Phospholipid Incorporation of Non-Methylene-Interrupted Fatty Acids (NMIFA) in Murine Microglial BV-2 Cells Reduces Pro-Inflammatory Mediator Production

Pine (Pinus koraiensis) Nut Oil Ameliorates Cholesterol Homeostasis and Inflammation via Modulating the miR-34a/122 Pathways in the Liver of Rats Fed a High-Cholesterol Diet

BACKGROUND

Pine (Pinus koraiensis) nut oil (PNO) has been reported to have various beneficial effects on hepatic triglyceride accumulation and atherosclerosis in animal models. MicroRNAs (miRs) are involved in various diseases by modulating physiological processes. However, the mechanism underlying PNO's effects on the regulation of miRs involved in hepatic cholesterol homeostasis and inflammation remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the effects of PNO on the regulation of the miR-34a/122 pathways involved in cholesterol homeostasis and inflammation in the liver using a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) rat model.

METHODS

Six-wk-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 8/group) and provided with 1) a cholesterol-free diet, 2) an HCD containing 1% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid, or 3) an HCD containing 5% PNO for 4 wk. Lipid analysis of serum and liver, histological evaluation, and analysis of gene and protein expression were performed.

RESULTS

PNO supplementation in HCD improved hepatic lipid profiles and elevated serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared with the HCD group. PNO significantly upregulated hepatic gene expression levels of liver X receptor α and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1/G1, which are involved in cholesterol efflux (P < 0.05). Gene expressions of proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6, IL-1β, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and inducible nitric oxide synthase were downregulated by PNO (P < 0.05). PNO also suppressed TNF-α and IL-6 protein levels by 22.3% and 17.3%, respectively (P < 0.05). PNO reduced hepatic nuclear factor-kappa B activity by 16.4% and decreased nitric oxide production in the liver and serum (P < 0.05). Furthermore, hepatic miR-34a and miR-122 expressions decreased by 16.4% and 15.7% by PNO, respectively (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that PNO may affect cholesterol homeostasis and inflammation, which are partially associated with the miR-34a/122 pathways in the liver under an HCD.

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

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

Paternò-Büchi Reaction Mass Spectrometry Enables Positional Assignment of Polymethylene-Interrupted Double Bonds in Food-Derived Lipids

Fatty acids (FAs) containing polymethylene-interrupted (PMI) double bonds are a component of human foods; however, they present a significant analytical challenge for de novo identification. Covalent adduct chemical ionization and ozone-induced dissociation mass spectrometry (MS) methods enable unambiguous assignment of PMI-FA double bond positions, however, no method has been reported with electrospray ionization (ESI) platform using off-the-shelf systems. In the current work, we studied the Paternò-Büchi (PB) fragmentation patterns of PMI-FA and triacylglycerol (TG) by analyzing several known food sources. PB-MS/MS and MS3 enabled complete double bond location assignments, including the isolated double bond in PMI-FA and triacylglycerols. Sea urchin ("uni"), oyster, pine nut, and ginkgo nut were characterized for their signature PMI-FA, 20:2(5Z,11Z), 22:2(7Z, 15Z), 18:3(5Z,9Z,12Z), and 20:3(5Z,11Z,14Z), respectively. Quantitative analyses of the relative abundance of these PMI-FA led to results similar to reference methods. 18:3(5Z,9Z,12Z) was enriched at the sn-1/sn-3 position in pine nut major TG.

