Hepatic Unsaturated Fatty Acids Are Linked to Lower Degree of Fibrosis in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background: The hepatic lipidome of patients with early stages of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been fairly well-explored. However, studies on more progressive forms of NAFLD, i.e., liver fibrosis, are limited.Materials and methods: Liver fatty acids were determined in cholesteryl esters (CE), phospholipids (PL), and triacylglycerols (TAG) by gas chromatography. Cross-sectional associations between fatty acids and biopsy-proven NAFLD fibrosis (n = 60) were assessed using multivariable logistic regression models. Stages of fibrosis were dichotomized into none-mild (F0–1) or significant fibrosis (F2–4). Models were adjusted for body-mass index (BMI), age and patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3 rs738409) (I148M) genotype. A secondary analysis examined whether associations from the primary analysis could be confirmed in the corresponding plasma lipid fractions.Results: PL behenic acid (22:0) was directly associated [OR (95% CI): 1.86 (1.00, 3.45)] whereas PL docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) [OR (95% CI): 0.45 (0.23, 0.89)], TAG oleic acid (18:1n-9) [OR (95% CI): 0.52 (0.28, 0.95)] and 18:1n-9 and vaccenic acid (18:1n-7) (18:1) [OR (95% CI): 0.52 (0.28, 0.96)] were inversely associated with liver fibrosis. In plasma, TAG 18:1n-9 [OR (95% CI): 0.55 (0.31, 0.99)], TAG 18:1 [OR (95% CI): 0.54 (0.30, 0.97)] and PL 22:0 [OR (95% CI): 0.46 (0.25, 0.86)] were inversely associated with liver fibrosis.Conclusion: Higher TAG 18:1n-9 levels were linked to lower fibrosis in both liver and plasma, possibly reflecting an altered fatty acid metabolism. Whether PL 22:6n-3 has a protective role, together with a potentially adverse effect of hepatic 22:0, on liver fibrosis warrants large-scale studies.

Chemical and Medicinal Properties of Rauwolfia vomitoria (AFZEL) Harvested from the South Eastern Nigeria

Aim: This work was carried out to evaluate the chemical constituents of the leaf of Rauwolfia vomitoria and to determine the activities of the extract on some selected human pathogens Study Design: The study was designed to characterize the compounds in the extract and to determine their medicinal applications Place and Duration of Study: The work was done at the Department of Chemistry Federal University of Technology Owerri Methodology: Standard assay technique was used to evaluate the phytochemical content of the sample. GC-MS analysis was carried out on the chloroform extract of the sample. The anti microbial activities were determines using the well agar diffusion method Results: The analysis of the components of the leaf extract of Rauwolfia vomitoria Afzel revealed the presence of 34 compounds with their molecular masses molecular weights and structures, all elucidated. The initial phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids 1.92%, saponins 1.12% , flavonoids 1.15% and cardiac glycosides, the extract showed marked inhibition of the growth of certain human pathogens with inhibition diameters recorded against Klebsiella pnuemonia, 22 mm, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 18 mm,Aspergillis niger 24 mm and Mucor specie 9 mm but was resistant to Streptococcus specie.The extract contain anti cancer,anti-tumuor antioxidant, anti-inflammatory ,cardioprotectives compounds which inludes phytol, Vitamin E, Campestrol, sistosterol, squalene, lupeol and vaccenic acid. Conclusion: Owing to the identified properties of the sample ,Rauwofia vomitoria leaf is excellent ingredient for the treatment of diaeases related to Klebsiella pnuemonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa Aspergillis niger and Mucor specie and also for the treatment cancer, tumuor, inflammation, arthritis,beingn prostate hyperplasia, fibromyalgia, allergies, coronary heart.

High Vaccenic Acid Content in Beef Fat Attenuates High Fat and High Carbohydrate Western Diet Induced Changes in Lipid Metabolism and Gut Microbiota in Pigs

High-fat diets (HFD) have been shown to induce substantial shifts in intestinal microbial community composition and activity which are associated with adverse metabolic outcomes. Furthermore, changes in microbial composition are affected by fatty acid composition; saturated, monounsaturated (MUFA), and industrial trans fats (iTFA) adversely affect microbial diversity while polyunsaturated fats (PUFA) have been shown to have neutral effects. The effects of naturally occurring trans fats on gut microbial composition are unknown. Vaccenic acid (VA) is the most abundant naturally occurring trans fat (abundant in meat and dairy), can be elevated by altering a cow’s diet, and has been shown to have hypolipidemic effects. The aim of this study was to determine how variations of VA content in beef fat affect gut microbial composition, insulin resistance, and lipid metabolism in pigs. Low birth weight (LBW) and control pigs were fed a control or high-fat, high-carbohydrate (HFHC) diet supplemented with beef fat containing either high or low VA levels for 7 weeks. An adapted modified oral glucose tolerance test and fat challenge test were performed at 9 weeks of age following implantation of jugular catheters. Impacts on microbial composition were assessed using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The HFHC diet containing beef fat rich in VA had a mild insulin sensitizing effect (p < 0.05, slope of curve), increased plasma HDL cholesterol (p < 0.05, +28%), reduced postprandial plasma TG (p < 0.05), and showed protection from HFHC-induced changes to gut microbial composition in LBW pigs as compared to HFHC diet containing standard beef fat. This is the first study to show effects of natural trans fats on gut dysbiosis; further studies are needed to elucidate mechanisms.

