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Previous studies have mainly focused on the effects of individual fatty acids on depressive symptoms, while the combined effect of fatty acids on the risk of depressive symptoms has not yet been extensively reported. This study evaluate the associations between individual and multiple fatty acids with depressive symptoms in U.S. adults. Data sets were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2018 cycles. Both males and females aged above 18 years with complete information about dietary fatty acids intake, depression symptoms, and covariates were included. Weighted linear regression models were conducted to evaluate the relationships between individual fatty acid intake and depressive symptoms, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were utilized to explore the corresponding dose-response relationships. Additionally, we implemented the weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression and quantile g-computation (QGC) models to estimate the mixed effects of 19 fatty acids and identify the predominant types. After multivariable adjustments, an increase of one unit in Linoleic acid (LA), Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA), Arachidonic acid (AA), Docosapentaenoic acid(DPA), Docosahexaenoic acid(DHA), was associated with a decrease in depressive scores by −0.021 (95 % CI: −0.039,-0.003, p = 0.021),-0.028 (95 % CI: −0.045,-0.011, p = 0.002),-0.026 (95 % CI: −0.044,-0.008, p = 0.005), −0.026 (95 % CI: −0.042,-0.009, p = 0.003), and − 0.022 (95 % CI: −0.041,-0.003, p = 0.022), respectively. However, a per unit increase in Hexanoic acid and Octanoic acid was associated with an increase in depressive scores of 0.020 (95 % CI: 0.002,0.038, p = 0.029) and 0.026 (95 % CI: 0.004,0.048, p = 0.020), respectively. Meanwhile, significant dose-response relationships were supported by the RCS models. As for the mixed effects, both WQS and QGC models demonstrated that the mixture of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was inversely related to depressive symptoms, and ALA and DPA were the most critical contributors. DHA was negatively correlated with depressive symptoms in WQS analysis, but positively correlated with depressive symptoms in QGC analysis. The cross-sectional design limits our ability to establish causality, and 24-hour dietary recall can lead to potential inaccuracies reflecting participants' true eating habits. Our study suggests that the single effects of each PUFA were inversely associated with depressive symptoms, except for octadecatetraenoic acid. Moreover, higher combined intake of dietary PUFAs is inversely associated with depressive symptoms in U.S. adults. Among the mixed effects of PUFAs, ALA and DPA may play predominant roles. However, DHA mixed with other fatty acids may have different effects on depressive symptoms, and further study is needed. • For single effects, almost the intake of all PUFAs were inversely associated with depressive symptoms, and significant dose-response relationships were fond. • Higher combined intake of dietary PUFAs is inversely associated with depression symptoms in U.S. adults, and ALA and DPA may play predominant roles. • DHA mixed with other fatty acids may have different effects on depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract\nNOVELTY STATEMENTIn this study, three microalgae species were cultivated using dairy and fish wastewater: Haematococcus pluvialis, Coelastrella saipanensis, and Chlorella sp. The process involved manipulating various physicochemical conditions, to determine optimal growth parameters. Our evaluation considered cell count, biomass productivity, specific growth rate, pigments, carbohydrates, proteins, lipid compositions, and cellulose stored in microalgae. A significant observation of highest cellulose accumulation was recorded in C. saipanensis cultivated in dairy waste (DW) medium (2.54 ± 0.042 µg/mg). In contrast, the species grown in fish waste (FW) media recorded a lower level (0.9405 ± 0.06 µg/mg) of cellulose. In DW, H. pluvialis and C. saipanensis accumulated substantial amounts of astaxanthin and carotenoid, respectively. Carbohydrate, protein, and lipid accumulation was maximized in DW culture, with H. pluvialis exhibiting a more incredible carbohydrate content. Lipid analysis showed as Chlorella sp. was capable of accumulating alpha-linolenic acid. The disparity may be attributed to DW’s nutritional and mineral content, which encourages cellulose deposition. The FTIR analysis confirmed the accumulation of cellulose. These findings underscore the potential of DW and FW media as valuable resources for microalgal biofuel and ethanol production, offering a hopeful future for sustainable energy production.The comparative analysis of microalgae cultivated in DW and FW water reveals distinct carbon sequestration patterns and bio-capture potential, observed from this study. In fact, this study identified C. saipanensis, which thrives exceptionally well in DW water and accumulate cellulose, a unique finding that pave the way on further research in this species on bioenery sequestration. By confirming the feasibility of bioproducts harvesting through compound analysis, this study highlights the potential of DW and FW as cheap nutrient resources for microalgae biomass generation, paving the way to bioremediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjectives: Reports of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-related liver injury have increased over recent years; however, identifying susceptibility-related components and biomarkers remains challenging due to the heterogeneous nature of TCM and idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (IDILI). Psoraleae Fructus (PF) and Epimedii Folium (EF), commonly found in TCM prescriptions, have been implicated in IDILI, but their constituents and underlying mechanisms are poorly understood.Methods: In this study, we identified bavachin (Bav) and icariin (Ica) as susceptibility components for IDILI in PF and EF using a TNF-α-mediated mouse model. Lipidomics and transcriptomics were used to investigate their related mechanism.Results: Liver biochemistry and histopathology analyses revealed that co-exposure to Bav, Ica, and a non-toxic dose of TNF-α prestimulation induced significant liver injury, while Bav and Ica alone did not. Lipidomics identified seven differentially abundant metabolites in the Bav/Ica/TNF-α group compared to the Ica/TNF-α or Bav/TNF-α groups, mainly enriched in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), arachidonic acid (AA), and linoleic acid (LA) metabolic pathways. Additionally, transcriptomics revealed 49 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the Bav/TNF-α vs Bav/Ica/TNF-α and Ica/TNF-α vs Bav/Ica/TNF-α groups, primarily associated with the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and sphingolipid metabolism. Integrative lipidomics and transcriptomics analyses identified significant positive correlations between five differential metabolites (DMs) – PC (O-16:0_14:1), PG (22:1_20:3), PI (16:0_14:1), PS (18:0_19:2), and TG (17:0_18:2_22:5) – and ten DEGs – Nr0b2, Btbd19, Btg2, Fam222a, Fam83f, Gtse1, Anln, Gja4, Srrm4, and Zfp13.Conslusions: Collectively, these results suggest that alterations in intracellular metabolism and gene expression levels may contribute to the synergistic induction of IDILI by the incompatible pair Bav and Ica in the presence of TNF-α. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Higher alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) intake is associated with lower colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. • There is an interaction between ALA intake and MUC4 rs2246901 variant to CRC risk. • Koreans with AA/CA genotype of MUC4 rs2246901 and higher ALA intake may have a reduced CRC risk. Alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3n-3 [ALA]) intake may have a beneficial effect in reducing cancer risk; however, its association with colorectal cancer (CRC) risk remains conflicted. Additionally, ALA was emphasized as being associated with mucins, an important glycoproteins family within the intestine. Thus, we hypothesized that a higher dietary ALA intake may reduce the risk of CRC and this preventive effect has an interaction with mucin 4 (MUC4) rs2246901. We conducted a case-control study at the National Cancer Center in Korea, involving 1039 cases and 1982 controls, aiming to determine the interaction of the MUC4 rs2246901 polymorphism and ALA intake in CRC risk. Dietary ALA intake was collected via semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (SQFFQ), categorizing by 4 quartiles. We evaluated the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) through unconditional logistic regression models. Higher dietary ALA intake was found to be inversely associated with CRC risk (adjusted OR = 0.58; 95% CI, 0.45–0.75, P for trend <.001). No significant association between MUC4 rs2246901 polymorphism and CRC risk was found. In a recessive model, MUC4 rs2246901 seemed to modify this association; participants with at least 1 major allele and higher ALA intake had a significantly lower CRC risk than those who had a lower intake (adjusted OR = 0.56; 95% CI, 0.43–0.72; P interaction =.047). A higher dietary ALA was proposed as a potential protective nutrient against CRC. Moreover, this association might be influenced by presence of the MUC4 rs2246901 polymorphism. This case-control study examined the association between dietary ALA and CRC risk among the Korean population and whether this association was affected by MUC4 rs2246901. We conducted a case-control study at the National Cancer Center in Korea, involving 1039 cases and 1982 controls. The findings indicate that a higher intake of ALA may lower CRC risk. In addition, MUC4 rs2246901 seemed to modify this association; participants with at least 1 major allele and higher ALA intake had a significantly lower CRC risk than those who had a lower intake. Abbreviations: ALA, alpha-linolenic acid; CRC, colorectal cancer; MUC4, mucin 4; OR, odds ratio. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Overlapping clinical manifestations of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and IBS-like symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD-IBS) present challenges in diagnosis and management. Both conditions are associated with alterations in metabolites, but few studies have described the lipid profiles. Our aim was to pinpoint specific lipids that contribute to the pathogenesis of IBS and IBD-IBS by analyzing multiple biologic samples. Methods: Diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) patients (n = 39), ulcerative colitis in remission with IBS-like symptoms patients (UCR-IBS) (n = 21), and healthy volunteers (n = 35) were recruited. IBS-D patients meet the Rome IV diagnostic criteria, and UCR-IBS patients matched mayo scores ≤ two points and Rome IV diagnostic criteria. Serum, feces, and mucosa were collected for further analysis. Lipid extraction was carried out by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS). Results: Lipidomics of mucosa and serum samples significantly differed among the three groups. Feces showed the most altered lipid species, and the enrichment analysis of 347 differentially abundant metabolites via KEGG pathway analysis revealed that alpha-linolenic acid metabolism was significantly altered in the two groups (P < 0.01). The ratio of omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid were imbalance in serum samples. Conclusions: This study revealed a comprehensive lipid composition pattern between IBS-D patients and UCR-IBS patients. We found several distinctive lipids involved in alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, reflecting an imbalance in the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio. Compared to mucosa and serum samples, fecal samples might have more advantages in lipidomics studies due to the convenience of sample collection and effectiveness in reflecting metabolic information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated Portulaca oleracea (purslane) as a potential antioxidant supplement in cooked sausages, focusing on its effects on lipid oxidation, fatty acid composition, and antioxidant activity. The fatty acid profile of the sausages enriched with 1.2% purslane powder revealed a 1.3-fold increase in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid. Improved oxidative stability during refrigerated storage was observed, with peroxide values of 10.9 meq/kg in the sausages with purslane by day 10 compared with 12.5 meq/kg in the control sausages. The thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values, reflecting lipid peroxidation, were also significantly lower in the sausages with purslane. The antioxidant capacity of the sausages containing purslane was significantly enhanced, demonstrating a ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of 13.5 mg GAE/g, whereas the control sausages showed undetectable FRAP levels. Additionally, the DPPH radical-scavenging activity in the sausages with purslane was 21.70% compared with 13.73% in the control. These findings suggest that purslane improves the nutritional profile of meat products by increasing beneficial fatty acids while providing substantial protection against oxidative spoilage. Purslane offers a promising natural alternative to synthetic antioxidants, enhancing the shelf life and quality of processed meats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean oil is one of the most widely produced and consumed vegetable oils globally. Known for its rich fatty acid composition, including linoleic, oleic, and alpha-linolenic acids, soybean oil offers substantial nutritional and health benefits. It is not only a dietary staple but also a versatile component in industrial and biomedical applications. This review paper offers a comprehensive discussion on the emerging role of functionalized soybean oil (SO) in the development of sustainable polymers for tissue engineering (TE) and drug delivery systems (DDS). Plant oils, particularly soybean oil, offer significant environmental benefits, making them an excellent substitute for petroleum-based polymers and biomedical applications due to their biodegradability and low ecological footprint. Despite the burgeoning potential of soybean oil-derived polymers in revolutionizing natural-based biomaterials, there is a critical need for an in-depth review to thoroughly comprehend their capabilities and steer forthcoming innovations.This review aims to address the scientific gap by offering a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in the biomedical application of soybean oil derivatives. The impact of this paper lies in its systematic collation of research on the design, fabrication, and utility of soybean oil-derived biomaterials, highlighting their significance in various medical applications, including therapeutic patches, wound care, and scaffolding in regenerative medicine. The review suggests future research directions and sets the stage for future innovations in soybean oil-based biomaterials, positioning these materials as crucial components in the pursuit of sustainable and effective biomedical solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context While the association between n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and cardiovascular (CV) events has been thoroughly examined, there is still a scarcity of research regarding their effect on the long-term prognosis in diabetic patients. Objective We aimed to explore the effects of n-3 PUFA on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with pre-diabetes and diabetes. Method Herein, a total of 16 539 eligible individuals were enrolled from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003 to 2018, and categorized into T1, T2, and T3 based on the tertiles of n-3 PUFA. The Cox proportional risk regression models, Kaplan-Meier curve, and subgroup analysis were conducted to evaluate the association between n-3 PUFA and mortality. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves graphically demonstrated the dose-response relationship. Additionally, weighted quantile sum (WQS) models were adopted to measure the mixed and individual effects of n-3 PUFA on mortality. Results Following a median follow-up period of 8.42 years, 3010 individuals died, with 989 deaths attributed to CV diseases. Significantly lower risk of all-cause (T2: 0.81 [0.71-0.92], T3: 0.77 [0.64-0.94]) and CV (T2: 0.75 [0.61-0.93]) mortality was observed after adjusting for multivariables compared to the reference (T1). Meanwhile, the RCS curve revealed a negative nonlinear association between n-3 PUFA and mortality. None of the interactions in any subgroup analysis were statistically significant except for BMI (P for interaction =.049). Finally, the WQS analysis demonstrated alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) as the main contributors to n-3 PUFAs' benefits against mortality. Conclusion Increased dietary intake of n-3 PUFAs, particularly ALA and DPA, was associated with a reduced risk of all-cause and CV mortality among Americans with prediabetes and diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rice ECQ (eating and cooking quality) is an important determinant of rice consumption and market expansion. Therefore, improvement of ECQ is one of the primary goals in rice breeding. However, ECQ-related quantitative trait loci (QTL) have not yet been fully revealed. The present study aimed to identify a major effect QTL for rice taste, an important component of ECQ via genotyping-by-sequencing, to reveal the associated molecular mechanisms, and to predict key candidate genes. Results: A population of F9 recombinant inbred lines resulting from a cross between R668 (national standard of high-quality third class) and R838 (common edible rice) was used to construct a high-density genetic map (2,295.062 cM). The map comprises 639,504 markers distributed on 12 linkage elements with an average genetic distance of 0.004 cM. We detected a major taste-related QTL, qECQ8, which explained 41.4% of phenotypic variance and had LOD values of 4.42–7.73. Using a five-generation NIL population from the backcross of "Ganxiangzhan No. 1" carrying qECQ8 with the recurrent parent R838 (without qECQ8), we narrowed qECQ8 to a 187.5 kb interval between markers M33 and M37 on Chr8. Comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed that photosynthesis, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms, and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism were induced in developing seeds of lines containing qECQ8. Furthermore, we identified two candidate genes in the qECQ8 region, including LOC_Os08g30550 (zinc knuckle family protein), a major candidate for genetic-assisted breeding of high-quality rice. Conclusion: Our findings provide important genetic resources for targeted improvement of rice taste quality and may facilitate the genetic breeding of rice ECQ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The addition of wine lees to diets can make up for the deficiencies caused by traditional forages in beef cattle farming. However, the effects of different wine lees ratios on average daily weight, gastrointestinal microbial community structure and metabolites in Guanling crossbred cattle have been rarely studied. This study assessed the effects of feeds containing wine lees on weight gain, gastrointestinal microbial community structure, and metabolites in Guanling crossbred cattle and elucidated the metabolic responses induced by wine lees. Eighteen cows were randomly assigned to receive fed concentrate (C group), feed containing 15% wine lees (group A), or feed containing 30% wine lees (group B) for 60 days. Results: The average daily weight gain of group A and group B increased by 76.75% and 57.65%, respectively, compared with group C. Microbial community analysis showed that wine lees increased the abundance of Prevotella_1 in the rumen, decreased the abundance of Ruminococcaceae UCG 011 and Lachnospiraceae_FCS020_group in the rumen, and increased the abundance of Tyzzerella_4, Family_Xlll_AD3011_group, Granulicella, and Eisenbergiella in the cecum. Metabolomics analyses showed that wine lees decreased the concentrations of indole-3-ethanol in the rumen, and complexity cecal metabolism. Notably, linoleic acid metabolism was significantly enriched in both the rumen and cecum. Mantel test analyses indicated that the adverse effects of WL were reduced by stimulating the metabolism of linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, and tryptophan, and these changes were mediated by intestinal microorganisms. The Guanling cattle cecum was enriched for several unfavorable metabolic pathways when wine lees concentrations reached 30%, which increased the likelihood of intestinal lesions. Conclusion: This study shows that WL supplementation alters gut microbiota and metabolic pathways, improving cattle growth and health. Moderate WL levels (15%) enhance gut health and beneficial pathways (e.g., linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism). However, higher WL inclusion (30%) may activate adverse pathways, raising the risk of intestinal damage. To maximize benefits and minimize risks, WL levels should be carefully managed. Highlights: • Feeding wine lees(WL) increased average daily weight gain of Guanling crossbred cattle • Changes in the gut flora of Guanling crossbred cattle induced by feeding WL. • Excess WL (30%) increased the likelihood of intestinal lesions in Guanling crossbred cattle. • Guanling crossbred cattle are stimulated to reduce the adverse effects of WL by regulating the metabolism of linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid and tryptophan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveMethodsResultsConclusionOmega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play a crucial role in maintaining and improving cognitive function and brain health. The aim of this study was to assess the association between omega-3 PUFA intake and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults in Saudi Arabia.Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The frequency and quantity of omega-3 PUFA intake were assessed using an omega-3 food frequency questionnaire.A total of 175 participants were recruited for this study. Participants in the lowest omega-3 PUFA tertile group scored significantly lower in the visuospatial/executive and attention cognitive domains (p < 0.05). After adjusting for confounders, the higher intake of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) was significantly associated with higher scores in the visuospatial/executive domain (p = 0.02) and the higher intake of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was significantly associated with higher scores in the attention domain (p = 0.04). The participants who did not consume walnuts showed a significant lower MoCA score than those who did (p = 0.005). No significant differences were found with other omega-3 PUFA sources.Higher intake of omega-3 PUFAs was positively associated with visuospatial/executive and attention cognitive functions in middle-aged and older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Migraine is a severe neurological disorder that is recognized as one of the most common debilitating diseases worldwide. Although the exact cause of migraine is not known, research suggests that inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and insufficient nutrients may contribute to its development. Studies indicate that nutrition-based approaches are safer and more cost-effective strategies for managing migraine symptoms compared to medication. In this regard, the impact of nutrition, as a complementary medicine, is largely attributed to that of certain nutrients on inflammation and mitochondrial function. It is hypothesized that alpha-linolenic acid and L-carnitine, which possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, may be synergically beneficial for migraine patients. Therefore, this study will be conducted to assess the efficacy of alpha-linolenic acid and L-carnitine co-supplementation in patients with migraine. Methods: This is a parallel, randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, in which 80 women aged 20 to 50 years with migraine will be assigned to receive either intervention group (n = 40) receiving both 1000 mg/day flaxseed oil and 500 mg/day L-carnitine simultaneously for 12 weeks, or control group (n = 40) receiving both 1000 mg/day paraffin oil and 500 mg/day maltodextrin as the placebos for the same duration. The primary outcomes include changes in clinical symptoms of migraine, including frequency, severity, and duration of attacks, serum levels of C–reactive protein (CRP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Secondary outcomes include mental health, sleep quality, and quality of life (QOL). Discussion: In this study, we aim to investigate the potential benefits of combining alpha-linolenic acid and L-carnitine as a treatment option for migraine sufferers. Migraine, characterized by recurrent severe headaches, affects a significant portion of the population and can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. By studying alternative therapies such as alpha-linolenic acid and L-carnitine, researchers hope to expand the range of treatment options available and potentially provide relief to migraine sufferers. Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir) (ID: IRCT20121216011763N57). Registration date: 29 March 2023. Trial status: The protocol is version 1.0 dated December 30, 2023. Recruitment began on July 10, 2023, and is expected to be completed by January 22, 2024. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monascus species are capable of producing various active metabolites, including monacolin K (MK) and pigments. Studies have shown that the overexpression of the mok I gene from the MK synthesis gene cluster in Monascus species can significantly increase MK production; however, the molecular mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, this study focused on the mok I gene of Monascus pilosus to construct overexpression strains of the mok I gene, resulting in high-yield MK production. Sixteen positive transformants were obtained, seven of which produced 9.63% to 41.39% more MK than the original strain, with no citrinin detected in any of the transformants. The qRT-PCR results revealed that the expression levels of mok I in the transformed strains TI-13, TI-24, and TI-25 increased by more than 50% compared to the original strain at various fermentation times, with the highest increase being 10.9-fold. Furthermore, multi-omics techniques were used to analyze the molecular mechanisms underlying enhanced MK production in transformed strains. The results indicated that mok I overexpression may enhance MK synthesis in M. pilosus by regulating the expression of key genes (such as MAO, HPD, ACX, and PLC) and the synthesis levels of key metabolites (such as delta-tocopherol and alpha-linolenic acid) in pathways linked to the biosynthesis of cofactors, the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, tyrosine metabolism, ubiquinone and other terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. These findings provide a theoretical basis for further study of the metabolic regulation of MK in Monascus species and for effectively enhancing their MK production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) differ in aggressiveness, proliferation speed, metastasis propensity, and prognosis. Since tumor cells notably change lipid metabolism, especially phospholipids and fatty acids (FA), this study aimed to identify FA alterations in lung cancer tissues. We detected significant changes in lipid metabolism in both lung cancer types compared to healthy tissues (especially higher levels of pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid), and we pointed out differences in FA profiles in tissue between SCLC and NSCLC. Our findings can be useful for further research concerning molecular lung cancer therapies. Background: Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) differ in aggressiveness, proliferation speed, metastasis propensity, and prognosis. Since tumor cells notably change lipid metabolism, especially phospholipids and fatty acids (FA), this study aimed to identify FA alterations in lung cancer tissues. Methods: Our study included patients with newly diagnosed, histologically confirmed SCLC (n = 27) and NSCLC (n = 37). Samples were collected from both malignant and healthy tissues from each patient, providing they were within subject design. Results: In both NSCLC and SCLC tumor tissues, FA contents were shifted toward pro-inflammatory profiles, with increased levels of some individual n-6 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), particularly arachidonic acid, and elevated activity of Δ6 desaturase. Compared to healthy counterparts, lower levels of alpha-linolenic acid (18:3n-3) and total saturated FA (SFA) were found in NSCLC, while decreased levels of linoleic acid (18:2n-6) and all individual n-3 FA were found in SCLC tissue in comparison to the healthy tissue control. When mutually compared, SCLC tissue had higher levels of total SFA, especially stearic acid, while higher levels of linoleic acid, total PUFA, and n-3 and n-6 PUFA were detected in NSCLC. Estimated activities of Δ6 desaturase and elongase were higher in SCLC than in NSCLC. Conclusions: Our findings indicate a notable impairment of lipid metabolism in two types of lung cancer tissues. These type-specific alterations may be associated with differences in their progression and also point out different therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 is a hormone released by enteroendocrine L-cells after food ingestion. L-cells express various receptors for nutrient sensing including G protein-coupled receptors (GPRs). Intestinal epithelial cells near the lumen have a lower O2 tension than at the base of the crypts, which leads to hypoxia in L-cells. We hypothesized that hypoxia affects nutrient-stimulated GLP-1 secretion from the enteroendocrine cell line STC-1, the most commonly used model. In this study, we investigated the effect of hypoxia (1% O2) on alpha-linolenic acid (αLA) stimulated GLP-1 secretion and their receptor expressions. STC-1 cells were incubated for 12 h under hypoxia (1% O2) and treated with αLA to stimulate GLP-1 secretion. 12 h of hypoxia did not change basal GLP-1 secretion, but significantly reduced nutrient (αLA) stimulated GLP-1 secretion. In normoxia, αLA (12.5 μM) significantly stimulated (~ 5 times) GLP-1 secretion compared to control, but under hypoxia, GLP-1 secretion was reduced by 45% compared to normoxia. αLA upregulated GPR120, also termed free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFAR4), expressions under normoxia as well as hypoxia. Hypoxia downregulated GPR120 and GPR40 expression by 50% and 60%, respectively, compared to normoxia. These findings demonstrate that hypoxia does not affect the basal GLP-1 secretion but decreases nutrient-stimulated GLP-1 secretion. The decrease in nutrient-stimulated GLP-1 secretion was due to decreased GPR120 and GPR40 receptors expression. Changes in the gut environment and inflammation might contribute to the hypoxia of the epithelial and L-cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the relationship between unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) content and parameters for microwave extraction, multimaterial and multiparameter testing was conducted in which five kinds of materials with different UFA contents (potato, wheat, corn, soybean, and peanut) were selected for the experiment. Four factors, namely, extraction temperature (X1), extraction time (X2), proportional volume of acetone (X3), and liquid‐to‐solid ratio (X4), were screened for their significant effects by using Prob > |T| values from the Plackett–Burman experiment. A microwave extraction orthogonal experiment with four factors and five levels was designed separately using Design‐Expert 8.05 software and them concentrated. Microwave‐accelerated methyl esterification was then performed, and the UFA content was determined via gas chromatography (flame ionization detector). The optimal extraction conditions (X1, X2, X3, X4) and the optimal UFA content of potato were 80.68°C, 10.74 min, 0.80, 3.25 mL × g−1, 1.08%; wheat: 80.81°C, 10.54 min, 0.80, 20.91 mL × g−1, 2.26%; corn: 81.18°C, 9.93 min, 0.80, 50.94 mL × g−1, 6.89%; soybean: 82.07°C, 9.07 min, 0.80, 93.87 mL × g−1, 15.81%; and peanut: 83.12°C, 8.11 min, 0.80, 168.70 mL × g−1, 33.07%. Then, the optimization results for the five kinds of materials were synthesized by Origin 8.0 software, the fitting degree of the cubic model with the four extraction factors was the highest, the determination coefficients were 0.9984, 0.9991, 0.8953, and 0.9989, the residual sums of squares were 0.2888, 0.1587, 0.8265, and 0.1864, and the correlation coefficients are ideal. The stability and accuracy of the model were verified by the orthogonal experiment of UFA extraction from rice, and the correlation coefficient between the predicted value and the actual value of the orthogonal experiment was 0.9998. This study systematically collates the optimal parameters for microwave extraction of UFA content in different crops from the perspective of multimaterial and multiparameter, which can provide a large amount of detailed basic data for microwave extraction technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sequelae from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are major career-limiting factors for combat soldiers. Overlap between TBI and PTSD symptoms alongside other common comorbidities complicate the diagnosis and treatment. Systems-level and high-throughput approaches are key in understanding the underlying biomolecular mechanisms and differentiating these conditions. Methods: The present study identifies dietary factors and proposes mechanisms behind psychological stress and TBI, using established preclinical animal models and a multi-omics approach. Here, we used microbiome characterizations of rats exposed to simulations of blast-induced TBI and underwater trauma (UWT)- induced psychological stress. We further studied the effect of dietary omega-6 versus omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-6, n-3 PUFA) enrichment on the insult responses. The use of excess n-6 PUFA was chosen due to its high prevalence in the Western diet and pro-inflammatory nature. Prior to TBI or UWT, animals were maintained for 6 weeks and continued thereafter on either a standard diet or two customized chows imbalanced and diminished in omega-3 content. Corresponding shams were carried out for all groups. Fecal bacterial microbiome populations were assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results: Physiologic outcome modeling identified that dietary status affected post-TBI lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and triglyceride levels, with n-3 PUFA having a large attenuating influence. The UWT model showed similar trends, with diet significantly altering LDH, terminal corticosterone (14 days post-exposure), and a fear behavior susceptibility. Fecal microbiome alpha diversity was significantly reduced by high levels of n-3 PUFA. Likewise, beta diversity of the microbiome was significantly affected by both diet and time but not exposure to TBI or UWT. Compositionally, temporal effects on the microbiome were more likely to be observed with the diets. The most affected features fell within the Proteobacteria phyla, in which n-3 PUFA enrichment significantly reduced Alphaproteobacteria in the TBI model and increased Gammaproteobacteria in the UWT group. Discussion: All these observations can influence the vulnerability or resilience of the warfighter to blast-induced TBI and acute psychological stress. The microbiome mechanisms facilitate and provide a knowledge-driven unbiased panel of signatures to discriminate between the two insults and is an essential tool for designing precise care management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Global warming has greatly increased the impact of high temperatures on crops, resulting in reduced yields and increased mortality. This phenomenon is of significant importance to the rose flower industry because high-temperature stress leads to bud dormancy or even death, reducing ornamental value and incurring economic losses. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the response and resistance of roses to high-temperature stress can serve as an important reference for cultivating high-temperature-stress-resistant roses. Results: To evaluate the impact of high temperatures on rose plants, we measured physiological indices in rose leaves following heat stress. Protein and chlorophyll contents were significantly decreased, whereas proline and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, and peroxidase (POD) activity were increased. Subsequently, transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses identified 4,652 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 57 common differentially abundant metabolites (DAMs) in rose plants from four groups. Enrichment analysis showed that DEGs and DAMs were primarily involved in the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway, plant hormone signal transduction, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and flavonoid biosynthesis. The combined analysis of the DEGs and DAMs revealed that flavonoid biosynthesis pathway-related genes, such as chalcone isomerase (CHI), shikimate O-hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HCT), flavonol synthase (FLS), and bifunctional dihydroflavonol 4-reductase/flavanone 4-reductase (DFR), were downregulated after heat stress. Moreover, in the MAPK signaling pathway, the expression of genes related to jasmonic acid exhibited a decrease, but ethylene receptor (ETR/ERS), P-type Cu + transporter (RAN1), ethylene-insensitive protein 2/3 (EIN2), ethylene-responsive transcription factor 1 (ERF1), and basic endochitinase B (ChiB), which are associated with the ethylene pathway, were mostly upregulated. Furthermore, heterologous overexpression of the heat stress-responsive gene RcHSP70 increased resistance to heat stress in Arabidopsis thaliana. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and plant hormones may be involved in high-temperature resistance in roses. Constitutive expression of RcHSP70 may contribute to increasing high-temperature tolerance. This study provides new insights into the genes and metabolites induced in roses in response to high temperature, and the results provide a reference for analyzing the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance to heat stress in roses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhododendron capitatum community expansion is a major threat to alpine meadow. Allelopathy is an important mediator in managing relationships between plants in natural ecosystems. However, allelopathy and specific allelochemicals of R. capitatum have not been studied yet. In this study, the allelopathy of the foliage litter of R. capitatum was explored on Elymus nutans, Poa pratensis and Medicago ruthenica, and the chemical composition and their allelopathy were studied. The results showed that the aqueous extract of the foliage litter of R. capitatum had an allelopathy of "low concentration promotion and high concentration inhibition" on the germination of E. nutans, P. pratensis, and M. ruthenica. Organic acids, fatty acids, terpenes, phenols, and phenolic acid compounds were identified, with Zanamivir (77.81%), alpha-linolenic acid (18%), Kaurenoic acid (23.50%), 4-hydroxyphenylglycolic acid (21.54%), and Quinic acid (28.24%) having the highest relative content, and all five compounds showed significantly inhibitory effects on seed germination and seedling growth of E. nutans, P. pratensis, and M. ruthenica, which further suggests that the five compounds are the critical allelochemicals for negative allelopathy of R. capitatum. These results highlight the crucial role of inhibitory allelopathy produced by R. capitatum in the establishment and expansion of its populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Nutritional supplements for sports and exercise (NSSE) can facilitate the exogenous replenishment of the body. This study provides the first extensive overview of NSSE research through bibliometric and visual analyses. Methods: We searched the Web of Science Core Collection database for literature related to "NSSE" from 1st January 2000 to 8th March 2024. A total of 1744 articles were included. CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix R package software were used to analyze the data. Results: Research in the NSSE can be divided into steady growth, exponential growth, fluctuating stage, and surge stages. The United States is the most active country in this field. In recent years, the leading countries have been Croatia, Colombia, Slovenia, Chile, Egypt, China, and Thailand. The Australian Institute of Sports is the top research institution in terms of number of publications. Burke, LM from Australia published the most articles. Research in this area has primarily been published in Nutrients in Switzerland. The study population mainly consisted of men, and postmenopausal women were the main focus of the female group. Coronary heart and cardiovascular diseases continue to dominate research. Conclusion: Research on the NSSE is developing rapidly, with an annual growth trend. Insulin resistance, sports nutrition, inflammation, alpha-linolenic acid, limb strength performance, female sex, and gut microbiota are the focus of the current research and trends for future research. Future research should focus on improving the scientific training system for athletes and quality of training and life for the general public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linoleic acid (LA), as a part of the wider debate about saturated, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) and health, continues to be at the center of controversy in the world of fatty acid research. A robust evidence base, however, demonstrates that higher intakes and blood levels of LA are associated with improved cardiometabolic health outcomes. LA lowers total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol when compared with saturated fatty acids and carbohydrates. Using large prospective datasets, higher blood levels of LA were associated with lower risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and incident type-2 diabetes mellitus compared with lower levels, suggesting that, across the range of typical dietary intakes, higher LA is beneficial. Recent trials of LA-rich oils report favorable outcomes in people with common lipid disorders. However, an LA intake that is too high can impair endogenous synthesis of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), but the threshold at which this becomes clinically relevant is not known. In the absence of a significant intake of EPA and docosahexaenoic acid, an ideal dietary ratio of LA and ALA may be theoretically useful as it provides insight into the likely extent of endogenous EPA synthesis from ALA. Updating dietary reference intakes (DRIs) for LA and ALA is needed; however, there are insufficient data to establish RDAs for these fatty acids. The omega-6 (n-6) to omega-3 (n-3) PUFA ratio is not informative and does not shed meaningful insight about the amount of individual fatty acids in each class needed to confer health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant fatty acids (FAs) are critical components of lipids and play an important role in coping with pollution-induced stress. However, the relationship between the fluctuating changes of FAs and the toxic effects of pollutants is not clear. Here, we analyzed and identified 19 FAs, namely 14 medium and long chain fatty acids (MLCFAs) and 5 very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs). First, a positive correlation between plant biomass and LCFA content was observed. Changes in unsaturation were inversely related to cell membrane permeability, which serves as an indicator of the toxic effects. In particular, the use of herbicides led to a reduction in total FA content, but caused a significant increase in free fatty acids (FFAs), which facilitate oxidative stress. In addition, supplementation with exogenous FAs, particularly linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids, effectively alleviated the toxic inhibition. (R)-dichlorprop causes abnormal FA metabolism that can be reversed by ferrostatin-1, a ferroptosis inhibitor. Under (R)-dichlorprop exposure, the balance of FA unsaturation in plants is disrupted by inhibition of FA desaturase activity, ultimately leading to ferroptosis and disruption of cell membrane integrity. This study aims to enhance the understanding of the ecotoxic effects of herbicides by examining changes in FAs. The findings will provide a scientific basis for controlling environmental risks associated with hazardous substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perilla seed oil, derived from a regional plant native to northern Thailand, undergoes cold‐pressing to analyze its bioactive components, notably alpha‐linolenic acid (ALA). ALA, constituting approximately 61% of the oil, serves as a precursor for therapeutic omega‐3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, with neurodegenerative disease benefits and anti‐inflammatory responses. This study administered different concentrations of perilla seed oil to male C57BL/6 mice, categorized as low dose (LP 5% w/w), middle dose (MP 10% w/w), and high dose (HP 20% w/w), along with a fish oil (FP 10% w/w) diet. An experimental group received soybean oil (5% w/w). Over 42 days, these diets were administered while inducing Parkinson's disease (PD) with rotenone injections. Mice on a high perilla seed oil dose exhibited decreased Cox‐2 expression in the colon, suppressed Iba‐1 microglia activation, reduced alpha‐synuclein accumulation in the colon and hippocampus, prevented dopaminergic cell death in the substantia nigra, and improved motor and non‐motor symptoms. Mice on a middle dose showed maintenance of diverse gut microbiota, with an increased abundance of short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA)‐producing bacteria (Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus, and