Omega-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Content and Oxidation State of Fish Oil Supplements in New Zealand

Multi-omics analysis of TLCD1 as a promising biomarker in pan-cancer

Background: The TLC Domain Containing 1 (TLCD1) protein, a key regulator of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) composition, is distributed across several cellular membranes, including mitochondrial plasma membranes. Existing research has revealed the impact of TLCD1 on the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, there remains a gap in comprehensive pan-cancer analyses of TLCD1, and the precise role of TLCD1 in cancer patient prognosis and immunological responses remains elusive. This study aims to provide a comprehensive visualization of the prognostic landscape associated with TLCD1 across a spectrum of cancers, while shedding light on the potential links between TLCD1 expression within the tumor microenvironment and immune infiltration characteristics. Methods: TLCD1 expression data were obtained from GTEx, TCGA, and HPA data repositories. Multiple databases including TIMER, HPA, TISIDB, cBioPortal, GEPIA2, STRING, KEGG, GO, and CancerSEA were used to investigate the expression pattern, diagnostic and prognostic significance, mutation status, functional analysis, and functional status of TLCD1. In addition, we evaluated the relationship between TLCD1 expression and immune infiltration, tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), and immune-related genes in pan-cancer. Furthermore, the association of TLCD1 with drug sensitivity was analyzed using the CellMiner database. Results: We found that TLCD1 is generally highly expressed in pan-cancers and is significantly associated with the staging and prognosis of various cancers. Furthermore, our results also showed that TLCD1 was significantly associated with immune cell infiltration and immune regulatory factor expression. Using CellMiner database analysis, we then found a strong correlation between TLCD1 expression and sensitivity to anticancer drugs, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target. The most exciting finding is that high TLCD1 expression is associated with worse survival and prognosis in GBM and SKCM patients receiving anti-PD1 therapy. These findings highlight the potential of TLCD1 as a predictive biomarker for response to immunotherapy. Conclusion: TLCD1 plays a role in the regulation of immune infiltration and affects the prognosis of patients with various cancers. It serves as both a prognostic and immunologic biomarker in human cancer.

Extraction, characterization, and therapeutic potential of Omega-3 fatty acids from Belone belone skin

This study provides the fatty acid profile, presence of Omega 3 fatty acids (ω3FAs) and therapeutic potential of the skin of Garfish (Belone belone), a highly nutritious fish. The ω3FAs were obtained using the urea crystallization method and confirmed by UV VIS spectroscopy, HPLC, FT-IR, and NMR. Additionally, the therapeutic potential of the ω3FAs was assessed through antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and toxicity assays. The oil extracted from Garfish skin (GS) predominantly contains ω3FAs, palmitic acids, and oleic acids. The ω3FAs exhibit high anti-free radical activity and ferric reducing activity. It reduces nitric oxide production as well as lipid peroxidation under certain time. They also demonstrate effective antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The biofilm formation is efficiently reduced by ω3FAs and eradication effects on biofilm are higher at 4000 µg/mL of concentration. When tested against brine shrimp larvae, ω3FAs were found to be non-toxic. The study indicates that GS skin oil contains a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids and has potential therapeutic benefits due to its antioxidant and antibacterial properties, without causing any toxic effects. Omega-3 fatty acids have the potential to enhance the treatment of infections caused by harmful bacteria and their biofilm formation. Further research is needed to understand how omega-3 fatty acids work to kill bacteria and how they affect bacterial gene expression.

