Oleic Acid Content Research Articles

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase in CD4+ T cells suppresses tumor growth through activation of the CXCR3/CXCL11 axis in CD8+ T cells.

Within the tumor microenvironment, altered lipid metabolism promotes cancer cell malignancy by activating oncogenic cascades; however, impact of lipid metabolism in CD4+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) remains poorly understood. Here, we elucidated that role of stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) increased by treatment with cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) supernatant in CD4+ T cells on their subset differentiation and activity of CD8+ T cells. In our study, we observed that CD4+ TILs had higher lipid droplet content than CD4+ splenic T cells. In tumor tissue, CAF-derived supernatant provided fatty acids to CD4+ TILs, which increased the expression of SCD and oleic acid (OA) content. Increased SCD expression by OA treatment enhanced the levels of Th1 cell markers TBX21, interleukin-2, and interferon-γ. However, SCD inhibition upregulated the expression of regulatory T (Treg) cell markers, FOXP3 and transforming growth factor-β. Comparative fatty acid analysis of genetically engineered Jurkat cells revealed that OA level was significantly higher in SCD-overexpressing cells. Overexpression of SCD increased expression of Th1 cell markers, while treatment with OA enhanced the transcriptional level of TBX21 in Jurkat cells. In contrast, palmitic acid which is higher in SCD-KO cells than other subclones enhanced the expression of Treg cell markers through upregulation of mitochondrial superoxide. Furthermore, SCD increased the secretion of the C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 11 (CXCL11) from CD4+ T cells. The binding of CXCL11 to CXCR3 on CD8+ T cells augmented their cytotoxic activity. In a mouse tumor model, the suppressive effect of CD8+ T cells on tumor growth was dependent on CXCR3 expression. These findings illustrate that SCD not only orchestrates the differentiation of T helper cells, but also promotes the antitumor activity of CD8+ T cells, suggesting its function in adverse tumor microenvironments.

Exploring the Potential of Pangasius Catfish Oil as a Base Oil for Nanoemulsion Products: Optimization and Characterization

Pangasius catfish, also known as striped catfish, is a high-fat fish compared to other freshwater fish like snakehead fish and carp. The oil extracted from this fish contains unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids that are beneficial for health. The quality of the oil is affected by the extraction method, especially the preliminary heating temperature for the extraction. Pangasius catfish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) that have the potential to inhibit inflammation, hyperpigmentation, accelerate skin healing for topical applications, and act as a skin permeation enhancer and oil base for nanoemulsion due to its high oleic acid content. In this research, an experimental design was conducted on pangasius catfish oil extraction using the pressing method to optimize predetermined parameters using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The factors considered for optimization included the quantity of water and extraction temperatures, with water content ranging from 50% to 150% (w/v) and extraction temperatures ranging from 25°C to 55°C. These ranges were intended to yield results and characterization values of oxidation parameters are tested according to the International Fish Oil Standard (IFOS) through tests including Acid Value (AV), Peroxide Value (PV), Anisidine Value (p-AnV), and Total Oxidation (TOTOX). Subsequently, the optimal conditions were confirmed to obtain the best fish oil results, which were achieved at 1.5 times the amount of pre-treatment water and a pre-treatment temperature of 55°C. The pangasius catfish oil obtained from the confirmation of optimal conditions is used as a raw material for producing nanoemulsions. The D-Optimal Mixture Design of Design Expert approach is utilized to formulate the nanoemulsion. The nanoemulsion formula containing 0.5% pangasius catfish oil was determined as the optimal formula according to the range of physical characteristics of the referenced nanoemulsion preparations with a desirability value of 0.974. This study has demonstrated the potential utility of pangasius catfish oil as a prominent base oil in nanoemulsion products.

Development and Large-Scale Production of High-Oleic Acid Oil by Fermentation of Microalgae

Our classical strain improvement began with an isolate showing 28% palmitic and 60% oleic acids. UV and chemical mutagenesis enhanced our strain’s productivity, carbon yield, and oleic acid content. The iterative methodology we used involved the creation of mutant libraries followed by clonal isolation, assessments of feedstock utilization and growth, oil titer, and the validation of oil composition. Screening these libraries facilitated the identification of isolates with the ability to produce elevated levels of oleic acid, aligning with the targets for high-oleic acid substitutes. Utilizing a classical strain improvement approach, we successfully isolated a high-oleic acid strain wherein the level of oleic acid was increased from 60 to >86% of total FA. The performance of the classically improved high oleic acid-producing strain was assessed at fermentation scales ranging from 1 L to 4000 L, demonstrating the utility of our strain and process at an industrial scale. These oils offer promise in various applications across both the food and industrial sectors, with the added potential of furthering sustainability and health-conscious initiatives.

