Dietary saturated and monounsaturated fats protect against acute acetaminophen hepatotoxicity by altering fatty acid composition of liver microsomal membrane in rats

Determination of Bacterial Community Structure of Table Olive via Metagenomic Approach in Şarköy

One of the most popular pickled foods created worldwide is table olives. The aim was to identify the bacterial microbiota of table olive samples collected from Şarköy, Tekirdağ-Türkiye using next generation sequencing and 16S metagenomic analysis. Samples were studied as non-pre-enriched (n : 10) and after pre-enrichment (n : 10) to compare the effects of the enrichment process on the bacterial diversity. In non-pre-enriched, the most common genus found was Sphingomonas, followed by Altererythrobacter and Lysobacter. The most common phylum found was Proteobacteria, followed by Bacteroidota and Actinobacteria. In pre-enriched, Bacillus was the most commonly detected genus, followed by Pantoea and Staphylococcus. The most frequently found phylum was Firmicutes, followed by Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria. This study is the first study for Şarköy, which is the only table olive production place in the Tekirdağ region due to its microclimate feature. Further studies are needed in more table olive samples from different geographical areas to confirm and develop current findings.

Synthesis, DFT study, theoretical and experimental spectroscopy of fatty amides based on extra-virgin olive oil and their antibacterial activity

Medication products from natural materials are preferred due to their minimal side effects. Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a highly acclaimed Mediterranean diet and a common source of lipids that lowers morbidity and disease severity. This study synthesised two fatty amides from EVOO: hydroxamic fatty acids (FHA) and fatty hydrazide hydrate (FHH). The Density Functional Theory (DFT) was applied to quantum mechanics computation. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR), and element analysis were used to characterise fatty amides. Likewise, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and timing kill assay were determined. The results revealed that 82 % for FHA and 80 % for FHH conversion were achieved. The amidation reagent/EVOO ratio (mmol: mmol) was 7:1, using the reaction time of 12 h and hexane as an organic solvent. The results further revealed that fatty amides have high antibacterial activity with low concentration at 0.04 μg/mL during eight h of FHA and 0.3 μg/mL during ten h of FHH. This research inferred that FHA and FHH could provide an alternative and effective therapeutic strategy for bacterial diseases. Current findings could provide the basis for the modernisation/introduction of novel and more effective antibacterial drugs derived from natural products.

Untargeted Lipidomics for Determining Cellular and Subcellular Responses in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Liver Cells Following Exposure to Complex Mixtures in U.S. Streams

Surface waters often contain a variety of chemical contaminants potentially capable of producing adverse outcomes in both humans and wildlife due to impacts from industrial, urban, and agricultural activity. Here, we report the results of a zebrafish liver (ZFL) cell-based lipidomics approach to assess the potential ecotoxicological effects of complex contaminant mixtures using water collected from eight impacted streams across the United States mainland and Puerto Rico. We initially characterized the ZFL lipidome using high resolution mass spectrometry, resulting in the annotation of 508 lipid species covering 27 classes. We then identified lipid changes induced by all streamwater samples (nonspecific stress indicators) as well as those unique to water samples taken from specific streams. Subcellular impacts were classified based on organelle-specific lipid changes, including increased lipid saturation (endoplasmic reticulum stress), elevated bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate (lysosomal overload), decreased ubiquinone (mitochondrial dysfunction), and elevated ether lipids (peroxisomal stress). Finally, we demonstrate how these results can uniquely inform environmental monitoring and risk assessments of surface waters.

Rich fatty acids diet of fish and olive oils modifies membrane properties in striatal rat synaptosomes

Background: Essential fatty acids (EFAs) and non-essential fatty acids (nEFAs) exert experimental and clinical neuroprotection in neurodegenerative diseases. The main EFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), nEFAs, and oleic acid (OA) contained in olive and fish oils are inserted into the cell membranes, but the exact mechanism through which they exert neuroprotection is still unknown. Objectives and Methods: In this study, we assessed the fatty acids content and membrane fluidity in striatal rat synaptosomes after fatty acid-rich diets (olive- or a fish-oil diet, 15% w/w). Then, we evaluated the effect of enriching striatum synaptosomes with fatty acids on the oxidative damage produced by the prooxidants ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) or quinolinic acid (QUIN). Results and Discussion: Lipid profile analysis in striatal synaptosomes showed that EPA content increased in the fish oil group in comparison with control and olive groups. Furthermore, we found that synaptosomes enriched with fatty acids and incubated with QUIN or FeSO4 showed a significant oxidative damage reduction. Results suggest that EFAs, particularly EPA, improve membrane fluidity and confer antioxidant effect.

