Comparative analysis of fatty acids,tocopherols and phytosterols content in sunflower cultivars (<i>Helianthus annuus</i>) from a three-year multi-local study

Sunflower oil is naturally rich in both unsaturated fatty acids and numerous minor components, with high levels of α-tocopherol and phytosterols that could play an important role in plant protection. These micronutriments, tocopherols and phytosterols, also exhibit health benefits for humans including reducing both cardiovascular diseases and aging disorders. α−Tocopherol represents more than 95% of total sunflower tocopherol and has the greatest vitaminic activity. Furthermore, this oil contains high amounts of β-sitosterol which is a promising health beneficial phytosterol. The objective of this study was to compare the content and composition of fatty acids, tocopherols and phytosterols in sunflower oil between different cultivars and locations in a three-year experiment, and to estimate the relationships between these minor components, fatty acids and climatic conditions. Results revealed that content and composition of these molecules are mainly determined by plant genotype. Nevertheless, the environmental conditions seemed to strongly influence the tocopherol content. The results suggest possible improvement in sunflower breeding for minor components.     

Antioxidant Sources from Leaves of Russian Dandelion

Taraxacum kok‐saghyz (TKS) is a dandelion species native to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and north‐west China, considered as a promising alternative source of natural rubber from its roots. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible exploitation of TKS leaves, a rubber byproduct, as a source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties for potential applications in forage, nutraceutical and pharmacological fields. Two accessions (TKS016, TKS018) grown under Mediterranean conditions of Sardinia were evaluated at vegetative and flowering stages. The leaves of TKS018 had the highest antioxidant capacity (19.6 mmol trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity 100 g^?1), total phenolic (106.4 g gallic acid equivalent kg^?1), tannic phenolics (58.5 g gallic acid equivalent kg^?1) and total flavonoid contents (22.9 g catechin equivalent kg^?1). At both phenological stages, TKS016 showed significantly lower values than TKS018 in 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), total phenolic and tannic phenolics. Six individual molecules were identified, namely chlorogenic, cryptochlorogenic, caffeic, sinapic, chicoric and 3,4‐dimethoxycinnamic acids. Chicoric (8.53–10.68 g kg^?1 DW) and chlorogenic acids (4.18–7.04 g kg^?1 DW) were the most abundant. TKS leaves represent a valuable source of chicoric acid with potential application as antioxidant to be used as herbal medicine and nutrition for production of healthy food/feed.     

Tocopherol,heavy metals (Cd,Pb, Cu,Fe, Mn,Zn), and fatty acid contents of thornback ray (Raja clavata Linnaeus, 1758) liver oil in relation to gender and origin in the Mediterranean and Black seas)

The study objective was to investigate the profiles of tocopherol, heavy metals, and fatty acids in the liver oil of female and male thornback ray Raja clavata from the Black and Mediterranean seas. The fish liver oil analyses were carried out by using a spectrophotometer (Hitachi U‐1900), ICP‐AES (Inductively Coupled Plasma‐Atomic Emission Spectrometry, and a GC‐MS (gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry), respectively. Results showed that the tocopherol content differed between the sample origin and gender (range of 42.3–134.5 mg kg^?1). Pb, Cd, and Mn contents in livers of all R. clavata were lower than for Cu, Fe, and Zn. Levels of 7.6 and 8.9% in the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were found to be higher in Black Sea thornback rays than in Mediterranean specimens (4.5 and 5.8%) (P < 0.05). All thornback ray liver oils contained large amounts of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the range of 19.9–26.1%.     

Comparison of Chemical Profile and Antioxidant Capacity of Seeds and Oils from Salvia sclarea and Salvia officinalis

Composition of tocopherols, tocotrienols, carotenoids, fatty acids, as well as hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activities, were determined in seeds of two Salvia species and oils obtained from them. Both seeds contained a large amount of oil (around 20%) rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. While Salvia officinalis seed oil can be classified as oleic‐linoleic oil, the predominant fatty acid in Salvia sclarea was α‐linolenic acid (around 54%). Among tocols, the main isomers in both seeds and oils were γ‐tocopherol, followed by α‐tocopherol. Concerning carotenoids, their concentration was around 0.75 mg/100 g of seeds and 0.16 mg/100 g of oils, with a predominance of lutein. Oil and seeds of S. officinalis exhibited higher antioxidant potential compared to S. sclarea investigated samples which could be attributed to higher content of total vitamin E and carotenoids. This study provides results that enables use of two Salvia species as new alternative sources of vegetable oils.     

