Total Fatty Acid Composition Research Articles

Oxidative stability of crude palm oil after deep frying akara (Fried Bean Paste)

Abstract For this study 47 samples of crude palm oil (CPO) were collected, consisted of what had been used for 4 hours around the city of Salvador-Bahia. To evaluate the quality of CPO were analyzed: Total Polar Compound (TPC; %) by Adsorption Chromatography (AC), Testo 270 and Fricheck; Free fatty acids (FFA; % oleic acid), Color (CIELab); Total Carotenoids (TC; ppm), induction time (IT, h) and fatty acids composition (g 100 g-1). The TPC analysis by Testo 270 and Fricheck showed a poor linear correlation with AC (0.69 and 0.60 respectively). Otherwise 44.70% and 36.95% of samples were completely oxidized, according to CA and IT methods. All samples presented TC (11.01-331.45 ppm) and yellow color predominance. Trans fatty acids, C18:1t in 17.02% and C18:3t in 65.65% of the samples were identified. The results demonstrate the need in the deep frying control, respect to techniques used during process. As well the improvement of the quality of palm oil fresh, can minimize the degradation process during th deep frying.

Determination of Bioactive Compounds and Mineral Contents of Seedless Parts and Seeds of Grapes

In this study, phenolic compounds, minerals, total flavonoids, total phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of the seedless parts (pulp+skin) and seeds of table and wine grapes were determined. Also, the total oil, tocopherol contents and fatty acid composition of seed oils of table and wine grapes were investigated. The highest total phenolic content of the grape pulp was found in Trakya ilkeren (199.063mg/100 g), while total flavonoid and antioxidant activity of the pulp was determined at a high level in Red Globe (6.810 mg/g, 90.948%). Antioxidant activity, and the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of grape seeds varied between 86.688 and 90.974%, 421.563 and 490.625 mg GAE/100 g, and 90.595 and 145.595 mg/g respectively (p < 0.05). Generally, the main phenolic compounds of all grape pulps and seeds were gallic acid, 3,4- dihydroxybenzoic acid, (+)-catechin and 1,2-dihydroxybenzene. In addition, the oil contents of grape seeds ranged from 5.275 (Cavus) to 13.881% (Cinarli karasi) (p < 0.05). The major fatty acids of grape seed oils were linoleic, oleic and palmitic acid. The seed oil of the Trakya ilkeren variety was rich in tocopherols in comparison with the other varieties. The major minerals of both the seedless parts and the seeds were determined as K, Ca, P, S, Mg.

Functional properties of pomegranate fruit parts: influence of packaging systems and storage time

The aim of the study was to investigate the total phenolic and fatty acid composition, antioxidant and functional properties of pomegranate fruit (peel and seed oil) obtained from fruit subjected to different packaging system and long-term storage. Changes in the phytochemical characteristics and functional properties of fruit peel and seeds were investigated. The total phenolic concentration of the fruit peel declined progressively with prolonged storage. Rutin was the predominant flavonoid (3446.24 mg kg−1) in the peel, which declined by 65% in the fruit packed inside a polyliner bag (pMAP) at the end of a 4-months storage period. Punicic acid was the highest fatty acid in the seed oil with the average percentage of 68.09% and the concentration remained unaffected at the end of storage. There was a decline in the inhibitory activity (MIC, 1560.00 mg l−1) of the extracts from the peel of shrink wrapped fruit against Klebsiella pneumonia at the end of storage (4 months). With regard to anti-tyrosinase activity, the seed oil extracted from shrink wrapped fruit had better activity against diphenolase (0.49 mg l−1) at the end of storage (after 4 months). This information would be of interest for off-season processing of pomegranate by-products into value-added ingredients in the food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

Effects of low crude oil chronic exposure on the northern krill (Meganyctiphanes norvegica)

