Even- and odd-chain saturated fatty acids in serum phospholipids are differentially associated with adipokines

Impact of glucose and propionic acid on even and odd chain fatty acid profiles of oleaginous yeasts

BACKGROUND

Odd chain fatty acids (OCFAs) are gaining attention for their valuable medical and nutritional applications. Microbial fermentation offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative for OCFA production compared to traditional extraction or chemical synthesis methods. To achieve an economically feasible OCFA production process, it is essential to identify and develop microbial cell factories capable of producing OCFAs with high titers and yields.

RESULTS

We selected 19 yeast species, including both oleaginous yeasts and representatives from the Ascomycota and Basidiomycota phyla, based on their known or potential ability to produce OCFAs. These species were screened under various growth conditions to evaluate their OCFA production potential. In glucose-based, nitrogen-limited media, the strains produced fatty acids to varying extents, with OCFAs comprising 0.5-5% of the total fatty acids. When using the OCFAs precursor propionic acid as the sole carbon source, only eight strains exhibited growth, with tolerance to propionic acid concentrations between 5 and 29 g/L. The strains also displayed varying efficiencies in converting propionic acid into fatty acids, yielding between 0.16 and 1.22 g/L of fatty acids, with OCFAs constituting 37-89% of total fatty acids. Among the top performing strains, Cutaneotrichosporon oleaginosus produced the highest OCFA titers and yields (0.94 g/L, 0.07 g/g), Yarrowia lipolytica demonstrated superior growth rates even at elevated propionic acid concentrations, and Rhodotorula toruloides achieved the highest proportion of OCFAs relative to total fatty acids (89%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the diverse capacities of the selected yeast species for OCFA production, identifying several promising strains for further optimization as microbial cell factories in sustainable OCFA production processes.

Spontaneous Formation of Micelles and Vesicles in Langmuir Monolayers of Heneicosanoic Acid

In Langmuir monolayers of heneicosanoic acid (C21H42O2), at low temperature, in the L'2 and CS crystalline phases, a blinking phenomenon occurs at the same positions of the monolayer, which is called localized oscillations (LO), but its origin has not been clarified. In this study, the LO phenomenon was correlated with the ejection of material out of the monolayer which was analyzed to understand this phenomenon. The techniques used for this purpose were pressure-area isotherms on a Langmuir balance and simultaneous observation of the monolayer by Brewster angle microscopy (BAM). Subsequently, using the Langmuir-Blodgett technique, the monolayers were transferred using freshly cleaved mica substrates for analysis by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Our results showed that the origin of the LO is related to a spontaneous formation of micelles and vesicles, since in AFM images these structures were observed in a size range from 4 to 16 nm. In addition, the AFM images showed that the difference between the heights of the L'2 and CS crystalline phases ranges from 13 to 15 Å.

New insights on pentadecanoic acid with special focus on its controversial essentiality: A mini-review

Pentadecanoic acid (C15:0, PDA) is an odd and minor fatty acid that has been neglected in the literature until the last decade. Indeed, as a specific fatty acid of dairy fat, PDA was only used as a biomarker of dairy fat consumption. Lately, PDA was first correlated negatively with the incidence of metabolic syndrome disorder, then its physiological effects have been investigated as a protective fatty acid. PDA supplementation has been demonstrated as negatively correlated with elevated levels of leptin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and insulin, and has been shown to exhibit sensitizing insulin effects with activation of AMPK pathway. PDA also reduced the severity of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), notably through reduced alanine transaminase and pro-inflammatory cytokines levels. The final effect described for PDA is its ability to display anti-inflammatory properties in several pathology models. Hence, considering these multiple effects, the presence of PDA could be associated with a healthier physiological state, this raises the question of whether the presence of PDA in the body, in adequate quantities, is needed to participate to health maintenance. PDA is not synthesized in sufficient quantities endogenously, so it must be provided by the diet, mainly through dairy fat, although other types of food can also contribute to the dietary intake of PDA. Essential fatty acids are described as not being endogenously synthesized in sufficient and required quantities to maintain physiological health. Thus, PDA might gather both conditions to be described as essential, yet further investigations on both criteria are needed to enhance knowledge on this odd chain fatty acid with promising impact as potential protective supplement nutrient.

Concentration and composition of odd-chain fatty acids in phospholipids and triacylglycerols in Chinese human milk throughout lactation

Human milk represents the gold standard for infant nutrition, with approximately 50% of the energy in human milk derived from lipids. Odd-chain fatty acids (OCFAs) have been recognized as a category of bioactive milk fatty acids in recent research; however, limited data exist on OCFAs in human milk. This study collected human milk samples spanning the postpartum period from 0 to 400 days. Phospholipids containing OCFAs (PL-OCFAs) were determined in 486 human milk samples using hydrophilic liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-triquadrupole-mass spectrometry. Triacylglycerols containing OCFAs (TAG-OCFAs) were analyzed in 296 human milk samples using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The average total concentration of PL-OCFA ranged from 30.89 ± 14.27 mg L-1 to 93.48 ± 36.55 mg L-1 during lactation, and the average total TAG-OCFA content ranged from 103.1 ± 147.15 mg L-1 to 965.41 ± 651.67 mg L-1. Despite the lower absolute concentration of PL-OCFA, its relative concentration (8.75%-11.75%) was significantly higher than that of TAG-OCFA (0.37%-1.85%) throughout lactation. PC-OCFA, SM-OCFA and PE-OCFA are major sub-classes of PL-OCFA. Furthermore, C17:0 was the major chain length in both PL-OCFA and TAG-OCFA, followed by C15:0. C17:1 was characteristic of TAG-OCFA, while long-chain fatty acids C19:0, C21:0 and C23:0 were characteristic of PL-OCFA. Our findings highlighted the importance of bioactive lipids in human milk, suggesting that OCFAs could be targeted in future studies in relation to the health and development of infants.