The constructed high-density genetic map helps to explore the genetic regulation of erucic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid contents in Brassica juncea

Rapeseed mustard (Brassica juncea L.) is the third most important oilseed crop in the world but the genetic mechanism underlying its massive phenotypic variation remains largely unexplored. In this study, specific length amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-Seq) was used to resequence a population comprising 197 F8 recombinant inbred lines (RILs), derived from a cross between vegetable-type Qichi881 and oilseed-type YufengZC in B. juncea. In total, 438,895 high-quality SLAFs were discovered, of which 47,644 were polymorphic, and 3,887 of the polymorphic markers met the requirements for genetic map construction. The final map included 3,887 markers on 18 linkage groups and was 1,830.23 cM in length, with an average distance of 0.47 cM between adjacent markers. Using the newly constructed high-density genetic map, a total of 53 QTLs for erucic acid (EA), oleic acid (OA), and linolenic acid (LNA) were detected and integrated into 8 consensus QTLs with two for each of these traits. For each of these three traits, two candidate genes were cloned and sequence analyzed, indicating colocalization with their respective consensus QTLs. The co-dominant allele-specific markers for Bju.FAD3.A03 and Bju.FAD3.B07 were developed and showed co-localization with their consensus QTL and co-segregation with LNA content, further supporting the results of QTL mapping and bioinformatic analysis. The expression level for the cloned homologous genes was also identified, which was tightly correlated with the EA, OA and LNA contents of different lines. The results would facilitate the improvement of fatty acid traits and molecular breeding of B. juncea. More use of the high-density genetic map created in this study is also discussed.

A novel approach for immobilizing Ag/ZnO nanorods on a glass substrate: Application in solar light-driven degradation of micropollutants in water

One of the main challenges in applying photocatalysts for water treatment is the complex separation and recycling process. In this study, we developed highly stable, porous zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO NRs) immobilized on glass vials using a solvent exchange process (SEP) and hydrothermal calcination. Key parameters, including oleic acid concentration and hydrothermal growth time, were optimized to maximize the active surface area, significantly enhancing photodegradation performance. Under the best conditions, ZnO NRs-coated vials achieved nearly 100% degradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in 10 h of simulated solar irradiation. Depositing silver nanoparticles on the surface of ZnO NRs (Ag/ZnO NRs) further improved performance, reducing degradation time to 4 h and increasing photocatalyst stability. The Ag/ZnO NRs-coated vials, optimized with an Ag precursor concentration of 0.05 M, also demonstrated high degradation rates (>99%) for eight organic micropollutants at environmentally relevant concentrations over multiple reuse cycles and with minimal metal leaching. This study presents an innovative, tunable method for immobilizing photocatalysts on glass substrates, offering high surface area, excellent photocatalytic activity, and mechanical properties, making it highly suitable for water treatment applications.

FATTY ACID COMPOSITION OF DIFFERENT COMMERCIALLY SOLD VEGETABLE OILS WITHIN SOUTHERN KADUNA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Most of the edible vegetable oils in southern Kaduna are locally processed and are available in a large commercial quantity with little known about their fatty acid (FA) content. The aim of this work was to investigate the fatty acid content of these oils and their potential impact on human health. Six commonly used edible vegetable oil samples sold in various Southern Kaduna markets were analyzed for different fatty acids content using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The result of the analysis showed differences in the contents of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated (MUFAs), and polyunsaturated (PUFAs). Coconut oil and kernel oil showed high content of SFAs (86.21% and 78.76%) respectively, while olive oil and peanut oil displayed significant amounts of MUFAs (75.40% and 47.62%) respectively due to high content of oleic acid (C18:1). Soybean oil with 58.06% of linoleic acid (C18:2) showed the highest total PUFA content of 65.23%. The Health Risk Index (HRI) was evaluated to assessed the impact associated with the overall intake of fatty acids in vegetable oils. The HRI were 1.78 (peanut), 0.04 (kernel), 0.23 (palm), 0.2(coconut), 4.05(soybean) and olive (0.71). Thus, soybean oil, peanut oil and olive oil have the optimum PUFA:SFA ratio according to FAO/WHO recommendations. Hence, they are recommended for mass consumption. The health promotion index (HPI) was also evaluated to assessed the content of certain essential fatty acids in various oils which have specific health benefits. The results of HPI investigation showed that only Soybean oil contains the balanced ω-6: ω-3 fatty acid ratio of 8.1 than others.

