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.     

Toxicological assessment of 3-chloropropane-1,2-diol and glycidol fatty acid esters in food

Fatty acid esters of 3‐chloropropane‐1,2‐diol (3‐MCPD) and glycidol are a newly identified class of food process contaminants. They are widespread in refined vegetable oils and fats and have been detected in vegetable fat‐containing products, including infant formulas. There are no toxicological data available yet on the 3‐MCPD and glycidol esters, and the primary toxicological concern is based on the potential release of 3‐MCPD or glycidol from the parent esters by lipase‐catalyzed hydrolysis in the gastrointestinal tract. Although 3‐MCPD is assessed as a nongenotoxic carcinogen with a tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 2 μg/kg body weight (bw), glycidol is a known genotoxic carcinogen, which induces tumors in numerous organs of rodents. The initial exposure estimates, conducted by Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) under the assumption that 100% of the 3‐MPCD and glycidol are released from their esters, revealed especially that infants being fed commercial infant formula could ingest harmful amounts of 3‐MCPD and glycidol. However, the real oral bioavailability may be lower. As this gives rise for toxicological concern, the currently available toxicological data of 3‐MCPD and glycidol and their esters are summarized in this review and discussed with regard to data gaps and further research needs.     

Stinging nettle (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Urtica dioica</Emphasis> L.): a reservoir of nutrition and bioactive components with great functional potential

In recent years a lot of the scientific interest has been concentrated on the identification of factors among low cost herbs that can be helpful in improving the health of humans. A shocking feature of herbal analysis has been that rarely any rare, exotic and exquisite plant has proved more fascinating. Typically some common, less familiar, and disdained weed have been discovered to possess undreamt of virtues. Urtica dioica is a weed and its seeds, leaves and even roots are used for medicinal purpose. It is a sensible reservoir of micronutrients and nutritional elements which leads us to focus our study on this herb. Despite of being wholesome, leaves are easily digested and high in minerals (especially iron), vitamin C and pro-vitamin A. U.dioica is used as both medicine and food in many countries particularly in Mediterranean region because of being widespread and having conjointly exceptional biological activities. This comprehensive review is an effort to summarise the recent data on nutrition, pharmacological and clinical effects of U. dioica keeping in view the increased demand by patients to use natural products with antioxidant activity, anti diabetic activity and having potential for treatment of inflammatory diseases. The review of nutritional properties is also an important aspect as every person needs general nutritional support in order to stay well or become optimally healthy. This review provides an overview of U. dioica in relation to antioxidant activity, anti diabetic activity, antimutagenic activity, antimicrobial activity, analgesic effect and treatment of inflammatory diseases that promotes its use.     

Influences of titanium and manganese on high strength low alloy SAW weld metal properties

The objective of this work was to study the influence of titanium on API 5L-X70 steel weld metal properties at manganese levels of 1.4 and 2%. The best mechanical properties in the weld series were obtained in two compositions, i.e. 1.92%Mn–0.02%Ti and 1.40%Mn–0.08%Ti. In both groups of welds, acicular ferrite in the microstructure was increased with addition of titanium in the range of 0.02–0.08%. Manganese helped to refine and homogenize weld microstructures. Increased hardenability of the weld due to further addition of titanium or manganese encouraged grain boundary nucleation of bainite with greater frequency than intragranular nucleation of acicular ferrite. Also, the amount of manganese in inclusions was decreased with the addition of titanium to the weld. The impact toughness of the weld metal was improved by addition of titanium, but beyond the optimal titanium percentage, the quasi-cleavage fracture mode appeared in the specimens again.