Oleic Research Articles

Fatty Acid Profile of Erythrocyte Membranes in Patients with Psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic systemic disease with a multifaceted pathomechanism and immunological basis, with the presence of inflammatory skin lesions and joint ailments. Diseases accompanying psoriasis include metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. It has been suggested that inflammation is involved in the development of each of these conditions. The main objective of this study was to analyse the fatty acid profile, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, in the erythrocyte membranes of patients suffering from psoriasis. A total of 58 adult patients of the Department of Skin and Venereal Diseases of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, suffering from psoriasis, were qualified for this study. The patients had undergone an interview and physical examination, during which the severity of psoriasis was assessed. All patients had their weight and height measured to assess their body mass index (BMI). After 3 months of treatment, biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, total cholesterol) and inflammatory markers (CRP) in the blood were assessed. In addition, the isolation of fatty acids (PUFAs, SFAs, MUFAs) from erythrocyte membranes and the qualitative and quantitative analysis of their profile using a gas chromatograph were carried out. In patients with severe psoriasis requiring systemic treatment, an altered profile of fatty acids in erythrocyte membranes was found, including a significantly lower concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3), which have an anti-inflammatory effect; a significantly higher concentration of saturated fatty acids; and a decreased concentration of oleic acid (omega-9), compared to the results obtained in patients with less severe psoriasis receiving topical treatment. In patients with psoriasis and BMI ≥ 25, significantly higher concentrations of AST and ALT in the blood and significantly higher concentrations of pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid in erythrocyte membranes were found. Elevated concentrations of saturated (R = 0.31) and monounsaturated fatty acids (R = 0.29) may correlate with a greater severity of psoriasis.

Analysis and authentication of avocado oil by low-field benchtop NMR spectroscopy and chemometrics.

Avocado oil is a nutritious, edible oil produced from avocado fruit. It has high commercial value and is increasing in popularity, thus powerful analytical methods are needed to ensure its quality and authenticity. Recent advancements in low-field (LF) NMR spectroscopy allow for collection of high-quality data despite the use of low magnetic fields produced by non-superconductive magnets. Combined with chemometrics, LF NMR opens new opportunities in food analysis using targeted and untargeted approaches. Here, it was used to determine poly-, mono-, and saturated fatty acids in avocado oil. Although direct signal integration of LF NMR spectra was able to determine certain classes of fatty acids, it had several challenges arising from signal overlapping. Thus, we used partial least square regression and developed models with good prediction performance for fatty acid composition, with residual prediction deviation ranging 3.46-5.53 and root mean squared error of prediction CV ranging 0.46-2.48. In addition, LF NMR, combined with unsupervised and supervised methods, enabled the differentiation of avocado oil from other oils, namely, olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, high oleic (OL) safflower oil, and high OL sunflower oil. This study showed that LF NMR can be used as an efficient alternative for the compositional analysis and authentication of avocado oil. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Here, we describe the application of LF-NMR for fatty acid analysis and avocado oil authentication. LF-NMR can be an efficient tool for targeted and untargeted analysis, thus becoming an attractive option for companies, regulatory agencies, and quality control laboratories. This tool is especially important for organizations and entities seeking economic, user-friendly, and sustainable analysis solutions.

Effect of distillers yeast in feed on texture, fatty acid profile and antioxidant properties of breast muscle of broiler chickens

This research aimed to assess the impact of replacing a partially of post-extraction soybean meal in the diet with varying amounts of distillers yeast (3, 6 and 9%) on the composition and quality in the pectoral muscles of broiler chickens. Findings revealed that cockerels fed with 3% yeast exhibited elevated oleic acid levels and reduced n-6 fatty acids compared to those fed with 6% and 9% yeast. Furthermore, chickens consuming 3% yeast displayed higher antioxidant capacity (ABTS) and decreased levels of linoleic acid and its ratio to α-linolenic acid compared to the 9% yeast group. Moreover, muscles from cockerels on the 3% yeast diet and the control group demonstratedhigher shear force, lower n-6/n-3 ratio and lipid peroxidation rate (TBARS) than those on the 9% yeast regimen. Conversely, cockerels on the 9% yeast diet exhibited reduced gumminess and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) compared to the control group. The study highlights yeast’s role in altering broiler chicken meat’s fatty acid profile, texture, and antioxidant properties.

