Fatty acid profiles of commercially important fish species from the Mediterranean, Aegean and Black Seas

Protein, Essential Amino Acid, and Fatty Acid Composition of Five Target Fishery Species of Central Mediterranean Sea

The protein, essential amino acid, and fatty acid composition of European pilchard (Sardina pilchardus), European hake (Merluccius merluccius), surmullet (Mullus surmuletus), red mullet (Mullus barbatus), and deep water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) from the central Mediterranean Sea were investigated. All the species showed an essential amino acid content of about 50% of total amino acids, while the protein and total fatty acids content varied from 19.9 to 24.8% and from 1.4 to 5.1%, respectively. The fatty acid profile mainly followed the order SFA (39.1-52.6%) > PUFA (21.0-39.3%) > MUFA (15.6-24.3%). Palmitic and stearic acids were predominant among saturated fatty acids (38-52% and 21-25%, respectively), while palmitoleic and oleic acids were the most represented of the total monounsaturated acids (10-21% and 55-68%, respectively). All the species, as expected, showed a more significant proportion of n-3 PUFA (EPA + DHA) of about 81-93% of the total PUFA, with the highest values was found in European pilchard. Also, several fat quality index values, such as n-6/n-3 ratio, PUFA/SFA, the index of atherogenicity (IA), the index of thrombogenicity (IT), the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (HH), and fish lipid quality/flesh lipid quality (FLQ) were calculated to assess the nutritional quality. All the obtained results, along with the fat quality indexes, indicated the excellent nutritional values of the selected species.

Comparative Nutritional and Histological Analysis of Malabar Red Snapper (Lutjanus malabaricus) and Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer)

This study offers a comprehensive morpho-histological analysis of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of the Malabar red snapper. A comparison of its GIT morphology with that of the Asian seabass reveals similarities and differences between the two species. Additionally, the moisture content, crude protein, and ash in the fillets of Malabar red snapper and Asian seabass were slightly different, with Malabar red snapper exhibiting higher levels of essential fatty acids. Furthermore, higher levels of the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)/saturated fatty acid (SFA) ratio and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)/eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) ratio, and a lower omega-6/omega-3 ratio, were observed in Malabar red snapper compared to Asian seabass. The Malabar red snapper's esophagus featured protective mechanisms such as simple columnar epithelial cells, mucous-secreting glands, and goblet cells that were predominantly stained for acid and neutral mucosubstances. Furthermore, its stomach, with mucus cells that were weakly stained for acid mucosubstances, exhibited distinct regions with varying glandular densities, with the pyloric region featuring few glands. The pyloric caeca of the fish were composed of five finger-like structures and few goblet cells. Several goblet cells gradually increased from the anterior to the posterior region of the intestine. These findings provide useful insights for the aquaculture sector, focusing on Malabar red snapper.

Fatty Acid Profile and Mineral Composition of Red-Toothed Triggerfish (Odonus niger) Landed in Karnataka, Southeastern Arabian Sea

The seasonal and sex-wise variations in fatty acid and mineral composition in the tissue of Odonus niger collected from the Karnataka coast, southeastern Arabian Sea, were evaluated for the first time. The fatty acid profile was assessed using gas chromatography, nutritional indices were employed to evaluate lipid quality, and standard methods were utilized to estimate mineral composition and heavy metals. Palmitic acid (20.2-45.9%), oleic acid (10.0-19.2%), and docosahexaenoic acid (10.9-36.7%) were found in the highest proportions. The amount of ω3 fatty acids was significantly higher than ω6 fatty acids indicating the healthiest food fish and a promising source for nutrient supplementation. The P/S (PUFA/SFA) and ω3/ω6 ratios of the species were greater than those recommended by the UK Dept. of Health. Index of atherogenicity (IA) and thrombogenicity (IT) was low, and hypocholesterolemic to the hypercholesterolemic ratio (HH), unsaturation index (UI), health-promoting index (HPI), fish lipid quality (FLQ), and polyene index (PI) were high. The relationship between the quantities of macronutrients and trace elements was calculated as K > P > Na > Mg > Ca and B > Fe > Zn > Ga > Al respectively. Heavy metals like Be, Bi, Co, and Hg were found below the detection level. Benefit-risk ratio value indicates that the species is safe for consumption.

Does Anisakis spp. infestation affect the proximate composition, fatty acids, and minerals contents of its host Merluccius merlucccius?

