Influence of different fats in pig feed on fatty acid composition of phospholipids and physical meat quality characteristics

Two feeding experiments (i, ii) were conducted to investigate the influence of different dietary fats on the fatty acid (FA) composition of phospholipids as well as meat quality in pigs. In each experiment 12�4 siblings of Swiss Landrace or Large White breed were allocated to one of four feeding treatments according to sex, breed, and litter and fattened from about 25 to 105 kg liveweight. Pigs were fed a control diet (barley, wheat, soybean meal) or the control diet supplemented with 7% pork fat, 4.95% olive oil or 3.17% soybean oil (i) or 5% of olein or stearin fraction of pork fat or hydrogenated fat (ii). The dietary FA composition was reflected in the FA composition of phospholipids in M. long. dorsi and triceps brachii. However, the unsaturated to saturated ratio was not affected by the dietary intake of polyunsaturated FAs and was only slightly increased by the olive oil supplementation. Trans FAs including conjugated linoleic acid were incorporated into phospholipids only to a small extent. The dietary altered fatty acid composition of phospholipids did not cause any effect on pH, cooking loss, texture, or colour of pork, but meat quality as well as the proportion of saturated FA, arachidonic acid, and n‐3 fatty acids were significantly influenced by genetic effects.     

Conjugated Linoleic Acid Reduces Hepatic Steatosis and Restores Liver Triacylglycerol Secretion and the Fatty Acid Profile During Protein Repletion in Rats

Protein depletion is associated with hepatic steatosis and decreased circulating triacylglycerol (TAG). Since conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) increases lean body mass, protects against muscle catabolism, and modulates lipid metabolism, the aim of this work was to investigate the effects of CLA with two different amounts of dietary fat on the regulation of plasma and hepatic TAG concentration, and its possible connections with changes in fatty acid (FA) profile in plasma, liver and adipose tissue and hepatic oxidative status during protein repletion. Rats were fed a low protein diet (14 days) and then a protein repletion diet (30 days), supplemented or not with CLA, containing 7% (w/w) or 20% (w/w) of fat. Hepatic TAG secretion and removal by muscle and adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase, FA profile and liver oxidative status were evaluated. Protein depletion affected hepatic TAG secretion and peripheral removal, decreasing plasma and increasing liver TAG concentration, whereas protein repletion with CLA improved these abnormalities independently of the amount of dietary fat by increasing hepatic TAG secretion. This prevention in the absence of CLA was not observed. CLA was incorporated in plasma and tissues (adipose > liver > plasma, and c9,t11-CLA > t10,c12-CLA), accompanied by alterations in FA composition, mainly in adipose tissue. The hepatic oxidative stress was overcome by protein repletion. CLA had a beneficial impact on TAG metabolism in protein repleted animals, preventing hepatic steatosis through higher hepatic TAG secretion.     

Effect of PUFA at sn‐2 position in dietary triacylglycerols on the fatty acid composition of adipose tissues in non‐ruminant farm animals

The influence of the distribution of polyunsaturated fatty acids on the glycerol backbone of dietary triacylglycerols on the fatty acid profile of adipose tissue and muscle phospholipids was investigated in growing‐finishing pigs (48) and broiler chicken (84). The animals were fattened on barley/soybean meal diets supplemented with a blend of soybean oil and beef tallow, either in the ratio 3:1 w/w (high‐PUFA) or 1:3 w/w (low‐ PUFA). Part of the high‐ and low‐PUFA blends was chemically interesterified to randomly distribute all fatty acids over the three positions of the glycerol. Thus, two sets of diets of identical overall fatty acid composition, but differing in the distribution of fatty acids in the triacylglycerols, were fed. Growth performance and carcass composition were neither affected by fatty acid composition nor by randomisation of dietary fats in either animal species. Apparent digestibility of energy was slightly lower in pigs fed the low‐PUFA blends. Fatty acid profile of subcutaneous fat of pigs and broilers as well as of internal body fat (lamina subserosa) and muscle phospholipids of pigs varied according to the dietary fatty acid composition but was not affected by randomisation of dietary fats. These findings are explained in terms of the hydrolysis of TAG during transport of lipids from enterocytes to adipose tissue cells and the continuous lipolysis and re‐esterification of fatty acids that take place in adipose tissue cells.     

