Presence Of Alpha-linolenic Acid Research Articles

Characterization of ultrasonicated assisted encapsulated omega 3 fatty acids and inulin for food applications

The paper deals with development of emulsion with special features such as omega-3 fatty acids derived from plant sources and inulin as a core material employing whey protein concentrate, & maltodextrin as wall material as a medium of fortificant. Amongst different combinations of tested amplitude and time of ultrasonication, optimized emulsion exhibited no signs of oil separation until 60 days, when kept under ambient and refrigerated storage conditions. Parameters such as particle size (nm), polydispersity index, zeta potential, and viscosity were helpful to form stable emulsion by means of ultrasonic processor. The optimized emulsion contained Dietary fibre content (7.40%); Alpha linolenic acid, (5.35%); Eicosapentaenoic acid (0.56%) and Docosahexaenoic acid (0.75%). To improve the shelf life, the shelf-stable emulsion was subjected to spray drying process to obtain encapsulated powder by optimizing the inlet and outlet temperature as 160 °C and 80 °C, respectively, for the retention of nutraceuticals. Powder demonstrated the presence of Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA), Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) @17.8, 1.82, & 1.95% respectively with 95.61% encapsulation efficiency. Bioavailability studies subjected to mimic human gastric and intestinal conditions, paved the way to further food applications which may confer health benefits in the human systems.

Insight into the binding of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) on human serum albumin using spectroscopic and molecular dynamics (MD) studies

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is one of the necessary fatty acids for the human body. It is a precursor for synthesizing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The consumption of ALA as an anti-inflammatory factor plays a significant role in preventing cardiovascular diseases. The current study was investigated to evaluate the binding affinity and molecular interactions between human serum albumin (HSA) with ALA through spectroscopic and computational studies. In the existence of ALA, the absorbance of HSA is reduced, confirming the development of the HSA-ALA complex. The fluorescence spectroscopic data implied that the quenching mechanism for HSA-ALA interaction was static mode. The negative values of ΔH° and ΔS° indicated that hydrogen bonding and van der Waals are the predominant intermolecular forces in the complex between HSA and ALA. The binding of ALA induces changes in the structure of HSA, which were revealed by far-UV circular dichroism (CD). The reduction of root mean square deviation (RMSD) after binding to ALA proved the stability of the structure of HSA in the presence of ALA. The results of the esterase activity of HSA presented that ALA competitively binds with HSA. This study demonstrated the importance of ALA in medicine and emphasized its main pharmacological significance.

Pharmacognostical standardization and preliminary phytochemical explorations on Salvia hispanica L. seeds

Salvia hispanica L. famous as ‘chia’ is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to family Labiatae, is a richest source of alpha linolenic fatty acid. A detailed examination on chia seeds was performed. The microscopic investigationsshowed the presence of lignified fibres, epidermis cells, aleurone grains, fatty oil globules and lignified sclerides etc. Physicochemical assessment of chia seeds revealed foreign organic matter (0.76%), loss on drying (8.09%), pH (4.39), moisture content (8.96%), swelling index (8.36), foaming index (<100), total ash (7.09%), water soluble ash (1.09%), acid insoluble ash (0.48%), sulphated ash (0.94%),relative density (0.892), refractive index (1.462), acid value (1.862), saponification value (194.29), peroxide value (4.680), acetyl value (169.28) and iodine value (74.62). Elemental analysis was performed using atomic absorption spectroscopy various heavy metals (As, Hg, Pb, Cd) and other elements (Cu, Zn, Fe and Mg) all were within limits. Chia seeds crude material as well as its extract showed no microbial contamination. High performance thin layer chromatographyfingerprinting profile of chia seeds fixed oil showed the presence of alpha linolenic acid. Work on standardization assumes imperative consequence. However,wide-ranging literature survey on this plant revealed that, more research work is required to update the standardization parameters. Therefore, findings of this study will facilitate quality control and presence of the various phytoconstituents in plant seed.
 Keywords: Salvia hispanica, Standardization, Pharmacognostical, Physicochemical, HPTLC fingerprints.

