Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction of Astaxanthin from Shrimp By-Products Using Vegetable Oils.

BACKGROUND: The use of conventional astaxanthin extraction methods, typically involving organic solvents, leads to a heightened environmental impact. The aim of this study was to explore the potential use of environmentally friendly extraction solvents, such as vegetable oils, for recovering the shrimp by-product astaxanthin. METHODS: Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) in vegetable oils, including olive oil (OO), sunflower oil (SO), and flaxseed oil (FO), was employed to extract astaxanthin. The astaxanthin antioxidant activity was evaluated using an ABTS assay, and a mixture of gum Arabic and soy lecithin was used to form coacervates to produce astaxanthin encapsulation. RESULTS: A by-product-vegetable oil ratio of 1:60, extraction time of 210 min, 60% amplitude of the extraction process, and the use of OO as the extracting medium resulted in an astaxanthin yield of 235 ± 4.07 µg astaxanthin/g by-products. The astaxanthin encapsulation efficiency on day 0 and astaxanthin recovery on day 1 were recorded at 66.6 ± 2.7% and 94.4 ± 4.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The utilization of OO as an extraction solvent for astaxanthin from shrimp by-products in UAE represents a novel and promising approach to reducing the environmental impact of shrimp by-products. The effective astaxanthin encapsulation efficiency highlights its potential application in food industries.

Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Total Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity Evaluation from Oregano (Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum) Using Response Surface Methodology and Identification of Specific Phenolic Compounds with HPLC-PDA and Q-TOF-MS/MS.

Oregano is native to the Mediterranean region and it has been reported to contain several phenolic compounds particularly flavonoids that have been related with multiple bioactivities towards certain diseases. Oregano is cultivated in the island of Lemnos where the climate promotes its growth and thus it could be further used in promoting local economy. The aim of the present study was to establish a methodology for the extraction of total phenolic content along with the antioxidant capacity of oregano by using response surface methodology. A Box-Behnken design was applied to optimize the extraction conditions with regard to the extraction time, temperature, and solvent mixture with the use of ultrasound-assisted extraction. For the optimized extracts, identification of the most abundant flavonoids (luteolin, kaempferol, and apigenin) was performed with an analytical HPLC-PDA and UPLC-Q-TOF MS methodology. The predicted optimal conditions of the statistical model were identified, and the predicted values confirmed. The linear factors evaluated, temperature, time, and ethanol concentration, all showed significant effect (p < 0.05), and the regression coefficient (R2) presented a good correlation between predicted and experimental data. Actual values under optimum conditions were 362.1 ± 1.8 and 108.6 ± 0.9 mg/g dry oregano with regard to total phenolic content and antioxidant activity based on 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, respectively. Additionally, further antioxidant activities by 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) (115.2 ± 1.2 mg/g dry oregano), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) (13.7 ± 0.8 mg/g dry oregano), and Cupric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity (CUPRAC) (1.2 ± 0.2 mg/g dry oregano) assays were performed for the optimized extract. The extract acquired under the optimum conditions contain an adequate quantity of phenolic compounds that could be used in the production of functional foods by food enrichment procedure.

Postprandial Responses of Serum Cholesterol, Glucose and Plasma Antioxidant Activity, after Intake of an Innovative High Fat Mayonnaise-Based Appetizer, Enhanced with Olive Paste, in Healthy Volunteers.