Modification of the fat composition of the Iberian pig using Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis

The aim of this work was to study the influence of a diet with probiotic bacteria on the lipid composition of different tissues from Iberian pigs. Cholesterol and fatty acid profiles were measured in liver, subcutaneous fat, and Serratus ventralis muscle samples. Feeding Iberian pigs a mixture of probiotic microorganisms for 45 days prior to slaughter affected the tissue composition. The feeds of the control and probiotic groups were identical except for the added Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis (1.28 × 10⁹ cfu/kg feed) in the feed of the probiotic group. The diet with probiotics significantly affected the fatty acid profile of liver, subcutaneous fat and Serratus ventralis muscle samples, but no significant differences were found for the cholesterol content. The livers of the probiotic group contained lower levels of n‐6 fatty acids and higher levels of n‐3 fatty acids. The subcutaneous fat contained lower levels of n‐6 fatty acids. Serratus ventralis muscles from the probiotic group contained a significantly higher percentage of oleic acid than those of the control group. Practical applications: This study deals with the effect of the addition of probiotic bacteria to the diet of pigs on both the cholesterol and fatty acid content. B. subtilis and B. licheniformis can be used in pig feed (Regulation EC no. 2148/2004), but there are no studies about their effects on fresh meat or other tissues, particularly regarding the fat composition. Thus, it is interesting to study how feeding these microorganisms affects the different tissues. Including these microorganisms in the basic diet could serve as a strategy to modify the fat composition and to obtain healthier products from pigs.     

Diet and lipoprotein oxidation: Analysis of oxidized triacylglycerols in pig lipoproteins

Oxidized lipoproteins have a recognized role in atherogenesis, but molecular-level research on oxidized lipids in lipoproteins and the effect of diet on these molecules have been limited. In the present study, the effects of three sunflower seed oil diets differing in oxidation levels (PV in oils 1, 84, and 223 mequiv O₂/kg) on lipoprotein lipid oxidation in growing pigs were investigated. The emphasis was on the investigation of oxidized TAG molecules found in chylomicrons and VLDL. A method based on RP-HPLC and electrospray ionization-MS was used for the analysis of oxidized TAG molecules. The baseline diene conjugation method was used for the estimation of in vivo levels of lipoprotein lipid oxidation. Several oxidized TAG structures were found in the samples. These products consisted of TAG molecules with a hydroxy, an epoxy, or a keto group attached to a FA, and of TAG molecules containing an aldehyde structure derived from a FA. The lipoprotein lipids and TAG were more oxidized in the pigs fed on the most oxidized oil compared with those fed on nonoxidized oil. Oxidation of dietary fat was reflected in the lipoprotein oxidation. New, detailed information on oxidized TAG molecules of chylomicrons and VLDL was obtained.     

Triacylglycerols and Polar Lipids in Cow and Goat Milk are Differentially Affected by Various Lipid Supplemented Diets

This study characterizes milk triacylglycerol (TAG) and polar lipid (PL) fractions from cows and goats fed various lipid supplements modulating milk fat content. Twelve Holstein cows and 12 Alpine goats, at 86 ± 24.9 and 61 ± 1.8 days in milk, respectively, are allocated to one of 4 groups to receive diets supplemented with either corn oil [5% dry matter intake (DMI)] plus wheat starch (COS), marine algae powder (MAP; 1.5% DMI) or hydrogenated palm oil (HPO; 3% DMI), or a no-added-lipid control diet (CTL), according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design with 28 d experimental periods. Milk TAG and PL contents are determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Multivariate analysis and ANOVA demonstrate major between-species differences in diet effects. In cows, COS specifically increases TAG 54:3 and 54:4 associated with milk fat depression (MFD), and increases the sum of phosphatidylcholines (PC) and phosphatidylinositols (PI). In addition to causing a MFD, MAP diet increases long-chain polyunsaturated TAG in both species, with higher magnitude in cows than in goats, and decreases the sum of PI in goats. HPO increases TAG 52:1 and the sum of PI in cows, but not in goats. Practical applications: Feed strategies can quickly and efficiently modulate the ruminant milk fat production and composition to improve nutritional quality for consumers. Certain starch-rich diets supplemented with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)-rich vegetable oils and diets supplemented with marine products (long-chain PUFA) reduce milk fat secretion and modify the milk fatty acid (FA) profile in cows, but not—or less so—in goats. Advanced analysis of both the TAG and PL fractions of milk fat is required to unravel these differences in lipid metabolism between cows and goats fed various lipid-supplemented diets. This study brings new insight on using nutritional strategies to control milk lipid composition according to ruminant species.     

