Milk fat globule membrane supplementation protects againstβ-lactoglobul-ininduced food allergy in mice via upregulation of regulatory T cells and enhancement of intestinal barrier in a microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids manner

Milk fat globule membrane(MFGM),which contains abundant glycoproteins and phospholipids,exerts beneficial effects on intestinal health and immunomodulation.The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects and possible underlying mechanisms of MFGM on cow’s milk allergy(CMA)in aβ-lactoglobulin(BLG)-induced allergic mice model.MFGM was supplemented to allergic mice induced by BLG at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight.Results demonstrated that MFGM alleviated food allergy symptoms,decreased serum levels of lipopolysaccharide,pro-inflammatory cytokines,immunoglobulin(Ig)E,Ig G1,and Th2 cytokines including interleukin(IL)-4,while increased serum levels of Th1 cytokines including interferon-γand regulatory T cells(Tregs)cytokines including IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β.MFGM modulated gut microbiota and enhanced intestinal barrier of BLG-allergic mice,as evidenced by decreased relative abundance of Desulfobacterota,Rikenellaceae,Lachnospiraceae,and Desulfovibrionaceae,while increased relative abundance of Bacteroidetes,Lactobacillaceae and Muribaculaceae,and enhanced expressions of tight junction proteins including Occludin,Claudin-1 and zonula occludens-1.Furthermore,MFGM increased fecal short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)levels,which elevated G protein-coupled receptor(GPR)43 and GPR109A expressions.The increased expressions of GPR43 and GPR109A induced CD103+dendritic cells accumulation and promoted Tregs differentiation in mesenteric lymph node to a certain extent.In summary,MFGM alleviated CMA in a BLG-induced allergic mice model through enhancing intestinal barrier and promoting Tregs differentiation,which may be correlated with SCFAs-mediated activation of GPRs.These findings suggest that MFGM may be useful as a promising functional ingredient against CMA.

Mapping and identification of QTLs for seed fatty acids in soybean(Glycine max L.)

Soybean is one of the most important sources of vegetable oil.The oil content and fatty acid ratio have attracted significant attention due to their impacts on the shelf-life of soybean oil products and consumer health.In this study,a high-density genetic map derived from Guizao 1 and Brazil 13 was used to analyze the quantitative trait loci of palmitic acid(PA),stearic acid(SA),oleic acid(OA),linoleic acid(LA),linolenic acid(LNA),and oil content(OC).A total of 54 stable QTLs were detected in the genetic map linkage analysis,which shared six bin intervals.Among them,the bin interval on chromosome 13(bin106-bin118 and bin123-bin125)was found to include stable QTLs in multiple environments that were linked to OA,LA,and LNA.Eight differentially expressed genes(DEGs)within these QTL intervals were determined as candidate genes according to the combination of parental resequencing,bioinformatics and RNA sequencing data.All these results are conducive to breeding soybean with the ideal fatty acid ratio for food,and provide the genetic basis for mining genes related to the fatty acid and oil content traits in soybean.

Maternal supplementation with n-3 fatty acids affects placental lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, the endocannabinoid system, and the neonate cytokine concentrations in dairy cows