Influence of Seeds' Age and Clarification of Cold-Pressed Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) Oil on the DSC Oxidative Stability and Phase Transition Profiles

After cold-pressing, small particles of seed residue remain in raspberry seed oil (RSO), even after passing it through cold filtration. The removal of the remaining seed residue is rather an alternative option to improve the visual properties of RSO. This study investigated the influence that the seeds’ age (0, 10, 20 months) and clarification process after pressing has on the oxidative stability and phase transition of RSO by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results proved that the oil centrifugation process reduces the DPPH radical scavenging activity and oxidative stability measured by p-anisidine value (p-AnV) and DSC oxidation induction time (OIT) at 120 °C of all RSO samples, regardless of the age of the seeds (p ≤ 0.05). No significant differences were observed on the DSC melting and crystallization properties at 1 °C/min after the oil clarification by centrifugation (p > 0.05). The storage time of raspberry seeds, i.e., 10 and 20 months after expiry date, influenced the quality deterioration of RSO, as measured by higher p-AnV, lower DPPH, and OIT values (p ≤ 0.05). The results presented provide new information about oil production processing, suggesting that producers should reconsider giving up the clarification process of oil, since it lowers all quality parameters.

Toxicity of oxidized fish oil in pregnancy - a dose response study in rats

INTRODUCTION

Fish oil (FO) supplements are consumed during pregnancy to increase dietary omega-3. However, FO is often oxidized past recommended limits. In rats, a large dose of highly oxidized FO substantially increased newborn mortality, but the effects of human-relevant doses of less oxidized oil are unknown. A dose-response study in rats was conducted to estimate the safe level of oxidation during pregnancy.

METHODOLOGY

Sprague-Dawley rat dams were mated, then individually housed and provided with a gel treatment on each day of pregnancy. Treatment groups differed only in the FO content of the gel; control (no oil), PV5, PV10, and PV40 (0.05ml of FO oxidized to a peroxide value (PV) of 5, 10, or 40meq/kg), or PV40(1ml) (1ml of PV40). A subset of dams was culled on gestational day 20 to enable sampling, and the remainder were allowed to give birth. Newborn mortality was recorded. Offspring were sampled at postnatal days 2 and 21, and dams at day 21.

RESULTS

There were no signs of unwellness during pregnancy. However, there was markedly increased neonatal mortality affecting the PV40(1ml) (12.8%) and PV40 (6.3%) groups, but not the control, PV5, or PV10 groups (1-1.4%). Dietary oxidized FO altered the expression of placental genes involved in antioxidant pathways and the production of free radicals. Conclusions Highly oxidized FO was toxic in rat pregnancy leading to a marked increase in mortality even at a human-relevant dose. We observed no toxic effects of FOs with PV≤ 10meq/kg, suggesting that this is an appropriate maximum limit.

Assessment of the safety of dietary fish oil supplements in terms of content and quality

The fatty acid composition of top-selling fish oil dietary supplements in the markets was compared with the content stated on product label, and their oxidative qualities and heavy metal contents were evaluated in this study. While all the capsule groups (C) confirmed the label information, it was observed that one-third of the syrup groups (S) had less than the specified content. Capsule groups generally had richer EPA and DHA contents than syrup groups in the samples examined. The peroxide values (PV) of all fish oil capsules and syrups were found in the range of 1.97-2.89 mEq/kg and 2.22-18.30 mEq/kg, respectively. As for free fatty acids (FFA) values, the C4, S6, S9, and S10 groups were above the 3% oleic acid limit recommended for high-quality oils. However, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) values were found below 1 mg MA/kg in all groups. All fish oil supplements were within the limits specified in terms of As (0.50-4.19 µg/g), Cd (0.14 µg/g detected for one group, C5), Cu (not detected), Fe (0.32-15.7 µg/g), and Hg (≤ 0.1 µg/g). On the other hand, two fish oil supplements from the capsule group (0.17 for C6 and 1.01 µg/g for C8) and one group from the syrup group (0.29 µg/g for S10) exceeded the recommended limit in terms of Pb (0.1 mg/kg). As a result of the research, it can be concluded that the chemical quality of fish oils in syrup form needs to be improved and their reliability in terms of fatty acid content should be increased. Considering the heavy metals, it seems significant to follow up the fish oil products more strictly.

