Enrichment of a fruit-based smoothie beverage with omega-3 fatty acids from microencapsulated chia seed oil.

BACKGROUND: Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their various health benefits. Chia is the richest vegetable source of omega-3 fatty acids. However, its oil is highly susceptible to oxidative deterioration and should be protected for incorporation into food matrices. This work aimed to study the incorporation of different chia oil microcapsules in a powdered beverage, analyzing the effect on the physicochemical characteristics and stability during storage. RESULTS: Different types of microcapsules were obtained: monolayer microcapsules using sodium caseinate and lactose as wall material, and multilayer microcapsules produced through electrostatic deposition using lecithins, chitosan, and chia mucilage as the first, second, and third layers, respectively. The results demonstrated an efficient enrichment of smoothies, with omega-3 fatty acid values ranging from 24.09% to 42.73%, while the original food matrix powder lacked this component. These powder beverages exhibited low moisture content (≤ 2.91%) and low water activity (≤ 0.39). The aerated, packed density and compressibility assays indicated that adding microcapsules made the powders less dense and compressible. The color of the original powdered beverage was not modified. The dispersibility reflected an acceptable instantaneity, reaching the maximum obscuration after 30 s of stirring. The solubility of all the enriched products was higher than 70%, whereas the pH was ~6.8. The contact angle between the powder and liquid indicated an excellent ability to be reconstituted in water. The analysis of the glass transition temperature showed that the storage temperature (25 °C) was adequate. The peroxide value of all the products was low throughout the storage (≤ 1.63 meq peroxide kg-1 of oil at 90 days at 25 ± 2 °C), thus maintaining the quality of the microencapsulated chia oil. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that incorporating the monolayer and multilayer chia oil microcapsules that were studied could be a viable strategy for enriching smoothies with the omega-3 fatty acids present in chia seed oil. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) kernel oil bodies recovered by aqueous extraction for utilization as ingredient in food emulsions: Exploration of their microstructure, composition and the effects of homogenization, pH, and salt ions on their physical stability.

Natural oil-in-water emulsions containing plant oil bodies (OBs), also called oleosomes, rich in health-promoting omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3 PUFA) are of increasing interest for food applications. In this study, we focused on walnut kernel OBs (WK-OBs) and explored their microstructure, composition and physical stability in ionic environments as well as the impact of homogenization. A green process involving aqueous extraction by grinding of WK allowed the co-extraction of OBs and proteins, and centrifugation was used to recover the WK-OBs. Confocal laser scanning microscopy images showed the spherical shape of WK-OBs with an oil core envelopped by a layer of phospholipids (0.16 % of lipids) and embedded proteins. Their mean diameter was 5.1 ± 0.3 µm. The WK-OBs contained 70.1 % PUFA with 57.8 % ω6 linoleic acid and 12.3 % ω3 α-linolenic acid representing 68 % and 11.6 % of the total fatty acids in the sn-2 position of the triacylglycerols (TAG), respectively. Trilinolein was the main TAG (23.1 %). The WK-OBs also contained sterols (1223 ± 33 mg/kg lipids; 86 % ß-sitosterol), carotenoids (0.62 ± 0.01 mg/kg lipids; 49.2 % ß-carotene), and tocopherols (322.7 ± 7.7 mg/kg lipids; 89 % γ-tocopherol), confirming their interest as health-promoting ingredients. The decrease in the size of WK-OBs under high-pressure homogenization avoided phase separation upon storage. The anionic WK-OB surface at neutral pH was affected by stressful ionic environments (pH, NaCl, CaCl2), that induced aggregation of WK-OBs and decreased the physical stability of the emulsions. Emulsions containing WK-OBs are promising to diversify the market of the ω3-rich plant-based food products and beverages.

Application of Chromatographic and Spectroscopic-Based Methods for Analysis of Omega-3 (ω-3 FAs) and Omega-6 (ω-6 FAs) Fatty Acids in Marine Natural Products.

