Search Results (514)

(1) Background: Hepatic lipid accumulation is the initial factor in metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in type 2 diabetics, leading to accelerated liver damage. The NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays a critical role in this process. Dapansutrile (DAPA) is a novel NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor; however, its effect on ectopic lipid accumulation in the liver remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of DAPA on hepatic lipid accumulation in a diabetic mouse model and its potential mechanisms. (2) Methods: The effects of DAPA on hepatic ectopic lipid deposition and liver function under metabolic stress were evaluated in vivo using db/db and high-fat diet (HFD) + streptozotocin (STZ) mouse models. Additionally, the role and mechanism of DAPA in cellular lipid deposition, mitochondrial oxidative stress, and inflammation were assessed in HepG2 cells treated with free fatty acids (FFA) and DAPA. (3) Results: Our findings indicated that DAPA treatment improved glucose and lipid metabolism in diabetic mice, particularly addressing liver heterotopic lipid deposition and insulin resistance. DAPA treatment also ameliorated lipid accumulation and mitochondrial-related functions and inflammation in HepG2 cells through the NLRP3-Caspase-1 signaling axis. (4) Conclusions: Targeting NLRP3 with DAPA may represent a novel therapeutic approach for diabetes-related fatty liver diseases. Full article

The concept of combi-lipases is herein explored in the full hydrolysis of babassu oil. The commercially immobilized lipases from Candida antarctica (form B) (Novozym^® 435), Rhizomucor miehei (Lipozyme^® RM-IM), and Thermomyces lanuginosus (Lipozyme^® TL-IM) were evaluated as single and combined biocatalysts by a mixture design with triangular surface. As a result, after evaluating the response desirability profiling for all biocatalysts, the best biocatalyst in the reaction was the combi-lipases composed of 75% of Lipozyme^® RM-IM, 17% of Novozym^® 435, and 8% of Lipozyme^® TL-IM, reaching full hydrolysis (>99%) after 4 h of reaction. Subsequently, such combi-lipases were employed as biocatalysts in the optimization of the reaction in a shorter reaction time (3 h). After optimization by the Taguchi method, full hydrolysis (>99%) was reached under optimized reaction conditions (9 wt.% of biocatalyst content, 1:2 (oil/water), 40 °C, and 180 rpm). Under such conditions, the combi-lipases maintained 70% of their initial activity after 10 reaction cycles. The antimicrobial activity against some of the most common environmental bacteria of the obtained free fatty acids (FFAs) was also evaluated. The FFAs inhibited more than 90% of the growth of S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosus when using 10 mg FFAs/mL. Full article

The banana chip industry generates significant quantities of waste, including banana peels and used palm oil, which present both environmental and economic challenges. This study explored converting banana peel waste into porous adsorbents via chemical and thermal activation using sulfuric acid (S-BP) and 5% w/v acetic acid (A-BP) as activating agents. Characterization using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis revealed notable morphological distinctions and enhanced porosity. The BET surface areas of S-BP and A-BP were 338.959 m²/g and 201.722 m²/g, respectively, significantly higher than that of calcined banana peel (C-BP) at 3.202 m²/g. Despite the higher surface area of S-BP, A-BP, prepared under milder acetic acid conditions, was further investigated for adsorption studies. A-BP effectively reduced the free fatty acids (FFAs) in used palm oil from 3.108% to 1.69% within 30 min. Adsorption isotherms favored the Freundlich model (R² = 0.9115), indicating multilayer adsorption behavior. The adsorption energy derived from the Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) model was determined to be 2.61 J/mol, indicating that the adsorption process primarily occurs through physisorption. This study highlights a sustainable approach to waste management and resource recovery, promoting circular economy principles in the banana chip industry. Full article

Over the past decade, Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics have been extensively utilized in the food industry for the research and development of new products but have failed to establish a strong foothold in quality control and the assessment of food items. To bridge this gap, we introduce a novel application of Raman spectroscopy capable of swiftly identifying free fatty acids (FFAs) in cooking oil and quantifying adulteration. This advanced method was validated using camellia oil, a highly esteemed cooking oil in China and various Asian countries known for its nutritional richness and diverse culinary applications. With its growing popularity among high-end food consumers in Asia, camellia oil has increasingly become a target for adulteration, causing dissatisfaction among both consumers and genuine producers. In this study, we employed Raman spectroscopy to characterize the FFA profiles of cooking oil samples, complemented by principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) for sample categorization and adulteration detection in camellia oil. By segregating camellia oil from other vegetable oils and differentiating genuine from adulterated samples using the partial least squares (PLS) method, we achieved a high determination coefficient (R²) of over 0.98 and a low root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of less than 1.45%. These findings offer a robust predictive model for rapid camellia oil adulteration assessment, potentially augmenting traditional qualitative tests and streamlining sampling procedures in the food industry. Full article