Background The placenta plays a crucial role in supporting and influencing fetal development.We compared the effects of prepartum supplementation with omega-3(n-3)fatty acid(FA)sources,flaxseed oil(FLX)and fish oil(FO),on the expression of genes and proteins related to lipid metabolism,inflammation,oxidative stress,and the endocannabinoid system(ECS)in the expelled placenta,as well as on FA profile and inflammatory response of neonates.Late-pregnant Holstein dairy cows were supplemented with saturated fat(CTL),FLX,or FO.Placental cotyledons(n=5)were collected immediately after expulsion,and extracted RNA and proteins were analyzed by RTPCR and proteomic analysis.Neonatal blood was assessed for FA composition and concentrations of inflammatory markers.Results FO increased the gene expression of fatty acid binding protein 4(FABP4),interleukin 10(IL-10),catalase(CAT),cannabinoid receptor 1(CNR1),and cannabinoid receptor 2(CNR2)compared with CTL placenta.Gene expression of ECS-enzyme FA-amide hydrolase(FAAH)was lower in FLX and FO than in CTL.Proteomic analysis identified 3,974 proteins;of these,51–59 were differentially abundant between treatments(P≤0.05,|fold change|≥1.5).Top canonical pathways enriched in FLX vs.CTL and in FO vs.CTL were triglyceride metabolism and inflammatory processes.Both n-3 FA increased the placental abundance of FA binding proteins(FABPs)3 and 7.The abundance of CNR1 cannabinoid-receptor-interacting-protein-1(CNRIP1)was reduced in FO vs.FLX.In silico modeling affirmed that bovine FABPs bind to endocannabinoids.The FLX increased the abundance of inflammatory CD44-antigen and secreted-phosphoprotein-1,whereas prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 was decreased in FO vs.CTL placenta.Maternal FO enriched neonatal plasma with n-3 FAs,and both FLX and FO reduced interleukin-6 concentrations compared with CTL.Conclusion Maternal n-3 FA from FLX and FO differentially affected the bovine placenta;both enhanced lipid metabolism and modulated oxidative stress,however,FO increased some transcriptional ECS components,possibly related to the increased FABPs.Maternal FO induced a unique balance of pro-and anti-inflammatory components in the placenta.Taken together,different sources of n-3 FA during late pregnancy enhanced placental immune and metabolic processes,which may affect the neonatal immune system.

Role of short-chain fatty acids in host physiology

Short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)are major metabolites produced by the gut microbiota through the fermentation of dietary fiber,and they have garnered significant attention due to their close association with host health.As important mediators between the gut microbiota and the host,SCFAs serve as energy substrates for intestinal epithelial cells and maintain homeostasis in host immune and energy metabolism by influencing host epigenetics,activating G protein-coupled receptors,and inhibiting pathogenic microbial infections.This review provides a comprehensive summary of SCFAs synthesis and metabolism and offering an overview of the latest research progress on their roles in protecting gut health,enhancing energy metabolism,mitigating diseases such as cancer,obesity,and diabetes,modulating the gut-brain axis and gut-l ung axis,and promoting bone health.

Effects of forsythin extract in Forsythia leaves on intestinal microbiota and short-chain fatty acids in rats fed a high-fat diet

Forsythia suspensa,belonging to the deciduous shrubs of the Luteaceae family,a traditional Chinese medicine,has effects of alleviating swelling,clearing heat,detoxification and promoting blood circulation.The leaves of F.suspensa contain multiple chemical components and have a long history of use in folk medicines and health foods.The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of forsythin extract from F.suspensa leaves on intestinal microbiota and short-chain fatty acid(SCFA)content in rats with obesity induced by a high-fat diet.Forsythin extract in F.suspensa leaves increased the abundance of the intestinal microbiota,ameliorated intestinal microbiota disorders and inhibited the increase in total SCFA content in the intestinal tract in rats with obesity induced by a high-fat diet.These results suggested that forsythin extract in F.suspensa leaves may slow the development of obesity induced by a high-fat diet;thus,its active components and efficacy are worthy of further study.

Electrolyte dependence for the electrochemical decarboxylation of medium-chain fatty acids (n-octanoic acid) into fuel on Pt electrode

The deoxygenation of organic acids, important biomass feedstocks and derivatives, to synthesize hydrocarbon products under mild electrochemical conditions, holds significant importance for the production of carbon-neutral biofuels. There is still limited research on the influential factors of the electrochemical decarboxylation reaction of medium-chain fatty acids. In this study, n-octanoic acid (OA) was chosen as the research subject to investigate the electrochemical decarboxylation behavior of OA on a platinum electrode, focusing on the influence of different alkali metal cations (Li^(+), Na^(+), K^(+)), common anions (SO^(4)^(2−), Cl^(−)), and electrolyte pH. It was found that KOH as an electrolyte exhibited the best performance for OA. Possibly, the larger size of K^(+) increased the alkalinity of the electrode surface, facilitating OA deprotonation. LiOH electrolyte reduced the solubility of OA, thereby inhibiting the decarboxylation reaction. SO^(4)^(2−) exhibited a weak promoting effect on the decarboxylation reaction of OA, while Cl^(−) showed no adverse effect although Cl^(−) may adsorb on the electrode surface. Furthermore, unlike short-chain fatty acids, medium-chain OA can only achieve efficient decarboxylation under alkaline conditions due to its solubility properties. This study provides references and foundations for future efforts to enhance the efficiency of electrochemical decarboxylation synthesis of hydrocarbon biofuels from medium-chain fatty acids.

