Middle Chain Fatty Acids Research Articles

GUT MICROBIOTA METABOLITES CONNECTIONS WITH ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY ATRIAL FIBRILLATION CHARACTERISTICS IN PATIENTS WITH CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

The aim: To reveal the connections between gut microbiota metabolites and echocardiography (TTE) atrial fibrillation (AF) characteristics in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Materials and methods: 300 patients were divided into 3 groups: the first group(CAD) – 149 patients with CAD but without arrhythmias, the second group (CAD+AF) – 124 patients with CAD and AF paroxysm, and the control group – 27 patients without CAD and arrhythmias. TTE was done by ALOKA SSD-5000. The level of trimethylamine (TMA), trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) of plasma, and fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) levels were determined by gas chromatography with mass electron detection. Results: Isocaproic and isobutyric fecal acids appear in group II in comparison with CG. In group ІІ, patients’ rise of TMA (16.13%), TMAO (57.54%) levels, and decreased ratio (26.16%) in comparison with group I was revealed, P<0.05. In group ІІ patients rise of valeric (1128.43%) and depletion of butyric (78.75%), isovaleric (43.71%), caprylic (99.21%) acids, middle chain fatty acids (95.54%), and the total amount of fecal SCFA (17.09%) in comparison with group I was found, P<0.05. In group ІІ, patients’ rise in left atrium diameter (10.03%), left atrium volume (15.40%), and left atrium volume index (11.48%) in comparison with group I was revealed, P<0.05. The largest amount of correlations was observed between echocardiography indexes and TMA (total number = 11), butyric acid (total number = 10) and TMAO (total number = 9). Left atrium diameter index, which commonly increased in patients with atrial fibrillation, was correlated with TMA (r=0.392), TMAO (r=0.333), butyric acid (r=-0.321), isobutyric acid (r=-0.359) and middle chain fatty acids (r=-0.362), P<0.05. Conclusion: Associations between gut microbiota metabolites and TTE AF characteristics in patients with CAD were based mostly on correlations between left atrium indexes and TMA, TMAO, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, and middle chain fatty acids.

Long-Chain and Medium-Chain Fatty Acids in Energy Metabolism of Murine Kidney Mitochondria

Scientists have long established that fatty acids are the primary substrates for kidney mitochondria. However, to date we still do not know how long-chain and middle-chain fatty acids are oxidized at the mitochondrial level. Our previous research has shown that mitochondria from the heart, brain, and kidney oxidize palmitoylcarnitine at a high rate only in the presence of succinate, glutamate, or pyruvate. In this paper, we report properties of the isolated kidney mitochondria and how malate and succinate affect the oxidation of C16 and C8 acylcarnitines. The isolated kidney mitochondria contain very few endogenous substrates and require malate to oxidize pyruvate, glutamate, and C16 or C8 acylcarnitines. We discovered that with 10 µM of C16 or C8 acylcarnitines, low concentrations of malate (0.2 mM) or succinate (0.5 mM) enhance the States 4 and 3 respiratory rates several times. The highest respiration rates were observed with C16 or C8 acylcarnitines and 5 mM succinate mixtures. Results show that kidney mitochondria, unlike the heart and brain mitochondria, lack the intrinsic inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase. Additionally, results show that the oxidation of fatty acid by the small respirasome's supercomplex generates a high level of CoQH2, and this makes SDH in the presence of succinate reverse the flow of electrons from CoQH2 to reduce fumarate to succinate. Finally, we report evidence that succinate dehydrogenase is a key mitochondrial enzyme that allows fast oxidation of fatty acids and turns the TCA cycle function from the catabolic to the anabolic and anaplerotic metabolic pathways.

Static Magnetic Field Inhibits Growth of Escherichia coli Colonies via Restriction of Carbon Source Utilization.

Magnetobiological effects on growth and virulence have been widely reported in Escherichia coli (E. coli). However, published results are quite varied and sometimes conflicting because the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Here, we reported that the application of 250 mT static magnetic field (SMF) significantly reduces the diameter of E. coli colony-forming units (CFUs) but has no impact on the number of CFUs. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the inhibitory effect of SMF is attributed to differentially expressed genes (DEGs) primarily involved in carbon source utilization. Consistently, the addition of glycolate or glyoxylate to the culture media successfully restores the bacterial phenotype in SMF, and knockout mutants lacking glycolate oxidase are no longer sensitive to SMF. These results suggest that SMF treatment results in a decrease in glycolate oxidase activity. In addition, metabolomic assay showed that long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) accumulate while phosphatidylglycerol and middle-chain fatty acids decrease in the SMF-treated bacteria, suggesting that SMF inhibits LCFA degradation. Based on the published evidence together with ours derived from this study, we propose a model showing that free radicals generated by LCFA degradation are the primary target of SMF action, which triggers the bacterial oxidative stress response and ultimately leads to growth inhibition.

