Profile of (n‐9) and (n‐7) Isomers of Monounsaturated Fatty Acids of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) seeds

The present study was undertaken to determine the profile of the (n‐9) and (n‐7) isomers for C18:1, C20:1 and C22:1 fatty acids in radish seeds as well as their isomers. Radish (Raphanus sativus L. cvs. ‘Antep, Beyaz, Cherry Belle and Iri K?rm?z?’) seeds were produced in 2003–2005 from different sowing dates (SD). The n‐7 isomers of C18:1, C20:1 and C22:1 ranged from 0.7 to 1.3, 0.1 to 0.3 and 0.4 to 1.1 %, respectively. The average values of C18:1(n‐7) was highest (1 %) amongst the three acids. The ratios of (n‐7)/(n‐9) ranged from 4.5 % (‘Cherry Belle’, SD‐I) to 8.3 % (‘Antep’, SD‐III), 0.8 % (‘Iri K?rm?z?’, SD‐II) to 3 % (‘Iri K?rm?z?’, SD‐I) and 1.6 % (‘Cherry Belle’, SD‐I) to 3.7 % (‘Iri K?rm?z?’, SD‐I) for C18:1, C20:1 and C22:1. Erucic acid was the principal fatty acid with concentrations of nearly 34–39 % in ‘Antep’, 32–34 % in ‘Cherry Belle’, 30–33 % in ‘Beyaz’ and 21–22 % in ‘Ir? K?rm?z?’. The oleic acid content was higher in SD‐I and SD‐II than SD‐III in all cultivars. Correlation studies revealed that palmitoleic acid (C16:1) had a significant relationship between most of the fatty acids of the (n‐7)/(n‐9) family. The results indicated that palmitoleic acid is important in the synthesis of long‐chain fatty acids and that the data for the (n‐7)/(n‐9) ratios for C22:1 could be used as biochemical markers to determine the similarities or differences between radish cultivars.     

The Diversity of Health Effects of Individual <Emphasis Type="Italic">trans</Emphasis> Fatty Acid Isomers

There are multiple adverse effects of trans fatty acids (TFA) that are produced by partial hydrogenation (i.e., manufactured TFA), on CVD, blood lipids, inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial health, body weight, insulin sensitivity, and cancer. It is not yet clear how specific TFA isomers vary in their biological activity and mechanisms of action. There is evidence of health benefits on some of the endpoints that have been studied for some animal TFA isomers, such as conjugated linoleic acid; however, these are not a major TFA source in the diet. Future research will bring clarity to our understanding of the biological effects of the individual TFA isomers. At this point, it is not possible to plan diets that emphasize individual TFA from animal sources at levels that would be expected to have significant health effects. Due to the multiple adverse effects of manufactured TFA, numerous agencies and governing bodies recommend limiting TFA in the diet and reducing TFA in the food supply. These initiatives and regulations, along with potential TFA alternatives, are presented herein.     

Comparing Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue in Beef and Muskox with Emphasis on <Emphasis Type="Italic">trans</Emphasis> 18:1 and Conjugated Linoleic Acids

Muskox (Ovibos moschatus) are ruminant animals native to the far north and little is known about their fatty acid composition. Subcutaneous adipose tissue (backfat) from 16 wild muskox was analyzed and compared to backfat from 16 barley fed beef cattle. Muskox backfat composition differed substantially from beef and the most striking difference was a high content of 18:0 (26.8 vs. 9.77%). This was accompanied by higher levels of most other saturated fatty acids except beef had more 16:0. Muskox backfat also had a lower level of cis-18:1 and this was related to a lower expression of steroyl-CoA desaturase mRNA. Beef backfat had a higher level of total trans-18:1 (4.25 vs. 2.67%). The most prominent trans-18:1 isomers in beef backfat were 10t-18:1 (2.13%) and 11t-18:1 (0.77%) whereas the most prominent isomers in muskox backfat were 11t-18:1 (1.41%), 13t/14t- (0.27%) and 16t-18:1 (0.23%). The total conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content was higher in beef backfat than muskox (0.67 vs. 0.50%) with 9c,11t-18:2 as the most abundant CLA isomer. The second most abundant CLA isomer in beef backfat was 7t,9c-18:2 (0.10%) whereas in muskox it was 11t13c-18:2 (0.04%). Muskox backfat had a higher content of 18:3n-3 and its elongation and desaturation products 20:5n-3, 22:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 and a lower n-6/n-3 ratio. Overall, the high forage diet of muskox seemed to produce a healthier fatty acid profile and highlighted the need to develop feeding strategies for intensively raising beef that will not negatively impacting fatty acid composition.     