Regulator of Lipid Metabolism NHR-49 Mediates Pathogen Avoidance through Precise Control of Neuronal Activity.

Precise control of neuronal activity is crucial for the proper functioning of neurons. How lipid homeostasis contributes to neuronal activity and how much of it is regulated by cells autonomously is unclear. In this study, we discovered that absence of the lipid regulator nhr-49, a functional ortholog of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) in Caenorhabditis elegans, resulted in defective pathogen avoidance behavior against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA14). Functional NHR-49 was required in the neurons, and more specifically, in a set of oxygen-sensing body cavity neurons, URX, AQR, and PQR. We found that lowering the neuronal activity of the body cavity neurons improved avoidance in nhr-49 mutants. Calcium imaging in URX neurons showed that nhr-49 mutants displayed longer-lasting calcium transients in response to an O2 upshift, suggesting that excess neuronal activity leads to avoidance defects. Cell-specific rescue of NHR-49 in the body cavity neurons was sufficient to improve pathogen avoidance, as well as URX neuron calcium kinetics. Supplementation with oleic acid also improved avoidance behavior and URX calcium kinetics, suggesting that the defective calcium response in the neuron is due to lipid dysfunction. These findings highlight the role of cell-autonomous lipid regulation in neuronal physiology and immune behavior.

Synthesis, characterization and application of polyesters from diglycerol and triglycerol as lubricants and additives

AbstractGlycerol is produced on a large scale as a byproduct in the biodiesel market. In order to give an application to glycerol, this work uses diglycerol from synthesized polyglycerol and commercial triglycerol in the synthesis of long chain esters obtained from esterification and transesterification reactions with oleic acid, methyl oleate, and epoxidized methyl oleate. Diglycerol tetraoleate (DGMO), epoxidized diglycerol tetraoleate (DGEMO), and triglycerol pentaoleate (TGOA) were synthesized and characterized by 1H and 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Polyglycerol esters were evaluated for basic lubrication properties such as density, kinematic viscosity, viscosity index, melting point, and thermo‐oxidative stability. The ester that showed best thermo‐oxidative stability was DGEMO. In addition, the influence of esters synthesized as additives in a pure paraffinic oil lubricant was evaluated and the TGOA showed greater change in viscosity at 100 and 40°C and in melting point which was increased by 1.56°C.

Effect of four hydroxy fatty acids on lipid accumulation in the 3T3-L1 cells: A comparative study.

Notwithstanding the several investigations of the hydroxy fatty acids (hFAs)' physiological functions, studies focusing on their anti-obesity effects are limited. This study investigated the anti-obesity effects of four hFAs, 10-hydroxy stearic acid (10-hSA), 12-hydroxy stearic acid (12-hSA), 9,12-hydroxy stearic acid (9,12-dhSA), and 12-hydroxy oleic acid (12-hOA), on the 3T3-L1 cells. All hFAs suppressed lipid accumulation, with 10-hSA and 12-hOA exhibiting the strongest suppression, followed by 12-hSA and 9, 12-hSA. This trend was similar to that observed for the glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity degree. Contrastingly, only 9,12-dhSA suppressed cell viability. The mRNA levels of HK1 and Aldoa were markedly suppressed by 10-hSA and 12-hSA compared to the control. Additionally, mRNA expression of Gyk was considerably suppressed by 12-hSA. Thus, all hFAs suppressed lipid accumulation by suppressing GPDH activity, although their molecular mechanisms were different. These findings will aid the application of hFAs in the food and medical industries.

Mupirocin/hydroxyapatite composite suspended in transcutol P-spiked hydrogel: In vitro characterization and in vivo wound healing assessment