English

The coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) is widely referred as the “tree of life” for its important role in the livelihoods of 10 million persons from over 90 countries globally. In Kenya, the coconut sub-sector is valued at KES 25 billion, yet only 65% is utilised, which is partly contributed by insufficient knowledge of the coconut’s physico-chemical features and investment in the sector. Physico-chemical analysis of four coconut varieties’ kernel grown in two counties (Kilifi and Kwale) of Kenya was carried out. Based on the de-husked coconut fruit, coconut kernel was the highest component (46.58 - 48.70%) in comparison to shell (25.93±0.72% - 28.46±0.29%) and water (23.75±1.07% - 27.11±1.49%) across the varieties. The colour of the coconut kernel was marked by generally high L* values (85.34 - 93.35) and low a* (0.51 - 0.81) and b* (1.53 - 2.20) values among the varieties confirming the milky- white colouration of the kernel. All the varieties contained high crude fat (35.01±1.0 - 38.28±1.09%) content. Fatty acid analysis profile revealed that lauric acid (45.91- 50.72%) was the predominant fatty acid. Most of the oil extract was saturated (91%) but comprising of middle chain fatty acids. This indicates stability for storage and suitability for use in ketogenic diets.   Key words: coconut kernel, coconut variety, colour, proximate analysis, fatty acid profile.

Synthesis of middle-long-middle structured intralipids by biological catalysis and the evaluation of intralipids' protective effect on liver injury rats.

Intralipids are widely used to provide energy and necessary fatty acids for the patients. The structure of lipids may affect their function. We developed a bio‐catalyzed route to prepare various intralipids and investigated the protective effect of intralipids against α‐naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) induced liver injury rats, further discussing the structure–function relationship. The middle–long–middle (MLM) structural intralipid was synthesized through alcoholysis‐esterification, and the influence factors were investigated. ANIT treatment caused liver injury, further making hepatocyte damage, and increasing related biochemical indexes, like aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin (TBIL). Especially, MLM‐based and structoglyceride (STG) intralipids worked better in the early stage, to reduce the AST, ALT, and TBIL (p < .05). MLM showed a comparative advantage over other intralipids to accelerate the reduction of ALT (1st day) and AST (3rd day). MLM intralipid might be a promising next‐generation intralipid than the current STG intralipid liver‐injury patients. The biological catalysis MLM‐based intralipids can make the maximum utilization of fatty acids for the liver regeneration, where middle‐chain fatty acid (MCFA) in sn‐1,3 position can be metabolized directly to provide energy and long‐chain fatty acid (LCFA) in sn‐2 position can be delivered effectively for cell membrane repairing.

Structure and Physiological Functions of Ghrelin

Ghrelin hormone composed of 28-amino acid peptide modified at its third residue, a serine (Ser3), by a middle-chain fatty acid...

Lauric acid promotes neuronal maturation mediated by astrocytes in primary cortical cultures

Previous studies have suggested the potential efficacy of middle chain fatty acids (MCFAs) in the treatment of mood disorders and cognitive dysfunction. MCFAs are metabolized to ketone bodies in astrocytes; however, their effects on neuronal development including neurotrophic factor level are not well-understood. In the present study, we examined the effect of MCFAs on the mRNA expression of growth factors and cytokines in primary cultures of cortical astrocytes. The effect of MCFAs on neuron-astrocyte interaction in neuronal maturation was also determined using co-culture and astrocyte-conditioned medium. Lauric acid (LA) typically increased the mRNA expression of glial-derived neurotrophic factor (Gdnf), interleukin-6 (Il6), and C–C motif chemokine 2 (Ccl2) in astrocytes. LA-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase contributed to these changes. In primary cultures of cortical neurons containing astrocytes, LA enhanced the presynaptic protein levels. Astrocyte-conditioned medium after LA treatment also enhanced the presynaptic protein levels in the cortical neuron cultures. These results suggest that LA increase the mRNA expression of GDNF and cytokines in astrocytes, and thereby, enhances the presynaptic maturation.

