One-step rapid extraction of phytosterols from vegetable oils.

The conditions for the extraction of phytosterols (campesterol, stigmasterol and ß-sitosterol) from vegetal oils were optimized by means of response surface methodology (RSM). A 24 central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was used to investigate the effects of four independent variables: sample weight (g), saponification temperature (°C), saponification time (h) and number of extractions (n). The CCRD was carried out in 27 trials, including eight axial and three central points; and the response variables were the contents of campesterol, stigmasterol, ß-sitosterol and total phytosterols. The optimized conditions established by the RSM were 0.3 g of sample, saponification for 3 h at 50 °C and 4 extractions with n-hexane. Satisfactory values for linearity, recovery, repeatability, accuracy, precision, limits of detection (2.0-2.3 mg/100 g) and quantification (6.5-7.7 mg/100 g) were achieved. The optimized method was also validated by comparison with the official AOCS method, and the contents of stigmasterol and ß-sitosterol did not show significant differences (p > 0.05) when determined by both methods. However, low values (p < 0.05) for campesterol were found when the samples were analyzed by the AOCS method. The method optimized and validated in the present work is easy to carry out, fast and accurate. The method was successfully applied to sunflower, canola, corn, soybean and olive oils, and the lowest contents of total phytosterols were found in olive oil while and the highest amounts, in corn oil.

Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Activities of Oil from Baru Almonds (Dipteryx alata Vog.) in a Preclinical Model of Lipotoxicity and Dyslipidemia.

The oil obtained from baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.) almonds exhibits high energy value and is reported in popular medicine for the treatment of rheumatic diseases and reproductive disturbances. Although baru oil is used in domestic cuisine, the chemical characterization of this oil and its effects on lipid metabolism are still poorly understood. Therefore, this study evaluated the fatty acid (FA) profile and the effects of baru oil on liver and aorta in a murine model of dyslipidemia. The chromatographic profile of baru oil showed high levels of unsaturated FAs, especially oleic acid. Saturated FAs, such as palmitic and lignoceric acids, were found in lower amounts. Hypercholesterolemia was induced in male Wistar rats by daily administration of a lipid emulsion by gavage for 15 weeks. Biochemical and histopathological analysis were performed on serum, aorta, and liver. The results demonstrated that animals developed marked hypercholesterolemia, liver steatosis, and increased lipid peroxidation in the aorta. Treatment with baru oil attenuated lipid peroxidation and drastically reduced liver damage, especially ballooning degeneration and steatosis. By restricting vascular and hepatic injury, this oil showed potential applicability as a functional food, reinforcing its use in popular medicine and domestic cuisine.

Characterization of the ovary fatty acids composition of Rhamdia quelen (Quoy & Gaimard) (Teleostei: Siluriformes), throughout their reproductive cycle

Knowledge about gonad fatty acid composition is important for broodstock diet formulation. This study characterized ovary fatty acid composition of wild female jundiá catfish (Rhamdia quelen) in their different gonadal maturation stages. Female jundiá (n = 36, average weight= 383.8 + 208.8 g) were captured in the rio Uruguay, comprising all seasons. Ovaries were extracted and classified according to their gonadal maturation stage. Gonad-somatic ratio varied significantly among seasons, being higher in spring (3.7), followed by summer (2.2), winter (0.9) and autumn (0.6). Main fatty acids groups detected were: saturated (SFA= 35.5%), monounsaturated (MUFA= 28.1%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA= 33.5%). Over the four seasons, palmitic acid was recorded in large quantities, followed by docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA). ARA was present in higher concentrations in immature or maturing ovaries, and its content decreased along the maturation process. Conversely, DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) contents increased during maturation. Such variation resulted in an increase in EPA/ARA and DHA/ARA ratios in mature gonads, which can be important for successful breeding. Such findings suggest that jundiá broodstock diets should contain lipids that provide long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids from both the n-3 and n-6 series to ensure gonadal maturation completion.

