Effects of Arachidonic Acid Metabolites on Cardiovascular Health and Disease

Orally administrated fucoidan and its low-molecular-weight derivatives are absorbed differentially to alleviate coagulation and thrombosis

Thrombosis is a serious threat to human health and life. Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide from brown algae, could prevent coagulation and thrombus after intravenous administration. However, more efforts are still needed to develop its oral agent. In the present study, the absorption and excretion of fucoidan (90.8 kDa) and its degradation products, Dfuc1 (19.2 kDa) and Dfuc2 (5.5 kDa), were determined by HPLC-MS/MS after acid degradation and 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone derivatization, and their anticoagulation and antithrombotic activities were evaluated in vivo after oral administration. Results showed that the maximum concentrations of fucoidan, Dfuc1 and Dfuc2 in rat plasma all achieved at 2 h after oral administration (150 mg/kg), and they were 41.1 ± 10.6 μg/mL, 45.3 ± 18.5 μg/mL and 59.3 ± 13.7 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, fucoidan, Dfuc1 and Dfuc2 could all prolong the activated partial thromboplastin time in vivo from 23.7 ± 2.7 s (blank control) to 25.1 ± 2.6 s, 27.1 ± 1.7 s and 29.4 ± 3.6 s, respectively. Moreover, fucoidan and its degradation products showed similar antithrombotic effect in carrageenan-induced thrombosis mice, and untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed that they all markedly regulated the carrageenan-induced metabolite disorders, especially the arachidonic acid metabolism. Thus, the degradation products of fucoidan with lower molecular weights are more attractive for the development of oral antithrombotic agents.

Targeting inflammation in atherosclerosis: overview, strategy and directions

Atherosclerosis is a chronic condition characterised by the build-up of plaque in the inner lining of the blood vessels and it is the main underlying cause of cardiovascular disease. The development of atherosclerosis is associated with the accumulation of cholesterol and inflammation. Although effective therapies exist to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, some patients still experience cardiovascular events due to persistent inflammation, known as residual inflammatory risk (RIR). Researchers have conducted laboratory and animal studies to investigate the measurement and targeting of the inflammatory cascade associated with atherosclerosis, which have yielded promising results. In addition to guideline-directed lifestyle modifications and optimal medical therapy focusing on reducing LDL-C levels, pharmacological interventions targeting inflammation may provide further assistance in preventing future cardiac events. This review aims to explain the mechanisms of inflammation in atherosclerosis, identifies potential biomarkers, discusses available therapeutic options and their strengths and limitations, highlights future advancements, and summarises notable clinical studies. Finally, an evaluation and management algorithm for addressing RIR is presented.

Linoleic and Arachidonic Fatty Acids and their Potential Relationship with Inflammation, Pregnancy, and Fetal Development

A healthy maternal diet must consider an appropriate supply of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) precursors to ensure adequate growth and development of the fetus. In this regard, n-6 PUFAs, predominantly linoleic (C18:2 n-6, LA) and arachidonic acid (C20:4 n-6), have a central role in the development of the central nervous system because they are part of the membrane structure and participate in the metabolism and signal transduction of cells. Nevertheless, they can also be transformed into inflammatory metabolites promoting the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and autoimmune or inflammatory conditions. In modern westernized societies, there is a high dietary consumption of foods rich in n-6 PUFAs which could have detrimental consequences for the fetus and neonate due to excessive exposure to these fatty acids (FAs).

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the evidence of maternal, placental, and fetal alterations that an excessive intake of n-6 polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs), LA, and AA, could produce during pregnancy.

METHODS

A thorough review of the literature regarding the effects of n-6 PUFAs during pregnancy and lactation including in vivo and in vitro models, was carried out using the PubMed database from the National Library of Medicine-National Institutes of Health.

RESULTS

An elevated intake of n-6 PUFA, specifically LA, during pregnancy influences children's motor, cognitive, and verbal development during infancy and early childhood. Similarly, they could harm the placenta and the development of other fetal organs such as the fat tissue, liver, and cardiovascular system.

CONCLUSION

Maternal diet, specifically LA intake, could have significant repercussions on fetal development and long-term consequences in the offspring, including the possibility of future metabolic and mental diseases. It would be necessary to focus on the prevention of these alterations through timely dietary interventions in the target population.

Transcriptome profiling reveals the strategy of thermal tolerance enhancement caused by heat-hardening in Mytilus coruscus

The thick-shell mussel Mytilus coruscus serves as a common sessile intertidal species and holds economic significance as an aquatic organism. M. coruscus often endure higher temperatures than their ideal range during consecutive low tides in the spring. This exposure to elevated temperatures provides them with a thermal tolerance boost, enabling them to adapt to high-temperature events caused by extreme low tides and adverse weather conditions. This phenomenon is referred to as heat-hardening. Some related studies showed the phenomenon of heat-hardening in sessile intertidal species but not reported at the mechanism level based on transcriptome so far. In this study, physiological experiments, gene family identification and transcriptome sequencing were performed to confirm the thermotolerance enhancement based on heat-hardening and explore the mechanism in M. coruscus. A total of 2935 DEGs were identified and the results of the KEGG enrichment showed that seven heat-hardening relative pathways were enriched, including Toll-like receptor signal pathway, Arachidonic acid metabolism, and others. Then, 24 HSP70 members and 36 CYP2 members, were identified, and the up-regulated members are correlated with increasing thermotolerance. Finally, we concluded that the heat-hardening M. coruscus have a better thermotolerance because of the capability of maintaining the integrity and the phenomenon of vasodilation of the gill under thermal stress. Further, the physiological experiments yielded the same conclusions. Overall, this study confirms the thermotolerance enhancement caused by heat-hardening and reveals the survival strategy in M. coruscus. In addition, the conclusion provides a new reference for studying the intertidal species' heat resistance mechanisms to combat extreme heat events and the strategies for dealing with extreme weather in aquaculture under the global warming trend.

Feasibility of feeding cadmium accumulator maize (Zea mays L.) to beef cattle: Discovering a strategy for eliminating phytoremediation residues

Eco-friendly and efficient strategies for eliminating cadmium (Cd) phytoremediation plant residues are needed. The present study investigated the feasibility of feeding Cd accumulator maize to beef cattle. In total, 20 cattle at 6 months of age were selected and randomly allocated into two groups fed with 85.82% (fresh basis) Cd accumulator maize (CAM) or normal maize (control [Con]) silage diets for 107 d. Feeding CAM did not affect the body weight (P = 0.24), while it decreased feed intake and increased feed efficiency of beef cattle (P < 0.01). Feeding CAM increased serum concentrations of immunoglobulin A and G, complement 3 and 4, blood urea nitrogen, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, decreased serum concentrations of interleukin-6 and lipopolysaccharide (P < 0.05), and caused wider lumens in the renal tubules. The Cd residue in meat was 7 μg/kg beyond the restriction for human food. In the muscle, the unsaturated fatty acids (t11C18:1 and C20:4), Lys, Arg, Pro, and Cys were decreased, while the saturated fatty acids (C10:0, C12:0, and C17:0) and Leu were increased (P < 0.05). Therefore, at the current feeding level, phytoremediation maize increased the feed efficiency of beef cattle, but did present risks to cattle health and production safety, and decreased the meat nutrition and flavor. Further research must be performed to determine whether a lower proper dose of phytoremediation maize and an appropriate feeding period may be possible to ensure no risk to cattle health and the supply of safe meat for humans.

