Human Liver Fatty Acid Binding Protein‐1 T94A Variant,Nonalcohol Fatty Liver Disease,and Hepatic Endocannabinoid System

Hepatic endocannabinoids (EC) and their major binding/“chaperone” protein (i.e., liver fatty acid binding protein‐1 [FABP1]) are associated with development of nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) in animal models and humans. Since expression of the highly prevalent human FABP1 T94A variant induces serum lipid accumulation, it is important to determine its impact on hepatic lipid accumulation and the EC system. This issue was addressed in livers from human subjects expressing only wild‐type (WT) FABP1 T94T (TT genotype) or T94A variant (TC or CC genotype). WT FABP1 males had lower total lipids (both neutral cholesteryl esters, triacylglycerols) and phospholipids than females. WT FABP1 males' lower lipids correlated with lower levels of the N‐acylethanolamide DHEA and 2‐monoacylglycerols (2‐MAG) (2‐OG, 2‐PG). T94A expression in males increased the hepatic total lipids (triacylglycerol, cholesteryl ester), which is consistent with their higher level of CB1‐potentiating 2‐OG and lower antagonistic EPEA. In contrast, in females, T94A expression did not alter the total lipids, neutral lipids, or phospholipids, which is attributable to the higher cannabinoid receptor‐1 (CB1) agonist arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA) and its CB1‐potentiator OEA being largely offset by reduced potentiating 2‐OG and increased antagonistic EPEA. Taken together, these findings indicate that T94A‐induced alterations in the hepatic EC system contribute at least in part to the hepatic accumulation of lipids associated with NAFLD, especially in males.     

Common FABP4 Genetic Variants and Plasma Levels of Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4 in Older Adults

We examined common variants in the fatty acid binding protein 4 gene (FABP4) and plasma levels of FABP4 in adults aged 65 and older from the Cardiovascular Health Study. We genotyped rs16909187, rs1054135, rs16909192, rs10808846, rs7018409, rs2290201, and rs6992708 and measured circulating FABP4 levels among 3190 European Americans and 660 African Americans. Among European Americans, the minor alleles of six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were associated with lower FABP4 levels (all p ≤ 0.01). Among African Americans, the SNP with the lowest minor allele frequency was associated with lower FABP4 levels (p = 0.015). The C-A haplotype of rs16909192 and rs2290201 was associated with lower FABP4 levels in both European Americans (frequency = 16 %; p = 0.001) and African Americans (frequency = 8 %; p = 0.04). The haplotype combined a SNP in the first intron with one in the 3′untranslated region. However, the alleles associated with lower FABP4 levels were associated with higher fasting glucose in meta-analyses from the MAGIC consortium. These results demonstrate associations of common SNP and haplotypes in the FABP4 gene with lower plasma FABP4 but higher fasting glucose levels.     

Liver Fatty Acid Binding Protein Gene-Ablation Exacerbates Weight Gain in High-Fat Fed Female Mice

Loss of liver fatty acid binding protein (L‐FABP) decreases long chain fatty acid uptake and oxidation in primary hepatocytes and in vivo. On this basis, L‐FABP gene ablation would potentiate high‐fat diet‐induced weight gain and weight gain/energy intake. While this was indeed the case when L‐FABP null (?/?) mice on the C57BL/6NCr background were pair‐fed a high‐fat diet, whether this would also be observed under high‐fat diet fed ad libitum was not known. Therefore, this possibility was examined in female L‐FABP (?/?) mice on the same background. L‐FABP (?/?) mice consumed equal amounts of defined high‐fat or isocaloric control diets fed ad libitum. However, on the ad libitum‐fed high‐fat diet the L‐FABP (?/?) mice exhibited: (1) decreased hepatic long chain fatty acid (LCFA) β‐oxidation as indicated by lower serum β‐hydroxybutyrate level; (2) decreased hepatic protein levels of key enzymes mitochondrial (rate limiting carnitine palmitoyl acyltransferase A1, CPT1A; HMG‐CoA synthase) and peroxisomal (acyl CoA oxidase 1, ACOX1) LCFA β‐oxidation; (3) increased fat tissue mass (FTM) and FTM/energy intake to the greatest extent; and (4) exacerbated body weight gain, weight gain/energy intake, liver weight, and liver weight/body weight to the greatest extent. Taken together, these findings showed that L‐FABP gene‐ablation exacerbated diet‐induced weight gain and fat tissue mass gain in mice fed high‐fat diet ad libitum—consistent with the known biochemistry and cell biology of L‐FABP.     

