Effect of <Emphasis Type="Italic">β</Emphasis>-Cyclodextrin on <Emphasis Type="Italic">trans</Emphasis> Fats,CLA, PUFA and Phospholipids of Milk Fat

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) on trans C18:1 fatty acid isomers, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and phospholipids in pasteurized milk. The individual trans C18:1 isomers were not significantly affected by the β-CD. trans-11 C18:1 (vaccenic acid) was found to be the major isomer (1.31 ± 0.12%) followed by trans-15 C18:1 (0.35 ± 0.06%). Individual trans linoleic acids did not show differences from the effect of β-CD, representing the high amount of the isomer trans-11 cis-15 C18:2 (0.433 ± 0.087%). The main CLA isomer cis-9 trans-11 C18:2 (rumenic acid) did not show differences between the control milk (0.672 ± 0.080%) and β-CD milk (0.663 ± 0.074%). PUFA and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids were not also significant by the effect of β-CD. Total phospholipids were not significantly affected by effect of the β-CD (0.023 ± 0.001% vs. 0.022 ± 0.001%). β-CD is a effective oligosaccharide for cholesterol removal from pasteurized milk and does not significantly affect the lipid components of the milk fat.     

Determination of CLA <Emphasis Type="Italic">trans</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">trans</Emphasis> Positional Isomerism in CLA-Rich Soy Oil by GC–MS and Silver Ion HPLC

A ~20% CLA-rich soy oil with low saturated fat and no cholesterol was produced by photoisomerizing soy oil linoleic acid. The oil is predominately trans,trans CLA, with the oil containing 17% trans,trans CLA. Recent studies have shown that trans,trans CLA-rich soy oil significantly reduces heart disease and diabetes risk factors in obese rats. However, the positional isomerism of these geometrical isomers has not been identified. The objectives of the study were to determine trans,trans CLA positional isomerism of CLA fatty acids in CLA-rich soy oil and determine the resolution of trans,trans CLA positional isomers by silver ion chromatography. GC–MS studies of 4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione (PTAD) derivatives of CLA-rich oil showed that 9,11 CLA and 10,12 CLA were the major positional isomers. These were hypothesized to be the trans,trans CLA isomers, which was confirmed by silver ion chromatography and subsequent GC–FID fatty acid and ATR-FTIR geometrical isomer analysis of the collected fractions. The identification of 9,11 trans,trans CLA and 10,12 trans,trans CLA as the major CLA isomers in CLA-rich oil then allowed the deduction of the synthetic mechanism of the photoisomerism of soy oil linoleic acid to trans,trans CLA.     

Syntheses and optical properties of <Emphasis Type="Italic">α</Emphasis>- and <Emphasis Type="Italic">β</Emphasis>-cyano-poly(<Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-phenylene vinylene) derivatives

Two light emitting molecules with the cyano group at different positions on the vinylene i.e., 2,5-bis(2-thienyl-1-cyanovinyl)-1-(2_-ethylhexyloxy)-4-methoxybenzene (-TPT) and 2,5-bis(2-thienyl-2-cyanovinyl)-1-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-4-methoxybenzene (-TPT), and corresponding polymers, i.e., poly[2,5-bis(2-thienyl-1-cyanovinyl)-1-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-4-methoxybenzene] (denoted as P1) and poly[2,5-bis(2-ethienyl-2-cyanovinyl)-1-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-4-methoxybenzene] (denoted as P2) were synthesized. -TPT and -TPT, respectively, were blended into two host polymers, poly(methyl methacrylate (PMMA) and poly(9-vinylcarbazole) (PVK), to study the optical properties of the dopants in different host polymer matrices. Although -TPT and -TPT have the same backbone structure, their optical properties are much different. The PL emission maximum ( _max) of -TPT was found blue-shifted, compared with that of -TPT, while the PL intensity of -TPT was stronger than that of -TPT. Concentration effect in the optical properties was found, 1 wt% of -TPT in PVK had the maximum fluorescent emission.The PL maximum peak wavelengths for polymer films (P1 and P2) were found red-shifted; while their PL intensities were weaker when compared with those of blends.     