Quality of Fish-Oil-Based Dietary Supplements Available on the Italian Market: A Preliminary Study

The global market of food supplements is growing rapidly with a large turnover. Fish oil supplements represent a significant part of this turnover as they are believed to have important health benefits. Conversely, there are few papers in the literature about the quality control of fish oil capsules. As prior studies illustrate, a perfect agreement with the label is rarely found, and in some isolated cases, large amounts of soybean oil are also detected, indicating a true adulteration rather than a non-compliance with the label. None of the available studies refer to the Italian market, which ranks first in Europe in the consumption of food supplements. In this present communication, a quality control of fish-oil-based supplements from the Italian market was carried out for the first time. With minor deviations, all results showed substantial agreement with the label. However, the most important conclusion from this research is that compliance with the label is not enough to judge a product of good quality. The analysis of the overall fatty acid composition showed that some supplements have a high level of saturated fatty acids, and therefore they did not undergo a proper purification process. This may represent a safety issue since the purification process also allows the removal of toxic contaminants.

Letter to the editor regarding "Omega-3 fats in pregnancy: could a targeted approach lead to better metabolic health for children?"

The purpose of our letter to the editor is to offer additional perspective regarding 4 statements that do not fully represent the totality of the available scientific evidence. The 4 statements are as follows: (1) "Multiple studies have shown that n-3 PUFA products frequently have less n-3 PUFA content than labelled"; (2) "Recently, krill oil supplementation was shown to induce insulin resistance, indicating that it is potentially harmful"; (3) "… fish oil products are frequently oxidized at the time of purchase"; and (4) "In rats, supplementation with oxidized fish oil during pregnancy induced persistent maternal insulin resistance and increased neonatal mortality rate." We respectfully request the authors' future publications consider the totality of the available scientific evidence.

Response to Bannenburg and Rice

This manuscript is a response to concerns expressed in a letter by industry-based scientists Bannenburg and Rice in response to our recent narrative review. In the review, we largely discussed why supplementation with n-3 PUFA rich oils might have benefits to the body composition and metabolism of the offspring of overweight or obese pregnant women. Bannenburg and Rice raised concerns about a number of points that may be perceived as negative about the quality and functionality of commercial fish oils. We provide a refutation to their comments and a brief review of recent evidence regarding the n-3 PUFA content, and oxidative state of supplements available to consumers. From a clinical research perspective, there remains a need to exercise caution. An oil containing less n-3 PUFAs than expected may be ineffective, and lead to incorrect conclusions that n-3 PUFAs lack efficacy. Oxidized fish oil may be ineffective or even cause unwanted harm. Although we must not overinterpret limited evidence from animal models, we have a responsibility to minimize risk to study participants, especially those most vulnerable, such as pregnant women. Prior to selecting a fish oil to be used in a clinical trial, it is essential to independently verify the n-3 PUFA content of the oil, and that the oil is unoxidized.

Encapsulation and Protection of Omega-3-Rich Fish Oils Using Food-Grade Delivery Systems

Regular consumption of adequate quantities of lipids rich in omega-3 fatty acids is claimed to provide a broad spectrum of health benefits, such as inhibiting inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. Lipids isolated from many marine sources are a rich source of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the omega-3 form which are claimed to have particularly high biological activities. Functional food products designed to enhance human health and wellbeing are increasingly being fortified with these omega-3 PUFAs because of their potential nutritional and health benefits. However, food fortification with PUFAs is challenging because of their low water-solubility, their tendency to rapidly oxidize, and their variable bioavailability. These challenges can be addressed using advanced encapsulation technologies, which typically involve incorporating the omega-3 oils into well-designed colloidal particles fabricated from food-grade ingredients, such as liposomes, emulsion droplets, nanostructured lipid carriers, or microgels. These omega-3-enriched colloidal dispersions can be used in a fluid form or they can be converted into a powdered form using spray-drying, which facilitates their handling and storage, as well as prolonging their shelf life. In this review, we provide an overview of marine-based omega-3 fatty acid sources, discuss their health benefits, highlight the challenges involved with their utilization in functional foods, and present the different encapsulation technologies that can be used to improve their performance.

