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Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2022Triterpenoids are among the bioactive components of Chaga, the sterile conk of the medicinal fungus . Supercritical fluid extraction of Chaga triterpenoids was carried...
Triterpenoids are among the bioactive components of Chaga, the sterile conk of the medicinal fungus . Supercritical fluid extraction of Chaga triterpenoids was carried out with supercritical CO, while a modified Folch method was used as a comparison. Three temperature-pressure combinations were tested varying between 314-324 K (40-50 °C) and 281-350 bars, using time- and volume-limited extractions. Six triterpenoids were identified with GC-MS and quantified with GC-FID: ergosterol, lanosterol, β-sitosterol, stigmastanol, betulin, and inotodiol. The Folch extraction resulted in recovery of trametenolic acid, which was not extracted by supercritical CO. Inotodiol was the major triterpenoid of all the extracts, with a yield of 87-101 mg/100 g and 139 mg/100 g, for SFEs and the Folch method, respectively. The contents of other major triterpenoids, lanosterol and ergosterol, varied in the ranges 59-63 mg/100 g and 17-18 mg/100 g by SFE, respectively. With the Folch method, the yields were 81 mg/100 g and 40 mg/100 g, respectively. The highest recovery of triterpenoids with SFE in relation to Folch was 56% and it was obtained at 324 K (50 °C) and 350 bar, regardless of extraction time or volume of CO. The recoveries of lanosterol and stigmastanol were unaffected by SFE conditions. Despite the lower yield, SFE showed several advantages including shorter extraction time and less impact on the environment. This work could be a starting point for further studies on green extraction methods of bioactive triterpenoids from Chaga.
Topics: Carbon Dioxide; Chromatography, Supercritical Fluid; Ergosterol; Inonotus; Triterpenes
PubMed: 35335249
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27061880 -
Bioscience Reports Apr 2018: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) associates with low levels of serum plant sterols in cross-sectional studies. In addition, it has been suggested that the... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial
: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) associates with low levels of serum plant sterols in cross-sectional studies. In addition, it has been suggested that the hepatic sterol transport mechanisms are altered in NAFLD. Therefore, we investigated the association between serum, liver and bile plant sterols and sitostanol with NAFLD.: Out of the 138 individuals (age: 46.3 ± 8.9, body mass index: 43.3 ± 6.9 kg/m², 28% men and 72% women), 44 could be histologically categorized to have normal liver, and 94 to have NAFLD. Within the NAFLD group, 28 had simple steatosis and 27 had non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Plant sterols and sitostanol were measured from serum (=138), liver (=38), and bile (=41). The expression of genes regulating liver sterol metabolism and inflammation was measured (=102).: Liver and bile sitostanol ratios to cholesterol were higher in those with NAFLD compared to those with histologically normal liver (all <0.022). Furthermore, liver sitostanol to cholesterol ratio correlated positively with histological steatosis and lobular inflammation ( > 0.407, <0.01 for both). In contrast, liver sitosterol to cholesterol ratio correlated negatively with steatosis ( = -0.392, =0.015) and lobular inflammation ( = -0.395, =0.014). Transcriptomics analysis revealed suggestive correlations between serum plant sterol levels and mRNA expression.: Our study showed that liver and bile sitostanol ratios to cholesterol associated positively and liver sitosterol ratio to cholesterol associated negatively with liver steatosis and inflammation in obese individuals with NAFLD..
Topics: Adult; Bile; Female; Humans; Liver; Male; Middle Aged; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Obesity; Sitosterols
PubMed: 29540533
DOI: 10.1042/BSR20171274 -
The Journal of Pediatrics Sep 2017To assess the association between biomarkers of thyroid status and 5α-stanols in patients with sitosterolemia treated with ezetimibe (EZE). (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial
OBJECTIVES
To assess the association between biomarkers of thyroid status and 5α-stanols in patients with sitosterolemia treated with ezetimibe (EZE).
STUDY DESIGN
Eight patients with sitosterolemia (16-56 years of age) were studied during 14 weeks off EZE therapy and 14 weeks on EZE (10 mg/day). Serum thyroid biomarkers (free triiodothyronine [FT3], free thyroxine [FT4], FT3/FT4 ratio, thyroid-stimulating hormone), 5α-stanols (sitostanol and cholestanol), and cholestanol precursors (total cholesterol and its synthesis marker lathosterol, and 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one cholestenol) were measured at baseline and during the 14 weeks off EZE and on EZE.
