Triacylglyceride Content Research Articles

Proton Gradient Regulation 5 determines reserve partitioning between starch and lipids in C. reinhardtii.

Nutrient deprivation induces reserve accumulation in unicellular algae. An absence of nitrogen in the growth media results in the reorganization of the photosynthetic apparatus and triggers an increase in starch and triacylglyceride (TAG) accumulation in different algal species. Here we study the integration of photosynthetic regulatory mechanisms with carbon partitioning under N stress in C. reinhardtii. The mutant, proton gradient regulation 5 (pgr5) is impaired in photosynthetic cyclic electron flow resulting in low chloroplastic ATP/NADPH ratios. Over a time course, under both mixotrophic and phototrophic conditions, the pgr5 mutant did not accumulate starch in the first three days, but rather degraded its meagre reserves. In contrast, there was a high TAG content in the pgr5 mutant which we show, is not linked to a selective increase in autophagy in pgr5. In all strains, proteins involved in alternative electron pathways are upregulated while Photosystem II and chlorophyll are strongly degraded; pgr5 only preferentially preserved some cyt b6f complex. Our results show that low ATP/NADPH ratios due to an absence of cyclic electron flow in pgr5 result in the mobilization of starch and strong TAG accumulation from the onset of N stress in Chlamydomonas.

Effect of seminal plasma cholesterol and triacylglycerides concentrations and sperm morphology on semen freezability in domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus)

There is scarce information about the effect of sperm morphology and seminal plasma composition on cat semen freezability. Thus, this study aims to assess the effect of cat sperm morphology and seminal plasma cholesterol (CHOL) and triacylglyceride (TAG) concentrations on sperm post-thaw survival. Ejaculates (n = 49) were evaluated, and seminal plasma was separated and frozen until CHOL and TAG concentrations were measured. The sperm pellet was diluted in a tris-based egg yolk extender, frozen (n = 38), or processed for sperm ultrastructure study (n = 11). Abnormalities recorded were abnormal head shape and size, detached heads, knobbed or ruffled acrosomes, eccentric mid-piece insertion, proximal and distal cytoplasmic droplets, folded and coiled tails, and Dag defect. Ultramicroscopic evaluation detected several sperm abnormalities in fresh semen and some sperm damage in frozen semen. Seminal plasma lipids components were positively correlated with post-thaw motility and acrosome integrity. Higher freezability indices for motility and acrosome integrity were observed in frozen-thawed semen with high seminal plasma CHOL and TAG concentrations. No freezability differences were observed between teratozoospermic and normozoospermic ejaculates. Our results showed that even when seminal plasma was removed before cryopreservation, sperm survival after thawing was significantly higher in samples with high seminal plasma CHOL and TAG concentrations, indicating a rapid adherence to these compounds to the sperm plasma membrane, protecting sperm cells from temperature changes. Nevertheless, there were no differences in sperm freezability by sperm morphology.

Biochemical and histological changes in two nonalcoholic fatty liver disease models of different severity

Background. One of the priority areas of modern medicine, which unites the interests of various specialists (therapists, cardiologists, gastroenterologists, endocrinologists), is the study of the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is widespread and of unconditional social significance. The search for adequate experimental models of NAFLD that reflect the severity of liver damage is of paramount importance for studying its etiology and pathogenesis.The aim of the study. To compare biochemical and histological changes in experimental models of NAFLD of varying severity.Materials and methods. Two NAFLD model versions were used: a light one – nonalcoholic steatosis (NAS) and a severe variant – non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The following biochemical parameters were measured: enzyme activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (AP), plasma glucose concentration, total protein (TP), total bilirubin (TBil) and its conjugate fraction (CB), plasma concentrations of homocysteine (HC), total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerides (TG), catalase (Cat), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA).Results. When used in a model of steatohepatitis, liver function was impaired to a significantly greater extent than in the model of steatosis; this difference was manifested in a statistically significant increase in ALT, AST, AP, TC, Tbil, MDA (p < 0.001) and a decrease in Cat, SOD (p < 0.05). This is confirmed by the development of more pronounced symptoms of disorders of pigment and lipid metabolism, cytolytic and cholestatic syndromes, significant activation of lipid peroxidation and depression of the antioxidant system when modeling non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Various degrees of severity of morphological changes in the experimental groups were revealed.Conclusion. The study showed the priority of determining biochemical markers, including the levels of ALT, AST, OBIL, TG, MDA and SOD to optimize laboratory methods for diagnosing the severity of liver dystrophy.The practical originality of the results lies in the optimization of the methodology for laboratory diagnosis of the severity of the pathological process in NAFLD.