Fish play an important role in human nutrition. They are not only a great source of protein and healthy fats, but also a unique source of essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids. Moreover, most fish are parasitized, and some of these parasites are able to influence the reallocation of resources in their favor and thus reduce the nutritional quality of the fish. The present study was conducted to investigate the impact of the third stage larvae (L3) of Anisakis spp. on the proximate composition, macro-minerals (potassium, calcium, and sodium), and fatty acids of European hake (Merluccius merluccius Linnaeus, 1758). In parasitized female group, our results revealed a decrease (p< 0.005) in the amount of carbohydrate by 6.5%, of calcium by 17%, and of 2 polyunsaturated fatty acids (arachidonic acid (C20: 4w-6), and eicosapentaenoic acid (C20: 5w-3) with 33% and 15% respectively. Simultaneously, an increase by 25% in the level of a single saturated fatty acid C10:0 was noticed. According to the principal component analysis, the parasitized female was wealthy of saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids and contains less of polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and omega-6 fatty acids than the unparasitized female and male. No significant changes were observed in the biochemical composition of male hake, probably due to the low mean intensity of L3 larvae of Anisakis spp. in this group.

Oleic acid as potential immunostimulant in metabolism pathways of hybrid grouper fingerlings (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × Epinephelus lanceolatus) infected with Vibrio vulnificus

Grouper culture has been expanding in Malaysia due to the huge demand locally and globally. However, due to infectious diseases such as vibriosis, the fish mortality rate increased, which has affected the production of grouper. Therefore, this study focuses on the metabolic profiling of surviving infected grouper fed with different formulations of fatty acid diets that acted as immunostimulants for the fish to achieve desirable growth and health performance. After a six-week feeding trial and one-week post-bacterial challenge, the surviving infected grouper was sampled for GC-MS analysis. For metabolite extraction, a methanol/chloroform/water (2:2:1.8) extraction method was applied to the immune organs (spleen and liver) of surviving infected grouper. The distribution patterns of metabolites between experimental groups were then analyzed using a metabolomics platform. A total of 50 and 81 metabolites were putatively identified from the spleen and liver samples, respectively. Our further analysis identified glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism, and alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism had the most impacted pathways, respectively, in spleen and liver samples from surviving infected grouper. The metabolites that were highly abundant in the spleen found in these pathways were glycine (20.9%), l-threonine (1.0%) and l-serine (0.8%). Meanwhile, in the liver l-glutamine (1.8%) and aspartic acid (0.6%) were found to be highly abundant. Interestingly, among the fish diet groups, grouper fed with oleic acid diet produced more metabolites with a higher percent area compared to the control diets. The results obtained from this study elucidate the use of oleic acid as an immunostimulant in fish feed formulation affects more various immune-related metabolites than other formulated feed diets for vibriosis infected grouper.

Lipid and fatty acid composition of muscle, liver, ovary, and peritoneal fat in wild flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) according to ovarian development

Wild adult females of a low trophic omnivore teleost species, the flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus), caught in the western Mediterranean were sampled. The lipid and fatty acid composition of ovaries, liver, muscle, and peritoneal fat were analysed at previtellogenesis, early-vitellogenesis -first observed at mid-summer (early August)-, late-vitellogenesis, and the post-spawning period -from mid-September to mid-October-. During ovarian development, the lipid content of muscle was low and constant (3.85%-4.92%), indicating that the muscle was not used to store lipids for gonadal growth. Although constant, lipid content in the liver was higher (18.46%-22.62%) than in the muscle, and HSI% increased during gonad development, suggesting a dynamism in the mobilization of the hepatic lipids. Total lipids in the gonads significantly increased with maturation (from 4.90% to 34.59%) in parallel with the GSI (from 0.8% to 15.5%) to decrease after spawning. Peritoneal fat was probably transitional fat that could be rapidly metabolized or transferred to other tissues but no specific function could be assigned because its presence in previtellogenic and early-vitellogenic females varied greatly. One of the main sources of lipids accumulated in the ovary was most likely diet. The total percentage of ΣMUFA, mainly 17:1 -previously not identified in high quantities in teleost vitellogenic ovaries and likely of bacterial origin- and 16:1, strongly increased in the ovaries with maturation. The 16:1 might be an important source of lipids for embryo development. High percentages of DHA, EPA, and ARA were found in the ovary during previtellogenesis available to be used during gonadal maturation. Understanding lipid and fatty acid changes in broodstock tissues can increase our knowledge of the nutritional requirements of the fish used in aquaculture breeding programs.