RESULTS
EZE increased FT3/FT4 (10% ± 4%; P = .02). EZE reduced plasma and red blood cells sitostanol (-38% ± 6% and -20% ± 4%; all P < .05) and cholestanol (-18% ± 6% and -13% ± 3%; all P < .05). The change in plasma cholestanol level on EZE inversely correlated with the change in FT3/FT4 (r = -0.86; P = .01). EZE lowered total cholesterol (P < .0001) and did not affect 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one cholestanol. EZE increased (P < .0001) lathosterol initially, but the level was not sustained, resulting in similar levels at week 14 off EZE and on EZE.
CONCLUSION
In patients with STSL, 5α-stanols levels might be associated with thyroid function. EZE reduces circulating 5α-stanols while increasing FT3/FT4, implying increased conversion of T4 to T3, thus possibly improving thyroid hormone status.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.govNCT01584206.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Anticholesteremic Agents; Cholestanol; Cholestenones; Cholesterol; Ezetimibe; Female; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Intestinal Diseases; Lipid Metabolism, Inborn Errors; Male; Middle Aged; Phytosterols; Sitosterols; Thyrotropin; Thyroxine; Triiodothyronine; Young Adult
PubMed: 28625503
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2017.05.049 -
RSC Advances Dec 2019The aim of this study was to characterize the composition of soybean germ and its oil from Northeast (NE-SG) and Shandong Province (SD-SG) of China with a focus on the...
The aim of this study was to characterize the composition of soybean germ and its oil from Northeast (NE-SG) and Shandong Province (SD-SG) of China with a focus on the composition of fatty acids and phytosterols as well as physicochemical properties. The results show that the average contents of water, protein, crude fat, crude fiber and ash of NE-SG and SD-SG were 8.23 ± 0.11%, 40.47 ± 0.10%, 11.65 ± 0.14%, 6.20 ± 0.09% and 4.79 ± 0.14%, respectively. The major fatty acids of the two soybean germ oils were linoleic acid (NE-SGO, 55.45%; SD-SGO, 52.15%), alpha-linolenic acid (NE-SGO, 16.21%; SD-SGO, 18.50%), palmitic acid (NE-SGO, 12.59%; SD-SGO, 11.40%) and oleic acid (NE-SGO, 9.87%; SD-SGO, 10.96%). The soybean germs were rich in phytosterols (NE-SGO, 3168 mg/100 g oil; SD-SGO, 3010 mg/100 g oil) consisting of β-sitosterol, Δ7-stigmastenol, campesterol, stigmastanol, and citrostadienol. The antioxidant ability of soybean germ phytosterols was evaluated using DPPH˙ and OH˙ radical scavenging assays, β-carotene protection assay and a heating oil system. The results demonstrated that soybean germ phytosterols had better antioxidant ability in oil systems than in non-oil systems. The antioxidant ability of these phytosterols was temperature- and time-dependent since it was more effective at lower temperatures (60 °C) with longer times as compared to higher temperatures (120 °C and 180 °C) with shorter times. These results prove that soybean germ phytosterols could be used as antioxidants in preventing lipid oxidation in foods stored at a low temperature for a long time.
PubMed: 35541380
DOI: 10.1039/c9ra08771k -
Journal of Agricultural and Food... Jan 2021The recombinant lipase of (OPEr) is characterized by its prominent sterol esterase activity. The protein was immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles, giving four enzyme...
The recombinant lipase of (OPEr) is characterized by its prominent sterol esterase activity. The protein was immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles, giving four enzyme variants that have been tested in solvent-free transesterification of methyl oleate and sitostanol. The yields of stanol esters reached 85%, and the catalysts can be reused. Stanol esters were also obtained in a two-step cascade reaction; a mixture of fatty acid methyl esters was enzymatically synthesized from cooking oil wastes and then used for stanol transesterification. An 85% conversion was achieved in 2 h from the second cycle onward, maintaining the activity over 5 cycles. The biocatalysts can be safely used since they don't release toxic compounds for HeLa and A549 cell lines. These procedures comply with the principles of green chemistry and contribute to the sustainable production of these nutraceuticals from secondary raw materials, like the lipid fraction from industrial or agricultural residues.
Topics: Biocatalysis; Cell Line; Enzymes, Immobilized; Fungal Proteins; Green Chemistry Technology; Humans; Lipase; Oleic Acids; Ophiostoma; Plant Oils; Sitosterols; Waste Products
PubMed: 33375783
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c06581 -
Journal of Oleo Science Jul 2021This study investigates the application of green technologies (microwave and ultrasound pretreatment) in the extraction of Moringa oleifera Lam. seed oil and its effects...
