Isolation of 2-methyl branched unsaturated very long fatty acids from marine sponge Halichondria panicea and identification of them by GC-MS and NMR

In order to study the biomarker fatty acids of symbionts in the marine sponge Halichondria panicea, purification and structural identification of two new 2-methyl branched monoenoic very long fatty acids (2-Me-24:1 n-7 and 2-Me-26:1 n-9) were performed for the first time. These acids amounted to 7.1% of total sponge FAs, but our attempts to determine their structures by one-step GC-MS analysis were unsuccessful because of low yields of the correspondent N-acyl pyrrolidide derivatives. Silver-ion thin-layer chromatography isolated enriched fractions of monoenoic fatty acids extracted from the sponge. Further purification of unknown fatty acid methyl esters was carried out by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Determination of the chain length, degree and position of unsaturations was achieved by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry on methyl esters and dimethyldisulfide adducts. Structures, position of methyl substitution, and double bonds cis isomery were confirmed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance.     

巴尔通体细胞脂肪酸成分分析

【目的】分析影响巴尔通体脂肪酸成分的主要因素,建立适合巴尔通体脂肪酸成分分析的标准化方法,探讨脂肪酸图谱应用于巴尔通体分类鉴定的可能性。【方法】应用气相色谱技术分析不同培养条件下巴尔通体脂肪酸的组成与含量的变化;应用已构建的标准化方法获取10株巴尔通体标准菌株和9株来自不同地区的汉赛巴尔通体猫分离株脂肪酸图谱;应用SPSS16.0统计软件对获得的数据资料进行聚类分析。【结果】培养基、温度和传代次数主要影响巴尔通体脂肪酸的微量成分;10株巴尔通体标准菌株的成分相似,但也存在构成和含量上的差异;在所测巴尔通体中,检出可分辨脂肪酸成分有20种,共有成分为7种,其中C18:1ω7c、C18:0和C16:0累积含量达80%以上;猫分离株被准确鉴定为汉赛巴尔通体。【结论】巴尔通体脂肪酸成分受培养基、温度等培养条件影响,在脂肪酸提取方法标化后,可用于汉赛巴尔通体种水平分类鉴定。     

Fatty acid analysis of triacylglycerols: Preparation of fatty acid methyl esters for gas chromatography

A method to prepare fatty acid methyl esters was developed for fatty acid analysis of triacylglycerols by gas chromatography (GC). Triacylglycerols were mixed with methanolic CH₃ONa in hexane containing a mid-polar solvent for 10 s at room temperature. Under these conditions, trioleoylglycerol was converted to methyl oleate with an average yield of 99.3%. This procedure gave reliable and reproducible data on fatty acid compositions determined by GC.     

Bioconversion of 2-amino acids to 2-hydroxy acids by Clostridium butyricum

Analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of 24-h cultures of Clostridium butyricum type strain in synthetic BMG medium supplemented with various 2-amino acids (10 mM) revealed the presence of the corresponding 2-hydroxy acids. C. butyricum was able to bioconvert l-valine, dl-norvaline, l-leucine, dl-norleucine, l-methionine and l-phenylalanine as well as unusual 2-amino acids, i.e., l-2-aminobutyric acid, l-2-amino-4-pentenoic acid, dl-2-aminooctanoic acid, and dl-2-amino-4-phenylbutanoic acid. l-Isoleucine and cycloleucine were not converted into their corresponding 2-hydroxy acids. The bioconversion rate was maximal with dl-norvaline (6.2%). Chiral GC analysis demonstrated that only d-2-hydroxy-4-methylpentanoic acid is formed from l-leucine, indicating that the bioconversion is stereospecific, with inversion of configuration. d-Leucine and d-methionine were also converted to the corresponding 2-hydroxy acids. This observation opens new aspects in the study of C. butyricum and raises questions about the amino acid metabolism by this species.     

