesis.

Plant oils play a crucial role in human nutrition, industrial applications and biofuel production. While the enzymes involved in fatty acid (FA) biosynthesis are well-studied, the regulatory networks governing these processes remain largely unexplored. This review explores the intricate regulatory networks modulating seed oil biosynthesis, focusing on key pathways and factors. Seed oil content is determined by the efficiency of de novo FA synthesis as well as influenced by sugar transport, lipid metabolism, FA synthesis inhibitors and fine-tuning mechanisms. At the center of this regulatory network is WRINKLED1 (WRI1), which plays a conserved role in promoting seed oil content across various plant species. WRI1 interacts with multiple proteins, and its expression level is regulated by upstream regulators, including members of the LAFL network. Beyond the LAFL network, we also discuss a potential nuclear factor-Y (NF-Y) regulatory network in soybean with an emphasis on NF-YA and NF-YB and their associated proteins. This NF-Y network represents a promising avenue for future efforts aimed at enhancing oil accumulation and improving stress tolerance in soybean. Additionally, the application of omics-based approaches is of great significance. Advances in omics technologies have greatly facilitated the identification of gene resources, opening new opportunities for genetic improvement. Importantly, several transcription factors involved in oil biosynthesis also participate in stress responses, highlighting a potential link between the two processes. This comprehensive review elucidates the complex mechanisms underlying the regulation of oil biosynthesis, offering insights into potential biotechnological strategies for improving oil production and stress tolerance in oil crops.