Angelica sinensis polysaccharides modified selenium nanoparticles for effective prevention of acute liver injury.

As a global public health issue, the treatment of acute liver injury (ALI) is severely limited due to the lack of specific drugs. In order to address the challenges, innovative strategies for selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) with excellent antioxidant properties have been actively developed to effectively prevent ALI. However, the functional activity of Se NPs is severely affected by poor stability and bioavailability. The aim of this work is to develop a stabilization system (ASP-Se NPs) for Angelica sinensis polysaccharides modified Se NPs. The results showed that ASP-Se NPs with smaller size (62.38 ± 2.96 nm) showed good stability, specific accumulation in liver and enhanced cell uptake, thus exerting strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions. The results of in vivo experiments further confirmed that ASP-Se NPs effectively prevented CCl4-induced ALI by improving liver function, inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory response, and liver pathological damage. This work provides a new alternative method for effectively preventing ALI and improving liver function.

Porphyra haitanensis polysaccharide-functionalized selenium nanoparticles for effective alleviation of ulcerative colitis.

Exacerbated intestinal inflammation, oxidative stress imbalance, and damage to intestinal mucosal barrier are closely related to the pathogenesis and progression of ulcerative colitis (UC). Selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) have demonstrated promising potential to alleviate UC symptoms, however, their poor solubility and stability leading to aggregation and large precipitates have significantly limit their clinical application. In this study, we aimed to enhance the performance of Se NPs by functionalizing them with Porphyra haitanensis polysaccharide, yielding PHP-Se NPs. As expected, these PHP-Se NPs exhibited reduced particle size (70.51 ± 2.92 nm), enhanced cellular uptake compared to native Se NPs, and preferential accumulation in the colonic tissue, providing targeted UC treatment. In vivo animal experiments revealed that PHP-Se NPs significantly improved weight loss, shortened colon length, and higher disease activity index (DAI) scores in DSS-induced UC mice. Moreover, PHP-Se NPs significantly inhibited the levels of inflammatory factors in colitis tissues and oxidative stress in serum of UC mice, improved histological damage in colitis tissues, and restored the intestinal mucosal barrier. Taken together, our study offers an innovative approach to augment the bioavailability of Se NPs, presenting a promising strategy for the effective prevention and management of UC.

Structural characterization of modified whey protein isolates using cold plasma treatment and its applications in emulsion oleogels.

Cold plasma as a green and expeditious tool was used to modify whey protein isolate (WPI) in order to improve its emulsion capability. The emulsion-based oleogels with antibacterial functions were then constructed using the modified WPI. The modified WPI treated with cold plasma under 10 s at 50 W power significantly lowered the oil-water interface tension. Meanwhile, the fluorescence intensity and the α-helix content of WPI reduced with the cold plasma treatment. It is noted that SEM results showed that the treated WPI had more regular dendritic structures. Such modified WPI was applied to construct oleogels loaded with thyme essential oil and coconut oil, which showed a porous uniform network structure and excellent antimicrobial activities against E.coli. As a proof of concept, this study demonstrated cold plasma could be as a new facile tool to modify food-sourced proteins and expected to enlarge their applications in oleogel productions.

Trace water activity could improve the formation of 1,3-oleic-2-medium chain-rich triacylglycerols by promoting acyl migration in the lipase RM IM catalyzed interesterification.

New structured lipids with 1,3-oleic-2-medium chain (OMO) triacylglycerols were synthesized by promoting acyl migration in Lipozyme RM IM catalyzed interesterification between coconut oil (CO) and high oleic rapeseed oil (HORO). Results from an orthogonal design L25(55) showed that the maximal yield of OMO-structured triacylglycerols was 45.65% under the following conditions: the molar ratio of CO to HORO, 50:50; enzyme dosage, 12 wt%; reaction temperature, 60 °C; reaction time, 2 h; water activity, 0.07. Low water activity showed a high rate of acyl migration (10.86% vs 5.07% no water system), which promoted OMO synthesis due to medium-chain fatty acid migration to the sn-2 position. In a low water content (5%) system of the molecular dynamics simulation, water molecules stabilized the whole structure of RM IM through hydrogen bonding, which helped fix lipase-catalyzed active sites, making substrates more easily inserted into active sites, resulting in increased enzyme activity.

