Reproductive strategy of the female deep-water shark birdbeak dogfish, Deania calcea: lecithotrophy or matrotrophy?

Little information is available on the maternal–embryonic relationships among sharks. Birdbeak dogfish (Deania calcea) has been described as ovoviviparous, but this term comprises a wide range of forms on how the embryos are nourished including lecithotrophy and matrotrophy. To evaluate the maternal–embryonic relationship in birdbeak dogfish we have analysed chemical features (fatty acid composition and mercury (Hg) levels) and biological characteristics (egg and embryo dry weight variation, uterus characterization). Monounsaturated fatty acids were the dominant fatty acids in eggs while polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were the dominant fatty acids in both pregnant females and embryos. Significant differences were found among eggs, embryos and pregnant females for all fatty acids groups with the exception of saturated fatty acids for embryos and pregnant females. The principal components analysis revealed that embryos are particularly related to n-6 PUFA and pregnant females with n-3 PUFA. A close relationship exists between the Hg level of pregnant females and the Hg level of their embryos which indicates that there is a transfer of mercury from maternal sources. The comparison of the mean dry weight between eggs and embryos showed a gain of 3.8% obtained in the embryos. Histological sections of the uteri of pregnant females showed a high level of both superficial and inner vascularization in the uterine villi as well as the presence of secretor cells. Until now, the importance of this species maternal contribution and interference for the embryos development has never been documented. However, the biological and chemical results observed in the present work show that there is a matrotrophic strategy for the birdbeak dogfish.

Download Full-text

Chemical Composition of Cynara cardunculus L. var. altilis Bracts Cultivated in Central Greece: The Impact of Harvesting Time

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy10121976 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. 1976

Author(s):

Filipa Mandim ◽

Spyridon A. Petropoulos ◽

Kyriakos D. Giannoulis ◽

Celestino Santos-Buelga ◽

Isabel C. F. R. Ferreira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Chemical Composition ◽

Organic Acids ◽

Saturated Fatty Acids ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Monounsaturated Fatty Acids ◽

Maturity Stage ◽

Harvesting Time ◽

Late Maturity ◽

The Impact

The present study evaluated the effect of maturity stage on the chemical composition of cardoon bracts. Plant material was collected in Greece at eight different maturation stages (C1–C8) and the chemical composition was analyzed in regard to lipidic fraction and the content in fatty acids, tocopherols, organic acids, and free sugars. Samples of late maturity (C6–C8) revealed the lowest lipidic content, while a total of 29 fatty acids was identified in all the samples, with palmitic, stearic, oleic, and eicosatrienoic acids present in the highest levels depending on harvesting time. Immature (C1) and mature (C8) bracts were more abundant in saturated fatty acids (SFA) than bracts of medium-to-late maturity (C5, C6), where the monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) were the prevalent class. The α- and γ-tocopherols were the only identified isoforms of vitamin E, while the highest content was observed in sample C8 (199 µg/100 g dry weight (dw). The detected organic acids were oxalic, quinic, malic, citric, and fumaric acids, while fructose, glucose, sucrose, trehalose, and raffinose were the main detected sugars. The results of the present study allowed us to reveal the effect of maturity stage on cardoon bracts chemical composition and further valorize this byproduct by improving its bioactive compounds content.

Download Full-text

Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase 1 as a Therapeutic Target for the Treatment of Cancer

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers11070948 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. 948 ◽

Cited By ~ 30

Author(s):

Zuzanna Tracz-Gaszewska ◽

Pawel Dobrzyn

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

Cancer Progression ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Saturated Fatty Acids ◽