Chronic oil pollution related to gas and oil drilling activities is increasing in the sea due to the rising offshore petroleum industry activity. Among marine organisms, zooplankton play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem and therefore understanding the effects of crude oil chronic exposure on zooplankton is needed to determine the impact of oil in marine environments. The present study reports on the effect of crude oil on adult northern krill, Meganyctiphanes norvegica, collected during three seasons. Their sensitivity to oil was examined with oil concentration of 0.01 versus 0.1mgoilL−1 and photo-modified oil in flowing seawater maintained in the dark for 2weeks at in situ temperature. Oil (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PAHs) entered the krill (on average, 350 and 4400μg·kg−1 wet weight in low and medium oil treatments respectively) and a larger fraction of the krill exhibited digestive gland pathologies (enhanced apoptosis and pathology of digestive tubules) in oil treatments (27–80%) compared to a significantly lower fraction (7–13%) in treatments that received no oil. However, 2-week oil exposure at these concentrations did not significantly decrease survivorship or impair basic functioning such as feeding and respiration rates. Similarly, there were only limited changes in the transcription of 7 selected genes from head tissue. Additionally, although there was significant seasonal variation in krill total lipid content and fatty acid composition, there was no treatment effect on both these parameters, which suggests limited oxidative stress under experimental conditions. Furthermore, there was no significant treatment effect on two direct measures of oxidative stress (MDA: malondialdehyde and AOPP: advanced oxidation protein products) in any of the seasons. Nevertheless, histology clearly revealed enhanced digestive gland pathologies in krill even at low concentrations. Although krill with such pathologies continue to survive, their accumulation of PAHs may be transferred up the food chain, impacting their predators and the wider ecosystem.

Thymol feed supplementation in quail alters the percentages of nutritionally relevant egg yolk fatty acids: effects throughout incubation.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are crucial components of egg yolk and particularly prone to oxidative damage, generating losses of nutrients for embryonic development and influencing the quality of eggs for human consumption. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether dietary thymol (a natural antioxidant) is related to changes in quail egg yolk total (T), triglyceride (TG) and phospholipid (PL) fatty acid composition at different stages of embryo development. Thus female Japanese quail (100 days of age) were assigned to one of two dietary treatments (12 individuals each): CON (basal diet) or THY (0.0016 mol thymol day-1 per bird). After 2 weeks of supplementation, eggs were incubated and samples were obtained at 0, 4 and 16 days of embryonic development. In 0 day THY eggs, α-linolenic acid and n-3 PUFA in T and TG, docosahexaenoic acid and PUFA in T and arachidonic acid in TG were increased, while saturated fatty acids (SFA) in T were reduced. From 4 days on, PUFA, n-3 PUFA and SFA from T and TG in THY eggs were found to be similar to those of CON eggs. The changes in PL throughout incubation were similar in both dietary treatments. Thymol would provide the embryo with PUFA for synthesis/deposition in membranes and/or assign to supply energy. Additionally, thymol supplementation would be advisable for the production of healthier table eggs. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Chemometrics analysis on the content of fatty acid compositions in different walnut (Juglans regia L.) varieties

Content of total fat and fatty acid composition of 37 walnut (Juglans regia L.) varieties was determined by soxhlet extraction and gas chromatography and the data were mined by variation analysis, correlation analysis, path analysis, principal component analysis and cluster analysis to provide a basis on cultivating, breeding and processing of different walnut varieties which were planed in Jinzhong Prefecture of Shanxi Province of China. It indicated that the content of fatty acid compositions was all positively correlated with total fat content. Oleic acid was an important part in the process of fatty acid metabolism in walnut, which was in good agreement with the theory in plant physiology. Quantitative relationship among fatty acid compositions was a reflection of dynamic balance in the anabolism process of them, as total fat content was regarded as a constant in the law of large numbers in statistics. In addition, the 37 walnut varieties in this study could be divided into “high oil content with linolenic acid” variety group and “low oil content with high oleic acid” variety group.