Whole Blood Fatty Acid Profiles of Cold-Stunned Juvenile Green, Kemp’s Ridley, and Loggerhead Sea Turtles

When subjected to cold environmental temperatures, cheloniid sea turtles can experience debilitating lethargy, anorexia, and potential mortality in a phenomenon known as cold-stunning. Every year, hundreds to thousands of cold-stunned sea turtles are transported to rehabilitation centers for medical and nutritional care. The objective of this study was to investigate one aspect of nutritional status in cold-stunned sea turtles: fatty acid profiles. Blood was collected from eleven green (Chelonia mydas), twelve Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii), and three loggerhead (Caretta caretta) juvenile sea turtles found cold-stunned along the coast of North Carolina, USA. Whole blood (~160 µL) was dried onto specialized paper spot cards, frozen, and subsequently analyzed via gas chromatography to quantify fatty acid percentages. Significant differences among species were identified for 19 out of 36 individual fatty acids analyzed and six out of seven fatty acid groups evaluated (P < 0.5). The whole blood fatty acid profiles of cold-stunned green and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles were similar to prior published profiles of healthy conspecifics. Marginal numerical differences noted upon visual comparison included that cold-stunned sea turtles had lower proportions of total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and monoenes and higher proportions of total saturated fatty acids relative to healthy conspecifics. These differences may reflect acute impacts of cold-stunning on circulating plasma fatty acids or may be the result of natural seasonal variations. These data provide practical information to aid in the diet design of sea turtles in rehabilitation settings.

Improvement of Oil Valorization Extracted from Fish By-Products Using a Handheld near Infrared Spectrometer Coupled with Chemometrics

A handheld near infrared (NIR) spectrometer was used for on-site determination of the fatty acids (FAs) composition of industrial fish oils from fish by-products. Partial least square regression (PLSR) models were developed to correlate NIR spectra with the percentage of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and, among them, omega-3 (ω-3) and omega-6 (ω-6) FAs. In a first step, the data were divided into calibration validation datasets, obtaining good results regarding R² values, root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) and bias. In a second step, all these data were used to create a new calibration, which was uploaded to the handheld device and tested with an external validation set in real time. Evaluation of the external test set for SFAs, MUFAs, PUFAs and ω-3 models showed promising results, with R² values of 0.98, 0.97, 0.97 and 0.99; RMSEP (%) of 0.94, 1.71, 1.11 and 0.98; and bias (%) values of −0.78, −0.12, −0.80 and −0.67, respectively. However, although ω-6 models achieved a good R² value (0.95), the obtained RMSEP was considered high (2.08%), and the bias was not acceptable (−1.76%). This was corrected by applying bias and slope correction (BSC), obtaining acceptable values of R² (0.95), RMSEP (1.09%) and bias (−0.05%). This work goes a step further in the technology readiness level (TRL) of handheld NIR sensor solutions for the fish by-product recovery industry.

Can Fish and Shellfish Species from the Black Sea Supply Health Beneficial Amounts of Bioactive Fatty Acids?

Fatty acids (FA) are among the most important natural biologically active compounds. A healthy diet involves the intake of different fatty acids especially from omega-3 (n-3) series. Seafood provides a very good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), but in Bulgaria there is limited information regarding the n-3 PUFA contents in traditionally consumed seafood by the population. The aims of this study were to determine lipid content, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPA and DHA), and the recommended daily intake of eleven fish species, three bivalves, rapana, and shrimp harvested in the Western part of Black Sea, Bulgaria. Total lipids were extracted according to the method of Blight and Dyer and fatty acid composition was analyzed by GC/MS. Fatty acid profile showed differences among species. PUFA were found in high content among total lipids, especially in shellfish (60.67-68.9% of total lipids) compared to fish species (19.27-34.86% of total lipids). EPA was found in higher amounts in rapana (0.16 g/100 g ww) and two of pelagic species (up to 0.29 g/100 g ww), whereas DHA prevailed in demersal and the most of pelagic fish (0.16-1.92 g/100 g ww) and bivalves (0.16-1.92 g/100 g ww). The health beneficial n3/n6 and PUFA/SFA ratios were found in all analyzed species. The lower values of the lipid nutritional quality indices (AI < 1, TI < 1) and higher for h/H index (0.8-1.78 for fish and 1.52 to 4.67 for bivalves and shrimp) confirm that the commonly consumed Black Sea fish and shellfish may provide health benefits for local populations. This study shows the seafood amounts that can provide the minimum recommended intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

The Influence of Dehulling on the Nutritional Quality of Lupine Seeds (Lupinus albus L.) and the Effect of Their Use in the Feed of Laying Quails on the Live Performance and Quality of Eggs

