Encapsulation of conjugated linoleic acid and ruminant trans fatty acids to study the prevention of metabolic syndrome-a review.

Studies have reported the potential benefits of consuming conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and ruminant trans fatty acids (R-TFAs) in reducing the risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MetS). In addition, encapsulation of CLA and R-TFAs may improve their oral delivery and further decrease the risk factors of MetS. The objectives of this review were (1) to discuss the advantages of encapsulation; (2) to compare the materials and techniques used for encapsulating CLA and R-TFAs; and (3) to review the effects of encapsulated vs non-encapsulated CLA and R-TFAs on MetS risk factors. Examination of papers citing micro- and nano-encapsulation methods used in food sciences, as well as the effects of encapsulated vs non-encapsulated CLA and R-TFAs, was conducted using the PubMed database. A total of 84 papers were examined; of these, 18 studies were selected that contained information on the effects of encapsulated CLA and R-TFAs. The 18 studies that described encapsulation of CLA or R-TFAs indicated that micro- or nano-encapsulation processes stabilized CLA and prevented oxidation. CLA was mainly encapsulated using carbohydrates or proteins. So far, oil-in-water emulsification followed by spray-drying were the frequently used techniques for encapsulation of CLA. Further, 4 studies investigated the effects of encapsulated CLA on MetS risk factors compared with non-encapsulated CLA. A limited number of studies investigated the encapsulation of R-TFAs. The effects of encapsulated CLA or R-TFAs on the risk factors for MetS remain understudied; thus, additional studies comparing the effects of encapsulated and non-encapsulated CLA or R-TFAs are needed.

Association of Patient Satisfaction with Cataract Grading in Five Types of Multifocal IOLs.

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated patient satisfaction levels in five premium intraocular lenses (IOLs). A secondary aim was to determine whether patient satisfaction was associated with the cataract grade before lens surgery. METHODS: In this multicenter prospective comparative study, 164 patients from diverse backgrounds underwent cataract surgery and were assigned for identical bilateral implantation of multifocal IOLs. In addition to visual performance, quality of life was measured using the National Eye Institute Refractive Error Quality Of Life Instrument (NEI-RQL 42) scoring questionnaire. The Sirius Scheimpflug Analyzer was used to evaluate the posterior cornea and aberrations. Finally, the association of patient satisfaction reports with the Pentacam Cataract Grading Scale (PCGS) and Lens Opacities Classification System (LOCS III) was evaluated. RESULTS: A considerable subjective improvement was observed in uncorrected far, near (40 cm), and intermediate (60 cm) visual acuity in the five groups (P values < 0.001). A significant difference was observed in mesopic and photopic contrast sensitivity between Symfony, Trinova, and AT LISA at the spatial frequency of 12 cycles per degree, favoring Symfony (P < 0.001). PanOptix users had considerably lower mean coma values (P < 0.001), while AT LISA users had lower mean spherical aberrations (P = 0.009) compared to the other groups. No additional safety concerns relating to IOLs were recorded. Mean satisfaction had a high correlation with LOCS and Pentacam Nuclear Staging (PNS) in each lens group, e.g., correlation coefficient and P value for AT LISA were respectively r = 0.99, P < 0.001 and r = 0.97, P = 0.004. CONCLUSION: Despite discrepancies between groups of lenses, most patients who received multifocal IOLs reported satisfaction at more than 3 years after the initial operation. A growing number of patients with cataracts are seeking spectacle-free vision with presbyopia-correcting IOLs. Hence, the high satisfaction rate among patients with cataract could indicate the value of offering a wider range of available lenses.

Characterizations and effects of pectin-coated nanoliposome loaded with Gijavash (Froriepia subpinnata) extract on the physicochemical properties of cheese.

In this study, pectin-coated nanoliposomes containing Gijavash extract were used to formulate cheese and evaluate its shelf life, physicochemical, and sensory aspects. The study used a central composite design with three independent variables to prepare the cheese. The results showed that the optimal particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and DPPH radical antioxidant activity were 201.22 nm, -29.33 mV, 61.87%, and 57.54%, respectively. Adding nanoliposomes with varying extract amounts improved pH and lowered acidity in fortified cheeses. Moisture and lipolysis indices also improved after applying nanoliposomes. Sensory evaluation revealed that sensory acceptance was highest in the cheese with 15% extract. The study suggests that adding pectin-coated nanoliposomes containing Gijavash extract to cheese formulations may create novel products and improve their physicochemical properties.

Industrial and Ruminant Trans-Fatty Acids-Enriched Diets Differentially Modulate the Microbiome and Fecal Metabolites in C57BL/6 Mice.

