Essential fatty acids as functional components of foods- a review

Decreased Docosahexaenoic Acid Levels in Serum of HIV Carrier Patients

The study aimed to measure serum fatty acids (FAs) composition in HIV carrier patients and compare it with non-HIV carrier patients. The FAs composition was measured by gas chromatography as follows: four saturated FAs myristic acid (14:0), palmitic acid (16:0), stearic acid (18:0), and docosanoic acid (22:0); four monounsaturated FAs 7-hexadecenoic acid (16:1 n-9), palmitoleic acid (16:1 n-7), oleic acid (18:1 n-9), and vaccenic acid (18:1 n-7); and three polyunsaturated FAs linoleic acid (18:2 n-6), dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (20:3 n-6), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3). We reported herein lower (P < .05) DHA concentration (by 40%) in the serum of HIV carrier patients than in non-HIV carrier patients. This FA has a pivotal role as a precursor of anti-inflammatory molecules with beneficial effects on metabolism, cardiovascular system, and immunological system. Even though most clinical studies reported beneficial effects of DHA supplementation in HIV carrier patients, this issue remains under debate. Further investigations then require to fully clarify the role of DHA in preventing or alleviating the comorbidities associated with HIV infection.

Bioremediation and biomass production of microalgae cultivation in river watercontaminated with pharmaceutical effluent

This work evaluated the potential of microalgae of Chlorella sp., SL7A, Chlorococcum sp., SL7B and Neochloris sp.,SK57 cultivated in river water contaminated with pharmaceutical effluent for biomass and lipid production. It has been observed that fast growing algae in this medium is Neochloris sp.SK57. Maximum biomass and lipid yield was obtained from Neochloris sp. SK57 (0.52 g/l) and Chlorococcum sp. SL7B (0.129 g/l)along with drycell weight of lipid was 28%.The increased in biomass and lipid in this media is could due to assimilation of organic nutrients and stress due to other components present in the river water. Fatty acid profile of algal biomass showed that saturated fatty acids production is enhanced in oils of Neochloris sp. SK57, and its suitability in food and fuel applications. Water quality of the river water was monitored before and after algal cultivation. Results showed that quality of river water was improved after algal cultivation.

Nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics analysis and characteristics of beef in different fattening periods

Beef quality is influenced by the fattening period. Therefore, meat metabolomics profiles from the different fattening periods (e.g., short-term vs. long-term) were analyzed for identify potential indicators using nuclear magnetic resonance. Additionally, blood, free fatty acid, sensory, and mineral compositions in Korean steers were determined. Blood, free fatty acid, and mineral concentrations showed significant differences between short-term and long-term groups that were fed different diets. However, there were no sensory differences in the two fattening groups. Additionally, the metabolic profiles of meats were clearly separated based on multivariate orthogonal partial least square discriminant analysis. Six metabolites of variable importance in the projection plot were identified and showed high sensitivity as candidate markers for meat characteristics. In particular, lactate, carnosine, and creatine could be directly linked to scientific indicators of the fattening stage (31 vs. 28 mo) of meat. Our findings suggest that the metabolomics approach could be a powerful method for the detection of novel signatures underlying the managing period of beef.

Antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antihyperlipidemic activities of wheat flour-based chips incorporated with omega-3-rich fish oil and artichoke powder

In the present study, the omega-3-rich oil from fish viscera and gill by-products, and caffeoylquinic-rich powder of artichoke bract by-products were used for the enrichment of wheat flour chips. Incorporation of these ingredients improved the lipid profile by increasing the level of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids mainly linoleic, linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acids enhancing thereby their nutritional quality. In alloxan-induced diabetic mice, the novel products reverts the blood glucose and serum markers including alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, urea, and creatinine to their normal levels. Concomitantly, they prevented lipid peroxidation and activated antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase). They ameliorate the lipid profile by reducing triglycerides, cholesterol, and LDL. Additional efforts aimed at investigating the potential of other raw materials including algal biomass, and shrimps as a sustainable source of valuable ingredients would contribute to the development of new products with improved nutritional and functional attributes. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Icorporation of cheap, available, and functional ingredients from fish (omega-3-rich oil) and artichoke bract by-products into wheat flour chips could be successfully adopted for the development of functional foods destined for diabetic patient.

Biochemical profiling of three indigenous Dunaliella isolates with main focus on fatty acid composition towards potential biotechnological application

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Biochemical composition of native isolates determined their potential application.

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The isolates tend to store energy and carbon mainly in lipid, not carbohydrate, form.

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The fatty acid profile of the isolates show appropriate n3:n6 and health lipid indices.

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Dunaliella sp. ABRIINW-B1 and -G2/1 are the proper options for nutraceutical purposes.

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Dunaliella sp. ABRIINW-I1 well suits pharmaceutical and aquaculture application.

This study describes the biochemical composition of three isolates, Dunaliella sp. ABRIINW-B1, -G2/1 and -I1 towards the biotechnological potential. Dunaliella sp. ABRIINW- G2/1 and -I1 had a remarkable protein content (∼40% dry weight). Dunaliella sp. ABRIINW-I1 contained a pigment fraction of 3.2% largely composed of chlorophyll a (1.9%) and carotenoid (1.1%). Dunaliella sp. ABRIINW-B1, -G2/1 and -I1 produced respectively 42, 36 and 47% lipid content. The occurrence of high lipid and low carbohydrate (4–7%) in the isolates demonstrated their cell tendency to store energy and carbon mainly in lipid form. The lipid profile of the isolates expressed adequate n3:n6 ratio and health indices. The biochemical analysis revealed that Dunaliella sp. ABRIINW-B1 and -G2/1 have potential applications in the food and freshwater aquafeed sector. While Dunaliella sp. ABRIINW-I1 owing to appropriate pigment, protein, and lipid level containing very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids showed a great promise in nutritional, pharmaceutical and marine aquafeed industries.