Fatty acid isomerism: analysis and selected biological functions

The biological functions of fatty acids and the lipids in which they are esterified are determined by their chain length, double bond position and geometry and other structural motifs such as the presence of methyl branches. Unusual isomeric features in fatty acids of human foods such as conjugated double bonds or chain branching found in dairy products, some seeds and nuts, and marine foods potentially have important effects on human health. Recent advancements in identifying fatty acids with unusual double bond positions and pinpointing the position of methyl branches have empowered the study of their biological functions. We present recent advances in fatty acid structural elucidation by mass spectrometry in comparison with the more traditional methods. The double bond position can be determined by purely instrumental methods, specifically solvent-mediated covalent adduct chemical ionization (SM-CACI) and ozone induced dissociation (OzID), with charge inversion methods showing promise. Prior derivatization using the Paternò-Büchi (PB) reaction to yield stable structures that, upon collisional activation, yield the double bond position has emerged. The chemical ionization (CI) based three ion monitoring (MRM) method has been developed to simultaneously identify and quantify low-level branched chain fatty acids (BCFAs), unattainable by electron ionization (EI) based methods. Accurate identification and quantification of unusual fatty acid isomers has led to research progress in the discovery of biomarkers for cancer, diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and atherosclerosis. Modulation of eicosanoids, weight loss and the health significance of BCFAs are also presented. This review clearly shows that the improvement of analytical capacity is critical in the study of fatty acid biological functions, and stronger coupling of the methods discussed here with fatty acid mechanistic research is promising in generating more refined outcomes.

Torreya grandis oil attenuates cognitive impairment in scopolamine-induced mice

The oil of Torreya grandis (TGO), a common nut in China, is considered to be a bioactive edible oil and has a great value in functional food development. In this study, the neuroprotective effects of TGO were investigated on a scopolamine (SCOP)-induced C57BL/6J mouse model. The mice were pretreated with TGO for 30 days (1000 mg per kg per day and 3000 mg per kg per day, i.g.). Behavioral tests showed that the supplementation of TGO could prevent the cognitive deficits induced by SCOP. TGO rebalanced the disorder of the cholinergic system by upgrading the level of acetylcholine. TGO also alleviated the over-activation of microglia and inhibited neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Additionally, TGO could regulate the composition of gut microbiota, increase the production of short-chain fatty acids, and decrease the content of lipopolysaccharides in the serum. In conclusion, TGO has the potential to prevent loss of memory and impairment of cognition, which may be related to its regulation of the gut microbiota-metabolite-brain axis.

Sex differences in the association between plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids levels and moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis severity: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with metabolic abnormalities serving as important contributors for pathogenesis and progression. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been found to be associated with human diseases, including psoriasis. However, differences and controversies exist regarding their content and roles.

METHODS

Plasma PUFAs concentrations were measured in 296 patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis from the Shanghai Psoriasis Effectiveness Evaluation CoHort. Disease severity was assessed using Clinician-Reported Outcomes (ClinROs), including Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Body Surface Area (BSA) and Physician Global Assessment (PGA), as well as Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs), including Patient Global Assessment (PtGA) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Multivariate generalized linear regression models (GLMs), subgroup and interaction analysis, and restricted cubic spline were used to estimate the cross-sectional associations between PUFAs concentrations and disease severity. Longitudinal assessments of PASI scores and PASI response were conducted at a 12-week follow-up. Associations between baseline plasma PUFAs levels and prospective PASI scores or PASI response were assessed using multivariate GLMs or logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Males suffered severer psoriasis and presented lower plasma docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) levels compared to females. Among males, plasma eicosadienoic acid (EDA) level was positively associated with PASI, BSA and PGA scores, while total Omega-3 PUFAs and/or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) levels exhibited non-linear associations with PASI and/or BSA scores. α-Linolenic acid (ALA) was negatively, whereas ARA was positively, associated with DLQI scores. In females, Omega-3 PUFAs, including EPA, DHA, and total Omega-3 PUFAs, showed inverse associations with PASI and BSA scores. Longitudinally, plasma total Omega-6 PUFAs were positively associated with the likelihood of achieving PASI 100 at 12 weeks in males. In females, concentrations of dohomo-γ-linolenic acid were prospectively associated with an increase in PASI scores, and DHA was associated with the likelihood of achieving PASI 75 and PASI 90 decline.

CONCLUSIONS

Sex differences cross-sectionally exist in disease severity and plasma PUFAs levels. The association between PUFAs and psoriasis severity also varies cross-sectionally and longitudinally between males and females. Sex differences should be considered when studying the function and clinical application of PUFAs in psoriasis.

