Protocol for a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial using pure palmitoleic acid to ameliorate insulin resistance and lipogenesis in overweight and obese subjects with prediabetes

Palmitoleic acid (POA), a nonessential, monounsaturated omega-7 fatty acid (C16:1n7), is a lipid hormone secreted from adipose tissue and has beneficial effects on distant organs, such as the liver and muscle. Interestingly, POA decreases lipogenesis in toxic storage sites such as the liver and muscle, and paradoxically increases lipogenesis in safe storage sites, such as adipose tissue. Furthermore, higher POA levels in humans are correlated with better insulin sensitivity, an improved lipid profile, and a lower incidence of type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular pathologies, such as myocardial infarction. In preclinical animal models, POA improves glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, and steatosis of the muscle and liver, while improving insulin sensitivity and secretion. This double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial tests the hypothesis that POA increases insulin sensitivity and decreases hepatic lipogenesis in overweight and obese adult subjects with pre-diabetes. Important to note, that this is the first study ever to use pure (>90%) POA with < 0.3% palmitic acid (PA), which masks the beneficial effects of POA. The possible positive findings may offer a therapeutic and/or preventative pathway against diabetes and related immunometabolic diseases.

Novel Therapeutic Nutrients Molecules That Protect against Zika Virus Infection with a Special Note on Palmitoleate

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a Flavivirus from the Flaviviridae family and a positive-sense single strand RNA virus. ZIKV infection can cause a mild infection to the mother but can be vertically transmitted to the developing fetus, causing congenital anomalies. The prevalence of ZIKV infections was relatively insignificant with sporadic outbreaks in the Asian and African continents until 2006. However, recent epidemic in the Caribbean showed significant increased incidence of Congenital Zika Syndrome. ZIKV infection results in placental pathology which plays a crucial role in disease transmission from mother to fetus. Currently, there is no Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved vaccine or therapeutic drug against ZIKV. This review article summarizes the recent advances on ZIKV transmission and diagnosis and reviews nutraceuticals which can protect against the ZIKV infection. Further, we have reviewed recent advances related to the novel therapeutic nutrient molecules that have been shown to possess activity against Zika virus infected cells. We also review the mechanism of ZIKV-induced endoplasmic reticulum and apoptosis and the protective role of palmitoleate (nutrient molecule) against ZIKV-induced ER stress and apoptosis in the placental trophoblasts.

Signatures of selection in recently domesticated macadamia

Macadamia is a high value nut crop that is recently domesticated, ideal for testing the effect of artificial selection. Here, we sequence the genome of Hawaiian cultivar ‘Kau’ and assemble into 794 Mb in 14 pseudo-chromosomes with 37,728 genes. Genome analysis reveals a whole-genome duplication event, occurred 46.8 million years ago. Gene expansions occurred in gene families involves in fatty acid biosynthesis. Gene duplication of MADS-Box transcription factors in proanthocyanidin biosynthesis are relevant for seed coat development. Genome re-sequencing of 112 accessions reveals the origin of Hawaiian cultivars from Mount Bauple in southeast Queensland in Australia. Selective sweeps are detected in macadamia cultivars, including genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis, seed coat development, and heat stress response. Such strong effects of artificial selection in few generations reveals the genomic basis for ‘one-step operation’ for clonal crop domestication. The knowledge gained could accelerate domestication of new crops from wild species.

Macadamia is a recently domesticated nut crop. Here, the authors report the genome assembly of Hawaiian cultivar ‘Kau’ and conduct population genomic analyses to reveal the origin of Hawaiian cultivars and the genomic basis for one-step operation for the clonal crop domestication.

Fatty acids: facts vs. fiction

During the last 100 years official dietary guidelines have recommended an increased consumption of fats derived from seeds while decreasing the consumption of traditional fats, especially saturated fats. These recommendations are being challenged by recent studies. Furthermore, the increased use of refining processes in fat production had deleterious health effects. Today, the number of high-quality studies on fatty acids is large enough to make useful recommendations on clinical application and everyday practice. Saturated fats have many beneficial functions and palmitic acid appears to be problematic only when it is synthesized due to excess fructose consumption. Trans fatty acids were shown to be harmful when they are manmade but beneficial when of natural origin. Conjugated linoleic acid has many benefits but the isomer mix that is available in supplement form differs from its natural origin and may better be avoided. The ω3 fatty acid linolenic acid has rather limited use as an anti-inflammatory agent - a fact that is frequently overlooked. On the other hand, the targeted use of long chain ω3 fatty acids based on blood analysis has great potential to supplement or even be an alternative to various pharmacological therapies. At the same time ω6 fatty acids like linoleic acid and arachidonic acid have important physiological functions and should not be avoided but their consumption needs to be balanced with long chain ω3 fatty acids. The quality and quantity of these fats together with appropriate antioxidative protection are critical for their positive health effects.

Marama bean [Tylosema esculentum (Burch.) A. Schreib.]: an indigenous plant with potential for food, nutrition, and economic sustainability

Developing countries need to explore undervalued indigenous plants to fully enhance their food and nutrition security, health, and economic viability. This review explores the nutritional, phytochemical, and economic potential of marama bean (Tylosema esculentum, Fabaceae), a non-nodulating indigenous legume that can be cultivated in and is well-adapted to dry or low moisture conditions. Marama bean is popularly referred to as 'green gold' due to the considerable value derived from its above ground and underground organs. The seeds have nutritional value comparable to legumes such as groundnut and soybean. In addition, the seeds are a rich source of phytochemicals such as phenolic acids, phytosterols, flavonoids, behenic acid and griffonilide while carbohydrates are abundant in the tubers. Based on the existing literature, marama bean remains poorly explored, mainly anecdotal with limited scientific evidence available to support its nutritional and medicinal uses as well as economic benefits. This has been ascribed to a shortage of clear research goals and limited resources specifically directed to this underutilized indigenous plant. From an economic and commercial perspective, the high phytochemical content suggests the possibility of developing a functional health drink and associated value-added products. However, efficient cultivation protocols for marama bean, especially to ensure the sustainable supply of the plant material, remain crucial. Furthermore, novel approaches, especially the use of molecular techniques that can facilitate rapid selection of desired traits in marama, are recommended. These anticipated improved agronomical traits will enhance the commercial and economical potential of marama and also contribute to rural-urban food-nutrition sustainability globally.

Hibiscus cannabinus L. (kenaf) studies: Nutritional composition, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and potential applications

The electronic database was searched up to July 2020, using keywords, kenaf and roselle, chemical constituents of kenaf and roselle, therapeutic uses of kenaf and roselle. Journals, books and conference proceedings were also searched. Investigations of pharmacological activities of kenaf revealed that this edible plant exhibits a broad range of therapeutic potential including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antityrosinase, anticancer, antihyperlipidemia, antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities. Kenaf also showed versatile utility as a functional ingredient in food, folk medicine, and animal nutritions, as well as in nanotechnology processes. The exploitation of underexploited kenaf by-products can be a significant part of waste management from an economic and environmental point of view. In addition, kenaf showed comparable nutritional, phytochemical, and pharmacological properties with Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle). This review has important implications for further investigations and applications of kenaf in food and pharmaceuticals industry.