Search

Abstract Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious complication of diabetes featuring abnormal lipid metabolism. However, the specific lipid molecules associated with onset and progression remain unclear. We used a broad-targeted lipidomics approach to assess the lipid changes that occur before the proliferative retinopathy stage and to identify novel lipid biomarkers to distinguish between patients without DR (NDR) and with non-proliferative DR (NPDR). Targeted lipomics analysis was carried out on serum samples from patients with type I diabetes, including 20 NDRs and 20 NPDRs. The results showed that compared with the NDR group, 102 lipids in the NPDR group showed specific expressions. Four lipid metabolites including TAG58:2-FA18:1 were obtained using the Least Absolute Shrink And Selection Operator (LASSO) and Support Vector Machine Recursive Feature Elimination (SVM-RFE) methods. The four-lipid combination diagnostic models showed good predictive ability in both the discovery and validation sets, and were able to distinguish between NDR patients and NPDR patients. The identified lipid markers significantly improved diagnostic accuracy within the NPDR group. Our findings help to better understand the complexity and individual differences of DR lipid metabolism.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious complication of diabetes featuring abnormal lipid metabolism. However, the specific lipid molecules associated with onset and progression remain unclear. We used a broad-targeted lipidomics approach to assess the lipid changes that occur before the proliferative retinopathy stage and to identify novel lipid biomarkers to distinguish between patients without DR (NDR) and with non-proliferative DR (NPDR). Targeted lipomics analysis was carried out on serum samples from patients with type I diabetes, including 20 NDRs and 20 NPDRs. The results showed that compared with the NDR group, 102 lipids in the NPDR group showed specific expressions. Four lipid metabolites including TAG58:2-FA18:1 were obtained using the Least Absolute Shrink And Selection Operator (LASSO) and Support Vector Machine Recursive Feature Elimination (SVM-RFE) methods. The four-lipid combination diagnostic models showed good predictive ability in both the discovery and validation sets, and were able to distinguish between NDR patients and NPDR patients. The identified lipid markers significantly improved diagnostic accuracy within the NPDR group. Our findings help to better understand the complexity and individual differences of DR lipid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Gestational hyperandrogenism is a risk factor for adverse maternal and offspring outcomes with effects likely mediated in part via disruptions in maternal lipid homeostasis. Using a translationally relevant sheep model of gestational testosterone (T) excess that manifests maternal hyperinsulinemia, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and adverse offspring cardiometabolic outcomes, we tested if gestational T excess disrupts maternal lipidome. Dimensionality reduction models following shotgun lipidomics of gestational day 127.1 ± 5.3 (term 147 days) plasma revealed clear differences between control and T-treated sheep. Lipid signatures of gestational T-treated sheep included higher phosphoinositides (PI 36:2, 39:4) and lower acylcarnitines (CAR 16:0, 18:0, 18:1), phosphatidylcholines (PC 38:4, 40:5) and fatty acids (linoleic, arachidonic, Oleic). Gestational T excess activated phosphatidylethanolamines (PE) and PI biosynthesis. The reduction in key fatty acids may underlie IUGR and activated PI for the maternal hyperinsulinemia evidenced in this model. Maternal circulatory lipids contributing to adverse cardiometabolic outcomes are modifiable by dietary interventions.

Gestational hyperandrogenism is a risk factor for adverse maternal and offspring outcomes with effects likely mediated in part via disruptions in maternal lipid homeostasis. Using a translationally relevant sheep model of gestational testosterone (T) excess that manifests maternal hyperinsulinemia, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and adverse offspring cardiometabolic outcomes, we tested if gestational T excess disrupts maternal lipidome. Dimensionality reduction models following shotgun lipidomics of gestational day 127.1 ± 5.3 (term 147 days) plasma revealed clear differences between control and T-treated sheep. Lipid signatures of gestational T-treated sheep included higher phosphoinositides (PI 36:2, 39:4) and lower acylcarnitines (CAR 16:0, 18:0, 18:1), phosphatidylcholines (PC 38:4, 40:5) and fatty acids (linoleic, arachidonic, Oleic). Gestational T excess activated phosphatidylethanolamines (PE) and PI biosynthesis. The reduction in key fatty acids may underlie IUGR and activated PI for the maternal hyperinsulinemia evidenced in this model. Maternal circulatory lipids contributing to adverse cardiometabolic outcomes are modifiable by dietary interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salicornia ramosissima, commonly known as glasswort or sea asparagus, is a halophyte plant cultivated for human consumption that is often referred to as a sea vegetable rich in health-promoting n-3 fatty acids (FAs). Yet, the effect of abiotic conditions, such as salinity and temperature, on the FA profile of S. ramosissima remains largely unknown. These factors can potentially shape its nutritional composition and yield unique fatty acid signatures that can reveal its geographical origin. In this context, samples of S. ramosissima were collected from four different locations along the coastline of mainland Portugal and their FAs were profiled through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The lipid extracts displayed a high content of essential FAs, such as 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3. In addition to an epoxide fatty acid exclusively identified in samples from the Mondego estuary, the relative abundance of FAs varied between origin sites, revealing that FA profiles can be used as site-specific lipid fingerprints. This study highlights the role of abiotic conditions on the nutritional profile of S. ramosissima and establishes FA profiling as a potential avenue to trace the geographic origin of this halophyte plant. Overall, the present approach can make origin certification possible, safeguard quality, and enhance consumers' trust in novel foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main function of exocrine Meibomian glands (MGs) is to produce a lipid-rich secretion called meibum which plays a critical role in maintaining the ocular surface homeostasis of humans and most mammals. The chemical composition of meibum, and its quantity produced by MGs, largely determine whether it can fulfill its role successfully. Aging was frequently associated with the onset of various MG-related pathologies. The goal of this study was to determine how aging affects the chemical composition and quantity of meibum in mice, and identify possible molecular markers of aging. Unbiased, untargeted and targeted lipidomic evaluation of mouse MG lipids was conducted using liquid chromatography—high-resolution mass spectrometry, and the results were analyzed using Principal Component, Orthogonal Projections to Latent Structures Discriminant, and Partial Least Square Discriminant Analyses. We found that aging leads to dysregulation of lipid metabolism in MGs, changing the ratios of major classes of MG lipids (such as wax esters, triacylglycerols, and phospholipids) in a progressive manner. Several lipid species that belong to these groups of MG lipids are proposed as clear markers of