Short-chain Saturated Fatty Acids Research Articles

ALTERATION OF LIPID COMPOSITION OF BLUE MUSSELS MYTILUS EDULIS L. AS A RESULT OF THEIR ACCLIMATION TO LABORATORY CONDITIONS

Organ-specific modifications and assimilation of trophic lipids, primarily of their fatty acids, were shown in the study of compensatory lipid and fatty acid composition changes in blue mussels Mytilus edulis L. as a result of acclimation to laboratory conditions using commercial plankton-based food. It was found that phospholipid fatty acid composition of mussel gills does not depend on food source, while triacylglycerol fatty acid composition exactly reflects the trophic fatty acid profile. Significant changes in the content of the main lipid fractions and their fatty acids in digestive glands of acclimated mussels were apparently caused by absence of essential phytoplankton polyene n-3 fatty acids in the feed. However, increased concentration of triacylglycerols enriched with short-chain saturated fatty acids, α-linolenic and vaccenic acids in the commercial food promoted the accumulation of these lipids in investigated mussel’s tissues.

The FAME profiles of Cadmium resistant Ochrobactrum sp. and Lead and Arsenate resistant Bacillus spp.

Three bacterial isolates named, CdSP9 (Ochrobactrum sp.), PbSP6 (Bacillus sp.) and AsSP9 (Bacillus sp.) resistant to cadmium, lead and arsenic salts, have been characterized in this study on the basis of the changes in their total fatty acid composition under respective heavy metal stress. A general increase of saturated fatty acids was observed in presence of metal. In cadmium treated CdSP9, the saturated fatty acids, C14:0 and C16:0 and unsaturated fatty acids C14:1, C18:1cis and C18:2cis were formed in increased amounts and two short chain saturated fatty acids, C12:0 and C13:0 were expressed exclusively. In PbSP6, fatty acids C15:0, C16:0 and C17:0 were significantly increased in presence of lead, while C11:0 was expressed under treated condition only. Regarding AsSP9, the unsaturated fatty acids like C18:1cis, C18:2cis were predominantly formed under arsenic treated condition and the omega-3 fatty acid C18:3n3, which is not found in other two strains, was exclusively expressed in AsSP9, though in absence of the metalloid. These changes in the fatty acid composition are in response to the given heavy metal/metalloid stress and their role in defence against heavy metal toxicity seems very significant.

Microstructures and functional groups of Nannochloropsis sp. cells with arsenic adsorption and lipid accumulation

The pore structures and surface morphological characteristics of Nannochloropsis sp. cells with arsenic adsorption were initially investigated by N2-adsorption analysis and scanning electronic microscopy. Functional groups of cells were analysed by Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Total surface area of microalgal cells increased from 0.54m2/g to 1.80m2/g upon arsenic adsorption. The external cell surface area increased. More wrinkles and measles-like granules formed on the surfaces as a result of arsenic toxicity. Arsenic ions blocked cell pores and decreased the average pore diameter and total pore volume. Ether cross-linked structures in the algaenan layer of cell walls were disrupted as the percentage of C–O functional groups decreased. These functional groups underwent complexation reactions with arsenic ions. Accumulation of polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased because of oxidative stresses induced by arsenic. The increase in generation of short-chain saturated fatty acids was favourable for the production of quality biodiesel.

Changes in donkey milk lipids in relation to season and lactation

In this study the fatty acid profile and morphometric characteristics of fat globules in Amiata donkey milk in relation to the lactation phase and production season have been evaluated. Individual donkey milk samplings were carried out monthly starting from day 30 of lactation until day 300. The amount of fat and the diameter of the milk fat globules were fairly stable during lactation, whereas the number of globules/mL of milk decreased significantly only in the last phase of lactation. The fatty acid composition showed only few changes during lactation, which consisted in a progressive decrease in the short chain fatty acids and an increasing trend in the monounsaturated fatty acids. Winter milk showed a significantly larger average diameter, a lower number of fat globules/mL, lower (P<0.01) percentages of short-chain saturated fatty acids and more (P<0.01) long-chain and monounsaturated fatty acids. In addition, significantly lower percentages of C18:0 and higher of palmitoleic, oleic and vaccenic acids were detected in the cooler season. In conclusion the lipid fraction of donkey milk did not show notable changes during lactation.