Bingöl Arı Sütünün İçeriği ve Antimikrobiyal Aktivitesi

Royal jelly (RJ) is the special nutriment of the larva of queen honeybee (Apis mellifera) which is composed of several bioactive substances that include amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, mineral salts, and vitamins. The content of RJ varies depending on genotype of the bees according to the flora species and climatic conditions and this affects biological activities of RJ. In recent years, literature has perceived an exponential growth in amount of drug (antibiotic)-resistant pathogenic bacteria. The main reasons of growing antibiotic resistance might be credited to the abuse of the antibiotic usage demonstrating prominence of examining other choices other than the communal antibiotics, such as bee products), to avoid a additional build-up in antibiotic resistance. To our knowledge, chemical content and antimicrobial activity of Bingol RJ (BRJ) has not been investigated to date. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to study composition and antimicrobial activities of BRJ. The results demonstrated that BRJ contains major flavonoids and phenolics such as apigenin, quercetin, naringenin, gallic acid, caffeic acid that contribute antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of BRJ. We have also shown that there are some middle and short chain fatty acids that include Linoleic acid and Propionic acid. BRJ also contain majority of trace elements and mineral. In addition to chemical content, antimicrobial activity of BRJ was also investigated towards pathogens. BRJ showed antimicrobial activity against Salmonella typhimurium (8.64 mm), Escherichia coli (9.1 mm) and Staphylococcus aureus (10.73 mm).

310 Using synergistic antibacterial combinations based on vegetable essential oils to replace feeding antibiotics

Abstract Vegetable essential oils, medium-chain fatty acids and organic acids have great potential in the development of alternatives to feeding antibiotics, but many problems in practice limit their application, such as irritating odor, poor water solubility, easy oxidation and volatility. In this study, we found that vegetable essential oils (carcilol, cinnamaldehyde, terptol-4) and medium chain fatty acids (octanoic acid and nonanoic acid) or organic acids (citric acid) had significantly synergistic bactericidal effects on enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteribacilli, which are both common pathogens causing piglets diarrhea. Furthermore, we also compared the tolerances of the enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli against plant essential oils (cinnamaldehyde, carcocol, 4- terptol), medium chain fatty acids (octanoic acid and nonylic acid), organic acids (citric acid), and commonly used antibiotic growth promoter (gentamycin sulfate). They were in vitro cultured with ETEC strain for 30 consecutive generations and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value was detected. The results showed that the MIC values of carvonol, cinnamaldehyde, terpineol-4, octanoic acid, nonylic acid, and citric acid against the ETEC bacteria increased by 5, 3, 1, 0.3, 0.4 and 0 times. But the MIC value of gentamicin against ETEC bacteria increased, in the 20th generation, by more than 64 times. In conclusions, the synergistic bactericidal combination based on the plant essential oil and middle chain fatty acid or organic acid may be a better strategy to replace feeding antibiotics because their synergistic bactericidal combination can greatly reduce the effective concentration of plant essential oil, medium chain fatty acid and organic acid, thus alleviating to a certain extent the shortcomings of unstable effects caused by the irritating odor, the poor water solubility, easy oxidation and volatility. The synergistic bactericidal combination based on plant essential oils are also relatively difficult to cause bacterial tolerance and alleviate bacterial resistance to a certain extent.

Urban Diets Linked to Gut Microbiome and Metabolome Alterations in Children: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study in Thailand.