Fish-based Bioactives as Potent Nutraceuticals: Exploring the Therapeutic Perspective of Sustainable Food from the Sea

Recent developments in nutraceuticals and functional foods have confirmed that bioactive components present in our diet play a major therapeutic role against human diseases. Moreover, there is a huge emphasis on food scientists for identifying and producing foods with better bioactive activity, which can ultimately provide wellness and well-being to human health. Among the several well-known foods with bioactive constituents, fish has always been considered important, due to its rich nutritional values and by-product application in food industries. Nutritionists, food scientists, and other scientific communities have been working jointly to uncover new bioactive molecules that could increase the potential and therapeutic benefits of these bioactive components. Despite the innumerable benefits of fish and known fish bioactive molecules, its use by food or pharmaceutical industries is scarce, and even research on fish-based nutraceuticals is not promising. Therefore, this review focuses on the current information/data available regarding fish bioactive components, its application as nutraceuticals for therapeutic purposes in the treatment of chronic diseases, ethnic issues related to consumption of fish or its by-products. Especial emphasis is given on the utilization of fish wastes and its by-products to fulfill the world demand for cheap dietary supplements specifically for underdeveloped/least developed countries.

Efficacy of dietary odd-chain saturated fatty acid pentadecanoic acid parallels broad associated health benefits in humans: could it be essential?

Dietary odd-chain saturated fatty acids (OCFAs) are present in trace levels in dairy fat and some fish and plants. Higher circulating concentrations of OCFAs, pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) and heptadecanoic acid (C17:0), are associated with lower risks of cardiometabolic diseases, and higher dietary intake of OCFAs is associated with lower mortality. Population-wide circulating OCFA levels, however, have been declining over recent years. Here, we show C15:0 as an active dietary fatty acid that attenuates inflammation, anemia, dyslipidemia, and fibrosis in vivo, potentially by binding to key metabolic regulators and repairing mitochondrial function. This is the first demonstration of C15:0's direct role in attenuating multiple comorbidities using relevant physiological mechanisms at established circulating concentrations. Pairing our findings with evidence that (1) C15:0 is not readily made endogenously, (2) lower C15:0 dietary intake and blood concentrations are associated with higher mortality and a poorer physiological state, and (3) C15:0 has demonstrated activities and efficacy that parallel associated health benefits in humans, we propose C15:0 as a potential essential fatty acid. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential impact of decades of reduced intake of OCFA-containing foods as contributors to C15:0 deficiencies and susceptibilities to chronic disease.

Impact of a 25% Salt Reduction on the Microbial Load, Texture, and Sensory Attributes of a Traditional Dry-Cured Sausage

Catalão is a Portuguese dry-cured traditional sausage, highly appreciated for its distinctive sensory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a 25% salt reduction on Catalão manufactured with either purebred Alentejano (Al) or crossbred Iberian × Duroc (IDr) pork meat, on its physicochemical and microbiological stability, texture parameters, and sensory attributes. No significant effect of salt reduction or genotype was observed for pH, aW, and microbiological parameters. PUFA content was significantly higher for Al Catalão, particularly due to the content in linoleic and linolenic fatty acids. IDr 3% NaCl samples had the highest mean n6/n3 PUFA ratio, and the highest mean values for the atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices, showing that both genotype and salt content influence these nutritional indices. Texture profile of Catalão was significantly influenced by salt content and genotype. Al samples were less adhesive, cohesive, and easier to chew. Low-salt Catalão was harder, more adhesive, and less cohesive, with lower resilience and higher chewiness values. Regarding sensory attributes, salt content influenced the product aroma, with reduced-salt sausages being evaluated as significantly less aromatic. Overall, a 25% salt reduction did not have a significant impact on the quality, stability, and sensory evaluation of Catalão.

Mitochondrial apoptosis and curtailment of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α/fatty acid synthase: A dual edge perspective of gamma linolenic acid in ER+ mammary gland cancer

Gamma linolenic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid having selective anti-tumour properties with negligible systemic toxicity. In the present study, the anti-cancer potential of gamma linolenic acid and its effects on mitochondrial as well as hypoxia-associated marker was evaluated. The effect of gamma linolenic acid was scrutinised against ER + MCF-7 cells by using fluorescence microscopy, JC-1 staining, dot plot assay and cell cycle analysis. The in vitro results were also confirmed using carcinogen (n-methyl-n-nitrosourea) induced in vivo model. The early and late apoptotic signals in the conjugation with mitochondrial depolarisation were found once scrutinised through mitochondrial membrane potential and life death staining after gamma linolenic acid treatment. Gamma linolenic acid arrested the cell cycle in G0/G1 phase with the majority of cell populations in the early apoptotic stage. The translocation of phosphatidylserine was studied through annexin-V FITC dot plot assay. The markers of cellular proliferation (decreased alveolar bud count, histopathological architecture restoration and loss of tumour micro-vessels) were diminished after gamma linolenic acid treatment. Gamma linolenic acid ameliorates the biological effects of n-methyl-n-nitrosourea persuading the mitochondrial mediated death pathway and impeding the hypoxic microenvironment to make a halt in palmitic acid synthesis. SIGNIFICANCE: The present study elaborates the effect of gamma linolenic acid on mammary gland cancer by following mitochondrial-mediated death apoptosis pathway. Gamma linolenic acid also inhibits cell-wall synthesis by the curtailment of HIF-1α and FASN level in mammary gland cancer.

