Low Molecular Weight Fatty Acids Research Articles

Optimized cutaneous delivery of anti-wrinkle dipeptide KT via molecular modification: Preformulation, permeation, and the importance of conjugate chain length

Introduction: Anti-aging peptides, such as dipeptide KT, are promising rejuvenating agents and have recently received significant attention. However, their hydrophilic nature makes skin absorption therapeutically inadequate. The excessive hydrophilicity of peptides is partially solved by lipoidal conjugates, however, the increased molecular weight due to conjugation creates a new obstacle to skin permeation. Methods: In an attempt to concurrently solve these limitations, here we have studied different short-mid chain fatty acids (C6-C18) conjugates of dipeptide KT. Different fatty acid chain lengths of C6, C8, C10, C12, C14, C16, and C18 were considered to be conjugated with KT and screened in-silico. Of those, C8, C10, and C12 were preferred and synthesized alongside two controls of the parent drug (KT) and C16 (Pal-KT) as the commercialized form to be studied mechanistically. Subsequently, they were structurally characterized and underwent preformulation, supramolecular investigations (e.g., thermal behavior, solubility, surface-acting, crystalline structure), and skin absorption studies. Results: Data showed that the synthesized conjugates substantially outperformed Pal-KT in terms of molecular weight, lipophilicity, melting point, and aqueous solubility. In addition, unlike KT, they all demonstrated amphiphilicity-related features. The maximum and minimum skin permeation were assigned to C8-KT (33.2%) and KT (0.004%). Moreover, permeability coefficients (Kp) of the C8-KT, C10-KT, C12-KT, and C16-KT were calculated to be about 22000, 3800, 3400, and 1600 times higher than KT, respectively. Conclusion: Conjugating lower molecular weight fatty acids and optimizing lipophilicity can enhance molecular properties, skin absorption, and the ability to form supramolecular structures. This, in turn, leads to the development of superior anti-wrinkle products and formulations.

Antimicrobial and antitumoral activities of saturated fatty acid solutions

Fatty acids are widely applied in pharmaceutical and cosmetic fabrications. Here, six saturated fatty acids including caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid were tested for the antimicrobial and antitumoral activities. The test for antimicrobial activities of these compound was performed against Staphylococcus aureus DMST 6532, S. aureus ATCC 4330 and S. aureus ATCC 25923, Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 and Candida albicans ATCC 17100 using agar cup diffusion method. The cell viability of each fatty acids was accessed using WST-1 assay against colorectal cancer, HCT116, and liver hepatocellular carcinoma, HepG2 and 1321N1 astrocytoma cell line. The low molecular weight fatty acid such as caprylic acid exhibited higher antibacterial activities whereas the long chains had no or very little on antimicrobial activity. Short-chain fatty acids also exerted more efficient activity against Candida albicans. For the anti-tumoral activity, the results showed the viability promotion of cancer cells at the low concentration of fatty acids tested because most of cancer cells might gain the benefit from the saturated fatty acids as its nutrient and promoted the cell growth and their viability. The cytotoxic of fatty acids was detected at the higher concentration. However, the cytotoxicity potential of the fatty acids relied on concentrations of saturated fatty acid and also type of cell lines tested. These obtained antimicrobial and antitumoral characteristics depending on chain length of these saturated fatty acids are beneficial data for designing drug delivery systems using them as the adjunct components for promoting therapeutic action of main incorporated active compound.

Influence of diets, lactating animal breeds and seasons of the year on the fatty acid composition of cow milk

The article presents the results of studies of the fatty acid composition of milk raw material obtained in different periods of the year from herds of lactating animals, including individual experiments on the influence of the feeding diet, the influence of the breed composition of the herd, the season of the year on the fatty acid composition of milk. The milk used in terms of quality and safety met the requirements for milk for the production of cheese and butter. Studies of the effect of feed on the fatty acid composition of cow milk were carried out in the summer period of the year in the same group of separately isolated animals of the Black-Motley breed in the amount of 44 heads, which are in yard housing. On the basis of the same farm, comparative studies of the milk quality obtained in different periods of the year (spring, summer and winter) were carried out, when the feeding diet continues to be actively adjusted taking into account the needs of the body of lactating animals and the availability of seasonal feed (green meadow grass, silage, cattle cake, bran and etc.). Differences in the fatty acid composition of milk obtained in different seasons of the year were established. Differences in the fatty acid composition of milk obtained from Jersey, Shvitsk and Kholmogorsk breeds were revealed in terms of the main saturated ones, incl. low molecular weight fatty acids and palmitic acid, as well as mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The differences are associated with both animal breeds and their housing.