Serum fatty acid profile in psoriasis and its comorbidity

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is accompanied by metabolic disturbances and cardio-metabolic disorders. Fatty acids (FAs) might be a link between psoriasis and its comorbidity. The aim of the study was to evaluate serum concentrations of FAs and to investigate their association with the disease activity, markers of inflammation and possible involvement in psoriatic comorbidity: obesity, type 2 diabetes and hypertension. We measured 14 total serum fatty acids content and composition by gas–liquid chromatography and flame-ionization detector after direct in situ transesterification in 85 patients with exacerbated plaque psoriasis and in 32 healthy controls. FAs were grouped according to their biologic properties to saturated FA (SFA), unsaturated FA (UFA), monounsaturated FA (MUFA), n-3 polyunsaturated FA (n-3 PUFA) and n-6 PUFA. Generally, patients characteristic included: Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Body Mass Index, inflammatory and biochemical markers, lipid profile and presence of psoriatic comorbidity. We have observed highly abnormal FAs pattern in psoriatic patients both with and without obesity compared to the control group. We have demonstrated association of PASI with low levels of circulating DHA, n-3 PUFA (p = 0.044 and p = 0.048, respectively) and high percent of MUFA (p = 0.024) in the non-obese psoriatic group. The SFA/UFA ratio increased with the duration of the disease (p = 0.03) in all psoriatic patients. These findings indicate abnormal FAs profile in psoriasis which may reflect metabolic disturbances and might play a role in the psoriatic comorbidity.

Effects of spawning Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) on total lipid content and fatty acid composition of river food webs

AbstractReturning Atlantic salmon subsidize rivers with marine‐derived nutrients (MDNs), potentially altering food web dynamics, shifting to reliance on marine‐derived resources. Stream channels designed to simulate natural river systems, one with MDNs from spawning Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and one without marine‐nutrient subsidies (control), were used to determine whether fatty acids (FAs) delivered to rivers and streams by spawning Atlantic salmon are incorporated by freshwater biota. Changes in FA profiles between stream channels with and without MDN inputs for biofilm, macroinvertebrates, and Atlantic salmon parr were used to characterize temporal dynamics of MDN incorporation during pre‐spawning, spawning, and post‐spawning periods. There were no differences between control and treatment stream channels prior to the addition of Atlantic salmon. Spawning Atlantic salmon had a positive effect on total lipid content in all trophic levels (biofilm, 4.33%; macroinvertebrates, 7.54%; salmon parr, 2.59%), relative to controls. Fatty acid profiles between the MDN treatment and control stream channels were similar for each biotic group prior to the introduction of adult Atlantic salmon; however, following adult salmon introductions, the FA profiles of the biofilm, invertebrates, and salmon parr differed by as much as 36.7%, 30.3%, and 22.9%, respectively, between the MDN treatment stream channels and the controls. Fatty acid profiles of the invertebrates and salmon parr from the MDN treatment stream channels tracked the FA profile of the salmon eggs. Proportions of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid varied with diet in a predictable manner related to dietary FA proportions. These responses demonstrate a change in the food web structure resulting from the establishment of this new, marine‐based, basal resource. The positive effects of MDNs increasing freshwater productivity are complimented by marine‐based lipids that represent surplus energy and an increase in the quality of resources, thereby contributing to the diversity and health of freshwater ecosystems.

Surviving anoxia in marine sediments: The metabolic response of ubiquitous benthic foraminifera (Ammonia tepida).