One-step method for quantitative and qualitative analysis of fatty acids in marine animal samples

In the one-step method, fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) have been prepared without prior lipid extraction. Each oyster, clam, and squid sample was esterified with 14% boron-trifluoride (BF₃) in methanol at 100 °C for 120 min, and hexane was used to help dissolve the lipids. This method gave a higher recovery of fatty acids as compared to the conventional method. Using an internal standard, the fatty acid content of the sample can be determined quantitatively and qualitatively. Due to its simplicity, speed, and reduced organic solvent usage, the one-step method should be useful for the determination of fatty acid composition in marine biological samples.     

Odd- and branched-chain fatty acids in milk fat from Holstein dairy cows are influenced by physiological factors

Dairy products are the major source of odd- and branched-chain fatty acids (OBCFAs), a group of nutrients with emerging health benefits. The animal diet is known to influence milk fat OBCFAs of dairy cows; however, little is known about the effects of physiological factors. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of parity and lactation stage on OBCFAs in milk fat of dairy cows. Holstein dairy cows (n = 157) were selected according to parity (first, second, third, or greater) and days in milk (DIM) (≤21 DIM, 21 < DIM ≤ 100, 100 < DIM ≤ 200, >200 DIM). All cows were fed the same total mixed ration for three weeks. Milk samples were collected during the last three days of each lactation stage for fatty acid (FA) analyses via gas chromatography. Results showed that first- and second-parity cows displayed significantly higher proportions and yields of iso-14:0, iso-15:0, iso-16:0, total iso-FA, and total branched-chain FA (P < 0.05) compared with other parities. The proportions of C17:0 and C17:1 cis-9 were also greater in first-parity cows (P < 0.05), while the yields of C17:0 and C17:1 cis-9 were similar among different parities (P > 0.05). The proportions of total OBCFAs were greater in first- and second-parity cows (P < 0.05), whereas the highest yield was observed in second-parity cows. Lactation dairy cows in ≤ 21 DIM group displayed lower proportions of iso-13:0, anteiso-13:0, C13:0, iso-14:0, C15:0, iso-16:0, total iso-FA, and total OBCFAs compared with that of the other groups (P < 0.05), and also lower yields of iso-14:0 and iso-16:0 (P < 0.05). In contrast, C17:0 and C17:1 cis-9 proportions and yields were higher in dairy cows with ≤ 21 DIM (P < 0.05). Iso-17:0 and anteiso-17:0 were not affected by lactation stage (P > 0.05). Taken together, our data showed that both parity and lactation stage have considerable effects on milk fat OBCFAs of dairy cows. In summary, first- and second-parity cows had higher milk OBCFAs compared with later parity cows, and OBCFAs with medium chain lengths were lower in dairy cows with ≤ 21 DIM, while C17:0 and C17:1 cis-9 were higher. These findings show that milk OBCFA contents are differentially modulated by physiological state. They will be useful in future studies that seek to alter OBCFA composition of Holstein dairy cow milk fats.     

In vivo analysis of straight-chain and branched-chain fatty acid biosynthesis in three actinomycetes

Abstract The starter units for branched-chain and straight-chain fatty acid biosynthesis was investigated in vivo in three actinomycetes using stable isotopes. Branched-chain fatty acids, which constitute the majority of the fatty acid pool, were confirmed to be biosynthesized using the amino acid degradation products methylbutyryl-CoA and isobutyryl-CoA as starter units. Straight-chain fatty acids were shown to be constructed using butyryl-CoA as a starter unit. Isomerization of the valine catabolite isobutyryl-CoA was shown to be only a minor source of this butyryl-CoA.     

Discrimination of Helicobacter pullorum and Campylobacter lari by analysis of whole cell fatty acid extracts

Helicobacter pullorum and Campylobacter lari are rarely isolated from humans with acute enteritis. Hitherto the two species could only be identified by genotypic techniques. Gas liquid chromatography of whole cell fatty acid extracts is described as the first phenotypic method for discrimination of the two species. Cholesteryl glucoside, a characteristic feature of the genus Helicobacter, but seldom found in other bacteria, could not be detected in Helicobacter pullorum. Therefore, rapid determination of this glycolipid may serve as a discrimination marker for Helicobacter pullorum from most other Helicobacter species.     