aging in a mouse model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundConditions in utero influence intrauterine and postnatal infant growth and a few studies indicate that maternal inflammation and insulin resistance might affect birth and breastfeeding outcomes. Furthermore, hormones in human milk (HM) may influence infant appetite-regulation and thereby milk intake, but the associations are less understood.Objective(1) To investigate associations between maternal inflammatory, lipid and metabolic markers and birth and breastfeeding outcomes, and (2) to assess predictors of maternal inflammatory, lipid and metabolic markers in pregnancy.MethodsSeventy-one mother-infant dyads participating in the Mothers, Infants and Lactation Quality (MILQ) study were included in the present study. Fasting blood samples were collected around 28th gestational week, and HM samples at three time points from 1.0 to 8.5 months, where milk intake was assessed using 24-h test weighing. Maternal plasma inflammatory, lipid and metabolic markers included high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor-necrosis factor-α (TNFα), interferon-γ (IFNγ), Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, high-, low-, and very-low-density lipoprotein (HDL, LDL, VLDL), total-cholesterol, triglycerides, leptin, adiponectin, insulin, C-peptide, the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and glucose concentration at t = 120 min following an oral glucose tolerance test. Of these, TNFα, IFNγ, IL-6, IL-8, leptin, adiponectin and insulin were also measured in HM samples.ResultsHDL in pregnancy was inversely associated with gestational age (GA) at birth and GA-adjusted birthweight z-score, whereas triglycerides and glucose (t = 120) were positively associated with GA-adjusted birthweight z-score. Higher hs-CRP, VLDL and triglycerides were associated with a higher placental weight. Furthermore, higher HDL, insulin, leptin and HOMA-IR were associated with longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). Higher pre-pregnancy BMI was the main predictor of higher levels of hs-CRP, log-TNFα, leptin, insulin, C-peptide, and HOMA-IR.ConclusionMaternal lipid and metabolic markers influenced birthweight z-score and placental weight as well as duration of EBF. Furthermore, pre-pregnancy BMI and maternal age predicted levels of several inflammatory and metabolic markers during pregnancy. Our findings indicate that maternal lipid and metabolic profiles in pregnancy may influence fetal growth and breastfeeding, possibly explained by overweight and/or higher placental weight.Clinical trial registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier NCT03254329.

Copyright of Karya Journal of Health Science is the property of Karya Journal of Health Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Salicornia ramosissima, commonly known as glasswort or sea asparagus, is a halophyte plant cultivated for human consumption that is often referred to as a sea vegetable rich in health-promoting n-3 fatty acids (FAs). Yet, the effect of abiotic conditions, such as salinity and temperature, on the FA profile of S. ramosissima remains largely unknown. These factors can potentially shape its nutritional composition and yield unique fatty acid signatures that can reveal its geographical origin. In this context, samples of S. ramosissima were collected from four different locations along the coastline of mainland Portugal and their FAs were profiled through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The lipid extracts displayed a high content of essential FAs, such as 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3. In addition to an epoxide fatty acid exclusively identified in samples from the Mondego estuary, the relative abundance of FAs varied between origin sites, revealing that FA profiles can be used as site-specific lipid fingerprints. This study highlights the role of abiotic conditions on the nutritional profile of S. ramosissima and establishes FA profiling as a potential avenue to trace the geographic origin of this halophyte plant. Overall, the present approach can make origin certification possible, safeguard quality, and enhance consumers’ trust in novel foods.

Adrenal incidentalomas are associated with unfavorable cardiometabolic prognosis, irrespective of their hormonal status. Although metabolic syndrome is most often associated with functioning adrenal adenomas, it seems that non-functioning incidentalomas and subclinical Cushing’s syndrome are also associated with increased frequency of certain cardiometabolic risk factors such as impaired glucose tolerance, hypertension, atherogenic dyslipidemia, diffuse and visceral obesity, hyperuricemia, increased thrombogenicity, systemic inflammation and subclinical atherosclerosis. The majority of these factors are components of metabolic syndrome. The aim of the present study was to explore the change in lipid markers in patients with inactive adrenal adenomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and overweight/obesity is increased in bipolar disorder (BD) compared to the general population and is related to suicidality. The aim of this study was to examine the association between both the rate of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts and metabolic variables in individuals with BD.Methods: Anthropometric measures, socio-demographic data, suicide history and serum lipid levels were measured in 215 individuals with BD. Individuals were divided into normal weight, overweight and obese according to their body mass index (BMI), and metabolic syndrome was assessed using "The International Diabetes Federation"-criteria.Results: Of the 215 individuals studied, 80.9% reported suicidal ideation, 35.3% reported at least one suicide attempt and 30.7% were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Both metabolic syndrome and BMI were not related to suicide attempts. However, individuals with normal weight had more suicidal ideation than overweight individuals, while obese individuals did not differ from either group. Furthermore, there was no association between suicide attempts or suicidal ideation and serum lipid levels.Limitations: The cross-sectional design of the study, a non-standardized questionnaire for suicidality, and not controlling the medication intake are limiting factors.Conclusion: Contrary to expectations, a difference was found in the BMI categories and suicidal ideation, but not suicide attempts. Serum lipid levels were found to be unsuitable as possible biomarkers for suicidality in individuals with BD. Special attention should be paid to suicidal ideation and BMI rather than metabolic syndrome or lipid values when treating suicidal individuals with BD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This meta-analysis investigates the association between testosterone replacement therapy [TRT] and carotid artery atherosclerosis. Methods: 3 databases were searched for studies up to June 2023 per the PRISMA guidelines. The eligibility criteria comprised RCTs and observational studies involving hypogonadal males receiving exogenous testosterone, in which CIMT was assessed. CAA was the primary outcome, whereas secondary outcomes included HDL, LDL, CRP, total cholesterol and total testosterone. The statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager. Results: Statistical analysis revealed no association between TRT and assessed outcomes. There was a significant increase in total testosterone levels, depicting indirect anti-atherosclerotic effects of TRT. Conclusion: Meta-analysis shows no relation between TRT and CIMT or other markers, allowing its safe usage for hypogonadal males.

