Wax Ester Rich Oil From The Marine Crustacean, Calanus finmarchicus, is a Bioavailable Source of EPA and DHA for Human Consumption

Influence of Lipid Class Used for Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Liver Fat Accumulation in MASLD

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) occurs in subjects with obesity and metabolic syndrome. MASLD may progress from simple steatosis (i.e., hepatic steatosis) to steatohepatitis, characterized by inflammatory changes and liver cell damage, substantially increasing mortality. Lifestyle measures associated with weight loss and/or appropriate diet help reduce liver fat accumulation, thereby potentially limiting progression to steatohepatitis. As for diet, both total energy and macronutrient composition significantly influence the liver's fat content. For example, the type of dietary fatty acids can affect the metabolism of lipids and hence their tissue accumulation, with saturated fatty acids having a greater ability to promote fat storage in the liver than polyunsaturated ones. In particular, polyunsaturated fatty acids of n-3 series (omega-3), such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), have been intensively studied for their antisteatotic effects, both in preclinical animal models of obesity and hepatic steatosis and in overweight/obese patients. Their effects may depend not only on the dose and duration of administration of omega-3, or DHA/EPA ratio, but also on the lipid class used for their supplementation. This review summarizes the available evidence from recent comparative studies using omega-3 supplementation via different lipid classes. Albeit the evidence is mainly limited to preclinical studies, it suggests that phospholipids and possibly wax esters could provide greater efficacy against MASLD compared to traditional chemical forms of omega-3 supplementation (i.e., triacylglycerols, ethyl esters). This cannot be attributed solely to improved EPA and/or DHA bioavailability, but other mechanisms may be involved. Keywords: MASLD • Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease • NAFLD • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease • n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Bioaccessibility of avocado polyhydroxylated fatty alcohols

Avocado-derived polyhydroxylated fatty alcohols (PFAs), such as avocadene and avocadyne, have been recently identified as potent modulators of mitochondrial metabolism which selectively induce leukemia cell death and reverse pathologies associated with diet-induced obesity. However, avocadene and avocadyne bioaccessibility from avocado pulp is not reported; hence, this study aims to investigate if these PFAs are bioaccessible. Dynamic (TNO dynamic intestinal model-1 (TIM-1)) and static in vitro digestion of lyophilized Hass avocado pulp powder shows lipolytic gastrointestinal enzymes led to appreciable bioaccessibility of avocadene (55%) and avocadyne (50%). Furthermore, TIM-1 digestion of a 1:1 ratio of pure avocadene and avocadyne (avocatin B or AvoB) crystals formulated in an oil-in-water microemulsion has on average 15% higher bioaccessibility than the avocado pulp powder demonstrating both dosage forms as potential dietary sources of avocado PFAs. This research provides the impetus for further research on the nutritional significance of dietary long chain fatty alcohols.

Exploring the Potential of Atlantic Mesopelagic Species Processed on Board Commercial Fishing Vessels as a Source of Dietary Lipids

This study investigates the use of untapped mesopelagic species as a source of long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFAs) to meet the growing demand. The challenges faced by commercial fishing vessels, such as varying catch rates and species distribution affecting lipid levels, are addressed. Marine oils were produced post-catch using thermal separation and enzymatic hydrolysis during four commercial cruises, screening approximately 20,000 kg of mixed mesopelagic species. Maurolicus muelleri and Benthosema glaciale were the dominant species in the catch, while krill was the primary bycatch. The lipid composition varied, with B. glaciale having a higher prevalence of wax esters, while triacylglycerols and phospholipids were more predominant in the other species. LC n-3 PUFAs ranged from 19% to 44% of lipids, with an average EPA + DHA content of 202 mg/g of oil. Both processing methods achieved oil recoveries of over 90%. Estimates indicate that the mesopelagic biomass in the Northeast Atlantic could supply annual recommended levels of EPA + DHA to 1.5 million people, promoting healthy heart and brain functions. These findings offer valuable insights for considering mesopelagic species as a potential source of dietary marine lipids, laying the groundwork for further research and innovation in processing and obtaining valuable compounds from such species.

