Medium-chain Fatty Acids Research Articles

Nutritional Management of Patients with Fatty Acid Oxidation Disorders.

Treatment of fatty acid oxidation disorders is based on dietary, pharmacological and metabolic decompensation measures. It is essential to provide the patient with sufficient glucose to prevent lipolysis and to avoid the use of fatty acids as fuel as far as possible. Dietary management consists of preventing periods of fasting and restricting fat intake by increasing carbohydrate intake, while maintaining an adequate and uninterrupted caloric intake. In long-chain deficits, long-chain triglyceride restriction should be 10% of total energy, with linoleic acid and linolenic acid intake of 3-4% and 0.5-1% (5/1-10/1 ratio), with medium-chain triglyceride supplementation at 10-25% of total energy (total MCT+LCT ratio = 20-35%). Trihepatnoin is a new therapeutic option with a good safety and efficacy profile. Patients at risk of rhabdomyolysis should ingest MCT or carbohydrates or a combination of both 20 min before exercise. In medium- and short-chain deficits, dietary modifications are not advised (except during exacerbations), with MCT contraindicated and slow sugars recommended 20 min before any significant physical exertion. Parents should be alerted to the need to increase the amount and frequency of carbohydrate intake in stressful situations. The main measure in emergency hospital treatment is the administration of IV glucose. The use of carnitine remains controversial and new therapeutic options are under investigation.

Chemometric characterization of the fatty acid and trace element profiles of organic and conventional Galician cheeses

The aim of this study was to evaluate the fatty acid profile and trace element content in three different Galician cow's milk cheeses (organic made from pasteurized milk, industrial made from pasteurized milk and artisanal made with raw milk). Twenty-five fatty acids and thirteen elements were determined by respectively gas liquid chromatography and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, in thirty representative samples of the cheeses. The organic cheeses had significantly lower palmitic acid contents and significantly higher contents of odd and branched fatty acids, oleic acid, vaccenic acid, α-linolenic acid and conjugated linoleic acid than the other cheeses. The organic cheeses also had lower concentrations of trace and toxic element residues. Moreover, an association between medium chain fatty acids and palmitic acid and the presence of several mineral elements was detected by chemometric techniques. The nutritional evaluation of the organic cheeses was more favorable than for the other cheeses, as confirmed by the values of health-related indices.

Two-Stage Screening of Metschnikowia spp. Bioprotective Properties: From Grape Juice to Fermented Must by Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Gluconobacter oxydans (Go) and Brettanomyces bruxellensis (Bb) are detrimental micro-organisms compromising wine quality through the production of acetic acid and undesirable aromas. Non-Saccharomyces yeasts, like Metschnikowia species, offer a bioprotective approach to control spoilage micro-organisms growth. Antagonist effects of forty-six Metschnikowia strains in a co-culture with Go or Bb in commercial grape juice were assessed. Three profiles were observed against Go: no effect, complete growth inhibition, and intermediate bioprotection. In contrast, Metschnikowia strains exhibited two profiles against Bb: no effect and moderate inhibition. These findings indicate a stronger antagonistic capacity against Go compared to Bb. Four promising Metschnikowia strains were selected and their bioprotective impact was investigated at lower temperatures in Chardonnay must. The antagonistic effect against Go was stronger at 16 °C compared to 20 °C, while no significant impact on Bb growth was observed. The bioprotection impact on Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation has been assessed. Metschnikowia strains' presence did not affect the fermentation time, but lowered the fermentation rate of S. cerevisiae. An analysis of central carbon metabolism and volatile organic compounds revealed a strain-dependent enhancement in the production of metabolites, including glycerol, acetate esters, medium-chain fatty acids, and ethyl esters. These findings suggest Metschnikowia species' potential for bioprotection in winemaking and wine quality through targeted strain selection.