Study on HPLC fingerprint of Saposhnikovia divaricata lipophilic components and anti-aging effects

Saposhnikovia divaricata is commonly used in clinical practice as a heat-clearing and detoxifying traditional Chinese medicine. Current research on Saposhnikovia divaricata has mostly focused on chromones, while studies on its lipophilic parts remain scarce. In this study, samples of the lipophilic components of Saposhnikovia divaricata (SDL) from different regions in China were collected to establish an HPLC fingerprint. The quality of SDL was evaluated through chemical pattern recognition and multi-component content determination. Furthermore, using the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model, the anti-aging ability of SDL was preliminarily studied. In the HPLC fingerprints of 11 batches of SDL, 19 common peaks were identified, and 4 components were characterized as follows: peak 14, linolenic acid (ALA); peak 15, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); peak 16, linoleic acid (LA); peak 17, oleic acid (OA). The similarity of the fingerprint ranged from 0.704 to 0.929. The results indicate that the content of ALA, DHA, LA, and OA are 0.040–0.440 mg/g, 0.003–0.116 mg/g, 1.047–6.460 mg/g, and 0.040–0.294 mg/g, respectively. HCA analysis divided 11 batches of SDL into two categories, and PCA analysis extracted 6 principal components with a cumulative contribution rate of 85.91%. The anti-aging ability of the SDL was proved by measuring the lifespan, reproductive capacity, body length, mobility, lipofuscin content, and heat stress resistance of C. elegans. The combination of high-performance liquid chromatography fingerprint and chemical pattern recognition for multi-component content determination is a reliable, comprehensive, and promising evaluation of the quality of SDL. The confirmation of SDL’s anti-aging ability provides the possibility for the research of Saposhnikovia divaricata in the field of healthy food and cosmetics.

Quality indicators of new sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) varieties for high oleic and oilseed use under different growing conditions

Purpose. To study the influence of steppe and forest-steppe climatic conditions on the yield, oil content in seeds and fatty acid composition of oil in new sunflower varieties of high oleic and oilseed use. Methods. The research was conducted in accordance with “Methods of qualification examination of plant varieties for their suitability for distribution in Ukraine (general part)” and “Methods of qualification examination of plant varieties for their suitability for distribution. Methods of determining quality indicators of plant production”. The following methods were used in the research: laboratory, comparison, generalisation, mathematical statistics, analysis and synthesis to draw conclusions. Results. The fatty acid composition of the seeds of new varieties of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) of high oleic and oilseed use, grown in different soil and climatic conditions, was studied. According to the results of the analysis in the steppe zone, the variety ‘LG50648’ has the highest economic and value characteristics: oil content (51,0%), oleic acid (85.1%), yield (3.11 t/ha); varieties ‘SULIANO’ and ‘MAS 908HOCP’ – yield (3.40 and 3.91 t/ha) and oleic acid content (85.8 and 86.1%) regardless of the gro­wing conditions. It was found that high oleic sunflower varieties ‘MAS 908HOCP’, ‘LG50648’, ‘SULIANO’ grown under steppe and forest-steppe conditions yielded higher quality oil. The maximum content of oleic acid in 2022–2023 was characteristic of the seeds of the varieties ‘MAS 908HOCP’ (86.1% in the steppe and 85.8% in the forest steppe) and ‘SULIANO’. The hi­ghest linoleic acid content was obtained in the seeds of the oilseed use varieties ‘STK104’ (62.9% in the steppe and 58.5% in the forest steppe) and ‘STK103’ (61.2% in the forest steppe). Among the high oleic varieties, the best results were obtained with ‘LG50648’ (5.7% in the steppe and 5.9% in the forest steppe). Conclusions. Oil content of sunflower varieties and fatty acid composition are determined by varietal characteristics of sunflower and environmental conditions. Modern sunflower varieties, which are included in the State Register of Plant Varieties of Ukraine, have high yield potential and can provide a large yield of vegetable oil per unit area. Agroclimatic conditions have different effects on the gross seed yield and oil quality in the conditions of the forest steppe and steppe of Ukraine.

