Essential Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Research Articles

Hempseed Lignanamides Rich-Fraction: Chemical Investigation and Cytotoxicity towards U-87 Glioblastoma Cells.

The weak but noteworthy presence of (poly)phenols in hemp seeds has been long overshadowed by the essential polyunsaturated fatty acids and digestible proteins, considered responsible for their high nutritional benefits. Instead, lignanamides and their biosynthetic precursors, phenylamides, seem to display interesting and diverse biological activities only partially clarified in the last decades. Herein, negative mode HR-MS/MS techniques were applied to the chemical investigation of a (poly)phenol-rich fraction, obtained from hemp seeds after extraction/fractionation steps. This extract contained phenylpropanoid amides and their random oxidative coupling derivatives, lignanamides, which were the most abundant compounds and showed a high chemical diversity, deeply unraveled through high resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HR-MS/MS) tools. The effect of different doses of the lignanamides-rich extract (LnHS) on U-87 glioblastoma cell line and non-tumorigenic human fibroblasts was evaluated. Thus, cell proliferation, genomic DNA damage, colony forming and wound repair capabilities were assessed, as well as LnHS outcome on the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. LnHS significantly inhibited U-87 cancer cell proliferation, but not that of fibroblasts, and was able to reduce U-87 cell migration, inducing further DNA damage. No modification in cytokines’ expression level was found. Data acquired suggested that LnHS acted in U-87 cells by inducing the apoptosis machinery and suppressing the autophagic cell death.

Effect of aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) fruit against polyunsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol thermo-oxidation in model systems containing sardine oil (Sardinella brasiliensis)

This study evaluated the protective effect of ground aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) fruit addition against fatty acids and cholesterol oxidation in model systems containing sardine oil (Sardinella brasiliensis) during heating (150 and 180 °C). High temperatures reduced the amount of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids and caused the formation of oxidized products. Total cholesterol oxides content increased from 58.9 ± 0.26 to 577.5 ± 2.14 μg/g oil, after heating at 180 °C. However, aroeira significantly protected lipids from oxidation. Although the synthetic antioxidant applied as standard (butylated hydroxytoluene) showed greater results, it was used in the maximum concentration permitted by Brazilian legislation (0.01%), suggesting that aroeira fruit could be used as a natural antioxidant for the food industry. The protective effect of aroeira may be correlated to its antioxidant capacity and the presence of bioactive compounds which were identified by UHPLC-ESI-MS in the aroeira extract.

Comparison of the Oil Composition of Clarias gariepinus Collected from Four Lagoons in Lagos, South Western Nigeria

Oil composition of Clarias gariepinus collected from various locations were studied and compared. Oils contained in the fishes were extracted using Soxhlet extraction method. The physiochemical properties of the oils were determined using official methods of analysis while the fatty acid composition was analysed using Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrophotometer. The functional groups present in the oils were also detected using Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy (FTIR). The oil content for the fishes was in the range of 30.65%-40.57%. The oil extracted from C. gariepinus collected from Badagry lagoon had the highest peroxide and iodine values (5.12 mg KOH/g and 129 mgI2/100 g). The fatty acid composition shows that the oils contains large number of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids except for the oil extracted from C. gariepinus collected from Ikorodu lagoon that contains large number of monounsaturated fatty acids. The FTIR spectra show the presence of carboxylic acid, methylene, esters, ketone and alcohol functional group. It was deduced from this study that habitat had strong impact on the oil composition of C. gariepinus.

Enhancement of polyunsaturated fatty acid production under low-temperature stress in Cylindrotheca closterium

Marine microalgae synthetize great amounts of essential metabolites such as fatty acids and amino acids. In addition, their exposure to stress factors can induce the overproduction of these desirable metabolites. Thus, in this work, we assessed the effect of low-temperature stress on lipid production and composition of the diatom Cylindrotheca closterium, in order to evaluate its potential as an alternative feedstock of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The alga was first cultured in a photobioreactor at 20 °C (control), and stressed by suddenly lowering the culture temperature, from 20 °C to 11 °C, at the exponential (LTEP) or stationary (LTSP) growth phases. Neutral lipids (NLs) were the main lipid fraction of all conditions assayed, and their production was maximal at LTSP. Fatty acid analysis also showed that the greatest production of PUFAs was observed in the NL fraction at LTSP condition. In terms of essential fatty acids, the production of the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid was similar in both treatments. The production of omega-6 fatty acids was significantly higher in the LTSP condition due to an increase in arachidonic acid content. Sterols increased under both stress conditions, with a predominance of cholesterol. Considering that the LTSP condition elicited the best PUFA production, the amino acid composition was determined. The 46.81% of total amino acids were essential components for aquatic animals. These findings provide evidence of the potential of C. closterium as an alternative, sustainable source of sterols, essential fatty acids, and amino acids.