N‐Stearoylethanolamine Restores Pancreas Lipid Composition in Obesity‐Induced Insulin Resistant Rats

This study investigates the protective effect of N‐stearoylethanolamine (NSE), a bioactive N‐acylethanolamine , on the lipid profile distribution in the pancreas of obesity‐induced insulin resistant (IR) rats fed with prolonged high fat diet (58 % of fat for 6 months). The phospholipid composition was determined using 2D thin‐layer chromatography. The level of individual phospholipids was estimated by measuring inorganic phosphorus content. The fatty acid (FA) composition and cholesterol level were investigated by gas–liquid chromatography. Compared to controls, plasma levels of triglycerides and insulin were significantly increased in IR rats. The pancreas lipid composition indicated a significant reduction of the free cholesterol level and some phospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho), phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn), phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns), phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) compared to controls. Moreover, the FA composition of pancreas showed a significant redistribution of the main FA (18:1n‐9, 18:2n‐6, 18:3n‐6 and 20:4n‐6) levels between phospholipid, free FA, triglyceride fractions under IR conditions that was accompanied by a change in the estimated activities of Δ9‐, Δ6‐, Δ5‐desaturase. Administration of N‐stearoylethanolamine (NSE, 50 mg/kg daily per os for 2 weeks) IR rats triggered an increase in the content of free cholesterol, PtdCho and normalization of PtdEtn, PtdSer level. Furthermore, the NSE modulated the activity of desaturases, thus influenced FA composition and restored the FA ratios in the lipid fractions. These NSE‐induced changes were associated with a normalization of plasma triglyceride content, considerable decrease of insulin and index HOMA‐IR level in rats under IR conditions.     

Dietary long-chain PUFA in the form of TAG or phospholipids influence lymph lipoprotein size and composition in piglets

Several sources of long-chain PUFA (LCP) are currently available for infant formula supplementation. These oils differ in their FA composition, the chemical form of the FA esters [TAG or phospholipids (PL)], and presence of other lipid components. These differences may affect LCP absorption, distribution, and metabolic fate after ingestion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of different chemical forms of dietary LCP on the composition of lymph lipoproteins. Eighteen pigs (5 d old) were bottle-fed different diets for 2 wk: a control diet (C), a diet containing LCP as TAG from tuna and fungal oils (TF-TAG), or a diet containing LCP as PL from egg yolk (E-PL). We measured lipid and FA composition of lymph, main lymph fractions (TAG or PL), and the particle size of lymph lipoproteins. The average diameter of lymph lipoproteins was significantly lower in the E-PL group compared with the control and TF-TAG groups (C: 3902 +/- 384 A; TF-TAG: 3773 +/- 384 A; E-PL: 2370 +/- 185 A). Arachidonic acid and DHA contents in lymph and lymph-TAG were significantly higher in the TF-TAG group compared to the E-PL group (0.50 +/- 0.03 and 0.24 +/- 0.03 g/100 g vs. 0.29 +/- 0.04 and 0.12 +/- 0.03 g/100 g, respectively). The addition to the diet of LCP in the form of TAG or PL affected the size of intestinal lipoproteins and also led to a different distribution of these FA in lymph lipoproteins.     

Conjugated linoleic acid reduces hepatic steatosis, improves liver function, and favorably modifies lipid metabolism in obese insulin-resistant rats

CLA has been shown to induce or suppress excess liver lipid accumulation in various animal models. Interestingly, the state of insulin resistance may be an important modulator of this effect. The objective of the current study was to determine how feeding a dietary CLA mixture would affect liver lipid accumulation in insulin-resistant/obese and lean rats in relation to liver function, lipidemia, liver TAG and phospholipid FA composition, and expression of hepatic markers of FA transport, oxidation, and synthesis. Six-week-old fa/fa and lean Zucker rats (n=20/genotype) were fed either a 1.5% CLA mixture or a control diet for 8 wk. CLA supplementation reduced liver lipid concentration of fa/fa rats by 62% in concurrence with improved liver function (lower serum alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase) and favorable modification of the serum lipoprotein profile (reduced VLDL and LDL and elevated HDL) compared with control-fed fa/fa rats. The fa/fa genotype had two-thirds the amount of CLA (as % total FA) incorporated into liver TAG and phospholipids compared with the lean genotype. In both genotypes, CLA altered the hepatic FA profile (TAG greater than phospholipids) and these changes were explained by a desaturase enzyme index. Liver-FA-binding protein and acyl CoA oxidase, markers of FA transport and oxidation, respectively, were expressed at higher levels in CLA-fed fa/fa rats. In summary, these results illustrate a strong relationship between the state of insulin resistance and liver lipid metabolism and suggest that CLA acts to favorably modify lipid metabolism in fa/fa Zucker rats.     

