Analysis of fatty aldehyde composition, including 12-methyltridecanal, in plasmalogens from longissimus muscle of concentrate- and pasture-fed bulls

Nutritional value of meat lipid fraction obtained from mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) reared in semiextensive conditions for hunting purposes

The mallard duck or wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos) is the world's most widespread and numerous dabbling duck, being traditionally hunted across many countries in Europe and North America. This study aims to provide a detailed characterization of mallard duck's meat lipid fraction obtained from farmed specimens, reared for hunting purposes, under semiextensive conditions. The mallard's duck meat total lipid content averaged 2.0 and 4.26 g/100 g of fresh meat in breast and leg meat portions, and its meat comprised 23 individual fatty acids (FA) and 3 dimethylacetals (DMA), independently of the sex or meat portion. The oleic (C18:1 cis-9), palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0), linoleic (C18:2n-6), arachidonic (C20:4n-6), palmitoleic (C16:1 cis-9), and cis-vaccenic (C18:1 cis-11) acids were the predominant FA (representing >1% of total fatty acids in both breast and leg meat portions and independently of the sex), and together, these 7 fatty acids were accountable for 92.4 to 96.5% of total FA plus DMA in mallard duck meat. The monounsaturated, saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids were accountable for 40.4, 35.0, and 21.0% of total FA plus DMA in breast and 54.6, 38.7, and 5.7% of total fatty acids in leg, while total DMA were liable for 3.6 and 0.9% of total FA plus DMA in breast and leg, respectively. The mallard duck meat total cholesterol content averaged 49.8 and 57.1 mg/100 g of fresh meat for breast and leg meat portions. Five tocochromanols were quantified in mallard duck meat, affording it with a total vitamin E content of 5.48 and 3.63 µg/g of fresh meat in breast and leg portions. The sex had no influence (P > 0.05) on mallard's duck meat lipid composition, but meat portion had a strong influence on mallard's duck meat lipid composition, influencing total lipid, total cholesterol, total vitamin E contents, FA partial sums, FA ratios (exception made for the n-6/n-3 ratio), and all nutritional lipid indices. The breast meat presented lower total lipid and total cholesterol contents, better FA ratios and nutritional quality indices and higher vitamin E content, being regarded as a healthier meat than leg. The study presented herein shows that mallard duck production in semiextensive conditions, similar to those used herein, could be used for the production of mallard duck beyond hunting. A production of duck's meat under natural or organic production practices, oriented to a market niche within the gourmet/organic markets.

Characterization of key aroma compounds in Chinese smoked duck by SAFE-GC-O-MS and aroma-recombination experiments

Smoked duck is a popular meat product in China. The aroma profile and key aroma compounds in smoked ducks were elucidated using solvent-assisted flavor evaporation-gas chromatography-olfactometry-mass spectrometry (SAFE-GC-O-MS), odor activity values (OAVs), aroma recombination and omission experiments, and sensory evaluation. The results indicated that the predominant aroma profiles of rice-, tea oil- and sugarcane-smoked ducks all contained strong smoky, roasty, fatty, meaty, and grassy aromas. A total of 31 aroma compounds were identified as important odorants by OAVs, including 8 aldehydes, 6 pyrazines, 5 phenols, and 2 sulfur compounds. The aroma recombination and omission experiments confirmed that 13 odorants were key aroma compounds in smoked ducks. Of these odorants, 2-methoxyphenol, 4-methylphenol, 5-ethyl-2,3-dimethylpyrazine, methional, 2-methyl-3-furanthiol, (E, E)-2,4-decadienal, 1-octen-3-ol, and anethole significantly contributed to the aroma profile of smoked duck flavor (p < 0.01).