Investigation of Micellization and Vesiculation of Conjugated Linoleic Acid by Means of Self‐Assembling and Self‐Crosslinking

Bioactive and biocompatible conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been only considered as a food or medicine ingredient due to its rare natural occurrence. In this work, the surface activities and pH‐induced self‐assembling behaviors of the semi‐synthetic CLA molecules into micelles or vesicles were systematically investigated. First, the self‐assembling of CLA was studied in detail, and it was found that aside from temperature and ionic strength, pH is the prominent factor affecting the self‐assembling of CLA. Moreover, stable CLA ufasomes (unsaturated fatty acid liposomes) in uniform size were obtained by self‐crosslinking of the CLA ufasomes, and the morphologies of the crosslinked CLA assemblies were recorded by transmission electron microscopy, which made known the pH‐induced formation of the CLA ufasomes or the CLA micelles. The crosslinked CLA assemblies presented improved properties such as a higher calcium stability, a lower lime soap dispersing requirement and a better solubilization ability than that of the CLA molecules themselves or the pre‐crosslinked linoleic acids. These investigations could be helpful for comprehensively understanding effects of environment factors on self‐assembling behaviors of conjugated fatty acids and responsive polymerization of polymerizable surfactants.     

Short‐Chain Fatty Acids Enhance the Lipid Accumulation of 3T3‐L1 Cells by Modulating the Expression of Enzymes of Fatty Acid Metabolism

Short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) such as acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid are produced by fermentation by gut microbiota. In this paper, we investigate the effects of SCFA on 3T3‐L1 cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms. The cells were treated with acetic acid, propionic acid, or butyric acid when cells were induced to differentiate into adipocytes. MTT assay was employed to detect the viability of 3T3‐L1 cells. Oil Red O staining was used to visualize the lipid content in 3T3‐L1 cells. A triglyceride assay kit was used to detect the triacylglycerol content in 3T3‐L1 cells. qRT‐PCR and Western blot were used to evaluate the expression of metabolic enzymes. MTT results showed that safe concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid were less than 6.4, 3.2, and 0.8 mM, respectively. Oil Red O staining and triacylglycerols detection results showed that treatment with acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid accelerated the 3T3‐L1 adipocyte differentiation. qRT‐PCR and Western blot results showed that the expressions of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), adipocyte fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), fatty acid transporter protein 4 (FATP4), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) were significantly increased by acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid treatment during adipose differentiation (p < 0.05). In conclusion, SCFA promoted lipid accumulation by modulating the expression of enzymes of fatty acid metabolism.     

Impact of a Standard Rodent Chow Diet on Tissue n‐6 Fatty Acids, Δ9‐Desaturation Index,and Plasmalogen Mass in Rats Fed for One Year

Although many studies focus on senescence mechanisms, few habitually consider age as a biological parameter. Considering the effect of interactions between food and age on metabolism, here we depict the lipid framework of 12 tissues isolated from Sprague–Dawley rats fed standard rodent chow over 1 year, an age below which animals are commonly studied. The aim is to define relevant markers of lipid metabolism influenced by age in performing a fatty acid (FA) and dimethylacetal profile from total lipids. First, our results confirm impregnation of adipose and muscular tissues with medium‐chain FA derived from maternal milk during early infancy. Secondly, when animals were switched to standard croquettes, tissues were remarkably enriched in n‐6 FA and especially 18:2n‐6. This impregnation over time was coupled with a decrease of the desaturation index and correlated with lower activities of hepatic Δ5‐ and Δ6‐desaturases. In parallel, we emphasize the singular status of testis, where 22:5n‐6, 24:4n‐6, and 24:5n‐6 were exceptionally accumulated with growth. Thirdly, 18:1n‐7, usually found as a discrete FA, greatly accrued over the course of time, mostly in liver and coupled with Δ9‐desaturase expression. Fourthly, skeletal muscle was characterized by a surprising enrichment of 22:6n‐3 in adults, which tended to decline in older rats. Finally, plasmalogen‐derived dimethylacetals were specifically abundant in brain, erythrocytes, lung, and heart. Most notably, a shift in the fatty aldehyde moiety was observed, especially in brain and erythrocytes, implying that red blood cell analysis could be a good indicator of brain plasmalogens.     