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester changes the indices of oxidative stress in serum of rats with renal ischaemia–reperfusion injury

Oxygen‐derived free radicals have been implicated in the pathogenesis of renal injury after ischaemia–reperfusion. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active component of propolis extract, exhibits antioxidant properties. To investigate whether treatment with either CAPE or alpha‐tocopherol modifies the levels of the endogenous indices of oxidant stress, we examined their effects on an in vivo model of renal ischaemia–reperfusion injury in rats. CAPE at 10 μmol kg^?1 or alpha‐tocopherol at 10 mg kg^?1 was administered intraperitoneally before reperfusion. Acute administration of both CAPE and alpha‐tocopherol altered the indices of oxidative stress differently in renal ischaemia–reperfusion injury. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Genetic dissection of tocopherol and phytosterol in recombinant inbred lines of sunflower through quantitative trait locus analysis and the candidate gene approach

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) contains tocopherol, a non-enzymatic antioxidant known as lipid-soluble vitamin E, and phytosterol, with interesting properties, which can result in decreased risk of chronic diseases in humans and with several beneficial effects in plants. The genetic control of tocopherol and phytosterol content in a population of 123 recombinant inbred lines of sunflower was studied through quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis using 190 simple sequence repeats and a gene-based linkage map. Seven experiments were conducted in different environments in France and Iran during 2007 and 2008. Each experiment consisted of three replications. Means over all environments were used for QTL mapping. Five QTL for total tocopherol content on linkage groups 1, 8, 10 and 14 accounted for 45% of phenotypic variation, whereas four QTL for total phytosterol content on linkage groups 1, 2, 16 and 17 explained 27% of the phenotypic variation. GST, PAT2, SFH3 and POD genes showed co-localization with QTL for total phytosterol content. SMT2 is also mapped on linkage group 17 near the QTL of total phytosterol content. Four candidate genes, VTE4, HPPD, GST and Droug1, exhibited co-localization with QTL for total tocopherol content. The candidate genes associated with tocopherol and phytosterol, especially HPPD, VTE4 and SMT2, could be used for alternation of the tocopherol and phytosterol content of sunflower seeds through the development of functional markers.     

Intra‐thallus differentiation of fatty acid and pigment profiles in some temperate Fucales and Laminariales

Intra‐thallus variation in fatty acid and pigment contents and profiles was investigated in five species of Laminariales (Alaria esculenta, Laminaria digitata, Laminaria hyperborea, Saccharina latissima, and Saccorhiza polyschides), and three Fucales (Ascophyllum nodosum, Fucus serratus, and Himanthalia elongata). Significant variation occurred across all species and compounds examined. Total fatty acids were generally higher in the fronds, with highest levels and largest variability observed in A. nodosum (1.5% of dry weight (DW) in the base, 6.3% of DW in frond tips). Percentages of the omega‐3 fatty acids 18:4 n‐3 and 20:5 n‐3 were generally higher in more distal parts, while 20:4 n‐6 exhibited a contrasting pattern, with higher levels in basal structures and holdfasts. Trends for pigments were similar to those for fatty acids in Laminariales. In the Fucales, highest levels were detected in the mid‐fronds, with lower concentrations in meristematic areas. Highest levels and greatest variability in pigments (e.g., chl a) was observed in F. serratus (1.07 mg · g^?1 DW in the base, 3.04 mg · g^?1 DW in the mid frond). Intra‐thallus variability was attributed to physiological functions of the respective thallus sections, e.g., photosynthetic activity, meristematic tissue, and to variations in physical attributes of the structures investigated. Regarding potential commercial nutritional applications, fronds appeared to represent most suitable source materials, due to higher levels of pigments, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and more preferable omega‐3/omega‐6 ratios.     

Integrated enzymatic production of specific structured lipid and phytosterol ester compositions

Mixtures of specific structured lipids and phytosterol esters, valuable food components, were synthesized by an enzymatic one-pot process in organic-solvent-free medium starting from a mixture of phytosterol, caprylic acid and sunflower oil. Nine biocatalysts, seven commercially available lipases and two air-dried solid state (SSF) fermentation preparations of Aspergillus oryzae NRRL 6270 (AoSSF) and Aspergillus sojae NRRL 6271 (AsSSF), were screened for lipase activity in the transesterification reactions of sunflower oil with caprylic acid and for sterol esterase activity in the direct esterification of phytosterols with free fatty acids. The best process variant using a sequence of sterol esterase (AoSSF)-catalyzed esterification reaction of the free fatty acids and phytosterols, followed by water removal in vacuum and lipase-catalyzed transesterification with immobilized lipase from Rhizomucor miehei (Lipozyme) resulted in 92.1% conversion to phytosterol esters and 44.1% conversion to triacylglycerols containing two caprylic esters.     