Fatty Acid Profiling of Major Fatty Acids in Safflower Genotype

Fatty acid profiling is a process of analyzing the composition and quantity of different fatty acids. Fatty acids are organic molecules that are essential for a variety of biological processes in the body, including energy storage and membrane function. Safflower seed contains major four fatty acids viz. linoleic acid, Oleic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid. The analysis of fatty acid profiles is important for understanding the nutritional quality of the oil and products derived from it. According to hull types of seeds, the seed oil content ranges from 20 % to 45 %. Fatty acid profiling of safflower involves analyzing the types and quantities of fatty acids present in safflower oil. This can provide insights into its nutritional value, stability, and potential health benefits from the oil derived from each genotype. This research is conducted to know the content of saturated as well as unsaturated fatty acid in safflower oil from selected genotypes. The major four fatty acid composition of safflower genotypes reveals palmitic acid content ranges from 5.09% (GMU-2969) to 6.93% (GMU-3929). The stearic acid content ranged between 1.69% (GMU-2969) to 3.55% (GMU-3780). The oleic acid content ranged from 12.88% (GMU-2749) to 20.69% (GMI-3177) and the percent linoleic acid content ranged from 71.31 (GMU-3177) to 78.44% (GMU-2749).

Studying the biochemical composition of peanut accessions from the VIR collection

Background. Peanut is one of the most important oil crops for food purposes. Natural peanut butter contains two unsaturated fatty acids, oleic and linoleic, which make up to 80% of the total fatty acid content in peanut oil. The quality of oil depends on the ratio between these two acids. Analyzing the diversity of oil content and fatty acid composition in peanut accessions preserved at VIR and assessing the effect of soil, climate, and other factors on these characters is vital for the development of new peanut cultivars rich in oil. Materials and methods. Peanut germplasm accessions were studied for their biochemical composition of fatty acids and the content of oil and protein. The accessions were reproduced for three years (2019–2021) at two ecogeographic locations: in Krasnodar Territory, and Astrakhan Province. Cv. ‘Otradokubansky’ was used as a reference. ANOVA was applied for statistical data processing. Results and discussion. The percentage composition of 18 fatty acids was calculated in peanut oil, with oleic and linoleic acids dominating. The content of oleic acid depended on the genotype for 42–53%, and that of linoleic acid, for 50–71%. The latter was also influenced by the place and year of cultivation. The ranges of variation over the three years of studies in Krasnodar Territory were 35.4–57.6% for oleic acid, and 18.3–38.1% for linoleic acid, whereas in Astrakhan Province they were 33.4–51.2%, and 30.9–42.7%, respectively. Under unfavorable conditions, the content of oleic acid in peanut prevailed. The oil content depended on the genotype for 81%, and its percentage was 32.0–44.4%.

Clinical rationale for dietary lutein supplementation in long COVID and mRNA vaccine injury syndromes.

Lutein, a plant-derived xanthophyl-carotenoid, is an exceptional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory constituent found in food. High dietary intake of lutein is beneficial against eye disease, improves cardiometabolic health, protects from neurodegenerative diseases, and is beneficial for liver, kidney, and respiratory health. Lutein protects against oxidative and nitrosative stress, both of which play a major role in long COVID and mRNA vaccination injury syndromes. Lutein is an important natural agent for therapeutic use against oxidative and nitrosative stress in chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. It can also potentially inhibit spike protein-induced inflammation. Rich dietary supplementation of lutein, naturally derived in non-biodegradable Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), can most optimally be used against oxidative and nitrosative stress during post-COVID and mRNA vaccination injury syndromes. Due to its high oleic acid (OA) content, EVOO supports optimal absorption of dietary lutein. The main molecular pathways by which the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein induces pathology, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer activated B cells (NF-κB) and activated protein (AP)-1, can be suppressed by lutein. Synergy with other natural compounds for spike protein detoxification is likely.

