Medium-chain Fatty Acids Research Articles

Improving egg quality in laying hens using calcium salt of black soldier fly larvae oil

Abstract Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) oil has gained attention as a potential substitute for vegetable oil in feed formulations designed to improve productivity and product quality. This study aimed to investigate the impact of supplementation BSFL oil calcium salt (BSFLO-SCa) on the egg quality and gene expression involved in fat metabolism in laying hens. A total of sixty 40-wk-old ISA Brown laying hens were divided into three distinct groups: a control group (T0) that received a basic diet, and two treatment groups that were supplemented with 1% (T1) and 2% (T2) BSFLO-SCa. Each group consisted of 5 replicates, with 4 laying hens per replicate. The study indicated that the inclusion of 2% of BSFLO-SCa significantly increased egg albumen weight, height, ratio, eggshell weight, and thickness (). The inclusion of 1 and 2% of BSFLO-SCa increased the yolk lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*), but redness (a*) was decreased (). Moreover, BSFLO-SCa supplementation with 1 and 2% reduced () egg fat and cholesterol. Analysis of fatty acid profiles showed significantly increased medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (), while monosaturated fatty acid (MUFA) reduced () with 2% BSFLO-SCa. Gene expression related to lipid metabolism, such as fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), as well as cholesterol synthesis gene expression of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) were downregulated (). In conclusion, the inclusion of 2% BSFLO-SCa in the diet improved quality and reduced fat and cholesterol content in eggs from laying hens. This improvement was accompanied by downregulation of key genes involved in lipid metabolism.

Effect of Human Milk Fortifiers, Medium-chain Triglyceride Oil, Minerals, and Vitamin Supplements on the Osmolality of Pasteurized Donor Human Milk

Aim: We aimed to study the changes in osmolality of pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM) after the addition of four human milk fortifiers (HMFs), medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, minerals, and vitamin supplements commonly used in neonates. Methods: The osmolality of 25 ml of PDHM was measured after the addition of 1 g each of HMF and 0.5 ml of MCT oil separately with a calibrated osmometer. The osmolality of 5 ml of PDHM was measured after the addition of minerals and vitamin supplements in therapeutic doses separately. All these measurements were carried out at 10 min, 30 min, and 2 h by a technician who was blinded to the fortifiers, minerals, and vitamin supplements used. Results: The osmolality of PDHM was 256 mOsm/kg (range = 256–259 mOsm/kg), which increased with all four HMFs tested, but remained below 450 mOsm/kg as recommended by the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN). Proprietary fortifiers increased the osmolality of PDHM to a maximum of 429 mOsm/kg (range = 306–429 mOsm/kg). However, there was no change in the osmolality with MCT oil. A maximum increase in osmolality was observed with the addition of calcium phosphate syrup to PDHM (1181 mOsm/kg). The addition of multivitamins and Vitamin D3 in therapeutic doses increased osmolality (range = 552–753 mOsm/kg) beyond the safety limits of ESPGHAN recommendation. Conclusions: HMFs increased the osmolality of PDHM but were within the safety limits of ESPGHAN recommendation. MCT oil did not affect the osmolality of PDHM. Minerals and vitamin supplements added in therapeutic dosages significantly increased the osmolality of PDHM. Minerals and vitamin supplements need to be appropriately diluted to keep osmolality below 450 mOsm/kg to ensure safety. Future research should focus on manufacturing fortifiers and supplements with low osmolality to ensure safety.

Integrative microbiomics, proteomics and lipidomics studies unraveled the preventive mechanism of Shouhui Tongbian Capsules on cerebral ischemic stroke injury

