Analysis of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid geometrical isomers formed during fish oil deodorization

Impact of extraction method on the lipids of Himalayan marmot oil with ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography Q-Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry analysis

RATIONALE

Himalayan marmot oil (SPO) has been used for pharmaceutical purposes for centuries, but its composition is still unclear. The bioactivity of SPO highly depends on the techniques used for its processing. This study focused on the comprehensive lipidomics of SPO, especially on the ones derived from dry rendering, wet rendering, cold pressing, and ultrasound-assisted solvent extraction.

METHODS

We performed lipid profiling of SPO acquired by different extraction methods using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography Q-Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry, and 17 classes of lipids (2 BMPs, 12 LysoPCs, 9 LysoPEs, 41 PCs, 24 PEs, 23 Plasmenyl-PCs, 10 Plasmenyl-PEs, 10 MGs, 63 DGs, 187 TGs, 2 MGDGs, 3 Cer[NDS]s, 22 Cer[NS]s, 2 GlcCer[NS]s, 14 SMs, 14 CEs, and 6 AcylCarnitines) were characterized.

RESULTS

Fifty-five lipids were differentially altered (VIP > 1.5, p < 0.05) between the extraction techniques, which can be used as potential biomarkers to differentiate SPO extracted by various methods. Additionally, the contents of oleic acid and arachidic acid were abundant in all samples that may suggest their medicinal values and are conducive to in-depth research.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings reveal the alterations of lipid profile and free fatty acid composition in SPO obtained with different extraction methods, providing a theoretical foundation for investigating its important components as functional factors in medicines and cosmetics.

1H NMR-based metabolomics study of the lipid profile of omega-3 fatty acid supplements and some vegetable oils

Omega-3 fatty acids, which consist of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acids that are crucial for enhancing human health. These three omega-3s are regarded as vital dietary nutrients because it cannot synthesize them on its own. Therefore, they must be obtained through dietary sources. On the other hands, there are concerns regarding the quality and quantity of omega-3 in dietary sources and supplements. In this study, 1H NMR spectroscopy and multivariate analysis were harnessed for non-destructive profiling of fatty acids in commercially available omega-3 supplements and plant-based oils. Results disclosed substantial disparities in omega-3 content from 8 to over 50 %, with some revealing unexpected adulteration. Notably, in one fish oil sample DHA could not be detected indicating the possibility of adulteration. Additionally, the research delineated the fatty acid composition of plant-based oils, emphasizing variations in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA) content among flaxseed, chia seed, and walnut oils. Chia seeds emerged as a rich source of ALA (57-65 %mol), while walnuts contained considerable LA (44-53 % mol). The findings emphasize the power of metabolomics as a rapid and affordable tool for finding omega-3 fatty acids content and adulteration in commercial dietary products.

Asymmetric Synthesis of Methoxylated Ether Lipids: Total Synthesis of n-3 Polyunsaturated Docosahexaenoic Acid-Like Methoxylated Ether Lipid

The first total synthesis of a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-like methoxylated ether lipid (MEL) is reported. This compound constitutes an all-cis methylene skipped hexaene framework identical to that present in DHA, the well-known omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid. The polyene C22 hydrocarbon chain, bearing a methoxyl group in the 2-position and R-configuration at the resulting chiral center, is attached by an ether linkage to the pro-S hydroxymethyl group (sn-1 position) of a glycerol backbone. The asymmetric synthesis is highly convergent and based on the polyacetylene approach involving iterative copper-promoted coupling reactions of propargyl bromides with terminal alkynes and semihydrogenation of the resulting hexayne. Starting from enantiopure R-solketal and racemic epichlorohydrin, the targeted MEL was accomplished in an 8.2% yield over eight steps (longest linear sequence) involving an enantio- and diastereopure glyceryl glycidyl ether key C6-building blocks from which the polyynes were constructed.