Objectives: Natural hydroxyapatite (HAP) has been utilized as a drug carrier owing to its excellent bioactivity and biocompatibility. This study is aimed at formulating mupirocin/hydroxyapatite composite suspended in hydrogel. The appropriate quantity of the penetration enhancer (Transcutol-P®) was also investigated. Materials and Methods: The HAP was isolated from bovine bone by hydrothermal treatment, calcined at 1000oC and held for 2 hours in an electric furnace to remove the organic contents. The bones were milled, sifted using 150 µm mesh sieve and characterized. Olive oil, which contains oleic acid, was utilized as a natural capping agent to prevent agglomeration of the particles in the formulation. The quantity of Transcutol-P® was varied with mupirocin used as the active pharmaceutical ingredient for the management of acute wound in Wistar rats. In this animal study, the wound closure rate was evaluated. Results: The formulation with the 0.6%v/v, of Transcutol-P® gave the best wound closure rate of 30.05 mm2/day. The in-vitro study showed that the formulation containing 0.6%v/v Transcutol-P® released 63.9% of the drug after 75 minutes while 42.4% was released at the same time interval when the concentration of the penetration enhancer was increased to 1.2%v/v. The mupirocin-encapsulated HAP hydrogel composite showed high resistance against staphylococcus saprophyticus with inhibition zone of 37.3 mm. Conclusion: The mupirocin encapsulated in HAP allows for sustained release of the antibiotic and thus serves as a veritable drug carrier suitable for wound healing applications. Transcutol-P® (0.6%v/v) is effective in facilitating drug release, which is reflected in the increased wound closure rate in Wistar rats.

Egr2 drives the differentiation of Ly6Chi monocytes into fibrosis-promoting macrophages in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis in mice

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), previously called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is a growing concern worldwide, with liver fibrosis being a critical determinant of its prognosis. Monocyte-derived macrophages have been implicated in MASH-associated liver fibrosis, yet their precise roles and the underlying differentiation mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, we unveil a key orchestrator of this process: long chain saturated fatty acid-Egr2 pathway. Our findings identify the transcription factor Egr2 as the driving force behind monocyte differentiation into hepatic lipid-associated macrophages (hLAMs) within MASH liver. Notably, Egr2-deficiency reroutes monocyte differentiation towards a macrophage subset resembling resident Kupffer cells, hampering hLAM formation. This shift has a profound impact, suppressing the transition from benign steatosis to liver fibrosis, demonstrating the critical pro-fibrotic role played by hLAMs in MASH pathogenesis. Long-chain saturated fatty acids that accumulate in MASH liver emerge as potent inducers of Egr2 expression in macrophages, a process counteracted by unsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, oral oleic acid administration effectively reduces hLAMs in MASH mice. In conclusion, our work not only elucidates the intricate interplay between saturated fatty acids, Egr2, and monocyte-derived macrophages but also highlights the therapeutic promise of targeting the saturated fatty acid-Egr2 axis in monocytes for MASH management.

Investigation of antioxidant edible coating and modified atmosphere packaging for enhancing storability of hazelnut kernels

This study investigated the effects of antioxidant edible coating and modified atmosphere packaging for improving storability of dried hazelnut kernels by delaying lipid oxidation and color degradation. Hazelnut kernels were coated with different coating matrix (methylcellulose and chitosan) that contain different antioxidant substances (DL-α-tocopherol acetate, cinnamon essential oil, rosemary essential oil and hazelnut oil) and subjected to an accelerated storage condition at 35 °C for 270 days. Hazelnut kernels were also packed under modified atmosphere (MAP) with 100 % N2 in mylar bags and stored at 35 °C for 180 days. Lipid oxidation (free fatty acids, K232 and K270, peroxide values) and color (browning index) were measured for investigating quality changes during the storage. The free fatty acids of kernels from two packaging experiments remained stable during storage. K232 value of MAP kernels was significantly lower (2.20) than that of control (2.90) at the end of the storage, showing delayed production of conjugated dienes. The chitosan based edible coating with encapsulated cinnamon essential oil and oleic acid (CH/ECO/OA) resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) lower PV values (0.53 meq/kg oil), and all the coated samples had the positive effect on reducing browning index with 12–25 compared with control. K270 (0.04–0.18) remained relatively low throughout the long-term storage. As a result, modified atmosphere packaging performed better than edible coatings. This study demonstrated the importance of implicating proper postharvest technology for reducing lipid oxidation and quality deteriorations of hazelnut kernels during prolonged storage.