Omega-3 fatty acids v(ω-3 FAs) such as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and omega-6 fatty acids (ω-6 FAs) such as linoleic acid and arachidonic acid are important fatty acids responsible for positive effects on human health. The main sources of ω-3 FAs and ω-6 FAs are marine-based products, especially fish oils. Some food, supplements, and pharmaceutical products would include fish oils as a source of ω-3 FAs and ω-6 FAs; therefore, the quality assurance of these products is highly required. Some analytical methods mainly based on spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques have been reported. Molecular spectroscopy such as Infrared and Raman parallel to chemometrics has been successfully applied for quantitative analysis of individual and total ω-3 FAs and ω-6 FAs. This spectroscopic technique is typically applied as the alternative method to official methods applying chromatographic methods. Due to the capability to provide the separation of ω-3 FAs and ω-6 FAs from other components in the products, gas and liquid chromatography along with sophisticated detectors such as mass spectrometers are ideal analytical methods offering sensitive and specific results that are suitable for routine quality control.

Development of meat spread with omega-3 fatty acids derived from flaxseed oil for the elderly: Physicochemical, textural, and rheological properties.

This study evaluates the characteristics of n-3-enriched meat spread that is in development for consumption by elderly individuals. Herein, flaxseed oil was used as a source of n-3 fatty acid, and macro- and nano-sized flaxseed oil emulsions (FOE) were prepared for the fabrication of meat spreads. As the level of FOE was increased in the meat spreads, significant increases in the levels of omega-3 fatty acids (α-linolenic acid) were observed. Emulsion stability and cooking loss were also improved in meat spreads formulated with FOE compared with those the control. In particular, the addition of FOE generated softer and less chewy meat, owing to its lower melting point and rheological properties. However, the high content of unsaturated fatty acids in the FOE-containing meat spreads increased their susceptibility to lipid oxidation meat. These findings indicate that FOE, particularly macro-sized FOE, has the potential for use in n-3 fatty acid enriched meat products that are intended for consumption by elderly individuals but need to be evaluated for their impacts on shelf-life and sensory quality.

Effect of vegetable oil hydrogel emulsion as a fat substitute on the physicochemical properties, fatty acid profile, and color stability of modified atmospheric packaged buffalo burgers.

Buffalo burgers were prepared with 50% or 100% buffalo backfat substitution using walnut, and peanut oil emulsion gels (EGs) blended with chia flour. Burgers were stored at 2 °C in modified atmosphere packaging for 12 days. The fat replacement decreased total fat by 26% and increased ash by 34%. Hardness and chewiness decreased with increasing the fat replacement; however, it did not affect springiness and cohesiveness values. Burger reformulations led to an increase in cooking yield (10%). Walnut oil EGs increased PUFA level up to 458%. Both oils enhanced PUFA/SFA and ω-6/ω-3 ratios and atherogenic and thrombogenic indices. Concerning color attribute, about 66% reduction was observed in redness values during the storage period of 12 days. Moreover, the sensory scores for all attributes, i.e., appearance, odor, flavor, and juiciness, were in the acceptable range of five or above in the reformulated burgers. In conclusion, 50% fat substitution using walnut and peanut oil EGs improved the nutritional profile of buffalo burgers without compromising the technological and sensory characteristics.

Effects of Cold Pressed Chia Seed Oil Intake on Hematological and Biochemical Biomarkers in Both Normal and Hypercholesterolemic Rabbits.