T-Allele Carriers of Mono Carboxylate Transporter One Gene Polymorphism rs1049434 Demonstrate Altered Substrate Metabolization during Exhaustive Exercise.

Polymorphism rs1049434 characterizes the nonsynonymous exchange of adenosine (A) by thymidine (T) in the gene for monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1). We tested whether T-allele carriers of rs1049434 demonstrate increased accumulation of markers of metabolic strain. Physically active, healthy, young male subjects (n = 22) conducted a power-matched one-legged cycling exercise to exhaustion. Metabolic substrates in capillary blood, selected metabolic compounds, and indices for the slow oxidative phenotype of vastus lateralis muscle were quantified in samples collected before and after exercise. The genotypes of the rs1049434 polymorphism were determined with polymerase chain reactions. One-legged exercise affected the concentration of muscle metabolites entering the tricarboxylic acid cycle, such as acetyl-co-enzyme A (+448%) and acetyl-L-carnitine (+548%), muscle glycogen (-59%), and adenosine monophosphate (-39%), 30 min post-exercise. Exercise-related variability in the muscular concentration of glycogen, long-chain acyl co-enzyme As and a triglyceride, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) interacted with rs1049434. T-allele carriers demonstrated a 39% lesser reduction in glycogen after exercise than non-carriers when NADH increased only in the non-carriers. Muscle lactate concentration was 150% higher, blood triacyl-glyceride concentration was 53% lower, and slow fiber percentage was 20% lower in T-allele carriers. The observations suggest a higher anaerobic glycolytic strain during exhaustive exercise and a lowered lipid handling in T-allele non-carriers.

Abstract 2044: Disruption Of DENND5B Attenuates Triglyceride-rich Lipoprotein Secretion From Human Enterocytes And Hepatocytes

Background and Hypothesis: Elevated plasma triacylglycerides (TAGs) are an established risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and are regulated by dietary absorption via the small intestine and endogenous production by the liver. Our laboratory formerly reported that Dennd5b -deficient mice are protected from diet-induced hepatic steatosis, hyperlipidemia, and atherosclerosis. Electron microscopy imaging of the intestinal epithelium of Dennd5b -/- mice reveals significant lipid accumulation in intracellular chylomicron secretory vesicles, suggesting a post-Golgi chylomicron secretion defect. Given that Dennd5b is expressed by the two major triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TRL)-secreting organs (liver and small intestine), we hypothesized that disruption of DENND5B attenuates TRL secretion in both of these cell types in humans. Methods and Results: To determine if DENND5B disruption impairs TRL secretion in human cells, we generated DENND5B -/- intestinal epithelial (Caco-2) and hepatocyte (HepG2) cell lines using CRISPR gene editing. Western blots verified DENND5B protein reduction in DENND5B -/- cells. The impact of DENND5B deficiency on TRL secretion was quantified by measuring the cellular and secreted TAG content of DENND5B +/+ and DENND5B -/- cells under standard growth conditions and after oleic acid loading. Caco-2 cells were differentiated on membrane supports for 21 days prior to experiments. DENND5B -/- Caco-2 cells secreted significantly less TAGs compared to wild-type Caco-2 cells (-67.8%, p<0.0001). DENND5B -/- HepG2 cells also had significantly reduced TAG secretion (-91.0%, p<0.0001). Disruption of DENND5B in both cell lines reduced TAG secretion without affecting cellular TAG content. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed intracellular DENND5B protein localization consistent with secretory pathway involvement with detection on a perinuclear structure (likely Golgi), cytosolic vesicles, and plasma membrane. Conclusions: These studies suggest that DENND5B plays a role in TRL secretion from human enterocytes and hepatocytes and provide new model systems for investigating the molecular function of DENND5B in TRL secretion from human cells.