Dynamic-mechanical behavior of polyethylenes and ethene/<Emphasis Type="Italic">α</Emphasis>-olefin-copolymers: Part II. <Emphasis Type="Italic">α</Emphasis>- and <Emphasis Type="Italic">β</Emphasis>-relaxation

Several ethylene homopolymers and ethene/ α-olefin-copolymers with crystallinities ranging between 85 and 12% were characterized by dynamic-mechanical measurements. The occurring relaxations were correlated to the crystallinity of the polymeric materials and to morphology. The α-relaxation, being attributed to interlamellar shear, was found to be around 60 °C with activation energies of about 120 kJ/mol in samples with more than 42% crystallinity. The β-transition shows a much greater variety among the different samples characterized. Its relaxation temperatures vary between −40 and 10 °C with activation energies between 200 and 400 kJ/mol. The α- and β-relaxation of several quenched samples with crystallinities between 63 and 42% were found to overlap, thus producing bimodal maxima and different activation energies from the Arrhenius plots. A separation of these overlapping relaxations was only possible by measuring the relaxations over a frequency range of more than three orders of magnitude.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Trans</Emphasis>-7,<Emphasis Type="Italic">cis</Emphasis>-9 CLA is synthesized endogenously by Δ<Superscript>9</Superscript>-desaturase in dairy cowsin dairy cows

Cis-9,trans-11 and trans-7,cis-9 CLA are the most prevalent CLA isomers in milkfat. The majority of cis-9,trans-11 CLA is synthesized endogenously by Δ⁹-desaturase. We tested the hypothesis that trans-7,cis-9 CLA originates from endogenous synthesis by inhibiting Δ⁹-desaturase with a source of cyclopropene FA (sterculic oil: SO) or with a trans-10,cis-12 CLA supplement. Experiment 1 (four cows; Latin square) involved four treatments: control, SO, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil (PHVO), and PHVO+SO. Milk, plasma, and rumen fluid were collected. Experiment 2 treatments (four cows) were 0 or 14.0 g/d of 10,12 CLA supplement; milk and plasma were collected. Samples were analyzed by GC and Ag⁺-HPLC to determine FA. In Experiment 1, SO decreased milkfat content of trans-7,cis-9 CLA by 68 to 71% and cis-9,trans-11 CLA by 61 to 65%. In Experiment 2, the 10,12 CLA supplement decreased milkfat content of trans-7,cis-9 CLA and cis-9,trans-11 by 44 and 25%, respectively. Correcting for the extent of treatment-induced inhibition of Δ⁹-desaturase based on changes in myristic and myristoleic acids, endogenous synthesis of trans-7,cis-9 CLA represented 85 and 102% in Experiments 1 and 2, respectively. Similar corrected values were 77 and 58% for endogenous synthesis of cis-9,trans-11 CLA. Thus, milkfat cis-9,trans-11 CLA was primarily from endogenous synthesis with a minor portion from rumen escape. In contrast, trans-7,cis-9 CLA was not present in rumen fluid in significant amounts. Results indicate this isomer in milkfat is derived almost exclusively from endogenous synthesis via Δ⁹-desaturase.     

Synthesis and Properties of Alkyl <Emphasis Type="Italic">β</Emphasis>-<Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">d</Emphasis>-Galactopyranoside

A series of alkyl β-d-galactopyranosides were prepared by the trichloroacetimidate method with d-galactose and alcohols with different chain lengths as raw materials. Their solubility, surface tension, emulsification, foaming, wettability, thermotropic liquid crystalline properties, and thermal stability were investigated. Alkyl β-d-galactopyranosides are soluble in water and ethanol, and the solubility decreases with increasing alkyl chain length. Decyl β-d-galactopyranoside was insoluble in water, but soluble in ethanol. Dissolution of alkyl β-d-galactopyranoside in water is an endothermic process with dissolution enthalpies greater than zero. Nonyl β-d-galactopyranoside had an excellent emulsifying property, better foaming ability and the best foam stability. The CMC values of alkyl β-d-galactopyranosides decrease with increasing of alkyl chain length. Alkyl β-d-galactopyranosides are thermally stable up to 270 °C. Alkyl β-d-galactopyranosides show the distinctive optical texture of a thermotropic liquid crystal smectic A type phase. Decyl β-d-galactopyranoside showed the strongest wettability.     