High input of organic carbon and/or slowly renewing bottom waters frequently create periods with low dissolved oxygen concentrations on continental shelves and in coastal areas; such events can have strong impacts on benthic ecosystems. Among the meiofauna living in these environments, benthic foraminifera are often the most tolerant to low oxygen levels. Indeed, some species are able to survive complete anoxia for weeks to months. One known mechanism for this, observed in several species, is denitrification. For other species, a state of highly reduced metabolism, essentially a state of dormancy, has been proposed but never demonstrated. Here, we combined a 4 weeks feeding experiment, using 13C-enriched diatom biofilm, with correlated TEM and NanoSIMS imaging, plus bulk analysis of concentration and stable carbon isotopic composition of total organic matter and individual fatty acids, to study metabolic differences in the intertidal species Ammonia tepida exposed to oxic and anoxic conditions. Strongly contrasting cellular-level dynamics of ingestion and transfer of the ingested biofilm components were observed between the two conditions. Under oxic conditions, within a few days, intact diatoms were ingested, degraded, and their components assimilated, in part for biosynthesis of different cellular components: 13C-labeled lipid droplets formed after a few days and were subsequently lost (partially) through respiration. In contrast, in anoxia, fewer diatoms were initially ingested and these were not assimilated or metabolized further, but remained visible within the foraminiferal cytoplasm even after 4 weeks. Under oxic conditions, compound specific 13C analyses showed substantial de novo synthesis by the foraminifera of specific polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as 20:4(n-6). Very limited PUFA synthesis was observed under anoxia. Together, our results show that anoxia induced a greatly reduced rate of heterotrophic metabolism in Ammonia tepida on a time scale of less than 24 hours, these observations are consistent with a state of dormancy.

Applications of microalgal biofilms for wastewater treatment and bioenergy production

BackgroundMicroalgae have shown clear advantages for the production of biofuels compared with energy crops. Apart from their high growth rates and substantial lipid/triacylglycerol yields, microalgae can grow in wastewaters (animal, municipal and mining wastewaters) efficiently removing their primary nutrients (C, N, and P), heavy metals and micropollutants, and they do not compete with crops for arable lands. However, fundamental barriers to the industrial application of microalgae for biofuel production still include high costs of removing the algae from the water and the water from the algae which can account for up to 30–40% of the total cost of biodiesel production. Algal biofilms are becoming increasingly popular as a strategy for the concentration of microalgae, making harvesting/dewatering easier and cheaper.ResultsWe have isolated and characterized a number of natural microalgal biofilms from freshwater, saline lakes and marine habitats. Structurally, these biofilms represent complex consortia of unicellular and multicellular, photosynthetic and heterotrophic inhabitants, such as cyanobacteria, microalgae, diatoms, bacteria, and fungi. Biofilm #52 was used as feedstock for bioenergy production. Dark fermentation of its biomass by Enterobacter cloacae DT-1 led to the production of 2.4 mol of H2/mol of reduced sugar. The levels and compositions of saturated, monosaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in Biofilm #52 were target-wise modified through the promotion of the growth of selected individual photosynthetic inhabitants. Photosynthetic components isolated from different biofilms were used for tailoring of novel biofilms designed for (i) treatment of specific types of wastewaters, such as reverse osmosis concentrate, (ii) compositions of total fatty acids with a new degree of unsaturation and (iii) bio-flocculation and concentration of commercial microalgal cells. Treatment of different types of wastewaters with biofilms showed a reduction in the concentrations of key nutrients, such as phosphates, ammonia, nitrates, selenium and heavy metals.ConclusionsThis multidisciplinary study showed the new potential of natural biofilms, their individual photosynthetic inhabitants and assembled new algal/cyanobacterial biofilms as the next generation of bioenergy feedstocks which can grow using wastewaters as a cheap source of key nutrients.

Fatty acid status in infancy is associated with the risk of type 1 diabetes-associated autoimmunity.

