Conjugated linoleic acid prompts bone formation in ovariectomized osteoporotic rats and weakens osteoclast formation after treatment with ultraviolet B

Background

Ultraviolet B (UVB) has been reported to prevent bone loss by promoting the synthesis of vitamin D. However, UVB can also enhance osteoclastic differentiation, inhibit osteogenic differentiation, and cause oxidative damage. The present study aimed to analyze the osteoprotective effects of UVB and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in rats with ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis, and to determine the interactions between UVB and CLA and their effects on bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs).

Methods

In vitro, the distance of UVB irradiation and the dose of CLA were selected by immunofluorescence assays and Cytotoxicity assay. BMSCs and BMMCs were detected by immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence assays. In vivo, three-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats that had undergone ovariectomy were treated with UVB and CLA. After 8 weeks of therapy, the femurs of the rats were examined by micro-computed tomography (CT) and immunohistochemical detection to assess the therapeutic efficacy.

Results

The least inhibitive UVB distance and dosage of CLA were selected for the in vivo experiments. CLA effectively weakened the osteogenic inhibitory effect of UVB (72 cm), significantly improved the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), promoted the formation of mineralized nodules, and alleviated the oxidative damage induced by UVB. CLA also effectively weakened the osteoclast-promoting effect of UVB (72 cm), inhibited osteoclast formation, and inhibited the inflammatory damage to BMMCs caused by UVB (72 cm) irradiation. Micro-CT results showed that UVB irradiation could promote bone formation in ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats, while CLA could significantly promote bone regeneration. Immunofluorescence assays results showed that CLA alleviated UVB-induced oxidative damage to osteoblasts. The ROS detection results demonstrated that CLA effectively alleviated UVB-induced oxidative damage to BMSCs. Furthermore, Immunohistochemical assays showed that UVB and CLA treatment increased bone density, inhibited osteolytic osteolysis, and enhanced osteogenic activity.

Conclusions

CLA can effectively weaken osteoclast promotion, osteogenic inhibition, and oxidative damage caused by UVB. Combination treatment of UVB and CLA exerts an osteoprotective effect on ovariectomized osteoporotic rats and stimulates osteogenesis. The molecular mechanism of this interaction requires further investigation.

cis 9, trans 11, but not trans 10, cis 12 CLA isomer, impairs intestinal epithelial barrier function in IPEC-J2 cells and mice through activation of GPR120-[Ca2+]i and the MLCK signaling pathway

This study aimed to investigate the effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on intestinal epithelial barrier function and explore the underlying mechanisms. IPEC-J2 cells and mice were treated with different CLA isomers. The intestinal epithelial barrier function determined by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), the expression of tight junction proteins, and the involvement of G-protein coupled receptor 120 (GPR120), intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) were assessed. In vitro, c9, t11-CLA, but not t10, c12-CLA isomer, impaired epithelial barrier function in IPEC-J2 by downregulating the expression of tight junction proteins. Meanwhile, c9, t11-CLA isomer enhanced GPR120 expression, while knockdown of GPR120 eliminated the impaired epithelial barrier function induced by c9, t11-CLA isomer. In addition, c9, t11-CLA isomer increased [Ca2+]i and activated the MLCK signaling pathway in a GPR120-dependent manner. However, chelation of [Ca2+]i reversed c9, t11-CLA isomer-induced MLCK activation and the epithelial barrier function impairment of IPEC-J2. Furthermore, inhibition of MLCK totally abolished the impairment of epithelial barrier function induced by c9, t11-CLA. In vivo, dietary supplementation of c9, t11-CLA rather than t10, c12-CLA isomer decreased the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins and GPR120, increased intestinal permeability, and activated the MLCK signaling pathway in mice. Taken together, our findings showed that c9, t11-CLA, but not t10, c12-CLA isomer, impaired intestinal epithelial barrier function in IPEC-J2 cells and mice through activation of GPR120-[Ca2+]i and the MLCK signaling pathway. These data provided new insight into the regulation of the intestinal epithelial barrier by different CLA isomers and more references for CLA application in humans and animals.

Evaluating the effect of a mixture of two main conjugated linoleic acid isomers on hepatic steatosis in HepG2 cellular model

Hepatic steatosis is an early form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), caused by abnormal fat deposition in the hepatocytes. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a group of positional and geometric dienoic isomers of linoleic acid that attract significant attention because of its beneficial effects on chronic diseases such as cancer, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. This study examined the influence of a mixture of two main CLA isomers (CLA-mix) on lipid accumulation and lipid metabolism-related genes using HepG2 cells treated with palmitic acid (PA) as an in vitro model for hepatic steatosis. Methods and Results: HepG2 cells were treated for 24 h: control (BSA), model (BSA + PA), and treated groups (BSA-PA + non-toxic concentrations of CLA-mix). Intracellular lipid deposition, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and gene expression were measured by Oil-Red O staining, colorimetric assay kits and real-time PCR, respectively. CLA-mix at high concentrations had significantly decreased intracellular total lipid and TG deposition compared to the model group. However, none of the CLA-mix concentrations had a significant effect on the intracellular TC level. CLA-mix significantly increased the expression of some genes mainly regulated by PPARα but did not alter the expression of lipogenesis-related genes. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that high concentrations of CLA-mix protect against hepatic steatosis and play a role in regulating fatty acid oxidation and bile excretion through the PPARα pathway. It is suggested that the effect of different ratios of two main CLA isomers on the amount and ratio of bile compounds be investigated in future studies.

