Efficient Enzymatic Enrichment of High-purity Nervonic Acid from Malania oleifera Seed Oil.

Nervonic acid (NA) is a monounsaturated fatty acid vital for brain health and is of emerging importance in various industrial applications, including therapeutics, food, and cosmetics. Given the growing demands of the food and pharmaceutical industries, there's a pressing need for high-purity NA. Previously, NA constituents in plant seed oils were chemically transformed into nervonic acid ethyl ester (NAEE) to facilitate extraction from seed oils. In this study, we present an enzymatic approach to convert NA constituents in Malania oleifera seed oil to NAEE. Combined with the utilization of the semi-preparative chromatography, we achieved a remarkable purity of 97.52% NAEE. Compared to conventional chemical preparations characterized by multiple steps, prolonged processing times, and low yields and purities, our enzymatic method stands out as a more efficient and advantageous alternative. On top of that, this innovative approach is environmentally friendly and circumvents health and safety issues associated with chemical processes.

Different effects of dietary ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate on composition of fatty acid and free amino acid, and fatty metabolism in the different muscles of broilers.

In the study, 336 broiler chickens were selected to explore dietary effects of different ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate (HMB) levels (0 (control), 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15%) on the compositions of fatty acids and free amino acids, and lipid metabolism in the different muscles of broilers. In the breast muscle, dietary HMB supplementation hardly affected the free amino acid composition (P > 0.05). Compared to the control group, dietary 0.10 and 0.15% HMB supplementation decreased the content of C18:1n9c and thus the monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), and dietary 0.15% HMB supplementation increased the sum of saturated fatty acids (SFA) (P < 0.05). Moreover, compared to the control group, dietary 0.05 and 0.10% HMB increased the mRNA expression of proliferator activated receptor-γ and the activity of fatty acid synthase (FAS), and dietary 0.10% HMB increased the acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity (P < 0.05). In the leg muscle, dietary 0.10 and 0.15% HMB increased the MUFA content and decreased the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content, the PUFA to SFA ratio, the mRNA expression of sterol regulatory element binding proteins-1c, and the activities of acyl-CoA oxidase 1 and acetyl-CoA synthetase (P < 0.05). Moreover, dietary 0.10% HMB decreased the activities of hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 1 and FAS in comparison to the control group (P < 0.05). Dietary 0.05% HMB decreased the contents of essential amino acids and nonessential amino acids (NEAA), and dietary 0.15% HMB decreased the NEAA content (P < 0.05). In summary, dietary 0.10% HMB supplementation had superior efficiency on lipogenesis in the breast muscle of broilers. However, dietary HMB supplementation, especially at the level of 0.05 and 0.15%, decreased meat nutritional values and the lipogenesis in leg muscles.

Comprehensive Study of the Physicochemical Properties of Royal Jelly from Various Regions of Türkiye.

This study analysed some physicochemical and quality parameters of 176 royal jelly (RJ) samples from different regions of Türkiye, collected over different years and seasons. According to the obtained results, the moisture percentage varied between 47.36 % and 69.58 %, with no statistically significant differences seen across various seasons and areas (p>0.05). The average value of 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), which varies according to factors such as season, region, and year, was determined to be 2.32 %. It was also seen that this value was close to the international standard. The values of total acidity ranged from 28-58 mL 1 N NaOH/100 g. Furthermore, statistical significance (p<0.001) was observed for the year-region interaction in relation to 10-HDA and total acidity. The pH measurement results for all samples confirmed the acidic nature of the samples and resulted in a range between 3.45 and 3.80. And the pH variability was also found to be statistically significant for years (p=0.002) and regions (p=0.011). Finally, the correlation analysis between moisture (%), 10-HDA (%), total acidity, and pH revealed no statistically significant or strong differences. This comprehensive study, supported by statistical analyses, is thought to be a useful reference for future research on RJ.

Global distribution and ecological risk assessment of synthetic musks in the environment.