Faecalibacteria). A reduction in bacteria correlated with PD (Turicibacter, Ruminococcus, and Akkermansia) was observed. Results suggest the potential therapeutic efficacy of high perilla seed oil doses in mitigating both intestinal and neurological aspects linked to the gut–brain axis in PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objectives] This study aimed to investigate the impact of dietary supplementation with α-linolenic acid (ALA) on muscle fatty acid composition and intestinal flora in fattening pigs. [Methods] A total of 36 Duroc×Landrace × Large White crossbred pigs, aged 120 days, were randomly assigned into two groups (CON and ALA)based on similar body weight, with three replicates per group and six pigs per replicate. The CON group was fed a basal diet, while the ALA group received a basal diet supplemented with 5 g·kg-1 α-linolenic acid. Six pigs from each group were randomly selected for slaughter and sampling analysis at 162 days of age. [Results]Although there were no significant differences in average final weight, daily gain, daily feed intake, and feed-to-gain ratio between the ALA and CON groups, the feed-to-gain ratio was reduced by 7.7% in the ALA group compared to the CON group. No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding flesh color and drip loss. In terms of blood biochemical indices, contents of total cholesterol and free fatty acids were significantly lower in the ALA group than in the CON group (P<0.05). Regarding fatty acid composition in longissimus dorsi tissue, saturated fatty acid (SFA) content and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-6 PUFA)/n-3 PUFA ratio significantly decreased (P<0.05) in the ALA group compared to the CON group; meanwhile C18:3n-3 (ALA)and C20:5n-3 (DPA)contents significantly increased (P<0.05), leading to an overall increase in total n-3 PUFA content (P<0.05). Furthermore, compared to the CON group, abundances of Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Veillonellaceae, and Butyricicoccaceae were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the ALA group. Acidaminococcaceae and Eubacterium coprostanoligenes, Desulfovibrionaceae, Peptostreptococcaceae, Tannerellaceae, Clostridiaceae, and Christensenellaceae had a significantly decreased abundance (P<0.05). [Conclusions] Dietary supplementation of 5 g·kg-1 α-linolenic acid enhanced muscle fatty acid composition, reduced muscle SFA content, increased muscle n-3 PUFA content, and decreased the n-6 PUFA/n-3 PUFA ratio in fattening pigs. Moreover, it significantly stimulated the proliferation of short chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria such as Ruminococcaceae, Trichospirillaceae, and Veillonaceae in the intestinal tract of fattening pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perioperative neurocognitive dysfunction (PND) occurs in elderly individuals undergoing anesthesia and surgery. To explore the potential molecular mechanisms, we performed right-sided cervical exploratory surgery under sevoflurane anesthesia in 18-month-old male Sprague–Dawley rats. Anxiety-depression-like behaviors and learning memory abilities were assessed using the Open Field Test (OFT) and Novel Object Recognition (NOR). Additionally, the hippocampus was collected one day after surgery for inflammatory factor detection, TUNEL staining, and metabolomics analysis. Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were subsequently conducted to validate the causal relationships by using a series of GWAS datasets related to representative differential metabolites as exposures and cognitive impairment as endpoints. The results indicated that rats exposed to anesthesia and surgery exhibited poorer cognitive performance, significant elevations in hippocampal inflammatory factors such as IL-1β and TNF-α, and extensive neuronal apoptosis. LC-MS/MS-based untargeted metabolomics identified 19 up-regulated and 32 down-regulated metabolites in the test group, with 6 differential metabolites involved in metabolic pathways enriched according to the KEGG database. ROC analysis revealed a correlation between α-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA) and the development of PND. Further MR analysis confirmed that ALA was significantly associated with cognitive performance and the risk of depression, while LA was significantly associated with the risk of memory loss. Taken together, our results identified ALA and LA as potentially powerful biomarkers for PND. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CDC Esme, a high-yielding, late-maturing oilseed flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) cultivar, was registered in 2023 by the Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. CDC Esme had a superior yield (106%) compared to the check variety, CDC Glas, in all soil zones of the Northern Prairies. The yield of CDC Esme was 106%, 105%, and 105% of CDC Glas, in the long-season Black, Brown, and short-season Black and Grey soil zones of Western Canada, respectively. CDC Esme has larger seeds (thousand seed weight) than that of check cultivar, CDC Glas, with improved quality based on the iodine value of 192 and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) content of 57.1%. This cultivar is immune to the North American rust (race 371) caused by Melampsora lini and moderately resistant to wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lini. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Migraine is a severe neurological disorder that is recognized as one of the most common debilitating diseases worldwide. Although the exact cause of migraine is not known, research suggests that inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and insufficient nutrients may contribute to its development. Studies indicate that nutrition-based approaches are safer and more cost-effective strategies for managing migraine symptoms compared to medication. In this regard, the impact of nutrition, as a complementary medicine, is largely attributed to that of certain nutrients on inflammation and mitochondrial function. It is hypothesized that alpha-linolenic acid and L-carnitine, which possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, may be synergically beneficial for migraine patients. Therefore, this study will be conducted to assess the efficacy of alpha-linolenic acid and L-carnitine co-supplementation in patients with migraine. Methods This is a parallel, randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, in which 80 women aged 20 to 50 years with migraine will be assigned to receive either intervention group (n = 40) receiving both 1000 mg/day flaxseed oil and 500 mg/day L-carnitine simultaneously for 12 weeks, or control group (n = 40) receiving both 1000 mg/day paraffin oil and 500 mg/day maltodextrin as the placebos for the same duration. The primary outcomes include changes in clinical symptoms of migraine, including frequency, severity, and duration of attacks, serum levels of C–reactive protein (CRP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Secondary outcomes include mental health, sleep quality, and quality of life (QOL). Discussion In this study, we aim to investigate the potential benefits of combining alpha-linolenic acid and L-carnitine as a treatment option for migraine sufferers. Migraine, characterized by recurrent severe headaches, affects a significant portion of the population and can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. By studying alternative therapies such as alpha-linolenic acid and L-carnitine, researchers hope to expand the range of treatment options available and potentially provide relief to migraine sufferers. Trial registration Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials ( www.irct.ir ) (ID: IRCT20121216011763N57). Registration date: 29 March 2023. Trial status The protocol is version 1.0 dated December 30, 2023. Recruitment began on July 10, 2023, and is expected to be completed by January 22, 2024.

Abstract Linoleic acid (LA), as a part of the wider debate about saturated, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) and health, continues to be at the center of controversy in the world of fatty acid research. A robust evidence base, however, demonstrates that higher intakes and blood levels of LA are associated with improved cardiometabolic health outcomes. LA lowers total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol when compared with saturated fatty acids and carbohydrates. Using large prospective datasets, higher blood levels of LA were associated with lower risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and incident type-2 diabetes mellitus compared with lower levels, suggesting that, across the range of typical dietary intakes, higher LA is beneficial. Recent trials of LA-rich oils report favorable outcomes in people with common lipid disorders. However, an LA intake that is too high can impair endogenous synthesis of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), but the threshold at which this becomes clinically relevant is not known. In the absence of a significant intake of EPA and docosahexaenoic acid, an ideal dietary ratio of LA and ALA may be theoretically useful as it provides insight into the likely extent of endogenous EPA synthesis from ALA. Updating dietary reference intakes (DRIs) for LA and ALA is needed; however, there are insufficient data to establish RDAs for these fatty acids. The omega-6 (n-6) to omega-3 (n-3) PUFA ratio is not informative and does not shed meaningful insight about the amount of individual fatty acids in each class needed to confer health benefits.

Abstract Carrot waste is a rich source of pro-vitamin A, β-carotene, recognized for its immunomodulatory and health-promoting properties. The present study was aimed at formulating an innovative table spread (ITS) enriched with concentrated carotenoid extract derived from carrot pomace. Prior extraction of carotenoids in flaxseed oil was optimized resulting in extract (CE) rich in carotenoids (82.66 µg/g) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). The effects of three ingredients i.e. CE, tri-sodium citrate (TC), and common salt (CS) on ITS formulated using 33 factorial experiment (27 treatment combinations) were determined employing three-way ANOVA of Proc GLM method of SAS 9.3 for its textural and sensory acceptability. The optimized formulation contained 15% CE, 1.0% CS and 0.3% TC. ITS displayed medium (≈51% fat) internal phase emulsion (confirmed via fluorescence microscopy) stabilized (-56.867 mV ± 0.850 zeta potential) by whey protein concentrate and possessed high thermal stability (studied through thermogravimetric analysis). The control table spread (CTS) was prepared using all ingredients except CE replaced with flaxseed oil. ITS showed significantly (p 0.05) difference existed for proximate composition and acidity. ITS turned out to be a naturally colored functional product and excellent source of carotenoids (24.276 μg/g ± 0.076) and ALA (13.816 g/ 100 g fat).