Probiotic fermented oat dairy beverage: viability of Lactobacillus casei, fatty acid profile, phenolic compound content and acceptability

The combination of oats such as water-soluble oat extract (SOE) and probiotic microorganisms can add nutritional value to the food and benefits to the consumer's health. The SOE contains soluble fiber, whose major soluble fraction is composed of β-glucan contains soluble antioxidants such as ferulic acid, avenanthramides and other phenolic acids. The purpose of this study was to develop a fermented dairy beverage containing SOE, evaluating the viability of the probiotic culture, the fatty acid profile, phenolic compounds content and sensory characteristics during the storage. It was verified that Lactobacillus casei remained viable during the 21 days of storage (count above 7 Log CFU.mL^-1) and that the addition of SOE does not affect the viability of probiotic bacteria. The levels of bioactive compounds soluble in aqueous medium, increased between the beginning of the experiment and the end, being influenced by the addition of SOE. Seven fatty acids were found in all formulations with a prevalence of C16:0 followed by C18:1. The addition of SOE in the formulation contributes to a significant increase in linoleic acid (C18:2n6). The sensory evaluation of the fermented oat dairy beverage with L. casei (BAC) was positive: the product was highly appreciated by consumers, with acceptance rate of 84.4%. The combination of SOE, with L. casei in the production of novel probiotic fermented dairy beverage, was technologically feasible, improving the functional properties of the product and offering health benefits to the consumer. More studies should be made to evaluate the composition and functional properties of SOE.

High-energy diet does not overcome the negative impact of conjugated linoleic acid on young broiler performance

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation in diets with different energy levels in broiler performance. Birds were offered a starter (1-21 d), grower (22-35 d) and finisher (36-42 d) diets; wherein soybean oil was replaced by CLA. The study consisted of a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with two CLA levels (0 and 1%) and three energy levels (3050, 3100 and 3150 ME kg-1 diet). During the grower and finisher periods, birds were fed diets with same energy level and CLA supplementation was maintained the same. Growth performance was assessed weekly, and carcass and cuts yield were assessed at 42d. Interaction effect of CLA by energy level was observed in broiler performance and carcass yield throughout the study (p > 0.05). During the overall period (1-42 d) broiler performance was not affected by CLA (p > 0.05).However, CLA supplementation (1%) decreased weight gain (p < 0.05) at 21d, regardless of energy level, with no effects on feed intake and feed conversation rate (p > 0.05). The increase in dietary energy was not able to compensate the negative effect on growth performance of broilers supplemented with 1% CLA at the starter period.

Transcriptomic Analyses Reveal the Protective Immune Regulation of Conjugated Linoleic Acids in Sheep Ruminal Epithelial Cells

The ruminal epithelium is continuously challenged by antigens released by the lysis of dead microbial cells within the rumen. However, the innate immune system of the ruminal epithelium can almost always actively respond to these challenges. The cross talk between the ruminal microbiota and innate immune cells in the ruminal epithelium has been suggested to play an important role in sustaining the balance of immune tolerance and inflammatory response in the rumen. We hypothesized that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a functional microbial metabolite in the rumen, may contribute to the immune regulation in rumen epithelial cells (RECs); therefore, we first established an immortal REC line and then investigated the regulatory effects of CLA on the immune responses in these RECs. The results showed that long-term REC cultures were successfully established via SV40T-induced immortalization. Transcriptome analysis showed that a 100 μM CLA mixture consisting of 50:50 cis-9, trans-11:trans-10, cis-12 CLA significantly downregulated the expression of the inflammatory response-related genes TNF-α, IL-6, CX3CL1, IRF1, ICAM1 and EDN1, and upregulated the expression of the cell proliferation-related genes FGF7, FGF21, EREG, AREG and HBEGF and the lipid metabolism-related genes PLIN2, CPT1A, ANGPTL4, ABHD5 and SREBF1 in the RECs upon LPS stimulation. Correspondingly, the GO terms regulation of cell adhesion, response to stimulus and cytokine production and KEGG pathways TNF and HIF-1 signaling, ECM-receptor interaction and cell adhesion molecules were identified for the significantly downregulated genes, while the GO terms epithelial cell proliferation and regulation of epithelial cell migration and the KEGG pathways PPAR, ErbB and adipocytokine signaling were identified for the RECs with significantly upregulated CLA-pretreated genes upon LPS stimulation. These findings revealed that CLA conferred protective immunity onto the RECs by inhibiting proinflammatory processes, promoting cell proliferation and regulating lipid metabolism related to the immune response.

The Effect of Low-Temperature Crystallization of Fish Oil on the Chemical Composition, Fatty Acid Profile, and Functional Properties of Cow's Milk

The study aimed to investigate the effect of supplementation of fish oil after the process of low-temperature crystallization (LTC-FO) enriched with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) on cow milk parameters. The experiment was carried out on 24 Polish Holstein Friesian cows. For 4 weeks, experimental (EXP) group animals (n = 12) were fed LTC-FO (1% of dry matter). Milk was collected two times: on days 14 and 30. LTC-FO supplementation decreased milk fat yield and concentration (p < 0.01). Higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including these with beneficial biological properties, i.e., eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosahexaenoic (DHA), docosapentaenoic (DPA), CLA, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and TVA (p < 0.01), and lower levels of SFAs, especially short- (p < 0.01) and medium-chain ones (p < 0.05, p < 0.01), were found in the EXP group. The addition of LTC-FO reduced the value of atherogenic and thrombogenic indices as well as SFA/UFA and n-6/n-3 ratios and increased the content of n-3 PUFA and functional fatty acids (p < 0.01). The addition of LTC-FO also increased the delta-9 desaturase index for CLA/TVA and decreased it for pairs C14:1/C14:0 and C16:1/C16:0 (p < 0.05, p < 0.01).