Synthetic musks, as an alternative product of natural musks, are widely used in almost all fragrances of consumer products, such as perfumes, cosmetics and detergents. During the past few decades, the production of synthetic musks has been increasing year by year, subsequently followed by large concern about their adverse effects on ecosystems and human beings. Until now, several studies have reviewed the latest development of analytical methods of synthetic musks in biological samples and cosmetics products, while there is still lack of a systematic analysis of their global distribution in different environmental media. Thus, this review summarizes the occurrence of synthetic musks in the environment including biota around the world and explores their global distribution patterns. The results show that galaxolide (HHCB), tonalide (AHTN), musk xylene (MX) and musk ketone (MK) are generally the most frequently detected synthetic musks in different samples with HHCB and AHTN being predominant. Higher concentrations of HHCB and AHTN are normally found in western countries compared to Asian countries, indicating more consumptions of these musks in western countries. The persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity (PBT) of synthetic musks (mainly for polycyclic musks and nitro musks) are also discussed. The risk quotients (RQs) of HHCB, AHTN, MX and MK in most waters and sediments are below 0.1, reflecting a low risk to aqueous and sediment-dwelling species. In some sites, e.g., close to STPs, high risks (RQs>1) are characterized. Currently, limited data are available for macrocyclic musks and alicyclic musks in terms of either occurrence or PBT properties. More studies with an expanded scope of chemical type, geographical distribution and (synergic) toxicological effects especially from a long-term point of view are needed.

Fatty Acids Composition of Basidiocarps of Some Wood Associated Medicinal Mushrooms (Agaricomycetes) from India.

In this investigation, crude fat contents and fatty acid compositions of lipids present in the basidiocarps of widely distributed, medicinally important, wild mushrooms (Fuscoporia torulosa, Inonotus pachyphloeus, Phellinus allardii, Ph. fastuosus, Ph. gilvus and Ph. sanfordii) collected from different localities of Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India were analyzed. Gas chromatography with flame ionization detector was performed to identify and quantify the individual fatty acids present in the lipids of each mushroom. Mushrooms exhibited comparable amounts of crude fats with maximum content (0.35%) in Ph. sanfordii. The dominant fatty acid in the examined mushrooms was palmitic acid (C16:0). Oleic acid (C18:1n9c) and linoleic acid (C18:2n6c) exhibited maximum contents among the monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), respectively. Saturated fatty acids (SFAs) in F. torulosa, I. pachyphloeus and Ph. fastuosus were at higher concentrations than unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). Ph. allardii, Ph. gilvus and Ph. sanfordii exhibited greater amounts of UFAs compared with SFAs. Among UFAs, MUFAs dominated the polyunsaturated ones except for I. pachyphloeus and Ph. sanfordii. Of the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), the contents of ω6 PUFAs were higher than ω3 PUFAs except for Ph. gilvus. Interestingly, a single trans fatty acid, elaidic acid (C18:1n-9t) (0.54-2.34%) was noticed in F. torulosa, Ph. fastuosus and Ph. sanfordii only. The examined mushrooms also differed in UFAs/SFAs, MUFAs/SFAs, PUFAs/SFAs, ∑ω6/∑ω3 and (linoleic acid) C18:2n6c/(oleic acid) C18:1n9c ratios. The presence of essential and non-essential fatty acids may make the examined mushrooms befitting candidates for use in nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals.

Temporal evolution of fatty acid content in human milk of lactating mothers from the Philippines.