Differentiation of geographical origin of cream products in Poland according to their fatty acid profile

Fatty acid (FA) composition of bovine milk fat from cream samples, originating from three regions of Poland (one mountainous and two lowland ones) and collected within 2years, was analysed aiming at identifying the region of production by applying principal component analysis (PCA). From the 44 FAs identified by gas chromatography, two groups were discerned: seasonally variable (n=17) and non-seasonal (n=7). The biplots showed that different FAs could serve as markers of geographical origin of cream samples. The CLA, vaccenic acid, C18:39c12c15c, total C18:1trans and C18:39c12c15c n−6 (GLA) were found indicative of mountainous regions, and the short-chain saturated FAs (SCFA; C4:0–C11:0) – of the lowland ones. The Opole province was characterised by a high content of linoleic acid. It was concluded that the origin of a cream sample could be fairly well identified by gas chromatography combined with chemometric analysis of milk fat FAs.

Regulation of diacylglycerol kinase δ2 expression in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells by free fatty acids.

Decreased expression of diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) δ in skeletal muscles is closely related to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. However, the regulation of DGKδ expression is not well understood. In this study, we found that myristic acid (14:0) significantly increased DGKδ2 protein expression in a dose-dependent manner (EC(50) = 0.16 mM) in mouse C2C12 myotubes. In contrast, oleic [18:1(n-9)], eicosenoic [20:1(n-9)] and erucic [22:1(n-9)] acids markedly decreased DGKδ2 expression. Myristic acid slowly enhanced DGKδ2 expression at the transcription level. Therefore, DGKδ2 expression is positively regulated by the relatively short-chain saturated fatty acid myristic acid but attenuated by n-9 monounsaturated fatty acids.

Milk of Polish Red and White cows as a source of nutritionally valuable fatty acids

Abstract. Local bovine breeds are usually more resistant to diseases and better adapted to environmental and nutritional conditions than the imported ones. The aim of this study was to assess the content of individual health-related fatty acids in milk of Polish Red and White breed regarding the composition of forages. One herd of cows (n=15) were fed seasonally using locally produced forages: grazed grass, containing high amounts (55 g·100 g-1 fatty acid on average) of polyunsaturated fatty acid, and preserved forages, rich in saturated fatty acid (30 g·100 g-1 fatty acid on average). The content of butyric acid in milk averaged 4.21 g·100 g-1 fatty acid regardless of season and was higher compared to that reported for other breeds. Milk from the summer season had high content (14.67 g·100 g-1 fatty acid) of total short-chain saturated fatty acid (C4:0-C12:0), that from non-pasture season (winter) had high content of odd- and branched chain fatty acids (6.28 g·100 g-1 fatty acid). Milk fat of studied cows had relatively lower content of nutritionally controversial myristic C14:0 and palmitic C16:0 acids as comparing to milk in other breeds and proved an excellent source of vaccenic acid trans-11 C18:1 and conjugated linoleic acids cis-9, trans-11 C18:2, especially during the grazing season.

The Effects of 5-Hydroxytryptophan in Combination with Different Fatty Acids on Gastrointestinal Functions: A Pilot Experiment

Background. Fat affects gastric emptying (GE). 5-Hydroxythryptophan (5-HTP) is involved in central and peripheral satiety mechanisms. Influence of 5-HTP in addition to saturated or monounsaturated fatty acids (FA) on GE and hormone release was investigated. Subjects/Methods. 24 healthy individuals (12f : 12m, 22–29 years, BMI 19–25.7 kg/m²) were tested on 4 days with either 5-HTP + short-chain saturated FA (butter), placebo + butter, 5-HTP + monounsaturated FA (olive oil), or placebo + olive oil in double-blinded randomized order. Two hours after FA/5-HTP or placebo intake, a 13C octanoid acid test was conducted. Cortisol, serotonin, cholecystokinin (CCK), and ghrelin were measured, as were mood and GE. Results. GE was delayed with butter and was normal with olive (P < 0.05) but not affected by 5-HTP. 5-HTP supplementation did not affect serotonin levels. Food intake increased plasma CCK (F = 6.136; P < 0.05) irrespective of the FA. Ghrelin levels significantly decreased with oil/5-HTP (F = 9.166; P < 0.001). The diurnal cortisol profile was unaffected by FA or 5-HTP, as were ratings of mood, hunger, and stool urgency. Conclusion. Diverse FAs have different effects on GE and secretion of orexigenic and anorexigenic hormones. Supplementation of 5-HTP had no effect on plasma serotonin and central functions. Further studies are needed to explain the complex interplay.