Monounsaturated Fatty Acids ◽

Cancer Aggressiveness ◽

Wide Range ◽

Stearoyl Coa Desaturase ◽

Poor Outcomes

A distinctive feature of cancer cells of various origins involves alterations of the composition of lipids, with significant enrichment in monounsaturated fatty acids. These molecules, in addition to being structural components of newly formed cell membranes of intensely proliferating cancer cells, support tumorigenic signaling. An increase in the expression of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), the enzyme that converts saturated fatty acids to ∆9-monounsaturated fatty acids, has been observed in a wide range of cancer cells, and this increase is correlated with cancer aggressiveness and poor outcomes for patients. Studies have demonstrated the involvement of SCD1 in the promotion of cancer cell proliferation, migration, metastasis, and tumor growth. Many studies have reported a role for this lipogenic factor in maintaining the characteristics of cancer stem cells (i.e., the population of cells that contributes to cancer progression and resistance to chemotherapy). Importantly, both the products of SCD1 activity and its direct impact on tumorigenic pathways have been demonstrated. Based on these findings, SCD1 appears to be a significant player in the development of malignant disease and may be a promising target for anticancer therapy. Numerous chemical compounds that exert inhibitory effects on SCD1 have been developed and preclinically tested. The present review summarizes our current knowledge of the ways in which SCD1 contributes to the progression of cancer and discusses opportunities and challenges of using SCD1 inhibitors for the treatment of cancer.

Download Full-text

Omega-3 on the fly: long-legged fly Machaerium maritimae as a potential source of eicosapentaenoic acid for aquafeeds

Journal of Insects as Food and Feed ◽

10.3920/jiff2020.0112 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

P.M. Duarte ◽

E. Maciel ◽

M. Pinho ◽

M.R. Domingues ◽

R. Calado ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Fatty Acid ◽

Eicosapentaenoic Acid ◽

Fatty Acid Profile ◽

Saturated Fatty Acids ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Species Variation ◽

Omega 3 ◽

Lipid Source ◽

High Level

The need for more sustainable aquafeeds has prompted the exploration of insects as potential ingredients. However, commonly reared insects are not satisfactory regarding their fatty acid composition, lacking omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC PUFA), important nutrients for marine organisms. In this study, we present in detail the fatty acid profile of the long-legged fly Machaerium maritimae Haliday (Diptera: Dolichopodidae), an amphibiotic insect native to European coastal habitats. Specimens of this fly were collected in Ria de Aveiro coastal lagoon (Portugal) and the fatty acid profile was analysed through gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Results revealed a remarkably high level of n-3 LC PUFA, (11 μg/mg dry weight, 20% of the fatty acid profile) namely eicosapentaenoic acid, and a low level of saturated fatty acids. This value is higher than what is found in Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly), while comparable to other aquatic insects. We also report the presence of 50 distinct fatty acids, including multiple branched-chain and PUFA, and discuss potential implications of their presence on the ecology of this species. Variation in the fatty acid profile along the landscape is also presented. Our results indicate that M. maritimae can potentially be a high-quality lipid source for marine aquafeeds. Current legislation in Europe allowing the use of insects in aquaculture is restricted to a few selected species, often non-native, however, further research should consider native insects as potential alternatives to current ingredients in aquafeed.

Download Full-text

Effect of industry on the content of fatty acids in the tissues of the honey-bee head

Ukrainian Journal of Ecology ◽

10.15421/2019_76 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 174-179

Author(s):