This study investigates the application of green technologies (microwave and ultrasound pretreatment) in the extraction of Moringa oleifera Lam. seed oil and its effects on oil expression, oil quality, and bioactive component. Moringa seeds were pretreated with microwave (90 W, 60 s) or ultrasound (50 W, 1 h) before mechanical expression. A separate group received no pretreatment before oil extraction. Oils from these groups were then compared. Results show that oil yield increased with ultrasound pretreatment (1.24%) and significantly increased with microwave pretreatment (3.11%). For oil flow rate, the microwave and ultrasound pretreatment resulted in faster extraction (7.67 and 6.93 kg/h respectively) as compared with the control (6.51 kg/h). For physicochemical parameters, the microwave and ultrasound group had significantly less free fatty acids and significantly greater unsaponifiable matter as compared with the control. For fatty acid composition, results show that moringa seeds procured from Davao Oriental had greater oleic acid content (~77%) as compared with those reported by other literature. For phytosterol content, the predominant phytosterols found were β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol. Microwave and ultrasound pretreatment significantly increased total phytosterol (680.58 and 369.32 mg/kg respectively) as compared with the control (72.69 mg/kg) due to the mass transfer of the phytosterols. Microwave and ultrasound pretreatment also led to stigmastanol formation. For antioxidant activity, a comparison of both DPPH and FRAP assays depicts that the microwave group exhibited the best overall antioxidant activity. Lastly, for oil stability, a lower peroxide value was found in the microwave and ultrasound groups across time intervals, which may be attributed to their antioxidant activity. In summary, ultrasound and microwave pretreatment can improve oil expression, oil quality, and bioactive content of the mechanically expressed moringa oils.
Topics: Antioxidants; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Food Quality; Green Chemistry Technology; Microwaves; Moringa oleifera; Phytosterols; Plant Oils; Seeds; Solid Phase Extraction; Ultrasonic Waves
PubMed: 34121028
DOI: 10.5650/jos.ess20357 -
Microorganisms Mar 2024The process of soil genesis unfolds as pioneering microbial communities colonize mineral substrates, enriching them with biomolecules released from bedrock. The...
The process of soil genesis unfolds as pioneering microbial communities colonize mineral substrates, enriching them with biomolecules released from bedrock. The resultant intricate surface units emerge from a complex interplay among microbiota and plant communities. Under these conditions, host rocks undergo initial weathering through microbial activity, rendering them far from pristine and challenging the quest for biomarkers in ancient sedimentary rocks. In addressing this challenge, a comprehensive analysis utilizing Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) was conducted on a 520-Ma-old Cambrian rock. This investigation revealed a diverse molecular assemblage with comprising alkanols, sterols, fatty acids, glycerolipids, wax esters, and nitrogen-bearing compounds. Notably, elevated levels of bacterial C, C and C fatty acids, iso and anteiso methyl-branched fatty acids, as well as fungal sterols, long-chained fatty acids, and alcohols, consistently align with a consortium of bacteria and fungi accessing complex organic matter within a soil-type ecosystem. The prominence of bacterial and fungal lipids alongside maturity indicators denotes derivation from heterotrophic activity rather than ancient preservation or marine sources. Moreover, the identification of long-chain (>C22) n-alkanols, even-carbon-numbered long chain (>C20) fatty acids, and campesterol, as well as stigmastanol, provides confirmation of plant residue inputs. Furthermore, findings highlight the ability of contemporary soil microbiota to inhabit rocky substrates actively, requiring strict contamination controls when evaluating ancient molecular biosignatures or extraterrestrial materials collected.
PubMed: 38543564
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12030513 -
Environment International Dec 20192,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47), a predominant polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE), has received extensive attention for its potential environmental impact....
2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47), a predominant polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE), has received extensive attention for its potential environmental impact. An integrated study of metabolomics and transcriptomics was conducted on two rice (Oryza sativa) cultivars, Lianjing-7 (LJ-7) and Yongyou-9 (YY-9), which have been identified as tolerant and sensitive cultivars to BDE-47, respectively. The objective was to investigate the molecular mechanisms of their different ability to tolerate BDE-47. Both rice plants were cultivated to maturity in soils containing three concentrations of BDE-47 (10, 20, and 50 mg/kg). Metabolomic analyses of rice grains identified 65 metabolites in LJ-7 and 45 metabolites in YY-9, including amino acids, saccharides, organic acids, fatty acids, and secondary metabolites. In the tolerant cultivar LJ-7 exposed to 50 mg/kg BDE-47, concentrations of most of the metabolites increased significantly, with α-ketoglutaric acid increased by 20-fold and stigmastanol increased by 12-fold. In the sensitive cultivar YY-9, the concentrations of most metabolites increased after the plant was exposed to 1 and 10 mg/kg BDE-47 but decreased after the plant was exposed to 50 mg/kg BDE-47. Transcriptomic data demonstrated that regulation of gene expressions was affected most in LJ-7 exposed to 50 mg/kg BDE-47 (966 genes up-regulated and 620 genes down-regulated) and in YY-9 exposed to 10 mg/kg BDE-47 (85 genes up-regulated and 291 genes down-regulated), in good accordance with the observed metabolic alternation in the two cultivars. Analyses of metabolic pathways and KEGG enrichment revealed that many biological processes, including energy consumption and biosynthesis, were perturbed in the two rice cultivars by BDE-47. A majority of metabolites and genes involved in dominating pathways of energy consumption (e.g., tricarboxylic acid cycle) and the biosynthesis (e.g., metabolism of saccharides and amino acids) were enhanced in LJ-7 by BDE-47. In contrast, energy consumption was increased while biosynthetic processes were inhibited in YY-9 by BDE-47, which could lead to the sensitivity of YY-9 to BDE-47. The combined results suggest that the different defensive abilities of these two rice cultivars in response to BDE-47 could be attributed to their differences in energy-consumption strategy and biosynthesis of nutritional components in grains. This study provides a useful reference for rice cultivation in PBDE-polluted areas.
