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Long and very long chain fatty alcohols are produced from their corresponding acyl-CoAs through the activity of fatty acyl reductases (FARs). Fatty alcohols are important components of the cuticle that protects aerial plant organs, and they are metabolic intermediates in the synthesis of the wax esters in the hull of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seeds. Genes encoding 4 different FARs (named HaFAR2, HaFAR3, HaFAR4 and HaFAR5) were identified using BLAST, and studies showed that four of the genes were expressed in seed hulls. In this study, the structure and location of sunflower FAR proteins were determined. They were also expressed exogenously in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to evaluate their substrate specificity based on the fatty alcohols synthesized by the transformed yeasts. Three of the four enzymes tested showed activity in yeast. HaFAR3 produced C18, C20 and C22 saturated alcohols, whereas HaFAR4 and HaFAR5 produced C24 and C26 saturated alcohols. The involvement of these genes in the synthesis of sunflower seed wax esters was addressed by considering the results obtained.

ATP citrate lyase (ACLY) inhibitors have the potential of modulating central processes in protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism, which can have relevant physiological consequences in aging and age-related diseases. Here, we show that hepatic phospho-active ACLY correlates with overweight and Model for End-stage Liver Disease score in humans. Wild-type mice treated chronically with the ACLY inhibitor potassium hydroxycitrate exhibited delayed early mortality. In AML12 hepatocyte cultures, the ACLY inhibitors potassium hydroxycitrate, SB-204990, and bempedoic acid fostered lipid accumulation, which was also observed in the liver of healthy-fed mice treated with potassium hydroxycitrate. Analysis of soleus tissue indicated that potassium hydroxycitrate produced the modulation of wound healing processes. In vivo, potassium hydroxycitrate modulated locomotor function toward increased wire hang performance and reduced rotarod performance in healthy-fed mice, and improved locomotion in mice exposed to cardiotoxin-induced muscle atrophy. Our findings implicate ACLY and ACLY inhibitors in different aspects of aging and muscle regeneration.

Mineral fertilizers are widely used in conventional agriculture to boost crop yield. However, their overuse can lead to inefficient nutrient use by plants, causing environmental issues like nutrient losses and water pollution. Recently, there has been a growing interest in using chars, such as biochar or hydrochar (HC), as sustainable alternatives to traditional fertilizers for enhancing plant growth. Yet, exploring the potential toxic impact of these materials on soil and plants is an area that requires further investigation. Similarly, assessing their fertilizing capacity requires studies beyond plant biomass analysis. For this reason, the present study focuses on evaluating the impact of applying HC derived from chicken manure on the use efficiency of some of the most important macronutrients for sunflower plants (Helianthus annuus L.). Additionally, it was studied under both well-irrigated and drought conditions to understand the performance of the plants under two different irrigation scenarios. For this purpose, a greenhouse soil pot experiment lasting for 77 days was conducted. HC was administered to a soil at application rates of 3.25 and 6.5 t ha-1 (HC-3.23 and HC-6.5). Comparative mineral fertilizer treatments (NPK) with equivalent total nitrogen contributions as the amendment were incorporated for evaluation. Under both irrigation conditions, soils treated with HC-6.5 demonstrated significantly increased total plant and seed biomass yields in comparison to untreated soils, but no significant differences were observed compared to the mineral fertilizer counterpart. When parameters related to nutrient use efficiency were analyzed, HC-6.5 treatment under both irrigation conditions exhibited the highest values in S uptake efficiency. Interestingly, regarding K, plants treated with HC-6.5 showed two strategies of use efficiency depending on the irrigation condition. While under well-irrigated conditions, these plants demonstrated a higher K uptake efficiency