Industrially originated trans-fatty acids (I-tFAs), such as elaidic acid (EA), and ruminant trans-fatty acids (R-tFAs), such as trans-palmitoleic acid (TPA), may have opposite effects on metabolic health. The objective was to compare the effects of consuming 2-3% I-tFA or R-tFA on the gut microbiome and fecal metabolite profile in mice after 7 and 28 days. Forty C57BL/6 mice were assigned to one of the four prepared formulations: lecithin nanovesicles, lecithin nanovesicles with EA or TPA, or water. Fecal samples and animals' weights were collected on days 0, 7, and 28. Fecal samples were used to determine gut microbiome profiles by 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolite concentrations by GC/MS. At 28 days, TPA intake decreased the abundance of Staphylococcus sp55 but increased Staphylococcus sp119. EA intake also increased the abundance of Staphylococcus sp119 but decreased Ruminococcaceae UCG-014, Lachnospiraceae, and Clostridium sensu stricto 1 at 28 days. Fecal short-chain fatty acids were increased after TPA while decreased after EA after 7 and 28 days. This study shows that TPA and EA modify the abundance of specific microbial taxa and fecal metabolite profiles in distinct ways.

C57bl/6 Mice Show Equivalent Taste Preferences toward Ruminant and Industrial Trans Fatty Acids.

Two distinct types of trans fatty acids (TFA) are found in the diet. Industrial TFA such as elaidic acid (EA) have deleterious effects on metabolic risk factors, and oppositely ruminant TFA including trans-palmitoleic acid (TPA) may have beneficial effects. The objective is to evaluate the taste preference between EA, TPA, lecithin or water. In this study, 24 female C57BL/6 mice were microchipped and placed in two separate IntelliCages®. Nano encapsulated TFA or lecithin were added to drinking water in different corners of the cage with normal diet. The study was carried out over 5 weeks, during which mice were exposed to water only (weeks 1 and 3), TFA or lecithin (week 2), and EA or TPA (weeks 4 and 5). Mice weights, corner visits, nose pokes (NP), and lick number were measured each week. The results demonstrated that mice consume more TFA, either EA or TPA, compared with lecithin. In addition, the mice licked more EA compared with TPA in one cage; conversely, in the other cage they licked more TPA compared with EA. However, when TFA positions were swapped, mice had equal licks for EA and TPA. In sum, mice preferred TFA, in equal matter compared with controls; therefore, the results demonstrate the potential for TFA-type substitution in diet.

Value-added utilization of fruit and vegetable processing by-products for the manufacture of biodegradable food packaging films.

Currently, the demand for eco-friendly packaging materials to replace plastic is increasing. Edible or biodegradable packaging films prepared from natural compounds such as proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids have emerged as alternatives to non-biodegradable packaging materials. Fruit and vegetable waste has potential as a bioplastic material promoting environmental sustainability. In this regard, the use of underutilized compounds, such as by-products of fruit and vegetable processing in the production of biodegradable packaging films, is attracting more and more attention due to the availability of raw materials, cheapness, abundance, environmental friendliness, suitable physical properties, unique sensory and nutritional properties, and increased physical properties and functionality. The food industry, such as oil, juice, jam, or sugar production, contributes significantly to food waste generation. The agricultural/food processing by-products such as husks, seeds, offal, leaves, and gums from the production and processing of food contain high amounts of fibrous and plant proteins such as starch, cellulose, and pectin. As a result, food waste can be reused for recycling and high-value-added purposes, reducing environmental pollution and enabling sustainable green development. The present review discusses the use of fruit and vegetable by-products for producing biopolymers as an alternative to synthetic plastic polymers and the application of these biopolymers as value-added functional packaging films and coatings.

Phenolic compounds of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.): Separation method, chemical characterization, and biological properties.

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is a good source of bioactive compounds. However, information on the biological properties of sugar beet root is limited and its beneficial effects have not been completely understood. In this work, 10 phenolic compounds have been separated and identified in various parts of sugar beet for the first time, including the most abundant epicatechin (31.16 ± 1.89 mg/100 g), gallic acid (30.57 ± 2.69 mg/100 g), and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (30.14 ± 3.63 mg/100 g). The biological activity tests indicated that sugar beet peel potently scavenged the nitric oxide and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radicals with IC50 values of 88.17 ± 05.14 and 28.77 ± 0.62 µg/ml, respectively. In addition, sugar beet peel exhibited the highest reducing power, IC50 values of 11.98 ± 1.20 µg/ml, and the highest ion-chelating activity, IC50 values of 48.52% and 55.21% for cupric and ferrous ions at 250 µg/ml, respectively. Compared to synthetic antioxidants, sugar beet showed promising biological activities, which could be considered further in future studies.

Residual Solvents in Nanomedicine and Lipid-Based Drug Delivery Systems: a Case Study to Better Understand Processes.

