Comparison of fatty acid composition in nine organs of the sympatric Antarctic teleost fish species Notothenia coriiceps and Notothenia rossii (Perciformes: Nototheniidae)

Fatty acid (FA) composition of nine organs from two closely related Antarctic fish species, Notothenia codiceps and Notothenia rossii, was determined through gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. A data set for each species was obtained using major FA profiles from specimens caught in the sea waters of Admiralty Bay during the summer season. The FA profiles for both species are overall similar, but organ peculiarities have been found, which could reflect metabolic specificities and feeding habits between species. With the exception of liver, the most abundant FA in organs was the n-3 polyunsaturated FA. The total n-6 polyunsaturated FAs were minor components in all evaluated organs. Palmitic acid was identified as the major saturated FA, whereas oleic acid was the most represented of the monounsaturated FA in almost all assessed organs of both species. The n-3/n-6 ratios of all organs were higher than 3.5. Differences in individual FA and FA metabolic profiles of some organs observed between N. coriiceps and N. rossii suggest specific requirements in the mobilization, transport, incorporation, and/or catabolism of lipids that were reinforced by differences on some FA ratios expressing the activity coefficient of enzymes implicated on the FA pathway flux. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lipid, fatty acid, protein, amino acid and ash contents in four Brazilian red algae species

Four species of marine benthic algae (Laurencia filiformis, L. intricata, Gracilaria domingensis and G. birdiae) that belong to the phylum Rhodophyta were collected in Espirito Santo State, Brazil and investigated concerning their biochemical composition (fatty acid, total lipid, soluble proteins, amino acid and ash). The total content of lipid (% dry weight) ranged from 1.1% to 6.2%: fatty acid from 0.7% to 1.0%: soluble protein from 4.6% to 18.3%, amino acid from 6.7% to 11.3% and ash from 22.5% to 38.4%. judging from their composition, the four species of algae appear to be potential sources of dietary proteins, amino acids, lipids and essential fatty acids for humans and animals. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Total Trans Fatty Acid Analysis in Spreadable Cheese by Capillary Zone Electrophoresis

An alternative method for determination of total trans fatty acids expressed as elaidic acid by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) under indirect UV detection at 224 nm within an analysis time of 7.5 min was developed. The optimized running electrolyte includes 15.0 mmol L(-1) KH(2)PO(4)/Na(2)HPO(4) buffer (pH similar to 7.0), 4.0 mmol L(-1) SDBS, 8.0 mmol L(-1) Brij35, 45%v/v ACN, 8% methanol, and 1.5% v/v n-octanol. Baseline separation of the critical pair C18-9cis/C18:1-9t: with a resolution higher than 1.5 was achieved using C15:0 as the internal standard. The optimum capillary electrophoresis (CE) conditions for the background electrolyte were established with the aid of Raman spectroscopy and experiments of a 3(2) factorial design. After response factor (R(F)) calculations, the CE method was applied to total trans fatty acid (TTFA) analysis in a hydrogenated vegetable fat (HVF) sample, and compared with the American Oil Chemists` Society (AOCS) official method by gas chromatography (GC). The methods were compared with an independent sample t test, and no significant difference was found between CE and GC methods within the 95% confidence interval for six genuine replicates of TTFA analysis (p-value > 0.05). The CE method was applied to TTFA analysis in a spreadable cheese sample. Satisfactory results were obtained, indicating that the optimized methodology can be used for trans fatty acid determination for these samples.