[Huang'e Capsules for BPH of the qi-deficiency blood-stasis and damp-heat stagnation type: An open-label single-arm multicenter phase-â £ clinical study].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of Huang'e Capsules in the treatment of BPH of the qi-deficiency blood-stasis and damp-heat stagnation type under conditions of extensive use. METHODS: Totally, 605 male patients with BPH of the qi-deficiency blood-stasis and damp-heat stagnation type received oral Huang'e Capsules, tid, 4 capsules per time, for 42 days. We recorded the IPSS, maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), mean urinary flow rate (Qave), quality of life (QOL) score, and prostate volume of the patients before and after medication. RESULTS: A total of 503 patients completed the whole trial. Compared with the baseline, the patients showed significant decreases after treatment in the IPSS (20.1 ± 5.5 vs 12.6 ± 5.0, P < 0.05), QOL score (4.19 ± 0.90 vs 2.50 ± 0.89, P < 0.05) and prostate volume (ï¼»36.6 ± 15.8ï¼½ vs ï¼»34.0 ± 17.6ï¼½ ml, P < 0.05), but remarkable increases in Qmax (ï¼»12.2 ± 5.8ï¼½ vs ï¼»14.2 ± 6.5ï¼½ ml/s, P < 0.05) and Qave (ï¼»5.91 ± 3.12ï¼½ vs ï¼»6.95 ± 3.45ï¼½ ml/s, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Huang'e Capsules had a good therapeutic effect on BPH of the qi-deficiency blood-stasis and damp-heat stagnation type.

Investigation of Lipid Metabolism by a New Structured Lipid with Medium- and Long-Chain Triacylglycerols from Cinnamomum camphora Seed Oil in Healthy C57BL/6J Mice.

In the present study, a new structured lipid with medium- and long-chain triacylglycerols (MLCTs) was synthesized from camellia oil (CO) and Cinnamomum camphora seed oil (CCSO) by enzymatic interesterification. Meanwhile, the antiobesity effects of structured lipid were investigated through observing the changes of enzymes related to lipid mobilization in healthy C57BL/6J mice. Results showed that after synthesis, the major triacylgeride (TAG) species of intesterificated product changed to LaCC/CLaC (12.6 ± 0.46%), LaCO/LCL (21.7 ± 0.76%), CCO/LaCL (14.2 ± 0.55%), COO/OCO (10.8 ± 0.43%), and OOO (18.6 ± 0.64%). Through second-stage molecular distillation, the purity of interesterified product (MLCT) achieved 95.6%. Later, male C57BL/6J mice were applied to study whether the new structured lipid with MLCT has the efficacy of preventing the formation of obesity or not. After feeding with different diets for 6 weeks, MLCTs could reduce body weight and fat deposition in adipose tissue, lower plasma triacylglycerols (TG) (0.89 ± 0.16 mmol/L), plasma total cholesterol (TC) (4.03 ± 0.08 mmol/L), and hepatic lipids (382 ± 34.2 mg/mice) by 28.8%, 16.0%, and 30.5%, respectively, when compared to the control 2 group. This was also accompanied by increasing fecal lipids (113%) and the level of enzymes including cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), protein kinase A (PKA), hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) related to lipid mobilization in MLCT group. From the results, it can be concluded that MLCT reduced body fat deposition probably by modulating enzymes related to lipid mobilization in C57BL/6J mice.

Methionine sulfone-containing orbitides, good indicators to evaluate oxidation process of flaxseed oil.

