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This study aims to investigate the influences of maternal dietary patterns on the triacylglycerol (TAG) composition, particular medium‐ and long‐chain triacylglycerol (MLCT) in human breast milk. A total of 180 Chinese human breast milk samples were collected and divided into three dietary patterns groups accounting to semi‐quantitative food intake frequency questionnaire and a 24‐h dietary recall. The 180 samples were from 121 mothers in Nanjing, all of whom were mature milk (1 month postpartum and 3 months postpartum). Using high performance liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, 108 TAGs were identified and quantified. In breast milk samples, MLCTs accounted for 25.76% (median of 24.63%; 95% CI: 24.60, 26.92) of the total TAGs. In human breast milk, the main type of MLCT is the triacylglycerol with one medium‐chain fatty acid and two long‐chain fatty acids (MLL type) which accounted for ~81% of total MLCTs. Among the molecular species of MLCT, O‐P‐La and O‐L‐La are the two most abundant configurations in MLCT (2.28% and 2.17% of total TAGs, respectively). MLCT in breast milk was positively correlated with the energy supply ratio of carbohydrates (p = 0.205), which was significantly higher than that of the other two groups (p = −0.150 and −0.232). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myocardial damage significantly impacts the prognosis of patients with cancer; however, the mechanisms of myocardial damage induced by cancer and its treatment remain unknown. We previously reported that medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) improve cancer-induced myocardial damage but did not evaluate the differences in effect according to MCFA type. Therefore, this study investigated the role of inflammatory cytokines in cancer-induced myocardial damage and the effects of three types of MCFAs (caprylic acid [C8], capric acid [C10], and lauric acid [C12]). In a mouse model, the C8 diet showed a greater effect on improving myocardial damage compared with C10 and C12 diets. Myocardial tubes differentiated from H9C2 cardiomyoblasts demonstrated increased mitochondrial oxidative stress, decreased membrane potential and mitochondrial volume, and inhibited myocardial tube differentiation following treatment with high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) but not interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α cytokines. However, HMGB1 treatment combined with C8 improved HMGB1-induced mitochondrial damage, enhanced autophagy, and increased mitochondrial biogenesis and maturation. However, these effects were only partial when combined with beta-hydroxybutyrate, a C8 metabolite. Thus, HMGB1 may play an important role in cancer-related myocardial damage. C8 counteracts HMGB1's effects and improves cancer-related myocardial damage. Further clinical studies are required to investigate the effects of C8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Salmonellosis is still one of the most reported zoonoses worldwide and poultry meat is a major source, as chickens are often persistent carriers of Salmonella. Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) are known for their strong antimicrobial activity. MCFAs used today in the animal feed industry, however, mainly originate from the palm oil industry, which is notorious for its negative impact on the climate. We investigated the effect of a specific blend of palm-free MCFAs (ranging from C6 to C9) on Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) colonization in broiler chickens and in vitro SE characteristics. Fifty Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly divided in 2 treatment groups. Chickens received either un-supplemented feed or feed supplemented with 300 ppm MCFAs from D0 onwards. On D7, all chickens were orally inoculated with 1600 CFU of SE. Cloacal swabs (D11) and samples of liver and caeca (D12) of all animals were collected and SE was enumerated. Percentage of SE-positive caecum samples was significantly (P = 0.044) reduced in birds receiving MCFAs compared to those receiving unsupplemented feed (36% vs. 64%). In vitro work performed with the same SE strain showed that preincubating the Salmonella bacteria with MCFAs at a sub-minimal inhibitory concentration significantly (p < 0.05) reduced bacterial adhesion to and invasion in Caco-2 cells, which may explain the observed reduction in intestinal SE colonization in the in vivo trial. Together, these results show that the tested eco-friendly MCFA blend could be a promising tool in the control of Salmonella in broilers.

Abstract Camelina neglecta is a new diploid Brassicaceae species, which has great research value because of its close relationship with the hexaploid oilseed crop Camelina sativa. Here, we report a chromosome-level assembly of C. neglecta with a total length of 210 Mb. By adopting PacBio sequencing and Hi-C technology, the C. neglecta genome was assembled into 6 chromosomes with scaffold N50 of 29.62 Mb. C. neglecta has undergone the whole-genome triplication (γ) shared among eudicots and two whole-genome duplications (α and β) shared by crucifers, but it has not undergone a specific whole-genome duplication event. By synteny analysis between C. neglecta and C. sativa, we successfully used the method of calculating Ks to distinguish the three subgenomes of C. sativa and determined that C. neglecta was closest to the first subgenome (SG1) of C. sativa. Further, transcriptomic analysis revealed the key genes associated with seed oil biosynthesis and its transcriptional regulation, including SAD, FAD2, FAD3, FAE1, ABI3, WRI1 and FUS3 displaying high expression levels in C. neglecta seeds. The high representability of C. neglecta as a model species for Camelina-based biotechnology research has been demonstrated for the first time. In particular, floral Agrobacterium tumefaciens infiltration-based transformation of C. neglecta, leading to overexpression of CvLPAT2, CpDGAT1 and CvFatB1 transgenes, was demonstrated for medium-chain fatty acid accumulation in C. neglecta seed oil. This study provides an important genomic resource and establishes C. neglecta as a new model for oilseed biotechnology research.

Abstract Antibiotic growth promoters have been utilized in broiler nutrition to alleviate the negative effects of the pathogenic microbes to promote performance. However, after the prohibition of antibiotics because of the increasing disclosure related to public health issues, various products have been developed as alternatives. This study was carried out to determine the effects of medium‐chain fatty acids (MCFAs) or phytobiotics (essential oils [EOs] and alkaloids [ALKs]), blended feed additives on the growth performance, jejunum histomorphology, and cecal microbiota of broiler chickens. A total of 765 male Ross 308 chicks were randomly distributed into 5 experimental groups, each having 9 replicates with 17 chicks. The experimental procedures were as follows: a control group without supplementation (T1); control group+ MCFAs and EOs blend (T2); control group+ different EOs blend (T3); control group+ ALK sanguinarine (T4); and control group+ EOs and ALK piperine mixture (T5). The results showed that, broilers fed with MCFAs blended with EOs had significantly greater body weight gain during overall period in comparision to the control and T3 groups. Further, only MCFAs blended with EOs group significantly improved jejnum morphology in comparison with the control group (p ≤ 0.05). Besides, the MCFAs blended with EOs group significantly elevated propionate, acetate and butyrate concentration, and decreased the concentration of branch chain fatty acids in caecum (p ≤ 0.05). The results indicated that, the combination of MCFAs and EOs seems to have improvement effects and could be preferred as an efficient feed additive in broiler production.