Gestational PFAS exposure and newborn size:The modifying effect of cord blood fatty acids

Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFASs)can disrupt lipid metabolism,and changes in cord blood fatty acid composition have been observed in small newborns.Emerging evidence suggests that exposure to PFASs during pregnancy is linked to decreased newborn size,although the evidence is not consistent.The modifying effect of fatty acids on the associations of gestational PFAS exposure with newborn size is still unknown.Here we show that the nutritional status of the fetus,as indicated by the level of fatty acids in the cord blood,mitigates the adverse effects of gestational PFAS exposure on the size of the newborn.Our study confirms the adverse developmental effects of PFASs and identifies emerging short-chain PFASs as the primary drivers of reduced newborn size,despite their lower exposure burden compared to legacy PFASs.Additionally,we find the protective role of cord blood fatty acids,suggesting potential strategies for mitigating the detrimental effects of emerging environmental exposures on human health.Our findings provide new evidence of the potential toxicity of emerging PFASs and call for further toxicity evaluations of these pollutants for regulatory purposes.Future studies should consider the complex interaction between exposure and nutrition within the human body,particularly during the first thousand days of life,to promote lifelong health.

Goat milk-based infant formula regulates intestinal barrier function and promotes the production of short-chain fatty acids

Infant formula(IF)based on cow milk and goat milk is a substitute food for infants who are underfed with human milk.In our previous study,we reported the composition and physicochemical stability of IF based on milk from cows and goats and a combination of both milks.Here,we investigated the effects of these 3 IFs on intestinal immunity and short-chain fatty acid production(SCFAs)using human microbiota-associated(HMA)mice and selected human milk as a positive control.The results showed that goat milk-based IF is associated with a functional immune advantage,due to the rise in the levels of immune-related cytokines interleukin(IL)-2 and IL-10,decreased levels of intestinal permeability markers D-lactic acid and endotoxin,and increased mRNA levels of intestinal tight junction proteins occludin and claudin.In addition,the intestine of mice fed with goat milk-based IF contained 12.06μmol/g acetate,2.42μmol/g propionate,and 1.72μmol/g butyrate,which reached 69%,79%,and 60%of the levels in human milk,respectively.Our results indicate that goat milk-based IF improves intestinal immune function and promotes the production of intestinal SCFAs.

Expression and clinical significance of short-chain fatty acids in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

BACKGROUND Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy(ICP)is a pregnancy-specific liver condition that typically arises in the middle and late stages of pregnancy.Short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs),prominent metabolites of the gut microbiota,have significant connections with various pregnancy complications,and some SCFAs hold potential for treating such complications.However,the metabolic profile of SCFAs in patients with ICP remains unclear.AIM To investigate the metabolic profiles and differences in SCFAs present in the maternal and cord blood of patients with ICP and determine the clinical significance of these findings.METHODS Maternal serum and cord blood samples were collected from both patients with ICP(ICP group)and normal pregnant women(NP group).Targeted metabolomics was used to assess the SCFA levels in these samples.RESULTS Significant differences in maternal SCFAs were observed between the ICP and NP groups.Most SCFAs exhibited a consistent declining trend in cord blood samples from the ICP group,mirroring the pattern seen in maternal serum.Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between maternal serum SCFAs and cord blood SCFAs[r(Pearson)=0.88,P=7.93e-95].In both maternal serum and cord blood,acetic and caproic acids were identified as key metabolites contributing to the differences in SCFAs between the two groups(variable importance for the projection>1).Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that multiple SCFAs in maternal blood have excellent diagnostic capabilities for ICP,with caproic acid exhibiting the highest diagnostic efficacy(area under the curve=0.97).CONCLUSION Compared with the NP group,significant alterations were observed in the SCFAs of maternal serum and cord blood in the ICP group,although they displayed distinct patterns of change.Furthermore,the SCFA levels in maternal serum and cord blood were significantly positively correlated.Notably,certain maternal serum SCFAs,specifically caproic and acetic acids,demonstrated excellent diagnostic efficiency for ICP.