Current Evidence to Propose Different Food Supplements for Weight Loss: A Comprehensive Review

The use of food supplements for weight loss purposes has rapidly gained popularity as the prevalence of obesity increases. Navigating through the vast, often low quality, literature available is challenging, as is providing informed advice to those asking for it. Herein, we provide a comprehensive literature revision focusing on most currently marketed dietary supplements claimed to favor weight loss, classifying them by their purported mechanism of action. We conclude by proposing a combination of supplements most supported by current evidence, that leverages all mechanisms of action possibly leading to a synergistic effect and greater weight loss in the foreseen absence of adverse events. Further studies will be needed to confirm the weight loss and metabolic improvement that may be obtained through the use of the proposed combination.

Punica granatum L.-derived omega-5 nanoemulsion improves hepatic steatosis in mice fed a high fat diet by increasing fatty acid utilization in hepatocytes

Pomegranate seed oil (PSO) is mainly composed of punicic acid (PA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid also known as omega-5 (ω-5), a potent antioxidant associated with a variety of metabolic and cellular beneficial effects. However, the potential benefits of a nanoemulsified version of ω-5 (PSOn) have not been evaluated in a pathological liver condition. Here, we examined whether PSOn had beneficial effects on C57BL/6N mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD), specifically on hepatic steatosis. We observed that PSOn supplementation decreased body weight and body fat mass in control mice, whereas glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, energy expenditure, and hepatic steatosis were improved in both control mice and in mice fed a HFD. Interestingly, PSOn increased fatty acid oxidation in primary hepatocytes and antioxidant gene expression. Altogether, our data indicate that PSOn effectively reduces some of the HFD-derived metabolic syndrome indicators by means of an increase in fatty acid oxidation within hepatocytes.

Milk fat: opportunities, challenges and innovation

Milk fat is a high-value milk component that is processed mainly as butter, cheese, cream and whole milk powder. It is projected that approximately 35 million tonnes of milk fat will be produced globally by 2025. This surplus, enhances the need for diversification of milk fat products and the milk pool in general. Infant milk formula producers, for instance, have incorporated enzyme modified ("humanised") milk fat and fat globule phospholipids to better mimic human milk fat structures. Minor components like mono- and di-glycerides from milk fat are increasingly utilized as emulsifiers, replacing palm esters in premium-priced food products. This review examines the chemistry of milk fat and the technologies employed for its modification, fractionation and enrichment. Emerging processing technologies such as ultrasound, high pressure processing, supercritical fluid extraction and fractionation, can be employed to improve the nutritional and functional attributes of milk fat. The potential of recent developments in biological intervention, through dietary manipulation of milk fatty acid profiles in cattle also offers significant promise. Finally, this review provides evidence to help redress the imbalance in reported associations between milk fat consumption and human health, and elucidates the health benefits associated with consumption of milk fat and dairy products.

Body Fat Changes and Liver Safety in Obese and Overweight Women Supplemented with Conjugated Linoleic Acid: A 12-Week Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Preliminary evidence suggests that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may reduce body weight and affect body composition. The present study assessed the effect of CLA supplementation on body fat composition in overweight and obese women, while also evaluating the liver safety of CLA use. Seventy-four obese or overweight women were randomly assigned to receive 3 g/day CLA or placebo for 12 weeks. Body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) and liver function (¹³C-methacetin breath test and serum liver enzymes) were assessed before and after the trial. Patients receiving CLA experienced a significant reduction of total body fat expressed as mass (p = 0.0007) and percentage (p = 0.0006), android adipose tissue (p = 0.0002), gynoid adipose tissue (p = 0.0028), and visceral adipose tissue (p = 4.2 × 10⁻⁹) as well as a significant increase in lean body mass to height (p = 6.1 × 10⁻¹¹) when compared to those receiving a placebo. The maximum momentary 13C recovery changes and end-point values were significantly higher in the CLA group when compared to the placebo group (p = 0.0385 and p = 0.0076, respectively). There were no significant changes in alanine aminotransferase, asparagine aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activities between the groups. In conclusion, CLA supplementation was well tolerated and safe for the liver, which shows beneficial effects on fat composition in overweight and obese women.

The Effect of CLA-Rich Isomerized Poppy Seed Oil on the Fat Level and Fatty Acid Profile of Cow and Sheep Milk

The aim of the study was to examine the effect of dietary supplementation of isomerized poppy seed oil (IPO) enriched with conjugated dienes of linoleic acid (CLA) on cow and sheep milk parameters (fat content, fatty acid profile, Δ9-desaturase index, and atherogenic index). The process of poppy seed oil alkaline isomerization caused the formation of CLA isomers with cis-9,trans-11, trans-10,cis-12, and cis-11,trans-13 configurations in the amounts of 31.2%, 27.6%, and 4.1% of total fatty acids (FAs), respectively. Animal experiments were conducted on 16 Polish Holstein Friesian cows (control (CTRL) and experimental (EXP), n = 8/group) and 20 East Friesian Sheep (CTRL and EXP, n = 10/group). For four weeks, animals from EXP groups received the addition of IPO in the amount of 1% of dry matter. Milk was collected three times: on days 7, 14, and 30. Diet supplementation with IPO decrease milk fat content (p < 0.01). Milk fat from EXP groups had higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including FAs with beneficial biological properties, that is, CLA and TVA (p < 0.01), and lower levels of saturated fatty acids, particularly short- (p < 0.01) and medium-chain FAs (p < 0.05). The addition of IPO led to a decrease in the atherogenic index.