Metabolic dysfunction associated with steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the result of disturbed lipid metabolism. In MASLD, the accumulation of free fatty acids (FFAs) in hepatocytes causes lipotoxicity mediated by oxidative stress. Coffee compounds are known for their beneficial effects in MASLD; however, the mechanisms still need to be further explored. The aim of this study was to elucidate the protective mechanisms of coffee compounds against palmitate-induced lipotoxicity in primary hepatocytes. Methods: Primary hepatocytes were isolated from male Wistar rats and treated with palmitate (1 mmol/L) in combination with caffeine (CF: 1 mmol/L) or chlorogenic acid (CGA: 5 µmol/L). Mitochondrial ROS production, palmitate-induced necrosis, antioxidant response, ER stress markers and lipid droplet (LD) formation were assessed. Monoacylglycerols 2-SG (2-Stearolylglycerol), 2-OG (2-Oleoylglycerol) and SCD-1 (Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase 1) inhibitors were used to modulate LD formation. LD formation in steatotic Zucker rat hepatocytes was also investigated. Results: CF and CGA prevented palmitate-induced cell death and reduced ROS production. CF and CGA induced the antioxidant response, especially HO-1 expression, but had no significant effect on ER stress markers. CF and CGA increased LD formation in palmitate-treated cells. This effect was significantly reduced by 2-SG and SCD-1 inhibitors but enhanced by 2-OG. Lipid droplets were associated with lower palmitate toxicity and reduced ROS production. Conclusions: CF and CGA protect hepatocytes from lipotoxicity via modulation of the antioxidant response and enhance lipid droplet formation via an SCD-1-dependent mechanism. Oxidative stress-related toxicity in hepatocytes can be prevented by enhancing LD formation. Full article

High concentrations of free fatty acids (FFAs) caused by negative energy balance render the cow more prone to inflammatory diseases in part due to an imbalance in the types of immune cells and their specific functions. We previously demonstrated that ORAI calcium release-activated calcium modulator 1 (ORAI1) was associated with increased CD4⁺ Th17 content, but the precise mechanisms remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of FFAs on CD4⁺ T cell inflammatory response. High FFAs in dairy cows caused the transcript level of the pro-inflammatory factor IL-17A, plasma concentration of IL-17A, and amount of intracellular IL-17A to increase while the transcript levels and intracellular amount of the anti-inflammatory factor FOXP3 were downregulated. These changes indicated Th17/Treg imbalance and inflammation in dairy cows with high FFA. Moreover, ORAI1 and SDS abundance was elevated in dairy cows with high FFAs by transcriptomics, QPCR, and Western blot. Knockdown of SDS (siSDS) did not alter ORAI1 expression in CD4⁺ T cells from high-FFA cows, while it decreased the expression of inflammatory factors. Transfection of CD4⁺ T cells using siRNA knockdown for ORAI1 (siORAI1) revealed that SDS and inflammatory factor abundance decreased. Serine can be catabolized to pyruvate by the action of serine dehydratase (SDS). Data from this study suggested that high FFAs caused by negative energy balance after calving regulates the Th17/Treg balance via SDS, but SDS does not regulate ORAI1 abundance. The above data suggested a pro-inflammatory mechanism in CD4⁺ T cells regulated by the ORAI1-sensitive SDS pathway in early postpartum cows experiencing high-FFA conditions. Thus, targeting this pathway may represent a new therapeutic and interventional approach for preventing immune-related disorders around parturition. Full article