Branched-chain fatty acids from goat milk alleviate ulcerative colitis via the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway

Branched-chain fatty acids(BCFAs)are new bioactive fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties.However,the role of BCFAs in alleviating ulcerative colitis has not been clarified.Herein,we evaluated the protective effect of BCFAs from goat milk in mice with colitis induced using dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)and explored the corresponding mechanism.These results show that BCFAs extracted from goat milk can significantly alleviate weight loss in mice,and reduce the disease activity index and the activity of myeloperoxidase while increasing the content of antioxidant enzymes in colon tissue and reducing the oxidation stress response.These data also show that BCFAs can down-regulate the gene and protein expression of the toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factorκB p65(NF-κB p65)/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)signaling pathway,and at the same time significantly reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factorα(TNF-α),interleukin 1β(IL-1β),and IL-18 in colon tissue,and significantly increase the expression of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10.In conclusion,these results demonstrated that BCFAs in goat milk exerted effects on colitis-related inflammatory cytokines and inhibited inflammation by inducing the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway to alleviate DSS-induced ulcerative colitis.This study provides evidence for the potential of BCFAs as bioactive fatty acids in food products and to ameliorate ulcerative colitis development in mice.

Protective effect of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on hepatorenal syndrome in rats

BACKGROUND Hepatorenal syndrome(HRS)is the most prevalent form of acute kidney injury in cirrhotic patients.It is characterized by reduced renal blood flow and represents the most severe complication in cirrhotic patients with advanced disease.Previous research has indicated that antioxidants can delay the onset of a hyperdynamic circulatory state in cirrhosis and improve renal function in HRS patients.Regular omega-3 supplementation has significantly reduced the risk of liver disease.This supplementation could represent an additional therapy for individuals with HRS.AIM To evaluated the antioxidant effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on the kidneys of cirrhotic rats.METHODS Secondary biliary cirrhosis was induced in rats by biliary duct ligation(BDL)for 28 d.We used 24 male Wistar rats divided into the following groups:I(control);II(treated with omega-3,1 g/kg of body weight);III(BDL treated with omega-3,1 g/kg of body weight);and IV(BDL without treatment).The animals were killed by overdose of anesthetic;the kidneys were dissected,removed,frozen in liquid nitrogen,and stored in a freezer at-80℃for later analysis.We evaluated oxidative stress,nitric oxide(NO)metabolites,DNA damage by the comet assay,cell viability test,and apoptosis in the kidneys.Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance,and means were compared using the Tukey test,with P≤0.05.RESULTS Omega-3 significantly decreased the production of reactive oxygen species(P<0.001)and lipoperoxidation in the kidneys of cirrhotic rats treated with omega-3(P<0.001).The activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase increased in the BDL+omega-3 group compared to the BDL group(P<0.01).NO production,DNA damage,and caspase-9 cleavage decreased significantly in the omega-3-treated BDL group.There was an increase in mitochondrial electrochemical potential(P<0.001)in BDL treated with omega-3 compared to BDL.No changes in the cell survival index in HRS with omega-3 compared to the control group(P>0.05)were observed.CONCLUSION The study demonstrates that omega-3 can protect cellular integrity and function by increasing antioxidant enzymes,inhibiting the formation of free radicals,and reducing apoptosis.

Abomasal infusion of branched-chain amino acids or branched-chain keto-acids alter lactation performance and liver triglycerides in fresh cows

