Low intake of ruminant trans fatty acids ameliorates the disordered lipid metabolism in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet.

Currently, the health benefits of ruminant trans fatty acids (R-TFA) are still controversial. Our previous investigations indicated that R-TFA at higher dosages (1.3% and 4% E) caused disordered lipid metabolism in mice; however, through collecting R-TFA intake data in 9 provinces of China, it was suggested that, in 2021, the range of R-TFA intake for Chinese residents was about 0.053-0.307 g d-1. Based on the 2022 Nutritional Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents, the recommended daily energy supply from R-TFA was about 0.11%-0.15% E. However, the health effects of R-TFA at a lower dosage are still unknown; therefore, our current research aims to further explore the effects of R-TFA on health. Through in vivo experiments, it was shown that R-TFA (0.15% E) decreased body weight gain and serum cholesterol levels in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet, while it had no significant effect on mice fed a low-fat diet. Besides, hepatic histopathology analysis suggested that R-TFA (0.15% E) ameliorated the degree of hepatic steatosis and reduced intrahepatocyte lipid droplet accumulation in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet. Through lipidomics analysis, we further screened 8 potential lipid metabolites that participate in regulating the dysregulation of lipid metabolism. Finally, it was suggested that R-TFA (0.15% E) down-regulated the expression of genes related to inflammation and cholesterol synthesis while up-regulated the expression of genes related to cholesterol clearance, which might partially explain the salutary effect of R-TFA (0.15% E) in ameliorating the hepatic steatosis and improving disordered lipid metabolism in mice fed a high-fat diet. Our current research will provide a reference for the intake of R-TFA and, furthermore, give some insights into understanding the health effects of R-TFA.

Interesterified fat maternal consumption before conception programms memory and learning of adulthood offspring: How big is this deleterious repercussion?

In recent years, interesterified fat (IF) has largely replaced trans fat in industrialized food. Studies of our research group showed that IF consumption may not be safe for central nervous system (CNS) functions. Our current aim was to evaluate IF maternal consumption before conception on cognitive performance of adult rat offspring. Female Wistar rats were fed with standard chow plus 20% soybean and fish oil mix (control group) or plus 20% IF from weaning until adulthood (before mating), when the diets were replaced by standard chow only. Following the gestation and pups' development, locomotion and memory performance followed by neurotrophin immunocontent and fatty acids (FA) profile in the hippocampus of the adulthood male offspring were quantified. Maternal IF consumption before conception decreased hippocampal palmitoleic acid incorporation, proBDNF and BDNF levels, decreasing both exploratory activity and memory performance in adult offspring. Considering that, the adult male offspring did not consume IF directly, further studies are needed to understand the molecular mechanisms and if the IF maternal preconception consumption could induce the epigenetic changes observed here. Our outcomes reinforce an immediate necessity to monitor and / or question the replacement of trans fat by IF with further studies involving CNS functions.

Elaidic acid induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation via ERS-MAPK signaling pathways in Kupffer cells.

Trans fatty acids (TFA) in food can cause liver inflammation. Activation of NOD-like receptor protein-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a key factor in the regulation of inflammation. Accumulating evidence suggests that ERS-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation underlies the pathological basis of various inflammatory diseases, but the precise mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, this paper focused on TFA, represented by elaidic acid (EA), to investigate the mechanism of liver inflammation. Levels of mRNA and protein were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blotting, the release of proinflammatory cytokines was measured by ELISA, and intracellular Ca2+ levels were determined by flow cytometer using Fluo 4-AM fluorescent probes. Our research indicated that EA induced the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) response in Kupffer cells (KCs), accompanied by the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, which resulted in NLRP3 inflammasome formation, and eventually increased the release of inflammatory factors. NLRP3 inflammasome activation was inhibited when KCs were pretreated with ERS inhibitors (4-PBA) and MAPK selective inhibitors. Furthermore, when ERS was blocked, the MAPK pathway was inhibited.