We investigated the association of early serum fatty acid composition with the risk of type 1 diabetes-associated autoimmunity. Our hypothesis was that fatty acid status during infancy is related to type 1 diabetes-associated autoimmunity and that long-chain n-3 fatty acids, in particular, are associated with decreased risk. We performed a nested case-control analysis within the Finnish Type 1 Diabetes Prediction and Prevention Study birth cohort, carrying HLA-conferred susceptibility to type 1 diabetes (n=7782). Serum total fatty acid composition was analysed by gas chromatography in 240 infants with islet autoimmunity and 480 control infants at the age of 3 and 6months. Islet autoimmunity was defined as repeated positivity for islet cell autoantibodies in combination with at least one of three selected autoantibodies. In addition, a subset of 43 infants with primary insulin autoimmunity (i.e. those with insulin autoantibodies as the first autoantibody with no concomitant other autoantibodies) and a control group (n=86) were analysed. A third endpoint was primary GAD autoimmunity defined as GAD autoantibody appearing as the first antibody without other concomitant autoantibodies (22 infants with GAD autoimmunity; 42 infants in control group). Conditional logistic regression was applied, considering multiple comparisons by false discovery rate <0.05. Serum fatty acid composition differed between breastfed and non-breastfed infants, reflecting differences in the fatty acid composition of the milk. Fatty acids were associated with islet autoimmunity (higher serum pentadecanoic, palmitic, palmitoleic and docosahexaenoic acids decreased risk; higher arachidonic:docosahexaenoic and n-6:n-3 acid ratios increased risk). Furthermore, fatty acids were associated with primary insulin autoimmunity, these associations being stronger (higher palmitoleic acid, cis-vaccenic, arachidonic, docosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids decreased risk; higher α-linoleic acid and arachidonic:docosahexaenoic and n-6:n-3 acid ratios increased risk). Moreover, the quantity of breast milk consumed per day was inversely associated with primary insulin autoimmunity, while the quantity of cow's milk consumed per day was directly associated. Fatty acid status may play a role in the development of type 1 diabetes-associated autoimmunity. Fish-derived fatty acids may be protective, particularly during infancy. Furthermore, fatty acids consumed during breastfeeding may provide protection against type 1 diabetes-associated autoimmunity. Further studies are warranted to clarify the independent role of fatty acids in the development of type 1 diabetes.

Effects of Low Temperature on the Fatty Acid Compositions of Adult of Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Fatty acid composition of adults of Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) which were exposed to low temperature (+4°C) for 10, 20 and 30 days were investigated. A. obtectus were reared in condition of 28 ± 2°C and 65 ± 5% relative humidity and dark until they were adult and beans were used as feed. The fatty acid compositions of triacylglycerol that were extracted from whole body of adult A. obtectus were analyzed using gas chromatography. It was determined that total fatty acid compositions of adults were composed of C12:0-C21:0 fatty acids. The major components determined in samples were oleic acid (C18: 1ω9), palmitic acid (C16: 0) and linoleic acid (C18: 2ω6). It was showed that oleic acid (59.56-61.74%), palmitic acid (16.36-18.02), linoleic acid (7.21-8.38%) and stearic acid (6.29-7.34%) constituted the major part of fatty acid compositions of adult. The results obtained from fatty acid composition analyses revealed that the decrease in percentage of total saturated fatty acid (SFA) was accompanied by increase in percentage of total monounsaturated (MUFA) fatty acids at low temperature.

Chemical evaluation of the Rhynchophorus ferrugineus larvae fed on different substrates as human food source.