Dietary supplementation of extruded linseed and calcium soap for augmenting meat attributes and fatty acid profile of longissimus thoracis muscle and adipose tissue in finisher Malpura lambs

Abstract Present study aimed meat production augmented with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), essential fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) by supplementation of linseed and Ca-soap in weaner lamb diets. Thirty-six, 3 month old Malpura lambs were randomly divided into three dietary treatments comprising of Control, linseed (10 % crushed linseed) and Ca-soap (5 % Ca-soap), fed for 90 days and slaughtered at 6 months of age to determine chemical composition and fatty acid profile of carcass. All the lambs received a basal diet of ad lib. pala (Ziziphus numularia) leaves and respective concentrate mixtures formulated as per the dietary treatments. Hot carcass weight (kg), total fat (%), cooking loss (%) and water holding capacity (%) remained similar (P > 0.05) among the treatment groups. Feeding of Ca-soap reduced (P

Nutritional and safety evaluation of locust (Caelifera) powder as a novel food material.

Insects are considered edible food resources with sufficient nutrients, but their nutrient composition and safety evaluation have not been fully investigated yet. In this study, we investigated the nutrient composition and the acute and sub-chronic toxicity of locust powder in male rats. In the acute oral toxicological experiment, rats were administered locust powder at a dose of 10 or 20g/kg/dose, followed by monitoring general signs of toxicity for 14 days. In the sub-chronic toxicological experiments, rats were fed with a diet containing 1% and 3% locust powder for 28 and 90 days. General signs of toxicity, body weight, plasma and blood components, weight and fat accumulation in tissues, and fecal fat excretion were investigated. The locust powder was rich in proteins, essential amino acids, minerals, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. In the acute toxicological experiment, no general signs of acute toxicity were observed at a dose of 20g/kg. In the sub-chronic toxicological experiments, parameters related to red blood cell were lowered by the 3% locust powder for 28 days, but not for 90 days. Liver lipid accumulation and fecal fat excretion were increased by the 3% locust powder for 90 days, but the liver lipids contents were considered to be within a nontoxic level. Cecum contents and cecum short-chain fatty acids were lowered by the locust powder, which can be caused by its fiber and fiber-like components. In conclusion, acute and sub-chronic intake of locust powder had little effect on general, biochemical, and hematological signs of toxicity in rats. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Edible insects are increasingly viewed as new sustainable protein sources for human foods and livestock feeds worldwide because of their high nutritional balance, high food conversion rate, and environmental merits. Here, we have clarified that a locust powder contains high levels of protein, polyunsaturated functional fatty acids, and minerals (iron, zinc, and magnesium), and intake of locust powder (3% in diet) had little effects on general, biochemical, and hematological signs of toxicity in male rats. Locust as an edible insect, in powder form, can contribute to human dietary needs.

Ameliorative effect of orally administered different linoleic acid/α-linolenic acid ratios in a mouse model of DNFB-induced atopic dermatitis

Abstract The present research was designed to evaluate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of different ratios of linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA), two essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) fatty acids, on atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions induced by 2, 4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). The dorsal flank and ear pinnas of mice were sensitized and challenged with DNFB for four weeks in order to establish AD model. Simultaneously, the mice were orally administered different ratios of LA/ALA (v/v; 4:1 or 1:1), or dexamethasone (Dex; 0.1 mg/kg). Results showed that different LA/ALA ratios, especially a ratio of 4:1 treatment, could effectively ameliorate DNFB-induced skin lesions, ear edema, scratching behavior and skin inflammation, as reflected by the reduced inflammatory blood cells, IgE serum levels, and skin levels of the pro-inflammatory lipid mediators, including PGE2 and LTB4. These findings were further confirmed by skin pathological examination. Moreover, LA/ALA administration markedly suppressed the proliferation and infiltration of T cells, the production of T helper cell type 1 (Th1), Th2 and Th17 cytokines in dorsal skin and serum of DNFB-treated mice. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry staining revealed that LA/ALA downregulated the protein expressions of JAK2 and STAT4, and thus reducing the synthesis of type Th1 cytokine IFN-γ. Taken together, these results suggest that optimal nutrition ratio of LA/ALA has beneficial effects on AD-like symptoms, which provide theoretical basis for its therapeutic potential in the clinical prevention and treatment of AD.