V. Y. Vyshchur ◽

B. V. Gutyj ◽

N. P. Nyschemenko ◽

I. M. Kushnir ◽

V. Z. Salata ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids ◽

Honey Bees ◽

Saturated Fatty Acids ◽

Monounsaturated Fatty Acids ◽

Low Level ◽

Lead And Cadmium ◽

Esterified Fatty Acids ◽

High Level ◽

Nickel Lead

The tissues of the head of honey bees which are kept in the areas with a medium and low level of technogenic burden demonstrate the decrease in the contents of iron, zinc, copper, chromium, nickel, lead and cadmium in comparison with the tissues of the head of honey bees grown in areas with a high level of technogenic burden. Due to the activity of saturated fatty acids with the even and odd number of carbon atoms in chain, monounsaturated fatty acids of n-7 and n-9 families and polyunsaturated fatty acids of n-3 and n-6 families, the contents of anionic fatty acids, which are inaccessible for the bee body, decreases in the tissues of the head of honey bees which are kept in the areas with a medium and low level of technogenic burden in comparison with the tissues of the head of honey bees grown in areas with a high level of technogenic burden. 3. Monounsaturated fatty acids of n-7 and n-9 families and polyunsaturated fatty acids of n-3 and n-6 families in the tissues of the head of honey bees lead to increase of the total number of easily accessible non-esterified fatty acids for the honey bees which are kept in the areas with a medium and low level of technogenic burden in comparison with the tissues of the head of honey bees grown in areas with a high level of technogenic burden. Furthermore, the intensity of transformations of the non-esterified form of linolenic acid in its more long-chain and more unsaturated derivatives rises in the head tissues of the former. This fact indicates that the reduction of technogenic impact on the area results in the increase of the activity of desaturase in the tissues of the head of honey bees. The contents of heavy metals, anionic and non-esterified fatty acids in the tissues of the head of honey bees which are kept in the areas with low level of technogenic burden undergoes the most significant changes.

Download Full-text

Lipid and fatty acid profile of liver in relation to reproduction in the small-scaled terapon Terapon puta (Cuvier, 1829) from Pondicherry Coast, India

Indian Journal of Fisheries ◽

10.21077/ijf.2018.65.2.69320-13 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 65 ◽

Author(s):

R. Nandikeswari ◽

M. Sambasivam

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Fatty Acid ◽

Fatty Acid Profile ◽

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid ◽

Total Lipid ◽

Lipid Content ◽

Saturated Fatty Acids ◽

Total Lipid Content ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Monounsaturated Fatty Acids

The total lipid content as percentage of dry weight of liver of Terapon puta (Cuvier, 1829) varied at four different stages viz., immature, maturing, mature and spent stages of reproduction. Highest levels of saturated fatty acids (SFA) was recorded in the liver of mature fishes (50.71%) followed by maturing (48.03%) and the lowest in immature fishes (38.91%). Highest levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) were observed in the liver of maturing fishes (37.07%) followed by mature (34.09%) and the lowest levels in immature fishes (30.48%). Maturing fishes had higher liver polyunsaturated fatty acid levels (PUFA) (13.54%), compared to immature (10.55%) and mature fishes (10.17%).

Download Full-text

The lipid, fatty acid and fatty alcohol composition of the myctophid fish Electrona antarctica: high level of wax esters and food-chain implications

Antarctic Science ◽

10.1017/s0954102097000345 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 258-265 ◽

Cited By ~ 30

Author(s):

Charles F. Phleger ◽

Peter D. Nichols ◽

Patti Virtue

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Total Lipid ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Monounsaturated Fatty Acids ◽

Wax Esters ◽

Wax Ester ◽

Lipid Fatty Acid ◽

Myctophid Fish ◽

High Level ◽

Elephant Island

The myctophid, Electrona antarctica, was collected by trawl from the Elephant Island region of the Antarctic Peninsula, and from East Antarctica near 61°S and 93°W. Total lipid was higher in Elephant Island E. antarctica (whole fish, 466–585 mg g−1 dry weight) than those from Eastern Antarctica (394–459 mg g−1). Wax esters comprised 86.2–90.5% of total lipid in E. antarctica flesh. There were no significant differences between Eastern Antarctica and Elephant Island in total wax ester levels, or in levels of wax esters between different tissues analysed. Oily bones (up to 326 mg g−1 in the neurocranium) characterized E. antarctica from both locations, with wax esters as the major skeletal lipid class (67.0–87.9%, percent of lipid). The wax esters may have a buoyancy role in E. antarctica. The only substantial amount of triacylglycerols (29.4%) were found in the viscera of Elephant Island fish. The principal fatty acids of all fish analysed included the monounsaturated fatty acids 18:1(n-9) and 16:1(n-7), with lower levels of 16:0 and 14:0 saturated acids. Fatty alcohols were dominated by the saturated 16:0 and 14:0 (37.8–47.8%) and the monounsaturated 18:1(n-9) and 18:1(n-7) (38.3–59.2%). The low ratio of 22:1/20:1 alcohols observed for E. antarctica is consistent with a diet of amphipods, copepods and other items low in 22:1 alcohols.