Reactive oxygen species release, vitamin E, fatty acid and phytosterol contents of artificially aged radish (Raphanus sativus L.) seeds during germination

Seeds of Raphanus sativus L. subjected to accelerated ageing were investigated for reactive oxygen species (ROS) release and for content of vitamin E (tocopherol, TOC, and tocotrienol, TOC-3), fatty acids and phytosterols in seed coats, cotyledons and embryonic axes during germination. In unaged seeds, ROS release occurred mainly in seed coats of non-imbibed seeds and in seedlings (48?h of imbibition). TOC and TOC-3 were mainly represented by the ??-isoform, abundant in embryonic axes. Fatty acids were mainly found in cotyledons. In seed coat and embryonic axis, phytosterols consisted mainly of sitosterols. The effects of ageing were mainly visible in embryonic axes at 48?h of imbibition. Deterioration was associated with a decrease in fresh weight increase percentage, germination percentage, ??-TOC and total fatty acid content. An increase in ROS release from seed coats and in ??-TOC, ??-TOC, ??-TOC-3 content in embryonic axis was also observed. The use of ??-TOC and total fatty acids in embryonic axis as parameters of seed quality evaluation during storage was suggested.     

Seed Polyphenolic Profile,Antioxidative Activity,and Fatty Acids Composition of Wild and Cultivated Carthamus Species

Total flavonoid content (TFC) and cyanidin‐3‐glucoside (Cyd‐3‐glu) of seed and seed coat extract of 16 genotypes from five species of Carthamus were studied, and their major polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of the seed coat extracts were determined using HPLC analysis and DPPH assay, respectively. Additionally, fatty acids composition of the seed oil was analyzed by GC. In general, TFC and Cyd‐3‐glu content of seed coat extracts were higher than those of seed extracts. A novel breeding line with black seed coat (named A82) depicted lower TFC (3.79 mg QUE/g DW) but higher Cyd‐3‐glu (24.64 mg/g DW) compared to the white and other seed‐pigmented genotypes. DPPH radical scavenging activity showed a strong association with Cyd‐3‐glu content (r = 0.84), but no correlation with TFC (r = ?0.32). HPLC analysis of seed coat extracts revealed that four compounds were dominant constituents including rutin (7.23 – 117.95 mg/100 g DW), apigenin (4.37 – 64.88 mg/100 g DW), quercetin (3.09 – 14.10 mg/100 g DW), and ferulic acid (4.49 – 30.41 mg/100 g DW). Interestingly, the genotype A82 with an appropriate polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acids index (5.46%) and a moderate linoleic fatty acid content (64.70%) had higher nutritional and pharmaceutical value than all the other genotypes.     

Increased synthesis of α‐tocopherol,paramylon and tyrosine by Euglena gracilis under conditions of high biomass production

Aims: To analyse the production of different metabolites by dark‐grown Euglena gracilis under conditions found to render high cell growth. Methods and Results: The combination of glutamate (5 g l^?1), malate (2 g l^?1) and ethanol (10 ml l^?1) (GM + EtOH); glutamate (7·15 g l^?1) and ethanol (10 ml l^?1); or malate (8·16 g l^?1), glucose (10·6 g l^?1) and NH₄Cl (1·8 g l^?1) as carbon and nitrogen sources, promoted an increase of 5·6, 3·7 and 2·6‐fold, respectively, in biomass concentration in comparison with glutamate and malate (GM). In turn, the production of α‐tocopherol after 120 h identified by LC‐MS was 3·7 ± 0·2, 2·4 ± 0·1 and 2 ± 0·1 mg [g dry weight (DW)]^?1, respectively, while in the control medium (GM) it was 0·72 ± 0·1 mg (g DW)^?1. For paramylon synthesis, the addition of EtOH or glucose induced a higher production. Amino acids were assayed by RP‐HPLC; Tyr a tocopherol precursor and Ala an amino acid with antioxidant activity were the amino acids synthesized at higher concentration. Conclusions: Dark‐grown E. gracilis Z is a suitable source for the generation of the biotechnologically relevant metabolites tyrosine, α‐tocopherol and paramylon. Significance and Impact of the Study: By combining different carbon and nitrogen sources and inducing a tolerable stress to the cell by adding ethanol, it was possible to increase the production of biomass, paramylon, α‐tocopherol and some amino acids. The concentrations of α‐tocopherol achieved in this study are higher than others reported previously for Euglena, plant and algal systems. This work helps to understand the effect of different carbon sources on the synthesis of bio‐molecules by E. gracilis and can be used as a basis for future works to improve the production of different metabolites of biotechnological importance by this organism.     