Dietary Inflammatory Index and Cognitive Function: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study in Obese Chinese Township Population from 45 to 75 Years

Background and Objective

Cognitive dysfunction is highly prevalent in obese people, and food is a key factor in obesity, and dietary inflammatory index (DII) can reflect whether diet has anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory potential. In addition, dietary fatty acid consumption is linked to inflammation, obesity, and cognitive impairment. Erythrocyte membrane fatty acids can reflect dietary fatty acid intake. Our hypothesis was that erythrocyte membrane fatty acids might have a significant impact on the relationship between DII and cognition in obese individuals, and we designed experiments to test the hypothesis.

Methods

In three villages in Beijing, we collected 579 respondents from individuals 45 to 75 years old and categorized them by body mass index. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score and DII score was calculated and gas chromatography was used to measure the proportion of erythrocyte membrane fatty acids. The relationship between the DII score and cognition was examined using multiple linear regression and binary logistic regression. Mediation analysis can help to understand the causal chain between variables, deeply explore the internal relationship and mechanism of action between variables. So a multiple chain mediation model was developed to investigate the mediating factors between the DII score and cognitive association.

Results

According to adjusted linear regression, higher DII scores were linked to lower MoCA scores in the obese group. The negative correlation between DII score and cognitive function score remains in binary linear regression. We discovered through mediation analysis that erythrocyte membrane fatty acids mediate the detrimental link between DII and cognitive function in obese individuals.

Conclusion

We propose that higher DII scores in obese people are associated with a decline in cognitive function. In addition, this effect might be mediated via the fatty acids in the erythrocyte membrane.

Dietary habits and plasma lipid concentrations in a general Japanese population

INTRODUCTION

Accumulating data on the associations between food consumption and lipid composition in the body is essential for understanding the effects of dietary habits on health.

OBJECTIVES

As part of omics research in the Tohoku Medical Megabank Community-Based Cohort Study, this study sought to reveal the dietary impact on plasma lipid concentration in a Japanese population.

METHODS

We conducted a correlation analysis of food consumption and plasma lipid concentrations measured using mass spectrometry, for 4032 participants in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.

RESULTS

Our analysis revealed 83 marked correlations between six food categories and the concentrations of plasma lipids in nine subclasses. Previously reported associations, including those between seafood consumption and omega-3 fatty acids, were validated, while those between dairy product consumption and odd-carbon-number fatty acids (odd-FAs) were validated for the first time in an Asian population. Further analysis suggested that dairy product consumption is associated with odd-FAs via sphingomyelin (SM), which suggests that SM is a carrier of odd-FAs. These results are important for understanding odd-FA metabolism with regards to dairy product consumption.

CONCLUSION

This study provides insight into the dietary impact on plasma lipid concentration in a Japanese population.

Dietary novel alkaline protease from Bacillus licheniformis improves broiler meat nutritional value and modulates intestinal microbiota and metabolites

BACKGROUND

Different types of exogenous protease supplements have a positive impact on animal performance, but their effects on the nutritional value of meat and the gut microbial community of broilers have not been extensively studied. The objective of this investigation was to determine the impact of supplementation with a novel alkaline protease derived from Bacillus licheniformis (at doses of 0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 g/t) on the fatty acid and amino acid profiles, inosine monophosphate (IMP) levels, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) content found within the breast muscle, as well as the impact on the cecal microbiota and metabolites.

RESULTS

Supplementation with 200-400 g/t of the novel protease resulted in a significant elevation in the concentration of essential amino acids (P < 0.001), flavor amino acids (P < 0.001), and total protein (P = 0.013) within the breast muscle. Results derived from the 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics analysis of the cecal content revealed that the novel protease reshaped the cecal microbial and metabolite profiles. In particular, it led to increased relative abundances of Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, Alistipes, and Eubacterium, while simultaneously causing a reduction in the metabolites of D-lactic acid and malonic acid. Moreover, correlation analyses unveiled significant relationships between distinct microbes and metabolites with the contents of IMP, fatty acids, and amino acids in the broiler's breast muscle.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the novel protease regulated the intestinal microbial community and metabolism, thereby inducing changes in the compositions of fatty acids and amino acids profiles, as well as IMP levels in broiler meat. These alterations significantly contributed to the enhancement of the nutritional value and flavor of the meat.

Characterization of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol synthases in Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis and their potential roles in the fading of the thallus

Membrane lipids play essential roles in regulating physiological properties in higher plants and algae. Monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) is a major thylakoid membrane lipid, and it is an important source of polyunsaturated fatty acids for cells, plays a key role in the biogenesis of plastids, and maintains the function of the photosynthetic machinery. Several studies have indicated that the knockdown of MGDG synthase results in membrane lipid remodeling, albino seedlings, and changes in photosynthetic performance. However, the effects of MGDG synthase (MGD) inhibitors on lipids in macroalgae have not yet been clarified. Here, we characterized the effects of MGD inhibitors (ortho-phenanthroline and N-ethylmaleimide) on the composition of the fatty acids observed in MGDG and digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG) in Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis using electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry. The most abundant MGDG species contained 16:0/18:1 (sn-1/sn-2) fatty acids, and the most dominant DGDG species contained 20:5/16:0 (sn-1/sn-2) fatty acids. Measurements of photosynthetic pigments and photosynthetic parameters revealed that photosynthesis of G. lemaneiformis was impaired. Principal component analysis and Spearman's correlation analysis revealed interactions between specific MGDG structural composition patterns and key metabolites involved in photosynthesis, indicating that 20:4/16:0 (sn-1/sn-2) MGDG and 16:0/18:1 (sn-1/sn-2) MGDG affect the structure and function of phycobilisomes and thus the color of G. lemaneiformis. Three genes (GlMGD1, GlMGD2, and GlMGD3) were cloned and identified. The addition of N-ethylmaleimide to G. lemaneiformis did not affect the abundance of GlMGD mRNA, and the abundance of transcripts was significantly decreased by ortho-phenanthroline.