Exploring causal networks of bovine milk fatty acids in a multivariate mixed model context

BackgroundKnowledge regarding causal relationships among traits is important to understand complex biological systems. Structural equation models (SEM) can be used to quantify the causal relations between traits, which allow prediction of outcomes to interventions applied to such a network. Such models are fitted conditionally on a causal structure among traits, represented by a directed acyclic graph and an Inductive Causation (IC) algorithm can be used to search for causal structures. The aim of this study was to explore the space of causal structures involving bovine milk fatty acids and to select a network supported by data as the structure of a SEM.ResultsThe IC algorithm adapted to mixed models settings was applied to study 14 correlated bovine milk fatty acids, resulting in an undirected network. The undirected pathway from C4:0 to C12:0 resembled the de novo synthesis pathway of short and medium chain saturated fatty acids. By using prior knowledge, directions were assigned to that part of the network and the resulting structure was used to fit a SEM that led to structural coefficients ranging from 0.85 to 1.05. The deviance information criterion indicated that the SEM was more plausible than the multi-trait model.ConclusionsThe IC algorithm output pointed towards causal relations between the studied traits. This changed the focus from marginal associations between traits to direct relationships, thus towards relationships that may result in changes when external interventions are applied. The causal structure can give more insight into underlying mechanisms and the SEM can predict conditional changes due to such interventions.

EFFECT OF COW DRY BUTTER OIL FRACTIONATON ON FATTY ACIDS

Fractionation of cow butter oil using dry crystallization method at different temperatures 20,25 and30ºC for four different fractions : the solid fraction at 30,25 and 20ºC and liquid fraction at 20ºC. Changes in fatty acids composition using a gas chromatograph were investigated. The results showed a rise in mono and poly unsaturated fatty acids in liquid fraction compared to solid fractions. The highest amount of these acids was observed in liquid fraction at 20ºC (36.88%), whereas the lowest amount was found in solid fractions at 30C (26.33%), compared to the original butter oil (32.32%).The lowest amount in long chain saturated fatty acid was found in liquid fraction at 20ºC (49.51%) compared to the solid fractions at 30ºC (63.35%) and original butter oil (55.54%).The short chain saturated fatty acids (C4-C10) were increased from 11.94% in the original butter oil to 13.37% in the liquid fraction, while C4-C10 in the solid fractions at 25ºc was decreased to 10.05%.

Silver nanofiber assisted lipid extraction from biomass of a Louisiana Chlorella vulgaris/Leptolyngbya sp. co-culture

The presence of bulk water and the resistant cell walls significantly limit the efficiency of lipid extraction from microalgal biomass paste. Current methods to rupture the cell walls (i.e. grinding after freeze-drying, osmotic shock, sonication) are energy intensive and time consuming. Due to their high surface energy concentration and high surface to volume ratio, silver nanoparticles can enhanced the cell wall rupture to increase the extraction efficiency of cell components. In this study, silver nanofibers were added as enhancers for the Folch’s extraction method and microwave assisted extraction of lipids from wet biomass paste (water content of 80.9%). Nanofibers concentrations of 0–1000μgg−1 were tested. Two solvent:biomass ratios were tested in the Folch’s extraction method. Two temperatures (70 and 90°C) and three treatment times (2, 5 and 10min) were compared in the microwave assisted extraction. The results showed that the extraction efficiency increased with increased concentration of the nanofibers in the range tested. At concentrations of 1000μgg−1 silver nanofibers (w/w based on the solvent and biomass solution) the efficiency of lipid extraction increased by ∼30% and 50% for the Folch’s and microwave assisted lipid extraction respectively. Treatment with AgNO3 in the same concentration as the nanofibers did not improve the extraction compared with no silver or nanofibers addition. The extraction method affected the lipid fatty acids profile. The Folch’s extraction with no silver nanofibers resulted in proportionally higher short chain saturated fatty acids, but lower lipid extraction. The microwave assisted lipid extraction provides the best results considering fatty acid profile, treatment time, solvent use and lipid extraction efficiency.