Trophic structure and major trophic links in conventional versus organic farming systems as indicated by carbon stable isotope ratios of fatty acids

Using bulk tissue and fatty acid ¹³C analysis we investigated major trophic pathways from soil microorganisms to microbial consumers to predators in conventional versus organic farming systems planted for the first time with maize. Organic farming led to an increase in microbial biomass in particular that of fungi as indicated by phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs). Microbial PLFAs reflected the conversion from C₃ to C₄ plants by a shift in δ¹³C of 2‰, whereas the isotopic signal in fatty acids (FAs) of Collembola was much more pronounced. In the euedaphic Protaphorura fimata the δ¹³C values in maize fields exceeded that in C₃ (soybean) fields by up to 10‰, indicating a close relationship between diet and vegetation cover. In the epedaphic Orchesella villosaδ¹³C values shifted by 4‰, suggesting a wider food spectrum including carbon of former C₃ crop residues. Differences in δ¹³C of corresponding FAs in consumers and resources were assessed to assign food web links. P. fimata was suggested as root and fungal feeder in soybean fields, fungal feeder in conventional and leaf consumer in organically managed maize fields. O. villosa likely fed on root and bacteria under soybean, and bacteria and fungi under maize. Comparison of δ¹³C values in FAs of the cursorial spider Pardosaagrestis and O. villosa implied the latter as important prey species in soybean fields. In contrast, the web‐building spider Mangora acalypha showed no predator–prey relationship with Collembola. The determination of δ¹³C values in trophic biomarker FAs allowed detailed insight into the structure of the decomposer food web and identified diet‐shifts in both consumers at the base of the food web and in top predators in organic versus conventional agricultural systems. The results indicate changes in major trophic links and therefore carbon flux through the food web by conversion of conventional into organic farming systems.     

Metabolic engineering of soybean affords improved phytosterol seed traits

Different combinations of three rate‐limiting enzymes in phytosterol biosynthesis, the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyl methylglutaryl CoA1 (HMGR1) catalytic subunit linked to either constitutive or seed‐specific β‐conglycinin promoter, and the Glycine max sterol methyltransferase1 (SMT1) and sterol methyltransferase2‐2 (SMT2‐2) genes, under the control of seed‐specific Glycinin‐1 and Beta‐phaseolin promoters, respectively, were engineered in soybean plants. Mature seeds of transgenic plants displayed modest increases in total sterol content, which points towards a tight control of phytosterol biosynthesis. However, in contrast to wild‐type seeds that accumulated about 35% of the total sterol in the form of intermediates, in the engineered seeds driven by a seed‐specific promoter, metabolic flux was directed to Δ⁵‐24‐alkyl sterol formation (99% of total sterol). The engineered effect of end‐product sterol (sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol) over‐production in soybean seeds resulted in an approximately 30% increase in overall sitosterol synthesis, a desirable trait for oilseeds and human health. In contradistinction, increased accumulation of cycloartenol and 24(28)‐methylencylartanol (55% of the total sterol) was detected in plants harbouring the constitutive t‐HMGR1 gene, consistent with the previous studies. Our results support the possibility that metabolic flux of the phytosterol family pathway is differentially regulated in leaves and seeds.     

Effects of varying levels of dietary vitamin E (α‐tocopherol) on growth performance,proximate and fatty acid composition of juvenile silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus Euphrasen, 1788)

This study investigated the effects of elevated dietary levels of vitamin E (α‐tocopherol) on growth performance, proximate composition and fatty acid profiles of juvenile silver pomfret, Pampus argenteus. Three semi‐purified experimental diets were formulated to contain 49% protein and 16% lipid. High docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) tuna oil was added to the diets to supplement DHA. A graded level of vitamin E (0‐, 50‐, and 100 mg kg^?1) was added to experimental diets 1 to 3, respectively. Analyzed vit. E levels were 155.2, 195.3 and 236.4 mg kg^?1 in diets 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The experiment was conducted for 12 weeks with juvenile silver pomfret (29.6 ± 7.6 g) using a flow‐through system consisting of nine 1‐m³ tanks. Each treatment had three replicates and fish were stocked at the rate of 20 m^?3. Growth performance and feed utilization parameters of fish fed diets 2 and 3 were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than in fish fed diet 1, but the parameters in diets 2 and 3 did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). Although whole body protein levels were not influenced by the dietary vit. E levels, whole body lipid in fish fed diet 2 was significantly higher than in fish fed the other diets. The whole body vit. E levels in fish fed diet 2 (22.6 mg kg^?1) and diet 3 (24.1 mg kg^?1) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than in those fed diet 1 (18.2 mg kg^?1). Whole body total saturated fatty acids were significantly lower, and DHA levels higher in fish fed diets 2 and 3 than those fed diet 1. The results of the present study suggest that increasing dietary supplementation of vit. E in high lipid diets enhances the growth performance of fish and that a dietary level of 196 mg kg^?1 vit. E is suitable for the growth of silver pomfret.     

The seeds of Loasaceae subfam. Loasoideae (Cornales) I: Seed release, seed numbers and fatty acid composition

Seed release mechanisms, seed production, seed weights, and fatty acid composition are investigated for Loasaceae subfam. Loasoideae. A total of ca. 60 species are studied. Nearly all species have erect, xerochasious capsules which restrict the release of the (balistochorous and/or anemochorous) seeds to dry, windy conditions. Very few taxa have tardily dehiscent capsules that are dispersed as a unit (anemochoria, epizoochoria, Blumenbachia sect. Blumenbachia, Klaprothia mentzelioides) or one-seeded cypselas (anemochoria, Kissenia). Dehiscent, but non-xerochasious capsules are only found in Blumenbachia, and Blumenbachia sylvestis (B. sect. Angulatae) has seeds with good floating ability and may be occasionally hydrochorous. The seeds of all other Loasoideae taxa tested rapidly sink when placed in water. Seed weights range from less than 0.02 g per 1000 seeds (Huidobria, Presliophytum) to over 23 g per 1000 seeds (Loasa ser. Macrospermae), thus spanning 3 orders of magnitude. Seed weight seems to correlate to some degree with substrate and seeds are heavier in species from “deep substrates” such as gravel and leaf litter. Seed numbers per fruit range from 1 (Kissenia) to over 3000 (Presliophytum) and annual seed production of individual mature plants ranges from less than 100 (Kissenia) to over 4 ×10⁶ (Presliophytum). Fatty acid composition of Loasoideae seeds is mostly of common fatty acids, but exact composition varies considerably between groups. Most taxa have high levels of poly-unsaturated fatty acids (over 40% in Caiophora and Nasa), very low levels (<2%) are only found in Presliophytum. Nasa is the only genus of Loasaceae which has γ-linolenic acid and stearidonic acid in its seeds (at levels of 3.5–10% and 2–8.5% respectively). There is no obvious connection between the degree of unsaturation of the seed oils and habitat.     

Improved fruit α‐tocopherol,carotenoid, squalene and phytosterol contents through manipulation of Brassica juncea 3‐HYDROXY‐3‐METHYLGLUTARYL‐COA SYNTHASE1 in transgenic tomato

