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The Properties of Lauric Acid and Their Significance in Coconut Oil
Abstract
The primary fatty acid of coconut oil is lauric acid, which is present at approximately 45–53 %. The metabolic and physiological properties of lauric acid account for many of the properties of coconut oil. Coconut oil is rapidly metabolized because it is easily absorbed and lauric acid is easily transported. Detailed studies have shown that the majority of ingested lauric acid is transported directly to the liver where it is directly converted to energy and other metabolites rather than being stored as fat. Such metabolites include ketone bodies, which can be used by extrahepatic tissues, such as the brain and heart, as an immediate form of energy. Studies on the effect of lauric acid on serum cholesterol are contradictory. Among saturated fatty acids, lauric acid has been shown to contribute the least to fat accumulation. Lauric acid and monolaurin have demonstrably significant antimicrobial activity against gram positive bacteria and a number of fungi and viruses. Today there are many commercial products that use lauric acid and monolaurin as antimicrobial agents. Because of the significant differences in the properties of lauric acid relative to longer chain fatty acids, they are typically differentiated as medium-chain fatty acids covering C6–C12, and long-chain fatty acids covering C14 and longer.
... The formation of an ester bond between lauric acid and glycerol occurs in two isoforms, that is, α-glyceryl laurate and β-glyceryl laurate. However, chemically synthesized α-monolaurin seems to be more active (Dayrit, 2015). It does not have an irritating effect, is nontoxic, and can be used as a food additive or taken as a nutritional supplement daily. ...
... Alternatively, they reduce adhesion and thus the ability of bacteria to adhere to the surface. It is assumed that the antimicrobial activity of GL with different mechanisms of action is determined precisely by its nature, which is described by several works (Churchward et al., 2018;Yoon et al., 2018;2015). GL is incorporated into the cell membrane and causes its damage by solubilizing lipids and phospholipids. ...
... prevents replication, thus preventing the spread of bacteria. In addition, GL stabilizes the human host cell membrane (Dayrit, 2015;Projan et al., 1994). It is proved that GL inhibits the production of exotoxin and other proteins at the level of bacterial DNA. ...
Glyceryl laurate (GL) is a natural or synthetic surfactant with antiviral and antimicrobial activity and is not only effective in common colds or flu, but also against swine flu, herpes simplex, shingles, or chronic fatigue. The study aimed to formulate the GL granules as a semi-product for the compression of tablets and evaluate the influence of the substitution of sucrose laurate (Ryoto ® ) with sucrose ester (Sisterna ® ) in the composition of the granules and the effect of granule size on the quality of the compressed tablets. Four types of granules, varying in grain size and the type of additional surfactant, were prepared by melt granulation. The traditional pharmacopoeia tests were used to assess tablets’ quality. The granule size significantly affected all evaluated parameters: hardness, uniformity of mass, friability, and disintegration. The replacement of sucrose laurate with sucrose ester caused a slight decrease in tablet strength and a shortening of disintegration. However, it did not significantly impact friability and uniformity of mass. For this reason, the excipient, sucrose ester, can be evaluated as an adequate replacement in the composition of GL tablets.
... Fat has a similar significance in plant seeds (Sidorov and Tsydendambaev 2014;Song et al. 2017). Consequently, fatty acids in food are mostly present as triglycerides (Broadhurst 1997;Andrikopoulos 2002;Wood et al. 2008;Dayrit 2015;Cholewski et al. 2018;Zhang et al. 2018). Humans have developed a fat digestion system that makes fatty acids available (Miled et al. 2000;Wang et al. 2022b). ...
... Odorants derivation from membrane lipids, such as phospholipids and galactolipids, are possible (Buseman et al. faction seems hopeless (Fig. 1A). In contrast, we can readily smell some molecules relevant to fat, such as medium-chain fatty acids (Nagao and Yanagita 2010;Dayrit 2015) and certain volatile compounds (e.g., aliphatic aldehydes) (Rizzo 2014;Tsuzuki 2019) generated through the oxidative breakdown of specific long-chain fatty acids (Fig. 1). This review focuses on such odor-active volatile compounds and discusses whether they are clues for the awareness of dietary fats. ...
... Therefore, many studies have been conducted to investigate whether adequate intake of medium-chain fatty acids leads to anti-diabetes, -obesity, -cancer, and -aging effects, among others (Nagao and Yanagita 2010;Drouin-Chartier et al. 2016;McKenzie et al. 2021;Nimbkar et al. 2022). Triglycerides containing medium-chain fatty acid are abundant in edible oils, such as coconut and palm oils (Dayrit 2015;Lima and Block 2019;Rabail et al. 2021), and are found in relatively large amounts in cow milk and dairy products such as cheese and yogurt (García-Ayuso et al. 1999;Jia et al. 2021;Pacheco-Pappenheim et al. 2022). Small amounts of free medium-chain fatty acids have been detected in these foods (Dayrit 2015;German and Dillard 2006;Shiota et al. 2015;Gu et al. 2021). ...
Fat (triglycerides) consumption is critical for the survival of animals, including humans. Being able to smell fat can be advantageous in judging food value. However, fat has poor volatility; thus, olfaction of fat seems impossible. What about fatty acids that comprise fat? Humans smell and discriminate medium-chain fatty acids. However, no conclusive evidence has been provided for the olfactory sense of long-chain fatty acids, including essential acids such as linoleic acid (LA). Instead, humans likely perceive the presence of essential fatty acids through the olfaction of volatile compounds generated by their oxidative breakdown (e.g., hexanal and γ-decalactone). For some people, such scents are pleasing, especially when they come from fruit. Nonetheless, it remains unclear whether the olfaction of these volatiles leads to the recognition of fat per se. Nowadays, people often smell LA-borne aldehydes such as E,E-2,4-decadienal that occur appreciably, for example, from edible oils during deep frying, and are pronely captivated by their characteristic “fatty” note, which can be considered a “pseudo-perception” of fat. However, our preference for such LA-borne aldehyde odors may be a potential cause behind the modern overdose of n-6 fatty acids. This review aims to provide a view of whether and, if any, how we olfactorily perceive dietary fats and raises future purposes related to human fat olfaction, such as investigating sub-olfactory systems for detecting long-chain fatty acids.
... Coconut oil (%) [22] Coconut oil (%) [23] Commercial Minyak Sumbawa (CMS) (%) [ Table 1 shows that the fatty acid composition of the two hot extracted coconut oils [22,23] and the three commercial Minyak Sumbawa [2] are varied. These fatty acids contribute to their antimicrobial properties [24][25][26][27]. Out of the three commercially tested Minyak Sumbawa products, the greatest proportions of fatty acids identified were 27.0 7% lauric acid and 44.07 % linoleic acid. ...
... A study by Nagase et al. [51] also revealed that VCO with 47 % lauric acid showed higher antimicrobial activity against gram-positive bacteria than synthetic lauric acid. This antibacterial effect is also enhanced by other plant materials that can produce essential oils contributing for healing [24]. The results of this antimicrobial activity require further research that can confirm the antimicrobial content responsible. ...
Sumbawa oil or Minyak Sumbawa, is one of Indonesia’s original traditional oils used for more than just external applications and is believed to treat various diseases, from body aches and stomach infections to post-surgery treatment. However, there still needs to be more research that scientifically discusses its medicinal effects. This study evaluates the antimicrobial properties and cytotoxicity of several locally made Minyak Sumbawa in Sumbawa Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Minyak Sumbawa from Batu Lanteh (BTL) showed the highest antimicrobial properties against Salmonella thypi, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus compared to those from Lunyuk (LNK), Pernek (PRN), Taliwang (TLW), Utan (UTN) and from Sumbawa Besar (SBW). In contrast, Minyak Sumbawa from Labuan Badas (BDS) has the highest activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis. Using the BSLT method, all samples showed low toxicity. The result showed that Minyak Sumbawa has various activities against gram-positive and negative bacteria and is safe for consumption overall. Since the oils were made with different recipes, therefore it will affect its chemical constituent. On the other hand, Minyak Sumbawa can be modified accordingly for specific health benefits by adjusting and standardizing the recipe to improve the quality of Indonesian traditional medicine.
... It is believed that lauric acid accounts for most of the physiological and metabolic properties of VCO. However, there is an ongoing argument over the categorization of lauric acid as an MCFA or LCFA (Dayrit, 2015;Sacks, 2020) because the commercial medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) are produced mainly from caprylic acid (C-8) and capric acid (C-10) (Dayrit, 2015), which are absorbed directly into the portal circulation (McCarty & DiNicolantonio, 2016;Sacks, 2020). The metabolism of lauric acid has been shown to behave in two different ways once ingested: It is transported via the portal vein to be utilized by the liver, and via the lymphatic system into the circulatory system (McDonald & Weidman, 1987;McDonald et al., 1980;Sigalet & Martin, 1999;Sigalet et al., 1997). ...
... It is believed that lauric acid accounts for most of the physiological and metabolic properties of VCO. However, there is an ongoing argument over the categorization of lauric acid as an MCFA or LCFA (Dayrit, 2015;Sacks, 2020) because the commercial medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) are produced mainly from caprylic acid (C-8) and capric acid (C-10) (Dayrit, 2015), which are absorbed directly into the portal circulation (McCarty & DiNicolantonio, 2016;Sacks, 2020). The metabolism of lauric acid has been shown to behave in two different ways once ingested: It is transported via the portal vein to be utilized by the liver, and via the lymphatic system into the circulatory system (McDonald & Weidman, 1987;McDonald et al., 1980;Sigalet & Martin, 1999;Sigalet et al., 1997). ...
Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is claimed to have various health benefits, but favorable effects of its major component (∼50%), lauric acid, are controversial. Therefore, we aimed to reduce lauric acid content (∼30%) in VCO and evaluate its effect compared to VCO and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), on food intake, bodyweight (BW), lipid profiles, and hepatic histology. Female C57BL/6 mice were treated with different diets for 3 months: control (normal diet), high-fat diet (HF), HF + VCO, HF + MCT, HF + low lauric acid VCO (LLA), and normal diet + LLA (C + LLA). LLA was prepared by enzymatic interesterification of VCO with methyl octanoate (methyl caprylate) and methyl decanoate (methyl caprate). Plasma and liver lipids, including total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglyceride, were measured by colorimetric assay, and hepatic fat accumulation was examined by oil-red-O staining. HF mice exhibited high plasma and liver TC and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). VCO or MCT treatment lowered liver TC and LDL, whereas LLA increased plasma HDL and markedly improved TC:HDL ratio. The HF-induced hepatic fat accumulation was attenuated by all treatments, of which VCO was the most effective. Control mice administered with LLA demonstrated lower liver TC and LDL, but higher plasma TC and HDL compared to controls. Lowest BW gain and food intake were found in mice treated with LLA. In conclusion, VCO, MCT, and LLA ameliorated hepatic histopathology caused by HF. VCO and MCT improved liver lipid profiles, whereas LLA has more beneficial effect on plasma lipids via a better TC:HDL ratio and showed promise for BW control.
... Lauric acid is a medium-chain FA that can be rapidly digested, absorbed, and metabolized, resulting in reduced accumulation. Therefore, foods rich in lauric acid can represent a nonfattening source of quick energy, which is also associated with a decrease in plasma glucose levels (Dayrit, 2014). Moreover, studies have shown that in addition to a well-known antimicrobial activity, lauric acid induces a reduction in the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is associated with good cardiovascular outcomes in humans (Dayrit, 2014;Mensink et al., 2003). ...
... Therefore, foods rich in lauric acid can represent a nonfattening source of quick energy, which is also associated with a decrease in plasma glucose levels (Dayrit, 2014). Moreover, studies have shown that in addition to a well-known antimicrobial activity, lauric acid induces a reduction in the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is associated with good cardiovascular outcomes in humans (Dayrit, 2014;Mensink et al., 2003). Even when HI-fed fish were examined, the lauric acid content of the sea bream fillets in our study was relatively low. ...
... The antimicrobial potential of fatty acids has been investigated against pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. Lauric acid, the compound with the highest percentage in the fixed oils of A. aculeata and S. cearensis, has been tested against several species of pathogens, including S. aureus and C. albicans [55][56][57][58][59][60]. Nakatsuji et al. [55], indicated that lauric acid has an inhibitory effect on the growth of skin bacteria species, for example, Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis, even at a concentration 15 times lower than the normally used for benzoyl peroxide. ...
... According to Dayrit et al. [57], the antimicrobial activity observed for lauric acid and its byproducts may be related to three mechanisms of action: 1) destruction of the cell membrane of gram-positive bacteria, and lipid-coated viruses; 2) interference in cellular processes, such as signal transduction and transcription; and 3) stabilization of human cell membranes. Consequently, the antibacterial and antifungal activity observed in the present study may be directly associated with the high content of lauric acid present in the fixed oils of A. aculeata and S. cearensis, which possibly acted under synergism with the standard antibiotics used in the test. ...