Increased efficacy of dietary supplement containing wax ester-rich marine oil and xanthophylls in a mouse model of dry macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is nowadays considered among the retinal diseases whose clinical management lacks established treatment approaches, mainly for its atrophic (dry) form. In this respect, the use of dietary patterns enriched in omega-3 and antioxidant xanthophylls has emerged as a promising approach to counteract dry AMD progression although the prophylactic potential of omega-3 of fish origin has been discussed. Whether enriched availability of omega-3 and xanthophylls may increase the effectiveness of diet supplementation in preventing dry AMD remains to be fully established. The present study aims at comparing the efficacy of an existing orally administered formulation based on lutein and fish oil, as a source of omega-3, with a novel formulation providing the combination of lutein and astaxanthin with Calanus oil (COil), which contains omega-3 together with their precursors policosanols. Using a mouse model of dry AMD based on subretinal injection of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-400, we assessed the comparative efficacy of both formulations on PEG-induced major hallmarks including oxidative stress, inflammation, glial reactivity and outer retinal thickness. Dietary supplementation with both mixtures has been found to exert a significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity as reflected by the overall amelioration of the PEG-induced pathological hallmarks. Noteworthy, the formulation based on COil appeared to be more protective than the one based on fish oil, presumably because of the higher bioavailability of omega-3 in COil. These results support the use of dietary supplements combining omega-3 and xanthophylls in the prevention and treatment of AMD and suggest that the source of omega-3 might contribute to treatment efficacy.

Calanus Oil Supplementation Does Not Further Improve Short-Term Memory or Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Older Women Who Underwent Exercise Training

Purpose

In our study, we examined changes in short-term episodic memory and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in women after an exercise program alone or in combination with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplementation.

Patients and Methods

Fifty-five healthy elderly women (65–80 years) were randomly split into two groups: in the first group were women attending an exercise program while taking wax esters-rich oil (Calanus) supplementation (n = 28) and in the other group were women undergoing the same exercise program while taking placebo (n = 27). The 16-week exercise program consisted of functional circuit training (twice a week) and Nordic walking lessons (once a week). Short-term episodic memory was evaluated by the Czech screening Test “Pojmenování OBrázků A jejich Vybavení” (POBAV) baseline and after the program lasting 16 weeks.

Results

Our results show that short-term memory significantly improved following the exercise program, but there was no added value in using n-3 PUFA supplements. BDNF values did not differ between baseline and follow-up in either group. However, there was a statistically significant positive relationship between relative change (%) in the POBAV test and VO₂peak in the placebo group (r = 0.49).

Conclusion

Despite the added value of n-3 PUFA supplementation not being proven, our results may strengthen the importance of physical activity in averting age-related memory decline and dementia.

No Effect of Calanus Oil on Maximal Oxygen Uptake in Healthy Participants: A Randomized Controlled Study

We aimed to investigate the long-term effect of daily Calanus oil supplementation on maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in healthy 30- to 50-year-old participants. The study was motivated by preclinical studies reporting increased VO2max and metabolic health with omega-3 rich Calanus oil. In a double-blinded study, 71 participants were randomized to receive 2 g/day of Calanus or placebo supplementation for a total of 6 months. The participants underwent exercise testing and clinical investigations at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Main study endpoint was change in VO2max from baseline to 6 months. Fifty-eight participants completed the 6-month test and were included in the final data analysis (age: Calanus, 39.7 [38.0, 41.4] and placebo, 38.8 [36.8, 40.9] years; body mass index: Calanus, 24.8 [24.0, 25.6] and placebo, 24.8 [23.7, 25.8] kg/m2; and VO2max: Calanus, 50.4 [47.1, 53.8] and placebo, 50.2 [47.2, 53.1] ml·kg-1·min-1). There were no between-group differences at baseline, nor were there any between-group differences in absolute (Calanus, 3.74 [3.44, 4.04] and placebo, 3.79 [3.44, 4.14] L/min) or relative VO2max (Calanus, 49.7 [46.2, 53.2] and placebo, 49.5 [46.0, 53.1] ml·kg-1·min-1) at 6 months (mean [95% confidence interval]). There were no between-groups change in clinical measures from baseline to 3 and 6 months. In conclusion, VO2max was unaffected by 6 months of daily Calanus oil supplementation in healthy, physically fit, normal to overweight men and women between 30 and 50 years old.