Objective. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is considered to be the main cause of morbidity and mortality in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF), an important pro-inflammatory cytokine, has a multivalent role in the pathogenesis of RA. It is also responsible for the glucose metabolism related alterations and for the increased levels of serum lipids found in these patients. We aimed to evaluate the effects of TNF inhibitors on lipid and glucose metabolism in patients with active RA. Methods. We performed a prospective study in 117 consecutive patients with active RA undergoing periodic treatment with TNF inhibitors – Adalimumab (ADA), Etanercept (ETA), Infliximab (IFX) –, combined with conventional synthetic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), according to the national recommendations for the treatment of RA. At the time of the enrollment, all patients were assessed according to a predefined protocol including demographics and RA-related parameters (inflammatory syndrome, disease activity, medication) as well as metabolic biomarkers such as total cholesterol (TC), HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG) and serum glucose level. Statistical analysis was performed in STATA 12/SE software, p

Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have emerged as therapeutic tools for a wide range of pathological conditions. Yet, the still existing deficits regarding MSC phenotype characterization and the resulting heterogeneity of MSC used in different preclinical and clinical studies hamper the translational success. In search for novel MSC characterization approaches to complement the traditional trilineage differentiation and immunophenotyping assays reliably across species and culture conditions, this study explored the applicability of lipid phenotyping for MSC characterization and discrimination. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), human fibroblasts, and human and equine adipose-derived MSC were used to compare different mesodermal cell types and MSC from different species. For MSC, cells cultured in different conditions, including medium supplementation with either fetal bovine serum or platelet lysate as well as culture on collagen-coated dishes, were additionally investigated. After cell harvest, lipids were extracted by chloroform/methanol according to Bligh and Dyer. The lipid profiles were analysed by an untargeted approach using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) with a reversed phase column and an ion trap mass spectrometer. In all samples, phospholipids and sphingomyelins were found, while other lipids were not detected with the current approach. The phospholipids included different species of phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI) and phosphatidylserine (PS) in all cell types, whereas phosphatidylglycerol (PG) species were only present in MSC. MSC from both species showed a higher phospholipid species diversity than PBMC and fibroblasts. Few differences were found between MSC from different culture conditions, except that human MSC cultured with platelet lysate exhibited a unique phenotype in that they exclusively featured PE O-40:4, PG 38:6 and PG 40:6. In search for specific and inclusive candidate MSC lipid markers, we identified PE O-36:3 and PG 40:7 as potentially suitable markers across culture conditions, at which PE O-36:3 might even be used across species. On that basis, phospholipid phenotyping is a highly promising approach for MSC characterization, which might condone some heterogeneity within the MSC while still achieving a clear discrimination even from fibroblasts. Particularly the presence or absence of PG might emerge as a decisive criterion for future MSC characterization.

The coronary slow-flow (CSF) phenomenon is a condition characterized by delayed coronary opacification during diagnostic angiography without the presence of epicardial coronary artery disease. This mini-review explores various emerging predictors and biomarkers associated with CSF, aiming to address the potential diagnostic tools. A comprehensive analysis of recent studies has investigated different biomarkers, including growth differentiation factor 15, galectin 3, microRNA (miRNA)-22, miRNA-155, interleukin 34, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, long non-coding RNA, plasma choline, adropin, and lipid markers non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)/HDL-C ratio to enhance understanding and predict CSF. Additionally, we have summarizes the major findings and significant limitations observed in various studies on CSF biomarkers. The implications of these findings suggest significant advancements in personalized treatment strategies and improved prognostic outcomes for patients exhibiting CSF., Competing Interests: All the authors declare no conflict of interest.

In the Iberian Peninsula, illegal harvesting and mislabeling of geographic origin of goose barnacle (Pollicipes pollicipes) poses serious socio-economic risks, including food safety issues, product depreciation, and depletion of natural stocks. In the present study, we assess the fatty acid (FA) profiles of two soft tissues (the edible peduncle and the adductor muscle) of P. pollicipes originating from six locations over the Atlantic NW and W Iberian coasts of mainland Portugal to demonstrate their suitability to confirm the geographic origin of this species and shed light on the nutritional value of the edible peduncle. Random forest models exhibited high accuracy in allocating samples to their original location (91.7% for the edible peduncle and 86.7% for the adductor muscle). Moreover, the edible peduncle possessed a high nutritional quality, as revealed by the following indices: fish lipid quality (FLQ, %): 44.3–53.6; atherogenic index (AI): 0.32–0.48; thrombogenic index (TI): 0.14–0.20; and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (HH): 2.65–4.64. Overall, the traceability approach employed in the present work can assist in the fight against illegal harvesting and the mislabeling of P. pollicipes geographic origin, thus contributing to the added value of this nutritious bioresource, along with its conservation and sustainable management in the Iberian Peninsula and elsewhere. • Illegal harvesting of P. pollicipes from the Iberian Peninsula has been reported. • Fatty acid (FA) profiles of P. pollicipes tissues were assessed. • Harvesting locations of P. pollicipes were confirmed based on FA profiles. • The edible peduncle of P. pollicipes exhibits high nutritional quality. • This will assist fisheries managers and inform consumers about nutritional value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is one of the leading non-communicable disorders, leading to various complications viz. cardiovascular diseases, retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy and peripheral vascular disorders. Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) patients further develop into End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and they have to undergo the repeated blood transfusions, increasing the social and economic burden. The number of risk factors are known for causation of diabetic nephropathy including the environmental, biochemical as well as genetic factors. The association of nephropathy with various genes has been proved. Aim and Objectives: In the present study we attempted to check the association of Insertion/Deletion (I/D) polymorphism of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) in diabetic patients with and without nephropathy and also with the biochemical markers. Material and Methods: Each group consisted of 110 individuals viz. diabetics with and without nephropathy and age and gender matched healthy controls. Results: The determination of I/D polymorphism by polymerase chain reaction revealed the significant increased 'D' allele frequencies in patients of diabetes with and without nephropathy than the controls, while no significant difference was noted in genotype frequencies. The odds ratios for this polymorphism were calculated to be 1.84 and 2.41 for DM and DN respectively in comparison with the healthy controls. The regression analysis indicated I/D polymorphism is associated positively with all the lipid parameters, except High Density Lipoprotein- Cholesterol (HDL-C) which was negatively associated with the polymorphism. The levels of lipid parameters were also significantly increased in patients of diabetes with and without nephropathy carriers for 'D' allele than the patients having 'I' allele, while the level of HDL-C was significantly decreased. Conclusion: The conclusion can be made from these results that, the presence of I/D polymorphism of ACE may increase the risk of development of nephropathy in general population, with the role of 'D' allele in its causation, along with its effect on the biochemical markers.