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCerebral ischemic stroke (CIS) is one of the most important factors leading to death and disability, which seriously threaten the survival and health of patients. The intentional flora and its derived metabolites are demonstrated to play vital roles in the physiology and onset of CIS. Shouhui Tongbian Capsules (SHTB), a Traditional Chinese Medicine, could regulate gut microbiota and metabolites. Study has found that SHTB has protective effect on CIS, but the mechanism is still unclear. Aim of studyThis study was designed to evaluate the preventive effects and the mechanism of SHTB on CIS injury. Materials and methodsThe rats were pretreated with SHTB for 5 days, then the middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) was established. Neurological deficit score, TTC staining, brain water content, H&E and Nissl staining were preformed to evaluate the preventive effects of SHTB on CIS. The Occludin and ZO-1 were analyzed to evaluate the blood-brain barrier (BBB). 16S rDNA sequencing and LC-ESI-MS/MS-based metabolomics profiling were performed to analyze the gut microbiota composition and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) profile in gut. Serum lipopolysaccharide specific IgA antibody (LPS-SIgA) and diamine oxidase (DAO), as well as colon Claudin 5 and ZO-1 were analyzed to evaluate the intestinal barrier. Proteomics was used to evaluated the proteins profile in brain. Lipidomics were used to evaluate the brain SCFAs as well as medium and long chain fatty acids (MCFAs and LCFAs). Malondialdehyde (MDA), Total Superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), Glutathione (GSH), Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), Catalase (CAT) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assayed to evaluate the oxidative stress in brain. Western blot was performed to evaluate the expression of PPARγ, Nrf2, SLC3A2, SCL7A11, GPX4, ACSL4 and LOX. ResultsSHTB prevented rats from MCAO/R injury, which was confirmed by lower cerebral infarct rate, brain water content, neurological deficit score and nissl body loss, and improved brain pathology. Meanwhile, SHTB upregulated the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin to maintain the integrity of BBB. 16S rDNA sequencing and LC-ESI-MS/MS-based targeted metabolomics found that SHTB increased the abundance of gut microbiota, regulated the numbers of intestinal bacteria to increase the production of Acetic acid, Propionic acid, and Butyric acid, as well as decrease the production of Valeric acid and Hexanoic acid in the gut. Meanwhile, SHTB improved the intestinal barrier by upregulating the protein levels of Claudin 5 and ZO-1, which was confirmed by low concentrations of LPS-SIgA and DAO in serum. Multi omics and spearman correlation analysis indicated that SHTB regulated the abundance of Escherichia-Shigella and Lactobacillus to increase Acetic acid, Propionic acid, and Butyric acid to induce the expression of PPARγ, thereby regulating fatty acid metabolism and degradation, improving lipid metabolism disorders, downregulating lipid oxidative stress, inhibiting ferroptosis, and alleviating brain injury. ConclusionThis study confirmed that SHTB improved the disturbance of fatty acid metabolism in brain tissue by regulating gut microbiota and the production of fecal SCFAs to inhibit ferroptosis caused by lipid oxidative stress and prevent CIS injury, which provided a potential candidate drug for the prevention of CIS.

Weak electric field promotes anaerobic granular sludge formation to enhance medium-chain fatty acids synthesis

Weak electric field promotes anaerobic granular sludge formation to enhance medium-chain fatty acids synthesis

Cytokine Release Syndrome Associated With Immune-Modulating Chemotherapy: Potential Mitigating Role of Intravenous Omega-3 Fatty Acid Triglycerides.

Patient susceptibility to cytokine release syndrome (CRS) resulting from immune-modulating chemotherapy has profound implications for clinical outcome. This is particularly true for patients receiving CAR T-cell therapy. First-line pharmacotherapy for CRS includes the administration of the IL-6 receptor-binding monoclonal antibody tocilizumab, or tocilizumab and corticosteroids. Other agents, such as siltuximab, anakinra, and dasatinab are also being explored for refractory cases of CRS. This review summarizes the potential role of omega-3 fatty acids, that is, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) at ameliorating CRS in cancer patients receiving immune-modulating chemotherapy, and is compared with current treatment strategies to reduce the severity of the inflammatory response. Selective blockade of specific proinflammatory mediators (e.g., IL-6) is effective, but carries a significant risk of serious opportunistic infections. In contrast, omega-3 fatty acids affect multiple triggers underlying the inflammatory response (i.e., prostaglandins, leukotrienes, transcription factors, and specialized proresolving molecules), and its major limitation is avoidance of hypertriglyceridemia, which can be managed by reducing the rate of intravenous administration. This discussion proposes a novel approach by continuous infusion of omega-3 fatty acids to modulate the intensity of the severe systemic inflammatory response from CRS. The purpose of this review is to highlight the potential clinical benefits of a specialized omega-3 fatty acids dosage form to mitigate the severity of CRS as a hypothetical alternative to current treatment. Optimizing the formulation, for example, enriched fish oil that meets drug concentration standards for EPA and DHA, a continuous infusion rate, reductions in long-chain saturated fatty acids concentrations, and addition of medium-chain triglycerides to improve EPA + DHA utilization and physical stability are key pharmaceutical factors. This may result in a safer and more effective option than targeted abrogation of cytokines and consequent risks of adverse drug reactions, but will require formal study in randomized control trials in humans.