Evaluation of Downstream Processing, Extraction, and Quantification Strategies for Single Cell Oil Produced by the Oleaginous Yeasts Saitozyma podzolica DSM 27192 and Apiotrichum porosum DSM 27194

Single cell oil (SCO) produced by oleaginous yeasts is considered as a sustainable source for biodiesel and oleochemicals since its production does not compete with food or feed and high yields can be obtained from a wide variety of carbon sources, e.g., acetate or lignocellulose. Downstream processing is still costly preventing the broader application of SCO. Direct transesterification of freeze-dried biomass is widely used for analytical purposes and for biodiesel production but it is energy intensive and, therefore, expensive. Additionally, only fatty acid esters are produced limiting the subsequent applications. The harsh conditions applied during direct esterification might also damage high-value polyunsaturated fatty acids. Unfortunately, universal downstream strategies effective for all yeast species do not exist and methods have to be developed for each yeast species due to differences in cell wall composition. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate three industrially relevant cell disruption methods combined with three extraction systems for the SCO extraction of two novel, unconventional oleaginous yeasts, Saitozyma podzolica DSM 27192 and Apiotrichum porosum DSM 27194, based on cell disruption efficiency, lipid yield, and oil quality. Bead milling (BM) and high pressure homogenization (HPH) were effective cell disruption methods in contrast to sonification. By combining HPH (95% cell disruption efficiency) with ethanol-hexane-extraction 46.9 ± 4.4% lipid/CDW of S. podzolica were obtained which was 2.7 times higher than with the least suitable combination (ultrasound + Folch). A. porosum was less affected by cell disruption attempts. Here, the highest disruption efficiency was 74% after BM and the most efficient lipid recovery method was direct acidic transesterification (27.2 ± 0.5% fatty acid methyl esters/CDW) after freeze drying. The study clearly indicates cell disruption is the decisive step for SCO extraction. At disruption efficiencies of >90%, lipids can be extracted at high yields, whereas at lower cell disruption efficiencies, considerable amounts of lipids will not be accessible for extraction regardless of the solvents used. Furthermore, it was shown that hexane-ethanol which is commonly used for extraction of algal lipids is also highly efficient for yeasts.

Phytochemical analysis and biological activities of in vitro cultured Nidularium procerum, a bromeliad vulnerable to extinction

This study reports the first phytochemical and biological characterization in treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma cells (H295R) of extracts from Nidularium procerum, an endemic bromeliad of Atlantic Forest vulnerable to extinction. Extracts of dry leaves obtained from in vitro-grown plants were recovered by different extraction methods, viz., hexanoic, ethanolic, and hot and cold aqueous. Chromatography-based metabolite profiling and chemical reaction methods revealed the presence of flavonoids, steroids, lipids, vitamins, among other antioxidant and antitumor biomolecules. Eicosanoic and tricosanoic acids, α-Tocopherol (vitamin E) and scutellarein were, for the first time, described in the Nidularium group. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts contained the highest phenolic content (107.3 mg of GAE.100 g-1) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, respectively. The immunomodulatory and antitumoral activities of aqueous extracts were assessed using specific tests of murine macrophages modulation (RAW 264.7) and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay against adrenocortical carcinoma cell line, respectively. The aqueous extract improved cell adhesion and phagocytic activities and phagolysossomal formation of murine macrophages. This constitutes new data on the Bromeliaceae family, which should be better exploited to the production of new phytomedicines for pharmacological uses.

Bioactivity and health effects of ruminant meat lipids. Invited Review

Ruminant meat (RM) is an excellent source of high-quality protein, B vitamins and trace minerals and plays an important role in global food and nutrition security. However, nutritional guidelines commonly recommend reduced intake of RM mainly because of its high saturated fatty acid (SFA) content, and more recently because of its perceived negative environmental impacts. RM is, however, rich in heart healthy cis-monounsaturated fatty acids and can be an important source of long-chain omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids in populations with low fish consumption. In addition, RM is a source of bioactive phospholipids, as well as rumen-derived bioactive fatty acids including branched-chain, vaccenic and rumenic acids, which have been associated with several health benefits. However, the role of bioactive RM lipids in maintaining and improving consumers' health have been generally ignored in nutritional guidelines. The present review examines RM lipids in relation to human health, and evaluates the effectiveness of different feeding strategies and possibilities for future profile and content improvement.

Genome-Wide Detection of Key Genes and Epigenetic Markers for Chicken Fatty Liver

Chickens are one of the most important sources of meat worldwide, and the occurrence of fatty liver syndrome (FLS) is closely related to production efficiency. However, the potential mechanism of FLS remains poorly understood. An integrated analysis of data from whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) sequencing was conducted. A total of 1177 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 1442 differentially methylated genes (DMGs) were found. There were 72% of 83 lipid- and glucose-related genes upregulated; 81% of 150 immune-related genes were downregulated in fatty livers. Part of those genes was within differentially methylated regions (DMRs). Besides, sixty-seven lncRNAs were identified differentially expressed and divided into 13 clusters based on their expression pattern. Some lipid- and glucose-related lncRNAs (e.g., LNC_006756, LNC_012355, and LNC_005024) and immune-related lncRNAs (e.g., LNC_010111, LNC_010862, and LNC_001272) were found through a co-expression network and functional annotation. From the expression and epigenetic profiles, 23 target genes (e.g., HAO1, ABCD3, and BLMH) were found to be hub genes that were regulated by both methylation and lncRNAs. We have provided comprehensive epigenetic and transcriptomic profiles on FLS in chicken, and the identification of key genes and epigenetic markers will expand our understanding of the molecular mechanism of chicken FLS.

