Comparative Effect between Sardine Oil and Fish Oil Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Hypertension and the Membrane Composition of Adipocytes in SHR Rats.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, have an important role in reducing hypertriglyceridemia, these acids decrease the mortality for Coronary Heart Disease. Very important is the relationship between fatty acid biosynthesis and distribution in organs and tissues involved in insulin resistance and hypertension due to its role in the production of vasoactive eicosanoids and their effects on insulin sensitivity; which is estimated with the HOMA-IR index, which relates the physiological and metabolic behavior of glucose and insulin in the body. The aim of this project was to compare the effect of sardine oil and omega-3 oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids: EPA (≈30%) and DHA (≈50%) administered for 6 to 8 wk respectively; on the lipid composition of the plasma membrane of epididymal adipocytes in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and their relation to obesity, insulin resistance and hypertension. The administration of omega-3 enriched oil significantly decreased the HOMA criteria as an insulin resistance indicator compared to the sardine oil.

Improved expression and immobilization of Geobacillus thermoleovorans CCR11 thermostable recombinant lipase.

Production of recombinant thermo-alkali-stable lipase LipMatCCR11, expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), was investigated via response surface methodology by using a face-centered design with three levels of each factor. Additionally, improvement of the catalytic performance of expressed lipase was assessed by immobilization on microporous polypropylene. Results showed that inducer (isopropyl ß-d-1-thiogalactopyranoside [IPTG]) concentration and temperature were found to be the significant factors (P < 0.05). The maximum lipase expression was obtained at IPTG 0.6 mM, 16 °C, and 18 H, with a specific lipase activity of 7.29 × 106  U/mg, which was 36.4 times higher (over 1,300-fold increase) than lipase activity measured under nonoptimized conditions. On the other hand, immobilized lipase showed a high biocatalytic activity, particularly in the synthesis of aroma esters.

Enhanced Bioavailability of Curcumin Nanoemulsions Stabilized with Phosphatidylcholine Modified with Medium Chain Fatty Acids.

BACKGROUND: Curcumin is a natural, oil-soluble polyphenolic compound with potent anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. In its free form, it is very poorly absorbed in the gut due to its very low solubility. The use of nanoemulsions as carrier is a feasible way for improving curcumin bioavailability. To this end, the choice of emulsifying agent for stabilizing the nanoemulsions is of the upmost importance for achieving a desired functionality. METHODS: Phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidycholine enriched (PCE) with medium chain fatty acids (42.5 mol %) in combination with glycerol as co-surfactant, were used for preparing oil-in water nanoemulsions coded as NEPC and NEPCE, respectively. RESULTS: NEPCE displayed significantly smaller mean droplet size (30 nm), equal entrapment efficiency (100%), better droplet stability and suffered lower encapsulation efficiency loss (3%) during storage time (120 days, 4ºC) than NEPC. Bioavailability, measured in terms of area under the curve of curcumin concentration versus time, and maximum curcumin plasma concentration, was in general terms significantly higher for NEPCE than for NEPC, and for curcumin coarse aqueous suspension (CCS). Also, NEPCE produced significantly higher curcumin concentrations in liver and lung than NEPC and CCS. CONCLUSION: These data support the role of phosphatidylcholine enriched with medium chain fatty acids to increase the bioavailability of nanoemulsions for therapeutic applications.

Gene Cloning and Characterization of the Geobacillus thermoleovorans CCR11 Carboxylesterase CaesCCR11, a New Member of Family XV.

A gene encoding a carboxylesterase produced by Geobacillus thermoleovoras CCR11 was cloned in the pET-3b cloning vector, sequenced and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). Gene sequence analysis revealed an open reading frame of 750 bp that encodes a polypeptide of 250 amino acid residues (27.3 kDa) named CaesCCR11. The enzyme showed its maximum activity at 50 °C and pH 5-8, with preference for C4 substrates, confirming its esterase nature. It displayed good resistance to temperature, pH, and the presence of organic solvents and detergents, that makes this enzyme biotechnologically applicable in the industries such as fine and oleo-chemicals, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, organic synthesis, biodiesel production, detergents, and food industries. A 3D model of CaesCCR11 was predicted using the Bacillus sp. monoacyl glycerol lipase bMGL H-257 structure as template (PBD code 3RM3, 99 % residue identity with CaesCCR11). Based on its canonical α/ß hydrolase fold composed of 7 ß-strands and 6 α-helices, the α/ß architecture of the cap domain, the GLSTG pentapeptide, and the formation of distinctive salt bridges, we are proposing CaesCCR11 as a new member of family XV of lipolytic enzymes.