Growth Hormone Secretagogue (A233) Improves Growth and Changes the Tissue Fatty Acid Profile in Juvenile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Growth hormone (GH) release is a process that is well regulated by several factors, including GH secretagogues. GH can mediate the regulation of the fatty acid level and composition. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a synthetic GH secretagogue peptide (A233) on the growth and fatty acid composition in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). To address this objective, we administrated a diet supplemented with A233 to juvenile tilapia for 60 days. The group fed with a diet supplemented with 600 μg of A233 per kg of feed increased in weight (4.81 ± 0.09 g) and specific growth rate (2.49 ± 0.03%/day) compared to the control diet group (3.63 ± 0.08 g, 2.07 ± 0.04%/day; respectively) (p < 0.001). In the muscle, the total lipids for the control diet group were higher than that in the group fed with 600 μg of A233 per kg feed; however, no differences were detected in the liver. In both tissues, the patterns of fatty acid composition and content were generally similar, with some exceptions. Tilapia fed with 600 μg of A233 per kg of feed showed, in liver and muscle, a significantly higher composition and content of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (such as 20:5n‐3, 22:5n‐3, 22:6n‐3) and n‐3/n‐6 PUFA than animals fed with the control diet. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the the effects of natural or synthetic GH secretagogues (GHS) on fatty acid composition, implying an increase in the nutritional quality of the tilapia.     

Gut Microbial Fatty Acid Metabolites Reduce Triacylglycerol Levels in Hepatocytes

Hydroxy and oxo fatty acids were recently found to be produced as intermediates during gut microbial fatty acid metabolism. Lactobacillus plantarum produces these fatty acids from unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid. In this study, we investigated the effects of these gut microbial fatty acid metabolites on the lipogenesis in liver cells. We screened their effect on sterol regulatory element binding protein‐1c (SREBP‐1c) expression in HepG2 cells treated with a synthetic liver X receptor α (LXRα) agonist (T0901317). The results showed that 10‐hydroxy‐12(Z)‐octadecenoic acid (18:1) (HYA), 10‐hydroxy‐6(Z),12(Z)‐octadecadienoic acid (18:2) (γHYA), 10‐oxo‐12(Z)‐18:1 (KetoA), and 10‐oxo‐6(Z),12(Z)‐18:2 (γKetoA) significantly decreased SREBP‐1c mRNA expression induced by T0901317. These fatty acids also downregulated the mRNA expression of lipogenic genes by suppressing LXRα activity and inhibiting SREBP‐1 maturation. Oral administration of KetoA, which effectively reduced triacylglycerol accumulation and acetyl‐CoA carboxylase 2 (ACC2) expression in HepG2 cells, for 2 weeks significantly decreased Srebp‐1c, Scd‐1, and Acc2 expression in the liver of mice fed a high‐sucrose diet. Our findings suggest that the hypolipidemic effect of the fatty acid metabolites produced by L. plantarum can be exploited in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases or dyslipidemia.     

Comparison of Fatty Acid Methyl and Ethyl Esters as Biodiesel Base Stock: a Review on Processing and Production Requirements

Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) were the first fatty acid esters to be introduced for use as biodiesel. However, there is a growing interest in the use of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) in biodiesel. Both FAME and FAEE have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. These differences are ultimately attributable to the structural differences imparted by the alcohols used in their production. Sources of reactants as well as their safety issues, are a focus of this review. Also reviewed are the comparative characteristics and properties of both biodiesel types in terms of physicochemical features and performance. Processing requirements, reaction times and molar ratios of alcohol to oil, together with problems and drawbacks, are discussed. Recent developments on improving the yield of biodiesel, include mixing methanol and ethanol in the same reaction with ethanol acting as a co-solvent, and enzymatic methanolysis and ethanolysis are also highlighted.     

X盒结合蛋白1-u的原核表达及纯化

目的构建X盒结合蛋白1-u(XBP1-u)基因原核表达质粒,表达并纯化XBP1-u蛋白。方法利用RT-PCR技术从肝癌细胞HepG2中扩增XBP1-u基因,先插入中间载体pGEM-Teasy,再将其克隆至原核表达载体pET32a,构建重组原核表达质粒pET32a-XBP1-u,转化E.coliBL21(DE3),IPTG诱导表达。表达产物经Ni-NTA树脂柱亲和层析纯化后,进行Western blot鉴定。结果测序分析证实,克隆入pET32a的XBP1-u序列与GenBank中登录的XBP1-ucDNA序列一致。IPTG的最佳诱导浓度为0.5mmol/L,最佳诱导时间为6h。目的蛋白以包涵体形式表达,相对分子质量约为33000。纯化的蛋白经SDS-PAGE分析显示单一条带,且具有良好的反应原性。结论已成功构建了XBP1-u基因原核表达质粒,表达并纯化了XBP1-u蛋白,为XBP1-u在肿瘤发病中的作用机制及在应激性疾病临床治疗中的研究奠定了基础。     