Cellulose–<Emphasis Type="Italic">co</Emphasis>-polyacrylonitrile blends: Properties of combined solutions in <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-metylmorpholine-<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-oxide and the formation and thermolysis of composite fibers

Combined solutions of cellulose and an acrylonitrile-based copolymer in N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide have been prepared for the first time, new composite fibers have been formed, and the properties of the solutions and fibers under standard conditions and during thermal treatment have been studied. On the basis of studying the phase state and morphological peculiarities of combined cellulose solutions with polyacrylonitrile additives, it has been shown that the completed solutions make emulsions in the entire range of investigated concentrations. The rheological behavior of combined solutions changes with temperature. With the use of IR spectroscopy methods, it has been found that the addition of polyacrylonitrile to cellulose results in the association of nitrile groups with hydroxyl groups of cellulose, which favors the cyclization of CN groups during heating and the appearance of polyconjugated bonds in polyacrylonitrile chains. Thermal transformations of cellulose and polyacrylonitrile in the course of mixed-fiber carbonization have been studied via DSC and TGA. It has been shown that polyacrylonitrile inhibits the dehydration processes in cellulose and reduces the intensity of the peak due to the first stage of the structural rearrangement, i.e., acts as a “catalyst” of pyrolysis.     

Dynamic-mechanical behavior of polyethylenes and ethene-/<Emphasis Type="Italic">α</Emphasis>-olefin-copolymers: Part III. <Emphasis Type="Italic">γ</Emphasis>-relaxation

The temperature- and frequency-dependent dynamic-mechanical properties in the temperature regime of the γ-transition were determined for a number of polyethylenes and ethylene/α-olefin-copolymers differing in their crystallinity and crystal morphology. The temperature dependence of the γ-transition was found to obey the Arrhenius law for thermally activated processes. The γ-transition temperature determined at a frequency of 1 Hz and the corresponding activation energy were analyzed as a function of the crystallinity. As an overall trend, both quantities are found to decrease with decreasing crystallinity, which is explained by the increase in free volume due to the incorporation of short-chain branches or the thermal pretreatment (e.g., quenching). Taking into account that the crystal morphology of polyethylenes can be classified into four different groups, a more detailed picture appears. Within one type of morphology both quantities, namely the transition temperature and the activation energy, increase with decreasing crystallinity independent of the α-olefin used as the comonomer. These findings can be explained by partial orientations of the molecule segments in the interlamellar amorphous space in the case of HDPE or by the increased steric hindrance of the crankshaft motion by the short-chain branches. From the findings of this series of studies, it was concluded that the glass transition in polyethylene and polyethylene/α-olefin-copolymers is the β- and not the γ-transition.     

A novel ∈-lysine acylase from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Streptomyces mobaraensis</Emphasis> for synthesis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N∈</Emphasis>-acyl-<Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">l</Emphasis>-lysines

A novel ∈-lysine acylase (N ₆-acyl-l-lysine amidohydrolase; EC 3.5.1.17) was isolated from Streptomyces mobaraensis and purified to homogeneity by SDS-PAGE from the culture broth. The purified enzyme was monomeric, with a molecular mass of approximately 60 kDa. The enzyme was inactivated by the presence of 1,10-phenanthroline and activated in the presence of Co²⁺ and Zn²⁺. The enzyme showed a pH optimum of 8.0 and was stable at temperatures of up to 50°C for 1 h at pH 8.0. The enzyme specifically catalyzed the hydrolysis of the amide bond of various N∈-acyl-l-lysines. Furthermore, the enzyme efficiently catalyzed the synthesis of N∈-acyl-l-lysines with fatty and aromatic acyl groups in an aqueous buffer. In the syntheses of N∈-decanoyl-l-lysine, N∈-lauroyl-l-lysine, and N∈-myristoyl-l-lysine, the product precipitated and the yield was 90% or higher using 10 mM FA and 0.5 M l-lysine as the substrate.     