Short-Term Effect of One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass on Essential Fatty Acids in the Serum of Obese Patients.

One-anastomosis gastric bypass is a promising type of bariatric surgery, but it may lead to a deficiency in important nutrients, such as fatty acids. The short-term effects of one-anastomosis gastric bypass on serum fatty acids have not been studied thus far. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of one-anastomosis gastric bypass on serum fatty acid composition two weeks after surgery. This study included 38 patients who underwent one-anastomosis gastric bypass as surgical treatment for morbid obesity. Serum fatty acid composition was analyzed before and two weeks after surgery using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. We observed a decrease in essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (p < 0.001 for linolenic acid and p < 0.001 for linoleic acid) and odd-chain fatty acids (p = 0.004) in the serum of obese patients shortly after a one-anastomosis gastric bypass. Considering the benefits of the aforementioned fatty acids for human health, the implementation of a fatty-acid-rich diet or the use of supplementation may be recommended for patients immediately after one-anastomosis gastric bypass.

Topical effect of a specific spot-on treatment made of natural ingredients in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) with skin problems: A pilot study.

Background and Aim:Rabbits often experience skin diseases. The beneficial effects of plant extracts and essential oils are well known in other species, but the properties of these natural ingredients have not been evaluated in rabbits in vivo. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effect of a topical, commercial solution made of essential oils, plant-extracted polyunsaturated fatty acids, and Vitamin E on rabbits suffering from skin problems.Materials and Methods:Thirty New Zealand rabbits (no sex distinction) were included in this study, with an average weight of 2–3 kg. The rabbits were divided into two groups: The first group was treated with a topical solution made from natural ingredients, and the second was a control group. The rabbits’ hair and skin conditions were evaluated on days 1, 14, 28, and 35 after treatment. Data were analyzed using a Kruskal–Wallis range test.Results:Significant differences were determined in terms of glossy hair variability on days 28 and 35 (p≤0.0001). On days 14-35, hair loss was determined to have reduced (p=0.001), and flaking and odor improved in the treatment group, showing increased scores and significant differences (p=0.0001). By contrast, the control group showed stable overall skin and hair score and an increase in the dryness score.Conclusion:The topical application of essential oils and polyunsaturated fatty acids with Vitamin E was able to improve hair shine and skin hydration and reduce flaking, bad odor, and hair loss, improving the general, and cutaneous aspect of rabbits.

Optimization of Physical Parameters of Astaxanthin Production from Haematococcus pluvialis

Haematococcus pluvialis, fresh water microalgae has been considered as a possible natural source for the production of astaxanthin and it has been widely studied. The general composition of Haematococcus algae consists of common carotenoids, fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and minerals. Both of the main physical and chemical parameters, especially medium and light, directly control the growth rate of Haematococcus pluvialis Astaxanthin is a keto-carotenoid which is built from five carbon precursors isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and dimethyl allyldiphosphate. Astaxanthin has important metabolic functions in animals and humans ranging from protection against oxidation of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, protection against UV light effects, pro vitamin A activity and vision, immune response, pigmentation and communication to reproductive behaviour and improved reproduction. The astaxanthin is the pigment that is considered as the most powerful antioxidants in nature. Due to the high production cost of synthetic astaxanthin and the market demand for natural astaxanthin, the biological sources of astaxanthin have long been widely exploited. To extract more astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis, Growth optimization of the microalgae was done by using various medium such as BG-11, Basal, RM, BBM and TAP Medium. This comprehensive study on the determination of the culture medium and the light intensity was carried out to maximize the growth of Haematococcus pluvialis for batch cultivations. optimization was done by using different pH, temperature and light. the chlorophyll and protein content were analysed. And finally the astaxanthin was produced. The protein content of H. Pluvialis was found to be 338.27µg/ml.