Sodium octanoate mediates GPR84-dependent and independent protection against sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction

IntroductionThis study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effects of sodium octanoate (SO), a medium-chain fatty acid salt, on SIMD in a murine model and to explore its underlying mechanisms. MethodsMale mice were subjected to sepsis models through two methods: intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and cecal ligation and punction (CLP). Mice received interval doses of SO every 2 hours or 4 hours for a total of six times or three times after LPS treatment. The relationship between SO and G protein-coupled receptor 84 (GPR84) was evaluated through GEO data analysis and molecular docking studies. DBA/2 mice were used to study the role of the GPR84 protein in the SO-mediated protection. Energy metabolomics was utilized to comprehensively assess the impact of SO on the levels of cardiac energy metabolic products in septic mice. histone modification identification techniques were used to further identify the specific sites of histone modification in the hearts of SO-treated septic mice. ResultsSO treatment significantly improved myocardial contractile function, restored the oxidative stress imbalance and enhanced the myocardium's resistance to oxidative injury. SO significantly promotes the expression of GPR84. The loss of GPR84 function markedly attenuates the protective effects of SO. SO enhanced myocardial energy metabolism by promoting the synthesis of acetyl-CoA and upregulating genes involved in fatty acid β-oxidation which were abolished by medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) knockdown. SO induced histone acetylation, particularly at H3K123 and H3K80. ConclusionOur study demonstrates that SO exerts protective effects against SIMD through both GPR84-mediated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions and GPR84-independent enhancement of myocardial energy metabolism, possibly mediated by MCAD.

Lipase-catalyzed synthesis of erythorbyl oleate and its characterization as a multifunctional emulsifier.

Erythorbyl oleate (EO), a novel emulsifier with multifunctional properties, was synthesized via lipase-catalyzed solvent-free esterification between erythorbic acid and oleic acid. The reaction produced EO of 30.75±1.65mM at 60h, monitored by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Purified EO was chemically identified as 6-O-oleoyl-erythorbic acid by HPLC-electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and 13C NMR analyses, and further investigations on its multifunctionalities were conducted. EO displayed antioxidant activity equivalent to erythorbic acid in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activities. Investigation of the antibacterial activity of EO against foodborne pathogens showed MICs of 0.27±0.09 and 0.40mM for Bacillus cereus ATCC 10876 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 12692, respectively. EO also displayed interfacial properties, lowering interfacial tension between medium-chain triglyceride oil and water to 3.40±0.04 mN/m with a critical micelle concentration of 2.54±0.03mM. Dynamic light scattering analyses of the emulsion stabilized by EO demonstrated a similar polydispersity index (0.15±0.00) to Tween 80-stabilized emulsion (0.28±0.01), with an average droplet size of 173.2±1.8nm. In addition, the EO-stabilized emulsion exhibited a negative surface charge (-56.83±4.30mV) in zeta potential measurements, indicating sufficient electrostatic repulsion between droplets. These results suggest that EO is a multifunctional emulsifier to simultaneously control oxidative rancidification and bacterial spoilage in emulsion-based foods. Practical Application: EO was synthesized via an enzymatic esterification reaction between erythorbic acid and oleic acid. The synthetic process excluded any use of organic solvent, diminishing potential health hazards or environmental pollution associated with chemical reactions. The interfacial properties of the resultant EO, along with excellent antioxidant and antibacterial activities, propose its potential application in emulsion-based foods. Simultaneous control of bacterial spoilage and oxidative rancidification by EO would fulfill the industrial needs for extending shelf life and enhancing consumer safety.