Whole-Milk Dairy Foods: Biological Mechanisms Underlying Beneficial Effects on Risk Markers for Cardiometabolic Health

Lifestyle modifications that include adherence to healthy dietary patterns that are low in saturated fat have been associated with reduced risk for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death globally. Whole-milk dairy foods, including milk, cheese, and yogurt, are leading sources of saturated fat in the diet. Dietary guidelines around the world recommend the consumption of low-fat and fat-free dairy foods to obtain overall healthy dietary patterns that help meet nutrient recommendations while keeping within recommended calorie and saturated fat limitations. A body of observational and clinical evidence indicates, however, that whole-milk dairy food consumption, despite saturated fat content, does not increase the risk for cardiovascular disease. This review describes the proposed biological mechanisms underlying inverse associations between whole-milk dairy food consumption and risk markers for cardiometabolic health, such as altered lipid digestion, absorption, and metabolism; influence on the gut microflora; and regulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. The dairy food matrix, a term used to describe how the macronutrients and micronutrients and other bioactive components of dairy foods are differentially packaged and compartmentalized among fluid milk, cheese, and yogurt, may dictate how each affects cardiovascular risk. Current evidence indicates consideration of dairy foods as complex food matrices, rather than delivery systems for isolated nutrients, such as saturated fatty acids, is warranted.

MHP1 and MHL generate odd-chain fatty acids from 2-hydroxy fatty acids in sphingolipids and are related to immunity in Arabidopsis thaliana

In plants, the 2-hydroxy fatty acids (HFAs) of sphingolipids are important for plant growth and stress responses. Although the synthetic pathway of HFAs is well understood, their degradation has not yet been elucidated. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Mpo1 has been identified as a dioxygenase that degrades HFAs. This study examined the functions of two homologs of yeast Mpo1, MHP1 and MHL, in Arabidopsis thaliana. The mhp1 and mhp1mhl mutants showed a dwarf phenotype compared to that of the wild type. Lipid analysis of the mutants revealed the involvement of MHP1 and MHL in synthesizing odd-chain fatty acids (OCFAs), possibly by the degradation of HFAs. OCFAs are present in trace amounts in plants; however, their physiological significance is largely unknown. RNA sequence analysis of the mhp1mhl mutant revealed that growth-related genes decreased, whereas genes involved in stress response increased. Additionally, the mhp1mhl mutant had increased expression of defense-related genes and increased resistance to infection by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (Pto), and Pto carrying the effector AvrRpt2. Phytohormone analysis demonstrated that jasmonic acid in mhp1mhl was higher than that in the wild type. These results indicate that MHP1 and MHL are involved in synthesizing OCFAs and immunity in Arabidopsis.

Pentadecanoic Acid (C15:0), an Essential Fatty Acid, Shares Clinically Relevant Cell-Based Activities with Leading Longevity-Enhancing Compounds

Pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) is an essential odd-chain saturated fatty acid with broad activities relevant to protecting cardiometabolic, immune, and liver health. C15:0 activates AMPK and inhibits mTOR, both of which are core components of the human longevity pathway. To assess the potential for C15:0 to enhance processes associated with longevity and healthspan, we used human cell-based molecular phenotyping assays to compare C15:0 with three longevity-enhancing candidates: acarbose, metformin, and rapamycin. C15:0 (n = 36 activities in 10 of 12 cell systems) and rapamycin (n = 32 activities in 12 of 12 systems) had the most clinically relevant, dose-dependent activities. At their optimal doses, C15:0 (17 µM) and rapamycin (9 µM) shared 24 activities across 10 cell systems, including anti-inflammatory (e.g., lowered MCP-1, TNFα, IL-10, IL-17A/F), antifibrotic, and anticancer activities, which are further supported by previously published in vitro and in vivo studies. Paired with prior demonstrated abilities for C15:0 to target longevity pathways, hallmarks of aging, aging rate biomarkers, and core components of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, our results support C15:0 as an essential nutrient with activities equivalent to, or surpassing, leading longevity-enhancing candidate compounds.

Interaction between plasma phospholipid odd-chain fatty acids and GAD65 autoantibodies on the incidence of adult-onset diabetes: the EPIC-InterAct case-cohort study

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Islet autoimmunity may progress to adult-onset diabetes. We investigated whether circulating odd-chain fatty acids (OCFA) 15:0 and 17:0, which are inversely associated with type 2 diabetes, interact with autoantibodies against GAD65 (GAD65Ab) on the incidence of adult-onset diabetes.

METHODS

We used the European EPIC-InterAct case-cohort study including 11,124 incident adult-onset diabetes cases and a subcohort of 14,866 randomly selected individuals. Adjusted Prentice-weighted Cox regression estimated HRs and 95% CIs of diabetes in relation to 1 SD lower plasma phospholipid 15:0 and/or 17:0 concentrations or their main contributor, dairy intake, among GAD65Ab-negative and -positive individuals. Interactions between tertiles of OCFA and GAD65Ab status were estimated by proportion attributable to interaction (AP).

RESULTS

Low concentrations of OCFA, particularly 17:0, were associated with a higher incidence of adult-onset diabetes in both GAD65Ab-negative (HR 1.55 [95% CI 1.48, 1.64]) and GAD65Ab-positive (HR 1.69 [95% CI 1.34, 2.13]) individuals. The combination of low 17:0 and high GAD65Ab positivity vs high 17:0 and GAD65Ab negativity conferred an HR of 7.51 (95% CI 4.83, 11.69), with evidence of additive interaction (AP 0.25 [95% CI 0.05, 0.45]). Low dairy intake was not associated with diabetes incidence in either GAD65Ab-negative (HR 0.98 [95% CI 0.94, 1.02]) or GAD65Ab-positive individuals (HR 0.97 [95% CI 0.79, 1.18]).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Low plasma phospholipid 17:0 concentrations may promote the progression from GAD65Ab positivity to adult-onset diabetes.