Response of plasma lipids to dietary cholesterol and wine polyphenols in rats fed polyunsaturated fat diets

This experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of dietary red wine phenolic compounds (WP) and cholesterol on lipid oxidation and transport in rats. For 5 wk, weanling rats were fed polyunsaturated fat diets (n−6/n−3=6.4) supplemented or not supplemented with either 3 g/kg diet of cholesterol, 5 g/kg diet of WP, or both. The concentrations of triacylglycerols (TAG, P<0.01) and cholesterol (P<0.0002) were reduced in fasting plasma of rats fed cholesterol despite the cholesterol enrichment of very low density lipoprotein + low density lipoprotein (VLDL+LDL). The response was due to the much lower plasma concentration of high density lipoprotein (HDL) (−35%, P<0.0001). In contrast, TAG and cholesteryl ester (CE) accumulated in liver (+120 and +450%, respectively, P<0.0001). However, the cholesterol content of liver microsomes was not affected. Dietary cholesterol altered the distribution of fatty acids mainly by reducing the ratio of arachidonic acid to linoleic acid (P<0.0001) in plasma VLDL+LDL (−35%) and HDL (−42%) and in liver TAG (−42%), CE (−78%), and phospholipids (−28%). Dietary WP had little or no effect on these variables. On the other hand, dietary cholesterol lowered the α-tocopherol concentration in VLDL+LDL (−40%, P<0.003) and in microsomes (−60%, P<0.0001). In contrast, dietary WP increased the concentration in microsomes (+21%, P<0.0001), but had no effect on the concentration in VLDL+LDL. Cholesterol feeding decreased (P<0.006) whereas WP feeding increased (P<0.0001) the resistance of VLDL+LDL to copper-induced oxidation. The production of conjugated dienes after 25 h of oxidation ranged between 650 (WP without cholesterol) and 2,560 (cholesterol without WP) μmol/g VLDL+LDL protein. These findings show that dietary WP were absorbed at sufficient levels to contribute to the protection of polyunsaturated fatty acids in plasma and membranes. They could also reduce the consumption of α-tocopherol and endogenous antioxidants. The responses suggest that, in humans, these substances may be beneficial by reducing the deleterious effects of a dietary overload of cholesterol.     

Triacylglycerol oxidation in pig lipoproteins after a diet rich in oxidized sunflower seed oil

The effects of two sunflower seed oil diets differing in oxidation levels (PV in oils 1 and 190 mequiv O₂/kg) on lipoprotein TAG and total lipid oxidation were investigated in growing pigs. For 2 wk, two groups of 10 pigs were fed either of the diets, after which blood samples were collected. A method based on RP-HPLC and electrospray ionization-MS was used for the analysis of oxidized TAG molecules in chylomicrons and VLDL. The baseline diene conjugation method was used for the estimation of in vivo levels of lipoprotein lipid oxidation. TAG molecules with a hydroxy, an epoxy, or a keto group attached to a FA, as well as TAG core aldehydes were detected in the samples. Typically, lipoprotein TAG and total lipids were more oxidized in the pigs fed on the oxidized oil compared with those fed on nonoxidized oil. Oxidation of dietary fat was thus reflected in the lipoprotein oxidation, which confirmed our earlier findings.     