The effects of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) at a concentration of 1.0 × 10⁸ CFU/mL on growth performance, hepatic lipid metabolism, and mRNA expression related to lipid metabolism, intestinal morphology, and intestinal flora were investigated in geese. A total of 60 male geese, aged 30 days and of similar weight, were randomly assigned to 2 groups. Each group was divided into six replicates, with five geese per replicate. During the 45-day experiment, the control group received a basal diet, while the experimental group was provided with the same basal diet supplemented with E. faecalis in drinking water at a concentration of 1.0 × 10⁸ CFU/mL. E. faecalis significantly increased the half-eviscerated weight of geese and improved ileal intestinal morphology (p < 0.05). Serum triglyceride (TG) levels were significantly reduced on day 5, while serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were significantly decreased on day 25 (p < 0.05). By day 45, serum TG and free fatty acid (FFA) levels were also significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Additionally, E. faecalis significantly increased the HDL/LDL ratio and serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (p < 0.05). Serum insulin levels were significantly elevated on day 25, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels were significantly increased on day 45 (p < 0.05). On day 25 of the trial, hepatic TG levels, FFA levels, and Oil Red O-stained areas in the liver were significantly reduced (p < 0.05), accompanied by significantly decreased mRNA expression of hepatic acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCA) (p < 0.05). Conversely, the mRNA expression levels of fatty acid synthase (FASN), farnesoid X receptor (FXR), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) were significantly elevated (p < 0.05). A 16S rRNA diversity analysis of ileal contents on day 25 revealed significant differences in intestinal flora composition between the control and E. faecalis groups. The 16S rRNA data demonstrated a strong correlation between microbial communities and lipid-related physiological and biochemical indicators (p < 0.05). In conclusion, E. faecalis supplementation promoted fatty acid oxidation, reduced blood lipid levels, alleviated hepatic lipid accumulation, and improved ileal morphology and intestinal flora diversity, thereby enhancing growth performance and lipid metabolism in geese. These findings suggest that E. faecalis is a promising probiotic candidate for development as a feed additive. Full article

Melatonin is involved in various functions such as the timing of circadian rhythms, energy metabolism, and body mass gain in experimental animals. However, its effects on adipose tissue lipid metabolism are still unclear. This study analyzes the effects of melatonin on the relative gene expression of lipolytic proteins in rat mesenteric adipose tissue and free fatty acid (FFA) and glycerol plasma levels of male Wistar rats fed a high-fat (HFD) or maintenance diet. Four experimental groups were established: control, obese, and control or obese plus 2.3 mg/kg/day of melatonin in tap water. After 11 weeks, animals were sacrificed at different times throughout a 24 h cycle, and mesenteric adipose tissue and plasma samples were collected and analyzed. Cgi58, Perilipin, and Dgat1 gene expression, as well as FFA and glycerol concentrations, showed rhythm patterns in the control group. HFD disrupted those rhythm patterns and increased FFA and glycerol concentrations during the dark photoperiod. In both melatonin-treated groups, almost all analyzed genes showed circadian patterns. Notably, melatonin significantly prevented the increase in FFA levels during the dark photoperiod in obese rats (obese group: ~1100 mM vs. obese + melatonin group: ~600 μM, similar to control levels). However, the rhythmic pattern observed in control animals was not sustained. According to our results, melatonin could regulate circadian gene transcription of mesenteric adipose tissue lipolysis proteins. The effect of melatonin on preventing elevated FFA plasma levels associated with high-fat diet intake warrants further investigation. Full article

Consumption of phytosterols is a nutritional strategy employed to reduce cholesterol absorption, but recent research shows that their biological activity might go beyond cholesterol reduction for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), and novel phytosterol formulations, such as submicron dispersions, could improve these effects. We explored the therapeutic activity of phytosterols, either formulated as submicron dispersions of phytosterols (SDPs) or conventional phytosterol esters (PEs), in a mouse model of MAFLD. MAFLD was induced in mice by atherogenic diet (AD) feeding. The reversion of distorted serum and liver parameter values after a period of AD feeding was investigated after supplementation of the AD with SDPs, PEs, or a placebo (PT). Additionally, the metabolic parameters of fatty acid synthesis, fatty acid oxidation, and inflammation were studied to understand the mechanism of action of phytosterols. AD supplementation with SDPs was shown to reduce liver fat, along with showing a significant improvement in liver triglycerides (TGs), free fatty acids (FFAs), and liver cholesterol levels. These results were reinforced by the analyses of the liver steatosis scores, and liver histologies, where SDP intervention showed a consistent improvement. Treatment with PEs showed slighter effects in the same analyses, and no effects were observed with the PT treatment. Additionally, SDP intervention reversed, with a higher efficacy than PEs, the effect of AD on the serum levels of TGs, total- and LDL-cholesterol levels, and glucose levels. And, exceptionally, while SDP improved HDL-cholesterol serum levels, PEs did not show any effect on this parameter. We provide evidence for the therapeutical activity of phytosterols in MAFLD beyond the regulation of cholesterol levels, which is increased when the phytosterols are formulated as submicron dispersions compared to ester formulations. Full article