Interesterified fat consumption since gestation decreases striatal dopaminergic targets levels and gdnf impairing locomotion of adult offspring.

Interesterified fat (IF) currently substitutes the hydrogenated vegetable fat (HVF) in processed foods. However, the IF consumption impact on the central nervous system (CNS) has been poorly studied. The current study investigated connections between IF chronic consumption and locomotor impairments in early life period and adulthood of rats and access brain molecular targets related to behavior changes in adulthood offspring. During pregnancy and lactation, female rats received soybean oil (SO) or IF and their male pups received the same maternal supplementation from weaning until adulthood. Pups' motor ability and locomotor activity in adulthood were evaluated. In the adult offspring striatum, dopaminergic targets, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDFN) and lipid profile were quantified. Pups from IF supplementation group presented impaired learning concerning complex motor skill and sensorimotor behavior. The same animals showed decreased locomotion in adulthood. Moreover, IF group showed decreased immunoreactivity of all dopaminergic targets evaluated and GDNF, along with important changes in FA composition in striatum. This study shows that the brain modifications induce by IF consumption resulted in impaired motor control in pups and decreased locomotion in adult animals. Other studies about health damages induced by IF consumption may have a contribution from our current outcomes.

A trans fatty acid substitute enhanced development of liver proliferative lesions induced in mice by feeding a choline-deficient, methionine-lowered, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet.

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a form of liver disease characterized by steatosis, necroinflammation, and fibrosis, resulting in cirrhosis and cancer. Efforts have focused on reducing the intake of trans fatty acids (TFAs) because of potential hazards to human health and the increased risk for NASH. However, the health benefits of reducing dietary TFAs have not been fully elucidated. Here, the effects of TFAs vs. a substitute on NASH induced in mice by feeding a choline-deficient, methionine-lowered, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAA-HF) were investigated. METHODS: Mice were fed CDAA-HF containing shortening with TFAs (CDAA-HF-T(+)), CDAA-HF containing shortening without TFAs (CDAA-HF-T(-)), or a control chow for 13 or 26 weeks. RESULTS: At week 13, NASH was induced in mice by feeding CDAA-HF-T(+) containing TFAs or CDAA-HF-T(-) containing no TFAs, but rather mostly saturated fatty acids (FAs), as evidenced by elevated serum transaminase activity and liver changes, including steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. CDAA-HF-T(-) induced a greater extent of hepatocellular apoptosis at week 13. At week 26, proliferative (preneoplastic and non-neoplastic) nodular lesions were more pronounced in mice fed CDAA-HF-T(-) than CDAA-HF-T(+). CONCLUSIONS: Replacement of dietary TFAs with a substitute promoted the development of proliferation lesions in the liver of a mouse NASH model, at least under the present conditions. Attention should be paid regarding use of TFA substitutes in foods for human consumption, and a balance of FAs is likely more important than the particular types of FAs.

Trans-unsaturated fatty acid activates NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages and exacerbates intestinal inflammation in mice.

Higher consumption of trans fatty acid (TFA) is a risk factor for several inflammatory diseases including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the detailed mechanisms by which TFA intake affects IBD pathology remain unclear. We demonstrate here that elaidate, a trans-isomer of oleate, enhances interleukin (IL)-1ß production through the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). Oleate has no effect on IL-1ß production. Elaidate also induces oxidative stress and activates endoplasmic reticulum stress in BMDMs. The elaidate-induced IL-1ß production is suppressed by co-treatments with antioxidants and a chemical chaperone. Furthermore, we analyze the effects of elaidate administration on intestinal inflammation using 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis model in mice. Increased colonic damage and myeloperoxidase activity after TNBS treatment are elevated by elaidate administration. Also, TNBS treatment induces IL-1ß production in colonic mucosa; elaidate administration enhances the induction. We believe that these data reveal some mechanisms by which the TFA intake is associated with increased risk for IBD.

Identifying and exploring biohydrogenating rumen bacteria with emphasis on pathways including trans-10 intermediates.

