Bioactive Molecules of Mandarin Seed Oils Diminish Mycotoxin and the Existence of Fungi

Mandarin is a favorite fruit of the citrus family. Mandarin seeds are considered a source of nontraditional oil obtained from byproduct materials. This investigation aimed to assess the biomolecules of mandarin seeds and evaluated their antimycotic and antimycotoxigenic impact on fungi. Moreover, it evaluated the protective role of mandarin oil against aflatoxin toxicity in cell lines. The two types of extracted oil (fixed and volatile) were ecofriendly. The fatty acid composition, tocopherol, sterols, and carotenoids were determined in the fixed oil, whereas volatiles and phenolics were estimated in the essential oil. A mixture of the two oils was prepared and evaluated for its antimicrobial impact. The reduction effect of this mixture was also investigated to reduce mycotoxin secretion using a simulated experiment. The protective effect of the oil was evaluated using healthy strains of cell lines. Fixed oil was distinguished by the omega fatty acid content (76.24%), lutein was the major carotenoid (504.3 mg/100 g) and it had a high β-sitosterol content (294.6 mg/100 g). Essential oil contained limonene (66.05%), α-pinene (6.82%), β-pinene (4.32%), and γ-terpinene (12.31%) in significant amounts, while gallic acid and catechol were recorded as the dominant phenolics. Evaluation of the oil mix for antimicrobial potency reflected a considerable impact against pathogenic bacteria and toxigenic fungi. By its application to the fungal media, this oil mix possessed a capacity for reducing mycotoxin secretion. The oil mix was also shown to have a low cytotoxic effect against healthy strains of cell lines and had potency in reducing the mortality impact of aflatoxin B1 applied to cell lines. These results recommend further study to involve this oil in food safety applications.

Endocannabinoid System and Its Regulation by Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Full Spectrum Hemp Oils

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of endogenous cannabinoids, their receptors, and metabolic enzymes that play a critical homeostatic role in modulating polyunsaturated omega fatty acid (PUFA) signaling to maintain a balanced inflammatory and redox state. Whole food-based diets and dietary interventions linked to PUFAs of animal (fish, calamari, krill) or plant (hemp, flax, walnut, algae) origin, as well as full-spectrum hemp oils, are increasingly used to support the ECS tone, promote healthy metabolism, improve risk factors associated with cardiovascular disorders, encourage brain health and emotional well-being, and ameliorate inflammation. While hemp cannabinoids of THC and CBD groups show distinct but complementary actions through a variety of cannabinoid (CB1 and CB2), adenosine (A2A), and vanilloid (TRPV1) receptors, they also modulate PUFA metabolism within a wide variety of specialized lipid mediators that promote or resolve inflammation and oxidative stress. Clinical evidence reviewed in this study links PUFAs and cannabinoids to changes in ECS tone, immune function, metabolic and oxidative stress adaptation, and overall maintenance of a well-balanced systemic function of the body. Understanding how the body coordinates signals from the exogenous and endogenous ECS modulators is critical for discerning the underlying molecular mechanisms of the ECS tone in healthy and disease states. Nutritional and lifestyle interventions represent promising approaches to address chronic metabolic and inflammatory disorders that may overlap in the population at risk. Further investigation and validation of dietary interventions that modulate the ECS are required in order to devise clinically successful second-generation management strategies.

Serum omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid concentrations and natural fertility