3‐Hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A synthase (HMGS) in the mevalonate (MVA) pathway generates isoprenoids including phytosterols. Dietary phytosterols are important because they can lower blood cholesterol levels. Previously, the overexpression of Brassica juncea wild‐type (wt) and mutant (S359A) BjHMGS1 in Arabidopsis up‐regulated several genes in sterol biosynthesis and increased sterol content. Recombinant S359A had earlier displayed a 10‐fold higher in vitro enzyme activity. Furthermore, tobacco HMGS overexpressors (OEs) exhibited improved sterol content, plant growth and seed yield. Increased growth and seed yield in tobacco OE‐S359A over OE‐wtBjHMGS1 coincided with elevations in NtSQS expression and sterol content. Herein, the overexpression of wt and mutant (S359A) BjHMGS1 in a crop plant, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), caused an accumulation of MVA‐derived squalene and phytosterols, as well as methylerythritol phosphate (MEP)‐derived α‐tocopherol (vitamin E) and carotenoids, which are important to human health as antioxidants. In tomato HMGS‐OE seedlings, genes associated with the biosyntheses of C10, C15 and C20 universal precursors of isoprenoids, phytosterols, brassinosteroids, dolichols, methylerythritol phosphate, carotenoid and vitamin E were up‐regulated. In OE‐S359A tomato fruits, increased squalene and phytosterol contents over OE‐wtBjHMGS1 were attributed to heightened SlHMGR2, SlFPS1, SlSQS and SlCYP710A11 expression. In both tomato OE‐wtBjHMGS1 and OE‐S359A fruits, the up‐regulation of SlGPS and SlGGPPS1 in the MEP pathway that led to α‐tocopherol and carotenoid accumulation indicated cross‐talk between the MVA and MEP pathways. Taken together, the manipulation of BjHMGS1 represents a promising strategy to simultaneously elevate health‐promoting squalene, phytosterols, α‐tocopherol and carotenoids in tomato, an edible fruit.     

A new species of Brassica sect. Brassica(Brassicaceae) from Sicily

Among the suffruticose cabbages of Brassica sect. Brassica, a new species from Sicily, named B. raimondoi, is described and illustrated. It is a chasmophyte restricted to some steep limestone cliffs near Taormina (NE Sicily) and is morphologically related to B. incana, with which it shares densely hairy, broad, amplexicaul leaves and winged petioles, but differs principally in its white corolla, larger floral pieces, more developed stigmatic papillae, shorter siliquae with keeled valves and a smaller, seedless beak, smaller seeds differing in testa microsculpture. A key for the identification of the currently known Sicilian taxa of the section is provided.     

A new unusual low molecular weight carbohydrate in the red algal genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hypoglossum</Emphasis> (Delesseriaceae,Ceramiales) and its possible function as an osmolyte

The low molecular weight carbohydrates in various species of the red algal genus Hypoglossum (Delesseriaceae, Ceramiales) were analysed using HPLC, ¹H and ¹³C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry. All specimens contained the heteroside digeneaside which is considered as chemosystematic marker for the Ceramiales. A new HPLC method was developed for the separation and quantification of this compound, and concentrations between 131.6 mmol kg^–1 and 539.6 mmol kg^–1 DW could be measured among the species tested. In addition, during the HPLC analysis another new low molecular weight carbohydrate was detected in two species from The Philippines (H. barbatum) and Western Australia (H . heterocystideum), and its chemical structure elucidated as digalactosylglycerol applying various NMR experiments. The remaining Hypoglossum taxa lack this compound. Although digalactosylglycerol occurred in high concentrations in the range of 221.7 and 438.7 mmol kg^–1 DW in H. barbatum and H . heterocystideum, respectively, it has never been reported for any other algal species before. Therefore, to test the possible physiological function of this unusual carbohydrate as organic osmolyte, H. barbatum was treated with a range of salinities. While the digeneaside content remained almost unchanged, the digalactosylglycerol concentration strongly increased with increasing salinities from 70 mmol kg^–1 DW at 20 psu to 215 mmol kg^–1 DW at 45 psu. In conclusion, while neither published work nor the present study indicate digeneaside to play more than a minor role in osmotic acclimation, the data presented strongly support an osmotic function of digalactosylglyerol.     

Beyond blood lipids: phytosterols,statins and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid therapy for hyperlipidemia

Phytosterols and omega-3 fatty acids are natural compounds with potential cardiovascular benefits. Phytosterols inhibit cholesterol absorption, thereby reducing total- and LDL cholesterol. A number of clinical trials have established that the consumption of 1.5–2.0 g/day of phytosterols can result in a 10–15% reduction in LDL cholesterol in as short as a 3-week period in hyperlipidemic populations. Added benefits of phytosterol consumption have been demonstrated in people who are already on lipid-lowering medications (statin drugs). On the other hand, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation has been associated with significant hypotriglyceridemic effects with concurrent modifications of other risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, including platelet function and pro-inflammatory mediators. Recent studies have provided evidence that the combination of phytosterols and omega-3 fatty acids may reduce cardiovascular risk in a complementary and synergistic way. This article reviews the health benefits of phytosterols and omega-3 fatty acids, alone or in combination with statins, for the treatment/management of hyperlipidemia, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms involved.