BACKGROUND: Bacteria involved in ruminal formation of trans-10 intermediates are unclear. Therefore, this study aimed at identifying rumen bacteria that produce trans-10 intermediates from 18-carbon unsaturated fatty acids. RESULTS: Pure cultures of 28 rumen bacterial species were incubated individually in the presence of 40 µg/mL 18:3n-3, 18:2n-6 or trans-11 18:1 under control or lactate-enriched (200 mM Na lactate) conditions for 24 h. Of the 28 strains, Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) was the only bacterium found to produce trans-10 intermediates from 18:3n-3 and 18:2n-6, irrespective of the growth condition. To further assess the potential importance of this species in the trans-11 to trans-10 shift, different biomass ratios of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens (as a trans-11 producer) and C. acnes were incubated in different growth media (control, low pH and 22:6n-3 enriched media) containing 40 µg/mL 18:2n-6. Under control conditions, a trans-10 shift, defined in the current study as trans-10/trans-11 ≥ 0.9, occurred when the biomass of C. acnes represented between 90 and 98% of the inoculum. A low pH or addition of 22:6n-3 inhibited cis-9, trans-11 CLA and trans-10, cis-12 CLA formation by B. fibrisolvens and C. acnes, respectively, whereby C. acnes seemed to be more tolerant. This resulted in a decreased biomass of C. acnes required at inoculation to induce a trans-10 shift to 50% (low pH) and 90% (22:6n-3 addition). CONCLUSIONS: Among the bacterial species studied,C. acnes was the only bacterium that have the metabolic ability to produce trans-10 intermediates from 18:3n-3 and 18:2n-6. Nevertheless, this experiment revealed that it is unlikely that C. acnes is the only or predominant species involved in the trans-11 to trans-10 shift in vivo.

Cis-2 and trans-2-eisocenoic fatty acids are novel inhibitors for Mycobacterium tuberculosis Protein tyrosine phosphatase A.

Small protein tyrosine phosphatase (PtpA) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is attributed to the development of latent tuberculosis infection, and hence bocomes an interesting target for drug development. In this communication, inhibition of PtpA by naturally occurring fatty acids cis-2 and trans-2-eicosenoic acid is investigated. Mtb PtpA was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli, and the activity of PtpA was inhibited by cis-2 and trans-2 eicosenoic fatty acids. Both compunds showed strong inhibition of PtpA activity with IC50 at low micromolar concentration. As comparison, trans-11-eicosenoic acid only slightly inhibit PtpA. In silico analysis confirmed the inhibition of PtpB by cis-2-eicosenoic acid by formation of several hydrogen bonds. These findings show that cis-2 and trans-2 eicosenoic fatty acids are potential candidates for latent tuberculosis inhibitors.

Trans fatty acid intake among Chinese population: a longitudinal study from 1991 to 2011.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to roughly describe individual Trans Fatty Acids (TFAs) intake and the percentage of energy intake(E%), and identify major food sources in the Chinese population, taking gender, age, and regional distribution into the consideration, as well as examining temporal changes over the course of 20 years. METHOD: This multi-center study, covering nine provinces among populations aged ≥ 3 in China, was conducted to collect food consumption information from 1991 to 2011. A classical assessment method was used to estimate the level of dietary TFA intake. RESULTS: Over the 20-year period, the intake of TFAs in Chinese populations had increased, but remained at a relatively lower level (from 0.25 g/d(0.11% for E%) to 0.53 g/d(0.24% for E%)) compared with that of other countries and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended level. Collectively, males and participants aged 19-60 generally consumed more TFA-containing foods. People in eastern regions consumed more TFAs and had a higher E% than those in western area. Industrial sources of TFAs, especially vegetable oil, ranked as the principal food sources of TFAs in the Chinese population. Natural sources of TFAs have gradually increased in proportion among children and adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: TFA intake and the E% are commonly under the recommended level in the general population in China. Presently, restriction of vegetable oil could be a crucial method to reduce TFA intake. It would be critical to facilitate and promote public health that food recommendations might be based on the dietary preferences for population separated by different ages and regions.