Transcriptomic Landscape of Circulating Extracellular Vesicles in Heart Transplant Ischemia-Reperfusion

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is an inevitable event during heart transplantation, which is known to exacerbate damage to the allograft. However, the precise mechanisms underlying IRI remain incompletely understood. Here, we profiled the whole transcriptome of plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) by RNA sequencing from 41 heart transplant recipients immediately before and at 12 h after transplant reperfusion. We found that the expression of 1317 protein-coding genes in plasma EVs was changed at 12 h after reperfusion. Upregulated genes of plasma EVs were related to metabolism and immune activation, while downregulated genes were related to cell survival and extracellular matrix organization. In addition, we performed correlation analyses between EV transcriptome and intensity of graft IRI (i.e., cardiomyocyte injury), as well as EV transcriptome and primary graft dysfunction, as well as any biopsy-proven acute rejection after heart transplantation. We ultimately revealed that at 12 h after reperfusion, 4 plasma EV genes (ITPKA, DDIT4L, CD19, and CYP4A11) correlated with both cardiomyocyte injury and primary graft dysfunction, suggesting that EVs are sensitive indicators of reperfusion injury reflecting lipid metabolism-induced stress and imbalance in calcium homeostasis. In conclusion, we show that profiling plasma EV gene expression may enlighten the mechanisms of heart transplant IRI.

Role of CB1 Cannabinoid Receptors in Vascular Responses and Vascular Remodeling of the Aorta in Female Mice

Both the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and estrogens have significant roles in cardiovascular control processes. Cannabinoid type 1 receptors (CB1Rs) mediate acute vasodilator and hypotensive effects, although their role in cardiovascular pathological conditions is still controversial. Estrogens exert cardiovascular protection in females. We aimed to study the impact of ECS on vascular functions. Experiments were performed on CB1R knockout (CB1R KO) and wild-type (WT) female mice. Plasma estrogen metabolite levels were determined. Abdominal aortas were isolated for myography and histology. Vascular effects of phenylephrine (Phe), angiotensin II, acetylcholine (Ach) and estradiol (E2) were obtained and repeated with inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase (NOS, Nω-nitro-L-arginine) and of cyclooxygenase (COX, indomethacin). Histological stainings (hematoxylin-eosin, resorcin-fuchsin) and immunostainings for endothelial NOS (eNOS), COX-2, estrogen receptors (ER-α, ER-β) were performed. Conjugated E2 levels were higher in CB1R KO compared to WT mice. Vasorelaxation responses to Ach and E2 were increased in CB1R KO mice, attenuated by NOS-inhibition. COX-inhibition decreased Phe-contractions, while it increased Ach-relaxation in the WT group but not in the CB1R KO. Effects of indomethacin on E2-relaxation in CB1R KO became opposite to that observed in WT. Histology revealed lower intima/media thickness and COX-2 density, higher eNOS and lower ER-β density in CB1R KO than in WT mice. CB1R KO female mice are characterized by increased vasorelaxation associated with increased utilization of endothelial NO and a decreased impact of constrictor prostanoids. Our results indicate that the absence or inhibition of CB1Rs may have beneficial vascular effects.

Identification of key genes and regulatory networks involved in the Comorbidity of atrial fibrillation and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background

The underlying molecular processes of atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are frequently linked to increased morbidity and mortality when they co-occur. However, their underlying molecular mechanisms are questioned due to their incomplete analysis.

Objective

This study aimed to identify common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in AF and COPD patients and investigate their potential biological functions and pathways. We hope to complement and update previous research through clearer figure presentation and different bioinformatic analysis methods with different datasets.

Methods

We used statistical analysis to identify DEGs in the expression profiles of AF and COPD patients using datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. To ascertain whether the common DEGs were functionally enriched, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses were used. In addition, we generated protein‒protein interaction networks and identified significant hub genes. Furthermore, the hub genes were used to analyze transcription factor (TF)-gene interactions and TF-miRNA coregulatory networks, and their expression levels were validated in additional datasets.

Results

We identified a total of 15 DEGs that were upregulated, whereas 36 were downregulated in AF and COPD patients. The DEGs were commonly expressed in both AF and COPD patients, with functional enrichment analysis revealing their involvement in metabolic processes and neuron-to-neuron synapses. We identified significant hub genes, including TGM2, ITPR1, CHL1, ALDOC, RPS3, FBLN2, NDUFS2, ITGA5, CTNNB1, RBP1, CLSTN2, FABP5, EPHA4, LDHA, and HNRNPL, and analyzed their coexpression and biological functions. TF-gene interaction and TF-miRNA coregulatory network analyses revealed the regulatory relationships of the hub genes. Additional datasets were analyzed to validate hub gene expression, and ALDOC, HNRNPL, and NDUFS2 displayed similar processes in AF and COPD patients.

Conclusions

In our study, we demonstrate that metabolic processes and neuron-to-neuron synaptic connections may contribute to the cooccurrence of AF and COPD. The identified hub genes and regulatory networks may act as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for these diseases.

Arachidonic acid metabolism in health and disease

Arachidonic acid (AA), an n-6 essential fatty acid, is a major component of mammalian cells and can be released by phospholipase A2. Accumulating evidence indicates that AA plays essential biochemical roles, as it is the direct precursor of bioactive lipid metabolites of eicosanoids such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and epoxyeicosatrienoic acid obtained from three distinct enzymatic metabolic pathways: the cyclooxygenase pathway, lipoxygenase pathway, and cytochrome P450 pathway. AA metabolism is involved not only in cell differentiation, tissue development, and organ function but also in the progression of diseases, such as hepatic fibrosis, neurodegeneration, obesity, diabetes, and cancers. These eicosanoids are generally considered proinflammatory molecules, as they can trigger oxidative stress and stimulate the immune response. Therefore, interventions in AA metabolic pathways are effective ways to manage inflammatory-related diseases in the clinic. Currently, inhibitors targeting enzymes related to AA metabolic pathways are an important area of drug discovery. Moreover, many advances have also been made in clinical studies of AA metabolic inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Herein, we review the discovery of AA and focus on AA metabolism in relation to health and diseases. Furthermore, inhibitors targeting AA metabolism are summarized, and potential clinical applications are discussed.

Association of dietary fatty acids with the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in a prospective cohort of United States veterans

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs) are the leading cause of worldwide adult mortality. Although broad classes of dietary fats have been shown to alter ASCVD risk, the roles that individual dietary fatty acids play in influencing ASCVD risk are unclear.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this prospective cohort study was to examine the relationships of the total fat classes and individual fatty acids with the risk of ASCVD.

METHODS

The Million Veteran Program is a prospective cohort whereby dietary intake of fatty acids was assessed in 158,198 participants that had enrolled between January 2011 and November 2018 and were free of ASCVD at baseline. Incident ASCVD was ascertained from the Veterans Affairs electronic health records and the National Death Index. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for the relationship between fat intake and ASCVD risk were computed using Cox regression models.

RESULTS

The mean age was 61 years, 88% were males. A total of 11,771 ASCVD events were identified during the follow-up. When compared with the lowest quintile, participants in the highest quintile of dietary trans-monounsaturated fats and conjugated linoleic acids had an increased risk (HR [95% CI]) of ASCVD events: 1.10 (1.04, 1.17) and 1.11 (1.05, 1.18), respectively. When compared with low consumers, participants in the highest quintile of total cis-polyunsaturated fatty acid intake had a lower risk of experiencing an ASCVD event 0.93 (0.87, 0.99).

CONCLUSION

Although higher intakes of specific trans-fatty acids and conjugated linoleic were associated with an increased risk of ASCVD, the same cannot be said for all other fat classes. This work suggests that care must be taken when drawing general conclusions regarding the health effects of dietary individual fatty acids.

Associations of polyunsaturated fatty acids with cardiovascular disease and mortality: a study of NHANES database in 2003-2018

BACKGROUND

This study was to explore the association between dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) consumption and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), all-cause mortality, and CVD-specific mortality.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study extracted demographic and clinical data of 38,838 adult participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database in 2003-2018. We explored the association between octadecadienoic acid (ODA), octadecatrienoic acid (ALA), octadecatetraenoic acid (ODTA), eicosatetraenoic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and different CVDs using weighted univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The PUFAs were divided into four levels according to the quartiles (≤ Q1, Q1 to Q2, Q1 to Q2, > Q3). Weighted univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses with hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI were used for exploring the association between PUFAs and all-cause mortality, CVD-specific mortality and other cause-specific mortality.