Download Full-text

Differential Effects of Dietary Fatty Acids on Body Composition and Adiposity

Current Nutrition & Food Science ◽

10.2174/1573401314666181010100002 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 16 (2) ◽

pp. 142-154 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Hadi Emamat ◽

Zahra Yari ◽

Hossein Farhadnejad ◽

Parvin Mirmiran

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Body Composition ◽

Unsaturated Fatty Acids ◽

Saturated Fatty Acids ◽

Total Body Weight ◽

Fat Distribution ◽

Monounsaturated Fatty Acids ◽

Dietary Fatty Acids ◽

Dietary Fats ◽

Total Body

Recent evidence has highlighted that fat accumulation, particularly abdominal fat distribution, is strongly associated with metabolic disturbance. It is also well-recognized that the metabolic responses to variations in macronutrients intake can affect body composition. Previous studies suggest that the quality of dietary fats can be considered as the main determinant of body-fat deposition, fat distribution, and body composition without altering the total body weight; however, the effects of dietary fats on body composition have controversial results. There is substantial evidence to suggest that saturated fatty acids are more obesogen than unsaturated fatty acids, and with the exception of some isomers like conjugate linoleic acid, most dietary trans fatty acids are adiposity enhancers, but there is no consensus on it yet. On the other hand, there is little evidence to indicate that higher intake of the n-3 and the n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids can be beneficial in attenuating adiposity, and the effect of monounsaturated fatty acids on body composition is contradictory. Accordingly, the content of this review summarizes the current body of knowledge on the potential effects of the different types of dietary fatty acids on body composition and adiposity. It also refers to the putative mechanisms underlying this association and reflects on the controversy of this topic.

Download Full-text

Polyunsaturated ω-3 fatty acids inhibit ACE2-controlled SARS-CoV-2 binding and cellular entry

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-84850-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Anna Goc ◽

Aleksandra Niedzwiecki ◽

Matthias Rath

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids ◽

Eicosapentaenoic Acid ◽

Linolenic Acid ◽

Cathepsin L ◽

Saturated Fatty Acids ◽

Monounsaturated Fatty Acids ◽

In Vivo Experiments ◽

Lipid Compounds

AbstractThe strain SARS-CoV-2, newly emerged in late 2019, has been identified as the cause of COVID-19 and the pandemic declared by WHO in early 2020. Although lipids have been shown to possess antiviral efficacy, little is currently known about lipid compounds with anti-SARS-CoV-2 binding and entry properties. To address this issue, we screened, overall, 17 polyunsaturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids and saturated fatty acids, as wells as lipid-soluble vitamins. In performing target-based ligand screening utilizing the RBD-SARS-CoV-2 sequence, we observed that polyunsaturated fatty acids most effectively interfere with binding to hACE2, the receptor for SARS-CoV-2. Using a spike protein pseudo-virus, we also found that linolenic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid significantly block the entry of SARS-CoV-2. In addition, eicosapentaenoic acid showed higher efficacy than linolenic acid in reducing activity of TMPRSS2 and cathepsin L proteases, but neither of the fatty acids affected their expression at the protein level. Also, neither reduction of hACE2 activity nor binding to the hACE2 receptor upon treatment with these two fatty acids was observed. Although further in vivo experiments are warranted to validate the current findings, our study provides a new insight into the role of lipids as antiviral compounds against the SARS-CoV-2 strain.