With the improvement of living standards and the change of dietary habits, metabolic syndrome has become a major global public health problem. The gut microbiota is one of the research hotspots in recent years. More and more studies have shown that the gut microbiota can conduct bidirectional signal transduction with different body tissues and organs such as the brain, liver and heart through various pathways, which is closely related to body health. Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) exist in coconut oil, palm kernel oil and dairy products mainly in the form of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCFAs can be rapidly metabolized for energy in the body, and has good regulatory effects on glucose and lipid metabolism. This article reviews the effects of MCTs on gut microbes and their positive effects on metabolic syndrome in order to provide a reference for future research.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of triglycerides containing medium-chain fatty acids (MCT) and tributyrin (TB) supplementation in a milk replacer (MR) on growth performance, plasma metabolites, and hormone concentrations in dairy calves. Sixty-three Holstein heifer calves (body weight at 8 d of age, 41.1 ± 2.91 kg; mean ± SD) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 experimental MR (28% crude protein and 18% fat): (1) containing 3.2% C8:0 and 2.8% C10:0 (in fat basis) without TB supplementation (CONT; n = 15), (2) containing 6.7% C8:0 and 6.4% C10:0 without TB supplementation (MCT; n = 16), (3) containing 3.2% C8:0 and 2.8% C10:0 with 0.6% (dry matter basis) TB supplementation (CONT+TB; n = 16), (4) containing 6.7% C8:0 and 6.4% C10:0 with 0.6% TB supplementation (MCT+TB; n = 16). The MR were offered at 600 g/d (powder basis) from 8 to 14 d, up to 1,300 g/d from 15 to 21 d, 1,400 g/d from 22 to 49 d, down to 700 g/d from 50 to 56 d, 600 g/d from 57 to 63 d, and weaned at 64 d of age. All calves were fed calf starter, chopped hay, and water ad libitum. The data were analyzed using a 2-way ANOVA via the fit model procedure of JMP Pro 16 (SAS Institute Inc.). Medium-chain fatty acid supplementation did not affect the total dry matter intake. However, calves that were fed MCT had greater feed efficiency (gain/feed) before weaning (0.74 ± 0.098 vs. 0.71 ± 0.010 kg/kg) compared with non-MCT calves. The MCT calves also had a lower incidence of diarrhea compared with non-MCT calves during 23 to 49 d of age and the weaning period (50 to 63 d of age; 9.2% vs. 18.5% and 10.5% vs. 17.2%, respectively). Calves fed with TB had a greater total dry matter intake during postweaning (3,465 vs. 3,232 g/d). Calves fed TB also had greater body weight during the weaning (90.7 ± 0.97 vs. 87.9 ± 1.01 kg) and postweaning period (116.5 ± 1.47 vs. 112.1 ± 1.50 kg) compared with that of non-TB calves. The plasma metabolites and hormone concentrations were not affected by MCT or TB. These results suggest that MCT and TB supplementation in the MR may improve the growth performance and gut health of dairy calves.

Crypthecodinium cohnii strains can accumulate significant amounts of lipids with a high fraction of docosahexaenoic acid that is used in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. In this study, macroalgal hydrolysate was used as a low-cost carbon source for the growth of the oleaginous strain Crypthecodinium sp. AL–05 to reduce the cost of its growth and lipid production. The Saudi strain was placed in the genus Crypthecodinium with high statistical support based on the sequences of three concatenated genes (SSU, ITS, and LSU rDNA). Crypthecodinium sp. AL-05 was grown on four different glucose concentrations and three different macroalgal hydrolysate concentrations: 20, 40, and 80 g l−1. We also used the same concentrations of macroalgal hydrolysate with 10 g l−1 of four carbon sources: acetic acid, glycerol, glucose, and sugarcane molasses. Glucose (40 g l−1) gave the best results, followed by 80 g l−1 macroalgae alone and with glucose or molasses. One-way ANOVA followed by a Bonferroni correction post-hoc test showed that the dry weight of Crypthecodinium sp. AL–05 produced using the following carbon sources: the four concentrations of the pure glucose, 80 g l−1 macroalgae alone, 40 and 80 g l−1 macroalgae + glucose, 40 and 80 g l1 macroalgae + molasses were significantly higher than the other 10 carbon sources tested. Three carbon sources (20 g l−1 macroalgae with glucose, molasses and acetic acid) produced percentages of lipids that were significantly lower than the other 16 carbon sources. For the first time, our research shows that the dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium AL–05 can be successfully grown on macroalgal hydrolysate, which can be used in industrial processes. Importantly, Crypthecodinium sp. AL–05 grown on 80 g l−1 macroalgae produced only saturated fatty acids, of which caprylic acid represented 43.45 % of the total fatty acids. Caprylic acid is widely used in industry and pharmaceuticals and the Saudi isolate can be used for its commercial production using macroalgae as a carbon source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic growth promoters have been utilized in broiler nutrition to alleviate the negative effects of the pathogenic microbes to promote performance. However, after the prohibition of antibiotics because of the increasing disclosure related to public health issues, various products have been developed as alternatives. This study was carried out to determine the effects of medium‐chain fatty acids (MCFAs) or phytobiotics (essential oils [EOs] and alkaloids [ALKs]), blended feed additives on the growth performance, jejunum histomorphology, and cecal microbiota of broiler chickens. A total of 765 male Ross 308 chicks were randomly distributed into 5 experimental groups, each having 9 replicates with 17 chicks. The experimental procedures were as follows: a control group without supplementation (T1); control group+ MCFAs and EOs blend (T2); control group+ different EOs blend (T3); control group+ ALK sanguinarine (T4); and control group+ EOs and ALK piperine mixture (T5). The results showed that, broilers fed with MCFAs blended with EOs had significantly greater body weight gain during overall period in comparision to the control and T3 groups. Further, only MCFAs blended with EOs group significantly improved jejnum morphology in comparison with the control group (p ≤ 0.05). Besides, the MCFAs blended with EOs group significantly elevated propionate, acetate and butyrate concentration, and decreased the concentration of branch chain fatty acids in caecum (p ≤ 0.05). The results indicated that, the combination of MCFAs and EOs seems to have improvement effects and could be preferred as an efficient feed additive in broiler production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: GPR84 is a G protein-coupled receptor expressed in immune cells. In mammals and amphibians, it is activated by medium-chain fatty acids and plays critical roles in inflammation and eye development. However, our understanding of GPR84 in fish remains limited. In this study, we successfully cloned the coding sequence of grass carp GPR84, revealing its high expression in the liver and spleen. In cells transfected with ciGPR84, we observed its responsiveness to medium-chain fatty acids such as capric acid, undecanoic acid, and lauric acid. Surprisingly, ciGPR84 did not respond to a synthetic activator called diindolylmethane. Notably, we found that lauric acid and capric acid exhibited the strongest activation and inhibition of ERK and cAMP signaling, respectively, suggesting their potential as immune modulators. These findings provide valuable insights for mitigating chronic inflammation in farmed fish, especially grass carp. The G-protein-coupled receptor GPR84, activated by medium-chain fatty acids, primarily expressed in macrophages and microglia, is involved in inflammatory responses and retinal development in mammals and amphibians. However, our understanding of its structure, function, tissue expression, and signaling pathways in fish is limited. In this study, we cloned and characterized the coding sequence of GPR84 (ciGPR84) in grass carp. A phylogenetic analysis revealed its close relationship with bony fishes. High expression levels of GPR84 were observed in the liver and spleen. The transfection of HEK293T cells with ciGPR84 demonstrated its responsiveness to medium-chain fatty acids and diindolylmethane (DIM). Capric acid, undecanoic acid, and lauric acid activated ERK and inhibited cAMP signaling. Lauric acid showed the highest efficiency in activating the ERK pathway, while capric acid was the most effective in inhibiting cAMP signaling. Notably, DIM did not activate GPR84 in grass carp, unlike in mammals. These findings provide valuable insights for mitigating chronic inflammation in grass carp farming and warrant further exploration of the role of medium-chain fatty acids in inflammation regulation in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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IntroductionMedium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) have attracted considerable attention for preventing or improving obesity, which is a recognized risk factor for lifestyle-related diseases. Medium- and long-chain triglycerides (MLCTs) are expected to improve the metabolism of ingested long-chain triglycerides (LCTs). However, previous studies have reported mixed results. In this study, the effect of ingestion of MLCTs was evaluated on the metabolism of LCTs and compared to the ingestion of rapeseed oil (control oil).MethodsA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study was performed among sedentary participants with BMIs ranging from 25 below 30 kg/m2. Thirty participants were asked to ingest either 14 g of MLCTs or a control oil for 4 weeks. The metabolism of ingested LCTs was evaluated by measuring isotopically labeled carbon dioxide released by the degradation of carbon-13 (13C)-labeled LCTs.ResultsIngestion of MLCTs markedly enhanced the metabolism of ingested LCTs by comparison to the control oil.ConclusionThe findings of this study suggest that ingestion of MLCTs may enhance the metabolism of dietary LCTs through activation of β-oxidation in liver mitochondria, which may increase the metabolic kinetics of ingested long-chain fatty acid (LCFAs).Clinical trial registrationhttps://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000053101, identifier: UMIN000046604.