Fatty acid profile of the milk of cows reared in the mountain region of Poland

An appropriate composition of milk fatty acids (FA) improves the nutritional value of milk and milk products, and improves milk processing. Polish dairy farms in the mountainous region are rather small, animal nutrition there is based on locally produced forages and this, together with the transitional climate zone brings about seasonal changes in FA composition of milk. The aim of the study was to evaluate the composition of FA in bovine milk fat in relation to fat intake in forages and their FA profiles. The study involved 5 herds reared in low-input mountain farms located at an altitude of 670-780 m above sea level (Beskid Mountains). The cows were fed forages produced locally. FAs in forages and milk samples were subjected to gas chromatography. Highest fat intake observed in grazing season (4·2-4·7%) and high amounts of polyunsaturated FA in forages from that period (51·8-64·1 g/100 g FA) resulted in a markedly high content of valuable FAs: t-11 C18:1 (3·22 g/100 g FA), c-9, t-11 C18:2 (CLA; 1·20 g/100 g FA) in milk. Lower fat intake of forages containing high amount of SFA (32·42-38·83 g/100 g FA) in the indoor period resulted in changes in milk composition. The content of total short-chain saturated FA (SCFA) was highest in winter and early spring samples (14·10 and 13·44 g/100 g FA, respectively), like the amounts of myristic C14:0 and palmitic C16:0 acids (11·80 and 37·92 g/100 g FA). Total odd- and branched-chain fatty acids (OBCFA; 6·58 g/100 g FA) content was highest at the beginning of the grazing period. Fresh grass consumed by cows promoted the activity of Δ(9)-desaturase in mammary gland as evidenced by higher C14:1 : C14:0 (0·054) and C16:1 : C16:0 (0·026) ratios in grazing than in the indoor periods.

Non-catalytic cracking of jojoba oil to produce fuel and chemical by-products

Thermal non-catalytic cracking of jojoba oil, a non-triacylglyceride-based wax produced by the desert plant, Simmondsia chinensis, was compared to that of triacylglyceride-based soybean oil. Optimum liquid product yield was produced at a higher temperature for jojoba oil compared to soybean oil but at similar reaction pressure and residence time. At optimum conditions, jojoba oil generated a similar gas phase fraction as soybean oil while the liquid product contained a smaller quantity of undesirable polyaromatic and non-GC-elutable (low volatility high-MW) products, with nearly 90% of the cracking liquid product being GC quantifiable. This product included a mixture of linear saturated short-chain fatty acids whose size distribution peaked at C10. It also included alkanes (predominantly linear) that peaked at C7–C8, and smaller concentrations of alkenes, aromatics, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. Thus, jojoba oil is an excellent renewable feedstock for the production of replacements for petroleum-derived transportation fuels and chemicals.

Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyl Transferase (Nampt) Is Required for De Novo Lipogenesis in Tumor Cells

Tumor cells have increased metabolic requirements to maintain rapid growth. In particular, a highly lipogenic phenotype is a hallmark of many tumor types, including prostate. Cancer cells also have increased turnover of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme involved in multiple metabolic pathways. However, a specific role for NAD+ in tumor cell lipogenesis has yet to be described. Our studies demonstrate a novel role for the NAD+-biosynthetic enzyme Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt) in maintaining de novo lipogenesis in prostate cancer (PCa) cells. Inhibition of Nampt reduces fatty acid and phospholipid synthesis. In particular, short chain saturated fatty acids and the phosphatidylcholine (PC) lipids into which these fatty acids are incorporated were specifically reduced by Nampt inhibition. Nampt blockade resulted in reduced ATP levels and concomitant activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). In spite of this, pharmacological inhibition of AMPK was not sufficient to fully restore fatty acid synthesis. Rather, Nampt blockade also induced protein hyperacetylation in PC-3, DU145, and LNCaP cells, which correlated with the observed decreases in lipid synthesis. Moreover, the sirtuin inhibitor Sirtinol, and the simultaneous knockdown of SIRT1 and SIRT3, phenocopied the effects of Nampt inhibition on fatty acid synthesis. Altogether, these data reveal a novel role for Nampt in the regulation of de novo lipogenesis through the modulation of sirtuin activity in PCa cells.