Analyses on the binding interaction between rice glutelin and conjugated linoleic acid by multi-spectroscopy and computational docking simulation

It is an interesting topic to elucidate the interaction among plant proteins and bioactive lipid components. However, there is a shortage of understanding regarding the nature of the interaction between rice protein and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). In this study, the intrinsic fluorescence intensity of rice glutelin (RG) was quenched upon increasing concentrations of CLA, indicating the occurrence of an interaction between them. Thermodynamic analysis showed that the RG-CLA binding process occurred spontaneously and hydrogen bonds were the primary driving force. Moreover, only one binding site was calculated between RG and CLA by the intrinsic fluorescence data. The surface hydrophobicity of RG was reduced with increasing CLA. Circular dichroism and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy showed conformational and microenvironmental changes around the chromophores of RG. The α-helical content increased and β-sheet content declined after the binding reaction. The computational docking program displayed the target site in which CLA and amino acid residues of RG might be linked together. This study provides valuable insights into the nature of the interactions between plant proteins and fatty acids.

Effect of probiotics on obesity-related markers per enterotype: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial

Background

Prevention and improvement of disease symptoms are important issues, and probiotics are suggested as a good treatment for controlling the obesity. Human gut microbiota has different community structures. Because gut microbial composition is assumed to be linked to probiotic function, this study evaluated the efficacy of probiotics on obesity-related clinical markers according to gut microbial enterotype.

Methods

Fifty subjects with body mass index over 25 kg/m² were randomly assigned to either the probiotic or placebo group. Each group received either unlabeled placebo or probiotic capsules for 12 weeks. Body weight, waist circumference, and body composition were measured every 3 weeks. Using computed tomography, total abdominal fat area and visceral fat area were measured. Blood and fecal samples were collected before and after the intervention for biochemical parameters and gut microbial compositions analysis.

Results

Gut microbial compositions of all the subjects were classified into two enterotypes according to Prevotella/Bacteroides ratio. The fat percentage, blood glucose, and insulin significantly increased in the Prevotella-rich enterotype of the placebo group. The obesity-related markers, such as waist circumference, total fat area, visceral fat, and ratio of visceral to subcutaneous fat area, were significantly reduced in the probiotic group. The decrease of obesity-related markers was greater in the Prevotella-rich enterotype than in the Bacteroides-rich enterotype.

Conclusion

Administration of probiotics improved obesity-related markers in obese people, and the efficacy of probiotics differed per gut microbial enterotype and greater responses were observed in the Prevotella-dominant enterotype.

Prolongation of secondary drying step of phospholipid lyophilization greatly improves acidolysis reactions catalyzed by immobilized lecitase ultra

Conjugated linolenic acid (CLA) has important health effects, and their phospholipids forms (PL) are advantageous vehicles of this bioactive agent. Acidolysis of soybean phosphatidylcholine (PC) with conjugated linolenic acid (CLA) catalyzed by Lecitase® Ultra immobilized on Duolite A658 was studied. This reaction is typically limited by hydrolysis, producing 60-90 % of lyso- and glycero-PC and yielding low the process efficiency. Drying the amphiphilic PC material was found the key factor for maximal diacylglycerol phosphatidylcholines (PC) production and different drying approaches were studied to maximize the formation of PC rich in CLA in a solvent free process. PC lyophilization for 24 h getting dry solid appearance (PC; 783 ± 11 mg water/Kg PC) or other standard protocols to reduce water content/activity of reaction medium, did not improve the reaction performance. However, adding 4 extra days to the second step of lyophilization at high vacuum (1 Pa) and moderate temperature (20 °C), followed by further PC dehydration with molecular sieves, drastically reduced the hydrolysis process by achieving a extensive PC dehydration (279 ± 4 mg water/Kg PC), obtaining for the first time >99% molar yield of diacyl-PC product. After 24 h of reaction, a diacyl-PC product with 72.3% CLA content was obtained. PC molecules containing two CLA were the major species formed.

Contemporary management techniques of asthma in obese patients

Introduction: Obesity-associated asthma represents a heterogeneous group of clinical phenotypes, including an adult-onset phenotype. These patients often have difficult to control symptoms and often are less likely to respond to conventional asthma therapies.Areas covered: This review covers the effects of lifestyle interventions, including diet and weight loss, effect asthma outcomes and how obesity-associated asthma responds to conventional approaches to asthma management.Expert opinion: Management of obesity-associated asthma should include lifestyle modifications aimed at weight reduction, management of other co-morbidities, and limiting systemic steroids. As many of these patients have non-Th2 asthma, long-acting muscarinic antagonists and macrolides may be potentially helpful. Medications to treat metabolic syndrome.

Lipase Catalyzed Acidolysis for Efficient Synthesis of Phospholipids Enriched with Isomerically Pure cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12 Conjugated Linoleic Acid

The production of phospholipid (PL) conjugates with biologically active compounds is nowadays an extensively employed approach. This type of phospholipids conjugates could improve bioavailability of many poorly absorbed active compounds such as isomers of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which exhibit versatile biological effects. The studies were carried out to elaborate an efficient enzymatic method for the synthesis of phospholipids with pure (>90%) cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12 CLA isomers. For this purpose, three commercially available immobilized lipases were examined in respect to specificity towards CLA isomers in acidolysis of egg-yolk phosphatidylcholine (PC). Different incorporation rates were observed for the individual CLA isomers. Under optimal conditions: PC/CLA molar ratio 1:6; Rhizomucor miehei lipase loading 24% wt. based on substrates; heptane; DMF, 5% (v/v); water activity (aw), 0.11; 45 °C; magnetic stirring, 300 rpm; 48 h., effective incorporation (EINC) of CLA isomers into PC reached ca. 50%. The EINC of CLA isomers was elevated for 25–30% only by adding a water mimic (DMF) and reducing aw to 0.11 comparing to the reaction system performed at aw = 0.23. The developed method of phosphatidylcholine acidolysis is the first described in the literature dealing with isometrically pure CLA and allow to obtain very high effective incorporation.