Unlocking lager's flavour palette by metabolic engineering of Saccharomyces pastorianus for enhanced ethyl ester production

Despite being present in trace amounts, ethyl esters play a crucial role as flavour compounds in lager beer. In yeast, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl octanoate and ethyl decanoate, responsible for fruity and floral taste tones, are synthesized from the toxic medium chain acyl-CoA intermediates released by the fatty acid synthase complex during the fatty acid biosynthesis, as a protective mechanism. The aim of this study was to enhance the production of ethyl esters in the hybrid lager brewing yeast Saccharomyces pastorianus by improving the medium chain acyl-CoA precursor supply. Through CRISPR-Cas9-based genetic engineering, specific FAS1 and FAS2 genes harbouring mutations in domains of the fatty acid synthesis complex were overexpressed in a single and combinatorial approach. These mutations in the ScFAS genes led to specific overproduction of the respective ethyl esters: overexpression of ScFAS1I306A and ScFAS2G1250S significantly improved ethyl hexanoate production and ScFAS1R1834K boosted the ethyl octanoate production. Combinations of ScFAS1 mutant genes with ScFAS2G1250S greatly enhanced predictably the final ethyl ester concentrations in cultures grown on full malt wort, but also resulted in increased levels of free medium chain fatty acids causing alterations in flavour profiles. Finally, the elevated medium chain fatty acid pool was directed towards the ethyl esters by overexpressing the esterase ScEEB1. The genetically modified S. pastorianus strains were utilized in lager beer production, and the resulting beverage exhibited significantly altered flavour profiles, thereby greatly expanding the possibilities of the flavour palette of lager beers.

Continuous Liquid-Liquid Extraction of Medium-Chain Fatty Acids from Fermentation Broth Using Hollow-Fiber Membranes.

Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs; carbon-lengths: C6-C12) are high-value platform chemicals that serve a variety of industrial applications, including green antimicrobials, food ingredients, animal feed additives, cosmetics, fragrances, pharmaceuticals, and structured lipids. Currently, most MCFAs are produced from palm and coconut oil originating from Southeast Asia and South America. The conventional approach to harvesting palm and coconut fruits causes considerable ecological damage in these regions. Therefore, researchers are developing biological approaches (e.g., precision and open-culture fermentations) to generate MCFAs more sustainably using low-value substrates (e.g., methanol, ethanol, lactate) or organic wastes as feedstock. Microbial chain-elongation (CE) is a rapidly maturing open-culture fermentation platform that converts short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs; carbon lengths: C1-C5) into a subset of these MCFAs at industrially relevant rates. However, continuous in situ extraction of MCFA products is necessary not only to avoid product inhibition but also to facilitate the recovery of MCFAs in a pure and usable form.Liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) using hollow-fiber membranes and targeted extractant mixtures has proven a robust approach to selectively extract MCFA products from fermentation broths containing SCFAs. Here, the application of LLE for continuous MCFA removal is demonstrated using CE as the reference fermentation system and 3% (w/v) trioctylphosphine oxide in mineral oil as the extractant system. Fatty acids ranging from valeric acid (C5) to caprylic acid (C8) are selectively removed from SCFA-containing broths and concentrated to high titers in a semi-batch alkaline stripping solution for downstream processing.

The beneficial impact of ketogenic diets on chemically-induced colitis in mice depends on the diet's lipid composition.

Previously, we showed that restrictive diets, including ketogenic diet (KD), have an anti-inflammatory impact on the healthy gastrointestinal tract of mice. Afterward, we found that energy-restricting diets mitigate inflammation in the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) colitis mouse model. The current study aimed to verify the impact of KD on DSS colitis and assess if the diet's fat composition influences the outcomes of the intervention. Mice with mild chronic colitis were fed control chow, KD composed of long-chain triglycerides (KD LCT) or a KD containing a mix of LCT and medium-chain triglycerides (KD LCT/MCT). KDs did not reverse DSS-enhanced gut permeability and shortening of the colon. Both KDs had a similar impact on liver, cecum, and spleen weight, villi and colon length, the thickness of muscularis externa, and expression of ZO-1 and occludin. On the contrary, body weight, glutathione (GSH) and taurine-GSH levels, GSH-S transferase (GST), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, as well as an abundance of several fecal bacteria, all were differentially affected by the two types of KDs. When compared to the DSS control diet, reduction in colon mucosa cytokines expression was stronger in KD LCT than in the KD LCT/MCT group. We conclude that the outcomes of the KD interventions in terms of potential therapeutical applications depend on lipid composition. KD LCT showed a strong positive impact on gut inflammation. A potential contribution of GSH to KD outcomes and a correlation between MPO activity and microbiota composition was identified.