Physicochemical characteristics and nutritional value of safflower oil: A potential sustainable crop for Egypt

Background: The Increasing demand for sustainable and economical non-traditional edible oils, as alternatives to common oils is pivotal to bridge the edible oils gap, coupled with negative impacts of climate change on the agroecological settings for common oilseed crop productivity. Safflower, being one of the fast-growing medicinal oilseeds crops rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, known as the “king of linoleic acid”, exhibits resilience to adverse environmental conditions such as high temperatures, drought, salinity, and marginal environments. Aims: This study aimed to comprehensively assess the physicochemical characteristics and lipid nutritional indices of safflower oil to validate its potential for expanded cultivation in Egypt. Materials and Methods: Safflower oil was extracted from seeds of two spineless varieties cultivated in Egypt. The oil was subjected to proximate analysis, physicochemical characterization, fatty acid profile determination, and α-tocopherol content analysis. Additionally, a frying stability test was carried out for safflower oil and its blends with soybean oil in different ratios, monitoring changes in free fatty acid, peroxide value, and total polar compounds. Lipid nutritional indices were calculated to assess the oil’s health-promoting properties. Results: Safflower oil exhibited similar proximate composition and physicochemical characteristics to sunflower oil. The fatty acid profile of safflower oil was comparable to sunflower oil, with a lower oleic acid content and a higher linoleic acid content. Furthermore, safflower oil demonstrated satisfactory stability during the frying process. Lipid nutritional indices calculated based on the fatty acid profile revealed that safflower oil is a valuable source of ω-6 fatty acids. The oil exhibited favorable values for atherogenicity index (AI), thrombogenicity index (TI), hypocholesterolemic / hypercholesterolemic (HH), health-promoting index (HPI), and possessed strong antioxidant properties due to its high α-tocopherol content. Conclusion: The findings of this study support the potential of safflower oil as a promising non-traditional edible oil, suitable for expanded cultivation in Egypt. Its favorable nutritional profile and stability make it a valuable addition to the dietary landscape. Keywords: Carthamus tinctorius L., safflower oil, edible oil gap, lipid nutritional indices, frying stability, non-traditional edible oils.

Determination of global yield isotherms of macaúba (Acrocomia aculeata) extract using supercritical CO2 and its biological potential

This study investigates the effectiveness of macaúba oil extraction using supercritical carbon dioxide, focusing on determining operational parameters such as temperature and pressure that maximize the quality and yield of the extract obtained. The extraction was carried out using freeze-dried macaúba pulp, under varying conditions of pressure and temperature. The overall yield isotherms of macaúba oil obtained, the solubility of the solute, composition of fatty acids, triglycerides, phenolic compounds, in addition to the antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity, were evaluated, before and after extraction. The results demonstrated that, under the conditions evaluated, the extraction process achieved maximum oil yields of 24.4 %, with a predominance of unsaturated acids rich in antioxidants and high concentrations of oleic acid (64.12 %), β-carotene (80.06 mg/kg) and α-tocopherol (114.66 mg/100 g of oil). This promising method offers a sustainable alternative for the production of compounds with high nutritional value, highlighting its potential for industrial applications.

Exploring the use of POLY4 for the improvement of productivity, peanut quality, and soil properties in Southern India.

Polyhalite-based POLY4, a multi-nutrient source containing potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulphur, is increasingly recognised for its potential to improve crop yields and soil health in agricultural systems. It is also been considered as a feasible approach for addressing the deficiency in potassium, calcium, and sulphur within a single application source. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of polyhalite-based POLY4 application, either as a complete or partial substitute for traditional potassium fertiliser and gypsum supplement, on the improvement of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) growth and soil quality. An extensive field study was conducted from 2021 and 2022, employing ten distinct nutrient management treatments with three replications in a randomised complete block design. The findings of the study indicated that the application of polyhalite (POLY4) in conjunction with only NP fertilisers resulted in a higher yield advantage (approximately 150-200 kg ha-1) than in plots treated with NPK + gypsum (at 500 kg ha-1) and control plots. The application of polyhalite-based fertiliser (POLY4) at a rate that was 100% equivalent to K along with NP fertilisers resulted in a significant increase in pod yield (5.3-12.8%) over NPK + gypsum and control plots. Thus, the increased crop yield led to an increase in gross returns of 4.88% and in net returns of 4.28% with the application of POLY4 (100%) + NP fertilisers over other treatments. Likewise, variable rates of conventional fertilisers along with POLY4 (100% recommended) + NP + gypsum at 310 kg/ha significantly increased the linoleic acid content (38.5%), oleic acid content, and oil content (48.1%) by reducing palmitic acid (11.96%) content in the groundnut seed. Interestingly, POLY4 use at the 50% recommended rate also resulted in yields that were comparable with those obtained with 100% NPK. Therefore, applying POLY4, a polyhalite fertiliser, in either a 100% or 50% equivalent of essential K can be an effective way of increasing the production of peanut crops and promoting agricultural sustainability.