This study aimed to explore the possibility of using methionine sulfone (Msn)-containing orbitides as indicators to evaluate the oxidation process of flaxseed oils. Results showed that after 4 days' heating, oxidation values slightly increased (p > .05) with significant decrease in methionine (Met)-containing peptides (p < .05) instead of γ-tocopherol (p > .05). However, as oxidation time continues increasing, oxidation values significantly increased (p < .05) with significant reduction of γ-tocopherol (p < .05). It demonstrated that Met-containing peptides were more readily oxidized compared with γ-tocopherol and showed certain antioxidant activity. Besides, high logarithmic correlations were found between oxidation values and Msn-containing orbitides (0.94-1.00), such as between total carbonyl compounds and orbitide [1-8-NαC],[1-MetO2]-CLE (64.95 lnx - 52.14, R2 = 0.99, Dingya23 oil). Therefore, in comparison with common oxidation indices, Msn-containing orbitides may be better indicators for evaluating the oxidation process of flaxseed oil with superior separation efficiency, specific information and high stability.

Esterification of Quercetin Increases Its Transport Across Human Caco-2 Cells.

Plant polyphenols showed useful biochemical characteristics in vitro; however, the assessments of their clinical applications in vivo are restricted by their limited bioavailability due to their strong resistance to 1st-pass effects during absorption. In order to improve the bioavailability of quercetin (QU), the ester derivative of QU (3,3',4',5,7-pentahydroxy flavones, TAQU) was synthesized, followed by examining the oil-water partition coefficient as well as the transport mechanisms of QU and its ester derivative (TAQU) using human Caco-2 cells. The transport characteristics of QU and TAQU transport under different conditions (different concentrations, time, pH, temperature, tight junctions, and potential transporters) were systematically investigated. Results showed that QU had a lower permeability coefficient (2.82 × 10(-6) cm/s) for apical-to-basolateral (AP-BL) transport over 5 to 50 µM, whereas the transport rate for AP to BL flux of TAQU (5.23 × 10(-6) cm/s) was significantly greater than that of QU. Paracellular pathways were not involved during the transport of both QU and TAQU. QU was poorly absorbed by active transport, whereas TAQU was mostly absorbed by passive diffusion. Efflux transporters, P-glycoproteins, multidrug resistance proteins were proven to participate in the transport process of QU, but not in that of TAQU. These results suggested that improving the lipophicity of QU by esterification could increase the transport of QU across Caco-2 cells.

The Evaluation of Antioxidant Interactions among 4 Common Vegetables using Isobolographic Analysis.

Isobolographic analysis was used to assess the antioxidant interactions (synergism, addition, and antagonism) of 4 common vegetables (tomato [T], carrot [C], eggplant [E], and purple potato [P]). The lipophilic (L) extracts of T and C (main carotenoids), the hydrophilic (H) extracts of E and P (main phenolics) were mixed by the certain ratios (1:9, 3:7, 1:1, 7:3, 9:1, w/w) and their antioxidant activities were investigated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-Azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays, respectively. Most of the binary mixtures (LC-HE, LC-HP, HE-HP, LT-HE, and LT-HP combinations) showed the synergistic antioxidant effects. In DPPH assay, the greatest antioxidant activity of vegetable combinations was 1:9 LT-HP (EC50 : 2.45 ± 0.13 mg/mL), followed by 9:1 HE-HP (EC50 : 3.62 ± 0.12 mg/mL) and 1:9 LC-HE (EC50 : 3.74 ± 0.47 mg/mL). In ABTS assay, the greatest antioxidant activity of vegetable combinations was 9:1 HE-HP (EC50 : 4.20 ± 0.10 mg/mL), followed by 7:3 HE-HP (EC50 : 4.41 ± 0.63 mg/mL) and 1:1 HE-HP (EC50 : 5.35 ± 0.85 mg/mL). Among these combinations, 1:1 LC-HE combination showed the highest synergistic antioxidant effects in DPPH assay (synergistic rate: 87.4%), and 7:3 LC-HE combination showed the highest synergistic antioxidant effects in ABTS assay (synergistic rate: 87.0%). The mixtures of phenolics and carotenoids with suitable ratios in vegetables effectively enhanced the synergistic antioxidant effects.