Squid viscera, a byproduct of squid processing, contains oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids (up to 10% by mass) and the antioxidant astaxanthin. However, its high free fatty acid (FFA) content compromises stability. To address this, pilot-scale (200 L) enzymatic re-esterification of squid oil using immobilized lipase (Lipozyme RMIM) was demonstrated, resulting in high acylglyceride yields. The processed oil was analyzed for oxidation kinetics and thermodynamics using Rancimat, fatty acid composition using GC, omega-3 fatty acid positional distribution in the acylglyceride product using ¹³C NMR, and astaxanthin content. Lipase treatment reduced FFA levels from 44% to 4% and increased acylglycerides to 93% in squid oil. This reduction in FFA was accompanied by significantly increased stability (0.06 to 18.9 h by Rancimat). The treated oil showed no loss in astaxanthin (194.1 µg/g) or omega-3 fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA remaining predominantly at sn-2 indicated that the naturally occurring positional distribution of this omega-3 FFA was retained in the product. Lipase treatment significantly enhanced oxidative stability, evidenced by improved thermodynamic parameters (E_a 94.15 kJ/mol, ΔH 91.09 kJ/mol, ΔS −12.6 J/mol K) and extended shelf life (IP₂₅ 74.42 days) compared to starting squid oil and commercial fish/squid oils lacking astaxanthin. Thus, lipase treatment offers an effective strategy for reducing FFA levels and producing oxidatively stable, astaxanthin-rich acylglyceride squid oil with DHA retained at the nutritionally favored sn-2 position. Full article

The mortality rate of ovarian cancer (OC) remains the highest among female gynecological malignancies. Advanced age is the highest risk factor for OC development and progression, yet little is known about the role of the aged tumor microenvironment (TME). We conducted RNA sequencing and lipidomic analysis of young and aged gonadal adipose tissue from rat xenografts before and after OC formation. The rates of tumor formation (p = 0.047) and tumor volume (p = 0.002) were significantly higher in the aged rats than in their young counterparts. RNA sequencing data showed significant differences in gene expression profiles between the groups of young and aged rat adipose tissues (p < 0.05), including S100a8, S100a9, Il1rl1, Lcn2, C3, Hba-a1, Fcna, and Pnpla3. At the time of tumor generation, there were also changes in the lipid components within the gonadal adipose tissues of young and aged rats, with higher levels of free fatty acids (FFAs) and triglycerides (TGs) in aged rats. Furthermore, the aged TME showed changes in immune cell composition, especially inflammation-related cells, including neutrophils, myeloid dendritic cells, CD4+ T cells (non-regulatory), and mast cell activation (p < 0.05). The correlation between S100a8, S100a9, neutrophil, and omega-5, FFA 18:3 levels was also determined. Additionally, omega-5, which is downregulated in aged rats, inhibited OC cell proliferation in vitro (p < 0.001). Our study suggests that the aged TME promotes OC proliferation resulting from age-related changes in gene/pathway expression, lipid metabolism, and immune cell distribution. Targeting the aging adipose microenvironment, particularly lipid metabolism, is a promising therapeutic strategy for OC and warrants further investigation. Significance: The aging microenvironment contributes to OC development and progression because of changes in the immune response regulatory genes S100a8 and S100a9, secreted by adipocytes, preadipocytes, or neutrophils, and by altering omega-5 metabolism. Full article