The potential role of nutritional components in improving brain function among patients with Alzheimers disease: a meta-analysis of RCT studies.

OBJECTIVE: To find out the potential role of nutritional components in improving brain function among patients with Alzheimer`s disease (AD). METHODS: The correlation between nutrition and cerebral function in cases of AD has been the focus of 19 prospective randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with a combined research sample of 2297 patients. These RCTs are subject to systematic review and meta-analysis in the current paper RESULTS: Findings showed that chain-free secondary saturated fatty acids (SFA) and trans fatty acids (TFA) occurred in higher concentrations in AD patients` brains than in controls. Furthermore, neuroinflammation was caused by remodelling of the lipid membrane and AD patients` cognitive function was impacted by alterations in tyrosine, tryptophan, purine, and tocopherol pathway metabolomics. Moreover, in cases of mild-to-moderate AD, reduction in functionality was induced by administration of alpha-tocopherol for more than 12 months. Consumption of Souvenaid helps in synaptic synthesis, which enhances functional connectivity. Furthermore, consumption of the B vitamins folate, cobalamin and pyridoxine at dosages of 0.8 mg, 0.5 mg and 20 mg per day, respectively, over a period of one year resulted in lower plasma tHcy levels and brain atrophy. CONCLUSION: Chain-free SFA and TFA occur in greater amounts in the brains of individuals with AD than in those without AD.

Trans-palmitoleic acid (trans-9-C16:1, or trans-C16:1 n-7): Nutritional impacts, metabolism, origin, compositional data, analytical methods and chemical synthesis. A review.

Since the early 2010s, dietary trans-palmitoleic acid (trans-9-hexadecenoic acid, trans-9-C16:1 in the Δ-nomenclature, trans-C16:1 n-7 in the Ω-nomenclature, TPA) has been epidemiologically associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes in humans. Thanks to these findings, TPA has become a nutrient of interest. However, there is a lot of unresolved crucial questions about this dietary fatty acid. Is TPA a natural trans fatty acid? What kind of foods ensures intakes in TPA? What about its metabolism? How does dietary TPA act to prevent type 2 diabetes? What are the biological mechanisms involved in this physiological effect? Clearly, it is high time to answer all these questions with the very first review specifically dedicated to this intriguing fatty acid. Aiming at getting an overview, we shall try to give an answer to all these questions, relying on appropriate and accurate scientific results. Briefly, this review underlines that TPA is indeed a natural trans fatty acid which is metabolically linked to other well-known natural trans fatty acids. Knowledge on physiological impacts of dietary TPA is limited so far to epidemiological data, awaiting for supplementation studies. In this multidisciplinary review, we also emphasize on methodological topics related to TPA, particularly when it comes to the quantification of TPA in foods and human plasma. As a conclusion, we highlight promising health benefits of dietary TPA; however, there is a strong lack in well-designed studies in both the nutritional and the analytical area.

Eighteen­carbon trans fatty acids and inflammation in the context of atherosclerosis.

Endothelial dysfunction is a pro-inflammatory state characterized by chronic activation of the endothelium, which leads to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Intake of trans fatty acids (TFAs) is associated with an increased risk of CVD. This risk is usually associated with industrial TFAs (iTFAs) rather than ruminant TFAs (rTFAs); however it is not clear how specific TFA isomers differ in their biological activity and mechanisms of action with regard to inflammation. Here we review the literature on 18­carbon TFAs, including the research associating their intake or levels with CVD and studies relating 18­carbon TFA exposure to modulation of inflammatory processes. The evidence associating iTFAs with CVD risk factors is fairly consistent and studies in humans usually show a relation between iTFAs and higher levels of inflammatory markers. In contrast, studies in humans, animals and in vitro suggest that rTFAs have null or mildly beneficial effects in cardiovascular health, metabolic parameters and inflammatory markers, although the evidence is not always consistent. More studies are needed to better identify the beneficial and detrimental effects of the different TFAs, including those with 18 carbons.