RESULTS

During the follow-up, a total of 4,908 (9.12%) eligible participants died. The results showed that after adjusting for covariates, ODTA intake was related to low odds of coronary heart disease (CHD) [OR = 0.75, 95%CI: (0.64-0.88)]. Q1-Q2 quartile of ALA [OR = 0.81, 95%CI: (0.66-0.99)] and Q2-Q3 quartile of DPA [OR = 0.78, 95%CI: (0.62-0.99)] intakes were linked to low odds of heart attack, and > Q3 quartile of ODA intake was associated with low odds of congestive heart failure (CHF) [OR = 0.66, 95%CI: (0.49-0.90)] and stroke [OR = 0.65, 95%CI: (0.47-0.90)]. Q2-Q3 quartile of DPA intake was linked to low odds of angina [OR = 0.76, 95%CI: (0.58-0.99)]. Higher ALA intake was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality [Q2-Q3: HR = 0.86, 95%CI: (0.74-0.99); > Q3: HR = 0.76, 95%CI: (0.63-0.91)]. Additionally, Q2-Q3 quartile of ALA, Q1-Q2 quartile of AA and DPA intakes were respectively related to a low risk of CVD-specific mortality, while that > Q3 quartile of ALA related to that of mortality by other causes.

CONCLUSION

Our study found that PUFAs were associated with different CVDs, and higher ALA intake was related to lower risk of all-cause mortality. Ensuring adequate intake of PUFAs was beneficial to the health and may decrease the risk of mortality.

Promising Anti-Inflammatory Tools: Biomedical Efficacy of Lipoxins and Their Synthetic Pathways

Lipoxins (LXs) have attracted widespread attention as a class of anti-inflammatory lipid mediators that are produced endogenously by the organism. LXs are arachidonic acid (ARA) derivatives that include four different structures: lipoxin A4 (LXA4), lipoxin B4 (LXB4), and the aspirin-induced differential isomers 15-epi-LXA4 and 15-epi-LXB4. Because of their unique biological activity of reducing inflammation in the body, LXs have great potential for neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory treatment of COVID-19, and other related diseases. The synthesis of LXs in vivo is achieved through the action of lipoxygenase (LO). As a kind of important enzyme, LO plays a major role in the physiological processes of living organisms in mammals and functions in some bacteria and fungi. This suggests new options for the synthesis of LXs in vitro. Meanwhile, there are other chemical and biochemical methods to synthesize LXs. In this review, the recent progress on physiological activity and synthetic pathways of LXs is summarized, and new insights into the synthesis of LXs in vitro are provided.

Modular Metabolic Engineering of Mortierella alpina by the 2A Peptide Platform to Improve Arachidonic Acid Production

Arachidonic acid (ARA) is an essential fatty acid in human nutrition. Mortierella alpina, a filamentous fungus, has been widely used for the production of ARA. Here, we report a modular engineering approach that systematically eliminates metabolic bottlenecks in the multigene elongase/desaturase pathway and has led to significant improvements of the ARA titer. The elongase/desaturase pathway in Mortierella alpina was recast into two modules, namely, push and pull modules, based on its function in the ARA synthesis. Combinatorial optimization of these two modules has balanced the production and consumption of intermediate metabolites. A 2A peptide-based facile assembly platform that can achieve multigene expression as a polycistron was first established. The platform was then applied to express the push and pull modules in Mortierella alpina. In the shake-flask fermentation, the lipid and ARA contents of the engineered strain MA5 were increased by 1.2-fold and 77.6%, respectively, resulting in about fivefold increase of the ARA yield. The final ARA titer reached 4.4 g L-1 in shake-flask fermentation. The modular engineering strategies presented in this study demonstrate a generalized approach for the engineering of cell factories in the production of valuable metabolites.

Double-edged roles of ferroptosis in endometriosis and endometriosis-related infertility

Endometriosis is strongly associated with infertility. Several mechanisms have been reported in an attempt to elucidate the pathophysiological effects that lead to reduced fertility in women with endometriosis. However, the mechanisms by which endometriosis affects fertility have not been fully elucidated. Ferroptosis is a novel form of nonapoptotic cell death that is characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation membrane damage. In past reports, elevated iron levels in ectopic lesions, peritoneal fluid and follicular fluid have been reported in patients with endometriosis. The high-iron environment is closely associated with ferroptosis, which appears to exhibit a double-edged effect on endometriosis. Ferroptosis can cause damage to ovarian granulosa cells, oocytes, and embryos, leading to endometriosis-related infertility. This article summarizes the main pathways and regulatory mechanisms of ferroptosis and explores the possible mechanisms of the formation of an iron-overloaded environment in endometriotic ectopic lesions, peritoneal fluid and follicular fluid. Finally, we reviewed recent studies on the main and potential mechanisms of ferroptosis in endometriosis and endometriosis-related infertility.

Study on the Mechanism of Naoxintong in the Treatment of Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Based on a Multiomics Method

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CIR) injury occurs as a secondary injury during the treatment of ischemic stroke (IS). There is a high death rate and morbidity due to IS throughout the world. Even though Naoxintong Capsule (NXT) is effective in the treatment of CIR, its mechanisms of action are unclear. The study aims to explore the clear mechanism associated with NXT therapy for CIR. We established the model of middle cerebral artery occlusion to evaluate the neurological function and assess the infarct size. Brain tissue metabolomics was used to identify different metabolites, and metabolic profiling systems enriched metabolic pathways. Then, the potential targets of NXT in the treatment of CIR were explored by proteomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic methods. NXT improves CIR symptoms. We found potential 11 proteins and corresponding metabolites involved in NXT treatment of CIR. Most of these metabolites are regulated to restore after treatment. According to network pharmacology, we found 6 hub genes, including Glb1, Gmps, Pfas, Atic, Gaa, and Acox1, and their associated core metabolites and pathways. This study reveals the complex mechanism of NXT in treating CIR, and provides a new strategy for future researchers to screen related targets and pathways.

CYP metabolic pathway related gene polymorphism increases the risk of embolic and atherothrombotic stroke and vulnerable carotid plaque in southeast China

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of CYP metabolic pathway-related genetic polymorphisms with the susceptibility to ischemic stroke and stability of carotid plaque in southeast China.

METHODS

We consecutively enrolled 294 acute ischemic stroke patients with carotid plaque and 282 controls from Wenling First People's Hospital. The patients were divided into the carotid vulnerable plaque group and stable plaque group according to the results of carotid B-mode ultrasonography. Polymorphisms of CYP3A5 (G6986A, rs776746), CYP2C9*2 (C430T, rs1799853), CYP2C9*3 (A1075C, rs1057910), and EPHX2 (G860A, rs751141) were determined using polymerase chain reaction and mass spectrometry analysis.

RESULTS

EPHX2 GG may reduce the susceptibility to ischemic stroke (OR = 0.520, 95% CI: 0.288 ∼ 0.940, P = 0.030) and AA+AG may increase the risk for ischemic stroke (OR = 1.748, 95% CI: 1.001 ∼ 3.052, P = 0.050). The distribution of CYP3A5 genotypes showed significant differences between the vulnerable plaque and stable plaque groups (P = 0.026). Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that CYP3A5 GG could reduce the risk of vulnerable plaques (OR = 0.405, 95% CI: 0.178 ∼ 0.920, P = 0.031).

CONCLUSION

EPHX2 G860A polymorphism may reduce the stroke susceptibility, while other SNPs of CYP genes are not associated with ischemic stroke in southeast China. Furthermore CYP3A5 polymorphism was related with carotid plaque instability.