[Trans fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid in food: origin and biological properties]

Introduction

Trans fatty acids (TFA) are minor lipid components present in different foods, including ruminant derived products, which have received great attention due to their relationship with cardiovascular disease risk. The origin of TFA in food is mainly related to the industrial hydrogenation processes of unsaturated vegetable oils, but they can also occur naturally in the digestive tract of ruminants by enzymatic biohydrogenation reactions. Both mechanisms generate similar TFA compounds. However, TFA consumption may exert different biological effects depending on the isomeric distribution, which is strongly influenced by the dietary source (i.e., industrial or natural). Industrial hydrogenated vegetable fats are rich in elaidic (trans-9 18:1) and trans-10 18:1 fatty acids, among others. In contrast, vaccenic acid (trans-11 18:1) is the major TFA isomer detected in milk and other ruminant derived products. Vaccenic acid is the physiological precursor of conjugated linoleic acid, a bioactive lipid with beneficial effects on human health. This article provides updated information on the biological effects and potential bioactive properties of TFA considering both, their chemical structure and provenance.

Natural CLA-Enriched Lamb Meat Fat Modifies Tissue Fatty Acid Profile and Increases n-3 HUFA Score in Obese Zucker Rats

Ruminant fats are characterized by different levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and α-linolenic acid (18:3n-3, ALA), according to animal diet. Tissue fatty acids and their N-acylethanolamides were analyzed in male obese Zucker rats fed diets containing lamb meat fat with different fatty acid profiles: (A) enriched in CLA; (B) enriched in ALA and low in CLA; (C) low in ALA and CLA; and one containing a mixture of olive and corn oils: (D) high in linoleic acid (18:2n-6, LA) and ALA, in order to evaluate early lipid metabolism markers. No changes in body and liver weights were observed. CLA and ALA were incorporated into most tissues, mirroring the dietary content; eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) increased according to dietary ALA, which was strongly influenced by CLA. The n-3 highly-unsaturated fatty acid (HUFA) score, biomarker of the n-3/n-6 fatty acid ratio, was increased in tissues of rats fed animal fats high in CLA and/or ALA compared to those fed vegetable fat. DHA and CLA were associated with a significant increase in oleoylethanolamide and decrease in anandamide in subcutaneous fat. The results showed that meat fat nutritional values are strongly influenced by their CLA and ALA contents, modulating the tissue n-3 HUFA score.

Meat Production from Dairy Breed Lambs Due to Slaughter Age and Feeding Plan Based on Wheat Bran

Simple Summary

The sheep meat sector in southern Italy, based mainly on light milk-fed lambs, requires technical innovations to improve the production system, the product quality, and enhance the consumption of lamb meat. To fulfill these requirements, this investigation aimed to implement feeding strategies to reduce the cost and energy level of diets for dairy breed lambs slaughtered at an older age than the light lambs, applying a feed restriction at 75% and/or including an inexpensive and local byproduct, such as durum wheat bran (DWB), as a fiber source. The proposed feeding plans were suitable to increase the slaughter age of lambs up to 120 days and produce lean carcasses that, compared to those from 90-day-old lambs, were heavier and with improved meat quality in terms of major water retention and tenderness. The dietary inclusion of DWB limited the fat content and improved the health properties of lamb meat with regard to its antioxidant capacity and fatty acid profile, whereas it reduced lambs’ growth when associated with feed restriction.

Abstract

This experiment aimed to investigate the possibility to increase the carcass weight of dairy breed lambs and produce moderate-fat meat by applying inexpensive feeding strategies based on restriction and through the use of a fibrous byproduct such as the durum wheat bran (DWB). Sixty-five 45-day-old lambs of the Valle del Belice breed, divided into 6 groups, were fed alfalfa hay supplemented with concentrate feeds including DWB at 0% or 20% (DWB0, DWB20), supplied ad libitum (L) or restricted at 75% (R), and slaughtered at 90 or 120 days of age. The groups were as follows: DWB0-90L (n = 14), DWB20-90L (n = 14), DWB0-120R (n = 10), DWB20-120R (n = 9), DWB0-120L (n = 9), DWB20-120L (n = 9). The diet did not affect feed intake, growth or carcass weight of lambs fed ad libitum, whereas 120-day-old lambs fed DWB associated to restriction showed the lowest weight gain (105 vs. 170, 185 and 190 g/day in DWD20-120R, DWB0-120R, DWB0-120L and DWB20-120L; p = 0.04). The incidence of fat tissue in the hind leg increased (p < 0.0001) from 90L (5.82 and 5.45% with DWB0 and DWB20) to 120R (8.80 and 8.43% with DWB0 and DWB20) and 120L lambs (10.7 and 11.8% with DWB0 and DWB20). Older lambs’ meat, compared to that of 90L lambs, showed analogous levels of intramuscular fat, higher water retention, tenderness and lightness, and a more intense red colour. In meat from 120-day-old lambs, DWB intake tended to reduce the fat level (p = 0.009) and increased polyphenol content (1.10 vs. 1.62, and 1.02 vs. 1.65 g GAE/kg dry matter (DM) in 120R and 120L lambs; p = 0.02), antioxidant capacity (12.8 vs. 14.9, and 12.8 vs. 15.7 mmol trolox eq/kg DM in 120R and 120L lambs; p = 0.02), and the presence of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (FA) (1.61 vs. 2.81, and 1.43 vs. 2.61 g/100 g FA in 120R and 120L lambs; p = 0.007), thereby improving the meat’s health properties. The panelists perceived the effects of DWB inclusion as well as the feeding level with triangle tests.