Most of the studies on the beneficial effects of chia have been conducted with its seeds. There is less evidence about the effects of cold pressed chia seeds oil on hypercholesterolemia-induced alterations. Thus, this study investigated the effects of cold pressed chia seed oil supplementation on certain hematological and biochemical biomarkers in both normal and hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Thirty two male rabbits were assigned to four different groups and fed on: 1) a regular diet (CD), 2) CD supplemented with 10% chia oil, 3) CD supplemented with 1% cholesterol, 4) CD supplemented with 1% cholesterol and 10% chia oil. After six weeks of dietary interventions, mean arterial blood pressure and visceral fat were measured and blood samples were analyzed for lipid profiles and hematological parameters while erythrocyte membranes and retroperitoneal fat were analyzed for fatty acids composition and biochemical biomarkers. Dietary intervention with chia oil achieved control of the hypercholesterolemia-induced increase of mean arterial blood pressure, neutrophil to lymphocytes ratio, erythrocyte membrane fluidity, and improved erythrocyte morphological alterations. With regard to inflammatory biomarkers, chia oil supplementation reduced omega-6/omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ratios and arachidonic/linolenic fatty acids ratios both in erythrocytes and fat from normal and hypercholesterolemic rabbits. The increase of linolenic fatty acid into the retroperitoneal fat was about 9 times higher than its respective controls. These results provide support for the potential health benefits of chia oil intake on hypercholesterolemia-associated clinical, hematological and biochemical alterations.

Essential lipid autacoids rewire mitochondrial energy efficiency in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Injury to hepatocyte mitochondria is common in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease. Here, we investigated whether changes in the content of essential fatty acid-derived lipid autacoids affect hepatocyte mitochondrial bioenergetics and metabolic efficiency. APPROACH AND RESULTS: The study was performed in transgenic mice for the fat-1 gene, which allows the endogenous replacement of the membrane omega-6-polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition by omega-3-PUFA. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that hepatocyte mitochondria of fat-1 mice had more abundant intact cristae and higher mitochondrial aspect ratio. Fat-1 mice had increased expression of oxidative phosphorylation complexes I and II and translocases of both inner (translocase of inner mitochondrial membrane 44) and outer (translocase of the outer membrane 20) mitochondrial membranes. Fat-1 mice also showed increased mitofusin-2 and reduced dynamin-like protein 1 phosphorylation, which mediate mitochondrial fusion and fission, respectively. Mitochondria of fat-1 mice exhibited enhanced oxygen consumption rate, fatty acid ß-oxidation, and energy substrate utilization as determined by high-resolution respirometry, [1- 14 C]-oleate oxidation and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydride/dihydroflavine-adenine dinucleotide production, respectively. Untargeted lipidomics identified a rich hepatic omega-3-PUFA composition and a specific docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-enriched lipid fingerprint in fat-1 mice. Targeted lipidomics uncovered a higher content of DHA-derived lipid autacoids, namely resolvin D1 and maresin 1, which rescued hepatocytes from TNFα-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, and unblocked the tricarboxylic acid cycle flux and metabolic utilization of long-chain acyl-carnitines, amino acids, and carbohydrates. Importantly, fat-1 mice were protected against mitochondrial injury induced by obesogenic and fibrogenic insults. CONCLUSION: Our data uncover the importance of a lipid membrane composition rich in DHA and its lipid autacoid derivatives to have optimal hepatic mitochondrial and metabolic efficiency.

Protective Effects of Chia Seeds and Omega-3 Fatty Acid against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Oligospermia in Male Wistar Rats: Potential Risks of Adverse Drug Interaction with Chia Seeds.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate whether chia (Salvia hispanica) seeds, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamins with antioxidant properties, can mitigate the negative effects on male reproductive function caused by cyclophosphamide, a frequently used chemotherapeutic agent. Methods: Male wistar rats are divided into seven groups (n=6). All groups except the normal control (NC) received cyclophosphamide (30mg/kg, i.p.) for the first 5 days. The standard group received clomiphene citrate (0.25 mg/kg, p.o.). Treatment groups T1%, T5%, T10%, and ω-3 received 1%, 5%, and 10% chia seeds in the diet, and 880 mg/kg omega-3 fatty acid (p.o) respectively for 15 days. The effect on the reproductive system was evaluated by analysis of epididymal sperm characteristics, biochemical parameters, and serum testosterone level. Results: Clomiphene citrate improved oligospermia via hormone mediated effect. Chia seeds and omega-3 fatty acid treatment also showed improvement in reproductive parameters including oxidative stress and histological features of the testes. Omega-3 fatty acid treatment was more effective for the prevention of cyclophosphamide toxicity on testes as compared to chia seeds. Nasal bleeding was noted in several animals subjected to chia seed treatment. This occurrence might be attributed to chia seeds' impact on coagulation and/or platelet function, potentially heightened due to chemotherapy associated bone marrow suppression. Conclusions: In our study, chia seeds as well as omega-3 fatty acid treatment were found to be protective against cyclophosphamide-induced reproductive toxicity in rats. However, the adverse effect of hemorrhage associated with drug interaction of chia seeds with cytotoxic chemotherapeutic drugs needs careful attention and further investigation.