Preeclampsia-eclampsia syndrome (PES) is associated with severe obstetric complications and there are no efficient methods available for an early detection. We studied blood concentration of some immunological and metabolic markers in association with obstetric outcome in healthy pregnant women and patients with obstetric risk factors, by ELISA and biochemical tests. Patients with complications showed higher levels of CRP and C4 positively correlated with Triglycerides and Cholesterol concentrations. Our results provide evidence that Immunological and metabolic alterations contribute to obstetric complications and that biomarkers linked to these alterations could be useful for an early detection of these problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allostatic load, or the physiological dysregulation accumulated due to senescence and stress, is an established predictor of human morbidity and mortality and has been proposed as a tool for monitoring health and welfare in captive wildlife. It is estimated by combining biomarkers from multiple somatic systems into allostatic load indices (ALIs), providing a score representing overall physiological dysregulation. Such ALIs have been shown to predict disease and mortality risk in western lowland gorillas. In these prior analyses, we were unable to include lipid markers, a potential limitation as they are key biomarkers in human models. Recently, we were able to assay serum cholesterol and triglycerides and add them to our previous ALI. We then re-examined associations with health outcomes using binomial generalized linear models. We constructed ALIs using 2 pooling strategies and 2 methods. By itself, a 1-unit increase in allostatic load was associated with higher odds of all-cause morbidity and mortality, but results were mixed for cardiac disease. However, the best fit models for all-cause morbidity and cardiac disease included only age and sex. Allostatic load was retained alongside age in the best fit models for mortality, with a 1-unit increase associated with 23% to 45% higher odds of death. Compared with previous results, ALIs containing cholesterol and triglycerides better predict disease risk in zoo-housed western lowland gorillas, as evidenced by larger effect sizes for some models and better goodness of fit for all ALIs. Based on these results, we address methodology for future allostatic load research on wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total lipidome of a symbiotic Zoantharia Palythoa sp., the first representative of the order Zoanthidea (Anthozoa: Hexacorallia), was studied to develop lipidomics of marine organisms. The structures and contents of 145 molecular neutral and polar lipids were established using LC-MS. Lipidomes of Zoantharia, hydrocorals, and reef-building and soft corals were compared. Fatty-acid distributions in Zoantharia lipids were determined. Molecular types of glycolipids and the betaine lipid of symbiotic microalgae of this animal organism were characterized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Patients receiving the omega-3 + statin regimen were associated with a statistically significant decrease in the incidence of MI compared to their counterparts receiving a placebo + statin. • Analysis revealed a significant decrease in the occurrence of angina and hospitalization due to unstable angina in patients taking the omega-3 + statin regimen. • Total cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels considerably dropped in omega-3 + statin regimen patients. • Inflammation in patients receiving the combination therapy as their serum hsCRP also decreased. • Patients getting the omega-3 + statin regimen were associated with a statistically significant decrease in lipid volume index compared to their counterparts receiving placebo + statin. Clinical guidelines recommend statin use in patients with a vast array of cardiovascular disturbances. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding the concomitant use of omega-3 fatty acids in addition to statins. This meta-analysis aims to uncover the complete effects of this combination therapy on cardiovascular outcomes, lipid biomarkers, inflammatory markers, and plaque markers. A detailed literature search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane, and MEDLINE databases, and all the relevant studies found up to September 2023 were included. The primary outcomes assessed in this meta-analysis was 1) Composite of fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction, 2) Composite of fatal and non-fatal stroke, 3) Coronary revascularization, 4) Death due to cardiovascular causes, 5) MACE (Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events), 6) Unstable angina, 7) Hospitalization due to unstable angina, 8) and lipid volume index. Secondary outcomes included lipid markers, hsCRP, EPA levels, and EPA/AA ratio. 14 RCTs were included, featuring a total of 40,991 patients. Patients receiving the omega-3 + statin regimen were associated with a statistically significant decrease in the incidence of MI, MACE, unstable angina, hospitalization due to unstable angina, Total cholesterol levels, triglycerides, hsCRP, and lipid volume index in comparison to their counterparts receiving placebo + statin (P < 0.05). In contrast, our analysis found no statistically significant difference in the incidence of fatal and non-fatal stroke, coronary revascularization, and cardiovascular mortality. Our research reinforces that all patients, regardless of their cardiovascular health, may benefit from adding omega-3 fatty acids to their statin therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is one of the leading non-communicable disorders, leading to various complications viz. cardiovascular diseases, retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy and peripheral vascular disorders. Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) patients further develop into End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and they have to undergo the repeated blood transfusions, increasing the social and economic burden. The number of risk factors are known for causation of diabetic nephropathy including the environmental, biochemical as well as genetic factors. The association of nephropathy with various genes has been proved. Aim and Objectives: In the present study we attempted to check the association of Insertion/Deletion (I/D) polymorphism of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) in diabetic patients with and without nephropathy and also with the biochemical markers. Material and Methods: Each group consisted of 110 individuals viz. diabetics with and without nephropathy and age and gender matched healthy controls. Results: The determination of I/D polymorphism by polymerase chain reaction revealed the significant increased 'D' allele frequencies in patients of diabetes with and without nephropathy than the controls, while no significant difference was noted in genotype frequencies. The odds ratios for this polymorphism were calculated to be 1.84 and 2.41 for DM and DN respectively in comparison with the healthy controls. The regression analysis indicated I/D polymorphism is associated positively with all the lipid parameters, except High Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol (HDL-C) which was negatively associated with the polymorphism. The levels of lipid parameters were also significantly increased in patients of diabetes with and without nephropathy carriers for 'D' allele than the patients having 'I' allele, while the level of HDL-C was significantly decreased. Conclusion: The conclusion can be made from these results that, the presence of I/D polymorphism of ACE may increase the risk of development of nephropathy in general population, with the role of 'D' allele in its causation, along with its effect on the biochemical markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is considered to be the main cause of morbidity and mortality in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF), an important pro-inflammatory cytokine, has a multivalent role in the pathogenesis of RA. It is also responsible for the glucose metabolism related alterations and for the increased levels of serum lipids found in these patients. We aimed to evaluate the effects of TNF inhibitors on lipid and glucose metabolism in patients with active RA. Methods. We performed a prospective study in 117 consecutive patients with active RA undergoing periodic treatment with TNF inhibitors - Adalimumab (ADA), Etanercept (ETA), Infliximab (IFX) -, combined with conventional synthetic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), according to the national recommendations for the treatment of RA. At the time of the enrollment, all patients were assessed according to a predefined protocol including demographics and RA-related parameters (inflammatory syndrome, disease activity, medication) as well as metabolic biomarkers such as total cholesterol (TC), HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG) and serum glucose level. Statistical analysis was performed in STATA 12/SE software, p<0.05. Results. We demonstrated a significant decrease in TC, TG and fasting glucose levels, particularly in patients treated with ADA and ETA (p<0.05). Moreover, we noticed a significant correlation between the mean levels of lipid and glucose and inflammatory parameters (ESR and CRP), but not with DAS28-CRP. The same strong correlation was demonstrated between the decrease of TC and TG values (ΔTC and ΔTG, respectively) and the decrease of CRP and ESR values (ΔCRP and ΔESR, respectively), that is not maintained with DAS28-CRP score. Conclusions. TNF inhibitors, particularly ADA and ETA are able to decrease serum levels of both lipid and glucose metabolism in patients with active RA in long-term administration, indirectly modulating the cardio-vascular risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) and 10-year first fatal/nonfatal cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in apparently healthy men and women was evaluated. The ATTICA prospective study was conducted during 2001-2012 and included n = 1514 men and n = 1528 women (age >18 years) from the greater Athens area, Greece. Follow-up CVD assessment (2011-2012) was achieved in n = 2020 participants (n = 317 cases); baseline Lp(a) was measured in n = 1890 participants. The recommended threshold of 50 mg/dL was used to define abnormal Lp(a) status. Ten-year CVD-event rate was 14% and 24% in participants with Lp(a) <50 and Lp(a) ≥50 mg/dL, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that participants with Lp(a) ≥50 mg/dL versus Lp(a) <50 mg/dL had about 2 times higher CVD risk (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11, 4.28). The sex-based analysis revealed that the independent Lp(a) effect was retained only in men (HR = 2.00, 95% CI 1.19, 2.56); in women, significance was lost after adjusting for lipid markers. Sensitivity analyses revealed that Lp(a) increased CVD risk only in case of abnormal high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1, and triglycerides as well as low adherence to Mediterranean diet. Certain patient characteristics may be relevant when considering Lp(a) as a therapeutic or risk-prediction target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing significantly due to high amounts of fat and fructose in the diet. Phytochemicals present in herbal plants and nutrients present in food play vital roles in the management of NAFLD. One of these is trans-cinnamic acid (TCA). We are evaluate the role of TCA in NAFLD induced by a high-fat, high-fructose diet., Methodology: Rats fed a high-fat, high-fructose (HFHF) diet for ten weeks exhibited distinct signs of NAFLD. Rats were given TCA (10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, and 40 mg/kg) and pioglitazone (10 mg/kg) for four weeks along with a HFHF diet. At the end, body weight, food intake, liver, lipid measurements, TNF-α, antioxidants, and histopathology were evaluated., Results: TCA significantly decreased serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase in rats. Serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipid levels were substantially decreased in TCA-treated rats compared to diseased controls. Superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and malondialdehyde were significantly decreased in rats treated with a high dose of TCA (40 mg/kg) compared to HFFD-fed rats. HFFD-fed rats exhibited fatty liver alterations, whereas rats treated with TCA exhibited significantly fewer morphologic changes associated with fatty liver disease. TCA at a high dose exhibited decreased TNF-α levels, thereby decreasing hepatic inflammation., Conclusion: TCA proved its role in the treatment of NAFLD by substantially reducing liver enzymes, pro-inflammatory markers (TNF-α), and lipid markers. Inclusion of TCA as a therapeutic regimen alongside diet-based treatment undoubtedly has therapeutic potential in NAFLD and related diseases., Competing Interests: None., (AJTR Copyright © 2023.)