Calorie-Restricted Mediterranean and Low-Fat Diets Affect Fatty Acid Status in Individuals with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Lifestyle modifications are the main support of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) therapy. Weight loss is one of the primary goals in NAFLD, but the effects of different calorie-restricted diets remain unclear. Thus, we evaluated the effects of two calorie-restricted diets—the Mediterranean diet (Med diet) and low-fat diet—on liver status, cardiometabolic markers, and fatty acid profiles in patients with NAFLD. Twenty-four overweight/moderately obese men were randomly assigned to consume one of these diets. Lipid levels, glucose, insulin, liver enzymes, steatosis, and fatty acid profiles of serum and erythrocytes phospholipids were assessed. After 3 months, all participants had a significant weight loss (>9%), with improvements in waist circumference, body fat %, index of visceral adiposity (VAI), lipid accumulation product, fatty liver (FLI), and hepatic steatosis (HSI) index (p < 0.001). Both diets significantly lowered triglycerides, total and LDL-cholesterol, liver enzymes, fasting glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR index. Fatty acid profiles were enhanced after both diets, with a significantly decreased n-6/n-3 ratio. Participants on the Med diet had higher levels of HDL-cholesterol and monounsaturated and n-3 docosahexaenoic acids in serum phospholipids and lower levels of saturated fatty acids, triglycerides, TG/HDL ratio, and FLI when compared to participants on the low-fat diet. Our results indicate that dietary patterns and calorie restriction represent central therapeutic issues in the improvement of obesity-related cardiometabolic alterations that are involved in the mechanism of hepatic steatosis. The Med diet may contribute to disease treatment even more than the low-fat diet since it leads to decreased saturated and increased monounsaturated and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid status and improved FLI in NAFLD patients.

Synthesis and search for 3β,3'β-disteryl ethers after high-temperature treatment of sterol-rich samples

It has been proven that at increased temperature, sterols can undergo various chemical reactions e.g., oxidation, dehydrogenation, dehydration and polymerisation. The objectives of this study are to prove the existence of dimers and to quantitatively analyse the dimers (3β,3'β-disteryl ethers). Sterol-rich samples were heated at 180 °C, 200 °C and 220 °C for 1 to 5 h. Quantitative analyses of the 3β,3'β-disteryl ethers were conducted using liquid extraction, solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Additionally, for the analyses, suitable standards were synthetized from native sterols. To identify the mechanism of 3β,3'β-disteryl ether formation at high temperatures, an attempt was made to use the proposed synthesis method. Additionally, due to the association of sterols and sterol derivatives with atherosclerosis, preliminary studies with synthetized 3β,3'β-disteryl ethers on endothelial cells were conducted.

Omega-9 Oleic Acid Induces Fatty Acid Oxidation and Decreases Organ Dysfunction and Mortality in Experimental Sepsis

Sepsis is characterized by inflammatory and metabolic alterations, which lead to massive cytokine production, oxidative stress and organ dysfunction. In severe systemic inflammatory response syndrome, plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) are increased. Several NEFA are deleterious to cells, activate Toll-like receptors and inhibit Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, causing lung injury. A Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil is beneficial. The main component of olive oil is omega-9 oleic acid (OA), a monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA). We analyzed the effect of OA supplementation on sepsis. OA ameliorated clinical symptoms, increased the survival rate, prevented liver and kidney injury and decreased NEFA plasma levels in mice subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). OA did not alter food intake and weight gain but diminished reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and NEFA plasma levels. Carnitine palmitoyltransferase IA (CPT1A) mRNA levels were increased, while uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) liver expression was enhanced in mice treated with OA. OA also inhibited the decrease in 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) expression and increased the enzyme expression in the liver of OA-treated mice compared to septic animals. We showed that OA pretreatment decreased NEFA concentration and increased CPT1A and UCP2 and AMPK levels, decreasing ROS production. We suggest that OA has a beneficial role in sepsis by decreasing metabolic dysfunction, supporting the benefits of diets high in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA).