The formation of key aroma compounds in roasted mutton during the traditional charcoal process

The formation of key aroma compounds in roasted mutton during the traditional charcoal process were investigated. The results indicated that the samples roasted for 0-15 min could be discriminated using a flash GC E-nose and GC-O-MS combined with multivariate data analysis. A total of 37 odorants were identified, among which 15 odorants were confirmed as key aroma compounds by aroma recombination experiments. Significant increases in key aroma compositions and concentrations in samples were observed during the roasting process, in which hexanal had the highest concentration. The odour activity values (OAVs) of 15 key aroma compounds were maintained at high levels in the samples after roasting for 10 min. The roasted mutton had typical aromas of meaty, fatty, roasty, grassy, and sweet odours. The multivariate linear modeling indicated that a lower specific heat capacity and lower water activity could contribute to the formation of aroma compounds of samples.

Contents and composition of individual phospholipid classes from biceps femoris related to the rearing system in Iberian pig

During dry-cured ham processing, phospholipids (PL) are the main substrates of lipolysis and oxidation. However, the published data on individual PL classes in the pig muscle are inconsistent. This study determined the PL class contents and composition in biceps femoris of Iberian pigs according to the rearing system (Montanera vs Pienso). Phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), cardiolipin (CL) and sphingomyelin contents were higher in the Montanera pigs than in the Pienso pigs. Total PL and PC, PE, phosphatidylinositol + phosphatidylserine and CL contained higher levels of oleic acid and slightly higher levels of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) but lower levels of n-6 PUFA in the Montanera pigs than in the Pienso pigs. The rearing system had no effect on the plasmalogen content but influenced aldehyde composition, mainly in PE and in total PL. These results can partially explain the differences in sensory properties of dry-cured ham between the Montanera and Pienso systems.

MALDI MS Analysis to Investigate the Lipid Composition of Sperm

Background:

The sperm plasma membrane meets the requirements of sperm transit through the female genital tract and subsequent fertilization. Commonly, the (phospho)lipid composition of sperm is characterized by tremendous amounts of highly unsaturated fatty acyl residues such as docosahexaenoic and docosapentaenoic acid. While human sperm contain almost exclusively diacyl lipids, many animal sperm additionally contain significant amounts of ether lipids such as alkylacyl- and alkenyl-acyl lipids (plasmalogens).

Hypothesis/Objective:

It is suggested that deviations from the typical lipid composition are indicative of pathological changes. Therefore, simple methods to elucidate the sperm lipid composition are essential.

Method:

Matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) is a fast and simple method. Since the selection of the most suitable matrix is a crucial step in MALDI MS, this topic will be highlighted. It will also be shown that MALDI MS can be easily combined with thin-layer chromatography to overcome ion suppression effects.

Results:

The lipid composition of sperm from different species can be elucidated by MALDI MS. However, different matrix compounds have to be used to record positive and negative ion mass spectra. Since some sperm (glyco)lipids are characterized by the presence of sulfate residues which suppress the detection of less acidic lipids in the negative ion mode, previous separation is often necessary. It will be also emphasized that plasmalogens can be easily identified by either enzymatic digestion or treatment with acids.

Conclusion:

MALDI MS is a reliable method to obtain sperm lipid fingerprints in a simple and convenient way.

Identification and quantification of dimethyl acetals from plasmalogenic lipids in lamb intramuscular fat under different derivatization procedures

Meat lipids are mostly comprised by triacylglycerols, but small amounts of plasmalogens are also present in intramuscular fat. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of lipid derivatization on the presence of dimethyl acetal (DMA) molecules from plasmalogenic lipids in intramuscular fat samples. Three different methods of methylation were assayed. Acid-catalyzed methanolysis using HCl, the traditional procedure to derivatize meat lipids, was compared to two base-catalyzed methanolysis based on the ISO International standard procedure using either KOH and/or NaOCH₃ which, apparently, are only able to methylate fatty acids from triacylglycerols. DMA compounds were isolated by thin layer chromatography and then identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The most prominent DMA molecules detected were 16:0 and 18:0, but also minor amounts of monounsaturated and branched-chain DMA were quantified. Acid methylation yielded the highest amounts of DMA. However, the present article demonstrates that ISO standard based methylation procedures could also generate DMA derivatives in considerable quantities, which is not usually considered and may interfere with the determination of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) from triacylglycerides. The current research warns scientist about possible FAME misidentifying and overestimations in intramuscular fat analysis using basic methylation and the need to consider the presence of DMA in samples that contain plasmalogens.