The Effects of Simultaneous Administration of Dietary Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Telmisartan on Cardiovascular Risks in Rats

Dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and the antihypertensive drug, telmisartan, have both been shown to modify cardiovascular risks. The effects of a combination of these two agents have, however, not been investigated. This 20 week study sought to assess the therapeutic potential of a CLA/telmisartan co-administration in rats fed a high-fructose high-fat diet. Thirty-three male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to five experimental groups, including control, losartan, telmisartan, CLA, and CLA + telmisartan-treated animals. Body weight, blood pressure, and blood levels of lipids, glucose, insulin, and inflammatory markers were measured. Co-administration of CLA and telmisartan resulted in significant (P < 0.05) reductions in body weight, visceral fat, serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, plasma insulin concentrations, and systolic blood pressure compared with those in the control group. Moreover, plasma levels of IL1-α and IFN-γ were reduced and levels of IL1-β, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10, plus TNF-α were increased in the co-therapy group, compared with controls. In conclusion, this study suggests that a combination of CLA with telmisartan may modify several risk factors of cardiovascular disease commonly seen in metabolic syndrome. This combination of nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals may be a safe and cost-effective strategy in a number of high-risk subjects. Future studies will further document clinical benefits of such combination therapy.     

Effects of milk fat replacement by PUFA enriched fats on n‐3 fatty acids,conjugated dienes and volatile compounds of fermented milks

A study was carried out to determine the profiles of fatty acids in fermented milks and dairy derivatives made with milk fat substituted by polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)‐enriched fat. In order to improve the organoleptic properties of those products, whey protein concentrates (WPC) were added during the manufacturing process. Interest was focused during manufacturing and storage period on the contents of “healthy” fatty acids, mainly conjugated linoleic acid and n‐3 PUFA. Contents of these fatty acids were not affected by the manufacture practices and neither did addition of WPC during manufacturing nor cold storage cause their decrease. Percentages of total n‐3 fatty acids in fat from dairy derivatives enriched in PUFA after 21 d of storage (1.45%) were very close to those obtained before processing (1.39%). Contents did not differ either substantially when WPC were added during manufacturing (1.46%). The increase of volatile compounds was also examined. Although a slight decrease in the total volatile content was observed, percentages of different compounds were not modified when milk fat was substituted by PUFA enriched fat.     

Lower Concentration of n‐3 in the Red Blood Cells and Plasma of Lambs when their Dams were Fed a Diet High Compared with Low in n‐6 Fatty Acids at Joining

Feeding ewes a diet high in n‐6 in late gestation can affect fatty acid concentrations in the newborn lamb. The effect of feeding ewes a high n‐6 diet prior to conception and in early gestation on lamb n‐6 and n‐3 status has not previously been examined. The aim of the current study was to determine whether the concentration of n‐6 was higher and n‐3 was lower in lamb red blood cells (RBC) and plasma when Merino dams were fed a diet high in n‐6 either pre‐conception only or both pre‐conception and in early gestation. Dams were fed a diet low (silage) or high (oats/CSM) in n‐6 for either 6 weeks pre‐mating only or 6 weeks pre‐mating and 17 days post‐mating. The fatty acid status of lamb RBC and plasma was determined following birth and compared with dam fatty acids around parturition. The concentration of lamb RBC and plasma n‐3 was lower (p < 0.05) when dams received the high n‐6 compared with low‐n‐6 diet around mating, independent of the length of time of feeding. The concentration of n‐3 in lamb plasma was also higher when lambs were assessed as being likely rather than unlikely to have suckled prior to blood collection. Lamb RBC and plasma n‐3 fatty acids were lower when dams were fed the high compared with the low n‐6 diet for only a short time around mating. Transfer of fatty acids via the placenta and milk may account for the differences.     

The Impact of Linseed Oil Lipids on the Physical Properties of Corn Crisps and the Possibility of Obtaining Crisps Enriched with n‐3 Fatty Acids