Identification and characterization of extracellular enzymes secreted by Aspergillus spp. involved in lipolysis and lipid-antioxidation during katsuobushi fermentation and ripening

A mild-flavored soup stock made from katsuobushi is an important element of traditional Japanese cuisine and is the basic seasoning responsible for the taste. Fermented and ripened katsuobushi, known as karebushi, is manufactured by simmering skipjack tuna that is then smoke-dried, fermented, and ripened in a repeated molding process by five dominant Aspergillus species. Here, our aim was to characterize and identify the lipolytic enzymes secreted by the dominant Aspergillus species, especially A. chevalieri and A. pseudoglaucus, which are involved in hydrolyzing lipids during the molding process. The crude enzyme preparations from the five Aspergillus spp. cultivated on katsuobushi solid medium hydrolyzed triglycerides in fish oil, and more saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (C16:0, C16:1, C18:0, C18:1) were produced than major polyunsaturated fatty acids (C20:5, C22:6). On the basis of ion exchange chromatograms, the composition of the lipolytic enzymes was different in the five species. There was at least one active fraction with high hydrolytic activity toward fish oil in four of the Aspergillus spp., but not A. sydowii; the lipolytic enzyme secreted by A. sydowii had quite high activity toward the artificial substrate p-nitrophenyl butyrate, but low activity toward the natural oil. The lipolytic fractions from A. chevalieri and A. pseudoglaucus were further purified by hydrophobic interaction chromatography then gel-filtration chromatography; LC-MS-MS Mascot analysis identified a variety of lipolytic enzymes, including cutinase, esterase, phospholipase, and carboxyl esterase in the lipolytic fractions from these species. The identified enzymes had 30%-70% identity to previously reported or manually annotated lipases or esterases from taxa other than Aspergillus. The different lipolytic enzymes likely acted on triglycerides in the katsuobushi fish oil. Furthermore, catalase B and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase, which limit oxidative damage of lipids, were also identified. These antioxidant enzymes may prevent lipid oxidation and rancidity as the lipolytic enzymes hydrolyze lipids during the long fermentation and ripening process. Umami and richness tastes tended to increase in extracts from culture of protease- and peptidase-producing A. sydowii. Our results will aid in the selection and application of desirable strains of Aspergillus species as starter cultures to improve the storage and quality of fermented and ripened karebushi.

Genetically modified plants are an alternative to oily fish for providing n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the human diet: A summary of the findings of a Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council funded project

The n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) present primarily in oily fish, namely eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are important components of cell membranes and that are needed for normal development and cell function. Humans have very limited capacity for EPA and DHA synthesis from α-linolenic acid and so they must be obtained pre-formed from the diet. However, perceived unpalatability of oily fish and fish oil concerns about contamination with environmental pollutants, dietary choices that exclude fish and animal products, and price limit the effectiveness of recommendations for EPA and DHA intakes. Moreover, marine sources of EPA and DHA are diminishing in the face of increasing demands. Therefore, an alternative source of EPA and DHA is needed that is broadly acceptable, can be upscaled and is sustainable. This review discusses these challenges and, using findings from recent nutritional trials, explains how they may be overcome by seed oils from transgenic plants engineered to produce EPA and DHA. Trials in healthy men and women assessed the acute uptake and appearance in blood over 8 hours of EPA and DHA from transgenic Camelina sativa compared to fish oil, and the incorporation of these PUFA into blood lipids after dietary supplementation. The findings showed that postprandial EPA and DHA incorporation into blood lipids and accumulation in plasma lipids after dietary supplementation was as good as that achieved with fish oil. The oil derived from this transgenic plant was well tolerated. This review also discusses the implications for human nutrition, marine ecology and agriculture.