Polarity-sensitive fluorescent probe based on coumarin derivatives for imaging lipid droplets and diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver

Aberrant alterations in the polarity of lipid droplets (LDs) are closely linked to disorders of lipid metabolism, which can result in LDs dysfunction and the onset of various diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and specific types of cancer. Therefore, it is imperative to comprehensively comprehend and accurately diagnose associated diseases by monitoring changes in LDs polarity in real time. In this paper, we designed and synthesized four novel fluorescent probes XOT1-XOT4 by using coumarin as a polarity-sensitive group and incorporate various triphenylamine derivatives as electron-donating groups, enabling specific targeting of LDs. All four probes possess high sensitivity towards minute polarity changes. Among them, XOT3 exhibited excellent photophysical properties and demonstrated a linear fluorescence change (R2 = 0.98596) within the polarity range of Δf = 0.023496 ∼ 0.047464. Moreover, probe XOT3 could be effectively utilized for visualizing intracellular LDs by precisely targeting them without requiring any washing steps. Importantly, probe XOT3 has been successfully utilized to monitor alterations in the polarity of LDs during apoptosis and ferroptosis as well as the quantity, size, and fluorescence intensity of LDs stimulated by oleic acid. Furthermore, probe XOT3 was capable of effectively visualizing LDs in tissues and organs in mouse models of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which provides a powerful tool for the early diagnosis of NAFLD.

Oleic acid treatment of rice grains reduces the starch digestibility: Formation, binding state and fine structure of starch-lipid complexes

Rice contains abundant starch and contributes to a rapid rise in postprandial blood glucose levels. Hence, it is crucial to directly modify rice grains for resistant starch (RS) content elevation while preserving their morphology. In this study, rice grains were treated with 6%–18% concentrations of oleic acid (OA) and 8–20 h of soaking time to promote the formation of starch-lipid complexes, thereby reducing rice digestibility. In OA-treated rice, the OA molecules exist in three binding states. OA-treated rice exhibited a significantly higher complexation index and OA content than natural rice. RS content increased from 20.50% to 32.46%. X-ray diffraction and NMR spectroscopy revealed the development of amylose-OA complexes within the rice grains and a V-crystalline structure of up to 3.62%. Raman spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis showed enhanced molecular ordering and structural stability of rice starch. Overall, OA treatment effectively promotes RS formation within rice grains, consequently reducing rice digestibility.

Association of gut microbe and stress-related cancer metastasis and oleic acid degradation.

e15517 Background: Cancer patients often face psychological distress. Cancer metastasis is critical for prognosis. Recent research highlights the link between chronic stress and metastasis. However, the underlying mechanisms is far from known. Methods: Animal models of cancer metastasis were used to explore the effect of chronic stress in promoting tumor metastasis. A combination of antibiotic cocktail treatment, fecal microbiota transplantation and germ-free mice were carried out to confirm whether the pro-metastatic ability of chronic stress was dependent on gut microbiota. 16S rDNA sequencing and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry were parallelly performed on mice stools to investigate alterations in microbiota and metabolites. Additionally, we assessed hormone changes post-stress and demonstrated the correlation between glucocorticoid elevation and gut microbiota through in vivo and in vitro experiments. Finally, we validated our hypothesis using a prospective colorectal cancer cohort. Results: Mice undergone chronic stress had significantly increased cancer metastasis compared with stress-free control mice. Gut microbial dysbiosis was observed in mice undergone chronic stress, with Bifidobacterium being significantly depleted. Stress hormone, corticosterone could alter intestinal epithelium metabolism, and thus inhibit the growth of Bifidobacterium. Metabolomic analysis showed increased Oleic Acid (OA) in the colonic contents from chronic stress-treated mice, and the pro-metastatic role of OA were examined in vitro and in vivo experiments. Supplement of Bifidobacterium animalis (isolated from feces of the stress-free control mice) could decrease the level of OA and inhibit pro-metastasis effect of stress in mice. OhyA which encoded oleate hydratase was identified in Bifidobacterium animalis by whole genome sequencing. Heterogeneous expression of OhyA in Escherichia coli BL21 showed that supplement of OhyA could decrease the level of OA and abrogate the pro-metastatic effect of chronic stress. We found that glucocorticoid secretion increases during chronic stress, promoting the nuclear translocation of glucocorticoid receptors in epithelial cells and activating the transcription of downstream target genes. Through integrated metabolomic analysis, we demonstrated that glucocorticoids degrade guanine, reducing its concentration in the intestine and thereby inhibiting the growth of Bifidobacterium. Furthermore, our investigation into clinical cohorts revealed that patients with higher stress scores are more prone to tumor metastasis, accompanied by a decrease in the abundance of Bifidobacterium in the gut and an increase in serum and fecal oleic acid levels. Conclusions: Chronic phycological stress promotes cancer metastasis by inhibiting the growth of probiotic microbe Bifidobacterium through modulating epithelium purine metabolism and increasing the level of OA.