Virgin flaxseed oil supplemented or not with tocopherols and phytosterols prevents liver steatosis induced by high‐fat diets in male Wistar rats

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the effect of a virgin flaxseed oil (FO) rich in n − 3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, supplemented or not with a bioactive supplement (BS) containing tocopherols and phytosterols on the prevention of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in a high‐fat (HF) animal model. Male Wistar rats were fed 60 days with a recommended (SO7, soybean oil 7%) or an HF diet (fat, 30%) containing soybean (SO30), corn (CO30), or FO (FO30) or the same oils supplemented with 1% of BS (SO30BS, CO30BS, or FO30BS, respectively). Hepatic and dietary FA composition, triacylglycerides (TAGs) content in serum and liver, nutritional parameters, in vivo TAG‐secretion rate, liver histology, mRNA levels of β‐oxidation‐related genes, and carnitine palmitoyl transferase‐1a (CPT‐1a) enzyme activity were determined. At HF levels, FO30 and FO30BS groups showed the highest total n − 3 PUFA levels in diets and were associated with lower weight gain, liver TAG content, and microsteatosis degree. The CPT‐1a activity was enhanced in FO30 and FO30BS, showing differences only by the type of dietary oil. The BS supplementation induced an increase in the β‐oxidation‐related gene expression. Virgin FO prevented liver steatosis and hepatomegaly induced by HF diets. The BS supplementation reduced body fat accumulation and enhanced expression of β‐oxidation related genes, without affecting hepatic TAG content.Practical Applications: Scientific knowledge of functional lipids with high oxidative stability and biological activity has great practical application in reducing non‐communicable chronic diseases. This study provides evidence on the potential synergic and complementary effects of virgin FO, TP, and PS to be used for the prevention of the metabolic hepatic disorders involved during the evolution of the different steps of NAFLD. Specifically, based on different biological mechanisms, this stable combination of bioactive lipids could prevent not only the development of exacerbated hepatic TAG accumulation but also the hepatocellular injury seen at different stages from hepatic steatosis to steatohepatitis.

Ameliorative effects of aqueous extract from rosemary on oxidative stress and inflammation pathways caused by a high-fat diet in C57BL/6 mice.

Rosemary is an herb exhibits biological properties, attenuates inflammation, oxidative stress, and improves lipid profile. Here, we evaluated the effects of rosemary aqueous extract (RE) on mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Male C57BL/6 mice were administered a control diet or HFD for 10 weeks. The treated groups received RE in the diet at different concentrations: 25, 250, and 500mg/100g. After 10 weeks, serum concentrations of glucose, lipid, insulin, leptin, adiponectin, and cytokines were evaluated and the oxygen radical absorbance capacity was determined. Histological analysis was performed to determine the concentrations of triacylglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, cytokines, and antioxidant enzymes as well as the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The dietary RE ameliorated HFD-induced weight gain, adipose tissue weight, glucose intolerance, and insulin, leptin, and free fatty acid levels. Reduction in hepatic TG deposition was observed. The levels of inflammatory cytokines decreased, and the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism increased. RE mitigated oxidative stress and reduced the production of reactive oxygen species in HepG2 and 3T3-L1 cells. Therefore, RE is a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention of inflammation and oxidative stress outcomes associated with obesity.