Volatile Fatty Acids (VFAs) Generated by Anaerobic Digestion Serve as Feedstock for Freshwater and Marine Oleaginous Microorganisms to Produce Biodiesel and Added-Value Compounds

Given an increasing focus on environmental sustainability, microbial oils have been suggested as an alternative to petroleum-based products. However, microbial oil production relies on the use of costly sugar-based feedstocks. Substrate limitation, elevated costs, and risk of contamination have sparked the search for alternatives to sugar-based platforms. Volatile fatty acids are generated during anaerobic digestion of organic waste and are considered a promising substrate for microbial oil production. In the present study, two freshwater and one marine microalga along with two thraustochytrids were evaluated for their potential to produce lipids when cultivated on volatile fatty acids generated from food waste via anaerobic digestion using a membrane bioreactor. Freshwater microalgae Auxenochlorella protothecoides and Chlorella sorokiniana synthesized lipids rich in palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0), oleic acid (C18:1), and linoleic acid (C18:2). This composition corresponds to that of soybean and jatropha oils, which are used as biodiesel feedstock. Production of added-value polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) mainly omega-3 fatty acids was examined in three different marine strains: Aurantiochytrium sp. T66, Schizochytrium limacinum SR21, and Crypthecodinium cohnii. Only Aurantiochytrium sp. T66 seemed promising, generating 43.19% docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and 13.56% docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) in total lipids. In summary, we show that A. protothecoides, C. sorokiniana, and Aurantiochytrium sp. T66 can be used for microbial oil production from food waste material.

Processing Methodologies of Wet Microalga Biomass Toward Oil Separation: An Overview

One of the main goals of Mankind is to ensure food system sustainability-including management of land, soil, water, and biodiversity. Microalgae accordingly appear as an innovative and scalable alternative source in view of the richness of their chemical profiles. In what concerns lipids in particular, microalgae can synthesize and accumulate significant amounts of fatty acids, a great fraction of which are polyunsaturated; this makes them excellent candidates within the framework of production and exploitation of lipids by various industrial and health sectors, either as bulk products or fine chemicals. Conventional lipid extraction methodologies require previous dehydration of microalgal biomass, which hampers economic feasibility due to the high energy demands thereof. Therefore, extraction of lipids directly from wet biomass would be a plus in this endeavor. Supporting processes and methodologies are still limited, and most approaches are empirical in nature-so a deeper mechanistic elucidation is a must, in order to facilitate rational optimization of the extraction processes. Besides circumventing the current high energy demands by dehydration, an ideal extraction method should be selective, sustainable, efficient, harmless, and feasible for upscale to industrial level. This review presents and discusses several pretreatments incurred in lipid extraction from wet microalga biomass, namely recent developments and integrated processes. Unfortunately, most such developments have been proven at bench-scale only-so demonstration in large facilities is still needed to confirm whether they can turn into competitive alternatives.

Fish oil supplements, oxidative status, and compliance behaviour: Regulatory challenges and opportunities

BACKGROUND

Fish oil supplements that are rich in omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs). PUFAs are among the most widely-used dietary supplements globally, and millions of people consume them regularly. There have always been public concerns that these products should be guaranteed to be safe and of good quality, especially as these types of fish oil supplements are extremely susceptible to oxidative degradation.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the current study is to investigate and examine the oxidation status of dietary supplements containing fish oils and to identify important factors related to the oxidation status of such supplements available in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

METHODS

A total of 44 fish oil supplements were analysed in this study. For each product, the oxidative parameters peroxide value (PV), anisidine value (AV), and total oxidation (TOTOX) were calculated, and comparisons were made with the guidelines supplied by the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED). Median values for each of the above oxidative parameters were tested using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. P values < 0.05 were chosen as the statistically significant boundary.

RESULTS

The estimate for the average PV value was 6.4 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) [4.2-8.7] compared to the maximum allowable limit of 5 meq/kg. The estimate for the average P-AV was 11 with a 95% CI [7.8-14.2] compared to the maximum allowable limit of 20. The estimate for the average TOTOX value was 23.8 meq/kg with a 95% CI [17.4-30.3] compared to the maximum allowable limit of 26 according to the GOED standards.

