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The Journal of Nutrition Feb 2020Very-long-chain SFAs (VLCSFAs), such as arachidic acid (20:0), behenic acid (22:0), and lignoceric acid (24:0), have demonstrated inverse associations with...
BACKGROUND
Very-long-chain SFAs (VLCSFAs), such as arachidic acid (20:0), behenic acid (22:0), and lignoceric acid (24:0), have demonstrated inverse associations with cardiometabolic conditions, although more evidence is needed to characterize their relation with risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). In addition, little is known regarding their potential dietary and lifestyle predictors.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to examine the association of plasma and erythrocyte concentrations of VLCSFAs with incident T2D risk.
METHODS
We used existing measurements of fatty acid concentrations in plasma and erythrocytes among 2854 and 2831 participants in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS), respectively. VLCSFAs were measured using GLC, and individual fatty acid concentrations were expressed as a percentage of total fatty acids. Incident T2D cases were identified by self-reports and confirmed by a validated supplementary questionnaire. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to evaluate the association between VLCSFAs and T2D, adjusting for demographic, lifestyle, and dietary variables.
RESULTS
During 39,941 person-years of follow-up, we documented 243 cases of T2D. Intakes of peanuts, peanut butter, vegetable fat, dairy fat, and palmitic/stearic (16:0-18:0) fatty acids were significantly, albeit weakly, correlated with plasma and erythrocyte VLCSFA concentrations (|rs| ≤ 0.19). Comparing the highest with the lowest quartiles of plasma concentrations, pooled HRs (95% CIs) were 0.51 (0.35, 0.75) for arachidic acid, 0.43 (0.28, 0.64) for behenic acid, 0.40 (0.27, 0.61) for lignoceric acid, and 0.41 (0.27, 0.61) for the sum of VLCSFAs, after multivariate adjustments for demographic, lifestyle, and dietary factors. For erythrocyte VLCSFAs, only arachidic acid and behenic acid concentrations were inversely associated with T2D risk.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that, in US men and women, higher plasma concentrations of VLCSFAs are associated with lower risk of T2D. More research is needed to understand the mechanistic pathways underlying these associations.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Erythrocytes; Fatty Acids; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; United States
PubMed: 31618417
DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxz240 -
The American Journal of Clinical... Oct 2021RBC long-chain omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid (FA) percentages (of total fatty acids) are associated with lower risk for total mortality, but it is unknown if a suite of FAs...
BACKGROUND
RBC long-chain omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid (FA) percentages (of total fatty acids) are associated with lower risk for total mortality, but it is unknown if a suite of FAs could improve risk prediction.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this study was to compare a combination of RBC FA levels with standard risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in predicting risk of all-cause mortality.
METHODS
Framingham Offspring Cohort participants without prevalent CVD having RBC FA measurements and relevant baseline clinical covariates (n = 2240) were evaluated during 11 y of follow-up. A forward, stepwise approach was used to systematically evaluate the association of 8 standard risk factors (age, sex, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, hypertension treatment, systolic blood pressure, smoking status, and prevalent diabetes) and 28 FA metrics with all-cause mortality. A 10-fold cross-validation process was used to build and validate models adjusted for age and sex.
RESULTS
Four of 28 FA metrics [14:0, 16:1n-7, 22:0, and omega-3 index (O3I; 20:5n-3 + 22:6n-3)] appeared in ≥5 of the discovery models as significant predictors of all-cause mortality. In age- and sex-adjusted models, a model with 4 FA metrics was at least as good at predicting all-cause mortality as a model including the remaining 6 standard risk factors (C-statistic: 0.778; 95% CI: 0.759, 0.797; compared with C-statistic: 0.777; 95% CI: 0.753, 0.802). A model with 4 FA metrics plus smoking and diabetes (FA + Sm + D) had a higher C-statistic (0.790; 95% CI: 0.770, 0.811) compared with the FA (P < 0.01) or Sm + D models alone (C-statistic: 0.766; 95% CI: 0.739, 0.794; P < 0.001). A variety of other highly correlated FAs could be substituted for 14:0, 16:1n-7, 22:0, or O3I with similar predicted outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
In this community-based population in their mid-60s, RBC FA patterns were as predictive of risk for death during the next 11 y as standard risk factors. Replication is needed in other cohorts to validate this FA fingerprint as a predictor of all-cause mortality.
Topics: Aged; Erythrocytes; Fatty Acids; Female; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Mortality; Predictive Value of Tests
PubMed: 34134132
DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqab195 -
Biotechnology Reports (Amsterdam,... Dec 2019Stranded driftwood feedstocks may represent, after pretreatment with steam explosion and enzymatic hydrolysis, a cheap C-source for producing biochemicals and biofuels...