The Beneficial Effects of Pine Nuts and Its Major Fatty Acid, Pinolenic Acid, on Inflammation and Metabolic Perturbations in Inflammatory Disorders

Inflammatory disorders such as atherosclerosis, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis are regulated by cytokines and other inflammatory mediators. Current treatments for these conditions are associated with significant side effects and do not completely suppress inflammation. The benefits of diet, especially the role of specific components, are poorly understood. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have several beneficial health effects. The majority of studies on PUFAs have been on omega-3 fatty acids. This review will focus on a less studied fatty acid, pinolenic acid (PNLA) from pine nuts, which typically constitutes up to 20% of its total fatty acids. PNLA is emerging as a dietary PUFA and a promising supplement in the prevention of inflammatory disorders or as an alternative therapy. Some studies have shown the health implications of pine nuts oil (PNO) and PNLA in weight reduction, lipid-lowering and anti-diabetic actions as well as in suppression of cell invasiveness and motility in cancer. However, few reviews have specifically focused on the biological and anti-inflammatory effects of PNLA. Furthermore, in recent bioinformatic studies on human samples, the expression of many mRNAs and microRNAs was regulated by PNLA indicating potential transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of inflammatory and metabolic processes. The aim of this review is to summarize, highlight, and evaluate research findings on PNO and PNLA in relation to potential anti-inflammatory benefits and beneficial metabolic changes. In this context, the focus of the review is on the potential actions of PNLA on inflammation along with modulation of lipid metabolism and oxidative stress based on data from both in vitro and in vivo experiments, and human findings, including gene expression analysis.

The effect of trimethylamine N-oxide on the metabolism of visceral white adipose tissue in spontaneously hypertensive rat

Strong links have been reported among trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), visceral white adipose tissue (vWAT), and cardiometabolic diseases. However, the effects of TMAO on vWAT in hypertension remained incompletely explored. The impact of a chronic 22-week-long treatment with 1 g/L TMAO on vWAT, and its transcriptional and metabolic changes in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were evaluated by serum cytokine measurements, histological analysis, fatty acid determinations, and co-expression network analyses. TMAO increased the serum interleukin-6 levels and insulin secretion in SHRs. The adipocyte size was diminished in the SHR 1 g/L TMAO group. In addition, one kind of monounsaturated fatty acids (cis-15-tetracosenoate) and four kinds of polyunsaturated fatty acids (cis-11,14,17-eicosatrienoic acid, docosatetraenoate, docosapentaenoate n-3, and docosapentaenoate n-6) were elevated by TMAO treatment. Three co-expression modules significantly related to TMAO treatment were identified and pathway enrichment analyses indicated that phagosome, lysosome, fatty acid metabolism, valine, leucine, and isoleucine degradation and metabolic pathways were the most significantly altered biological pathways. This study shed new light on the metabolic roles of TMAO on the vWAT of SHRs. TMAO regulated the metabolic status of vWAT, including reduced lipogenesis and an improved specific fatty acid composition. The mechanisms underlying these effects likely involve phagosome and lysosome pathways. 

The Biota orientalis, oil extract Epiitalis®, is efficacious at reducing the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis: a pilot, multi-site, dose-ranging, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial

Objective

To explore the safety, and efficacy of a proprietary hydrolyzed oil extract from seeds of Biota orientalis (hBO/Epiitalis^®, Interpath Pty Ltd) in patients with knee pain due to osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Patients aged 40–65 with X-ray diagnosed knee OA and knee pain ≥ 60 on a 100-point VAS (visual analog scale) were enrolled and randomized into four groups to receive daily hBO for 56 days as high (hBO-HD, 640 mg), mid (hBO-MD, 320 mg) or low (hBO-LD, 160 mg) doses, or a matched placebo oil. The primary outcome was change in VAS knee pain from baseline to 56 days in the mITT (modified intention to treat) population. Exploratory outcomes were the mWOMAC (modified Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index), and the SF-36 QoL (quality of life) questionnaire. The OMERACT-OARSI (Outcome Measures in Arthritis Clinical Trials–Osteoarthritis Research Society International) responder index was also calculated.