Oxidation of olive oil fortified with quercetin, caffeic acid, tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol

Purpose

– This paper aims to evaluate effects of the fortification of polyphenolic compound mixtures of quercetin, caffeic acid, tryrosol and hydroxytyrosol in olive oil oxidation.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors measured olive oxidation initiated by copper using thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, as an indicator of lipid peroxidation.

Findings

– Overall, most mixture combinations exhibited oxidation similar to olive oil alone. Some mixture combinations of polyphenolic compounds acted as antioxidants; however, as the concentrations were changed, they became prooxidant in nature.

Research limitations/implications

– In vitro studies have limitations for extrapolation to in vivo and clinical studies.

Practical implications

– Such information will be useful in determining optimal concentrations and combinations of antioxidants for reducing rancidity and perhaps as models that could be used to modulate various chronic diseases that are associated with oxidative stress.

Originality/value

– Olive oil, along with fruits, vegetables and fish, are important constituents of health promoting diets, such as the Mediterranean diet. Active ingredients include monounsaturated fatty acids, oleic acid and a variety of antioxidants including various polyphenolic compounds.

Antioxidant effects of pineapple vinegar in reversing of paracetamol-induced liver damage in mice

Background

Pineapple (Ananas comosus) was demonstrated to be hepatoprotective. This study aims to investigate the reversing effects of pineapple vinegar on paracetamol-induced liver damage in murine model.

Methods

Pineapple juice was fermented via anaerobic and aerobic fermentation to produce pineapple vinegar. Male BALB/c mice (n = 70) were separated into 7 treatment groups (n = 10). Pineapple vinegar (0.08 and 2 mL/kg BW) and synthetic vinegar were used to treat paracetamol-induced liver damage in mice. The hepatoprotective effects were determined by serum biochemistry profiles (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and triglyceride (TG)), liver antioxidant levels (ferric-reducing ability plasma (FRAP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and reduced glutathione assays (GSH)) and histopathological examination with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The effects were further evaluated by the expression levels of iNOS, NF-κB, and cytochrome P450 2E1 by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analyses. Vinegar samples were also tested for in vitro antioxidant (FRAP, 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and total phenolic content (TPC)). Soluble phenolic acid contents in the samples were identified by HPLC.

Results

Pineapple vinegar contained 169.67 ± 0.05 μg GAE/mL of TPC, with 862.61 ± 4.38 μg/mL gallic acid as the main component. Oral administration of pineapple vinegar at 2 mL/kg BW reduced serum enzyme biomarker levels, including AST (P = 0.008), ALT (P = 0.006), ALP (P₌ 0.002), and TG (P = 0.006) after 7 days of paracetamol treatment. Liver antioxidant levels such as hepatic glutathione (P = 0.003), SOD (P < 0.001), lipid peroxidation (P = 0.002) and FRAP (P <0.001) were restored after the treatment. Pineapple vinegar reduced the expressions of iNOS (P = 0.003) and NF-kB (P = 0.003) and the level of NO (P = 0.003) significantly. Pineapple vinegar also downregulated liver cytochrome P450 protein expression.

Conclusions

Oral administration of pineapple vinegar at 0.08 and 2 mL/kg BW reduced serum enzyme biomarker levels, restored liver antioxidant levels, reduced inflammatory factor expressions, and down regulated liver cytochrome P450 protein expression in paracetamol-induced liver damage in mice.

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of the food seasoning curry leaves Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. (Rutaceae)

The curry leaf water extract, which is rich in gallic acid, reversed paracetamol-induced liver damage in mice by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

Hepatoprotective Potential of Prosopis farcta Beans Extracts against Acetaminophen-induced Hepatotoxicity in Wister Rats

BACKGROUND

Hepatotoxicity by acetaminophen is the most frequent cause of acute liver failure in many countries. Prosopis farcta beans extract (PFE) has some antioxidant property and may alleviate hepatotoxicity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate effects of PFE against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity.

METHODS

Thirty-six male Wistar albino rats weighing 220 ± 30 g were distributed into six groups. Two groups were pretreated with PFE (50 and 75 mg/kg) for 7 days before administration of acetaminophen (600 mg/kg). Two were given acetaminophen or PFE (50 and 75 mg/kg) alone, and the control received normal saline. One day after acetaminophen, administration blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture to determine liver function enzymes markers; aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase (AST and ALT), cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), high, low, and very low density lipoproteins (LDL and VLDL).

RESULTS

In acetaminophen-treated rat plasma AST (314 ± 18.54 vs. 126.37 ± 4.13), ALT (304 ± 49.24 vs. 187.33 ± 3.71), cholesterol, TG, LDL, and VLDL were increased by 149, 160, 37, 92, 60, and 94%, respectively. PFE at both doses significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated the above biochemical indices to near normal.

CONCLUSIONS

Prosopis farcta beans extract (50 and 75 mg/kg) exhibited hepatoprotective activity against APAP.

Membrane composition and dynamics: a target of bioactive virgin olive oil constituents

The endogenous synthesis of lipids, which requires suitable dietary raw materials, is critical for the formation of membrane bilayers. In eukaryotic cells, phospholipids are the predominant membrane lipids and consist of hydrophobic acyl chains attached to a hydrophilic head group. The relative balance between saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated acyl chains is required for the organization and normal function of membranes. Virgin olive oil is the richest natural dietary source of the monounsaturated lipid oleic acid and is one of the key components of the healthy Mediterranean diet. Virgin olive oil also contains a unique constellation of many other lipophilic and amphipathic constituents whose health benefits are still being discovered. The focus of this review is the latest evidence regarding the impact of oleic acid and the minor constituents of virgin olive oil on the arrangement and behavior of lipid bilayers. We highlight the relevance of these interactions to the potential use of virgin olive oil in preserving the functional properties of membranes to maintain health and in modulating membrane functions that can be altered in several pathologies. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Membrane Structure and Function: Relevance in the Cell's Physiology, Pathology and Therapy.

Hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and ameliorative effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and vitamin E in acetaminophen treated rats

Ginger is a remedy known to possess a number of pharmacological properties. This study investigated efficacy of ginger pretreatment in alleviating acetaminophen-induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats. Rats were divided into six groups; negative control, acetaminophen (APAP) (600 mg/kg single intraperitoneal injection); vitamin E (75 mg/kg), ginger (100 mg/kg), vitamin E + APAP, and ginger + APAP. Administration of APAP elicited significant liver injury that was manifested by remarkable increase in plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), arginase activities, and total bilirubin concentration. Meanwhile, APAP significantly decreased plasma total proteins and albumin levels. APAP administration resulted in substantial increase in each of plasma triacylglycerols (TAGs), malondialdhyde (MDA) levels, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). However, ginger or vitamin E treatment prior to APAP showed significant hepatoprotective effect by lowering the hepatic marker enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP, and arginase) and total bilirubin in plasma. In addition, they remarkably ameliorated the APAP-induced oxidative stress by inhibiting lipid peroxidation (MDA). Pretreatment by ginger or vitamin E significantly restored TAGs, and total protein levels. Histopathological examination of APAP treated rats showed alterations in normal hepatic histoarchitecture, with necrosis and vacuolization of cells. These alterations were substantially decreased by ginger or vitamin E. Our results demonstrated that ginger can prevent hepatic injuries, alleviating oxidative stress in a manner comparable to that of vitamin E. Combination therapy of ginger and APAP is recommended especially in cases with hepatic disorders or when high doses of APAP are required.

Elevated oleic acid serum concentrations in patients suffering from alcohol dependence

Background

Alcohol-induced damages such as brain atrophy and fatty liver are closely related to a disturbed lipid metabolism. In animal models, a linkage between chronic alcohol consumption and changes in fatty acid (FA) composition in various organs and cells is well known and there is some indication that this phenomenon could be linked to behavioural alterations associated with alcohol addiction such as craving. However, the influence of ethanol on secretory FA has not been investigated so far. In this study, we therefore aimed at investigating whether there is a significant change of serum FA composition in patients suffering from alcohol dependence. We compared patients before and after treatment (detoxication) with control individuals who did not suffer from addiction. The roles of age, the duration and intensity of alcohol use and lifestyles were considered.