A new urea adducts method for PUFA concentration using green food grade solvents and avoiding ethyl carbamate formation.

This study aimed to selectively enrich stearidonic acid (SDA) together with γ-linolenic acid (GLA) in Echium plantagineum oil by urea complexation. The complexation process at room temperature was carried out replacing common organic solvents, such as hexane and ethanol, by alternative compounds, included in Green Solvent and Food Grade categories, adapting this process towards the principles of Green Chemistry. This substitution was also intended to avoid the generation of the toxic compound ethyl carbamate. Among all the solvents studied, the mixture propionic acid and α-pinene provided the best results, leading to a final product comprised of ∼99% of PUFA, with ∼45% SDA (∼14% in the original oil), and without apparition of ethyl carbamate. The procedure was tested on other raw materials (salmon and microalgae oils). The solvent was efficiently recuperated from the liquid phase (∼87% recovery) and reutilized once with almost identical results.

Buglossoides spp. seeds, a land source of health-promoting n-3 PUFA and phenolic compounds.

Ahiflower oil© is extracted from the seeds of Buglossoides arvensis, which contains high amounts of stearidonic acid (SDA, 18:4n-3), while its phenolic composition still is unreported. Moreover, several Buglossoides taxa remain unstudied and could become natural sources of SDA. In this work, seeds of several Buglossoides taxa and Ahiflower oil© were screened for fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and in vitro antiproliferative activities against colorectal cancer cells. Four flavonoids and 16 phenolic acids were identified and quantified. Among Buglossoides taxa, the highest amounts of phenolic compounds were found in samples collected in Spain, under a warm Mediterranean climate. Rosmarinic and lithospermic acids were the main phenols found in Buglossoides seeds. The MTT assay showed dose- and time-dependent inhibitory effects of B. arvensis extracts on HT-29 cancer cells, with a GI50value of ∼280 µg/mL after 72 h of cell exposure to seed extracts. The latter showed lower antiproliferative activity than that of pure phenolics due to the simultaneous presence of other compounds in the extracts, as evidenced by 1H NMR. This work constitutes the first approach to evaluate the seeds of several Buglossoides taxa as functional oils-providers to use them as functional foods.

Bioavailability and biotransformation of linolenic acid from basil seed oil as a novel source of omega-3 fatty acids tested on a rat experimental model.

Basil is an aromatic herb with a high concentration of bioactive compounds. The oil extracted from its seeds is a good source of α-linolenic acid (ALA) and also provides substantial amounts of linoleic acid (LA). This study aimed to test the bioavailability of the oil derived from basil seeds and its effects on different physiological parameters using 7-15% dietary inclusion levels. Furthermore, the assimilation of LA and ALA and their transformation in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) have been studied. Digestive utilization of total fat from basil seed oil (BSO) was high and similar to that of olive oil used as a control. Consumption of BSO resulted in increased LA and ALA levels of the plasma, liver, and erythrocyte membrane. In addition, the transformation of LA to arachidonic acid (ARA) was decreased by the high dietary intake of ALA which redirected the pathway of the Δ-6 desaturase enzyme towards the transformation of ALA into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). No alterations of hematological and plasma biochemical parameters were found for the 7 and 10% dietary inclusion levels of BSO, whereas a decrease in the platelet count and an increase in total- and HDL-cholesterol as well as plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were found for a 15% BSO dose. In conclusion, BSO is a good source of ALA to be transformed into EPA and decrease the precursor of the pro-inflammatory molecule ARA. This effect on the levels of EPA in different tissues offers potential for its use as a dietary supplement, novel functional food, or a constituent of nutraceutical formulations to treat different pathologies.

An Intricate Review on Nutritional and Analytical Profiling of Coconut, Flaxseed, Olive, and Sunflower Oil Blends.

Vegetable oils (VOs), being our major dietary fat source, play a vital role in nourishment. Different VOs have highly contrasting fatty acid (FA) profiles and hence possess varying levels of health protectiveness. Consumption of a single VO cannot meet the recommended allowances of various FA either from saturated FA (SFA), monounsaturated FA (MUFA), polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), Ω-3 PUFAs, and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Coconut oil (CO), flaxseed oil (FO), olive oil (OO), and sunflower oil (SFO) are among the top listed contrast VOs that are highly appreciated based on their rich contents of SFAs, Ω-3 PUFAs, MUFAs, and Ω-6 PUFA, respectively. Besides being protective against various disease biomarkers, these contrasting VOs are still inappropriate when consumed alone in 100% of daily fat recommendations. This review compiles the available data on blending of such contrasting VOs into single tailored blended oil (BO) with suitable FA composition to meet the recommended levels of SFA, MUFA, PUFA, MCTs, and Ω-3 to Ω-6 PUFA ratios which could ultimately serve as a cost-effective dietary intervention towards the health protectiveness and improvement of the whole population in general. The blending of any two or more VOs from CO, FO, OO, and SFO in the form of binary, ternary, or another type of blending was found to be very conclusive towards balancing FA composition; enhancing physiochemical and stability properties; and promising the therapeutic protectiveness of the resultant BOs.

Molecular Mechanism of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Perilla Seed Oil and Rosmarinic Acid Rich Fraction Extracted from Perilla Seed Meal on TNF-α Induced A549 Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells.

Industrially, after the removal of oil from perilla seeds (PS) by screw-type compression, the large quantities of residual perilla seed meal (PSM) becomes non-valuable waste. Therefore, to increase the health value and price of PS and PSM, we focused on the biological effects of perilla seed oil (PSO) and rosmarinic acid-rich fraction (RA-RF) extracted from PSM for their role in preventing oxidative stress and inflammation caused by TNF-α exposure in an A549 lung adenocarcinoma culture model. The A549 cells were pretreated with PSO or RA-RF and followed by TNF-α treatment. We found that PSO and RA-RF were not toxic to TNF-α-induced A549 cells. Both extracts significantly decreased the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in this cell line. The mRNA expression levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and COX-2 were significantly decreased by the treatment of PSO and RA-RF. The Western blot indicated that the expression of MnSOD, FOXO1, and NF-κB and phosphorylation of JNK were also significantly diminished by PSO and RA-RF treatment. The results demonstrated that PSO and RA-RF act as antioxidants to scavenge TNF-α induced ROS levels, resulting in decreased the expression of MnSOD, FOXO1, NF-κB and JNK signaling pathway in a human lung cell culture exposed to TNF-α.

Omega-3 Rich Oils Attenuate ADHD-Like Behaviour Induced by Dietary Monosodium Glutamate in Rats.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and cognitive dysfunction. The present study was designed to examine the possible modulatory effect of Fish, Walnuts or Fenugreek Oils against Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)-like Behavior induced by Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) in Rats. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Fifty weaning rats were divided into five groups, (each group contain 10 rats) as follows: Group 1: Normal control rats were fed on a balanced diet. Groups from 2-5 rats were fed on a balanced diet+MSG (0.4 g kg¹ diet), Group 2 served as a positive control group whereas group 3, 4 and 5 treated with Fish, Walnuts and Fenugreek oil, respectively, (200 mg kg¹ b.wt.) by intra-gastric tube. Biochemical and behavioural parameters were tested as well as microscopic examination of brain tissue was done. <b>Results:</b> MSG ingestion caused marked disruption in locomotors activity, memory function and brain tissue structure along with significant abnormalities in some bio-markers and reduction in the gene expression level of Bcl-2 in brain tissue. However, treatment with the tested oils showed remarkable effect by reversing the condition. <b>Conclusion:</b> Dietary supplementation with walnut; fenugreek or fish oils at the tested dose could modulate the condition of ADHD in rats.