Discovery of natural AMPK activator from the fruits of Xanthium sibiricum Patr.: Xanthiumine A, protoberberine alkaloid with unique C28 skeleton

Two protoberberine alkaloids with a unique C28 skeleton, named xanthiumines A (1) and B (2), respectively, were isolated from the fruits of Xanthium sibiricum Patr. Their structures including absolute configurations were unequivocally established by the comprehensive NMR and MS spectroscopic data analysis together with gauge-independent atomic orbital (GIAO) NMR calculations, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Compounds 1 and 2 are the first examples of natural protoberberine alkaloid with a phenolic acid group at C-13a. Their plausible biosynthetic pathway was proposed on the basis of the coexisting alkaloid monomer as the precursor. Furthermore, the effects and related molecular mechanism of compound 1 on hepatic lipid accumulation were also investigated in oleic acid (OA)-treated HepG2 cells.

Effect of nonstructural carbohydrates on production performance, rumen metabolism and rumen health in lambs fed with isocaloric and isonitrogenous complete diets.

Nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) are readily fermentable in the rumen and, are a critical factor while preparing protracted feed for higher animal performance. Four isocaloric and isonitrogenous complete feeds were prepared for this investigation to contain varying levels of nonstructural carbohydrates viz., 40.13 (NSC1), 45.21 (NSC2), 50.00 (NSC3) and 55.85 (NSC4) per cent, respectively. The four isocaloric and isonitrogenous complete feeds were tested in 32 Mecheri ram lambs (around three months of age) in a completely randomised block design (n = 8), and the lambs were fed their respective feed for six months. The study revealed that the increased NSC level in the complete diet increased the body weight and weight gain linearly (P < 0.05). The dietary NSC level affected the dry matter consumption in a quadratic manner (P < 0.05) and the lambs of the NSC4 group consumed significantly (P < 0.05) less DM compared to other dietary groups. The overall average feed conversion efficiency differed significantly (P < 0.05) among dietary groups. The correlation between dietary NSC level and faecal score was quadratic (r2 = 62.7, P < 0.05). The rumen pH, total nitrogen and NH3-N concentration were linearly decreased (P < 0.05) and the molar proportion of total short-chain fatty acids and propionic acid were increased (P < 0.05). The energy loss expressed as methane production was significantly (P < 0.01) lower for the high NSC diet-fed lambs. The lambs fed on a low NSC diet had significantly (P < 0.05) lower carcass weights, dressing percentage and loin eye area. The per cent share of rumen weight in the total fore stomach and the rumen papillae measurements length, width and surface area were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in high NSC diet-fed lambs. Increased levels of NSC in the diet increased (P < 0.05) fat deposition in the internal organs. The saturated fatty acids content in the meat was significantly (P < 0.05) lowered, whereas, the oleic acid and linoleic acid were increased (P < 0.05) as the NSC level increased in the diet. The study revealed that as the level of NSC increased in the complete diet there was a concomitant improvement in the final body weight, ADG and feed efficiency of post-weaned Mecheri lambs. It can therefore be recommended that the complete feed with 50 per cent NSC levels would be optimum to reap maximum returns from fattening Mecheri lambs.