Possible Extracellular Signals to Ameliorate Sarcopenia in Response to Medium-Chain Triglycerides (8:0 and 10:0) in Frail Older Adults.

In frail older adults (mean age 85 years old), a 3-month supplementation with a low dose (6 g/day) of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs; C8:0 and C10:0) given at a meal increased muscle mass and function, relative to supplementation with long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), but it decreased fat mass. The reduction in fat mass was partly due to increased postprandial energy expenditure by stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). However, the extracellular signals to ameliorate sarcopenia are unclear. The following three potential extracellular signals to increase muscle mass and function after MCT supplementation are discussed: (1) Activating SNS-the hypothesis for this is based on evidence that a beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist acutely (1-24 h) markedly upregulates isoforms of peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1alpha) mRNAs, promotes mitochondrial biogenesis, and chronically (~1 month) induces muscle hypertrophy. (2) An increased concentration of plasma acyl-ghrelin stimulates growth hormone secretion. (3) A nitrogen-sparing effect of ketone bodies, which fuel skeletal muscle, may promote muscle protein synthesis and prevent muscle protein breakdown. This review will help guide clinical trials of using MCTs to treat primary (age-related) sarcopenia.

Acaricide Flupentiofenox Inhibits the Mitochondrial β-Oxidation Pathway of Fatty Acids.

A newly developed pesticide, flupentiofenox, has a unique trifluoroethyl phenylsulfoxide structure, and it powerfully affects spider mites, including those with resistance to multiple commercial acaricides. To clarify the mode of action of flupentiofenox, we investigated its effect on mitochondrial energy generation. We observed that flupentiofenox decreased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) at a practical dose. Flupentiofenox potently inhibited mitochondrial oxygen consumption under conditions of palmitoyl-carnitine or octanoic acid supply, but not under conditions of pyruvate supply. These results show that flupentiofenox inhibits the mitochondrial fatty acid metabolic pathway between the uptake of long-chain acylcarnitine or medium-chain fatty acid and the synthesis of acetyl-CoA by β-oxidation, resulting in suppressed mitochondrial energy generation. Our investigations have led us to conclude that flupentiofenox is a pesticide with a novel mode of action.

Carotenoid Bioaccessibility and Caco-2 Cell Uptake Following Novel Encapsulation Using Medium Chain Triglycerides

Carotenoids are especially hydrophobic and dissolve poorly in water. Encapsulation is used to increase their solubility in water-based food products. However, it is not yet known whether encapsulation with a combination of lecithin and medium-chain triglycerides improves carotenoid bioaccessibility and intestinal cell uptake. The relative bioaccessibility and Caco-2 cell uptake of two water-soluble carotenoid (i.e. lutein and astaxanthin) dispersions in a liquid form (VitaSperse®) and a powdered form (VitaDry®) were compared to the carotenoid ingredient alone. An in vitro digestion model was used to assess bioaccessibility, measuring the micellarized fraction postdigestion. The micelle fraction was incubated with Caco-2 cells to assess intestinal uptake of carotenoids. Encapsulation (by either VitaDry® or Vitasperse®) increased total astaxanthin bioaccessibility 2-2.4× and cell uptake by ∼2× relative to control. Encapsulation also increased total lutein bioaccessibility by 3–5× and cell uptake 2.3× relative to control. There was no significant difference between VitaDry® and VitaSperse® products in regards to Caco-2 cell uptake. Increased bioaccessibility largely drove increased carotenoid cell uptake from the encapsulated formulations. These results suggest further study is warranted to determine if this encapsulation approach increases carotenoid bioavailability in human studies.