Fish Oil for Healthy Aging: Potential Application to Master Athletes.

Master athletes perform high volumes of exercise training yet display lower levels of physical functioning and exercise performance when compared with younger athletes. Several reports in the clinical literature show that long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC n-3 PUFA) ingestion promotes skeletal muscle anabolism and strength in untrained older persons. There is also evidence that LC n-3 PUFA ingestion improves indices of muscle recovery following damaging exercise in younger persons. These findings suggest that LC n-3 PUFA intake could have an ergogenic effect in master athletes. However, the beneficial effect of LC n-3 PUFA intake on skeletal muscle in response to exercise training in both older and younger persons is inconsistent and, in some cases, generated from low-quality studies or those with a high risk of bias. Other factors such as the choice of placebo and health status of participants also confound interpretation of existing reports. As such, when considered on balance, the available evidence does not indicate that ingestion of LC n-3 PUFAs above current population recommendations (250-500 mg/day; 2 portions of oily fish per week) enhances exercise performance or recovery from exercise training in master athletes. Further work is now needed related to how the dose, duration, and co-ingestion of LC n-3 PUFAs with other nutrients such as amino acids impact the adaptive response to exercise training. This work should also consider how LC n-3 PUFA supplementation may differentially alter the lipid profile of cellular membranes of key regulatory sites such as the sarcolemma, mitochondria, and sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Microalgal Lipid Extracts Have Potential to Modulate the Inflammatory Response: A Critical Review.

Noncommunicable diseases (NCD) and age-associated diseases (AAD) are some of the gravest health concerns worldwide, accounting for up to 70% of total deaths globally. NCD and AAD, such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, are associated with low-grade chronic inflammation and poor dietary habits. Modulation of the inflammatory status through dietary components is a very appellative approach to fight these diseases and is supported by increasing evidence of natural and dietary components with strong anti-inflammatory activities. The consumption of bioactive lipids has a positive impact on preventing chronic inflammation and consequently NCD and AAD. Thus, new sources of bioactive lipids have been sought out. Microalgae are rich sources of bioactive lipids such as omega-6 and -3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and polar lipids with associated anti-inflammatory activity. PUFAs are enzymatically and non-enzymatically catalyzed to oxylipins and have a significant role in anti and pro-resolving inflammatory responses. Therefore, a large and rapidly growing body of research has been conducted in vivo and in vitro, investigating the potential anti-inflammatory activities of microalgae lipids. This review sought to summarize and critically analyze recent evidence of the anti-inflammatory potential of microalgae lipids and their possible use to prevent or mitigate chronic inflammation.

Antarctic Thraustochytrids as Sources of Carotenoids and High-Value Fatty Acids.

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and carotenoids are needed as human dietary supplements and are essential components in commercial feeds for the production of aquacultured seafood. Microorganisms such as thraustochytrids are potential natural sources of these compounds. This research reports on the lipid and carotenoid production capacity of thraustochytrids that were isolated from coastal waters of Antarctica. Of the 22 isolates, 21 produced lipids containing EPA+DHA, and the amount of these fatty acids exceeded 20% of the total fatty acids in 12 isolates. Ten isolates were shown to produce carotenoids (27.4-63.9 µg/g dry biomass). The isolate RT2316-16, identified as Thraustochytrium sp., was the best producer of biomass (7.2 g/L in five days) rich in carotenoids (63.9 µg/g) and, therefore, became the focus of this investigation. The main carotenoids in RT2316-16 were ß-carotene and canthaxanthin. The content of EPA+DHA in the total lipids (34 ± 3% w/w in dry biomass) depended on the stage of growth of RT2316-16. Lipid and carotenoid content of the biomass and its concentration could be enhanced by modifying the composition of the culture medium. The estimated genome size of RT2316-16 was 44 Mb. Of the 5656 genes predicted from the genome, 4559 were annotated. These included genes of most of the enzymes in the elongation and desaturation pathway of synthesis of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Carotenoid precursors in RT2316-16 were synthesized through the mevalonate pathway. A ß-carotene synthase gene, with a different domain organization compared to the gene in other thraustochytrids, explained the carotenoid profile of RT2316-16.