Study on the physicochemical indexes, nutritional quality, and flavor compounds of Trichiurus lepturus from three representative origins for geographical traceability

Trichiurus lepturus (hairtail) is an important economic component of China's marine fishing industry. However, due to the difficulty in identifying the appearance of hairtail from different geographical distributions, hairtails with geographical indication trademarks were imitated by general varieties. In this study, the texture characteristics, color, basic nutrients, amino acids, mineral, fatty acids, and volatile flavor substances were used as indicators for multivariate statistical analysis to determine whether three origins of hairtails from the habitats of Zhoushan (East China Sea, T.Z), Hainan (South China Sea, T.N), and Qingdao (Yellow Sea, T.Q) in the market could be distinguished. The findings revealed that there were significant differences in amino acids composition, mineral composition, fatty acid composition in lipids, and volatile flavor substances among the hairtails of three origins (P < 0.05), but no differences in color, texture, protein content. T.Z had moisture, crude fat, essential amino acids (EAA), flavor amino acids (FAA), unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), and docosahexaenoic acids and dicosapentaenoic acids (ΣEPA + DHA) contents of 74.33, 5.4%, 58.25 mg⋅g-1, 46.20 mg⋅g-1, 66.84 and 19.38%, respectively, and the contents of volatile alcohols, aldehydes and ketones were 7.44, 5.30, and 5.38%, respectively. T.N contains moisture, crude fat, EAA, FAA, UFA and ΣEPA + DHA as 77.69, 2.38%, 64.76 mg⋅g-1, 52.44 mg⋅g-1, 65.52 and 29.45%, respectively, and the contents of volatile alcohols, aldehydes and ketones as 3.21, 8.92, and 10.98%, respectively. T.Q had the contents of moisture, crude fat, EAA, FAA, UFA, and ΣEPA + DHA 79.69, 1.43%, 60.9 mg⋅g-1, and 49.42 mg⋅g-1, respectively. The contents of unsaturated fatty acid and ΣEPA + DHA were 63.75 and 26.12%, respectively, while the volatile alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones were 5.14, 5.99, and 7.85%, respectively. Partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) multivariate statistical analysis showed that volatile flavor compounds could be used as the most ideal indicators for tracing the source of hairtail. In conclusion, the findings of this study can distinguish the three hairtail origins using some basic indicators, providing ideas for hairtail geographical identification.

A convenient route to mono-trans polyunsaturated free fatty acids

Trans unsaturated fatty acids in humans may be originated both from dietary supplementation and from an endogenous free-radical-catalyzed cis−trans isomerization of fatty acid residues in naturally occurring cis lipids. The latter process affords geometrical isomers and the polyunsaturated fatty acid mono-trans isomers were demonstrated to be connected with stress conditions in living organisms. Synthesis of mono-trans polyunsaturated fatty acid is useful for analytical and biological research, and in this case, the availability of free fatty acids is needed as well as the possibility of mg scale of the synthetic protocol. Herein, we report a simple synthetic route to mono-trans isomers of arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid, which includes thiyl radical-catalyzed isomerization reaction of polyunsaturated fatty acid methyl esters and fraction isolation of mono-trans mixture isomers followed by optimization of hydrolysis condition to free fatty acids and purification of each mono-trans polyunsaturated fatty acid. Our approach to mono-trans polyunsaturated fatty acids as free acids can reach the mg scale, thus fostering more applications to biochemical and biological studies.

Quantitative determination of EPA and DHA in fish oil capsules for cardiovascular disease therapy in Indonesia by GC-MS

BACKGROUND

The consumption of EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid), and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), from fish oil, in the long run, has been observed to have a positive impact on patients with coronary heart disease. Fish oil products, with so much EPA and DHA content are available, and have very variable prices. Therefore, as a therapy to be used for long-term treatment, the cost factor is to be considered.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This study analyzed the content of EPA and DHA, using GC-MS. The sample to be analyzed was the fish oil that has the lowest price (Product A1), and that of the highest (Product A2). Furthermore, the macroscopic analysis was performed, by observing the physical form including organoleptic and qualitative tests, by reading the fragments identified by EPA and DHA.

RESULTS

Clinical trials were conducted on patients (about 46 people), with risk factors and dyslipidemia. Product A1 showed EPA at tR= 15.574 min (relative%= 88.49%, similarity= 95%), and DHA at tR= 21.714 min (relative%= 88.92%, similarity= 93%). Product A2 showed EPA at tR= 28.719 min (relative%= 22.58%, similarity= 89%), and DHA at tR= 32.327 min (relative%= 22.87%, similarity= 90%), which meant that both had EPA and DHA contents, in accordance with their labels. Both products were confirmed to reduce total cholesterol in 4weeks (p=0.000, p= 0.000), with no significant difference in their effectiveness (p=0.652).

CONCLUSION

The results showed that both the A1 and A2 products, had the EPA and DHA contents in accordance with their respective labels. However, with the A2 product having a percentage relatively higher than that of the A1 brand, both are equally very effective.

Evidence for the Initial Steps of DHA Biohydrogenation by Mixed Ruminal Microorganisms from Sheep Involves Formation of Conjugated Fatty Acids

Incubation of DHA with sheep rumen fluid resulted in 80% disappearance in 6 h. The products were analyzed as their fatty acid (FA) methyl esters by GC-FID on SP-2560 and SLB-IL111 columns. The GC-online reduction × GC and GC-MS techniques demonstrated that all DHA metabolites retained the C22 structure (no evidence of chain-shortening). Two new transient DHA products were identified: mono-trans methylene interrupted-DHA and monoconjugated DHA (MC-DHA) isomers. Identification of MC-DHA was confirmed by their predicted elution using equivalent chain length differences from C18 FA, their molecular ions, and the 22:5 products formed which were the most abundant at 6 h. The 22:5 structures were established by fragmentation of their 4,4-dimethyloxazoline derivatives, and all 22:5 products contained an isolated double bond, suggesting formation via MC-DHA. The most abundant c4,c7,c10,t14,c19-22:5 appeared to be formed by unknown isomerases. Results suggest that the initial biohydrogenation of DHA was analogous to that of C18 FA.

Physicochemical and sensory characterization of refined and deodorized tuna (Thunnus albacares) by-product oil obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis

In this study, the effects of chemical refining and deodorization on fatty acid profiles and physicochemical and sensory characteristics of the tuna by-product oil obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis were evaluated. Enzymatic extraction was conducted for 120 min at 60 °C and pH 6.5 using Alcalase at an enzyme-substrate ratio of 1:200 w/w. The chemical refining of crude oil consisted of degumming, neutralization, washing, drying, bleaching, and deodorization; deodorization was conducted at different temperatures and processing times. Although chemical refining was successful, temperature and chemical reagents favored the removal of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) from the oil. Aroma attributes of fishy odor, frying odor, and rancid odor predominantly contributed to the sensory evaluation of the product. Deodorization conditions of 160 °C for 1h and 200 °C for 1h were recommended for the tuna by-product oil, which is rich in PUFA.

Chromatographic Methods in the Separation of Long-Chain Mono- and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

This review presents various chromatographic systems, TLC, HPLC, GC, and also SFC, developed for identification and accurate quantification of long-chain mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids from different samples with emphasis on selected literature which was published during last decade. Almost all the aspects such as preseparation step of fatty acids (cisandtrans), stationary phase, solvent system, and detection mode are discussed.

Content and composition of fatty acids in marine oil omega-3 supplements

Marine oil omega-3 supplements are among the most frequently consumed dietary supplements in the United States. However, few studies have evaluated the overall fatty acid composition of these products. We investigated the content and composition of fatty acids in 46 commercially available marine oil omega-3 supplements by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection using the 200 m SLB-IL111 ionic liquid column. Seventy-three fatty acid isomers were quantified, including n-6, n-4, n-3, and n-1 polyunsaturated fatty acids and trans isomers of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; C20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6n-3), the chromatographic separations of which we report for the first time on the 200 m SLB-IL111 column. Contents of EPA and DHA met their respective label declarations in more than 80% of the products examined. Eleven of the products (24%) carried the Food and Drug Administration's qualified health claim for EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids.

Acetonitrile covalent adduct chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry of non-methylene-interrupted pentaene fatty acid methyl esters

Acetonitrile covalent adduct chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry (CACIMS/MS) has shown to be an efficient method for the identification of double-bond position in homoallylic, conjugated and several polyene non-methylene-interrupted (NMI) fatty acid methyl esters. However, it has not been thoroughly evaluated for NMI highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) with more than four double bonds. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-rich single cell oil (DHASCO(®); Martek Biosciences, Corp.) was partially hydrogenated (partially hydrogenated DHASCO; PHDO) producing ten novel 22:5 and 22:6 HUFA isomers. In single-stage MS, the ratio of [M+54](+)/[M+54-32](+) for the 22:5 and 22:6 isomers indicated the presence of homoallylic or partially conjugated double-bond systems. The CACIMS/MS spectra revealed six 22:5 isomers with diagnostic ions corresponding to the homoallylic 22:5n-6 and 22:5n-3 isomers, and four distinct NMI 22:5 isomers. Diagnostic ions for four 22:6 isomers were identical to the native DHA illustrating that CACIMS/MS is sensitive to double-bond position but not geometry. Three gas chromatography (GC) peaks for partially conjugated 22:6 isomers were also detected and clearly distinguishable from homoallylic 22:6 isomers, but their CACIMS/MS spectra did not yield prominent ions indicative of double-bond position, possibly due to co-elution. Overall, CACIMS/MS was effective for determining double-bond position in NMI 22:5 isomers. Further investigations are warranted to evaluate and determine fragmentation patterns for partially conjugated and NMI 22:6 HUFA.

Removal of trimethylamine by adsorption over zeolite catalysts and deodorization of fish oil

Trimethylamine (TMA) is the main agent for the odor often associated with fouling fish, some infections, and bad breath. This study focused on the adsorption of TMA over various microporous zeolites for application in the low-temperature deodorization of fishy odor from raw fish oil. The faujasite (Si/Al=3) zeolite exhibited the high adsorption ability, which, in combination with its wide surface area and pore volume, may have induced the high adsorption ability. The H-mordenite (Si/Al=10) zeolite exhibited a large TMA adsorption. It was considered to have generated more attractive adsorption with TMA ions, because TMA interacted briskly with cations of acid sites on the zeolites. The fishy odor of raw fish oil was considerably reduced by low-temperature adsorption on the zeolites. The surface area of the zeolites retained most of the TMA adsorption ability, and their acid strength further enhanced the adsorption ability.

Recent trends in the advanced analysis of bioactive fatty acids

The consumption of dietary fats have been long associated to chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, asthma, and cardiovascular disease; although some controversy still exists in the role of dietary fats in human health, certain fats have demonstrated their positive effect in the modulation of abnormal fatty acid and eicosanoid metabolism, both of them associated to chronic diseases. Among the different fats, some fatty acids can be used as functional ingredients such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), stearidonic acid (STA) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), among others. The present review is focused on recent developments in FAs analysis, covering sample preparation methods such as extraction, fractionation and derivatization as well as new advances in chromatographic methods such as GC and HPLC. Special attention is paid to trans fatty acids due its increasing interest for the food industry.

Quantification of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid geometrical isomers formed during fish oil deodorization by gas–liquid chromatography

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) of the n-3 series and especially eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids (EPA and DHA, respectively) have important biological properties. The main dietary sources of LC-PUFAs are fish and fish oil. Geometrical isomerization is one of the main reactions happening during the thermal treatment of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Refined fish oils are used to supplement food products in LC-PUFAs and the quality of these nutritional ingredients have to be controlled. In the present study, a suitable method for the quantification of EPA and DHA geometrical isomers in fish oils by gas-liquid chromatography (GC) is presented. A highly polar capillary column (CP-Sil 88, 100 m) operating under optimal conditions was used. Method selectivity was studied by GC-mass spectrometry. The performance characteristics of the quantification method were studied using samples of fish oil deodorized at 220 degrees C for 3 h. The linearity of the method was assessed by analyzing composite samples obtained by mixing fish oil deodorized at 220 degrees C with semi-refined fish oil (control). Precision was evaluated by analyzing the same samples in triplicate. Results showed that the validated method is suitable to quantify low amounts of geometrical (trans) isomers of EPA and DHA in refined fish oils. The limits of quantification of the EPA and DHA geometrical isomers are 0.16 and 0.56 g/100 g of fish oil, for EPA and DHA, respectively. Commercially available LC-PUFA oil samples were evaluated by using the validated method. The results show that the oils analyzed contain low amounts (<1% of total fatty acids) of geometrical isomers of EPA and DHA.

Evaluation of the separation characteristics of application-specific (fatty acid methyl esters) open-tubular columns for gas chromatography

The solvation parameter model is used to characterize the separation properties of the polar stationary phases EC-Wax and PAG with a poly(ethylene oxide) backbone (substituted with propylene oxide in the case of PAG) and the cyanopropyl-substituted polysilphenylene-siloxane stationary phase BPX90 at five equally spaced temperatures between 60 and 140 degrees C. The separation characteristics of these stationary phases are compared to four PEG and two poly(cyanopropylsiloxane) stationary phases (HP-20M, HP-Innowax, SolGel-Wax, DB-WAXetr, HP-88, and SP-2340) characterized in the same way. The database of system constants for these polar stationary phases is used to provide insight into the separation mechanism for fatty acid methyl esters and to determine selectivity differences that can be expected for generically similar stationary phase types. The discussion is not structured to indicate which stationary phase should be used for a particular separation but to provide a general framework to demonstrate the relationship between the retention mechanism and stationary phase chemistry.