Synthesis and self-assembly of pH-responsive amphiphilic poly(<Emphasis Type="Italic">ε</Emphasis>-caprolactone)-<Emphasis Type="Italic">block</Emphasis>-poly(acrylic acid) copolymer

The pH-responsive amphiphilic poly(ε-caprolactone)-block-poly(acrylic acid) (PCL-b-PAA) copolymer was prepared by selective hydrolysis of one novel poly(ε-caprolactone)-block-poly(methoxymethyl acrylate) (PCL-b-PMOMA) block copolymer, which was synthesized by combining ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL) and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of methoxymethyl acrylate (MOMA). Selective hydrolysis of the hemiketal ester groups on the PMOMA block gave 100% deprotection without the cleavage of the PCL block. The self-assembly behavior of PCL-b-PAA was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy, DLS and TEM. The spherical micelles were formed with the hydrophobic PCL block as the core and the hydrophilic PAA as the shell by a co-solvent evaporation method. Moreover, the size and size distribution of the micelles varied with pH value and ionic strength in aqueous solution. The cytotoxicity of the PCL-b-PAA was lower, which was confirmed by MTT assay.     

Enhanced <Emphasis Type="Italic">β</Emphasis>-carotene production by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhodotorula glutinis</Emphasis> using high hydrostatic pressure

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) technology was used for improving the ability of β-carotene biosynthesis of Rhodotorula glutinis R68. After the treatments of five repeated cycles at 300 MPa for 15 min, the barotolerant mutant PR68 was obtained. After 72 h of culture, the biomass of mutant PR68 was 21.6 g/L, decreased by 8.5% compared to the parent strain R68, but its β-carotene production reached 19.4 mg/L, increased by 52.8% compared to the parent strain R68. The result of restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis suggested that mutant strain PR68 was likely to change in nucleic acid level, and thus enhanced β-carotene production in this strain was a result of gene mutation induced by HHP treatment. HHP technology seems a promising approach for improving industrial microbes.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Trans</Emphasis>-18∶1 isomers in rat milk fat as effective biomarkers for the determination of individual isomeric <Emphasis Type="Italic">trans</Emphasis>-18∶1 acids in the dams' diet