Medium-chain triglycerides contain medium-chain fatty acid esterified to the glycerol backbone. These MCFA have a shorter chain length and are quickly metabolized in the body serving as an immediate energy source. They are known to have good physiological as well as functional characteristics which help in treating various health disorders. Naturally, they are found in coconut oil, milk fat, and palm kernel oil, and they are synthetically produced by esterification and interesterification reactions. Due to their numerous health benefits, MCT is used as a functional or nutraceutical oil in various food and pharmaceutical formulations. To increase their nutraceutical benefits and food applications MCFA can be used along with polyunsaturated fatty acids in the synthesis of structured lipids. This review aims to provide information about triglycerides of MCFA, structure, metabolism, properties, synthetic routes, intensified synthesis approaches, health benefits, application, and safety of use of MCT in the diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of triglycerides containing medium-chain fatty acids (MCT) and tributyrin (TB) supplementation in a milk replacer (MR) on growth performance, plasma metabolites, and hormone concentrations in dairy calves. Sixty-three Holstein heifer calves (body weight at 8 d of age, 41.1 ± 2.91 kg; mean ± SD) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 experimental MR (28% crude protein and 18% fat): (1) containing 3.2% C8:0 and 2.8% C10:0 (in fat basis) without TB supplementation (CONT; n = 15), (2) containing 6.7% C8:0 and 6.4% C10:0 without TB supplementation (MCT; n = 16), (3) containing 3.2% C8:0 and 2.8% C10:0 with 0.6% (dry matter basis) TB supplementation (CONT+TB; n = 16), (4) containing 6.7% C8:0 and 6.4% C10:0 with 0.6% TB supplementation (MCT+TB; n = 16). The MR were offered at 600 g/d (powder basis) from 8 to 14 d, up to 1,300 g/d from 15 to 21 d, 1,400 g/d from 22 to 49 d, down to 700 g/d from 50 to 56 d, 600 g/d from 57 to 63 d, and weaned at 64 d of age. All calves were fed calf starter, chopped hay, and water ad libitum. The data were analyzed using a 2-way ANOVA via the fit model procedure of JMP Pro 16 (SAS Institute Inc.). Medium-chain fatty acid supplementation did not affect the total dry matter intake. However, calves that were fed MCT had greater feed efficiency (gain/feed) before weaning (0.74 ± 0.098 vs. 0.71 ± 0.010 kg/kg) compared with non-MCT calves. The MCT calves also had a lower incidence of diarrhea compared with non-MCT calves during 23 to 49 d of age and the weaning period (50 to 63 d of age; 9.2% vs. 18.5% and 10.5% vs. 17.2%, respectively). Calves fed with TB had a greater total dry matter intake during postweaning (3,465 vs. 3,232 g/d). Calves fed TB also had greater body weight during the weaning (90.7 ± 0.97 vs. 87.9 ± 1.01 kg) and postweaning period (116.5 ± 1.47 vs. 112.1 ± 1.50 kg) compared with that of non-TB calves. The plasma metabolites and hormone concentrations were not affected by MCT or TB. These results suggest that MCT and TB supplementation in the MR may improve the growth performance and gut health of dairy calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the methane-reducing potential of individual and combined treatments of low levels of nitrate (NIT) and a mixture of capric/lauric acid (CL) in dairy cows. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted. In the in vitro experiment, the anti-methanogenic effects of NIT (1.825 mmol/l) and CL (250 mg/l; capric acid, 125 mg/l + lauric acid, 125 mg/l) were evaluated in a 2 × 2 factorial design using consecutive batch incubations with rumen fluid. The NIT and CL reduced (P<0.05) methane production by 9.2% and by 21.3%, respectively. However, combining NIT with CL did not show (P>0.05) any benefit in methane reduction compared to the use of CL alone. In the in vivo experiment, eight multiparous dry Holstein cows were fed two diets in a crossover design for two 21-day periods (14 days of adaptation and 7 days of sampling). The treatments were: 1) silage-based basal diet + 100 g stearic acid per cow/d (CON) and 2) silage-based basal diet + 50 g capric acid + 50 g lauric acid per cow/d (CL). Gas emissions were measured using open-circuit respiration chambers. Methane production (g/d) was reduced (by 11.5%; P = 0.012) when the diet was supplemented with CL. However, supplementation with CL increased ruminal ammonia-N concentration (by 28.5%; P = 0.015) and gas ammonia production (g/d; by 37.2%; P = 0.005). Ruminal pH, protozoa count, and total and individual volatile fatty acid concentrations (VFA) did not differ (P>0.05) between the treatments. Treatment did not affect the intake and apparent total tract digestibility (P>0.05). In conclusion, our results suggest that low CL levels have anti-methanogenic potential. However, low levels of CL may compromise nitrogen use efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monolaurin (ML) is a monoacylglycerol (MAG) with important industrial and biomedical properties. It is commonly prepared in large quantities from the direct esterification of lauric acid (LA) and glycerol with chemical catalysts. However, this method also generates other glyceride by-products whose properties are inferior to ML. Enzymes have also been used to optimize selectivity, but enhancing scalability and throughput is always challenging. Successful selective convergent chemical synthesis of ML involving activated derivatives of LA and glycerol is demonstrated in this study. The present yield of 3.41% can be improved with careful process control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition of dietary fatty acids may be important for the development and progression of metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This study investigated the effect of two high-fat diets based on coconut oil, containing predominantly medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), or cocoa butter, containing mainly long-chain fatty acids (LCFA), on glucose homeostasis and NASH in guinea pigs following 16 and 32 weeks of diet. At week 16, glucose intolerance was increased in the LCFA animals compared to the MCFA animals (p < 0.001), with both groups differing from the controls by week 32 (p < 0.0001), supported by increased hemoglobin A1c (p < 0.05). NASH was present in both high-fat groups from week 16, with advancing fibrosis appearing more progressive in the LCFA animals at week 16. In agreement, gene expression showed overall increased expression of NASH target genes in the LCFA animals compared to the MCFA animals at weeks 16 and 32 (p < 0.05 and p < 0.0001, respectively). The LCFA animals also displayed increased plasma uric acid at both time points (p < 0.05), a phenomenon linked to NASH in humans. In conclusion, this study reports that a diet high in LCFA promotes metabolic imbalance and may accelerate NASH-associated hepatic fibrosis. This highlights the importance of a critical evaluation of fatty acid composition when investigating NASH-associated endpoints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) in carnitine status and intestinal fatty acid oxidation in neonates, a total of 72 suckled newborn piglets were assigned into 8 dietary treatments following a 2 (±0.35% clofibrate) × 4 (diets with: succinate+glycerol (Succ), tri-valerate (TC5), tri-hexanoate (TC6), or tri-2-methylpentanoate (TMPA)) factorial design. All pigs received experimental milk diets with isocaloric energy for 5 days. Carnitine statuses were evaluated, and fatty acid oxidation was measured in vitro using [1-14C]-palmitic acid (1 mM) as a substrate in absence or presence of L659699 (1.6 µM), iodoacetamide (50 µM), and carnitine (1 mM). Clofibrate increased concentrations of free (41%) and/or acyl-carnitine (44% and 15%) in liver and plasma but had no effects in the intestine. The effects on carnitine status were associated with