Altered hepatic lipid droplet morphology and lipid metabolism in fasted Plin2-null mice

Perilipin 2 (Plin2) binds to the surface of hepatic lipid droplets (LDs) with expression levels that correlate with triacylglyceride (TAG) content. We investigated if Plin2 is important for hepatic LD storage in fasted or high-fat diet-induced obese Plin2+/+ and Plin2−/− mice. Plin2−/− mice had comparable body weights, metabolic phenotype, glucose tolerance, and circulating TAG and total cholesterol levels compared with Plin2+/+ mice, regardless of the dietary regime. Both fasted and high-fat fed Plin2−/− mice stored reduced levels of hepatic TAG compared with Plin2+/+ mice. Fasted Plin2−/− mice stored fewer but larger hepatic LDs compared with Plin2+/+ mice. Detailed hepatic lipid analysis showed substantial reductions in accumulated TAG species in fasted Plin2−/− mice compared with Plin2+/+ mice, whereas cholesteryl esters and phosphatidylcholines were increased. RNA-Seq revealed minor differences in hepatic gene expression between fed Plin2+/+ and Plin2−/− mice, in contrast to marked differences in gene expression between fasted Plin2+/+ and Plin2−/− mice. Our findings demonstrate that Plin2 is required to regulate hepatic LD size and storage of neutral lipid species in the fasted state, while its role in obesity-induced steatosis is less clear.

Impact of Silicon Addition on the Development of Gelled Pork Lard Emulsions with Controlled Lipid Digestibility for Application as Fat Replacers.

Pork lard gelled emulsions stabilized with two proteins [soy protein concentrate (SPC) or a pork rind protein extract (PRP)], both with and without added silicon (Si) from diatomaceous earth powder, were gelled by microbial transglutaminase and к-carrageenan. These gelled emulsions (GEs), intended as fat replacers, were evaluated in different aspects, including microstructure and technological properties during chilling storage. In addition, in vitro gastrointestinal digestion (GID) with an analysis of lipolysis and lipid digestibility was also evaluated. All GEs showed adequate technological properties after 28 days of chilling storage, although the SPC-stabilized GEs showed better gravitational and thermal stability (~4% and ~6%, respectively) during chilling storage than the PRP-stabilized ones (~8 and ~12%, respectively). PRP developed larger flocculates restricting pancreatic lipase-mediated lipolysis during intestinal digestion. The addition of Si to both GE structures protected them against disruption during in vitro digestion. Accordingly, Si appears to slow down fat digestion, as reflected by higher triacylglycerides content after GID (15 and 22% vs. 10 and 18% in GEs without Si) and could become a potential candidate for use in the development of healthier meat products.

Soy Extract, Rich in Hydroxylated Isoflavones, Exhibits Antidiabetic Properties In Vitro and in Drosophila melanogaster In Vivo.

In the context of the growing prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), control of postprandial hyperglycemia is crucial for its prevention. Blood glucose levels are determined by various factors including carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes, the incretin system and glucose transporters. Furthermore, inflammatory markers are recognized predictors of diabetes outcome. Although there is some evidence that isoflavones may exhibit anti-diabetic properties, little is known about to what extent their corresponding hydroxylated metabolites may affect glucose metabolism. We evaluated the ability of a soy extract before (pre-) and after (post-) fermentation to counteract hyperglycemia in vitro and in Drosophila melanogaster in vivo. Fermentation with Aspergillus sp. JCM22299 led to an enrichment of hydroxy-isoflavones (HI), including 8-hydroxygenistein, 8-hydroxyglycitein and 8-hydroxydaidzein, accompanied by an enhanced free radical scavenging activity. This HI-rich extract demonstrated inhibitory activity towards α-glucosidase and a reduction of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 enzyme activity. Both the pre- and post-fermented extracts significantly inhibited the glucose transport via sodium-dependent glucose transporter 1. Furthermore, the soy extracts reduced c-reactive protein mRNA and secreted protein levels in interleukin-stimulated Hep B3 cells. Finally, supplementation of a high-starch D. melanogaster diet with post-fermented HI-rich extract decreased the triacylglyceride content of female fruit flies, confirming its anti-diabetic properties in an in vivo model.