Non-esterified erythrocyte linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, and subjective sleep outcomes

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated whether non-esterified erythrocyte omega-6 PUFAs were associated with subjective assessment of sleep quality and duration, and risk for obstructive sleep apnea.

METHODS

In this secondary analysis of the cross-sectional OPPERA-II study, 538 adults completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), reported their usual hours of sleep, and answered STOP screening questions for obstructive sleep apnea. Circulating non-esterified erythrocyte concentrations of omega-6 PUFA linoleic acid and arachidonic acid were quantified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy. Sleep outcomes were dichotomized as poor (PSQI ≤5) vs good (PSQI ≥6) sleep quality, insufficient or excessive (≤6 or >9 h) vs good (7-9 h) sleep duration, and high (≥2 affirmative responses) vs low (<2 affirmative responses) risk for obstructive sleep apnea. Non-esterified omega-6 PUFAs and the continuous covariates of body mass index, Short Form (SF) 12 Health Survey Physical and Mental Component scores and resting measures of systolic and diastolic blood pressure were standardized for multivariable analysis. Categorical covariates were study site, age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression first estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence limits (CL) for sleep outcomes using linoleic acid as the main exposure. Analysis was then repeated using arachidonic acid as the main exposure.

RESULTS

In the multivariable-adjusted model, each standard deviation increase in non-esterified erythrocyte linoleic acid was associated with higher odds of poor sleep quality (OR=1.2, 95% CL: 1.1, 1.5), insufficient or excessive sleep (OR= 1.3, 95% CL: 1.1, 1.6) and high-risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OR=1.3, 95% CL: 1.1, 1.6). Likewise, for each standard deviation increase in non-esterified erythrocyte arachidonic acid, odds increased of poor sleep quality (OR=1.2, 95% CL: 1.1, 1.5), and insufficient or excessive sleep (OR=1.2, 95% CL: 1.1, 1.5). Odds of being high risk for obstructive sleep apnea increased with greater circulating arachidonic acid, but the association did not reach statistical significance (OR=1.1, 95% CL: 0.9, 1.4).

CONCLUSION

Non-esterified erythrocyte linoleic acid and arachidonic acid were associated with poor sleep quality and insufficient or excessive sleep duration. Linoleic acid, but not arachidonic acid, was also associated with high risk for obstructive sleep apnea.

6-Formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole Protects Against Angiotensin II-Induced Cellular Hypertrophy through the Induction of Cytochrome P450 1A1 and Its Associated 19(S)-HETE Metabolite In Vitro

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a multifunctional receptor that regulates cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), an arachidonic acid (AA) metabolizing enzyme producing 19-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE). 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ) demonstrates great affinity toward the AhR. Recently, we have shown that 19(S)-HETE is preferentially cardioprotective. This study investigates the role of FICZ on AhR and cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1-mediated AA metabolism and whether it attenuates angiotensin (Ang) II-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Adult human ventricular cardiomyocytes cell line treated with FICZ in the presence and absence of Ang II 10 μM. Protein levels of AhR and CYPs were determined by Western blot analysis and the mRNA expression of cardiac hypertrophic markers and CYPs were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. CYP1A1 enzyme activity and proteasomal degradation were determined by 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase and proteasome 20S activity assays, respectively. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure AA metabolites. Our results show that Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy modulates AA metabolites in an enantioselective manner, and that FICZ activates AhR in a time-dependent manner, inhibits AhR proteasomal degradation, induces CYP1A1, increases the concentration of 19(S)-HETE, and attenuates Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting the hypertrophic markers and decreasing cell surface area through midchain-HETE-dependent mechanism. In conclusion, the results demonstrate the ability of FICZ to protect against Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy by increasing the concentration of 19(S)-HETE through AhR regulated enzyme induction and inhibition of midchain-HETEs metabolites. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This study shows that 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole attenuate angiotensin II-induced cellular hypertrophy. The novel findings of our investigation are in characterizing the aryl hydrocarbon receptor involvement and the enantioselective differences in arachidonic acid metabolism in cardiac hypertrophy, which opens a new pathway to tackle and eventually treat heart failure.

Multi-omics analysis explores the effect of chronic exercise on liver metabolic reprogramming in mice

Background: The effect of exercise on human metabolism is obvious. However, the effect of chronic exercise on liver metabolism in mice is less well described. Methods: The healthy adult mice running for 6 weeks as exercise model and sedentary mice as control were used to perform transcriptomic, proteomic, acetyl-proteomics, and metabolomics analysis. In addition, correlation analysis between transcriptome and proteome, and proteome and metabolome was conducted as well. Results: In total, 88 mRNAs and 25 proteins were differentially regulated by chronic exercise. In particular, two proteins (Cyp4a10 and Cyp4a14) showed consistent trends (upregulated) at transcription and protein levels. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that Cyp4a10 and Cyp4a14 are mainly involved in fatty acid degradation, retinol metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism and PPAR signaling pathway. For acetyl-proteomics analysis, 185 differentially acetylated proteins and 207 differentially acetylated sites were identified. Then, 693 metabolites in positive mode and 537 metabolites in negative mode were identified, which were involved in metabolic pathways such as fatty acid metabolism, citrate cycle and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. Conclusion: Based on the results of transcriptomic, proteomics, acetyl-proteomics and metabolomics analysis, chronic moderate intensity exercise has certain effects on liver metabolism and protein synthesis in mice. Chronic moderate intensity exercise may participate in liver energy metabolism by influencing the expression of Cyp4a14, Cyp4a10, arachidonic acid and acetyl coenzyme A and regulating fatty acid degradation, arachidonic acid metabolism, fatty acyl metabolism and subsequent acetylation.

A Genome-Wide Analysis of a Sudden Cardiac Death Cohort: Identifying Novel Target Variants in the Era of Molecular Autopsy

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is an unexpected natural death due to cardiac causes, usually happening within one hour of symptom manifestation or in individuals in good health up to 24 h before the event. Genomic screening has been increasingly applied as a useful approach to detecting the genetic variants that potentially contribute to SCD and helping the evaluation of SCD cases in the post-mortem setting. Our aim was to identify the genetic markers associated with SCD, which might enable its target screening and prevention. In this scope, a case-control analysis through the post-mortem genome-wide screening of 30 autopsy cases was performed. We identified a high number of novel genetic variants associated with SCD, of which 25 polymorphisms were consistent with a previous link to cardiovascular diseases. We ascertained that many genes have been already linked to cardiovascular system functioning and diseases and that the metabolisms most implicated in SCD are the lipid, cholesterol, arachidonic acid, and drug metabolisms, suggesting their roles as potential risk factors. Overall, the genetic variants pinpointed herein might be useful markers of SCD, but the novelty of these results requires further investigations.

Transcriptome data analysis of primary cardiomyopathies reveals perturbations in arachidonic acid metabolism

Introduction

Cardiomyopathies are complex heart diseases with significant prevalence around the world. Among these, primary forms are the major contributors to heart failure and sudden cardiac death. As a high-energy demanding engine, the heart utilizes fatty acids, glucose, amino acid, lactate and ketone bodies for energy to meet its requirement. However, continuous myocardial stress and cardiomyopathies drive towards metabolic impairment that advances heart failure (HF) pathogenesis. So far, metabolic profile correlation across different cardiomyopathies remains poorly understood.

Methods

In this study, we systematically explore metabolic differences amongst primary cardiomyopathies. By assessing the metabolic gene expression of all primary cardiomyopathies, we highlight the significantly shared and distinct metabolic pathways that may represent specialized adaptations to unique cellular demands. We utilized publicly available RNA-seq datasets to profile global changes in the above diseases (|log2FC| ≥ 0.28 and BH adjusted p-val 0.1) and performed gene set analysis (GSA) using the PAGE statistics on KEGG pathways.

