Chemical Composition and Cytotoxic Activity of the Essential Oil and Oleoresins of In Vitro Micropropagated Ansellia africana Lindl: A Vulnerable Medicinal Orchid of Africa.

Orchids are rich treasure troves of various important phytomolecules. Among the various medicinal orchids, Ansellia africana stands out prominently in the preparing of various herbal medicines due to its high therapeutic importance. The nodal explants of A. africana were sampled from asymbiotically germinated seedlings on basal Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium and were micropropagated in MS medium supplemented with 3% sucrose and 10 µM meta topolin (mT) + 5 µM naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) +15 µM indole butyric acid (IBA) + 30 µM phloroglucinol (PG). In the present study, the essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and the oleoresins by the solvent extraction method from the micropropagated A. africana. The essential oil and the oleoresins were analysed by Gas Chromatography (GC) and GC/MS (Mass spectrometry). A total of 84 compounds were identified. The most predominant components among them were linoleic acid (18.42%), l-ascorbyl 2,6-dipalmitate (11.50%), linolenic acid (10.98%) and p-cresol (9.99%) in the essential oil; and eicosane (26.34%), n-butyl acetate (21.13%), heptadecane (16.48%) and 2-pentanone, 4-hydroxy-4-methyl (11.13%) were detected in the acetone extract; heptadecane (9.40%), heneicosane (9.45%), eicosane (6.40%), n-butyl acetate (14.34%) and styrene (22.20%) were identified and quantified in the ethyl acetate extract. The cytotoxic activity of essential oil and oleoresins of micropropagated A. africana was evaluated by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) assay on Vero cells compared to the standard drug doxorubicin chloride. The present research contains primary information about the therapeutic utility of the essential oil and oleoresins of A. africana with a promising future research potential of qualitative and quantitative improvement through synchronised use of biotechnological techniques.

Linoleic acid and squalene are oxidized by discrete oxidation mechanisms in human sebum.

Previous studies suggest that squalene (SQ) in sebum is oxidized by a photooxidation mechanism (i.e., singlet oxygen oxidation) to create SQ hydroperoxide (SQOOH), a compound that causes adverse skin conditions. However, oxidation of other lipids in sebum, such as linoleic acid (LA), has not been fully understood. Elucidating their oxidation, especially its mechanisms, may lead to a further understanding of the relationship between sebum oxidation and skin conditions. In this study, using HPLC-MS/MS, we aimed to detect LA hydroperoxide (LAOOH) directly from sebum and identify the oxidation mechanism of LA in sebum through analysis of LAOOH isomers. We developed extraction and HPLC-MS/MS analysis conditions that can sufficiently quantify each LAOOH isomer in sebum. Using this method, LAOOH was detected in samples from healthy individuals, demonstrating the presence of LAOOH in human sebum. Moreover, isomer analysis of LAOOH and SQOOH indicated that LA and SQ are oxidized in sebum by discrete oxidation mechanisms (LA oxidized by free radical oxidation, whereas SQ oxidized by singlet oxygen oxidation). Such results may further lead to the development of mechanism-specific ways to prevent oxidation of sebum via a selection of appropriate antioxidants, ultimately leading to the promotion of skin health.

Inhibition of MMP2-PEX by a novel ester of dihydroxy cinnamic and linoleic acid from the seagrass Cymodocea serrulata.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are pivotal for cancer cell migration and metastasis which are generally over-expressed in such cell types. Many drugs targeting MMPs do so by binding to the conserved catalytic domains and thus exhibit poor selectivity due to domain-similarities with other proteases. We report herein the binding of a novel compound [3-(E-3,4-dihydroxycinnamaoyloxyl)-2-hydroxypropyl 9Z, 12Z-octadeca-9, 12-dienoate; Mol. wt: 516.67 Da], (C1), isolated from a seagrass, Cymodocea serrulata to the unconserved hemopexin-like (PEX) domain of MMP2 (- 9.258 kcal/mol). MD simulations for 25 ns, suggest stable ligand-target binding. In addition, C1 killed an ovarian cancer cell line, PA1 at IC50: 5.8 µM (lesser than Doxorubicin: 8.6 µM) and formed micronuclei, apoptotic bodies and nucleoplasmic bridges whilst causing DNA laddering, S and G2/M phase dual arrests and MMP disturbance, suggesting intrinsic apoptosis. The molecule increased mRNA transcripts of BAX and BAD and down-regulated cell survival genes, Bcl-xL, Bcl-2, MMP2 and MMP9. The chemical and structural details of C1 were deduced through FT-IR, GC-MS, ESI-MS, 1H and 13C NMR [both 1D and 2D] spectra.