High Consumption of Lard and Fructose Modulates Larval Pupation and Stress Resistance in Drosophila Melanogaster Adults

Obesity and metabolic syndrome are becoming the number one health problem in modern society. Unhealthy diet with sedentary life style are considered to be the main causes of obesity. Food with excessive fat and fructose play an important role here. The aim of this work was to study the effects of feeding with lard, as a source of fat, or fructose, as a source of carbohydrates, on physiological and biochemical parameters of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster Canton S. The addition of 10% lard to the basic medium containing 5% fructose inhibited pupation of Canton S larvae. Medium with 15% fructose did not affect larval pupation rate. One-week feeding with medium containing 10% lard reduced climbing activity in 9-day-old Canton S males. In addition, food with 15% lard reduced climbing activity in female flies. One-week feeding with high fructose medium (15% fructose) did not affect climbing activity of flies of both sexes. Both high calorie diets, with lard and fructose, significantly increased the resistance of males to cold stress (measured by reducing time required for recovery from chill coma), but reduced heat stress resistance (determined by faster onset in heat coma at 40°C) in both sexes. The resistance of insects to starvation was reduced on high lard medium but not on fructose one. Foods enriched with fructose or lard did not affect food consumption, body masses and triacylglyceride content and levels of low- and high-molecular thiols in 9-day-old of flies of both sexes. In addition, feeding with high lard resulted in a downward trend in lower glucose and glycogen levels, whereas high fructose had the opposite effects. Thus, foods with high fructose and lard modulated stress resistance in adult flies and may affect energy metabolism. Detailed mechanisms underlying physiological effects of high fructose and lard in Drosophila needs further research.

Analysis of Hepatic Lipid Metabolism Model: Simulation and Non-Stationary Global Sensitivity Analysis

Lipid metabolism is a complex process and it is extremely helpful to simulate its performance with different models that explain all the biological processes that comprise it, which then enables its better understanding as well as understanding the kinetics of the process itself. Typically, kinetic parameters are obtained from a number of sources under specific experimental conditions, and they are a source of uncertainty. Sensitivity analysis is a useful technique for controlling the uncertainty of model parameters. It evaluates a model's dependence on its input variables. In this work, hepatic lipid metabolism was mathematically simulated and analyzed. Simulations of the model were performed using different initial plasma glucose (GB) and plasma triacylglyceride (TAG) concentrations according to proposed menus for different meals (breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner). A non-stationary Fourier amplitude sensitivity test (FAST) was applied to analyze the effect of 78 kinetic parameters on 24 metabolite concentrations and 45 reaction rates of the biological part of the hepatic lipid metabolism model at five time points (tf = 10, 50, 100, 250 and 500 min). This study examined the total influence of input parameter uncertainty on the variance of metabolic model predictions. The majority of the propagated uncertainty is due to the interactions of numerous factors rather than being linear from one parameter to one result. Obtained results showed differences in the model control regarding the different initial concentrations and also the changes in the model control over time. The aforementioned knowledge enables dietitians and physicians, working with patients who need to regulate fat metabolism due to illness and/or excessive body mass, to better understand the problem.

Are n-3 PUFAs from Microalgae Incorporated into Membrane and Storage Lipids in Pig Muscle Tissues?-A Lipidomic Approach.