Several Mediterranean functional foods and their process by-products may exert a beneficial role on hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and oxidative stress modulation, providing bioactive compounds with functional properties, contributing to possible chronic disease prevention (cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes mellitus, etc.). The purpose of the present interventional study was to investigate the postprandial responses of metabolic biomarkers, after the intake of an innovative mayonnaise-based appetizer, enhanced with olive paste, in healthy volunteers. In this cross-over design, randomized and single-blind, interventional−clinical trial, 10 healthy volunteers, aged 20−30 years old, after splitting into the control group and the Mediterranean group, consumed a pasta meal rich in fat and carbohydrates (150 g), containing a mayonnaise-based appetizer or the same appetizer, enhanced with 9% olive paste. After a 1-week washout period, the subjects consumed the meals in reverse. Differences between groups on postprandial responses of total plasma antioxidant capacity according to the FRAP method, serum total cholesterol, glucose, and uric acid levels, were determined before, 30 min, 1.5 h, and 3 h after consumption. The results showed that, in comparison to the control group, consumption of the enhanced appetizer resulted in a significantly decreased total serum cholesterol and glucose levels, and also led to a significant increase in plasma total antioxidant activity, 3 h after consumption (p < 0.05). Further investigation with large prospective studies is needed to validate the current results.

Fish polar lipids retard atherosclerosis in rabbits by down-regulating PAF biosynthesis and up-regulating PAF catabolism.

BACKGROUND: Platelet activating factor (PAF) has been proposed as a key factor and initial trigger in atherosclerosis. Recently, a modulation of PAF metabolism by bioactive food constituents has been suggested. In this study we investigated the effect of fish polar lipid consumption on PAF metabolism. RESULTS: The specific activities of four PAF metabolic enzymes; in leukocytes, platelets and plasma, and PAF concentration; either in blood cells or plasma were determined. Samples were acquired at the beginning and at the end of a previously conducted study in male New Zealand white rabbits that were fed for 45 days with atherogenic diet supplemented (group-B, n = 6) or not (group-A, n = 6) with gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) polar lipids.The specific activity of PAF-Acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH); a catabolic enzyme of PAF, was decreased in rabbits' platelets of both A and B groups and in rabbits' leukocytes of group A (p < 0.05). On the other hand the specific activity of Lipoprotein-associated Phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2); the catabolic enzyme of PAF in plasma was increased in both A and B groups in both leukocytes and platelets (p < 0.05). PAF-cholinephosphotransferase (PAF-CPT); a biosynthetic enzyme of PAF showed increased specific activity only in rabbits' leukocytes of group A (p < 0.05). Neither of the two groups showed any change in Lyso-PAF-acetyltransferase (Lyso-PAF-AT) specific activity (p > 0.05). Free and bound PAF levels increased in group A while decreased in group B (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) polar lipids modulate PAF metabolism upon atherosclerotic conditions in rabbits leading to lower PAF levels and activity in blood of rabbits with reduced early atherosclerotic lesions compared to control group.

Platelet-activating factor involvement in thioacetamide-induced experimental liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a potent lipid inflammatory mediator acting on cells through its specific receptor. Plasma PAF-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) is the main enzyme that inactivates PAF in blood, participating in its homeostasis. The objective of this study was to investigate the involvement of PAF in the liver fibrotic process using an experimental animal model. Liver fibrosis was induced in adult male Wistar rats by administration of thioacetamide (TAA) in drinking water (300 mg/l) for three months. The animals were sacrificed at time 0 (control group) and after 1, 2, and 3 months. PAF levels in liver and blood and PAF-AH activity in plasma were determined. Liver histopathological examination was also performed. TAA administration resulted in progressively increased liver fibrosis, leading finally to the formation of cirrhotic nodules in the liver. Throughout the experiment PAF levels in liver tissue remained stable. "Total" ("free" plus "bound") PAF levels in blood decreased, reaching statistically significant differences in the first and third months compared with the control group (P < 0.05). "Free" PAF levels in blood were higher at one month (P < 0.05) and decreased gradually thereafter. In all treated groups, "bound" PAF levels in blood decreased whereas plasma PAF-AH activity increased (P < 0.05) compared with the control group. Our data indicated alterations of PAF levels in blood and PAF-AH activity during fibrosis induction, implicating participation of PAF in the liver fibrotic process.

Valorization of Fruits by-products to Unconventional Sources of Additives, Oil, Biomolecules and Innovative Functional Foods.

Owning to the increase in the world population as well as the consumer's awareness on the health benefits of consumption of fruits, the demand for both fresh and processed fruits has been increased. The by-product and waste streams generated from fruit processing industries are extremely diverse, owning mainly to different fruits varieties and the wide range of the processes employed towards the production of the end fruit-based products. Due to the increasing production and processing of fruits, disposal of waste and by-product streams has become a serious issue, since these materials are prone to microbial spoilage. Also, the inappropriate waste management practices pose severe environmental issues. Furthermore, the costs of drying and storage of fruit processing residues are economically limiting factors hindering their further exploitation. Therefore, fruit processing by-products such as peels, seeds and unused flesh are often utilized as fertilizers. On the other hand, plant residues contain biomolecules such as vitamins, proteins, minerals, antioxidants and aromatic oil. Recovery of bioactive compounds holds a great potential for their usage in food industry as functional ingredients and nutraceuticals or in pharmaceutical and in cosmetic applications. So, valorization of plant fruit processing by-products to high-value added compounds, constitute a promising alternative not only for addressing fruit residues management issues but also leading to the production of functional food products of high nutritional value, with several potential beneficial health effects. The aim of this paper is to highlight current trends in addressing environmental issues caused by the production of high volumes of specific categories of fruit processing waste streams by investigating their potential usage as natural raw materials for the recovery of valuable bioactive compounds (such as polyphenols, dietary fibers or aromatic oil). The extracted nutrients may be used in the industrial food sector for the production of functional foods, nutraceuticals or even as health promoting natural pharmaceutical ingredients or additives for the production of innovative enriched foods. Highlights: • Fruit processing by product streams are rich in bioactive compounds. • Integration of fruit by-products and waste streams to value added products such as additives, unconventional oil, bioactive compounds and novel functional products is a very interesting approach regarding fruit processing residues exploitation. • Recovering of biomolecules from fruit residues by non-thermal processes could lead to the efficient production of highly purified functional ingredients. • Negative-valued fruit processing residues could be recycled for the production of health promoting value added products.

Antibacterial and anti-PAF activity of lipid extracts from sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata).

The anti-PAF and the antibacterial activities of lipid extracts obtained from cultured sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and cultured gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) were evaluated. Total lipids of sea bass and gilthead sea bream exerted PAF-like activity while, in higher amounts they inhibited this PAF activity. Neutral lipids of both sea bass and gilthead sea bream contained only PAF antagonists while the polar lipid fractions contained both PAF antagonists and agonists. Total lipids of sea bass exhibited stronger PAF-like activity than did those of gilthead sea bream; however, neutral lipids of sea bass contained stronger PAF antagonists than did gilthead sea bream. Total lipids of both sea bass and gilthead sea bream exhibited antibacterial activity only towards Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) with those of sea bass being more potent. Subsequently, neutral lipids of both sea bass and gilthead sea bream also showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus and less so towards Escherichia coli (E. coli), while only neutral lipids of sea bass showed antibacterial activity against Enterococcusfaecalis (E. faecalis). Sea bass neutral lipids were more active against S. aureus than were those of gilthead sea bream, while their activity towards E. coli was similar. Polar lipids of both sea bass and gilthead sea bream showed antibacterial activity against all bacteria strains. Sea bass polar lipids were more active towards S. aureus than were those of gilthead sea bream, while their activities against E. faecalis and E. coli were the same. The detected antibacterial activities of the lipid extracts isolated from sea bass and gilthead sea bream were observed in amounts equal to those that exerted either PAF inhibition or PAF-like activity, suggesting that PAF antagonists and agonists of fish lipids may be responsible for the antibacterial activity.

Biological activity of acetylated phenolic compounds.

In recent years an effort has been made to isolate and identify biologically active compounds that are included in the Mediterranean diet. The existence of naturally occurring acetylated phenolics, as well as studies with synthetic ones, provide evidence that acetyl groups could be correlated with their biological activity. Platelet activating factor (PAF) is implicated in atherosclerosis, whereas its inhibitors seem to play a protective role against cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to examine the biological activity of resveratrol and tyrosol and their acetylated derivatives as inhibitors of PAF-induced washed rabbit platelet aggregation. Acetylation of resveratrol and tyrosol was performed, and separation was achieved by HPLC. Acetylated derivatives were identified by negative mass spectrometry. The data showed that tyrosol and its monoacetylated derivatives act as PAF inhibitors, whereas diacetylated derivatives induce platelet aggregation. Resveratrol and its mono- and triacetylated derivatives exert similar inhibitory activity, whereas the diacetylated ones are more potent inhibitors. In conclusion, acetylated phenolics exert the same or even higher antithrombotic activity compared to the biological activity of the initial one.

Antithrombotic and antiatherosclerotic properties of olive oil and olive pomace polar extracts in rabbits.

Olive oil polar lipid (OOPL) extract has been reported to inhibit atherosclerosis development on rabbits. Olive pomace polar lipid (PPL) extract inhibits PAF activity in vitro and the most potent antagonist has been identified as a glycerylether-sn-2-acetyl glycolipid with common structural characteristics with the respective potent antagonist of OOPL. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PPL on early atherosclerosis development on rabbits and to compare it with the antiatherosclerotic effect of OOPL. OOPL and PPL inhibition potency, towards both PAF action and PAF binding, was tested in vitro on washed rabbit platelets. Consequently, rabbits were divided into three groups (A, B, and C). All groups were fed atherogenic diet for 22 days. Atherogenic diets in groups B and C were enriched with OOPL and PPL, respectively. At the end of the experimental time, rabbits were euthanized and aortic samples were examined histopathologically. OOPL and PPL inhibited PAF-induced aggregation, as well as specific PAF binding, with PPL being more potent. Free and bound PAF levels and PAF-AH activity were significantly elevated at the end of the experimental time. Plasma total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides levels were also found increased. Groups B and C exhibited significantly increased values of EC(50) compared to group A. Histopathological examination revealed that the development of early atherosclerosis lesions in groups B and C were significantly inhibited compared to group A. Significant differences were noted in the early atherosclerosis lesions between groups B and C, thus indicating that PPL exhibit its anti-atherosclerotic activity by blocking PAF receptor. Specific PAF antagonists with similar in vitro and in vivo bioactivity to those that have been previously reported in OOPL exist in PPL.

Effect of fast-food Mediterranean-type diet on human plasma oxidation.

Oxidation of lipoproteins, particularly of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), is of prime importance in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. The Mediterranean diet has been associated with an unexpectedly low rate of cardiovascular events. Type 2 diabetic patients are at high risk of developing atherosclerosis. Functional alterations in the endothelium, which lead to atherosclerosis, are stimulated by oxidized lipoproteins, particularly oxidized LDL. The present study investigated the effect of Greek quick casual Mediterranean-type diet (fast food Mediterranean-type diet) consumption on the resistance to oxidation in plasma from type 2 diabetic patients and healthy human subjects. Lipids from fast food Mediterranean-type foodstuffs were extracted and tested in vitro for their ability to inhibit copper (Cu2+)-induced LDL oxidation. Foodstuffs that exerted the most potent in vitro antioxidative activity were chosen for the diet of study groups. Eighteen type 2 diabetic patients (group A) and 10 healthy subjects (group B) were fed a 4-week diet contained the chosen foodstuffs, while 17 type 2 diabetic patients (group C) were kept on their regular diet that they were following before the study. Type 2 diabetic patients were treated with sulfonylureas or metformin and were under good glycemic control (hemoglobin A1C < 7%). Serum lipoproteins, triglycerides, glucose, body mass index (BMI), and plasma resistance to Cu2+-induced oxidation before and after the 4-week diet were monitored. At the beginning of the study, no statistical difference was detected in plasma resistance to Cu2+-induced oxidation between type 2 diabetic patients (groups A and C) and healthy human subjects (group B), as this was detected at a time before the oxidation products become detectable, namely, lag time. After the 4-week period on the chosen diet the lag time in groups A and B significantly increased, while it was not changed in group C. In type 2 diabetic patients lag time was increased from 57.3 +/- 13.3 minutes (mean +/- SD) to 103.8 +/- 21.8 minutes (mean +/- SD) (P < .000), while in healthy human subjects there was an increase from 58.0 +/- 8.5 minutes (mean +/- SD) to 85.7 +/- 21.8 minutes (mean +/- SD) (P < .004). In all groups, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and BMI were not changed. Fast food Mediterranean foodstuffs exerted antioxidant activities both in vitro and in vivo after consumption in type 2 diabetic patients and healthy human subjects. Therefore consumption of a fast food Mediterranean-type diet should contribute to prevention against cardiovascular diseases.

Effect of fast-food Mediterranean-type diet on type 2 diabetics and healthy human subjects' platelet aggregation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our work was to carry out a randomized clinical trial with a fast-food Mediterranean type diet rich in platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonist to investigate the effect on type 2 diabetics and healthy human subject's platelet aggregation. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We extracted lipids from fast-food Mediterranean type foodstuffs, and tested them in vitro for their ability to inhibit or antagonize PAF towards washed rabbit platelets. We chose the foodstuffs that exerted the most potent in vitro anti-PAF activity and fed 22 healthy (group A) and 23 type 2 diabetics (group B) subjects on a diet containing the chosen foodstuffs. The 22 type 2 diabetics (group C) subjects were kept on their regular diet that was being followed before entering the study. Before and after a 4-week diet, all enrolled subjects underwent the following examinations; measurement of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL-cholesterol), high density lipoprotein (HDL-cholesterol), triglycerides, glucose, HbA(1c), body mass index (BMI), and platelet aggregation in response to PAF, adenosine 5' diphosphate (ADP) and arachidonic acid (AA). RESULTS: The chosen diet significantly increased the EC(50) values of PAF and ADP to groups A and B (p<0.05). No statistical difference was observed on the EC(50) value of group C. No statistical differences were detected among Cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, HBA(1c), BMI, and EC(50) for AA values, for any of the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of a fast-food Mediterranean type diet rich in PAF antagonist improved platelet response of type 2 diabetics and healthy human subjects against thrombotic, inflammatory and proatherogenic factors.

Effect of traditional Greek Mediterranean meals on platelet aggregation in normal subjects and in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Epidemiological studies have shown a correlation between diet and incidence of coronary heart disease. The aim of the study is to determine the effect of a traditional Greek Mediterranean diet on platelet aggregation induced by ADP, arachidonic acid (AA), and especially platelet-activating factor (PAF) on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus as well as on healthy volunteers. The patients were randomized into two subgroups, A and B. The lipid extracts from traditional Greek Mediterranean-type meals were tested in in vivo for their ability to reduce PAF- or thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. The meals with the most potent anti-aggregating activity were chosen for the diet of both subgroup A and healthy subjects and consumed for a period of 28 days, whereas subgroup B kept to their regular diet that was followed before entering the study. Platelet-rich plasma was isolated before and after the diet, and the ability of platelets to aggregate under the aggregating factors was tested. One-month consumption of diet resulted in a significant reduction in PAF- and ADP-induced aggregation of platelets in both groups of healthy volunteers (PAF and ADP, P < .05) and subgroup A (PAF, P < .001; ADP, P < .05), whereas the AA-induced aggregation was not affected. No effect was observed in subgroup B, which followed the standard diet. Thus the consumption of a traditional Greek Mediterranean diet even for a short period can reduce platelet activity in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus and in healthy subjects.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel steroid-modified ether phospholipids.

Platelet activating factor is one of the most potent inflammatory ether phospholipid mediators known and structurally modified analogues are of considerable interest as potential therapeutic preparations. Inspired by the proposed structure for a novel endogenous hydroxy-PAF analogue isolated recently from gingival crevicular fluid, we designed and prepared two novel steroid-modified ether phospholipids. These two novel compounds exhibit marked chemical and biological similarities to their endogenous prototype and they antagonize it being less active in inducing washed platelet aggregation through PAF receptors.