Female rats were fed a diet containing by weight 10% partially hydrogenated sunflower oil, 2% sunflower oil, and 1% rapeseed oil during gestation and lactation. The trans-18∶1 isomer profile of the fat supplement was (in % of total trans 18∶1 acids in the fat supplement): Δ4, 0.5; Δ5, 1.0;Δ6–Δ8, 18∶0; Δ9 (elaidic), 13.5; Δ10, 22.2;Δ11 (vaccenic), 16.0; Δ12, 11.3; Δ13–Δ14, 12.8; Δ15, 2.5; and Δ16, 2.2 (total trans 18∶1 acids in the fat supplement: 40.6%). The cis 18∶1 isomer profile was (in % of total cis-18∶1 isomers):Δ6, Δ8, 2.1; Δ9 (oleics), 70.9; Δ10, 6.1; Δ11, 8.3; Δ12, 4.0; Δ13, 2.8; Δ14, 4.6, and Δ15, 1.2 (total cis-18∶1 acids in the fat supplement: 32.6%). Suckling rats from four litters were sacrificed at day 17 or 18 after birth, and their stomach content (milk) was analyzed. The trans-18∶1 isomer profile of milk was (relative proportions, in % of total): Δ4, 0.3; Δ5, 1.1; Δ6–Δ8, 16.8; Δ9, 15.3; Δ10, 22.0; Δ11, 16.7; Δ12, 11.8; Δ13–14, 11.8; Δ15, 2.5, and Δ16, 1.9 (total trans 18∶1 acids in milk: %). That of cis-18∶1 isomers was (proportions in % relative to total cis-18∶1 isomers): Δ6–Δ8, 4.7; Δ9, 72.5; Δ10, 4.0; Δ11, 8.0; Δ12, 7.1; Δ13, 1.9; Δ14, 1.0, and Δ15, 0.7 (total cis-18∶1 acids in milk: %). These results demonstrate that all isomeric acids, independent of the geometry and the position of the ethylenic bond, are incorporated into milk lipids. With regard to trans-18∶1 isomers, the distribution profile in milk is identical to that in the dams' diet, i.e., there is no discrimination against any positional isomer between their ingestiona nd their deposition into milk lipids. As a consequence, this study indicates that the trans-18∶1 isomer profile of milk reflects that in the dams' diet and supports our earlier hypothesis that the profile of trans-18∶1 isomers in milk can be used to deduce the relative contribution of ruminant fats and partially hydrogenated oils in the diet ot the total intake of trans-18∶1 isomers. On the other hand, the cis-18∶1 isomer profile in milk shows significant differences when compared to that in the dams' diet. Surprisingly, there are no major differences for the cis-Δ9 (oleic) and the cis-Δ11 (asclepic) isomers, which can be synthesized by the mother. However, there seems to be a significant positive selectivity for the group cis-Δ6–Δ8, and for the cis-Δ12 isomer, whereas a negative selectivity occurs for the Δ10 and Δ13 to Δ15 cis isomers. Dr. Robert L. Wolff Robert Wolff passed away at the age of 53 on the 10th of November, 2002. His know-how in the field of lipids was recognized internationally. He had the ability to lead his research projects in both the animal and vegetal worlds. His scientific achievement, more than 100 publications to his name in the field of trans fatty acids, made him highly esteemed by his colleagues. He was Conference Master at Bordeaux 1 University (France) up until 2001, at which time he joined the Nutritional Lipid Unit in I.N.R.A., Dijon (France). His mission there was to develop a research program on plasmalogens and their role in brain and muscle function, for which his analytical and biochemical skills were a guarantee of success. Unfortunately, his state of health did not allow him to complete this project. This publication is his final one.     

Regiospecific Analyses of Triacylglycerols of Hoki (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Macruronus novaezelandiae</Emphasis>) and Greenshell™ Mussel (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Perna canaliculus</Emphasis>)

The lipid profiles of the two most important New Zealand marine oil sources were investigated, with particular attention to the regioisomeric compositions of triacylglycerides (TAG), using ¹³C-nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. Oils from hoki (Macruronus novaezelandiae) and Greenshell™ mussel (Perna canaliculus) (GSM) were analyzed for their lipid content, lipid class and fatty acid profile. The regiospecific distribution of long chain (C ≥ 20) polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) between the sn-1,3 and sn-2 glycerol positions was calculated from ¹³C responses in the carbonyl region in the triacylglycerol fraction. Rendered hoki oil (RHO) produced from the viscera and filleting discards, had a similar lipid profile to that of hoki liver oil (HLO) confirming that the liver is the major source of oil in RHO. The regioisomeric distribution of fatty acids showed differences between the two oil sources. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) had a regioisomeric distributional preference to the sn-2 position in TAG from all the oils (59.2% HLO, 54.3% RHO and 63.4% GSM). Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) had a more even distribution along the triacylglycerol backbone in hoki TAG (29.1% HLO, 33.6% RHO) while there was a slight sn-2 positional preference in the GSM TAG (37.6%). This regioisomeric information is vital to distinguish LC-PUFA-rich marine oils from other marine sources for authentication purposes.     