For the study of molecular mechanisms of to lipid transport and storage in relation to dietary effects, lipidomics has been rarely used in farm animal research. A feeding study with pigs (German Landrace sows) and supplementation of microalgae (Schizochytrium sp.) was conducted. The animals were allocated to the control group (n = 15) and the microalgae group (n = 16). Shotgun lipidomics was applied. This study enabled us to identify and quantify 336 lipid species from 15 different lipid classes in pig skeletal muscle tissues. The distribution of the lipid classes was significantly altered by microalgae supplementation, and ether lipids of phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and phosphatidic acid (PA) were significantly decreased. The total concentration of triacylglycerides (TAGs) was not affected. TAGs with high degree of unsaturation (TAG 56:7, TAG 56:6, TAG 54:6) were increased in the microalgae group, and major abundant species like TAG 52:2 and TAG 52:1 were not affected by the diet. Our results confirmed that dietary DHA and EPA are incorporated into storage and membrane lipids of pig muscles, which further led to systemic changes in the lipidome composition.

Novel insights for PI3KC3 in mediating lipid accumulation in yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco.

In this study, the transcriptional regulation of PI3KC3 by three transcription factors (PPARγ, PPARα, and STAT3) and the potential role of PI3KC3 in mediating lipid accumulation were determined in yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco. The 5'-deletion assay, overexpression assay, site-mutation assay, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay suggested that PPARα, PPARγ, and STAT3 negatively regulated the promoter activity of pi3kc3. Moreover, the transcriptional inactivation of pi3kc3 was directly mediated by PPARα and PPARγ under fatty acid (FA) treatment. Using primary hepatocytes from yellow catfish, FA incubation significantly increased triacylglyceride (TG) content, non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) content, and lipid drops (LDs) content, the mRNA level of pparα, pparγ, stat3, and dnmt3b, the protein level of PPARα, PPARγ, and STAT3, and the methylation level of pi3kc3, but significantly reduced the mRNA and protein level of PI3KC3. Our findings offer new insights into the mechanisms for transcriptional regulation of PI3KC3 and for PI3KC3-mediated lipid accumulation in fish.

Hepatic retinaldehyde dehydrogenases are modulated by tocopherol supplementation in mice with hepatic steatosis

ObjectivesAn altered retinol metabolism might play a role in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Tocopherols (TF) modulate metabolic pathways and have been proposed as a complementary treatment of obesity-induced metabolic alterations. Moreover, there is evidence suggesting that TF may modulate retinol metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the dietary supplementation of α- and γ-TF modulates the expression of hepatic retinaldehyde dehydrogenases, RALDH1, RALDH2, and RALDH3 (involved in retinol metabolism) and, lipogenic factors sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) and cluster differentiation 36 (CD36) in an animal model of diet-induced NAFLD. MethodsMale C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups: a control diet (CD) group (10% fat, 20% protein, 70% carbohydrates); a CD + TF group (α-tocopherol: 0.7 mg·kg·d–1, γ-tocopherol: 3.5 mg·kg·d–1); a high-fat diet (HFD) group (60% fat, 20% protein, 20% carbohydrates); and a HFD + TF group (0.01 mL·g body weight·d–1), for 12 wk. General parameters (body-adipose tissue weight, glucose-triacylglyceride serum levels), liver steatosis (histology, liver triacylglycerides content), and hepatic RALDH1, RALDH2, RALDH3, SREBP-1c and CD36 (qPCR, quantitative polymerase chain reaction; IHQ, immunohistochemistry) were measured. ResultsTF supplementation in HFD-fed mice decreased the presence of lipid vesicles (90%) and total lipid content (75%) and downregulated the expression of RALDH1, RALDH3, SREBP-1c, and CD36. ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated that α- and γ-TF (1:5 ratio) might play a role in modulating retinol metabolism in the prevention of NAFLD induced by a HFD.

Influence of Light Conditions on Microalgae Growth and Content of Lipids, Carotenoids, and Fatty Acid Composition.