Dietary carnosic acid, selenized yeast, selenate and fish oil affected the concentration of fatty acids, tocopherols, cholesterol and aldehydes in the brains of lambs

Abstract. The function of the brain is to exert centralized control over the other internal organs and tissues of the body. Thus, the objective of our studies was to evaluate changes in the concentration of fatty acids (FAs), cholesterol (CHOL), cholest-4-en-3-one (CHOL-4-3), tocopherols, malondialdehyde (MDA) and fatty aldehydes in the brains of lambs fed supplemented diets. Thirty male Corriedale lambs with a body weight of 30.5 ± 2.6 kg were allotted to five groups of six lambs and housed individually. After the preliminary period, for 35 days the animals were fed a diet containing 3 % rapeseed oil (RO) (the RO diet), a diet enriched with 2 % RO and 1 % fish oil (FO) (the FO diet) or the diets with combined addition of 2 % RO, 1 % FO, 0.1 % carnosic acid (CA) (the CA diet) and 0.35 ppm Se as the selenized yeast (SeY) (the CASeY diet) or selenate (SeVI) (the CASeVI diet). The CASeVI diet most efficiently increased the accumulation of FAs (including unsaturated FAs), CHOL-4-3 and fatty aldehydes in the lamb brain. This diet most effectively decreased the concentration of CHOL and MDA in the brain. The CASeY diet showed a different impact on the level of FAs, CHOL, CHOL-4-3, tocopherols, MDA and fatty aldehydes in the brain as compared with the CASeVI diet. The CA diet reduced the concentration of CHOL-4-3, the sums of fatty aldehydes, FAs, atherogenic- and thrombogenic-saturated FAs in the brain compared with the CASeVI diet; the CA diet most effectively increased the value of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) peroxidation index in the brain. The RO diet most efficiently increased the concentration of CHOL and values of the ratios of saturated FAs to PUFAs and long-chain n-6PUFAs to long-chain n-3PUFAs in the brain.The current studies provide new useful information for nutritionists carrying out further investigations aimed at improving farm-animal health, growth performance, reproductive system and the nutritional quality of feed for ruminants.

Extensive analysis of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, CLA, trans-18:1 isomers, and plasmalogenic lipids in different retail beef types

The objective of this investigation was to provide a comprehensive analysis of the total lipid composition of present-day retail beef meat available at the consumer level and to evaluate the total lipid composition with special emphasis on the nutritional value. For this purpose, 40 beef cuts were obtained from four cattle farms based on either a natural grazing system (NGS) or an intensive production system (IPS). The total lipid composition was analyzed using complementary chemical and chromatographic procedures. The content of n-3 LC-PUFA, CLA, total trans-18:1, and branched-chain fatty acids was significantly higher in NGS beef than in IPS beef. The trans-18:1 and CLA profiles were affected by the different production systems, whereby they can be utilized empirically to differentiate between feeding regimen and production management. Fatty acid ratios that have health implications ( n-6/ n-3, LA/alphaLNA, and AA/EPA) were remarkably beneficial for NGS beef compared with IPS beef. In conclusion, from the human health perspective, beef raised on NGS is clearly superior with regard to a more favorable fatty acid profile in comparison to IPS beef.