CONCLUSION

This research shows that most, although not all, of the fish oil supplements tested are compliant with the GOED oxidative quality standards. Nevertheless, it is clear that there should be a high level of inspection and control regarding authenticity, purity, quality, and safety in the processes of production and supply of dietary supplements containing fish oils.

Chemical Compositional Changes in Over-Oxidized Fish Oils

A recent study has reported that the administration during gestation of a highly rancid hoki liver oil, obtained by oxidation through sustained exposure to oxygen gas and incident light for 30 days, causes newborn mortality in rats. This effect was attributed to lipid hydroperoxides formed in the omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich oil, while other chemical changes in the damaged oil were overlooked. In the present study, the oxidation condition employed to damage the hoki liver oil was replicated, and the extreme rancidity was confirmed. A detailed analysis of temporal chemical changes resulting from the sustained oxidative challenge involved measures of eicosapentaenoic acid/docosahexaenoic acid (EPA/DHA) omega-3 oil oxidative quality (peroxide value, para-anisidine value, total oxidation number, acid value, oligomers, antioxidant content, and induction time) as well as changes in fatty acid content, volatiles, isoprostanoids, and oxysterols. The chemical description was extended to refined anchovy oil, which is a more representative ingredient oil used in omega-3 finished products. The present study also analyzed the effects of a different oxidation method involving thermal exposure in the dark in contact with air, which is an oxidation condition that is more relevant to retail products. The two oils had different susceptibility to the oxidation conditions, resulting in distinct chemical oxidation signatures that were determined primarily by antioxidant protection as well as specific methodological aspects of the applied oxidative conditions. Unique isoprostanoids and oxysterols were formed in the over-oxidized fish oils, which are discussed in light of their potential biological activities.

The Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of n-3 PUFAs: Their Role in Cardiovascular Protection

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids with 18, 20 or 22 carbon atoms, which have been found able to counteract cardiovascular diseases. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in particular, have been found to produce both vaso- and cardio-protective response via modulation of membrane phospholipids thereby improving cardiac mitochondrial functions and energy production. However, antioxidant properties of n-3 PUFAs, along with their anti-inflammatory effect in both blood vessels and cardiac cells, seem to exert beneficial effects in cardiovascular impairment. In fact, dietary supplementation with n-3 PUFAs has been demonstrated to reduce oxidative stress-related mitochondrial dysfunction and endothelial cell apoptosis, an effect occurring via an increased activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. On the other hand, n-3 PUFAs have been shown to counteract the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in both vascular tissues and in the myocardium, thereby restoring vascular reactivity and myocardial performance. Here we summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of n-3 PUFAs in vascular and cardiac tissues and their implication in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Free-Radical-Mediated Formation of Trans-Cardiolipin Isomers, Analytical Approaches for Lipidomics and Consequences of the Structural Organization of Membranes

Free-radical-mediated processes, such as peroxidation, isomerization and hydrogenation affecting fatty acid integrity and biological functions, have a trans-disciplinary relevance. Cardiolipins (CL, (1,3-diphosphatidyl-sn-glycerol)) and tetra-linoleoyl-CL are complex phospholipids, exclusively present in the Inner Mitochondrial Membrane (IMM) lipids, where they maintain membrane integrity and regulate enzyme functionalities. Peroxidation pathways and fatty acid remodeling are known causes of mitochondrial disfunctions and pathologies, including cancer. Free-radical-mediated isomerization with the change of the cis CL into geometrical trans isomers is an unknown process with possible consequences on the supramolecular membrane lipid organization. Here, the formation of mono-trans CL (MT-CL) and other trans CL isomers (T-CL) is reported using CL from bovine heart mitochondria and thiyl radicals generated by UV-photolysis from 2-mercaptoethanol. Analytical approaches for CL isomer separation and identification via ¹H/¹³C NMR are provided, together with the chemical study of CL derivatization to fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), useful for lipidomics and metabolomics research. Kinetics information of the radical chain isomerization process was obtained using γ-irradiation conditions. The CL isomerization affected the structural organization of membranes, as tested by the reduction in unilamellar liposome diameter, and accompanied the well-known process of oxidative consumption induced by Fenton reagents. These results highlight a potential new molecular modification pathway of mitochondrial lipids with wide applications to membrane functions and biological consequences.

Assessment of Fatty Acids Profile and Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Production by the Oleaginous Marine Thraustochytrid Aurantiochytrium sp. T66 Cultivated on Volatile Fatty Acids

Thraustochytrids are considered natural producers of omega-3 fatty acids as they can synthesize up to 70% docosahexaenoic acids (DHA) of total lipids. However, commercial and sustainable production of microbial DHA is limited by elevated cost of carbon substrates for thraustochytrids cultivation. This problem can be addressed by utilizing low-cost renewable substrates. In the present study, growth, lipid accumulation and fatty acid profiles of the marine thraustochytrid Aurantiochytrium sp. T66 (ATCC-PRA-276) cultivated on volatile fatty acids (C1, formic acid; C2, acetic acid; C3, propionic acid; C4, butyric acid; C5, valeric acid and C6, caproic acid) and glucose as control were evaluated for the first time. This strain showed an inability to utilize C3, C5 and C6 as a substrate when provided at >2 g/L, while efficiently utilizing C2 and C4 up to 40 g/L. The highest cell dry weight (12.35 g/L) and total lipid concentration (6.59 g/L) were attained when this strain was cultivated on 40 g/L of butyric acid, followed by cultivation on glucose (11.87 g/L and 5.34 g/L, respectively) and acetic acid (8.70 g/L and 3.43 g/L, respectively). With 40 g/L butyric acid, the maximum docosahexaenoic acid content was 2.81 g/L, corresponding to 42.63% w/w of total lipids and a yield of 0.23 g/g_{cell dry weight (CDW)}. This marine oleaginous microorganism showed an elevated potential for polyunsaturated fatty acids production at higher acetic and butyric acid concentrations than previously reported. Moreover, fluorescence microscopy revealed that growth on butyric acid caused cell size to increase to 45 µm, one of the largest values reported for oleaginous microorganisms, as well as the presence of numerous tiny lipid droplets.

First Use of Handheld Raman Spectroscopy to Analyze Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Intact Fish Oil Capsules

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are commercially important omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils. Here we demonstrate that a handheld Raman spectrometer can be used to quantitate these compounds in intact fish oil capsules, avoiding oxidizing risk. Partial least squares regression models were prepared by relating Raman spectral variance to EPA and DHA concentrations determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of fatty acid methyl esters in 15 commercial samples containing 145-473 mg g^-1 EPA and 101-260 mg·g^-1 DHA. Handheld Fourier transform (FT)-Raman models had root mean square errors of cross-validation of 38 mg g^-1, 24 mg g^-1, and 32 mg·g^-1 for EPA, DHA, and EPA+DHA, respectively. Models generated from a benchtop FT-Raman spectrometer had corresponding errors of 32 mg·g^-1, 22 mg·g^-1, and 26 mg·g^-1. By comparison, average standard deviations from triplicate GC-MS analyses were 11 mg·g^-1 for EPA and 9 mg·g^-1 for DHA.

