Formulation and optimization of astaxanthin nanoemulsions with marine phospholipids derived from large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) roe

The aim of this work was to investigate the emulsifying capacity of marine phospholipids derived from large yellow croaker roe (LYCRPLs). Initially, conditions for preparing astaxanthin (1% w/w) nanoemulsions with LYCRPLs were optimized based on single-factor experiments, including homogenization pressure, homogenization cycle, emulsifier concentration and corn oil concentration via the response surface methodology. The optimal homogenization pressure was 60 MPa, the optimal number of homogenization cycles was nine, the optimal emulsifier concentration was 4.7%, and the optimal oil concentration was 20%. Under these conditions, the stability, particle size and polydispersity index of nanoemulsions were 0.018 ± 0.0016, 247 ± 4.5 nm and 0.215±0.019, respectively. The droplets of nanoemulsions were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, which revealed that all the droplets were more or less spherical and nonaggregated. In addition, the storage experiments indicated that the nanoemulsions were stable at different temperatures. Therefore, LYCRPLs could be explored as carriers for the delivery of insoluble bioactive compounds in the food industry.

A review on the bio-functional roles of phospholipids from marine resources

Marine phospholipids (PLs) rich in ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) have drawn keen interest recently among researchers and consumers and could be assumed as a “miracle drug”. Substantial amount of EPA and DHA, amazing and unique chemical properties and super bio-functional activities of marine PLs make it superior compared to terrestrial PLs, which lack long chain ω-3 PUFAs. Many comparative studies revealed that marine PLs showed higher health beneficial activities compared to PLs obtained from land sources. Marine PLs are not only beneficial in containing a high amount of ω-3 PUFAs but also in absorbing and assimilating ω-3 PUFAs in different tissues. Synergistic effects of PL compounds and ω-3 PUFAs in marine PLs showed super bio-functional performances like anti-atherosis and cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, immunological, and liver functions. A number of in vivo and in vitro studies on the administration of marine PLs extracted from fishes, mollusks, crustaceans, echinoderms reduced triacylglycerol (TAG) level and enhanced cardioprotective functions, demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity, reduced cell proliferation and tumor, increased cognitive functions and memory, and prevented hepatic damages. Therefore, this review paper provides detailed accounts on the present research status of critical biological and nutritional functions of marine ω-3 PUFAs rich phospholipids focusing on the origin, animal models, treatment, and roles.

Study on the effects of the different polar group of EPA-enriched phospholipids on the proliferation and apoptosis in 95D cells

EPA-enriched phosphatidylcholine (EPA-PC) and EPA-enriched phosphatidylethanolamine (EPA-PE) are newly identified marine phospholipids. The polar group of phospholipids is known to influence EPA-phospholipid activity. However, the differences in anti-tumor effects between EPA-PC and EPA-PE have not been reported. In this study, we evaluated the effects of two forms of EPA on the proliferation and apoptosis in the lung-cancer cell line 95D as well as possible molecular mechanisms. Our results showed that EPA-PC effectively inhibited proliferative activity and promoted apoptosis of 95D cells in a dose-dependent manner, while EPA-PE had no effect on cell proliferation, although it slightly promoted apoptosis. Western blot results showed that EPA-PC and EPA-PE upregulated the expression of PPARγ, RXRα, and PTEN, and downregulated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Furthermore, EPA-PC and EPA-PE induced the expression of the pro-apoptotic gene, Bax, and reduced the expression of the anti-apoptotic gene, Bcl-xl. Additionally, EPA-PC and EPA-PE promoted the release of cytochrome c and activated the apoptotic enzyme-cleaved caspase-3. These data suggest that the anti-tumor effect of EPA-phospholipids may be exerted via a PPARγ-related mechanism. EPA-PC was more efficacious as compared to EPA-PE, which might be due to the different polar groups of phospholipids.

Separation, identification and cardiovascular activities of phospholipid classes from the head of Penaeus vannamei by lipidomics and zebrafish models

Five phospholipid classes of Penaeus vannamei head were separated, analyzed and quantified. They had different cardiovascular activities evaluated in zebrafish models, which may provide a research basis for pharmaceutical use of marine phospholipids.

Effect of Short-Term Rotifer Enrichment With Marine Phospholipids on Growth, Survival, and Composition of Meager (Argyrosomus regius) Larvae

Larval rearing and ongrowing of meager have experienced a great advance during the last years and nowadays this species is considered as one of the most important new species in Mediterranean aquaculture. However, larval nutrition in meager still needs some improvements especially regarding live prey enrichment and fatty acid composition. In this study, a trial for larval rearing of meager (Argyrosomus regius) using different commercial products for rotifer enrichment (Multigain, Red Pepper and concentrated microalgae) with and without phospholipids (PL), and with a different fatty acid composition, especially regarding DHA, have been used to assess the growth and survival of the larvae and check the effect of PLs in larval growth. Lipid class composition was the same among the larvae whereas % DHA was always higher in larvae fed Multigain and Red Pepper enriched rotifers. The dominant fatty acids in the PL of the larvae and PL of the diets were well-correlated and the results suggested a close relationship between the composition of dominant PL fatty acids in the rotifer and in the larvae, especially in the case of DHA and 16:0 that show a high correlation.

Assessment of Astaxanthin Accumulation in Hepatocytes of Atlantic Salmon Fed Different Diets Using NMR Spectroscopy

This study aimed to assess the astaxanthin (Ax) accumulation in hepatocytes isolated from farmed Atlantic salmon fed different diets (rich marine, poor, poor with marine phospholipids (MPL) and poor with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)). Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used for the Ax detection and quantification. The use of the 13C-enriched Ax allowed the assessment of short-time Ax metabolism. The substitution of fish oil and meal in fish feed on plant analogs and the addition of MPL caused further catabolism and decrease of Ax accumulation in hepatocytes from 17 to about 6 mg/kg or to almost zero in the case of DHA addition. Signals assignment of the native and 13C-enriched astaxanthin in acetone were performed using 1D and 2D NMR spectra.

Inflammation and cardiovascular disease: are marine phospholipids the answer?

This review presents the latest research on the cardioprotective effects of n-3 fatty acids (FA) and n-3 FA bound to polar lipids (PL). Overall, n-3 PL may have enhanced bioavailability and potentially bioactivity versus free FA and ester forms of n-3 FA.

Intestinal bioavailability of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids influenced by the supramolecular form of phospholipids

This work aims at studying the bioavailability of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids carried by marine phospholipids, formulated in different supramolecular forms, i.e. oil-in-water emulsion and liposomes.