Fatty acids (FA) play a key role in infant growth and development. The aim of this study was to study the temporal evolution of FA from 3 or 4 weeks to 4 months postpartum in human milk (HM) from Filipino mothers. Mid-morning HM samples (n = 41) were collected after full expression from a single breast and FA were assessed using gas-liquid chromatography coupled to flame ionization detector. The total FA content remained relatively constant over the study period. The most abundant FA in HM were oleic acid (OA), palmitic acid (PA) and linoleic acid (LA), a trend similarly reported in HM from European and Chinese mothers. The former two were unchanged over the course of lactation while there was a slight increase in LA content over time. Similarly, the saturated fatty acid (SFA) and monounsaturated FA (MUFA) contents did not vary over the first four months of lactation. The SFA content was much higher than that reported in HM from Europe and China, mainly driven by PA, lauric and myristic acids. The MUFA content on the other hand, while comparable to that reported in HM from Chinese populations was lower than that reported in Europe. There was a small increase in the polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) content over the study duration. The levels of essential FA, linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA) were found to be much lower than that reported in other populations. The concentrations of arachidonic acid (AA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) remained stable over the study duration. AA and DHA in HM from Filipino mothers were comparable to global averages, however in case of the latter the concentration was found to be lower than in previous reports. DHA is of great clinical significance as it plays a key role in infant growth and development. In our study, we observed a wide inter- and intra-individual variability in the levels of DHA in HM, presumably reflecting diverse intakes of DHA rich foods and bioconversion in vivo. Personalized recommendations may help achieve recommended levels of DHA amongst population with levels below global averages. This may help achieve HM sufficiency and therefore be linked to clinical benefits for the mother and the baby. SUMMARY: This study details the temporal evolution of human milk (HM) fatty acids (FA) in Filipino mothers up to four months postpartum. The total FA content remained relatively constant over the study period. The most abundant FA were oleic, palmitic and linoleic acids. HM from Filipino mothers had relatively higher saturated FA content driven by palmitic, lauric and myristic acids, while the levels of essential FA, linoleic and α-linoleic acids were lower compared to other populations. Similarly, the concentration of monounsaturated FA were also lower than that reported in HM from European mothers. Arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) concentrations were comparable to global averages however the HM DHA levels were seen to have decreased when compared to previous reports from the Philippines. Additionally, a wide variability was seen in HM DHA levels suggesting a need for strategies such as personalized recommendations in order to ensure HM DHA sufficiency.

Age-associated changes in circulatory fatty acids: new insights on adults and long-lived individuals.

Long-lived individuals (LLIs) are considered an ideal model to study healthy human aging. Blood fatty acid (FA) profile of a cohort of LLIs (90-111 years old, n = 49) from Sicily was compared to adults (18-64 years old, n = 69) and older adults (65-89 years old, n = 54) from the same area. Genetic variants in key enzymes related to FA biosynthesis and metabolism were also genotyped to investigate a potential genetic predisposition in determining the FA profile. Gas chromatography was employed to determine the FA profile, and genotyping was performed using high-resolution melt (HRM) analysis. Blood levels of total polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) and total trans-FA decreased with age, while the levels of saturated FA (SFA) remained unchanged. Interestingly, distinctively higher circulatory levels of monounsaturated FA (MUFA) in LLIs compared to adults and older adults were observed. In addition, among LLIs, rs174537 in the FA desaturase 1/2 (FADS1/2) gene was associated with linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6) and docosatetraenoic acid (DTA, 22:4n-6) levels, and the rs953413 in the elongase of very long FA 2 (ELOVL2) was associated with DTA levels. We further observed that rs174579 and rs174626 genotypes in FADS1/2 significantly affect delta-6 desaturase (D6D) activity. In conclusion, our results suggest that the LLIs have a different FA profile characterized by high MUFA content, which indicates reduced peroxidation while maintaining membrane fluidity.

Saturated and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Rich Populations of Prinsepia utilis Royle in Western Himalaya.

The study aims to identify the fatty acid composition in Prinsepia utilis seeds collected from diverse populations of Western Himalaya, India. The seeds contained higher saturated fatty acid (SFA-43.09%; Average of all populations) followed by polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA - 29.57%) and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA - 25.53%), however variations among growing populations was measured. The correlation analysis reveals a significant (p < 0.05) negative connection between 10-Octadecenoic acid methyl ester (FA1), and altitude. Edaphic factors like available nitrogen showed significantly (p < 0.05) but the negative correlation with cis-11-Eicosenoic acid, methyl ester (FA10; p < 0.001), Docosanoic acid, methyl ester (FA11; p < 0.05), Heptadecanoic acid, methyl ester (FA14; p < 0.05), and Tricosanoic acid, methyl ester (FA29; p < 0.05). Antioxidant activity did not show any variation in the seed oil of different populations but varied among the concentrations (5-50 µL) used. IC50 values of DPPH activity was significantly (p < 0.05) varied connect ranged from 11.31-24.21 µL/mL among the different populations. These variations in fatty acid composition and IC50 values of the DPPH activity can be one of the indicators for selecting a promising population that would be harnessed for its potential in nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals industries.