Role of phytochemicals as nutraceuticals for cognitive functions affected in ageing

Cognitive decline can occur with normal ageing and in age-related brain disorders, such as mild cognitive impairment and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, with limited pharmacological therapies available. Other approaches to reduce cognitive decline are urgently needed, and so, the role of dietary interventions or nutraceuticals has received much attention in this respect. In this review, we examine the evidence for dietary plants and their chemical constituents as nutraceuticals, relevant to both cognitive decline in normal ageing and in dementia. Pharmacological (in vitro and in vivo), clinical and epidemiological evidence is assessed for both frequently consumed plants and their dietary forms, including tea, coffee, cocoa (chocolate), red wine, grapes, citrus and other fruits; in addition to plants used less frequently in certain diets and those that cross the blurred boundaries between foods, nutraceuticals and medicinal plants. For the latter, turmeric, saffron, sage, rosemary and lemon balm are examples of those discussed. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on The Pharmacology of Nutraceuticals. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.6/issuetoc.

Omega-3 Versus Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Prevention and Treatment of Inflammatory Skin Diseases

Omega-3 (ω-3) and omega-6 (ω-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are nowadays desirable components of oils with special dietary and functional properties. Their therapeutic and health-promoting effects have already been established in various chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases through various mechanisms, including modifications in cell membrane lipid composition, gene expression, cellular metabolism, and signal transduction. The application of ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs in most common skin diseases has been examined in numerous studies, but their results and conclusions were mostly opposing and inconclusive. It seems that combined ω-6, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), and ω-3 long-chain PUFAs supplementation exhibits the highest potential in diminishing inflammatory processes, which could be beneficial for the management of inflammatory skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and acne. Due to significant population and individually-based genetic variations that impact PUFAs metabolism and associated metabolites, gene expression, and subsequent inflammatory responses, at this point, we could not recommend strict dietary and supplementation strategies for disease prevention and treatment that will be appropriate for all. Well-balanced nutrition and additional anti-inflammatory PUFA-based supplementation should be encouraged in a targeted manner for individuals in need to provide better management of skin diseases but, most importantly, to maintain and improve overall skin health.

Maresin 1, a Proresolving Lipid Mediator, Ameliorates Liver Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury and Stimulates Hepatocyte Proliferation in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Maresin-1 (MaR1) is a specialized pro-resolving mediator, derived from omega-3 fatty acids, whose functions are to decrease the pro-inflammatory and oxidative mediators, and also to stimulate cell division. We investigated the hepatoprotective actions of MaR1 in a rat model of liver ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. MaR1 (4 ng/gr body weight) was administered prior to ischemia (1 h) and reperfusion (3 h), and controls received isovolumetric vehicle solution. To analyze liver function, transaminases levels and tissue architecture were assayed, and serum cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10, mitotic activity index, and differential levels of NF-κB and Nrf-2 transcription factors, were analyzed. Transaminase, TNF-α levels, and cytoarchitecture were normalized with the administration of MaR1 and associated with changes in NF-κB. IL-6, mitotic activity index, and nuclear translocation of Nrf-2 increased in the MaR1-IR group, which would be associated with hepatoprotection and cell proliferation. Taken together, these results suggest that MaR1 alleviated IR liver injury, facilitated by the activation of hepatocyte cell division, increased IL-6 cytokine levels, and the nuclear localization of Nrf-2, with a decrease of NF-κB activity. All of them were related to an improvement of liver injury parameters. These results open the possibility of MaR1 as a potential therapeutic tool in IR and other hepatic pathologies.

Functional Foods: Product Development, Technological Trends, Efficacy Testing, and Safety

Functional foods is a very popular term in the social and scientific media; consequently, food producers have invested resources in the development of processed foods that may provide added functional benefits to consumers' well-being. Because of intrinsic regulation and end-of-use purposes in different countries, worldwide meanings and definitions of this term are still unclear. Hence, here we standardize this definition and propose a guideline to attest that some ingredients or foods truly deserve this special designation. Furthermore, focus is directed at the most recent studies and practical guidelines that can be used to develop and test the efficacy of potentially functional foods and ingredients. The most widespread functional ingredients, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), probiotics/prebiotics/synbiotics, and antioxidants, and their technological means of delivery in food products are described. The review discusses the steps that food companies should take to ensure that their developed food product is truly functional.

Chemical composition, Fatty acids profile and Biological properties of Thymus capitatus (L.) Hoffmanns, essential Oil

T. capitatus is widely used in traditional medicine in Tunisia. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition, the fatty acids profile, the antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities as well as the cytotoxic potential of the essential oil (EO) of this plant. The identification and the quantification of the different constituents of the tested EO was determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Antioxidant activities were evaluated by spectrophotometric methods and chemical tests. HCT 116 cells were used to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of the EO. The microdilution method was conducted to evaluate the antibacterial activity. Poisoned food method was used to test the antifungal activities against fungi species such Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus. The EO presented several components, mainly monoterpenes. Results revealed that T. capitatus EO is not cytotoxic and showed excellent antioxidant activity with a dose dependent manner. Regarding antimicrobial activity, T. capitatus EO was efficient against all tested bacteria and fungi.

Onion Peel Extract Increases Erythrocyte Membrane n-3 Fatty Acids in Overweight and Obese Korean Subjects

The association between obesity and erythrocyte fatty acids (FAs) has been suggested; however, there have been no studies on the effects of onion peel extract (OPE) on the composition of erythrocyte FAs. This study aimed to investigate the effects of OPE on the composition of erythrocyte FAs in overweight and obese subjects. This was a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial conducted in overweight and obese Korean subjects. The placebo and OPE groups were taking placebo capsule or OPE capsule twice per day for 12 weeks. Body composition and fat distribution were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The OPE group showed significantly reduced body weight, body mass index, body fat mass, and percentage of body fat mass. After 12 weeks, eicosapentaenoic acid and monounsaturated FAs of the placebo group were significantly lower at baseline. Consumption of OPE ameliorated the decreasing polyunsaturated n-3 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) n-3 and increasing PUFA n-6, which prevented an increased n-6/n-3 ratio. The changes in arm fat percentage (ARFATP), trunk fat percentage, and total fat percentage (FATP) were negatively correlated with the change in PUFA n-3. In addition, increased erythrocyte docosahexaenoic acid was associated with decreased ARFATP and FATP. These results suggest that OPE has beneficial effects on obesity by regulating erythrocyte n-6/n-3 ratio and preventing fat accumulation in various body regions.