Simple SummaryMicroalgae are a valuable natural resource for a variety of value-added products. This determines the relevance of developments aimed at increasing the efficiency of their cultivation. First of all, the growth of microalgae is determined by the impact of light. The main parameters characterizing the light conditions during the cultivation of microalgae are light intensity, duration of lighting, and the use of rays of different spectral composition. Manipulations with the duration of the photoperiod and the use of pulsed light can avoid photodamage of microalgae cells and create conditions for the most efficient absorption of light photons. The optimal light conditions for photosynthesis, growth, accumulation of lipids, fatty acid composition, and carotenes content differ both in different taxonomic groups of microalgae and in different strains of the same species.Microalgae are a valuable natural resource for a variety of value-added products. The growth of microalgae is determined by the impact of many factors, but, from the point of view of the implementation of autotrophic growth, light is of primary importance. This work presents an overview of the influence of light conditions on the growth of microalgae, the content of lipids, carotenoids, and the composition of fatty acids in their biomass, taking into account parameters such as the intensity, duration of lighting, and use of rays of different spectral composition. The optimal light intensity for the growth of microalgae lies in the following range: 26−400 µmol photons m−2 s−1. An increase in light intensity leads to an activation of lipid synthesis. For maximum lipid productivity, various microalgae species and strains need lighting of different intensities: from 60 to 700 µmol photons m−2 s−1. Strong light preferentially increases the triacylglyceride content. The intensity of lighting has a regulating effect on the synthesis of fatty acids, carotenoids, including β-carotene, lutein and astaxanthin. In intense lighting conditions, saturated fatty acids usually accumulate, as well as monounsaturated ones, and the number of polyunsaturated fatty acids decreases. Red as well as blue LED lighting improves the biomass productivity of microalgae of various taxonomic groups. Changing the duration of the photoperiod, the use of pulsed light can stimulate microalgae growth, the production of lipids, and carotenoids. The simultaneous use of light and other stresses contributes to a stronger effect on the productivity of algae.

Lipidomic traits of plasma and cerebrospinal fluid in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis correlate with disease progression.

Since amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cases exhibit significant heterogeneity, we aim to investigate the association of lipid composition of plasma and CSF with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis diagnosis, its progression and clinical characteristics. Lipidome analyses would help to stratify patients on a molecular basis. For this reason, we have analysed the lipid composition of paired plasma and CSF samples from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cases and age-matched non-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis individuals (controls) by comprehensive liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The concentrations of neurofilament light chain—an index of neuronal damage—were also quantified in CSF samples and plasma. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis versus control comparison, in a moderate stringency mode, showed that plasma from cases contains more differential lipids (n = 122 for raw P < 0.05; n = 27 for P < 0.01) than CSF (n = 17 for raw P < 0.05; n = 4 for P < 0.01), with almost no overlapping differential species, mainly characterized by an increased content of triacylglyceride species in plasma and decreased in CSF. Of note, false discovery rate correction indicated that one of the CSF lipids (monoacylglycerol 18:0) had high statistic robustness (false discovery rate-P < 0.01). Plasma lipidomes also varied significantly with the main involvement at onset (bulbar, spinal or respiratory). Notably, faster progression cases showed particular lipidome fingerprints, featured by decreased triacylclycerides and specific phospholipids in plasma, with 11 lipids with false discovery rate-P < 0.1 (n = 56 lipids in plasma for raw P < 0.01). Lipid species associated with progression rate clustered in a relatively low number of metabolic pathways, mainly triacylglyceride metabolism and glycerophospholipid and sphingolipid biosynthesis. A specific triacylglyceride (68:12), correlated with neurofilament content (r = 0.8, P < 0.008). Thus, the present findings suggest that systemic hypermetabolism—potentially sustained by increased triacylglyceride content—and CNS alterations of specific lipid pathways could be associated as modifiers of disease progression. Furthermore, these results confirm biochemical lipid heterogeneity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with different presentations and progression, suggesting the use of specific lipid species as potential disease classifiers.