Maltol, a food flavoring agent, attenuates acute alcohol-induced oxidative damage in mice.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of maltol, a food-flavoring agent, on alcohol-induced acute oxidative damage in mice. Maltol used in this study was isolated from red ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A Meyer) and analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry. For hepatoprotective activity in vivo, pretreatment with maltol (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg; 15 days) drastically prevented the elevated activities of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and triglyceride (TG) in serum and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) in liver tissue (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the levels of hepatic antioxidant, such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were elevated by maltol pretreatment, compared to the alcohol group (p < 0.05). Histopathological examination revealed that maltol pretreatment significantly inhibited alcohol-induced hepatocyte apoptosis and fatty degeneration. Interestingly, pretreatment of maltol effectively relieved alcohol-induced oxidative damage in a dose-dependent manner. Maltol appeared to possess promising anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory capacities. It was suggested that the hepatoprotective effect exhibited by maltol on alcohol-induced liver oxidative injury may be due to its potent antioxidant properties.

Novel approach to evaluate the oxidation state of vegetable oils using characteristic oxidation indicators.

Four vegetable oils with typical fatty acid compositions were chosen to determine their indicators of lipid oxidation under the conditions of accelerated oxidation. Good linear correlations were observed between the total nonpolar carbonyl amount and the total oxidation value (TOTOX, R(2) = 0.89-0.97) or peroxide value (POV, R(2) = 0.92-0.97) during 35 days of accelerated oxidation. Additionally, nonanal in camellia oil (oleic acid mainly) increased significantly, and correlated linearly with TOTOX (21.6 TOTOX - 595, R(2) = 0.92); propanal increased significantly in perilla oil (linolenic acid mainly) and correlated linearly with TOTOX (8.10 TOTOX + 75.0, R(2) = 0.90). Hexanal (9.56 TOTOX + 913, R(2) = 0.90, and 7.10 TOTOX + 342, R(2) = 0.78, respectively) and nonenal (10.5 TOTOX + 691, R(2) = 0.95, and 6.65 TOTOX + 276, R(2) = 0.84, respectively) in sunflower oil (linoleic acid mainly) and palm oil (palmitic and oleic acids mainly) also had good linear correlations with TOTOX. Considering the change patterns of these four aldehydes, it was found that the oxidation stability was in the order sunflower oil < camellia oil < perilla oil < palm oil, which was same as POV, TOTOX, and total nonpolar carbonyls. It was concluded that the four aldehydes nonanal, propanal, hexanal, and nonenal could be used as oxidation indicators for the four types of oils.

Lipozyme RM IM-catalyzed acidolysis of Cinnamomum camphora seed oil with oleic acid to produce human milk fat substitutes enriched in medium-chain fatty acids.

In the present study, a human milk fat substitute (HMFS) enriched in medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) was synthesized through acidolysis reaction from Cinnamomum camphora seed oil (CCSO) with oleic acid in a solvent-free system. A commercial immobilized lipase, Lipozyme RM IM, from Rhizomucor miehei, was facilitated as a biocatalyst. Effects of different reaction conditions, including substrate molar ratio, enzyme concentration, reaction temperature, and reaction time were investigated using response surface methodology (RSM) to obtain the optimal oleic acid incorporation. After optimization, results showed that the maximal incorporation of oleic acid into HMFS was 59.68%. Compared with CCSO, medium-chain fatty acids at the sn-2 position of HMFS accounted for >70%, whereas oleic acid was occupied predominantly at the sn-1,3 position (78.69%). Meanwhile, triacylglycerol (TAG) components of OCO (23.93%), CCO (14.94%), LaCO (13.58%), OLaO (12.66%), and OOO (11.13%) were determined as the major TAG species in HMFS. The final optimal reaction conditions were carried out as follows: substrate molar ratio (oleic acid/CCSO), 5:1; enzyme concentration, 12.5% (w/w total reactants); reaction temperature, 60 °C; and reaction time, 28 h. The reusability of Lipozyme RM IM in the acidolysis reaction was also evaluated, and it was found that it could be reused up to 9 times without significant loss of activities. Urea inclusion method was used to separate and purify the synthetic product. As the ratio of HMFS/urea increased to 1:2, the acid value lowered to the minimum. In a scale-up experiment, the contents of TAG and total tocopherols in HMFS (modified CCSO) were 77.28% and 12.27 mg/100 g, respectively. All of the physicochemical indices of purified product were within food standards. Therefore, such a MCFA-enriched HMFS produced by using the acidolysis method might have potential application in the infant formula industry.

