Effects of Non-Methylene-Interrupted Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid, Sciadonic (All- cis -5,11,14-eicosatrienoic Acid) on Lipid Metabolism in Rats

Sciadonic acid attenuates high-fat diet-induced bone metabolism disorders in mice

High-fat diet (HFD) has been associated with certain negative bone-related outcomes, such as bone metabolism disruption and bone loss. Sciadonic acid (SC), one of the main nutritional and functional components of Torreya grandis seed oil, is a unique Δ5-unsaturated-polymethylene-interrupted fatty acid (Δ5-UPIFA) that has been claimed to counteract such disorders owing to some of its physiological effects. However, the role of SC in ameliorating bone metabolism disorders due to HFD remains unclear. In the present investigation, we observed that SC modulates the OPG/RANKL/RANK signaling pathway by modifying the lipid metabolic state and decreasing inflammation in mice. In turn, it could balance bone resorption and formation as well as calcium and phosphorus levels, enhance bone strength and bone mineral density (BMD), and improve its microstructure. In addition, SC could inhibit fat vacuoles in bone, reverse the phenomenon of reduced numbers and poor continuity of bone trabeculae, and promote orderly arrangement of collagen fibers and cartilage repair. This study provides some theoretical basis for SC as a dietary intervention agent to enhance bone nutrition.

Characteristics of Cephalotaxus fortunei kernel oil and its digestion behaviors

Cephalotaxus fortunei, a potential underutilized oil resource, contains various active ingredients that exert positive effects on human health. In the present study, characteristics of C. fortunei kernel oil and its digestion properties were systematically investigated. Results indicated that C. fortunei kernels contained high oil content (64.59%), of which over 90% was triacylglycerols (TAGs). The kernel oil was rich in oleic acid (C18:1n-9, 42.88%), linoleic acid (C18:2n-6, 31.05%), and sciadonic acid (C20:3n-6, 10.78%). The kernel oil also contained some beneficial fat-soluble nutrients, such as tocopherols (143 mg/kg) and phytosterols (1474 mg/kg). Thirty-five kinds of TAGs were identified, among which O-O-L (17.96%), O-O-O (12.12%), L-L-O (11.79%), O-L-Et (8.59%), and O-O-Et (8.76%) were the most abundant. In vitro digestion experiments showed that after 120 min of small intestine digestion, the maximum FFAs release level of the kernel oil was 75.02%, which was lower than that of soybean oil (89.63%).

Fatty Acids of Echinoderms: Diversity, Current Applications and Future Opportunities

The phylum Echinodermata comprising the classes Asteroidea, Ophiuroidea, Echinoidea, Holothuroidea, and Crinodeia, is one of the important invertebrate groups. Members of this phylum live exclusively in marine habitats and are distributed in almost all depths and latitudes. Some of them, such as sea urchins and sea cucumbers, are commercially valuable and constitute a major fishery resource. Echinoderms are increasingly recognized as a unique source of various metabolites with a wide range of biological activities. The importance of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid, in human health has drawn attention to echinoderms as a promising source of essential fatty acids (FAs). Extensive information on the FAs of the phylum has been accumulated to date. The biosynthetic capabilities and feeding habits of echinoderms explain the findings of the unusual FAs in them. Certain common and unusual FAs may serve as chemotaxonomic markers of the classes. The main goal of the review was to gather the relevant information on the distribution of FAs among the echinoderm classes, describe the structures, distribution, biosynthetic pathways, and bioactivity, with an emphasis on the FAs specific for echinoderms. A large part of the review is devoted to the FAs derived from echinoderms that exhibit various biological activities promising for potential therapeutic applications.

Comparative de novo Transcriptome Analysis of Two Cultivars With Contrasting Content of Oil and Fatty Acids During Kernel Development in Torreya grandis

Vegetable oil is an indispensable nutritional resource for human health and mainly characterized by the composition and content of fatty acids (FAs). As a commercial species of gymnosperm, Torreya grandis produces oil-rich nuts with high unsaturated fatty acids content in the mature kernels. In this study, two cultivars, T. grandis 'Xifei' and T. grandis 'Dielsii,' with distinct oil content were employed to compare the profiles of FAs accumulation during kernel development. The accumulation rate of oil content was significantly different between 'Xifei' and 'Dielsii.' Besides, the final oil content of 'Xifei' (52.87%) was significantly higher than that of 'Dielsii' (41.62%) at maturity. The significant differences in main FAs were observed at almost each kernel development stages between the two cultivars. C16:0, C18:1, and C20:3 FA exhibited different accumulation patterns between cultivars. The content and the initiation of accumulation of C20:3 FA were different between the two cultivars. To explore the molecular mechanism associated with different content of oil and FAs between two cultivars, de novo transcriptome of kernels was compared between 'Xifei' (high oil) and 'Dielsii' (low oil) at three stages of oil accumulation, respectively. Totally 142,213 unigenes were assembled and 16,379 unigenes with a length of over 1,000 nt were successfully annotated, including 139 unigenes related to FA biosynthesis, elongation, and metabolism. Compared with 'Dielsii,' totally 1,476, 2,140, and 1,145 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were upregulated in 'Xifei' at the stage of the initiative, the rapid rise, and the stationary oil accumulation, respectively; the number of downregulated DEGs reached 913, 1,245, and 904, respectively. Relative expressions of 11 DEGs involved in FAs biosynthesis and metabolism were confirmed by RT-qPCR. Abundant differentially expressed transcription factors and pathway DEGs were correlated to oil and FAs according to Pearson's correlation analysis between transcriptome and metabolites (oil and FAs), suggesting their contributions to the differential oil and FAs between the two cultivars during kernel development of T. grandis. To conclude, our findings can provide novel insights into the developmental differences in metabolites and de novo transcriptome correlated to lipid accumulation and FA synthesis of kernels between cultivars with contrasting oil deposits and demystify the regulatory mechanism of high oil accumulation in T. grandis.

Advances on delta 5-unsaturated-polymethylene-interrupted fatty acids: Resources, biosynthesis, and benefits

Though the knowledge on delta 5-unsaturated-polymethylene-interrupted fatty acids (Δ5-UPIFAs) is being updated, the issue of their integration still exists within the field. Thus, this review systematically summarizes the sources, biosynthesis and metabolism, analytical methods, preparation, and health-promoting roles of Δ5-UPIFAs. In plants, the content of Δ5-UPIFAs is higher, which is an ideal source. In animals, although the content of Δ5-UPIFAs is not high, there are many species, which is the possible source of some special Δ5-UPIFAs. At present, although the extraction of Δ5-UPIFAs is mainly from plants, the fermentation by organisms, especially for genetically modified microorganisms engineering maybe be a substitue of pepration of Δ5-UPIFAs. Δ5-UPIFAs have been proved to possess multi-beneficial effects, such as lipid lowering, anti-inflammation and so on, so it has a certain potential application value. However, related knowledge of the underlying molecular mechanisms regarding Δ5-UPIFAs limited, and how Δ5-UPIFAs work is not clear. Further clinical and human studies about Δ5-UPIFAs are also needed. Studies on tapping new resources, developing structured lipide rich in Δ5-UPIFA and enhancing delivery were quite deficient. This review emphasizes the further directions on Δ5-UPIFAs with scientific suggestions to pay more attention to the applications of Δ5-UPIFAs in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Effect of 6,9,12,15-Hexadecatetraenoic Acid (C16:4n-1)-Ethyl Ester on Lipid Content and Fatty Acid Composition in the Blood and Organs of Mice

The effects of 6,9,12,15-hexadecatetraenoic acid (C16:4n-1, HDTA), an n-1 polyunsaturated fatty acid (FA), on plasma and liver lipid content and distribution in blood and tissues were investigated. Mice were fed experimental diets containing 10% HDTA or eicosapentaenoic acid in ethyl ester form based on corn oil for four weeks. Dietary HDTA intake lowered plasma triacylglycerol content without affecting plasma total cholesterol content. HDTA barely accumulated in the epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT), while C18:4n-1, an HDTA metabolite, was detected in small amounts (< 1% of total FAs) in the plasma, liver, and eWAT.

Natural Trienoic Acids as Anticancer Agents: First Stereoselective Synthesis, Cell Cycle Analysis, Induction of Apoptosis, Cell Signaling and Mitochondrial Targeting Studies

Simple Summary

Currently, the whole world is acutely concerned with the selection of effective treatment regimens for oncological diseases. This problem is becoming more and more catastrophic every year due to the phenomenon of multidrug resistance, the consequence of which is the loss of the effectiveness of drugs against tumor cells. One of the solutions to the problem described above is the synthesis of new low molecular weight compounds that can effectively affect molecular cellular targets, for example, enzymes of the cell cycle, and, as a consequence, interrupt DNA synthesis, contributing to tumor death. Within the framework of this article, we carried out the Z-stereoselective synthesis of natural unsaturated acids containing a 1Z,5Z,9Z-triene moiety, for which it was shown that they are effective inhibitors of human topoisomerase I, and also affect mitochondria. At the same time, using multiplex analysis, the activation of signaling pathways was studied and a probable mechanism of the antitumor action of the synthesized trienoic acids was proposed.

Abstract

The first Z-stereoselective method was developed for the synthesis of unsaturated acids containing a 1Z,5Z,9Z-triene moiety in 61–64% yields using the new Ti-catalyzed cross-coupling of oxygen-containing and aliphatic 1,2-dienes as the key synthetic step. It was shown for the first time that trienoic acids with non-methylene-interrupted Z-double bonds show moderate cytotoxic activities against tumor cell lines (Jurkat, K562, U937, HL60, HeLa), human embryonic kidney cells (Hek293), normal fibroblasts and human topoisomerase I (hTop1) inhibitory activity in vitro. The synthesized acids efficiently initiate apoptosis of Jurkat tumor cells, with the cell death mechanism being activated by the mitochondrial pathway. A probable mechanism of topoisomerase I inhibition was also hypothesized on the basis of in silico studies resorting to docking. The activation and inhibition of the most versatile intracellular signaling pathways (CREB, JNK, NFkB, p38, ERK1/2, Akt, p70S6K, STAT3 and STAT5 tyrosine kinases) responsible for cell proliferation and for initiation of apoptosis were studied by multiplex assay technology (Luminex xMAP).

A review of the functional effects of pine nut oil, pinolenic acid and its derivative eicosatrienoic acid and their potential health benefits

Pine nut oil (PNO) is rich in a variety of unusual delta-5-non-methylene-interrupted fatty acids (NMIFAs), including pinolenic acid (PLA; all cis-5,-9,-12 18:3) which typically comprises 14 to 19% of total fatty acids. PLA has been shown to be metabolised to eicosatrienoic acid (ETA; all cis-7,-11,-14 20:3) in various cells and tissues. Here we review the literature on PNO, PLA and its metabolite ETA in the context of human health applications. PNO and PLA have a range of favourable effects on body weight as well as fat deposition through increased energy expenditure (fatty acid oxidation) and decreased food energy intake (reduced appetite). PNO and PLA improve blood and hepatic lipids in animal models and insulin sensitivity in vitro and reduce inflammation and modulate immune function in vitro and in animal models. The few studies which have examined effects of ETA indicate it has anti-inflammatory properties. Another NMIFA from PNO, sciadonic acid (all cis-5,-11,-14 20:3), has generally similar properties to PLA where these have been investigated. There is potential for human health benefits from PNO, its constituent NMIFA PLA and the PLA derivative ETA. However further studies are needed to explore the effects in humans.

Effect of manganese supplementation on the carcass traits, meat quality, intramuscular fat, and tissue manganese accumulation of Pekin duck

Manganese (Mn) is a trace element present in all tissues and is essential for animal growth and health; it also has an antioxidant capacity in tissues. The effect of Mn on meat quality and the mechanism of fat deposition of the breast muscle is still unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of Mn supplementation on the growth performance, meat quality, the activity and transcription of antioxidant enzymes, and fatty acid profile in the breast muscle, and the Mn deposition in tissues of Pekin ducks. A total of 896 one-day-old Pekin ducks were allocated into 7 groups, with 8 replicates, each replicate containing 16 ducks. The treatment diets consisted of basal diet supplemented with manganese sulfate at levels 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 240 mg/kg (as Mn). Results showed that ducks fed diets supplemented with Mn had no effect on the growth performance but decrease in the feed-to-gain ratio of day 1-14 (P < 0.01). Dietary Mn increased significantly the a∗ (redness) value of the duck breast meat at 24 h and intramuscular fat (P < 0.05), and decreased drip loss and shear force of the breast meat (P < 0.05). Manganese supplement significantly reduced the malondialdehyde content (P < 0.05), and significantly increased the mRNA expressions of manganese superoxide dismutase, thioredoxin 2, peroxiredoxin 3, and catalase (P < 0.05). About the fatty acid profile, dietary Mn increased (P < 0.05) the proportions of the C20 family. Manganese accumulation in the heart, breast muscle, and tibia was increased with Mn supplementation (P < 0.05), and Mn content of the heart conforms to the quadratic curve. Besides, Mn supplementation notably increased mRNA expression in genes involved in lipogenesis and deposition and decreased in genes associated with lipolytic in the breast muscle. These findings reveal that dietary Mn could improve meat quality and enhance antioxidant activity and intramuscular fat, which via regulated gene expression involved in lipogenesis and lipolytic.

Effects of Harvest Time on the Yield, Quality and Active Substance of Torreya grandis Nut and Its Oil

Torreya grandis is an important economic tree species in China. It provides nutritional value and is important to the health care industry. There are ongoing issues with product quality which are primarily related to improper management and early harvest. This study was carried out during the fruit ripening processes to evaluate the influence of harvesting date on T. grandis quality, and to determine the optimal harvest period. The effects of harvest time on the variation of quality and nutritional parameters of T. grandis nuts and its oil were evaluated, and the optimal harvest period was determined. The results showed that harvest timing had a strong effect on both oil yield and quality. Prolonged ripening could induce higher levels of kernel rate, fruit inclusions, oil and nutritional quality. When the sample harvested in the mid-September, the kernel rate and oil content were increased by 1.88±0.31% and 6.65±0.47%, respectively, compared to samples harvested in the beginning of late-August. Similarly, the mid-September harvest resulted in total unsaturated fatty acids content of the oil being increased by 5.3±0.34%, the FFA and peroxide value being decreased by 40.7±0.15% and 76±0.08%, respectively, and total tocopherols and free amino acids were increased 7.5±0.24% and 47.3±0.15%, respectively, compared to the samples harvested on Aug. 25. The results indicated that the optimal harvest time of T. grandis fruits was mid-September as it was beneficial for improving the quality of T. grandis nut and its oil. It was suggested that T. grandis fruit should be harvested later.

Sciadonic acid derived from pine nuts as a food component to reduce plasma triglycerides by inhibiting the rat hepatic Δ9-desaturase

Sciadonic acid (Scia) is a Δ5-olefinic fatty acid that is particularly abundant in edible pine seeds and that exhibits an unusual polymethylene-interrupted structure. Earlier studies suggested that Scia inhibited the in vitro expression and activity of the Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase 1 (SCD1), the hepatic Δ9-desaturase involved in the formation of mono-unsaturated fatty acids. To confirm this hypothesis, rats were given 10% Scia in diets balanced out with n-6 and n-3 fatty acids. In those animals receiving the Scia supplement, monoene synthesis in the liver was reduced, which was partly attributed to the inhibition of SCD1 expression. As a consequence, the presence of Scia induced a 50% decrease in triglycerides in blood plasma due to a reduced level of VLDL-secreted triglycerides from the liver. In non-fasting conditions, results showed that Scia-induced inhibition of SCD1 led to a decrease in the proportions of 16:1n-7 and 18:1n-7 in the liver without impacting on the level of 18:1n-9, suggesting that only triglycerides with neosynthesized monoenes are marked out for release. In conclusion, this in vivo study confirms that Scia highly inhibits SCD1 expression and activity. The work was performed on normo-triglyceride rats over six weeks, suggesting promising effects on hyper-triglyceridemic models.

Fractionated Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Kernel Oil from Torreya fargesii

Polymethylene-interrupted polyunsaturated fatty acids (PMI-PUFAs) are emerging functional lipids with proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, a typical PMI-PUFA, sciadonic acid (C20:3, 5c 11c 14c), was enriched in the kernel oil of Torreya fargesii (T. fargesii) by fractionation. Fractionated kernel oil of T. fargesii (containing 25% sciadonic acid) showed equal stability and similar radical scavenging ability compared with the non-fractionated oil. In anti-inflammatory tests, fractionated kernel oil was shown to inhibit the activity of phosphodiesterase (PDE-5, efficiency 80% at 133.7 μg/mL) and lipoxygenase-5 (LOX-5, efficiency 65% at 66.7 μg/mL) more effectively than the non-fractionated oil. This shows that increasing the amount of sciadonic acid can enhance the anti-inflammatory effect of the kernel oil. This research also indicates that fractionation is a feasible way to obtain sciadonic acid-rich functional oil with potential pharmacological effects.

Chemical components of cold pressed kernel oils from different Torreya grandis cultivars

The chemical compositions of cold pressed kernel oils of seven Torreya grandis cultivars from China were analyzed in this study. The contents of the chemical components of T. grandis kernels and kernel oils varied to different extents with the cultivar. The T. grandis kernels contained relatively high oil and protein content (45.80-53.16% and 10.34-14.29%, respectively). The kernel oils were rich in unsaturated fatty acids including linoleic (39.39-47.77%), oleic (30.47-37.54%) and eicosatrienoic acid (6.78-8.37%). The kernel oils contained some abundant bioactive substances such as tocopherols (0.64-1.77mg/g) consisting of α-, β-, γ- and δ-isomers; sterols including β-sitosterol (0.90-1.29mg/g), campesterol (0.06-0.32mg/g) and stigmasterol (0.04-0.18mg/g) in addition to polyphenols (9.22-22.16μgGAE/g). The results revealed that the T. grandis kernel oils possessed the potentially important nutrition and health benefits and could be used as oils in the human diet or functional ingredients in the food industry.