Adipocytes as lipid sensors of oleic acid transport through a functional Caco-2/HT29-MTX intestinal barrier

Adipose tissue function in the regulation of lipemia is highly dependent on intestinal absorption of nutrients. Therefore the aim of the present study was the development and validation of an in vitro multiculture model allowing to measure intestinal absorption using adipocytes as lipid sensors. We previously described (1) novel methods to study oleic acid induction of adipogenesis and lipogenesis and (2) a functional reconstituted intestinal barrier using human cell lines Caco-2/HT29-MTX (9:1). In the present study we develop a co-culture model with either adipocytes or hepatocytes as sensors for intestinal lipid absorption. This model was validated using oleic acid (OA) pre-absorbed onto the intestinal barrier. Optimized experimental conditions were obtained with partially differentiated 3T3L1-MBX adipocytes sensing up to 5 μM OA in solution or 40 μM OA pre-absorbed by Caco2/HT29-MTX intestinal barriers. Metabolism including glycemia and insulinemia greatly influenced the ability to  TG accumulation in adipocytes. By comparison AML12 hepatocytes found less sensitive to OA (up to 1 μM). The present study demonstrates a much better functionality for fatty acid uptake and release in Caco2/HT29-MTX versus Caco-2 intestinal barriers. Taken together these results open new opportunities to study in vitro lipid transfer between intestinal barriers and either adipocytes or hepatocytes.

Abbreviations: BSA: Bovine serum albumin; CIDEs: Cell Death Inducing DFFA Like Effectors; DMEM, Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium; FABPs: Fatty Acid Binding Proteins; FAT/CD36: Fatty acid translocase; FCS: Fetal calf serum; GLP2: Glucagon-like peptide-2; NAFLD: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; OA: oleic acid; PBS: Phosphate buffer saline; PPARs: Peroxisome-Proliferator Activated Receptors; RTCA: realtime cell analysis; TG: triglyceride

Linseed Essential Oil - Source of Lipids as Active Ingredients for Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals

Linseed - also known as flaxseed - is known for its beneficial effects on animal health attributed to its composition. Linseed comprises linoleic and α-linolenic fatty acids, various dietary fibers and lignans, which are beneficial to health because they reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, as well as cancer, decreasing the levels of cholesterol and relaxing the smooth muscle cells in arteries increasing the blood flow. Essential fatty acids from flax participate in several metabolic processes of the cell, not only as structuring components of the cell membrane but also as storage lipids. Flax, being considered a functional food, can be consumed in a variety of ways, including seeds, oil or flour, contributing to basic nutrition. Several formulations containing flax are available on the market in the form of e.g. capsules and microencapsulated powders having potential as nutraceuticals. This paper revises the different lipid classes found in flaxseeds and their genomics. It also discusses the beneficial effects of flax and flaxseed oil and their biological advantages as ingredients in pharmaceuticals and in nutraceuticals products.

Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of Three Monosaccharide Monomyristate Derivatives

Microbial infections remains a serious challenge in food industries due to their resistance to some of the well-known antibacterial and antifungal agents. In this work, a novel monomyristoyl ester (fructosyl monomyristate) and two other derivatives (i.e., glucosyl and galactosyl monomyristates) were successfully synthesized from myristic acid and monosaccharides in two-step reactions. First, the myristic acid was converted to myristoyl chloride, and then the myristoyl chloride was reacted with fructose, glucose and galactose separately to produce the corresponding monosaccharide monomyristate derivatives. The structures of the synthesized products were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H- and ¹³C-NMR), and mass spectral (MS) data. The monomyristates esters were obtained in reaction yields of 45.80%-79.49%. The esters were then evaluated for their antimicrobial activity using the disc diffusion test. It was found that the esters exhibited a medium antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria; however, they showed a weak antibacterial activity against gram-negative bacteria. Amongst the esters, galactosyl myristate yielded the highest antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, while glucosyl monomyristate exhibited the highest antibacterial activity only against Escherichia coli. Additionally, all products showed remarkable antifungal activity against Candida albicans. These findings demonstrate that monosaccharide monomyristate derivatives are promising for use as biocompatible antimicrobial agents in the future.

Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals and Lipid Quality Indexes in Freshwater Fish from Lakes of Warmia and Mazury Region, Poland

The objectives of study were to determine heavy metals content (Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe and Hg) and fatty acids in selected organs of roach, Rutilus rutilus (L.); bream, Abramis brama (L.); pike, Esox lucius (L.); Eurasian perch, Perca fluviatilis (L.) collected from reservoirs of Warmia and Mazury region (northeastern Poland). Heavy metals were determined with atomic absorption spectrometry AAS. The fatty acids were analyzed using gas chromatography. In a few cases, differences in the content of heavy metals and fatty acids were not significant between species. The muscles of fish characterized significantly higher values of mercury than other organs (p ≤ 0.05), except for bream. The reverse regularity was observed in the case of content of Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe. Fatty acids having a desirable dietary effect in humans (DFA-Hypocholesterolaemic fatty acids) (74.00-74.84) were more than OFA (hypercholesterolaemic fatty acids), i.e., those undesirable (24.03-24.79). The lipid quality indexes AI (index of atherogenicity) (0.40-0.44) and TI (index of thrombogenicity) (0.18-0.24) in muscles of fish were low, which means that the meat of the fish may be recommended for human health. THQ (target hazard quotient) and HI (hazard index) as individual foodstuff were below 1, whereas HI for a specific receptor/pathway combination exceeded 1. This may suggest that eating meat from a given species is safe from a health point of view.