Soxhlet Extraction versus Hydrodistillation Using the Clevenger Apparatus: A Comparative Study on the Extraction of a Volatile Compound from Tamarindus indica Seeds

The present study aims to compare two traditional extraction techniques. A volatile compound from Tamarindus indica seed was obtained with Soxhlet extraction (SE) and hydrodistillation using the Clevenger apparatus (HDC). The extraction yield and chemical composition of the essential oil samples were compared. Both oils extracted were analyzed with GC-MS, and forty-one chemical compounds were identified in essential oil components from SE while forty chemical compounds were found in the HDC-extracted oil sample. The major essential oil components present in both the SE and HDC method are cis-vaccenic acid, 2-methyltetracosane, beta-sitosterol, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z)-, and n-hexadecanoic acid in varying concentrations. Moreover, the essential oils obtained by both methods look similar quantitatively but differ qualitatively. The HDC method produced more oxygenated compounds that contribute to the fragrance of the oil. The major constituents observed in the essential oil extracted by SE methods include cis-vaccenic acid (17.6%), beta-sitosterol (12.71%), 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z)- (11.82%), n-hexadecanoic acid (8.16%), 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester (5.84%), oleic acid (4.54%), and 11-octadecenoic acid and methyl ester (3.94%). However, in the hydrodistillation technique, the oil was mostly composed of 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z)- (23.72%), cis-vaccenic acid (17.16%), n-hexadecanoic acid (11.53%), beta-sitosterol (4.53%), and octadecanoic acid (3.8%). From the data obtained, HDC seems to be a better method for extraction of Tamarindus indica essential oil compared to the Soxhlet extraction apparatus.

Alterations in health-related fatty acids in buffalo milk after processing to traditional dairy products

Milk provides some beneficial fatty acids which in dairy processing are subjected to pasteurization and fermentation. With the aim to assess such changes, aliquot parts of milk from 12 buffaloes were pooled and processed to germinated yoghurt and brined cheese, and to non-germinated curd – the respective samples of raw and dairy material subjected to lipid analysis. The results show that in cheese positive and negative changes are generally balanced, rumenic acid decreasing and other CLAs altered but not total CLA and PUFA; omega ratio and atherogenicity index worsened to little extent, due to adverse change in n-3, myristic and lauric acid. In yoghurt and curd CLA dramatically decreased, excluding rumenic acid; but vaccenic acid increased, though total trans isomers decreased; the worsened n-6/n-3 ratio and atherogenicity index is mostly because of the adverse effect on PUFAn-3 but also on myristic and lauric acid. In all products SFA and MUFA did not change, including palmitic, stearic, and oleic acid. It can be concluded that the decrease of CLA in yoghurt and curd is partially compensated by the increase in the vaccenic acid, while cheese making altered individual isomers but not groups of beneficial acids.

Characterization of secondary metabolites in kasturi mango (Mangifera casturi) using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Indonesia is a high biodiversity country for underutilized fruits. Indonesian underutilized fruits contain several beneficial functional foods that are very useful for human health. This study aimed to analyze the secondary metabolites found in Kasturi mango (Mangifera casturi). Fruit sampling was carried out in Hulu Sungai Selatan and Banjar, South Kalimantan. Five types of Kasturi mango were used, namely Kasturi, Pinari, Palipisan, Cuban, and Rawa-rawa, which included aril and rind. The results of this research showed that there are specific compounds in each type. Analysis of secondary metabolites using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in Kasturi aril showed that specific compounds were obtained in the Kasturi type, such as 13-tetradecenal ethyl elaidate, spinacene, and (23S)-ethylcholest-5-en-3.beta.-ol. The Rawa-rawa type contained specific compounds such as tetradecanoic acid and cis-vaccenic acid. Analysis of secondary metabolites with GC-MS in Kasturi rind showed that the Kasturi type contained specific compounds, such as distearil phosphite and 13-octadecenoic acid. The Rawa-rawa type contained specific compounds such as docosane and triacontyl acetate. Based on, characterization of secondary metabolites using GC-MS, Kasturi mango showed the high variation of secondary metabolites among their types.