Linseed oil, also known as flaxseed oil, is obtained from the dried, ripened seeds of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum). The oil is obtained by pressing, sometimes followed by solvent extraction supported by a refining process. Linseed oil is an edible oil that is in demand as a nutritional supplement, as a source of α‐linolenic acid an n‐3 fatty acid. The aim of this work was to investigate: (1) the influence of the corn crisp extrusion process on the degradation of fatty acids in linseed oil (LO) and some preparations obtained from the linseed oil such as ethyl ester (EE) and free fatty acids (FFA) added to the corn in order to increase the nutritional value of the crisps, (2) influence of the oil and two fatty preparations obtained from it on the quality of corn crisps, (3) interaction of the lipid fraction with starch. The extrusion process did not degrade the fatty acids significantly. Expansion ratio obtained in the corn crisp extrusion process decreased from 620 % down to 153 %, the size of pores/thickness of the starch–protein walls forming the structure of the extruded product decreased from 10 μm down to 4 μm, the hardness of the crisps increased from 20 to 75 N, and number of lipid–starch complexes increased with rising polarity of the lipid fraction. FFA were complexed mostly by starch (about 90 %), to a lesser degree by EE (about 60 %) and to the least extent by triacylglycerols (about 10 %). The studies performed under industrial conditions using the single screw extruder for the production of corn crisps with the application of standard parameters of the extrusion process indicated that the addition of a mass of 5 % of the various lipids (triacylglycerols of linseed oil, ethyl esters and fatty acids obtained from linseed oil) to corn grits prior to the extrusion process significantly affect the quality of corn crisps.     

Effects of Temperature and Surfactants on the Equilibrium Swelling Behavior of Poly[acrylamide‐co‐(itaconic acid)] Hydrogels

Summary: The swelling equilibrium of poly(acrylamide) [PAAm] and poly[acrylamide‐co‐(itaconic acid)] [P(AAm/IA)] hydrogels was studied as a function of temperature and IA content in aqueous solutions of surfactants: sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS, anionic) and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HTAB, cationic). P(AAm/IA) hydrogels in water exhibited reentrant conformational transitions depending on temperature, whereas PAAm hydrogels were not affected with the change of temperature. The equilibrium‐volume‐swelling ratio of P(AAm/IA) hydrogels increased sharply in SDS solutions, with an increase of the mole percent of IA. However, in HTAB solution, the equilibrium‐volume‐swelling ratio of these hydrogels decreased with an increase of IA content.

The equilibrium volume‐swelling ratios of the hydrogels in water shown as a function of temperature.     

A Kinetic and Mechanistic Study on the Oxidation of Hydroxy Acids by <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-Bromophthalimide in the Presence of a Micellar System

The kinetics of oxidation of some α-hydroxy acids viz. Tartaric acid (TA) and Malic acid (MA) by N-bromophthalimide (NBP) were studied in the presence of a cationic surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), in perchloric acid medium at 313 K. The oxidation of TA and MA by N-bromophthalimide in the presence of CTAB is faster than in the absence of surfactant. The rate of oxidation of hydroxy acids was found to be in the order: TA > MA. First order kinetics with respect to NBP was observed in the oxidation of both hydroxy acids. The kinetics results indicate that the first order kinetics in hydroxy acids at lower concentrations tends towards a zero order at its higher concentrations. Inverse fractional order in [H⁺] and [phthalimide] were noted throughout its tenfold variation. With a progressive increase in [CTAB], the rate of reaction increased, reaches a maximum value and then constancy in k _Ψ was observed. Variation of [Hg(OAc)₂] and ionic strength (μ) of the medium did not bring about any significant change in the rate of reaction. The applicability of different kinetic models viz. the Piszkiewicz cooperative model, the Raghvan and Srinivasan model, and the Menger–Portnoy model were tested to explain the observed micellar effects. The effect of [CTAB] on the activation parameters was explored to rationalize the micellar effect. The values of rate constants observed at four different temperatures were utilized to calculate the activation parameters. A suitable mechanism consistent with the experimental findings has been proposed. The index of cooperativity and the micelle binding constant have been calculated.

Part 7. Effects of poly(L‐lactide‐co‐ϵ‐caprolactone) on morphology,structure, crystallization,and physical properties of blends of poly(L‐lactide) and poly(ϵ‐caprolactone)