Download Full-text

Variability in Macro- and Micronutrients of 15 Commercially Available Microalgae Powders

Marine Drugs ◽

10.3390/md19060310 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (6) ◽

pp. 310

Author(s):

Fabian Sandgruber ◽

Annekathrin Gielsdorf ◽

Anja C. Baur ◽

Benjamin Schenz ◽

Sandra Marie Müller ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Dunaliella Salina ◽

Haematococcus Pluvialis ◽

Saturated Fatty Acids ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Chlorella Pyrenoidosa ◽

Essential Amino Acids ◽

Arthrospira Platensis ◽

Omega 3 ◽

Tetraselmis Chuii

The nutrient composition of 15 commercially available microalgae powders of Arthrospira platensis, Chlorella pyrenoidosa and vulgaris, Dunaliella salina, Haematococcus pluvialis, Tetraselmis chuii, and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae was analyzed. The Dunaliella salina powders were characterized by a high content of carbohydrates, saturated fatty acids (SFAs), omega-6-polyunsaturated fatty acids (n6-PUFAs), heavy metals, and α-tocopherol, whereas the protein amounts, essential amino acids (EAAs), omega-3-PUFAs (n3-PUFAs), vitamins, and minerals were low. In the powder of Haematococcus pluvialis, ten times higher amounts of carotenoids compared to all other analyzed powders were determined, yet it was low in vitamins D and E, protein, and EAAs, and the n6/n3-PUFAs ratio was comparably high. Vitamin B12, quantified as cobalamin, was below 0.02 mg/100 g dry weight (d.w.) in all studied powders. Based on our analysis, microalgae such as Aphanizomenon and Chlorella may contribute to an adequate intake of critical nutrients such as protein with a high content of EAAs, dietary fibers, n3-PUFAs, Ca, Fe, Mg, and Zn, as well as vitamin D and E. Yet, the nutritional value of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae was slightly decreased by high contents of SFAs. The present data show that microalgae are rich in valuable nutrients, but the macro- and micronutrient profiles differ strongly between and within species.

Download Full-text

Differential Deleterious Impact of Highly Saturated Versus Monounsaturated Fat Intake on Vascular Function, Structure, and Mechanics in Mice

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13031003 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

pp. 1003

Author(s):

Elena Vega-Martín ◽

Marta Gil-Ortega ◽

Raquel González-Blázquez ◽

Sara Benedito ◽

Jesús Fernández-Felipe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Arterial Stiffness ◽

Thoracic Aorta ◽

Vascular Function ◽

Saturated Fatty Acids ◽

Vascular Wall ◽

Monounsaturated Fatty Acids ◽

Mesenteric Arteries ◽

Monounsaturated Fat ◽

The Impact

Vegetable oils such as palm oil (enriched in saturated fatty acids, SFA) and high-oleic-acid sunflower oil (HOSO, containing mainly monounsaturated fatty acids, MUFA) have emerged as the most common replacements for trans-fats in the food industry. The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of SFA and MUFA-enriched high-fat (HF) diets on endothelial function, vascular remodeling, and arterial stiffness compared to commercial HF diets. Five-week-old male C57BL6J mice were fed a standard (SD), a HF diet enriched with SFA (saturated oil-enriched Food, SOLF), a HF diet enriched with MUFA (unsaturated oil-enriched Food, UOLF), or a commercial HF diet for 8 weeks. Vascular function was analyzed in the thoracic aorta. Structural and mechanical parameters were assessed in mesenteric arteries by pressure myography. SOLF, UOLF, and HF diet reduced contractile responses to phenylephrine and induced endothelial dysfunction in the thoracic aorta. A significant increase in the β-index, and thus in arterial stiffness, was also detected in mesenteric arteries from the three HF groups, due to enhanced deposition of collagen in the vascular wall. SOLF also induced hypotrophic inward remodeling. In conclusion, these data demonstrate a deleterious effect of HF feeding on obesity-related vascular alterations that is exacerbated by SFA.

Download Full-text