The Effect of Feeding Laying Hens with Nonindustrial Hemp Seed on the Fatty Acid Profile, Cholesterol Level, and Tocopherol Composition of Egg Yolk

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how cannabis-derived nonindustrial hemp seed (HS) inclusion in laying hen diets, as well as treatment duration, affected the fatty acid (FA) profile, cholesterol level, and tocopherol composition of egg yolks. Ninety-six (n = 96) Lohmann Brown classic laying hens were randomly assigned to one of the four groups: control (standard diet) and HS-containing diets (10% HS, 20% HS, and 30% HS). The study was conducted for a period of 4 months. The findings demonstrated that the FA profile and the tocopherol composition are strongly impacted by the addition of HS to the diet of laying hens (p < 0.05), but the cholesterol content remained unaffected. The increase in the dose of cannabis incorporated into the hen's diet (HS-30% group) led to a significant increase in the amounts of the polyunsaturated fatty acids n-3 and n-6 content of egg yolk. This enrichment was accompanied by a considerable decrease in the n-6/n-3 ratio (p < 0.001) from 8.19 to 4.88, on day 84 of the experiment. The total tocopherol content significantly increased (p < 0.05) from 281.44 (control) to 327.02 μg/g yolk (HS-30%) on day 84. Finally, in the context of warfare, these seeds might be used as a feed additive for laying hens to produce higher nutritive value eggs with affordable prices.

Heptadecanoic Acid, an Odd-Chain Fatty Acid, Induces Apoptosis and Enhances Gemcitabine Chemosensitivity in Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Odd-chain saturated fatty acids generally serve as specific biomarkers of dietary components and dairy intake, some of which have anticancer properties. This study was performed to assess the anticancer effects of heptadecanoic acid (HDNA) in human pancreatic carcinoma cells. MTT (thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide) assay showed that HDNA exerted stronger cytotoxic effects than pentadecanoic acid, palmitic acid (16:0), stearic acid (18:0), oleic acid (18:1), and linoleic acid (18:2) on both Panc-1 and MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cells. In addition, HDNA reduced colony formation and induced apoptosis in these pancreatic cancer cells as indicated by Hoechst 33342 staining, Annexin V/propidium iodide staining, cell cycle analysis, and Western blotting analysis in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, HDNA synergistically reduced cell viability and promoted apoptosis when combined with gemcitabine (GEM), a chemotherapeutic agent commonly used in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. GEM-resistant MIA PaCa-2 (GR-MIA PaCa-2) cells with a resistance indices (RI) value of 215.09 [RI = half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of GR-MIA PaCa-2 cells/IC₅₀ of MIA PaCa-2 cells] were established, and the efficacy of HDNA on GEM chemosensitivity was confirmed. Surprisingly, HDNA exhibited even higher antiproliferative efficacy against GR-MIA PaCa-2 cells (IC₅₀ = 71.45 ± 6.37 μM) than parental MIA PaCa-2 cells (IC₅₀ = 77.47 ± 2.10 μM). Finally, HDNA treatment inhibited the Hippo pathway and induced apoptosis of GR-MIA PaCa-2 cells. These findings suggest the beneficial effects of a HDNA-rich diet during pancreatic cancer treatments.

Change in fatty acid composition of plasma triglyceride caused by a 2 week comprehensive risk management for diabetes: A prospective observational study of type 2 diabetes patients with supercritical fluid chromatography/mass spectrometry-based semi-target lipidomic analysis

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

Hypertriglyceridemia is common in patients with diabetes. Although the fatty acid (FA) composition of triglycerides (TGs) is suggested to be related to the pathology of diabetes and its complications, changes in the fatty acid composition caused by diabetes treatment remain unclear. This study aimed to identify short-term changes in the fatty acid composition of plasma triglycerides after diabetes treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was a sub-analysis of a prospective observational study of patients with type 2 diabetes aged between 20 and 75 years who were hospitalized to improve glycemic control (n = 31). A lipidomic analysis of plasma samples on the 2nd and 16th hospital days was conducted by supercritical fluid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

In total, 104 types of triglycerides with different compositions were identified. Most of them tended to decrease after treatment. In particular, triglycerides with a lower carbon number and fewer double bonds showed a relatively larger reduction. The inclusion of FA 14:0 (myristic acid), as a constituent of triglyceride, was significantly associated with a more than 50%, and statistically significant, reduction (odds ratio 39.0; P < 0.001). The total amount of FA 14:0 as a constituent of triglycerides also decreased significantly, and its rate of decrease was the greatest of all the fatty acid constituents.

CONCLUSIONS

A 2 week comprehensive risk management for diabetes resulted in decreased levels of plasma triglycerides and a change in the fatty acid composition of triglycerides, characterized by a relatively large reduction in FA 14:0 as a constituent of triglycerides.

Metabolomic and proteomic profiling in bipolar disorder patients revealed potential molecular signatures related to hemostasis

INTRODUCTION

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a mood disorder characterized by the occurrence of depressive episodes alternating with episodes of elevated mood (known as mania). There is also an increased risk of other medical comorbidities.

OBJECTIVES

This work uses a systems biology approach to compare BD treated patients with healthy controls (HCs), integrating proteomics and metabolomics data using partial correlation analysis in order to observe the interactions between altered proteins and metabolites, as well as proposing a potential metabolic signature panel for the disease.

METHODS

Data integration between proteomics and metabolomics was performed using GC-MS data and label-free proteomics from the same individuals (N = 13; 5 BD, 8 HC) using generalized canonical correlation analysis and partial correlation analysis, and then building a correlation network between metabolites and proteins. Ridge-logistic regression models were developed to stratify between BD and HC groups using an extended metabolomics dataset (N = 28; 14 BD, 14 HC), applying a recursive feature elimination for the optimal selection of the metabolites.