Fatty acid biomarkers of organic matter sources and early diagenetic signatures in sediments from a coastal upwelling area (south-eastern Brazil)

Sediment bulk parameters and fatty acid biomarkers were used to investigate the relative contribution of major sources of particulate organic matter during upwelling and non-upwelling conditions, at organic enriched sites on the south-eastern Brazilian coast. The degradation state of the organic material and its implications for benthic food webs were also evaluated. Temperature and salinity values indicate the intrusion of the South Atlantic Central Water in spring with a strong influence at station 4S. C:N ratios and fatty acid biomarkers suggest that sedimentary particulate organic matter is mainly autochthonous and originated from phytoplankton, zooplankton and bacteria, with a minor terrestrial contribution. Short-chain saturated fatty acids predominated, indicating the prevalence of partially degraded detritus. An exception was station 4S, where polyunsaturated fatty acids dominated, indicating the input of labile organic matter linked to upwelling of the South Atlantic Central Water. Fatty acid concentrations and the organic carbon content of the sediments suggest that food quantity is not a limiting factor for benthic fauna. Despite the high organic background of the sediments, the sporadic inputs of labile organic matter associated with South Atlantic Central Water intrusions may produce an important impact on benthic fauna and on the biogeochemistry of the sediments.

Polychaete response to fresh food supply at organically enriched coastal sites: Repercussion on bioturbation potential and trophic structure

We investigated the vertical distribution, abundance, specific and functional structure of polychaete assemblages at four organically enriched sites. The effects of fresh organic matter input from the water column driving by upwelling were evaluated. Temperature and salinity values indicate the intrusion of South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) in spring, a nutrient-rich water mass. The dominance of the conveyor belt transport (CONV) in the station influenced by SACW, in the spring survey, is associated with fresh organic matter input as indicated by higher amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Conversely, the predominance of the diffusive mixing (DIFF) bioturbation category, in the sites without SACW influence is related to the preferential accumulation of more refractive food resources as indicated by higher concentrations of short chain saturated fatty acids. At the site influenced by SACW, the changes in polychaete assemblages were not all evident during proceeding upwelling conditions, but may persist at the end of the upwelling. Polychaetes in the study area seemed to be limited by the quality but not the quantity of food. The delay in polychaete response to fresh food supply may be related to the organic enrichment and the prevalence of refractory material in the sediments.

Changes in fatty acid composition in degrading algal aggregates

Aggregates derived from senescent phytoplankton populations and associated microbial assemblages were incubated aerobically in the dark to assess the compositional changes in lipids during the degradation of artificial marine snow. The prevalence of saturated over unsaturated fatty acids indicated that aggregates were already degraded when incubation started. Nonetheless, the lipids in the artificial aggregates were quickly further degraded as indicated by a depletion in short-chain (< 20) saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. In contrast, the concentrations of long-chain (> 20) saturated fatty acids fluctuated, suggesting that some of these lipids could have been produced in situ by marine microorganisms rather than deriving from higher plant debris. In addition, a bacterial branched monounsaturated fatty acid (11-methyloctadecenoic acid), which has not been found previously in marine particles was present in artificial aggregates. Molecular (16S rRNA gene) analyses indicate that the bacterial community attached to aggregates is dominated by (predominantly uncultured) α-Proteobacteria, γ-Proteobacteria and Planctomycetes. Of these, a Roseobacter sp. which was present in artificial aggregates analysed in a parallel study (Balzano et al. 2009, Aquatic Microbial Ecology 54:291–303), can contain 11-methyloctadecenoic acid, and other bacteria present in artificial aggregates have the potential to produce long-chain saturated fatty acids. Thus, the fatty acid assemblage appears to reflect both organic matter degradation, including selective preservation, but also changes in the microbial assemblage.