Chemical Composition of Lipophilic Compounds From Rice (Oryza sativa) Straw: An Attractive Feedstock for Obtaining Valuable Phytochemicals

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) straw is a highly abundant, widely available, and low cost agricultural waste that can be used as a source to extract valuable phytochemicals of industrial interest. Hence, in the present work, the chemical composition of the lipophilic compounds present in rice straw was thoroughly characterized by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry using medium-length high-temperature capillary columns, which allowed the identification of a wide range of lipophilic compounds, from low molecular weight fatty acids to high molecular weight sterols esters, sterol glucosides, or triglycerides in the same chromatogram. The most abundant lipophilic compounds in rice straw were fatty acids, which accounted for up to 6,400 mg/kg (41.0% of all identified compounds), followed by free sterols (1,600 mg/kg; 10.2%), sterol glucosides (1,380 mg/kg; 8.8%), fatty alcohols (1,150 mg/kg; 7.4%), and triglycerides (1,140 mg/kg; 7.3%), along with lower amounts of high molecular weight wax esters (900 mg/kg; 5.8%), steroid ketones (900 mg/kg; 5.8%), monoglycerides (600 mg/kg; 3.8%), alkanes (400 mg/kg; 2.6%), diglycerides (380 mg/kg; 2.4%), sterol esters (380 mg/kg; 2.4%), tocopherols (340 mg/kg; 2.2%), and steroid hydrocarbons (60 mg/kg; 0.4%). This information is of great use for the valorization of rice straw to obtain valuable lipophilic compounds of interest for the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and chemical industries. Moreover, this knowledge is also useful for other industrial uses of rice straw, as in pulp and papermaking, since some lipophilic compounds are at the origin of the so-called pitch deposits during pulping.

4-phenylbutyric acid promotes hepatocellular carcinoma via initiating cancer stem cells through activation of PPAR-α.

Background and aims4‐phenylbutyric acid (4‐PBA) is a low molecular weight fatty acid that is used in clinical practice to treat inherited urea cycle disorders. In previous reports, it acted as a chemical chaperone inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and unfolded protein response signaling. A few studies have suggested its function against hepatic fibrosis in mice models. However, its role in hepatocarcinogenesis remained unknown.Methods4‐PBA was administered alone or in combination with diethylnitrosamine to investigate its long‐term effect on liver tumorigenesis. The role of 4‐PBA in oncogene‐induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mice model using sleeping beauty system co‐expressed with hMet and β‐catenin point mutation (S45Y) was also observed. RNA‐seq and PCR array were used to screen the pathways and genes involved. In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted to explore the effect of 4‐PBA on liver and validate the underlying mechanism.Results4‐PBA alone didn't cause liver tumor in long term. However, it promoted liver tumorigenesis in HCC mice models via initiation of liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) through Wnt5b‐Fzd5 mediating β‐catenin signaling. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPAR)‐α induced by 4‐PBA was responsible for the activation of β‐catenin signaling. Thus, intervention of PPAR‐α reversed 4‐PBA‐induced initiation of LCSCs and HCC development in vivo. Further study revealed that 4‐PBA could not only upregulate the expression of PPAR‐α transcriptionally but also enhance its stabilization via protecting it from proteolysis. Moreover, high PPAR‐α expression predicted poor prognosis in HCC patients.Conclusions4‐PBA could upregulate PPAR‐α to initiate LCSCs by activating β‐catenin signaling pathway, promoting HCC at early stage. Therefore, more discretion should be taken to monitor the potential tumor‐promoting effect of 4‐PBA under HCC‐inducing environment.