Interfacial Enrichment of Lauric Acid Assisted by Long-Chain Fatty Acids, Acidity and Salinity at Sea Spray Aerosol Surfaces.

Surfactant monolayers at sea spray aerosol (SSA) surfaces regulate various atmospheric processes including gas transfer, cloud interactions, and radiative properties. Most experimental studies of SSA employ a simplified surfactant mixture of long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) as a proxy for the sea surface microlayer or SSA surface. However, medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) make up nearly 30% of the FA fraction in nascent SSA. Given that LCFA monolayers are easily disrupted upon the introduction of chemical heterogeneity (such as mixed chain lengths), simple FA proxies are unlikely to represent realistic SSA interfaces. Integrating experimental and computational techniques, we characterize the impact that partially soluble MCFAs have on the properties of atmospherically relevant LCFA mixtures. We explore the extent to which the MCFA lauric acid (LA) is surface stabilized by varying acidity, salinity, and monolayer composition. We also discuss the impacts of pH on LCFA-assisted LA retention, where the presence of LCFAs may shift the surface-adsorption equilibria of laurate─the conjugate base─toward higher surface activities. Molecular dynamic simulations suggest a mechanism for the enhanced surface retention of laurate. We conclude that increased FA heterogeneity at SSA surfaces promotes surface activity of soluble FA species, altering monolayer phase behavior and impacting climate-relevant atmospheric processes.

Research Note: Curbing Salmonella Enteritidis in broiler chickens with palm-free medium-chain fatty acids

Salmonellosis is still one of the most reported zoonoses worldwide and poultry meat is a major source, as chickens are often persistent carriers of Salmonella. Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) are known for their strong antimicrobial activity. MCFAs used today in the animal feed industry, however, mainly originate from the palm oil industry, which is notorious for its negative impact on the climate. We investigated the effect of a specific blend of palm-free MCFAs (ranging from C6 to C9) on Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) colonization in broiler chickens and in vitro SE characteristics. Fifty Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly divided in 2 treatment groups. Chickens received either un-supplemented feed or feed supplemented with 300 ppm MCFAs from D0 onwards. On D7, all chickens were orally inoculated with 1600 CFU of SE. Cloacal swabs (D11) and samples of liver and caeca (D12) of all animals were collected and SE was enumerated. Percentage of SE-positive caecum samples was significantly (P = 0.044) reduced in birds receiving MCFAs compared to those receiving unsupplemented feed (36% vs. 64%). In vitro work performed with the same SE strain showed that preincubating the Salmonella bacteria with MCFAs at a sub-minimal inhibitory concentration significantly (p < 0.05) reduced bacterial adhesion to and invasion in Caco-2 cells, which may explain the observed reduction in intestinal SE colonization in the in vivo trial. Together, these results show that the tested eco-friendly MCFA blend could be a promising tool in the control of Salmonella in broilers.

Unabsorbed Fecal Fat Content Correlates with a Reduction of Immunoglobulin a Coating of Gut Bacteria in High-Lard Diet-Fed Mice.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) selectively coats gut bacteria and contributes to regulatory functions in gastrointestinal inflammation and glucose metabolism. Excess intake of lard leads to decrease in the IgA coating of gut bacteria, although the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. This study validates how unabsorbed fat derived from a high-lard diet in the gut affects the IgA coating of bacteria, as assessed in mouse models using three types of dietary fat (lard, medium-, and long-chain triglycerides [MLCTs], and medium-chain triglycerides [MCTs]) exhibiting different digestibilities. C57BL/6J mice are maintained on diets containing lard, MLCTs, or MCTs at 7% or 30% w/w for 10 weeks (n = 6 per group). The fecal fatty acid concentration is measured to quantify unabsorbed fat content. The ratio of IgA-coated bacteria to total bacteria (IgA coating ratio) in the feces is measured by flow cytometry. Compared to lard-fed mice, MLCT- and MCT-fed mice exhibit lower fecal concentrations of palmitic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid and higher IgA coating ratios at both 7% and 30% dietary fat, and these parameters exhibit significant negative correlations. Unabsorbed fat content in the gut may result in attenuated IgA coating of bacteria in high-lard diet-fed mice.