Vaccenic acid (<Emphasis Type="Italic">t</Emphasis>11–18∶1) is converted to <Emphasis Type="Italic">c</Emphasis>9,<Emphasis Type="Italic">t</Emphasis>11-CLA in MCF-7 and SW480 cancer cells

The aims of this study were to determine whether vaccenic acid (VA; t11–18∶1) is converted to c9,t11-CLA in human mammary (MCF-7) and colon (SW480) cancer cell lines and whether VA influences cell viability and other CLA-bioresponsive markers. When cells were incubated in the presence of VA at concentrations of 5 to 20 μg/mL, both VA and c9,t11-CLA increased in cellular lipids in a dose-dependent manner. After 4 d of incubation of SW480 and MCF-7 cells with VA (20 μg/mL), c9,t11-CLA increased from undetectable levels to 8.57 and 12.14 g/100 g FAME in cellular lipids, respectively. VA supplementation for 4 d at 5, 10, and 15 μg/mL had no effect on cell growth, whereas 20 μg/mL significantly (P<0.05) reduced cell growth in both cell lines. VA (20 μg/mL) treatment induced DNA fragmentation and significantly (P<0.05) depeleted cytosolic GSH levels in the SW480 cell line after 4 d of incubation, suggesting that apoptosis was the mode of cell death induced by VA. Both VA and c9,t11-CLA reduced (P<0.05) total ras expression in SW480 cells. ¹⁴C-Arachidonic acid uptake into the MG fraction was significantly increased (P<0.05) in both cell lines while uptake into the phospholipid fraction decreased in response to VA. VA treatment significantly (P<0.05) increased 8-epi-prostaglandin F_2α in both cell lines. The data indicate that growth suppression and cellular responses of both cells lines are likely mediated by VA desaturation to c9,t11-CLA via Δ⁹-desaturase.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Trans</Emphasis>–<Emphasis Type="Italic">trans</Emphasis> Conjugated Linoleic Acid Enriched Soybean Oil Reduces Fatty Liver and Lowers Serum Cholesterol in Obese Zucker Rats

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a collection of octadecadienoic fatty acids that have been shown to possess numerous health benefits. The CLA used in our study was produced by the photoisomerization of soybean oil and consists of about 20% CLA; this CLA consists of 75% trans–trans (a mixture of t8,t10; t9,t11; t10,t12) isomers. This method could be readily used to increase the CLA content of all soybean oil used as a food ingredient. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of trans–trans CLA-rich soy oil, fed as a dietary supplement, on body composition, dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, and markers of glucose control and liver function of obese fa/fa Zucker rats. The trans–trans CLA-rich soy oil lowered the serum cholesterol and low density lipoprotein–cholesterol levels by 41 and 50%, respectively, when compared to obese controls. Trans–trans CLA-rich soy oil supplementation also lowered the liver lipid content significantly (P < 0.05) with a concomitant decrease in the liver weight in the obese rats. In addition, glycated hemoglobin values were improved in the group receiving CLA-enriched soybean oil in comparison to the obese control. PPAR-γ expression in white adipose tissue was unchanged. In conclusion, trans–trans CLA-rich soy oil was effective in lowering total liver lipids and serum cholesterol.     

Identification and Functional Expression of a Δ9-Fatty Acid Desaturase from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Psychrobacter urativorans</Emphasis> in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Escherichia coli</Emphasis>

The Δ9-fatty acid desaturase is a key enzyme in the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. The fatty acid composition of membrane phospholipids in Psychrobacter urativorans is characterized by a high degree of desaturation at Δ9 position. Based on CODEHOP-mediated PCR strategy, a novel gene designated as PuFAD9, putatively encoding a Δ9-fatty acid desaturase (PuFAD9), was isolated from P. urativorans. The gene consists of 1,455 bp and codes for 484 amino acids. Analysis of the amino acid sequence reveals three histidine clusters and a hydropathy profile, typical for membrane-bound desaturases. Activity of the PuFAD9 protein, recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli was confirmed by GC-MS analysis of the cellular fatty acid composition. It was found that the ratio between palmitoleic and palmitic acid in E. coli cells heterologously expressing the PuFAD9 gene was significantly affected by IPTG induction and the growth temperature.     