Background: Conditions in utero influence intrauterine and postnatal infant growth and a few studies indicate that maternal inflammation and insulin resistance might affect birth and breastfeeding outcomes. Furthermore, hormones in human milk (HM) may influence infant appetite-regulation and thereby milk intake, but the associations are less understood., Objective: (1) To investigate associations between maternal inflammatory, lipid and metabolic markers and birth and breastfeeding outcomes, and (2) to assess predictors of maternal inflammatory, lipid and metabolic markers in pregnancy., Methods: Seventy-one mother-infant dyads participating in the Mothers, Infants and Lactation Quality (MILQ) study were included in the present study. Fasting blood samples were collected around 28th gestational week, and HM samples at three time points from 1.0 to 8.5 months, where milk intake was assessed using 24-h test weighing. Maternal plasma inflammatory, lipid and metabolic markers included high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor-necrosis factor-α (TNFα), interferon-γ (IFNγ), Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, high-, low-, and very-low-density lipoprotein (HDL, LDL, VLDL), total-cholesterol, triglycerides, leptin, adiponectin, insulin, C-peptide, the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and glucose concentration at t = 120 min following an oral glucose tolerance test. Of these, TNFα, IFNγ, IL-6, IL-8, leptin, adiponectin and insulin were also measured in HM samples., Results: HDL in pregnancy was inversely associated with gestational age (GA) at birth and GA-adjusted birthweight z-score, whereas triglycerides and glucose ( t = 120) were positively associated with GA-adjusted birthweight z-score. Higher hs-CRP, VLDL and triglycerides were associated with a higher placental weight. Furthermore, higher HDL, insulin, leptin and HOMA-IR were associated with longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). Higher pre-pregnancy BMI was the main predictor of higher levels of hs-CRP, log-TNFα, leptin, insulin, C-peptide, and HOMA-IR., Conclusion: Maternal lipid and metabolic markers influenced birthweight z-score and placental weight as well as duration of EBF. Furthermore, pre-pregnancy BMI and maternal age predicted levels of several inflammatory and metabolic markers during pregnancy. Our findings indicate that maternal lipid and metabolic profiles in pregnancy may influence fetal growth and breastfeeding, possibly explained by overweight and/or higher placental weight., Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier NCT03254329., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Christensen, Rom, Greve, Lewis, Frøkiær, Allen, Mølgaard, Renault and Michaelsen.)

The rapid development of lipidomics of human and higher animals stimulated the study of the lipidome of certain groups of marine organisms. Soft corals are an integral part of the tropical and cold-water ecosystems of the World Ocean, but there is almost no data on the lipidome of these animals. The total lipidome of a tropical soft coral Sinularia siaesensis (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Octocorallia: Alcionacea) containing intracellular symbiotic microalgae (zooxanthellae) was studied by gas and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The structure and content of 144 molecular species of the main classes of acyl lipids of this alcyonaria were determined, including waxes, triglycerides (TG), monoalkyldiacylglycerides (MADAG), ethanolamine, choline, serine, and inositol glycerophospholipids (PE, PC, PS, and PI), ceramide aminoethylphosphonate (CAEP), sulfoquinovosyldiacylglyceride (SQDG), and mono- and digalactosyldiacylglycerides (MGDG and DGDG). The main components of S. siaesensis lipids were waxes 16:0/16:0, 16:0/18:0, and 18:0/16:0; TG 16:0/16:0/16:0 and 16:2/16:0/16:0; MADAG 18:0e/16:0/16:0, 16:0e/16:0/18:0, and 16:0e/16:0/16:0; and PS 18:0e/24:5, lyso-PC 18:0e, PE 18:1e/20:4, PC 18:0e/20:4, CAEP 18:2b/16:0, SQDG 14:0/16:0, and PI 18:0/24:5. The dominance of saturated waxes in reserve lipids is a species-specific feature of tropical alcyonarians. Waxes are synthesized in the host organism, and zooxanthellae can increase the proportion of saturated waxes by transferring saturated fatty acids (FA). The residues of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) are found in the molecules of TG and MADAG, mainly in the sn-1 and sn-2 positions, respectively. Detection of MADAG with residues of marker FA of zooxanthellae (18:0e/18:3/16:0, 18:0e/18:4/16:0, and 16:0e/18:3/16:0) confirms the transfer of PUFA from the symbionts to the host. Tetracosapolyenoic FA, which is a chemotaxonomic markers of octocorals, are concentrated in molecular species of PS and PI. Most molecular species of PE, PC, and PS are in alkylacyl form, while for PI molecules, a diacyl form is characteristic. A significant proportion of MGDG, DGDG, and SQDG points to the importance of zooxanthellae in the formation of the lipid profile of symbiotic soft corals. Determination of the profile of lipid molecular species requires the development of a lipidomic approach in the study of biochemistry and ecology of corals and other cnidarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to identify the potential existence of spatio-temporal variability in the fatty acid (FA) profile of the adductor muscle (AM) of a commercially important bivalve, the common cockle Cerastoderma edule , and determine if such variability can be used to trace their geographic origin post-harvesting. Common cockles were sampled in eight ecosystems along the coast of mainland Portugal, as well as in two different channels within one of those ecosystems over two consecutive years. Results showed significant differences in FA profiles among ecosystems, namely due to different levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5 n -3), arachidonic acid (20:4 n -6), ratio of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) n -3/ n -6, monounsaturated FA (MUFA; 18:1 n -9 and 20:1 n -9/11) and bacterial FA (15:0, 17:0 and 18:1 n -7). FA profiles also displayed significant differences between two consecutive years in channels from the same ecosystem. Overall, while the FA profile displayed by the AM of C. edule can be successfully used to trace their geographic origin, the existence of temporal variability requires a periodical verification of FA signatures to identify potential shifts, namely when comparing specimens from the same ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has regulatory effects on lipid and glucose metabolism. Differences in DHA availability during specific developmental windows may program metabolic changes.Objective: We investigated the effects of maternal DHA supplementation during pregnancy on the nonfasting serum lipid and glucose concentrations of offspring at 4 y of age.Methods: We used data from the Prenatal Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation, Growth, and Development trial, a double-blind randomized controlled trial conducted in Mexico. Pregnant women were supplemented daily with 400 mg DHA or placebo from 18-22 wk of gestation to delivery. The primary outcomes of the trial were offspring growth and neurological development. Nonfasting blood samples were obtained from the offspring at 4 y of age. We analyzed serum total, HDL, non-HDL, and LDL cholesterol; the total-to-HDL cholesterol ratio; apolipoprotein B (apoB); triglycerides; glucose; and insulin as secondary outcomes and compared their concentrations between treatment groups.Results: Data from 524 offspring were available. The women were compliant with the intervention based on pill counts and changes in cord blood and breast milk DHA concentrations. None of the between-group differences (DHA compared with placebo), adjusted for maternal height and time since last food intake, were significant (P range 0.27-0.83). Means (95% CIs) were as follows: total cholesterol (TC), 1.73 mg/dL (-2.63, 6.09 mg/dL); HDL cholesterol, 0.66 mg/dL (-1.07, 2.39 mg/dL); non-HDL cholesterol, 1.77 mg/dL (-1.83, 5.37 mg/dL); LDL cholesterol, 1.62 mg/dL (-2.21, 5.45 mg/dL); TC:HDL ratio, 0.01 (-0.09, 0.11); apoB, -0.15 mg/dL (-2.78, 2.48 mg/dL); triglycerides, 0.21 mg/dL (-10.93, 10.52 mg/dL); glucose, -0.67 mg/dL (-2.46, 1.11 mg/dL); and insulin, 0.62 μU/mL (-0.88, 2.11 μU/mL).Conclusion: Prenatal DHA supplementation does not affect nonfasting serum lipid and glucose concentrations of offspring at 4 y of age. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00646360. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apoptotic cell death may play a critical role in a variety of cardiovascular diseases, especially in those developing on the basis of atherosclerosis. The goal of this study was to compare the activity of caspase-3 in different forms of ischemic heart disease and to correlate caspase-3 activity with inflammatory and lipid markers as well as risk factors. This enzyme activity was determined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of 30 patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP), 27 with unstable angina (USAP), 39 with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and 27 healthy volunteers by a colorimetric commercially available ELISA method. In the SAP group caspase-3 activity was 0.093±0.036 μmol/mg protein, in patients with STEMI it was 0.110±0.062 μmol/mg protein, and both values were insignificantly higher in comparison with controls (0.092±0.022 μmol/mg protein). In PBMC of USAP patients caspase-3 activity (0.122±0.062 μmol/mg protein) was significantly higher (p

Blood lipid (total cholesterol (CH), triglycerides, low and high-density lipoprotein CH (LDL-CH, HDL-CH), lipoprotein (a)) and non-lipid (high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), homocysteine, interleukins (IL) beta, 6, and 8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), metalloproteinase (MP) 3 and 9) were measured in 96 Novosibirsk men, aged 42–70 years, with angiography-confirmed coronary atherosclerosis and Functional Class II-IV stable effort angina, but without acute coronary syndrome. More than 70% of the patients demonstrated an increase in blood levels of total CH, LDL-CH, hsCRP, homocysteine, IL-6, IL-8, and especially MP-9 (elevated in 100% of the men examined).

Lipids are the key substrates for volatile compound (VOC) formation; although meat lipid profiles vary across species, not much is known about differences in meat VOCs. Herein we analyzed and compared lipid and VOC profiles of donkey, bovine, and sheep meat by UHPLC–ESI–MS and SPME–GC–MS. In total, 1,157 lipids belonging to 16 subclasses were identified [19.62% triglyceride (TG), 30.34% phosphatidylcholine, and 18.67% phosphatidylethanolamine]. Further, 97 differential lipids were screened, and three [e.g., PC(12:0/24:4), PC(O-18:2/20:5), and PC(O-18:2/22:6)] were identified as potential markers to distinguish between different meats. Thirteen characteristic VOCs were found, including heptanal, 1-octen-3-ol, ethyl acetate, and 1-hexanol, and there was a negative correlation with 21 screened phospholipid markers. To summarize, lipid and VOC profiles appear to be species dependent; moreover, differences in flavor are related to the profile of fatty acids in lipids. Our results should support future studies on meat aroma. • Phospholipids were the characteristic lipid in meat samples. • Alkanes and alcohols were the predominant volatile compounds in meat samples. • Phospholipids seem vital for generating volatile compounds. • Lipids and volatile compounds in meat are species dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing evidence suggests that decreased functional connectivity in cortical networks precedes clinical stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD), although our knowledge about cerebral and biological correlates of this phenomenon is limited. To shed light on this issue, we have investigated whether resting-state oscillatory connectivity patterns in healthy older (HO) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) subjects are related to anatomical grey matter (GM) and functional (2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy- d-glucose (FDG)-PET) changes of neuroelectric sources of alpha rhythms, and/or to changes in plasma amyloid-beta (Aβ) and serum lipid levels, blood markers tied to AD pathogenesis and aging-related cognitive decline. We found that aMCI subjects showed decreased levels of cortical connectivity, reduced FDG-PET intake of the precuneus, and GM atrophy of the thalamus, together with higher levels of Aβ and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) compared to HO. Interestingly, levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were positively correlated with the strength of neural-phase coupling in aMCI subjects, and increased triglycerides accompanied bilateral GM loss in the precuneus of aMCI subjects. Together, these findings provide peripheral blood correlates of reduced resting-state cortical connectivity in aMCI, supported by anatomo-functional changes in cerebral sources of alpha rhythms. This framework constitutes an integrated approach to assess functional changes in cortical networks through neuroimaging and peripheral blood markers during early stages of neurodegeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aegerolysin protein family (from aegerolysin of the mushroom Agrocybe aegerita) comprises proteins of ∼15-20 kDa from various eukaryotic and bacterial taxa. Aegerolysins are inconsistently distributed among fungal species, and variable numbers of homologs have been reported for species within the same genus. As such noncore proteins, without a member of a protein family in each of the sequenced fungi, they can give insight into different species-specific processes. Some aegerolysins have been reported to be hemolytically active against mammalian erythrocytes. However, some function as bi-component proteins that have membrane activity in concert with another protein that contains a membrane attack complex/perforin domain. The function of most of aegerolysins is unknown, although some have been suggested to have a role in development of the organism. Potential biotechnological applications of aegerolysins are already evident, despite the limited scientific knowledge available at present. Some mushroom aegerolysins, for example, can be used as markers to detect and label specific membrane lipids. Others can be used as biomarkers of fungal exposure, where their genes can serve as targets for detection of fungi and their progression during infectious diseases. Antibodies against aegerolysins can also be raised as immuno-diagnostic tools. Aegerolysins have been shown to serve as a species determination tool for fungal phytopathogen isolates in terms of some closely related species, where commonly used internal transcribed spacer barcoding has failed. Moreover, strong promoters that regulate aegerolysin genes can promote secretion of heterologous proteins from fungi and have been successfully applied in