Development of Production Technology of Goat's Sour Cream Butter Enriched With Whey Herbal Infusions

Background. Goat milk differs from cow's milk in terms of higher digestibility, expressive alkalinity, higher buffering capacity and special nutritional properties. Among the wide range of dairy products the leading place is occupied by butter. Research aimed at creating its varieties with moderate calories and high physiological value with attractive organoleptic characteristics that meet the modern concept of healthynutrition is relevant. High-quality butter from goat's milk can be produced only with the use of biotechnological approaches, aiming at enhancing sensorial parameters and increasing the content of fatty acid components.Objective. We aimed to develop the technology of goat's sour cream butter production.Methods. The technological stages of making sour cream butter from goat's milk were developed. Determination of physical, chemical and microbiological parameters of the finished product was carried out in accordance with generally accepted techniques.Results. The developed technology involves fermenting goat's milk sour cream with a bacterial preparation, activated in whey infusions of medicinal herbs. We used the bacterial preparation KVM-P containing Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis biovar. diacetilactis, Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus, and made ex tempore whey infusions of medicinal herbs: nettle (Urtіca dіoіca), mint (Mentha aquatica) and amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus). Activation of the bacterial preparation KVM-P in the infusion of medicinal herbs has reduced the duration of its dissolution to 20–30 minutes instead of 3–4 hours (as envisaged by traditional technology). Enrichment of butter with the components of herbal whey infusions increased the content of dry milk residue of the product, which led to increase in butter yield from every 100 kg of cream up to 0.8 kg. Produced products were analyzed by acid number of fatty phase, content of low molecular weight fatty acids lactic and lactobacillales count. The content of lactobacilli (CFU/g) in the experimental batches of butter was 1.3–2.5 times higher compared to the control sample. The slightly lower number of microbiota in the experimental batch of butter, produced using an infusion of mint leaves, is due to its bacteriostatic effect on microorganisms. During storage of the experimental batches of butter for 30 days at the temperature of 4 °C, the peroxide value was 0.3 mmol/kg ½ O. In control samples of the product, this rate was 2 mmol/kg ½ O, which indicates the increased resistance of the experimental batches of butter to oxidation of fat during storage. Organoleptic parameters of the experimental samples of butter met the requirements of state standards. The taste and smell of goat’s sour cream butter were weak.Conclusions. We developed technology of production of sour cream butter from goat's milk which is based on the use of activated bacterial preparation of herbal whey infusions. This technology significantly reduces the taste and smell of goat fat and prolongs the shelf life.

Buriti (Mauritia Flexuosa L.) pulp oil as an immunomodulator against enteropathogenic Escherichia coli

Bioactive compounds present in fruit oils have an antioxidant activity, which may be related to an immunomodulatory effect, which in turn can result in a microbicidal activity. Hence, the main aim of the current study is to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of buriti oil (Mauritia Flexuosa L.) against enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC). Therefore, buriti pulp oil was extracted and characterized for saponification, peroxide and acidity index, total carotenoid content, fatty acid profile, hydrophilic and lipophilic fraction antioxidant capacity, cell viability, and phagocytosis of EPEC by mononuclear (MN) cells. The heat extraction process did not cause hydrolytic rancidity and oxidative rancidity in the oil, and the result is an acid value of 17.44 mg KOH/g of oil and a low peroxide value (0.062 meq peroxide/1000 g of oil). However, the saponification index was elevated (239.79 mg KOH/g of oil) due to the presence of low molecular weight fatty acid. As concerns the profile of the fatty acid, the oil is composed mainly of oleic acid (72.23 %) and palmitic acid (22.18 %). In addition, buriti oil presented a high content of carotenoids (760.5 ± 46.4 μg of β-carotene/g of oil), related to its antioxidant capacity. Moreover, buriti oil did not show toxicity to human blood MN phagocytes and increased the rate of cellular phagocytosis in EPEC and its microbicide index (69.3 ± 6.6 %), when compared with the negative control group. (48.1 ± 5.4 %).

STUDY OF FATTY ACID COMPOSITION OF MILK FOR CHEESE PRODUCTION

The article shows that the studied samples of raw milk in terms of composition (mass fraction of fat, protein, lactose and milk solids-not-fat) met the criteria of suitability for cheese, and its physic-chemical properties (titratable acidity, density, freezing point) were within acceptable limits. Moreover, rennet sample corresponded to the first and second classes. It was proved that the number of spores of lactating fermenting microorganisms met the requirements for milk for the production of any kind of cheese. It was established that the fatty acid composition of raw cow’s milk used to produce cheeses at various enterprises varied significantly. The data indicate the variability of the content of all groups of fatty acids — low molecular weight, saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. As a result of gas chromatography studies using the chromatographic complex «Chromos GX-1000» with a flame ionization detector and a CP 88 quartz capillary column — Sil 88 for FAME100 m × 0.25 mm × 0.2 µm, it was found that the largest absolute fluctuations were for saturated (± 7.03 % of the average value) and monounsaturated fatty acids (± 3.77 % of the average value). Absolute fluctuations in the group of low molecular weight fatty acids amounted to ± 2.62 %, and in the group of polyunsaturated — ± 1.02 % of the average value. The calculation of the relative deviation showed that the most varied groups were the ones of low molecular weight fatty acids (± 28.40 rel.%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (± 25.11 rel.%). At the same time, a relatively high content of certain fatty acids: myristoleic, palmitic, palmitoleic and low levels of stearic and oleic fatty acids, was revealed in individual milk samples.

