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Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and... May 2024Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) must be consumed from the diet or synthesized from polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) precursors, such as α-linolenic acid (ALA,...
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) must be consumed from the diet or synthesized from polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) precursors, such as α-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3). Elongase 2 (encoded by Elovl2 gene) catalyzes two elongation reactions in the PUFA biosynthesis pathway and may be important in regulating the observed sex differences in n-3 PUFA levels. Our aim was to determine how targeted knockout of liver Elovl2 affects tissue and blood n-3 PUFA levels in male and female C57BL/6J mice. Twenty-eight-day old male and female liver Elovl2-KO and control mice were placed onto one of two dietary protocols for a total of 8 weeks (4-8 mice per genotype, per diet, per sex): 1) an 8-week 2 % ALA in total fat diet or 2) a 4-week 2 % ALA diet followed by a 4-week 2 % ALA + 2 % DHA diet. Following this 8-week feeding period, 12-week-old mice were sacrificed and serum, red blood cells (RBC), liver, heart and brain were collected and fatty acid levels measured. Significant interaction effects (p < 0.05, sex x genotype) for serum, RBC, liver and heart DHA levels were identified. In serum and liver, DHA levels were significantly different (p < 0.01) between all groups with male controls > female controls > female KO > male KO in serum and female controls > male controls > female KO > male KO in liver. In RBCs and the heart, female controls = male controls > female KO > male KO (p < 0.001). The addition of DHA to diet removed the interaction effects on DHA levels in the serum, liver and heart, yielding a significant sex effect in serum, liver (female > male, p < 0.01) and brain (male > female, p < 0.05) and genotype effect in serum and heart (control > KO, p < 0.05). Ablation of liver Elovl2 results in significantly lower blood and tissue DHA in a sex-dependent manner, suggesting a role for Elovl2 on sex differences in n-3 PUFA levels.
PubMed: 38763083
DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2024.102621 -
Heliyon May 2024Fresh vegetables have high water content and low acidity, so drying can extend shelf life, allowing the obtaining of alternative flours for the development of new...
Fresh vegetables have high water content and low acidity, so drying can extend shelf life, allowing the obtaining of alternative flours for the development of new products. The study aimed to investigate the influence of the melon harvest and off-season on the chemical composition of melon (Cantaloupe, Charentais e Honey Dew) flours and the potential application in products. The flours were evaluated for granulometry, morphology, centesimal composition, lipid and mineral content, total phenolic compound (TPC), antioxidant activity, and technological properties. Cakes containing melon flour were produced to replace wheat flour (0, 25, and 50 %) and evaluated for proximate composition, microbiology, and sensory parameters. Flours were classified as fine-grained (MESH >16), except Charentais off-season (medium - MESH 8-16, and fine-grained - MESH >16), and all presented a rough surface and minimal cell wall ruptures. The harvest homogeneously influenced the humidity, as all the off-season flours showed higher levels [17-22 %] (p < 0.05) due to weather conditions. For TPC, Cantaloupe melon flours from the harvest (CFH) [208 mg/100 g] and off-season [877 mg/100 g] stood out (p < 0.05), and the latter showed greater antioxidant potential [328 μmol TE/g]. Palmitic, linoleic, and linolenic acid stood out in all flours, and potassium for minerals (63-78 %) in the harvest and off-season. The harvest and off-season specifically influenced the flour of each variety in swelling power, water solubility, oil absorption, and emulsifying capacity. For cakes with CFH, no thermotolerant coliforms and were detected, and the mesophilic count was <1.0 CFU/g. The ash, protein, lipid, and fiber contents increased proportionally to melon flour addition (p < 0.05). Sensory acceptance was high for cakes containing 25 and 50 % of CFH [82.78 % and 82.53 %], and most consumers would likely buy the products (4.04 and 3.99) (p < 0.05). The study contributed to knowledge about the seasonality effect and demonstrated the potential use of melon flour in developing new products.