the expression of genes involved in carnitine biosynthesis, absorption, and transportation. TC5 and TMPA stimulated the increased fatty acid oxidation rate induced by clofibrate, while TC6 had no effect on the increased fatty acid oxidation induced by clofibrate (p > 0.05). These results suggest that dietary clofibrate improved carnitine status and increased fatty acid oxidation. Propionyl-CoA, generated from TC5 and TMPA, could stimulate the increased fatty acid oxidation rate induced by clofibrate as anaplerotic carbon sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated the effects of dietary medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) and Bacillus on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant capacity, colonic fermentation, and microbiota of weaning piglets. A total of 400 weaned piglets were randomly divided into 4 treatments, with 10 replicates per treatment and 10 pigs per replicate. The treatment included: basal diet (control, CON), basal diet with 0.588 g/kg MCFA (MCF), basal diet with 1.3 × 109 CFU/kg Bacillus (BAC), and basal diet with 0.588 g/kg MCFA and 1.3 × 109 CFU/kg Bacillus (SYN). Compared with CON group, the average daily gain of MCF and SYN in the early (1 to 9 d) and whole stage (1 to 36 d) of trail were improved (P < 0.05), the feed to gain ratio of MCF in later (10 to 36 d) and whole stage of trial were decreased (P < 0.05), and the diarrhea rate of SYN in the early stage (1 to 9 d) of trial decreased (P < 0.05). The digestibility of dry matter, ether extract, acid detergent fiber digestibility of MCF were decreased (P < 0.05) compared with CON. The serum d -lactic acid in MCF, BAC, and SYN were lower (P < 0.05) compared with CON group. Compared with CON group, the contents of total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase were greater (P < 0.05), whereas the content of malondialdehyde and the contents of colonic isobutyrate and isovalerate were lower (P < 0.05) in MCF. The microbial Shannon and Simpson diversity was lower in MCF (P < 0.05) than that in BAC and SYN. The relative abundance of Prevotella was greater (P < 0.05), whereas the Treponema and Oscillibacter were lower (P < 0.05) in MCF than that in BAC and SYN. In addition, the metabolic pathways of bacteria such as pentose phosphate pathway, adenosine nucleotides degradation II were enhanced (P < 0.05), whereas the pathways such as incomplete reductive TCA cycle, and TCA cycle IV (2-oxoglutarate decarboxylase) were decreased (P < 0.05) in MCF compared with BAC. The results indicated that dietary MCFA and Bacillus in combination improved the intestinal barrier function of piglets by changing the intestinal microbiota and its metabolic function, and finally alleviated the diarrhea rate in early weaning stage and improved growth performance in whole trial period. In addition, MCFA was effective in improving feed efficiency and antioxidant capacity of piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work describes a novel sequential fermentation method for the production of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) from corn stover, without adding exogenous electron donors/acceptors. The effects of the carbon substrate concentration, ethanol-to-acetate ratio (ED/EA), and initial pH on carbon chain elongation (CCE) by Clostridium kluyveri to produce MCFAs are investigated using ethanol and acetate as the electron donor and acceptor, respectively. A carbon substrate concentration of 300 mM C is sufficient for CCE. An initial weakly alkaline environment significantly enhances the production of caproate through buffering effects and by reducing inhibition of product formation. The maximum caproate production reached 4.41 g/L (initial pH 8.5; 300 mm C; ED/EA = 1:1). The ability of corn stover to generate a suitable ED/EA via two-step fermentation to synthesize MCFAs is also explored. Ultimately, 5.53 g/L butyrate and caproate can be obtained from corn stover, where caproate accounts for 2.79 g/L. This study offers innovative ideas for the sustainable production of bio-based chemicals. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salmonellosis is still one of the most reported zoonoses worldwide and poultry meat is a major source, as chickens are often persistent carriers of Salmonella. Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) are known for their strong antimicrobial activity. MCFAs used today in the animal feed industry, however, mainly originate from the palm oil industry, which is notorious for its negative impact on the climate. We investigated the effect of a specific blend of palm-free MCFAs (ranging from C6 to C9) on Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) colonization in broiler chickens and in vitro SE characteristics. Fifty Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly divided in 2 treatment groups. Chickens received either un-supplemented feed or feed supplemented with 300 ppm MCFAs from D0 onwards. On D7, all chickens were orally inoculated with 1600 CFU of SE. Cloacal swabs (D11) and samples of liver and caeca (D12) of all animals were collected and SE was enumerated. Percentage of SE-positive caecum samples was significantly (P = 0.044) reduced in birds receiving MCFAs compared to those receiving unsupplemented feed (36% vs. 64%). In vitro work performed with the same SE strain showed that preincubating the Salmonella bacteria with MCFAs at a sub-minimal inhibitory concentration significantly (p < 0.05) reduced bacterial adhesion to and invasion in Caco-2 cells, which may explain the observed reduction in intestinal SE colonization in the in vivo trial. Together, these results show that the tested eco-friendly MCFA blend could be a promising tool in the control of Salmonella in broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Aim Capric acid (also known as decanoic acid or C10) is one of the fatty acids in the medium‐chain triglycerides (MCTs) commonly found in dietary fats. Although dietary treatment with MCTs is recently of great interest for the potential therapeutic effects on neuropsychiatric disorders, the effects of oral administration of C10 on behavior remain to be examined. This study investigated acute and chronic effects of oral administration of C10 on locomotor activity and anxiety‐like and depression‐related behaviors in adult male C57BL/6J mice. Methods To explore the acute effects of C10 administration, mice were subjected to a series of behavioral tests in the following order: light/dark transition, open field, elevated plus maze, Porsolt forced swim, and tail suspension tests, 30 minutes after oral gavage of either vehicle or C10 solution (30 mmol/kg dose in Experiment 1; 0.1, 0.3, 1.0, 3.0 mmol/kg doses in Experiment 2). Next, to examine chronic effects of C10, mice repeatedly administered with either vehicle or C10 solution (0.3, 3.0 mmol/kg doses per day, for 21 days, in Experiment 3) were subjected to behavioral tests without oral administration immediately before each test. Results The mice administrated with the high dose of C10 (30 mmol/kg) showed lower body weights, shorter distance traveled, and more anxiety‐like behavior than vehicle‐treated mice, and the results reached study‐wide statistical significance. The C10 administration at a lower dose of 0.3 mmol/kg had no significant effects on body weights and induced nominally significantly longer distance traveled than vehicle administration. Repeated administration of C10 at a dose of 3.0 mmol/kg for more than 21 days caused lower body weights and decreased depression‐related behavior, although the behavioral differences did not reach study‐wide significance. Conclusions Although these results suggest dose‐dependent effects of oral administration of capric acid on locomotor activity and anxiety‐like and depression‐related behaviors, further study will be needed to replicate the findings and explore the underlying brain mechanisms.