Stranded driftwood feedstocks may represent, after pretreatment with steam explosion and enzymatic hydrolysis, a cheap C-source for producing biochemicals and biofuels using oleaginous yeasts. The hydrolysis was optimized using a response surface methodology (RSM). The solid loading (SL) and the dosage of enzyme cocktail (ED) were variated following a central composite design (CCD) aimed at optimizing the conversion of carbohydrates into lipids (Y) by the yeast DBVPG 5870. A second-order polynomial equation was computed for describing the effect of ED and SL on Y. The best combination (ED = 3.10%; SL = 22.07%) for releasing the optimal concentration of carbohydrates which gave the highest predicted Y (27.32%) was then validated by a new hydrolysis. The resulting value of Y (25.26%) was close to the theoretical maximum value. Interestingly, fatty acid profile achieved under the optimized conditions was similar to that reported for palm oil.
PubMed: 31453116
DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2019.e00367 -
International Journal of Molecular... Sep 2023Nutritional imbalances have been associated with a higher risk for cognitive impairment. This study determined the red blood cell (RBC) fatty acid profile of newly...
Nutritional imbalances have been associated with a higher risk for cognitive impairment. This study determined the red blood cell (RBC) fatty acid profile of newly diagnosed mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients compared to age and gender-matched controls. There was a significant increase in palmitic acid ( < 0.00001) for both MCI and AD groups. Saturated fatty acids were significantly elevated in the MCI group, including stearic acid ( = 0.0001), arachidic acid ( = 0.003), behenic acid ( = 0.0002), tricosanoic acid ( = 0.007) and lignoceric acid ( = 0.001). n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were significantly reduced in MCI, including linoleic acid ( = 0.001), γ-linolenic acid ( = 0.03), eicosatrienoic acid ( = 0.009) and arachidonic acid ( < 0.00004). The n-3 PUFAs, α-linolenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, were both significantly reduced in MCI and AD ( = 0.0005 and = 0.00003). A positive correlation was evident between the Mini-Mental State Examination score and nervonic acid in MCI (r = 0.54, = 0.01) and a negative correlation with γ-linolenic acid in AD (r = -0.43, = 0.05). Differences in fatty acid profiles may prove useful as potential biomarkers reflecting increased risk for dementia.
PubMed: 37762467
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814164 -
Heliyon May 2023Rare earth elements have played a key role in technological advancement, attracting great visibility in the global commodity market. Xenotime, a heavy rare earth...
Rare earth elements have played a key role in technological advancement, attracting great visibility in the global commodity market. Xenotime, a heavy rare earth resource (YPO), can be found associated with granitic rocks, as in the Pitinga deposit, located in the Brazilian Amazon region, where the main gangue minerals are quartz, microcline and albite. This research investigates the application of a new collector produced from pracaxi oil, an Amazon oil abundant in Brazil, in the selective flotation between xenotime and its main gangue minerals. The study conducted the synthesis and characterization of the collector, the chemical, mineralogical and surface characterization of minerals, as well as the evaluation of collector adsorption and flotability via microflotation tests, zeta potential measurements, surface tension determination and XRD, WDXRF, ICP-MS, FTIR and XPS analyses. The pracaxi collector was found to be mainly composed of oleic acid (56.2%), linoleic acid (14.1%) and behenic acid (10.6%), in addition to exhibiting a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of approximately 150 mg/L. Microflotation tests indicated that the best condition for selective recovery of xenotime occur at alkaline condition (pH 9.0), presenting selectivity of approximately 90% with collector concentration of 10.0 mg/L. The zeta potential data confirmed a selective adsorption of pracaxi collector onto xenotime, with an increase in the surface charge from -30 mV to -68 mV, whereas no significant changes were detected in the silicates. The FTIR spectra showed the appearance of a band at 1545 cm on the surface of the xenotime after collector adsorption, which indicates, along with the zeta potential data, the chemical nature of the adsorption. The presence of small amounts of iron in the lattice structure of silicate gangues can act as an activator, and therefore, may be responsible for the small flotability of these minerals. The performance of the pracaxi oil collector presented in this study indicates the great potential of this Amazonian oil for application in the selective flotation of xenotime ores found in the region.
PubMed: 37215893
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15874 -
Journal of Lipid Research 2021Recent studies suggest that the type of saturated fatty acid bound to sphingolipids influences the biological activity of those sphingolipids. However, it is unknown...