Chemical analysis of Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae) seed oil and potentiation of antibiotic activity against standard and multidrug-resistant bacterial strains

Chemical analysis of Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae) seed oil and potentiation of antibiotic activity against standard and multidrug-resistant bacterial strains

Bio-based silsesquioxanes nano hybrids for enhancing the tribological performance of silicone oil: A DFT and experimental study

A novel, eco-friendly nanohybrid solid lubricant additive was synthesized using oleic acid, a readily available green material. By esterifying the 18-carbon chain of ethyl oleate (EO) and subjecting it to hydrosilylation with triethoxysilane (TES), the ethyl 9-(triethoxysilyl)octadecanoate (S2EO) was created. Nanosized Polymethyl silsesquioxanes (PMSQ) particles (P-NPs) were then modified with S2EO to produce the lubricant additive P-NPs-S2EO for enhancing silicone oil’s tribological performance. The synthesis processes were verified by FTIR, H-NMR, SEM, and EDS, while TGA demonstrated the nanohybrid’s superior thermal stability, showing only 1.8% weight loss at 200 °C. Tribological tests using a pin-on-disk tribometer with P-NPs and P-NPs-S2EO in silicone oil revealed a friction reduction of up to 93%, outperforming traditionally used borax and other silicone-based lubricants. The sustainable synthesis of P-NPs-S2EO, confirmed by Density Function Theory (DFT) calculations, underscores its thermal stability and efficiency as a lubricant additive.

Toxicity and phyto-bioactive constituent of Ficus aurea L. leaf extract: a trado-medicinal herb used in southeastern Nigeria

BackgroundThe intrinsic proficiency of medicinal plants as a therapy for several maladies is well-documented in African herbal pharmacopeia. Leaves of Ficus aurea L. (Family, Moraceae) are commonly used in folkloric medicine in Southeastern Nigeria and other areas of the world treating malaria, dermatitis, circulatory and intestinal parasitic health abnormalities. ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to explore the phytochemical composition and potential toxicity of the ethanolic leaf extract of F. aurea L. (herein afterwards referred to as ELEFA) in the albino rats of both sex. MethodsGas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was performed to analyze the chemical constituents of F. aurea. In the acute toxicity study, a single oral dose of up to 5000 mg/kg ELEFA was administered. For the sub-acute toxicity study, rats were randomly assigned to individual cages to eschew copulation. Male groups (A2-A4) and female groups (B2-B4) were administered varying doses of ELEFA (250, 500, 750 mg/kg) for 28 days, while control groups A1 and B1 received 0.5 mL/kg of distilled water. Standard analytical procedures were utilized to evaluate the biochemical and hematological profiles, also liver and kidney histopathology. ResultsThe GC-MS analysis identified 13 phyto-compounds, six of which possess known bioactive and pharmacological properties. These bioactive compounds include gamma-dodecalactone, n-hexadecanoic acid, methyl stearate, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, oleic acid, octadecanoic acid. In the acute toxicity, no death was recorded within 24 h following oral administration of ELEFA. Remarkably, hematological and renal biomarkers remained unaltered post-ELEFA administration. However, elevated levels of serum aspartate and alanine transaminases were detected in ELEFA-treated groups, indicating potential hepatotoxicity. A reduction in atherogenic lipid markers and a dose-dependent elevation in antioxidant concentrations were observed, suggesting a nuanced impact on oxidative stress. ConclusionsThe study emphasized caution regarding higher ELEFA doses, highlighting potential hepatotoxic effects evident in liver histopathology at 500 and 750 mg/kg. We recommend the prudent use of lower ELEFA doses for therapeutic purposes to mitigate potential adverse effects.

Elucidating the mechanisms of Buyang Huanwu Decoction in treating chronic cerebral ischemia: A combined approach using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vivo validation