Оптимизация жирнокислотного состава рыбных фаршей из объектов аквакультуры

The article analyzes the optimal ratio of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in food, which plays a significant role in serving the physiological needs of the human body. The ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6 groups) is considered the most significant for the human body. Essential polyunsaturated fatty acids are not synthesized in the human body, but are sufficiently found in fish, especially in sea fish leading an active lifestyle. The fatty acid composition of various aquaculture objects, freshwater and sea fish species is analyzed. There has been carried out modeling of minced fish recipes based on the biomedical requirements and the functional and technological properties of the raw materials used. To optimize the fatty acid composition of minced fish in accordance with the physiological needs of humans, it has been proposed to mix different types of fish meat: sea and river fish, aquaculture objects. Pacific herring, Caspian sprat, cod (sea fish species), pike perch, pike, crucian carp (river fish species), silver carp, clari catfish, and Nile tilapia (aquaculture objects) were used as raw materials in developing recipes for the combined minced fish. Fatty acid composition of the finished product was optimized by mathematical modeling of the recipe mixture of minced meat of various fish species and based on the analysis of the ratio of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the meat of the studied fish species. Two recipes, which include Pacific herring, cod, crucian carp, and Nile tilapia (recipe No. 5), as well as Pacific herring, cod, pike, and clari catfish (recipe No. 6), most fully meet the specified requirements.

О жировой составляющей питания дошкольников

Introduction. It is healthy and balanced nutrition that determines human health from childhood, thus forming able-bodied, reproductive, intellectual, and vital potential of the country. Therefore, children’s diet should take into consideration the physiological needs of the growing organism for energy, macro and microelements, minor and biologically active substances. The research featured the diet of preschoolers. The paper describes an attempt to optimize the energy, nutritional value, and balance according to the physiological norms. &#x0D; Study objects and methods. The research involved preschoolers aged 3–7 from a local nursery boarding school (Ivanovo, Russia). Based on the analysis of the menu, the authors assessed its diet compliance with the daily physiological nutrition norms. The fat content of the daily ration was assessed, first, according to the absolute deviation from physiologically complete dietary fat. The index has a zero value for fat proper. The second index was the ratio of polyunsaturated linoleic and α-linolenic fatty acids, which should be 5–10:1.&#x0D; Results and discussion. The daily caloric intake exceeded the norm by 6 %. The diet lacked dietary fiber and was too rich in fat. As for the qualitative composition of the fat content, the children’s diet showed a significant deficit of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The authors proposed to partially replace sunflower oil with flaxseed, substitute the fatty filling in the waffles with fruit filling, slightly reduce the proportion of butter, and add encapsulated fish oil.&#x0D; Conclusion. Аs a result of the optimization, the fat content in the diet decreased by 12%; the ratio of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids ω-6 and ω-3 was 7.8:1, which corresponds to the standard parameters.

Fatty Acids of Marine Mollusks: Impact of Diet, Bacterial Symbiosis and Biosynthetic Potential.

The n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) families are essential for important physiological processes. Their major source are marine ecosystems. The fatty acids (FAs) from phytoplankton, which are the primary producer of organic matter and PUFAs, are transferred into consumers via food webs. Mollusk FAs have attracted the attention of researchers that has been driven by their critical roles in aquatic ecology and their importance as sources of essential PUFAs. The main objective of this review is to focus on the most important factors and causes determining the biodiversity of the mollusk FAs, with an emphasis on the key relationship of these FAs with the food spectrum and trophic preference. The marker FAs of trophic sources are also of particular interest. The discovery of new symbioses involving invertebrates and bacteria, which are responsible for nutrition of the host, deserves special attention. The present paper also highlights recent research into the molecular and biochemical mechanisms of PUFA biosynthesis in marine mollusks. The biosynthetic capacities of marine mollusks require a well-grounded evaluation.

Transcriptome sequencing of a keystone aquatic herbivore yields insights on the temperature-dependent metabolism of essential lipids

BackgroundNutritional quality of phytoplankton is a major determinant of the trophic transfer efficiency at the plant-herbivore interface in freshwater food webs. In particular, the phytoplankton’s content of the essential polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has been repeatedly shown to limit secondary production in the major zooplankton herbivore genus Daphnia. Despite extensive research efforts on the biological model organism Daphnia, and the availability of several Daphnia genomes, little is known regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying the limitations in Daphnia related to dietary EPA availability.ResultsWe used RNA-seq to analyse the transcriptomic response of Daphnia magna which were fed with two different diets — each with or without supplementation of EPA — at two different temperature levels (15 and 20 °C). The transcripts were mapped to the D. magna genome assembly version 2.4, containing 26,646 translations. When D. magna fed on green alga, changing the temperature provoked a differential expression of 2001 transcripts, and in cyanobacteria-fed daphnia, 3385 transcripts were affected. The supplementation of EPA affected 1635 (on the green algal diet), or 175 transcripts (on the cyanobacterial diet), respectively. Combined effects for diet and temperature were also observed (669 for the green algal and 128 transcripts for the cyanobacterial diet). Searching for orthologous genes (COG-analysis) yielded a functional overview of the altered transcriptomes. Cross-matched transcript sets from both feed types were compiled to illuminate core responses to the factors temperature and EPA-supplementation.ConclusionsOur highly controlled eco-physiological experiments revealed an orchestrated response of genes involved in the transformation and signalling of essential fatty acids, including eicosanoid-signalling pathways with potential immune functions. We provide an overview of downstream-regulated genes, which contribute to enhance growth and reproductive output. We also identified numerous EPA-responsive candidate genes of yet unknown function, which constitute new targets for future studies on the molecular basis of EPA-dependent effects at the freshwater plant-herbivore interface.