Topics: Environmental Pollutants; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Metabolomics; Oryza; Seeds; Soil; Transcriptome
PubMed: 31521816
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105154 -
Proceedings. Biological Sciences Apr 2018With the expansion of urban centres in the mid-twentieth century and the post-1970 decrease in pesticides, populations of double-crested cormorants () and ring-billed...
With the expansion of urban centres in the mid-twentieth century and the post-1970 decrease in pesticides, populations of double-crested cormorants () and ring-billed gulls () around Lake Ontario (Canada and USA) have rapidly rebounded, possibly to unprecedented numbers. Along with the use of traditional palaeolimnological methods (e.g. stable isotopes, biological proxies), we now have the capacity to develop specific markers for directly tracking the presence of waterbirds on nesting islands. Here, we apply the use of lipophilic sterols and stanols from both plant and animal-faecal origins as a reliable technique, independent of traditional isotopic methods, for pinpointing waterbird arrival and population growth over decadal timescales. Sterol and stanol concentrations measured in the guano samples of waterbird species were highly variable within a species and between the three species of waterbirds examined. However, cholesterol was the dominant sterol in guano, and phytosterols were also high in ring-billed gull guano. This variability highlights a specialist piscivorous diet for cormorants compared to a generalist, omnivorous diet for gulls, which may now often include grain and invertebrates from agricultural fields. A ratio that includes cholesterol and sitosterol plus their aerobically reduced products (cholestanol, stigmastanol) best explained the present range of bird abundance across the islands and was significantly correlated to sedimentary δN. Overall, we demonstrate the use of sterols and stanols as a direct means for tracking the spatial and temporal presence of waterbirds on islands across Lake Ontario, and probably elsewhere.
Topics: Animals; Biomarkers; Birds; Charadriiformes; Diet; Environmental Biomarkers; Environmental Monitoring; Hydrogenation; New York; Ontario; Oxidation-Reduction; Population Dynamics; Sterols
PubMed: 29695442
DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.0631 -
PloS One 2017Steroids are used as faecal markers in environmental and in archaeological studies, because they provide insights into ancient agricultural practices and the former...
Steroids are used as faecal markers in environmental and in archaeological studies, because they provide insights into ancient agricultural practices and the former presence of animals. Up to now, steroid analyses could only identify and distinguish between herbivore, pig, and human faecal matter and their residues in soils and sediments. We hypothesized that a finer differentiation between faeces of different livestock animals could be achieved when the analyses of several steroids is combined (Δ5-sterols, 5α-stanols, 5β-stanols, epi-5β-stanols, stanones, and bile acids). We therefore reviewed the existing literature on various faecal steroids from livestock and humans and analysed faeces from old livestock breed (cattle, horse, donkey, sheep, goat, goose, and pig) and humans. Additionally, we performed steroid analyses on soil material of four different archaeological periods (sites located in the Lower Rhine Basin, Western Germany, dating to the Linearbandkeramik, Urnfield Period / Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman Age) with known or supposed faecal inputs. By means of already established and newly applied steroid ratios of the analysed faeces together with results from the literature, all considered livestock faeces, except sheep and cattle, could be distinguished on the basis of their steroid signatures. Most remarkably was the identification of horse faeces (via the ratio: epi-5β-stigmastanol: 5β-stigmastanol + epicoprostanol: coprostanol; together with the presence of chenodeoxycholic acid) and a successful differentiation between goat (with chenodeoxycholic acid) and sheep/cattle faeces (without chenodeoxycholic acid). The steroid analysis of archaeological soil material confirmed the supposed faecal inputs, even if these inputs had occurred several thousand years ago.
Topics: Animals; Archaeology; Bile Acids and Salts; Biomarkers; Breeding; Feces; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Humans; Livestock; Soil; Steroids; Sterols
PubMed: 28060808
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164882