In recent decades, the potential use of chars, such as biochar or hydrochar, as soil amendments to enhance plant growth, has garnered significant interest. However, understanding potential toxic impact of these materials on soil and plants remains an area requiring further exploration. In this study, the effect of applying hydrochar (HC) derived from chicken manure on the yield and nutritional quality of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seeds was assessed under both wellirrigated and water deficit (WD) conditions. To address it, the HC was applied to a Cambisol at rates of 3.25 and 6.5 t ha-1. Mineral fertilizer treatments with equivalent total nitrogen contributions as the amendment were included for comparison. Sunflower plants were cultivated in pots under two irrigations conditions (60 and 30% of the soil water holding capacity). After 77 days of cultivation, the plants were harvested, and the content of macro- and micronutrients, heavy metals in both seeds and leaves, as well as the seed fatty acid composition, were analyzed. Additionally, soil nutrient contents were assessed post-experiment. Initially, HC application did not cause a noticeable change in soil nutrient composition. However, both HC applications demonstrated high productivity under well-irrigated conditions. Likewise, under WD conditions, the best yields were achieved with a HC dose of 6.5 t ha-1. Conversely, the composition of the different fatty acids in the seed oil remained unaffected by the treatments and irrigation conditions. Nonetheless, seed nutrient content was notably affected, particularly in plants treated with 6.5 t ha-1. Under well-irrigated conditions, the seeds of these plants exhibited decreased K and P levels, along with higher levels of toxic elements and heavy metals such as Al, Ba, Cd, Pb, and Sr. Under WD conditions, the impact of the treatment on heavy metals contents was less pronounced, but there was a marked reduction of seed macronutrient content (Ca, K, Mg, P and S).

The circadian clock plays a critical role in regulating plant physiology and metabolism. However, the way in which the clock impacts the regulation of lipid biosynthesis in seeds is partially understood. In the present study, we characterized the seed fatty acid (FA) and glycerolipid (GL) compositions of pseudo-response regulator mutants. Among these mutants, toc1 (timing of cab expression 1) exhibited the most significant differences compared to control plants. These included an increase in total FA content, characterized by elevated levels of linolenic acid (18:3) along with a reduction in linoleic acid (18:2). Furthermore, our findings revealed that toc1 developing seeds showed increased expression of genes related to FA metabolism. Our results show a connection between TOC1 and lipid metabolism in Arabidopsis seeds.

Long and very long chain fatty alcohols are produced from their corresponding acyl-CoAs through the activity of fatty acyl reductases (FARs). Fatty alcohols are important components of the cuticle that protects aerial plant organs, and they are metabolic intermediates in the synthesis of the wax esters in the hull of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seeds. Genes encoding 4 different FARs (named HaFAR2, HaFAR3, HaFAR4 and HaFAR5) were identified using BLAST, and studies showed that four of the genes were expressed in seed hulls. In this study, the structure and location of sunflower FAR proteins were determined. They were also expressed exogenously in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to evaluate their substrate specificity based on the fatty alcohols synthesized by the transformed yeasts. Three of the four enzymes tested showed activity in yeast. HaFAR3 produced C18, C20 and C22 saturated alcohols, whereas HaFAR4 and HaFAR5 produced C24 and C26 saturated alcohols. The involvement of these genes in the synthesis of sunflower seed wax esters was addressed by considering the results obtained.

Climate change is threatening ecosystem functioning and sustainability worldwide. In silvopastoral systems, ongoing warmer and drier conditions could impact productivity and quality of pastures (in terms of protein content and digestibility), with important economic consequences. However, the extent to which climate change could alter other nutritional traits with a potential role in livestock nutrition and production, such as essential fatty acids and amino acids, is a question that remains poorly known. We designed a field manipulative experiment of increased temperature (+2–3 °C) and rainfall exclusion (−30%) aimed to evaluate the influence of forecasted climate variations on the yield and nutritional composition of pastures (i.e. proteins, lipids, fibers, amino acids, fatty acids and digestibility) in a Mediterranean silvopastoral system. To test whether scattered trees typical of these ecosystems could buffer the effects of higher aridity, experimental plots were installed under trees and in open grasslands. First, we found that plant communities under tree canopies were less productive but exhibited higher quality than those located in open grasslands, likely due to the shade and higher soil fertility provided by trees. Both climatic stressors had a significant influence on pasture productivity and nutritional composition. Thus, pastures subjected to rainfall reduction produced less biomass with higher content in nitrogen, proteins, essential amino acids and lipids, likely as a mechanism of plant tolerance to water stress. In contrast, warming increased plant productivity and enhanced the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, likely mediated by alterations in plant community composition. Finally, our results suggest that trees might slow the impact of climate change on productivity and specific amino acids in pasture. These results could be also applied for the design of management strategies to ensure the ecologic and economic value of silvopastoral ecosyste

The objective of the present study was to analyse the fruit yield and the lipid and phenolic composition of the seeds from the edible halophyte Crithmum maritimum growing in different types of soil with variable physicochemical properties. Seed oil content ranged between 8.39–11.66 % and showed high nutritional value, and the phenolic composition (423−603 mg TPC 100 g−1) presented high levels of quercetin-type compounds with high pharmaceutical interest. The strong conservation of these traits, together with a high and stable fruit production, suggests that C. maritimum could be cultivated in soils with no agronomical relevance to produce seeds as an accessible and environmentally friendly source of good quality oil and phenolics for industrial purposes. © 2022 Elsevier Inc.

Crithmum maritimum L. is an edible halophyte with large potential in human nutrition field. However, it is unclear whether its nutritional value is maintained throughout the contrasting habitats where it commonly grows (cliffs, sandy and rocky beaches) and the nutritional profile of cultivated plants still remains uncertain. In this work, we provided for the first time a comparison of the nutritional profile of C. maritimum across its different type of habitats in the south of Spain and between wild plants and plant material under optimal growing conditions. The protein, amino acids, lipids, fatty acids, minerals composition and phenolic content of plants were analysed. Plants under field conditions exhibited a nutritionally balanced composition (3.8–6.2 g protein/100 g DW, 4.9–7.5 mg lipids/g WW, 3.9–5.0 g Na/100 g DW), with high phenolic content (30.2–48.0 mg/g DW) regardless of the variability of the contrasting habitats. In contrast, under optimal conditions, C. maritimum showed a greater protein and lipid content (10.2 g/100 g DW and 9.6 mg/g WW, respectively), and lower sodium accumulation (1.2 g/100 g DW), allowing a greater consumption of this halophyte without exceeding the daily intake recommendations. Conversely, phenolics were strongly decreased in these plants (6.1 mg/g DW) likely due to the absence of stress factors. © 2021 Elsevier Inc.

Oil fractionation processes typically involve the crystallization of the most saturated triacylglycerols to facilitate the separation of the liquid phase. However, the fractionation of new high stearic oils derived from sunflower (HOHS) is not as efficient as that of tropical fats. In the present work we studied the effect of enzymatic inter esterification (EIE) on the HOHS sunflower oil fractionation. EIE altered the properties and melting point of the HOHS oil, so it eased fractionation allowing operation at lower temperatures (8 °C). These fractionations produced stearins with high saturated fatty acid contents at higher yields than the non-EIE oil (28.3% vs 18.7%). The melting profile of the stearins were also characterized. EIE stearins displayed broader melting profiles with higher crystallization onsets (from 26.3 °C to 34 °C). Fractionations proved to be reproducible at pilot plant scale. The resulting stearins exhibited a solid content of 30% at 20 °C and displayed solidification curves similar to palm-based filling fats. The results indicate that changes in fatty acid distribution in the TAG backbone critically affect TAG crystallization, which was faster and more reproducible, not requiring prior dewaxing and seeding. Moreover, the fractionation products differed, yielding stearins with higher levels of solids.

Biodiesel can be prepared through the transmethylation of vegetable oils with short chained alcohols. The most common oils used as the starting material are edible oils, such as those extracted from palm or rapeseed. However, there is interest in producing biodiesel independently of food stock. Common castor is a non-edible oil crop that yields oil rich seeds with a high hydroxylated fatty acid content but that are not particularly appropriate for biodiesel formulation. The OLE1 castor mutant produces oils rich in oleic acid, with minor amounts of hydroxylated ricinoleic. Here, this trait was transferred to the IAS-RC-127 germplasm, which was cultivated as a perennial plant that yields seeds rich in oil, which could easily be extracted and transmethylated in a reaction with methanolic KOH. The resulting methyl esters comply with most of the requirements to be used as biodiesel, comparable to biofuels prepared from other high oleic oils.

The high level of consumption of processed foods has an effect on human health. The consumption of doughnuts, pastries, fried chicken, French fried potatoes, snack chips, and imitation cheese is high among teenagers. These foods are generally rich in fats, although the focus has often been on the quantity rather than the quality of these fats. These products often contain saturated and trans fatty acids, which have adverse effects on triglycerides and cholesterol levels and raise lipoprotein(a) levels in plasma. These modifications are associated with the risk of developing certain health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. It is important to note that not all fats have this negative effect on health. Dietary fats are an essential part that cannot be substituted for a healthy diet. A diet rich in healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, has an important benefit in human health. For this reason, it is crucial to read, identify, and interpret food labels in processed food to identify the presence of saturated or trans fats and choose healthier alternatives. Therefore, in this workshop, students in the first year of baccalaureate extracted oils and fats from a range of processed foods, quantifying and characterizing their nature by analyzing their fatty acid composition by gas chromatography. Subsequently, students compared their results according to the information given on the food package label and the literature. Finally, the students gave a talk on the work done in the laboratory and the knowledge gained from the students in lower grades, third and fourth years of high school, to raise awareness among these students.

Hydrothermal technologies are considered promising for producing valuable products like hydrochar from renewable biomass waste. Hydrochar (HC), acting as a hopeful substitute for current commercial fertilizers, has the potential to serve as a soil amendment, improving soil quality, microbial activity, and crop production. However, our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of hydrochar biogeochemical processes and their effects on planted soils is still challenging. Additionally, there is limited knowledge about the effects under deficit irrigation conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the interaction between treated soil, plants, and microorganisms on soil organic matter (SOM), soil nutrients, microbial activity, plant growth, and irrigation management in soils.

Climate change, with its increasing temperaturas and prolonged drought events, poses pressing challenges for agricultura, food security and the environment. To address these concerns, alternative agricultural practices are needed, including sustainable fertilization methods and improved water use efficiency. Promoting the circular economy and environmental sustainability, hydrothermal carbonization offers a promising solution by converting biomass waste into hidrochar (HC), a carbon-rich soil amendment with the potential to serve as a substitute form traditional fertilizers and enhance water management in agriculture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of HC as an alternative fertilizer and investigate its impact on plant productivity and water status under two different irrigation conditions.

Climate change, with its increasing temperaturas and prolonged drought events, poses pressing challenges for agricultura, food security and the environment. To address these concerns, alternative agricultural practices are needed, including sustainable fertilization methods and improved water use efficiency. Promoting the circular economy and environmental sustainability, hydrothermal carbonization offers a promising solution by converting biomass waste into hidrochar (HC), a carbon-rich soil amendment with the potential to serve as a substitute form traditional fertilizers and enhance water management in agriculture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of HC as an alternative fertilizer and investigate its impact on plant productivity and water status under two different irrigation conditions.

Hydrothermal technologies are considered promising for producing valuable products like hydrochar from renewable biomass waste. Hydrochar (HC), acting as a hopeful substitute for current commercial fertilizers, has the potential to serve as a soil amendment, improving soil quality, microbial activity, and crop production. However, our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of hydrochar biogeochemical processes and their effects on planted soils is still challenging. Additionally, there is limited knowledge about the effects under deficit irrigation conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the interaction between treated soil, plants, and microorganisms on soil organic matter (SOM), soil nutrients, microbial activity, plant growth, and irrigation management in soils.