Evaluating and predicting the oxidative stability of vegetable oils with different fatty acid compositions.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the oxidative stabilities and qualities of different vegetable oils (almond, blend 1-8, camellia, corn, palm, peanut, rapeseed, sesame, soybean, sunflower, and zanthoxylum oil) based on peroxide value (PV), vitamin E content, free fatty acid, and fatty acid composition. The vegetable oils with different initial fatty acid compositions were studied under accelerated oxidation condition. It showed that PV and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) changed significantly during 21 d accelerated oxidation storage. Based on the changes of PV and fatty acid composition during the oxidation process, mathematical models were hypothesized and the models were simulated by Matlab to generate the proposed equations. These equations were established on the basis of the different PUFA contents as 10% to 28%, 28% to 46%, and 46% to 64%, respectively. The simulated models were proven to be validated and valuable for assessing the degree of oxidation and predicting the shelf life of vegetable oils.

Enzymatic production of zero-trans plastic fat rich in α-linolenic acid and medium-chain fatty acids from highly hydrogenated soybean oil, Cinnamomum camphora seed oil, and perilla oil by lipozyme TL IM.

In the present study, zero-trans α-linolenic acid (ALA) and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA)-enriched plastic fats were synthesized through enzymatic interesterification reactions from highly hydrogenated soybean oil (HSO), Cinnamomum camphora seed oil (CCSO), and perilla oil (PO). The reactions were performed by incubating the blending mixtures of HSO, CCSO, and PO at different weight ratios (60:40:100, 70:30:100, 80:20:100) using 10% (total weight of substrate) of Lipozyme TL IM at 65 °C for 8 h. After reaction, the physical properties (fatty acids profile, TAG composition, solid fat content, slip melting point, contents of tocopherol, polymorphic forms, and microstructures) of the interesterified products and their physical blends were determined, respectively. Results showed that the fatty acid compositions of the interesterified products and physical blends had no significant changes, while the content of MCFA in both interesterified products and physical blends increased to 8.58-18.72%. Several new types of TAG species were observed in interesterified products (SSL/SLS, PLO/LLS, and OLLn/LnLO/LOLn). It should be mentioned that no trans fatty acids (TFA) were detected in all products. As the temperature increased, the solid fat content (SFC) of interesterified products was obviously lower than that of physical blends. The SFCs of interesterified products (60:40:100, 70:30:100, and 80:20:100, HSO:CCSO:PO) at 25 °C were 6.5%, 14.6%, and 16.5%, respectively, whereas the counterparts of physical blends were 32.5%, 38.5%, and 43.5%, respectively. Meanwhile, interesterified products showed more ß' polymorphs than physical blends, in which ß' polymorph is a favorite form for production of margarine and shortening. Such zero-trans ALA and MCFA-enriched fats may have desirable physical and nutritional properties for shortenings and margarines.

Absorption mechanism of ginsenoside compound K and its butyl and octyl ester prodrugs in Caco-2 cells.

Ginsenoside compound K (CK) is a bioactive compound with poor oral bioavailability due to its high polarity, while its novel ester prodrugs, the butyl and octyl ester (CK-B and CK-O), are more lipophilic than the original drug and have an excellent bioavailability. The aim of this study was to examine the transport mechanisms of CK, CK-B, and CK-O using human Caco-2 cells. Results showed that CK had a low permeability coefficient (8.65 × 10(-7) cm/s) for apical-to-basolated (AP-BL) transport at 10-50 µM, while the transport rate for AP to BL flux of CK-B (2.97 × 10(-6) cm/s) and CK-O (2.84 × 10(-6) cm/s) was significantly greater than that of CK. Furthermore, the major transport mechanism of CK was found as passive transcellular diffusion with active efflux mediated by P-glycoprotein (P-gp). In addition, it was found that CK-B and CK-O were not the substrate of efflux transporter since the selective inhibitors (verapamil and MK-571) of efflux transporter had little effects on the transport of CK-B and CK-O in the Caco-2 cells. These results suggest that improving the lipophilicity of CK by acylation can significantly improve the transport across Caco-2 cells.