Recent studies suggest that the type of saturated fatty acid bound to sphingolipids influences the biological activity of those sphingolipids. However, it is unknown whether associations of sphingolipids with diabetes may differ by the identity of bound lipid species. Here, we investigated associations of 15 ceramide (Cer) and SM species (i.e., all sphingolipids, measured with coefficient of variation less than 20%) with incident type 2 diabetes in the Cardiovascular Health Study (n = 3,645), a large cohort study of cardiovascular disease among elderly adults who were followed from 1989 to 2015. Diabetes incidence was defined as fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dl or nonfasting glucose ≥200 mg/dl; reported use of insulin or oral hypoglycemic medication; or documentation of diabetes diagnosis through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services records. Associations of each sphingolipid with incident diabetes were assessed using a Cox proportional hazards regression model. We found that higher circulating levels of Cer with acylated palmitic acid (Cer-16), stearic acid containing Cer (Cer-18), arachidic acid containing Cer (Cer-20), and behenic acid containing Cer (Cer-22) were each associated with a higher risk of diabetes. The hazard ratios for incident diabetes per 1 SD higher log levels of each Cer species were as follows: 1.21 (95% CI: 1.09-1.34) for Cer-16, 1.23 (95% CI: 1.10-1.37) for Cer-18, 1.14 (95% CI: 1.02-1.26) for Cer-20, and 1.18 (95% CI: 1.06-1.32) for Cer-22. In conclusion, higher levels of Cer-16, Cer-18, Cer-20, and Cer-22 were associated with a higher risk of diabetes.
Topics: Aged; Ceramides; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Fatty Acids; Female; Humans; Male
PubMed: 34555371
DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2021.100119 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2023Hypertension is a well-known risk factor for aneurysms, as high blood pressure can worsen the development and rupture of aneurysms. Ginsenoside, derived from ginseng...
Hypertension is a well-known risk factor for aneurysms, as high blood pressure can worsen the development and rupture of aneurysms. Ginsenoside, derived from ginseng and widely used in traditional herbal medicine, is believed to have antihypertensive properties. Recent research has also shown a connection between gut microbiota and various diseases, including hypertension. However, the relationship between ginsenosides, gut microbiota, blood pressure, and intracranial aneurysms needs further exploration. In this study, a rat model was used to investigate the effects of ginsenosides on both blood pressure and intracranial arteries. Comparative analysis was conducted, and 16S rRNA sequencing was employed to identify marker genera within the gut microbiota. Metabolites were also analyzed to uncover potential mediators of blood pressure regulation. The results of this study revealed that ginsenosides, particularly ginsenoside Rb1, demonstrated positive effects in reducing both blood pressure and the development of intracranial aneurysms in rats. Furthermore, the analysis of gut microbiota showed that certain genera, including , , , and , were significantly influenced by ginsenoside treatment. Several metabolites, such as behenic acid, N-Acetylserotonin, Prostaglandin F2a, and Vitamin D2, were also detected, all of which play a role in regulating blood pressure. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of ginsenosides in hypertension and atheroma development. Furthermore, they suggest a possible link between ginsenosides, gut microbiota, and blood pressure regulation. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying these effects and to determine the clinical implications for treating hypertension and reducing the risk of aneurysm development.
PubMed: 38074114
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1287711 -
The American Journal of Clinical... Aug 2021Several individual studies have shown that circulating levels of odd-chain SFAs and very-long-chain SFAs (VLSFAs) may have beneficial effects, but the results are mixed....
The associations between individual plasma SFAs, serine palmitoyl-transferase long-chain base subunit 3 gene rs680379 polymorphism, and type 2 diabetes among Chinese adults.
BACKGROUND
Several individual studies have shown that circulating levels of odd-chain SFAs and very-long-chain SFAs (VLSFAs) may have beneficial effects, but the results are mixed. While the dietary and metabolic factors that may influence VLSFAs are not well-known, a previous study observed associations of VLSFA concentrations with variants in serine palmitoyl-transferase long-chain base subunit 3 (SPTLC3) gene.
OBJECTIVES
We investigated the associations of individual plasma SFAs and SPTLC3 gene rs680379 polymorphism with metabolic risk factors and type 2 diabetes (T2D).
METHODS
We measured plasma SFAs using gas chromatography among 898 T2D cases and 1618 matched controls, and genotyped the SPTLC3 gene rs680379 polymorphism using the MassArray System among 1178 T2D cases and 1907 matched controls. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate ORs and 95% CIs.