ABSTRACT STUDY QUESTION Are serum omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acid concentrations associated with the probability of conceiving? SUMMARY ANSWER There is no strong association between serum concentrations of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and the probability of conceiving naturally. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid serum concentrations have been shown to play an important role in reproduction in animal models, while conflicting results have been reported in human studies of infertile women. It is unknown to what extent omega fatty acid serum concentrations impact natural fertility. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A nested, case–control study was conducted consisting of 200 participants [fertile: conceived within 3 cycles of attempt (n = 50), subfertile: conceived within 4 and 12 cycles of attempt (n = 100) and infertile: did not conceive within 12 cycles of attempt (n = 50)] randomly selected from the Time to Conceive cohort, a prospective time-to-pregnancy study (2008 to 2015). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS In the Time to Conceive study, women aged 30–44 years who were trying to conceive for <3 months and had no history of infertility were recruited and followed until the end of their pregnancy or ~1 year of pregnancy attempt. For this study, serum collected early in the woman’s pregnancy attempt was analysed for anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid concentrations by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The primary outcome was a positive home pregnancy test. The secondary outcomes were miscarriage and serum AMH level. A discrete-time Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the fecundability ratio. The odds ratios for miscarriage were calculated using logistic regression. The association between serum omega fatty acid concentrations and AMH level (natural log transformed) was analysed using Pearson’s Correlation. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A total of 200 women provided 1321 cycles for analysis. Mean omega-3, omega-6 and omega-6:omega-3 ratios did not significantly differ between the fertile, subfertile and infertile groups. There were no associations (all fecundability ratios ~1.0) between pregnancy and individual omega-3 fatty acid concentrations, including alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, or omega-6 fatty acids, including linoleic acid (LA), dihommo-gamma linolenic acid and arachidonic acid. There was no significant association between any individual omega fatty acid serum concentration and the age-adjusted odds of miscarriage. No association was found between any serum omega fatty acid concentration and AMH. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study is limited by the sample size. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid concentrations were derived from serum provided at a single timepoint in the first cycle of enrollment. Serum concentrations may therefore not be representative of all critical timepoints in the menstrual cycle or throughout their attempts to conceive. Additionally, women enrolled in this study were 30 years of age and older, and therefore the findings may not apply to younger women. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These data would suggest that omega-3 and omega-6 serum levels are not associated with natural fertility or risk of miscarriage. However, due to the above-mentioned limitations, future investigation is still needed to determine whether omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may benefit women planning to conceive naturally. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, by the NIH/NICHD (R21 HD060229-01 and R01 HD067683-01) and, in part, by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (Z01ES103333). Dr. Jukic received vitamin D supplements for a research study from Theralogix, Inc. The authors have no other conflicts of interest to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A

Application and Perceived Effectiveness of Complementary and Alternative Intervention Strategies for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Relationships with Affiliate Stigma

This cross-sectional questionnaire survey study was designed to examine the complementary and alternative intervention strategies (CAIS) employed by caregivers for their children’s attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the associations of affiliate stigma with the employment and rated effectiveness of these strategies in Taiwan. A total of 400 caregivers of children with ADHD participated. CAIS that the caregivers employed and their effectiveness rated by the caregivers were surveyed. Associations of affiliate stigma with the application and rated effectiveness of the strategies were determined using logistic regression analysis. The results indicated that sensory integration (30.3%), exercise training (29.3%), sugar restriction (20.5%), and omega fatty acid supplementation (11.3%) were the most common CAIS that the caregivers employed. Caregivers with stronger affiliate stigma were more likely to employ sensory integration, exercise training, and omega fatty acid supplementation but also rated them as ineffective in treating their children’s ADHD. Various CAIS were employed by the caregivers to manage their children’s ADHD. Affiliate stigma was significantly associated with the application and rated ineffectiveness of several CAIS.

The Effects of a 6-Month Omega Fatty Acid and Antioxidant Vitamin Supplementation on Functional Capacity and Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment

Aim: Aging is associated with declines in functional capacity and cognitive function. The aim of the present study was to examine, for the first time, the effects of a high-dose omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid supplementation, in combination with antioxidant vitamins, on functional capacity and cognitive function in older adults with cognitive impairment, over a 6-month period in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Material & Method: Thirty-six older adults with cognitive impairment (aged 79.3 ± 7.6 yrs, 22 females) were randomized to receive either a formula containing a mixture of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids with antioxidant vitamins or placebo for six months. Participants completed assessments of functional capacity, cognitive function, and various aspects of quality of life at baseline and following three and six months of supplementation. Functional capacity was evaluated using two sit-to-stand tests (STS-5, STS-60), the timed-up-and-go test (TUG), the 6-min walk test (6MWT), and the handgrip strength test. Cognitive function was evaluated through the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination Revised (ACE-R) and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), whilst health-related quality of life, sleep quality, daily sleepiness, and fatigue were assessed by specific questionnaires. A linear mixed model with a random effect for participant was used to evaluate differences in the dependent variables between the supplementation and placebo groups throughout time, whilst it was adjusted for age and education of the participants. Results: A significant interaction between supplementation and time was found on functional capacity (6MWT and STS-60; p = 0.028 and p = 0.032, respectively), cognitive function (ACER and MMSE; p < 0.001 and p = 0.011, respectively), fatigue (p < 0.001), physical health component (p = 0.007), and daily sleepiness (p = 0.007), showing a favorable improvement for the participants receiving the nutritional supplement. Conclusions: The results of the present study showed that high-dose omega fatty acid and antioxidant vitamin supplementation improves functional capacity and cognitive function in older adults with cognitive impairment. Thus, this novel approach appears promising for reducing cognitive decline and frailty in the elderly.