Results

223 patients were included in the mITT population. Reductions in VAS scores between baseline and day 56 [Least square mean (LS mean) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of LS mean] were 36.4 (31.7–41.0), 37.9 (33.2–42.7), 35.7 (31.2–40.1) and 9.8 (14.5–15.2) for the hBO-HD, hBO-MD, hBO-LD, and placebo groups respectively. The VAS changes in all hBO groups were significantly different (p < 0.0001) vs. changes in the placebo group. hBO treatment led to similar quantitative beneficial changes in mWOMAC, SF-36 and OMERACT-OARSI responder index. There were no SAEs and no adverse events ascribed to the intervention.

Conclusion

In a 56-day trial, hBO was safe, and was efficacious at reducing symptoms in patients with knee OA. Registration: NCT04117490; Oct 7, 2019.

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

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

Pinolenic acid exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic effects in peripheral blood-derived monocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Pinolenic acid (PNLA), an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid from pine nuts, has anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic effects. We aimed to investigate the direct anti-inflammatory effect and anti-atherogenic effects of PNLA on activated purified CD14 monocytes from peripheral blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in vitro. Flow cytometry was used to assess the proportions of CD14 monocytes expressing TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-8 in purified monocytes from patients with RA after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation with/without PNLA pre-treatment. The whole genomic transcriptome (WGT) profile of PNLA-treated, and LPS-activated monocytes from patients with active RA was investigated by RNA-sequencing. PNLA reduced percentage of monocytes expressing cytokines: TNF-α by 23% (p = 0.048), IL-6 by 25% (p = 0.011), IL-1β by 23% (p = 0.050), IL-8 by 20% (p = 0.066). Pathway analysis identified upstream activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), sirtuin3, and let7 miRNA, and KLF15, which are anti-inflammatory and antioxidative. In contrast, DAP3, LIF and STAT3, which are involved in TNF-α, and IL-6 signal transduction, were inhibited. Canonical Pathway analysis showed that PNLA inhibited oxidative phosphorylation (p = 9.14E−09) and mitochondrial dysfunction (p = 4.18E−08), while the sirtuin (SIRTs) signalling pathway was activated (p = 8.89E−06) which interfere with the pathophysiological process of atherosclerosis. Many miRNAs were modulated by PNLA suggesting potential post-transcriptional regulation of metabolic and immune response that has not been described previously. Multiple miRNAs target pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase-4 (PDK4), single-immunoglobulin interleukin-1 receptor molecule (SIGIRR), mitochondrially encoded ATP synthase membrane subunit 6 (MT-ATP6) and acetyl-CoA acyltranferase2 (ACAA2); genes implicated in regulation of lipid and cell metabolism, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. PNLA has potential anti-atherogenic and immune-metabolic effects on monocytes that are pathogenic in RA and atherosclerosis. Dietary PNLA supplementation regulates key miRNAs that are involved in metabolic, mitochondrial, and inflammatory pathways.

Delta-5® oil, containing the anti-inflammatory fatty acid sciadonic acid, improves skin barrier function in a skin irritation model in healthy female subjects

Background

Sciadonic acid (SA) is an anti-inflammatory fatty acid displacing arachidonic acid (ARA) from specific phospholipid pools, thus modulating downstream pro-inflammatory lipid mediators. Its novel anti-inflammatory actions have been studied in vitro, in pre-clinical models, and stemming from testimonials, after topical- and oral application. It has not been tested in a formal clinical study for topical benefits previously. Skin barrier layer was our focus as it has a critically important role in maintaining skin moisture balance.