RESULTS
We found that plasma odd-chain SFAs and VLSFAs were correlated with favorable blood lipids and insulin resistance marker profiles. After multivariable adjustment, pentadecanoic acid (15:0) was inversely associated with the odds of T2D (OR per 1 SD difference: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.57, 0.70), as were measurements of 3 individual VLSFAs [arachidic acid (20:0), behenic acid (22:0), and lignoceric acid (24:0)], with ORs ranging from 0.60 to 0.72 (95% CIs ranging between 0.52 and 0.79). The associations between 3 individual VLSFAs and T2D were attenuated after further adjustment for triglycerides. Meanwhile, compared with the rs680379 GG genotype carriers, the ORs of T2D for the GA and AA genotype carriers were 0.81 (95% CI: 0.68-0.97) and 0.76 (95% CI: 0.61-0.96), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Plasma 15:0 and VLSFAs were inversely associated with T2D. Meanwhile, compared with the rs680379 GG genotype carriers, subjects with GA and AA genotypes were associated with decreased odds of T2D. More investigations are warranted to confirm our findings.
Topics: Aged; Asian People; Blood Glucose; Case-Control Studies; China; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Fatty Acids, Volatile; Female; Genotype; Glucose; Humans; Insulin Resistance; Male; Middle Aged; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Risk Factors; Serine C-Palmitoyltransferase
PubMed: 33964854
DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqab102 -
Nutrients Sep 2021Kidney transplant recipients (KTR) are at increased risk of mortality, particularly from infectious diseases, due to lifelong immunosuppression. Although very long chain...
Kidney transplant recipients (KTR) are at increased risk of mortality, particularly from infectious diseases, due to lifelong immunosuppression. Although very long chain saturated fatty acids (VLSFA) have been identified as crucial for phagocytosis and clearance of infections, their association with mortality in immunocompromised patient groups has not been studied. In this prospective cohort study we included 680 outpatient KTR with a functional graft ≥1 year and 193 healthy controls. Plasma VLSFA (arachidonic acid (C20:0), behenic acid (C22:0) and lignoceric acid (C24:0)) were measured by gas chromatography coupled with a flame ionization detector. Cox regression analyses was used to prospectively study the associations of VLSFA with all-cause and cause-specific mortality. All studied VLSFA were significantly lower in KTR compared to healthy controls (all < 0.001). During a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 5.6 (5.2-6.3) years, 146 (21%) KTR died, of which 41 (28%) died due to infectious diseases. In KTR, C22:0 was inversely associated with risk of all-cause mortality, with a HR (95% CI) per 1-SD-increment of 0.79 (0.64-0.99), independent of adjustment for potential confounders. All studied VLSFA were particularly strongly associated with mortality from infectious causes, with respective HRs for C20:0, C22:0 and C24:0 of 0.53 (0.35-0.82), 0.48 (0.30-0.75), and 0.51 (0.33-0.80), independent of potential confounders. VLSFA are inversely associated with infectious disease mortality in KTR after adjustment, including HDL-cholesterol. Further studies are needed to assess the effect of VLSFA-containing foods on the risk of infectious diseases in immunocompromised patient groups.
Topics: Adult; Case-Control Studies; Cohort Studies; Communicable Diseases; Fatty Acids; Female; Humans; Kidney Transplantation; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Factors
PubMed: 34684385
DOI: 10.3390/nu13103383 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2023Pracaxi ( (Willd.) Kuntze) is an Amazonian plant, traditionally used by the native population to treat health disorders such as inflammation, erysipelas, wound healing,... (Review)
Review
Pracaxi ( (Willd.) Kuntze) is an Amazonian plant, traditionally used by the native population to treat health disorders such as inflammation, erysipelas, wound healing, muscle pain, ear pain, diarrhea, snake and insect bites as well as for cancer treatment. Other common uses include using the oil for frying, skin and hair beautification, and as an alternative source of energy. This review is focused on highlighting its taxonomy, occurrence and botanical origins, popular uses, pharmacology and biological activities, cytotoxicity, biofuel activity and phytochemistry in order to explore future therapeutic use and other applications. Pracaxi contains triterpene saponins, sterols, tannins, oleanolic acid, unsaturated fatty acids and long-chain fatty acids, with a high behenic acid value, which may serve for incorporation into drug delivery systems as well for the development of new drugs. These components are correlated with its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, healing, anti-hemolytic, anti-hemorrhagic, antiophidic, and larvicidal activities against and , which ratify the popular/traditional uses. The species is nitrogen fixing; it is easy to propagate in floodplains and the terra firma, and it can be used for the reforestation of degraded areas. Additionally, the oil extracted from the seeds can leverage the bioeconomy of the region based on sustainable exploration.
PubMed: 36987018
DOI: 10.3390/plants12061330