Enhancing medium-chain fatty acids production via alkyl polyglucose modulation of electron acceptor generation, microbial community and metabolic traits in anaerobic fermentation of waste activated sludge

Production of medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) through anaerobic fermentation is an essential pathway for efficient resource recovery and utilization of waste activated sludge (WAS). In this study, a novel strategy utilizing polyglucose (APG) to enhance MCFAs production from WAS by anaerobic fermentation was proposed. The results showed that the maximum MCFAs production reached 14745.0 mg COD/L with 0.3 g APG/g TSS, which was 20.2 times of that without APG treatment. The transformation of intermediates demonstrated that APG promoted the generation of electron acceptors (i.e., short-chain fatty acids) and conversion of substrate to MCFAs. Microbial community analysis indicated that APG selectively enriched microbe involved in hydrolysis, acidogenesis and chain elongation (CE). Also, the presence of APG had a negative impact on methanogens and potential excessive ethanol oxidation (EEO) microbe, which were competitors of CE bacteria in mixed-culture system. Metagenomic analysis showed an increase in relative abundance of genes encoding metabolic functions responsible for hydrolysis, acidogenesis, CE and energy generation, thus maintained high microbial activity in MCFAs biosynthesis. These enhanced metabolic functions were accompanied by a reduction in relative abundance of genes encoding methanogenesis and EEO metabolism, which together result in boosting the efficiency of substrate and energy flow to MCFAs production. This study presents a promising approach to improve the biotransformation of polysaccharides and proteins from WAS into MCFAs.

Association between SMOF lipid and parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis compared with Intralipid in extremely low birth weight infants: A retrospective cohort study.

There is limited evidence on benefits of SMOF lipids (mixed fatty acid emulsion of 30% soybean oil, 30% medium chain triglycerides, 25% olive oil, and 15% fish oil) in reducing parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis in extremely low birth weight infants, compared with soybean oil-based Intralipid. To compare incidence of parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis in preterm infants who received Intralipid vs SMOF lipid. We conducted a retrospective study on infants with birth weight <1000 g, admitted between January 2013 to December 2022, who received parenteral nutrition for >14 days and divided them into two groups based on lipid emulsion received (Intralipid, n = 187, SMOF, n = 127). Primary outcome was incidence of parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis, defined as direct bilirubin ≥2 mg/dl. Baseline characteristics did not differ between the two groups. No significant difference was noted in parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis between the two groups on logistic regression, (adjusted odds ratio: 0.71, 95% confidence interval 0.35-1.42, P value 0.33) after adjusting for gestational age, parenteral nutrition days, lipid days, and late-onset sepsis. There was no difference in the rates of parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis between preterm infants administered SMOF lipids and those given Intralipid.

Real-time non-destructive monitoring of supported liquid membranes using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

The degradation of supported liquid membranes (SLMs) due to membrane liquid leaching has been a hurdle for their implementation in resource recovery from waste streams. We present a novel approach utilizing four-electrode mode electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for real-time, non-destructive monitoring of SLM degradation, providing detailed analysis of SLM's structural changes. We first showed that SLMs may be depicted as an electrical circuit of resistors and capacitors by EIS. The EIS then revealed that SLM degradation progressed over four different phases as a result of varying rates of thickness and area reduction of the SLM. To demonstrate the effectiveness of EIS-based diagnosis, we prepared SLMs designed for selective medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) extraction in intact, partially, and completely degraded states, determined by the EIS. The intact SLM showed a high selectivity (∼50) for MCFAs over short-chain fatty acids. The selectivity decreased to ∼22 in the partially degraded SLMs, and less than 1 in the completely degraded SLM, indicating the clear linkage between the degree of degradation and the separation performance. Our four-electrode mode EIS method is expected to serve as a key tool for efficient SLM operation and stable SLM development.

Dietary supplementation with a blend composed of carvacrol, tannic acid derived from Castanea sativa and Glycyrrhiza glabra, and glycerides of medium chain fatty acids for weanling piglets raised in commercial farm.

This study aimed to evaluate the dietary administration of a blend composed of carvacrol, tannic acid derived from Castanea sativa mill and Glycyrrhiza glabra, medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) glycerides for weanling piglets. An in vitro digestion followed by total phenolic content (TPC) and total antioxidant activity (TAC) assessment was performed before the in vivo application. At weaning, a total of 210 piglets were randomly allocated to two experimental treatments (7 replicates/15 piglets for each replicate). Control group (CTR) was fed a standard basal diet while the treated group (T) was fed the basal diet mixed with 1.500mg/kg of blend. After in vitro digestion, TPC and TAC evidenced peaks at the end of oral and gastric phases in comparison to the intestinal one in line with the high content of phenolic compound (P < 0.05). Treatment conditioned body weight and average daily gain (P < 0.05), fecal score on 6, 7, and 8 d after weaning (P < 0.05). At 35d, the T group showed a decrease in salivary cortisol compared to CTR (P < 0.05). Duodenum and jejunum sections of T piglets revealed higher villi (P < 0.05), deeper crypts (P < 0.01), and increased V/C ratio (P < 0.01). CTR showed a higher expression of duodenal Occludin (P < 0.05). Jejunal E-cadherin and Occludin were more expressed in T jejunum sections (P < 0.05). Twelve differentially abundant genera were identified in T group caecal samples. Potentially harmful Clostridium sensu stricto 13 was reduced by the treatment (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the tested blend positively affected salivary stress markers and the gut health of weaned piglets.

Dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction using tailor-made hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents for parabens analysis in mouthwash samples

Hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (DESs), formulated with menthol and medium-chain fatty acids, exhibit restricted sensitivity for paraben extraction through liquid–liquid microextraction. Consequently, to enhance the effectiveness of the DES-based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DES-DLLME) technique, we aimed to explore the effects of varying fatty acid chain lengths and refining the menthol-to-fatty acid molar ratios. In this study, an optimized DES-based DLLME strategy was developed to extract four parabens, methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben, which were subsequently analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). After optimization, the developed DES-DLLME demonstrated good linearity in the concentration range of 0.497 ng mL−1 to 3.2 μg mL−1 for MP, 0.467 ng mL−1 to 3.2 μg mL−1 for EP, 0.416 ng mL−1 to 3.2 μg mL−1 for PP and 0.402 ng mL−1 to 3.2 μg mL−1 for BP. The limits of detection and quantification were in the ranges of 0.121–0.149 ng mL−1 and 0.402–0.497 ng mL−1, respectively. Good reproducibility (RSD < 4.92%, n = 6) and precision (RSD < 3.32%, n = 5) were obtained. This method exhibited promising application potential in the analysis of the four parabens in both labeled and unlabeled mouthwash samples, with good recoveries in the range of 85.01 ± 3.17% to 104.42 ± 2.36%. The proposed DES-DLLME method is eco-friendly, simple, low-cost, rapid for extraction (50 s), and utilizes a small volume of the extracting solvent (900 µL). The optimized DES-DLLME method provided an efficient and sustainable solution for the analysis of parabens in mouthwashes, highlighting its applicability in eco-friendly analytical practices.

Ceramides as the molecular link between impaired lipid metabolism, saturated fatty acid intake and insulin resistance: are all saturated fatty acids to be blamed for ceramide-mediated lipotoxicity?

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder that has reached epidemic proportions worldwide, posing a huge treat on people's health and quality of life. From a pathogenetic prospective, T2DM is driven by insulin resistance defined as a blunted response of tissues to insulin which leads to chronic hyperglycaemia. Mechanistically, lipotoxicity and particularly the intracellular accumulation of ceramides in the skeletal muscle and the liver, is a primary metabolic aberration underpinning insulin resistance. Indeed, intracellular ceramide accumulation can hamper insulin signal transduction pathway thereby promoting insulin resistance. This review will provide an updated overview of the metabolic defects underlaying ceramide buildup and the molecular mechanism by which ceramides imping upon insulin signalling. Additionally, the role of specific ceramide subspecies as potential biomarkers for T2DM and the role of both long- and medium-chain saturated fatty acids as a modulator of ceramide metabolism will be discussed.

A novel synthesis method of medium- and long-chain triglyceride lipids from rubber seed oil catalyzed by enzymatic interesterification and its metabolism mechanism.

Medium- and long-chain triglyceride (MLCT) is a striking structural lipid for the supply of energy and essential fatty free acids (FFAs) in the food field. This study aimed to prepare MLCT by enzymatic interesterification of rubber seed oil (RSO) and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT). Fortunately, the conversion of synthesized MLCT could reach 75.4% by the catalysis of Novozym 40086 (7 wt% to MCT) at a temperature of 40 °C with the substrate mole ratio of 1 : 0.7 (RSO : MCT). The as-synthesized MLCT contained unsaturated fatty acid (USFA, 50.13%) at the sn-2 position and exhibited superior performance on the acid value, peroxide value and iodine value in contrast to grade III soybean oil. Moreover, it exhibited the simultaneous release of LCFAs and MCFAs, extremely facilitating the reduction of body weight gain and control of the level of lipids in the blood. Finally, the preferred hepatic metabolism process of the obtained MLCT was proven to be the main cause of the reduced body weight and improved lipid levels by the in vivo deposition experiments. Therefore, our study suggested that the outstanding performance of the MLCT synthesized by RSO in foods as functional lipids.