Methods

Herein, forearm skin was left undamaged; or barrier layer was chemically-damaged with 2% sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) for 24 h. SLS-damaged skin was left untreated or treated with Delta-5® oil containing 24% SA twice daily for 27 days. Barrier function was assessed by open chamber transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin surface impedance on days 0 (clear skin), -1 (1-day post-SLS), -2 (2-days post-SLS, 1-day post-Delta-5), -3, -7, and − 28.

Results

Relative to day 1, Delta-5 oil statistically significantly decreased TEWL vs. untreated damaged sites, on days 3 (125% more reduced), -7 (74% more reduced), and − 28 (69% more reduced). Decreases in TEWL following chemical damage indicates improved skin barrier repair and healing. Similar patterns were quantified for skin impedance. There was also reduced redness observed on days 3 and − 7 with Delta-5 oil vs. untreated SLS-damaged skin.

Conclusions

Delta-5 oil thus has anti-inflammatory potential in human skin, under controlled clinical conditions, to accelerate irritant-induced healing, and improve skin barrier function. Improvement in barrier function would benefit dermatitis, acne, eczema, and skin scarring. In normal skin, Delta-5 oil has potential to promote healthy, moisturized skin; and improve skin structure, elasticity, and firmness.

Multi-factor combined biomarker screening strategy to rapidly diagnose Alzheimer’s disease and evaluate drug effect based on a rat model

Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents the main form of dementia; however, valid diagnosis and treatment measures are lacking. The discovery of valuable biomarkers through omics technologies can help solve this problem. For this reason, metabolomic analysis using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was carried out on plasma, hippocampus, and cortex samples of an AD rat model. Based on the metabolomic data, we report a multi-factor combined biomarker screening strategy to rapidly and accurately identify potential biomarkers. Compared with the usual procedure, our strategy can identify fewer biomarkers with higher diagnostic specificity and sensitivity. In addition to diagnosis, the potential biomarkers identified using our strategy were also beneficial for drug evaluation. Multi-factor combined biomarker screening strategy was used to identify differential metabolites from a rat model of amyloid beta peptide 1–40 (Aβ₁₋₄₀) plus ibotenic acid-induced AD (compared with the controls) for the first time; lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPC) and intermediates of sphingolipid metabolism were screened as potential biomarkers. Subsequently, the effects of donepezil and pine nut were successfully reflected by regulating the levels of the abovementioned biomarkers and metabolic profile distribution in partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). This novel biomarker screening strategy can be used to analyze other metabolomic data to simultaneously enable disease diagnosis and drug evaluation.

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Multi-factor combined biomarker screening strategy is a novel and rapid metabolomic data processing strategy.

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The most discriminating biomarkers for AD diagnosis can simultaneously reflect drug effects.

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Multi-factor biomarker screening strategy is ready for use without a priori knowledge.

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

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

Anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects of pinolenic acid in rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives

In pre-clinical studies, pinolenic acid (PNLA), an omega-6-polyunsaturated fatty acid from pine nuts, has shown anti-inflammatory effects. We aimed to investigate the effect of PNLA in human cell lines and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from RA patients and healthy controls (HCs).

Methods

A modified Boyden chamber was used to assess chemokine-induced migration of THP-1 monocytes. Macropinocytosis was assessed using Lucifer yellow and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) uptake using DiI-labelled oxLDL in THP-1 macrophages and human monocyte-derived macrophages (HMDMs). IL-6, TNF-α and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE2) release by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated PBMCs from RA patients and HCs was measured by ELISA. The transcriptomic profile of PNLA-treated, LPS-activated PBMCs was investigated by RNA-sequencing.