Background Dairy cows are at high risk of fatty liver disease in early lactation,but current preventative measures are not always effective.Cows with fatty liver have lower circulating branched-chain amino acid(BCAA)concentra-tions whereas cows with high circulating BCAA levels have low liver triglyceride(TG).Our objective was to determine the impact of BCAA and their corresponding ketoacids(branched-chain ketoacids,BCKA)on production performance and liver TG accumulation in Holstein cows in the first 3 weeks postpartum.Methods Thirty-six multiparous Holstein cows were used in a randomized block design experiment.Cows were abomasally infused for the first 21 d postpartum with solutions of 1)saline(CON,n=12);2)BCA(67 g valine,50 g leu-cine,and 34 g isoleucine,n=12);and 3)BCK(77 g 2-ketovaline calcium salt,57 g 2-ketoleucine calcium salt,and 39 g 2-ketoisoleucine calcium salt,n=12).All cows received the same diet.Treatment effects were determined using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS.Results No differences were detected for body weight,body condition score,or dry matter intake averaged over the first 21 d postpartum.Cows receiving BCK had significantly lower liver TG concentrations compared to CON(6.60%vs.4.77%,standard error of the mean(SEM)0.49)during the first 3 weeks of lactation.Infusion of BCA increased milk yield(39.5 vs.35.3 kg/d,SEM 1.8),milk fat yield(2.10 vs.1.69 kg/d,SEM 0.08),and lactose yield(2.11 vs.1.67 kg/d,SEM 0.07)compared with CON.Compared to CON,cows receiving BCA had lower plasma glucose(55.0 vs.59.2 mg/dL,SEM 0.86)but higherβ-hydroxybutyrate(9.17 vs.6.00 mg/dL,SEM 0.80).Conclusions Overall,BCAA supplementation in this study improved milk production,whereas BCKA supplementa-tion reduced TG accumulation in the liver of fresh cows.

Unlocking a novel determinant of athletic performance:The role of the gut microbiota,short-chain fatty acids,and“biotics”in exercise

The gut microbiota refers to the collection of trillions of intestinal microorganisms that modulate central aspects of health and disease through influential effects on host physiology.Recently,a connection has been made between the gut microbiota and exercise.Initial investigations demonstrated the beneficial effects of exercise on the gut microbiota,with cross-sectional studies revealing positive correlations between exerciseassociated states,and healthy gut microbiota and exercise interventions showed post-intervention increases in the abundance of beneficial bacterial taxa.More recent investigations have focused on exploring the reverse relationship:the influence of the gut microbiota on exercise performance.Murine investigations have revealed that certain bacterial taxa may enhance endurance exercise performance by augmenting various aspects of lactate metabolism.Further,short-chain fatty acids—which modulate metabolism at various organ sites,including within skeletal muscle—have been shown to enhance endurance exercise capacity in mice.This review highlights what is currently known about the connection between the gut microbiota and exercise,with a particular focus on the ergogenic potential of the gut microbiota and how it may be leveraged to enhance endurance exercise performance.

Adipsin inhibits Irak2 mitochondrial translocation and improves fatty acid β-oxidation to alleviate diabetic cardiomyopathy

Background Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) causes the myocardium to rely on fatty acid β-oxidation for energy. The accumulation of intracellular lipids and fatty acids in the myocardium usually results in lipotoxicity, which impairs myocardial function. Adipsin may play an important protective role in the pathogenesis of DCM. The aim of this study is to investigate the regulatory effect of Adipsin on DCM lipotoxicity and its molecular mechanism.MethodsA high-fat diet (HFD)-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus model was constructed in mice with adipose tissue-specific overexpression of Adipsin (Adipsin-Tg). Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) pull-down technique, Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and immunofluorescence colocalization analyses were used to investigate the molecules which can directly interact with Adipsin. The immunocolloidal gold method was also used to detect the interaction between Adipsin and its downstream modulator.ResultsThe expression of Adipsin was significantly downregulated in the HFD-induced DCM model (P < 0.05). Adipose tissue-specific overexpression of Adipsin significantly improved cardiac function and alleviated cardiac remodeling in DCM (P < 0.05). Adipsin overexpression also alleviated mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation function in diabetic stress (P < 0.05). LC–MS/MS analysis, GST pull-down technique and Co-IP studies revealed that interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-like 2 (Irak2) was a downstream regulator of Adipsin. Immunofluorescence analysis also revealed that Adipsin was co-localized with Irak2 in cardiomyocytes. Immunocolloidal gold electron microscopy and Western blotting analysis indicated that Adipsin inhibited the mitochondrial translocation of Irak2 in DCM, thus dampening the interaction between Irak2 and prohibitin (Phb)-optic atrophy protein 1 (Opa1) on mitochondria and improving the structural integrity and function of mitochondria (P < 0.05). Interestingly, in the presence of Irak2 knockdown, Adipsin overexpression did not further alleviate myocardial mitochondrial destruction and cardiac dysfunction, suggesting a downstream role of Irak2 in Adipsin-induced responses (P < 0.05). Consistent with these findings, overexpression of Adipsin after Irak2 knockdown did not further reduce the accumulation of lipids and their metabolites in the cardiac myocardium, nor did it enhance the oxidation capacity of cardiomyocytes expose to palmitate (PA) (P < 0.05). These results indicated that Irak2 may be a downstream regulator of Adipsin.ConclusionsAdipsin improves fatty acid β-oxidation and alleviates mitochondrial injury in DCM. The mechanism is related to Irak2 interaction and inhibition of Irak2 mitochondrial translocation.