Activation of Hair Cell Growth Factors by Linoleic Acid in Malva verticillata Seed.

Hair loss by excessive stress from work and lifestyle changes has become a growing concern, particularly among young individuals. However, most drugs for alopecia impose a plethora of side effects. We have found the powerful impact of Malva verticillata seed extracts on alleviating hair loss. This study further isolated effective chemicals in M. verticillata seed extracts by liquid silica gel column chromatography. Under the screening for the growth rate (%) of human follicles dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs), we identified linoleic acid (LA) and oleic acid in n-hexane of M. verticillate (MH)2 fraction. LA treatment activated Wnt/ß-catenin signaling and induced HFDPCs growth by increasing the expression of cell cycle proteins such as cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 2. LA treatment also increased several growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1, hepatocyte growth factor, and keratinocyte growth factor, in a dose-dependent manner. Besides, LA significantly inhibited Dickkopf-related protein expression (DKK-1), a primary alopecia signaling by dihydrotestosterone. Our findings suggest that LA treatment may alleviate a testosterone-induced signaling molecule and induces HFDPCs growth by activating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling.

Optimization of Ultrasonic-assisted Extraction and Fatty Acid Composition of Oil from Paeonia suffruticosa Andr. Seed.

Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the effects of extraction parameters including time, power, temperature and liquid-to-solid ratio on peony seed oil yield. Box-Behnken design (BBD) was employed for optimization of extraction parameters in oil yield that extracted assisting by ultrasonic while petroleum ether as solvent. The chemical composition of peony seed oil under optimal condition in ultrasonic-assisted extract method was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The optimal conditions were that extraction time 45 min, extraction temperature 45°C, extraction power 90 W and liquid-to-solid ratio 7:1, respectively. Under this condition, the extraction yield value was 33.90% which was with 95% confidence level, hence indicated the reliability of RSM in optimizing ultrasonic-assisted extraction of oil from Paeonia suffruticosa Andr. seed. Three unsaturated fatty acid of peony oil such as n-3 α-linolenic acid (39.75%), n-6 linoleic acid (26.32%) and the oleic acid (23.66%), totally more than 89.00% was determined at optimum condition.

Whey protein isolate-gelatin nanoparticles enable the water-dispersibility and potentialize the antioxidant activity of quinoa oil (Chenopodium quinoa).

The quinoa oil presents benefits to health, but its low water dispersibility in the aqueous matrix and instability of bioactive compounds is challenging for food application. This study performed the physicochemical and chemical characterization of quinoa oil and evaluated its water dispersibility and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activity after nanoencapsulation in porcine gelatin and combination with whey protein isolate by emulsification O/W technique. Thus, three formulations were obtained: 1) OG-containing quinoa oil and porcine gelatin in aqueous phase 2; 2) OWG1-containing quinoa oil, whey protein isolate, and porcine gelatin in aqueous phase 2; and 3) OWG2-containing quinoa oil and whey protein isolate in aqueous phase 1, and porcine gelatin in aqueous phase 2. The oil characterization showed that quinoa oil presented the predominance of linoleic acid (53.4%), and concentration of alpha and gamma-tocopherol, respectively, of 8.56 and 6.28 mg.100g-1. All formulations presented a smooth surface without depression or cracking, an average diameter between 165.77 and 529.70 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated chemical interaction between the encapsulating agents and the oil in all formulations, being more intensified in OWG1 and OWG2. Based on this, these formulations showed higher dispersibility in aqueous solution [68% (3.48) and 71% (2.97)]. This resulted in higher antioxidant activity for OWG1 and OWG2, showing the amounts that reduces antioxidant activity by 50% equal to 5.30 (0.19) mg/mL and 5.54 (0.27) mg/mL, respectively, compared to quinoa oil [13.36 (0.28) mg/mL] (p < 0.05). Thus, quinoa oil nanoencapsulation proved to be an efficient alternative to enable water-dispersibility and enhance antioxidant activity, increasing its potential for application in the food industry.