Altering the fatty acid profile of Yarrowia lipolytica to mimic cocoa butter by genetic engineering of desaturases.

BACKGROUND: Demand for Cocoa butter is steadily increasing, but the supply of cocoa beans is naturally limited and under threat from global warming. One route to meeting the future demand for cocoa butter equivalent (CBE) could be to utilize microbial cell factories such as the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica. RESULTS: The main goal was to achieve triacyl-glycerol (TAG) storage lipids in Y. lipolytica mimicking cocoa butter. This was accomplished by replacing the native Δ9 fatty acid desaturase (Ole1p) with homologs from other species and changing the expression of both Ole1p and the Δ12 fatty acid desaturase (Fad2p). We thereby abolished the palmitoleic acid and reduced the linoleic acid content in TAG, while the oleic acid content was reduced to approximately 40 percent of the total fatty acids. The proportion of fatty acids in TAG changed dramatically over time during growth, and the fatty acid composition of TAG, free fatty acids and phospholipids was found to be very different. CONCLUSIONS: We show that the fatty acid profile in the TAG of Y. lipolytica can be altered to mimic cocoa butter. We also demonstrate that a wide range of fatty acid profiles can be achieved while maintaining good growth and high lipid accumulation, which, together with the ability of Y. lipolytica to utilize a wide variety of carbon sources, opens up the path toward sustainable production of CBE and other food oils.

Comprehensive fatty acid fractionation profilling in preeclampsia: a case control study with multivariable analysis.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is a complication during pregnancy characterised by new-onset hypertension and proteinuria that develops after 20 weeks of gestation. Dyslipidemia in pregnancy is correlated with an increased risk of preeclampsia. However, the dynamic changes in lipid metabolic product, particularly fatty acid fraction, in preeclampsia maternal circulation, are not well understood. This study aimed to investigate fatty acid fraction in preeclampsia maternal blood compared with normotensive normal pregnancy. METHODS: A total of 34 women who developed preeclampsia and 32 women with normotensive normal pregnancy were included in our case-control study. Maternal blood samples were collected for serum fatty acid fractions analysis and other biochemical parameters. Serum fatty acid fractions included long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), saturated fatty acid, and total fatty acid, measured with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The mean difference of fatty acid level was analysed using parametric and non-parametric bivariate analysis based on normality distributed data, while the risk of preeclampsia based on fatty acid fraction was analysed using a logistic regression model. RESULTS: Women with preeclampsia have lower high-density lipoprotein (53.97 ± 12.82 mg/dL vs. 63.71 ± 15.20 mg/dL, p = 0.006), higher triglyceride (284.91 ± 97.68 mg/dL vs. 232.84 ± 73.69 mg/dL, p = 0.018) than that in the normotensive group. Higher palmitoleic acid was found in women with preeclampsia compared to normotensive normal pregnancy (422.94 ± 195.99 vs. 325.71 ± 111.03 µmol/L, p = 0.037). The binary logistic regression model showed that pregnant women who had total omega-3 levels within the reference values had a higher risk of suffering preeclampsia than those with the higher reference value (odds ratio OR (95% CI): 8,5 (1.51-48.07), p = 0.015). Pregnant women who have saturated fatty acid within reference values had a lower risk for suffering preeclampsia than those in upper reference value (OR (95% CI): 0.21 (0.52-0.88), p = 0.032). CONCLUSION: Overall, palmitoleic acid was higher in women with preeclampsia. Further analysis indicated that reference omega-3 in and high saturated fatty acid serum levels are characteristics of women with preeclampsia.

New Method for Obtaining a Bioactive Essence Extracted from Iberian Ham Fat Rich in MUFA and Antioxidants.