Exercise Training Combined with Calanus Oil Supplementation Improves the Central Cardiodynamic Function in Older Women

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible beneficial effects of exercise training (ET) with omega-3/Calanus oil supplementation on cardiorespiratory and adiposity parameters in elderly women. Fifty-five women (BMI: 19–37 kg/m², 62–80 years old) were recruited and randomly assigned to the 4 month intervention with ET and omega-3 supplementation (Calanus oil, ET-Calanus) or ET and the placebo (sunflower oil; ET-Placebo). The body composition was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and cardiorespiratory parameters were measured using spiroergometry and PhysioFlow hemodynamic testing. Both interventions resulted in an increased lean mass whereas the fat mass was reduced in the leg and trunk as well as the android and gynoid regions. The content of trunk fat (in percent of the total fat) was lower and the content of the leg fat was higher in the ET-Calanus group compared with the ET-Placebo. Although both interventions resulted in similar improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (VO_2max), it was explained by an increased peripheral oxygen extraction (a-vO₂diff) alone in the ET-Placebo group whereas increased values of both a-vO₂diff and maximal cardiac output (CO_max) were observed in the ET-Calanus group. Changes in CO_max were associated with changes in systemic vascular resistance, circulating free fatty acids, and the omega-3 index. In conclusion, Calanus oil supplementation during a 4 month ET intervention in elderly women improved the cardiorespiratory function, which was due to combined central and peripheral cardiodynamic mechanisms.

In vitro intestinal digestion of lipids from the marine diatom Porosira glacialis compared to commercial LC n-3 PUFA products

Marine sources of long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFA) are in high demand for use in health supplements. Mass cultivated marine microalgae is a promising and sustainable source of LC n-3 PUFA, which relieves pressure on natural fish stocks. The lipid class profile from cultivated photosynthetic algae differ from the marine organisms currently used for the production of LC n-3 PUFA. The objective of this study was to compare in vitro intestinal digestion of oil extracted from the cold-adapted marine diatom Porosira glacialis with commercially available LC n-3 PUFA supplements; cod liver oil, krill oil, ethyl ester concentrate, and oil from the copepod Calanus finmarchicus (Calanus® oil). The changes in the free fatty acids and neutral and polar lipids during the enzymatic hydrolysis were characterized by liquid and gas chromatography. In Calanus® oil and the Ethyl ester concentrate, the free fatty acids increased very little (4.0 and 4.6%, respectively) during digestion. In comparison, free fatty acids in Krill oil and P. glacialis oil increased by 14.7 and 17.0%, respectively. Cod liver oil had the highest increase (28.2%) in free fatty acids during the digestion. Monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids were more easily released than polyunsaturated fatty acids in all five oils.

Exercise Training Reduces Inflammation of Adipose Tissue in the Elderly: Cross-Sectional and Randomized Interventional Trial

CONTEXT

Metabolic disturbances and a pro-inflammatory state associated with aging and obesity may be mitigated by physical activity or nutrition interventions.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to assess whether physical fitness/exercise training (ET) alleviates inflammation in adipose tissue (AT), particularly in combination with omega-3 supplementation, and whether changes in AT induced by ET can contribute to an improvement of insulin sensitivity and metabolic health in the elderly.

DESIGN, PARTICIPANTS, MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The effect of physical fitness was determined in cross-sectional comparison of physically active/physically fit (trained) and sedentary/less physically fit (untrained) older women (71 ± 4 years, n = 48); and in double-blind randomized intervention by 4 months of ET with or without omega-3 (Calanus oil) supplementation (n = 55). Physical fitness was evaluated by spiroergometry (maximum graded exercise test) and senior fitness tests. Insulin sensitivity was measured by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. Samples of subcutaneous AT were used to analyze mRNA gene expression, cytokine secretion, and immune cell populations.

RESULTS

Trained women had lower mRNA levels of inflammation and oxidative stress markers, lower relative content of CD36+ macrophages, and higher relative content of γδT-cells in AT when compared with untrained women. Similar effects were recapitulated in response to a 4-month ET intervention. Content of CD36+ cells, γδT-cells, and mRNA expression of several inflammatory and oxidative stress markers correlated to insulin sensitivity and cardiorespiratory fitness.

CONCLUSIONS

In older women, physical fitness is associated with less inflammation in AT. This may contribute to beneficial metabolic outcomes achieved by ET. When combined with ET, omega-3 supplementation had no additional beneficial effects on AT inflammatory characteristics.