Comparative analysis of production performance, carcase traits, and meat quality in yearling beef of Limousine, Sardo-Bruna, and their crosses

The aim of this study was to compare animal performance and meat quality of a local cattle breed of Sardinia Island with specialised meat purebred or obtained by crossbreeding. For this purpose, 10 Sardo-Bruna (SB; 5 males, 5 females), 10 Limousine (L; 5 males, 5 females) and 10 Limousine × Sardo-Bruna crossbreed (L × SB; 5 males, 5 females) were compared simultaneously from 12 to 20 ± 1 (mean ± SEM) months old. During the trial, body weight (BW) was recorded once a month for estimating the average daily gain (ADG). At slaughter, carcase measurements, pH and colour traits were recorded from the left side of the carcase. Proximate composition, fatty acid (FA) profile, cooking and drip losses were evaluated using the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle. The SB group showed a lower cold carcase yield compared to L and L × SB genetic types. Males had a higher ADG, slaughter weight, hot and cold carcase weights, hot and cold carcase yields, and cooking losses than females. Females group showed a higher intramuscular fat content and rib fat thickness compared to males. No relevant differences among genetic types and between sexes were observed for meat and fat colours and pH. Concerning the FA profile, SB genetic type evidenced a higher oleic acid content and a better nutritional index than other genetic types while males had a higher PUFA content than females. In conclusion, the results of this study showed that the Limousine breed can be effectively used to enhance carcase yield of local breed without effects on meat quality.

Dynamic changes in aroma compounds and precursor substances during rice cooking

Cooking is a key process in forming cooked rice flavor, and more data on aroma compounds should be needed during rice cooking. This paper tracked dynamic changes in aroma compounds, sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids during cooking. After soaking, the content of glucose, fructose, oleic acid, and linoleic acid increased. In the hydrothermal cooking stage, glucose, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and alanine increased significantly (p < 0.05), while fructose, oleic acid, and linoleic acid first increased and then decreased. In raw rice and soaked rice, alkanes and alkenes were the main volatile compounds, and the content of hydrocarbon compounds decreased in the hydrothermal cooking stage, and many aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, and furan compounds were generated. A total of 28 aroma compounds were sniffed by GC-O-MS, and 13 aroma compounds with OAV >1 were screened out. These results showed that raw rice and soaked rice had similar aroma characteristics and aroma precursor substances that mainly accumulated in the SO10 or ST10 stage, and hydrothermal cooking was the key process of rice aroma formation.

Associations of the rs12504538 and rs6824447 Polymorphisms of the Elovl6 Gene with Estimated Elongase and Desaturase Activity and Fatty Acid Concentrations in Mexican Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Background: This study aimed to investigate the possible associations of the rs12504538 and rs6824447 polymorphisms of the Elovl6 gene with estimated elongase and desaturase activity and saturated fatty acid concentrations in Mexican women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). Methods: We recruited 172 women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy who had undergone an oral glucose tolerance test, including 66 who had diagnosed with GDM according to the 2016 ADA criteria and 106 who had normal glucose tolerance test results, from the General Hospital and Health Centers of the Health Ministry of Guanajuato, México. Participants were matched by gestational week. Data on age, gestational week and anthropometric characteristics were collected. Blood samples were drawn after an overnight fast for the measurement of serum glucose, lipid, NEFA, serum fatty acid and insulin levels; SNP genotyping and quantification of fatty acids was performed and elongase and desaturase activity was estimated. Findings: With the exception of HDL-cholesterol, all variables, including NEFA levels, were significantly greater in the GDM group than in the non-GDM group. The rs6824447 polymorphism of the Elovl6 gene, an age &gt;25 years and HOMA-IR levels were associated with the development of GDM (OR=5.1, 95% CI 1.56-17.1, p=0.006; OR=4.89, 95% CI 1.65-14.4, p=0.003; OR=34.1 95% CI 8.7-133, p&lt;0.000001, respectively). Palmitic acid (OR=1.08; 95% CI: 1.06-1.11; p&lt;0.001) and oleic acid (OR=1.17; 95% CI: 1.14-1.2; p&lt;0.001) concentrations were also associated with the development of GDM. No differences in the estimated elongase and desaturase activity among the non-GDM and GDM groups were found and only the activity of Δ9D SCD18 desaturase was marginally high in GDM patients (p=0.050). Conclusion: The rs6824447Elovl6 polymorphism is associated with the development of GDM, as are high serum palmitic acid, oleic acid and stearic acid concentrations and estimated Δ9D SCD18 desaturase activity.