Oil/water interface behavior of hesperidin methylchalcone and its application in nano-emulsions

The behavior of hesperidin methylchalcone (HMC) at the oil/water interface was examined through experimental and molecular simulation methods, and a nano-emulsions based on HMC was subsequently fabricated. The findings indicated that HMC spontaneously aggregated at the oil-water interface, leading to a reduction in interfacial tension and an increase in interfacial thickness. Furthermore, its glycoside and benzene ring showed tendencies to interact with water and medium-chain triglyceride, respectively. The HMC addition amount (w), homogenization times (n) and homogenization pressure (p) significantly influenced the formation of the nano-emulsions. The nano-emulsion with an oil-droplet size of 277.26 ± 13.62 nm was obtained at w = 1.0 %, p = 200 bar, and n = 6. When compared to the Tween 20 nano-emulsion, the HMC nano-emulsion demonstrated superior storage stability, antioxidant activity, and lutein bioaccessibility. It could achieve the slow release of HMC. These findings not only broaden the application range of HMC but also contribute to the advancement of functional nano-emulsions.

Synthesis of medium-chain fatty acids from corn stover by sequential fermentation based on substrate configuration and initial pH optimization

This work describes a novel sequential fermentation method for the production of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) from corn stover, without adding exogenous electron donors/acceptors. The effects of the carbon substrate concentration, ethanol-to-acetate ratio (ED/EA), and initial pH on carbon chain elongation (CCE) by Clostridium kluyveri to produce MCFAs are investigated using ethanol and acetate as the electron donor and acceptor, respectively. A carbon substrate concentration of 300 mM C is sufficient for CCE. An initial weakly alkaline environment significantly enhances the production of caproate through buffering effects and by reducing inhibition of product formation. The maximum caproate production reached 4.41 g/L (initial pH 8.5; 300 mm C; ED/EA = 1:1). The ability of corn stover to generate a suitable ED/EA via two-step fermentation to synthesize MCFAs is also explored. Ultimately, 5.53 g/L butyrate and caproate can be obtained from corn stover, where caproate accounts for 2.79 g/L. This study offers innovative ideas for the sustainable production of bio-based chemicals.

Therapeutic Potential of Inulin‐Coated MCT Microcapsules in Modulating the Gut Microbiome for Effective Treatment of Diet‐Induced Obesity

AbstractObesity, a global epidemic, leads to metabolic dysregulation and systemic inflammation. Recently, therapies targeting the gut microbiome have garnered attention for metabolic health regulation. This study evaluates the potential of inulin‐coated medium‐chain triglyceride (InuMCT) microcapsules in rats with diet‐induced obesity (DIO). Inulin prebiotic fibers have been shown to promote the gut microbiome, while the digestion products of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), free fatty acids, and mono‐/diglycerides, can attenuate pro‐inflammatory outcomes. It is hypothesized that encapsulating MCTs within inulin via spray drying creates a solid dosage form that can exert multifunctional effects in ameliorating inflammation in DIO. Inulin and InuMCT treatments not only reduce DIO weight gain but also improve metabolic markers in high‐fat diet (HFD) fed rats. Specifically, inulin attenuates the reduction of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) by 55% and lowers glucose levels by 21%. Meanwhile, InuMCT increases HDL by 23% and reduces glucose levels by 15%. Furthermore, inulin decreases serum proinflammatory tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) by 35%, while InuMCT further reduces TNF‐α to normal diet levels within 21 days. These results highlight InuMCT's superior efficacy, offering a promising strategy for combating obesity and related metabolic diseases.