A microextraction method for the determination of triclosan and methyltriclosan in marine environmental samples was developed. The disperser was first serves as a preliminary extractant for analytes, then as a frozen solvent to remove impurities at -20 °C, and finally as a disperser agent in the microextraction procedure. With the extractants solidified and float on the surface of the aqueous phase at low temperature, a separation was achieved to avoided use of specialized laboratory instruments. The method was optimized using Plackett-Burman design and central composite design as follows: 146 μL octanoic acid as extractant, 793 μL acetoneas disperser, 3.0 min centrifugation and 1.1 min vortex time. The limits of detection were 0.022-0.060 μg L-1 or μg kg-1 and recoveries were 83.3-103.5% for TCS and MTCS in seawater, sediments and seafood. The method has excellent prospects for sample pre-treatment and trace-level analysis of triclosan and methyltriclosan in marine environmental samples.

Simple Summary: Butyric acid is under investigation as a dietary supplement to improve gut health of broiler chickens. In fact, many studies have focused on the protection of butyric acid and its release throughout the intestine, promoting its beneficial effects in the entire gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, this study evaluated the intestinal release of butyric acid in broiler chickens by performing an in vivo approach. Broilers fed a diet supplemented with sodium butyrate protected by salts of medium-chain fatty acid containing a dye, brilliant blue. The blue color was then observed from jejunum and backward. Indeed, the released brilliant blue, and consequently, butyric acid, was quantified by intestinal sections observing that the major amount of butyric acid was delivered in the distal ileum. These results suggest that this in vivo approach enables the evaluation of the intestinal release of butyric acid from fat-protected sodium butyrate, showing a slow intestinal release of butyric acid in broiler chickens. Butyric acid has received great attention as a feed additive to maintain or increase the gut integrity and health of broiler chickens. Particularly, the protection of butyrate is under research to allow slow intestinal release of butyric acid and to promote its beneficial effects throughout the intestine. This study evaluated in vivo the intestinal release of butyric acid from sodium butyrate protected by salts of medium-chain fatty acid in broilers. Brilliant blue was used as an inert marker, so it was included in the feed additive that broilers ingested for two days. The gastrointestinal tract was then colored in blue from jejunum and backward. Considering the digesta color of the broilers non-supplemented as blank, it allowed quantification of the amount of brilliant blue, and consequently, butyric acid delivered in the intestine from the protected feed additive. Few traces of butyric acid were released in the duodenum and proximal jejunum, whereas the major amount (45.9%) was delivered in the distal ileum (p < 0.001). These results suggest that this in vivo approach allows for evaluation of the intestinal delivery of butyric acid supplemented as protected sodium butyrate by medium-chain fatty acids, showing a gradual intestinal release of butyric acid in broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Nutritional strategies to improve gut health are under research to reduce antibiotic use in poultry production. This study investigated the effect of dietary supplementation with sodium butyrate protected by sodium salts of medium-chain fatty acids as a feed additive on broiler gut health. A first trial was conducted to assess the effectiveness of this feed additive supplemented at a dose range of 0.5, 1, and 2 kg/t to promote a good health status on broilers raised under optimal conditions. Supplementation at 0.5 and 1 kg/t maintained the number of mucin-secretory cells contained in the gut barrier of young chickens, and the use of 1 kg/t improved the intestinal immune system of aged broilers. However, the beneficial effects of some feed additives are not detected under non-challenged conditions. Therefore, the second experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of the feed additive at 1 kg/t in coccidiosis-challenged broilers. In this context, sodium butyrate protected by sodium salts of medium-chain fatty acids restored the number of mucin-secretory cells as well as impacted on the intestinal morphometry and microbiota. The results of the present study suggest that this feed additive could be a useful strategy to reinforce the gut barrier, especially for birds with coccidiosis. Nutritional strategies to improve gut health of broilers are under research. This study investigated the effect of dietary supplementation with sodium butyrate protected by sodium salts of medium-chain fatty acids as a feed additive on broiler gut health. The first experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementing at 0.5, 1, and 2 kg/t in broilers housed under optimal conditions. Supplementation at 0.5 and 1 kg/t maintained goblet cell counts at 10 days of age (p ≤ 0.05), and supplementation at 1 kg/t decreased intraepithelial lymphocyte counts compared to 2 kg/t at 39 days (p ≤ 0.10). Abdominal fat pad levels of lauric and myristic acids were gradually increased by supplement dose (p ≤ 0.05). In the second experiment, the feed additive at 1 kg/t was evaluated in coccidiosis-challenged broilers. Experimental treatments were as follows: non-challenged, control-challenged, and supplemented-challenged treatments. Coccidiosis negatively impact performance and modify histomorphometry and microbiota (p ≤ 0.05). The feed additive increased crypt depth at 7 days post-inoculation and goblet cell count at 14 days post-inoculation (p ≤ 0.05). Further, supplementation interacted with the microbiota modification led by the coccidiosis (p ≤ 0.05). These results suggest that this feed additive could be a useful strategy to reinforce the gut barrier, especially for birds under coccidiosis-challenge treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Plant fatty acids are used for food, feed, fuel, and industrial materials. Structurally and chemically diverse fatty acids, referred to as unusual or specialized fatty acids, are found in the seed oils of diverse plant species. Many unusual fatty acids have potential use as alternative and renewable sources of biofuels and bio‐based industrial feedstocks due to their variant structures' physical or functional properties. Oils enriched in these fatty acids can increase the value of oilseed crops and provide co‐products that can be readily extracted from lignocellulosic materials in biomass crops. Here, we describe recent progress in strategies for enhancement of oil production and quality in oilseed crops and the extension of this knowledge for metabolic engineering of biomass crops. Successful implementation of these strategies, in part, through the use of emerging synthetic biology tools, will provide added product value for the economic sustainability of biomass crops as bioenergy feedstocks.

The G-protein-coupled receptor GPR84, activated by medium-chain fatty acids, primarily expressed in macrophages and microglia, is involved in inflammatory responses and retinal development in mammals and amphibians. However, our understanding of its structure, function, tissue expression, and signaling pathways in fish is limited. In this study, we cloned and characterized the coding sequence of GPR84 (ciGPR84) in grass carp. A phylogenetic analysis revealed its close relationship with bony fishes. High expression levels of GPR84 were observed in the liver and spleen. The transfection of HEK293T cells with ciGPR84 demonstrated its responsiveness to medium-chain fatty acids and diindolylmethane (DIM). Capric acid, undecanoic acid, and lauric acid activated ERK and inhibited cAMP signaling. Lauric acid showed the highest efficiency in activating the ERK pathway, while capric acid was the most effective in inhibiting cAMP signaling. Notably, DIM did not activate GPR84 in grass carp, unlike in mammals. These findings provide valuable insights for mitigating chronic inflammation in grass carp farming and warrant further exploration of the role of medium-chain fatty acids in inflammation regulation in this species.