Biochemical characteristics of zooplankton entering Atlantic mackerel processing plants in Iceland as side-catch

The Northeast Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) is a zooplanktivorous fish with its main summer feeding grounds in the waters around Iceland. The zooplankton in the stomachs of the caught fish causes several problems during processing due to the high enzyme activity of the zooplankton. The aim of the study was to evaluate the chemical characteristics of zooplankton that accompanies mackerel as a side-catch and stomach fullness as affected by catching year, season, catching zone, and catching method over three mackerel seasons from 2016 to 2018. Species identification by the fatty acid tropic marker method (FATM) was also applied within the zooplankton rich side-stream. FATM analysis indicated that the majority of the zooplankton mass belonged to Calanus finmarchicus. The lipid composition of the zooplankton rich side-stream varied between years but was rich in monounsaturated, as well as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The results suggest that the zooplankton rich side-stream from mackerel caught in Icelandic waters has the potential for further sustainable processing into valuable nutrients.

Undesirables in Mesopelagic Species and Implications for Food and Feed Safety-Insights from Norwegian Fjords

The increase in the global population demands more biomass from the ocean as future food and feed, and the mesopelagic species might contribute significantly. In the present study, we evaluated the food and feed safety of six of the most abundant mesopelagic species in Norwegian fjords. Trace elements (i.e., arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead), organic pollutants (i.e., dioxins, furans, dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls, and polybrominated flame-retardants), and potentially problematic lipid compounds (i.e., wax esters and erucic acid) were analyzed and compared to existing food and feed maximum levels and intake recommendations. Furthermore, contaminant loads in processed mesopelagic biomass (protein, oil, and fish meal) was estimated using worst-case scenarios to identify possible food and feed safety issues. While most undesirables were low considering European food legislation, we identified a few potential food safety issues regarding high levels of fluoride in Northern krill, wax esters in glacier lanternfish, and long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids in silvery lightfish. Our estimates in processed biomass indicated high levels of undesirable trace elements in the protein fraction, frequently exceeding the maximum levels for feed ingredients. However, in fish meal, almost no exceedances were seen. In the oil fraction, dioxins and furans were above the maximum levels, given for food and feed ingredients. The present study is crucial to enable an evaluation of the value of these species; however, more data is needed before proceeding with large-scale harvesting of mesopelagic biomass.

Omega-3 rich oils from microalgae: A chitosan mediated in situ transesterification method

Microalgae are a precious source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), however extraction is difficult due to the peculiar microalgae cell structure. Here we describe a new method based on the application of chitosan nanoaggregates as CO₂ responsive emulsifier, used to promote the swelling of algae cell wall and the formation of a large oil - ethanol interphase area during the ethanolysis. Tests were carried out with Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and Nannochloropsis sp. at different biomass/ethanol/chitosan ratios. CO₂ was added to trigger demulsification to promote an easy recovery of the lipid fraction. The highest yields in PUFA were obtained with Nannochloropsis sp. (207.9 mg/g of oil) using 0.4% wt of chitosan and 1:10 biomass:ethanol ratio; 43.6 mg/g of linolenic acid were obtained from Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata. Overall, because the method employs ethanol, a generally recognized as safe (GRAS) solvent, and food grade additives, it is suited for the preparation of PUFA supplements.

Intake of Calanus finmarchicus oil for 12 weeks improves omega-3 index in healthy older subjects engaging in an exercise programme

The n-3 PUFA, EPA and DHA, play an important role in human health. As the intake of EPA and DHA from the diet is often inadequate, supplementation of those fatty acids is recommended. A novel source of n-3 PUFA is Calanus finmarchicus oil (CO) which contains fatty acids mainly bound in wax esters. To date, no data are available on the effects of long-term intake of this marine oil on n-3 PUFA blood levels. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of CO on the n-3 PUFA blood levels using the omega-3 index (O3I). The data originate from a larger randomised controlled trial. For this analysis, samples from seventy-two participants (59·2 (sd 6·2) years, BMI 27·7 (sd 5·28) kg/m²) were analysed. Of those, thirty-six performed 2×/week exercise and received 2 g of CO, which provided 124 mg stearidonic acid (SDA), 109 mg EPA and 87 mg DHA daily (EXCO group), while the other group performed exercise only (EX group) and served as a control for this analysis. The O3I increased from 6·07 (sd 1·29) % at baseline to 7·37 (sd 1·10) % after 12 weeks within the EXCO group (P < 0·001), while there were no significant changes in the EX group (6·01 (sd 1·26)–6·15 (sd 1·32) %, P = 0·238). These data provide first evidence that wax ester-bound n-3 PUFA from CO can significantly increase the O3I despite relatively low EPA + DHA amounts. Further, the effects of exercise could be excluded.