RESULTS

Network analysis demonstrated links between proteins and metabolites, pointing to possible alterations in hemostasis of BD patients. Ridge-logistic regression model indicated a molecular signature comprising 9 metabolites, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.833 (95% CI 0.817-0.914).

CONCLUSION

From our results, we conclude that several metabolic processes are related to BD, which can be considered as a multi-system disorder. We also demonstrate the feasibility of partial correlation analysis for integration of proteomics and metabolomics data in a case-control study setting.

Valorization of Low-Cost Substrates for the Production of Odd Chain Fatty Acids by the Oleaginous Yeast Yarrowia lipolytica

Odd-chain fatty acids (OCFAs) have recently gained interest as target compounds in microbial production due to their diverse applications in the medical, pharmaceutical and chemical industries for the production of biofuels. Yarrowia lipolytica is a promising oleaginous yeast that has the ability to accumulate high quantities of fatty acids. However, the use of Y. lipolytica oils is still under research, in order to decrease the production costs related to the fermentation process and improve economic feasibility. In this work, sugar beet molasses (10–50 g/L) and crude glycerol (30 g/L) were used as the main carbon sources to reduce the processing costs of oil production from a genetically engineered Y. lipolytica strain. The effects of medium composition were studied on biomass production, lipid content, and OCFAs profile. Lipid production by yeast growing on molasses (20 g/L sucrose) and crude glycerol reached 4.63 ± 0.95 g/L of culture medium. OCFAs content represented 58% of the total fatty acids in lipids, which corresponds to ≈2.69 ± 0.03 g/L of culture medium. The fermentation was upscaled to 5 L bioreactors and fed-batch co-feeding increased OCFA accumulation in Y. lipolytica by 56% compared to batch cultures.

Broader and safer clinically-relevant activities of pentadecanoic acid compared to omega-3: Evaluation of an emerging essential fatty acid across twelve primary human cell-based disease systems

A growing body of evidence supports that pentadecanoic acid (C15:0), an odd-chain saturated fat found in butter, is an essential fatty acid that is necessary in the diet to support long-term metabolic and heart health. Here, dose dependent and clinically relevant cell-based activities of pure C15:0 (FA15TM) were compared to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a leading omega-3 fatty acid, as well as to an additional 4,500 compounds. These studies included 148 clinically relevant biomarkers measured across 12 primary human cell systems, mimicking various disease states, that were treated with C15:0 at four different concentrations (1.9 to 50 μM) and compared to non-treated control systems. C15:0 was non-cytotoxic at all concentrations and had dose dependent, broad anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activities involving 36 biomarkers across 10 systems. In contrast, EPA was cytotoxic to four cell systems at 50 μM. While 12 clinically relevant activities were shared between C15:0 and EPA at 17 μM, C15:0 had an additional 28 clinically relevant activities, especially anti-inflammatory, that were not present in EPA. Further, at 1.9 and 5.6 μM, C15:0 had cell-based properties similar to bupropion (Pearson’s scores of 0.78), a compound commonly used to treat depression and other mood disorders. At 5.6 μM, C15:0 mimicked two antimicrobials, climabazole and clarithromycin (Pearson’s scores of 0.76 and 0.75, respectively), and at 50 μM, C15:0 activities matched that of two common anti-cancer therapeutics, gemcitabine and paclitaxel (Pearson’s scores of 0.77 and 0.74, respectively). In summary, C15:0 had dose-dependent and clinically relevant activities across numerous human cell-based systems that were broader and safer than EPA, and C15:0 activities paralleled common therapeutics for mood disorders, microbial infections, and cancer. These studies further support the emerging role of C15:0 as an essential fatty acid.

Metabolic Signatures of Healthy Lifestyle Patterns and Colorectal Cancer Risk in a European Cohort

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Colorectal cancer risk can be lowered by adherence to the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) guidelines. We derived metabolic signatures of adherence to these guidelines and tested their associations with colorectal cancer risk in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort.

METHODS

Scores reflecting adherence to the WCRF/AICR recommendations (scale, 1-5) were calculated from participant data on weight maintenance, physical activity, diet, and alcohol among a discovery set of 5738 cancer-free European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition participants with metabolomics data. Partial least-squares regression was used to derive fatty acid and endogenous metabolite signatures of the WCRF/AICR score in this group. In an independent set of 1608 colorectal cancer cases and matched controls, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were calculated for colorectal cancer risk per unit increase in WCRF/AICR score and per the corresponding change in metabolic signatures using multivariable conditional logistic regression.

RESULTS

Higher WCRF/AICR scores were characterized by metabolic signatures of increased odd-chain fatty acids, serine, glycine, and specific phosphatidylcholines. Signatures were inversely associated more strongly with colorectal cancer risk (fatty acids: OR, 0.51 per unit increase; 95% CI, 0.29-0.90; endogenous metabolites: OR, 0.62 per unit change; 95% CI, 0.50-0.78) than the WCRF/AICR score (OR, 0.93 per unit change; 95% CI, 0.86-1.00) overall. Signature associations were stronger in male compared with female participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Metabolite profiles reflecting adherence to WCRF/AICR guidelines and additional lifestyle or biological risk factors were associated with colorectal cancer. Measuring a specific panel of metabolites representative of a healthy or unhealthy lifestyle may identify strata of the population at higher risk of colorectal cancer.