Blended films of poly(L ‐lactide) [ie poly(L ‐lactic acid)] (PLLA) and poly(?‐caprolactone) (PCL) without or mixed with 10 wt% poly(L ‐lactide‐co‐?‐caprolactone) (PLLA‐CL) were prepared by solution‐casting. The effects of PLLA‐CL on the morphology, phase structure, crystallization, and mechanical properties of films have been investigated using polarization optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and tensile testing. Addition of PLLA‐CL decreased number densities of spherulites in PLLA and PCL films, and improved the observability of spherulites and the smoothness of cross‐section of the PLLA/PCL blend film. The melting temperatures (T_m) of PLLA and PCL in the films remained unchanged upon addition of PLLA‐CL, while the crystallinities of PLLA and PCL increased at PLLA contents [X_PLLA = weight of PLLA/(weight of PLLA and PCL)] of 0.4–0.7 and at most of the X_PLLA values, respectively. The addition of PLLA‐CL improved the tensile strength and the Young modulus of the films at X_PLLA of 0.5–0.8 and of 0–0.1 and 0.5–0.8, respectively, and the elongation at break of the films at all the X_PLLA values. These findings strongly suggest that PLLA‐CL was miscible with PLLA and PCL, and that the dissolved PLLA‐CL in PLLA‐rich and PCL‐rich phases increased the compatibility between these two phases. © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Combinatory Effects of Cerium Dioxide Nanoparticles and Acetaminophen on the Liver—A Case Study of Low-Dose Interactions in Human HuH-7 Cells

The interactions between pharmaceuticals and nanomaterials and its potentially resulting toxicological effects in living systems are only insufficiently investigated. In this study, two model compounds, acetaminophen, a pharmaceutical, and cerium dioxide, a manufactured nanomaterial, were investigated in combination and individually. Upon inhalation, cerium dioxide nanomaterials were shown to systemically translocate into other organs, such as the liver. Therefore we picked the human liver cell line HuH-7 cells as an in vitro system to investigate liver toxicity. Possible synergistic or antagonistic metabolic changes after co-exposure scenarios were investigated. Toxicological data of the water soluble tetrazolium (WST-1) assay for cell proliferation and genotoxicity assessment using the Comet assay were combined with an untargeted as well as a targeted lipidomics approach. We found an attenuated cytotoxicity and an altered metabolic profile in co-exposure experiments with cerium dioxide, indicating an interaction of both compounds at these endpoints. Single exposure against cerium dioxide showed a genotoxic effect in the Comet assay. Conversely, acetaminophen exhibited no genotoxic effect. Comet assay data do not indicate an enhancement of genotoxicity after co-exposure. The results obtained in this study highlight the advantage of investigating co-exposure scenarios, especially for bioactive substances.     

The Effects of Magnetic Field Size on the Electronic Structure of Al‐Doped ZnO Thin Films Studied by X‐ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy

This study examines Al‐doped ZnO (AZO) transparent conductive thin films prepared on glass substrate using the pulsed laser deposition method with an expanding magnetic field perpendicular to the sample surface. O K‐, Zn L₃‐, and Al K‐edge X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) and X‐ray emission spectroscopy (XES) were used to investigate the relationship between the effects of magnetic field size and the electronic structure of AZO thin films. Analysis of the XANES spectra showed increasing O 2p states as film resistance decreases, suggesting that the enrichment of the O 2p‐dangling bond along the c‐axis is the main factor affecting the electric performance of AZO thin films. Magnetic field size affects electrons itinerating from Zn atoms to Al sites through O 2p–Zn 3d and O 2p–Al 3sp hybridization and consequently weakens O 2p–Zn 3d hybridization with the downsizing of the crystallite size. XES and XANES spectra of O 2p states at the O K‐edge exhibit that the conduction‐band minimum affects E_g and the valence‐band maximum is nearly unaffected by changes in magnetic field size. Factors affecting the resistance/electric conductivity of AZO thin films are the preferential orientation of (002) along the c‐axis, the thermal/annealing effect accompanied by the changes of magnetic field size, the surface effect, energy bandgap, and the density of unoccupied O 2p‐derived states.     

Equilibrium and kinetic studies on the extraction of gadolinium(III) from nitrate medium by di‐2‐ethylhexylphosphoric acid in kerosene using a single drop technique

The liquid–liquid extraction of Gd(III) from aqueous nitrate medium was studied using di‐2‐ethylhexylphosphoric acid (HDEHP) in kerosene. On the basis of the slope analysis data, the composition of the extracted species was found to be [Gd A₃(HA)] with the extraction equilibrium constant (K_ex) = (1.48 ± 0.042) × 10^?12 mol dm^?3. The results of the effect of temperature on the value of the equilibrium extraction constant indicated the endothermic character of the extraction system. The kinetics of the forward extraction of Gd³⁺ from nitrate medium by HDEHP in kerosene was investigated using the single drop column technique. The rate of flux (mass transfer per unit area) was found to be proportional to [Gd(III)], [H₂A₂]_(o), [NO₃^?], and [H⁺]^?1 in the liquid drop organic phase. The forward extraction rate constant, k_f, was 2.24 × 10^?3 m s^?1 using the equation: Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry