Effects of a novel medium-long-medium-type structured lipid synthesized using a two-step enzymatic method on lipid metabolism and obesity protection in experimental mice.

We synthesized a novel, structured lipid containing caprylic acid at its sn-1,3 position and docosahexaenoic acid at its sn-2 position (1,3C-2D-TAG) by using a two-step enzymatic method and then investigated the relationship between the types of fatty acids in the structured lipid and their physiological functions. Furthermore, we compared the effects of similarly structured lipids on postprandial lipid metabolism and obesity protection. The results revealed that the novel structured lipid synthesized using the enzymatic method not only exhibited better physical properties than traditional oils but also had high oxidation stability and crystallization degree. In terms of physiological function, the low-dose 1,3C-2D-TAG group exhibited higher cholesterol and triglyceride levels, lower kidney weight or body weight, and higher serum aspartate aminotransferase and blood urea nitrogen levels than control group, whereas the high-dose 1,3C-2D-TAG group exhibited higher triglyceride levels. Moreover, the medium-dose 1,3C-2D-TAG group had remarkably higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels than the high-lipid, control, and 1,2,3C-TAG groups; however, the cholesterol and triglyceride levels and kidney and liver functions did not differ significantly among these groups. The study results suggest that 1,3C-2D-TAG can not only facilitate the effective utilization of the energy supplied by medium-chain fatty acids but also help overcome difficulties in the absorption of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Single-site laparoscopic ligation of the hernia sac in infants with congenital Morgagni hernia.

Background: Congenital Morgagni hernia (CMH) is a rare midline defect involving herniation of abdominal viscera into the thoracic cavity through triangular parasternal gaps in the diaphragm. Methods: The medical records of three patients with CMH admitted to the Department of Pediatric Surgery at the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University between 2018 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Pre-operative diagnosis was based on chest x-ray, chest computerized tomography, and barium enema. All patients were treated with single-site laparoscopic ligation of the hernia sac. Results: Hernia repair was successful in all patients (males; age: 14 months, 30 months, 48 months). The average operative time for repair of a unilateral hernia was 20 ± 5 min. Volume of surgical blood loss was 2-3 ml. There was no damage to organs such as the liver or intestines, or to tissues such as the pericardium or the phrenic nerve. Patients were allowed a fluid diet 6-8 h after surgery, and remained on bed rest until 16 h after surgery. No postoperative complications occurred, and patients were discharged on postoperative Day 2 or 3. No symptoms or complications were noted during the 1-48 months of follow-up. Aesthetic outcomes were satisfactory. Conclusions: Single-site laparoscopic ligation of the hernia sac provides pediatric surgeons a safe and effective technique for repair of CMH in infants and children. The procedure is straightforward, operative time and surgical blood loss are minimal, recurrence is unlikely, and aesthetic outcomes are satisfactory.

Exposure to automobile exhaust-derived PM2.5 induces spermatogenesis dysfunction by damaging UPRmt of prepubertal rats.

Automobile exhaust-derived particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) can cause spermatogenic cell damage, potentially resulting in male infertility. This study uses male prepubertal Sprague Dawley (SD) rats to explore the molecular mechanisms by which automobile exhaust-derived PM2.5 causes spermatogenic cell damage and induces spermatogenesis dysfunction during sexual maturity by disrupting the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) in spermatogenic cells. Male prepubertal SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: control (intratracheal instillation of normal saline), low-dose PM2.5 (5 mg/kg), high-dose PM2.5 (10 mg/kg), and PM2.5 10 mg/kg +Vit (100 mg/kg of vitamin C and 50 mg/kg of vitamin E). The rats were treated for four weeks, with five consecutive treatment days and two non-treatment days, followed by cohabitation. Testicular and epididymal tissues were harvested for analysis. The mitochondria in spermatogenic cells were observed under an electron microscope. UPRmt-, oxidative stress-, and apoptosis-related markers in spermatogenic cells were examined. Spermatogenic cell numbers and conception rate declined significantly with increasing PM2.5 dose, with their mitochondria becoming vacuolated, swollen, and degenerated to varying degrees. The apoptosis of spermatogenic cells was abnormally enhanced in PM2.5 exposed groups compared to the control group. Spermatogenic cell numbers of conception rate gradually recovered, mitochondrial damage in spermatogenic cells was alleviated, and spermatogenic cell apoptosis was significantly reduced after vitamin intervention. In addition, protein levels of superoxide dismutase 1 (Sod1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) were significantly lower, while those of Bcl2-associated X apoptosis regulator (Bax), cleaved caspase 3 (Casp3), and cytochrome c (Cyt-c) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly higher in the high-dose PM2.5 group than in the control group. The levels of UPRmt-related proteins C/EBP homologous protein (Chop), heat shock protein 60 (Hsp60), and activating transcription factors 4 (Atf4) and 5 (Atf5) were higher in the low-dose PM2.5 group, lower in the high-dose PM2.5 group, and gradually recovered in PM2.5 10 mg/kg +Vit group. Our results show that exposure to automobile exhaust-derived PM2.5 induces oxidative stress responses, leads to post-sexual maturation UPRmt dysfunction and mitochondrial impairment, and abnormally enhances spermatogenic cell apoptosis in prepubertal rats, resulting in male infertility.