Trans-fatty acids aggravate anabolic steroid-induced metabolic disturbances and differential gene expression in muscle, pancreas and adipose tissue.

AIMS: Although anabolic steroids (AS) and trans-fatty acids overload exerts systemic toxicity and are independent risk factors for metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, their interaction remains poorly understood. Thus, we investigated the impact of a diet rich in trans-fatty acids (HFD) combined with AS on glycemic control, lipid profile, adipose tissue, skeletal muscle and pancreas microstructure and expression of genes involved in energy metabolism. MAIN METHODS: Forty-eight C57BL/6 mice were randomized into 6 groups treated for 12 weeks with a standard diet (SD) or a diet rich in C18:1 trans-fatty isomers (HFD), alone or combined with 10 or 20 mg/kg testosterone cypionate (AS). KEY FINDINGS: Our results indicated that AS improved glycemic control, upregulated gene expression of Glut-4 and CPT-1 in skeletal muscle, FAS, ACC and UCP-1 in adipose tissue. AS also reduced total and LDL cholesterol in mice fed a SD. When combined with the HFD, AS was unable to induce microstructural adaptations in adipose tissue, pancreatic islets and ß-cells, but potentiated GCK and Glut-2 (pancreas) and Glut-4 and CPT-1 (skeletal muscle) upregulation. HFD plus AS also downregulated FAS and ACC gene expression in adipose tissue. Combined with HFD, AS increased triacylglycerol circulating levels, improved insulin sensitivity and glycemic control in mice. SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings indicated that HFD and AS can interact to modulates glycemic control and lipid profile by a mechanism potentially related with a reprogramming of genes expression in organs such as the pancreas, adipose tissue and skeletal muscle.

Trans fatty acids in adipose tissue and risk of myocardial infarction: A case-cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The risk of coronary heart disease associated with intake of individual trans fatty acids (TFAs) is not clear. Adipose tissue content of TFAs is a biomarker of TFA intake and metabolism. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the rate of myocardial infarction (MI) associated with the adipose tissue content of total 18:1t, isomers of 18:1t (18:1 Δ6-10t and 18:1 Δ11t) and 18:2 Δ9c, 11t. METHODS: A case-cohort study, nested within the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health cohort (n = 57,053), was conducted, which included a random sample (n = 3156) of the total cohort and all incident MI cases (n = 2148) during follow-up (14 years). Information on MI cases was obtained by linkage with nationwide registers and validated. Adipose tissue was taken from the participants buttocks and the fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatography. RESULTS: Women with higher adipose tissue content of total 18:1t had a 57% higher MI rate (quintiles 5 versus 1, hazard ratio, 1.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-2.20; P-trend = 0.011) and women with higher content of 18:1 Δ6-10t had a 76% higher MI rate (quintiles 5 versus 1, hazard ratio, 1.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-2.51; P-trend = 0.002). No association between 18:1 Δ11t content and MI rate was observed. In men, no associations between adipose tissue content of total 18:1t and 18:1 Δ6-10t and MI rate were observed. However, men with higher content of 18:1 Δ11t had a 48% higher MI rate (quintiles 5 versus 1, hazard ratio, 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-1.86; P-trend = 0.003). Adipose tissue content of 18:2 Δ9c, 11t was not associated with MI rate in women or men. CONCLUSIONS: Adipose tissue content of 18:2 Δ9c, 11t was not associated with MI rate in women or men, whereas higher contents of isomers of 18:1t were associated with higher MI rates but the associations for individual 18:1t isomers differed, however, in women and men.

Comprehensive genetic study of fatty acids helps explain the role of noncoding inflammatory bowel disease associated SNPs and fatty acid metabolism in disease pathogenesis.