Variation of Insect Attracting Odor in Endophytic <Emphasis Type="Italic">Epichloë</Emphasis> Fungi: Phylogenetic Constrains <Emphasis Type="Italic">Versus</Emphasis> Host Influence

Odor is a key trait for pollinator attraction in flowering plants, and many studies have investigated odor evolution in the light of pollinator selection by emphasizing the importance of the plant phylogenetic history. By contrast, little is known on the evolution of odors in fungus–insect interactions. In this study, profiles of three volatile compounds that are emitted by grass-inhabiting Epichloë fungi (Clavicipitaceae, Ascomycota) and that have a confirmed or likely role in the attraction of gamete-transferring Botanophila flies were investigated. We collected headspace samples from stromata of six European Epichloë species (including various host races) that originated from different locations in Switzerland, France, Poland, and UK for conducting gas chromatography analyses. Odor profiles exhibited considerable variation, but profiles of most species overlapped and did not discriminate at the species level. The exception was Epichloë festucae, which had a profile dominated by methyl (Z)-3-methyldodec-2-enoate. Based on an Epichloë phylogeny, there was some hierarchical structuring regarding levels of chokol K, another confirmed Botanophila attractant. However, patterns of odor profiles appeared to be largely dependant on particular Epichloë–host associations. The observed variation may be the result of complex selective pressures imposed by Botanophila gametic vectors, local environment, and mycoparasites.     

Nystatin Interferes with the Effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-Methyl-<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>′-nitro-<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-nitrosoguanidine on Sphingolipid Metabolism in Human FL Cells

Previously we have shown that an alkylating agent N-methyl-N'-nitro-N- nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) can induce receptor clustering and the activation of a downstream signal molecule NF-kappaB, and that the receptor clustering is associated with changes in sphingolipids metabolism. On the other hand, the polyene antibiotic nystatin can block MNNG-induced receptor clustering. In this study, using a lipidomic approach, we further evaluated whether nystatin influenced the effects of MNNG on sphingolipids metabolism. It was found that nystatin itself induced changes in the sphingolipids profile in human amnion FL cells to a certain extent, including an increase or decrease of some sphingolipid species. Interestingly, nystatin can block, at least partially, the changes of sphingolipids-induced by MNNG. In addition, nystatin can also partially inhibit the activation of NF-kappaB induced by MNNG. Neither MNNG nor nystatin affects the mRNA levels of serine palmitoyltransferase, acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), and sphingomyelin synthase, key enzymes in the sphingolipids biosynthesis pathway. However, MNNG can activate ASM and neutral sphingomyelinase, while nystatin preincubation inhibits the activation. Taken together, these data suggested that nystatin interferes with the effects of MNNG, and might elicit its function through altered sphingolipids metabolism.     

Hepatic Lipase Gene −514<Emphasis Type="Italic">C</Emphasis>/<Emphasis Type="Italic">T</Emphasis> Polymorphism in the Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang and Han Populations

Hei Yi Zhuang is an isolated subgroup of the Zhuang minority in China. This study was designed to compare the difference in the hepatic lipase gene (LIPC) -514C/T polymorphism and its association with lipid profiles between the Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations. Genotyping of the LIPC -514C/T was performed in 873 subjects of Hei Yi Zhuang and 867 participants of Han Chinese. The frequency of -514T allele was 43.47% in Hei Yi Zhuang, and 36.10% in Han (P < 0.001). The frequencies of CC, CT and TT genotypes were 30.01, 53.04 and 16.95% in Hei Yi Zhuang, and 40.95, 45.91 and 13.14% in Han (P < 0.001); respectively. Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein B levels in both ethnic groups were higher in LIPC -514T carriers than in C carriers. In addition, serum triglyceride levels in Han were higher in TT genotype individuals than in CC genotype subjects (P < 0.05). Serum HDL-C levels were positively correlated with age, alcohol consumption and LIPC -514C/T genotypes, and negatively associated with hypertension and cigarette smoking in Hei Yi Zhuang (P < 0.05-0.01), whereas HDL-C levels were positively correlated with age, alcohol consumption and LIPC -514C/T genotypes, and negatively associated with body mass index and cigarette smoking in Han (P < 0.05-0.001). The differences in serum HDL-C levels between the two ethnic groups might partially attribute to the differences in the LIPC -514C/T polymorphism.