The role of gut microbiota and its metabolites short-chain fatty acids in food allergy

Emerging evidence indicated that the increase in food allergy(FA)over the past few decades was associated with the abnormal compositional and metabolic changes of gut microbiota.Gut microbiota played a vital role in maintaining the homeostasis of the immune system and the dysbiosis of gut microbiota promoted the occurrence of FA.Recent research suggested that short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs),the main metabolites derived from gut microbiota,contributed to FA protection.Herein,we provided a comprehensive review on the relationship between gut microbiota and FA.The multifaceted mechanisms underlymg beneficial effects of gut microbiota composition/metabolites on the regulation of diverse cellular pathways in intestinal epithelial cells,dendritic cells,innate lymphoid cells,T cells,B cells and mast cells in the immune system were discussed systematically.These findings emphasized the positive function of gut microbiota in FA and provided novel ideas for the treatment or prevention of FA in the future.

Fatty Acid Composition of Hazelnut Kernel Oil from Coula edulis Collected in the Republic of Congo

Coula edulis is non-timber forest product (NTFP) used in Africa for its hazelnuts, which contain edible seeds with a demonstrated nutritional potential. However, there have been very few scientific studies of this species in the Republic of Congo. Thus, the aim of the current study was therefore to determine the fatty acid composition of the oil extracted from Coula edulis hazelnut seeds collected at random in the Republic of Congo. The oil was extracted using the Soxhlet method and its fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatography. The extracted oil from Coula edulis hazelnut kernels is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (95.28%), particularly oleic acid (94.5%), which classifies it as an oleic oil and gives it interesting nutritional and therapeutic properties. On the other hand, saturated fatty acids (4.15%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (0.35%) are not well represented. Its low poly-unsaturated fatty acid content makes it more stable when stored at room temperature.

Role of functional fatty acids in modulation of reproductive potential in livestock

Fatty acids are not only widely known as energy sources,but also play important roles in many metabolic pathways.The significance of fatty acids in modulating the reproductive potential of livestock has received greater recognition in recent years.Functional fatty acids and their metabolites improve follicular development,oocyte maturation and embryo development,as well as endometrial receptivity and placental vascular development,through enhancing energy supply and precursors for the synthesis of their productive hormones,such as steroid hormones and prosta-glandins.However,many studies are focused on the impacts of individual functional fatty acids in the reproductive cycle,lacking studies involved in deeper mechanisms and optimal fatty acid requirements for specific physiological stages.Therefore,an overall consideration of the combination and synergy of functional fatty acids and the establish-ment of optimal fatty acid requirement for specific stages is needed to improve reproductive potential in livestock.

Serum bile acid and unsaturated fatty acid profiles of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in type 2 diabetic patients