Carbon chain elongation characterizations of electrode-biofilm microbes in electro-fermentation

The higher efficiency of electro-fermentation in synthesizing medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) compared to traditional fermentation has been acknowledged. However, the functional mechanisms of electrode-biofilm enhancing MCFAs synthesis remain research gaps. To address this, this study proposed a continuous flow electrode-biofilm reactor for chain elongation (CE). After 225 days of operation, stable electrode-biofilms formed and notably improved caproate yield by more than 38 %. The electrode-biofilm was enriched with more CE microorganisms and electroactive bacteria compared to the suspended sludge microorganisms, including Caproicibacterium, Oscillibacter and Pseudoramibacter. Besides, the upregulated CE pathways were evaluated by metagenomic analysis, and the results indicated that the pathways such as acetyl-CoA and malonyl-[acp] formation, reverse beta-oxidation, and fatty acid biosynthesis pathway were all markedly enhanced in cathodic biofilm, more than anodic biofilm and suspended microorganisms. Moreover, microbial community regulated processes like bacterial chemotaxis, flagellar assembly and quorum sensing, crucial for electrode-biofilm formation. Electron transfer, energy metabolism, and microbial interactions were found to be prominently upregulated in the cathodic biofilm, surpassing levels observed in anodic biofilm and suspended sludge microorganisms, which further enhanced CE efficiency. In addition, the statistical analyses further highlighted key microbial functions and interactions within the cathodic biofilm. Oscillospiraceae_bacterium was identified to be the most active microbe, alongside pivotal roles played by Caproiciproducens_sp._NJN-50, Clostridiales_bacterium, Prevotella_sp. and Pseudoclavibacter_caeni. Eventually, the proposed microbial collaboration mechanisms of cathodic biofilm were ascertained. Overall, this study uncovered the biological effects of the electrode-biofilm on MCFAs electrosynthesis, thereby advancing biochemicals production and filling the knowledge gaps in CE electroactive biofilm reactors.

β-hydroxybutyrate and mitochondria mediate the association between medium-chain fatty acids, DHA and mild cognitive impairment: a nested case–control study

ABSTRACT Background Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) could affect the occurrence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions might be their potential mechanisms. This study aimed to explore the relationship between MCFAs, DHA and MCI, and potential mechanisms. Methods This study used data from Tianjin Elderly Nutrition and Cognition (TENC) cohort study, 120 individuals were identified with new onset MCI during follow-up, 120 individuals without MCI were selected by 1:1 matching sex, age, and education levels as the control group from TENC. Conditional logistic regression analysis and mediation effect analysis were used to explore their relationship. Results Higher serum octanoic acid levels (OR: 0.633, 95% CI: 0.520, 0.769), higher serum DHA levels (OR: 0.962, 95% CI: 0.942, 0.981), and more mtDNAcn (OR: 0.436, 95% CI: 0.240, 0.794) were associated with lower MCI risk, while more mtDNA deletions was associated with higher MCI risk (OR: 8.833, 95% CI: 3.909, 19.960). Mediation analysis suggested that BHB and mtDNAcn, in series, have mediation roles in the association between octanoic acid and MCI risk, and mtDNA deletions have mediation roles in the association between DHA and MCI risk. Conclusion Higher serum octanoic acid and DHA levels were associated with lower MCI risk. Octanoic acid could affect the incidence of MCI through BHB, then mitochondria function, or through mitochondria function, or directly. Serum DHA level could affect the incidence of MCI through mitochondria function, or directly.

Gut microbiota and inflammation analyses reveal the protective effect of medium-chain triglycerides combined with docosahexaenoic acid on cognitive function in APP/PS1 and SAMP8 mice

Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) positively affect cognitive function. However, it remains unclear whether the improvement is related to the alterations of gut microbiota and inflammation and the impact of the combined intervention. In this study, we hypothesized that the supplementation of MCTs combined with DHA could modulate gut microbiota, inflammation, and improve cognitive function in APPswe/PS1De9 (APP/PS1) model mice and senescence-accelerated mouse prone-8 (SAMP8), which are two different mouse models used in neurodegeneration research. The mice were divided into four groups: Control group, MCTs group, DHA group and MCTs+DHA group. The study assessed cognitive function, inflammatory cytokines, and gut microbiota composition. The results showed that supplementation of MCTs+DHA improved spatial learning ability, memory capacity, exploratory behavior; decreased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria; reduced the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B); decreased the concentrations of serum interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), while increasing the concentration of IL-10. Furthermore, supplementation with MCTs+DHA exhibited significantly superior effects compared to MCTs or DHA alone in reducing inflammation, optimizing gut microbiota composition, and improving cognitive function. In conclusion, supplementation with MCTs+DHA improved cognition function, accompanied with favorable alterations in gut microbiota and inflammation in APP/PS1 and SAMP8 mice.