Effect of heat processing on the profiles of trans fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid in butter oil

Sman or traditional butter oil (TBO) is known to be rich in saturated fatty acids (SFA). Meanwhile, published information about trans fatty acids (TFAs) content in TBO remains unexplored. Therefore, a comparison of the fatty acid (FA) composition of traditional butter (TB) and (TBO) with emphasis on geometric and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers was undertaken. Both TB and TBO accounted for a high level of SFA with significant high content in TBO (p < 0.05). Total TFAs in TBO were more than twice the content in TB (8.23% vs. 3.85%, respectively, p < 0.01). An increase by 1.81 and 2.9 times was observed for trans monounsaturated FAs and trans polyunsaturated FAs in TBO compared to TB, respectively. Vaccenic acid (VA), the predominant TFA in both TB and TBO, was increased by 100% in TBO (p < 0.001). Trans-linoleic acid isomers were 1.84-fold higher in TBO than in TB. The contribution that CLA made to the total FA was increased by 1.48-fold for TBO. In general, it was found that TBO contains high levels of TFAs and CLA. Thus, TBO represents a mixture of FAs with different configurations from natural and technological origins, having potential conflicting effects on human health.Keywords: Trans-fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid, butter oilAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(21), pp. 3333-334

The intake of high fat diet with different trans fatty acid levels differentially induces oxidative stress and non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in rats

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Trans</it>-fatty acids (TFA) are known as a risk factor for coronary artery diseases, insulin resistance and obesity accompanied by systemic inflammation, the features of metabolic syndrome. Little is known about the effects on the liver induced by lipids and also few studies are focused on the effect of foods rich in TFAs on hepatic functions and oxidative stress. This study investigates whether high-fat diets with different TFA levels induce oxidative stress and liver dysfunction in rats.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Male Wistar rats were divided randomly into four groups (n = 12/group): C receiving standard-chow; Experimental groups that were fed high-fat diet included 20% fresh soybean oil diet (FSO), 20% oxidized soybean oil diet (OSO) and 20% margarine diet (MG). Each group was kept on the treatment for 4 weeks.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A liver damage was observed in rats fed with high-fat diet via increase of liver lipid peroxidation and decreased hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase). The intake of oxidized oil led to higher levels of lipid peroxidation and a lower concentration of plasma antioxidants in comparison to rats fed with FSO. The higher inflammatory response in the liver was induced by MG diet. Liver histopathology from OSO and MG groups showed respectively moderate to severe cytoplasm vacuolation, hypatocyte hypertrophy, hepatocyte ballooning, and necroinflammation.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>It seems that a strong relationship exists between the consumption of TFA in the oxidized oils and lipid peroxidation and non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The extent of the peroxidative events in liver was also different depending on the fat source suggesting that feeding margarine with higher TFA levels may represent a direct source of oxidative stress for the organism. The present study provides evidence for a direct effect of TFA on NAFLD.</p

Aromatic Compounds and Soluble Carbohydrate Profiles of Different Varieties of Tunisian Raisin (Vitis Vinifera L.)

This study analyzed the aromatic composition and established the soluble carbohydrate profiles of the Chriha, Razeki, Assli, and Meski varieties of Tunisian raisin (Vitis vinifera L.). A total of 80 compounds obtained by headspace solid phase micro-extraction were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Non-terpene hydrocarbon derivatives were the major compounds of the Chriha and Assli varieties (35.8 and 26.3%, respectively). The Razeki variety accumulated 25.5%. apocarotenoids. Oxygenated non-terpene derivatives, including esters, alcohols, aldehydes, acids, ketones, and others were the most abundant (57.5%) in the Assli variety. The presence and amounts of volatiles were different among varieties and might be responsible, in part, for the aroma and taste of raisins. The concentration of total sugars was highest in the Razeki variety and lowest in the Chriha variety. The content of individual sugars differed quantitatively among the varieties in this study. The Razeki variety had the best fruit quality with higher contents of individual and total sugars compared to the other three varieties

Osteopoikilosis: a rare cause of bone pain

Background: Osteopoikilosis (OPK) is a rare inherited condition of the bones, transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait characterized by numerous hyperostotic areas that tend to localize in periarticular osseous regions. It is usually asymptomatic and is often diagnosed incidentally during x-rays made by other reasons. We present a case of 34-year-old man suffering from polyarthralgia and low back pain. Case presentation: A 34-year-old male patient, smoking 40 packs yearly and alcoholic was referred to our department of rheumatology, complaining of polyarthralgia which started 3 years ago and involving large and small joints. He reported the presence of pelvic pain mostly located at both hip joints and in the two ankles. On radiologic examination, numerous, symmetric, well defined, sclerotic lesions were identified on shoulder, wrist, ankles, pelvis, and on spine. The size of the lesions varied from 2 to 9 millimeters. These spots were located on spongious bone tissue, and in the inner bone cortex located bilaterally in the epiphyses and metaphyses. We concluded the diagnosis of OPK. His mother was found to have the same lesions without any symptoms. Conclusion: OPK may be an isolated finding or associated with other pathologies, e.g. skin manifestations, rheumatic and/or skeletal disorders. The main differential diagnosis is osteoblastic metastasis

Partial characterization and antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of the aqueous extracellular polysaccharides from the thermophilic microalgae Graesiella sp.

International audienceBackgroundFor thousands of years, Tunisian geothermal water has been used in bathing. Indeed, thermal baths “Hammam” were recommended in the treatment of different type of illnesses as, for instance, for relaxing joints and soothing. The ability of microalgae to sustain at the high temperature makes them potential producers of high value thermostable bio-products. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of the aqueous extracellular polysaccharides (AEPS) of the Tunisian thermophilic microalgae Graesiella sp. and to evaluate its physico-chemical characteristics.MethodsDifferent parameters were used to characterize the AEPS. The dry weight, volatile dry weight, elemental analysis, monosaccharide composition and IR-spectroscopy analysis. Carbohydrate, uronic acid, ester sulfate and protein concentrations were also determined using colorimetric assay. AEPS was analyzed for its antioxidant propriety by means of total antioxidant capacity, DPPH radicals scavenging assay, ferrous chelating ability and hydroxyl and superoxide radical scavenging activity. The antiproliferative activity of AEPS was evaluated for HepG2 and Caco-2 cells using the MTT assay.ResultsThe Graesiella sp. AEPS is found to be a hetero-sulfated-anionic polysaccharides that contain carbohydrate (52 %), uronic acids (23 %), ester sulfate (11 %) and protein (12 %). The carbohydrate fraction was formed by eight neutral sugars glucose, galactose, mannose, fucose, rhamnose, xylose, arabinose and ribose. The FT-IR revealed the presence of carboxyl, hydroxyl, amine and sulfate groups. AEPS showed high activity as reducing agent, high ferrous chelating capacity and caused a significant decrease in a concentration-dependent manner of hydroxyl radical. A moderate DPPH scavenging activity and a poor superoxide radical scavenging ability were also observed. AEPS treatment (from 0.01 to 2.5 mg/ml) caused also a clear decrease of cell viabilities in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50 values obtained in HepG2 and Caco-2 cells were 1.06 mg/ml and 0.3 mg/ml respectively.ConclusionsThis study evidenced that the Graesiella sp. AEPS exhibits antioxidant and antiproliferative activities. The biological activities of this extract depend on its fine structural features. Further work will identify and purify the active polysaccharides to enhance our understanding of their complete structure and relationships with its function

Therapeutic properties in Tunisian hot springs: first evidence of phenolic compounds in the cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya sp. biomass, capsularpolysaccharides and releasing polysaccharides

International audienceBackground: In Tunisia, the use of hot spring waters for both health and recreation is a tradition dating back to Roman times. In fact, thermal baths, usually called “Hammam” are recommended as a therapeutic and prophylactic measure against many types of illness and toxicity. While the chemical concentration of thermal water is admittedly associated with its therapeutic effects, the inclusion in spa waters of efficient bioproduct additives produced by photosynthetic microorganisms and that act against oxidative stress may comprise a significant supplementary value for thermal centers. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant potential of the Tunisian thermophilic cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya sp. and to determine its phytochemical constituents and phenolic profile.Methods: BME (Biomass Methanolic Extract), CME (Capsular polysaccharides Methanolic Extract) and RME (Releasing polysaccharides Methanolic Extract) of Leptolyngbya sp. were examined for their antioxidant activities by means of DPPH, hydroxyl radical scavenging and ferrous ion chelating assays. Their total phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) and vitamin C contents, as well as their phenolic profiles were also determined.Results: BME has the highest content of phenols (139 ± 1.2 mg/g), flavonoids (34.9 ± 0.32 mg CEQ/g), carotenoids (2.03 ± 0.56 mg/g) and vitamin C (15.7 ± 1.55 mg/g), while the highest MAAs content (0.42 ± 0.03 mg/g) was observed in CME. BME presented both the highest DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging ability with an IC50 of 0.07 and 0. 38 mg/ml, respectively. The highest ferrous chelating capacity was detected in CME with an IC50 = 0.59 mg/ml. Phenolic profiles revealed the presence of 25 phenolic compounds with the existence of hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein,resveratrol and pinoresinol.Conclusion: The study demonstrated that the cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya sp. possesses abundant natural antioxidant products which may have prophylactic and therapeutic effects on many types of illness and toxicity. The present findings not only explain and reinforce the rationale behind traditional therapeutic practices in Tunisia in the exploitation of the country’s hot springs, but support the addition of Leptolyngbya to thermal waters as a means to enhance the value and reputation of the curative nature of Tunisian thermal waters