Results

PNLA reduced THP-1 cell migration by 55% (P < 0.001). Macropinocytosis and DiI-oxLDL uptake were reduced by 50% (P < 0.001) and 40% (P < 0.01), respectively, in THP-1 macrophages and 40% (P < 0.01) and 25% (P < 0.05), respectively, in HMDMs. PNLA reduced IL-6 and TNF-α release from LPS-stimulated PBMCs from RA patients by 60% (P < 0.001) and from HCs by 50% and 35%, respectively (P < 0.01). PNLA also reduced PGE2 levels in such PBMCs from RA patients and HCs (P < 0.0001). Differentially expressed genes whose expression was upregulated included pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase-4, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, fructose bisphosphatase1 and N-Myc downstream-regulated gene-2, which have potential roles in regulating immune and metabolic pathways. Pathway analysis predicted upstream activation of the nuclear receptors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors involved in anti-inflammatory processes, and inhibition of nuclear factor-κB and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1.

Conclusions

PNLA has immune-metabolic effects on monocytes and PBMCs that are pathogenic in RA and atherosclerosis. Dietary PNLA supplementation may be beneficial in RA.

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

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

Hepatitis C virus genotypes 1-3 infections regulate lipogenic signaling and suppress cholesterol biosynthesis in hepatocytes

BACKGROUND

Patients with different hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype infections are associated with varying metabolic disorders. Although alteration of lipid metabolism has been confirmed as a virus-induced metabolic derangement in chronic hepatitis C patients, the impact of various HCV genotypes on hepatic cholesterol metabolism remains elusive. In this study, we thus investigated the HCV genotype-specific lipogenic and cholesterol metabolism profiles in an in vitro cell culture system.

METHODS

We first conducted HCV cell culture system (HCVcc) assays by infecting Huh7.5.1 cells with multiple infection-competent HCV strains, including the genotype 2a JFH1 and JFH1-based intergenotypic recombinants 1b and 3a. We then examined the expression levels of various lipid and cholesterol-related genes.

RESULTS

The data showed that infection with individual HCV genotypes exerted unique gene expression regulatory effects on lipoproteins and cholesterol metabolism genes. Of note, all HCV strains suppressed cholesterol biosynthesis in hepatocytes through downregulating the expression of HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR) and farnesyl-diphosphate farnesyltransferase 1 (FDFT1) - two essential enzymes for cholesterol biosynthesis. These HCV-mediated inhibitory effects could be reversed by treatment with sofosbuvir, a pangenotypic NS5B inhibitor. In addition, overexpression of HCV genotype 1b, 2a or 3a core protein significantly suppressed HMGCR mRNA transcription and translation, thus diminished cellular cholesterol biosynthesis. Nonetheless, the core protein had no effect on FDFT1 expression.

CONCLUSION

Although HCV infection regulates host lipid metabolism in a genotype-specific manner, its inhibition on hepatocellular cholesterogenic gene expression and total cholesterol biosynthesis is a common effect among HCV genotype 1b, 2a and 3a.

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

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

Fractionated Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Kernel Oil from Torreya fargesii

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

Preparation of microcapsule antioxidative wall materials of pine nut oil by the Maillard reaction

BACKGROUND

Maillard reaction products contribute to the amelioration of the biological functions or physical properties of foods and can be used to make dependable antioxidant wall materials for microcapsules of pine nut oil. The present study aimed to analyze the effects of temperature on the Maillard reaction of dry heat processes using gelatin/gum arabic (GE/GA) or gelatin/gum arabic/maltodextrin (GE/GA/MD) models and the products of the Maillard reaction as encapsulants to protect pine nut oil, as well as to evaluate the characteristics of the microcapsules.

RESULTS

The grafting degree of the product increased with the temperature increments during the Maillard reaction. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that the polysaccharide covalently linked to the protein. The antioxidant capability of the Maillard products at 80 °C was the highest. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging activity, lipid peroxidation-inhibiting activity and reducing power of the GE/GA/MD model were higher than those of the GE/GA model. With in vitro digestion of Maillard products, GE/GA/MD pine nut oil microcapsules exhibited greater oil release in artificial gastric and enteric juices. Microencapsulated pine nut oil had more stable oxygen, which protected the oil, compared to unencapsulated pine nut oil.

CONCLUSION

Temperature affects the degree of the Maillard reaction on GE/GA and GE/GA/MD models. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.