PubMed: 38756580
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29609 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Various gut bacteria, including , possess several enzymes that produce hydroxy fatty acids (FAs), oxo FAs, conjugated FAs, and partially saturated FAs from...
The gut lactic acid bacteria metabolite, 10-oxo--6,-11-octadecadienoic acid, suppresses inflammatory bowel disease in mice by modulating the NRF2 pathway and GPCR-signaling.
Various gut bacteria, including , possess several enzymes that produce hydroxy fatty acids (FAs), oxo FAs, conjugated FAs, and partially saturated FAs from polyunsaturated FAs as secondary metabolites. Among these derivatives, we identified 10-oxo--6,-11-octadecadienoic acid (γKetoC), a γ-linolenic acid (GLA)-derived enon FA, as the most effective immunomodulator, which inhibited the antigen-induced immunoactivation and LPS-induced production of inflammatory cytokines. The treatment with γKetoC significantly suppressed proliferation of CD4 T cells, LPS-induced activation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), and LPS-induced IL-6 release from peritoneal cells, splenocytes, and CD11c cells isolated from the spleen. γKetoC also inhibited the release of inflammatory cytokines from BMDCs stimulated with poly-I:C, R-848, or CpG. Further experiments using an agonist of GPR40/120 suggested the involvement of these GPCRs in the effects of γKetoC on DCs. We also found that γKetoC stimulated the NRF2 pathway in DCs, and the suppressive effects of γKetoC and agonist of GPR40/120 on the release of IL-6 and IL-12 were reduced in BMDCs. We evaluated the role of NRF2 in the anti-inflammatory effects of γKetoC in a dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis model. The oral administration of γKetoC significantly reduced body weight loss, improved stool scores, and attenuated atrophy of the colon, in wild-type C57BL/6 and mice with colitis. In contrast, the pathology of colitis was deteriorated in mice even with the administration of γKetoC. Collectively, the present results demonstrated the involvement of the NRF2 pathway and GPCRs in γKetoC-mediated anti-inflammatory responses.
Topics: Animals; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Mice; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; Signal Transduction; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Mice, Knockout; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Dextran Sulfate; Oleic Acids; Lactobacillus plantarum; Colitis; Dendritic Cells; Male
PubMed: 38745644
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1374425 -
Nutrients Apr 2024Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can alter adipose tissue function; however, the relative effects of plant and marine n3-PUFAs are less clear. Our objective was to...
Differential Modulation by Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) of Mesenteric Fat and Macrophages and T Cells in Adipose Tissue of Obese / Zucker Rats.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can alter adipose tissue function; however, the relative effects of plant and marine n3-PUFAs are less clear. Our objective was to directly compare the n3-PUFAs, plant-based α-linolenic acid (ALA) in flaxseed oil, and marine-based eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in high-purity oils versus n6-PUFA containing linoleic acid (LA) for their effects on the adipose tissue and oral glucose tolerance of obese rats. Male / Zucker rats were assigned to faALA, faEPA, faDHA, and faLA groups and compared to baseline / rats (faBASE) and lean Zucker rats (lnLA). After 8 weeks, faEPA and faDHA had 11-14% lower body weight than faLA. The oral glucose tolerance and total body fat were unchanged, but faEPA had less mesenteric fat. faEPA and faDHA had fewer large adipocytes compared to faLA and faALA. EPA reduced macrophages in the adipose tissue of / rats compared to ALA and DHA, while faLA had the greatest macrophage infiltration. DHA decreased (~10-fold) T-cell infiltration compared to faBASE and faEPA, whereas faALA and faLA had an ~40% increase. The n3-PUFA diets attenuated tumour necrosis factor-α in adipose tissue compared to faBASE, while it was increased by LA in both genotypes. In conclusion, EPA and DHA target different aspects of inflammation in adipose tissue.