Cis-9, Trans-11 Conjugated Linoleic Acid Reduces Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase Expression and Hepatic Glucose Production in HepG2 Cells

Dysregulated hepatic gluconeogenesis is a hallmark of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Although existing drugs have been proven to improve gluconeogenesis, achieving this objective with functional food is of interest, especially using conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) found in dairy products. Both cis-9, trans-11 (c9,t11) and trans-10, cis-12 (t10,c12) isomers of CLA were tested in human (HepG2) and rat (H4IIE) hepatocytes for their potential effects on gluconeogenesis. The hepatocytes exposed for 24 h with 20 μM of c9,t11-CLA had attenuated the gluconeogenesis in both HepG2 and H4IIE by 62.5% and 80.1%, respectively. In contrast, t10,c12-CLA had no effect. Of note, in HepG2 cells, the exposure of c9,t11-CLA decreased the transcription of gluconeogenic enzymes, cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK1) by 87.7%, and glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit (G6PC) by 38.0%, while t10,c12-CLA increased the expression of G6PC, suggesting the isomer-specific effects of CLA on hepatic glucose production. In HepG2, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonist, rosiglitazone, reduced the glucose production by 72.9%. However, co-administration of c9,t11-CLA and rosiglitazone neither exacerbated nor attenuated the efficacy of rosiglitazone to inhibit glucose production; meanwhile, t10,c12-CLA abrogated the efficacy of rosiglitazone. Paradoxically, PPARγ antagonist GW 9662 also led to 70.2% reduction of glucose production and near undetectable PCK1 expression by abrogating CLA actions. Together, while the precise mechanisms by which CLA isomers modulate hepatic gluconeogenesis directly or via PPAR warrant further investigation, our findings establish that c9,t11-CLA suppresses gluconeogenesis by decreasing PEPCK on hepatocytes.

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes

The impact of dietary fat on the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been extensively studied in recent decades. Solid evidence indicates that replacing saturated fatty acids (SFAs) with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) decreases blood cholesterol levels and prevents CVD and CVD mortality. Studies indicate that fat quality also may affect insulin sensitivity and hence, the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). A high intake of SFAs has shown to increase the risk of T2D in prospective studies, while a high intake of PUFAs reduces the risk. Whether PUFAs from marine or vegetable sources affect glycemic regulation differently in T2D remains to be elucidated. The aim of the present review was therefore to summarize research on human randomized, controlled intervention studies investigating the effect of dietary PUFAs on glycemic regulation in T2D. About half of the studies investigating the effect of fish, fish oils, vegetable oils, or nuts found changes related to glycemic control in people with T2D, while the other half found no effects. Even though some of the studies used SFA as controls, the majority of the included studies compared PUFAs of different quality. Considering that both marine and vegetable oils are high in PUFAs and hence both oils may affect glycemic regulation, the lack of effect in several of the included studies may be explained by the use of an inappropriate control group. It is therefore not possible to draw a firm conclusion, and more studies are needed.

Nutritionist and obesity: brief overview on efficacy, safety, and drug interactions of the main weight-loss dietary supplements

Over the past 20 years the use of dietary supplements as adjuvant therapy for weight loss gained growing favor among consumers and dietician-nutritionists, with the subsequent astounding increase in health costs. Despite the reassuring label of natural remedy for losing weight, dietary supplements contain a wide variety of ingredients on which available information is rather scanty and scientifically incomplete. Currently, there is little evidence that weight-loss supplements offer effective aids to reduce weight and meet criteria for recommended use. Robust, randomized, placebo-controlled studies to provide clear-cut scientific evidence of their efficacy and potential side effects in clinical practice are still lacking. Understanding the evidence for the efficacy, safety, and quality of these supplements among nutritionists and physicians is critical to counsel patients appropriately, especially considering the risk of serious adverse effects and interference with concomitant therapies. Detailed information on the efficacy and safety of the most commonly used weight-loss dietary supplements has been recently published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). However, in this report the thorny issue that may result from drug interactions with weight-loss dietary supplements has been not sufficiently addressed. The aim of this review was to provide a synthetic, evidence-based report on efficacy and safety of the most commonly used ingredients in dietary supplements marketed for weight loss, particularly focusing on their possible drug interactions.

Effects of Dietary Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Selected Vegetable Oils or Vitamin E on Fatty Acid Composition of Hen Egg Yolks

The objective of this study was to produce eggs enriched with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and ameliorate their fatty acid profile using the appropriate combination of dietary CLA with or without vegetable oils (olive oil or rapeseed oil) and vitamin E. In Experiment 1, 25-week-old laying hens were randomly distributed into eight groups of nine. Birds were fed with a standard diet with four different levels of CLA (0.0, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0%) and vegetable oils (olive oil or rapeseed oil, both in the amount of 1.46%). In Experiment 2, hens were randomly distributed into 12 groups of nine. The same four levels of CLA with three doses of vitamin E (0, 150, 300 mg/kg of diet) were applied. In both experiments, eggs were collected twice (at 4 and 8 weeks) for fatty acid profiling using GCMS. The differences between treatment means were considered significant at P<0.05. CLA treatments significantly increased the content of CLA, saturated fatty acids (SFA), and significantly decreased the content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in the egg yolk, whereas levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were unaffected. The vegetable oils used did not prevent the negative effects of CLA effectively. Only after eight weeks of experiment 1 SFA levels were significantly lower, but MUFA levels were significantly higher in groups fed with rapeseed oil compared to groups fed with olive oil. In experiment 2, the addition of vitamin E to the hen diet did not have an essential influence on the lipid profile of egg yolks.