We investigated the chemical composition of the weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus larvae, traditionally used as human food in Asia and known worldwide as one of the most significant pest for palm trees. Total fat content and fatty acid composition were analyzed using standard methodologies in (1) weevil larvae reared on apple fruit slices and wild specimens collected from attacked (2) Phoenix canariensis and (3) Syagrus romanzoffiana palm trees. Total fat content was extremely high in all the specimens (ranged between 57.62 and 60.03% based on dry weight). Despite sharing the same prevalent fatty acids (myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, α-linoleic acid, and α-linolenic acid), fatty acid composition of the wild weevil larvae significantly differed from that of the specimens raised on apple fruit, due to the presence of other minor compounds. In general, a good balance between unsaturated fatty acids (∼53.68% of total fatty acids) and saturated fatty acids (∼43.41% of total fatty acids) and a low cholesterol content (74.61-152.32 mg/kg based on dry matter) were detected in all the specimens. Conversely, the weevil larvae did not represent a good source of α-tocopherol (14.17-26.22 mg/kg based on dry matter). The ability of the protein extracts obtained from the weevil larvae to inhibit invitro the angiotensin-converting enzyme, the main enzyme involved in blood pressure regulation, was also investigated. To simulate gastrointestinal digestion process, protein extracts were hydrolyzed by the gastrointestinal enzymes. A significantly lower IC50 (0.588-0.623 mg/ml) was measured in all the protein extracts after enzymatic hydrolysis versus the corresponding crude protein extracts (3.270-3.752 mg/ml). Given that the weevil larvae are able to provide interesting benefits for human health, this study supports their use as human food not just in the native countries where they are traditionally consumed and farmed but also throughout the world.

Serum lipid profile as a marker of liver impairment in hepatitis B Cirrhosis patients

BackgroundChronic HBV infection is a major cause of Cirrhosis and an important risk factor to develop hepatocellular carcinoma. The study is conducted to find out the changes in the lipid metabolism of HBV-cirrhosis patients.MethodsIn the present study, serum lipid profiles of patients with HBV-cirrhosis were assessed by utilizing micro-lab and gas chromatography, while risk factors for transmission of HBV-cirrhosis studied through the standard questionnaire.ResultsThe epidemiological and etiological risk factors strongly associated with HBV-cirrhosis patients compared to controls, included as family history, shave from the barber, blood transfusion (without proper screening), mutual sharing of household contents, positive surgery history, and dental treatment. The HBV-cirrhosis patients have significantly lower level (p < 0.001) of lipid profile including total cholesterol (96.65 mg/dl), TAG (82.85 mg/dl), VLDL-C (16.57 mg/dl), LDL-C (68.27 mg/dl), HDL-C (27 mg/dl) and total lipid (424.76 mg/dl) in comparison to controls, indicating hypolipidemia in patients. The MELD score indicated mild prognostic values of the hepatic function for the study group. The result of total fatty acid composition of HBV-cirrhotic patients with comparison of control subjects reveals that palmitic (24.54 g/100 g) and palmitoleic acid (4.65 g/100 g) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher whereas eicosatrienoic (0.09 g/100 g), arachidonic (3.57 g/100 g), linoleic (22.75 g/100 g) and α-linolenic acid (0.12 g/100 g) were significantly lower. Marker for stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD = ∆9-desaturase) activity i.e. palmitoleic: palmitic (0.2) and oleic: stearic acid (1.5) ratios, originated higher in HBV-cirrhotic patients, while PUFA: SFA (0.6) was lower in HBV-cirrhosis patients as compared with control subjects. The serum SFA and MUFA were increased while PUFA were reduced in both total and free form.ConclusionPresent study concluded that hypolipidemia observed in HBV-cirrhosis patients, MELD were found to be independent predictors of survival and alteration in fatty acid composition, possibly due to impairment in fatty acid metabolism by enzymatic elongation and desaturation.

Changes in the Total Lipid, Neutral Lipid, Phospholipid and Fatty Acid Composition of Phospholipid Fractions during Pastırma Processing, a Dry-Cured Meat Product.