O conhecimento da composição de ácidos graxos da gônada, como dos fatores que a influenciam são importantes na formulação de dietas para reprodutores de qualquer espécie. O presente estudo caracteriza a composição de ácidos graxos da gônada de fêmeas de jundiá (Rhamdia quelen) selvagens em seus diferentes estágios de maturação gonadal. Fêmeas de jundiá (n = 36) com peso médio de 383,8 + 208,8 g foram capturadas no alto rio Uruguai, ao longo de um ano, abrangendo as quatro estações. As gônadas foram extraídas, classificadas e posteriormente sua composição de ácidos graxos foi determinada. A relação gônado-somática variou significativamente entre as estações, sendo maior na primavera (3,7), seguida de verão (2,2), inverno (0,9) e no outono (0,6). Os principais grupos de ácidos graxos detectados foram: saturados (35,5 + 3,5%), monoinsaturados (28,1 + 4,3%) e ácidos graxos poli-insaturados (33,5 + 3,0%), com aproximadamente 30% para cada grupo. Ao longo das quatro estações, o ácido palmítico foi registrado em grandes quantidades, seguido do ácido docosahexaenóico (DHA) e ácido araquidônico (ARA). O ácido araquidônico estava presente em concentrações mais elevadas nas gônadas imaturas que nas gônadas maturas, e seu conteúdo diminuído ao longo do processo de maturação. Inversamente, o conteúdo de DHA e ácido eicosapentaenoico (EPA) aumentaram durante o processo de maturação. Tal variação resultou num aumento das relações EPA/ARA e DHA/ARA nas gônadas maturas, fato que pode ser importante para o sucesso da reprodução no jundiá. Tais resultados sugerem que dietas para reprodutores da espécie devem conter fontes de lipídios que proporcionem ácidos graxos de cadeia longa de ambas series (n-3 e n-6) para assegurar uma correta maturação final da gônada.

Chlorella modulates insulin signaling pathway and prevents high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance in mice.

AIMS: The search for natural agents that minimize obesity-associated disorders is receiving special attention. In this regard, the present study aimed to evaluate the prophylactic effect of Chlorella vulgaris (CV) on body weight, lipid profile, blood glucose and insulin signaling in liver, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue of diet-induced obese mice. MAIN METHODS: Balb/C mice were fed either with standard rodent chow diet or high-fat diet (HFD) and received concomitant treatment with CV for 12 consecutive weeks. Triglyceride, free fatty acid, total cholesterol and fractions of cholesterol were measured using commercial assay. Insulin and leptin levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Insulin and glucose tolerance tests were performed. The expression and phosphorylation of IRß, IRS-1 and Akt were determined by Western blot analyses. KEY FINDINGS: Herein we demonstrate for the first time in the literature that prevention by CV of high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance in obese mice, as shown by increased glucose and insulin tolerance, is in part due to the improvement in the insulin signaling pathway at its main target tissues, by increasing the phosphorylation levels of proteins such as IR, IRS-1 and Akt. In parallel, the lower phosphorylation levels of IRS-1(ser307) were observed in obese mice. We also found that CV administration prevents high-fat diet-induced dyslipidemia by reducing triglyceride, cholesterol and free fatty acid levels. SIGNIFICANCE: We propose that the modulatory effect of CV treatment preventing the deleterious effects induced by high-fat diet is a good indicator for its use as a prophylactic-therapeutic agent against obesity-related complications.

Supplementation with the omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid: influence on the lipid composition and fatty acid profile of human milk / Suplementação com ácido graxo ômega-3 docosahexaenoico: influência sobre a composição lipídica e perfil de ácidos graxos no leite humano

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the impact of supplementing the diet of women during pregnancy and lactation with fish oil containing the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid, and its influence on the composition of human milk. METHODS: The sample comprised 60 women aged 18 to 38 years with appropriate dietary pattern, all of them healthy and nonsmokers. The intervention consisted of a daily supplementation with fish oil capsules that corresponded to a daily intake of 315mg of docosahexaenoic acid and 80mg of eicosapentaenoic acid during the third trimester of pregnancy and the first three months postpartum. The total fat content and fatty acid profile of their milk were determined by creamatocrit and gas chromatography. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis and the significance level was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between the fat contents of the study (fish oil capsules) and control (capsules containing corn starch as filler) groups. However, the milk of women taking fish oil contained higher docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acid levels 30 and 60 days after delivery. These results demonstrate that high omega-3 intake can influence its concentration in human milk. CONCLUSIONS: Given the importance of docosahexaenoic acid in the neonatal period, it is appropriate for pregnant and breastfeeding women to supplement on long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which may be done by adding fish oil to the regular diet.

OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o impacto da suplementação na dieta de gestantes e de lactantes com ácidos graxos ômega-3 docosahexaenoico, sob a forma de óleo de peixe, e sua influência na composição do leite humano. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi constituída de 60 gestantes, com idade entre 18 e 38 anos, saudáveis, com padrão alimentar adequado e não fumantes. A intervenção consistiu na suplementação da dieta com cápsulas de óleo de peixe, totalizando um consumo diário de 315mg de ácido docosahexaenoico e 80mg de ácido eicosapentaenoico, no período entre o terceiro trimestre de gravidez e o terceiro mês após o parto. O teor de lipídeos totais e do perfil de ácidos graxos foi determinado pelos métodos de crematócrito e de cromatografia gasosa. Para a análise dos dados foi utilizada estatística descritiva e nível de significância de p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Entre o grupo sujeito à dieta suplementada (cápsulas de óleo de peixe) e o grupo controle (cápsulas contendo amido de milho como excipiente), não se constatou diferença estatística quanto aos valores totais de lipídeos. Entretanto, no leite das mães do primeiro grupo, a suplementação com óleo de peixe mostrou teores mais elevados na concentração dos ácidos docosahexaenoico e eicosapentaenoico, nos tempos 30 e 60 dias, demonstrando que um maior consumo de ômega-3 pode influenciar na sua concentração no leite humano. CONCLUSÃO: Considerando a importância do ácido docosahexaenoico no período neonatal, é adequado incrementar com ácidos graxos poliinsaturados de cadeia longa a alimentação de gestantes e de lactantes, o que pode ocorrer pela suplementação da dieta com óleo de peixe.

Perfil de ácidos graxos e teor de ácidos graxos trans em biscoitos recheados sabor chocolate / Fatty acid profile and trans fatty acid content of chocolate flavor filled biscuits

Objetivo: Em razão do elevado consumo de biscoitos por crianças e por adolescentes, este trabalho teve por objetivo determinar a composição em ácidos graxos, com ênfase nos isômetros trans. em biscoitos recheados com sabor de chocolate e verificar se os teores declarados estavam de acordo com a legislação vigente. Métodos: Nas amostras de biscoito, fizeram-se a extração e a esterificação dos lipídeos, que foram, posteriormente, submetidos à cromatografia gasosa para determinação da composição em ácidos graxos. Resultados: os resultados obtidos por 100g de biscoito (8 amostras resultantes de 4 marcas com 2 lotes de cada marca) variaram de 4,57g a 9,33g de 2,74 a 6,78g e de 0,32g a 6,49g para os ácidos graxos saturados, monoinsaturados e poli-insaturados, respectivamente. As marcas A e B apresentaram valores de ácidos graxos saturados superiores aos declarados nos rótulos. Quanto aos isômeros trans, as variações entre as marcas e os lotes analisados foram mais acentuadas: de 0,05g. 100g1 para a amostra C2 a 3,52g. 100g1 para a amostra A1. Conclusão: Os teores de gordura trans apresentaram grandes variações e somente as marcas C e D podem ser consideradas zero trans, de acordo com a legislação brasileira

Objective: Since children and adolescents eat a lot of cookies, this study determined the fatty acid composition, especially trans fatty acids, of chocolate sandwich cookies and verified iftheir amounts had been reported on the label as required by the legislation. Methods: After the lipids were extracted from the cookies and esterified, their fatty acidcomposition was determined by gas chromatography.ResultsThe saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acid content in 100 gramsof cookies (eight samples from four brands, two batches per brand) ranged from4.57g to 9.33g, 2.74g to 6.78g, and 0.32g to 6.49g, respectively. The saturated fattyacid contents of brands A and B were higher than those reported on the respectivelabels. On the other hand, the trans isomer contents of the study brands and batches,presented greater variations, ranging from 0.05g.100g-1 for sample C2 to 3.52g.100g1for sample A1.ConclusionThe amount of trans fatty acids in the chocolate sandwich cookies varied greatly, andonly brands C and D may be labeled zero trans according to the Brazilian law.

Mercury and methylmercury content, fatty acids profile, and proximate composition of consumed fish in Cananéia, São Paulo, Brazil

Fifty three individuals of four most commonly consumed fish species by the Cananéia city population, in São Paulo, Brazil, were analyzedto determine total mercury (Total Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) levels, as well as, proximate composition and fatty acid profile. Themuscle of three carnivorous species Centropomus parallelus (Fat snook), Macrodon ancylodon (King weakfish) and Micropogonias furnieri(Whitemouth croaker), and one planktivorous species Mugil platanus (Mullet) were analyzed. MeHg and Total Hg determinations wereperformed by Cold Vapour Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (CV AAS). Fatty acid profile was determined by gas chromatography (GC) whilst AOAC methods were used for proximate analysis. The total Hg results (interval) in wet weight basis were: Whitemouth croaker(114–442 μg kg-1), Fat snook (15-178 μg kg-1), King weakfi sh (12-100 μg kg-1) and Mullet (<10–25 μg kg-1), and none of the fish species exceeded the Brazilian legislation limits. MeHg values were below FAO/WHO (2007) recommendations. In nutritional terms, the resultsfor proximate composition for all four fish species proved to be an excellent protein source with very low lipid content as was expected. Fatty acids of all fish species were adequate. Total polyunsaturated fatty acid contents varied from 21.9% (Micropogonias furnieri) to26.4% (Mugil platanus). For the n-3 family, Macrodon ancylodon presented the highest value (20.9%) and Micropogonias furnieri thelowest one (15.8%). Mugil platanus (Mullet) species also showed good levels for all parameters analyzed and very low concentrations of contaminants, indicating it as a good nutritional choice in terms of risks and benefits.