High-temperature Extraction of Lignocellulosic Bio-oil by Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction was utilized for the fractionation of a pinewood derived hydrothermal liquefaction bio-crude. The experiments were performed at temperature 120 oC and at pressure levels that correspond to CO2 density of 500, 615 and 730 kg/m3. Extraction yields of 34 to 49 % were achieved, which increased with increasing solvent density. Density was reduced for all extracts (2-10 %) while the H/C ratio increased when compared to the bio-crude. Low boiling point components such as ketones, 1-ring aromatic hydrocarbons and low molecular weight fatty acids were extracted preferentially (K-values up to 11). 1-ring phenols and benzenediols were enriched in the extracts as well (K-values 1-3). Heavy hydrocarbons and long chain fatty acids were extracted at the later stages of extraction when the lighter components were depleted.

RTN1-C is involved in high glucose-aggravated neuronal cell subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation injury via endoplasmic reticulum stress

BackgroundPatients suffering from diabetes mellitus experience poor outcomes after ischemic stroke. RTN1-C, ER-associated proteins localized in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane, plays an important role in ER stress-induced apoptosis and regulates cellular susceptibility to different apoptosis pathways. Overexpression of RTN1-C can aggravate cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). ER stress plays a crucial role in hyperglycemia-aggravated cerebral IRI. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of RTN1-C in high glucose-aggravated OGD/R-induced cell damage. Materials and methodsN2a cells and primary neuronal cells were cultured in normal glucose or high glucose conditions. We used a model of oxygen-glucose deprivation followed by reoxygenation (OGD/R). RTN1-C shRNA was used to knock down RTN1-C. The chemical chaperone 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) is a low molecular weight fatty acid that has the ability to stabilize mutant proteins and facilitate their folding, was used to inhibited ER stress. Cell viability and apoptosis were measured by CCK-8 and flow cytometry assays. The contents of ER stress-associated proteins, such as GRP78, cleaved caspase-12, CHOP and cleaved caspase-3, were detected by western blot. ResultsHigh glucose significantly decreased cell viability and increased cell apoptosis in OGD/R-treated neuronal cells. The contents of GRP78, cleaved caspase-12, CHOP and cleaved caspase-3 under high glucose conditions were higher than those under normal glucose conditions after OGD/R. Importantly, inhibition of ER stress by 4-PBA alleviated the high glucose-aggravated OGD/R-induced cell damage. Here, we demonstrated that high glucose increases RTN1-C expression in OGD/R-treated cells. More importantly, knockdown of RTN1-C expression dramatically reversed the high glucose-aggravated change in cell viability and apoptosis and relieved ER stress in OGD/R-treated cells. ConclusionsHigh glucose significantly increases RTN1-C expression in OGD/R-treated cells. RTN1-C affects high glucose-treated OGD/R cells by exacerbating ER stress.

Supercritical carbon dioxide fractionation of bio-crude produced by hydrothermal liquefaction of pinewood

The supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of bio-crude, produced by hydrothermal liquefaction of lignocellulosic biomass, was investigated for pressures and temperatures in the range 112–400 bar and 40–120 °C, corresponding to solvent densities in the range 548–882 kg/m3. Total extraction yields ranged from 17 to 42%. For a given solvent density, temperature increase drastically improved both the process operability and efficiency. The extracts showed reduced density as well as 40% reduction of total acid number compared to the feed. The residue resulted to be partially deoxygenated. Ketones, 1-ring phenols and low molecular weight fatty acids were concentrated in the extract, with recoveries up to 80%, with ketones and phenols exhibiting the highest distribution factors. Observed selectivities suggest the feasibility of downstream separation of the key classes of extractives using supercritical carbon dioxide as a solvent.