PTU, a novel ureido-fatty acid, inhibits MDA-MB-231 cell invasion and dissemination by modulating Wnt5a secretion and cytoskeletal signaling.

Migration and invasion promote tumor cell metastasis, which is the leading cause of cancer death. At present there are no effective treatments. Epidemiological studies have suggested that ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) may decrease cancer aggressiveness. In recent studies epoxide metabolites of ω-3 PUFA exhibited anti-cancer activity, although increased in vivo stability is required to develop useful drugs. Here we synthesized novel stabilized ureido-fatty acid ω-3 epoxide isosteres and found that one analogue - p-tolyl-ureidopalmitic acid (PTU) - inhibited migration and invasion by MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo in xenografted nu/nu mice. From proteomics analysis of PTU-treated cells major regulated pathways were linked to the actin cytoskeleton and actin-based motility. The principal finding was that PTU impaired the formation of actin protrusions by decreasing the secretion of Wnt5a, which dysregulated the Wnt/planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway and actin cytoskeletal dynamics. Exogenous Wnt5a restored invasion and Wnt/PCP signalling in PTU-treated cells. PTU is the prototype of a novel class of agents that selectively dysregulate the Wnt/PCP pathway by inhibiting Wnt5a secretion and actin dynamics to impair MDA-MB-231 cell migration and invasion.

Relationship between the n-3 index, serum metabolites and breast cancer risk.

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between the n-3 index, serum metabolites and breast cancer risk. A total of 104 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and 70 healthy controls were recruited. The erythrocyte phospholipid fatty acid composition was determined by gas-liquid chromatography, and the n-3 index was calculated with the percentage of eicosapentaenoic acid plus docosahexaenoic acid in total fatty acids. Serum metabolomic profiles were analyzed by UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/MS. The results showed that the erythrocyte phospholipid n-3 index was significantly lower in breast cancer patients than in healthy controls, and it was inversely associated with breast cancer risk (OR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.36-0.84). Metabolomics analyses showed that serum 16α-hydroxy dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) 3-sulfate, lysophatidylethanolamines (LPE) 22:0/0:0 and hexanoylcarnitine were significantly higher, while thromboxane B3, prostaglandin E3 (PGE3) and 18ß-glycyrrhetinic acid were significantly lower in breast cancer patients than those in healthy controls. In addition, serum 16α-hydroxy DHEA 3-sulfate was inversely correlated with the n-3 index (r = -0.412, p = 0.036). In conclusion, our findings suggest that the lack of n-3 PUFAs might be a potential risk factor for breast cancer, and the serum metabolite 16α-hydroxy DHEA 3-sulfate may play an important role in linking n-3 PUFA deficiency and breast disease etiology.

Emulsifier peptides derived from seaweed, methanotrophic bacteria, and potato proteins identified by quantitative proteomics and bioinformatics.

Global focus on sustainability has accelerated research into alternative non-animal sources of food protein and functional food ingredients. Amphiphilic peptides represent a class of promising biomolecules to replace chemical emulsifiers in food emulsions. In contrast to traditional trial-and-error enzymatic hydrolysis, this study utilizes a bottom-up approach combining quantitative proteomics, bioinformatics prediction, and functional validation to identify novel emulsifier peptides from seaweed, methanotrophic bacteria, and potatoes. In vitro functional validation reveal that all protein sources contained embedded novel emulsifier peptides comparable to or better than sodium caseinate (CAS). Thus, peptides efficiently reduced oil-water interfacial tension and generated physically stable emulsions with higher net zeta potential and smaller droplet sizes than CAS. In silico structure modelling provided further insight on peptide structure and the link to emulsifying potential. This study clearly demonstrates the potential and broad applicability of the bottom-up approach for identification of abundant and potent emulsifier peptides.