In this paper, the effect of soybean isolate protein (SPI) content on the physicochemical properties and oxidative stability of chitosan–sodium tripolyphosphate (CS-STPP)-loaded fish oil capsules was investigated. The SPI/CS-STTP capsules formed after the addition of different amounts of SPI were larger in size and more homogeneous in morphology than the CS-STPP capsules, and the SPI was encapsulated on the surface of the CS matrix, altering the surface properties and morphology of the particles. The study of different CS-to-SPI blend ratios (1:0, 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2) showed that the water content of the microcapsules increased from 49.79% to 53.27–64.99%, the fish oil loading increased from 17.06% to 18.31–24.89%, and the encapsulation rate increased from 89.42% to 93.90–96.14%. In addition, the addition of SPI reduced the maximum peroxide value from 445 to 264 meq/kg oil. In the simulated in vitro digestion experiments, the addition of various amounts of SPI resulted in a significantly lower percentage of final free fatty acid (FFA) release than observed for CS-STPP capsules alone. These changes observed in the properties may be due to structural differences between CS-STPP capsules and SPI/CS-STPP capsules. All the results confirm that the obtained capsules are promising for the development of functional foods and drugs. Full article

Zooplankton such as copepods and krill are currently used to produce marine oil supplements, with the aim of helping consumers achieve the recommended intake of n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFAs). Oils from lower trophic levels differ from fish oil in the distribution of lipids into different classes, and this can influence the bioaccessibility of fatty acids, i.e., the percentage of fatty acids that are released into the intestine in a form that can be absorbed by enterocytes. We evaluated fatty acid release after in vitro digestion in four commercial marine oil supplements containing fish, krill and Calanus finmarchicus oils using two different analytical approaches, TLC-FID and ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. The results clearly indicated that the release of free fatty acids (FFAs) after simulated digestion mainly depends on the oil source and is mainly related to the partitioning of lipids into different classes. In fact, the lowest FFA release was detected in Calanus oils, which contain high amounts of wax esters. The different release of FFAs, which appeared secondarily related to encapsulation, can modulate the absorption and blood concentration of the administered n-3 LC-PUFAs and therefore their efficacy. This may partly explain the inconsistencies in intervention studies using marine oil supplements. Full article

Obesity has emerged as a significant public health crisis, closely linked to the pathogenesis and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This review explores the intricate relationship between obesity-induced lipid metabolism disorders and renal health. We discuss how excessive free fatty acids (FFAs) lead to lipid accumulation in renal tissues, resulting in cellular lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation, ultimately contributing to renal injury. Key molecular mechanisms, including the roles of transcriptional regulators like PPARs and SREBP-1, are examined for their implications in lipid metabolism dysregulation. The review also highlights the impact of glomerular and tubular lipid overload on kidney pathology, emphasizing the roles of podocytes and tubular cells in maintaining kidney function. Various therapeutic strategies targeting lipid metabolism, including pharmacological agents such as statins and SGLT2 inhibitors, as well as lifestyle modifications, are discussed for their potential to mitigate CKD progression in obese individuals. Future research directions are suggested to better understand the mechanisms linking lipid metabolism to kidney disease and to develop personalized therapeutic approaches. Ultimately, addressing obesity-related lipid metabolism disorders may enhance kidney health and improve outcomes for individuals suffering from CKD. Full article

Breast milk is a rich source of fatty acids (FAs) while being irreplaceable for the health and development of an infant. Herein, we present a fast and simple method for the direct detection and quantification of 37 free FAs (FFAs) in breast milk samples, avoiding any derivatization step, and a study on the % variation of FA contents in samples collected from the same mother within five consecutive days. The average breakdown of FAs was 60.5% saturated and 39.5% unsaturated, in which polyunsaturated FAs were 13.3% and monounsaturated FAs 26.2%. The most abundant FFA in the breast milk samples was C12:0 (18.3%), followed by C10:0 (15.0%), suggesting that further attention must be paid to the presence and role of medium-chain FAs. Among unsaturated FAs, oleic acid (C18:1 n-9) (13.3%) and linoleic acid (C18:2 n-6) (10.1%) were the most abundant. Remarkable variations of FFA contents within the five consecutive days were observed for C8:0, C10:0, C12:0, C18:1 n-9, and C18:2 n-6. The two isomers α-linolenic acid (C18:3 n-3) and γ-linolenic acid (C18:3 n-6) were quantified in all breast milk samples. The ratio of γ-linolenic acid, which most recently is important for cardiac metabolic maturation, to α-linolenic acid was found to be 1:2. Most importantly, in the present study, we explored the presence of bioactive saturated monohydroxy fatty acids (SHFAs), demonstrating for the first time the existence of distinct hydroxypalmitic and hydroxystearic acids (HPAs and HSAs, respectively) in breast milk. Full article