Production of Docosahexaenoic Acid and Odd-Chain Fatty Acids by Microalgae Schizochytrium limacinum Grown on Waste-Derived Volatile Fatty Acids

Heterotrophic microalgae are recognized as a source of bioactive compounds. However, there are still some drawbacks for their use at an industrial scale associated with the high cost of glucose, the main carbon source in heterotrophic cultures. In recent years, significant efforts have been made to investigate more sustainable carbon sources to produce biomass. In this study, the capacity of Schizochytrium limacinum to grow on waste-derived volatile fatty acids and the effect that their use produces on biomass and fatty acids profiles were investigated. Acetic, propionic, butyric, valeric and caproic acid were evaluated independently, as well as in a synthetic mixture (VFA). The use of acetic and butyric resulted in a good biomass productivity, while the use of valeric and propionic acid resulted in higher content of odd-chain fatty acids (OCFA), increasingly investigated due to their potential benefits for human health. The use of industrial waste-derived VFA as a potential carbon source was validated through the utilization of biowaste derived effluents from a volatile fatty acid platform. The biomass produced was of 18.5 g/L, 54.0% lipids, 46.3% docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and 25.0% OCFA, concluding that waste derived VFA can produce DHA and OCFA in a suitable ratio of DHA/OCFA with potential industrial applications.

The Bioactive Compounds and Fatty Acid Profile of Bitter Apple Seed Oil Obtained in Hot, Arid Environments

Bitter apple or tumba (Citrullus colocynthis L.) is a prostrate annual herb belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. It is highly tolerant against multiple abiotic stresses like drought, heat, and soil salinity and can easily grow on very marginal soil, even on sand dunes in hot, arid regions. Tumba fruit is a fleshy berry 5–10 cm in diameter and of a pale yellow color at ripening. The tumba fruit used in this research was harvested from the ICAR-CIAH, Bikaner research farm. The seeds were separated, and their oil was extracted to analyze its physical characteristics and composition (phytochemical compounds, fatty acid profile, etc.). The seeds of the tumba fruit contained 23–25% golden-yellow-colored oil with a specific gravity of 0.92 g/mL. The extracted oil contained appreciable amounts of phytochemical (bioactive) compounds like phenolics (5.39 mg GAE/100 g), flavonoids (938 mg catechin eq./100 g), carotenoids (79.5 mg/kg), oryzanol (0.066%), and lignans (0.012%), along with 70–122 mg AAE/100 g total antioxidant activity (depending on the determination method). The results of fatty acid profiling carried out by GC-MS/MS demonstrated that tumba seed oil contained about 70% unsaturated fatty acids with more than 51% polyunsaturated fatty acids. It mainly contained linoleic acid (C18:2n6; 50.3%), followed by oleic acid (C18:1n9; 18.0%), stearic acid (C18:0; 15.2%), and palmitic acid (C16:0; 12.4%). Therefore, this oil can be considered as a very good source of essential fatty acids like omega-6 fatty acid (linoleic acid), whereas it contains a lower concentration of omega-3 fatty acids (α-linolenic acid) and hydroxy polyunsaturated fatty acids. In addition, it also contains some odd chain fatty acids like pentadecanoic and heptadecanoic acid (C15:0 and C17:0, respectively), which have recently been demonstrated to be bioactive compounds in reducing the risk of cardiometabolic diseases. The results of this study suggest that tumba seed oil contains several health-promoting bioactive compounds with nutraceutical properties; hence, it can be an excellent dietary source.

Beetroot juice - a suitable post-marathon metabolic recovery supplement?

BACKGROUND

Red beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is a multifunctional functional food that reportedly exhibits potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, vasodilation, and cellular regulatory properties. This vegetable has gained a fair amount of scientific attention as a possible cost-effective supplement to enhance performance and expedite recovery after physical exercise. To date, no study has investigated the effects of incremental beetroot juice ingestion on the metabolic recovery of athletes after an endurance race. Considering this, as well as the beneficial glucose and insulin regulatory roles of beetroot, this study investigated the effects of beetroot juice supplementation on the metabolic recovery trend of athletes within 48 h after completing a marathon.

METHODS

By employing an untargeted two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry approach, serum samples (collected pre-, post-, 24 h post-, and 48 h post-marathon) of 31 marathon athletes that ingested a series (n = 7; 250 ml) of either beetroot juice (n = 15 athletes) or isocaloric placebo (n = 16 athletes) supplements within 48 h post-marathon, were analysed and statistically compared.

RESULTS

The metabolic profiles of the beetroot-ingesting cohort recovered to a pre-marathon-related state within 48 h post-marathon, mimicking the metabolic recovery trend observed in the placebo cohort. Since random inter-individual variation was observed immediately post-marathon, only metabolites with large practical significance (p-value ≤0.05 and d-value ≥0.5) within 24 h and 48 h post-marathon were considered representative of the effects of beetroot juice on metabolic recovery. These (n = 4) mainly included carbohydrates (arabitol and xylose) and odd-chain fatty acids (nonanoate and undecanoate). The majority of these were attributed to beetroot content and possible microbial fermentation thereof.

CONCLUSION

Apart from the global metabolic recovery trends of the two opposing cohorts, it appears that beetroot ingestion did not expedite metabolic recovery in athletes within 48 h post-marathon.

Milk Odd and Branched Chain Fatty Acids in Dairy Cows: A Review on Dietary Factors and Its Consequences on Human Health

This review highlights the importance of odd and branched chain fatty acids (OBCFAs) and dietary factors that may affect the content of milk OBCFAs in dairy cows. Historically, OBCFAs in cow milk had little significance due to their low concentrations compared to other milk fatty acids (FAs). The primary source of OBCFAs is ruminal bacteria. In general, FAs and OBCFAs profile in milk is mainly affected by dietary FAs and FAs metabolism in the rumen. Additionally, lipid mobilization in the body and FAs metabolism in mammary glands affect the milk OBCFAs profile. In cows, supplementation with fat rich in linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid decrease milk OBCFAs content, whereas supplementation with marine algae or fish oil increase milk OBCFAs content. Feeding more forage rather than concentrate increases the yield of some OBCFAs in milk. A high grass silage rate in the diet may increase milk total OBCFAs. In contrast to saturated FAs, OBCFAs have beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases and type II diabetes. Furthermore, OBCFAs may have anti-cancer properties and prevent Alzheimer's disease and metabolic syndrome.