Effects of Exercise Combined with a Healthy Diet or Calanus finmarchicus Oil Supplementation on Body Composition and Metabolic Markers-A Pilot Study

Aging is accompanied by a progressive decline in muscle mass and an increase in fat mass, which are detrimental changes associated with the development of health conditions such as type-2 diabetes mellitus or chronic low-grade inflammation. Although both exercise as well as nutritional interventions are known to be beneficial in counteracting those age-related changes, data to which extent untrained elderly people may benefit is still sparse. Therefore, a randomized, controlled, 12-week interventional trial was conducted in which 134 healthy untrained participants (96 women and 38 men, age 59.4 ± 5.6 years, body mass index (BMI) 28.4 ± 5.8 kg/m²) were allocated to one of four study groups: (1) control group with no intervention (CON); (2) 2×/week aerobic and resistance training only (EX); (3) exercise routine combined with dietary counseling in accordance with the guidelines of the German Nutrition Society (EXDC); (4) exercise routine combined with intake of 2 g/day oil from Calanus finmarchicus (EXCO). Body composition (bioelectrical impedance analysis), as well as markers of glucose metabolism and blood lipids, were analyzed at the beginning and the end of the study. The highest decreases in body fat were observed within the EXCO group (−1.70 ± 2.45 kg, p < 0.001), and the EXDC (−1.41 ± 2.13 kg, p = 0.008) group. Markers of glucose metabolism and blood lipids remained unchanged in all groups. Taken together results of this pilot study suggest that a combination of moderate exercise and intake of oil from Calanus finmarchicus or a healthy diet may promote fat loss in elderly untrained overweight participants.

Possible Health Effects of a Wax Ester Rich Marine Oil

The consumption of seafood and the use of fish oil for the production of nutraceuticals and fish feed have increased over the past decades due the high content of long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids. This increase has put pressure on the sustainability of fisheries. One way to overcome the limited supply of fish oil is to harvest lower in the marine food web. Calanus finmarchicus, feeding on phytoplankton, is a small copepod constituting a considerable biomass in the North Atlantic and is a novel source of omega-3 fatty acids. The oil is, however, different from other commercial marine oils in terms of chemistry and, possibly, bioactivity since it contains wax esters. Wax esters are fatty acids that are esterified with alcohols. In addition to the long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the oil is also rich in stearidonic acid (SDA), long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids, and the long-chain fatty alcohols eicosenol and docosenol. Recent animal studies have indicated anti-inflammatory and anti-obesogenic actions of this copepod oil beyond that provided by EPA and DHA. This review will discuss potential mechanisms behind these beneficial effects of the oil, focusing on the impact of the various components of the oil. The health effects of EPA and DHA are well recognized, whereas long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids and long-chain fatty alcohols have to a large degree been overlooked in relation to human health. Recently, however the fatty alcohols have received interest as potential targets for improved health via conversion to their corresponding fatty acids. Together, the different lipid components of the oil from C. finmarchicus may have potential as nutraceuticals for reducing obesity and obesity-related metabolic disorders.

Effect of Calanus Oil Supplementation and 16 Week Exercise Program on Selected Fitness Parameters in Older Women