Results

Our analysis demonstrates that genes in arachidonic acid metabolism (AA) are significantly perturbed across cardiomyopathies. In particular, the arachidonic acid metabolism gene PLA2G2A interacts with fibroblast marker genes and can potentially influence fibrosis during cardiomyopathy.

Conclusion

The profound significance of AA metabolism within the cardiovascular system renders it a key player in modulating the phenotypes of cardiomyopathies.

Bioactive lipids in hypertension

Hypertension is a major healthcare issue that afflicts one in every three adults worldwide and contributes to cardiovascular diseases, morbidity and mortality. Bioactive lipids contribute importantly to blood pressure regulation via actions on the vasculature, kidney, and inflammation. Vascular actions of bioactive lipids include blood pressure lowering vasodilation and blood pressure elevating vasoconstriction. Increased renin release by bioactive lipids in the kidney is pro-hypertensive whereas anti-hypertensive bioactive lipid actions result in increased sodium excretion. Bioactive lipids have pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory actions that increase or decrease reactive oxygen species and impact vascular and kidney function in hypertension. Human studies provide evidence that fatty acid metabolism and bioactive lipids contribute to sodium and blood pressure regulation in hypertension. Genetic changes identified in humans that impact arachidonic acid metabolism have been associated with hypertension. Arachidonic acid cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase and cytochrome P450 metabolites have pro-hypertensive and anti-hypertensive actions. Omega-3 fish oil fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid are known to be anti-hypertensive and cardiovascular protective. Lastly, emerging fatty acid research areas include blood pressure regulation by isolevuglandins, nitrated fatty acids, and short chain fatty acids. Taken together, bioactive lipids are key contributors to blood pressure regulation and hypertension and their manipulation could decrease cardiovascular disease and associated morbidity and mortality.

Metabolomics of the anti-inflammatory effect of Pueraria lobata and Pueraria lobata var. Thomsonii in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi and Pueraria lobata var. Thomsonii (Benth.) Maesen are essential medicinal and edible homologous plants widely cultivated in Asian countries. Therefore, P. lobata and P. thomsonii are widely used in the food, health products and pharmaceutical industries and have significant domestic and international market potential and research value. P. lobata and P. thomsonii have pharmacological effects in the clinic, such as antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These plants are commonly used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases and other related diseases. However, the potential mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory effects of P. lobata and P. thomsonii have not been elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to confirm the anti-inflammatory effects of P. lobata and P. thomsonii on inflammatory model diseases and to investigate the mechanism of their anti-inflammatory effects from the perspective of plasma metabolomics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, P. lobata and P. thomsonii were identified by high‒performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Second, we established the following three inflammation models: an acute inflammation model of auricular swelling in mice induced by xylene, an acute inflammation model of foot swelling in rats induced by carrageenan gum, and a chronic inflammation model of cotton ball granuloma in rats. Then we examined the weight and swelling rate of auricular swelling in mice; the residence time, contact area, and mean contact pressure in rats on the gait meter; and the weight of granulomas in rats and the content of IL-1β and TNF-α in plasma to investigate the anti-inflammatory pharmacodynamics of P. lobata and P. thomsonii. Third, we used LC‒MS‒based plasma metabolomics techniques to obtain potential biomarkers of P. lobata and P. thomsonii related to inflammation. Then, the potential biomarkers were enriched by MetaboAnalyst and KEGG metabolomics analysis tools to obtain metabolic pathways related to inflammation. Finally, we tested the indicators of COX-2, 5-LOX, GSH, GSSG and γ⁃GCL in rat plasma from the granuloma model by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) to verify the inflammation-related metabolic pathway.

RESULTS

The experimental results showed that P. lobata and P. thomsonii could reduce the swollen weight and swelling rate of the auricle in mice, and could increase the residence time, contact area and mean contact pressure in rats on the gait meter. Moreover, P. lobata and P. thomsonii could inhibit the growth of granulomas and reduce the content of IL-1β and TNF-α in plasma in rats. The above results preliminarily verified that P. lobata and P. thomsonii have different anti-inflammatory effects. We identified eighteen plasma biomarkers associated with P. lobata and sixteen plasma biomarkers related to P. thomsonii in regulating inflammation by a plasma metabolomics analysis. The following two major metabolic pathways were further screened and enriched: arachidonic acid metabolism and glutathione metabolism. Then we noted that P. lobata and P. thomsonii could reduce the COX-2, 5-LOX and GSSG levels and increase the GSH, GSH/GSSG and γ⁃GCL levels based on the ELISA results, which demonstrated that P. lobata and P. thomsonii affect the anti-inflammatory mechanism through arachidonic acid metabolism and glutathione metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study further elucidate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of action of P. lobata and P. thomsonii, providing a scientific basis for developing new drugs for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases and laying a foundation for the development of herbal resources, such as P. lobata and P. thomsonii.

Estrogen and the Vascular Endothelium: The Unanswered Questions

Premenopausal women have a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared with their age-matched male counterparts; however, this discrepancy is abolished following the transition to menopause or during low estrogen states. This, combined with a large amount of basic and preclinical data indicating that estrogen is vasculoprotective, supports the concept that hormone therapy could improve cardiovascular health. However, clinical outcomes in individuals undergoing estrogen treatment have been highly variable, challenging the current paradigm regarding the role of estrogen in the fight against heart disease. Increased risk for CVD correlates with long-term oral contraceptive use, hormone replacement therapy in older, postmenopausal cisgender females, and gender affirmation treatment for transgender females. Vascular endothelial dysfunction serves as a nidus for the development of many cardiovascular diseases and is highly predictive of future CVD risk. Despite preclinical studies indicating that estrogen promotes a quiescent, functional endothelium, it still remains unclear why these observations do not translate to improved CVD outcomes. The goal of this review is to explore our current understanding of the effect of estrogen on the vasculature, with a focus on endothelial health. Following a discussion regarding the influence of estrogen on large and small artery function, critical knowledge gaps are identified. Finally, novel mechanisms and hypotheses are presented that may explain the lack of cardiovascular benefit in unique patient populations.

The mechanism of chronic unpredictable mild stress induced high blood pressure in rats: a proteomic and targeted metabolomic analysis

Chronic stress, a leading factor for high blood pressure (BP) and even hypertension, affects health quality seriously. However, the management is rather difficult in our rapidly developing modern society, and the underlying mechanism that caused hypertension remains incompletely understood. In this study, we established a rat model of high BP induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The results showed that CUMS increased the BP and heart rate, as well as the concentrations of CORT, NA, and ACTH. Based on tandem mass tag (TMT)-labeled proteomics, 13 proteins changed in RVLM. Then, targeted metabolomics together with real-time qPCR were applied to validate the levels of the biomolecules quantitatively. The related molecules were confirmed to reveal that CUMS has a great role in the upregulation of muscle contraction, synthesis of cAMP and transport of metals, while down-regulating ralaxin signaling. This finding facilitates a better understanding of the mechanism of hypertension induced by chronic stress and could provide an insight into the prevention and treatment of hypertension.

Kratom (M. speciosa) exposure during adolescence caused long-lasting cognitive behavioural deficits associated with perturbated brain metabolism pathways in adult rats

Kratom (M. speciosa Korth) is an herbal plant native to Southeast Asia. The leaves have been widely used to alleviate pain and opioid withdrawal symptoms. However, the increasing trend of recreational use of kratom among youth is concerning because substance abuse may render the adolescent brain more susceptible to neuropathological processes, causing dramatic consequences that persist into adulthood. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of mitragynine, the main alkaloid and lyophilized kratom decoction (LKD) exposure during adolescence on cognitive behaviours and brain metabolite profiles in adult rats. Adolescent male Sprague-Dawley rats were given mitragynine (3, 10 or 30mg/kg) or LKD orally for 15 consecutive days during postnatal days 31-45 (PND31-45). Behavioural testing was performed during adulthood (PND70-84) and the brains were subjected to metabolomic analysis. The results show that a high dose of mitragynine impaired long-term object recognition memory. Social behaviour and spatial learning were not affected, but both mitragynine and LKD impaired reference memory. Brain metabolomic study revealed several altered metabolic pathways that may be involved in the cognitive behavioural effects of LKD and mitragynine exposure. These pathways include arachidonic acid, taurine and hypotaurine, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, and tryptophan metabolism, while the N-isovalerylglycine was identified as the potential biomarker. In summary, adolescent kratom exposure can cause long-lasting cognitive behavioural deficits and alter brain metabolite profiles that are still evident in adulthood. This finding also indicates that the adolescent brain is vulnerable to the impact of early kratom use.