Adsorption of tetradecanoic acid on kaolinite minerals: Using flash pyrolysis to characterise the catalytic efficiency of clay mineral adsorbed fatty acids

The clay mineral kaolinite is one of the major inorganic constituents of sedimentary rocks. Kaolinite-carboxylic acid interactions are of considerable importance from the geochemical perspective. The two-fold aim of this study was to quantify the adsorption of tetradecanoic acid on kaolinite and then the flash pyrolysis of adsorbed fatty acids-kaolinite samples to understand the transformation of adsorbed fatty acids on kaolinite. Adsorption of tetradecanoic acid on kaolinite results in an s-isotherm which reflects the multilayer adsorption. Adsorption of tetradecanoic acid on kaolinite involves its both functionalities i.e. siloxane (tetrahedral face) and hydroxyl surface (octahedral face) as indicated from the pyrolysis results. Flash pyrolysis of tetradecanoic acid adsorbed kaolinite mainly yielded saturated/unsaturated hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, and ketones while pure tetradecanoic acid generated saturated/unsaturated hydrocarbons and a series of unsaturated and saturated low molecular weight fatty acids. We have successively tested an empirical approach to identify organic compounds formed from fatty acid adsorbed kaolinite to the organic compounds obtained from fatty acid adsorbed alumina and silica. Kaolinite mainly reflects the transformation of carboxylic acids into hydrocarbons and ketones via hydroxyl surface (octahedral face). Ketonisation is mainly observed at multilayer adsorption of tetradecanoic acid on kaolinite. The major implication of the work is the understanding of fatty acids adsorption on kaolinite via both surfaces of the mineral which is helpful to understand the fate of fatty acids as they pass into the geosphere during diagenesis.

Organic compound-mineral interactions: Using flash pyrolysis to monitor the adsorption of fatty acids on calcite

Fatty acids are near ubiquitous organic compounds in living organisms in the Earth’s biosphere. Following death of an organism in the marine environment its fatty acids may survive descent to the sea bed where they can be juxtaposed with minerals. The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction of fatty acids with the common marine mineral calcite. Adsorption of tetradecanoic acid (C14) on calcite results in a sigmoidal or “s” isotherm. Flash pyrolysis experiments were conducted on samples of fatty acid adsorbed onto calcite and were compared with similar experiments on pure fatty acid and on salts of a fatty acid. Flash pyrolysis of pure tetradecanoic acid generated unsaturated and saturated hydrocarbons and a series of unsaturated and saturated low molecular weight fatty acids. Flash pyrolysis of free tetradecanoic acid salt produced saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons, an aldehyde and a homologous series of saturated and unsaturated ketones, one of which was a symmetrical mid chain ketone (14-heptacosanone). Flash pyrolysis data from adsorbed tetradecanoic acid samples suggested that adsorption is analogous to the formation of the calcium salt of tetradecanoic acid. A key characteristic of the flash pyrolysis products of adsorbed fatty acids and fatty acid salts was the production of ketones with higher molecular weights than the starting fatty acids. Ketonisation was not observed from the flash pyrolysis of pure acid which implied the catalytic significance of the calcite mineral surface. The abundance of hydrocarbons relative to ketones in the pyrolysates negatively correlated with the proportion of fatty acids adsorbed to the surface of calcite. The ability to use flash pyrolysis to diagnose the nature of fatty acid interactions with mineral surfaces provides a valuable tool for monitoring the fate of these important lipids at the Earth’s surface as they pass into the geosphere and are subjected to diagenetic processes.

Molecular distributions and compound-specific stable carbon isotopic compositions of lipids in wintertime aerosols from Beijing.

Molecular distributions and stable carbon isotopic compositions (δ13C) of n-alkanes, fatty acids and n-alcohols were investigated in urban aerosols from Beijing, northern China to better understand the sources and long-range atmospheric transport of terrestrial organic matter during polluted and clear days in winter. n-Alkanes (C19–C36), fatty acids (C8–C32) and n-alcohols (C16–C32) detected in Beijing aerosols are characterized by the predominance of C23, C16 and C28, respectively. Carbon preference index (CPI) values of n-alkanes, the ratios of the sum of odd-numbered n-alkanes to the sum of even-numbered n-alkanes, are close to 1, indicating a heavy influence of fossil fuel combustion. Relatively higher ratios of C(18:0+16:0)/C(18:n+16:1) (fatty acids) on clear days than polluted days indicate that long-distance transport and/or photochemical aging are more significant during clear days. δ13C values of n-alkanes and low molecular weight fatty acids (C16:0, C18:0) ranged from –34.1 to −24.7% and −26.9 to −24.6%, respectively, which are generally heavier on polluted days than those on clear days. Such a wide range suggests that atmospheric lipids in Beijing aerosols originate from multiple sources and encounter complicated atmospheric processes during long-range transport in North China.