Perfil de ácidos graxos da carne de ovelhas de descarte de dois grupos genéticos submetidas a dois sistemas de manejo / Fatty acids profile in meat from culling ewes of two breed submitted to two managing systems

O experimento teve como objetivo avaliar se a raça e/ou o sistema de criação afetam o perfil de ácidos graxos da carne de ovelhas de descarte. Foram utilizadas 20 ovelhas, sendo 10 da raça Ideal e 10 da raça Texel, aleatoriamente distribuídas por grupo genético, em dois sistemas de manejo: confinadas e recebendo dieta à base de silagem de sorgo e concentrado ou mantidas em uma pastagem cultivada de clima temperado. Os principais ácidos graxos presentes no músculo Longissimus das ovelhas em todos os tratamentos foram o oléico (C18:1), o palmítico (C16:0) e o esteárico (C18:0). O grupo genético não afetou o perfil de ácidos graxos encontrados nesse músculo. No entanto, os teores de ácidos graxos do tipo ù3 foram mais altos e a relação ù6/ù3 foi mais baixa nas ovelhas mantidas a pasto. Com base no perfil de ácidos graxos, as ovelhas terminadas em pastagem cultivada proporcionaram uma carne mais saudável para o consumo humano que as ovelhas terminadas em confinamento.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate if the fatty acids profile in meat is affected by sheep breed or managing system. Twenty sheep, being 10 of the Ideal and 10 of the Texel breed, were randomly distributed according to its genetic group in two managing systems: feedlot and receiving sorghum silage and concentrate-based diet or grazing on a temperate pasture. The major fatty acids present in Longissimus muscle of sheep in all treatments were the oleic (C18:1), palmitoleic (C16:0) and stearic (C18:0). The genetic group did not affect the fatty acids profile of this muscle. However, the content of ù3 fatty acids was higher (P<.05) and the ù6/ù3 ratio was lower (P<.05) in meat of sheep grazing the temperate pasture. Based on fatty acids profile, the sheep finished on temperate pasture provided a healthier meat for the human consumption than sheep managed in feedlot.

Determinação de ácidos graxos trans em batata palha comercializada na cidade de Curitiba-PR / Determination of trans fatty acids in potato straws commercialized at Curitiba

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a composição dos ácidos graxos, em especial os ácidos graxos trans, de amostras de batata palha adquiridas em supermercados da cidade de Curitiba (PR)Brasil. Foram analisadas 20 marcas diferentes de bata álha, utilizando-se métodos oficiais para a determinação da gordura total. Determinou-se o perfil dos ácidos graxos mediante cromatografia a gás (CG), usando padr~es analíticos para sua identificação. Concluiu-se que a gordura vegetal hidrogenada utilizada como meio de fritura da batata palha gera alto teor de gordura trans (em torno de 14,5g/100g) e que o nível dessa gordura torna-se quase nulo com o emprego de óleo vegetal ou óleo de palma como veículo de fritura

Cholesterol oxides, cholesterol, total lipid, and fatty acid composition in turkey meat.

The contents of cholesterol oxides, cholesterol, and total lipid, and the fatty acid composition were determined in frozen turkey meat. The 7-ketocholesterol content varied from 33 microg/100 g in the breast to 765 microg/100 g in the skin, and the levels of 7 beta-hydroxycholesterol varied from not detected in the leg, breast, and skin to 370 microg/100 g in the skin. The values for total lipid (g/100 g) in the wings, legs, breast, and skin were 0.9 +/- 0.4, 1.1 +/- 0.2, 0.5 +/- 0.1, and 12 +/- 3, respectively. The contents for cholesterol (mg/100 g) were 46 +/- 5, 35 +/- 2, 27 +/- 3, and 81 +/- 6 in the wing, legs, breast, and skin, respectively. The main fatty acids identified in all cuts were C18:2n6, C18:1n9, C16:0, C18:0, and C20:4n6.