The effects of supplementation with conjugated linoleic acid on anthropometric indices and body composition in overweight and obese subjects: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Clinical trials have indicated conflicting results on the effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on obesity. The present study aimed to systematically review controlled clinical trials examining the effects of CLA on anthropometric indices and body composition in overweight and obese subjects. Pubmed, Scopus, Web of science, and Cochrane databases were searched between 2000 and December 2017 with no language restriction. Placebo-controlled clinical trials that reported anthropometric indices and body composition in overweight and obese subjects were included. Random-effect model was used to pool the effect estimates. Of 4032 publications, 13 trials were included for the meta-analysis. Pooled effect sizes indicated that CLA significantly reduced body weight (WMD: -0.52 kg, 95% CI: -0.83, -0.21; I²: 48.0%, p = 0.01), BMI (WMD: -0.23 kg/m², 95% CI: -0.39, - 0.06; I²: 64.7%, p = 0.0001), FM (WMD: -0.61 kg, 95% CI: -0.98, -0.24; I²: 53.8%, p = 0.01) and increased LBM (WMD: 0.19 kg, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.34; I²: 81.4%, p = 0.0001) compared to the placebo group. However, the effects of CLA on WC (WMD: 0.05 cm, 95% CI: -0.01, 0.1; I²: 0%, p = 0.93) was not significant. Additionally, its impact on body weight in subjects older than 44 year (WMD: -1.05 kg, 95% CI: -1.75, -0.35; I²: 57.0%, p = 0.01), with longer duration (more than 12 weeks) (WMD: -1.29 kg, 95% CI: -2.29, -0.29; I²: 70.3%, p = 0.003) and dosage more than 3.4 g/day (WMD: -0.77 kg, 95% CI: -1.28, -0.25; I²: 62.7%, p = 0.004) were greater than comparative groups. Supplementation with CLA can slightly reduce body weight and FM and increase LBM in overweight and obese subjects. However, its efficacy was not clinically considerable. Further studies with high methodological quality are needed to shed light on the effects of CLA on anthropometric indices in overweight and obese subjects.

Dietary Fatty Acids and the Metabolic Syndrome: A Personalized Nutrition Approach

Dietary fatty acids are present in a wide variety of foods and appear in different forms and lengths. The different fatty acids are known to have various effects on metabolic health. The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a constellation of risk factors of chronic diseases. The etiology of the MetS is represented by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Dietary fatty acids can be important contributors of the evolution or in prevention of the MetS; however, great interindividual variability exists in the response to fatty acids. The identification of genetic variants interacting with fatty acids might explain this heterogeneity in metabolic responses. This chapter reviews the mechanisms underlying the interactions between the different components of the MetS, dietary fatty acids and genes. Challenges surrounding the implementation of personalized nutrition are also covered.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid Regulates Body Composition and Locomotor Activity in a Sex-Dependent Manner in Drosophila melanogaster

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been reported to be a bioactive food component. However, there is limited knowledge on the sex-dependent effects of CLA on energy metabolism. In the present study, Drosophila melanogaster was used to investigate the sex-dependent effects of CLA with respect to body fat, muscle, locomotion, and a key metabolic regulator, AMP-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα). Adult flies were fed a cornmeal-based fly food with 0.5% of CLA oil (50:50 of cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12 CLA isomers in triacylglycerol (TAG) form), 0.5% safflower oil (high in linoleic acid [LNA] as control), or 0.5% water (as blank) for 5 days. Accumulation of CLA in tissue was verified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. CLA-fed flies had reduced TAG and increased locomotor activity when compared to LNA-fed control flies. In addition, CLA increased the muscle content when compared to the blank. Moreover, following CLA supplementation, increased AMPKα activity was observed in females, but not in males. These sex-dependent metabolic effects of CLA may be due to physiological differences in lipid metabolism and nutrient requirements. In conclusion, CLA promoted the body composition and locomotion behavior in D. melanogaster and regulated the sex-specific metabolism in part via AMPKα. As key physiological processes are conserved between fly and human, information obtained from this research could provide valuable insights into sex-dependent responses to CLA in humans.

Secondary Metabolites, Dietary Fiber and Conjugated Fatty Acids as Functional Food Ingredients against Overweight and Obesity

Obesity is a common serious health problem leading to many serious health disorders. This phenomenon is defined as the over-storage of lipids in adipose tissue that occurs when there is an imbalance between the energy intake and energy used. During obesity, many metabolic alterations occur that can damage several organs, such as vascular or skeletal muscle resulting in the dysfunction of these tissues. In this review, we will discuss molecular genetics and causes of obesity, some of the disorders related to human obesity as well as anti-obesity tool. An interesting solution to the obesity problem is natural substances, revealing anti-obesity activity, as well as functional food enriched with aforementioned substances. Functional foods are products exhibiting a potentially positive effect on health beyond basic nutrition. They contain well-known biologically active natural compounds, which promote optimal health and reduce the risk of many diseases, including obesity.