Lupinus albus seeds from low-alkaloid varieties are a valuable alternative source of protein for reducing the dependence on soybean meal for the feeding of monogastric animals. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the dehulling influence of lupine seeds (L. albus, cv. Amiga) and the effect of their use in the laying quails feed on live performance and egg quality. A total of 200 laying quails (Coturnix japonica), with an age of 10 weeks, were randomly assigned to five experimental groups (five replicates/group). Each group was randomly assigned to one of five dietary treatments: the control group (C) diet was based on soybean meal, while the experimental groups received either 200 g/kg (WLS₂₀) or 250 g/kg (WLS₂₅) of whole lupine seeds in their diets, or 200 g/kg (DLS₂₀) or 250 g/kg (DLS₂₅) of dehulled lupine seeds in their diets. The results show that by dehulling the lupine seeds, the nutritional value of the seeds increased. The use of dehulled lupine seeds in the diet of laying quails did not affect the live performance (egg production, feed intake, feed conversion ratio), yolk cholesterol content, and physico-chemical quality indices of the eggs, compared with control. The presence of dehulled lupine seeds in the diet improved the nutritional quality of the yolk lipids because of the increase in the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Thus, the lipid quality indices of the yolk became more favorable to consumer health because of an increase in the h/H ratio (hypocholesterolemic/Hypercholesterolemic FA) and a decrease in the atherogenic index and thrombogenic index values. The higher content in carotenoids also contributed to the higher nutritional quality of the eggs obtained by lupine utilization. In conclusion, dehulling of lupine seeds had a positive influence on the nutritional quality of the seeds, the live performance of quails, and the quality of eggs.

Elemental Compositions and Fatty Acid Profiles of Bogue Fish (Boops boops) From Mediterranean Coast: A Comprehensive Evaluation of the Potential Effects on Human Health

Mersin Coast plays a quite important role in terms of biodiversity and productivity of the Mediterranean marine ecosystem. However, many effects such as industrial, urban, touristic, and agricultural factors cause pollution in this region as in many other coasts. Therefore, this study aims to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the consumption of bogue fish (Boops boops, Linnaeus, 1758) collected from the North-Eastern Mediterranean in terms of fatty acid and metal levels. The results showed that PUFA for winter and spring and SFA for summer and autumn as the predominant fractions were determined. ∑PUFA/∑SFA ratio was higher than the recommended value for each season. In addition, DHA was higher than EPA for all seasons. Nutritional and health values of lipids are maintained throughout a year, except for winter. The concentration of metal levels in the tested muscle was within the permissible limit of the world levels. Fortunately, the calculated estimated weekly intakes of metals (EWIs) were much lower than the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) for all seasons. Thus, human health risks resulting from the consumption of this fish species from Mersin Bay are unremarkable because fish muscles are not active tissues for metal accumulation. Besides, the target hazard quotient (THQ) and the total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) were < 1, indicating that there is no potential health risk for the consumers. Benefit/risk ratios for all seasons were calculated and found to be HQ_EFA < 1. It was determined that the cancer risk for consumers is quite low, except for heavy consumption cases. As a goal of the study, important information about the effects of seasons on the changes in lipid quality and metal properties of bogue fish was provided and discussed in detailed.

Preliminary multi analytical approach to address geographic traceability at the intraspecific level in Scombridae family

Globalization of seafood product marketing caused the increase of request of an effective fish traceability that enhances the consumer confidence in food safety. In this study, an integrated multi analytical approach based on two different and independent analytical techniques (carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes and fatty acids analysis) was applied in order to identify different fish species and trace their geographical provenience. The investigation was focused on four species (Thunnus thynnus, Thunnus alalunga, Auxis rochei and Scomber scombrus) belonging to the Scombridae family. The DNA barcoding method confirmed genus and species for S. scombrus and A. rochei, but only genus for T. alalunga and T. thynnus. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes results evidenced different fish diets and trophic positions, whereas fatty acids analysis displayed that the unsaturated prevailed (∼60 %) over the saturated compounds with a variation among the species and the geographical area in particular for docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids percentage. The principal component analysis applied to stable isotopes and fatty acids evidenced a good discrimination among species and their geographical catching area. This multi-disciplinary analytical approach could represent a promising tool to identify the commercial fish and trace their origin in order to guarantee the health of consumers.

Metal and fatty acid levels of some commercially important marine species from the northeastern Mediterranean: benefits and health risk estimation

Metal and fatty acid levels of some commercially important fish and crustacean species of economic value in the northeastern Mediterranean (Mersin Bay) were investigated. In addition, to predict possible risks regarding consumer health that may arise from the consumption of these species, risk estimates were calculated for adults and children considering consumption frequencies of one, three and seven times a week. The estimated weekly intake (EWI), target hazard quotient (THQ), lifetime cancer risk (CR) and benefit/risk ratio associated with their consumption were calculated. EWI values were found to be lower than the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) values determined by the European Food Safety Authority and FAO/WHO. For most samples examined, THQ was < 1. The benefit/risk ratios for all samples were calculated to be less than threshold. For the fish species examined, CR for consumers was identified to be low, except for heavy consumption cases.

Docosahexaenoate-enriched fish oil and medium chain triglycerides shape the feline plasma lipidome and synergistically decrease circulating gut microbiome-derived putrefactive postbiotics

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of medium-chain fatty acid-containing triglycerides (MCT), long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid-containing triglycerides, and their combination on the plasma metabolome of cats (Felis catus), including circulating microbiome-derived postbiotics. After a 14-day lead-in on the control food, cats were randomized to one of four foods (control, with 6.9% MCT, with fish oil [FO; 0.14% eicosapentaenoate, 1.0% docosahexaenoate], or with FO+MCT; n = 16 per group) for 28 days. Analysis of plasma metabolites showed that the addition of FO and MCT led to synergistic effects not seen with either alone across a number of lipid classes, including fatty acids, acylcarnitines, and acylated amines including endocannabinoids. Notably, the FO+MCT group had an increase in ketone body production relative to baseline and beyond that seen with MCT alone. N-acyl taurines, the accumulation of which has been implicated in the onset of type 2 diabetes, were significantly decreased in the FO+MCT group. Significant decreases in the gut microbiome-derived postbiotic classes of indoles/indolic sulfates and phenols/phenolic sulfates were observed only the FO+MCT group. Overall, the combination of MCT and FO led to number of changes in plasma metabolites that were not observed with either oil alone, particularly in postbiotics.

Fatty acid composition analyses of commercially important fish species from the Pearl River Estuary, China

Evaluation of fish nutritional content information could provide essential guidance for seafood consumption and human health protection. This study investigated the lipid contents, fatty acid compositions, and nutritional qualities of 22 commercially important marine fish species from the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), South China Sea. All the analyzed species had a low to moderate lipid content (0.51-7.35% fat), with no significant differences in fatty acid profiles among fishes from different lipid categories (p > 0.05). Compared with previous studies from other regions, the examined fish species exhibited higher proportions of saturated fatty acids (SFAs, 39.1 ± 4.00%) and lower contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs, 21.6 ± 5.44%), presumably due to the shifted diet influence from increased diatoms and decreased dinoflagellate over the past decades in the PRE. This study further revealed that there was a significantly negative correlation between the trophic levels and levels of PUFAs in the examined species (Pearson's r = -0.42, p = 0.04), likely associated with their differed dietary composition. Considering the health benefit of PUFAs, a few marine fish in PRE with low levels of PUFAs might have no significant contribution to the cardiovascular disease prevention, although fish with different fatty acid profiles most likely contribute differently towards human health. Additional studies are needed in order to comprehensively analyze the nutritional status of fish species in the PRE.

Bioactive fatty acids in seafood from Ionian Sea and relation to dietary recommendations

The objective of the present study was to determine lipid content, fatty acid composition and the recommended daily portion of 13 fish species, nine bivalves, six crustacean, three echinoderm and three cephalopod species, from the Mediterranean Sea (Southern Italy). Fatty acids profile varied significantly among species (p < .05); polyunsaturated fatty acids represented an important proportion, with docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids in the highest amount. A high n3/n6 ratio was found in all species (from 1.0 in body wall of Holothuria polii and H. tubulosa to 10.9 in Mytilus galloprovincialis). The lipid nutritional quality indices (atherogenic index, thrombogenicity index and hypocholesterolaemic/hypercholesterolaemic fatty acid ratio) showed crustaceans Parapaeneus longirostris, Plesionika martia, Melicertus kerathurus, Nephrops norvegicus, as likely to be more beneficial for the consumer health. This paper will be of practical value from a health perspective for populations who consume seafood and a powerful marketing tool for farmers.

Fatty Acid Profile of Captive Barb Fish (Barbonymus balleroides)

Barbonymus balleroides or barb fish is a freshwater fish that threaten by overexploitation and overfishing in their natural habitat. Our continuous investigation showed that fat content of barb fish that has been maintained in our pond facility for more than 1 year was decreasing. Since fatty acid (FA) is important property for farmed fish therefore it is essential to evaluate fatty acid profile of flesh and byproduct of captive Barb Fish. Captive fishes were originated from two different locations, Serayu River, Banjarnegara and Cipunagara River, Cianjur. FA composition of flesh and byproduct of fishes were analyzed using Gas Chromatography. Result showed that both flesh and byproduct of both origin contained good quality of FA particularly omega 3 and omega 6 and other beneficial unsaturated fat, omega 9. However captive barb fish showed lower FA composition than wild barb fish that could be influenced by its feed and other environmental parameter. The high composition of FA in barb fish byproduct indicated its potency to be utilized further for nutrition source. This study showed the needed to make further improvement in barb fish cultivation so that it could produces high quality farmed fish.

Marine omega-3 (n-3) phospholipids: A comprehensive review of their properties, sources, bioavailability, and relation to brain health

For several decades, there has been considerable interest in marine-derived long chain n-3 fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFAs) due to their outstanding health benefits. n-3 LCPUFAs can be found in nature either in triglycerides (TAGs) or in phospholipid (PL) form. From brain health point of view, PL n-3 is more bioavailable and potent compared to n-3 in TAG form, as only PL n-3 is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and can be involved in brain biochemical reactions. However, PL n-3 has been ignored in the fish oil industry and frequently removed as an impurity during degumming processes. As a result, PL products derived from marine sources are very limited compared to TAG products. Commercially, PLs are being used in pharmaceutical industries as drug carriers, in food manufacturing as emulsifiers and in cosmetic industries as skin care agents, but most of the PLs used in these applications are produced from vegetable sources that contain less (without EPA, DPA, and DHA) or sometimes no n-3 LCPUFAs. This review provides a comprehensive account of the properties, structures, and major sources of marine PLs, and provides focussed discussion of their relationship to brain health. Epidemiological, laboratory, and clinical studies on n-3 LCPUFAs enriched PLs using different model systems in relation to brain and mental health that have been published over the past few years are discussed in detail.

Meat quality of Maremmana young bulls

Maremmana is a local Italian breed reared in southern Tuscany and northern Latium. Twenty-two young bulls were reared in pasture system with concentrate supply (PSCS), whereas 20 young bulls were reared in feedlot intensive system (IS) in order test differences between meat typologies. The bulls were slaughtered at 18 months old. The performances at slaughtering were similar between finishing systems. IS bull meat has shown higher cooking loss than PSCS bull meat (p < 0.001), higher moisture content (p < 0.01), and fat (p < 0.001), and lower crude protein (p < 0.001). The SFA, MUFA and PUFA percentage were similar between meat typologies; whereas if considered in mg per 100 gr of muscle MUFA and SFA content was higher in PSCS meat (p < 0.05). Among the Healthy Indices, C18:2/C18:3 was higher in IS System (14.08 vs. 9.77; p < 0.001); the results of the PCA (Principal Component Analysis) of fatty acids composition showed that PSCS meat was characterized by MUFA and SFA, while IS meat was identified by C18:2/C18:3, and ω6/ ω3.

Exploring Singapore's consumption of local fish, vegetables and fruits, meat and problematic alcohol use as risk factors of depression and subsyndromal depression in older adults

Background

Depression is a chronic mental disorder that severely impacts the older adult population globally. Nutritional psychiatry is an approach that has gained traction over the years. Exploring locally relevant consumption of common types of fish, vegetables and fruits (V&F), meat and problematic alcohol use (PAU) as risk factors associated with depression and subsyndromal depression (SSD) could reveal modifiable factors that could be targeted in the local older adult population in Singapore.

Methods

Data collected from the Well-being of the Singapore Elderly (WiSE) study, a cross-sectional population-based epidemiological study of Singapore’s older adult population was analysed for the purposes of this study. Two thousand five hundred sixty-five participants were recruited and comprised of Singapore citizens and permanent residents aged ≥60 years. Data on fish, meat, and V&F consumption were collected using the sociodemographic and risk factor questionnaire. The CAGE (Cut, Annoyed, Guilt, and Eye-opener) questionnaire was used to determine PAU. The Geriatric Mental State-Automated Geriatric Examination for Computer Assisted Taxonomy (GMS-AGECAT) was used to obtain participants’ diagnosis of depression or SSD. A multinomial logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between depression and dietary factors.

Results

Consumption of V&F in the last 3 days was less likely to be associated with depression and SSD. Frequent consumption of specific species of fish was associated with depression and SSD. PAU and the frequent consumption of Himantura gerrardi (stingray) were more likely to be associated with SSD. Finally, meat consumption was more likely to be associated with depression and SSD.

Conclusions

The preliminary findings of the study support a need for healthy eating for the older adult population in Singapore. Further directions include a more thorough health and nutrition survey to capture accurate diets among the older adults in Singapore.

Metabolite profiling of Epinephelus fuscoguttatus infected with vibriosis reveals Omega 9 as potential metabolite biomarker

In this study, we report the starvation effect and vibriosis infection on a tropical fish, the tiger grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus). The tiger groupers were infected with Vibrio vulnificus for 21 days. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry combined with multivariate analysis was used to assess the variation in metabolite profiles of E. fuscoguttatus. Metabolite productions in infected fishes were significantly influenced by fatty acid production. The Omega 9 (ω-9) was abundant under the challenged conditions compared to Omega 3 (ω-3) and Omega 6 (ω-6). A total of six fatty acids from the ω-9 group were detected in high concentration in the infected fishes compared to the control groupers. These metabolites are Oleic acid, Palmitoleic acid, 6,9-Octadecenoic acid, 8,11-Eicosadienoic acid, cis-Erucic acid and 5,8,11-Eicosatrienoic acid. The production of ω-9 differed significantly (p ≤ 0.001) in the challenged samples. The detected ω-9 compounds were quantified based on three different extraction techniques with Supelco 37-component FAME mix (Supelco, USA). The highest concentration of ω-9 groups compared to the other fatty acids detected is 1320.79 mg/4 g and the lowest is 939 mg/4 g in challenged-starved; meanwhile, in challenged-fed, the highest concentration detected is 1220.87 mg/4 g and the lowest is 917.25 mg/4 g. These changes demonstrate that ω-9 can be used as a biomarker of infection in fish.

Comparative Analysis of Skeletal Muscle Metabolites of Fish with Various Rates of Aging

Fish species exhibit great diversity rating of aging (from negligible to rapid), which gives a unique possibility for the discovery of the molecular mechanisms that determine the differences in the rate of aging. A mass spectrometric metabolic profiling of skeletal muscle of fish with various aging rates was carried out by direct injection to a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer. The first group includes long-lived fish species (pike (Esox Lucius) and sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus); the second group—species with gradual senescence such as that observed in many mammalian species of similar size (zander (Sandra lucioperca) and perch (Perca fluviatilis)) and the third group—species with very short life cycle (chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) and pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha)). Multivariate analysis of metabolic profiles allowed the detecting of about 80 group-specific features associated with amino acids, lipids, biogenic amines, intermediates of glycolysis, glycogenolysis, and citric acid cycle. Possible roles in the aging process are hypothesized for the biochemical pathways of the metabolites that were altered in the different groups.

Effects of Pecan Nut (Carya illinoiensis) and Roselle Flower (Hibiscus sabdariffa) as Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Agents for Sardines (Sardina pilchardus)

The effects of pecan nut (Carya illinoinensis) and roselle flower (Hibiscus sabdariffa) as antioxidant and antimicrobial agents on shelf life extension of sardines (Sardina pilchardus) were evaluated over a period of 5 days at 7 ± 1 °C. Treatments consisted of the addition of 5% and 10% w/w pecan nut, 5% w/w roselle flower and a combination of 5% of each. Physicochemical (lipid oxidation, fatty acids, hexanal and biogenic amines), sensory and microbiological characteristics of fish samples were periodically analyzed. All treatments effectively improved physicochemical quality parameters, with 10% w/w pecan nut having the highest effectiveness. The presence of roselle flower reduced microbial growth. Our findings suggest that addition of a natural preservative combining pecan nut and roselle flower may extend the shelf life of fresh sardines during chilled storage while maintaining quality indexes.

Raman and infrared spectroscopy of carbohydrates: A review

Carbohydrates are widespread and naturally occurring compounds, and essential constituents for living organisms. They are quite often reported when biological systems are studied and their role is discussed. However surprisingly, up till now there is no database collecting vibrational spectra of carbohydrates and their assignment, as has been done already for other biomolecules. So, this paper serves as a comprehensive review, where for selected 14 carbohydrates in the solid state both FT-Raman and ATR FT-IR spectra were collected and assigned. Carbohydrates can be divided into four chemical groups and in the same way is organized this review. First, the smallest molecules are discussed, i.e. monosaccharides (d-(-)-ribose, 2-deoxy-d-ribose, l-(-)-arabinose, d-(+)-xylose, d-(+)-glucose, d-(+)-galactose and d-(-)-fructose) and disaccharides (d-(+)-sucrose, d-(+)-maltose and d-(+)-lactose), and then more complex ones, i.e. trisaccharides (d-(+)-raffinose) and polysaccharides (amylopectin, amylose, glycogen). Both Raman and IR spectra were collected in the whole spectral range and discussed looking at the specific regions, i.e. region V (3600-3050cm^-1), IV (3050-2800cm^-1) and II (1200-800cm^-1) assigned to the stretching vibrations of the OH, CH/CH₂ and C-O/C-C groups, respectively, and region III (1500-1200cm^-1) and I (800-100cm^-1) dominated by deformational modes of the CH/CH₂ and CCO groups, respectively. In spite of the fact that vibrational spectra of saccharides are significantly less specific than spectra of other biomolecules (e.g. lipids or proteins), marker bands of the studied molecules can be identified and correlated with their structure.