A review of the effects of different feeding regimes of cows on milk fatty acids profile and antioxidant capacity

This bibliography review analyzes the effects of different feeding regimes of cows the nutritional and sanogenic quality of milk, with a particular emphasis on milk content in functional fatty acids and non-enzymatic lipophilic antioxidants. Thus, using suitable feeding regimes of cows, fatty acid (FA) profile of milk fats can be improved by increasing the concentration in functional FA (C18:1 trans-11, vaccenic acid; C18:3 n-3, acid linolenic and C18:2 cis-9 trans-11, isomer of conjugated linoleic acid), considered as beneficial for consumer’s health. These suitable feeding regimes of cows aim using green fodder (pastures), preserving the fodder by drying or silage, supplementing the food with fats rich FA polyunsaturated (PUFA) and ensuring an optimal ratio between volume and ration concentrates. Milk yielded from grazing cows shows a considerably higher concentration of functional FA and lipophilic antioxidants (tocopherols, retinol and carotenes) and a lower content of saturated FA compared to that yielded from cows fed in shelter with TMR (total mixed ration). Also, hay-based feed rations, mainly those containing small amounts of concentrates or those supplemented with vegetable fats, ensure a milk yield with a fatty acid profile more favorable for human health and a better oxidative stability of compared to those with feed-based rations on silage or those high in concentrates.

Bioassay and NMR-Guided Isolation of Natural Products from Pacific Marine Invertebrates

<p>In the present study, bioassay and NMR approaches were used in combination to guide isolation of two new and three known compounds. An extract library of New Zealand and Tongan marine invertebrates was screened for activity inhibiting the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. From this, ‘hits’ were identified and validated and three New Zealand sponges and a Tongan ascidian were chosen for bulk extraction. These invertebrates were extracted in methanol and purified using normal and reversed-phase chromatography to isolate the compounds of interest. The isolation of compounds was guided by either inhibitory activity towards S. cerevisiae, 1H NMR spectroscopy or a combination of the two. The known trihydroxylated steroid (14) was isolated from the calcareous sponge Leucosolenia sp. A fatty acid and mixture of phthalate esters were isolated from an unidentified Tongan ascidian. The fatty acid was proposed to be cis-vaccenic acid (13) on the basis of 1H and 13C NMR data. The phthalate ester mixture was not purified further. Work on these two compounds was discontinued due to a lack of activity observed in the S. cerevisiae assay and the well-known nature of fatty acids and phthalate esters. Work was also done on an assay targeting the large mechanosensitive channel (MscL) of bacteria. Some parameters were optimised for this assay, however some work remains to be done. The screening of the extract library of New Zealand and Tongan marine invertebrates using this assay was unsuccessful. More studies to better understand the behaviour of this assay are required, some of which are proposed herein. The extraction of the New Zealand marine sponge Haliclona sp. yielded one known and two new 3-alkyl pyridinium alkaloid (3-APA) monomers. The structures of these 3-APA monomers—dehydrohaliclocyclin C (58), dehydrohaliclocyclin F (59) and the known haliclocyclin C (20)—were elucidated using a combination of NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (MS) and chemical degradation. This is the first report of a 3-APA cyclic monomer with unsaturation in the alkyl chain being isolated. 3-APAs were identified as the source of inhibitory activity in the S. cerevisiae assay, however, no inhibitory activity was found for 58, 59 and 20 against the clinically relevant fungus C. albicans.</p>

Bioassay and NMR-Guided Isolation of Natural Products from Pacific Marine Invertebrates

<p>In the present study, bioassay and NMR approaches were used in combination to guide isolation of two new and three known compounds. An extract library of New Zealand and Tongan marine invertebrates was screened for activity inhibiting the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. From this, ‘hits’ were identified and validated and three New Zealand sponges and a Tongan ascidian were chosen for bulk extraction. These invertebrates were extracted in methanol and purified using normal and reversed-phase chromatography to isolate the compounds of interest. The isolation of compounds was guided by either inhibitory activity towards S. cerevisiae, 1H NMR spectroscopy or a combination of the two. The known trihydroxylated steroid (14) was isolated from the calcareous sponge Leucosolenia sp. A fatty acid and mixture of phthalate esters were isolated from an unidentified Tongan ascidian. The fatty acid was proposed to be cis-vaccenic acid (13) on the basis of 1H and 13C NMR data. The phthalate ester mixture was not purified further. Work on these two compounds was discontinued due to a lack of activity observed in the S. cerevisiae assay and the well-known nature of fatty acids and phthalate esters. Work was also done on an assay targeting the large mechanosensitive channel (MscL) of bacteria. Some parameters were optimised for this assay, however some work remains to be done. The screening of the extract library of New Zealand and Tongan marine invertebrates using this assay was unsuccessful. More studies to better understand the behaviour of this assay are required, some of which are proposed herein. The extraction of the New Zealand marine sponge Haliclona sp. yielded one known and two new 3-alkyl pyridinium alkaloid (3-APA) monomers. The structures of these 3-APA monomers—dehydrohaliclocyclin C (58), dehydrohaliclocyclin F (59) and the known haliclocyclin C (20)—were elucidated using a combination of NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (MS) and chemical degradation. This is the first report of a 3-APA cyclic monomer with unsaturation in the alkyl chain being isolated. 3-APAs were identified as the source of inhibitory activity in the S. cerevisiae assay, however, no inhibitory activity was found for 58, 59 and 20 against the clinically relevant fungus C. albicans.</p>