The effects of high-fat diet and metformin on urinary metabolites in diabetes and prediabetes rat models

High-fat diet (HFD) interferes with the dietary plan of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, many diabetes patients consume food with higher fat content for a better taste bud experience. In this study, we examined the effect of HFD on rats at the early onset of diabetes and prediabetes by supplementing their feed with palm olein oil to provide a fat content representing 39% of total calorie intake. Urinary profile generated from liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was used to construct the orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) score plots. The data provide insights into the physiological state of an organism. Healthy rats fed with normal chow (NC) and HFD cannot be distinguished by their urinary metabolite profiles, whereas diabetic and prediabetic rats showed a clear separation in OPLS-DA profile between the two diets, indicating a change in their physiological state. Metformin treatment altered the metabolomics profiles of diabetic rats and lowered their blood sugar levels. For prediabetic rats, metformin treatment on both NC- and HFD-fed rats not only reduced their blood sugar levels to normal but also altered the urinary metabolite profile to be more like healthy rats. The use of metformin is therefore beneficial at the prediabetes stage.

Adipose Tissue and Biological Factors. Possible Link between Lymphatic System Dysfunction and Obesity

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognised obesity as one of the top ten threats to human health. Obesity is not only a state of abnormally increased adipose tissue in the body, but also of an increased release of biologically active metabolites. Moreover, obesity predisposes the development of metabolic syndrome and increases the incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), increases the risk of developing insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, hypertension and cancer. The lymphatic system is a one-directional network of thin-walled capillaries and larger vessels covered by a continuous layer of endothelial cells that provides a unidirectional conduit to return filtered arterial and tissue metabolites towards the venous circulation. Recent studies have shown that obesity can markedly impair lymphatic function. Conversely, dysfunction in the lymphatic system may also be involved in the pathogenesis of obesity. This review highlights the important findings regarding obesity related to lymphatic system dysfunction, including clinical implications and experimental studies. Moreover, we present the role of biological factors in the pathophysiology of the lymphatic system and we propose the possibility of a therapy supporting the function of the lymphatic system in the course of obesity.

Safety evaluation of odd-chain fatty acid algal oil

In the food industry, most fatty acid-rich oils are primarily composed of saturated even-chain fatty acids. However, saturated odd-chain fatty acids are potentially a beneficial alternative to other saturated fatty acid-containing oils. In this communication, we examine the safety of odd-chain fatty acid (OCFA) algal oil, a microalgal-sourced oil composed primarily of the saturated odd-chain fatty acids pentadecanoic acid and heptadecanoic acid. OCFA algal oil was assessed for toxicity in a 14-day palatability study and comprehensive 13-week dietary study at inclusion levels of 5%, 10%, and 15% in the diet, utilizing a DHA-rich algal oil as a comparator control. No adverse effects attributed to the consumption of OCFA algal oil were observed in either study. Therefore, we report a No Observable Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) of 150,000 ppm (15% in the diet), equivalent to an OCFA algal oil intake of 7553.9 and 8387.7 mg/kg bw/day for male and female rats, respectively. The genotoxic potential of OCFA algal oil was also examined in an in vitro bacterial reverse mutation assay and in vivo mammalian bone marrow chromosome aberration test. OCFA algal oil was non-mutagenic in Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli test strains and did not exhibit clastogenicity in vivo.

Dietary Intake, Nutritional Adequacy and Food Sources of Total Fat and Fatty Acids, and Relationships with Personal and Family Factors in Spanish Children Aged One to <10 Years: Results of the EsNuPI Study

We aimed to determine the usual intake of total fat, fatty acids (FAs), and their main food sources in a representative cohort of the Spanish pediatric population aged 1 to <10 years (n = 707) who consumed all types of milk and an age-matched cohort who consumed adapted milk over the last year (including follow-on formula, toddler's milk, growing-up milk, and fortified and enriched milks) (n = 741) who were participants in the EsNuPI study (in English, Nutritional Study in the Spanish Pediatric Population). Dietary intake, measured through two 24 h dietary recalls, was compared to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN-FAO) recommendations. Both cohorts showed a high intake of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), according to FAO recommendations, as there are no numerical recommendations for SFAs at EFSA. Also, low intake of essential fatty acids (EFAs; linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA)) and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) of the n-3 series, mainly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were observed according to EFSA and FAO recommendations. The three main sources of total fat and different FAs were milk and dairy products, oils and fats, and meat and meat products. The consumption of adapted milk was one of the main factors associated with better adherence to the nutritional recommendations of total fat, SFAs, EFAs, PUFAs; and resulted as the main factor associated with better adherence to n-3 fatty acids intake recommendations. Knowledge of the dietary intake and food sources of total fat and FAs in children could help in designing and promoting effective and practical age-targeted guidelines to promote the consumption of EFA- and n-3 PUFA-rich foods in this stage of life.

Efficacy of dietary odd-chain saturated fatty acid pentadecanoic acid parallels broad associated health benefits in humans: could it be essential?