Nitro-Oleic Acid Reduces J774A.1 Macrophage Oxidative Status and Triglyceride Mass: Involvement of Paraoxonase2 and Triglyceride Metabolizing Enzymes

Nitro‐fatty acids possess anti‐atherogenic properties, but their effects on macrophage oxidative status and lipid metabolism that play important roles in atherosclerosis development are unclear. This study compared the effects of nitro‐oleic acid (OLA‐NO₂) with those of native oleic acid (OLA) on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, anti‐oxidants and metabolism of triglycerides and cholesterol in J774A.1 macrophages. Upon incubating the cells with physiological concentrations of OLA‐NO₂ (0–1 µM) or with equivalent levels of OLA, ROS levels measured by 2, 7‐dichlorofluorescein diacetate, decreased dose‐dependently, but the anti‐oxidative effects of OLA‐NO₂ were significantly augmented. Copper ion addition increased ROS generation in OLA treated macrophages without affecting OLA‐NO₂ treated cells. These effects could be attributed to elevated glutathione levels and to increased activity and expression of paraoxonase2 that were observed in OLA‐NO₂vs OLA treated cells. Beneficial effects on triglyceride metabolism were noted in OLA‐NO₂vs OLA treated macrophages in which cellular triglycerides were reduced due to attenuated biosynthesis and accelerated hydrolysis of triglycerides. Accordingly, OLA‐NO₂ treated cells demonstrated down‐regulation of diacylglycerol acyltransferase1, the key enzyme in triglyceride biosynthesis, and increased expression of hormone‐sensitive lipase and adipose triglyceride lipase that regulate triglyceride hydrolysis. Finally, OLA‐NO₂vs OLA treatment resulted in modest but significant beneficial effects on macrophage cholesterol metabolism, reducing cholesterol biosynthesis rate and low density lipoprotein influx into the cells, while increasing high density lipoprotein‐mediated cholesterol efflux from the macrophages. Collectively, compared with OLA, OLA‐NO₂ modestly but significantly reduces macrophage oxidative status and cellular triglyceride content via modulation of cellular anti‐oxidants and triglyceride metabolizing enzymes.     

Overexpression of X-Box Binding Protein 1 (XBP1) Correlates to Poor Prognosis and Up-Regulation of PI3K/mTOR in Human Osteosarcoma

Increasing evidence demonstrates that dysregulation of XBP1 function contributes to tumorigenesis in some cancers. However, little is known about the role of XBP1 in the progression of osteosarcoma (OS). The expression of XBP1 in OS samples was measured by quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting assays. Cell cycle analysis and cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) assays were performed to determine the effects of XBP1 expression on cells growth capacity. Cell apoptosis coassay was applied to determine cell survival. The expression of genes affected by XBP1 was examined by quantitative RT-RCR and validated by Western blotting assays. XBP1 was overexpressed in OS clinical samples compared with corresponding non-cancerous tissues. Overexpression of XBP1 was significantly associated with advanced clinical stages, high degree of malignancy and low tumor necrosis rate. Furthermore, hypoxia activated XBP1, and silencing XBP1 significantly enhanced OS cell apoptosis. Knock-down of XBP1 resulted in inhibition of OS growth. Most importantly, knockdown of XBP1 led to down-regulation of PIK3R3 and mTOR. Taken together, XBP1 is up-regulated and has a pro-tumor effect in OS with activation of PI3K/mTOR signaling. Thus, targeting XBP1 may provide a new potential therapeutic method for OS.     

2-Chlorohexadecanal and 2-Chlorohexadecanoic Acid Induce COX-2 Expression in Human Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells

2-Chlorohexadecanal (2-ClHDA), a 16-carbon chain chlorinated fatty aldehyde that is produced by reactive chlorinating species attack of plasmalogens, is elevated in atherosclerotic plaques, infarcted myocardium, and activated leukocytes. We tested the hypothesis that 2-ClHDA and its metabolites, 2-chlorohexadecanoic acid (2-ClHA) and 2-chlorohexadecanol (2-ClHOH), induce COX-2 expression in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC). COX-2 protein expression increased in response to 2-ClHDA treatments at 8 and 20 h. 2-ClHA also increased COX-2 expression following an 8 h treatment. Quantitative PCR showed that 2-ClHDA treatment increased COX-2 mRNA over 8 h, while 2-ClHA treatment led to a modest increase by 1 h and those levels remained constant over 8 h. 2-ClHDA led to a significant increase in 6-keto-PGF(1alpha) release (a measure of PGI(2) release) by HCAEC. These data suggest that 2-ClHDA and its metabolite 2-ClHA, which are produced during leukocyte activation, may alter vascular endothelial cell function by upregulation of COX-2 expression.     