Association of CYP2C19 Polymorphic Markers with Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Gas Industry Workers Undergoing Periodic Medical Examinations

INTRODUCTION

Human cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes have a wide range of endogenous substrates and play a crucial role in cardiovascular physiology as well as in metabolic processes, so the issue of cytochrome P450 genes investigation has received considerable critical attention in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

AIM

Comprehensive assessment of relationship between CYP2C19*2, CYP2C19*3 polymorphisms and CVD risk factors in gas industry workers undergoing periodic medical examination (PME).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 193 gas industry workers aged 30-55 years without acute diseases as well as exacerbations of chronic diseases, diabetes mellitus, and CVD history. CYP2C19 (rs4244285 and rs4986893) genotyping and analysis of the relationship between CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*3 and CVD risk factors were performed.

RESULTS

The CYP2C19*2 (A) and CYP2C19*3 (A) loss-of-function alleles frequencies were 20% and 2%, respectively. The frequency of high-normal blood pressure (BP) (130-139 and/or 85-89 mm Hg) detection was higher in the CYP2C19*2 (A) subgroup compared with wild-type GG allele carriers (26.7% vs. 5.2%, p = 0.03) in individuals without arterial hypertension (AH) and BP ≥ 140 and/or 90 mm Hg on PME. The median systolic BP levels were 5 mm Hg higher in CYP2C19*2 (A) group than in CYP2C19*2 (GG) group (125 vs. 120 mm Hg, p = 0.01). There was a similar trend for diastolic BP (85 vs. 80 mmHg, p = 0.08). CYP2C19*2 (A) was associated with higher mean levels of both systolic and diastolic BP (p = 0.015 and p = 0.044, respectively) in patients with AH. CYP2C19*2 was not associated with the other CVD risk factors analyzed.

CONCLUSION

The association of CYP2C19*2 with BP level suggests a possible role of this factor in AH development, which requires further research.

The Link between Prostanoids and Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of global deaths, and many risk factors contribute to their pathogenesis. In this context, prostanoids, which derive from arachidonic acid, have attracted attention for their involvement in cardiovascular homeostasis and inflammatory processes. Prostanoids are the target of several drugs, but it has been shown that some of them increase the risk of thrombosis. Overall, many studies have shown that prostanoids are tightly associated with cardiovascular diseases and that several polymorphisms in genes involved in their synthesis and function increase the risk of developing these pathologies. In this review, we focus on molecular mechanisms linking prostanoids to cardiovascular diseases and we provide an overview of genetic polymorphisms that increase the risk for cardiovascular disease.

Metabolomics implicate eicosanoids in severe functional mitral regurgitation

AIMS

Secondary, or functional, mitral regurgitation (FMR) was recently recognized as a separate clinical entity, complicating heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and entailing particularly poor outcome. Currently, there is a lack of targeted therapies for FMR due to the fact that pathomechanisms leading to FMR progression are incompletely understood. In this study, we sought to perform metabolomic profiling of HFrEF patients with severe FMR, comparing results to patients with no or mild FMR.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Targeted plasma metabolomics and untargeted eicosanoid analyses were performed in samples drawn from HFrEF patients (n = 80) on optimal guideline-directed medical therapy. Specifically, 17 eicosanoids and 188 metabolites were analysed. Forty-seven patients (58.8%) had severe FMR, and 33 patients (41.2%) had no or non-severe FMR. Comparison of eicosanoid levels between groups, accounting for age, body mass index, and sex, revealed significant up-regulation of six eicosanoids (11,12-EET, 13(R)-HODE, 12(S)-HETE, 8,9-DiHETrE, metPGJ2, and 20-HDoHE) in severe FMR patients. Metabolites did not differ significantly. In patients with severe FMR, but not in those without severe FMR, levels of 8,9-DiHETrE above a cut-off specified by receiver-operating characteristic analysis independently predicted all-cause mortality after a median follow-up of 43 [interquartile range 38, 48] months [hazard ratio 12.488 (95% confidence interval 3.835-40.666), P < 0.0001].

CONCLUSIONS

We report the up-regulation of various eicosanoids in patients with severe FMR, with 8,9-DiHETrE appearing to predict mortality. Our observations may serve as a nucleus for further investigations into the causes and consequences of metabolic derangements in this important valvular abnormality.

Insights into the interaction of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase with natural compound 3,4',5,7-Tetrahydroxyflavone based on multi-spectroscopic and metabolomics

Hypoxia induce right ventricular dysfunction in human heart, but the molecular mechanism remains limited. As known, cyclooxygenases (COX) and lipoxygenases (LOX) play a key role in the cardiovascular system under hypoxia. 3,4',5,7-Tetrahydroxyflavone (THF), which widely exists in a variety of plants and vegetables, is famous for good ability to relieve cardiac injury, but the mechanism remains to be further understood. In this study, we firstly estimated the preventive role of THF against hypoxia-induced right ventricular dysfunction. Metabolomics analysis showed there were differential metabolites involved in above process, which helped us to screen the crucial regulated enzymes of these metabolites. Molecular docking and multi-spectroscopic revealed the molecular mechanism of interaction between THF and COX/LOX. Results suggested that THF bound to COX/LOX through static quenching and these bindings were driven by hydrogen bonds. After binding with THF, the secondary structure of COX/LOX was changed. In general, this study indicated that THF inhibited COX/LOX by spontaneously forming complexes with them.

Effect of inflammation on cytochrome P450-mediated arachidonic acid metabolism and the consequences on cardiac hypertrophy

The incidence of heart failure (HF) is generally preceded by cardiac hypertrophy (CH), which is the enlargement of cardiac myocytes in response to stress. During CH, the metabolism of arachidonic acid (AA), which is present in the cell membrane phospholipids, is modulated. Metabolism of AA gives rise to hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs) and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) via cytochrome P450 (CYP) ω-hydroxylases and CYP epoxygenases, respectively. A plethora of studies demonstrated the involvement of CYP-mediated AA metabolites in the pathogenesis of CH. Also, inflammation is known to be a characteristic hallmark of CH. In this review, our aim is to highlight the impact of inflammation on CYP-derived AA metabolites and CH. Inflammation is shown to modulate the expression of various CYP ω-hydroxylases and CYP epoxygenases and their respective metabolites in the heart. In general, HETEs such as 20-HETE and mid-chain HETEs are pro-inflammatory, while EETs are characterized by their anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties. Several mechanisms are implicated in inflammation-induced CH, including the modulation of NF-κB and MAPK. This review demonstrated the inflammatory modulation of cardiac CYPs and their metabolites in the context of CH and the anti-inflammatory strategies that can be employed in the treatment of CH and HF.

Nutritional Attributes and Phenolic Composition of Flower and Bud of Sophora japonica L. and Robinia pseudoacacia L

Sophora japonica L. (SJL) and Robinia pseudoacacia L. (RPL) are widely cultivated in China. However, the utilization of their main by-products are limited due to a lack of comprehensive nutritional attributes. Herein, the proximate composition, mineral elements, fatty acids, amino acids, monosaccharides, and phenolics were analyzed to investigate the nutritional attributes of SJL and RPL. Dietary fiber was the main ingredient in SJL and RPL, followed by protein and lipids. The content of Fe in SJL and RPL was highest, especially in flowers of SJL, reaching about 1179.51 mg/kg. The total unsaturated fatty acids accounted for 89.67% of the bud of SJL. Meanwhile, the essential amino acids contents of the flower and bud of SJL and RPL accounted for 35.95-40.59% of total amino acids. The flower of SJL (373.75 mg/g) exhibited the most abundant monosaccharides. Meanwhile, the total phenolics and flavonoid contents in the buds of SJL and RPL were significantly higher than that of the flower, implying the buds possessed better biological activity. Moreover, the bud of SJL possessed the most abundant phenolics. The results provided a reference for the development of functional food derived from SJL and RPL.

Arachidonic acid is associated with dyslipidemia and cholesterol-related lipoprotein metabolism signatures

Introduction

Abnormal lipoprotein metabolism is associated with a variety of diseases, cardiovascular disease in particular. Free fatty acids (FAs) and triglycerides (TGs) are the principal lipid species in adipocytes and are the major components of lipoproteins. However, in routine clinical laboratory testing, only the total plasma concentrations of FAs and TGs are typically measured.

Methods

We collected 965 individuals with hyperlipidemia plasma and clinical characteristics; high-throughput metabolomics permits the accurate qualitative and quantitative assessment of a variety of specific FAs and TGs and their association with lipoproteins; through regression analysis, the correlation between multiple metabolites and routine measured lipid parameters was found. Mice were fed a diet containing AA, and the concentrations of TC and TG in the plasma of mice were detected by enzyme method, western blot and qRT-PCR detected the protein and mRNA levels of cholesterol synthesis and metabolism in mice.

Result

Using LC-MS/MS identified eight free FA and 27 TG species in plasma samples, the plasma concentrations of free arachidonic acid (AA) and AA-enriched TG species were significantly associated with the plasma low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, apolipoprotein B (ApoB), and total cholesterol (TC) concentrations after adjustment for age, sex, the use of lipid-lowering therapy, and body mass index. AA-rich diet significantly increased the plasma concentrations of TC and ApoB and the liver expression of ApoB protein and reduced the protein expression of ATP binding cassette subfamily G members 5 and 8 in mice.

Discussion

In this study, it was clarified that the plasma concentrations of free AA- and AA-enriched TG species were significantly associated with the plasma low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, ApoB, and TC concentrations in individuals with hyperlipidemia, and it was verified that AA could increase the plasma TC level in mice. Taken together, these findings suggest a potential role of AA in the regulation of plasma cholesterol and lipoprotein concentrations.

Adolescent kratom exposure affects cognitive behaviours and brain metabolite profiles in Sprague-Dawley rats

Adolescence is a critical developmental period during which exposure to psychoactive substances like kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) can cause long-lasting deleterious effects. Here, we evaluated the effects of mitragynine, the main alkaloid of kratom, and lyophilised kratom decoction (LKD) on cognitive behaviours and brain metabolite profiles in adolescent rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (Postnatal day, PND31) were given vehicle, morphine (5 mg/kg), mitragynine (3, 10, or 30 mg/kg), or LKD (equivalent dose of 30 mg/kg mitragynine) for 15 consecutive days. Later, a battery of behavioural testing was conducted, brain was extracted and metabolomic analysis was performed using LCMS-QTOF. The results showed that mitragynine did not affect the recognition memory in the novel object recognition task. In the social interaction task, morphine, mitragynine, and LKD caused a marked deficit in social behaviour, while in Morris water maze task, mitragynine and LKD only affected reference memory. Metabolomic analysis revealed distinct metabolite profiles of animals with different treatments. Several pathways that may be involved in the effects of kratom exposure include arachidonic acid, pantothenate and CoA, and tryptophan pathways, with several potential biomarkers identified. These findings suggest that adolescent kratom exposure can cause cognitive behavioural deficits that may be associated with changes in the brain metabolite profiles.

Diet Patterns Are Associated with Circulating Metabolites and Lipid Profiles of South Asians in the United States

BACKGROUND

South Asians are at higher risk for cardiometabolic disease than many other racial/ethnic minority groups. Diet patterns in US South Asians have unique components associated with cardiometabolic disease.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to characterize the metabolites associated with 3 representative diet patterns.

METHODS

We included 722 participants in the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) cohort study aged 40-84 y without known cardiovascular disease. Fasting serum specimens and diet and demographic questionnaires were collected at baseline and diet patterns previously generated through principal components analysis. LC-MS-based untargeted metabolomic and lipidomic analysis was conducted with targeted integration of known metabolite and lipid signals. Linear regression models of diet pattern factor score and log-transformed metabolites adjusted for age, sex, caloric intake, and BMI and adjusted for multiple comparisons were performed, followed by elastic net linear regression of significant metabolites.

RESULTS

There were 443 metabolites of known identity extracted from the profiling data. The "animal protein" diet pattern was associated with 61 metabolites and lipids, including glycerophospholipids phosphatidylethanolamine PE(O-16:1/20:4) and/or PE(P-16:0/20:4) (β: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.14) and N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamines (NAPEs) NAPE(O-18:1/20:4/18:0) and/or NAPE(P-18:0/20:4/18:0) (β: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.14), lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI) (22:6/0:0) (β: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.12, 0.17), and fatty acid (FA) (22:6) (β: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.17). The "fried snacks, sweets, high-fat dairy" pattern was associated with 12 lipids, including PC(16:0/22:6) (β: -0.08; 95% CI: -0.09, -0.06) and FA (22:6) (β: 0.14; 95% CI: -0.17, -0.10). The "fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes" pattern was associated with 5 metabolites including proline betaine (β: 0.17; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.25) (P < 0.0002).

CONCLUSIONS

Three predominant dietary patterns in US South Asians are associated with circulating metabolites differentiated by lipids including glycerophospholipids and PUFAs and the amino acid proline betaine.

Recent Development of Advanced Biotechnology in the Oleaginous Fungi for Arachidonic Acid Production

Arachidonic acid is an essential ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid, which plays a significant role in cardiovascular health and neurological development, leading to its wide use in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Traditionally, ARA is obtained from deep-sea fish oil. However, this source is limited by season and is depleting the already threatened global fish stocks. With the rapid development of synthetic biology in recent years, oleaginous fungi have gradually attracted increasing attention as promising microbial sources for large-scale ARA production. Numerous advanced technologies including metabolic engineering, dynamic regulation of fermentation conditions, and multiomics analysis were successfully adapted to increase ARA synthesis. This review summarizes recent advances in the bioengineering of oleaginous fungi for ARA production. Finally, perspectives for future engineering approaches are proposed to further improve the titer yield and productivity of ARA.

Influence of Trimethylamine N-Oxide on Platelet Activation

Microbiome-derived trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) has been associated with platelet hyperreactivity and subsequent atherogenesis. Whether physiological TMAO-levels influence platelet-derived lipid mediators remains unknown. Little is known about pre-analytic factors potentially influencing TMAO concentrations. We aimed at developing a quantitative LC-MS/MS method to investigate in-vivo and in-vitro pre-analytical factors in TMAO analysis to properly assess the proposed activating effect of TMAO on platelets. TMAO, betaine, carnitine, and choline were analyzed by HILIC-ESI-MS/MS within 6 min total run time. Method validation included investigation of reproducibility, recovery, sensitivity, and in-vitro pre-analytical factors. A 24-h monitoring experiment was performed, evaluating in-vivo pre-analytical factors like daytime or diet. Finally, the effects of different TMAO concentrations on platelet activation and corresponding alterations of platelet-derived eicosanoid release were analyzed. The method showed high reproducibility (CVs ≤ 5.3%), good recovery rates (96–98%), and negligible in-vitro pre-analytical effects. The influence of in-vivo pre-analytical factors on TMAO levels was not observable within the applied experimental conditions. We did not find any correlation between TMAO levels and platelet activation at physiological TMAO concentrations, whereas platelet-derived eicosanoids presented activation of the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways. In contrast to previously published results, we did not find any indications regarding diet dependency or circadian rhythmicity of TMAO levels. Our results do not support the hypothesis that TMAO increases platelet responsiveness via the release of lipid-mediators.