BACKGROUND The understanding of bile acid(BA)and unsaturated fatty acid(UFA)profiles,as well as their dysregulation,remains elusive in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)coexisting with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).Investigating these metabolites could offer valuable insights into the pathophy-siology of NAFLD in T2DM.AIM To identify potential metabolite biomarkers capable of distinguishing between NAFLD and T2DM.METHODS A training model was developed involving 399 participants,comprising 113 healthy controls(HCs),134 individuals with T2DM without NAFLD,and 152 individuals with T2DM and NAFLD.External validation encompassed 172 participants.NAFLD patients were divided based on liver fibrosis scores.The analytical approach employed univariate testing,orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis,logistic regression,receiver operating characteristic curve analysis,and decision curve analysis to pinpoint and assess the diagnostic value of serum biomarkers.RESULTS Compared to HCs,both T2DM and NAFLD groups exhibited diminished levels of specific BAs.In UFAs,particular acids exhibited a positive correlation with NAFLD risk in T2DM,while theω-6:ω-3 UFA ratio demonstrated a negative correlation.Levels ofα-linolenic acid andγ-linolenic acid were linked to significant liver fibrosis in NAFLD.The validation cohort substantiated the predictive efficacy of these biomarkers for assessing NAFLD risk in T2DM patients.CONCLUSION This study underscores the connection between altered BA and UFA profiles and the presence of NAFLD in individuals with T2DM,proposing their potential as biomarkers in the pathogenesis of NAFLD.

Targeted metabolomics study of fatty-acid metabolism in lean metabolic-associated fatty liver disease patients

BACKGROUND The annual incidence of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)in China has been increasing and is often overlooked owing to its insidious charac-teristics.Approximately 50%of the patients have a normal weight or are not obese.They are said to have lean-type MAFLD,and few studies of such patients are available.Because MAFLD is associated with abnormal lipid metabolism,lipid-targeted metabolomics was used in this study to provide experimental evidence for early diagnosis and pathogenesis.MAFLD and analyze metabolic pathways.UPLC-Q-Orbitrap/MS content determination was used to determine serum palmitic acid(PA),oleic acid(OA),linoleic acid(LA),and arachidonic acid(AA)levels in lean-type MAFLD patients.RESULTS Urea nitrogen and uric acid levels were higher in lean-type MAFLD patients than in healthy individuals(P<0.05).Alanine transaminase and cholinesterase levels were higher in lean-type MAFLD patients than in healthy indi-viduals(P<0.01).The expression of high-density lipoprotein and apolipoprotein A-1 were lower in lean-type MAFLD patients than in healthy individuals(P<0.05)and the expression of triglycerides and fasting blood glucose were increased(P<0.01).A total of 65 biomarkers that affected the synthesis and metabolism of fatty acids were found with P<0.05 and variable importance in projection>1.The levels of PA,OA,LA,and AA were significantly increased compared with healthy individuals.CONCLUSION The metabolic profiles of lean-type MAFLD patients and healthy participants differed significantly,yielding 65 identified biomarkers.PA,OA,LA,and AA exhibited the most significant changes,offering valuable clinical guidance for prevention and treatment of lean-type MAFLD.

USP19 Stabilizes TAK1 to Regulate High Glucose/Free Fatty Acid-induced Dysfunction in HK-2 Cells

Objective Obesity-induced kidney injury contributes to the development of diabetic nephropathy(DN).Here,we identified the functions of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 19(USP19)in HK-2 cells exposed to a combination of high glucose(HG)and free fatty acid(FFA)and determined its association with TGF-beta-activated kinase 1(TAK1).Methods HK-2 cells were exposed to a combination of HG and FFA.USP19 mRNA expression was detected by quantitative RT-PCR(qRT-PCR),and protein analysis was performed by immunoblotting(IB).Cell growth was assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8)viability and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine(EdU)proliferation assays.Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry.The USP19/TAK1 interaction and ubiquitinated TAK1 levels were assayed by coimmunoprecipitation(Co-IP)assays and IB.Results In HG+FFA-challenged HK-2 cells,USP19 was highly expressed.USP19 knockdown attenuated HG+FFA-triggered growth inhibition and apoptosis promotion in HK-2 cells.Moreover,USP19 knockdown alleviated HG+FFA-mediated PTEN-induced putative kinase 1(PINK1)/Parkin pathway inactivation and increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species(ROS)generation in HK-2 cells.Mechanistically,USP19 stabilized the TAK1 protein through deubiquitination.Importantly,increased TAK1 expression reversed the USP19 knockdown-mediated phenotypic changes and PINK1/Parkin pathway activation in HG+FFA-challenged HK-2 cells.Conclusion The findings revealed that USP19 plays a crucial role in promoting HK-2 cell dysfunction induced by combined stimulation with HG and FFAs by stabilizing TAK1,providing a potential therapeutic strategy for combating DN.