Extrusion and characterization of functionalized cellulose whiskers reinforced polyethylene nanocomposites

The surface of ramie cellulose whiskers has been chemically modified by grafting organic acid chlorides presenting different lengths of the aliphatic chain by an esterification reaction. The occurrence of the chemical modification was evaluated by FTIR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies, elemental analysis and contact angle measurements. The crystallinity of the particles was not altered by the chain grafting, but it was shown that covalently grafted chains were able to crystallize at the cellulose surface when using C18. Both unmodified and functionalized nanoparticles were extruded with low density polyethylene to prepare nanocomposite materials. The homogeneity of the ensuing nanocomposites was found to increase with the length of the grafted chains. The thermomechanical properties of processed nanocomposites were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA) and tensile tests. A significant improvement in terms of elongation at break was observed when sufficiently long chains were grafted on the surface of the nanoparticles. It was ascribed to improved dispersion of the nanoparticles within the LDPE matrix. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparative study of the whisky aroma profile based on headspace solid phase microextraction using different fibre coatings

A dynamic headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography coupled to ion trap mass spectrometry (GC–ITMS) method was developed and applied for the qualitative determination of the volatile compounds present in commercial whisky samples which alcoholic content was previously adjusted to 13% (v/v). Headspace SPME experimental conditions, such as fibre coating, extraction temperature and extraction time, were optimized in order to improve the extraction process. Five different SPME fibres were used in this study, namely, poly(dimethylsiloxane)(PDMS),poly(acrylate)(PA),Carboxen-poly(dimethylsiloxane)(CAR/PDMS),Carbowax-divinylbenzene(CW/DVB)and Carboxen-poly(dimethylsiloxane)-divinylbenzene (CAR/PDMS/DVB). The best results were obtained using a 75 m CAR/PDMS fibre during headspace extraction at 40◦C with stirring at 750rpm for 60min, after saturating the samples with salt. The optimised methodology was then appliedtoinvestigatethevolatilecompositionprofileofthreeScotchwhiskysamples—BlackLabel,BallantinesandHighlandClan.Approximately seventy volatile compounds were identified in the these samples, pertaining at several chemical groups, mainly fatty acids ethyl esters, higher alcohols, fatty acids, carbonyl compounds, monoterpenols, C13 norisoprenoids and some volatile phenols. The ethyl esters form an essential group of aroma components in whisky, to which they confer a pleasant aroma, with “fruity” odours. Qualitatively, the isoamyl acetate, with “banana” aroma,wasthemostinteresting.Quantitatively,significantcomponentsareethylestersofcaprilic,capricandlauricacids.Thehighestconcentration of fatty acids, were observed for caprilic and capric acids. From the higher alcohols the fusel oils (3-methylbutan-1-ol and 2.phenyletanol) are the most important ones.

Comparison of prophylactic and therapeutic use of short-chain fatty acid enemas in diversion colitis: a study in Wistar rats

OBJECTIVES: To study the effect of short-chain fatty-acids on atrophy and inflammation of excluded colonic segments before and after the development of diversion colitis. INTRODUCTION: Diversion colitis is a chronic inflammatory process affecting the dysfunctional colon, possibly evolving with mucous and blood discharge. The most favored hypotheses to explain its development is short-chain fatty-acid deficiency in the colon lumen. METHODS: Wistar rats were submitted to colostomy with distal colon exclusion. Two control groups (A1 and B1) received rectally administered physiological saline, whereas two experimental groups (A2 and B2) received rectally administered short-chain fatty-acids. The A groups were prophylactically treated (5th to 40th days postoperatively), whereas the B groups were therapeutically treated (after post-operative day 40). The mucosal thickness of the excluded colon was measured histologically. The inflammatory reaction of the mucosal lamina propria and the lymphoid tissue response were quantified through established scores. RESULTS: There was a significant thickness recovery of the colonic mucosa in group B2 animals (p = 0.0001), which also exhibited a significant reduction in the number of eosinophilic polymorphonuclear cells in the lamina propria (p = 0.0126) and in the intestinal lumen (p = 0.0256). Group A2 showed no mucosal thickness recovery and significant increases in the numbers of lymphocytes (p = 0.0006) and eosinophilic polymorphonuclear cells in the lamina propria of the mucosa (p = 0.0022). CONCLUSION: Therapeutic use of short-chain fatty-acids significantly reduced eosinophilic polymorphonuclear cell numbers in the intestinal wall and in the colonic lumen; it also reversed the atrophy of the colonic mucosa. Prophylactic use did not impede the development of mucosal atrophy