Iberian ham is one of the most representative Spanish products and presents an excellent nutritional and sensory quality. Iberian ham trimming fat is considered a by-product and to give a new use to this remaining part could represent a healthy and innovative option for obtaining sustainable foods. The purpose of this work was to obtain a new bioactive ingredient from Iberian ham trimming fat with the highest amount of antioxidants and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), using a new non-invasive solvent-free method. To obtain the essence, two different extraction procedures were carried out. After fatty acid characterization, degree of acidity, peroxide index and a basic sensory analysis were performed. Antioxidant in vitro activity and total phenolic compounds (TPC) were also determined. This new ingredient showed a better sensory profile than raw ham fat, a lower degree of acidity, a higher content of MUFAs, and also showed a higher antioxidant capacity and an increase in phenolic compounds compared to the raw material. This bioactive essence could be used as a food, a cosmetic or a nutraceutical ingredient to prevent certain diseases related to oxidative stress and could also contribute to the maintenance of the circular economy.

Maternal dietary fatty acid composition and newborn epigenetic aging-a geometric framework approach.

BACKGROUND: Maternal nutrition is associated with epigenetic and cardiometabolic risk factors in offspring. Research in humans has primarily focused on assessing the impact of individual nutrients. OBJECTIVES: We sought to assess the collective impact of maternal dietary MUFAs, PUFAs, and SFAs on epigenetic aging and cardiometabolic risk markers in healthy newborn infants using a geometric framework approach. METHODS: Body fatness (n = 162), aortic intima-media thickness (aIMT; n = 131), heart rate variability (n = 118), and epigenetic age acceleration (n = 124) were assessed in newborn infants. Maternal dietary intake was cross-sectionally assessed in the immediate postpartum period via a validated 80-item self-administered FFQ. Generalized additive models were used to explore interactive associations of nutrient intake, with results visualized as response surfaces. RESULTS: After adjustment for total energy intake, maternal age, gestational age, and sex there was a 3-way interactive association of MUFAs, PUFAs, and SFAs (P = 0.001) with newborn epigenetic aging. This suggests that the nature of each fat class association depends upon one another. Response surfaces revealed MUFAs were positively associated with newborn epigenetic age acceleration only at proportionately lower intakes of SFAs or PUFAs. We also demonstrate a potential beneficial association of omega-3 (n-3) PUFAs with newborn epigenetic age acceleration (P = 0.008). There was no significant association of fat class with newborn aIMT, heart rate variability, or body fatness. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we demonstrated an association between maternal dietary fat class composition and epigenetic aging in newborns. Future research should consider other characteristics such as the source of maternal dietary fatty acids.

Royal Jelly Protects against Epidermal Stress through Upregulation of the NQO1 Expression.

Royal jelly (RJ) is secreted by honeybees and has been used as an apitherapy to obtain healthy skin since ancient times. However, the mechanism of the protective effects of RJ against skin aging and skin diseases caused by skin stress and its components have not been clarified. In this study, we attempted to understand the effect of RJ on epidermal function and observed that NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) is significantly induced by RJ in keratinocytes. The expression of NQO1 was also increased in the 3D epidermal skin model. NQO1 is involved in antioxidation and detoxification metabolism, and we found that RJ protects against the epidermal stress caused by UVB and menadione through the upregulation of NQO1. We identified 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10H2DA), a major fatty acid in RJ, as an active compound in this reaction as it induced the expression of NQO1 and protected the skin against oxidative stress. We demonstrated that the protective effect of RJ against epidermal stress is mediated through the upregulation of NQO1 by 10H2DA.

Fatty Acids Quality in Middle Eastern Traditional Dishes, Arabic Sweets and Market Foods Frequently Consumed in Lebanon.