Fatty acids and their derivatives play an important role in inflammation. Diet and genetics influence fatty acid profiles. Abnormalities of fatty acid profiles have been observed in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), a group of complex diseases defined by chronic gastrointestinal inflammation. IBD associated fatty acid profile abnormalities were observed independently of nutritional status or disease activity, suggesting a common genetic background. However, no study so far has attempted to look for overlap between IBD loci and fatty acid associated loci or investigate the genetics of fatty acid profiles in IBD. To this end, we conducted a comprehensive genetic study of fatty acid profiles in IBD using iCHIP, a custom microarray platform designed for deep sequencing of immune-mediated disease associated loci. This study identifies 10 loci associated with fatty acid profiles in IBD. The most significant associations were a locus near CBS (p = 7.62 × 10-8) and a locus in LRRK2 (p = 1.4 × 10-7). Of note, this study replicates the FADS gene cluster locus, previously associated with both fatty acid profiles and IBD pathogenesis. Furthermore, we identify 18 carbon chain trans-fatty acids (p = 1.12 × 10-3), total trans-fatty acids (p = 4.49 × 10-3), palmitic acid (p = 5.85 × 10-3) and arachidonic acid (p = 8.58 × 10-3) as significantly associated with IBD pathogenesis.

Biological effects of trans fatty acids and their possible roles in the lipid rafts in apoptosis regulation.

A large number of recent studies are focused on evaluating the mechanism of action of trans fatty acids (TFAs) on the progression of apoptosis. A strong positive association has been reported between TFA and coronary heart disease (CHD), obesity and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and so on. The present study reviewed the biological effects of trans fatty acids (TFA) and their possible roles in lipid rafts in regulating apoptosis. The following aspects of TFA were included: the research about TFA and diseases affecting serum lipid levels, inducing system inflammation and immune response, and the correlation between TFA and apoptosis. The primary purpose of the review article was to comprehensively evaluate the potential correlation between lipid rafts and apoptosis induced by different structures of TFA and provide some new research progress and future directions about it.

Impact of Trans-Fats on Heat-Shock Protein Expression and the Gut Microbiota Profile of Mice.

Partially hydrogenated oils are known to cause metabolic stress and dyslipidemia. This paper explores a new dimension about the interaction between dietary trans-fats and the defense heat-shock protein (HSP) system, inflammation, and the gut microbiota of mice consuming a hyperlipidic diet containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oil free of animal fat. Five diet groups were installed: control diet, 2 hyperlipidic-partially hydrogenated-oil diets, each containing either casein or whey-protein hydrolysate (WPH) as protein source, and 2 consuming hyperlipidic-unhydrogenated-oil diets containing either WPH or casein as a protein source. The partially hydrogenated oil inhibited c-Jun NH2 -terminal kinase phosphorylation in the casein diets, but without altering κ-B kinase. Neither the lipid nor the protein had an influence on the proinflammatory toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway, but the combination of the high-lipid content and WPH impaired glucose tolerance without altering insulin or glucose transporter-4 translocation. It was remarkable to observe that, contrary to the case of a common high-fat diet, the lard-free hyperlipidic diets were hardly able to invert the Bacteroidetes:Firmicutes phylum ratio. Our results suggest that, in the absence of lard, the intake of trans-fatty acids is less harmful than expected because it does not trigger TLR4-inflammation or pose great threat to the normal gut microbiota. WPH had the effect of promoting the expression of HSP90, HSP60, and HSP25, but did not prevent dysbiosis, when the diet contained the unhydrogenated oil. The partially hydrogenated oil also seemed to antagonize the ability of WPH to induce the expression of protective HSPs.

Membrane engineering via trans-unsaturated fatty acids production improves succinic acid production in Mannheimia succiniciproducens.