Pastırma is a dry-cured meat product, produced from whole beef or water buffalo muscles. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of production stages (raw meat, after curing, after 2nd drying and pastırma) on the total lipid, neutral lipid, phospholipid and fatty acid composition of phospholipid fraction of pastırma produced from beef M. Longissimus dorsi muscles. The pH and colour (L*, a* and b*) analyses were also performed in raw meat and pastırma. It was found that pastırma production stages had significant effects (p<0.01) on the total amounts of lipid, neutral lipid and phospholipid, and the highest amounts of lipid, neutral lipid and phospholipid were detected in pastırma. In pastırma, neutral lipid ratio was determined as 79.33±2.06% and phospholipid ratio as 20.67±2.06%. Phospholipids was proportionately lower in pastırma than raw meat. Pastırma production stages affected pentadecanoic acid (15:1) (p<0.01), linoleic acid (18:2n-6) (p<0.05), γ-linoleic acid (18:3n-6) (p<0.05), erucic acid (22:1n-9) (p<0.05), docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n-6) (p<0.05), total unsaturated fatty acid (ΣUSFA) (p<0.05) and total saturated fatty acid (ΣSFA) (p<0.05) ratios of phospholipid fraction and also the moisture content (p<0.01). Pastırma process also affected pH and colour (L*, a* and b*) values (p<0.01), and these values were higher in pastırma than raw meat.

MYB76 Inhibits Seed Fatty Acid Accumulation in Arabidopsis.

The MYB family of transcription factors is important in regulatory networks controlling development, metabolism and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses in Arabidopsis. However, their role in regulating fatty acid accumulation in seeds is still largely unclear. Here, we found that MYB76, localized in the nucleus, was predominantly expressed in developing seeds during maturation. The myb76 mutation caused a significant increase in the amounts of total fatty acids and several major fatty acid compositions in mature seeds, suggesting that MYB76 functioned as an important repressor during seed oil biosynthesis. RNA sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed remarkable alteration of numerous genes involved in photosynthesis, fatty acid biosynthesis, modification, and degradation, and oil body formation in myb76 seeds at 12 days after pollination. These results help us to understand the novel function of MYB76 and provide new insights into the regulatory network of MYB transcriptional factors controlling seed oil accumulation in Arabidopsis.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of effects of dietary fish oil on total fatty acid composition in mouse skin

Altering the fatty acid (FA) composition in the skin by dietary fish oil could provide therapeutic benefits. Although it has been shown that fish oil supplementation enhances EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) abundance in the skin, comprehensive skin FA profiling is needed. We established a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method, which allows precise quantification of FA profile using small (<24 mm2 for mice and <12 mm2 for humans) skin specimens that can be readily obtained from live mice and humans. We determined mouse skin FA composition after 2, 4 and 8 weeks of consuming a control diet or a diet supplemented with fish oil. Fish oil markedly enhanced EPA and DHA in mouse skin within 2 weeks, and this increase plateaued after 4 weeks. The FA composition in mouse skin was different from that of serum, indicating that skin has homeostatic control of FA metabolism. Mice fed the control diet designed to simulate Western human diet displayed similar skin FA composition as that of humans. The present study presents a validated method for FA quantification that is needed to investigate the mechanisms of actions of dietary treatments in both mouse and human skin.

Covalent immobilization of lipase onto aminopropyl-functionalized hydroxyapatite-encapsulated-γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles: A magnetic biocatalyst for interesterification of soybean oil.

Hydroxyapatite-encapsulated γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles were prepared, and lipase from Candida rugosa was then covalently bound onto the magnetic materials via covalent linkages. The magnetic carrier and immobilized lipase were characterized by enzyme activity assays, XRD, FT-IR, TEM, VSM and N2 adsorption-desorption techniques. Results demonstrated that γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles were coated with the hydroxyapatite, and the lipase was indeed tethered to the magnetic carriers without damage to their structure. The immobilized lipase showed a strong magnetic responsiveness and displayed high catalytic activities towards the interesterification of soybean oil. The interesterified products were evaluated for their total fatty acid (FA) composition, slip melting point (SMP), iodine value, triacylglycerols (TAGs) profile and FA composition at sn-2 position in TAGs. The FA positional distributions and TAG species significantly changed after the enzymatic interesterification. Besides this, the interesterified products showed an obvious reduction in their SMP in comparison with the physical blends.