Incorporation and profile of fatty acids in tilapia fillets (Oreochromis niloticus) fed with tung oil

The acceptance of tung oil enriched diet and the incorporation of conjugated linolenic acid - CLnA into fillets of Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) were investigated. The diet was well accepted, and after 10 days CLnA was incorporated into the fillets with a 1.02% content of total fatty acids (FA). In addition, biosynthesis of the conjugated linoleic acid isomers - CLA (0.31% of fillet total FA content) from CLnA, and the presence of alpha-linolenic acid - LNA (1.08% of fillet total FA content), eicosapentaenoic acid - EPA (2.85% of fillet total FA content) and docosahexaenoic acid - DHA (3.08% of fillet total FA content) were observed. Therefore, the consumption of this fish can increase the intake of different FA (CLnA, CLA, LNA, EPA and DHA), which play an important role in human metabolism.

Docosahexaenoic acid status in females of reproductive age with maple syrup urine disease

Individuals with maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) have impaired metabolism of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) valine, isoleucine, and leucine. Life-long dietary therapy is recommended to restrict BCAA intake and thus prevent poor neurological outcomes and death. To maintain adequate nutritional status, the majority of protein and nutrients are derived from synthetic BCAA-free medical foods with variable fatty acid content. Given the restrictive diet and the importance of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in neurological development, this study evaluated the dietary and fatty acid status of females of reproductive age with MSUD attending a metabolic camp. Healthy controls of similar age and sex were selected from existing normal laboratory data. Total lipid fatty acid concentration in plasma and erythrocytes was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Participants with MSUD had normal to increased concentrations of plasma and erythrocyte alpha linolenic acid (ALA) but significantly lower concentrations of plasma and erythrocyte docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as percent of total lipid fatty acids compared with controls (plasma DHA: MSUD 1.03 +/- 0.35, controls 2.87 +/- 1.08; P = 0.001; erythrocyte DHA: MSUD 2.58 +/- 0.58, controls 3.66 +/- 0.80; P = 0.011). Dietary records reflected negligible or no DHA intake over the 3-day period prior to the blood draw (range 0-2 mg). These results suggest females of reproductive age with MSUD have lower blood DHA concentrations than age-matched controls. In addition, the presence of ALA in medical foods and the background diet may not counter the lack of preformed DHA in the diet. The implications of these results warrant further investigation.

Therapeutic effect of Linum usitatissimum (flaxseed/linseed) fixed oil on acute and chronic arthritic models in albino rats

The present study was undertaken to assess the activity/anti-inflammatory potential of Linum usitatissimum fixed oil against castor oil-induced diarrhoea, turpentine oil-induced joint oedema, formaldehyde and Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in Wistar albino rats. The oil intraperitoneally, significantly inhibited the castor oil-induced diarrhoea and turpentine oil-induced exudative joint oedema in a dose-dependent manner. Significant inhibitory effect of L. usitatissimum fixed oil was observed in formaldehyde-induced proliferative global oedematous arthritis when given intraperitoneally, with significant checking of the serum glutamic oxaloacetic acid transaminase and serum glutamic pyruvic acid transaminase. Further, L. usitatissimum fixed oil showed a significant dose-dependent protective effect against CFA-induced arthritis as well. Secondary lesions produced by CFA due to a delayed hypersensitivity reaction were also reduced in a significant manner. Anti-inflammatory activity of L. usitatissimum fixed oil can be attributed to the presence of alpha linolenic acid (57.38%, an omega-3 fatty acid, 18:3, n-3) having dual inhibitory effect on arachidonate metabolism resulting in suppressed production of proinflammatory n-6 eicosanoids (PGE(2), LTB(4)) and diminished vascular permeability. These observations suggest possible therapeutic potential of L. usitatissimum fixed oil in inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.

Effects of Omega‐3 Fatty Acids on Apoptosis of Human Gastric Epithelial Cells Exposed to Silica‐Immobilized Glucose Oxidase

Oxidative stress plays a critical role in apoptosis of gastric epithelial cells. Omega-3 fatty acids show anti-inflammatory and/or anticancer effects and regulate apoptosis in various cells. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether omega-3 fatty acids inhibit oxidative stress-induced apoptosis of gastric epithelial cells. The cells received oxidative stress caused by silica-immobilized glucose oxidase acting on beta-D-glucose and cultured in the absence or presence of alpha-linolenic acid or docosahexanoic acid. Viable cell numbers, levels of H(2)O(2) in the medium, DNA fragmentation, and protein levels of p53 and Bax were determined. As a result, silica-immobilized glucose oxidase acting on beta-D-glucose consistently and reproducibly produced H(2)O(2), which decreased cell viability and increased DNA fragmentation of the cells. Omega-3 fatty acids inhibited oxidative stress-induced cell death, DNA fragmentation, and induction of p53 and Bax of the cells. The silica-immobilized glucose oxidase could be a useful tool for studies on oxidative stress-induced cellular events because it is reusable and forms a stable enzyme system acting on glucose. Omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial for preventing oxidative stress-induced apoptosis by inhibiting apoptotic gene expression and DNA fragmentation of gastric epithelial cells.