The prevalence of diet-related non-communicable diseases is on the rise in the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean, including Lebanon. This study aimed to provide data on fatty acid profiles and ratios of Lebanese composite dishes, Arabic sweets, and market foods. Methods: Thirty types of traditional dishes, collected from five different Lebanese governorates, thirty-seven types of Arabic sweets and forty-six market food products were considered for analysis. Food samples were chemically analyzed for total, unsaturated and saturated fatty acids. The range of total fatty acids in composite dishes, Arabic sweets, and market food products was between 1.2-11.7 g/100 g, 5.3-25.8 g/100 g, and 0.5-100 g/100 g, respectively. Additionally, the range of saturated fatty acids in composite dishes, Arabic sweets, and market food products was between 0.5-4.9 g/100 g, 2.5-23.6 g/100 g and 0.1-56.4 g/100 g, respectively. Furthermore, about 75% of these foods were poor in unsaturated fatty acids. Regarding saturated fatty acid, the polyunsaturated to monounsaturated (P.M.S) ratio was lower than the recommended ratio of 1:1:1 in 96% of samples. To conclude, there is a need to prioritize fat content in foods and consider processing modifications in the food production system with the aim of achieving a higher P:M:S ratio intake among the population.

Profiling and quantitative analysis of underivatized fatty acids in Chlorella vulgaris microalgae by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry.

Chlorella vulgaris is a popular microalga used for biofuel production; nevertheless, it possesses a strong cell wall that hinders the extraction of molecules, especially lipids within the cell wall. For tackling this issue, we developed an efficient and cost-effective method for optimal lipid extraction. Microlaga cell disruption by acid hydrolysis was investigated comparing different temperatures and reaction times; after hydrolysis, lipids were extracted with n-hexane. The best recoveries were obtained at 140°C for 90 min. The microalgae were then analyzed by an untargeted approach based on liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry, providing the tentative identification of 28 fatty acids. First, a relative quantification on the untargeted data was performed using peak area as a surrogate of analyte abundance. Then, a targeted quantitative method was validated for the tentatively identified fatty acids, in terms of recovery (78-100%), intra- and interday relative standard deviations (<10 and <9%, respectively) and linearity (R2  > 0.98). The most abundant fatty acids were palmitic, palmitoleic, oleic, linoleic, linolenic, and stearic acids.

Improvement of serum lipid parameters in consumers of Mexican Wagyu-Cross beef: A randomized controlled trial.

Beef is considered an excellent source of high-quality protein and micronutrients. The high saturated fatty acid (SFA) composition of beef has been associated with cardiovascular diseases; however, this is a controversial issue because at present, no evidence has scientifically proven such an association. Wagyu cattle have been used as an option to generate high-quality fatty acids (FAs) in beef and have been crossed with local beef cattle (Wagyu-Cross). In Mexico, Wagyu-Cross is marketed assuming the same quality as purebred Wagyu meat without scientific support. This study aimed to determine whether the differences in the FA composition of Wagyu-Cross and commercial beef affected lipid metabolism in frequent consumers of beef. The study is a randomized, controlled, double-blinded phase IV clinical trial. Thirty-four volunteers completed treatments in which 120 g ground beef was consumed 3 days per week for 2 weeks. Volunteers were randomized to the "A" (commercial meat) or "B" (Wagyu-Cross meat) groups. The beef fat content was 87% higher, the SFA content was 2.3% lower, and the monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) C18:1 n-9 concentrations were higher in Wagyu-Cross beef than in commercial beef. The B group exhibited a significantly larger change from baseline in the serum lipid profile in total cholesterol (TC) (-4.7% versus +6.9%), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (-4.1% versus +10.0%), nonhigh-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) (-6.1% versus +4.9%), and the ratio of three atherogenic indexes-TC/HDL (-3.5% versus +6.4%), LDL/HDL (-2.8% versus +14.6%), and non-HDL/HDL (-4.7% versus +9.3%)-than the A group. This result confirms that meat FA composition is a key point for redirecting cattle breeding strategies and promotes beef as a healthful protein source. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Here, we found new evidence based on a clinical trial that beef with a favorable fatty acid composition (i.e., monounsaturated fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid content) is a key factor in improving parameters associated with consumer health. This information will support the design of cattle breeding strategies as an option to promote beef consumption as a healthier protein source and create opportunities for the development of the functional food industry.

Review on Research Progress and Prospects of Cicada Flower, Isaria cicadae (Ascomycetes).