Physico-Chemical Analysis and Fatty Acid Profiling of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) Seed Oil Using Different Solvents.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) a native to Southern Europe, Mediterranean region and Western Asia has been used as a spice all over the world to increase the sensory quality to the food. It is also known for its medicinal properties such as anti-diabetic, anti-carcinogenic, hypocholesterolemic and immunological activities and can also be used as a food stabilizer and emulsifying agent. The ash, protein, moisture and fiber content of defatted fenugreek seed powder obtained were 9%, 23.04%, 3.8%, 25.47% respectively. So, this study is systematically intended to determine the fatty acid composition, to be best among the different solvents used are the ethanol, petroleum ether, acetone and hexane for the extraction of the fenugreek seed oil and to analyze its susceptibility to oxidation. This study was carried out to investigate and examine the results such as acid value, peroxide value, saponification value, iodine value and the physical properties such as the color value and the refractive index of the seed oil. The results stipulate that the oil extracted using the solvent hexane had better quality and yield. Linoleic acid (41.97%) followed by alpha-linolenic acid (29.33%) and cis-9 oleic acid (12.95%) was found as the primary fatty acids present in the oil extracted using hexane. Along with these fatty acids, the PUFA content of hexane oil (71.30%) was also observed to be in a good range. So, on comparing these results with codex standards, it revealed that it can be considered as edible oil with further purifications.

Nematicidal Activity of Holigarna caustica (Dennst.) Oken Fruit Is Due to Linoleic Acid.

Holigarna caustica (Dennst.) Oken is used by the tribes of Northeast India for the treatment of intestinal problems. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to investigate the active principles of this plant responsible for its anthelmintic activity, using bioassay-guided fractionation. An ethanol extract of H. caustica fruit was fractionated on a silica gel column, followed by HPLC, while nematicidal activity was followed throughout on Caenorhabditis (C.) elegans as a model organism. Our study constitutes the first nematicidal report for this plant. Bioassay-guided purification led to the isolation of one compound (IC50 = 0.4 µM) as the only active constituent in the most active fraction. The compound was identified as linoleic acid based on spectroscopic data (1H and 13C NMR and ESI-MS). No cytotoxicity was observed in the crude extract or in linoleic acid (up to 356 µM). The results support the use of H. caustica for the treatment of intestinal problems by traditional healers in India.

Chemical Constituents from Fraxinus hupehensis and Their Antifungal and Herbicidal Activities.

The phytochemical investigation of Fraxinus hupehensis led to the isolation and characterization of ten compounds which were identified as fraxin (1), fraxetin (2), esculetin (3), cichoriin (4), euphorbetin (5), kaempferol-3-O-ß-rutinoside (6), oleuropein (7), linoleic acid (8), methyl linoleate (9), and ß-sitosterol (10). Structures of the isolated constituents were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS. All the compounds, except compounds 3 and 4, were isolated for the first time from this plant. Further, this was the first report for the occurrence of compound 5 in the Fraxinus species. Antifungal activity evaluation showed that compound 2 exhibited significant inhibitory effects against Bipolaris maydis, Sclerotium rolfsii, and Alternaria solani with EC50 values of 0.31 ± 0.01 mmol/L, 10.50 ± 0.02 mmol/L, and 0.40 ± 0.02 mmol/L respectively, compared to the positive control, Carbendazim, with its EC50 values of 0.74 ± 0.01 mmol/L, 1.78 ± 0.01 mmol/L and 1.41 ± 0.00 mmol/L. Herbicidal activity tests showed that compounds 8-10 had strong inhibitory effects against the roots of Echinochloa crus-galli with EC50 values of 1.16 ± 0.23 mmol/L, 1.28 ± 0.58 mmol/L and 1.33 ± 0.35 mmol/L respectively, more potently active than that of the positive control, Cyanazine, with its EC50 values of 1.56 ± 0.44 mmol/L. However, none of the compounds proved to be active against the tested bacteria (Erwinia carotovora, Pseudomonas syringae, and Ralstonia solanacearum).