Short‐Chain Fatty Acids Enhance the Lipid Accumulation of 3T3‐L1 Cells by Modulating the Expression of Enzymes of Fatty Acid Metabolism

Short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) such as acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid are produced by fermentation by gut microbiota. In this paper, we investigate the effects of SCFA on 3T3‐L1 cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms. The cells were treated with acetic acid, propionic acid, or butyric acid when cells were induced to differentiate into adipocytes. MTT assay was employed to detect the viability of 3T3‐L1 cells. Oil Red O staining was used to visualize the lipid content in 3T3‐L1 cells. A triglyceride assay kit was used to detect the triacylglycerol content in 3T3‐L1 cells. qRT‐PCR and Western blot were used to evaluate the expression of metabolic enzymes. MTT results showed that safe concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid were less than 6.4, 3.2, and 0.8 mM, respectively. Oil Red O staining and triacylglycerols detection results showed that treatment with acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid accelerated the 3T3‐L1 adipocyte differentiation. qRT‐PCR and Western blot results showed that the expressions of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), adipocyte fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), fatty acid transporter protein 4 (FATP4), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) were significantly increased by acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid treatment during adipose differentiation (p < 0.05). In conclusion, SCFA promoted lipid accumulation by modulating the expression of enzymes of fatty acid metabolism.     

Muscle Lipids and Fatty Acid Profiles of the Sea Catfish (Arius madagascariensis) in Madagascar Inland Waters

Muscle lipids and fatty acids (FA) of catfish Arius madagascariensis were determined in catfish caught in the Betsiboka River, Madagascar, during a 5-month sampling period. Total lipids from muscle were extracted and quantified. Fatty acids were identified by means of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry of FA methyl esters and FA pyrrolidides, leading to the identification of 42 FA. Lipid content was relatively high in our fish sample and ranged from 4.3 to 6.6% of wet muscle. Three FA dominated the FA composition: palmitic acid (C16:0, 22.9–32.6%), oleic acid (C18:1n-9, 11.3–13.4%) and stearic acid (C18:0, 10.8–12.0%). A number of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) were present in appreciable amounts, including arachidonic acid (C20:4n-6, 4.7–7.6%), docosahexaenoic acid (C22:4n-6, 3.0–8.1%), eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n-3, 0.6–1.0%), n-3 docosapentaenoic acid (C22:5n-3, 1.1–1.6%), n-6 docosatetraenoic acid (C22:4n-6, 0.7–1.2%) and n-6 docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n-6, 0.9–1.8%). The sum of the n-6 PUFA and n-3 PUFA was 11.3–18.8 and 7.5–13.4%, respectively. These results indicate that A. madagascariensis, an abundant freshwater fish in Madagascar rivers, may be good source of dietary PUFA.     

Cell Proliferation and Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Metabolism in a Cell Line From Southern Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus maccoyii)

Southern bluefin tuna (SBT, Thunnus maccoyii) aquaculture is a highly valuable industry, but research on these fish is hampered by strict catch quotas and the limited success of captive breeding. To address these limitations, we have developed a SBT cell line (SBT-E1) and here we report on fatty acid metabolism in this cell line. The SBT-E1 cells proliferated well in standard Leibovitz’s L-15 cell culture medium containing fetal bovine serum (FBS) as the source of fatty acids. Decreasing the FBS concentration decreased the cell proliferation. Addition of the C₁₈ polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) α-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3) or linoleic acid (LNA, 18:2n-6) to the cell culture medium had little effect on the proliferation of the cells, whereas addition of the long-chain PUFA (LC-PUFA) arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4n-6), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) significantly reduced the proliferation of the cells, especially at higher concentrations and especially for DHA. Addition of vitamin E to the culture medium overcame this effect, suggesting that it was due to oxidative stress. The fatty acid profiles of the total lipid from the cells reflected those of the respective culture media with little evidence for desaturation or elongation of any of the fatty acids. The only exceptions were EPA and ARA, which showed substantial elongation to 22:5n-3 and 22:4n-6, respectively, and DHA, which was significantly enriched in the cells compared with the culture medium. The results are discussed in light of the dietary PUFA requirements of SBT in the wild and in aquaculture.     