Body Fat Content of Bobwhites in Relation to Food Plantings in Kansas

A wildlife habitat improvement program was initiated on the Fort Riley Military Reservation in 1961 to increase winter food supplies for bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus). As part of an ongoing evaluation of this program, 164 bobwhite quail were collected during the fall and winter of 1968-72 for fat analysis. Fat content in carcasses of birds collected <600 m from a food plot was compared with fat content of birds collected>900 m from a food plot. During winter months, birds collected near a food plot were significantly (P<0.10 to P<0.05) heavier than birds not having access to a food plot. Fat content of birds close to a food plot was likewise greater (P<0.10 to P<0.01) than fat content in birds not using food plots. Calculations indicate that birds close to food plots have sufficient energy reserves to provide a 79% greater protection against brief periods of food deprivation than birds far from a food plot. Fat energy reserves alone in a quail close to a food plot could provide sufficient energy for 2.0 days of survival whereas quail far from food plots contained fat energy reserves sufficient for only 1.1 days of survival. Reserve energy for animals is stored in the body mainly in the form of fatty acids. The quantity of stored reserve energy (fat) may be critical to the animal's survival during periods of food scarcity or extremely cold weather. Much work has been done on fat content, composition, and regulation in songbirds (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 23, 24). Only recently has any attention been given to body fat reserves of wild gallinaceous birds under natural conditions. West and Meng (25) reported on the relationship of total fat and fatty acid composition to diet of willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) in Alaska while Moss and Lough (14) presented similar data for 3 species of grouse in Scotland. Almost no attention has been given to fat reserves of bobwhite quail even though it is known that fat reserves may be essential for bird survival during periods of dietary stress (15, 23 and others). The most recent book on bobwhite quail (22) does not even discuss the importance of maintaining adequate fat reserves in quail for winter survival and spring breeding. In fact, not until only very recently has any attention been focused on basic energetics of bobwhite quail (3). Earlier I included a small amount of body-fat data

Fatty Acid Profiling and In Vitro Antihyperglycemic Effect of Leucas cephalotes (Roth) Spreng via Carbohydrate Hydrolyzing Enzyme Inhibition.

Background:Leucas cephalotes has been used by many tribes to treat variety of diseases and known to have many essential secondary metabolites. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first comparative analysis of total fatty acid (FA) composition and α-amylase inhibition activity of L. cephalotes.Objective:The present study is carried out to explore the antihyperglycemic activity and FA contents of all parts of L. cephalotes.Material and Method:Fruits, leaves, stems, and roots part of L. cephalotes have been extracted in ethanol. Simultaneously, all plant parts have been extracted in hexane with Soxhlet extraction. Ethanolic extracts have been evaluated for antihyperglycemic activity and hexane extract have been analyzed for FA identification.Result:The present study indicated that ethanolic extract of fruit and leaves have shown significant α-amylase inhibitory activity with IC50 value of 92.86 ± 0.89 and 98.09 ± 0.69 μg/mL, respectively. FA composition of all the parts of L. cephalotes was analyzed by GC/MS. Nineteen FAs have been identified in all parts of L. cephalotes in which palmitic acid, oleic acid, linolenic acid, and linoleic acid were major FAs.Conclusion:The study indicates that L. cephalotes has significant potential to inhibit α-amylase enzyme and it is a rich source of essential FAs.SUMMARY L. cephalotes has significant antidiabetic activity and will be beneficial for diabetic patients to reduce the starch breakdown and helps in reduction of postprandial hyperglycemia. It can be used in the formulation of diabetic drugs.L. cephalotes is rich source of essential FAs and may be used as a nutraceutical.Ethanol extract of fruits and leaves of L. cephalotes are showed the maximum α-amylase inhibition when compared with standard drug acarbose. Abbreviations used: DM: Diabetes Mellitus, FA: Fatty Acid, FFAs: Free Fatty Acids, FAME: Fatty Acid Methyl Ester, IC50: Inhibitor Concentration, GC-MS: Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrophotometer