Online LC-GC-based analysis of minor lipids in various tree nuts and peanuts

Functional Lipids and Cardiovascular Disease Reduction: A Concise Review

Functional lipids are dietary substances that may have an impact on human health by lowering the risk of chronic illnesses and enhancing the quality of life. Numerous functional lipids have been reported to have potential health benefits in the prevention, management, and treatment of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. However, there is still insufficient and contradictory information in the literature about their effectiveness and associated mechanisms of action. The objective of this review, therefore, is to evaluate available literature regarding these functional lipids and their health benefits. Various studies have been conducted to understand the links between functional lipids and the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. Recent studies on phytosterols have reported that CLA, medium-chain triglycerides, and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids have positive effects on human health. Also, eicosanoids, which are the metabolites of these fatty acids, are produced in relation to the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and may modulate disease conditions. These functional lipids are available either in dietary or supplement forms and have been proven to be efficient, accessible, and inexpensive to be included in the diet. However, further research is required to properly elucidate the dosages, dietary intake, effectiveness, and their mechanisms of action in addition to the development of valid disease biomarkers and long-term effects in humans.

An overview of food lipids toward food lipidomics

Increasing evidence regarding lipids' beneficial effects on human health has changed the common perception of consumers and dietary officials about the role(s) of food lipids in a healthy diet. However, lipids are a wide group of molecules with specific nutritional and bioactive properties. To understand their true nutritional and functional value, robust methods are needed for accurate identification and quantification. Specific analytical strategies are crucial to target specific classes, especially the ones present in trace amounts. Finding a unique and comprehensive methodology to cover the full lipidome of each foodstuff is still a challenge. This review presents an overview of the lipids nutritionally relevant in foods and new trends in food lipid analysis for each type/class of lipids. Food lipid classes are described following the LipidMaps classification, fatty acids, endocannabinoids, waxes, C8 compounds, glycerophospholipids, glycerolipids (i.e., glycolipids, betaine lipids, and triglycerides), sphingolipids, sterols, sercosterols (vitamin D), isoprenoids (i.e., carotenoids and retinoids (vitamin A)), quinones (i.e., coenzyme Q, vitamin K, and vitamin E), terpenes, oxidized lipids, and oxylipin are highlighted. The uniqueness of each food group: oil-, protein-, and starch-rich, as well as marine foods, fruits, and vegetables (water-rich) regarding its lipid composition, is included. The effect of cooking, food processing, and storage, in addition to the importance of lipidomics in food quality and authenticity, are also discussed. A critical review of challenges and future trends of the analytical approaches and computational methods in global food lipidomics as the basis to increase consumer awareness of the significant role of lipids in food quality and food security worldwide is presented.

Brazil Nut (Bertholletia excelsa) Beverage Processed by High-Pressure Homogenization: Changes in Main Components and Antioxidant Capacity during Cold Storage

High-pressure homogenization (HPH) is an emerging technology for obtaining physical and microbial stability of plant-based milks, but there is little information on the effects of this technology on the phytochemical components of the processed plant food beverage and during its cold storage. The effect of three selected HPH treatments (180 MPa/25 °C, 150 MPa/55 °C, and 50 MPa/75 °C) and pasteurization (PAS) (63 °C, 20 min) on minor lipid constituents, total proteins, phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, and essential minerals of Brazil nut beverage (BNB) were studied. Additionally, the study of the possible changes in these constituents was carried out during cold storage at 5 °C for 21 days. The fatty acid profile (dominated by oleic acid and linoleic acid), free fatty acid content, protein, and essential minerals (notable source of Se and Cu) of the processed BNB remained almost stable to treatments (HPH and PAS). Specifically, reductions in squalene (22.7 to 26.4%) and γ-γ-tocopherol (28.4 to 36%) were observed in beverages processed via both non-thermal HPH and thermal PAS, but β-sitosterol remained unchanged. Total phenolics were reduced (24 to 30%) after both treatments, a factor that influenced the observed antioxidant capacity. The studied individual phenolics in BNB were gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, catechin gallate, and ellagic acid, being the most abundant compounds. During cold storage (5 °C) up to 21 days, changes in the content of phytochemicals, minerals, and total proteins were not noticeable for any treated beverages, and no lipolysis processes were promoted. Therefore, after the application of HPH processing, Brazil nut beverage (BNB) maintained almost unaltered levels of bioactive compounds, essential minerals, total protein, and oxidative stability, remarkable characteristics for its potential development as a functional food.

Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases with Plant Phytochemicals: A Review

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the world's leading killers, accounting for 30% deaths. According to the WHO report, CVDs kill 17.9 million people per year, and there will be 22.2 million deaths from CVD in 2030. The death rates rise as people get older. Regarding gender, the death rate of women by CVD (51%) is higher than that of men (42%). To decrease and prevent CVD, most people rely on traditional medicine originating from the plant (phytochemicals) in addition to or in preference to commercially available drugs to recover from their illness. The CVD therapy efficacy of 92 plants, including 15 terrestrial plants, is examined. Some medicinal plants well known to treat CVD are, Daucus carota, Nerium oleander, Amaranthus Viridis, Ginkgo biloba, Terminalia arjuna, Picrorhiza kurroa, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Tinospora cordifolia, Mucuna pruriens, Hydrocotyle asiatica, Bombax ceiba, and Andrographis paniculate. The active phytochemicals found in these plants are flavonoids, polyphenols, plant sterol, plant sulphur compounds, and terpenoids. A general flavonoid mechanism of action is to prevent low-density lipoprotein oxidation, which promotes vasodilatation. Plant sterols prevent CVD by decreasing cholesterol absorption in the blood. Plant sulphur compound also prevent CVD by activation of nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and inhibition of cholesterol synthesis. Quinone decreases the risk of CVD by increasing ATP production in mitochondria while terpenoids by decreasing atherosclerotic lesion in the aortic valve. Although several physiologically active compounds with recognized biological effects have been found in various plants because of the increased prevalence of CVD, appropriate CVD prevention and treatment measures are required. More research is needed to understand the mechanism and specific plants' phytochemicals responsible for treating CVD.

Phytosterols as bioactive food components against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Phytosterols are bioactive food components widely present in cell membranes of plants, especially in nuts and oilseeds. In recent years, many studies have shown that phytosterols possess therapeutic potentials for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This review summarizes the effects of phytosterols from in vitro and in vivo studies to lower the levels of total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG), and the evidence supporting the potential of phytosterols against NAFLD. The potential mechanisms by which phytosterols improve NAFLD may include (i) competition with cholesterol; (ii) regulation of key factors involved in cholesterol and TG metabolism; and (iii) inhibition of liver inflammation and (iv) regulation of liver fatty acid composition. In summary, phytosterols are potential natural ingredients with good safety profile against NAFLD, which deserve more future studies.

Phytosterols, Cholesterol Control, and Cardiovascular Disease

The use of phytosterols (or plant sterols) for the control of plasma cholesterol concentrations has recently gained traction because their efficacy is acknowledged by scientific authorities and leading guidelines. Phytosterols, marketed as supplements or functional foods, are formally classified as food in the European Union, are freely available for purchase, and are frequently used without any health professional advice; therefore, they are often self-prescribed, either inappropriately or in situations in which no significant advantage can be obtained. For this reason, a panel of experts with diverse medical and scientific backgrounds was convened by NFI—Nutrition Foundation of Italy—to critically evaluate and summarize the literature available on the topic, with the goal of providing medical doctors and all health professionals useful information to actively govern the use of phytosterols in the context of plasma cholesterol control. Some practical indications to help professionals identify subjects who will most likely benefit from the use of these products, optimizing the therapeutic outcomes, are also provided. The panel concluded that the use of phytosterols as supplements or functional foods to control Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels should be preceded by the assessment of some relevant individual characteristics: cardiovascular risk, lipid profile, correct understanding of how to use these products, and willingness to pay for the treatment.

Almond oil: A comprehensive review of chemical composition, extraction methods, preservation conditions, potential health benefits, and safety

Almond oil, a rich source of macronutrients and micronutrients, is extracted for food flavorings and the cosmetics industry. In recent years, the need for high-quality and high-quantity production of almond oil for human consumption has been increased. The present review examines the chemical composition of almond oil, storage conditions, and clinical evidence supporting the health benefits of almond oil. From the reviewed studies, it appears that almond oil contains a significant proportion of poly and monounsaturated fatty acids, with oleic acid as the main compound, and an important amount of tocopherol and phytosterol content. Some variations in almond oil composition can be found depending on the kernel's origin and the extraction system used. Some new technologies such as ultrasonic-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, subcritical fluid extraction, and salt-assisted aqueous extraction have emerged as the most promising extraction techniques that allow eco-friendly and effective recovery of almond oil. This safe oil was reported by several clinical studies to have potential roles in cardiovascular risk management, glucose homeostasis, oxidative stress reduction, neuroprotection, and many dermatologic and cosmetic applications. However, the anticarcinogenic and fertility benefits of almond oil have yet to be experimentally verified.

Current Insights into the Biological Action of Squalene

Squalene is a triterpenic compound found in a large number of plants and other sources with a long tradition of research since it was first reported in 1926. Herein a systematic review of studies concerning squalene published in the last 8 years is presented. These studies have provided further support for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-atherosclerotic properties in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, an antineoplastic effect in nutrigenetic-type treatments, which depends on the failing metabolic pathway of tumors, has also been reported. The bioavailability of squalene in cell cultures, animal models, and in humans has been well established, and further progress has been made in regard to the intracellular transport of this lipophilic molecule. Squalene accumulates in the liver and decreases hepatic cholesterol and triglycerides, with these actions being exerted via a complex network of changes in gene expression at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Its presence in different biological fluids has also been studied. The combination of squalene with other bioactive compounds has been shown to enhance its pleiotropic properties and might lead to the formulation of functional foods and nutraceuticals to control oxidative stress and, therefore, numerous age-related diseases in human and veterinary medicine.

Phytosterol Profiles of Common Foods and Estimated Natural Intake of Different Structures and Forms in China

Phytosterols are well-known for their cholesterol-lowering effects, and the structures and forms of phytosterols affect their bioactivity. We aimed to illustrate the phytosterol profiles in common foods and estimate their natural intake in five geographical regions and among different age groups in China. In total, 12 phytosterols in free and esterified forms of 119 foods from five regions across China were examined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Then, the dietary intake of phytosterols was calculated combined with the dietary foods intake data of Chinese people. The total phytosterol content was highest in vegetable oils (150.4-1230.9 mg/100 g), followed by legumes (129.6-275.6 mg/100 g), nuts (18.9-255.2 mg/100 g), and cereals (11.9-93.8 mg/100 g). Vegetables and fruits contained lower contents of total phytosterols. Phytosterols were mainly esterified in most common foods except in nuts. The predominant phytosterols were β-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol, all of which belonged to plant sterols and 4-desmethylsterols. Total phytosterol intake varied across different regions, ranging between 257.7 and 473.7 mg/standard-person (sp)/day, with the highest intake in Beijing, followed by Hangzhou, Wuhan, Chongqing, and Guangzhou. However, phytosterol proportion was similar across regions, with β-sitosterol accounting for 46.5-50.3% of the natural intake. Phytosterol intake was mainly constituted by plant sterols and 4-desmethylsterols in esterified form (61.9-74.6%). At the age of 2-70 years, phytosterol intake ranged from 154.3 mg/day to 348.0 mg/day in the national scale.

Separation and Analysis of Sucrose Esters in Tobacco by Online Liquid Chromatography-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

In this work, a strategy of in-series combination of ultrasound-assisted extraction and online LC-GC/MS was constructed for effective separation and analysis of sucrose esters in tobacco. Sucrose esters were first extracted by ultrasound-assisted extraction with high efficiency and easyhandling. Online LC-GC/MS was then applied for sucrose ester clean-up and analysis. To better evaluate the effectiveness of this strategy, we limited our focus to five groups of sucrose ester isomers. Each group differed in mass from the next by 14 Da. The obtained coefficient of the calibration curve was 0.9986. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) were 0.05 and 0.16 μg/ mL, respectively. The recovery was above 90% and the reproducibility was below 4%. This strategy was subsequently applied to the comparison of relative amounts of five groups of sucrose esters extracted from three different parts of aromatic tobacco. The satisfactory performance indicated that this strategy has great prospect for the rapid and high-throughput analysis of sucrose esters in tobacco.

Food Targeting: Geographical Origin Determination of Hazelnuts (Corylus avellana) by LC-QqQ-MS/MS-Based Targeted Metabolomics Application

A targeted metabolomics LC-ESI-QqQ-MS application for geographical origin discrimination based on 20 nonpolar key metabolites was developed, validated according to accepted guidelines and used for quantitation via stable isotope labeled internal standards in 202 raw authentic hazelnut samples from six countries (Turkey, Italy, Georgia, Spain, France, and Germany) of harvest years 2014 and 2015. Multivariate statistics were used for detection of significant variations in metabolite levels between countries and, moreover, a prediction model using support vector machine classification (SVM) was calculated yielding 100% training accuracy and 97% cross-validation accuracy, which was subsequently applied to 55 hazelnut samples for the confectionary industry gaining up to 80% correct classifications compared to declared origin. The present method demonstrates the great suitability for targeted metabolomics applications in the geographical origin determination of hazelnuts and their applicability in routine analytics.

Fast UPLC/PDA determination of squalene in Sicilian P.D.O. pistachio from Bronte: Optimization of oil extraction method and analytical characterization

A fast reversed-phase UPLC method was developed for squalene determination in Sicilian pistachio samples that entry in the European register of the products with P.D.O. In the present study the SPE procedure was optimized for the squalene extraction prior to the UPLC/PDA analysis. The precision of the full analytical procedure was satisfactory and the mean recoveries were 92.8±0.3% and 96.6±0.1% for 25 and 50mgL^-1 level of addition, respectively. Selected chromatographic conditions allowed a very fast squalene determination; in fact it was well separated in ∼0.54min with good resolution. Squalene was detected in all the pistachio samples analyzed and the levels ranged from 55.45-226.34mgkg^-1. Comparing our results with those of other studies it emerges that squalene contents in P.D.O. Sicilian pistachio samples, generally, were higher than those measured for other samples of different geographic origins.

Structures and inhibitory activity against breast cancer cells of new bufadienolides from the eggs of toad Bufo bufo gargarizans

New bufadienolides with inhibitory activity against breast cancer cells were isolated from the eggs of toad Bufo bufo gargarizans.

On-line liquid chromatography-gas chromatography: A novel approach for the analysis of phytosterol oxidation products in enriched foods

A novel methodology for the automated qualitative and quantitative determination of phytosterol oxidation products in enriched foods via on-line liquid chromatography-gas chromatography (LC-GC) was established. The approach is based on the LC pre-separation of acetylated phytosterols and their corresponding oxides using silica as stationary phase and a mixture of n-hexane/methyl tert-butyl ether/isopropanol as eluent. Two LC-fractions containing (i) 5,6-epoxy- and 7-hydroxyphytosterols, and (ii) 7-ketophytosterols are transferred on-line to the GC for the analysis of their individual compositions on a medium polar trifluoropropylmethyl polysiloxane capillary column. Thus, conventionally employed laborious off-line purification and enrichment steps can be avoided. Validation data, including recovery, repeatability, and reproducibility of the method, were elaborated using an enriched margarine as example. The margarine was subjected to a heating procedure in order to exemplarily monitor the formation of phytosterol oxidation products. Quantification was performed using on-line LC-GC-FID, identification of the analytes was based on on-line LC-GC-MS. The developed approach offers a new possibility for the reliable and fast analysis of phytosterol oxidation products in enriched foods.

A method for simultaneous analysis of phytosterols and phytosterol esters in tobacco leaves using non aqueous reversed phase chromatography and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry detector

While numerous analytical methods for phytosterols have been reported, the similar polarity and large molecules of phytosterol esters have made the methods lengthy and complicated. For this reason, an analytical method that could completely separate phytosterol esters including the higher fatty acids such as palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acid in addition to phytosterols without preliminary separation was developed. The separation was accomplished by non-aqueous reversed phase chromatography technique using only acetone and acetonitrile. An atmospheric pressure chemical ionization/mass spectrometry detector configured at selected ion monitoring mode was hyphenated with the separation system to detect phytosterols and phytosterol esters. Twenty-four types of these were consequently separated and then identified with their authentic components. The calibration curve was drawn in the range of about 5 to 25,000 ng/mL with a regression coefficient over 0.999. The limit of detection and limit of quantification, respectively, ranged from 0.9 to 3.0 ng/mL and from 3.0 to 11.0 ng/mL. Recovery rates ranged from 80 to 120%. The quantification results were subjected to statistical analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis, and were used to determine the differences in the amounts of phytosterols and phytosterol esters across tobacco leaves. The newly developed method succeeded in clarifying the whole composition of phytosterols and phytosterol esters in tobacco leaves and in explaining compositional differences across the variety of tobacco leaves.