HP inulin-MCT dietary fiber improves lipid metabolism and prevents non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in obese mice

IntroductionRegular intake of dietary fiber (DF) can counteract the negative impacts of obesity on physical health and chronic disease risk. DF mitigates obesity by promoting fullness, reducing calories, slowing nutrient absorption, stabilizing glucose, preventing fat storage, and influencing gut microbiota. High-performance (HP) inulin, a highly fermentable water-soluble DF, shows promise, but its palatability is limited in powder form. Combining HP inulin with beneficial triglycerides like Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) could overcome this issue. Aim of studyThis study investigates the effects of HP inulin-MCT on lipid metabolism and immune modulation in high-fat high-sucrose (HFHS) diet-induced obese mice. MethodsObese mice were orally administered with 20 % (w/v) HP inulin-MCT ad-libitum for 30 days. We measured their peripheral blood lipid profile, including LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. Additionally, the atherogenic coefficient, a parameter for assessing cardiovascular disease risk, was determined by calculating the ratio of non-HDL-C to HDL-C. Flow cytometry was used to identify splenic regulatory CD4 + and CD8 + T cells (Tregs). The Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Score was assessed through histological examination. ResultsSignificant reduced body mass index, improved lipid profiles, and reduced cardiovascular disease risk were observed in the obese mice treated with HP inulin-MCT. Moreover, HP inulin-MCT appeared to ameliorate non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, a liver condition associated with obesity. These health improvements were linked to immune system modulation, associated with an increase of CD4+ T-regulatory cells after HP inulin-MCT supplementation. ConclusionHP inulin-MCT is a promising and palatable dietary intervention to combat obesity-related noncommunicable diseases, offering the potential for better overall health outcomes.

Characterization, stability, and curcumin bioaccessibility of buckwheat flower polysaccharide conjugate emulsion.

In this study, buckwheat flower polysaccharide conjugates (BFPCs) were synthesized and evaluated for their emulsification properties. The stability of BFPC-stabilized emulsions was assessed through particle size analysis, zeta potential measurements, microscopic observations, and rheological tests. Gum Arabic served as a control to compare BFPC's emulsifying efficacy across varying storage conditions, including exposure to metal ions, pH variations, and different heat treatment temperatures. Results showed that BFPC significantly lowered interfacial tension (16.2mN/m) and effectively stabilized emulsions containing 60wt% medium-chain triglycerides at a concentration of 1.0wt%. Over a 20-day storage period, BFPC emulsions demonstrated robust resistance to heat (60-90°C), acidic conditions (pH 2.0-9.0), and ion concentrations (Na+, Ca2+). Moreover, in a high oil phase emulsion, BFPC enhanced the bioavailability of curcumin to 27.05%, markedly higher than the 7.10% observed without emulsification, underscoring its potential in nutrient delivery applications. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Due to its excellent resistance, long-time emulsifying stability under different conditions, and its good effect in curcumin embedding, BFPC has a broad prospect and can be widely used under various conditions in food industry.