Comparative study on nutrient contents in the different parts of indigenous and hybrid varieties of pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima Linn.)

Two varieties (indigenous and hybrid) of pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) are cultivated and widely used as food sources in Bangladesh. The aim of this study is to compare nutrient contents in different parts of two varieties of pumpkin. The nutritional compositions were analyzed by standard methods. Fatty acids and amino acids were analyzed by GC/MS and amino acid analyzer. The proximate compositions analysis data indicate that a higher amount of moisture (p < 0.001) and fat (p < 0.01) were observed in the seed of indigenous but the seed of hybrid were rich in crude fiber (p < 0.01) and carbohydrate (p < 0.001). On the contrary carbohydrate content was predominant in the flesh (p < 0.05) and peel (p < 0.01) of indigenous. The energy content was high in the peel, seed and flesh of indigenous (p < 0.001, 0.001 and 0.05 respectively). A significant amount of reducing sugar was found in the peel, flesh (p < 0.05) and seed (p < 0.001) of hybrid. Vitamin C content was high in peel (p < 0.001) and seed (p < 0.01) of indigenous and only in the flesh (p < 0.001) of the hybrid. A remarkable amount of Na, K, Fe and Zn were present in peel (p < 0.001) of hybrid. The notable amount of P and Cu (p < 0.01) were present in the seed and K, Fe and Ca (p < 0.001) were in the flesh of indigenous. The seed of hybrid was enriched with saturated fatty acid (capric acid, p < 0.001; myristic acid, p < 0.01 and stearic acid, p < 0.05), whereas unsaturated fatty acids (oleic, linoleic and linolenic acid, p < 0.05) were rich in the seed of indigenous. A significant amount of threonine, serine, methionine, isoleucine and tyrosine were present in the seed of indigenous (p < 0.01) but only alanine in the seed of hybrid (p < 0.01). These results suggested that a considerable amount of nutrients were present in all three parts of the two varieties, thus both varieties could be the potential source of nutraceuticals.

Effects of long-term feeding of rapeseed meal on skeletal muscle transcriptome, production efficiency and meat quality traits in Norwegian Landrace growing-finishing pigs

This study was performed to investigate the effects of dietary inclusion of 20% rapeseed meal (RSM) as an alternative to soybean meal (SBM) in a three-month feeding experiment with growing finishing pigs. Dietary alteration affected growth performance, several carcass traits and transcriptional responses in the skeletal muscle, but did not affect measured meat quality traits. In general, pigs fed the RSM test diet exhibited reduced growth performance compared to pigs on SBM control diet. Significant transcriptional changes in the skeletal muscle of growing pigs fed RSM diet were likely the consequence of an increased amount of fiber and higher polyunsaturated fatty acids, and presence of bioactive phytochemicals, such as glucosinolates. RNAseq pipeline using Tophat2-Cuffdiff identified 57 upregulated and 63 downregulated genes in RSM compared to SBM pigs. Significantly enriched among downregulated pathways was p53-mediated signalling involved in cellular proliferation, while activation of negative growth regulators (IER5, KLF10, BTG2, KLF11, RETREG1, PRUNE2) in RSM fed pigs provided further evidence for reduced proliferation and increased cellular death, in accordance with the observed reduction in performance traits. Upregulation of well-known metabolic controllers (PDK4, UCP3, ESRRG and ESRRB), involved in energy homeostasis (glucose and lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial function), suggested less available energy and nutrients in RSM pigs. Furthermore, several genes supported more pronounced proteolysis (ABTB1, OTUD1, PADI2, SPP1) and reduced protein synthesis (THBS1, HSF4, AP1S2) in RSM muscle tissue. In parallel, higher levels of NR4A3, PDK4 and FGF21, and a drop in adropin, ELOVL6 and CIDEC/FSP27 indicated increased lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation, reflective of lower dressing percentage. Finally, pigs exposed to RSM showed greater expression level of genes responsive to oxidative stress, indicated by upregulation of GPX1, GPX2, and TXNIP.

Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation can prevent changes in mitochondrial energy metabolism and oxidative stress caused by chronic administration of L-tyrosine in the brain of rats

Deficiency of hepatic enzyme tyrosine aminotransferase characterizes the innate error of autosomal recessive disease Tyrosinemia Type II. Patients may develop neurological and developmental difficulties due to high levels of the amino acid tyrosine in the body. Mechanisms underlying the neurological dysfunction in patients are poorly known. Importantly, Tyrosinemia patients have deficient Omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFA). Here, we investigated the possible neuroprotective effect of the treatment with n-3 PUFA in the alterations caused by chronic administration of L-tyrosine on important parameters of energetic metabolism and oxidative stress in the hippocampus, striatum and cerebral cortex of developing rats. Chronic administration of L-tyrosine causes a decrease in the citrate synthase (CS) activity in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, as well as in the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) activities, and an increase in the α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase activity in the hippocampus. Moreover, in the striatum, L-tyrosine administration caused a decrease in the activities of CS, SDH, creatine kinase, and complexes I, II-III and IV of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. We also observed that the high levels of L-tyrosine are related to oxidative stress in the brain. Notably, supplementation of n-3 PUFA prevented the majority of the modifications caused by the chronic administration of L-tyrosine in the cerebral enzyme activities, as well as ameliorated the oxidative stress in the brain regions of rats. These results indicate a possible neuroprotective and antioxidant role for n-3 PUFA and may represent a new therapeutic approach and potential adjuvant therapy to Tyrosinemia Type II individuals.