Engineering of microorganisms to produce desired bio-products with high titer, yield, and productivity is often limited by product toxicity. This is also true for succinic acid (SA), a four carbon dicarboxylic acid of industrial importance. Acid products often cause product toxicity to cells through several different factors, membrane damage being one of the primary factors. In this study, cis-trans isomerase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa was expressed in Mannheimia succiniciproducens to produce trans-unsaturated fatty acid (TUFA) and to reinforce the cell membrane of M. succiniciproducens. The engineered strain showed significant decrease in membrane fluidity as production of TUFA enabled tight packing of fatty acids, which made cells to possess more rigid cell membrane. As a result, the membrane-engineered M. succiniciproducens strain showed higher tolerance toward SA and increased production of SA compared with the control strain without membrane engineering. The membrane engineering approach employed in this study will be useful for increasing tolerance to, and consequently enhancing production of acid products.

Influence of physical activity on addiction parameters of rats exposed to amphetamine which were previously supplemented with hydrogenated vegetable fat.

Amphetamine (AMPH) and its derivatives are addictive drugs used to promote and enhance alertness, motivation, willingness, courage and wellbeing. However, their chronic use is related to memory loss, emotional instability, insomnia, psychosis and paranoia. In the last decades, modern society has included processed foods, rich in trans fatty acids (TFA), in their diet, what has been related to several health problems including increased AMPH preference and self-administration. In this scenario, physical activity appears to be useful to attenuate rewarding symptoms related to addictive drugs mainly by affecting brain neuroplasticity and neurotransmission. The current study has been developed to assess the influence of physical activity on addiction parameters of rats exposed to AMPH which were previously supplemented with hydrogenated vegetable fat (HVF), rich in TFA. After six weeks of HVF or soybean oil (SO, control group) supplementation, adult rats were conditioned with d,l-AMPH or vehicle for 14 days. Then, half of each experimental group was submitted to physical activity in treadmill running sessions (60min/day, 5 days/week) for 5 weeks. Animals were re-conditioned with AMPH or vehicle for 3 more days, to observe drug relapse. Locomotor activity and anxiety-like symptoms were observed 24h after the last AMPH reconditioning, and fatty acids composition was quantified in the ventral tegmental area, striatum and prefrontal cortex. All animals showed AMPH preference, but only SO sedentary showed drug relapse. No differences were observed in locomotor activity among groups, while HVF-supplemented group showed decreased exploration per se, and physical activity prevented this. Moreover, AMPH-HVF group showed increased anxiety-like symptoms, which were prevented by physical activity. These results indicate that HVF supplementation modifies AMPH addiction, whereas regular physical activity could be protective against both AMPH and TFA damages.

Maternal intake of trans-unsaturated or interesterified fatty acids during pregnancy and lactation modifies mitochondrial bioenergetics in the liver of adult offspring in mice.

The quality of dietary lipids in the maternal diet can programme the offspring to diseases in later life. We investigated whether the maternal intake of palm oil or interesterified fat, substitutes for trans-unsaturated fatty acids (FA), induces metabolic changes in the adult offspring. During pregnancy and lactation, C57BL/6 female mice received normolipidic diets containing partially hydrogenated vegetable fat rich in trans-unsaturated fatty acids (TG), palm oil (PG), interesterified fat (IG) or soyabean oil (CG). After weaning, male offspring from all groups received the control diet until day 110. Plasma glucose and TAG and liver FA profiles were ascertained. Liver mitochondrial function was accessed with high-resolution respirometry by measuring VO2, fluorimetry for detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production and mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. The results showed that the IG offspring presented a 20 % increase in plasma glucose and both the IG and TG offspring presented a 2- and 1·9-fold increase in TAG, respectively, when compared with CG offspring. Liver MUFA and PUFA contents decreased in the TG and IG offspring when compared with CG offspring. Liver MUFA content also decreased in the PG offspring. These modifications in FA composition possibly affected liver mitochondrial function, as respiration was impaired in the TG offspring and H2O2 production was higher in the IG offspring. In addition, mitochondrial Ca2+ retention capacity was reduced by approximately 40 and 55 % in the TG and IG offspring, respectively. In conclusion, maternal consumption of trans-unsaturated and interesterified fat affected offspring health by compromising mitochondrial bioenergetics and lipid metabolism in the liver.