Topics: Animals; Rats, Zucker; Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Obesity; Male; Macrophages; Adipose Tissue; Rats; T-Lymphocytes; alpha-Linolenic Acid; Mesentery
PubMed: 38732558
DOI: 10.3390/nu16091311 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024The tree peony, a novel woody oil crop extensively cultivated in China, necessitates further investigation into artificial pollination technology to enhance seed yield....
The tree peony, a novel woody oil crop extensively cultivated in China, necessitates further investigation into artificial pollination technology to enhance seed yield. In this study, we conducted artificial pollination experiments with 6-year-old 'Feng Dan' seedings for suitable pollen sources, pollen concentration, pollination timing, and pollination frequency. By evaluating seed yields, active ingredients, and oil quality, we derived the following significant conclusions. Firstly, compared to natural pollination, artificial pollination could significantly increase the fruit diameter by 13.94-27.58%, seed yields by 35.17-58.99%, and oil content by 6.45-7.52% in tree peonies. In active ingredients, seeds produced by pollen from Hantai County significantly enhanced starch content (by 48.64%), total phenols (by 41.18%) and antioxidant capacity (by 54.39%). In oil quality, seeds produced by pollen from Heyang County exhibited the highest α-linolenic acid and total fatty acid content with enhancements of 1.68%, 7.41%, and 8.48%. Secondly, hand pollination with pure pollen significantly increased seed yield by 58.99%, total phenol content by 40.97%, antioxidant capacity by 54.39%, and oil content by 1.53% compared to natural pollination. Thirdly, pollination at 2/3 bloom range significantly increased seed number by 63.08% and yield by 45.61% compared to natural pollination. Finally, the effect of one, two, and three pollination events had no difference in seed yield. So, to summarize, applying a 100% concentration of allochthonous pollen once is recommended when the bloom range is more than two thirds.
PubMed: 38732409
DOI: 10.3390/plants13091194 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2024The plant-derived α-linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential n-3 acid highly susceptible to oxidation, present in oils of flaxseeds, walnuts, canola, perilla, soy, and... (Review)
Review
The plant-derived α-linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential n-3 acid highly susceptible to oxidation, present in oils of flaxseeds, walnuts, canola, perilla, soy, and chia. After ingestion, it can be incorporated in to body lipid pools (particularly triglycerides and phospholipid membranes), and then endogenously metabolized through desaturation, elongation, and peroxisome oxidation to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), with a very limited efficiency (particularly for DHA), beta-oxidized as an energy source, or directly metabolized to C18-oxilipins. At this moment, data in the literature about the effects of ALA supplementation on metabolic syndrome (MetS) in humans are inconsistent, indicating no effects or some positive effects on all MetS components (abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, impaired insulin sensitivity and glucoregulation, blood pressure, and liver steatosis). The major effects of ALA on MetS seem to be through its conversion to more potent EPA and DHA, the impact on the n-3/n-6 ratio, and the consecutive effects on the formation of oxylipins and endocannabinoids, inflammation, insulin sensitivity, and insulin secretion, as well as adipocyte and hepatocytes function. It is important to distinguish the direct effects of ALA from the effects of EPA and DHA metabolites. This review summarizes the most recent findings on this topic and discusses the possible mechanisms.
Topics: Metabolic Syndrome; Humans; alpha-Linolenic Acid; Animals; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Dietary Supplements; Insulin Resistance
PubMed: 38732139
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094909 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2024Fatty acid desaturase 1 (FADS1) is a rate-limiting enzyme in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) synthesis. Reduced activity of FADS1 was observed in...