The Effect of Different Solvent Types and Extraction Methods on Oil Yields and Fatty Acid Composition of Safflower Seed.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different extraction solvents (petroleum benzene, hexane, diethyl ether and acetone) and extraction methods (hot and cold) on oil yield of safflower seeds and its fatty acid compositions. Oil contents of safflower seeds extracted by hot extraction system were changed between 37.40% (acetone) and 39.53% (petroleum benzene), while that of cold extraction was varied between 39.96% (petroleum benzene) and 39.40% (diethyl ether). Regarding the extraction solvents, the highest oil yield (39.53%) was obtained with petroleum benzene, while the minimum value (37.40%) was found with acetone under hot extraction condition. The main fatty acids observed in all extracted oil samples were linoleic, oleic and palmitic acids. Oleic acid contents of safflower oils extracted by hot extraction system was ranged between 41.20% (acetone) and 42.54% (hexane), its content in oils obtained by cold extraction method was varied between 40.58% (acetone) and 42.10% (hexane and diethyl ether). Linoleic content of safflower oil extracted by hot extraction system was found between 48.23% (acetone) and 49.62% (hexane), while that oil extracted by cold method range from 48.07 (hexane) to 49.09% (acetone). The fatty acid composition of safflower seeds oil showed significant (p < 0.05) differences depending on solvent type and extraction method. The results of this study provide relevant information that can be used to improve organic solvent extraction processes of vegetable oil.

Lipid Characteristics of Camellia Seed Oil.

Camellia oleifera, C. japonica and C. sinensis are three representative crops of the genus Camellia. In this work, we systematically investigated the lipid characteristics of these seed oils collected from different regions. The results indicated significant differences in acid value (AV), peroxide value (PV), iodine value (IV), saponification value (SV) and relative density of the above-mentioned camellia seed oils (p < 0.05). The C. japonica seed oils showed the highest AV (1.7 mg/g), and the C. sinensis seed oils showed the highest PV (17.4 meq/kg). The C. japonica seed oils showed the lowest IV (79.9 g/100 g), SV (192.7 mg/g) and refractive index (1.4633) of all the oils, while the C. sinensis seed oils showed the lowest relative density (0.911 g/cm3). The major fatty acids in the camellia seed oils were palmitic acid (16:0), oleic acid (18:1) and linoleic acid (18:2); the oleic acid in C. oleifera and C. japonica seed oils accounted for more than 80% of the total fatty acids. The oleic acid levels in the C. oleifera and C. japonica oils were higher than those in the C. sinensis seed oils, while the linoleic acid levels in the former were lower than those in the latter one. Differences also exist in the triacylglycerol (TAG) composition, although the most abundant TAG molecular species in the camellia seed oils was trioleoylglycerol (OOO). Seven sterol species, squalene and α-tocopherol were detected in the camellia seed oils, however, the contents of tocopherol and unsaponifiable molecules in the C. oleifera and C. japonica seed oils were significantly lower than those in the C. sinensis seed oil. These results demonstrated that the varieties of Camellia affected the seed oil lipid characteristics.

Changes in Soybean (Glycine max L.) Flour Fatty-Acid Content Based on Storage Temperature and Duration.

Soybeans are low in saturated fat and a rich source of protein, dietary fiber, and isoflavone; however, their nutritional shelf life is yet to be established. This study evaluated the change in the stability and quality of fatty acids in raw and roasted soybean flour under different storage temperatures and durations. In both types of soybean flour, the fatty-acid content was the highest in the order of linoleic acid (18-carbon chain with two double bonds; C18:2), oleic acid (C18:1), palmitic acid (C16:0), linolenic acid (18:3), and stearic acid (C18:0), which represented 47%, 26%, 12%, 9%, and 4% of the total fatty-acid content, respectively. The major unsaturated fatty acids of raw soybean flour-oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid-decreased by 30.0%, 94.4%, and 97.7%, and 38.0%, 94.8%, and 98.0% when stored in polyethylene and polypropylene film, respectively, after 48 weeks of storage under high-temperature conditions. These values were later increased due to hydrolysis. This study presents the changes in composition and content of two soybean flour types and the changes in quality and stability of fatty acids in response to storage temperature and duration. This study shows the influence of storage conditions and temperature on the nutritional quality which is least affected by packing material.