Highly Efficient Deacidification Process for Camelina sativa Crude Oil by Molecular Distillation

Recovery and reuse of high-acidity vegetable oil waste (higher content of free fatty acids) is a major concern for reducing their effect on the environment. Moreover, the conventional deacidification processes are known to show drawbacks, such as oil losses or higher costs of wastewater treatment, for which it requires great attention, especially at the industrial scale. This work presents the design of a highly efficient and sustainable process for Camelina sativa oil deacidification by using an ecofriendly method, namely molecular distillation. Experimental studies were performed to identify operating conditions for removing of free fatty acids (FFA) by molecular distillation which involves the oil evaporation in high vacuum conditions. The experimental studies were supported by statistical analysis and technical-economic analysis. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to formulate and validate second-order models to predict deacidification efficiency, FFA concentration, and triacylglyceride (TAG) concentration in deodorized oil based on three parameters effects, validated by statistical p-value &lt; 0.05. For a desirability function value of 0.9826, the optimal parameters of evaporator temperature at 173.5 °C, wiper speed at 350 rpm, and feed flowrate at 2 mL/min were selected. The results for process design at optimal conditions (using conventional and molecular distillation methods) showed an efficiency over 92%, a significant reduction in FFA (up to 1%), and an increase in TAG (up to 93%) in refined oil for both methods. From an economical point of view, the deacidification by molecular distillation of Camelina sativa oil is a sustainable process: no wastewater generation, no solvents and water consumption, and lower production costs, obtaining a valuable by-product (FFA).

1H-NMR based lipid profiling of Gossypium hirsutum seed oil at different developmental stages

1H-NMR spectroscopy is emerging as powerful robust analytical technique in analyzing bio constituents present in plants. It offers non-invasive method for identification and quantification of several Phyto-constitutes in a single step without much pre-processing of the samples. In the present study, 1H-NMR spectroscopy-based lipid profiling was performed on Gossypium hirsutum seeds, which were collected at different developmental stages. 1H-NMR study reveals the presence of sterols, butyl ester of fatty acids, free fatty acids (FFA), triacyl glycerides (TAG), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and saturated fatty acids (SFA) at different percentage at different developmental stages. The 1H-NMR result demonstrates the presence of high concentration of FFA in early developmental stage and increased concentration of TAG at maturation stage. The 1H-NMR results suggest that stage III of seed development can be identified as turning point, as at this stage sterols and butyl ester of fatty acids becomes insignificant followed by high accumulation of TAG.

Surface Acoustic Wave Nebulization–Mass Spectrometry as a New Tool to Investigate the Water Sensitivity Behavior of 20th Century Oil Paints

The sensitive surfaces of many unvarnished 20th century oil paintings are of great concern for conservators and collection keepers. They may show degradation problems such as paint delamination, dripping, and soft and sticky paint and pose challenges for cleaning due to solvent sensitivity. We report for the first time the use of an innovative ambient ionization technique, surface acoustic wave nebulization-mass spectrometry (SAWN-MS), for the identification and characterization of fatty acids, dicarboxylic species and glycerides in water-sensitive modern oil paints. The composition of 10 relevant Winsor and Newton 1964-1965 paint swatches that present different degrees of water sensitivity and two paint samples from a painting by the British artist Francis Bacon were studied. Principal component analysis was used for SAWN-MS data classification. Electrospray ionization (ESI)-MS was used as control method, specifically to compare the obtained ratios of markers of interest by the two ionization techniques. The results obtained by both ESI-MS and SAWN-MS are correlated and discussed in a broader context including the information on the oil media obtained by gas chromatography (GC-MS) and also on the inorganic materials and salts characterized using a combination of methods in previous reports on samples from the same manufacturer. SAWN-MS was found to be a suitable tool for the determination of soluble organic constituents present in the paints. The method provides an indication of the level of oxidation and hydrolysis of the paint film by monitoring specific markers such as free palmitic and stearic acids, azelaic acid, monoacylglycerols, and diacylglycerols. The data showed that a higher level of water sensitivity coupled with a high level of oxidation and hydrolysis is linked to higher dicarboxylic acid, diacyl- and triacylglyceride content and lower levels of short chain fatty acids. The data obtained by SAWN-MS provided a good correlation between the monitored species and the degree of water sensitivity.