simultaneous multi-gene expression techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background and aims: Normal weight obesity (NWO) is defined as an excessive body fat associated with a normal body mass index (BMI) and has been associated with early inflammation, but its relationship with cardiovascular risk factors await investigation. Methods and results: Cross-sectional study including 3213 women and 2912 men aged 35–75 years to assess the clinical characteristics of NWO in Lausanne, Switzerland. Body fat was assessed by bioimpedance. NWO was defined as a BMI<25kg/m2 and a % body fat>=66th gender-specific percentiles. The prevalence of NWO was 5.4% in women and less than 3% in men, so the analysis was restricted to women. NWO women had a higher % of body fat than overweight women. After adjusting for age, smoking, educational level, physical activity and alcohol consumption, NWO women had higher blood pressure and lipid levels and a higher prevalence of dyslipidaemia (odds-ratio=1.90 [1.34–2.68]) and fasting hyperglycaemia (odds-ratio=1.63 [1.10–2.42]) than lean women, whereas no differences were found between NWO and overweight women. Conversely, no differences were found between NWO and lean women regarding levels of CRP, adiponectin and liver markers (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and gamma glutamyl transferase). Using other definitions of NWO led to similar conclusions, albeit some differences were no longer significant. Conclusion: NWO is almost nonexistent in men. Women with NWO present with higher cardiovascular risk factors than lean women, while no differences were found for liver or inflammatory markers. Specific screening of NWO might be necessary in order to implement cardiovascular prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physicochemical conditions, composition of microbial communities, and the rates of anaerobic processes in the deep sand horizons used as a repository for liquid radioactive wastes (LRW) at the Siberian Chemical Combine (Seversk, Tomsk oblast), were studied. Formation waters from the observation wells drilled into the horizons used for the radioactive waste disposal were found to be inhabited by microorganisms of different physiological groups, including aerobic organotrophs, anaerobic fermentative, denitrifying, sulfate-reducing, and methanogenic bacteria. The density of microbial population, as determined by cultural methods, was low and usually did not exceed 104 cells/ml. Enrichment cultures of microorganisms producing gases (hydrogen, methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide) and capable of participation in the precipitation of metal sulfides were obtained from the waters of the disposal site. The contemporary processes of sulfate reduction and methanogenesis were assayed; the rates of these terminal processes of organic matter destruction were found to be low. The denitrifying bacteria from the deep repository were capable of reducing the nitrates contained in the wastes, provided sources of energy and biogenic elements were available. Biosorption of radionuclides by the biomass of aerobic bacteria isolated from groundwater was demonstrated. The results obtained give us insight into the functional structure of the microbial community inhabiting the waters of repository horizons. This study indicates that the numbers and activity of microbial cells are low both inside and outside the zone of radioactive waste dispersion, in spite of the long period of waste discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effectiveness of semiquantitative pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py–GC–MS) as a rapid analytical technique for sourcing continental organic matter (OM) in marine sediments was examined by comparison with classical GC–MS analyses of solvent extractable lipid markers. Py–GC–MS was directly applied to HCl/HF de-ashed surface sediment samples collected in five stations located in north western Adriatic Sea. The resulting pyrolysates were characterised by compounds indicative of different biological precursors (e.g. proteins, carbohydrates, chlorophylls), including lignin methoxyphenols diagnostic for continental inputs. The relative abundance of pyrolytic markers was compared to the distribution of n-alkanes, n-alkanols and sterols extracted from the same sediments and determined by GC–MS analyses. For each class of molecular indicators, the terrigenous to aquatic ratio (TAR) was determined as follows: relative abundance of methoxyphenol/protein markers (TARPY), concentration ratios of (C27+C29+C31)/(C15+C17+C19) n-alkanes (TARHC), (C26+C28+C30)/(C14+C16) n-alkanols (TARAL) and sitosterol/cholesterol (TARST). A positive correlation was found between TARPY and both TARHC and TARAL indicating a decreasing contribution of land-plant-derived materials seaward in two investigated transects. TARST values displayed a different trend suggesting a mixed origin for sitosterol. The distribution of TARPY values was also in good agreement with that of atomic C/N ratios. Considering the complexity of environmental systems (diagenetic alteration, different fractions of OM analysed) the obtained results indicate that the pyrolytic marker approach by Py–GC–MS is valuable for sourcing marine OM on a semiquantitative base, providing data consistent with GC–MS determinations of lipid markers and elemental bulk analyses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Within the framework of the European project EROS 21, a biogeochemical study of particles transported from the Danube Delta to the Northwestern Black Sea whose carbon cycle is dominated by riverine inputs was carried out in spring off the Sulina branch of the Danube Delta. The distribution of particulate organic carbon (POC), chlorophyll a (Chl a), C/N, and δ13C evidenced an omnipresent contribution of terrestrial organic matter throughout the study area together with a dilution of these inputs by freshwater and marine organisms. Four lipid series, n-alkanoic acids, n-alkanes, n-alkanols, and sterols were analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Several signature compounds were selected to delineate dispersion of terrestrial organic carbon: (1) long-chain n-alkanoic acids in the range C24–C34, long-chain n-alkanes in the range C25–C35, long-chain n-alkanols in the range C22–C30, 24-ethylcholesta-5,22-dien-3β-ol (29Δ5,22) and 24-ethylcholesterol (29Δ5) for vascular plant-derived material and (2) coprostanol (27Δ0,5β) for faecal contamination associated with sewage effluents. A marked decrease was observed between the concentrations of different vascular plant markers characterizing the two end members: riverine at salinity 0.3 and marine at salinity 15.5. The decrease observed for marine/riverine end members (expressed as a function of organic carbon) varied in a large range, from 4% for n-alkanes to 18.6%, 20.4% and 24% for n-fatty acids, n-alkanols and sterols, respectively. These values reflect a combination of various processes: size-selective particle sedimentation, resuspension of different particle pools of different sizes and ages, and/or selective biological utilization. The multi-marker approach also suggested the liberation in the mixing zone of terrestrial moieties, tightly trapped in macromolecular structures of the riverine material. The greatest decrease for marine/riverine end members was observed for coprostanol (0.9%), underlining the efficiency of the mixing zone as a sink for sewage-derived carbon. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]