This study aimed to evaluate the antibiotic effects of the fixed oils of Acrocomia aculeata (FOAA) and Syagrus cearenses (FOSC) against the bacterial strains and the fungi strains of the genus Candida spp. The method of serial microdilution using different concentrations was used for measuring the individual biological activity of the fixed oils. The fixed oil of A. aculeata showed the presence of oleic acid (24.36%), while the oil of S. cearensis displayed the content of myristic acid (18.29%), compounds detected in high concentration. The combination FOAA + Norfloxacin, and FOSC + Norfloxacin showed antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus strains, demonstrating possible synergism and potentiation of the antibiotic action against multidrug-resistant strains. The combination FOAA + Fluconazole displayed a significant effect against Candida albicans (IC50 = 15.54), C. krusei (IC50 = 78.58), and C. tropicalis (IC50 = 1588 μg/mL). Regarding FOSC + Fluconazole, it was also observed their combined effect against the strains of C. albicans (IC50 = 3385 μg/mL), C. krusei (IC50 = 26.67 μg/mL), and C. tropicalis (IC50 = 1164 μg/mL). The findings of this study showed a significant synergism for both fixed oils tested when combined with the antibiotic.
... LAB in VCO extraction carry out a microstructural degradation process on proteins that bind oil, so that the oil will be separated from water [13]. LAB can produce lactic acid which can increase antimicrobial activity and lauric acid content in VCO [30], [31]. LAB also contributes to its distinct smell [32]. ...
p> Virgin coconut oil (VCO) can be produced without heat, without any alteration, requires minimal investments and energy during production, and has been reported to have many health benefits. We produced VCO with the addition of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) sources with combined method of chilling-thawing and fermentation. The LAB sources used were Sumbawa horse milk (SKL) and commercial probiotic milk (SPK). This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) using both LAB sources which were added to coconut milk, respectively 10 ml, 12.5 ml and 15 ml and compared with control or no treatment. LAB were also isolated from blondo and VCO using LAB specific medium, MRSA. The extracted VCO has the characteristics of clear color with a distinctive coconut smell and long shelf-life. Three LAB isolates were obtained, VCO1-3. VCO1 was found in all samples, with colony morphology of circular and entire margin, convex surface, small in size, and white in color. SKL10, SKL15 and SPK10 showed significant difference to the control, with VCO yield of 31.49-33.05 %, significantly higher than that of without LAB treatment. Both LAB sources of single (SPK) and mixed inoculums (SKL) showed higher yields, indicated their potential as starter for VCO extraction.
Keywords - Virgin Coconut Oil, VCO, Chilling-Thawing Extraction, Fermentation Extraction, Cold Pressed Oil, Lactic Acid Bacteria .</p
... Although lauric acid is a saturated fatty acid, it provides various health benefits, such as enhancing the immune system and increasing the elasticity of blood vessels. Furthermore, lauric acid possesses antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antiviral properties and exhibits anticarcinogenic effects [9,33]. Οleic (C18:1 cis n-9) and α-linolenic (C18:3 n-3) acids were the major MUFA and PUFA in all types of examined PBMAs. ...
In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the popularity of plant-based milk alternatives (PBMAs). This work examined the nutritional value, antioxidant profile and physicochemical characteristics of commercial non-cocoa- and cocoa-flavoured PBMAs. The examined products were either nut or oat-based ones. In the absence of protein fortification, the products' protein content was found to be low. Fat content was also low, whereas carbohydrate and sugar contents were related to sugar addition. Oleic, linoleic and α-linolenic acids were the primary unsaturated fatty acids. PBMAs have low Atherogenicity (AI) and Thrombogenicity (TI) indices and high hypocholesterolaemic:hypercholesterolaemic fatty acid ratio (h/H). The antioxidant profile significantly differed (P < 0.001) between non-cocoa- and cocoa-flavoured PBMAs. The antioxidant profile of cocoa-flavoured PMBAs improved due to the polyphenols present in cocoa beans. The physicochemical characteristics of the analysed PBMAs demonstrated great versatility. The nutritional profile of PBMAs also showed considerable variability, influenced by factors, such as product type and ingredient formulation. Additionally, differences in the nutritional composition and physicochemical properties were observed between non-cocoa and cocoa-based PBMAs.
... Lauric acid is biologically active and can be transformed into monolaurin, which has antiviral, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal properties (Lieberman et al., 2006). It has also been used to treat severe antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections (Dayrit, 2015). Oleic acid activates lipid metabolism, restores the skin barrier, and helps retain moisture in the stratum corneum (Feingold and Elias, 2014). ...
Objective: Larvae of Hermitia illucens , or black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), have been recognized for their high lipid yield with a remarkable fatty acid profile. BSFL oil (SFO) offers the added value of a low environmental footprint and a sustainable product. In this study, the characteristics and cosmetic-related activities of SFO were investigated and compared with rice bran oil, olive oil and krill oil which are commonly used in cosmetics and supplements.
Methods: The physicochemical characteristics were determined including acid value, saponification value, unsaponifiable matter and water content of SFO. The fatty acid composition was determined using GC-MS equipped with TR-FAME. The in vitro antioxidant properties were determined using DPPH, FRAP and lipid peroxidation inhibition assays. Antihyaluronidase (anti-HAase) activity was measured by detecting enzyme activity and molecular docking of candidate compounds toward the HAase enzyme. The safety assessment towards normal human cells was determined using the MTT assay and the UVB protection upon UVB-irradiated fibroblasts was determined using the DCF-DA assay. The whitening effect of SFO was determined using melanin content inhibition.
Results: SFO contains more than 60% polyunsaturated fatty acids followed by saturated fatty acids (up to 37%). The most abundant component found in SFO was linoleic acid (C18:2 n-6 cis). Multiple anti-oxidant mechanisms of SFO were discovered. In addition, SFO and krill oil prevented hyaluronic acid (HA) degradation via strong HAase inhibition comparable with the positive control, oleanolic acid. The molecular docking confirmed the binding interactions and molecular recognition of major free fatty acids toward HAase. Furthermore, SFO exhibited no cytotoxicity on primary human skin fibroblasts, HaCaT keratinocytes and PBMCs (IC 50 values > 200 μg/mL). SFO possessed significant in-situ anti-oxidant activity in UVB-irradiated fibroblasts and the melanin inhibition activity as effective as well-known anti-pigmenting compounds (kojic acid and arbutin, p < 0.05).
Conclusion: This study provides scientific support for various aspects of SFO. SFO can be considered an alternative oil ingredient in cosmetic products with potential implications for anti-skin aging, whitening and UVB protection properties, making it a potential candidate oil in the cosmetic industry.
... These results demonstrated that the presence of chitin in the diets did not adversely affect the growth rate of Danio rerio specimens. The results obtained could be explained by the increased availability of medium chain SFA and, in particular, of lauric acid; in fact, it is known that medium chain FAs (C8-C12) are absorbed, digested and oxidized quickly, thus representing a readily available source of energy (Dayrit, 2015). ...
... This influence is because there are compounds contained in the ethyl acetate extract of gotu kola herbs, namely alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, triterpenoids, and saponins. While in VCO besides there are various types of fatty acids, especially medium chain fatty acids (MCT) are also rich in phenolic compounds and phytosterols 5, [18][19][20] . Phytosterols can provide effects as anti-inflammatory and medium-chain fatty acids, especially lauric acid, are easily absorbed, have the potential to accelerate cell metabolism, and have antiinflammatory activity 5 . ...
Burns result from exposure to heat sources like fire, chemicals, or radiation and can lead to tissue loss or damage. Traditional healing of burns often involves using herbal remedies like gotu kola and coconut, typically oil extracts. This study aims to identify the healing effects of burns by administering a combination of ethyl acetate extract of gotu kola herb and virgin coconut oil (VCO) to mice. The mice were divided into 7 groups, namely negative control (K(-)) was given tween 20; positive control (K(+)): burn topical medicine on the market, P1: 10% Ethylacetate extract in tween 20; P2: VCO; P3: Ethyl acetate extract 10% and VCO 50% in tween 20; P4: 5% Ethyl acetate extract in VCO; P5: extract 10% Ethyl acetate in VCO and treated for 21 consecutive days with a frequency of twice a day. The results showed that the combination of 10% ethyl acetate extract of gotu kola herb in VCO exhibited the highest healing activity for burns, comparable to the positive control (K(+)) topical medicine on the market. The higher the extract concentration and VCO, the better the healing activity of burns.
... The solvent's physical properties, including its low viscosity and high potential for enhancing the solubility of hydrophobic active pharmaceutical ingredients, make it an attractive alternative to traditional solvents. Lauric acid, as a fatty acid, has been known to possess antimicrobial properties and has been used in various applications such as a natural preservative and skincare products [24], while menthol is used for pain relief and minor muscle and joint pain [25]. Lauric acid and menthol are inexpensive compounds with a long shelf life; they are non-toxic and safe to handle. ...
Due to their appealing physiochemical properties, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry , deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and ionic liquids (ILs) are utilized in various research fields and industries. The presented research analyzes the thermodynamic properties of a deep eutectic solvent created from natural molecules, menthol and lauric acid in a 2:1 molar ratio, and an ionic liquid based on two active pharmaceutical ingredients, benzocainium ibuprofenate. Initially, the low solubility of benzocainium ibuprofenate in water was observed, and a hydrophobic natural deep eutectic mixture of menthol:lauric acid in a 2:1 ratio was prepared to improve benzocainium ibuprofenate solubility. In order to determine the solvent properties of DESs and ILs mixtures at different temperatures and their molecular interactions to enhance the solvent performance, the apparent molar volume, limiting apparent molar expansibility, and viscosity B coefficient were estimated in temperature range from 293.15 K to 313.15 K and varying concentration of benzocainium ibuprofenate.
... Virgin coconut oil, the newest high-value product, is obtained directly from meat of fresh coconut. The latter is manufactured from dried coconut meat and undergoes refining process to make the oil edible (Carandang, 2008;Marina et al., 2009;Shankar et al., 2013;Dayrit, 2015;Kappally et al., 2015). Snacks that give a feeling of satiety are an important part of the diet. ...
Coconut oil has become popular as functional food as the consumer awareness is increasing. Snacks are preferred due to many health benefits. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of the use of honey and coconut oil on the antioxidant, physicochemical and sensory properties of snack pastes. Snack paste containing honey-coconut oil (1:0) was coded Type A, containing honey-coconut oil (1:1) was coded Type B and containing honey-coconut oil (0:1) was coded Type C. This study was observed that there were no significant differences with respect to total phenolic content among snack pastes (P >0.05). Although the difference between A and B samples was statistically insignificant with respect to pH values (P >0.05), there were significant differences among snack pastes with respect to water activity and titratable acidity (P <0.05). It was concluded that snack paste containing coconut oil can be used as an alternative to snack paste containing honey.
... Despite the observed decrease as we increased replacement levels, the other abundant SFA was lauric acid (12:0). Lauric acid is known to have antimicrobial activity, demonstrated against gram positive bacteria and several fungi and viruses [53]. In fact, one of the reasons Hermetia illucens gained interest as a novel feed ingredient was precisely due to its high content in lauric acid, which can contribute to animal health, and has the potential to be used as a tool to reduce the use of antibiotics [54]. ...
Olive oil is one of the most important agricultural products in Mediterranean areas, and currently the European Union is the largest producer. Due to technological innovations, Portugal has become one of the main olive oil producing countries over the last few years, accompanied by large amounts of olive oil pomace (OOP), the most representative residue of the olive oil extraction process. This is causing serious waste management problems since current management solutions also present environmental impacts. Here we explored the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) potential to biotransform OOP into valuable insect meals by feeding them OOP-based diets as substrates. Results show that despite survival rates not being affected by higher replacement (75% and 50%) levels of OOP, there was an increase in larval instar duration. Substrate reduction was significantly lower for higher replacement levels but was not affected up to the 50% replacement level. Feed conversion rate differed among all the treatments, increasing as the replacement level increased, while bioconversion rate, which also differed among all the treatments, decreased as replacement level increased. Differences in larval protein content were only seen at higher replacement levels (75%), with an increase in protein content for replacements of up to 25%. One of the most striking results was the change in fatty acid profile, which became more abundant in monounsaturated fatty acids (mostly oleic acid) as the olive pomace replacement levels increased in comparison with the control substrate, rich in saturated fatty acids (palmitic acid). These results show that BSF can be an effective OOP bioconversion agent, and resulting insect meals can be used as alternatives to currently available saturated fatty acid insect meals.
... In the current study, the presence of a higher percentage of Vibrionaceae in the treatments where IM was introduced suggests that inflammation could have occurred in the future. On the other hand, it is known that the IM fatty acid composition is usually rich in saturated fatty acids, namely, lauric acid, which protects gut health due to its intestinal antiinflammatory, antibacterial [47,[50][51][52][53], and antiviral properties [50,[54][55][56]. In perch, Tran et al. [57] observed a reduction of Lactobacillus (p = 0:04) and Streptococcus in the fish gut when Table 4: Pancreatic and intestinal digestive enzyme specific activities on the intestine of meagre juvenile fed three diets with different incorporations of insect meal (IM). ...
Efforts have been made to find alternatives to fish meal (FM), as the sustainability of aquaculture depends on it. Insect meal (IM) is a potential candidate to partially replace FM, being more sustainable and economically viable. In this experimental trial, three diets were tested with different yellow mealworm incorporation: a control diet with no IM, a diet with an inclusion of 10% IM (Ins10), and a diet with an incorporation of 20% IM (Ins20). The diets were tested on 10.5 g meagre for 47 days. The results showed that an IM inclusion higher than 10% affected both growth (2.6 vs. 2.2) and FCR (1.5 vs. 1.9) of meagre juveniles. However, this reduction in growth did not result from lower protein retention or changes in muscle fibre area or density. Little differences were observed in the activity of pancreatic and intestinal enzymes except for aminopeptidase total activity which was higher in the control and Ins10 compared to Ins20 (3847 vs. 3540 mU/mg protein), suggesting no limitations in protein synthesis. Also, the alkaline phosphatase intestinal maturation index was higher in the control group compared to the IM groups (437 vs. 296). On the contrary, several differences were also found in the proteolytic activity in the hepatic and muscle tissues of meagre juveniles fed the Ins10 diet. The inclusion of IM had no impact on intestine histomorphology but changes were detected in the enterocytes of fish from control and Ins10 which showed hypervacuolization and nucleus misplacement compared to the Ins20 treatment. Nevertheless, a higher percentage of Vibrionaceae was recorded for meagre fed on the Ins20 diet. Since no signs of inflammation were observed in the distal intestine, this suggests IM incorporation could have had an important impact on intestinal health due to its antimicrobial properties. This is supported by an increase in the haematocrit in the treatments where IM was added (20 to 25%). In conclusion, incorporations of IM at percentages up to 10% do not seem to have a negative impact on meagre performance at this age but can enhance the fish immune system and protection against intestinal inflammation.
... The previous experiment that investigated isolation of lauric acid from crude coconut oil presented that 5% concentration of lauric acid could inhibit the growth of all tested bacteria (S. aureus, B. cereus, Salmonella thypimurium and E. coli) (Nitbani et al., 2016). Moreover, it was found that lauric acid had demonstrable significant antimicrobial activities against gram positive bacteria and a number of fungi and viruses (Dayrit, 2015). Lauric acid was also evaluated for its antimicrobial property against bacterial skin infection caused by Propionibacterium acnes, S. aureus and S. epidermidis. ...
No previous study in the discipline or topics relating to community-based tourism has shown a management-oriented approach through the lens of a balanced scorecard (BSC). This paper contributes to this gap and considers the question: What is the relevant focus of each perspective in the BSC structure? Overall, the BSC has four perspectives considered, namely the growth-oriented perspective, the internal business process perspective, the customer perspective and the sustainability perspective. Structural equation modeling (SEM) fits provide empirical support for the BSC framework. The simplicity of the BSC structure provides a simple concept in guiding the communities to design and implement a business model, which forms the theory of the business. This study deploys a case research design based on a questionnaire-based survey instrument. The case communities share similar ethnic backgrounds and ecological resources and landscapes. Numerous aspects of implications are also discussed and presented in this article.
... The previous experiment that investigated isolation of lauric acid from crude coconut oil presented that 5% concentration of lauric acid could inhibit the growth of all tested bacteria (S. aureus, B. cereus, Salmonella thypimurium and E. coli) (Nitbani et al., 2016). Moreover, it was found that lauric acid had demonstrable significant antimicrobial activities against gram positive bacteria and a number of fungi and viruses (Dayrit, 2015). Lauric acid was also evaluated for its antimicrobial property against bacterial skin infection caused by Propionibacterium acnes, S. aureus and S. epidermidis. ...
This research treats the community as a brand and adapts the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) concept in consumer behavior to suggest how communities can chart their marketing, marketing communications and brand strategies forward. Three layers of the SOR form the basis of the contribution. While the first layer describes how the CBT stimuli lead to the formation of tourist perceived value, which further induces tourists to engage in learning, the second layer involves how the stimuli, in particular the destination personality and tour guide roles, play in establishing the identity-fit linkage between the tourists and the CBT experiences. The third layer involves combining the previous two layers of brand efforts in impacting tourist satisfaction and influencing brand ambassadorship. The data were collected based on a convenience-based sampling method, which involved tourists who participated in the CBT to the communities located in Chiang Rai that offer coffee and tea-based agritourism and CBT experiences.
... In the present study, oral MCT was used and found effective in reducing the intensity of cough, weakness, body pain and sore throat in COVID 19 patients. Also Dayrit investigated the in-vitro antiviral effects of lauric acid and its derivatives which consist of 50% of coconut oil and finally they suggested it as a safe and effective treatment for COVID-19 patients in the acute phase of the disease (26). The results of this study are consistent with the findings of the Angeles-Agdeppa et al study in Philippines. ...
Background: The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), as a global concern, has affected different economic and social aspects, as well as health costs in various communities. Finding effective and available treatment is an urgent need. A recent study has demonstrated that the ketogenic diet (KD) activates innate immunity and has a protective property against virus infection. Accordingly, we conducted this study to find the effect of oral medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) on COVID-19 and its clinical manifestations. Methods: This was a randomized clinical trial on 195 patients clinically suspected of COVID-19 referred to infectious disease clinics of Kerman. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups. The Control group received standard supportive treatment, the recommendation for carbohydrate avoiding and diet modification. Patients in the intervention group received all mentioned recommendations beside MCT oil. Patients` clinical symptoms, including body temperature, respiratory rate, body pain, and dyspnea, were recorded in a checklist and analyzed. Results: The mean age of patients was 37.78±12.42 years in the intervention group and 40.81±13.23 years in controls (P=0.231). The patients in the intervention group had lower duration of weakness (P=0.004), body pain (P=0.004), dyspnea (P=0.004), gastrointestinal manifestations (P<0.001), sore throat (P<0.001), increased respiratory rate (P<0.001), and high intensity of cough (P=0.002). Indeed, weakness, cough frequency, sore throat, and gastrointestinal complications were significantly lower in the females of the intervention group (P=0.006, P=0.030, P=0.005, and P=0.001, respectively). In contrast, in the males of the intervention group, manifestations such as respiratory rates, dyspnea, cough intensity, and sore throat were significantly lower than those in the control group. Conclusion: Administration of MCT in outpatients suspected of COVID-19 alleviated clinical symptoms such as increased respiratory rate, cough intensity, dyspnea, body pain, and gastrointestinal symptoms and helps them overcome the probable disease morbidity.
... Subsequently, the emergence of antimicrobial resistance had become a frequent issue for practitioners therefore, researchers had significantly attracted attention to exploring novel antimicrobial compounds utilizing natural products of plant origin [12]. Nowadays, many herbs derived ingredients are being used as antiseptics, such as Cocos nucifera or "Virgin Coconut Oil'' (VCO) which can be exceptionally advantageous, as it possessed antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, antifungal, and antiprotozoal characteristics towards a broad range of microorganisms [13,14]. VCO is different from most other dietary oils because the predominant composition is a medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA), whereas, in the majority of other oils, the basic building blocks are almost entirely long-chain fatty acids [15]. ...
Background/objective:
Disinfection of a 3D-printed surgical guide is of utmost importance as it comes into contact with hard and soft tissue during implant placement so it poses a potential risk of pathogenic transmission. Methods used for disinfection in the surgical field should be reliable, practical, and safe for the instruments and the patients. The objectives of this study were to compare the antimicrobial potential of 100% Virgin Coconut Oil, 2% Glutaraldehyde, and 70% Ethyl Alcohol used to decontaminate 3D-printed surgical guides.
Materials and methods:
Thirty identical surgical guides were printed and cut into two halves (N = 60). Both halves were then contaminated with a defined amount of human saliva samples (2 ml). The first half (n = 30) was sub-grouped into three study groups which were immersed in one of the three disinfectants for 20 min as follows; group VCO was immersed in 100% Virgin Coconut Oil, group GA was immersed in 2% Glutaraldehyde, and group EA was immersed in 70% Ethyl Alcohol. The second half (n* = 30) was sub-grouped into three control groups which were immersed in sterile distilled water as follows group VCO*, group GA*, and group EA*. The microbial count was expressed as colony-forming units per plate and the comparison of the antimicrobial potential of the three tested disinfectants between the three study and three control groups was done using the One-Way ANOVA test.
Results:
The culture results of three study groups revealed no bacterial growth with the highest % of reduction in the mean microbial count of the oral microorganisms (about100%) and an uncountable bacterial growth was shown between the three control groups (more than 100 CFU/plate) representing the baseline of the oral microorganisms. Therefore; statistically significant differences were found between the three control and three study groups (P < .001).
Conclusion:
The antimicrobial potential of Virgin Coconut Oil was comparable and equivalent to Glutaraldehyde and Ethyl Alcohol with a significant inhibitory action against oral pathogens.
... Они временно увеличивают жиросжигание, уменьшают аппетит и не откладываются в виде жира, а сразу перерабатываются в энергию. [11,12,13,14,15,16] ...
В статье рассмотрены основные свойства кокосового молока и его воздействие на организм человека. Проведен систематический обзор современной специализированной литературы и актуальных научных данных. Указан химический состав и пищевая ценность продукта, рассмотрено использование кокосового молока в различных видах медицины и эффективность его применения при различных заболеваниях. Отдельно проанализированы потенциально неблагоприятные эффекты кокосового молока на организм человека при определенных медицинских состояниях и заболеваниях. Расширенная HTML версия статьи приведена на сайте edaplus.info.
... Unfortunately, lauric acid (C12) was not analyzed in the bodies of the catfish fed the diets containing BSFL frass but lauric acid is characteristically high in BSFL meal and oil and a potential contributor to heath improvements in fish (Kumar et al., 2021). Considering lauric acid has anti-microbial and anti-viral properties (Dayrit, 2015), further research on any contribution of BSFL frass could have to fish nutrition could be explored. ...
In aquaponic systems, adding supplemental nutrients to enhance plant production is common. Frass, which is the manure of insects, can be used to enhance fish and plant production, but no study has yet examined the potential to enhance both using a dietary approach in an aquaponic system. In this 8-week study, channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) juveniles were fed diets with, or without, 10% black solider fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) frass in an aquaponic system. Each aquaponic system had two different plant bed types; floating raft or media. Each plant bed consisted of three stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) and three lavender (Lavaridula angustifolia) plants in a 2 × 2 factorial design, with the main effects of dietary frass inclusion and media type. After 8 weeks, channel catfish grew significantly faster when fed a diet containing 10% BSFL frass compared to fish fed the control diet. Further, dietary frass upregulated the hepatic expression of IGFβ, IGF-1 and GHR as well as reduced intestinal inflammation based on histological observations. The muscle proximate composition of channel catfish was unaffected by diet, while only taurine was significantly reduced by dietary frass. Muscle calcium and phosphorus as well as C14:0 and C15:0 were significantly elevated by dietary frass. For plants, both stevia and lavender had significantly more biomass when frass was added to the system, while plants grown in media beds were larger than plants grown in a floating raft subsystem. Frass significantly increased phosphorus in both stevia and lavender at week 8. The higher water calcium, magnesium, and nitrate levels may have allowed for better plant growth as these are essential nutrients. The significant increase of catfish growth was likely due to the upregulation of genes responsible for growth, mitigating intestinal inflammation, and significantly enhancing diet intake. Thus, it may be recommended that feeding catfish with BSFL frass and culturing stevia and lavender in media beds can substantially improve overall productivity.
... It differs in composition from other oils because of the high content of small and medium-chain fatty acids especially a rich source of lauric acid which contains 92% saturated fatty acids being the main constituent. Hence, Lauric acid has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties [36] . in the chemical analysis, we got different fatty acid chains (long-chainC14-C24 and very-long-chain C24) that have little antimicrobial activity, especially against (gram-positive), and have fewer activities when compared to (short and medium) chains that have antimicrobial activity. this is proved by Huang et al 2010, [37] . ...
... Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) are a group of saturated fatty acids with 8 to 12 carbons, which naturally occur in coconut oil, palmetto oil, camphor seed oil and breast milk in the form of triglycerides (Dayrit, 2015;Batovska et al., 2009;Zhao et al., 2020;Liu et al., 2020d). Medium-chain monoglycerides (MG) are the 1monoglycerides of MCFA, including glycerol monocaprylin (GMC, C8:0), glycerol monodecanoate (GMD, C10:0) and glycerol monolaurate (GML, C12:0) (Liu et al., 2021b;Jackman et al., 2020). ...
Medium-chain monoglycerides (MG) have been reported to affect the productive performance, gut microbiota and health of broiler chickens reared in ideal experimental conditions at home and abroad. However, the effects of MG on performance, intestinal development and gut microbiota of chickens in large-scale farms during different feed stages remain unknown. The present study was conducted on a modern farm with a total of 12,000 yellow feathered broiler chicks that were randomly allotted to 2 groups (1000 chicks/replicate, 6 replicates/group) for a 70-day trial. The control group (CON group) received a basal diet, and the treated group (MG group) was fed a basal diet containing 300 mg/kg mixed MG. The results revealed that dietary MG significantly (P < 0.05) increased the body weight and average feed intake, but notably reduced the feed conversion and mortality of chickens in large-scale production during the starter phase. The villus height of the duodenum in the MG group at 1, 2 and 7 wk of age increased notably, and the villus height to crypt depth ratio at 1, 2, 5 and 10 wk of age was improved. Dietary MG decreased the serum insulin content of chickens at 5, 7 and 10 wk of age, and decreased the serum lipopolysaccharide at 3 and 7 wk of age. The triglyceride level of chickens at 3, 5 and 10 wk of age and the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level of chickens at 7 and 10 wk of age in the MG group decreased notably, while the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased significantly. Moreover, MG supplementation selectively increased the relative abundance of genus Bacteroides (family Bacteroidaceae) and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, but decreased the content of genus Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Collinsella and family Barnesiellaceae in the cecum of chickens at 3, 7 and 10 wk of age. Conclusively, these findings showed that dietary MG notably enhanced chicken performance, health and feed nutrient utilization at early ages by regulating gut microbiota, intestinal development and serum biochemical indices.