Seasonal Variation of the Chemical Content and Fatty Acid Composition of Mantle and Tentacle of Male and Female Sepia officinalis

The goal of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and the fatty acid profile of mantle and tentacle of male and female Sepia officinalis, sampled at four seasons from the Mediterranean sea of Tunisia. S. officinalis were found to be rich in glycogen, protein and oil, and significant differences were observed between samples. The level of saturated fatty acid and unsaturated fatty acid showed significant variability among sex and during seasons. DHA and EPA, as polyunsaturated fatty acids, were the most abundant in all samples (14.8–27.8 % and 10.4–18.3 %, respectively). Oleic acid was the most abundant monounsaturated fatty acids (1.63–4.52 %). Σn3 and Σn6 was remarkably different between seasons and among sex. This study could be suitable for the development of reliable guide of fatty acid accumulation in cephalopod.     

阿昔莫司对RAW 264.7细胞三磷酸腺苷结合盒转运子A1表达及其调控的影响

目的研究阿昔莫司对巨噬细胞RAW264.7三磷酸腺苷结合盒转运子A1(ATP binding cassette transporterA1,ABCA1)及其上游调控因子肝脏X受体α(Liver X receptor,LXRα)的影响,探讨其促进胆固醇逆转运(Reversecholesterol transport,RCT)、抗动脉粥样硬化(Atherosclerosis,AS)的可能机制。方法体外培养RAW264.7细胞,将细胞分为空白对照组(不含阿昔莫司)和不同浓度的阿昔莫司干预组(分别含5、10、25μg/ml阿昔莫司),作用24 h后,采用RT-PCR法检测各组细胞中ABCA1和LXRα基因mRNA的转录水平;Western blot法检测各组细胞中ABCA1和LXRα蛋白的表达;闪烁计数法检测各组细胞内胆固醇的流出。结果阿昔莫司呈浓度依赖性地增加RAW264.7细胞中ABCA1和LXRα基因mRNA的转录水平和蛋白的表达水平(P<0.05或P<0.01)及细胞内胆固醇的流出率(P<0.01)。结论阿昔莫司可通过LXRα途径上调巨噬细胞ABCA1的表达,促使细胞内胆固醇流出,从而延缓AS的发生发展。     

Fatty Acid Profile of the Initial Oral Biofilm (Pellicle): an In-Situ Study

The first step of bioadhesion on dental surfaces is the formation of the acquired pellicle. This mainly acellular layer is formed instantaneously on all solid surfaces exposed to oral fluids. It is composed of proteins, glycoproteins and lipids. However, information on the lipid composition is sparse. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the fatty acid (FA) profile of the in-situ pellicle for the first time. Furthermore, the impact of rinses with safflower oil on the pellicle’s FA composition was investigated. Pellicles were formed in situ on bovine enamel slabs mounted on individual upper jaw splints. The splints were carried by ten subjects over durations of 3–240 min. After comprehensive sample preparation, gas chromatography coupled with electron impact ionization mass spectrometry (GC–EI/MS) was used in order to characterize qualitatively and quantitatively a wide range of FA (C₁₂–C₂₄). The relative FA profiles of the pellicle samples gained from different subjects were remarkably similar, whereas the amount of FA showed significant interindividual variability. An increase in FA in the pellicle was observed over time. The application of rinses with safflower oil resulted in an accumulation of its specific FA in the pellicle. Pellicle formation is a highly selective process that does not correlate directly with salivary composition, as shown for FA.     

（1R）-Cis-二溴菊酸的合成工艺研究

对合成溴氰菊酯的重要中间体（1R）-Cis-二溴菊酸的合成工艺及其最新的研究进展进行介绍。分析了这些合成工艺的优缺点。展望了（1R）-Cis-二溴菊酸发展前景。     

低含量砷羟基亚乙基二膦酸的制备

在酸性条件下,用硫化钠作还原剂和沉淀剂,还原-沉淀脱除普通工业品羟基亚乙基二膦酸(HEDPA)中的杂质砷。系统考察了硫化钠加入量、溶液pH、反应温度、反应时间、搅拌速度等因素对脱砷效果的影响,其适宜反应工艺条件为:n(硫化钠)∶n(砷)=4∶1,pH=0.5,反应温度50℃,反应时间2h,搅拌速度90r/min。在该工艺条件下脱砷率达99.3%,可制得高品质低含量砷羟基亚乙基二膦酸(HEDPA),其砷的质量浓度为0.28mg/L,可广泛用作日用化学品添加剂和药物合成的原料。