Enzymatic interesterification of palm stearin with Cinnamomum camphora seed oil to produce zero-trans medium-chain triacylglycerols-enriched plastic fat.

It is known that Cinnamomum camphora seed oil (CCSO) is rich in medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) or medium-chain triacylglycerols (MCTs). The purpose of the present study was to produce zero-trans MCTs-enriched plastic fat from a lipid mixture (500 g) of palm stearin (PS) and CCSO at 3 weight ratios (PS:CCSO 60:40, 70:30, 80:20, wt/wt) by using lipase (Lipozyme TL IM, 10% of total substrate) as a catalyst at 65 °C for 8 h. The major fatty acids of the products were palmitic acid (C16:0, 42.68% to 53.42%), oleic acid (C18:1, 22.41% to 23.46%), and MCFAs (8.67% to 18.73%). Alpha-tocopherol (0.48 to 2.51 mg/100 g), γ-tocopherol (1.70 to 3.88 mg/100 g), and δ-tocopherol (2.08 to 3.95 mg/100 g) were detected in the interesterified products. The physical properties including solid fat content (SFC), slip melting point (SMP), and crystal polymorphism of the products were evaluated for possible application in shortening or margarine. Results showed that the SFCs of interesterified products at 25 °C were 9% (60:40, PS:CCSO), 18.50% (70:30, PS:CCSO), and 29.2% (80:20, PS:CCSO), respectively. The ß' crystal form was found in most of the interesterified products. Furthermore, no trans fatty acids were detected in the products. Such zero-trans MCT-enriched fats may have a potential functionality for shortenings and margarines which may become a new type of nutritional plastic fat for daily diet.

The effects of glutamate and citrate on absorption and distribution of aluminum in rats.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of glutamate (Glu) and citrate (Cit) on the absorption and distribution of aluminum in rats. In the in vitro experiment, 18 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (average weight of 250 ± 15 g) were randomly divided into three groups. The entire intestine was rapidly removed and cultured in prediction samples of 20 mmol AlCl(3), 20 mmol AlCl(3)+20 mmol Cit, and 20 mmol AlCl(3)+20 mmol Glu, respectively. Liquid in different intestines and the intestines were obtained for Al determination. In the in vivo chronic study, 24 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (average weight of 127 ± 10 g) were divided into four groups fed with the following diets: no Al and Glu added (control), AlCl(3) (1.2 mmol), AlCl(3) (1.2 mmol) + Cit (1.2 mmol), and AlCl(3) (1.2 mmol) + Glu (1.2 mmol) daily for 50 days, respectively. After rat sacrifice, blood samples were obtained for biochemical analyses, and organ samples like the brain, kidney, liver, and bone were rapidly taken for Al determination. The results showed that the absorption rate of Al with the following order: duodenum > jejunum > ileum in the in vitro study and the administration of AlCl(3)+Cit or AlCl(3)+Glu resulted in significant increases in Al absorption in the three parts of the gut (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) compared to the AlCl(3) alone group based on wet weight (P < 0.05). There were no differences between the AlCl(3)+Cit and AlCl(3)+Glu groups. In the in vivo chronic study, supplementing either AlCl(3) alone or AlCl(3)+Glu decreased food consumption significantly (P < 0.05) compared with the control group. Compared with the control group, animals fed with the AlCl(3) diet monitored for red blood cell, kidney, and liver showed a higher level (P < 0.05), but did not significantly increase Al retention in the brain and bone (P > 0.05); animals fed with AlCl(3)+Cit diets were monitored for higher Al retention in the brain, kidney, bone, and liver (P < 0.05), while animals fed with AlCl(3)+Glu diets were monitored for red blood cell, brain, and kidney (P < 0.05). Compared with the AlCl(3) group, simultaneous administration of AlCl(3) and Glu led to a significant increase in Al retention in red blood cell, brain, and kidney (P < 0.01) while AlCl(3) and Cit in the kidney and bone (P < 0.01). Simultaneous administration of AlCl(3) and Cit significantly increases plasma malondialdehyde level (P < 0.05); both simultaneous administration of AlCl(3) and Glu or AlCl(3) and Cit led to significant decreases in superoxide dismutase level in the plasma (P < 0.05), while AlCl3 alone did not. The results indicated that both Cit and Glu enhanced Al absorption in the intestine in vitro, and Glu increased Al deposition in red blood cell, brain, and kidney in vivo.