Semen cryopreservation results in the differential remodeling of the molecules presented in sperm, and these alterations related to reductions in sperm quality and its physiological function have not been fully understood. Given this, this study aimed to investigate the cryoinjury mechanism of goat sperm by analyzing changes of the metabolic characteristics in sperm during the cryopreservation process. The ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS) technique was performed to explore metabolite profiles of fresh sperm (C group), equilibrated sperm (E group), and frozen–thawed sperm (F group). In total, 2570 metabolites in positive mode and 2306 metabolites in negative mode were identified, respectively. After comparative analyses among these three groups, 374 differentially abundant metabolites (DAMs) in C vs. E, 291 DAMs in C vs. F, and 189 DAMs in E vs. F were obtained in the positive mode; concurrently, 530 DAMs in C vs. E, 405 DAMs in C vs. F, and 193 DAMs in E vs. F were obtained in the negative mode, respectively. The DAMs were significantly enriched in various metabolic pathways, including 31 pathways in C vs. E, 25 pathways in C vs. F, and 28 pathways in E vs. F, respectively. Among them, 65 DAMs and 25 significantly enriched pathways across the three comparisons were discovered, which may be tightly associated with sperm characteristics and function. Particularly, the functional terms such as TCA cycle, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, sphingolipid metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, and pyruvate metabolism, as well as associated pivotal metabolites like ceramide, betaine, choline, fumaric acid, L-malic acid and L-lactic acid, were focused on. In conclusion, our research characterizes the composition of metabolites in goat sperm and their alterations induced by the cryopreservation process, offering a critical foundation for further exploring the molecular mechanisms of metabolism influencing the quality and freezing tolerance of goat sperm. Additionally, the impacts of equilibration at low temperature on sperm quality may need more attentions as compared to the freezing and thawing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have received considerable attention in the field of mental health, in particular regarding the treatment of depression. This review presents an overview of current research on the role of omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention and treatment of depressive disorders. The existing body of evidence demonstrates that omega-3 fatty acids, in particular eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have antidepressant effects that can be attributed to their modulation of neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter function, and neuroplasticity. Nevertheless, clinical trials of omega-3 supplementation have yielded inconsistent results. Some studies have demonstrated significant reductions in depressive symptoms following omega-3 treatment, whereas others have shown minimal to no beneficial impact. A range of factors, encompassing dosage, the ratio of EPA to DHA, and baseline nutritional status, have been identified as having a potential impact on the noted results. Furthermore, it has been suggested that omega-3 fatty acids may act as an adjunctive treatment for those undergoing antidepressant treatment. Notwithstanding these encouraging findings, discrepancies in study designs and variability in individual responses underscore the necessity of further research in order to establish uniform, standardized guidelines for the use of omega-3 fatty acids in the management of depressive disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. This study was conducted to assess the effects of different dietary omega 6:3 ratios fed to male and female Japanese quail breeders on incubation performance, chick quality and progeny performance. 2. A completely randomised design was used, with five diets containing different ratios of vegetable oils rich in linoleic acid (LA from soybean oil) or α-linolenic acid (ALA from linseed oil) with LA/ALA ratios of 13.75:1, 10.69:1, 7.63:1, 4.57:1 and 1.48:1 with 12 cage replicates containing six birds each. 3. There was a quadratic effect of the LA/ALA ratio on total hatchability (p < 0.011), fertile hatchability (p = 0.046) and total mortality (p = 0.046). There was no effect on fertility (p > 0.05). The LA/ALA ratios of 1.48 and 13.75 fed to both hens and cockerels or hens resulted in greater fertility, as measured by the number of days after copulation during which fertile eggs were laid and the number of points of hydrolysis on the perivitelline membrane. A decreasing linear effect (p < 0.0001) was observed on chick length and an increasing linear effect on body weight at 1 day of age. There were no effects on progeny performance. 4. The LA/ALA ratio affected yolk mineral matter (p = 0.009), crude protein (p = 0.091), chick mineral matter (p < 0.038) and ether extract (p < 0.0001) contents. Maternal diet affected the fatty acid profile of egg yolk and chick liver, indicating that dietary contents were transferred to eggs and chicks. 5. Fertile egg production increased with lower LA/ALA ratios. Therefore, linseed oil can be used together with soybean oil to formulate diets for female Japanese quail obtain LA/ALA ratios between 4:1 and 10:1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The goal of this study was to assess the impact of supplementation with a combination of nutrients on metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)-related liver parameters, and other parameters related to metabolic syndrome in adults with obesity. These measurements included anthropometric and lipid profiling, and FibroScan technology (controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and transient elastography (TE) values). Materials and Methods: A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial was conducted over a three-month treatment period. Adults with metabolic syndrome and obesity were allocated to receive either a cocktail of nutrients with defined daily dosages (5-MTHF, betaine, alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, choline bitartrate, docosahexaenoic acid, and vitamin B12) or a placebo. The participants were evaluated at the start and the end of the three-month treatment period. Results: A total of 155 participants entered the study, comprising 84 in the treatment group and 71 in the placebo group. The administration of the nutritional supplement resulted in a notable reduction in both CAP and TE scores when compared to the placebo group. The treatment group exhibited a mean reduction in CAP of 4% (p < 0.05) and a mean reduction in TE of 7.8% (p < 0.05), indicative of a decline in liver fat content and fibrosis. Conclusions: The supplementation over a period of three months led to a significant amelioration of liver fibrosis and steatosis parameters in adults with metabolic syndrome and obesity. These findings suggest that this supplementation regimen could be a beneficial adjunct therapy for improving liver health in adults with obesity-induced MASLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) genes encode enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of plant oils. Rapeseed has four BnGPAT9 genes, but the expression patterns and functions of these four homologous copies in rapeseed for seed oil accumulation are not well understood. In this study, we cloned the four BnGPAT9 genes and their promoters from Brassica napus and found significant differences in the expression of BnGPAT9 genes among different rapeseed varieties. We confirmed that BnGPAT9-A01/C01 are highly conserved in rapeseed, with high expression levels in various tissues, especially during the late stages of silique development and seed maturation. All four BnGPAT9 genes (BnGPAT9-A01/C01/A10/C09) can promote seed oil accumulation, but BnGPAT9-A01/C01 have a greater effect. Overexpression in Arabidopsis and rapeseed increased seed oil content and altered fatty acid composition, significantly increasing linolenic acid content. Transcriptome analysis revealed that BnGPAT9 genes promote the upregulation of genes related to oil synthesis, particularly those in the Plant–pathogen interaction, alpha-Linolenic acid metabolism, MAPK signaling pathway—plant, and Glutathione metabolism pathways. In summary, these results indicate that the four BnGPAT9 genes in rapeseed have different expression patterns and roles in regulating seed oil accumulation, with BnGPAT9-A01/C01 contributing the most to promoting oil accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Metabolic dysregulation represents a defining characteristic of Type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Nevertheless, there remains an absence of substantial evidence establishing a direct causal link between circulating blood metabolites and the promotion or prevention of T2DM. In addressing this gap, we employed Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the potential causal association between 1,091 blood metabolites, 309 metabolite ratios, and the occurrence of T2DM. Methods: Data encompassing single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for 1,091 blood metabolites and 309 metabolite ratios were extracted from a Canadian Genome-wide association study (GWAS) involving 8,299 participants. To evaluate the causal link between these metabolites and Type 2 diabetes (T2DM), multiple methods including Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW), Weighted Median, MR Egger, Weighted Mode, and Simple Mode were employed. p-values underwent correction utilizing False Discovery Rates (FDR). Sensitivity analyses incorporated Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, MRPRESSO, Steiger test, leave-one-out analysis, and single SNP analysis. The causal effects were visualized via Circos plot, forest plot, and scatter plot. Furthermore, for noteworthy, an independent T2DM GWAS dataset (GCST006867) was utilized for replication analysis. Metabolic pathway analysis of closely correlated metabolites was conducted using MetaboAnalyst 5.0. Results: The IVW analysis method utilized in this study revealed 88 blood metabolites and 37 metabolite ratios demonstrating a significant causal relationship with T2DM (p < 0.05). Notably, strong causal associations with T2DM were observed for specific metabolites: 1-linoleoyl-GPE (18:2) (IVW: OR:0.930, 95% CI: 0.899-0.962, p = 2.16 × 10-5), 1,2-dilinoleoyl-GPE (18:2/18:2) (IVW: OR:0.942, 95% CI: 0.917-0.968, p = 1.64 × 10-5), Mannose (IVW: OR: 1.133, 95% CI: 1.072-1.197, p = 1.02 × 10-5), X-21829 (IVW: OR:1.036, 95% CI: 1.036-1.122, p = 9.44 × 10-5), and Phosphate to mannose ratio (IVW: OR:0.870, 95% CI: 0.818-0.926, p = 1.29 × 10-5, FDR = 0.008). Additionally, metabolic pathway analysis highlighted six significant pathways associated with T2DM development: Valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, Phenylalanine metabolism, Glycerophospholipid metabolism, Alpha-Linolenic acid metabolism, Sphingolipid metabolism, and Alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism. Conclusion: This study identifies both protective and risk-associated metabolites that play a causal role in the development of T2DM. By integrating genomics and metabolomics, it presents novel insights into the pathogenesis of T2DM. These findings hold potential implications for early screening, preventive measures, and treatment strategies for T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to the neurotoxin trimethyltin (TMT) selectively induces hippocampal neuronal injury and astrocyte activation accompanied with resultant neuroinflammation, which causes severe behavioral, cognitive, and memory impairment. A large body of evidence suggests that flaxseed oil (FSO), as one of the richest sources of essential omega-3 fatty acids, i.e., α-linolenic acids (ALA), displays neuroprotective properties. Here, we report the preventive effects of dietary FSO treatment in a rat model of TMT intoxication. The administration of FSO (1 mL/kg, orally) before and over the course of TMT intoxication (a single dose, 8 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced hippocampal cell death, prevented the activation of astrocytes, and inhibited their polarization toward a pro-inflammatory/neurotoxic phenotype. The underlying protective mechanism was delineated through the selective upregulation of BDNF and PI3K/Akt and the suppression of ERK activation in the hippocampus. Pretreatment with FSO reduced cell death and efficiently suppressed the expression of inflammatory molecules. These beneficial effects were accompanied by an increased intrahippocampal content of n-3 fatty acids. In vitro, ALA pretreatment prevented the TMT-induced polarization of cultured astrocytes towards the pro-inflammatory spectrum. Together, these findings support the beneficial neuroprotective properties of FSO/ALA against TMT-induced neurodegeneration and accompanied inflammation and hint at a promising preventive use of FSO in hippocampal degeneration and dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grape seeds are rich in bioactive substances, including polyphenols, terpenoids, and phytosterols. Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) boasts a high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), lignans, phytoestrogens, and soluble fibers, all contributing to its therapeutic potential. In this study, we pioneered the formulation of an oil blend (GL) combining grape seed oil (G) and golden linseed oil (GL) in equal volumes (1:1 (v/v)) and we evaluated in terms of the nutritional, physical, and chemical properties and their influence in an in vivo experimental model. We analyzed the oils by performing physical–chemical analyses, examining the oxidative stability using Rancimat; conducting thermal analyses via thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry (TG/DTG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), performing optical UV–vis absorption analyses; examining the fluorescence emission–excitation matrix, total carotenoids, and color, and conducting metabolic assessments in an in vivo experimental trial. The fatty acid profile presented a higher fraction of linoleic acid (C18:2) in G and GL and alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3) in L. The acidity and peroxide indices were within the recommended ranges. The TG/DTG, DSC, and Rancimat analyses revealed similar behaviors, and the optical analyses revealed color variations caused by carotenoid contents in L and GL. In the in vivo trial, G (G2: 2000 mg/kg/day) promoted lower total consumption, and the blend (GL: 2000 mg/kg/day) group exhibited less weight gain per gram of consumed food. The group with G supplementation (G2: 2000 mg/kg/day) and GL had the highest levels of HDL-c. The group with L supplementation (L2: 2000 mg/kg/day) had the lowest total cholesterol level. The L2, G1 (1000 mg/kg/day), and G2 groups exhibited the lowest MCP-1 and TNF-α values. Additionally, the lowest adipocyte areas occurred in G and GL. Our results suggest that this combination is of high quality for consumption and can influence lipid profiles, markers of inflammation, and antioxidant status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epilepsy ranks fourth among neurological diseases, featuring spontaneous seizures and behavioural and cognitive impairments. Although anti-epileptic drugs are currently available clinically, 30 % of epilepsy patients are still ineffective in treatment and 52 % of patients experience serious adverse reactions. In this work, the neuroprotective effect of α -linolenic acid (ALA, a nutrient) in mice and its potential molecular mechanisms exposed to pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) was assessed. The mice were injected with pentetrazol 37 mg/kg, and ALA was intra-gastrically administered for 40 d. The treatment with ALA significantly reduced the overall frequency of epileptic seizures and improved the behaviour impairment and cognitive disorder caused by pentetrazol toxicity. In addition, ALA can not only reduce the apoptosis rate of brain neurons in epileptic mice but also significantly reduce the content of brain inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-1 and TNF- α). Furthermore, we predicted that the possible targets of ALA in the treatment of epilepsy were JAK2 and STAT3 through molecular docking. Finally, through molecular docking and western blot studies, we revealed that the potential mechanism of ALA ameliorates PTZ-induced neuron apoptosis and neurological impairment in mice with seizures by down-regulating the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. This study aimed to investigate the anti-epileptic and neuroprotective effects of ALA, as well as explore its potential mechanisms, through the construction of a chronic ignition mouse model via intraperitoneal PTZ injection. The findings of this research provide crucial scientific support for subsequent clinical application studies in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Methods:Results:Conclusion:Different types of dietary fat may influence memory and cognitive functions. This study aimed to investigate the association between dietary fat intake and transient global amnesia (TGA).This case–control study was conducted using Persian Sabzevar cohort data on 258 individuals with TGA and 520 individuals without amnesia in Sabzevar Iran. The food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess the intake of dietary fats of the participants. All study participants were screened for TGA by a neurologist and their status was determined based on the diagnostic symptoms defined by the Kaplan and Hodges criteria.There was an inverse association between the risk of TGA and dietary intake of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) (OR = 0.94, CI95%:0.88-0.99, P = 0.01). Also, a positive association was observed between TGA and dietary intake of n-6 fatty acids (OR = 1.18, CI 95%: 1.04-1.33, P = 0.01). The results remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, education, job, marital status, physical activity, BMI, and calorie intake.Omega-3 fatty acids may have beneficial effects; however, omega-6 fatty acids may have adverse effects on the risk of amnesia. Further longitudinal studies are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) accelerated floret opening in rice, crucial for addressing inconsistent floret opening in hybrid seed production of indica × japonica hybrids. However, indica and japonica rice exhibited notable differences in their sensitivity to MeJA's impact on floret opening, with indica responding faster. To clarify the molecular basis of MeJA-induced floret opening sensitivity differences between indica and japonica rice, after 1 h of MeJA spraying, transcriptomes and endogenous floret opening regulators were compared between indica and japonica rice, with histology differences observed. The results showed that MeJA quickly activated plant hormones in indica and japonica rice, but JAZ genes in JA signalling pathway upregulation were greater in indica rice. Alpha-linolenic acid, starch and sucrose metabolism pathways responded faster in indica rice. MeJA boosted endogenous JA synthesis more in indica rice, which had 5-6 middle-layer cells, more than japonica's 3-4 layers, resulting in thicker glumes. The metabolic pathways regulating floret opening, including plant hormone signal transduction, alpha-linolenic acid and starch and sucrose metabolism, along with endogenous JA and soluble sugars, could respond to exogenous MeJA. However, the more intense and rapid responses of these regulatory pathways and endogenous substances to MeJA in indica, resulted in the difference in sensitivity to MeJA between indica and japonica rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Growth status improved in first 24 weeks of lumacaftor-ivacaftor for young children with cystic fibrosis (CF). • Increases in total and primary bile acids after 24 weeks lumacaftor-ivacaftor therapy. • Changes in numerous plasma fatty acids, including reduction in alpha-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid. • Medicaid status and the household environment were associated with diet quality among children with CF. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators improve nutritional status and are of importance in achieving normal growth among younger children with CF. The study was designed to examine CFTR modulator-associated changes in nutrition status, including bile acids and fatty acids after lumacaftor/ivacaftor therapy for 24 weeks. Children 2 to 5.9 years were recruited from US and Canadian CF Centers. Eligible children were lumacaftor/ivacaftor naïve and approved to initiate therapy. Anthropometrics, diet, energy expenditure, nutrition biomarkers, pancreatic status, serum and fecal calprotectin, serum bile acids and plasma fatty acids were measured. Changes from baseline at 12 and 24 weeks were examined using mixed effects linear regression modeling. Weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) increased at 12 (0.15 ± 0.1, p = 0.01) and 24 weeks (0.23 ± 0.1, p = 0.001) from baseline following modulator therapy. Head circumference-for-age (HCZ) increased at 12 weeks compared to baseline (0.22 ± 0.1, p = 0.03) and subscapular Z score increased from baseline at 24 weeks following therapy (0.33 ± 0.1, p = 0.02). There were no changes in energy expenditure. Serum total bile acids (6.7 ± 2.0, p = 0.001), chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) (2.4 ± 1.1, p = 0.001), and cholic acid (CA) (3.5 ± 0.8, p < 0.0001) increased at 24 weeks compared to baseline. Fecal calprotectin decreased at 12 and 24 weeks compared to baseline (-463 ± 310, p = 0.03 and 566 ± 347, p = 0.047). A number of plasma fatty acids changed over the course of 24 weeks of therapy. Noteably, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) decreased at 12 and 24 weeks (-24 ± 10, p = 0.03 and -18 ± 10, p = 0.02, respectively). Overall, young children experienced favorable changes in nutritional and growth, with the exception of plasma ALA status in the first 24 weeks of lumacaftor/ivacaftor therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Interest in glutinous rice consumption has been expanding in East Asia. However, the extent of metabolite variation between common and glutinous rice has not been fully explored to identify metabolic targets for rice quality improvement. Thus, the objective of this study was to provide insights into the variation of metabolites and nutraceuticals between common and glutinous rice. Two black rice (common rice, BL-N, and glutinous rice, BL-G) and two white rice (common rice, WH-N, and glutinous rice, WH-G) types were analysed via LC-MS-based widely targeted metabolic profiling. We identified 441 and 343 types, including 160 key overlapping differentially accumulated metabolites between BL-N_vs_BL-G and WH-N_vs_WH-G, respectively. Glutinous rice showed a higher relative content of most categories of metabolites, except for quinones (in BL-N) and tannins (in WH-N). Seven vitamins, including B6, B3, B5, B13, isonicotinic acid, N-(beta-D-glucosyl)nicotinate, and 4-pyridoxic acid-O-glucoside, were significantly up-regulated in BL-G compared to BL-N. The biosynthesis of cofactors, zeatin biosynthesis, citrate cycle, amino acid metabolism, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism was the most differentially regulated pathway. Key differential metabolites in citrate cycle include citrate, isocitrate, fumarate, malate, succinate, and 2-oxoglutarate; in amino acid metabolism (L-serine, L-cysteine, L-lysine, L-glutamine, L-methionine, and L-tryptophan); and in glycolysis (UDP-glucose, D-glucose-1P, D-glucose-6P, and D-fructose-6P). The data resources in this study may contribute to a better understanding of the function and nutritional value of