Taila kalpana(Medicated Oil) in Ayurveda

Medicated oil/ghee is one of the important dosage form widely described in Ayurvedic pharmaceutics. Four types of Snehas (Fatty preparation) are described in Ayurvedic literature. These are ghrita, taila, vasa and majja. Among these taila(medicated oil) and ghrita (medicated ghee) are more popular in therapeutic uses. Taila murchhana is the first step of taila prepartation. This process has been adopted for enhancing the potency of oil and to remove the bad odour and amadosa. Researches show that murchana process decreases the acid value and increases saponification value. Reduced acid value indicates less percentage of free fatty acids and increased saponification value indicates higher content of low molecular weight fatty acids. Medicated oils containing low molecular fatty acids are absorbed fast. Fat/Water soluble active principles of drugs are extracted into medicated oil in this method. Medicated Taila are having more therapeutic potency and shelf life than crude Taila. Formulations prepared from the Taila enhance life, complexion, strength and anabolism of body. The water soluble as well as fat soluble active principles can be transformed into Taila media and this addition of properties of material made the Taila potent and effective.

Recovery of Formic Acid and Acetic Acid from Waste Water Using Reactive Distillation

Processing of biobased feedstock materials may lead to formation of multicomponent azeotropic mixtures. Reactive separations provide an opportunity to circumvent azeotropes by changing the substance properties through chemical reactions. Exemplarily several effluents from black liquor processing contain aqueous mixtures of low molecular weight fatty acids such as formic acid and acetic acid. These mixtures form inseparable azeotropes. Separation of the system formic acid–acetic acid–water by esterification with methanol was investigated. Reactive distillation experiments in batch and continuous mode confirmed complete removal of formic acid in a first step. Acetic acid may then be isolated by distillation or by reactive distillation.

4‑Phenylbutyrate protects rat skin flaps against ischemia‑reperfusion injury and apoptosis by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress.

4-phenylbutyrate (4-PBA) is a low molecular weight fatty acid, which has been demonstrated to regulate endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. ER stress-induced cell apoptosis has an important role in skin flap ischemia; however, a pharmacological approach for treating ischemia-induced ER dysfunction has yet to be reported. In the present study, the effects of 4-PBA-induced ER stress inhibition on ischemia-reperfusion injury were investigated in the skin flap of rats, and transcriptional regulation was examined. 4-PBA attenuated ischemia-reperfusion injury and inhibited cell apoptosis in the skin flap. Furthermore, 4-PBA reversed the increased expression levels of two ER stress markers: CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-homologous protein and glucose-regulated protein 78. These results suggested that 4-PBA was able to protect rat skin flaps against ischemia-reperfusion injury and apoptosis by inhibiting ER stress marker expression and ER stress-mediated apoptosis. The beneficial effects of 4-PBA may prove useful in the treatment of skin flap ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Synthesis, characterization and study of the thermal behavior of methylic and ethylic biodiesel produced from tucumã (Astrocaryum huaimi Mart.) seed oil

This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of methylic and ethylic esters from tucumã (A. huaimi Mart.) seeds oil. Thermal properties of these biofuels were evaluated by thermogravimetric and differential-thermogravimetric analyses (TG/DTG) as well as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Chemical analysis indicated that tucumã seeds oil content was around 21% (w/w). The oil was rich in low molecular weight fatty acids, with lauric acid being the major constituent (38%), followed by oleic (24.8%) and myristic (17.9%) acids. The 1H NMR spectra of the biodiesel produced revealed that all samples were free from contamination of triacylglycerol oil, indicating the efficiency of the transesterification process. The TG/DTG and DSC analyses indicated similar thermal behavior for both biofuels, but the ethylic biodiesel exhibited exothermals at lower temperatures, in the cooling cycles, which suggested better cold properties. The predicted CFPP value was −8.8°C for ethylic biodiesel.

Analysis of hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptane, trimethylamine, and low molecular weight fatty acids vaporized from pig’s feces by GC/MS using capillary column

Analysis of hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptane, trimethylamine, and low molecular weight fatty acids vaporized from pig’s feces by GC/MS using capillary column

Attenuation of endoplasmic reticulum stress as a treatment strategy against ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Attenuation of endoplasmic reticulum stress as a treatment strategy against ischemia/reperfusion injury.