Loss of traditional diets by food globalization may have adverse impact on the health of human being through the alteration of gut microbial ecosystem. To address this notion, we compared the gut microbiota of urban (n = 17) and rural (n = 28) school-aged children in Thailand in association with their dietary habits. Dietary records indicated that children living in urban Bangkok tended to consume modern high-fat diets, whereas children in rural Buriram tended to consume traditional vegetable-based diets. Sequencing of 16S rRNA genes amplified from stool samples showed that children in Bangkok have less Clostridiales and more Bacteroidales and Selenomonadales compared to children in Buriram and bacterial diversity is significantly less in Bangkok children than in Buriram children. In addition, fecal butyrate and propionate levels decreased in Bangkok children in association with changes in their gut microbial communities. Stool samples of these Thai children were classified into five metabolotypes (MTs) based on their metabolome profiles, each characterized by high concentrations of short and middle chain fatty acids (MT1, n = 17), amino acids (MT2, n = 7), arginine (MT3, n = 6), amino acids, and amines (MT5, n = 8), or an overall low level of metabolites (MT4, n = 4). MT1 and MT4 mainly consisted of samples from Buriram, and MT2 and MT3 mainly consisted of samples from Bangkok, whereas MT5 contained three samples from Bangkok and five from Buriram samples. According to the profiles of microbiota and diets, MT1 and MT2 are characteristic of children in Buriram and Bangkok, respectively. Predicted metagenomics indicated the underrepresentation in MT2 of eight genes involved in pathways of butyrate biosynthesis, notably including paths from glutamate as well as pyruvate. Taken together, this study shows the benefit of high-vegetable Thai traditional diets on gut microbiota and suggests that high-fat and less-vegetable urban dietary habits alter gut microbial communities in Thai children, which resulted in the reduction of colonic short chain fatty acid fermentation.

The inhibition ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaepopulation during alcoholic fermentation of grape must by octanoic, decanoic and dodecanoic acid mixture

The inhibition of alcoholic fermentation by octanoic, decanoic and dodecanoic acid mixture was investigated. Middle chain fatty acids (MCFA) mixture contained 10 grams of C8 :C10 :C12 in a ratio of 2:7:1 was dissolved in 100 ml of 70% ethanol, and in such form, it was subsequently applied into the fermenting must samples. A flow cytometry test showed that the 10 mg/L dose of MCFA mixture had a toxic effect on Saccharomyces cerevisiae (45.9% of viable cells) compared with the control variant (74.35%). In combination with 60 mg/L of SO2 , it had a higher efficiency (3.1% of viable cells) than using a dose of SO2 alone (13.9%). Direct counting of yeast cells confirmed a higher concentration of dead cells with a higher concentration of MCFA. A dose of 10 mg/L of MCFA mixture caused the highest percentage of dead yeast after 24 hours (about 60%) compared to the control variant without MCFA dosage (about 24%). The results of residues showed that there is no significant quantitative difference between the treated and untreated musts because of fixing of MCFA inside the yeast cells. This method can effectively reduce the cost of production technology for wines with residual sugar and, in general, reduce the dosage of SO2 .

Inhibition of Growth of Candida albicans by a Lysozyme-chitosan Conjugate, LYZOX and its Combination with Decanoic Acid.

A lysozyme-chitosan conjugate preparation (LYZOX), produced from egg white lysozyme and chitosan by Maillard reaction, is a commercial product developed as a cosmetic ingredient or food additive. Effects of LYZOX on in vitro growth of Candida albicans were examined. C. albicans cells were treated with LYZOX for 3 hrs, and then washed and cultured for an additional 16 hrs in modified RPMI1640 medium. Mycelial growth of C. albicans was clearly inhibited by more than 100 μg/ml of LYZOX in a concentration-dependent manner. On the other hand, corresponding concentration of chitosan or lysozyme or their mixture only scarcely showed clear inhibitory effect. Similarly, anti-Candida activity of the combination of LYZOX and decanoic acid, a middle-chain fatty acid, was also examined. Inhibitory activity of this combination against mycelial growth of C. albicans was very potent and appeared synergistic, since fractionated inhibitory concentration (FIC) index for 70% growth inhibition was calculated to be 0.20. Oral application of this combination improved the symptoms of Candida-infected-tongue in an experimental murine candidiasis model. On the basis of these results, the possible application of LYZOX as a new functional product with anti-candida activity was discussed.

Biochemical precursor effects on the fatty acid production in cell suspension cultures of Theobroma cacao L.

Cocoa butter (CB) is composed of 96% palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic fatty acids that are responsible for the hardness, texture and fusion properties of chocolate. Through in vitro plant cell culture it is possible to modify CB lipid profiles and to study the fatty acid biosynthesis pathway on a subcellular level, evaluating fundamental aspects to enhance in vitro fatty acid production in a specific and controlled way. In this research, culture media was supplemented with acetate, biotin, pyruvate, bicarbonate and glycerol at three different concentrations and the effects on the biomass production (g/L), cell viability, and fatty acids profile and production was evaluated in in vitro cell suspensions culture. It was found that biotin stimulated fatty acid synthesis without altering cell viability and cell growth. It was also evident a change in the lipid profile of cell suspensions, increasing middle and long chain fatty acids proportion, which are unusual to those reported in seeds; thus implying that it is possible to modify lipid profiles according to the treatment used. According to the results of sucrose gradients and enzyme assays performed, it is proposed that cacao cells probably use the pentose phosphate pathway, mitochondria being the key organelle in the carbon flux for the synthesis of reductant power and fatty acid precursors.