The smooth-hound lipolytic system: Biochemical characterization of a purified digestive lipase, lipid profile and in vitro oil digestibility

In order to identify fish enzymes displaying novel biochemical properties, we choose the common smooth-hound (Mustelus mustelus) as a starting biological material to characterize the digestive lipid hydrolyzing enzyme. A smooth-hound digestive lipase (SmDL) was purified from a delipidated pancreatic powder. The SmDL molecular weight was around 50kDa. Specific activities of 2200 and 500U/mg were measured at pH 9 and 40°C using tributyrin and olive oil emulsion as substrates, respectively. Unlike known mammal pancreatic lipases, the SmDL was stable at 50°C and it retained 90% of its initial activity after 15min of incubation at 60°C. Interestingly, bile salts act as an activator of the SmDL. It's worth to notice that the SmDL was also salt-tolerant since it was active in the presence of high salt concentrations reaching 0.8M. Fatty acid (FA) analysis of oil from the smooth-hound viscera showed a dominance of unsaturated ones (UFAs). Interestingly, the major n-3 fatty acids were DHA and EPA with contents of 18.07% and 6.14%, respectively. In vitro digestibility model showed that the smooth hound oil was efficiently hydrolyzed by pancreatic lipases, which suggests the higher assimilation of fish oils by consumers.

Analysis of certain fatty acids and toxic metal bioaccumulation in various tissues of three fish species that are consumed by Turkish people

Concentrations of toxic metals (Mn, Ni, Hg, Cd, Pb, Cr) in the muscle, skin, and liver of Mugil cephalus, Mullus barbatus, and Pagellus erythrinus which were purchased in large supermarkets of Elazig, and Mullus barbatus, which were caught on the sea of İskenderun Bay, Turkey, were analyzed. Fundamental analyses were carried out by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after samples were prepared by microwave digestion. Mean metal concentrations in different tissues were varied in the ranges of Cd 4-426, Cr 116-4458, Mn 141-24774, Hg 9-471, Pb 96-695, and Ni 68-6581 μg kg^-1, for wet weight. The investigated metal bioaccumulation in the muscles of fish species, in general, was lower than those in the liver and skin. This method was verified by NCS ZC73016 chicken trace element-certified reference material analysis. In addition, fatty acids in the muscles of three fish species were analyzed. According to the gas chromatography (GC) results of fatty acids, the monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) were found to be between 23.76 and 31.97%. The fatty acids' polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ratio was found to be between 13.67 and 30.71% and saturated fatty acids ratios were determined in the range of 24.06-32.30%. In all fish species, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) ratio, which increase the value of these fish species, were high. These results show that these three fish species are good sources of fatty acids.

Influence of difenoconazole on lipid metabolism in marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma)

Difenoconazole (DFZ) is a triazole fungicide that inhibits the biosynthesis of sterols in cell membranes and is widely used in agriculture for effectively treating fungal infections. However, there are few studies available addressing the effects of DFZ on lipid metabolism in marine fishes. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of DFZ on lipid metabolism in marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma). After exposure to 1, 10, 100 and 1000 ng/L DFZ for 180 days, an increase in condition factor (CF), total lipids and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) contents accompanied with a decrease in saturated fatty acids was observed in the muscle of DFZ-exposed fish. The expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ as well as retinoid X receptors in the muscle was up-regulated, which would be responsible for the lipid accumulation in the muscle. The elevation of Δ6-desaturase (FADS2) and Δ9-desaturase (SCD) mRNA levels in the muscle and liver might result in the increase of PUFA content. The increased CF index and total lipid amounts indicated that DFZ exposure could affect the health of fish. ∑SFA (sum of saturated fatty acids) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid; 22:6n-3) concentrations decreased, and the levels of ∑PUFA and ∑n-6PUFA increased in the muscle, which suggested that DFZ exposure could change lipid metabolism and profiles in fish.