Short Chain Saturated Fatty Acids Decrease Circulating Cholesterol and Increase Tissue PUFA Content in the Rat

This study investigates the effect of various dietary saturated fatty acid (SFA) profiles on plasma lipid parameters and tissue fatty acid composition in rats. The experiment was designed to monitor polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) levels, while examining different amounts and types of SFA. Four isocaloric diets were prepared, containing 10-11mol% of fatty acids (FA) as linoleic acid (LNA) and 2.5mol% as α-linolenic acid (ALA), leading to an identical and well-balanced LNA/ALA ratio. The initial rapeseed oil/corn oil mixture providing ALA and LNA was enriched with olive oil to prepare the olive oil diet. The butterfat diet was supplemented with butterfat, containing short-chain SFA (C4:0-C10:0, 17mol% of FA), lauric acid (C12:0, 3.2mol%), myristic acid (C14:0, 10.5mol%) and palmitic acid (C16:0, 14.5mol%). The saturates diet was supplemented with trilaurin, trimyristin and tripalmitin to obtain the same level of lauric, myristic and palmitic acids as the butterfat diet, without the short-chain SFA. The trimyristin diet was enriched with trimyristin only. The results showed that the butterfat diet contributed to specific effects, compared to the olive oil diet and the saturates and trimyristin diets: a decrease in plasma total, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol, higher tissue storage of ALA and LNA, and a higher level of (n-3) highly unsaturated fatty acids in some tissues. This study supports the hypothesis that in diets with identical well-balanced LNA/ALA ratios, short chain SFA may decrease circulating cholesterol and increase tissue polyunsaturated fatty acid content in the rat.

Long-chain saturated fatty acids induce pro-inflammatory responses and impact endothelial cell growth

Saturated fatty acids (SFAs), significant components of enteral and parenteral formulations, have been linked to cardiovascular complications. However, the effect of SFAs upon vascular inflammation is less clear. Endothelial cells (EC) play an important role in the acute inflammatory responses. We, therefore, evaluated the acute effects of different chain-length SFAs upon EC functions. Endothelial cells were cultured with various SFAs. Growth and cytotoxicity were determined by WST-1 assay. Apoptosis and pro-inflammatory adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) expression was assayed using flow cytometry. Activation of NF-kappaB was analyzed using western blot analysis. Long-chain SFAs (C14:0-C20:0) inhibited EC growth in a chain-length dependent manner. Medium-chain SFAs (C6:0-C12:0) did not significantly affect EC growth. In contrast, the short-chain SFA (C4:0) stimulated cellular growth. Stearic acid induced significantly more EC apoptosis and necrosis than palmitic acid or myristic acids. Stearic acid (>10muM) treatment also significantly increased ICAM-1 expression. Stearic acid's pro-inflammatory response was confirmed by phosphorylation of IkappaB-alpha and NF-kappaB in a dose dependent manner. Long-chain SFAs can induce pro-inflammatory responses and significantly impact growth and viability of EC. Our data suggest that the presence of long-chain SFAs in parenteral formulations may have harmful effects on the vascular system.

Analysis, Bioavailability, and Potential Healthy Effects of Capsanthin, Natural Red Pigment from Capsicum spp.

Capsanthin, uniquely found in capsicum spp., is a fat soluble red pigment. Capsanthin is synthesized during carotenogenesis and enhances liposolubility by esterifying with short-chain saturated fatty acids. Capsanthin and derivatives have been analyzed and identified by diverse techniques as spectrophotometry, TLC, HPLC, LC/MS, NMR, and FABMS/MS, etc. The absorptive pathways of carotenoids are similar to those of other dietary lipids. Capsanthin is found abundantly distributed at the polar surfaces of lipoproteins, and the clearance of capsanthin is much faster than those of lycopene in the human body. Capsanthin is regarded as a functional material by antioxidative activity and anti-tumor-promotion activity, even though it exhibits no provitamin A activity. In epidemiological studies, capsanthin appears to possibly exert a potent inhibitory effect on colon carcinogenesis. Therefore, increased intake of capsanthin rich foods may be helpful for the improvement of health.