... PA by itself was found to inhibit MTB in this study. Previously, PA was reported to bind with the Rv3249c and Rv1816 transmembrane proteins of MTB that further hindered the MTB Mmpl protein expression 38 . DA, otherwise called lauric acid, is present abundantly in coconut oil along with PA 39 . ...
Background & objectives:
Drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) jeopardizes the treatment process with poor outcomes. Efflux pumps (EPs) belonging to the ABC transporter family in Mycobacterium tuberculosis confer resistance to rifampicin (RMP) besides genetic mutations thus serving as a target for a potential adjunct therapeutic inhibitory molecule. Rv1218c is one such pump that was previously reported to be active in multidrug-resistant TB clinical isolates.
Methods:
In this study, the inhibition potential of Rv1218c-EP was tested on 8 molecules that were shortlisted by in silico methods. These molecules were subjected to the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination, checkerboard drug combination assay, ethidium bromide-DNA binding assay, and in vitro and ex vivo cytotoxicity assay.
Results:
Based on the outcome of the study, two molecules dodecanoic acid (DA) and palmitic acid (PA) were found to be potential enough to decrease the MIC of RMP by 8 to 1000 folds against multidrug-resistant clinical isolates and Rv1218c expressing recombinant Mycobacterium smegmatis.
Interpretation & conclusions:
These molecules were also found to reduce the time taken by RMP to kill these drug-resistant Mycobacteria to 48 h, unlike control isolates that survived more than 240 h of RMP exposure. The functional concentration of both molecules was non-toxic to the epithelial and blood mononuclear cells. With further comprehensive scientific validation, PA and DA could be recommended as adjunct therapeutic molecules with first-line anti-TB drugs to treat drug-resistant TB.
... [40]. For example, in oils such as coconut and palm oil, lauric acid (LA), a mediumchain saturated FA is present in high amounts and has been reported to have a cholesterolraising effect, increasing both total cholesterol levels and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol [41]. However, it is also reported that LA increases the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and may decrease the total cholesterol to HDL-C ratio [16], both of which are beneficial for cardiovascular health [42]. ...
Aside from their bioremediation roles, little is known about the food and feed value of earthworms. In this study, a comprehensive evaluation of the nutritional composition (proximate analysis and profiles of fatty acids and minerals) and techno-functional properties (foaming and emulsion stability and capacity) of earthworm (Eisenia andrei, sourced in New Zealand) powder (EAP) were investigated. Lipid nutritional indices, ω6/ω3, atherogenicity index, thrombogenicity index, hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic acid ratio, and health-promoting index of EAP lipids are also reported. The protein, fat, and carbohydrate contents of EAP were found to be 53.75%, 19.30%, and 23.26% DW, respectively. The mineral profile obtained for the EAP consisted of 11 essential minerals, 23 non-essential minerals, and 4 heavy metals. The most abundant essential minerals were potassium (8220 mg·kg−1 DW), phosphorus (8220 mg·kg−1 DW), magnesium (744.7 mg·kg−1 DW), calcium (2396.7 mg·kg−1 DW), iron (244.7 mg·kg−1 DW), and manganese (25.6 mg·kg−1 DW). Toxic metals such as vanadium (0.2 mg·kg−1 DW), lead (0.2 mg·kg−1 DW), cadmium (2.2 mg·kg−1 DW), and arsenic (2.3 mg·kg−1 DW) were found in EAP, which pose safety considerations. Lauric acid (20.3% FA), myristoleic acid (11.20% FA), and linoleic acid (7.96% FA) were the most abundant saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, respectively. The lipid nutritional indices, such as IT and ω-6/ω-3, of E. andrei were within limits considered to enhance human health. A protein extract derived from EAP (EAPPE), obtained by alkaline solubilisation and pH precipitation, exhibited an isoelectric pH of ~5. The total essential amino acid content and essential amino acid index of EAPPE were 373.3 mg·g−1 and 1.36 mg·g−1 protein, respectively. Techno-functional analysis of EAPPE indicated a high foaming capacity (83.3%) and emulsion stability (88.8% after 60 min). Heat coagulation of EAPPE was greater at pH 7.0 (12.6%) compared with pH 5.0 (4.83%), corroborating the pH-solubility profile and relatively high surface hydrophobicity (1061.0). These findings demonstrate the potential of EAP and EAPPE as nutrient-rich and functional ingredients suitable as alternative food and feed material. The presence of heavy metals, however, should be carefully considered.
... Dodecanoic acid (also known as lauric acid), myristic acid, and stearic acid as three serum saturated fatty acids that were changed by cold water administration in this study (Table 1). Dodecanoic acid has shown antimicrobial activities, including bacteria, yeast, fungi, and virus in in-vitro studies (Hornung et al., 1994, Dayrit, 2015. The plasma level of myristic acid was reported to strongly correlated with triglyceride concentration (Speziali et al., 2016), and plasma phospholipid stearic acid concentrations are strongly positively correlated with plasma total cholesterol, LDLcholesterol, and triacylglycerol concentrations regardless of the intake of saturated fat (Li, 2001). ...
The diet temperature could potentially affect health outcomes. Our study designed the experiment using a mouse model to explore the effect of the drinking water temperature on physiological states. The results indicated that the administration of drinking water at two different temperatures (4℃ representing the cold water and 45℃ representing the warm water) did not significantly affect the food/water intake and body weight but altered serum metabolomics and fecal microbiome. Compared to the control (23℃), the administration of cold water and warm water were both found to affect the pyrimidine metabolism, as evidenced by the decreasing in serum metabolites of Uridine, Cytidine, Deoxyuridine, Dihydrothymine. Moreover, cold water altered fatty acid biosynthesis while warm water affected the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) which was involved in carbohydrate metabolism. Regarding the gut microbiome, cold water and warm water both could increase the gut microbiome richness and diversity, reduce the F/B ratio, and promote the population of Bifidobacterium when compare to the control group. Meanwhile, cold water additionally increased the abundances of Alistipes , Acinetobacter , and Pseudochrobactrum while the warm water administration reduced the richness Alcaligenes , Coprococcus , Planctomyces , and Polaribacter . Our findings demonstrated that both cold and warm drinking water temperatures appear to alter pyrimidine metabolism and exhibit potential health benefits by increasing bacteria richness and diversity of gut microbiome, in particular the beneficial bacteria Bifidobacterium . Additionally, cold water administration was relevant to fatty acid metabolism while warm water could affect carbohydrate metabolism.
... The foods that naturally contain the most triglyceride forms of medium chain fatty acids are palm oil, coconut oil, and butter [7,9,10]. Among them, it was determined that the MCFA ratio in coconut oil constitutes approximately 57%-58% of the total fatty acids (C8, C10, and C12 ratios are 6.38%, 5.56%, and 45.46%, respectively) and the rate of MCFA in palm oil was between 52% and 53% (C8, C10, and C12 ratios were 3.43%, 3.23, and 46.14%, respectively) [11,12,13]. ...
In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of the addition of free capric (decanoic, C10:0) and lauric (dodecanoic, C12:0) acids and coconut (Cocos nucifera) oil to the broiler diets on performance, carcass yield, internal organ weights and some blood parameters. A total of 144 day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were used in the study, and four main groups were formed with four subgroups containing equal number of chicks. The control (C) group was fed with basal diet without any supplementation and the experimental groups were fed with 0.4% free capric acid (CA)-, lauric acid (LA)-, and coconut oil (CO)-supplemented basal diets and feeding was continued for 42 days. At the end of the process, the total average live weight (LW) of C, CA, LA, and CO groups reached 3048.63, 3009.88, 3052.13, and 3060.71 g, respectively. Moreover, average live weight gains (LWG) of groups were 3004.34, 2965.53, 3007.84, and 3015.82 g; average feed intakes (FI) were 4427.34, 4405.15, 4353.89, and 4375.54 g, and feed efficiency (FE) were 1.48, 1.50, 1.46, and 1.46. Average LW, LWG, FI, and FE values were similar at the end of the experiment (p > 0.05). From the carcass parameters, relative carcass rates and also carcass, bursa of Fabricius, pancreas, spleen, and gizzard weights were similar between the groups (p > 0.05). However, there were statistically significant changes in heart and liver weights between the groups; they were the lowest in the CA group and the highest in the LA group. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of serum biochemical parameters (p > 0.05). However, there were significant differences between the groups in terms of serum CK, Ca, and P values, and these values were the highest in the group fed with coconut oil. In conclusion, it is possible to state that the use of free capric acid, lauric acid, and coconut oil at the rate of 0.4% did not cause any significant difference in broiler performance, carcass, and serum biochemical parameters, but also no adverse effects were observed. It has been shown that feeding with coconut oil can significantly increase dissolved calcium and phosphorus in serum and affect their metabolism in the body and can also be an important antioxidant food additive for broiler with its effect of increasing the total antioxidant status (TAS) value.
... Reportedly, many fatty acids exhibit antimicrobial activity in a selective manner [7,28,51]. On the one hand, fatty acids inhibit Gram-positive bacteria [7,10,12]. On the other hand, fatty acids are metabolized in bacteria to maintain lipid homeostasis as well as for use as carbon and energy sources [18,23]. Therefore, EHEC cells might utilize fatty acids to enhance cellular growth during the exponential and early stationary growth phases. ...
Microbial biofilms are resilient, immune-evasive, and often antibiotic-resistant health challenges, and increasingly the target for research into novel therapeutic strategies. We evaluated the effects of a nutraceutical enzyme and botanical blend (NEBB) on established biofilm. Five microbial strains with known implications in chronic human illnesses were tested: Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus simulans (coagulase-negative, penicillin-resistant), Borrelia burgdorferi, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The strains were allowed to form biofilm in vitro. Biofilm cultures were treated with NEBB containing enzymes targeted at lipids, proteins, and sugars, also containing the mucolytic compound N-acetyl cysteine, along with antimicrobial extracts from cranberry, berberine, rosemary, and peppermint. The post-treatment biofilm mass was evaluated by crystal-violet staining, and metabolic activity was measured using the MTT assay. Average biofilm mass and metabolic activity for NEBB-treated biofilms were compared to the average of untreated control cultures. Treatment of established biofilm with NEBB resulted in biofilm-disruption, involving significant reductions in biofilm mass and metabolic activity for Candida and both Staphylococcus species. For B. burgdorferi, we observed reduced biofilm mass, but the remaining residual biofilm showed a mild increase in metabolic activity, suggesting a shift from metabolically quiescent, treatment-resistant persister forms of B. burgdorferi to a more active form, potentially more recognizable by the host immune system. For P. aeruginosa, low doses of NEBB significantly reduced biofilm mass and metabolic activity while higher doses of NEBB increased biofilm mass and metabolic activity. The results suggest that targeted nutraceutical support may help disrupt biofilm communities, offering new facets for integrative combinational treatment strategies.
... Interestingly, lauric acid also inhibited PFOR. Generally, lauric acid disrupts the cell membrane of Gram-positive bacteria through physicochemical processes, thus exerting effective antimicrobiological activities against various bacteria (29,30). Moreover, lauric acid inhibits biofilm formation and reduces spore outgrowth of C. difficile (30). ...
Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) causes severe diarrhea and colitis, leading to significant morbidity, mortality, and high medical costs worldwide. Oral vancomycin, a first-line treatment for CDI, is associated with a high risk of recurrence, necessitating novel therapies for primary and recurrent CDI. A novel small-molecule compound, CDBN-YGXZ, was synthesized by modifying the benzene ring of nitazoxanide with lauric acid. The mechanism of action of CDBN-YGXZ was validated using a pyruvate:ferredoxin/flavodoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR) inhibition assay. The efficacy of CDBN-YGXZ was evaluated using the MIC test and CDI infection model in mice and hamsters. Furthermore, metagenomics was used to reveal the underlying reasons for the effective reduction or prevention of CDI after CDBN-YGXZ treatment. The inhibitory activity against PFOR induced by CDBN-YGXZ. MIC tests showed that the in vitro activity of CDBN-YGXZ against C. difficile ranging from 0.1 to 1.5 μg/mL. In the mouse and hamster CDI models, CDBN-YGXZ provided protection during both treatment and relapse, while vancomycin treatment resulted in severe relapse and significant clinical scores. Compared with global effects on the indigenous gut microbiota induced by vancomycin, CDBN-YGXZ treatment had a mild influence on gut microbes, thus resulting in the disappearance or reduction of CDI recurrence. CDBN-YGXZ displayed potent activity against C. difficile in vitro and in vivo, reducing or preventing relapse in infected animals, which could merit further development as a potential drug candidate for treating CDI.