Effects of policosanols and phytosterols on lipid levels and cholesterol biosynthesis in hamsters

The current study was carried out to examine the effects of policosanols and phytosterols, alone and in combination, on lipid profiles, cholesterol biosynthesis, and tissue histopathological changes in hamsters. Fifty male Golden Syrian hamsters, weighing 100 to 120 g, were fed a regular rodent chow for 2 wk before being randomly assigned into 5 groups of 10 animals each fed semisynthetic diets for 4 wk. Group 1 was given a control diet that contained 0.25% cholesterol and 5% fat with a PUFA to saturated FA ratio of 0.4. Groups 2 to 5 were fed the control diet and given Octa-6 [a policosanol mixture from sugar cane was, 25 mg/kg body weight (BW)], Ricewax (a policosanol mixture from rice wax with 50% being converted to the corresponding acids, 50 mg/kg BW), phytosterols (Cholestatin^TM; 1,000 mg/kg BW), and Ricewax (50 mg/kg BW) plus phytosterols (1,000 mg/kg BW), respectively. The results showed that there was no difference between Octa-6 and Ricewax treatments in any of the lipid parameters measured, and both had similar levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (T-C), and HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) as the control. Octa-6 but not Ricewax increased (P=0.03) non-HDL-C as compared with the control. Phytosterols reduced T-C (P<0.0003) and HDL-C (P<0.004) without a significant effect on TG and non-HDL-C as compared to the control. Ricewax plus phytosterols had effects similar to those with phytosterols alone. Free cholesterol synthetic rates were not different among the treatments. Policosanols or phytosterols did not show any toxic effects in liver, heart, brain, or kidney. Results suggest that, although phytosterols reduce T-C and HDL-C levels, policosanols have no significant favorable effect in changing lipid levels in hamsters.     

Effects of cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 CLA isomers on liver and adipose tissue fatty acid profile in hamsters

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 CLA on FA composition of TAG in epididymal adipose tissue and liver, and of hepatic phospholipids PL. Twenty-four Syrian Golden hamsters were randomly divided into three groups of eight animals each and fed semipurified atherogenic diets supplemented with either 0.5 g/100g diet of linoleic acid or cis-9, trans-11 or trans-12, cis-9 CLA for 6 wk. Total lipids were extracted, and TAG and PL were separated by TLC. FA profile in lipid species from liver and adipose tissue, as well as in feces, was determined by GC. Trans-10, cis-12 CLA feeding significantly reduced linoleic and linolenic acids in TAG from both tissues, leading to reduced total PUFA content. Moreover, in the epididymal adipose tissue docosenoic and arachidonic acids were significantly increased. In liver PL, although no changes in individual FA were observed, total saturated FA (SFA) were decreased. No changes in TAG and PL FA profiles were induced by the cis-9, trans-11 CLA. TAG and PL incorporated cis-9, trans-11 more readily than trans-11, cis-12 CLA. This difference was not due to differential intestinal absorption, as shown by the analysis of feces. We concluded that only trans-10, cis-12 CLA induces changes in FA composition. Whereas increased PUFA content was observed in either liver or adipose tissue TAG, decreased SFA were found in liver PL. Incorporation of cis-9, trans-11 CLA in TAG is greater than that of trans-10, cis-12 CLA, but this is not due to differences in intestinal absorption.     

Performance of a Cocoa Butter-Like Fat Enzymatically Produced from Olive Pomace Oil as a Partial Cocoa Butter Replacer

Olive pomace oil is a by-product of olive oil processing and it is considered a low-quality oil. Considering its suitable triacylglycerol (TAG) composition, this work aimed to convert refined olive pomace oil (ROPO) to a cocoa butter (CB)-like fat using sn-1,3 specific lipase, and to investigate its performance as a partial CB replacer. CB-like fat was produced from olive pomace oil by sn-1,3-specific lipase-catalyzed acidolysis in a packed bed reactor. Binary blends of CB and CB-like fat (CB:CB-like fat) were prepared in different proportions, and their physicochemical characteristics [TAG content, melting profile, solid fat content (SFC) and microstructure] were investigated. The contents of 1,3-dipalmitoyl-2-oleoyl-glycerol (POP), 1(3)-palmitoyl-3(1)stearoyl-2-oleoyl-glycerol (POS) and 1,3-distearoyl-2-oleoyl-glycerol (SOS) in the 100:0 blend were 18.9, 33.1 and 24.7%, respectively. These contents decreased to 11.0, 20.0 and 11.7%, respectively, in the 0:100 blend. Although the melting point (28.5 °C) did not change significantly above 30% CB-like fat addition, the shape of the melting peak became wider and irregular. An isothermal solid diagram of SFC showed that better compatibility was observed at temperatures above 35 °C for all blends. Addition of over 30% CB-like fat caused significant difference in the microstructure.     