Nitrogen enrichment leads to changing fatty acid composition of phytoplankton and negatively affects zooplankton in a natural lake community

Secondary production in freshwater zooplankton is frequently limited by the food quality of phytoplankton. One important parameter of phytoplankton food quality are essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Since the fatty acid composition of phytoplankton is variable and depends on the algae’s nutrient supply status, inorganic nutrient supply may affect the algal PUFA composition. Therefore, an indirect transfer of the effects of nutrient availability on zooplankton by changes in algal PUFA composition is conceivable. While the phosphorus (P) supply in lakes is largely decreasing, nitrogen (N) inputs continue to increase. This paper presents data from a mesocosm field experiment in which we exposed phytoplankton communities to increasing N enrichment. As a consequence, the PUFA composition of the phytoplankton community changed. With increasing nitrogen fertilisation, we observed lower quantities of essential PUFAs, together with a decrease in the abundances of the dominant herbivorous zooplankton Daphnia sp. Their biomass was significantly correlated with phytoplankton PUFA content (C18:3 ω3, C20:5 ω3, C18:2 ω6). Our data therefore indicate that changes in nitrogen supply, together with the resultant changes in phytoplankton food quality, can negatively affect the secondary production of herbivorous zooplankton by reducing the availability of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Increased Alkaline Phosphatase in Cord Blood of Obese Diabetic Mothers Is Associated to Polyunstaurated Fatty Acid Levels

Introduction: Recent studies indicate that alkaline phosphatase (ALP) may affect expression and activity of fatty acid (FA) transport proteins in placenta and other tissues. Objective: To evaluate if disturbed FA profile in offspring of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) with different maternal pregestational weight could be related to maternal or neonatal ALP. Methods: Prospective observational study of pregnant women recruited in the third trimester (25 controls, 23 lean-GDM, 20 obese-GDM). Fetal ultrasound was performed. At delivery, FAs were analyzed in placenta, maternal, and venous cord blood. Western blotting analysis of lipid carriers was performed in placenta. Results: Newborns from obese-GDM tended to higher birthweight (p = 0.059) than those from both lean-GDM and controls. ALP in maternal blood tended to be lower in GDM (p = 0.170) while increased significantly in cord blood of obese-GDM with respect to controls (p = 0.039). Saturated FA percentages in cord blood were significantly higher (p < 0.000), while polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) percentages were lower (p = 0.003) in both GDM, which could be due to a lower expression of major family domain 2a receptor (MFSD2a) in the placenta. Plasma ALP in the offspring of obese-GDM was inversely associated to cord essential PUFAs (β = –6.18, p = 0.005) and to placental MFSD2a (β = –38.46, p = 0.014). Conclusions: Cord PUFA and placental MFSD2a are decreased in both lean and obese-GDM pregnancies. Higher ALP in cord blood of obese-GDM could play a role in the FA levels in these pregnancies

Effect of drying methods on bioactive compounds, nutritional, antioxidant, and antidiabetic potential of brown alga Durvillaea antarctica

The effects of vacuum, solar, convective, infrared, and freeze drying (VD, SD, CD, IRD, FD) on Durvillaea antarctica were evaluated in terms of nutritional composition, color, bioactive components, and antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. Nutritional composition of the dried seaweeds scarcely varied, while a tendency to lose the reddish tone occurred. CD-seaweed had highest phytochemical and vitamin contents, while FD-samples showed best retention of pigments. Both samples also exhibited the strongest antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. The highest essential amino acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids contents were found in IRD- and SD-samples, respectively. In general, FD and CD were proved to be viable drying options for D. antarctica.