Changes in the content of gamma-linolenic C18:3 (n-6) and stearidonic C18:4 (n-3) acids in developing seeds of viper's bugloss Echium vulgare L.

Changes in the composition of fatty acids (FA) were determined in lipid extracts isolated from developing ovaries containing ovules and developing seeds of Echium vulgare L. The samples were collected successively over 20 days beginning with the first day after flowering. The contents of the n-6 FA family members, i.e., gamma-linolenic (GLA) (C(18:3)) and linoleic (LA) (C(18:2)) acids changed in a parallel manner and reached the maximum of 13.9% and 24%, respectively, on the 12th day, after which they fell systematically down to 8.6% and 18.2%, respectively, on the 20th day after flowering. Starting with day 13, the content of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) (C(18:3) n-3) begins to grow intensively, from 24.2% to 39.3% on the 20th day after flowering. The increase in the content of stearidonic acid (SDA) (C(18:4) n-3), up to 10.5% on the 20th day after flowering, occurred steadily as the seeds developed, and was independent of the changes in the content of GLA and LA. The pattern of changes in the content of SDA, GLA, LA and ALA during the development of seeds, and the occurrence of SDA in the seed oil of other plants, demonstrate that the biosynthesis of SDA in the seeds is critically dependent on the presence of ALA. The above condition indicates that SDA biosynthesis in the seeds of Echium vulgare follows the scheme LA --> simultaneous, competitive, action of Delta(6) and Delta(15) desaturases, leading to the formation of GLA and ALA, respectively, and then ALA (Delta(6) des) --> SDA. The biosynthesis according to the scheme: GLA (Delta(15) des) --> SDA is highly unlikely.

The influence of polyunsaturated fatty acids on probiotic growth and adhesion.

The establishment of the intestinal microflora, and probiotic bacteria, may control the inflammatory conditions in the gut. As polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) possess antimicrobial activities, they may deter the action of probiotics. We assessed whether free linoleic, gamma-linolenic, arachidonic, alpha-linolenic and docosahexaenoic acids at physiological concentrations in the growth media would influence the growth and adhesion of Lactobacillus GG (probiotic), Lactobacillus casei Shirota (probiotic) and Lactobacillus bulgaricus (dairy strain). Higher concentrations of PUFA (10-40 microg PUFA ml(-1)) inhibited growth and mucus adhesion of all tested bacterial strains, whilst growth and mucus adhesion of L. casei Shirota was promoted by low concentrations of gamma-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid (at 5 microg ml(-1)), respectively. PUFA also altered bacterial adhesion sites on Caco-2 cells. Caco-2 cells grown in the presence of arachidonic acid were less adhered to by all three bacterial strains. Yet, L. casei Shirota adhered better on Caco-2 cells grown in the presence of alpha-linolenic acid. As the adhesion to mucosal surfaces is pivotal in health promoting effects by probiotics, our results indicate that the action of probiotics in the gut may be modulated by dietary PUFA.

Linoleic acid uptake by isolated enterocytes: influence of alpha-linolenic acid on absorption.

In a previous study we showed that intestinal uptake of alpha-linolenic acid (18:3n-3) was carrier-mediated and we suggested that a plasma membrane fatty acid protein was involved in the transport of long-chain fatty acids. To further test this hypothesis, the mechanism of linoleic acid (18:2n-6) uptake by isolated intestinal cells was examined using a rapid filtration method and 20 mM sodium taurocholate as solubilizing agent. Under these experimental conditions transport of [1-14C]linoleic acid monomers in the concentration range of 2 to 2220 nM was saturable with a Vm of 5.1 +/- 0.6 nmol/mg protein/min and a Km of 183 +/- 7 nM. Experiments carried out in the presence of metabolic inhibitors, such as 2,4-dinitrophenol and antimycin A, suggested that an active, carrier-mediated mechanism was involved in the intestinal uptake of this essential fatty acid. The addition of excess unlabeled linoleic acid to the incubation medium led to a 89% decrease in the uptake of [1-14C]linoleic acid, while D-glucose did not compete for transport into the cell. Other long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids added to the incubation mixture inhibited linoleic acid uptake by more than 80%. The presence of alpha-linolenic acid (18:3n-3) in the incubation medium caused the competitive inhibition (Ki = 353 nM) of linoleic acid uptake. The data are compatible with the hypothesis that intestinal uptake of both linoleic, and alpha-linolenic acid is mediated by a membrane carrier common to long-chain fatty acids.

Function of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids in the nervous system

The brain is the organ with the second greatest concentration of lipids; they are directly involved in the functioning of membranes. Brain development is genetically programmed; it is therefore necessary to ensure that nerve cells receive an adequate supply of lipids during their differentiation and multiplication. Indeed the effects of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) deficiency have been extensively studied; prolonged deficiency leads to death in animals. Linoleic acid (LA) is now universally recognized to be an essential nutrient. On the other hand, alpha-linolenic acid (ALNA) was considered non-essential until recently, and its role needs further studies. In our experiments, feeding animals with oils that have a low alpha-linolenic content results in all brain cells and organelles and various organs in reduced amounts of 22:6(n-3), compensated by an increase in 22:5(n-6). The speed of recuperation from these anomalies is extremely slow for brain cells, organelles and microvessels, in contrast with other organs. A decrease in alpha-linolenic series acids in the membranes results in a 40% reduction in the Na-K-ATPase of nerve terminals and a 20% reduction in 5′-nucleotidase. Some other enzymatic activities are not affected, although membrane fluidity is altered. A diet low in ALNA induces alterations in the electroretinogram which disappear with age: motor function and activity are little affected but learning behaviour is markedly altered. The presence of ALNA in the diet confers a greater resistance to certain neurotoxic agents, i.e. triethyl-lead. We have shown that during the period of cerebral development, there is a linear relationship between brain content of (n-3) acids and the (n-3) content of the diet up to the point where alpha-linolenic levels reach 200 mg for 100 g food intake. Beyond that level there is a plateau. For the other organs, such as the liver, the relationship is also linear up to 200 mg 100 g , but then there is merely an abrupt change in slope and not a plateau. By varying the dietary 18:2(n-6) content, it was noted that 20:4(n-6) optimum values were obtained at 150 mg 100 g for all nerve structures, at 300 mg for testicle and muscle, 800 mg for the kidney, and 1200 mg for the liver, lung and heart. A deficiency in ALNA or an excess of LA has the same main effect: an increase in 22:5(n-6) levels. Taking into account that the relative metabolisms of man and the rat, their rates of development, the difference between their brain/body weight ratios, and the similar fatty acid (FA) composition of their nerve membranes, it is possible to affirm that results obtained in the rat are necessarily, and at the very least, valid for man. For the brain and the other organs, the requirement in ALNA acid is 200 mg 100 g food intake (0.4% of calories), provided that LA requirements of 1200 mg 100 g food intake (2.4% of calories) are met. During pre and postnatal development, delta-6 desaturase in brain decreases dramatically (12-fold) up to postnatal day 21 and remains nearly constant thereafter. In liver, the activity increases approximately 9-fold between day 3 before birth and day 7 after birth. Then, it decreases slightly up to weaning and is approximately constant up to 4 months. From the on delta-6-desaturase decreases with age (40% between 4 and 17 months). The question remains whether the residual delta-6 desaturase activity after day 21 is sufficient to support the turnover of brain membranes. If it is not, the very-long-chain FA would have to be synthesized by the liver. As liver synthesis decreases during aging this source may be insufficient. It should be noted that cultured nerve cells differentiate, multiply, take up and release neurotransmitters only if the medium contains 20:4(n-6) and 22:6(n-3), but not if it contains 18:2(n-6) and 18:3(n-3). Thus, the FA that are essential for the brain could be those with very long chains. They are probably synthesized in the liver from ALNA and LA. They can also be furnished directly by the diet. However a dietary excess of fish oil can prove to be toxic due to perturbation of the composition of cerebral membranes. Pharmacological doses of fish oil do not alter FA composition of liver and brain, and do not change protection against peroxidation. In contrast, increasing dietary fish oil in rat had the following effects on brain lipids: 20:4(n-6) regularly decreased; cervonic acid was increased by 30% at high fish oil concentration. PUFA in membranes are protected against peroxidation, mainly by vitamin E. In peripheral nervous system during development and aging a highly significant correlation between vitamin E and (n-6) PUFA was observed but not between (n-3) PUFA and vitamin E.