Can Yellow Stripe Scad Compete with Salmon on Its Role in Platelet Phospholipid Membrane and Its Cardiovascular Benefits?

This review article stresses the effective role of dietary fish fillet docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on overweight as a risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) via platelet phospholipid modification. Several reports have demonstrated that saturated fat in overweight evokes systemic inflammation and more importantly predisposes it to cardiovascular disorder. Prospective studies have shown that saturated fat is directly proportional to the level of arachidonic acids (AA), precursor of thromboxane in the platelet phospholipid membrane as omega-6 fatty acid in overweight and obese people. Some literature has demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acid from fish fillet ameliorates inflammation, reduces proinflammatory cytokine, inhibits signaling pathway, and regulates the physical composition of inflammatory leukocytes and free radicals (ROS). Yellow stripe scad (YSS) is a local Malaysian fish that has been shown to contain a comparable level of EPA/DHA content as observed in salmon. This review article will focus on the dietary role of fish fillet that will balance the omega-6 fatty acid/omega-3 fatty acid ratio in platelet phospholipid from YSS to manage and prevent healthy overweight/obesity-related risk factor of CVD and to avoid the risk orthodox drug treatment.

Micropropagation and Quantification of Bioactive Compounds in Mertensia maritima (L.) Gray

The goal of this study was to establish an efficient protocol for the large-scale propagation of Mertensia maritima (L.) Gray, and evaluate the carotenoid, fatty acid, and tocopherol contents in the leaves of in vitro regenerated shoots. Surface-disinfected node and shoot tip explants were placed on semisolid Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 0-16 µM N⁶-benzyladenine (BA), kinetin, (KN), and thidiazuron (TDZ) alone, or in combination with, 1 or 2 µM α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Of the three different cytokinins employed, TDZ elicited the best results for axillary shoot proliferation. A maximum frequency of shoot initiation above 84%, with a mean of 8.9 and 4.8 shoots per node and shoot tip, respectively, was achieved on the culture medium supplemented with 4 µM TDZ. A combination of TDZ + NAA significantly increased the percentage of multiple shoot formation and number of shoots per explant. The best shoot induction response occurred on MS medium with 4 µM TDZ and 1 µM NAA. On this medium, the node (93.8%) and shoot tip (95.9%) explants produced an average of 17.7 and 8.6 shoots, respectively. The highest root induction frequency (97.4%) and number of roots per shoot (25.4), as well as the greatest root length (4.2 cm), were obtained on half-strength MS medium supplemented with 4 µM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The presence of six carotenoids and α-tocopherol in the leaf tissues of M. maritima was confirmed by HPLC. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the presence of 10 fatty acids, including γ-linolenic acid and stearidonic acid in the leaf tissues of M. maritima. All-E-lutein (18.49 μg g^-1 fresh weight, FW), α-tocopherol (3.82 μg g^-1 FW) and α-linolenic acid (30.37%) were found to be the significant compounds in M. maritima. For the first time, a successful protocol has been established for the mass propagation of M. maritima with promising prospects for harnessing its bioactive reserves.

Comparison of Diatoms and Dinoflagellates from Different Habitats as Sources of PUFAs

Recent studies have clearly shown the importance of omega-3 (ω-3) and omega-6 (ω-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for human and animal health. The long-chain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5ω-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6ω-3) are especially recognized for their nutritional value, and ability to alleviate many diseases in humans. So far, fish oil has been the main human source of EPA and DHA, but alternative sources are needed to satisfy the growing need for them. Therefore, we compared a fatty acid profile and content of 10 diatoms and seven dinoflagellates originating from marine, brackish and freshwater habitats. These two phytoplankton groups were chosen since they are excellent producers of EPA and DHA in aquatic food webs. Multivariate analysis revealed that, whereas the phytoplankton group (46%) explained most of the differences in the fatty acid profiles, habitat (31%) together with phytoplankton group (24%) explained differences in the fatty acid contents. In both diatoms and dinoflagellates, the total fatty acid concentrations and the ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs were markedly higher in freshwater than in brackish or marine strains. Our results show that, even though the fatty acid profiles are genetically ordered, the fatty acid contents may vary greatly by habitat and affect the ω-3 and ω-6 availability in food webs.

Alteration of the lipid of red carp (Cyprinus carpio) during frozen storage

The aim of this study was to determine the oxidative stability of oil extracted from red carp fish frozen up to 9 months at -18°C. To assess oil stability of red carp fish, the analytical indexes and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used. These methodologies used provided similar conclusions. Before frozen storage, the composition of fatty acids showed that red carp oil is a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as linoleic acid (C18:2ω-6: 5.29% of total fatty acid), linolenic acid (C18:3ω3: 3.53% of total fatty acid), arachidonic acid (C20:4ω6: 3.68% of total fatty acid), eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5ω-3, EPA: 4,06% of total fatty acid), and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6ω-3: 3.02% of total fatty acid). During frozen storage, the free fatty acid and peroxide value increased, respectively, from 1.35% to 8.06% in oleic acid and 3.77 to 18.62 meq O2/kg in lipid, while the ratio of PUFA/SFA and polyene index decreased, respectively, from 0.58 to 0.25 and 0.30 to 0.09. The triglycerides also decreased with frozen duration. Therefore, for good fish quality, red carp fish must be stored for <3 months at -18°C.