Chemical Composition, Characteristics Profiles and Bioactivities of Tunisian Phalaris canariensis Seeds: a Potential Source of ω-6 and ω-9 Fatty Acids.

Seeds oils of Phalaris canariensis extracted by ultrasonication and cold maceration were evaluated for their physical characteristics, total phenol contents, fatty acid and sterol compositions as well as for their antioxidant, antibacterial and acetylcholinesterase activities. The physicochemical properties of ultrasonication and cold maceration oils respectively were: acid values (4.00 and 3.25) mg KOH/g, peroxide values (5.53 and 4.41) meq O2 Kg-1, iodine values (88.83 and 95.17) g/100 g of oil, saponification values (119.21 and 98.17) mg KOH/g, phenolic content (36.40 and 53.00) mg GAE/g extract, chlorophylls (0.52 and 0.60) mg/kg oil and carotenoids contents (1.92 and 1.88) mg/kg oil. Gas chromatography analysis revealed that linoleic (52.03 and 52.2%), oleic (31.75 and 31.84%) and palmitic (11.09 and 11.34 %) acids were the major fatty acids in the two oils. Specific extinctions at 232 nm (K232) and 270 nm (K270) were (0.58 and 0.44) and (0.42 and 0.33), respectively. The DSC melting curve showed that their melting points and melting enthalpies were (-28.05°C and 76.8 J/g) and (-27.47°C and 62.3 J/g), respectively. On the other hand, the evaluation of their DPPH radical scavenging, total antioxidant capacity, antibacterial and acetylcholinesterase activities showed interesting results. Thus, Phalaris canariensis seeds oils could deserve further consideration and investigation as a potentially new multi-purpose product for agro-food, medicinal and cosmetic uses.

Skullcap (Scutellaria Baicalensis) Hexane Fraction Inhibits the Permeation of Ovalbumin and Regulates Th1/2 Immune Responses.

Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) is well known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. In our previous study, we found that skullcap could inhibit allergen permeation and regulate Th1/2 immune balance. To reveal the key fractions and components of skullcap, we fractionated skullcap extract into five fractions: hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol, and water fraction. Among these fractions, the hexane fraction significantly suppressed the production of Th2-mediated cytokines (Interleukin (IL)-4, 5, 10 and 13) and increased Th1-mediated cytokines (Interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-12). Furthermore, the hexane fraction inhibited the permeation of ovalbumin (OVA), used as an allergen, across the intestinal epithelial cell monolayer. To confirm the active compounds in the hexane fraction, fatty acids were analyzed. Linoleic acid (LA, C18:2 (>59.7%)) was identified as the most important fatty acid in the skullcap hexane fraction. LA significantly suppressed IL-4 production and increased IFN-γ secretion, as well as inhibiting OVA permeation. Thus, LA significantly diminished the permeation of allergen by enhancing intestinal barrier function and regulated allergic responses to maintain Th1/Th2 immune balance.

Recovery and Utilization of Palm Oil Mill Effluent Source as Value-Added Food Products.

The environmental impacts of palm oil mill effluent (POME) have been a concern due to the water pollution and greenhouse gases emissions. Thus, this study was conducted to recover the value-added products from POME source before being discharged. The samples, before (X) and after (Y) the pre-recovery system in the clarification tank were sampled and analysed and proximate analysis indicated that both samples are energy rich source of food due to high contents of fats and carbohydrates. GCMS analysis showed that the oil extracts contain predominantly palmitic, oleic, linoleic and stearic acids. Regiospecific analysis of oil extracts by quantitative 13C-NMR spectroscopy demonstrated that both oil extracts contain similar degree of saturation of fatty acids at sn-2 and sn-1,3 positions. The samples are rich in various phytonutrients, pro-vitamin A, vitamin E, squalene and phytosterols, thus contributing to exceptionally high total flavonoid contents and moderate antioxidant activities. Overall, samples X and Y are good alternative food sources, besides reducing the environmental impact of POME.