A Validation and Estimation of Total Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic acids Using LC-MS/MS with Rapid Hydrolysis Enzymatic Method for Hydrolysis of Omega Lipids in Human Plasma and its Application in the Pharmacokinetic Study

Background: In this study, we have developed a novel, rapid enzymatic hydrolysis method for conversion of omega lipids (omega fatty acid triglycerides, phospholipids, omega conjugates) in to free fatty acids at room temperature using lipase and esterase enzymes. </P><P> Objective: To develop simple enzymatic hydrolysis and rapid sample extraction method for quantification of free (un-esterified) and conjugated (esterified) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to provide the total EPA and DHA lipids present in human plasma. Quantification of total EPA/DHA was performed using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometer instrument. Methods: The plasma sample is digested with lipase and esterase enzymes and extracted by using combined precipitation and liquid-liquid techniques. The LC-MS/MS method was optimized using EPA-D5 and DHA-D5 as labeled internal standards for EPA/DHA respectively. The analytical method is validated, utilized for simultaneous quantification of total EPA and DHA lipids in plasma collected from healthy human volunteers clinical study. Results: The reproducibility of the established enzymatic hydrolysis method was demonstrated by incurred sample reanalysis and the results for total EPA and DHA lipid were 93.33% and 96.67% respectively. The pharmacokinetic and statistical analysis was performed using baseline corrected concentration of total EPA and DHA lipids. Conclusion: The enzymatic hydrolysis method for conversion of omega fatty acid triglycerides, phospholipids, omega conjugates in to free fatty acid was reported first time for the quantitative application. The shorter time for sample workup procedure, simple enzymatic hydrolysis at room temperature and 3 minutes chromatography run time are well suitable for bioavailability/ bioequivalence studies.

Random Forest Analysis of Untargeted Metabolomics Data Suggests Increased Use of Omega Fatty Acid Oxidation Pathway in Drosophila Melanogaster Larvae Fed a Medium Chain Fatty Acid Rich High-Fat Diet

Obesity is a complex disease, shaped by both genetic and environmental factors such as diet. In this study, we use untargeted metabolomics and Drosophila melanogaster to model how diet and genotype shape the metabolome of obese phenotypes. We used 16 distinct outbred genotypes of Drosophila larvae raised on normal (ND) and high-fat (HFD) diets, to produce three distinct phenotypic classes; genotypes that stored more triglycerides on a ND relative to the HFD, genotypes that stored more triglycerides on a HFD relative to ND, and genotypes that showed no change in triglyceride storage on either of the two diets. Using untargeted metabolomics we characterized 350 metabolites: 270 with definitive chemical IDs and 80 that were chemically unidentified. Using random forests, we determined metabolites that were important in discriminating between the HFD and ND larvae as well as between the triglyceride phenotypic classes. We found that flies fed on a HFD showed evidence of an increased use of omega fatty acid oxidation pathway, an alternative to the more commonly used beta fatty acid oxidation pathway. Additionally, we observed no correlation between the triglyceride storage phenotype and free fatty acid levels (laurate, caprate, caprylate, caproate), indicating that the distinct metabolic profile of fatty acids in high-fat diet fed Drosophila larvae does not propagate into triglyceride storage differences. However, dipeptides did show moderate differences between the phenotypic classes. We fit Gaussian graphical models (GGMs) of the metabolic profiles for HFD and ND flies to characterize changes in metabolic network structure between the two diets, finding the HFD to have a greater number of edges indicating that metabolome varies more across samples on a HFD. Taken together, these results show that, in the context of obesity, metabolomic profiles under distinct dietary conditions may not be reliable predictors of phenotypic outcomes in a genetically diverse population.

The Concentration of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid in Palm Oil by Urea Complexation

<p>Linoleic acid is a Poly-Unsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA) that corresponds to Omega 6 Fatty Acid. This is the major component of vegetable oil and very important for health. As an essential fatty acid, linoleic acid has to be obtained from foods. Consumption of omega fatty acid in the form of concentrate has more benefit than the whole oil. Fulfilling this requirement, effective method to separate PUFAs from vegetable oils is needed. One of the favorable methods is urea complexation. Palm oil was used as the fatty acids resource due to its potential feedstock in Indonesia. This aim of this research is to study the effect of urea, ethanol and free fatty acid (FFA) ratios during complexation of palm oil. This research was developed in three steps, 1) free fatty acid preparation from palm oil (saponification process), 2) crystallization of the fatty acids mixture and 3) filtration for separating the unsaturated fatty acid. Concentrated linoleic acid is obtained in the liquid phase, while the saturated fatty acid is obtained in the solid. This research resulted that the concentration of PUFA was increasing as the ratio of urea, FFA and ethanol increases.</p>