Update on oxidative stress and inflammation in pregnant women, unborn children (nasciturus), and newborns - Nutritional and dietary effects

The scientific background of perinatal pathology, regarding both mother and offspring, from the lipidomic perspective, has highlighted the possibility of identifying new, promising clinical markers of oxidative stress and inflammation, closely related to the normal development of unborn and newborn children, together with their application. In this regard, in recent years, significant advances have been achieved, assisted by both newly developed analytical tools and basic knowledge on the biological implications of oxylipins. Hence, in the light of this recent progress, this review aims to provide an update on the relevance of human oxylipins during pregnancy and in the unborn and newborn child, covering two fundamental aspects. Firstly, the evidence from human clinical studies and dietary intervention trials will be used to shed light on the extent to which dietary supplementation can modulate the lipidomic markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in the perinatal state, emphasizing the role of the placenta and metabolic disturbances in the mother and fetus. The second part of this article comprises a review of existing data on specific pathophysiological aspects of human reproduction, in relation to lipidomic markers in pregnant women, unborn children, and newborn children. The information reviewed here evidences the current opportunity to correct reproductive disturbances, in the framework of lipidomics, by fine-tuning dietary interventions.

Hempseed Oil Quality Parameters: Optimization of Sustainable Methods by Miniaturization

Industrial Hemp, Cannabis sativa L., is characterized by low content of THC (<0.2%). An edible oil with excellent nutritional proprieties is obtained from cold pressing of hempseed. Since Hempseed oil is not reported in a Regulation yet, in order to ensure quality parameters, it is necessary to optimize standard methods (taken from the Regulation for EVOO). In this work, the standard method of quality parameters (free fatty acidity, peroxide number, and anisidine number) were miniaturized and optimized for Hempseed oil matrix. The miniaturized methods result in being sustainable, in environmental and economical perspectives, by using a smaller amount of chemicals (e.g., reagents, solvents), also reducing waste production and the sample needed in relation to the high cost of the Hempseed oil (60–70 €/L). The standard methods of miniaturization, carried out by using the Central Composite Design, allow for great saving of sample (5.35 g vs. 29 g) and reagents (up to 50%).

Long-Term Dietary Intake of Chia Seed Is Associated with Increased Bone Mineral Content and Improved Hepatic and Intestinal Morphology in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica) provide an unusually high content of α-linolenic acid with several potential health benefits, but few studies have examined the long-term intake of n-3 fatty acid-rich plant foods such as chia. In this work, we investigated some of the effects of a diet containing 10% chia seeds versus a conventional isocaloric diet for 10 and 13 months on body measurements, musculoskeletal system, the liver, and the intestines of 20 male Sprague-Dawley rats assigned into two groups. The n-6/n-3 ratios for the control and chia diets were 7.46 and 1.07, respectively. For the first 10 months of the diet, the body parameters and weights were similar, but at 13 months, the bone mineral content (BMC) of the chia-fed rats was significantly higher than that of the controls whether in total or proximal areas of the left tibia. Also, significant positive correlations were found between the age of the chia group and the bone mineral density, BMC, weight of the musculoskeletal system, final body weight, and skin weight. Liver and intestinal examinations showed improved morphology associated with lower lipid deposit in hepatocytes and increased intestinal muscle layers and crypt size in the chia group. This study provides new data suggesting the potential benefits associated with the long-term intake of chia seeds.

The promising future of microalgae: current status, challenges, and optimization of a sustainable and renewable industry for biofuels, feed, and other products

Microalgae have recently attracted considerable interest worldwide, due to their extensive application potential in the renewable energy, biopharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries. Microalgae are renewable, sustainable, and economical sources of biofuels, bioactive medicinal products, and food ingredients. Several microalgae species have been investigated for their potential as value-added products with remarkable pharmacological and biological qualities. As biofuels, they are a perfect substitute to liquid fossil fuels with respect to cost, renewability, and environmental concerns. Microalgae have a significant ability to convert atmospheric CO2 to useful products such as carbohydrates, lipids, and other bioactive metabolites. Although microalgae are feasible sources for bioenergy and biopharmaceuticals in general, some limitations and challenges remain, which must be overcome to upgrade the technology from pilot-phase to industrial level. The most challenging and crucial issues are enhancing microalgae growth rate and product synthesis, dewatering algae culture for biomass production, pretreating biomass, and optimizing the fermentation process in case of algal bioethanol production. The present review describes the advantages of microalgae for the production of biofuels and various bioactive compounds and discusses culturing parameters.