Methods

Serum FA was measured in 73 male ethanol dependent patients before and after alcohol withdrawal in an in-patient setting. Additionally, of this group, 45 patients were matched with 45 healthy male volunteers as controls.

Results

We found significant differences in the FA composition before and after detoxication as well as between patients and controls. After detoxication, the values changed towards the ones in healthy controls. The main finding during acute alcohol use was an increased oleic acid concentration above the level of the linoleic acid concentration.

Conclusions

An elevated oleic/linoleic acid ratio seems to be a state marker for acute alcohol use and may be a relevant trait marker during detoxification and possibly the subsequent therapeutic measures. The results of this pilot study need to be replicated in a larger study also including female patients. Further, the specificity of this potential biomarker needs to be determined.

Seasonal emaciation causes tissue redistribution and an increased potential for toxicity of lipophilic pollutants in farmed arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus)

Many Arctic animals carry high body burdens of organochlorine contaminants (OCs) as a result of long-range transport of persistent pollutants. It has been shown that seasonal mobilization of body fat in these species results in increased blood concentration of OCs. The authors investigated OC assimilation, tissue distribution, and biotransformation in farmed Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) continuously fed a diet containing contaminated minke whale blubber or lard (control) from 8 wk of age in August 2003, until sampling when they were at their fattest (in November 2004) and leanest (in June 2005). Markedly higher tissue (liver, adrenals, brain, and blood) OC levels were found in June than in November despite low exposure to OCs during emaciation, suggesting that OCs had been redistributed from adipose tissues to vital organs. There were no differences in the activities of hepatic biotransforming enzymes between exposed fat and control fat foxes, except for 16α-hydroxylation, which was higher in exposed fat foxes. In emaciated foxes, ethoxyresorufin activity was higher in exposed than in control foxes, indicating an enhanced potential for toxicity of OCs with emaciation. Lower activities of 6β- and 2β-hydroxylation were found in lean than in fat foxes, irrespective of OC treatment. The results show that emaciation increase the toxic potential of accumulated OCs and emphasize that body adiposity must be considered when time-trend analyses, risk assessments, and effect studies are designed. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:1784-1792. © 2013 SETAC.

Hepatoprotectant ursodeoxycholyl lysophosphatidylethanolamide increasing phosphatidylcholine levels as a potential therapy of acute liver injury

It has been long known that hepatic synthesis of phosphatidylcholine (PC) is depressed during acute such as carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury. Anti-hepatotoxic properties of PC as liposomes have been recognized for treatment of acute liver damage. Ursodeoxycholate (UDCA) is a known hepatoprotectant in stabilizing cellular membrane. For therapeutic management of liver injury, we coupled UDCA with a phospholipid known as ursodeoxycholyl lysophosphatidylethanolamide (UDCA-LPE). UDCA-LPE has been shown to first-in-class hepatoprotectant being superior to UDCA or PC. It inhibits mitochondrial damage and apoptosis, elicits survival signaling pathway, and promotes regeneration of hepatocytes. We herein report that a unique contribution of UDCA-LPE in increasing concentrations of PC in vitro and in vivo. UDCA-LPE-treated hepatocytes contained significantly increased PC levels. UDCA-LPE underwent the hydrolysis to LPE which was not the precursor of the increased PC. The levels of PC in the liver and blood were increased rapidly after intraperitoneally administration UDCA-LPE, and were found to be sustained even after 24 h. Among PC synthesis genes tested, UDCA-LPE treatment of mouse hepatocytes increased transcription of CDP-diacylglycerol synthase 1 which is an enzyme catalyzing phosphatidic acid to generate intermediates for PC synthesis. Thus, UDCA-LPE as a hepatoprotectant was able to induce synthesis of protective PC which would supplement for the loss of PC occurring during acute liver injury. This property has placed UDCA-LPE as a candidate agent for therapy of acute hepatotoxicity such as acetaminophen poisoning.