PURPOSE: Complexities surrounding the manufacture and quality control of nanomedicines become increasingly apparent. This research article offers a case study to investigate how, at the laboratory scale, various stages of liposome and nanoparticle synthesis affect the amount of residual solvent found in the formulations. The objective is to bring insights on the reliability of each of these processes to provide final products which meet regulatory standards and facilitate identifying possible bottleneck early during the development process. METHODS: The residual solvent at various stages of preparation and purification was measured by headspace gas chromatography. Liposomes were prepared by two different methods with and without solvent. Polymer nanoparticles prepared via nanoprecipitation and purified by ultrafiltration were studied. The effects of purification by size exclusion chromatography and dialysis were also investigated. RESULTS: The complete removal of residual solvent requires processes which go beyond usual preparation methods. CONCLUSIONS: This work might prove valuable as a reference for scientists of different fields to compare their own practices and streamline the translation of nanomedicines into efficacious and safe drug products.

Drinkable lecithin nanovesicles to study the biological effects of individual hydrophobic macronutrients and food preferences.

Fundamental nutritional studies on bioactive molecules require minimizing exposure to confounding foreign elements, like solvents. Herein, aqueous formulations of lecithin nanovesicles are proposed to study three individual trans fatty acids relevant to human nutrition: elaidic acid, trans-vaccenic acid and trans-palmitoleic acid. This proof-of-concept study describes the encapsulation of fatty acids, in vivo bioavailability, and the use of nanovesicles in behavioral experiments. The oral bioavailability of the encapsulated molecules and the selective exposure of animals to each trans-fatty acid of interest were confirmed in healthy rats. Behavioral studies also evidenced that nanovesicles can be used to evaluate the palatability of the lipids and investigate food preferences in mice. Altogether this study shows that lecithin nanovesicles offer an elegant tool to efficiently deliver hydrophobic molecules to animal models. This approach paves the way for future studies deconvoluting the nutritional effects of trans-fatty acids.

Progranulin concentration in relation to bone mineral density among obese individuals.

OBJECTIVE: Adipose tissue, particularly visceral adipose tissue, secretes a variety of cytokines, among which progranulin is a glycoprotein related to the immune system. Along with other secreted proteins, progranulin may be associated with bone mineral density. The aim of this study was to find out whether there are associations between the progranulin and bone mineral density among obese people. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 244 obese participants (aged 22-52). Serum progranulin, high sensitive C-reactive protein, oxidised-low dencity lipoprotein, tumor necrosis factor-α, parathormone, vitamin D, and interleukins of 1 ß, 4, 6, 10, 13, and 17 concentrations were measured. Anthropometric measurements, body composition and bone mineral density were also assessed. RESULTS: Serum progranulin was directly associated with interleukin-6 and interleukin-1ß, while it had a negative association with interleukin-17 and tumor necrosis factor-α. We also observed a statistically significant direct association between progranulin concentration and visceral fat, abdominal fat, waist, abdominal and hip circumferences, hip T-score, and Z-score and T-score for the lumbar region. A partial correlation test has also shown a significant positive correlation regarding serum progranulin and the hip Z-score. Moreover, progranulin level is inversely associated with ospteopenia (P = 0.04 and CI: 0.17,0.96). CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that central obesity may be related to increased progranulin concentration. In addition, progranulin concentration was directly related to bone formation parameters, which indicates the protective effects of progranulin on bone density. Further studies are needed to clarify the exact mechanisms underlying these associations.

Progranulin concentration in relation to bone mineral density among obese individuals

ABSTRACT Objective Adipose tissue, particularly visceral adipose tissue, secretes a variety of cytokines, among which progranulin is a glycoprotein related to the immune system. Along with other secreted proteins, progranulin may be associated with bone mineral density. The aim of this study was to find out whether there are associations between the progranulin and bone mineral density among obese people. Subjects and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 244 obese participants (aged 22-52). Serum progranulin, high sensitive C-reactive protein, oxidised-low dencity lipoprotein, tumor necrosis factor-α, parathormone, vitamin D, and interleukins of 1 β, 4, 6, 10, 13, and 17 concentrations were measured. Anthropometric measurements, body composition and bone mineral density were also assessed. Results Serum progranulin was directly associated with interleukin-6 and interleukin-1β, while it had a negative association with interleukin-17 and tumor necrosis factor-α. We also observed a statistically significant direct association between progranulin concentration and visceral fat, abdominal fat, waist, abdominal and hip circumferences, hip T-score, and Z-score and T-score for the lumbar region. A partial correlation test has also shown a significant positive correlation regarding serum progranulin and the hip Z-score. Moreover, progranulin level is inversely associated with ospteopenia (P = 0.04 and CI: 0.17,0.96). Conclusion Our study revealed that central obesity may be related to increased progranulin concentration. In addition, progranulin concentration was directly related to bone formation parameters, which indicates the protective effects of progranulin on bone density. Further studies are needed to clarify the exact mechanisms underlying these associations.