Dietary odd-chain saturated fatty acids (OCFAs) are present in trace levels in dairy fat and some fish and plants. Higher circulating concentrations of OCFAs, pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) and heptadecanoic acid (C17:0), are associated with lower risks of cardiometabolic diseases, and higher dietary intake of OCFAs is associated with lower mortality. Population-wide circulating OCFA levels, however, have been declining over recent years. Here, we show C15:0 as an active dietary fatty acid that attenuates inflammation, anemia, dyslipidemia, and fibrosis in vivo, potentially by binding to key metabolic regulators and repairing mitochondrial function. This is the first demonstration of C15:0's direct role in attenuating multiple comorbidities using relevant physiological mechanisms at established circulating concentrations. Pairing our findings with evidence that (1) C15:0 is not readily made endogenously, (2) lower C15:0 dietary intake and blood concentrations are associated with higher mortality and a poorer physiological state, and (3) C15:0 has demonstrated activities and efficacy that parallel associated health benefits in humans, we propose C15:0 as a potential essential fatty acid. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential impact of decades of reduced intake of OCFA-containing foods as contributors to C15:0 deficiencies and susceptibilities to chronic disease.

Phenolic lipids as unique bioactive compounds: a comprehensive review on their multifunctional activity toward the prevention of Alzheimer's disease

Phenolic lipids are multifunctional compounds which play an important biological role in the body. Their unique biologic functionality stems from their strong amphiphilic character which allows them to be incorporated in erythrocytes. Through membrane incorporation, these compounds exert their biological effects on neurons which are not modulated by hydrophilic compounds. These bioactive compounds are present in nature as secondary plant metabolites, and consequently their availability is limited, for dietary and medical purposes. In this review, the pathways and mechanisms associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease will be described. In addition, the modulatory effects of phenolic lipids on these pathways and a list of several synthetic, semi synthetic and natural sources of phenolic lipids will be examined as having the potential to prevent or combat Alzheimer's disease.

Modified fish diet shifted serum metabolome and alleviated chronic anemia in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus): Potential role of odd-chain saturated fatty acids

Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are long-lived mammals that can develop chronic aging-associated conditions similar to humans, including metabolic syndrome. Initial studies suggest that these conditions may be attenuated in dolphins using a modified fish diet. Serum metabolomics, fatty acid panels, and blood-based health indices were compared between 20 dolphins on a modified, 50% wild-type diet (50% mullet, 25% capelin, and 25% squid and/or herring) and 10 dolphins on a baseline diet (75% capelin and 25% squid and/or herring). Blood samples were collected at Months 0, 1, 3 and 6. Dolphins on the modified diet had lower insulin (7.5 ± 4.0 and 14.8 ± 14.0 μIU/ml, P = 0.039), lower cholesterol (160 ± 26 and 186 ± 24 mg/dl, P = 0.015) and higher hematocrit (46 ± 3 and 44 ± 3%, P = 0.043) by Month 1 compared to controls. Dolphins with anemia (hemoglobin ≤ 12.5 g/dl, n = 6) or low-normal hemoglobin (12.5-13.5 g/dl, n = 3) before placed on the modified diet had normal hemoglobin concentrations (> 13.5 g/dl) by Month 3. The modified diet caused a significant shift in the metabolome, which included 664 known metabolites. Thirty prioritized metabolites at Months 1 and 3 were 100% predictive of dolphins on the modified diet. Among 25 prioritized lipids, 10 (40%) contained odd-chain saturated fatty acids (OCFAs); C15:0 was the highest-prioritized OCFA. Increased dietary intake of C15:0 (from 1.3 ± 0.4 to 4.5 ± 1.1 g/day) resulted in increased erythrocyte C15:0 concentrations (from 1.5 ± 0.3 to 5.8 ± 0.8 μg/ml, P < 0.0001), which independently predicted raised hemoglobin. Further, increasing age was associated with declining serum C15:0 (R2 = 0.14, P = 0.04). While higher circulating OCFAs have been previously associated with lower risks of cardiometabolic diseases in humans, further studies are warranted to assess potential active roles of OCFAs, including C15:0, in attenuating anemia.

Retention time bracketing for targeted sphingolipidomics by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Aim: In complex biological matrixes, many sphingolipids are present with multiple reaction monitoring traces or lack of standard for verification, potentially leading to inaccurate identification and quantitation. Results/methodology: Based on these retention times of available standards, we devised a retention time bracketing approach to identify and predict sphingolipids of the same homologous series. Excellent concordance of predicted and observed retention times (<0.1 min) of sphingolipids were demonstrated. We also showed that many odd- and/or short-chain sphingolipids, commonly used as internal standards, are present in biological matrices including human serum, peritoneal fluid and cells. Conclusion: A retention time table, and a list of appropriate standards are presented, which are expected to be useful resources in targeted sphingolipidomics.

In Vitro Antithrombotic Properties of Salmon (Salmo salar) Phospholipids in a Novel Food-Grade Extract

Marine and salmon polar lipids (PLs) extracted by conventional extractions with non-food-grade solvents (CE-salmon-PLs) possess antithrombotic bioactivities against platelet-activating factor (PAF) and thrombin. Similar effects of food-grade-extracted (FGE) marine PLs have not yet been reported. In this study, food-grade solvents were used to extract PLs from Irish organic farmed salmon (Salmo salar) fillets (FGE-salmon-PLs), while their antithrombotic bioactivities were assessed in human platelets induced by platelet aggregation agonists (PAF/thrombin). FGE-salmon-PLs were further separated by thin layer chromatography (TLC) into lipid subclasses, and the antithrombotic bioactivities of each subclass were also assessed. LC-MS was utilized to elucidate the structure-activity relationships. FGE-salmon-PLs strongly inhibited PAF-induced platelet aggregation, while their relevant anti-thrombin effects were at least three times more potent than the previously reported activities of CE-salmon-PLs. TLC-derived lipid fractions corresponding to phosphatidylcholines (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamines (PE) were the most bioactive lipid subclasses obtained, especially against thrombin. Their LC-MS analysis elucidated that they are diacyl- or alkyl-acyl- PC and PE moieties baring ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) at their sn-2 position, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Our results concerning the potent antithrombotic effects of FGE-salmon-PLs against both PAF and thrombin pathways strongly suggest that such food-grade extracts are putative candidates for the development of novel cardioprotective supplements and nutraceuticals.