Potential of Laurencia obtusa as a substrate for the development of a probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Laurencia obtusa (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) has tremendous nutritional value, being high in proteins, oligosaccharides, vitamins, essential minerals, and fatty acids, and it is a rich source of amino acids and trace elements. In this study, L. obtusa was extracted and subjected to phenolic, sugar and flavonoid analyses.The fatty acid, vitamin and phytosterol contents in Saccharomyces cerevisiae were evaluated when it was incubated with L. obtusa dry biomass. The fatty acids in the lipid extract were analysed after converting them into methyl esters using gas chromatography, and vitamin concentrations were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). According to the achieved results, the total fatty acid levels and vitamin contents of the S. cerevisiae prepared with algal extract increased at different rates. Our results showed that α-tocopherol decreased in the group in which the S. cerevisiae was added the algal extract. When compared to the control group, ergesterol increased in the group in which L. obtusa extract was added. Additionally, when compared to the control group in which L. obtusa extract was added, stearic acid (18:0), oleic acid (18:1) and linoleic acid (18:2) increased in the other groups. Palmitoleic acid (16:1) increased in the L. obtusa culture medium, but palmitic acid decreased in the L. obtusa culture medium. In conclusion, it was determined that the L. obtusa extract added to the development medium of S. cerevisiae caused differences in the synthesis of some vitamins and fatty acids.

Secreted Phospholipase A2 Specificity on Natural Membrane Phospholipids.

The secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) family contains 10 catalytically active isoforms. Current in vitro biochemical studies have shown that individual sPLA2s have distinct substrate selectivity in terms of the polar head groups or sn-2 fatty acids of their substrate phospholipids. Importantly, transgenic or knockout mice for distinct sPLA2s display nonoverlapping phenotypes, arguing that they do act on different phospholipid substrates and mobilize unique lipid metabolites in vivo. In an effort to comprehensively understand lipid metabolism driven by individual sPLA2s under pathophysiological conditions, we took advantages of mass spectrometric lipidomics technology to monitor the spatiotemporal changes in phospholipids (substrates) and products (fatty acids, lysophospholipids, and their metabolites) in tissues or cells of sPLA2-transgenic or knockout mice. The in vivo lipidomic data were compared with the in vitro activity of recombinant sPLA2s toward phospholipid mixtures extracted from the target tissues, cells, or extracellular membrane components on which sPLA2s may intrinsically act. These approaches reveal that the overall tendency in in vitro assays using natural membranes is recapitulated in several in vivo systems, often with even more selective patterns of hydrolysis. In this chapter, we will summarize current understanding of the in vivo substrate specificity of sPLA2s toward natural membrane phospholipids.

The Association of Fatty Acid Levels and Gleason Grade among Men Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological data suggest that omega-6 (ω-6) fatty acids (FAs) may be associated with cancer incidence and/or cancer mortality, whereas ω-3 FAs are potentially protective. We examined the association of the ratio of ω-6 to ω-3 FA (ω-6:ω-3) and individual FA components with pathological results among men with prostate cancer (PCa) undergoing radical prostatectomy. METHODS: Sixty-nine men were included in the study. Components of ω-6 (linoleic acid (LA), arachidonic acid (AA), and dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA)) and ω-3 (docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)) were analyzed by liquid chromatography/mass selective detector separation. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine association of FA with pathological high grade (Gleason ≥4+3) disease. RESULTS: The were 35 men with low grade disease (Gleason ≤3+4) and 34 men with high grade disease. Men with low grade disease were significantly younger (58y vs 61y, p = 0.012) and had lower D'Amico clinical classification (p = 0.001) compared to men with high grade disease. There was no significant association of ω-6:ω-3 with high grade disease (OR 0.93, p = 0.78), however overall ω-6, ω-3, and individual components of ω-6 and ω-3 FAs except EPA were significantly associated with high grade disease (ω-6: OR 3.37, 95% CI: 1.27,8.98; LA: OR 3.33, 95% CI:1.24,8.94; AA: OR 2.93, 95% CI:1.24,6.94; DGLA: OR 3.21, 95% CI:1.28,8.04; ω-3: OR 3.47, 95% CI:1.22,9.83; DHA: OR 3.13, 95% CI:1.26,7.74). ω-6 and ω-3 FA components were highly correlated (Spearman ρ = 0.77). CONCLUSION: Higher levels of individual components of ω-6 and ω-3FAs may be associated with higher-grade PCa. IMPACT: Studies into the causative factors/pathways regarding FAs and prostate carcinogenesis may prove a potential association with PCa aggressiveness.