Preparation of pure phase silver nanoparticles: Morphological, optical, binding interactions with bovine serum albumin and antioxidant potential studies

Pure silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using Senecio madagascariensis plant extract and oleic acid as capping agents. The powder X-ray diffraction patterns of the silver nanoparticles were indexed to the face-centred cubic phase of Ag. TEM images of the nanoparticles revealed polydisperse spherical nanoparticles with particle size of 9 to 22 nm range. The GC-MS revealed terpenes as some phytochemicals extracted, which the FTIR bands corroborated. The results confirmed that increase in oleic acid concentration increased the size of the silver nanoparticles. The nanoparticles' optical band gaps, Eg, were 2.26 – 2.56 eV, which decreased with particle size. The AgNPs exhibited potential antioxidant activity, as demonstrated by the DPPH scavenging assay. The DPPH scavenging activity was highest, with AgNP1 at 80 % and an IC50 of 1.668 μg/mL. Fluorescence and ultraviolet (UV) titrations were used to study the interaction of the silver nanoparticles (AgNP1) with bovine serum albumin (BSA). The Kapp value of the AgNP1 was calculated to be 3.14 × 104 ± 0.02 Lmol−1, KSV calculated as 7.38 × 104 ± 0.12 M−1. In the study, AgNPs bind to BSA potentially through a static quenching mechanism with one binding site that leads to developing a ground state complex. It is proposed that AgNPs bond to BSA's surface spontaneously based on its thermodynamic characteristics and binding constants.

Genetic and environmental influences on fatty acid composition in different fenugreek genotypes

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) plays a crucial role in both the food and pharmaceutical industries due to its rich nutritional profile and medicinal properties, such as regulating blood sugar and reducing inflammation. This study offers a comprehensive analysis of the fatty acid composition in fenugreek seeds, revealing significant variability influenced by genetic and environmental factors. The analysis showed that linoleic acid ranged from 32.16 % to 45.96 %, linolenic acid from 17.3 % to 31.21 %, oleic acid from 11.40 % to 20.32 %, stearic acid from 3.78 % to 6.76 %, and palmitic acid from 8.74 % to 16.44 %. Both genotype and environmental conditions had a profound impact on these profiles, with notable variations arising from differences in water availability. The Israel and Kermanshah (Iran) genotypes recorded the highest linoleic acid levels under irrigated conditions, while the Kayseri (Turkey) genotype exhibited the highest linolenic and stearic acid values across both irrigated and non-irrigated environments. Additionally, the Ahvaz (Iran) and Ukraine genotypes excelled in oleic and palmitic acid concentrations. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) biplots further highlighted the complex genotype-environment interactions, providing essential insights for breeding fenugreek varieties optimized for diverse agro-climatic conditions.

Unraveling the genetic basis of oil quality in olives: a comparative transcriptome analysis.

The balanced fatty acid profile of olive oil not only enhances its stability but also contributes to its positive effects on health, making it a valuable dietary choice. Olive oil's high content of unsaturated fatty acids and low content of saturated fatty acids contribute to its beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The quantities of these fatty acids in olive oil may fluctuate due to various factors, with genotype being a crucial determinant of the oil's quality. This study investigated the genetic basis of oil quality by comparing the transcriptome of two Iranian cultivars with contrasting oil profiles: Mari, known for its high oleic acid content, and Shengeh, characterized by high linoleic acid at Jaén index four. Gas chromatography confirmed a significant difference in fatty acid composition between the two cultivars. Mari exhibited significantly higher oleic acid content (78.48%) compared to Shengeh (48.05%), while linoleic acid content was significantly lower in Mari (4.76%) than in Shengeh (26.69%). Using RNA sequencing at Jaén index four, we analyzed genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis. Differential expression analysis identified 2775 genes showing statistically significant differences between the cultivars. Investigating these genes across nine fundamental pathways involved in oil quality led to the identification of 25 effective genes. Further analysis revealed 78 transcription factors and 95 transcription binding sites involved in oil quality, with BPC6 and RGA emerging as unique factors. This research provides a comprehensive understanding of the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying oil quality in olive cultivars. The findings have practical implications for olive breeders and producers, potentially streamlining cultivar selection processes and contributing to the production of high-quality olive oil.