... The antimicrobial capacity of BSFL is due to its high concentration of lauric acid [14]. The mechanisms of lauric acid antimicrobial processes are still being studied, but three have been described: 1) destruction of the cell membrane of gram-positive bacteria and lipid-coated viruses by physicochemical processes, 2) interference with cellular processes, such as signal transduction and transcription, and 3) destabilization of cell membranes [175], through inhibition of the enzyme MurA [176]. Very few in vivo investigations have been performed in animals to study the antimicrobial property of BSFL. ...
Insects have been proposed as an alternative source of nutrients to conventional foods, mainly protein sources because they have excellent nutritional quality and are sustainable. However, there are multiple barriers to mass consumption of insects, primarily the rejection and neophobia they provoke in individuals from Western cultures. Several studies have indicated that the acceptance of insects as food ingredients could be improved “if insects did not look like insects.” Therefore, the focus of current research is to transform commodity-type ingredients such as insect flour and oil through various technologies applied in the food industry such as protein concentration, encapsulation, hydrolysis, fermentation, deodorization, to develop food ingredients with better sensory and technological properties are better accepted by people as a part of their diet. Interestingly, some food ingredients obtained from insects also have functional properties that could increase interest in consumption. These aspects will be reviewed in this chapter for further consideration of insects as food ingredients of the future.
... Já a patente desenvolvida por Perrin, Herry e Boyer-Joubert (2013), trata-se de composições e métodos de suplementação nutricional profilática e terapêutica contendo ácidos graxos de cadeia de doze carbonos (como ácido láurico) e acilgliceróis de cadeia de doze carbonos (como monolaurina). O ácido láurico e a monolaurina encontrados nos óleos de cocos apresentaram ação antimicrobiana contra bactérias gram-positivas, vírus e fungos em diversos estudos, seja in vitro ou in vivo (Dayrit, 2015). ...
O licuri, nativo da caatinga, apresenta polpa adocicada e amêndoas comestíveis ricas em óleo que pode ser aproveitado tecnologicamente. Assim, objetivou-se realizar o monitoramento tecnológico do processamento do óleo de licuri a fim de visualizar o cenário atual e definir as perspectivas futuras. Foram utilizadas as bases de patentes do INPI e ESPACENET utilizando as denominações “Syagrus coronata”, “licuri” e “ouricuri”, além da palavra-chave “óleo” nos idiomas inglês e português. Também foram pesquisadas produções científicas utilizando as mesmas palavras-chave do levantamento de patente, através das bases Google acadêmico, Periódicos Capes e Scopus. Foram encontradas 15 patentes e 51 produções científicas referentes ao uso do óleo de licuri, tendo a primeira patente publicada na década de 70 e pouco mais da metade das produções científicas publicadas nos últimos 6 anos. Por ser naturalmente brasileiro, o país e seus inventores destacaram-se em inovação tecnológica acerca do uso do óleo de licuri. O referido óleo apresentou múltiplas aplicações, destacando-se, principalmente, na produção de cosméticos, alimentação animal, bem como no desenvolvimento de biocombustíveis, tendo como área menos aplicada a da indústria de alimentos. Apenas duas patentes estiveram relacionadas ao seu uso na dieta humana, sendo para produtos de panificação e suplementação alimentar. Diante disso, ainda há diversas possibilidades de inovação tecnológica com o uso do óleo de licuri, seja com atualizações nas áreas já estudadas ou sua aplicação em outros nichos de mercado, especialmente os de alimentos e saúde, considerando a importância de inovação nessas áreas.
Fully renewable oxygen barrier thermoplastic starch (TPS)/sugar alcohol blown films were innovatively prepared by blending proper loadings of Erythritol (ET), Sorbitol (ST), and Lactitol (LT) and supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO 2 ) assistance. The oxygen transmission rate (OTR) values of the properly prepared scCO 2 TPS x ET y , scCO 2 TPS x ST y, and scCO 2 TPS x LT y films reduced to 4.3, 6.6, and 12.5 cm ³ /m ² ∙day∙atm, which are about 5–28 times smaller than those of the conventional TPS films reported in the literature. The free‐volume‐cavity characteristics (FVCC) and OTR detected for TPS x ET y (or scCO 2 TPS x ET y ), TPS x ST y (or scCO 2 TPS x ST y ), and TPS x LT y (or scCO 2 TPS x LT y ) films diminished to a minimum, as their ET, ST and LT loadings came near an optimal value. Slightly smaller OTR and FVCC values were detected for scCO 2 TPS x ET y , scCO 2 TPS x ST y, and scCO 2 TPS x LT y films than those of corresponding TPS x ET y , TPS x ST y , and TPS x LT y films prepared without scCO 2 ‐assistance. The smallest OTR and FVCC detected for the properly prepared TPS x ET y (or scCO 2 TPS x ET y ), TPS x ST y (or scCO 2 TPS x ST y ), and TPS x LT y (or scCO 2 TPS x LT y ) films diminished with decreasing sugar alcohol's molecular weight. An essential result is that the OTR of the properly prepared scCO 2 TPS x ET y film was merely 4.3 cm ³ /m ² ∙day∙atm, which is small enough to meet the demand of high oxygen barrier packaging application. Dynamic molecular relaxations detected for these films disclosed that ET, ST, and LT were compatible with TPS, as their loads were ≤ the optimum value. The distinctly reduced OTR and FVCC for these properly prepared films are partially attributed to the reinforced molecular interactions between sugar alcohol and TPS's hydroxyl groups when they were prepared with scCO 2 ‐assistance, optimal sugar alcohol loading, and/or smaller sugar alcohol's molecular weight.
Highlights
High oxygen barrier thermoplastic starch/sugar alcohol blown films were prepared.
The lowest oxygen transmission rate of the renewable film was 4.3 cm ³ /m ² ∙day∙atm.
This oxygen transmission rate is qualified for high oxygen barrier application.
Boosted oxygen barrier property was ascribed to the reduced free volume values.
Coconut oil, a well-known edible oil, is produced from the mature coconut kernel that is acquired from the coconut palm. The primary aim of the study is to assess the result the drying process and the quality of coconut oil produced in the Gulf of Oman and compare its features to those of coconut oil produced in other tropical nations. The coconut palm is widely available in Salalah in the Dhofar region, known as the capital region of coconut fruits; however, the coconut kernel is not used as an oil for cooking. The research evaluated the production of coconut cooking oil using conventional and synthetic methods. After being taken from the coconut fresh kernel, it was dried using oven and sun drying methods. Analyses of the coconut oil's chemical and physical characteristics have been performed. Coconut oil that is extracted by the traditional process or by sun drying is more affordable, and even the quality is up to par with standards.
The need to reduce, reuse and recycle materials by applying new strategies of circular economy instead of linear systems of disposal is becoming increasingly urgent. The black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), is being studied for its outstanding capacity to convert organic waste into high-value biomass and as a valuable nutrient source for animal feed. A systematic literature review identified 35 articles on BSF rearing and use in animal feed. This review summarizes our current knowledge about the lipid composition of BSF larvae, in
particular their fatty acid (FA) profile and the mechanisms through which the feeding substrate influences the FA profile. BSF larvae are shown to synthesize certain FAs, such as lauric and myristic acid, even when these components are absent from their diet. Furthermore, enriching the rearing substrate with eicosapentaenoic and
docosahexaenoic acid is reported to increase the accumulation of these FAs. The saturated FA content increases when BSF larvae are reared on a vegetable-based diet. Moreover, enriching the rearing media with materials high in omega-3 and omega-6 FAs increases their concentration in the larvae and enhances their value as a feed substrate for other animals. Indeed, the supplementation of animal feeds with BSF larvae products is being studied for application in the aquaculture, poultry, and pig farming sectors. BSF larval fats are shown to have a positive effect on animal growth performances, body composition, and gut histology, establishing BSF larvae as an environmentally sustainable feed ingredient. This review highlights the importance of deepening our knowledge on the various aspects of BSF larvae rearing and treatments which enhance the accumulation of specific lipids and minimize lipid quality deterioration and loss. By summarizing the existing literature on BSF larvae, this article contributes to the advancement of circular economies and the development of sustainable feed practices.
Syagrus coronata (Mart.) Beccari é uma palmeira presente em alguns biomas nacionais e possui grande importância cultural, socioeconômica e ecológica. As amêndoas comestíveis são ricas em óleo fixo que pode ser aproveitado tecnologicamente, dada a hipótese de que a sua composição química possua compostos ativos úteis para os setores farmacêutico, cosmético, alimentício, ornamental e forrageiro. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar o perfil químico de ácidos graxos por cromatografia gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massas, as atividades antioxidante com o reagente DPPH (2,2-difenil-1-picril-hidrazil), de inibição da acetilcolinesterase (método colorimétrico de Ellman) e antifúngica [(Candida albicans ATCC 10231; Candida glabrata (Taniwaki, M.H.) CCT 0728; Candida krusei (FTI) CCT 1517; e Candida guilliermondii (CCT) 1890], bem como a toxicidade aguda in vitro (Artemia salina, Daphnia magna e citotoxicidade empregando fibrosblastos murinos – L929) do óleo fixo extraído da amêndoa de Syagrus coronata adquirido de uma cooperativa nacional. A análise cromatográfica revelou o ácido láurico como composto majoritário (44,61%). A ação antioxidante não foi dose-dependente e na maior concentração testada (250 µg mL-1), a inibição foi de 12,4%. O óleo de licuri promoveu inibição da acetilcolinesterase de 29,4% e CI50 = 3,5 ± 0,2 mg mL-1 e exibiu efeito fungicida para três das quatro espécies analisadas (concentração fungicida mínima = 1.250 µg mL-1 para C. albicans e C. glabrata e 2.500 µg mL-1 para C. krusei). O óleo não demonstrou ser tóxico para os organismos-modelo (dose letal 50% =1.082,12 ± 1,36 µg mL-1 e 101,32 mg mL-1 para Artemia salina e Daphnia magna, respectivamente) e nem alterou a viabilidade dos fibroblastos murinos (L929) nas condições analíticas. Os dados revelam a segurança e a eficácia deste óleo e demonstram a possibilidade de maior e melhor aproveitamento sustentável desta espécie vegetal.
This study determined the influence and ideal ratios of various coconut oil (CO) amounts in gelatin (G) based-films as wound dressings since there are limited comparative studies to evaluate the sole effect of increasing CO on protein-based biomaterials. Homogenous films at G:CO ratio of 4:0,4:2,4:3,4:4 (w:w) corresponding to CO-0, CO-2, CO-3, CO-4, respectively, were obtained using solution casting. SEM showed CO caused rougher surfaces decreasing mechanical strength. However, no pores were observed in CO-4 due to bigger clusters of oil improving stretchability compared to CO-3; and durability since aging of CO-4 was >10% lower than CO-0 in aqueous media. FTIR showed triglycerides’ band only in CO films with increasing amplitude. Moreover, amide-I of CO-2 was involved in more hydrogen bonding, therefore, CO-2 had the highest melt-like transition temperatures (Tmax) at ∼163 °C while others’ were at ∼133 °C; and had more ideal mechanical properties among CO films. XTT showed that increased CO improved 3T3 cell viability as CO-0 significantly decreased viability at 10,50,75,100 μg/mL (P < 0.05), whereas CO-2 and CO-3 within 5-75 μg/mL and CO-4 within 5-100 μg/mL range increased viability ≥100% suggesting proliferation. All CO samples at 25 μg/mL stimulated 3T3 cell migration in Scratch Assay indicating wound healing. CO amounts mainly improved thermal and healing properties of gelatin-based biomaterial. CO-2 was more thermally stable and CO-4 had better influence on cell viability and wound healing than CO-0. Therefore, increased CO ratios, specifically 4:2 and 4:4, G:CO (w:w), in gelatin-based films can be ideal candidates for wound dressing materials.
Over the past few decades, food scientists have investigated a wide range of emulsifiers to manufacture stable and safe emulsion-based food products. More recently, the development of emulsifiers with multi-functionality, which is the ability to have more than two functions, has been considered as a promising strategy for resolving rancidification and microbial contamination in emulsions. Erythorbyl fatty acid esters (EFEs) synthesized by enzymatic esterification of hydrophilic erythorbic acid and hydrophobic fatty acid have been proposed as multi-functional emulsifiers since they simultaneously exhibit amphiphilic, antioxidative, and antibacterial properties in both aqueous and emulsion systems. This review provides current knowledge about EFEs in terms of enzymatic synthesis and multi-functionality. All processes for synthesizing and identifying EFEs are discussed. Each functionality of EFEs and the proposed mechanism are described with analytical methodologies and experimental details. It would provide valuable insights into the development and application of a multi-functional emulsifier in food emulsion chemistry.
Hexane (HEX) and dichloromethane (DCM) have been used to extract oils from various sources due to their expansive solubility and low volatility that ease removal at low temperatures. However, environmental and health concerns make them undesirable solvents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the extraction efficiency and physicochemical characteristics of palm kernel oil (PKO) extracted with the addition of acetone in HEX‐acetone (1:1, vol/vol) and DCM‐acetone (1:1, vol/vol) mixtures as an alternative to DCM and HEX alone. PKO extracted with co‐solvent systems had better quality characteristics compared with single solvent extracts. The oil recovered, free fatty acid content, peroxide value and other quality characteristics, and thermal properties were within the range for PKO, and similar oils as stipulated in standards. Monounsaturated fatty acid content in PKO was up to 70% of which lauric acid was the most abundant (48%–52%). A total of 50 volatile compounds were identified by GC–MS in all the extracts including amide (1), alcohol (1), aldehydes (2), ketones (3), acids (6), esters (6) and hydrocarbons (31) with higher numbers of volatiles in the HEX extracts compared to the DCM extracts. Dodecanoic acid, hexanal, and 2‐undecanone were the most abundant acid, aldehyde, and ketone, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) differentiated the volatiles identified on the polar and non‐polar columns with 88.2% and 8.8%, and 67.3% and 19.6% of the variation accounted for by PC1 and PC2, respectively, with several common volatile components forming a cluster from all the solvents used.
Background:
Characterizing the periodontal status of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), investigating differences in salivary metabolism between patients with and without AD under the same periodontal conditions, and understanding how it is related to oral flora are critical.
Objective:
We aimed to examine the periodontal condition of patients with AD and to screen salivary metabolic biomarkers from the saliva of individuals with and without AD with matched periodontal conditions. Furthermore, we aimed to explore the possible relationship between salivary metabolic changes and oral flora.
Methods:
In total, 79 individuals were recruited into the experiment for periodontal analysis. Especially, 30 saliva samples from the AD group and 30 from healthy controls (HCs) with matched periodontal conditions were selected for metabolomic analysis. The random-forest algorithm was used to detect candidate biomarkers. Among these, 19 AD saliva and 19 HC samples were selected to investigate the microbiological factors influencing the alterations in saliva metabolism in patients with AD.
Results:
The plaque index and bleeding on probing were considerably higher in the AD group. Further, Cis-3-(1-carboxy-ethyl)-3,5-cyclohexadiene-1,2-diol, dodecanoic acid, genipic acid, and N, N-dimethylthanolamine N-oxide were determined as candidate biomarkers, based on the area under the curve (AUC) value (AUC = 0.95). The results of oral-flora sequencing showed that dysbacteriosis may be a reason for the differences in AD saliva metabolism.
Conclusion:
Dysregulation of the proportion of specific bacterial flora in saliva plays a vital role in metabolic changes in AD. These results will contribute to further improving the AD saliva biomarker system.
The non-therapeutic use of antimicrobials in poultry production contributes to the spread of drug-resistant pathogens in both birds and humans. Antibiotics are known to enhance feed efficiency and promote the growth and weight gain of poultry. New regulatory requirements and consumer preferences have led to a reduced use of antibiotics in poultry production and to the discovery of natural alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters. This interest is not only focused on the direct removal or inhibition of causative microorganisms but also on the prevention of diseases caused by enteric pathogens using a range of feed additives. A group of promising feed additives is composed of short- and medium-chain fatty acids (SCFAs and MCFAs) and their derivatives. MCFAs possess antibacterial, anticoccidial, and antiviral effects. In addition, it has been proven that these acids act in synergy if they are used together with organic acids, essential oils, or probiotics. These fatty acids also benefit intestinal health integrity and homeostasis in broilers. Other effects have been documented as well, such as an increase in intestinal angiogenesis and the gene expression of tight junctions. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of SCFAs and MCFAs as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters and to summarize the current findings in the literature to show their possible benefits on production, meat quality, and gut health in poultry.
The non-therapeutic use of antimicrobials in poultry production contribute to the spread of drug-resistant pathogens in both birds and humans. Antibiotics are known to enhance feed effi-ciency and promote growth and weight gain of poultry. New regulatory requirements and con-sumer preferences have led to a reduced use of antibiotics in poultry production and discover natural alternatives to the antibiotic growth promoters. This interest is not just focused on the di-rect removal or inhibition of the causative microorganisms but also the prevention diseases caused by enteric pathogens using a range of feed additives. A group of promising feed additives is short- and medium-chain fatty acids and their derivatives. MCFAs possess antibacterial, anticoccidial and antiviral effects. Also, it has been proven that these acids act synergistically if they are used together with organic acids, essential oils, or probiotics. These fatty acids also benefit intestinal health integrity and homeostasis in broilers. Other effects have also been documented, including increases in intestinal angiogenesis and gene expression of tight junctions. The aim of this review is to give an overview of SCFA, MCFA as alternatives of antibiotic growth promoters and by sum-marizing the current finding in the literature, to show their possible benefits on production, meat quality and gut health in poultry.
Background:
The digestion behavior of lipids plays a crucial role in their nutritional values. Currently, the complex dynamic variations of human gastrointestinal conditions are considered in simulated digestion models. The present study compared the digestion behavior of glycerol trilaurate (GTL), glycerol tripalmitate (GTP) and glycerol tristearate (GTS) in a static in vitro digestion model and a dynamic in vitro digestion model. In dynamic digestion model, the parameters of gastric juice secretion, the rate of gastric emptying, the secretion of intestinal juice and the pH variations were estimated.
Results:
The dynamic digestion model showed a certain extent of gastric lipase hydrolysis, while almost no lipolysis happened in the gastric phase of static digestion model. A smoother digestive behavior was observed in the dynamic model than that in the static model. In the static model, the particle size distribution in gastric and intestinal phase changed rapidly in all triglycerides (TAGs) groups. The change of particle size during the whole digestion period in GTL is more moderate than GTP and GTS. In addition, the final free fatty acids release degree was 58.558%, 54.36%, and 52.97% for GTL, GTP, and GTS, respectively.
Conclusion:
This study illustrated the different digestion profiles of TAGs in two digestion models and the results will contribute to a better understanding of different in vitro digestion models in lipid digestion. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Human breast milk (HBM) is the main source of nutrition for neonates across the critical early-life developmental period. The highest demand for energy is due to rapid neurophysiological expansion post-delivery, which is largely met by human milk lipids (HMLs). These HMLs also play a prebiotic role and potentially promote the growth of certain commensal bacteria, which, via HML digestion, supports the additional transfer of energy to the infant. In tandem, HMLs can also exert bactericidal effects against a variety of opportunistic pathogens, which contributes to overall colonisation resistance. Such interactions are pivotal for sustaining homeostatic relationships between microorganisms and their hosts. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms governing these interactions remain poorly understood. This review will explore the current research landscape with respect to HMLs, including compositional considerations and impact on the early life gut microbiota. Recent papers in this field will also be discussed, including a final perspective on current knowledge gaps and potential next research steps for these important but understudied breast milk components.
The aim of this study was to compare under the same conditions in vitro the inhibitory effects of seven 1-monoglycerides (MAG) containing fatty acids with a medium chain on ten strains of food-bome pathogens or spoilage gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, Citrobacter fieundii, Escherichia coli. Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella enterica ser. Enteritidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and on their growth indicatos. The inhibitory effect of MAGs (monocaprylin, monocaprin, monolaurin, monomyristin, monopalmitin, MAG of undecanoic and 10-undecenoic acids) at a concentration of 25 - 1500 mg.l(-1) was observed. Growth of bacteria in the presence of MAG was studied by means of optical density of bacteria for 24 h. The data were modelled through a Gompertz equation and the lag-time, the maximum specific growth rate and the maximal value reached were calculated. MAGs inhibited mainly the growth of gram-positive bacteria, which was shown by the extended lag-time, decrease in specific growth rate and decrease in cell density. Inhibitory effects of tested MAGs could be ranked from point of view of the minimum inhibitory concentration: MAO-C12:0 > MAO-C 11:0 > MAO-C I 0:0 > MAO-C14:0 > MAO-C11:1 > MAG-C8:0 > MAO-C16:0. In vitro, no significant inhibitory effects of 1-monoglycerides, with the exception of the highest concentrations applied, on the growth of gram-negative bacteria were detected. The main contribution of this study is to compare the effects of several MAG containing fatty acids with a medium chain under the same conditions on the growth indicators of bacteria.
Fatty acids classified as chemical penetration enhancers (CPEs) might cause the fluidization and perturbation of stratum corneum (SC) lipid matrix. The penetration of oleic, linoleic, lauric and capric acids into human skin was studied by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) imaging and related to fatty acids enhancing effect on lipophilic model drug tolnaftate penetration into human epidermis and dermis ex vivo. Fatty acid enhancing effect on tolnaftate penetration into human skin was evaluated using Bronaugh-type flow-through diffusion cells. After in vitro penetration studies visualization and spatial localization of fatty acid molecules in human skin were performed using TOF-SIMS. Penetration of oleic, linoleic, lauric and capric acids into human skin was compared to the control skin sections by ion images and intensity profiles. Only oleic acid significantly (P<0.05) enhanced tolnaftate penetration into epidermis (enhancing ratio equal to 1.867). CPE might have no effect on model drug penetration enhancement, but might penetrate itself into the skin.
SUMMARY Chylomicrons were isolated from the thoracic duct chyle and from the blood serum of rats, and from the serum of human subjects following the ingestion of different natural oils. The fatty acid composition of the chylomicrons was compared with that of the dietary fat by gas chromatography and was found to be very similar. Dole et al. (1) have recently reported a remark- able constancy of fatty acid composition of chylomi- crons separated from human plasma during the period of absorption of fats differing greatly in fatty acid composition. They speculated as to possible mecha- nisms involved. Either the fatty acids were chemically altered during absorption through the intestinal wall or there was rapid recycling between chylomicron fatty acids and tissue fatty acids. The purposes of this paper are to report the analyses of chyle and serum chylomicrons following the feeding of different fats to rats, and to attempt to confirm Dole's findings in human blood chylomicrons. METHODS Polyethylene cannulae were inserted in the thoracic ducts of three rats. The following day the animals were fed 1 ml. of coconut oil, olive oil, and cod liver oil, respectively. The chyle was collected and the chylomicrons isolated and washed as previously de- scribed (2). In brief, the chyle was layered under 0.15 M NaCl and centrifuged at 100,000 X g for 30 minutes. The butterlike material at the top of the tube was re-emulsified in 0.15 M NaCl and recentrifuged. This process of washing was repeated. In order to get rat serum chylomicrons, groups of four fasting rats were fed each of the three oils. They were bled from the aorta 3 hours later; the blood from each group was pooled, and the serum was treated essentially as the chyle. Two young women, who had spent several months in the Clinical Center as volunteer controls and who had been on a mixed diet (limited to 35 g. of fat per
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) α and γ are key regulators of lipid homeostasis and are activated by a
structurally diverse group of compounds including fatty acids, eicosanoids, and hypolipidemic drugs such as fibrates and thiazolidinediones.
While thiazolidinediones and 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 have been shown to bind to PPARγ, it has remained unclear whether other activators mediate their effects through direct interactions
with the PPARs or via indirect mechanisms. Here, we describe a novel fibrate, designated GW2331, that is a high-affinity ligand
for both PPARα and PPARγ. Using GW2331 as a radioligand in competition binding assays, we show that certain mono- and polyunsaturated
fatty acids bind directly to PPARα and PPARγ at physiological concentrations, and that the eicosanoids 8(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic
acid and 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 can function as subtype-selective ligands for PPARα and PPARγ, respectively. These data provide evidence that PPARs serve
as physiological sensors of lipid levels and suggest a molecular mechanism whereby dietary fatty acids can modulate lipid
homeostasis.
The crude methanol extract of the dried aerial parts of Siegesbeckia glabrescens (Compositae) showed antibacterial activity against the foodborne pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. Bioactivity-guided separation led to the isolation of 3-(dodecanoyloxy)-2-(isobutyryloxy)-4-methylpentanoic acid from nature for the first time. The structure was determined by spectroscopic data analysis (UV, MS, and NMR). The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 3-(dodecanoyloxy)-2-(isobutyryloxy)-4-methylpentanoic acid against S. aureus was found to be 3.12 μg/mL. In addition, in a further antimicrobial activity assay against Gram-positive (B. subtilis, E. faecalis, P. acnes, S. epidermidis, S. schleiferi subsp. coagulans, S. agalactiae and S. pyrogens), and Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli and P. aeruginosa), and yeast strains (C. alibicans and F. neoformans), the antimicrobial activity of the compound was found to be specific for Gram-positive bacteria. The MIC values of the compound for Gram-positive bacteria ranged from 3.12 to 25 mg/mL. Furthermore, it was found that the 2-(isobutyryloxy)-4-methylpentanoic acid substituent may operate as a key factor in the antibacterial activity of the compound, together with the laurate group.
Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) act through peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) γ to increase insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes (T2DM), but deleterious effects of these ligands mean that selective modulators with improved clinical profiles are needed. We obtained a crystal structure of PPARγ ligand binding domain (LBD) and found that the ligand binding pocket (LBP) is occupied by bacterial medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs). We verified that MCFAs (C8-C10) bind the PPARγ LBD in vitro and showed that they are low-potency partial agonists that display assay-specific actions relative to TZDs; they act as very weak partial agonists in transfections with PPARγ LBD, stronger partial agonists with full length PPARγ and exhibit full blockade of PPARγ phosphorylation by cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (cdk5), linked to reversal of adipose tissue insulin resistance. MCFAs that bind PPARγ also antagonize TZD-dependent adipogenesis in vitro. X-ray structure B-factor analysis and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations suggest that MCFAs weakly stabilize C-terminal activation helix (H) 12 relative to TZDs and this effect is highly dependent on chain length. By contrast, MCFAs preferentially stabilize the H2-H3/β-sheet region and the helix (H) 11-H12 loop relative to TZDs and we propose that MCFA assay-specific actions are linked to their unique binding mode and suggest that it may be possible to identify selective PPARγ modulators with useful clinical profiles among natural products.
Transport of unesterified fatty acids (FA) into cells has been viewed either as a simple diffusion process regulated mainly by lipid physical chemistry or as a more complex process involving protein catalysis. In this review FA transport in cell membranes is broken down into three essential steps: adsorption, transmembrane movement, and desorption. The physical properties of FA in aqueous, membrane, and protein environments relevant to transport mechanisms are discussed, with emphasis on recent information derived from NMR and fluorescence studies. Because of their low solubility in water and high hydrophobicity, FA bind rapidly and avidly to model membranes (phospholipid bilayers); if albumin is a donor, FA desorb rapidly to reach their equilibrium distribution between the membrane and albumin. The ionization properties of FA in a phospholipid bilayer result in a high population of the un-ionized form (approximately 50%) at pH 7.4, which diffuses across the lipid bilayer (flip-flops) rapidly (t(1/2) < 1 sec). Desorption of FA from a phospholipid surface is slower than transmembrane movement and dependent on the FA chain length and unsaturation, but is rapid for typical dietary FA. These physical properties of FA in model systems predict that proteins are not essential for transport of FA through membranes. The only putative FA transport protein to be purified and reconstituted into phospholipid bilayers, the mitochondrial uncoupling protein (UCP1), was shown to transport the FA anion in response to FA flip-flop. New experiments with cells have found that FA movement into cells acidifies the cytosol, as predicted by the flip-flop model.
In liver mitochondria fatty acids act as protonophoric uncouplers mainly with participation of internal membrane protein carriers - ADP/ATP and aspartate/glutamate antiporters. In this study the values of recoupling effects of carboxyatractylate and glutamate (or aspartate) were used to assess the degree of participation of ADP/ATP and aspartate/glutamate antiporters in uncoupling activity of fatty acids. These values were determined from the ability of these recoupling agents to suppress the respiration stimulated by fatty acids and to raise the membrane potential reduced by fatty acids. Increase in palmitic and lauric acid concentration was shown to increase the degree of participation of ADP/ATP antiporter and to decrease the degree of participation of aspartate/glutamate antiporter in uncoupling to the same extent. These data suggest that fatty acids are not only inducers of uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation, but that they also act the regulators of this process. The linear dependence of carboxyatractylate and glutamate recoupling effects ratio on palmitic and lauric acids concentration was established. Comparison of the effects of fatty acids (palmitic, myristic, lauric, capric, and caprylic having 16, 14, 12, 10, and 8 carbon atoms, respectively) has shown that, as the hydrophobicity of fatty acids decreases, the effectiveness decreases to a greater degree than the respective values of their specific uncoupling activity. The action of fatty acids as regulators of uncoupling is supposed to consist of activation of transport of their anions from the internal to the external monolayer of the internal membrane with participation of ADP/ATP antiporter and, at the same time, in inhibition of this process with the participation of aspartate/glutamate antiporter.
Glycerol monolaurate (GML), a 12 carbon fatty acid monoester, inhibits Staphylococcus aureus growth and exotoxin production, but is degraded by S. aureus lipase. Therefore, dodecylglycerol (DDG), a 12 carbon fatty acid monoether, was compared in vitro and in vivo to GML for its effects on S. aureus growth, exotoxin production, and stability.
Antimicrobial effects of GML and DDG (0 to 500 microg/ml) on 54 clinical isolates of S. aureus, including pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) types USA200, USA300, and USA400, were determined in vitro. A rabbit Wiffle ball infection model assessed GML and DDG (1 mg/ml instilled into the Wiffle ball every other day) effects on S. aureus (MN8) growth (inoculum 3x10(8) CFU/ml), toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) production, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) concentrations and mortality over 7 days. DDG (50 and 100 microg/ml) inhibited S. aureus growth in vitro more effectively than GML (p<0.01) and was stable to lipase degradation. Unlike GML, DDG inhibition of TSST-1 was dependent on S. aureus growth. GML-treated (4 of 5; 80%) and DDG-treated rabbits (2 of 5; 40%) survived after 7 days. Control rabbits (5 of 5; 100%) succumbed by day 4. GML suppressed TNF-alpha at the infection site on day 7; however, DDG did not (<10 ng/ml versus 80 ng/ml, respectively).
These data suggest that DDG was stable to S. aureus lipase and inhibited S. aureus growth at lower concentrations than GML in vitro. However, in vivo GML was more effective than DDG by reducing mortality, and suppressing TNF-alpha, S. aureus growth and exotoxin production, which may reduce toxic shock syndrome. GML is proposed as a more effective anti-staphylococcal topical anti-infective candidate than DDG, despite its potential degradation by S. aureus lipase.
Novel mono-substituted carbohydrate fatty acid (CFA) esters and ethers were investigated for their antibacterial activity against a range of pathogenic and spoilage bacteria focussing on Listeria monocytogenes. Carbohydrate derivatives with structural differences enable comparative studies on the structure/activity relationship for antimicrobial efficacy and mechanism of action. The antimicrobial efficacy of the synthesized compounds was compared with commercially available compounds such as monolaurin and monocaprylin, as well as the pure free fatty acids, lauric acid and caprylic acid, which have proven antimicrobial activity. Compound efficacy was compared using an absorbance based broth microdilution assay to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), increase in lag phase and decrease in maximum growth rate. Among the carbohydrate derivatives synthesized, lauric ether of methyl alpha-d-glucopyranoside and lauric ester of methyl alpha-d-mannopyranoside showed the highest growth-inhibitory effect with MIC values of 0.04 mM, comparable to monolaurin. CFA derivatives were generally more active against Gram positive bacteria than Gram negative bacteria. The analysis of both ester and ether fatty acid derivatives of the same carbohydrate, in tandem with alpha and beta configuration of the carbohydrate moiety suggest that the carbohydrate moiety is involved in the antimicrobial activity of the fatty acid derivatives and that the nature of the bond also has a significant effect on efficacy, which requires further investigation. This class of CFA derivatives has great potential for developing antibacterial agents relevant to the food industry, particularly for control of Listeria or other Gram-positive pathogens.
Glycerol monolaurate (GML) is a naturally occurring surfactant that has potential use as an additive to tampons and wound dressings to reduce the incidence of certain bacterial toxin-mediated illnesses. In vitro studies were undertaken to evaluate the effect of GML on the growth of and toxin production by potentially pathogenic bacteria. GML inhibited the growth of clinical isolates of group A, B, F, and G streptococci at concentrations of 10 to 20 micrograms/ml. Exotoxin production, including that of pyrogenic exotoxins and hemolysins, was reduced by concentrations of GML that were below those inhibitory for growth as well as growth inhibitory. The growth of Staphylococcus aureus strains from patients with toxic shock syndrome and scalded skin syndrome was inhibited or delayed in the presence of 100 to 300 micrograms of GML per ml. Growth inhibition by GML could be overcome by the production of lipase. S. aureus elaboration of hemolysin, toxic shock syndrome toxin 1, and exfoliative toxin A was inhibited at GML concentrations below those necessary to inhibit growth. Results similar to those for S. aureus were obtained in tests of S. hominis. Escherichia coli growth and Salmonella minnesota growth were unaffected by GML, but an S. minnesota Re mutant was susceptible to growth-inhibitory activity. Endotoxin release into the medium from E. coli cells was also unaffected by GML, but the release or activity of E. coli hemolysin was increased by GML. Streptococcal pyrogenic endotoxin A production by an E. coli clone was not affectd by GML. These studies indicate that GML is effective in blocking or delaying the production of exotoxins by pathogenic gram-positive bacteria.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fatty acid composition of chylomicron triglycerides isolated from subjects fed liquid-formula diets containing 40% of total energy as medium- (C8:0 and C10:0) or long-chain (C16-C18) triglycerides (MCT, LCT) for 6 d. Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) comprised 8% of total chylomicron triglyceride fatty acids after the first MCT meal. After 6 d of continued MCT feeding, chylomicron triglyceride MCFA content increased to 13%. When subjects were fed the LCT (soybean oil) diet, C16:0, C18:1, and C18:2 comprised nearly 90% of the chylomicron triglyceride fatty acids. The mass of triglyceride transported in chylomicrons isolated from subjects fed the MCT diet was approximately 20% of that found when subjects consumed the LCT diet. We conclude that although total triglyceride production during MCT ingestion is low, the chylomicron triglycerides that are synthesized contain significant amounts of MCFA.
Two populations of Polynesians living on atolls near the equator provide an opportunity to investigate the relative effects of saturated fat and dietary cholesterol in determining serum cholesterol levels. The habitual diets of the toll dwellers from both Pukapuka and Tokelau are high in saturated fat but low in dietary cholesterol and sucrose. Coconut is the chief source of energy for both groups. Tokelauans obtain a much higher percentage of energy from coconut than the Pukapukans, 63% compared with 34%, so their intake of saturated fat is higher. The serum cholesterol levels are 35 to 40 mg higher in Tokelauans than in Pukapukans. These major differences in serum cholesterol levels are considered to be due to the higher saturated fat intake of the Tokelauans. Analysis of a variety of food samples, and human fat biopsies show a high lauric (12:0) and myristic (14:0) content. Vascular disease is uncommon in both populations and there is no evidence of the high saturated fat intake having a harmful effect in these populations.
Glycerol monolaurate (GML) is a naturally occurring surfactant that is used widely as an emulsifier in the food and cosmetics industries and is generally regarded as lacking in important biological activities. The recent observation that it inhibits the production of staphylococcal toxic shock toxin-1 (P. M. Schlievert, J. R. Deringer, M. H. Kim, S. J. Projan, and R. P. Novick, Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 36:626-631, 1992) is therefore rather surprising and raises the interesting question of how such a compound might interact with cells. In this report, we show that GML inhibits the synthesis of most staphylococcal toxins and other exoproteins and that it does so at the level of transcription. We find that GML blocks the induction but not the constitutive synthesis of beta-lactamase, suggesting that it acts by interfering with signal transduction.
Uncoupling protein mediates electrophoretic transport of protons and anions across the inner membrane of brown adipose tissue mitochondria. The mechanism and site of proton transport, the mechanism by which fatty acids activate proton transport, and the relationship between fatty acids and anion transport are unknown. We used fluorescent probes to measure H+ and anion transport in vesicles reconstituted with purified uncoupling protein and carried out a comparative study of the effects of laurate and its close analogue, undecanesulfonate. Undecanesulfonate was transported by uncoupling protein with a Km value similar to that observed for laurate as it activated H+ transport. Both laurate and undecanesulfonate inhibited Cl- with competitive kinetics. Undecanesulfonate inhibited laurate-induced H+ transport with competitive kinetics. Undecanesulfonate and laurate differed in two important respects. (i) Laurate caused uncoupling protein-mediated H+ transport, whereas undecanesulfonate did not. (ii) Lauric acid was rapidly transported across the bilayer by nonionic diffusion, whereas undecanesulfonic was not. We infer that the role of uncoupling protein in H+ transport is to transport fatty acid anions and that fatty acids induce H+ transport because they can diffuse electroneutrally across the membrane. According to this hypothesis, uncoupling protein is a pure anion porter and does not transport protons; rather it is designed to enable fatty acids to behave as cycling protonophores.
A medium-chain triglyceride mixture (MCT) has recently become available, providing a special source of fat, containing triglycerides of octanoic and decanoic acids, C8 and C10 fatty acids, respectively. These triglycerides are digested and absorbed differently from the long-chain triglycerides which comprise most dietary fats. Thus MCT may be useful in the nutritional management of subjects with impaired fat digestion or absorption.
The medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), octanoic and decanoic acid, are present in small concentrations in the milk of different animal species and comprise about 15% of the fatty acids of coconut oil, the commercial source of MCT. In preparation, coconut oil is hydrolyzed, the fatty acids are fractionally distilled to isolate the octanoic and decanoic acid fraction, and this is esterified with glycerol. The resulting oil contains approximately 75% of the fatty acids as octanoic and 25% as decanoic acid, and is more readily miscible with water
CROBIAL AGENTS have been reviewed. It was concluded that while polar groups of the biocide tend to predict activity against a given genera, the chain length of the lipophilic group determines the most active member of the chemical class. In general, cationic surfactants are more active than anionic and nonionic agents. Optimum chain length for activity is between 10-! 6 carbon atoms. Gram (-) and yeast organisms are affected by the lower chain members while gram (+) organisms are affected by the longer chain surfactants. Nonionics, which in the past were considered not to have antimicrobial activity, were shown to be active when the mono-esters were formed from lauric acid. Because of this new property, nonionics, particularly monolaurin (Lauricidin?M), may be useful germicides in addition to their surface active properties. Their nontoxic and low irritation properties make them ideal candidates for cosmetic and toiletry formulations.
Having witnessed foreign tongues and chants leaping out of the open mouths of the sanctified, I sat up wide-eyed, every time the spirit descended, randomly possessing and animating even the morbidly obese and aged;
yanking them out of wooden pews with a shriek, spinning them like tops into narrow aisles, dancing them across the floor like wooden marionettes until sweat dripped from their spent bodies.
I had smelled the devil on the breath of strange men with red eyes, who introduced themselves as uncle, but when the Bishop started secreting shiny half-dollars into my still innocent palms after Sunday school,
mama traced a big plus sign across my forehead with virgin olive oil, and prayed, to keep me that way.
Frank X Walker is the editor of PLUCK! The Journal of Affrilachian Arts & Culture and currently serves as Lecturer of English and Artist in Residence at Northern Kentucky University. He is the author of four collections of poetry and the co-founder of the Affrilachian Poets.
Göransson, G. The metabolism of fatty acids in the rat. VIII. Lauric acid and myristic acid. Acta physiol. scand. 1965. 64. 383–386. –Either I-C14-lauric acid or l-C14-myristic acid together with 9–10-H3-palmitic acid were i. v. injected into fasted and refed male rats and the disappearance of label from the blood and the tissue distribution of label studied. Both lauric and myristic acid disappeared more rapidly than palmitic acid from the blood. In refed rats lauric acid was extracted even more rapidly than myristic acid. Lauric acid was oxidized at a higher rate than myristic acid and myristic acid was more rapidly oxidized than palmitic acid. More lauric acid label and myristic acid label was found in the liver“Neutral lipid plus FFA” than in the liver phospholipids. This skewed distribution was most marked for lauric acid in the fasted rats. The uneven distribution is discussed in relation to the fatty acid composition of the liver lipids, to certain feeding experiments and to the interconversion with other fatty acids.
Triglycerides of palm-kernel oil were fractionated by gas liquid chromatography into 13 groups based on their carbon number
of 30 to 54. These groups represent 99.9% of the total glyceride content. The proportion of triglyceride types in each group
was calculated from the component fatty acids. These groups are defined by the nature of their constituent fatty acids but
the position of the acids on glycerol is unknown. These 87 types, 24 of which are given in detail, were found. The two major
components are trilaurin (19.8%) and dilauromyristin (14.1%). Only 18 types, occurring in an amount greater than 1%, together
represent 80% of the total glycerides. Comparison of the glyceride content with that of coconut oil revealed many similarities
between the two oils.
A derivatization procedure is described for the long chain fatty acid lauric acid and metabolites using the fluorescent probe 4-(bromomethyl)-7-methoxycoumarin. The derivatives can be separated in an isocratic high-performance liquid chromatographic system and detected using a fluorescence detector. The derivatization is rapid, simple and gives a good quantitation by the use of an internal standard. The procedure has been applied on samples rat liver homogenates from a toxicity experiment with the plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate. The activity of cytochrome P 450 IVA1 or lauric acid hydroxylase (LAH) in liver homogenates can be determined by the determina—tion of the 11- and 12-hydroxylated metabolites of lauric acid. The method turned out to be very sensitive and suitable to replace similar assays using radioactive compounds.
Mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) is responsible for nonshivering thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT). Upon activation by long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs), UCP1 increases the conductance of the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) to make BAT mitochondria generate heat rather than ATP. Despite being a member of the family of mitochondrial anion carriers (SLC25), UCP1 is believed to transport H(+) by an unusual mechanism that has long remained unresolved. Here, we achieved direct patch-clamp measurements of UCP1 currents from the IMM of BAT mitochondria. We show that UCP1 is an LCFA anion/H(+) symporter. However, the LCFA anions cannot dissociate from UCP1 due to hydrophobic interactions established by their hydrophobic tails, and UCP1 effectively operates as an H(+) carrier activated by LCFA. A similar LCFA-dependent mechanism of transmembrane H(+) transport may be employed by other SLC25 members and be responsible for mitochondrial uncoupling and regulation of metabolic efficiency in various tissues.
The uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) is a mitochondrial protein that carries protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane. It has an important role in non-shivering thermogenesis, and recent evidence suggests its role in human adult metabolism. Using rapid solution exchange on solid supported membranes, we succeeded in measuring electrical currents generated by the transport activity of UCP1. The protein was purified from mouse brown adipose tissue, reconstituted in liposomes and absorbed on solid supported membranes. A fast pH jump activated the ion transport, and electrical signals could be recorded. The currents were characterized by a fast rise and a slow decay, were stable over time, inhibited by purine nucleotides and activated by fatty acids. This new assay permits direct observation of UCP1 activity in controlled cell-free conditions, and opens up new possibilities for UCP1 functional characterization and drug screening because of its robustness and its potential for automation.
For many dietary changes satisfactory prediction of the average change in the serum cholesterol level of man in mg./100 ml., is given by Δ Chol. = 1.35(2ΔS − ΔP) + 1.5ΔZ where S and P are percentages of total calories provided by glycerides of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet and Z2 = mg. of dietary cholesterol/1000 Cal. This formula fails, however, when the dietary change involves large amounts of cocoa butter and discrepancies also appear with beef tallow or hydrogenated coconut oil diets. Controlled dietary experiments at the University of Minnesota and at 2 other centers, provide 63 sets of comparisons of serum cholesterol averages for groups of men on each of 2 chemically characterized diets. Least-squares analysis indicates that stearic acid, as well as saturated fatty acids containing fewer than 12 carbon atoms, have little or no effect on serum cholesterol in man. The equation, Δ Chol. = 1.2(2ΔS′ − ΔP) + 1.5ΔZ, yields good correlation (r = 0.93) with the observed values in these 63 sets of data. This formulation also resolves heretofore puzzling discrepancies in the literature.
Triglycerides of coconut oil were fractionated by GLC into 13 groups based on their carbon numbers of 28 to 52. These groups
represent 99.8% of the total glycerides of coconut oil. With the fatty acid composition of each group, it was possible to
calculate the composition of 79 types of triglycerides. These types are defined by the nature of their constitutive fatty
acids but the position of the acids on glycerol is unknown. Each group usually has only one major type of triglyceride. For
example, group 36 has 52% of trilaurin. Also four types of triglycerides comprise 42.4% of the total glycerides and 24 types
comprise 85%. The experimentally found distributions in each group are compared to the random distributions calculated from
the fatty acid composition. For groups with carbon numbers 38 and 40, the experimental and random distributions were very
similar but for most other groups, the distributions found were much different from the calculated random distributions.
The growth-inhibitory effect of 23 carbohydrate monoesters synthesized by lipases and proteases were assayed to obtain antibacterial
agents that suppress the cell growth of Streptococcus mutans. Among the carbohydrate esters synthesized, galactose and fructose laurates showed the highest growth-inhibitory effect,
while the other analogs of hexose laurates showed no antibacterial activity, indicating that configuration of the hydroxyl
group in carbohydrate moiety markedly affects the antibacterial activity. The cell growth of S. mutans was suppressed by fructose laurates even in the presence of sucrose. Thus, enzymatic synthesis of carbohydrate esters with
different core structures has great potential for developing antibacterial agents applicable to food additives.
Three Philippine seed oils, namely coconut (Cocos nucifera Linn.), pilinut (Canarium ovatum Engl.), and cashew (Anacardium occidentale Linn.), which were selected for their local abundance and availability, were examined for their triacylglycerol profiles
and fatty acid compositions. Triacylglycerol molecular species in terms of carbon number and partition number were determined
by gas chromatography and liquid chromatography, respectively. The distribution of fatty acids in the primary and secondary
positions of the glycerol backbones for the three oils were examined by regiospecific analysis by using pancreatic lipase.
Coconut oil had high concentrations of lauric and myristic acids, while the other two oils did not have such fatty acids.
Lauric acid in coconut oil and linoleic acid in pilinut oil were distributed mainly in the primary positions (sn-1,3) of the glycerol backbone. Trilaurin and dioleylpalmitoylglycerol were the major triglycerides in coconut and pilinut
oils, respectively.
A study on the commercial virgin coconut oil (VCO) available in the Malaysian and Indonesian market was conducted. The paper
reported the chemical characteristics and fatty acid composition of VCO. There was no significant difference in lauric acid
content (46.64–48.03%) among VCO samples. The major triacylglycerols obtained for the oils were LaLaLa, LaLaM, CLaLa, LaMM
and CCLa (La, lauric; C, capric; M, myristic). Iodine value ranged from 4.47 to 8.55, indicative of only few unsaturated bond
presence. Saponification value ranged from 250.07 to 260.67mg KOH/g oil. The low peroxide value (0.21–0.57mequiv oxygen/kg)
signified its high oxidative stability, while anisidine value ranged from 0.16 to 0.19. Free fatty acid content of 0.15–0.25
was fairly low, showing that VCO samples were of good quality. All chemical compositions were within the limit of Codex standard
for edible coconut oil. Total phenolic contents of VCO samples (7.78–29.18mg GAE/100g oil) were significantly higher than
refined, bleached and deodorized (RBD) coconut oil (6.14mg GAE/100g oil). These results suggest that VCO is as good as RBD
coconut oil in chemical properties with the added benefit of being higher in phenolic content.
Coconut oil has been one of the most widely used vegetable oils since the agricultural revolution. Only in recent years has
there been controversy over the desirability of its uso. Controversy has usually stemmed from observed disturbances of calcium
or cholesterol metabolism when hydrogenated coconut oil was fed, frequently with inadequate linoleate supplementation, to
experimental animals. Furthermore, in many of the studies involving cholesterol, entirely unphysiological amounts of cholesterol
have been included in the diet. It is contended here that the findings in such studies are the consequence of abnormal nutrition
rather than inherent defects in coconut oil. Evidence from epidemiological studies of arteriosclerosis in populations consuming
large amounts of coconut oil are cited to show that coconut oil in a natural diet is not disadvantageous and may even be of
advantage. The high level of medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil is discussed from the point of view that they may contribute
to beneficial effects on the part of coconut oil under some abnormal conditions.
The LD50 oral ingestion values for the common commercial fatty acids are in the range which are considered nontoxic; 24 hour primary
skin irritation is considered positive for octanoic acid but negative for decanoic acid and upwards; 4 hour skin corrosivity
is considered positive for decanoic acid and lower, negative for lauric acid and higher; eye irritation is considered positive
for lauric acid and lower, negative for myristic acid and higher. Among the fatty acid derivatives that have well recognized
bacteriocidal and fungicidal properties are undecanoic acid and its salts, sodium and zinc particularly, (athlete’s foot fungus),
fatty amine quaternary salts, (general bacteriocide properties), fatty amide derivatives, and sodium salts of common fatty
acids. The highly purified monoglyceride prepared from high C-12 fatty acid has unprecedented activity and sanitizing properties.
Despite the high content of palmitic acid, palm olein has been shown to have a neutral effect on plasma cholesterol concentrations when compared with olive oil, which is suggested to be attributable to palmitic acid in the sn-1 and sn-3 position. In contrast, palmitic acid is in the sn-2 position in lard.
The objective was to investigate the effects of a diet rich in palm olein, fractionated palm oil, olive oil, and lard on plasma blood lipids, inflammatory markers, glucose, and insulin.
A controlled double-blinded, randomized 3 × 3 wk crossover dietary intervention study included 32 healthy men who daily replaced part of their habitual dietary fat intake with ~ 17% of energy from palm olein, olive oil, or lard, respectively.
Compared with intake of olive oil, palm olein and lard increased total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (P < 0.0001). Palm olein resulted in a lower plasma triacylglycerol concentration than did olive oil (P < 0.01). No difference in effects was observed in plasma HDL-cholesterol, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, plasminogen activator-1, insulin, and glucose concentrations.
The current study did not support the previous finding that the effect of palm olein on total plasma cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in healthy individuals with normal plasma cholesterol concentrations is neutral compared with that of olive oil. Thus, sn-positioning was not confirmed to be important with regard to the effect on plasma cholesterol. The relatively lower plasma triacylglycerol concentration after the palm olein diet than after the olive oil diet was unexpected. This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00743301.
The antibacterial activity of the medium chain fatty acids and their 1-monoglycerides was evaluated towards several Gram-positive strains belonging to the genera Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, Bacillus, Listeria and Streptococcus. The 1-monoglycerides were more active than the fatty acids with monolaurin being the most active compound. Interesting effects were observed when the streptococcal strain Streptococcus pyogenes was used as a test microorganism. First, blocking of the hydroxyl groups of the glycerol moiety of monolaurin led to a compound with remarkable antibacterial activity (MIC, 3.9 microg/ml). Secondly, synergistic relationships were observed between monolaurin and monocaprin as well as between monolaurin and the poorly active lauric acid when their two component mixtures were examined. The mixtures in which one of the components was 2-fold more predominant than the other one were much more active than the pure components taken individually. Moreover, the presence of the components in ratio 1:1 was disadvantageous. Synergistic relationships were also found between monolaurin and monomyristin towards Staphylococcus aureus 209 when monomyristin was in the same quantity as monolaurin or in shortage.
Mass spectrometry imaging has been used to map liver biopsies of several patients suffering from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This steatosis is characterized by an accumulation of triacylglycerols and diacylglycerols in the liver. Using time-of-flight-secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) with a bismuth cluster ion source, it has been possible to map lipids in situ at the micrometer scale and to simultaneously characterize their molecular distribution on liver sections. Accumulation of triacylglycerols, diacylglycerols, monoacylglycerols, fatty acids, with the apparition of myristic acid, together with a dramatic depletion of vitamin E and a selective macrovacuolar localization of cholesterol are observed in steatosis areas of fatty livers compared to control livers. These ion species are concentrated in small vesicles having a size of a few micrometers. Moreover, very