Fatty Acid and Phenolic Compound Concentrations in Eight Different Monovarietal Virgin Olive Oils from Extremadura and the Relationship with Oxidative Stability.

Olive oils have been shown to be more resistant to oxidation than other vegetable fats, mainly due to their fatty acid (FA) profile which is rich in oleic acid and to their high content of antioxidants, principally phenols and tocopherols. This has situated virgin olive oils (VOOs) among the fats of high nutritional quality. However, it is important to stress that the oil's commercial category (olive oil, virgin olive oil, extra-virgin olive oil), the variety of the source plant, and the extraction-conservation systems all decisively influence the concentration of these antioxidants and the oil's shelf-life. The present work studied the fatty acid (FA) and phenolic composition and the oxidative stability (OS) of eight olive varieties grown in Extremadura (Arbequina, Cornicabra, Manzanilla Cacereña, Manzanilla de Sevilla, Morisca, Pico Limón, Picual, and Verdial de Badajoz), with the olives being harvested at different locations and dates. The Cornicabra, Picual, and Manzanilla Cacereña VOOs were found to have high oleic acid contents (>77.0%), while the VOOs of Morisca and Verdial de Badajoz had high linoleic acid contents (>14.5%). Regarding the phenol content, high values were found in the Cornicabra (633 mg·kg-1) and Morisca (550 mg·kg-1) VOOs, and low values in Arbequina (200 mg·kg-1). The OS was found to depend upon both the variety and the date of harvesting. It was higher in the Cornicabra and Picual oils (>55 h), and lower in those of Verdial de Badajoz (26.3 h), Arbequina (29.8 h), and Morisca (31.5 h). In relating phenols and FAs with the OS, it was observed that, while the latter, particularly the linoleic content (R = -0.710, p < 0.001, n = 135), constitute the most influential factors, the phenolic compounds, especially o-diphenols, are equally influential when the oils' linoleic content is ≥12.5% (R = 0.674, p < 0.001, n = 47). The results show that VOOs' resistance to oxidation depends not only on the FA or phenolic profile, but also on the interaction of these compounds within the same matrix.

Fatty acid profile in the seeds and seed tissues of Paeonia L. species as new oil plant resources.

Most common plant oils have little α-linolenic acid (C18:3(Δ9,12,15), ALA) and an unhealthy ω6/ω3 ratio. Here, fatty acids (FAs) in the seeds of 11 species of Paeonia L., including 10 tree peony and one herbaceous species, were explored using gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer. Results indicated that all Paeonia had a ω6/ω3 ratio less than 1.0, and high amounts of ALA (26.7-50%), oleic acid (C18:1(Δ9), OA) (20.8-46%) and linoleic acid (C18:2(Δ9,12), LA) (10-38%). ALA was a dominant component in oils of seven subsection Vaginatae species, whereas OA was predominant in two subsection Delavayanae species. LA was a subdominant oil component in P. ostii and P. obovata. Moreover, the FA composition and distribution of embryo (22 FAs), endosperm (14 FAs) and seed coat (6 FAs) in P. ostii, P. rockii and P. ludlowii were first reported. Peony species, particularly P. decomposita and P. rockii, can be excellent plant resources for edible oil because they provide abundant ALA to balance the ω6/ω3 ratio. The differences in the ALA, LA and OA content proportion also make the peony species a good system for detailed investigation of FA biosynthesis pathway and ALA accumulation.