MedWorm: Lipidology

Chocolate and cocoa may improve heart health

MedWire News - Lipidology — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:03:36 +0100

Chocolate and cocoa consumption may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, research suggests. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

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Triglycerides predict stroke risk in postmenopausal women

MedWire News - Lipidology — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Study findings suggest that triglyceride levels, as well as several lipid and lipoprotein biomarkers, are associated with stroke risk in postmenopausal women. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Effects of Sterol Regulatory Element-binding Protein (SREBP) in chickens

Lipids in Health and Disease — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Sterol regulatory element binding protein- 1 and -2 (SREBP-1 and -2) are key transcription factors involved in the biosynthesis of cholesterol and fatty acids. The SREBP have mostly been studied in rodents in which lipogenesis is regulated in both liver and adipose tissue. There is, though, a paucity of information on birds, in which lipogenesis occurs essentially in the liver as in humans. Since a prelude to the investigation of the role of SREBP in lipid metabolism regulation in chicken, we review Size and Tissue expression Pattern of SREBP and role of this protein in chickens. (Source: Lipids in Health and Disease)

Websites advertising statins to the general public of ‘poor quality’

MedWire News - Lipidology — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Websites advertising cholesterol-lowering drugs are “generally of poor quality,” suggests a meta-analysis of internet sites advertising statins for sale to the general public. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Gender differences in link between sleep and hypercholesterolemia

MedWire News - Lipidology — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Results from a US study suggest that there are significant gender differences in the association between sleep duration and hypercholesterolemia. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Statin therapy ‘equally effective’ in men and women

MedWire News - Lipidology — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 10:44:48 +0100

Results of a meta-analysis show that statin therapy is associated with significant decreases in cardiovascular events in both women and men, suggesting that statin therapy should be used without regard to gender. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

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Subcutaneous adipose tissue fatty acid desaturation in adults with and without rare adipose disorders

Lipids in Health and Disease — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The positive associations between the DIs and measures of adiposity (BMI and percent body fat) support increased desaturase activity in obesity. The lower vaccenic/stearic DI in DD SAT compared with Controls suggests presence of other factors involved in fat accumulation in addition to lifestyle. Other mechanisms driving fat accumulation in DD such as inflammation or lymphatic dysfunction should be investigated. (Source: Lipids in Health and Disease)

Overweight mothers who smoke while pregnant put children at risk for heart defects

MedWire News - Lipidology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Women who are both overweight and smoke during pregnancy are at an increased risk for having a child with a heart defect, suggest results of a study published in Heart. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Physician BMI impacts obesity care

MedWire News - Lipidology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Physicians with a normal body mass index are more likely to provide obesity care to their patients, and feel confident doing so, than their overweight or obese counterparts, report researchers. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Hip and waist circumference ‘should be included in CVD risk prediction models’

MedWire News - Lipidology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:44:59 +0100

The effect of central obesity on mortality risk may be significantly underestimated without adjustment for hip circumference, suggest study results. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Cherry leafroll virus: impact on olive fruit and virgin olive oil quality

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractWe performed a survey on the yield, quality, and chemical characteristics of virgin olive oils from two olive varieties in Croatian Istria: Frantoio and Ascolana tenera, on Cherry leafroll virus‐infected and virus‐noninfected trees and on two harvest dates. Free acidity, peroxide value, specific spectrophotometric absorptions at 232 and 270 nm, fatty acid composition, total phenols, o‐diphenols, oil color, and pigments were determined. Infected olives had lower oil yield and maturity index versus healthy ones. Oils from infected fruits had significant lower value of K232 and K270 and very elevated total phenols content compared to those obtained from healthy olives. Infected Frantoio gave a lower content of o‐diphenols than the healthy ones, which is in contrast to infect...

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Leptin levels rise after cardiopulmonary bypass in diabetes patients

MedWire News - Lipidology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100

The acute stress response in leptin appears to be higher in patients with diabetes compared with those without, show study findings. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Ezetimibe/simvastatin 10/40 mg versus atorvastatin 40 mg in high cardiovascular risk patients with primary hypercholesterolemia: a randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, multicenter study

Lipids in Health and Disease — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Background: A considerable number of patients with severely elevated LDL-C do not achieve recommended treatment targets, despite treatment with statins. Adults at high cardiovascular risk with hypercholesterolemia and LDL-C [greater than or equal to]2.59 and [less than or equal to]4.14 mmol/L (N = 250), pretreated with atorvastatin 20 mg were randomized to ezetimibe/simvastatin 10/40 mg or atorvastatin 40 mg for 6 weeks. The percent change in LDL-C and other lipids was assessed using a constrained longitudinal data analysis method with terms for treatment, time, time-by-treatment interaction, stratum, and time-by-stratum interaction. Percentage of subjects achieving LDL-C (Source: Lipids in Health and Disease)

Free fatty acid levels not associated with sudden cardiac death

MedWire News - Lipidology — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Plasma levels of non-esterified fatty acids are not associated with risk for sudden cardiac death in older adults, US researchers report. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

n-3 PUFAs may protect against AF

MedWire News - Lipidology — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Dietary long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids could be beneficial for the prevention of atrial fibrillation onset in older adults, suggest study findings. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Role of extrathyroidal TSHR expression in adipocyte differentiation and its association with obesity

Lipids in Health and Disease — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Background: Obesity is known to be associated with higher risks of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes mellitus. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSHR) is the receptor for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH, or thyrotropin), the key regulator of thyroid functions. The expression of TSHR, once considered to be limited to thyrocytes, has been so far detected in many extrathyroidal tissues including liver and fat. Previous studies have shown that TSHR expression is upregulated when preadipocytes differentiate into mature adipocytes, suggestive of a possible role of TSHR in adipogenesis. However, it remains unclear whether TSHR expression in adipocytes is implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity. Methods: In the present study, TSHR expression in adipose tissues from both mice a...

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POAF linked to increased risk for death following CABG

MedWire News - Lipidology — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Patients who undergo coronary artery bypass graft surgery have an increased risk for death if they experience postoperative atrial fibrillation, suggest study findings that also showstatin therapy improved survival in this group of patients. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Triglyceride levels modulate CAD vascular event risk independent of diabetes, lipids

MedWire News - Lipidology — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 13:30:42 +0100

Researchers have found that patients with coronary artery disease and high plasma triglyceride levels may be at risk for recurrent vascular events, independent of the presence of Type 2 diabetes, use of lipid-lowering medications, or other lipid levels. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Study of lipid profile and parieto-temporal lipid peroxidation in AlCl3 mediated neurotoxicity. Modulatory effect of fenugreek seeds.

Lipids in Health and Disease — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Aluminium-induced LPO in brain could arise from alteration of lipid metabolism particularly altered lipoprotein metabolism rather than a direct effect of cholesterol oxidation. Fenugreek seeds could play an anti-peroxidative role in brain which may be attributed in part to its modulatory effect on plasmatic lipid metabolism. (Source: Lipids in Health and Disease)

Lack of sleep may increase obesity risk

MedWire News - Lipidology — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Acute sleep deprivation stimulates areas of the brain involved in triggering the hunger response and may therefore increase a person’s risk for becoming obese, say researchers. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Long-chain omega-3 PUFA protective against stroke in women

MedWire News - Lipidology — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Study findings show that middle-aged and elderly women who regularly consume food sources of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may lower their risk for stroke, whereas intake of dietary cholesterol increases this risk. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

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Eating tomatoes improves coronary biomarkers in women

MedWire News - Lipidology — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Women who consume 10 or more tomato-based food products per week are less likely to have elevated total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and hemoglobin A1c levels than those who consume less than 1.5 servings per week, shows research. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Parents considered as ‘agents of change’ in childhood obesity

MedWire News - Lipidology — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:28:56 +0100

Parents and adult caregivers of obese children should be considered as “agents of change,” according to a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids enrichment alters performance and immune response in infectious bursal disease challenged broilers

Lipids in Health and Disease — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Dietary n-3 PUFA enrichment may improve the immune response and IBD resistance, but the optimum performance does not coincide with the optimum immune response. It seems that dietary n-3 PUFA modulates the broiler chicken performance and immune response in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, a moderate level of dietary n-3 PUFA enrichment may help to put together the efficiency of performance and relative immune response enhancement in broiler chickens. (Source: Lipids in Health and Disease)

Fried foods not linked to coronary outcomes and death in Spain

MedWire News - Lipidology — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Fried food consumption is not associated with coronary heart disease or all-cause mortality in Spain, say researchers, although they note Spanish eating habits may differ from those in other countries. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

The rheological properties of different GNPs

Lipids in Health and Disease — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The torque%, viscosity (cp) and SS (dyne/cm2) of all GNP sizes decreased with increasing the temperature and with decreasing the GNP size (for each fixed temperature value). For each shear rate value, the viscosity of all GNPs decreased with decreasing the GNP size. This study demonstrates that the physical, dimensional and morphological changes of GNPs have effective influence on their rheological properties. To understand and categorize the role of GNPs in drug delivery and cancer therapy, GNPs of varying size, number of particles, shape and surface should be taken into consideration. Moreover, further additional in vivo studies after administration of GNPs in rats should be performed to support this hypothesis. (Source: Lipids in Health and Disease)

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Low awareness of NCEP-ATP-III non-HDL cholesterol guidelines among physicians

MedWire News - Lipidology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

A large number of physicians in training are not familiar with the National Cholesterol Education Adult Treatment Panel-III guidelines for non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, show study findings. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Three predisposing factors for the metabolic syndrome in adolescence identified

MedWire News - Lipidology — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

The co-existence of low birth weight, small head circumference, and parental history of overweight or obesity may be useful for detecting children at high risk for developing the metabolic syndrome in adolescence, suggest results of the PREMA study. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Research adds to mixed view of statin–ICH link

MedWire News - Lipidology — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Findings from a large retrospective cohort study argue against statins raising the risk for intracerebral hemorrhage in patients with ischemic stroke. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Smoking and the metabolic syndrome have ‘additive effect’ on CV risk

MedWire News - Lipidology — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 11:21:54 +0100

Preventative strategies to reduce cardiovascular disease burden should simultaneously target smoking and the metabolic syndrome, say Chinese researchers. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Synthesis of lipophilic tyrosyl esters derivatives and assessment of their antimicrobial and antileishmania activities

Lipids in Health and Disease — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: These results open up potential applications to use medium tyrosyl derivatives surfactants, antioxidants, antimicrobial and antileishmanial compounds in cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical industries. (Source: Lipids in Health and Disease)

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Missing Piece of Cardiovascular Risk Puzzle?Missing Piece of Cardiovascular Risk Puzzle?

Medscape Today Headlines — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:00:00 +0100

What's the evidence on the relationship between the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype and the risk of CVD and Type 2 diabetes? Clinical Lipidology (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Obesity prevalence still high in the US, but may be leveling off

MedWire News - Lipidology — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:49:43 +0100

The prevalence of obesity among US adults, children, and adolescents is still high, but has changed little in recent years, report researchers. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Effects of cold‐pressed and vitamin E‐enriched flaxseed oils on lipid profile and antioxidant status in high‐fat fed rats

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractSummary: The main proposal of this study was to evaluate whether cold‐pressed flaxseed oil (CFO), vitamin E‐enriched hot pressed and totally refined flaxseed oils (HRFO) characterized by different qualities of micronutrients would have beneficial effects on lipid profile and antioxidant status in high‐fat fed rats. Male Wistar rats were fed synthetic diets containing 10% of HRFO, CFO, low‐dose (100 mg/100g oil) vitamin E‐enriched HRFO (L‐HRFO) or high‐dose (200 mg/100g oil) vitamin E‐enriched HRFO (H‐HRFO) respectively for 4 weeks. The results showed that plasma TG, TC and LDL‐C levels in CFO group decreased by 12%, 21% and 18% compared with HRFO group (p < 0.05), the total hepatic lipids, TC and TG levels in CFO group were also lower significantly th...

Effect of triacylglycerol composition on performance of low saturate shortenings in puff pastry

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractFour blends formulated with low saturated fatty acid content, with the saturated component rich in stearic acid were prepared from shea stearin, interesterified shea stearin, fully hardened soybean oil and high oleic sunflower oil in order to study their performance as shortenings in puff pastry products. The blends had a low saturated fatty acid content (30.1 ± 1.1%) compared to butter (65.9%). Saturates in the four blends examined came mainly from SSS, SOS, SSO and SOO. Puff pastry prepared from the blend that contained SOS as the main source of saturates had better properties than the other blends. It was similar to butter in compressibility of the baked product. The β polymorphic form was present in all blends, although blends containing the highest levels of SSS also sho...

Optimization of supercritical fluid extraction of oil from linseed using response surface methodology

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The objective of the present study was to develop a supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) method, suitable for extraction of total oil content from linseed, and to be used as a preparative technique for fatty acid determination. Optimum conditions (volume of added ethanol as a co‐solvent, dynamic extraction time ‐ DET, and pressure) were predicted in order to obtain the maximum yield of the extract. Response surface methodology (RSM) and central composite rotatable design (CCRD) were used for modelling the process. Variable values ranged as follows: co‐solvent 0–1 ml, DET 36–60 min, and pressure 45.57–62.05 MPa (6000–9000 psi). Effects of co‐solvent volume and extraction pressure were well described by simplified polynomial equation (R2 = 0.85), since DET had no ...

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Regiospecific analysis of triacylglycerols using chromatography, mass spectrometry, and chromatography‐mass spectrometry

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractIn last two decades, rapid development of analytical methods and their combinations have enabled powerful chromatographical resolution of the regioisomers of triacylglycerols (TAGs), and their reliable determination by mass spectrometry using soft ionization methods. In this review article the resolution of TAG regioisomers by chromatography alone using silver‐ion high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), reversed‐phase (RP)–HPLC, and high‐resolution gas‐liquid chromatography (GLC) will be presented. Further, the determination of regioisomers by mass spectrometry (MS) solely, using negative ion chemical ionization tandem MS was reported. In addition, the determination of regioisomers by chromatography and MS using GLC and electron ionization (EI) MS, silver ion HPLC ...

Non-HDL cholesterol predicts long-term cardiac risk in CHD patients

MedWire News - Lipidology — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Baseline levels of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol may be useful for predicting long-term cardiac death in patients with coronary heart disease after coronary artery bypass graft surgery, say Japanese researchers. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Genetics govern sensitivity to taste of fat in food

MedWire News - Lipidology — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

People with a variant of the Cluster of Differentiation 36 gene are more sensitive to the presence of fat in foods than others, say US researchers. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Clinical significance of serum lipids in idiopathic pulmonary alveolar proteinosis

Lipids in Health and Disease — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Background: It is well known that pulmonary alveolar proteinosis(PAP) is characterised by accumulation of surfactant lipids and proteins within airspaces. However, few previous data describe the serum lipid levels associated with PAP.Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed 25 patients with idiopathic PAP(iPAP). The serum lipid levels of patients with idiopathic PAP were compared with those of the healthy volunteers. In patients and healthy subjects, the LDL-C/HDL-C ratios were 2.94+/-1.21 and 1.60+/-0.70, respectively (p (Source: Lipids in Health and Disease)

Statin costs in the US four times higher than the UK

MedWire News - Lipidology — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

The cost of statins in the USA is more than four times higher than comparable costs paid by the government in the UK, report researchers. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

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Premenopausal gender-related atheroprotective effect offset early in menopausal life

MedWire News - Lipidology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:38:46 +0100

Recently postmenopausal women have the same prevalence of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis as age- and traditional risk factor-matched men, report researchers. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

The effect of roasting on the chemical composition and oxidative stability of pumpkin oil

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study is concerned with the effect of the process of roasting of naked pumpkin seeds prior to their pressing on the chemical composition and oxidative stability of the extracted oil. Ground seeds were roasted at temperatures of 90, 110, and 130°C for 30 and 60 min, according to the traditional technology of production of roasted pumpkin oil. Depending on the roasting conditions of the seeds, this treatment resulted in a significant increase of the contents of phospholipids (from 0.005 to 0.463%), total phenolic compounds (from 4.63 to 19.60 mg/kg), and total tocopherols (from 265.79 to 350.98 mg/kg) in oil. Higher contents of these minor components enhanced the oxidative stability of the oil, i.e., increased the induction period (from 4.50 to 12.93 h). However, at the same ti...

Cis and trans components of lipids: Analysis by 1H NMR and silver shift reagents

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, the methodology of shift reagents was exploited to distinguish cis and trans unsaturation in oils and fats. The differential binding of silver ions (in the form of AgFOD) to cis and trans double bonds allowed the separation of the allylic and olefinic proton signals in the 1H NMR spectra of mixtures of cis and trans methyl esters of monoene aliphatic acids and unsaturated triacylglycerol mixtures at low frequency spectrometers (300 MHz). Careful integration of the appropriate proton resonances in the recorded quantitative 1H NMR spectra afforded percentage concentrations in very good agreement with the actual values. This 1H NMR methodology was validated by analyzing AOCS Laboratory Proficiency Program GC samples containing various percentages of saturated, cis‐mono unsa...

Fish‐meal diet enriched with omega‐3 PUFA and treatment of canine chronic enteropathies

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, the mRNA levels of some of the genes involved in duodenal FA uptake may be altered by a fish‐meal‐ and potato‐protein‐based diet enriched with omega‐3 PUFA. This may be beneficial for the treatment of canine chronic enteropathies, particularly FRD.Practical applicationsIn this study, feeding dogs on a fish‐meal‐ and potato‐protein‐based diet enriched with omega‐3 PUFA resulted in marked suppression of intestinal inflammatory activity, mainly in the duodenum of dogs with food responsive diarrhea with a concomitant alteration of some of the genes involved in fatty acid uptake. In inflammatory bowel disease, however, a combination of diet and immunosuppressive drugs was required. The present study provides preliminary insights into the importance of the here...

Zinc and nickel determination in liquid edible oils by FAAS after the extraction

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study offered a cheap, rapid, accurate, sensitive, risk‐free and practical metal determination method after the extraction. (Source: European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology)

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Virgin olive oil in preventive medicine: from legend to epigenetics

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractSummary: Among vegetable oils, Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has nutritional and sensory characteristics that make it unique and a basic component of the Mediterranean diet. EVOO has always been used over the centuries for its preventive and therapeutic properties, as well as precious and valuable dietary lipidic condiment. Benefic effects of a diet rich in EVOO on the human health, especially in prevention and/or reduction of hypercholesterolaemia, serum lipoprotein levels and atherosclerosis, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and thrombotic risk, oxidation and oxidative stress, obesity and type 2 diabetes, inflammatory processes and cancer are discussed in these review. Recent studies suggest also its role in regulating the sense of satiety. The chemical compounds of EVOO tha...

Cis and trans components of lipids. Analysis by 1H NMR and silver shift reagents

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Simultaneous quantification of serum phytosterols and cholesterol precursors using a simple gas chromatographic method

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractSummary: Determination of the main phytosterols (β‐sitosterol and campesterol) and cholesterol precursors (desmosterol and lathosterol) in human serum using a simple gas chromatography‐flame ionization detector (GC‐FID) method has been validated. Direct saponification, without lipid extraction, sterols extraction and further derivatization was applied to samples prior to GC analysis. To evaluate the method, a pool of serum samples from 8 healthy women was used. Good linearity (r > 0.99) was found in the assay range: β‐sitosterol (0.99‐17.82 µg/mL), campesterol (0.14‐10.8 µg/mL), desmosterol (0.17‐2.6 µg/mL), and lathosterol (0.6‐5.97 µg/mL). Limits of detection (LOD) (ng/mL) were: 86 (β‐sitosterol), 42 (campesterol), 4 (desmosterol), 44 (lath...

Roasting Effect on the Chemical Composition and Oxidative Stability of Pumpkin Oil

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study is concerned with the effect of the process of roasting of naked pumpkin seeds prior to its pressing on the chemical composition and oxidative stability of the extracted oil. Ground seeds were roasted at temperatures of 90, 110 and 130 °C for 30 and 60 min, according to the traditional technology of production of roasted pumpkin oil. Depending on the roasting conditions of the seeds, this treatment resulted in a significant increase of the contents of phospholipids (from 0.005 to 0.463%), total phenolic compounds (from 4.63 to 19.60 mg/kg), and total tocopherols (from 265.79 to 350.98 mg/kg) in oil. Higher contents of these minor components enhanced the oxidative stability of the oil, i.e. increased the induction period (from 4.50 to 12.93 h). However, at the same time,...

Sex-specific association of ACAT-1 rs1044925 SNP and serum lipid levels in the hypercholesterolemic subjects

Lipids in Health and Disease — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The present study shows that the C allele carriers of ACAT-1 rs1044925 SNP in male hyperlipidemic subjects had higher serum TC, HDL-C and ApoAI levels than the C allele noncarriers. There is a sex (male)-specific association of ACAT-1 rs1044925 SNP and serum HDL-C and ApoAI levels in the hypercholesterolemic subjects. (Source: Lipids in Health and Disease)

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Cyanidin-3-O-beta-glucoside regulates fatty acid metabolism via an AMP-activated protein kinase-dependent signaling pathway in human HepG2 cells

Lipids in Health and Disease — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that Cy-3-g regulates hepatic lipid homeostasis via an AMPK-dependent signaling pathway. Targeting AMPK activation by anthocyanin may represent a promising approach for the prevention and treatment of obesity-related nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. (Source: Lipids in Health and Disease)

Beta-conglycinin combined with fenofibrate or rosuvastatin have exerted distinct hypocholesterolemic effects in rats

Lipids in Health and Disease — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The results of our study indicate that conglycinin has effects comparable to fenofibrate and rosuvastatin on the control of plasma cholesterol, HDL-C and triacylglycerides, when given to hypercholesterolemic rats, and suggests that the association of this protein with rosuvastatin alters the action of drug in the homeostasis of cholesterol. (Source: Lipids in Health and Disease)

Further support for a ‘calcification paradox’

MedWire News - Lipidology — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

US researchers report an inverse relationship between body mass index and coronary artery calcification in patients with clinically significant coronary lesions. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Effect of acute administration of Pistacia lentiscus L. essential oil on rat cerebral cortex following transient bilateral common carotid artery occlusion

Lipids in Health and Disease — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Acute treatment with E.O. before BCCAO/R elicits changes both in the frontal cortex, where the BCCAO/R-induced decrease of DHA is apparently prevented and COX-2 expression decreases, and in plasma, where PEA and OEA levels and DHA biosynthesis increase. It is suggested that the increase of PEA and OEA plasma levels may induce DHA biosynthesis via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) alpha activation, protecting brain tissue from ischemia/reperfusion injury. (Source: Lipids in Health and Disease)

Childhood obesity not always risk factor for metabolic disease in adulthood

MedWire News - Lipidology — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

The authors of a systematic review caution that focusing only on children who are overweight or obese for the promotion of healthy weight management may miss an important at-risk group. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

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Visceral body fat risk factor for all-cause, obesity-related mortality

MedWire News - Lipidology — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:07:36 +0100

Visceral body fat is associated with all-cause and obesity-related mortality in Japanese Americans, independent of waist circumference, study results show. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Effect of TAG composition on the solid fat content profile, microstructure, and hardness of model fat blends with identical saturated fatty acid content

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, fat blends with identical levels of SFA (50%) but differing in the ratio asymmetric/symmetric blends were evaluated by pulsed NMR and texturometry as a function of storage time and storage temperature. A higher trisaturated TAG content gave rise to a higher solid fat content (SFC) at higher temperature and a lower SFC at lower temperature for both palmitic and stearic based blends. On the other hand, the effect of symmetry on the SFC‐profile of the blends was only clear for the stearic based blends. At lower temperatures, the SFC of symmetric TAG based blend (blend SM) was markedly lower than that of asymmetric TAG based blend (blend iS). However, from 30°C onwards, the SFC of blend SM was clearly higher than that of blend iS. The microscopic analyses revealed a denser cr...

Wax, policosanol, and long‐chain aldehydes of different sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) cultivars

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study indicated that the composition and content of wax, policosanol, and long‐chain aldehydes may vary depending on the cultivar of the sugarcane and the specific part of the sugarcane analyzed, as well as on the degree of sugarcane maturity.Practical applications: Different sugarcane cultivars have been evaluated in terms of their usefulness as a source of policosanol, which is a valuable wax component that may have beneficial effects on human health. Policosanol is the common name that refers to a group of long‐chain (C20–C30) aliphatic primary alcohols that are of great interest since their effects include reduction of platelet aggregation, reduction of low‐density lipoprotein levels in blood, inhibition of cholesterol synthesis, and prevention of atherosclerosis developme...

Effect of cultivation area and climatic conditions on volatiles of virgin olive oil

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractTo elucidate the weight and the influence of the cultivation area and climatic conditions on volatiles of virgin olive oil from Gemlik cultivar, an investigation was carried out. Five Turkish geographical zones (Balıkesir, Aydın, Manisa, Antalya and Hatay) were chosen. From these areas, fruits were collected at the same maturity stage and processed using a small experimental olive oil mill, applying the same processing conditions for all olive samples. Headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) technique coupled to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used for volatile analysis. Twenty‐seven compounds were identified and characterized, representing 96.40–98.74% of the total GC area. The major volatile representing about 50% was the (E)‐2‐hexenal. This...

Effect of TAG composition on the solid fat content profile, microstructure and hardness of model fat blends with the same saturated fatty acid content

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, fats blends with the same level of saturated fatty acid content (50%) but differing in the ratio asymmetric/symmetric blends were evaluated by pNMR and texturometry as a function of storage time and storage temperature. A higher trisaturated TAG content gave rise to a higher SFC at higher temperature and a lower SFC at lower temperature for both palmitic and stearic based blends. On the other hand, the effect of symmetry on the SFC‐profile of the blends was only clear for the stearic based blends. At lower temperatures, the SFC of symmetric TAG based blend (blend SM) was markedly lower than of asymmetric TAG based blend (blend iS). However, from 30°C onwards, the SFC of blend SM was clearly higher than of blend iS. The microscopic analyses revealed a denser crystal networ...

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Leucine supplementation combined with resistance exercise improves the plasma lipid profile of dexamethasone-treated rats

Lipids in Health and Disease — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, leucine supplementation combined with RE, but not isolated, improved the plasma lipid profile of dexamethasone-induced dyslipidemic rats. (Source: Lipids in Health and Disease)

Enzymatic strategies for solvent‐free production of short and medium chain phytosteryl esters

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractTransesterification of phytosterols with short and medium chain fatty acids ethyl esters and with tributyrin catalyzed by Candida rugosa and Pseudomonas stutzeri TL lipases in solvent‐free medium were studied including the effects of temperature, fatty acid specificity, enzyme quantity, the residual activity of each lipase and reduced pressure. More than the 90% of the original phytosterols were transformed into their corresponding phystosteryl esters after 3‐4 h reaction at 50‐60 °C and at 100‐350 mbar. Then product mixtures containing 40‐50% (w/w) phystosteryl esters were vacuum distilled to remove molar excess of short and medium chain fatty acid ethyl esters utilized in the enzymatic reaction. By this methodology, purities > 95% in short and medium chain phytoster...

Thermal stability of some flavonoids and phenolic acids in sheep tallow olein

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, the thermal stability of some phenolic antioxidants including flavonoids (quercetin and catechin) and phenolic acids (gallic acid, tannic acid, ellagic acid, and caffeic acid) in tallow olein was investigated. Tallow olein fractionated from sheep tallow fat was used as a medium to study the antioxidant activity at 120, 140, 160, and 180°C. In order to extract tallow olein, a three‐stage fractionation method was performed on sheep tallow fat at the constant temperatures of 25, 15, and 5°C using acetone as a solvent. The results suggested that quercetin and ellagic acid had the highest thermal stability amongst others, while gallic acid and caffeic acid exhibited the least thermal stability.Practical applicationsThe sheep tallow fat has been primarily used in soap manufact...

Study of sphingolipids oxidation by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study may give new insight and could help to understanding the behavior and biological roles of the sphingolipids under oxidative stress conditions. (Source: European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology)

Wax, policosanol and long‐chain aldehydes of different sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) cultivars

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study indicated that the composition and content of wax, policosanol and long‐chain aldehydes may vary depending on the cultivar of the sugarcane and the specific part of the sugarcane analyzed, as well as on the degree of sugarcane maturity.Practical applicationsThe practical application of this study is that different sugarcane cultivars have been evaluated in terms of their usefulness as a source of policosanol, which is a valuable wax component that may have beneficial effects on human health. Policosanol is the common name that refers to a group of long‐chain (C20‐C30) aliphatic primary alcohols that are of great interest since their effects include reduction of platelet aggregation, reduction of low‐density lipoprotein levels in blood, inhibition of cholesterol synthesis...

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ApoE predicts incident CVD risk in women

MedWire News - Lipidology — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Apolipoprotein E levels predict incident cardiovascular disease risk in women, but not men, with high levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and C-reactive protein, show study findings. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Fish Oil improves Hemodynamic Stabilization and Inflammation after Resuscitation in a Rat Model of Hemorrhagic Shock

Lipids in Health and Disease — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study tests the hypothesis that treatment with fish oil will attenuate inflammatory responses and stabilize hemodynamics. Methods: Male SD rats (n = 48; 250~300 g) were randomly divided into 4 groups: SHAM, hemorrhagic shock (HS), hemorrhagic shock/resuscitation (HS/R) and fish oil (FO). Shock was induced, and a mean arterial pressure (MAP) was maintained at 35 to 40 mmHg for 60 minutes. Resuscitation was carried out by returning half of the shed blood and Ringer's lactate solution to the animal. In FO group, fish oil (0.2g/Kg) was infused through caudal vena at 30 minutes after shock. Half of each group was killed at 30 minutes and at 4 hours after resuscitation. Then several kinds of inflammation and oxidative stress indicators such as IL-6, MPO and GSH were tested.Result: FO group ...

Studies on the antihypertensive and antidyslipidemic activities of Viola odorata leaves extract

Lipids in Health and Disease — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These data indicate that the vasodilator effect of the plant extract is mediated through multiple pathways like inhibition of Ca++ influx via membranous Ca++ channels, its release from intracellular stores and NO-mediated pathways, which possibly explain the fall in BP. The plant also showed reduction in body weight and antidyslipidemic effect which may be due to the inhibition of synthesis and absorption of lipids and antioxidant activities. Thus, this study provides a pharmacologic rationale to the medicinal use of Viola odorata in hypertension and dyslipidemia. (Source: Lipids in Health and Disease)

High LDL, total cholesterol associated with reduced AF incidence

MedWire News - Lipidology — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

High levels of low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol are significantly associated with a reduced incidence of atrial fibrillation, suggests an analysis of the ARIC cohort. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Enzymatic measurement of phosphatidylserine in cultured cells [Methods]

The Journal of Lipid Research — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we developed a new fluorometric method for measuring PS using combinations of specific enzymes and Amplex Red. The calibration curve for PS measurement was linear and hyperbolic at low (0–50 µM) and high (50–1000 µM) concentrations, respectively, and the detection limit was 5 µM (50 pmol in the reaction mixture). This assay quantified PS regardless of the chain length and the number of double bonds. We applied this new method to the determination of PS content in HEK293 cells, which was validated by a recovery study and comparison with TLC-phosphorus assay. We showed that the PS content was high in sparse cells. The overexpression of PS synthase 1 elevated not only the cellular PS content but also the phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidyleth...

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Validation of a novel index to assess insulin resistance of adipose tissue lipolytic activity in obese subjects [Methods]

The Journal of Lipid Research — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Insulin resistance in adipose tissue increases the release of free fatty acids into the circulation, which likely contributes to impaired insulin action in liver and skeletal muscle associated with obesity. However, reliable assessment of adipose tissue insulin resistance requires performing a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp procedure in conjunction with a fatty acid tracer infusion to determine insulin-mediated suppression of lipolytic rate. We developed a simpler method for evaluating adipose tissue insulin resistance in vivo, determined as the product of palmitate rate of appearance into the bloodstream and plasma insulin concentration during basal conditions. We validated our Adipose Tissue Insulin Resistance Index (ATIRI) by comparison with an assessment of adipose tissue insulin re...

Structural complex of sterol 14{alpha}-demethylase (CYP51) with 14{alpha}-methylenecyclopropyl-{Delta}7-24, 25-dihydrolanosterol [Research Articles]

The Journal of Lipid Research — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Sterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51) that catalyzes the removal of the 14α-methyl group from the sterol nucleus is an essential enzyme in sterol biosynthesis, a primary target for clinical and agricultural antifungal azoles and an emerging target for antitrypanosomal chemotherapy. Here, we present the crystal structure of Trypanosoma (T) brucei CYP51 in complex with the substrate analog 14α-methylenecyclopropyl-7-24,25-dihydrolanosterol (MCP). This sterol binds tightly to all protozoan CYP51s and acts as a competitive inhibitor of F105-containing (plant-like) T. brucei and Leishmania (L) infantum orthologs, but it has a much stronger, mechanism-based inhibitory effect on I105-containing (animal/fungi-like) T. cruzi CYP51. Depicting substrate orientation in the conserved CYP51 b...

Diabetes-induced myelin abnormalities are associated with an altered lipid pattern: protective effects of LXR activation [Research Articles]

The Journal of Lipid Research — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is characterized by myelin abnormalities; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying such deficits remain obscure. To uncover the effects of diabetes on myelin alterations, we have analyzed myelin composition. In a streptozotocin-treated rat model of diabetic neuropathy, analysis of sciatic nerve myelin lipids revealed that diabetes alters myelin's phospholipid, FA, and cholesterol content in a pattern that can modify membrane fluidity. Reduced expression of relevant genes in the FA biosynthetic pathway and decreased levels of the transcriptionally active form of the lipogenic factor sterol-regulatory element binding factor-1c (SREBF-1c) were found in diabetic sciatic nerve. Expression of myelin's major protein, myelin protein zero (P0), was also supp...

8R-Lipoxygenase-catalyzed synthesis of a prominent cis-epoxyalcohol from dihomo-{gamma}-linolenic acid: a distinctive transformation compared with S-lipoxygenases [Research Articles]

The Journal of Lipid Research — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conversion of fatty acid hydroperoxides to epoxyalcohols is a well known secondary reaction of lipoxygenases, described for S-specific lipoxygenases forming epoxyalcohols with a trans-epoxide configuration. Here we report on R-specific lipoxygenase synthesis of a cis-epoxyalcohol. Although arachidonic and dihomo--linolenic acids are metabolized by extracts of the Caribbean coral Plexaura homomalla via 8R-lipoxygenase and allene oxide synthase activities, 20:36 forms an additional prominent product, identified using UV, GC-MS, and NMR in comparison to synthetic standards as 8R,9S-cis-epoxy-10S-erythro-hydroxy-eicosa-11Z,14Z-dienoic acid. Both oxygens of 18O-labeled 8R-hydroperoxide are retained in the product, indicating a hydroperoxide isomerase activity. Recombinant allene oxide synthase ...

Property-based design of a glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor that reduces glucosylceramide in the brain [Research Articles]

The Journal of Lipid Research — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Synthesis inhibition is the basis for the treatment of type 1 Gaucher disease by the glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) inhibitor eliglustat tartrate. However, the extended use of eliglustat and related compounds for the treatment of glycosphingolipid storage diseases with CNS manifestations is limited by the lack of brain penetration of this drug. Property modeling around the D-threo-1-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-propanol (PDMP) pharmacophore was employed in a search for compounds of comparable activity against the GCS but lacking P-glycoprotein (MDR1) recognition. Modifications of the carboxamide N-acyl group were made to lower total polar surface area and rotatable bond number. Compounds were screened for inhibition of GCS in crude enzyme and whole cell assays and for MDR1 substrat...

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Chronic caloric restriction attenuates a loss of sulfatide content in PGC-1{alpha} mouse cortex: a potential lipidomic role of PGC-1{alpha} in neurodegeneration [Research Articles]

The Journal of Lipid Research — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), a key regulator of energy metabolism and lipid homeostasis in multiple highly oxidative tissues, has been implicated in the metabolic derangements of diabetes and obesity. However, relatively less is known regarding its role in neurological functions. Using shotgun lipidomics, we investigated the lipidome of mouse cerebral cortex with generalized deficiency of PGC-1α (PGC-1α–/–) versus wild-type (WT) mice under standard diet and chronically calorically restricted conditions. Specific deficiency in sulfatide, a myelin-specific lipid class critically involved in maintaining neurological function, was uncovered in the cortex of PGC-1α–/– mice compared with WT mice at...

Fifty-three year follow-up of coronary heart disease versus HDL2 and other lipoproteins in Gofman's Livermore Cohort [Research Articles]

The Journal of Lipid Research — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

To assess the relationships of lipoprotein mass concentrations to all-cause and coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality, we analyzed the prospective 53-year follow-up of 1,905 men measured for lipoprotein mass concentrations by analytic ultracentrifugation between 1954 and 1957. Cause of death was determined from medical records and death certificates before 1979 and from National Death Index death diagnoses thereafter. Of the 1,329 men (69.8%) who died through 2008, CHD was listed as a contributing cause of death for 409 men, including 113 deaths from premature CHD (age ≤ 65 years). When adjusted for age, the risk associated with the lowest HDL2 quartile increased 22% for all-cause (P = 0.001), 63% for total CHD (P < 10–5), and 117% for premature CHD mortality (P = 0.0001). Whe...

DHA and EPA reverse cystic fibrosis-related FA abnormalities by suppressing FA desaturase expression and activity [Research Articles]

The Journal of Lipid Research — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study investigates this mechanism by measuring the effect of exogenous DHA and eicosapentaenoate (EPA) supplementation on fatty acid composition and metabolism, as well as on metabolic enzyme expression, in a cell culture model of CF. We found that both DHA and EPA suppress the expression and activity of 5- and 6-desaturases, leading to decreased flux through the n-3 and n-6 PUFA metabolic pathways and decreased production of AA. The findings also uncover other metabolic abnormalities, including increased fatty acid uptake and markedly increased retroconversion of DHA to EPA, in CF cells. These results indicate that the fatty acid abnormalities of CF are related to intrinsic alterations of PUFA metabolism and that they may be reversed by supplementation with DHA and EPA. (Source: The ...

Primary fatty acid amide metabolism: conversion of fatty acids and an ethanolamine in N18TG2 and SCP cells [Research Articles]

The Journal of Lipid Research — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Primary fatty acid amides (PFAM) are important signaling molecules in the mammalian nervous system, binding to many drug receptors and demonstrating control over sleep, locomotion, angiogenesis, and many other processes. Oleamide is the best-studied of the primary fatty acid amides, whereas the other known PFAMs are significantly less studied. Herein, quantitative assays were used to examine the endogenous amounts of a panel of PFAMs, as well as the amounts produced after incubation of mouse neuroblastoma N18TG2 and sheep choroid plexus (SCP) cells with the corresponding fatty acids or N-tridecanoylethanolamine. Although five endogenous primary amides were discovered in the N18TG2 and SCP cells, a different pattern of relative amounts were found between the two cell lines. Higher amounts o...

Adipose tissue stem cells meet preadipocyte commitment: going back to the future [Reviews]

The Journal of Lipid Research — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

White adipose tissue (WAT) is perhaps the most plastic organ in the body, capable of regeneration following surgical removal and massive expansion or contraction in response to altered energy balance. Research conducted for over 70 years has investigated adipose tissue plasticity on a cellular level, spurred on by the increasing burden that obesity and associated diseases are placing on public health globally. This work has identified committed preadipocytes in the stromal vascular fraction of adipose tissue and led to our current understanding that adipogenesis is important not only for WAT expansion, but also for maintenance of adipocyte numbers under normal metabolic states. At the turn of the millenium, studies investigating preadipocyte differentiation collided with developments in st...

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Biogenesis and functions of lipid droplets in plants: Thematic Review Series: Lipid Droplet Synthesis and Metabolism: from Yeast to Man [Thematic Reviews]

The Journal of Lipid Research — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The compartmentation of neutral lipids in plants is mostly associated with seed tissues, where triacylglycerols (TAGs) stored within lipid droplets (LDs) serve as an essential physiological energy and carbon reserve during postgerminative growth. However, some nonseed tissues, such as leaves, flowers and fruits, also synthesize and store TAGs, yet relatively little is known about the formation or function of LDs in these tissues. Characterization of LD-associated proteins, such as oleosins, caleosins, and sterol dehydrogenases (steroleosins), has revealed surprising features of LD function in plants, including stress responses, hormone signaling pathways, and various aspects of plant growth and development. Although oleosin and caleosin proteins are specific to plants, LD-associated sterol...

Increased LDL susceptibility to oxidation accelerates future carotid artery atherosclerosis

Lipids in Health and Disease — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The susceptibility of LDL to oxidation was a significant parameter that could predict new carotid artery atherosclerosis over a 5-year period, and higher susceptibility was associated with a higher incidence of new carotid artery atherosclerosis. (Source: Lipids in Health and Disease)

Obese adults have reduced risk for adverse CV outcomes after bariatric surgery

MedWire News - Lipidology — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Obese adults who undergo bariatric surgery have a reduced risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes, an analysis suggests. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Carotid plaque burden is strong predictor of cardiac death in CAD

MedWire News - Lipidology — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Ultrasound-detected carotid plaque is a strong predictor of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and stroke in patients with coronary artery disease, study results show. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Fructose intake linked to cardiometabolic risk markers in adolescence

MedWire News - Lipidology — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Adolescents who consume high levels of fructose tend to display a raft of cardiometabolic risk markers such as high systolic blood pressure and elevated C-reactive protein, study results show. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

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Antisense therapy holds promise for treatment-resistant dyslipidemia

MedWire News - Lipidology — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 17:42:16 +0100

Review findings suggest that patients with treatment-resistant dyslipidemia may benefit from antisense therapy with mipomersen, an antisense molecule capable of producing clinically meaningful reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

News from the NLA

Journal of Clinical Lipidology — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The Nominating Committees of the NLA Board of Directors and the regional Boards of Directors are seeking nominations. Each year, the term of approximately one-third of each Board expires. New Board members are elected each May at the NLA Annual Scientific Sessions. Please go to http://www.lipid.org/about/committees to nominate a colleague. (Source: Journal of Clinical Lipidology)

Oat beta-glucan cereal could offer broad LDL cholesterol benefit

MedWire News - Lipidology — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Researchers report that both Caucasians and non-Caucasians can benefit from the low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol-lowering effect of oat beta-glucan. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Palmitic and linoleic acids induce ER stress and apoptosis in hepatoma cells

Lipids in Health and Disease — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The results suggest that linoleic acid promotes cell apoptosis through the release of cytochrome C, only if the intracellular calcium flux is unperturbed and intact. These results confirm that ER stress contributes to fatty acid-induced liver cell apoptosis. (Source: Lipids in Health and Disease)

Dietary restriction, caloric value and the accumulation of hepatic fat

Lipids in Health and Disease — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Therefore, differences in the amount of carbohydrates and calories provided by the diet can lead to important metabolic disorders, such as impaired tolerance and accumulation of hepatic fat, and dietary restriction improves serum and tissue lipid profiles in laboratory animals. (Source: Lipids in Health and Disease)

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Health effects of Dietary Phospholipids

Lipids in Health and Disease — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This article gives a summary of the most common therapeutic uses of dietary PLs to provide an overview of their approved and proposed benefits; and to identify further investigational needs.From the majority of the studies it became evident that dietary PLs have a positive impact in several diseases, apparently without severe side effects. Furthermore, they were shown to reduce side effects of some drugs. Both effects can partially be explained by the fact that PL are highly effective in delivering their fatty acid (FA) residues for incorporation into the membranes of cells involved in different diseases, e.g. immune or cancer cells. The altered membrane composition is assumed to have effects on the activity of membrane proteins (e.g. receptors) by affecting the microstructure of membranes...

CETP inhibitor anacetrapib induces beneficial changes in lipid profile

MedWire News - Lipidology — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Individuals at risk for developing coronary heart disease may benefit from treatment with anacetrapib, a selective cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitor, suggest study findings that show beneficial changes in lipid profile. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Co-administration of POM3, atorvastatin improves lipid profiles

MedWire News - Lipidology — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Research findings suggest that co-administering prescription omega-3-acid ethyl ester and atorvastatin to patients with mixed dyslipidemia significantly lowers mean triglyceride-rich lipoprotein particles and remnants, while reducing very-low-density lipoprotein level-particle size. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Severe disease phenotype in ARH linked to LDLRAP1 double mutation

MedWire News - Lipidology — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Study findings suggest that patients with autosomal recessive hypercholesterolemia who have a particularly severe disease phenotype in terms of xanthoma and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease are likely to have an additional mutation in the low-density lipoprotein receptor adaptor protein 1 gene. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Statins less beneficial in CAD with comorbid polyvascular disease

MedWire News - Lipidology — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Statin treatment for coronary artery disease may be less effective in patients with comorbid polyvascular disease, suggests research showing a milder regression of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with both conditions. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

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Physical activity key to improving cardiometabolic risk

MedWire News - Lipidology — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Increasing levels of physical activity is a key driver of the benefits of lifestyle intervention in patients at high risk for developing diabetes, a Finnish study suggests. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Omega-3 supplementation not effective for weight loss

MedWire News - Lipidology — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Dietary supplementation with long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids during a weight loss program does not assist weight loss, report Australian researchers in the journal Obesity Research and Clinical Practice. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Fish oil sensory properties can be predicted using key oxidative volatiles

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractThe high level of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in fish oil, primarily eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) result in rapid oxidation of the oil. Current methods used to assess oxidation have little correlation with sensory properties of fish oils. Here we describe an alternative method using solid phase microextraction (SPME) combined with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry to monitor volatile oxidation products. Stepwise discriminant function analysis (DFA) was used to classify oils characterized as acceptable or unacceptable based on sensory analysis; a cross validated success rate of 100% was achieved with the function. The classification function was also successfully validated with tasted samples that were not used to create the method. A total ...

Journal of Clinical Lipidology — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Journal of Clinical Lipidology)

Editorial Board

Journal of Clinical Lipidology — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Journal of Clinical Lipidology)

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Optimization of solvent extracted oil from melon seed using Response Surface Methodology

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractEffect of roasting temperature and roasting duration on oil yield (OY) and quality of melon seed (Citrullus lanatus Thunb) was studied using response surface methodology. Five levels of roasting temperature (87.6, 100, 130, 160, and 172.4°C) and duration (12.9, 15, 20, 25, and 27.1 min.) considered. Quality parameters determined were specific gravity (SG), colour (CO), free fatty acid (FFA), and anisidine value (AV). Recorded range of OY, SG, CO, FFA, and AV were 44.0 to 67.5%, 0.9 to 1.0, and 13.1 to 94.0 abs, 1.7 to 5.3%, and 3.9 to 28.2 mg/l, respectively. The variables have significant effect (p < 0.05) on all the responses with exception of specific gravity. Coefficients of determination (R2) of predictive equations for OY, CO, FFA and AV were 0.79, 0.97, 0.95, and 0.95, r...

Fats and oils as renewable feedstock for the chemical industry

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology)

Eur. J. Lipid Sci. Technol. 1/2012

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology)

In this issue

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology)

Eur. J. Lipid Sci. Technol. 1/2012

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology)

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Phenolic composition of virgin olive oils from cross breeding segregating populations

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study focuses on the evaluation of the content of phenolic compounds in olive oils originated from cross breeding in an olive breeding program (Cordoba, Spain). This step is crucial to determine the range of variation of phenolic compounds and the selection of interesting genotypes with higher composition in total phenols or in an individual phenol targeted at a breeding program. (Source: European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology)

Activation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha ameliorates ethanol induced steatohepatitis in mice

Lipids in Health and Disease — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The present study provided the evidence for the protective role of PPARalpha in ameliorating ethanol induced liver injury through modulation of the genes related to lipid metabolism and inflammatory response. (Source: Lipids in Health and Disease)

Fatty acid distribution of cord and maternal blood in human pregnancy: special focus on individual trans fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acids

Lipids in Health and Disease — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Fetal blood fatty acid composition essentially depends on and is altered by the maternal fatty acid supply. However, in addition to dietary factors, other aspects also contribute to the individual fatty acid distribution (oxidation, conversion, incorporation). The lower portion of fetal t11 compared to maternal t11, possibly results from delta-9-desaturation to c9,t11 CLA and/or oxidation. Based on the fatty acid distribution, it can be concluded that t11 differs from t9 regarding its metabolism and their impact on fetal LC-PUFA. (Source: Lipids in Health and Disease)

Fat-1 transgenic cattle as a model to study the function of omega-3 fatty acids

Lipids in Health and Disease — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This study systemic analysis the total genomic difference of gene expression between fat-1 transgenic cattle and wild-type using cDNA microarrays, several genes were found to be overexpressed or suppressed in transgenic cattle relative to wild-type, these discrepancy genes related with lipid metabolism, immunity, inflammation nervous development and fertility. (Source: Lipids in Health and Disease)

Krill oil attenuates left ventricular dilatation after myocardial infarction in rats

Lipids in Health and Disease — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Supplement with KO leads to a proportional increase of n-3 PUFA in myocardial tissue and supplement given before induction of MI attenuates LV remodeling. (Source: Lipids in Health and Disease)

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The mevalonate pathway in C. elegans

Lipids in Health and Disease — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

The mevalonate pathway in human is responsible for the synthesis of cholesterol and other important biomolecules such as coenzyme Q, dolichols and isoprenoids. These molecules are required in the cell for functions ranging from signaling to membrane integrity, protein prenylation and glycosylation, and energy homeostasis. The pathway consists of a main trunk followed by sub-branches that synthesize the different biomolecules. The majority of our knowledge about the mevalonate pathway is currently focused on the cholesterol synthesis branch, which is the target of the cholesterol-lowering statins; less is known about the function and regulation of the non-cholesterol-related branches. To study them, we need a biological system where it is possible to specifically modulate these metabolic br...

Characterization of the PEG layer of sterically stabilized liposomes: a SAXS study.

Chemistry and Physics of Lipids — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Varga Z, Wacha A, Vainio U, Gummel J, Narayanan T, Bóta A Abstract Synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering analysis of the bilayer structure of a pharmacologically relevant sterically stabilized liposome system is presented. Describing the electron density profile of the bilayer with the superposition of Gaussian functions, the contribution of the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) layers to the total electron density was identified. The changes in the thickness of the PEG layer as well as the distribution of the PEG chains among the outer and inner leaflets of the bilayers were followed by changing the molar ratio of the PEG-lipid and the molar weight of the PEG molecule. PMID: 22227108 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Chemistry and Physics of Lipids)

Phosphatidylglucoside: Its structure, thermal behavior, and domain formation in plasma membranes.

Chemistry and Physics of Lipids — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Takahashi H, Hayakawa T, Murate M, Greimel P, Nagatsuka Y, Kobayashi T, Hirabayashi Y Abstract Phosphatidylglucoside (PtdGlc) is a unique glyco-glycerophospholipid that is found in both bacterial and mammalian cells. The discovery of PtdGlc in mammalian cells is relatively recent (Nagatsuka et al., 2001). Chemical structural analysis of the PtdGlc found in mammalian organs and cultured cells showed that PtdGlc is composed exclusively of a single pair of saturated fatty acid chains; the sn-1 chain is stearic acid (C18:0) and the sn-2 chain is arachidic acid (C20:0). PtdGlc forms distinct domains, which are different from cholesterol-based sphingolipid domains, on the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane. In this review, we summarize recent studies of PtdGlc. Special attenti...

Real-time imaging of lipid domains and distinct coexisting membrane protein clusters.

Chemistry and Physics of Lipids — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

We examined lipid domain formation in biomimetic Escherichia coli membranes composed of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol in the absence and presence of 1% and 5% (mol/mol) membrane multidrug resistance protein, EmrE. Monolayer isotherms demonstrated protein insertion into the lipid monolayer. Subsequently, Brewster angle microscopy was applied to image domains in lipid matrices and lipid-protein mixtures. The images showed a concentration dependent impact of the protein on lipid domain size and shape and more interestingly distinct coexisting protein clusters. Whereas lipid domains varied in size (14-47μm), protein clusters exhibited a narrow size distribution (2.6-4.8μm) suggesting a non-random process of cluster formation. A 3-D display clearly indicates that these pro...

Abdominal fat reduced by calcium, vitamin D supplementation

MedWire News - Lipidology — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 23:19:26 +0100

Supplementation with calcium and vitamin D decreases abdominal fat mass in individuals who are overweight and obese, US researchers report. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

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Characterization of oxidation products from 1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-sn-glycerophosphatidylcholine in aqueous solutions and their reactions with cysteine, histidine and lysine residues.

Chemistry and Physics of Lipids — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This report focuses on studies of lipid peroxidation products reactivity towards the side chains of cysteine, histidine, and lysine residues in structurally unordered peptides. Thus we have analyzed linoleic acid peroxidation products (LaPP) obtained by incubating 1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-sn-glycerophosphatidylcholine (PLPC) overnight with or without H(2)O(2) in the presence or absence of CuCl. In total, 55 different LaPP were identified with 26 containing reactive carbonyl groups. The strongest oxidation conditions (H(2)O(2) and Cu(I), i.e. a Fenton-like reagent) yielded 51 LaPP, whereas air oxidation produced only 12 LaPP. Independent of the oxidation conditions, around half of all LaPP were short-chain (oxidative cleavage) and the others long-chain (oxygen addition) PLPC oxidation produc...

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta +294T > C polymorphism and alcohol consumption on serum lipid levels

Lipids in Health and Disease — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These results suggest that the great majority of our study populations are beneficial from alcohol consumption. But there is no interaction between the PPARD +294T>C genotypes and alcohol consumption on serum lipid levels in the drinkers. (Source: Lipids in Health and Disease)

Lipoprotein particle diameters useful cardiometabolic risk prediction

MedWire News - Lipidology — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Study findings suggest that the combination of low-density lipoprotein and very-low-density lipoprotein particle diameters may be useful for identifying individuals at increased risk for cardiovascular disease or diabetes. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Reaction products of [60]fullerene during the autoxidation of methyl linoleate in bulk phase.

Chemistry and Physics of Lipids — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, the reaction products of [60]fullerene (C(60)) during the autoxidation of methyl linoleate (MeL) were isolated and their structures were characterized. MeL containing 0.1mol% C(60) was autoxidized at 60°C in bulk phase and two reaction products of C(60), 1 and 2, were obtained. The structure of 1 was the addition products of C(60) with 9-peroxyl-10-alkyl radicals of methyl (11E)-13-hydroperoxy-11-octadecaenoate (1a and 1b) and with 12-alkyl-13-peroxyl radicals of methyl (10E)-9-hydroperoxy-10-octadecaenoate (1c and 1d). 2 was a mixture of the addition products of C(60) with 9,11-dialkyl radicals of methyl 9,12-octadecadienoate (2a) and with 11,13-dialkyl radicals of methyl 9,12-octadecadienoate (2b). When MeL containing 0.1mol% C(60) was autoxidized at 60°C under air-suffi...

Effect of head group and curvature on binding of the antimicrobial peptide tritrpticin to lipid membranes.

Chemistry and Physics of Lipids — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

EFFECT OF HEAD GROUP AND CURVATURE ON BINDING OF THE ANTIMICROBIAL PEPTIDE TRITRPTICIN TO LIPID MEMBRANES. Chem Phys Lipids. 2011 Dec 22; Authors: Bozelli JC, Sasahara ET, Pinto MR, Nakaie CR, Schreier S Abstract In this work we examine the interaction between the 13-residue cationic antimicrobial peptide (AMP) tritrpticin (VRRFPWWWPFLRR, TRP3) and model membranes of variable lipid composition. The effect on peptide conformational properties was investigated by means of CD (circular dichroism) and fluorescence spectroscopies. Based on the hypothesis that the antibiotic acts through a mechanism involving toroidal pore formation, and taking into account that models of toroidal pores imply the formation of positive curvature, we used large unilamellar vesicles (LUV) to mimic t...

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Supplementation of arachidonic acid-enriched oil increases arachidonic acid contents in plasma phospholipids, but does not increase their metabolites and clinical parameters in Japanese healthy elderly individuals: a randomized controlled study

Lipids in Health and Disease — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: These results indicate that ARA supplementation, even at a relatively high dose, does not increase ARA metabolites, and suggest that it does not induce cardiovascular, inflammatory or allergic diseases in Japanese elderly individuals. (Source: Lipids in Health and Disease)

No effect of fruit and veg on weight, except among former smokers

MedWire News - Lipidology — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100

High daily fruit and vegetable consumption does not appear to influence an individual’s change in body weight over 5 years, suggests an analysis of the EPIC cohort. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Elevated telomerase activity may predict CAC

MedWire News - Lipidology — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Study findings suggest that high telomerase activity may be a marker of progressive coronary artery calcification, and could predict advancing plaque among persons with short telomeres. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Dose-dependent effects, safety and tolerability of fenugreek in diet-induced metabolic disorders in rats.

Lipids in Health and Disease — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: These results suggest that fenugreek inhibited lipid accumulation in the liver by increasing the lipid excretion in the feces. The effective, safe and tolerable dose of fenugreek was found to be around 2.50 % (w/w). (Source: Lipids in Health and Disease)

Novel predictive tool can estimate body fat percentage better than BMI

MedWire News - Lipidology — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100

A predictive equation developed for the prediction of body fat percentage based on body mass index, gender, and age may be useful for identifying patients at risk for cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes, Spanish researchers report. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

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High acculturation detrimental to CV health

MedWire News - Lipidology — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Higher acculturation is associated with increased C-reactive protein levels in Hispanic adults, show study findings. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

High dietary calcium intake may reduce metabolic syndrome risk

MedWire News - Lipidology — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 22:20:15 +0100

High calcium intake is associated with a decreased risk for the metabolic syndrome, report Korean researchers. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Flow cytometric analysis of supravesicular structures in doxorubicin-containing pegylated liposomes.

Chemistry and Physics of Lipids — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Milosevits G, Rozsnyay Z, Kozma GT, Milosevits J, Tömöry G, Robotka H, Rosivall L, Szebeni J Abstract In an attempt to develop a quantitative assay for supravesicular structures (SVS) - such as aggregates, fused liposomes or solid lipid particles - in liposome preparations, forward vs. side scattering of liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil/Caelyx) was analyzed by flow cytometry. Based on calibration with fluorescent latex beads, the size resolution was between about 500 and 1000nm. Caelyx, just as structurally matched empty liposomes (Doxebo) produced dot plots clearly distinguishable from background, suggesting the presence of SVS in the above size region. A comparison of gated areas on the scattergrams obtained for different Caelyx preparations showed differences between curr...

Aqueous dispersions of DMPG in low salt contain leaky vesicles.

Chemistry and Physics of Lipids — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Barroso RP, Perez KR, Cuccovia IM, Teresa Lamy M Abstract Aqueous dispersions of dimyristoyl phosphatidylglycerol (DMPG), at low ionic strength, display uncommon thermal behavior. Models for such behavior need to assign a form to the lipid aggregate. Although most studies accept the presence of lipid vesicles in the lipid gel and fluid phases, this is still controversial. With electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra of spin labels incorporated into DMPG aggregates, quantification of [(14)C]sucrose entrapped by the aggregates, and viscosity measurements, we demonstrate the existence of leaky vesicles in dispersions of DMPG at low ionic strength, in both gel and fluid phases of the lipid. As a control system, the ubiquitous lipid dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) was used...

The Relationship between Brown Adipose Tissue Activity and Neoplastic Status: an 18F-FDG PET/CT Study in the Tropics

Lipids in Health and Disease — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Neoplastic status is a critical determinant of BAT activity in patients living in the tropics. More active neoplastic status was associated with more vigorous TMA of BAT. (Source: Lipids in Health and Disease)

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Inhibition of nitric oxide in LPS-stimulated macrophages of young and senescent mice by delta-tocotrienol and quercetin.

Lipids in Health and Disease — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The present results demonstrated that quercetin and delta-tocotrienols inhibit the LPS-induced NO production in vivo. The microarray DNA analyses, followed by pathway analyses indicated that quercetin or delta-tocotrienol inhibit several LPS-induced expression of several ageing and pro-inflammatory genes (IL-1beta, IL-1alpha, IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-12, iNOS, VCAM1, ICAM1, COX2, IL-1RA, TRAF1 and CD40). The NF-kappaB pathway regulates the production of NO and inhibits the pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in normal and ageing process. These ex vivo results confirmed the earlier in vitro findings. The present findings of inhibition of NO production by quercetin and delta-tocotrienol may be of clinical significance treating several inflammatory diseases, including ageing process. ...

Attitudes towards obesity ‘learned in childhood’

MedWire News - Lipidology — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Time constant factors, such as genetic heritability and habits formed during childhood, can significantly affect a person’s body mass index in adulthood, report UK researchers. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

A clustering analysis of lipoprotein diameters in the metabolic syndrome

Lipids in Health and Disease — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Background The presence of smaller low-density lipoproteins (LDL) has been associated with atherosclerosis risk, and the insulin resistance (IR) underlying the metabolic syndrome (MetS). In addition, some research has supported the association of very low-, low- and high-density lipoprotein (VLDL HDL) particle diameters with components of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), although this has been the focus of less research. We aimed to explore the relationship of VLDL, LDL and HDL diameters to MetS and its features, and by clustering individuals by their diameters of VLDL, LDL and HDL particles, to capture information across all three fractions of lipoprotein into a unified phenotype.Methods We used nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy measurements on fasting plasma samples from a general po...

Obesity epidemic may be influenced by mothers’ weight before and during pregnancy

MedWire News - Lipidology — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100

A child’s birthweight can be affected by their mother’s weight before pregnancy and weight change during pregnancy, show study findings. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Beef diet has lipid-lowering effects comparable to DASH diet

MedWire News - Lipidology — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Eating a low saturated fatty acid diet that contains lean beef has favorable effects on cardiovascular disease lipid and lipoprotein risk factors that are comparable to those elicited by a DASH dietary pattern, say researchers. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

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NICE issues final guidance on genetic testing for FH

MedWire News - Lipidology — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 22:43:01 +0100

The UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has published final guidance that does not recommend the use of two genetic tests, Elucigene or LIPOchip, for the diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia or for the screening of affected patients’ relatives. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Effects of cholesterol on phospholipid membranes: Inhibition of the interdigitated gel phase of F-DPPC and F-DPPC/DPPC.

Chemistry and Physics of Lipids — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Smith EA, Wang W, Dea PK Abstract Unlike the parent phospholipid, 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), the monofluorinated analog, 1-palmitoyl-2-(16-fluoropalmitoyl)sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (F-DPPC), spontaneously forms an interdigitated gel phase (L(β)I) below the main transition temperature (T(m)). We have examined the effects of introducing cholesterol to F-DPPC and 1:1 F-DPPC/DPPC membranes using a combination of DSC, optical density, fluorescence intensity and polarization, (31)P NMR, and X-ray diffraction techniques. Cholesterol increases the fluidity of the gel phase, broadens the main transition, and decreases the main transition enthalpy. However, these results also reveal that there is an unusually large degree of phase coexistence between the ...

A critical look at the microalgae biodiesel

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractThe quantitative production of microalgae oil is often overestimated. The cost of the salts invested in the production of 1 kg algal diesel approximates the actual price of 1 kg mineral diesel. Total sum of electrical energy expenses for production of biodiesel from microalgae is several‐fold higher than the energy income from combustion of the same quantity. The biological value of cultivated microalgae as food is much higher than as fuel. An opinion is shared, that money ought to be invested in microalgal biomass production as a food additive, forage and pharmaceuticals. The aim is to prevent making too hasty steps and investments in microalgal biodiesel. (Source: European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology)

Thymoquinone decreases F-actin polymerization and the proliferation of human multiple myeloma cells by suppressing STAT3 phosphorylation and Bcl2/Bcl-XL expression

Lipids in Health and Disease — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Taken together, our data suggests that TQ could potentially be applied toward the treatment of MM and other malignancies. (Source: Lipids in Health and Disease)

Twin study reveals metabolic effects of ‘early androgen exposure’

MedWire News - Lipidology — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Results of a Swedish study of twins suggests that women who are exposed to elevated levels of androgens during development are more likely to have a higher body mass index and dyslipidemia in old age than those exposed to lower levels. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

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Structural characterization of wax esters by electron ionization mass spectrometry [Methods]

The Journal of Lipid Research — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

The interpretation of the electron ionization mass spectra of straight-chain and methyl-branched saturated and unsaturated wax esters (WEs) is discussed in this study based on the spectra of 154 standards. The most important fragments indicative of the structure of the acid and alcohol chains are identified and summarized for WEs with various number of double bonds in the chains. Briefly, most WEs provide acylium ions allowing structural characterization of the acid part, whereas the alcohol part gives corresponding alkyl radical cations. The elemental composition of selected important fragments is established from a high-resolution accurate mass analysis. The ion abundances are discussed with respect to the length and unsaturation of the aliphatic chains. The interpretation of the spectra...

Structural characterization of saturated branched chain fatty acid methyl esters by collisional dissociation of molecular ions generated by electron ionization [Methods]

The Journal of Lipid Research — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Saturated branched chain fatty acids (BCFA) are present as complex mixtures in numerous biological samples. The traditional method for structure elucidation, electron ionization (EI) mass spectrometry, sometimes does not unambiguously enable assignment of branching in isomeric BCFA. Zirrolli and Murphy (Zirrolli , J. A. , and R. A. Murphy. 1993. Low-energy tandem mass spectrometry of the molecular ion derived from fatty acid methyl esters: a novel method for analysis of branched-chain fatty acids. J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrom. 4: 223–229.) showed that the molecular ions of four BCFA methyl ester (BCFAME) yield highly characteristic fragments upon collisional dissociation using a triple quadrupole instrument. Here, we confirm and extend these results by analysis using a tabletop 3-D ion ...

An ultraviolet spectrophotometric assay for the screening of sn-2-specific lipases using 1,3-O-dioleoyl-2-O-{alpha}-eleostearoyl-sn-glycerol as substrate [Methods]

The Journal of Lipid Research — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In the present study, we propose a continuous assay for the screening of sn-2 lipases by using triacylglycerols (TAGs) from Aleurites fordii seed (tung oil) and a synthetic TAG containing the α-eleostearic acid at the sn-2 position and the oleic acid (OA) at the sn-1 and sn-3 positions [1,3-O-dioleoyl-2-O-α-eleostearoyl-sn-glycerol (sn-OEO)]. Each TAG was coated into a microplate well, and the lipase activity was measured by optical density increase at 272 nm due to transition of α-eleostearic acid from the adsorbed to the soluble state. The sn-1,3-regioselective lipases human pancreatic lipase (HPL), LIP2 lipase from Yarrowia lipolytica (YLLIP2), and a known sn-2 lipase, Candida antarctica lipase A (CALA) were used to validate this method. TLC analysis of lipolysis produ...

Genetic polymorphisms in carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A gene are associated with variation in body composition and fasting lipid traits in Yup'ik Eskimos [Patient-Oriented and Epidemiological Research]

The Journal of Lipid Research — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

The objective of this study was to test the association of CPT1A variants with body composition and lipids, mediated by consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Obesity phenotypes and fasting lipids were measured in a cross-sectional sample of Yup'ik Eskimo individuals (n = 1141) from the Center of Alaska Native Health Research (CANHR) study. Twenty-eight tagging CPT1A SNPs were evaluated with outcomes of interest in regression models accounting for family structure. Several CPT1A polymorphisms were associated with HDL-cholesterol and obesity phenotypes. The P479L (rs80356779) variant was associated with all obesity-related traits and fasting HDL-cholesterol. Interestingly, the association of P479L with HDL-cholesterol was still significant after correcting for body mass index (B...

Serum paraoxonase-3 concentration in HIV-infected patients. Evidence for a protective role against oxidation [Patient-Oriented and Epidemiological Research]

The Journal of Lipid Research — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This study reports for the first time an important increase in serum PON3 concentrations in HIV-infected patients that is associated with their oxidative status and their treatment with NNRTI. Long-term, prospective studies are needed to confirm the possible influence of this enzyme on the course of this disease and its possible utility as an analytical biomarker. (Source: The Journal of Lipid Research)

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Endothelial expression of human ABCA1 in mice increases plasma HDL cholesterol and reduces diet-induced atherosclerosis [Patient-Oriented and Epidemiological Research]

The Journal of Lipid Research — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

The role of endothelial ABCA1 expression in reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) was examined in transgenic mice, using the endothelial-specific Tie2 promoter. Human ABCA1 (hABCA1) was significantly expressed in endothelial cells (EC) of most tissues except the liver. Increased expression of ABCA1 was not observed in resident peritoneal macrophages. ApoA-I-mediated cholesterol efflux from aortic EC was 2.6-fold higher (P < 0.0001) for cells from transgenic versus control mice. On normal chow diet, Tie2 hABCA1 transgenic mice had a 25% (P < 0.0001) increase in HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and more than a 2-fold increase of eNOS mRNA in the aorta (P < 0.04). After 6 months on a high-fat, high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet, transgenic mice compared with controls had a 40% increase in plasma HDL-...

Choline phosphorylation and regulation of transcription of choline kinase {alpha} in hypoxia [Research Articles]

The Journal of Lipid Research — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Choline kinase catalyzes the phosphorylation of choline, the first step of phospholipid synthesis. Increased phosphorylation of choline is a hallmark characteristic of the malignant phenotype in a variety of neoplasms. However, in hypoxic cancer cells, choline phosphorylation is decreased. To understand the mechanism behind this altered metabolic state, we examined the expression and regulation of the major choline kinase isoform, choline kinase α (ChKα), in hypoxic PC-3 human prostate cancer cells. Hypoxia decreased choline phosphorylation, choline kinase activity, and ChKα mRNA and protein levels. Promoter analysis studies revealed a region upstream of the ChKα gene bearing a conserved DNA consensus binding motif, hypoxia response element-7 (HRE7), at position &nd...

Differential sensitivity of types 1 and 2 cholecystokinin receptors to membrane cholesterol [Research Articles]

The Journal of Lipid Research — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Recent studies indicate that membrane cholesterol can associate with G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and affect their function. Previously, we reported that manipulation of membrane cholesterol affects ligand binding and signal transduction of the type 1 cholecystokinin receptor (CCK1R), a Class A GPCR. We now demonstrate that the closely related type 2 cholecystokinin receptor (CCK2R) does not share this cholesterol sensitivity. The sequences of both receptors reveal almost identical cholesterol interaction motifs in analogous locations in transmembrane segments two, three, four, and five. The disparity in cholesterol sensitivity between these receptors, despite their close structural relationship, provides a unique opportunity to define the possible structural basis of cholesterol se...

ATP hydrolysis-dependent conformational changes in the extracellular domain of ABCA1 are associated with apoA-I binding [Research Articles]

The Journal of Lipid Research — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, the role of the two nucleotide-binding domains (NBD) of ABCA1 in apoA-I binding was determined by inserting a TEV protease recognition sequence in the linker region of ABCA1. Analyses of ATP binding and occlusion to wild-type ABCA1 and various NBD mutants revealed that ATP binds equally to both NBDs and is hydrolyzed at both NBDs. The interaction with apoA-I and the apoA-I-dependent cholesterol efflux required not only ATP binding but also hydrolysis in both NBDs. NBD mutations and cellular ATP depletion decreased the accessibility of antibodies to a hemagglutinin (HA) epitope that was inserted at position 443 in the extracellular domain (ECD), suggesting that the conformation of ECDs is altered by ATP hydrolysis at both NBDs. These results suggest that ATP hydrolysis at bot...