Effect of Feeding a Low Level of Encapsulated Fish Oil to Dairy Goats on Milk Yield,Composition, and Fatty Acid Profile

Contradictory results have been found in the response of dairy goats to the supplementation of fish oil in their diet to improve the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in milk. The responses to the inclusion of fish oil in the diet of ruminants either induced milk fat depression, increased milk fat content, and/or negatively impacted milk yield. The objective of this study was to determine whether including a low dose of encapsulated fish oil in the diet of goats can modify yield, milk composition, and the fatty acid (FA) profile of milk. Ten Alpine goats were divided into two homogeneous subgroups and assigned to either the control or experimental diet. The control animals received the basal diet without supplementation of fish oil, whereas the experimental group was given the same basal diet supplemented with encapsulated fish oil (1.14 g /kg of concentrate) for 56 days. Milk samples were analyzed for chemical composition and FA profile. The inclusion of encapsulated fish oil in the goat diet did not affect the yield and composition of goat milk. The effect of diet was not significant on the FA profile of goat milk, except that 20:0 was lower (P < 0.05) in the milk of goats that received fish oil. The low dose of encapsulated fish oil supplement used in this study did not impact (P > 0.05) the PUFA content of goat milk or milk composition and yield; however, the atherogenicity index (AI), which is beneficial to heart health, was lower (P < 0.05) in the milk of goats that received fish oil as a supplement in their diet compared to the control.     

Utilization of Olive-Pomace Oil for Enzymatic Production of Cocoa Butter-like Fat

Refined olive-pomace oil (ROPO) was utilized as a source for the production of a cocoa butter (CB)-like fat. Immobilized sn-1,3 specific lipase-catalyzed acidolysis of ROPO with palmitic (PA) and stearic (SA) acids was performed at various substrate mole ratios (ROPO:PA:SA) to produce major triacylglycerols (TAGs) of CB. Products obtained for various substrate mole ratios were compared to a commercial CB in terms of TAG content, melting profile, solid fat content (SFC) and microstructure. The fat produced at a substrate mole ratio of 1:2:6 was the most similar to CB. The product contained 11% POP, 21.8% POS, 15.7% SOS while commercial CB contained 18.9% POP, 33.1% POS and 24.7% SOS. The product had a melting peak of 29.9 °C while CB had one of 28.5 °C. Polarized light microscope (PLM) images showed that fat crystal network microstructures of this product and CB were very similar.     

Soluble fiber and soybean protein reduce atherosclerotic lesions in guinea pigs. Sex and hormonal status determine lesion extension

These studies were undertaken to assess guinea pigs as potential models for early atherosclerosis development. For that purpose, male, female, and ovariectomized (to mimic menopause) guinea pigs were fed a control or a TEST diet for 12 wk. Differences between diets were the type of protein (60% casein/40% soybean vs. 100% soybean) and the type of fiber (12.5% cellulose vs. 2.5% cellulose/5% pectin/5% psyllium) for control and TEST diets, respectively. Diet had no effect on plasma cholesterol or triacylglycerol (TAG) concentrations; however, there were significant effects related to sex/hormonal status. Ovariectomized guinea pigs had higher plasma cholesterol and TAG concentrations than males or females (P<0.01). In contrast to effects on plasma lipids, hepatic cholesterol and TAG were 50% lower in the TEST groups (P<0.01) compared to controls. Low density lipoproteins (LDL) from guinea pigs fed the TEST diet had a lower number of cholesteryl ester (CE) molecules and a smaller diameter than LDL from controls. Atherosclerotic lesions were modulated by both diet (P<0.0001) and sex (P<0.0001). Guinea pigs fed the TEST diet had 25% less lesion extension whereas males had 20% larger occlusion of the arteries compared to both female and ovariectomized guinea pigs. Significant positive correlations were found between LDL CE and atherosclerotic lesions (r=0.495, P<0.05) and LDL size and fatty streak area (r=0.56, P<0.01). In addition, females fed the TEST diet had the lowest plasma and hepatic cholesterol concentrations, the smallest LDL particles, and the least atherosclerosis involvement compared to the other groups. These data indicate that dietary factors and sex/hormonal status play a role in determining plasma lipids and atherosclerosis in guinea pigs.     