General components and general flavor compounds in sweet-potato-&lt;i&gt;shochu&lt;/i&gt; and brown-sugar-&lt;i&gt;shochu&lt;/i&gt;

We examined how differences in the raw materials and the method for manufacturing influence the general components and general flavor compounds of 74 Honkaku-shochu (sweet potato- and brown sugar-). The concentrations in sweet potato-shochu of β-phenetyl alcohol, isoamyl acetate, and furfural were higher than for brown sugar-shochu. Also, concentrations of n-butyl alcohol and acetal in sweet potato-shochu were lower than in brown sugar-shochu. As for ultraviolet absorption and TBA values, the mean values of sweet potato-shochu made from yellow-koji were very low, being half the mean values of sweet potato-shochu. Mean values of concentrations of middle-chain fatty acid ethyles in products made from sweet potato-koji instead of rice-koji were 1.2 or 1.3 times higher than sweet potato-shochu mean values.

Isolation and characterization of proteins and lipids from honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) queen larvae and royal jelly

Honeybee queen larvae (QL), the byproduct of royal jelly (RJ) production, have not been fully utilized as a food resource. Proteins in QL were characterized by gel electrophoresis and identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of fatty acid and sterol composition in QL and RJ were performed. The molecular weight of proteins in QL was generally lower than those in RJ. QL were dominated by major royal jelly protein 1 (MRJP1) and MRJP2 as well as their degradation proteins. High amounts of triacylglycerols (797.5mg/g lipid) and phospholipids (89.8mg/g lipid) were presented in QL, whereas the main fatty acids in RJ were composed of free middle carbon chain fatty acids (>91%). Twelve sterols were identified and clerosterol, ∆7-sitosterol and cycloartenol were reported for the first time in QL. Noteworthy, little difference was observed in the sterol profiles of QL and RJ. Sterols were found to be integrated with MRJP1 oligomer in QL and RJ. This study provides new insight into the nutritional values of QL. The results suggest overall that proteins and lipids of QL compare favorably with those of RJ and could be potential used in food industry.

Evaluation of iron fortified Gouda cheese for sensory and physicochemical attributes

Iron fortified Gouda cheese manufactured using ferrous sulphate and whey protein chelated iron was evaluated for sensory and physicochemical attributes to understand the impact of iron fortification. pH and titratable acidity followed an increasing trend during ripening in control Gouda cheese. However, in case of iron fortified Gouda cheese pH followed a decreasing trend and titratable acidity increased during ripening. Sensory scores of the iron fortified samples were comparatively lower than control Gouda cheese. Physicochemical attributes evaluation demonstrated higher moisture content in whey protein chelated iron fortified Gouda cheese and hence lower ash, protein and fat content in comparison with control and ferrous sulphate fortified Gouda cheese. Salt content of whey protein chelated iron fortified Gouda cheese was higher than ferrous sulphate and control cheese. Higher lactose retention was observed in case of iron fortified Gouda cheese when compared with control. Fatty acid profile of all the cheese samples followed a similar trend of increase in lower, middle and higher chain fatty acids during ripening whereas decrease in unsaturated fatty acid (C18:2) content.

PHYSICO-CHEMICAL, AND SENSORY PROPERTIES OF SOY BASED GOUDA CHEESE ANALOG MADE FROM DIFFERENT CONCENTRATION OF FAT, SODIUM CITRATE AND VARIOUS CHEESE STARTER CULTURES

Gouda cheese analog (GCA) was made using soy protein isolate (SPI), skim milk powder (SMP), fat (palm fat and butter fat), and water (W) at optimal ratio of SPI : SMP : F : W = 14 : 6 : 20 : 60. The effects of butter fat, sodium citrate, and cheese starter culture on the sensory properties of ripened product were assessed by preference test, hedonic test, and the texture profile analysis (TPA) of GCA. The free fatty acids, water-soluble nitrogen, and reduction in pH value of progel were also measured. The use of 100% butter fat (BF) produced strong Gouda flavor. It could be due to the fatty acids content in BF; in contrast, product with 100% palm fat (PF) produced tasteless GCA. It might be due to fatty acids content in PF, middle, and long chain fatty acids. Single cheese starter culture could not develop Gouda flavor during ripening. The use of mixed fat (50% BF and 50% PF) and mixed cheese starter culture together with Brevibacterium linens developed a suitable characteristic flavor of Gouda product during ripening. The addition of 0.5% sodium citrate could improve the flavor; nevertheless, it reduced the stability of texture.