Cloning and molecular characterization of three lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferases expressed in flax seeds

In the context of the growing demand for α-linolenic acid due to its high nutritional value as a polyunsaturated fatty acid, we have investigated the contribution of 2-lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase (LPAAT) enzymes from flax (Linum usitatissimum) in the accumulation of α-linolenic acid into the oil fraction of flax seed. We have isolated the cDNAs encoding three class A microsomal LPAAT2 isoforms from developing flax seeds. The three isoforms, denominated LPAAT2A, LPAAT2A2 and LPAAT2B, are able to complement the LPAAT deficient JC201 E. coli mutant, confirming their functionality. We have performed enzymatic assays showing that the specific activity of the LPAAT2A isoform is significantly higher than that of the LPAAT2A2 and LPAAT2B toward the unsaturated oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids. Moreover, LPAAT2A presents in vitro a high specificity and selectivity for linoleic and linolenic acids as compared to saturated fatty acids. The three isoforms are expressed during all the stages of seed development and in stem and leaf tissues, as shown by an analysis of the transcription level of the corresponding genes. The heterologous expression of LPAAT2A in Arabidopsis seeds leads to an increase in the accumulation of linoleic and linolenic acids in the oil fraction of the seeds from two transgenic lines.

Chia seed oil as an additive to yogurt

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a 2% chia seed oil addition to natural yogurt on its quality and to determine whether chia seed oil can be used as an additive in fermented milk products. The dominant species of microorganisms found in yogurt was Lb. delbruecki subsp. bulgaricus. The number in natural yogurt varied from 6.2 to 6.3·106 CFU·g-1 and in enriched yogurt between 6.1 and 6.3·106 CFU·g-1. Chia seed oil contained 4.5 g of sterol per 100 g of oil. The addition of 2% chia seed oil to natural yogurt resulted in a high content of phytosterol in yogurt. Natural yogurt contained 1.2 g of cholesterol in 100 g of the fat fraction of yogurt. Enriched yogurt contained 2 g of phytosterols. The addition of 2% chia seed oil to natural yogurt resulted in higher amounts of unsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic and α-linolenic acid.

Docosahexaenoic acid promotes cell cycle arrest and decreases proliferation through WNT/β-catenin modulation in colorectal cancer cells exposed to γ-radiation

The effects of radiation are known to be potentiated by N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which modulate several signaling pathways, but the molecular mechanisms through which these fatty acids enhance the anticancer effects of irradiation in colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment remain poorly elucidated. Here, we aimed to ascertain whether the fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) exerts a modulating effect on the response elicited by radiation treatment (RT). Two CRC cell lines, Caco-2 and HT-29, were exposed to RT, DHA, or both (DHA + RT) for various times, and then cell viability, proliferation, and clonogenicity were assessed. Moreover, cell cycle, apoptosis, and necrosis were analyzed using flow cytometry, and the involvement of WNT/β-catenin signaling was investigated by immunofluorescence to determine nuclear β-catenin, GSK3β phosphorylation status, and TCF/LEF-activity reporter. DHA and RT applied separately diminished the viability of both HT-29 and Caco-2 cells, and DHA + RT caused a further reduction in proliferation mainly in HT-29 cells, particularly in terms of colony formation. Concomitantly, our results verified cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase, a reduction of cyclin D1 expression, and a decrease in GSK3β phosphorylation after the combined treatment. Furthermore, immunofluorescence quantification revealed that nuclear β-catenin was increased in RT-exposed cells, but this effect was abrogated in cells exposed to DHA + RT, and the results of TCF/LEF-activity assays confirmed that DHA attenuated the increase in nuclear β-catenin activity induced by irradiation. Our finding shows that DHA applied in combination with RT enhanced the antitumor effects of irradiation on CRC cells, and that the underlying mechanism involved the WNT/β-catenin pathway. © 2018 BioFactors, 45(1):24-34, 2019.

Encapsulation of EPA and DHA concentrate from Kilka fish oil by milk proteins and evaluation of its oxidative stability

Glyceride product from lipase-catalyzed hydrolysis of fish oil (large-scale) is a rich source of n-3 PUFA (49.62%); but it is prone to oxidation. Our aim was to encapsulate this product by a mixture of whey powder and sodium caseinate (4:1) as a new wall material. The emulsification was done using ultrasonication in different powers (180-380 W) and times (1-3 min) and, then, the emulsions were freeze-dried to obtain the powders. Based on encapsulation efficiency, sonication (88-94%) could inhibit the presence of oil at the surface of powder particles in comparison with the samples prepared without sonication (control, 68%). The highest oxidation rate and the lowest L-value were found for the unencapsulated glyceride product stored in air atmosphere followed by the control powder, the powders from sonication treatment and the unencapsulated glyceride product under N₂, respectively. In the case of oxidative stability of the samples, the sonication time was more significant than sonication power. According to our results, a sonication treatment of 380 W for 3 min was recommended to prepare parent emulsions during fish oil encapsulation.

Metabolomics investigation of dietary effects on flesh quality in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus)

Background

The ultrahigh density intensive farming model of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) may elicit growth inhibition, decrease flesh quality, and increase disease susceptibility of fish. The degradation in quality and excessive fat accumulation in cultured C. idellus have long been attributed to possible alterations in the lipid metabolism of fish muscle tissues as a result of overnutrition from artificial diets. To investigate the effects of different diets on fish muscle quality, a large-scale metabolomics study was performed on 250 tails of C. idellus.

Findings

The experimental fish were divided into four groups based on sex and diet—female artificial feed (FAF), female grass feed, male artificial feed (MAF), and male grass feed (MGF). After a 113-day rearing period, the artificial feed (AF) group showed a significantly higher total mass of muscle fat (P < 0.01), with the FAF group being the highest. Metabolomics profiling based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed distinctive patterns of clustering according to the four groups. Overall, artificial feeding was associated with higher concentrations of docosapentaenoic acid, dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, and arachidonic acid, whereas grass feeding was associated with elevated n-3 unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) such as eicosapentaenoic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and gamma-linolenic acid. Artificial feeding also resulted in significant increased docosahexaenoic acid in MAF muscle than in MGF fish, whereas there was no significance in the comparison of female samples. Metabolic pathway analyses using both targeted and untargeted approaches consistently revealed that arachidonic acid metabolism and steroid hormone biosynthesis pathways were significantly different between AF and grass fed groups.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that grass is a better source of dietary fatty acid and protein when compared to artificial feed. Grass feeding could effectively lower triglycerides in serum, reduce fat accumulation, and alter lipid compositions in fish muscle by increasing the concentrations of n-3 UFAs, leading to better nutrition and health.

Lipidomic analysis reveals significant lipogenesis and accumulation of lipotoxic components in ob/ob mouse organs

To further understand the role of lipogenesis and lipotoxicity in the development of obesity and diabetes, lipidomes of various organs from ob/ob mice and their wild type controls were analyzed by shotgun lipidomics at 10, 12, and 16 weeks of age. We observed that the amounts of fatty acyl (FA) chains corresponding to those from de novo synthesis (e.g., 16:0, 16:1, and 18:1 FA) were substantially elevated in ob/ob mice, consistent with increased expression of genes and proteins involved in biosynthesis. Polyunsaturated fatty acid species were moderately increased in the examined tissues of ob/ob mice, since they can only be absorbed from diets or elongated from the ingested n-3 or n-6 FA. Different profiles of FA chains between ob/ob mouse liver and skeletal muscle reflect diverging lipogenesis pathways in these organs. Amounts of vaccenic acids (i.e., 18:1(n-7) FA) in 12- and 16-week ob/ob mouse liver were significantly increased compared to their controls, indicating enhanced de novo synthesis of this acid through 16:1(n-7) FA in the liver starting at 12 weeks of age. Coincidentally, synthesis of triacylglycerol from monoacylglycerol in the liver was also increased in ob/ob mice starting at 12 weeks of age, as revealed by simulation of triacylglycerol synthesis. Moreover, levels of lipotoxic lipid classes were significantly higher in ob/ob mice than their age-matched controls, supporting the notion that elevated lipotoxic components are tightly associated with insulin resistance in ob/ob mice. Taken together, the current study revealed that lipogenesis and lipotoxicity in ob/ob mice likely contribute to insulin resistance and provides great insights into the underlying mechanisms of diabetes and obesity.

Transcriptional shifts account for divergent resource allocation in feed efficient broiler chickens

Considerable variation in feed efficiency (FE) has been observed in indigenous and selected meat-type chicken populations. Although this variation could be partially linked to extrinsic factors like diet, housing environment and microbiota, it further illustrates the existence of strong molecular mechanisms enabling the differential allocation of resources for various physiological processes. To further deepen the molecular basis of individual allocation capacity in male and female broilers, an RNA-seq experiment was conducted which based on a phenotyped chicken population divergent in FE. Transcriptional differences linked to FE were pronounced in intestinal and muscular tissue sites of male animals. Specifically, signalling pathways of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and retinoid X receptor (RXR) might contribute to mediate individual FE. The transcriptional profiles suggested ACSBG2 (muscular lipid utilisation), ASBT (intestinal bile salt transport), CLEC2B (natural killer cell activation), HMGCS2 (jejunal, duodenal and muscular ketogenesis), and SCARB1 (jejunal lipid uptake) as potential mediators driving FE. Results indicate that improvements in FE exploit shifts in resource allocation which might occur at the expense of general immune responsiveness in high efficient male chickens. Consequently, to further improve FE traits and to explore causative molecular patterns, effects originating from sex-dimorphism in chickens need to be taken into consideration.

Ischemia-modified albumin: Crosstalk between fatty acid and cobalt binding

Myocardial ischemia is difficult to diagnose effectively with still few well-defined biochemical markers for identification in advance, or in the absence of myocardial necrosis. "Ischemia-modified albumin" (IMA), a form of albumin displaying reduced cobalt-binding affinity, is significantly elevated in ischemic patients, and the albumin cobalt-binding (ACB) assay can measure its level indirectly. Elucidating the molecular mechanism underlying the identity of IMA and the ACB assay hinges on understanding metal-binding properties of albumin. Albumin binds most metal ions and harbours four primary metal binding sites: site A, site B, the N-terminal site (NTS), and the free thiol at Cys34. Previous efforts to clarify the identity of IMA and the causes for its reduced cobalt-binding capacity were focused on the NTS site, but the degree of N-terminal modification could not be correlated to the presence of ischemia. More recent work suggested that Co2+ ions as used in the ACB assay bind preferentially to site B, then to site A, and finally to the NTS. This insight paved the way for a new consistent molecular basis of the ACB assay: albumin is also the main plasma carrier for free fatty acids (FFAs), and binding of a fatty acid to the high-affinity site FA2 results in conformational changes in albumin which prevent metal binding at site A and partially at site B. Thus, this review advances the hypothesis that high IMA levels in myocardial ischemia and many other conditions originate from high plasma FFA levels hampering the binding of Co2+ to sites A and/or B. This is supported by biophysical studies and the co-association of a range of pathological conditions with positive ACB assays and high plasma FFA levels.

Wound Healing and Omega-6 Fatty Acids: From Inflammation to Repair

Wound healing is an evolutionarily conserved process that is essential for species survival. Wound healing involves a series of biochemical and cellular events that are tightly controlled, divided into 3 concomitant and overlapping phases: inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling. Poor wound healing or a chronic wound represents a silent epidemic that affects billions of people worldwide. Considering the involvement of immune cells in its resolution, recent studies are focused on investigating the roles of immune nutrients such as amino acids, minerals, and fatty acids on wound healing. Among the fatty acids, much attention has been given to omega-6 (ω-6) fatty acids since they can modulate cell migration and proliferation, phagocytic capacity, and production of inflammatory mediators. The present review summarizes current knowledge about the role of ω-6 fatty acids in the wound healing context.