Fatty acid desaturase 1 (FADS1) is a rate-limiting enzyme in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) synthesis. Reduced activity of FADS1 was observed in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The aim of this study was to determine whether adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV8) mediated hepatocyte-specific overexpression of (AAV8-Fads1) attenuates western diet-induced metabolic phenotypes in a rat model. Male weanling Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with a chow diet, or low-fat high-fructose (LFHFr) or high-fat high-fructose diet (HFHFr) ad libitum for 8 weeks. Metabolic phenotypes were evaluated at the endpoint. AAV8-Fads1 injection restored hepatic FADS1 protein levels in both LFHFr and HFHFr-fed rats. While AAV8-Fads1 injection led to improved glucose tolerance and insulin signaling in LFHFr-fed rats, it significantly reduced plasma triglyceride (by ~50%) and hepatic cholesterol levels (by ~25%) in HFHFr-fed rats. Hepatic lipidomics analysis showed that FADS1 activity was rescued by AAV8-FADS1 in HFHFr-fed rats, as shown by the restored arachidonic acid (AA)/dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) ratio, and that was associated with reduced monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA). Our data suggest that the beneficial role of AAV8-Fads1 is likely mediated by the inhibition of fatty acid re-esterification. FADS1 is a promising therapeutic target for MASLD in a diet-dependent manner.
Topics: Animals; Male; Rats; Delta-5 Fatty Acid Desaturase; Dependovirus; Diet, Western; Disease Models, Animal; Fatty Acid Desaturases; Fructose; Hepatocytes; Liver; Phenotype; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Triglycerides
PubMed: 38732052
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094836 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024This paper reports the preparation of margarine fat using Lipozyme TL IM as a catalyst and peony seed oil (PSO), palm stearin (PS) and coconut oil (CO) as raw materials....
This paper reports the preparation of margarine fat using Lipozyme TL IM as a catalyst and peony seed oil (PSO), palm stearin (PS) and coconut oil (CO) as raw materials. The results indicate that there were no significant changes in fatty acid composition before or after interesterification of the oil samples. However, the total amount of medium- and long-chain triglycerides (MLCTs) increased from 2.92% to 11.38% in sample E1 after interesterification, mainly including LaLaO, LaMO, LaPM, LaOO, LaPO and LaPP. Moreover, the slip melting point (SMP) of sample E1 decreased from 45.9 °C (B1) to 33.5 °C. The solid fat content (SFC) of all the samples at 20 °C was greater than 10%, indicating that they could effectively prevent oil exudation. After interesterification, the samples exhibited a β' crystal form and could be used to prepare functional margarine.
PubMed: 38731776
DOI: 10.3390/foods13091405 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Rougui Tea (RGT) is a typical Wuyi Rock Tea (WRT) that is favored by consumers for its rich taste and varied aroma. The aroma of RGT is greatly affected by the process...
Rougui Tea (RGT) is a typical Wuyi Rock Tea (WRT) that is favored by consumers for its rich taste and varied aroma. The aroma of RGT is greatly affected by the process of green-making, but its mechanism is not clear. Therefore, in this study, fresh leaves of RGT in spring were picked, and green-making (including shaking and spreading) and spreading (unshaken) were, respectively, applied after sun withering. Then, they were analyzed by GC-TOF-MS, which showed that the abundance of volatile compounds with flowery and fruity aromas, such as nerolidol, jasmine lactone, jasmone, indole, hexyl hexanoate, (E)-3-hexenyl butyrate and 1-hexyl acetate, in green-making leaves, was significantly higher than that in spreading leaves. Transcriptomic and proteomic studies showed that long-term mechanical injury and dehydration could activate the upregulated expression of genes related to the formation pathways of the aroma, but the regulation of protein expression was not completely consistent. Mechanical injury in the process of green-making was more conducive to the positive regulation of the allene oxide synthase (AOS) branch of the α-linolenic acid metabolism pathway, followed by the mevalonate (MVA) pathway of terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, thus promoting the synthesis of jasmonic acid derivatives and sesquiterpene products. Protein interaction analysis revealed that the key proteins of the synthesis pathway of jasmonic acid derivatives were acyl-CoA oxidase (ACX), enoyl-CoA hydratase (MFP2), OPC-8:0 CoA ligase 1 (OPCL1) and so on. This study provides a theoretical basis for the further explanation of the formation mechanism of the aroma substances in WRT during the manufacturing process.
PubMed: 38731686
DOI: 10.3390/foods13091315