Cicada flower, Isaria cicadae Miq., has been a traditional Chinese medicine for approximately 1600 years. Many works on its identification, bioactivities, and clinical use against some disorders have been published, but some inaccuracies and inconsistencies need to be further clarified. In combination with our > 20 years of research and application of cicada flower and examination of the literature and patents published in recent years, this article summarizes and reviews the life cycle and taxonomy, genome size and mating type, molecular systematic classification and cultivation, active ingredients, and pharmacological functions of I. cicadae.

Total Dietary Fat Intake, Fat Quality, and Health Outcomes: A Scoping Review of Systematic Reviews of Prospective Studies.

INTRODUCTION: We conducted a scoping review of systematic reviews (SRs) on dietary fat intake and health outcomes in human adults within the context of a position paper by the "International Union of Nutritional Sciences Task force on Dietary Fat Quality" tasked to summarize the available evidence and provide dietary recommendations. METHODS: We systematically searched several databases for relevant SRs of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and/or prospective cohort studies published between 2015 and 2019 assessing the association between dietary fat and health outcomes. RESULTS: Fifty-nine SRs were included. The findings from SRs of prospective cohort studies, which frequently compare the highest versus lowest intake categories, found mainly no association of total fat, monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and saturated fatty acid (SFA) with risk of chronic diseases. SRs of RCTs applying substitution analyses indicate that SFA replacement with PUFA and/or MUFA improves blood lipids and glycemic control, with the effect of PUFA being more pronounced. A higher intake of total trans-fatty acid (TFA), but not ruminant TFA, was probably associated with an increased risk of mortality and cardiovascular disease based on existing SRs. CONCLUSION: Overall, the available published evidence deems it reasonable to recommend replacement of SFA with MUFA and PUFA and avoidance of consumption of industrial TFA.

Occurrence and trophic transfer of synthetic musks in the freshwater food web of a large subtropical lake.

Synthetic musks (SMs) have drawn worldwide attention, as they are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic to many organisms. There is not enough information on the bioaccumulation and trophodynamic behavior of SMs in freshwater food webs to reliably understand the associated ecological risks. In this study, the concentrations of six SM congeners in fifteen aquatic species from Lake Chaohu, China, was investigated. The total concentrations of the six SMs ranged from 0.29 to 59.7 ng/g dry weight (median, 4.41) in fish muscle tissue and in the whole body tissues of small fish species and shrimps. Galaxolide (HHCB) and tonalide (AHTN) were the predominant congeners, accounting for 65.0% and 28.5% of the total SM concentration, respectively. On the whole, the total concentrations of SMs in livers and gills were 0.18-32.8 and 0.84-254 times higher than those in muscle tissues in fish species, respectively. In the food web of Lake Chaohu, cashmeran (DPMI) and HHCB showed a trend towards trophic magnification, and AHTN tended to show trophic dilution, but these trends were not statistically significant. This suggested that the trophic transfer of these chemicals through the food web was strongly influenced by many factors, including tissue-specific distribution within individuals at higher trophic levels. More investigation into the trophic transfer of SMs in aquatic ecosystems and the factors influencing uptake is needed.

Health Promoting Properties of Bee Royal Jelly: Food of the Queens.

Royal jelly (RJ) demand is growing every year and so is the market for functional foods in general. RJ is formed by different substances, mainly carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, but also vitamins, minerals, and phenolic or volatile compounds in lower proportion. Major royal jelly proteins (MRJP) are, together with 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), key substances of RJ due to their different biological properties. In particular, 10-HDA is a unique substance in this product. RJ has been historically employed as health enhancer and is still very relevant in China due to the traditional medicine and the apitherapy. Nowadays, it is mainly consumed as a functional food or is found in supplements and other formulations for its health-beneficial properties. Within these properites, anti-lipidemic, antioxidant, antiproliferative, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiaging, and estrogenic activities have been reported for RJ or its specific components. This manuscript is aimed at reviewing the current knowledge on RJ components, their assessment in terms of authenticity, their biological activities, and related health applications.