Insecticidal and repellent action of allyl esters against Acyrthosiphon pisum (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

In this project, three allyl esters from middle-chain fatty acids (allyl octanoate, allyl heptanoate and allyl hexanoate) and two from aromatic acids (allyl cinnamate and allyl 2-furoate) were investigated against two differential pests. Lethal and sublethal repellent effects by topical and ingestion exposure were tested against the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) and the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) as these represent two insect pest orders of Hemiptera and Coleoptera each with a specific feeding behavior using piercing–sucking and biting–chewing mouthparts, respectively.Significant mortalities against aphid nymphs were produced when fed via diet containing allyl cinnamate, allyl 2-furoate and allyl heptanoate at 0.1mgmL−1, and in dose–response tests allyl cinnamate was the most active with an LC50 of 0.03 (0.02–0.05) mgmL−1. Although topical application on aphids was only effective at doses of 0.1mg aphid−1 for allyl cinnamte, beetles of T. castaneum adults were sensitive to all allyl esters assessed with LC50's ranging between 0.1 and 0.2mg insect−1.In binary choice bioassays, none of the allyl esters produced repellent effects on A. pisum aphids, neither by ingestion (0.1mgmL−1 in the diet) nor by contact (100μgcm−2 on filter paper). In contrast, all allyl esters, except allyl hexanoate, showed high to moderate repellence effects on T. castaneum beetles at 10μgcm−2. Interestingly, the repellent activity of allyl cinnamate was equal to the commercial insect repellent N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET). The data obtained suggest a possible role of allyl esters in insect pest control.

Effects of Inhibitory Activity on Mycelial Growth of &lt;i&gt;Candida albicans&lt;/i&gt; and Therapy for Murine Oral Candidiasis by the Combined Use of Terpinen-4-ol and a Middle-chain Fatty Acid, Capric Acid

The combined effect of terpinen-4-ol, the main component of tea tree oil, and capric acid against mycelial growth of Candida albicans and murine oral candidiasis was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Mycelial growth of C. albicans was estimated by the Cristal violet method. Combination of these compounds revealed a potent synergistic inhibition of growth. Therapeutic efficacy of the combination was evaluated microbiologically in murine oral candidiasis, and its application of the compounds clearly demonstrated therapeutic activity. Based on these results, the combined agent of terpinen-4-ol and capric acid was discussed as a possible candidate for oral candidiasis therapy.

The Susceptibility of Aphids, Aphis gossypii Glover to Lauric Acid based Natural Pesticide

The susceptibility of aphids to lauric acid, a type of middle-chain fatty acids, based pesticide formulation was investigated. The insecticidal properties of lauric acid based pesticide formulation against aphids were evaluated through the three main routes of exposure: topical application, leaf-dipping (ingestion) and inhalation. Surface tension dependent aphids toxicity was also investigated by measuring the surface tension value of each formulation prepared. The relationship of surface tension and formulation toxicity was then observed on aphid tested. The obtained results indicate that all tested formulations had insecticidal activity against tested aphids depending on exposure method and lauric acid concentration. The topical application method recorded 100% mortality rates compared to the other two methods. With topical application method, most of the aphids died soon after treatment. Toxicity symptoms from lauric acid to aphids included unusual abdominal contractions which caused quick loss of coordination and decreased activity, and finally dehydration and necrosis within 24 hours. Results from surface tension study revealed close connection between toxicity and surface tension. This might lead to the conclusion that toxicity was possibly related to aphid suffocation in the highly wettable solution. Results from this research also demonstrated that there were possibility that lauric acid do not only kill aphids by suffocation, but also through change of cuticle and cell permeability and desiccation that lead to speedy death due to the chemical nature of lauric acid. Overall, the results recommend that lauric acid based pesticide formulation has both physical and chemical mode of action on aphids.