Characterization of medium-chain triacylglycerol (MCT)-enriched seed oil from Cinnamomum camphora (Lauraceae) and its oxidative stability.

Medium-chain triacylglycerol (MCT)-enriched oil was extracted by supercritical fluid extraction of carbon dioxide (SFE-CO(2)) from Cinnamomum camphora seeds. The SFE-CO(2) process was optimized using the Box-Behnken design (BBD). The maximum oil yield (42.82%) was obtained under the optimal SFE-CO(2) conditions: extraction pressure, 21.16 MPa; extraction temperature, 45.67 °C; and extraction time, 2.38 h. Subsequently, the physicochemical characteristics, fatty acid composition, triacylglycerol (TAG) composition, tocopherol content, and DSC profile as well as oxidative stabilities of C. camphora seed oil (CCSO) were studied. Results showed that CCSO contained two major medium-chain fatty acids, capric acid (53.27%) and lauric acid (39.93%). The predominant TAG species in CCSO was LaCC/CLaC (ECN 32, 79.29%). Meanwhile, it can be found that CCSO had much higher oxidative stabilities than coconut oil due to the higher content of tocopherols in CCSO (α-tocopherol, 8.67 ± 0.51 mg/100 g; γ-tocopherol, 22.6 ± 1.02 mg/100 g; δ-tocopherol, 8.38 ± 0.47 mg/100 g). Conclusively, CCSO with such a high level of MCTs and high oxidative stabilities could be potentially applied in special food for specific persons such as weak patients and overweight persons because oils enriched in MCTs can be rapidly absorbed into body to provide energy without fat accumulation.

Production of trans-free margarine stock by enzymatic interesterification of rice bran oil, palm stearin and coconut oil.

BACKGROUND: Trans-free interesterified fat was produced for possible usage as a spreadable margarine stock. Rice bran oil, palm stearin and coconut oil were used as substrates for lipase-catalyzed reaction. RESULTS: After interesterification, 137-150 g kg(-1) medium-chain fatty acid was incorporated into the triacylglycerol (TAG) of the interesterified fats. Solid fat contents at 25 degrees C were 15.5-34.2%, and slip melting point ranged from 27.5 to 34.3 degrees C. POP and PPP (beta-tending TAG) in palm stearin decreased after interesterification. X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrated that the interesterified fats contained mostly beta' polymorphic forms, which is a desirable property for margarines. CONCLUSIONS: The interesterified fats showed desirable physical properties and suitable crystal form (beta' polymorph) for possible use as a spreadable margarine stock. Therefore, our result suggested that the interesterified fat without trans fatty acid could be used as an alternative to partially hydrogenated fat.

Enrichment of pinolenic acid at the sn-2 position of triacylglycerol molecules through lipase-catalyzed reaction.

Reports have shown that Delta-5 polyunsaturated fatty acids (-5 PUFA) are enriched at sn-1,3 positions of triacylglycerols (TAG) in pine (Pinus koraiensis) nut oil (Pn). As a major Delta-5 PUFA, pinolenic acid (Pi) is about 14.2% in the oil, while the percentage of Pi at the sn-1 and/or sn-3 positions in TAG was found more than 20%. In this current study, the enhancement of Pi at the sn-2 position has been achieved by acyl migration during the lipase-catalyzed inter-esterification between Pn and palm stearin (Ps). After reaction, the proportion of Pi increased at sn-2 positional fatty acid even is similar to that in total fatty acid; for example, in the inter-esterified product of 50:50 (Pn:Ps), the same amount of Pi (7.1%) present was detected both at the sn-2 and sn-1,3 positions. However, the reduction of phytosterols and tocopherols are observed in the inter-esterified products.