We investigated changes in functional fitness after an exercise program in combination with Calanus oil supplementation, a novel source of bioactive lipids rich in wax esters with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA). Fifty-five healthy sedentary women aged 65–80 (mean age 70.9 ± 3.9 years, BMI 27.24 ± 3.9 kg m⁻², VO₂peak 19.46 ± 3.7 ml kg⁻¹ min⁻¹) were enrolled in the study. The participants were divided into two groups: exercise training plus Calanus Oil supplementation (n = 28) or exercise plus placebo (sunflower oil) supplementation (n = 27). The exercise intervention program was completed by 53 participants and contained functional circuit training (twice a week, 45 min plus 15 min of stretching and balance training) and Nordic walking (once a week, 60 min) for 16 weeks. Senior fitness test, exercise stress test on bicycle ergometer, hand-grip, and body composition were evaluated before and after the program. Our results show that functional fitness and body composition improved following the interventional exercise program, but for most of the parameters there was no synergic effect of supplementing n-3 PUFA-rich Calanus oil. In comparison to the placebo group, the group with Calanus supplementation experienced significantly higher improvement of functional strength of lower body which was evaluated by the chair stand test. Supplementation with Calanus may have a synergic effect with exercise on functional strength of the lower body in the elderly.

Calanus oil in the treatment of obesity-related low-grade inflammation, insulin resistance, and atherosclerosis

Calanus oil (COil) is a natural product extracted from marine zooplankton Calanus finmarchicus found in the North Atlantic Ocean. This oil is rich in wax esters of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and has been projected as the best alternative to fish oil because its production cannot keep pace with the demands from the growing markets. The COil is the only commercially available marine source of wax esters, whereas classic ω-3 PUFAs comes from triglycerides, ethyl esters, and phospholipids. It has, in recent decades, been seen that there is an unprecedented rise in the use of PUFA-rich oil in the aquaculture industry. A simultaneous rise in the demand of PUFAs is also observed in the health care industry, where PUFAs are suggested preventing various disorders related to lifestyles such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, chronic low-grade inflammation, atherosclerosis, and brain and cardiovascular disorders (CVDs). In this review, we will explore the metabolic aspects related to the use of COil as an antioxidant, anticholesterinemic, and anti-inflammatory dietary source and its impact on the prevention and therapy of obesity-related metabolic disorders.

Multi-analytical characterization of perigonadal fat in bluefin tuna: from waste to marine lipid source

BACKGROUND

Marine lipids are widely recognized as supplements beneficial to health in the human diet. Bluefin tuna, as most migrating fish, may have high and variable marine lipid contents in their tissues. The viscera of the specimens caught in the Mediterranean Sea are generally discarded. Only ovaries are (locally) used for artisanal seafood preparations.

RESULTS

A multi-analytical approach carried out using infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS) revealed that the perigonadal fats usually discarded during bluefin tuna evisceration are characterized by a high relative abundance of polyunsaturated triacylglycerols (76.2% of dry mass), with docosahexaenoic (DHA, 22:6) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA, 20:5) acids preferentially located at the sn-2 position of the glycerol backbone. By contrast, in fats from the ovarian tissues, no wax esters and phospholipids were evidenced. Cholesterol was found in very low amounts (84 mg/100 g ovarian tissue). In vitro assays showed that this fatty material is rapidly hydrolyzed by lipase and is prone to auto-oxidation, especially if compared to the stable wax esters contained in the ovary.

CONCLUSION

The results show that the perigonadal fats of bluefin tuna, traditionally wasted after evisceration, may be an interesting source for the preparation of marine lipid supplements that do not require complex fractionation processes. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Analytical Method To Detect and Quantify Avocatin B in Hass Avocado Seed and Pulp Matter

Avocatin B, an avocado-derived compound mixture, was demonstrated recently to possess potent anticancer activity by selectively targeting and eliminating leukemia stem cells. Avocatin B is a mixture of avocadene and avocadyne, two 17-carbon polyhydroxylated fatty alcohols (PFAs), first discovered in avocado seeds; their quantities in avocado pulp are unknown. Analytical methods to detect avocado seed PFAs have utilized NMR spectroscopy and GC-MS; both of these lack quantitative capacity and accuracy. Herein, we report a sensitive LC-MS method for the quantitation of avocadene and avocadyne in avocado seed and pulp. The method has a reliable and linear response range of 0.1-50 μM (0.03-17.2 ng/μL) for both avocadene and avocadyne ( r² > 0.990) with a lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) of 0.1 μM. The intra- and interassay accuracy and precision of the quality control (QC) samples at LLOQ showed ≤18.2% percentage error and ≤14.4% coefficient of variation (CV). The intra- and interassay accuracy and precision for QC samples at low and high concentrations were well below 10% error and CV. This method was successfully applied to quantify avocadene and avocadyne in total lipid extracts of Hass avocado pulp and seed matter.