Influence of Carbohydrate Intake on Caprylic Acid (C8:0)-Induced Ketogenesis-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The ketogenic diet is used worldwide to treat various diseases, especially drug-resistant epilepsies. Medium-chain triglycerides or medium-chain fatty acids, primarily the major ketogenic compound caprylic acid (C8; C8:0), can significantly support ketogenesis. This review examines the effects of concurrent carbohydrate intake on C8-induced ketogenesis. A systematic literature search (PubMed and Web of Science) with subsequent data extraction was performed according to PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook. Studies investigating the metabolic response to C8-containing MCT interventions with carbohydrate intake were included. The studies did not include a ketogenic diet. Three intervention groups were created. The quality of the studies was assessed using the RoB II tool, and the meta-analysis was performed using the Cochrane RevMan software. A total of 7 trials, including 4 RCTs, met the inclusion criteria. Ketone production was lower when C8 was combined with carbohydrates compared to MCT intake alone. The lower C8 dose group (11 g) did not show a significantly lower ketogenic effect than the higher dose group (19 g). Forest plot analysis showed heterogeneous data. The data suggest a non-linear relationship between C8, carbohydrate intake and ketone production. Further studies are needed to investigate the influence of different carbohydrates on C8-induced ketogenesis. Limitations include heterogeneous intervention conditions, such as different types of dispersions, caffeine intake, limited number of studies and variability in study design.

Lipase-catalyzed synthesis and characterization of medium-long-medium (MLM) type structured triacylglycerols from peony seed oil

Structured triacylglycerols (STAGs) with medium-chain fatty acids (FAs) at sn-1,3 positions and long-chain FAs at the sn-2 position are known as medium-long-medium (MLM) type STAGs. They can not only provide energy immediately and control weight effectively, but may also provide essential or beneficial FAs to meet the human needs. In this study, MLM type STAGs were synthesized from lipase-catalyzed acidolysis of peony seed oil (PSO) with octanoic acid (OcA) and decanoic acid (DA) as medium-chain FAs in solvent-free systems. Optimal reaction conditions were 1:8 (PSO to OcA/DA), 40 °C and 24 h. The OcA content and DA content at sn-1,3 of two STAGs were 81.1% and 82.5%. The total essential FA (α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid) contents at sn-2 reached 61.5% and 57.2%, and long-chain unsaturated FA contents reached 93.3% and 87.4%. Infrared absorptions of two STAGs were weaker than those of PSO at 723 cm−1 [-(CH2)n-rocking] and 3011 cm−1 [ = CH (cis) stretching]. The end melting temperature and maximum weight loss temperature of STAG rich in DA were higher than those of STAG rich in OcA. This study is conducive to the deep processing of PSO and provides a new and promising substrate for MLM type STAG synthesis.

Functional Lipids and Cardiovascular Disease Reduction: A Concise Review.

Functional lipids are dietary substances that may have an impact on human health by lowering the risk of chronic illnesses and enhancing the quality of life. Numerous functional lipids have been reported to have potential health benefits in the prevention, management, and treatment of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. However, there is still insufficient and contradictory information in the literature about their effectiveness and associated mechanisms of action. The objective of this review, therefore, is to evaluate available literature regarding these functional lipids and their health benefits. Various studies have been conducted to understand the links between functional lipids and the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. Recent studies on phytosterols have reported that CLA, medium-chain triglycerides, and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids have positive effects on human health. Also, eicosanoids, which are the metabolites of these fatty acids, are produced in relation to the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and may modulate disease conditions. These functional lipids are available either in dietary or supplement forms and have been proven to be efficient, accessible, and inexpensive to be included in the diet. However, further research is required to properly elucidate the dosages, dietary intake, effectiveness, and their mechanisms of action in addition to the development of valid disease biomarkers and long-term effects in humans.

Coconut: Expanding avenues in processing and an exposition on non-conventional value-added products.

Coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) is a treasured tree of the tropics, with every part put to use. The edible portions are loaded with diverse nutrients and nutraceutical ingredients. While the unique mineral profile of the liquid endosperm, the low-glycemic inflorescence sap (neera) and the medium-chain triglyceride fraction of coconut oil are better recognized, other fractions such as the haustorium remain underexplored. Overall, it is evident that, globally, the present status of coconut value addition is conventional, limited to a handful of products, and novel products hold a promising scope. A massive fraction of global coconut production goes for culinary and religious purposes. In the article, value-added products from coconut are classified into conventional and non-conventional products, with the latter in focus. Based on the part from which it is collected, all products have been categorized as haustorium-based, inflorescence-based, kernel-based and water-based products. For each non-conventional product introduced, its production approach and unique application range are highlighted. Given its health-promoting capabilities, characteristic sensorial attributes, wide application range and technological advancements, coconuts are increasingly being recognized around the world, even in regions that do not cultivate them; this applies to non-food products as well. In the context of value-added products from coconuts, this decade has witnessed a surge in research and commercial interest considering the inclusion of coconut as an ingredient in several food and nutraceutical products. The future will certainly consider regulatory protocols and standards, better documentation of the health impact of coconut-based diets, and the sustainability of coconut production, processing and consumption. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Caprylic Acid Inhibits High Mobility Group Box-1-Induced Mitochondrial Damage in Myocardial Tubes.

Myocardial damage significantly impacts the prognosis of patients with cancer; however, the mechanisms of myocardial damage induced by cancer and its treatment remain unknown. We previously reported that medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) improve cancer-induced myocardial damage but did not evaluate the differences in effect according to MCFA type. Therefore, this study investigated the role of inflammatory cytokines in cancer-induced myocardial damage and the effects of three types of MCFAs (caprylic acid [C8], capric acid [C10], and lauric acid [C12]). In a mouse model, the C8 diet showed a greater effect on improving myocardial damage compared with C10 and C12 diets. Myocardial tubes differentiated from H9C2 cardiomyoblasts demonstrated increased mitochondrial oxidative stress, decreased membrane potential and mitochondrial volume, and inhibited myocardial tube differentiation following treatment with high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) but not interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α cytokines. However, HMGB1 treatment combined with C8 improved HMGB1-induced mitochondrial damage, enhanced autophagy, and increased mitochondrial biogenesis and maturation. However, these effects were only partial when combined with beta-hydroxybutyrate, a C8 metabolite. Thus, HMGB1 may play an important role in cancer-related myocardial damage. C8 counteracts HMGB1's effects and improves cancer-related myocardial damage. Further clinical studies are required to investigate the effects of C8.

Efficacy and Safety of Exogenous Ketones in People with Mild Neurocognitive Disorder and Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Literature Review.

Mild neurocognitive disorder (NCD), formally known as mild cognitive impairment, is usually the clinical stage preceding the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most prevalent major NCD, and other causes of dementia. Glucose is a major source of energy for human brain metabolism and the uptake of glucose is reduced in patients with mild NCD, AD, and other NCDs. Unlike glucose, the uptake of ketones remains normal in people with mild NCD and AD, suggesting that the use of ketone bodies may compensate for glucose energy deficiency in patients with mild NCD and AD. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the efficacy and safety of exogenic ketones, including medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), on cognitive function in patients with mild NCD and AD. The Embase, MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, PubMed Ahead-of-Print, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Europe PMC databases were searched from inception to April 2022. Studies reporting cognitive function efficacy and safety outcomes from randomized controlled trials of exogenic ketones in patients with mild NCD and AD were included. Data were extracted by 1 reviewer and checked by a second reviewer. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, version 2. This review identified 13 individual trials investigating the efficacy and safety of MCT or coconut oil for patients with mild NCD or with AD. Because of the heterogeneity of the studies, a narrative synthesis was used. Overall, improvements associated with exogenic ketones were observed in multiple aspects of cognitive abilities, although the large heterogeneity between the included studies makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions from the current literature. Although some studies investigated the impact of the apolipoprotein E ε4 allele status on treatment efficacy, the current data are insufficient to conclude whether such an effect is present. PROSPERO registration No. CRD42022336664.