Bioactive polar lipids from Chroococcidiopsis sp. (Cyanobacteria).

Many studies indicate that various bioactive metabolites subsist in cyanobacteria. Glycolipids of cyanobacteria are reported as molecules that exert specific bioactivities. In this study, total lipids of Chroococcidiopsissp., a coccoid cyanobacterium isolated from a Greek cave, were separated into neutral and polar-lipids and the latter were further fractionated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Each polar lipid fraction was tested in vitro for its ability to inhibit platelet-activating factor (PAF)- and thrombin-induced washed rabbit platelet aggregation and/or to cause platelet aggregation. The structures of the most active fractions were elucidated by biological assays and identified by electrospray mass spectrometry. One fraction was a potent inhibitor of PAF-induced platelet aggregation. Structural studies of this fraction indicated the existence of phospho-glyco analog of ceramide. Another fraction that was a potent inhibitor of PAF- as well as of thrombin-induced platelet aggregation was structurally elucidated as a phospho-acetylated glyco-analog of diglyceride. The fraction that induced platelet aggregation was identified as a phospho-acetylated-glyco analog of ceramide. These novel bioactive polar lipids in cyanobacteria in regard to the structure and biological activity may contribute to the allergic character of cyanobacteria.

Antithrombotic lipid minor constituents from vegetable oils. Comparison between olive oils and others.

Many epidemiological studies suggest that vegetable oils and especially olive oil present a protective effect against atherosclerosis. In this study, total lipids (TL) of Greek olive oils and seed oils of four kinds, namely, soybean, corn, sunflower, and sesame oil, were separated into total polar lipids (TPL) and total neutral lipids (TNL) via a novel extraction procedure. TPL and TNL of olive oil were fractionated by HPLC for further study. Each lipid fraction from HPLC separation along with TL, TPL, and TNL lipid samples from oils were tested in vitro for their capacity to induce or to inhibit washed rabbit platelet aggregation. Comparison between olive and seed oils supports the superiority of olive oil as high levels of platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonists have been detected, mainly in TPL. In addition, the structure of the most active fraction from olive oil was elucidated, as a glycerol-glycolipid. Because it has already been reported that PAF plays a pivotal role in atherogenesis, the existence of PAF agonists and antagonists in vegetable oils may explain their protective role against atherosclerosis.

PAF effects on MCP-1 and IL-6 secretion in U-937 monocytes in comparison with oxLDL and IL-1ß effects.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of PAF, in comparison with oxLDL and IL-1ß on MCP-1 and IL-6 secretion from U-937 monocytes and to investigate the mechanism of its action. METHODS: U-937 cell line was cultured in the presence or absence of PAF or oxLDL or IL-1ß. Secretion of IL-6 and MCP-1 was measured by ELISA method, mRNA levels of MCP-1 and PAFR was measured using real-time PCR. In order to investigate the mechanism of mediator's action signal transduction appropriate inhibitors was used and oxidant status of cells by measurement the total cellular thiols content and glutathione was determined. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: None of the tested mediators induced the secretion of IL-6. On the other hand PAF and oxLDL caused a short-term while IL-1ß caused a long-term secretion and expression of MCP-1. Reduced total thiol levels and GSH/GSSG ratio indicate that the above mediators induce oxidative stress. The signal transduction of all mediators is mediated through G-proteins, protein kinases (PKC, serine-threonine kinase and tyrosine kinase) and NF-κB activation. In addition, PAF, oxLDL, IL-1ß activates monocytes leading to increased PAF receptor mRNA levels. These results indicate that PAF and oxLDL, in a different pattern from that of IL-1ß, regulate MCP-1 expression via pathways that involve changes in cell redox status.

Triacylglycerol metabolism.