Lipid storage consumption and feeding ability of Calanus glacialis Jaschnov, 1955 males

Calanus is one of the best studied genera of Arctic zooplankton, but still we know very little about the males since they are short-lived and mainly present in winter. Their short life-span compared to females is assumed to be a combination of high mating activity, no feeding and consequential depletion of lipid stores. In this study we tested 1) if the life span of male Calanus glacialis is limited by their lipid storage reserves and 2) if males are capable of feeding and utilize food if present. We ran two separate experiments from January to March; one on starvation and one on feeding. In the 39-days long starvation experiment we followed the lipid sac size of individually incubated males until their time of death. On average the total lipid (TL) content decreased by 2.6 to 4.5 μg day−1, but despite this males had substantial amounts of lipids left (131.4 μg, SD 44.0) when they died. This strongly suggests that the depletion of lipid reserves is not the main reason for males' short life span which in this study was measured to be up to 73 days. In the feeding experiment, we fed both C. glacialis males and females ad libitum with 13C labelled microalgae. Both males and females were capable of feeding and assimilate the diatom monoculture, but females responded faster to the sudden favourable food conditions, and produced more and larger fecal pellets than the males. Assimilation of 13C labelled 20:5(n-3), an essential polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), from the diatom diet was traceable in both males and females on day 21, and then with a higher enrichment in females than males. Morphological investigations of the feeding appendages showed some differences between sexes, suggesting males to be more omnivorous than females. In conclusion, lipid storage depletion is not the cause of death for male C. glacialis, and males may even compensate for some of the mating energy costs by feeding. In future, we recommend further studies on the role of essential fatty acids (FA) for sperm formation and aging as determining factors for males' relatively short life span.

Docosahexaenoic Acid Inhibits PTP1B Phosphatase and the Viability of MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells.

Background: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an essential polyunsaturated fatty acid compound present in deep water fishes and dietary supplements, with a wide spectrum of potential health benefits, ranging from neurological to anti-inflammatory. Methods: Due to the fact that DHA is considered a breast cancer risk reducer, we examined the impact of DHA on MCF-7 breast cancer cells’ viability and its inhibitory properties on protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), a pro-oncogenic phosphatase. Results: We found that DHA is able to lower both the enzymatic activity of PTP1B phosphatase and the viability of MCF-7 breast cancer cells. We showed that unsaturated DHA possesses a significantly higher inhibitory activity toward PTP1B in comparison to similar fatty acids. We also performed a computational analysis of DHA binding to PTP1B and discovered that it is able to bind to an allosteric binding site. Conclusions: Utilizing both a recombinant enzyme and cellular models, we demonstrated that DHA can be considered a potential pharmacological agent for the prevention of breast cancer.

A Kinetic Approach to the Oxidation of Linseed Oil as Influenced by Fruit Peel and Seeds of Pomegranate

AbstractThe objective of this research is to analyze the kinetic parameters of linseed oil by treating it with pomegranate peel and seeds at 353, 368, and 383 K using Rancimat. There are no significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) between the oxidative stability indices of samples containing pomegranate peel and pomegranate seeds. In addition, the indices pertaining to the oxidative stability of linseed oil increase in value as the concentrations of pomegranate peel and seeds increase. Apart from the pomegranate peel at 0.1% and the quercetin, all other antioxidants are able to reduce the severity of temperature‐related parameters (i.e., temperature coefficient and Q10 values). In addition, these antioxidants are able to form an activated complex with lower levels of thermal energy (by reducing activation energy and enthalpy) but of more structured configuration (by reducing the frequency factor and entropy). A high correlation is found between the Gibbs free‐energy of activation and the oxidative stability index of samples. The most substantial increase in the Gibbs free‐energy of activation occurs by TBHQ, followed by gallic acid, quercetin, and pomegranate peel at 1%.Practical Applications: Linseed oil is characterized by its high amounts of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The high PUFA content of linseed oil contributes to its rapid oxidation. Pomegranate peel and seeds are valuable sources of natural antioxidants. Investigating the effect of pomegranate peel and seeds in reducing the dependence of linseed oil oxidation on temperature provides a range of valuable kinetic parameters. Nevertheless, this subject has received little attention so far. There are few published data regarding the effect of natural antioxidants on lipid oxidation by this approach. Accordingly, this study is designed to investigate the oxidation kinetics and mechanisms of linseed oil as manipulated by fruit peel and seeds of pomegranate. The results show that the fruit peel and seeds of pomegranate can improve the oxidative stability of linseed oil and reduce the severity of effects caused by undesirable temperatures that may increase the oxidation rate of linseed oil.