Milk fatty acid characterization and genetic parameter estimates for milk conjugated linoleic acid in buffaloes

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Influências de dietas ricas em ácidos graxos saturados e insaturados sobre o miocárdio de ratos

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Fatty acid composition of mid-trimester amniotic fluid in women of different ethnicities

Objective: To determine whether the fatty acid composition of mid-trimester amniotic fluid differs by ethnicity and pregnancy outcome. Methods: Fatty acid composition was analyzed by gas chromatography in 198 women undergoing amniocentesis at 15-19 weeks gestation. Cytokine levels were determined by ELISA in a subgroup of 52 subjects. Results: The major fatty acids detected were palmitic acid (31.8%) and stearic acid (31.5%). The n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), linoleic acid (LA, 18: 2) and arachidonic acid (AA, 20: 4), were 11.3%, while the n-3 PUFA fatty acids, alpha linolenic acid (ALA, 18: 3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22: 6), were 3.8% of the total. Palmitic acid was a higher percentage in Asians (40.5%) and Whites (34.5%) than in Blacks (22.2%) and Hispanics (23.7%) (p <= 0.0012). Oleic acid (18:1 n-9) was a higher percentage in Blacks (12.2%) and Hispanics (12.1%) than in Whites (9.2%) or Asians (7.5%) (<= 0.0002). LA and AA were higher in Blacks (9.0%, 5.4%) and Hispanics (8.6%, 4.1%) than in Whites (6.1%, 3.7%) and Asians (5.5%, 2.9%) (p <= 0.0002). DHA did not differ among the ethnic groups or according to pregnancy outcome. A reduced palmitic acid percentage was identified in the six women with preeclampsia (p = 0.0233). Tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels were inversely proportional to the palmitic acid percentage (p = 0.0275) and positively associated with the percentages of stearic (18:0) (p = 0.0132) and oleic (p = 0.0290) acids. Conclusions: Amniotic fluid fatty acid composition differed among the ethnic groups and may influence inflammatory mediator production and susceptibility to preeclampsia.

Composições tecidual e química do lombo de cordeiros alimentados com rações contendo semente de girassol em comedouros privativos

O experimento foi realizado objetivando avaliar a composição tecidual e química do músculo Longissimus dorsi de cordeiros Suffolk alimentados em comedouros privativos com ração contendo 0; 6,60; 13,20 ou 19,80% de semente de girassol. Ao nascer, os cordeiros foram numerados, pesados e distribuídos aleatoriamente nos piquetes compondo quatro repetições por tratamento em um total de 16 cordeiros. As rações continham 2,65; 2,78; 2,89 ou 2,93 Mcal/kg de energia metabolizável e 18,38; 18,75; 19,98 ou 21,18% de proteína bruta e foram fornecidas à vontade aos cordeiros. Os cordeiros foram pesados a cada 14 dias e mantidos com as ovelhas até atingirem o peso vivo de abate pré-estabelecido (28 kg). As carcaças foram mantidas durante 24 horas na câmara frigorífica a 5ºC e, posteriormente, foram seccionadas em sete regiões anatômicas para coleta dos lombos esquerdo e direito e obtenção, no músculo Longissimus dorsi, do peso dos componentes do lombo (músculo, osso e gordura) e da composição química e do perfil de ácidos graxos do músculo, do osso e da gordura. A semente de girassol influenciou o peso total do lombo, os pesos de músculo e tecido conjuntivo e o rendimento do tecido conjuntivo. O aumento no percentual de semente de girassol na ração diminuiu a quantidade dos ácidos láurico e palmítico (saturados) e aumentou a dos ácidos oléico e linoléico (insaturados). A qualidade nutricional da carne dos cordeiros melhora com aumento da utilização de semente de girassol na dieta.

Fatty acid profile of feedlot Brangus bullocks fed with monensin or polyclonal antibodies.

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Structural insights for fatty acid binding in a Lys49-phospholipase A(2): crystal structure of myotoxin II from Bothrops molojeni complexed with stearic acid

The crystal structure of dimeric Lys49-phospholipase A2 myotoxin-II from Bothrops moojeni (MjTX-II) co-crystallized with stearic acid (C18H36O2) has been determined at a resolution of 1.8 angstrom. The electron density maps permitted the unambiguous inclusion of six stearic acid molecules in the refinement. Two stearic acid molecules could be located in the substrate-binding cleft of each monomer in positions, which favor the interaction of their carboxyl groups with active site residues. The way of binding of stearic acids to this Lys49-PLA(2)s is analogous to phospholipids and transition state analogues to catalytically active PLA(2)s. Two additional stearic acid molecules were located at the dimer interface region, defining a hitherto unidentified acyl-binding site on the protein surface. The strictly conserved Lys122 for Lys49-PLA(2)s may play a fundamental role for stabilization of legend-protein complex. The comparison of MjTX-II/satiric acid complex with other Lys-PLA(2)s structures whose putative fatty acids were located at their active site is also analysed. Molecular details of the stearic acid/protein interactions provide insights to binding in croup I/II PLA(2)s and to the possible interactions of Lys49-PLA(2)s with target membranes. (c) 2004 Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.

Characterization of the Pulp and Kernel Oils from Syagrus oleracea, Syagrus romanzoffiana, and Acrocomia aculeata

Vegetable oils are important sources of essential fatty acids. It is, therefore, important to characterize plant species that can be used as new oil sources. This study aimed to characterize the oils from guariroba (Syagrus oleracea), jeriva (Syagrus romanzoffiana), and macauba (Acrocomia aculeata). The physicochemical characterization was performed using official analytical methods for oils and fats, free fatty acids, peroxide value, refractive index, iodine value, saponification number, and unsaponifiable matter. The oxidative stability was determined using the Rancimat at 110 degrees C. The fatty acid composition was performed by gas chromatography. The results were submitted to Tukey's test for the medium to 5% using the ESTAT program. The pulp oils were more unsaturated than kernel oils, as evidenced by the higher refractive index and iodine value, especially the macauba pulp oil which gave 1.4556 and 80 g I(2)/100 g, respectively, for these indices. The kernel oils were less altered by oxidative process and had high induction period, free fatty acids below 0.5%, and peroxide value around 0.19 meq/kg. The guariroba kernel oil showed the largest induction period, 91.82 h.

Chemical composition and fatty acid profile of rhea (Rhea americana) meat

The purpose of this work was to determine the proximate composition and fatty acid profiles of the Gastrocnemius pars interna intramuscular fat (IMF) of rhea (Rhea americana) thighs. The birds were bred in captivity, fed with balanced feed (Nutriavestruz Crescimento - Purina) and kept in a pen with grass ad lib. The birds of both sexes used in the research weighed 23 kg on average and were aged about twelve (12) months old. They were subjected to hydric diet (12 h) before slaughtering by electric shock. The rhea meat showed an average moisture, protein, ash and total lipid contents of 74.1%, 22.8%, 1.5% and 1.6%, respectively. It was noticed the predominance of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in intramuscular fat (IMF), 42.3% and a high percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), 29.7%.. The fatty acids found in higher proportion in rhea IMF were: 18:2n-6 (24.33%), 18: 1n-9 (19.25%),16:0 (13.70%),22: 1n9 (11.40%),18:0 (10.66%),15: 1n-10 (8.62%),24: 1n-9 (2.90%) and 20:4n-6 (1.72%). The PUFA/SFA and n-6/n-3 ratios were 1.06 and 31.30, respectively. The consumption of rhea meat is a healthy alternative to red meat as it points to a lower susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases caused by the high consumption of fat comparatively to the consumption of meat from most domesticated animals.

Immunohistochemical study of the expression of fatty acid synthase and Ki-67 in salivary gland tumors

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)