glutinous rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our hypothesis posited that incorporating alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) into liposomes containing Paclitaxel (PTX) could augment cellular uptake, decrease the therapeutic dosage, and alleviate PTX-related side effects. Our investigation encompassed characterization of the liposomal formulation, encompassing aspects like particle size, surface morphology, chemical structure, drug release kinetics, and stability. Compatibility studies were performed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). By utilizing the Box–Behnken design (BBD), we developed ALA-based liposomes with satisfactory particle size and entrapment efficiency. It is noteworthy that ALA incorporation led to a slight increase in particle size but did not notably affect drug entrapment. In vitro drug release assessments unveiled a sustained release pattern, with ALA-PTX liposomes demonstrating release profiles comparable to PTX liposomes. Morphological examinations confirmed the spherical structure of the liposomes, indicating that substituting ALA with phosphatidylcholine did not alter the physicochemical properties. Cellular uptake investigations showcased enhanced uptake of ALA-based liposomes in contrast to PTX liposomes, likely attributed to the heightened fluidity conferred by ALA. Efficacy against MCF-7 cells demonstrated concentration-dependent reductions in cell viability, with ALA-PTX liposomes exhibiting the lowest IC50 value. Morphological analysis confirmed apoptotic changes in cells treated with all formulations, with ALA-PTX liposomes eliciting more pronounced changes, indicative of enhanced anticancer efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animals require a nutritionally balanced diet to support growth and reproduction. The geometric framework for nutrition asserts that animals actively balance their nutritional intake to maintain physiological homeostasis and optimize task performance to increase fitness. Both solitary and social animals will adjust their relative consumption of nutritionally distinct resources to meet their intake target ratio. Honey bees are eusocial insects whose primary source of macronutrients comes from floral pollen, including the essential fatty acids, omega-6 (linoleic acid) and omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid). These must be actively balanced, as an unbalanced diet skewed towards a high omega-6:3 ratio reduces life span, reduces the size of the hypopharyngeal glands that produce jelly to feed larvae and impairs performance in cognition tests. As honey bees show a division of labour by age, we hypothesized that consuming an unbalanced diet would impact the timing of task transitions and nursing activity. To test this, we fed 1-day-old adult workers either a balanced (omega-6:3 ratio = 1) or unbalanced (omega-6:3 ratio = 5) diet for 7 days, after which they were released into a common-garden hive. Workers were tagged with barcodes and filmed continuously for 6 days, allowing analysis of nursing behaviour of individuals. The unbalanced diet delayed the onset of nursing, reduced the rate of nursing visits and affected the relative attention devoted between 3-day-old and 4-day-old larvae. We discuss these findings in the context of division of labour and nurse–larvae interactions, and identify novel avenues for further research linking fitness-related behaviours to nutritional balancing. • We tested how an unbalanced dietary omega-6:3 ratio affected nursing behaviour. • Nurses fed an unbalanced diet commenced nursing activity later. • They also visited larvae less frequently. • Diet affected the distribution of nursing visits among 3- and 4-day-old larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), is often referred to as Type 3 diabetes mellitus (T3 DM). It has now become evident that T3 DM contributes significantly to the pathogenesis of AD. The T3 DM has a distinct identity being very much selective for blood– brain barrier (BBB) and separated from peripheral diabetes. Alpha‑linolenic acid (18:3, ALA) is considered an essential fatty acid that is responsible for the formation of long‑chain eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6, DHA). DHA is an important structural fatty acid of the human brain. The recent literature comes to the conclusion that ALA is an ideal source of DHA. T3 DM can cause, insulin resistance in the brain and impairment in glucose utilization. This has very serious implications on BBB integrity. It has been shown now that ALA very efficiently can provide energy to endothelial cells of the BBB by β‑oxidation and facilitate DHA entry to the brain. It has also been shown that some DHA is formed in BBB and some ALA that enters the brain also gets converted to DHA. The role of other players such as Apolipoprotein E protein, Tau and Beta‑amyloid, and glycogen synthase kinase are briefly mentioned. The new findings, that the primary event in BBB damage is the pathogenesis of AD, may help in the development of new more effective drugs and treatment modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to evaluate the efficiency of aqueous enzymatic extraction (AEE) to obtain oil from hemp seeds (Cannabis sativa L.) grown in northern Morocco. Optimisation of AEE extraction parameters, including pH, enzyme concentration (hemicellulase, protease and pectinase), temperature and incubation time, to maximize oil yield was achieved using response surface methodology with a central composite design. For comparison, the solvent extraction (Soxhlet) (SE) method was also used. Optimized hydrolysis conditions involved incubation for 4 hours at 60°C with a pH of 6.5, using a multi-enzyme preparation comprising protease, hemicellulase and pectinase at concentrations of 55, 202.5 and 234 U/mg, respectively. Referring to the conventional Soxhlet extraction (SE), Aqueous Enzymatic Extraction (AEE) achieved a 30.65% oil recovery rate under the optimized parameters mentioned above. The use of enzymes produced an oil that was more stable against oxidation than the solvent-extracted oil, with a peroxide value (PV) of 19.54 and 47.87 meq O2/kg, respectively. Furthermore, HPLC-DAD analysis of tocopherol content indicated a higher total tocopherol content (547.2 mg/kg) in Aqueous Enzymatic Extraction (AEE) compared to Soxhlet Extraction (SE) (513.51 mg/kg), with γ-tocopherol being the predominant form. No significant differences in fatty acid composition were observed between the two extraction methods with linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid being the predominant constituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ectomycorrhizal fungi have huge potential value, both nutritionally and economically, but most of them cannot be cultivated artificially. To better understand the influence of abiotic and biotic factors upon the growth of ectomycorrhizal fungi, mycosphere soil and bulk soil of five ectomycorrhizal fungi (Calvatia candida, Russula brevipes, Leucopaxillus laterarius, Leucopaxillus giganteus, and Lepista panaeola) were used as research objects for this study. Illumina MiSeq sequencing technology was used to analyze the community structure of the mycosphere and bulk soil bacteria of the five ectomycorrhizal fungi, and a comprehensive analysis was conducted based on soil physicochemical properties. Our results show that the mycosphere soil bacteria of the five ectomycorrhizal fungi are slightly different. Escherichia, Usitatibacter, and Bradyrhizobium are potential mycorrhizal-helper bacteria of distinct ectomycorrhizal fungi. Soil water content, soil pH, and available potassium are the main factors shaping the soil bacterial community of the studied ectomycorrhizal fungi. Moreover, from the KEGG functional prediction and LEfSe analysis, there are significant functional differences not only between the mycosphere soil and bulk soil. 'Biosynthesis of terpenoidsand steroids', 'alpha-Linolenic acid metabolism', 'Longevity regulating pathway-multiple species', 'D-Arginine and D-ornithine metabolism', 'Nitrotoluene degradation' and other functions were significantly different in mycosphere soil. These findings have pivotal implications for the sustainable utilization of ectomycorrhizal fungi, the expansion of edible fungus cultivation in forest environments, and the enhancement of derived economic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to measure the growth rate, biomass production, proximate composition, and fatty acid content of eleven microalgae strains to evaluate their potential for biofuel production. The growth rate (p < 0.05), total dry weight (p < 0.05), organic dry weight (p < 0.05), ash content (p < 0.05), and biomass productivity (p < 0.05) differed among eleven microalgae strains. The proximate composition differed (p < 0.05) among the eleven microalgae strains. The lipid contents were higher in Cymbella sp. (strain 2) (42.46 ± 1.06%) (p < 0.05). The carbohydrate content was higher (p < 0.05) in Aphanocapsa marina (42.40 ± 1.18 %). The protein content was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in Chlamydomonas mexicana (52.83 ± 0.60%). The contents of saturated (SFAs) (p < 0.05), monounsaturated (MUFAs), and polyunsaturated (PUFAs) (p < 0.05) fatty acids among the eleven microalgae strains were different. The most important indicators of biodiesel properties are the cetane number (CN), iodine value (IV), and saponification value (SV). It was concluded that Chlorella vulgaris was an adequate strain to be used in the production of biodiesel due to their high amount of palmitic acid, oleic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid, by high values of IV (147.27 g I2/100 g), SV (210.96 mg KOH/g), and CN (48.88). The diatom Cymbella sp. is a promising strain for biodiesel production due to its high values of lipid content (42.46%), lipid productivity (1.24 g/L/day), growth rate (0.67 divisions/day), and IV (197.93 g I2/100 g), and by the lowest values of generation time (35.60 h) and SV (208.85 mg KOH/g). Another promising strain for biodiesel production is Porphyridium cruentum due to its high values of biomass productivity (0.038 g/L/day), lipid productivity (0.80 g/L/day), CN (45.60), and IV (220.15 g I2/100 g), and by the low generation time and SV (199.25 mg KOH/g). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Striped catfish are one of the main aquaculture species in Asia. However, the low level of omega‐3 fatty acids in its body makes this species less attractive compared with marine fish. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different oils on growth performance, body composition, and fatty acids in striped catfish juveniles. A basal diet (T0) was formulated to contain no oil, while four other diets (T1, T2, T3, and T4) were supplemented at 4% with different oils, including salmon oil (SALO), soybean oil (SBO), linseed oil (LSO), and rapeseed oil (RSO). Catfish juveniles with initial body weight (23–24 g/fish) were randomly stocked in 500‐L fiberglass tanks, divided into five treatments, three replicates for each, and fed the experimental diets for 60 days. Results from this study revealed that fish fed the LSO‐supplemented diet had significantly (p < 0.05) improved whole body omega‐3 (alpha‐linoleic acid, 18:3n3) fatty acid levels (7.86%), total n‐3 fatty acids (9.12%), and higher growth than those fed the other diets. In conclusion, the findings suggest that linseed oil can be used to improve growth, omega‐3 fatty acid, C18:3–3 (ALA), and total n‐3 PUFA deposition in the whole body of striped catfish juveniles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]