E. coli thioesterase 'TesA is an important enzyme in fatty acid production. Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs, C6-C10) are of great interest due to their similar physicochemical properties to petroleum-based oleo-chemicals. It has been shown that wild-type 'TesA had better selectivity for long-chain acyl substrates (≥C16), while the two mutants 'TesAE142D/Y145G and 'TesAM141L/E142D/Y145G had better selectivity for medium-chain acyl substrates. However, it is difficult to obtain the selectivity mechanism of substrates for proteins by traditional experimental methods. In this study, in order to obtain more MCFAs, we analyzed the binding mode of proteins ('TesA, 'TesAE142D/Y145G and 'TesAM141L/E142D/Y145G) and substrates (C16/C8-N-acetylcysteamine analogs, C16/C8-SNAC), the key residues and catalytic mechanisms through molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations and the molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM/PBSA). The results showed that several main residues related to catalysis, including Ser10, Asn73 and His157, had a strong hydrogen bond interaction with the substrates. The mutant region (Met141-Tyr146) and loop107–113 were mainly dominated by Van der Waals contributions to the substrates. For C16-SNAC, except for 'TesAM141L/E142D/Y145G with large conformational changes, there were strong interactions at both head and tail ends that distorted the substrate into a more favorable high-energy conformation for the catalytic reaction. For C8-SNAC, the head and tail found it difficult to bind to the enzyme at the same time due to insufficient chain length, which made the substrate binding sites more variable, so 'TesAM141L/E142D/Y145G with better binding sites had the strongest activity, and 'TesA had the weakest activity, conversely. In short, the matching substrate chain and binding pocket length are the key factors affecting selectivity. This will be helpful for the further improvement of thioesterases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Efficient and sustainable production of structured phospholipids (SPLs) enriched in medium‐chain fatty acids (MCFAs) in a heterogeneous manner is crucial for their potential applications in functional foods and drugs. Herein, for the first time, Zn‐ and Al‐incorporated SBA‐15 silicas were prepared by the coprecipitation method and further researched for catalytic synthesis of MCFA‐enriched SPLs through acidolysis reaction of natural phospholipids with capric or caprylic acid. RESULTS: The as‐prepared Zn‐ and Al‐incorporated SBA‐15 samples exhibited superior catalytic activities under mild experimental conditions (50 °C, 6 h) to commercial homogeneous Lewis acids and benchmark enzymes. Correspondingly, the capric acid and caprylic acid incorporations were respectively achieved up to ~40.25 ± 0.40% (or 35.08 ± 0.09%) and 37.26 ± 0.38% (or 33.02 ± 0.13%) for Zn‐ (or Al‐) incorporated SBA‐15 catalyst. Moreover, various methods such as scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry, ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and pyridine–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were utilized to characterize the two catalysts in order to elucidate the possible structure–performance relationship. Accordingly, the above‐mentioned satisfactory results are most probably due to the well‐ordered mesostructures and large amounts of active Lewis acid sites existing in the investigated materials. Noticeably, the two catalysts featured good separation and excellent recyclability as well. CONCLUSION: The Zn‐ and Al‐incorporated SBA‐15 catalysts studied in this work might shed light on novel, sustainable and economic alternatives for effective SPL production to diminish the applications of conventional homogeneous catalysts and biocatalysts in food industries. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), contain 6-12 carbon atoms. They have antimicrobial properties and act against some parasites and bacteria. Some fats used for the production of calf milk replacers are poor sources of medium-chain fatty acids. Adding MCFAs into such milk replacers may have beneficial effect on calf health and growth performance. Medium-chain fatty acid supplementation can modulate energy metabolism. Excessive intake of lauric acid (C12:0), promotes hepatic lipid accumulation in calves fed milk replacers. The aim of this paper was to present the aspects connected with usefulness of mediumchain fatty acids in calf nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structured triacylglycerols (STAGs) with medium-chain fatty acids (FAs) at sn -1,3 positions and long-chain FAs at the sn -2 position are known as medium-long-medium (MLM) type STAGs. They can not only provide energy immediately and control weight effectively, but may also provide essential or beneficial FAs to meet the human needs. In this study, MLM type STAGs were synthesized from lipase-catalyzed acidolysis of peony seed oil (PSO) with octanoic acid (OcA) and decanoic acid (DA) as medium-chain FAs in solvent-free systems. Optimal reaction conditions were 1:8 (PSO to OcA/DA), 40 °C and 24 h. The OcA content and DA content at sn -1,3 of two STAGs were 81.1% and 82.5%. The total essential FA (α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid) contents at sn -2 reached 61.5% and 57.2%, and long-chain unsaturated FA contents reached 93.3% and 87.4%. Infrared absorptions of two STAGs were weaker than those of PSO at 723 cm−1 [-(CH 2) n -rocking] and 3011 cm−1 [ = CH (cis) stretching]. The end melting temperature and maximum weight loss temperature of STAG rich in DA were higher than those of STAG rich in OcA. This study is conducive to the deep processing of PSO and provides a new and promising substrate for MLM type STAG synthesis. • Two MLM type structured triacylglycerols were synthesized from peony seed oil. • Total α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid contents at sn -2 position were about 60%. • Total long-chain unsaturated fatty acid contents at sn -2 position reached about 90%. • Medium-chain fatty acid contents at sn -1(3) position were more than 80%. • Thermal behaviors of products with octanoic acid and decanoic acid were different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • MCFA was performed by combination of electro-fermentation and anaerobic fermentation. • The effect of EF on both acidification and chain elongation processes was studied. • Microbial analysis revealed that EF enriching electrochemically active bacteria. • EF-AF promoted MCFA by strengthening FAB pathway. Electro-fermentation (EF) was combined with anaerobic fermentation (AF) to promote medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) from sewage sludge. Results showed that EF at acidification process significantly increased short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production of by 0.5 times (82.4 mmol C/L). AF facilitated the chain elongation (CE) process by enhancing the SCFA conversion. Combined EF at acidification and AF at CE (EF-AF) achieved the highest MCFA production of 27.9 mmol C/L, which was 20 %-866 % higher than the other groups. Electrochemical analyses showed that enhanced SCFA and MCFA production was accompanied with good electrochemical performance at acidification and CE. Microbial analyses showed that EF-AF promoted MCFA production by enriching electrochemically active bacteria (EAB, Bacillus sp.). Enzyme analyses indicated that EF-AF promoted MCFA production by enriching the functional enzymes involved in Acetyl-CoA formation and the fatty acid biosynthesis (FAB) pathway. This study provided new insights into the production of MCFA from enhanced sewage sludge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) produces low-grade inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, platelet hyperactivity, oxidative stress and ultimately contributes to cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. Fatty acids such as n-3 and n-6, monounsaturated, conjugated, highly unsaturated, short-chain types, and their metabolism can impact the development of MetS and associated features. Furthermore, the quality and quantity of dietary fats can influence gut microbiota composition that alters an individual's metabolic health. The gut microbiota modulates components of MetS via different mechanisms. The gut microbiota can swing the host metabolic balance in energy homeostasis, gut motility, appetite, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and fat storage in the liver. In addition, an impairment of the gut microbial population by a high-fat diet can lead to systemic inflammation and insulin resistance. The review summarizes the impacts of dietary fats on MetS and their interactions with gut microbiota in modulating the risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome..