Biodiversity of sphingoid bases ("sphingosines") and related amino alcohols

"Sphingosin" was first described by J. L. W. Thudichum in 1884 and structurally characterized as 2S,3R,4E-2-aminooctadec-4-ene-1,3-diol in 1947 by Herb Carter, who also proposed the designation of "lipides derived from sphingosine as sphingolipides." This category of amino alcohols is now known to encompass hundreds of compounds that are referred to as sphingoid bases and sphingoid base-like compounds, which vary in chain length, number, position, and stereochemistry of double bonds, hydroxyl groups, and other functionalities. Some have especially intriguing features, such as the tail-to-tail combination of two sphingoid bases in the alpha,omega-sphingoids produced by sponges. Most of these compounds participate in cell structure and regulation, and some (such as the fumonisins) disrupt normal sphingolipid metabolism and cause plant and animal disease. Many of the naturally occurring and synthetic sphingoid bases are cytotoxic for cancer cells and pathogenic microorganisms or have other potentially useful bioactivities; hence, they offer promise as pharmaceutical leads. This thematic review gives an overview of the biodiversity of the backbones of sphingolipids and the broader field of naturally occurring and synthetic sphingoid base-like compounds.

A fresh look at meat flavor

Hundreds of compounds contribute to the flavor and aroma of meat. Complex interactions between various compounds influence the perception of meat flavor. Inherent flavor of a meat product can be influenced by oxidation, lipid content, feeding/diet, myoglobin, and pH. Diet plays an important role in both ruminants and nonruminants. New research reveals important relationships in flavor among multiple muscles within a single animal carcass. This animal effect includes the presence of off-flavors. Diets high in polyunsaturated fatty acids may be contributing to the appearance of off-flavors in beef. Compounds associated with liver-like off-flavor notes in beef have been identified in raw tissue.

Comparison of different methylation methods for the analysis of conjugated linoleic acid isomers by silver ion HPLC in beef lipids

Four different methods for the methylation of conjugated linoleic acid isomers (CLA) in ruminant lipids were compared by silver ion (Ag+) HPLC. The combination of base-catalyzed methods followed by an acid-catalyzed method with BF3/MeOH was tested under different temperatures (room temperature and at 60 degrees C), along with based-catalyzed methylation with NaOCH3 and methylation with BF3/MeOH after saponification with NaOH. The comparison among these four methods was done on muscle and adipose tissue samples from bulls. The repeatability theta of the combined base- and acid-catalyzed methylation (NaOCH3/BF3) at ambient temperature for 20 min and at 60 degrees C for 10 min was most suitable for the quantitative Ag+-HPLC analysis of CLA isomers. At 60 degrees C the combined methods supplied the highest concentrations of most CLA isomers. The base-catalyzed methylation and the saponification followed by BF3/MeOH methylation for 5 min generated significantly lower concentrations for most CLA isomers compared to the combined methods.

Diet alters the fatty acid composition of individual phospholipid classes in beef muscle

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of diet on the distribution of phospholipid classes and fatty acid profiles of individual phospholipid classes in longissimus muscle of beef. An experiment was established to examine the effect of pasture-based versus concentrate diet offered to two different breeds (German Holstein and German Simmental bulls) to enhance the content of beneficial fatty acids in beef and improve the meat quality for the consumer. High-performance thin-layer chromatography was utilized to separate the phospholipid classes. The fatty acid composition of the individual phospholipid classes was determined by gas chromatography. The main phospholipid classes in the muscle were phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine, representing approximately 60% of the total phospholipids, followed by phosphatidylinositol ranging between 11.8 and 14.8%. The results have shown that the fatty acid profiles in the detected seven phospholipid classes can be affected by different feeding systems. Pasture-based feeding resulted in an enrichment of total and individual n-3 fatty acids in all phospholipid classes of muscle lipids of bulls compared with those fed on concentrate. In contrast, pasture-based diet significantly decreased the proportion of total and individual n-6 fatty acids in phospholipid classes, except in the sphingomyelin fraction. The total saturated fatty acid proportions in the phospholipid classes were different and ranged between 4.5% in the cardiolipin fraction and 50.5% in the sphingomyelin fraction of muscle lipids of bulls. Furthermore, the diet effects on the saturated fatty acid proportion in the different phospholipid classes differ widely. The results have shown that the C18:1 trans and CLA profiles in the detected seven phospholipid classes can be affected by different feeding systems.