Apart from being the main energy reserves of the human body, triacylglycerols take part in metabolic processes that determine the rate of fatty acid oxidation, the plasma levels of free fatty acids, the biosynthesis of other lipid molecules and the metabolic fate of lipoproteins. Allosteric, hormonal, nutritional and transcriptional signals activate short-term and long-term regulatory mechanisms that assure the storage of triacylglycerols (TAGs) under states of excess energy and their mobilization under conditions of metabolic stress. New enzymes and novel regulatory mechanisms, involved in triacylglycerol metabolism, have been recently discovered and new details on the fine tuning of their metabolic reactions are coming to light. This knowledge will help us understand the biochemical basis of several diseases for the pathogenesis of which triacylglycerols play a role.

In vivo antiatherogenic properties of olive oil and its constituent lipid classes in hyperlipidemic rabbits.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The consumption of olive oil has been associated with lower incidence of cardiovascular disease in the Mediterranean countries. This may be due in part to the action of platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonists which we have previously demonstrated to be present in olive oil. In order to assess the in vivo effects of olive oil lipids and PAF in the development of atherosclerosis, the effects of diet supplementation with olive oil (OO), olive oil polar lipid extract (OOPLE) and olive oil neutral lipid extract (OONLE) were studied in rabbits fed a cholesterol-enriched diet. METHODS AND RESULTS: Rabbits were fed for 45 days with atherogenic diet (Group A) supplemented with OO (Group B), OOPLE (Group C) or OONLE (Group D). Lipoprotein profiles, plasma in vitro oxidation, blood PAF levels, PAF-induced platelet aggregation and PAF-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) activity, were measured on day 0 and 45. Atherosclerotic lesions formed in the aortic wall and wall elasticity were assessed on day 45. Changes in lipid profile were in accordance with previous studies. Blood PAF levels were higher in group A and decreased in group D on day 45. In rabbits fed an atherogenic diet (Group A) blood PAF and PAF-AH increased, atherosclerotic lesions formed and the elasticity of vessel walls declined. In animals fed olive oil (Group B) or OOPLE (Group C) blood PAF-AH increased, platelet aggregation was attenuated, less oxidation occurred in plasma, lesion thickness was reduced and vessel walls retained elasticity. Most of these beneficial changes were not seen in animals fed OONLE (Group D) although blood PAF and plasma oxidation were lower. CONCLUSIONS: The antiatherogenic effects of OO result from OOPLE. The beneficial effect of these factors is linked to PAF metabolism and proaggregant activity.

Isolation and structural elucidation of biologically active phospholipids from Scytonema julianum (cyanobacteria).

The role of platelet-activating factor (PAF) as a mediator appeared in rather primitive organisms like protozoans and was maintained in more evolved organisms. No reports exist for the presence of PAF or PAF analogues - or even compounds that exhibit PAF-like activity - in cyanobacteria, even though they belong to a a group of organisms at a low evolutionary level where the content of alkylacyl forms of ether lipids is expected to be high. In addition, cyanobacteria serve as a rich source of novel bioactive metabolites. In the present study the total lipids of a strain of Scytonema julianum, a filamentous cyanobacterium isolated from a Greek cave, were separated into neutral lipids and phospholipids, the latter being further fractionated by HPLC. Each phospholipid fraction was tested in vitro for its ability to inhibit PAF-, arachidonic acid- and ADP-induced washed-rabbit-platelet aggregation and/or to cause platelet aggregation. Two types of phospholipids causing platelet aggregation were detected and shown to be an acetylsphingomyelin and an acylacetylglycerol phosphoacetylated glycolipid. The existence of the sphingomyelin analogues is very important, since ceramides, cerebrosides and related lipids are intracellular second messengers. The identification of the phosphoglycoglycerolipid demonstrates a new type of lipid in cyanobacteria, namely one that exhibits a biological activity very similar to that of PAF. Its presence reinforces the concept that PAF is a member of a large family of lipid mediators, apparently having different physiological roles in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. In addition, Scytonema julianum contains a phosphatidylcholine (C(16:0)/(18:2)), even though bacteria in general seldom contain choline-containing phosphoacylglycerols.