Aim: Capric acid (also known as decanoic acid or C10) is one of the fatty acids in the medium‐chain triglycerides (MCTs) commonly found in dietary fats. Although dietary treatment with MCTs is recently of great interest for the potential therapeutic effects on neuropsychiatric disorders, the effects of oral administration of C10 on behavior remain to be examined. This study investigated acute and chronic effects of oral administration of C10 on locomotor activity and anxiety‐like and depression‐related behaviors in adult male C57BL/6J mice. Methods: To explore the acute effects of C10 administration, mice were subjected to a series of behavioral tests in the following order: light/dark transition, open field, elevated plus maze, Porsolt forced swim, and tail suspension tests, 30 minutes after oral gavage of either vehicle or C10 solution (30 mmol/kg dose in Experiment 1; 0.1, 0.3, 1.0, 3.0 mmol/kg doses in Experiment 2). Next, to examine chronic effects of C10, mice repeatedly administered with either vehicle or C10 solution (0.3, 3.0 mmol/kg doses per day, for 21 days, in Experiment 3) were subjected to behavioral tests without oral administration immediately before each test. Results: The mice administrated with the high dose of C10 (30 mmol/kg) showed lower body weights, shorter distance traveled, and more anxiety‐like behavior than vehicle‐treated mice, and the results reached study‐wide statistical significance. The C10 administration at a lower dose of 0.3 mmol/kg had no significant effects on body weights and induced nominally significantly longer distance traveled than vehicle administration. Repeated administration of C10 at a dose of 3.0 mmol/kg for more than 21 days caused lower body weights and decreased depression‐related behavior, although the behavioral differences did not reach study‐wide significance. Conclusions: Although these results suggest dose‐dependent effects of oral administration of capric acid on locomotor activity and anxiety‐like and depression‐related behaviors, further study will be needed to replicate the findings and explore the underlying brain mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are unique hypothalamic fatty acid (FA) sensing systems in fish that are different from those in mammals. In order to explore the effect of medium-chain FA (MCFA) on the FA sensing systems and appetite regulation, Chinese perch Siniperca chuatsi were subjected to intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection with saline solution alone or saline containing octanoic acid. Food intake of these fish was computed at 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 h post-treatment, respectively. The transcript levels of genes related to the FA sensing mechanism (cpt1c, cd36, pparα and srebp1c) and hypothalamic neuropeptide (agrp, npy, pomc and cart) in the hypothalamus were estimated at 4 h post-treatment. Results showed that at 4 h post-ICV injection with octanoic acid, the food intake of Chinese perch was significantly reduced with the decreasing mRNA level of agrp and the increasing mRNA levels of cd36 and pparα in the hypothalamus. The data indicated that the hypothalamic FA sensing systems of Chinese perch could be activated by octanoic acid, and the underlying mechanism might be that the enhancement of binding ability of FAT/CD36 upregulates the mRNA level of pparα. In addition, with the decrease in the gene expression of agrp, the food intake of Chinese perch was significantly reduced as a result of ICV injection with octanoic acid. These results demonstrated that MCFA might play a key role in central FA sensing and appetite regulation of Chinese perch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This research tested the anti‐Campylobacter properties of organic acids (OA), medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) and essential oils (EO) in vitro and commenced in vivo suitability testing focused on broiler performance. Methods and Results: Nine active compounds were tested at different concentrations and times against Campylobacter jejuni in sterile distilled water, Mueller Hinton broth and grower feed digestate (GFD). Sodium caprate (1.5%, v/v), thymol (0.25% and 2.5%, v/v), carvacrol (1.25%, v/v) and potassium sorbate (1.5%, v/v) each achieved C. jejuni reductions of ≥4.5 log10 CFU per ml in GFD, the matrix most representative of the broiler gut, after 60 s. Similar reductions were achieved after 60 min with lactic acid (1.25%, v/v), formic acid (3.1%, v/v), sodium caprylate (1.5%, v/v) and carvacrol (1.25%, v/v). However, in vivo these compounds adversely affected broiler performance, resulting in dimished water intake and reduced weight. Conclusions: OA, MFCA and EO based compounds are effective anti‐Campylobacter treatments in laboratory model studies but cannot be applied in vivo. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study illustrates that OAs, MCFAs and EOs can achieve significant reductions in Campylobacter in vitro but identifies a major issue, inhibition of broiler performance, preventing their use in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective To investigate feasibility, safety, and tolerability of long‐term (48 weeks) add‐on treatment with triheptanoin (UX007), the triglyceride of heptanoate, in adults with drug‐resistant epilepsy. Methods This extension study was offered to adult participants with drug‐resistant epilepsy who completed a 12‐week randomized controlled trial of add‐on medium‐chain triglycerides (MCT) vs triheptanoin. Participants were asked to titrate triheptanoin to their maximum tolerated dose over 3 weeks, followed by 48‐week maintenance before tapering or treatment extension. The primary aims were to assess retention and safety of the triheptanoin treatment, and secondary aims to assess the tolerated doses and changes in seizure frequency. Results Eleven adults were enrolled and ten people were analyzed (because one patient was diagnosed as having nonepileptic seizures while on the study). Two adults finished the study and extended their treatment. Eight participants withdrew from the study, due to lack of efficacy (n = 3), unknown reasons (n = 2), belief of weight gain (n = 1), wanting to try a different treatment (n = 1), and a colonoscopy (n = 1). Diarrhea in two people and bloating in one person were deemed possibly related to treatment, but other adverse events were not. The duration of maintenance treatment dose was 27‐513 days (median 247 days, range 27‐513 days), and 0.49 ‐1.1 mL/kg triheptanoin was taken per day (0.77 ± 0.19 mL/kg, mean ± standard deviation, 40‐100 mL/d). Two participants experienced >90% and three people >50% reduction in seizure frequency, and all had focal seizures. The median seizure reduction was 48% (average 38%). Significance Our results indicate antiseizure effects of triheptanoin on focal seizures in 5 out of 10 adults. However, only two people finished and extended the 48‐week add‐on treatment phase, despite lack of safety or tolerability issues. More studies focused on improved treatment formulations, the potential of lower dosages, and efficacy are needed. Trial registration number: ACTRN12615000406505.

Background: The expressions of genes related to lipid metabolism are decreased in adipocytes with insulin resistance. In this study, we examined the effects of fatty acids on the reduced expressions and histone acetylation of lipid metabolism-related genes in 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with insulin resistance induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Methods: Short-, medium-, and long-chain fatty acid were co-administered with TNF-α in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Then, mRNA expressions and histone acetylation of genes involved in lipid metabolism were determined using mRNA microarrays, qRT-PCR, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Results: We found in microarray and subsequent qRT-PCR analyses that the expression levels of several lipid metabolism-related genes, including Gpd1, Cidec, and Cyp4b1, were reduced by TNF-α treatment and restored by co-treatment with a short-chain fatty acid (C4: butyric acid) and medium-chain fatty acids (C8: caprylic acid and C10: capric acid). The pathway analysis of the microarray showed that capric acid enhanced mRNA levels of genes in the PPAR signaling pathway and adipogenesis genes in the TNF-α-treated adipocytes. Histone acetylation around Cidec and Gpd1 genes were also reduced by TNF-α treatment and recovered by co-administration with short- and medium-chain fatty acids. General significance: Medium- and short-chain fatty acids induce the expressions of Cidec and Gpd1, which are lipid metabolism-related genes in insulin-resistant adipocytes, by promoting histone acetylation around these genes.

Plant fatty acids are used for food, feed, fuel, and industrial materials. Structurally and chemically diverse fatty acids, referred to as unusual or specialized fatty acids, are found in the seed oils of diverse plant species. Many unusual fatty acids have potential use as alternative and renewable sources of biofuels and bio‐based industrial feedstocks due to their variant structures' physical or functional properties. Oils enriched in these fatty acids can increase the value of oilseed crops and provide co‐products that can be readily extracted from lignocellulosic materials in biomass crops. Here, we describe recent progress in strategies for enhancement of oil production and quality in oilseed crops and the extension of this knowledge for metabolic engineering of biomass crops. Successful implementation of these strategies, in part, through the use of emerging synthetic biology tools, will provide added product value for the economic sustainability of biomass crops as bioenergy feedstocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), produced by colonic bacteria and obtained from the diet, have been linked to beneficial effects on human health associated with their metabolic and signaling properties. Their physiological functions are related to their aliphatic tail length and dependent on the activation of specific membrane receptors. In this review, we focus on the mechanisms underlying SCFAs mediated protection against oxidative and mitochondrial stress and their role in regulating metabolic pathways in specific tissues. We critically evaluate the evidence for their cytoprotective roles in suppressing inflammation and carcinogenesis and the consequences of aging. The ability of these natural compounds to induce signaling pathways, involving nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), contributes to the maintenance of redox homeostasis under physiological conditions. SCFAs may thus serve as nutritional and therapeutic agents in healthy aging and in vascular and other diseases such as diabetes, neuropathologies and cancer.

Butyric acid has received great attention as a feed additive to maintain or increase the gut integrity and health of broiler chickens. Particularly, the protection of butyrate is under research to allow slow intestinal release of butyric acid and to promote its beneficial effects throughout the intestine. This study evaluated in vivo the intestinal release of butyric acid from sodium butyrate protected by salts of medium-chain fatty acid in broilers. Brilliant blue was used as an inert marker, so it was included in the feed additive that broilers ingested for two days. The gastrointestinal tract was then colored in blue from jejunum and backward. Considering the digesta color of the broilers non-supplemented as blank, it allowed quantification of the amount of brilliant blue, and consequently, butyric acid delivered in the intestine from the protected feed additive. Few traces of butyric acid were released in the duodenum and proximal jejunum, whereas the major amount (45.9%) was delivered in the distal ileum (p < 0.001). These results suggest that this in vivo approach allows for evaluation of the intestinal delivery of butyric acid supplemented as protected sodium butyrate by medium-chain fatty acids, showing a gradual intestinal release of butyric acid in broiler chickens.

The efficacy of methane (CH4) suppression using medium‐chain fatty acids (MCFA) remains inconclusive, despite a number of studies on this topic are available. We thus carried out a meta‐analysis to integrate the published data on different concentrations and types of MCFA such as lauric acid and myristic acid, which investigated ruminal methanogenesis and fermentation in in vitro and in vivo experiments. In vitro MCFA sources were classified either as pure MCFA (lauric acid, myristic acid and their combinations) or as natural MCFA‐rich oils (canola oil enriched with lauric acids, coconut oil, krabok oil and palm kernel oil). The MCFA sources used in the in vivo studies were coconut oil, lauric acid, myristic acid and the combination of lauric and myristic acids. A total of 41 studies (20 in vitro and 21 in vivo studies) were compiled in our database, which included the data on CH4 emission, digestibility, ruminal fermentation products and microbial populations. The results showed that the amount of CH4 production per unit of digested organic matter decreased linearly under in vitro conditions (p <.01) and tended to decrease quadratically under in vivo conditions (p <.07) with increasing doses of MCFA. Populations of protozoa (p <.01) in both in vitro and in vivo responded negatively in a linear manner, whereas Archaea population diminished quadratically (p =.04) only in the in vitro conditions with increasing doses of MCFA. Increasing dietary MCFA concentrations also reduced the fibre digestibility linearly (p <.05) in both in vitro and in vivo conditions. CH4 production for different sources of MCFA decreased in following order: coconut oil > lauric acid > myristic acid > mixed lauric and myristic acids > palm kernel oil > canola oil enriched with lauric acids > krabok oil. It can be concluded that the effect of MCFA on ruminal methanogenesis depends on the amount and type of MCFA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipids have emerged as potent regulators of immune cell function. In the skin, adipocyte lipolysis increases the local pool of free fatty acids and is essential for coordinating early macrophage inflammation following injury. Here, we investigate G-protein-coupled receptor 84 (GPR84), a medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) receptor, for its potential to propagate pro-inflammatory signaling after skin injury. GPR84 signaling was identified as a key component of regulating myeloid cell numbers and subsequent tissue repair through in vivo administration of a pharmacological antagonist and the MCFA decanoic acid. We found that impaired injury-induced dermal adipocyte lipolysis is a hallmark of diabetes, and lipidomic analysis demonstrated that MCFAs are significantly reduced in diabetic murine wounds. Furthermore, local administration of decanoic acid rescued myeloid cell numbers and tissue repair during diabetic wound healing. Thus, GPR84 is a readily targetable lipid signaling pathway for manipulating injury-induced tissue inflammation with beneficial effects on acute diabetic healing. [Display omitted] • Cutaneous Gpr84 expression increases post-wounding • Manipulation of GPR84 signaling alters myeloid cell numbers during injury-induced inflammation • Inhibition of GPR84 signaling delays wound closure and revascularization • Treating diabetic mouse wounds with decanoic acid rescues defects in inflammation and repair Using pharmacological approaches during mouse skin wound healing, Cooper et al. show that GPR84 signaling contributes to myeloid cell numbers during inflammation. While inhibiting GPR84 signaling delays wound healing in lean, young mice, the administration of a GPR84 agonist rescues impaired myeloid cell recruitment and subsequent wound healing in diabetic mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Chain elongation (CE) microbiome was shaped within 18 days by fungi-bacteria synergy. • Repeated food waste (FW) feeding accumulated the caproate titration to 5.76 g COD/L. • Fungi yeast could supply endogenous ethanol to chain elongators. • The production of caproate increased linearly with the rising D-lactate content. • Repeated FW feeding alters the electron donor preference from ethanol to lactate. The upgrading of organic waste such as food waste (FW) into medium-chain carboxylates (MCC) is within a bio-based circular economy concept. An efficient chain elongation (CE) microbiome is difficult to obtain, which normally requires long-term acclimatization and an exogenous supplement of electron donor (ED, especially ethanol). In this study, the CE microbiome was rapidly shaped within 18 days and an efficient endogenous ethanol-based CE was achieved through the amendment of distiller yeast (DY) during FW fermentation. Multiple FW feeding accumulated the caproate concentration to 5.76 ± 0.33 g COD/L, which also regulated the CE process from ethanol-dependent to lactate-dependent metabolism. During the lactate-based CE process, the caproate production increased linearly (R2 = 0.82) with the rising D-lactate content. Ethanol-producing fungi yeast mainly consisted of Wickerhamomyces (66.54 %), Saccharomycopsis (5.37 %), Issatchenkia (2.21 %), unclassified_f_Metschnikowiaceae (1.73 %), and Saccharomyces (1.33 %). These yeasts were eliminated by FW feeding, which was in line with the alteration of ED preference from ethanol to lactate. Metagenome analysis indicated that the total relative abundance of lactate-based chain elongators including Ruminococcaceae bacterium CPB6 , Clostridium luticellarii , Caproiciproducens galactitolivorans , and Megasphaera elsdenii was increased by 28.6 %, while the ethanol-based chain elongator Clostridium kluyveri kept stable after FW feeding. In addition, the functional genes related to the oxidation of lactate to acetyl-CoA were enriched after FW feeding, which further enhanced the subsequent CE pathway of acetyl-CoA-based reverse β oxidation rather than the fatty acids synthesis. This study provides a new insight into upgrading FW into valuable MCC without exogenous ED addition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutritional strategies to improve gut health of broilers are under research. This study investigated the effect of dietary supplementation with sodium butyrate protected by sodium salts of medium-chain fatty acids as a feed additive on broiler gut health. The first experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementing at 0.5, 1, and 2 kg/t in broilers housed under optimal conditions. Supplementation at 0.5 and 1 kg/t maintained goblet cell counts at 10 days of age (p ≤ 0.05), and supplementation at 1 kg/t decreased intraepithelial lymphocyte counts compared to 2 kg/t at 39 days (p ≤ 0.10). Abdominal fat pad levels of lauric and myristic acids were gradually increased by supplement dose (p ≤ 0.05). In the second experiment, the feed additive at 1 kg/t was evaluated in coccidiosis-challenged broilers. Experimental treatments were as follows: non-challenged, control-challenged, and supplemented-challenged treatments. Coccidiosis negatively impact performance and modify histomorphometry and microbiota (p ≤ 0.05). The feed additive increased crypt depth at 7 days post-inoculation and goblet cell count at 14 days post-inoculation (p ≤ 0.05). Further, supplementation interacted with the microbiota modification led by the coccidiosis (p ≤ 0.05). These results suggest that this feed additive could be a useful strategy to reinforce the gut barrier, especially for birds under coccidiosis-challenge treatments.

Medium- and long-chain triacylglycerol (MLCT) is a structured lipid with both medium- and long-chain fatty acids in one triacylglycerol molecule. Compared with long-chain triacylglycerol (LCT), which is mainly present in common edible oils, and the physical blend of medium-chain triacylglycerol with LCT (MCT/LCT), MLCT has different physicochemical properties, metabolic characteristics, and nutritional values. In this article, the recent advances in the use of MLCT in food formulations are reviewed. The natural sources and preparation of MLCT are discussed. A comprehensive summary of MLCT digestion, absorption, transport, and oxidation is provided as well as its health benefits, including reducing the risk of overweight, hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects, etc. The potential MLCT uses in food formulations, such as infant formulas, healthy foods for weight loss, and sports foods, are summarized. Finally, the current safety assessment and regulatory status of MLCT in food formulations are reviewed.