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the potential mechanisms of Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BHD) in regulating the AKT/TP53 pathway and reducing inflammatory responses for the treatment of chronic cerebral ischemia (CCI) using UHPLC-QE-MS combined with network pharmacology, molecular docking techniques, and animal experiment validation. MethodsTargets of seven herbal components in BHD, such as Astragalus membranaceus, Paeoniae Rubra Radix, and Ligusticum chuanxiong, were identified through TCMSP and HERB databases. CCI-related targets were obtained from DisGeNET and Genecards, with an intersection analysis conducted to determine shared targets between the disease and the herbal components. Functional enrichment analysis of these intersecting targets was performed. Networks of gene ontology and pathway associations with these targets were constructed and visualized. A pharmacological network involving intersecting genes and active components was delineated. A protein-protein interaction network was established for these intersecting targets and visualized using Cytoscape 3.9.1. The top five genes from the PPI network and their corresponding active components underwent molecular docking. Finally, the 2-vessel occlusion (2-VO) induced CCI rat model was treated with BHD, and the network pharmacology findings were validated using Western blot, RT-PCR, behavioral tests, laser speckle imaging, ELISA, HE staining, Nissl staining, LFB staining, and immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. ResultsAfter filtration and deduplication, 150 intersecting genes were obtained, with the top five active components by Degree value identified as Quercetin, Beta-Sitosterol, Oleic Acid, Kaempferol, and Succinic Acid. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis linked key target genes significantly with Lipid and atherosclerosis, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, and TNF signaling pathway. The PPI network highlighted ALB, IL-6, AKT1, TP53, and IL-1β as key protein targets. Molecular docking results showed the strongest binding affinity between ALB and Beta-Sitosterol. Behavioral tests using the Morris water maze indicated that both medium and high doses of BHD could enhance spatial memory in 2-VO model rats, with high-dose BHD being more effective. Laser speckle results showed that BHD at medium and high doses could facilitate CBF recovery in CCI rats, demonstrating a dose-response relationship. HE staining indicated that all doses of BHD could reduce neuronal damage in the cortex and hippocampal CA1 region to varying extents, with the highest dose being the most efficacious. Nissl staining showed that nimodipine and medium and high doses of BHD could alleviate Nissl body damage. LFB staining indicated that nimodipine and medium and high doses of BHD could reduce the pathological damage to fiber bundles and myelin sheaths in the internal capsule and corpus callosum of CCI rats. ELISA results showed that nimodipine and BHD at medium and high doses could decrease the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17, and IL-1β in the serum of CCI rats (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence demonstrated that BHD could activate the AKT signaling pathway and inhibit TP53 in treating CCI. Western blot and RT-PCR results indicated that nimodipine and all doses of BHD could upregulate Akt1 expression and downregulate Alb, Tp53, Il-1β, and Il-6 expression in the hippocampus of CCI rats to varying degrees (p < 0.05). ConclusionBHD exerts therapeutic effects in the treatment of CCI by regulating targets, such as AKT1, ALB, TP53, IL-1β, and IL-6, and reducing inflammatory responses.

"Sweet space" strategy for solvent system selection in countercurrent chromatography: A case study on separation of polyunsaturated fatty acids from borage oil.

This study presents a comprehensive strategy for the selection and optimization of solvent systems in countercurrent chromatography (CCC) for the effective separation of compounds. With a focus on traditional organic solvent systems, the research introduces a "sweet space" strategy that merges intuitive understanding with mathematical accuracy, addressing the significant challenges in solvent system selection, a critical bottleneck in the widespread application of CCC. By employing a combination of volume ratios and graphical representations, including both regular and trirectangular tetrahedron models, the proposed approach facilitates a more inclusive and user-friendly strategy for solvent system selection. This study demonstrates the potential of the proposed strategy through the successful separation of gamma-linolenic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid from borage oil, highlighting the strategy's effectiveness and practical applicability in CCC separations.

Combined Effects of Cultivar, Extraction Technology, and Geographic Origin on Physicochemical Traits of Moroccan Olive Oil as Revealed by Multivariate Analysis

This study aimed at evaluating physicochemical traits of olive oil (‘Haouzia’ and ‘Moroccan Picholine’) according to extraction technologies (ETs: super-pressure SP, 2-phase 2P, and 3-phase 3P) across eight climatically contrasted Moroccan agroclimatic areas (AA). Our samples were classified as extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), whose traits varied (p < 0.05) among ETs, cultivars, and AA. EVOO from SP had high records of basic indices, most phytosterols, and trans fatty acids (TFA) due to partial oxidation during extraction, while continuous ETs (2P and 3P) displayed a better oil quality as demonstrated by routinely measured parameters. ‘Haouzia’ had the greatest saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and TFA. However, it had a lesser stability revealed by a low MUFA/PUFA and oleic/linoleic (O/L) as compared to ‘Moroccan Picholine’. Arid climatic areas had the highest palmitoleic, oleic acid, MUFA, MUFA/PUFA, and O/L and therefore the best oil stability as compared to the remaining agroclimatic areas. These variations were confirmed by principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and artificial neural networks. Important simple and multiple regression models with strong correlations were highlighted among the studied variables. In conclusion, environmental conditions have a key role to be considered when assessing olive oil quality and authenticity.