Growth State-Dependent Expression of Arachidonate Lipoxygenases in the Human Endothelial Cell Line EA.hy926

Endothelial cells regulate vascular homeostasis through the secretion of various paracrine molecules, including bioactive lipids, but little is known regarding the enzymes responsible for generating these lipids under either physiological or pathophysiological conditions. Arachidonate lipoxygenase (ALOX) expression was therefore investigated in confluent and nonconfluent EA.h926 endothelial cells, which represent the normal quiescent and proliferative states, respectively. mRNAs for ALOX15, ALOX15B, and ALOXE3 were detected in EA.hy926 cells, with the highest levels present in confluent cells compared to nonconfluent cells. In contrast, ALOX5, ALOX12, and ALOX12B mRNAs were not detected. At the protein level, only ALOX15B and ALOXE3 were detected but only in confluent cells. ALOXE3 was also observed in confluent human umbilical artery endothelial cells (HUAEC), indicating that its expression, although previously unreported, may be a general feature of endothelial cells. Exposure to laminar flow further increased ALOXE3 levels in EA.hy926 cells and HUAECs. The evidence obtained in this study indicates that proliferative status and shear stress are both important factors that mediate endothelial ALOX gene expression. The presence of ALOX15B and ALOXE3 exclusively in quiescent human endothelial cells suggests their activity likely contributes to the maintenance of a healthy endothelium.

Probiotics Interact With Lipids Metabolism and Affect Gut Health

Probiotics have attracted much attention due to their ability to modulate host intestinal microbe, participate in nutrient metabolism or immunomodulatory. Both inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and bowel cancer are digestive system disease, which have become a global public health problem due to their unclear etiology, difficult to cure, and repeated attacks. Disturbed gut microbiota and abnormal lipid metabolism would increase the risk of intestinal inflammation. However, the link between lipid metabolism, probiotics, and IBD is unclear. In this review, we found that different lipids and their derivatives have different effects on IBD and gut microbes. ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and their derivatives resolvin E1, resolvin D can inhibit oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species activate NFκB and MAPk pathway. While ω-6 PUFAs linoleic acid and arachidonic acid can be derived into leukotrienes and prostaglandins, which will aggravate IBD. Cholesterol can be converted into bile acids to promote lipid absorption and affect microbial survival and colonization. At the same time, it is affected by microbial bile salt hydrolase to regulate blood lipids. Low denstiy lipoprotein (LDL) is easily converted into oxidized LDL, thereby promoting inflammation, while high denstiy lipoprotein (HDL) has the opposite effect. Probiotics compete with intestinal microorganisms for nutrients or ecological sites and thus affect the structure of intestinal microbiota. Moreover, microbial short chain fatty acids, bile salt hydrolase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, etc. can affect lipid metabolism and IBD. In conclusion, probiotics are directly or indirectly involved in lipids metabolism and their impact on IBD, which provides the possibility to explore the role of probiotics in improving gut health.

Dissecting the Regulation of Arachidonic Acid Metabolites by Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq). Miq. in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats and the Predictive Target sEH in the Anti-Hypertensive Effect Based on Metabolomics and Molecular Docking

Uncariarhynchophylla (Miq). Miq. (UR), as a traditional Chinese medicine, was employed in treating hypertension as a safe and effective therapy. The pharmacological properties of UR have characteristics of multiple biological targets and multiple functional pathways. Hypertension is related to impaired metabolic homeostasis and is especially associated with the abnormal regulation of arachidonic acid metabolites, the classical cardiovascular active compounds. This study aimed to examine the anti-hypertensive effect of UR extract (URE) and its regulating role in differential metabolic pathways. The results showed that daily administration of URE at a dose of 4 g crude drug/kg orally could exert hypotensive effects on spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) for 8 weeks. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis of the plasma samples suggested that the anti-hypertension effect of URE in SHRs was associated with the reorganization of the perturbed metabolic network, such as the pathways of glycerophospholipid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism. For the targeted metabolomics, twenty-eight arachidonic acid metabolites in SHRs were quantitatively analyzed for the first time based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method after URE administration. URE restored the functions of these cardiovascular active compounds and rebalanced the dynamics of arachidonic acid metabolic flux. Among them, the inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) enzyme activity and up-regulation of vasodilators epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) were identified as contributors to the anti-hypertension effect of URE on SHRs, and sEH represented an attractive and promising drug-binding target of URE. With the molecular docking approach, 13 potential anti-hypertension ingredients as well as sEH inhibitors were discovered, which were worthy of further investigation and verification in future studies.

Evidence of Failed Resolution Mechanisms in Arrhythmogenic Inflammation, Fibrosis and Right Heart Disease

Inflammation is a complex program of active processes characterized by the well-orchestrated succession of an initiation and a resolution phase aiming to promote homeostasis. When the resolution of inflammation fails, the tissue undergoes an unresolved inflammatory status which, if it remains uncontrolled, can lead to chronic inflammatory disorders due to aggravation of structural damages, development of a fibrous area, and loss of function. Various human conditions show a typical unresolved inflammatory profile. Inflammatory diseases include cancer, neurodegenerative disease, asthma, right heart disease, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, or atrial fibrillation. New evidence has started to emerge on the role, including pro-resolution involvement of chemical mediators in the acute phase of inflammation. Although flourishing knowledge is available about the role of specialized pro-resolving mediators in neurodegenerative diseases, atherosclerosis, obesity, or hepatic fibrosis, little is known about their efficacy to combat inflammation-associated arrhythmogenic cardiac disorders. It has been shown that resolvins, including RvD1, RvE1, or Mar1, are bioactive mediators of resolution. Resolvins can stop neutrophil activation and infiltration, stimulate monocytes polarization into anti-inflammatory-M2-macrophages, and activate macrophage phagocytosis of inflammation-debris and neutrophils to promote efferocytosis and clearance. This review aims to discuss the paradigm of failed-resolution mechanisms (FRM) potentially promoting arrhythmogenicity in right heart disease-induced inflammatory status.

A multi-omics study of circulating phospholipid markers of blood pressure

High-throughput techniques allow us to measure a wide-range of phospholipids which can provide insight into the mechanisms of hypertension. We aimed to conduct an in-depth multi-omics study of various phospholipids with systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The associations of blood pressure and 151 plasma phospholipids measured by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry were performed by linear regression in five European cohorts (n = 2786 in discovery and n = 1185 in replication). We further explored the blood pressure-related phospholipids in Erasmus Rucphen Family (ERF) study by associating them with multiple cardiometabolic traits (linear regression) and predicting incident hypertension (Cox regression). Mendelian Randomization (MR) and phenome-wide association study (Phewas) were also explored to further investigate these association results. We identified six phosphatidylethanolamines (PE 38:3, PE 38:4, PE 38:6, PE 40:4, PE 40:5 and PE 40:6) and two phosphatidylcholines (PC 32:1 and PC 40:5) which together predicted incident hypertension with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.61. The identified eight phospholipids are strongly associated with triglycerides, obesity related traits (e.g. waist, waist-hip ratio, total fat percentage, body mass index, lipid-lowering medication, and leptin), diabetes related traits (e.g. glucose, insulin resistance and insulin) and prevalent type 2 diabetes. The genetic determinants of these phospholipids also associated with many lipoproteins, heart rate, pulse rate and blood cell counts. No significant association was identified by bi-directional MR approach. We identified eight blood pressure-related circulating phospholipids that have a predictive value for incident hypertension. Our cross-omics analyses show that phospholipid metabolites in the circulation may yield insight into blood pressure regulation and raise a number of testable hypothesis for future research.