The metabolism of native and randomized butterfat chylomicrons in the rat is similar

Reportedly’ randomly rearranging the position of fatty acids (FA) in butterfat triacylglycerol (TAG) by interesterification’ thereby lowering the proportion of saturated FA in the sn-2 position’ reduces its hypercholesterolemic and hypertriglyceridemic properties when fed to humans. The aim of this work was to determine if these reductions in plasma cholesterol and TAG could be explained by an improved rate of clearance from the plasma of chylomicrons composed of randomized butterfat’ using a rat model. Acute chylomicron clearance studies demonstrated no differences in fractional clearance rates of cholesteryl esters and TAG from the plasma of rats infused with chylomicrons produced from gastric feeding of either native (NBF) or randomized (RBF) butterfat. Although there was a 14% decrease in the level of saturated FA occupying the sn-2 position of TAG in RBF compared with NBF’ this difference became negligible (∼5%)’ following digestion of the fat and subsequent repackaging of TAG into chylomicrons. These observations suggest that the previously observed reduction in hypercholesterolemic properties of randomized butterfat in rat is unlikely to be explained by improved clearance of chylomicron TAG.     

Fatty Acid Composition of Tropical Fish Depends on Reservoir Trophic Status and Fish Feeding Habit

Eutrophication results in a deficiency of n‐3 LC‐PUFA (long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids) in aquatic food chains, affecting fish nutrition and physiology. The trophic transfer of FA (fatty acids) to fish species of different feeding habits was investigated in two reservoirs in southeast Brazil—the mesotrophic Ponte Nova Reservoir (PN) and the hypereutrophic Billings Reservoir (Bil). Total FA profile of stomach contents and adipose tissue, triacylglycerols (TAG), and phospholipids (PL) from liver and muscle of the omnivorous Astyanax fasciatus and the carnivorous Hoplias malabaricus were analyzed by gas chromatography. A prevalence of n‐6PUFA, as 18:2n‐6 (linoleic acid) and 20:4n‐6 (arachidonic acid, ARA) was observed in the stomach contents and in the tissues of A. fasciatus from the PN reservoir. In contrast, n‐3 LC‐PUFA, as 20:5n‐3 (eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA) was accumulated in fish tissues from Bil, resulting in higher n3/n6 and EPA/ARA ratios, compared to fish from PN. This differential FA accumulation was also observed for H. malabaricus, but differences were slightly minor, and no changes were observed in the EPA/ARA ratios between fish from both reservoirs. Regardless reservoir, FA profiles of TAG resembled that of their diet, whereas FA profiles of PL were more conservative and mainly comprised by LC‐PUFA. We conclude that reservoir trophic status affected the FA composition of food resources available to these fish species, resulting in differential allocation of n‐3 and n‐6 FA. As expected, FA profile of the investigated fish species also reflected their feeding habit and physiological demands.     

Hypolipidemic Effects of Phospholipids (PL) Containing n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA) Are Not Dependent on Esterification of n-3 PUFA to PL

Phospholipids (PL) containing n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have beneficial effects of maintaining and promoting health compared with triacylglycerols (TAG) containing n‐3 PUFA or general PL. This study evaluated the effects of dietary PL containing n‐3 PUFA and elucidated the effects of the glycerophosphate structure and n‐3 PUFA on fatty acid (FA) metabolism in rats. Rats were fed a basal diet containing soybean oil alone, TAG containing n‐3 PUFA (1.8 %), soybean PL (2.7 %), PL containing n‐3 PUFA (2.7 %), or TAG containing n‐3 PUFA (1.8 %) + soybean PL (2.7 %). The present n‐3 PUFA‐supplemented diets had similar FA compositions, and the PL diets had similar PL compositions. TAG containing n‐3 PUFA reduced serum TAG contents, but did not affect serum cholesterol contents compared with soybean oil alone. PL diets containing n‐3 PUFA and the combination of TAG containing n‐3 PUFA and soybean PL resulted in decreased serum and liver TAG contents compared with the diet containing soybean oil alone, reflecting enhanced liver FA β‐oxidation. The results of this study show that TAG containing n‐3 PUFA with added soybean PL affects serum and liver TAG and cholesterol contents to a similar degree as PL containing n‐3 PUFA. TAG containing n‐3 PUFA and soybean PL are widely used as functional food ingredients and pharmaceutical constituents and are inexpensive compared with PL containing n‐3 PUFA. Therefore, the combination of TAG containing n‐3 PUFA and soybean PL has potential as a useful and inexpensive component of functional foods.