Innate immune sensing of nucleic acids from mycobacteria

Endosomal and cytosolic receptors engage recognition of mycobacterial-derived nucleic acids (MyNAs). In contrast, virulent mycobacteria may utilize nucleic acid recognition pathways to escape the host immune system. This short review will summarize the mechanisms by which MyNAs are sensed and how they influence host protective responses.     

Catabolism of leucine to branched-chain fatty acids in Staphylococcus xylosus

AIMS: Staphylococcus xylosus is an important starter culture in the production of flavours from the branched-chain amino acids leucine, valine and isoleucine in fermented meat products. The sensorially most important flavour compounds are the branched-chain aldehydes and acids derived from the corresponding amino acids and this paper intends to perspectivate these flavour compounds in the context of leucine metabolism. METHODS AND RESULTS: GC and GC/MS analysis combined with stable isotope labelling was used to study leucine catabolism. This amino acid together with valine and isoleucine was used as precursors for the production of branched-chain fatty acids for cell membrane biosynthesis during growth. A 83.3% of the cellular fatty acids were branched. The dominating fatty acid was anteiso-C(15:0) that constituted 55% of the fatty acids. A pyridoxal 5'-phosphate and alpha-ketoacid dependent reaction catalysed the deamination of leucine, valine and isoleucine into their corresponding alpha-ketoacids. As alpha-amino group acceptor alpha-keto-beta-methylvaleric acid and alpha-ketoisovaleric acid was much more efficient than alpha-ketoglutarate. The sensorially and metabolic key intermediate on the pathway to the branched-chain fatty acids, 3-methylbutanoic acid was produced from leucine at the onset of the stationary growth phase and then, when the growth medium became scarce in leucine, from the oxidation of glucose via pyruvate. CONCLUSIONS: This paper demonstrates that the sensorially important branched-chain aldehydes and acids are important intermediates on the metabolic route leading to branched-chain fatty acids for cell membrane biosynthesis. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The metabolic information obtained is extremely important in connection with a future biotechnological design of starter cultures for production of fermented meat.     

The influence of fatty acids on determination of human serum albumin thiol group

During investigation of the changes of the Cys34 thiol group of human serum albumin (HSA) (isolated by affinity chromatography with Cibacron Blue (CB)) in diabetes, we found that the HSA-SH content was higher (11–33%) than the total serum thiol content. The influence of fatty acids (FA) binding to HSA on this discrepancy was investigated in vitro (using fluorescence and CD spectroscopy and GC) and with HSA samples from diabetic (n=20) and control groups (n=17). HSA-bound FA determine the selection of HSA molecules by CB and enhance reactivity and/or accessibility of the SH group. A high content of polyunsaturated FA (35.6%) leads to weaker binding of HSA molecules to CB. Rate constants of DTNB reaction with the SH group of HSA applied to a CB column, bound-HSA and unbound-HSA fractions, were 4.8×10^-3, 21.6×10^-3, and 11.2×10^-3 s^-1, respectively. The HSA-SH group of diabetics is more reactive compared with control individuals (rate constants 20.9×10^-3±4.4×10^-3 vs 12.9×10^-3±2.6×10^-3 s^-1, P<0.05). Recovery values of the SH group obtained after chromatography of HSA with bound stearic acid ranged from 110 to 140%, while those for defatted HSA were from 98.5 to 101.7%. Thus, HSA-bound FA leads to an increase of HSA-SH content and a contribution to total serum thiols, which make the determination of the thiol group unreliable.     

Mass Spectrometric Identification of 13C‐Labeled Metabolites During Anaerobic Propanoic Acid Oxidation

Biowaste digestion is a possibility to gain biogas as a renewable fuel source. However, the anaerobic food chain may be disrupted by, e.g., substrate overload or by inhibitors, leading to the accumulation of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), predominantly of propanoic acid (PA). VFA Accumulation may cause a rapid pH decrease, less biogas production, or even a total inhibition. To maintain high biogas productivity or to prevent a collapse of methanogenesis, metabolic properties of the degrading microorganisms must be elucidated, e.g., by investigation of the established pathways for degradation of VFAs. A Dani 3950 headspace system (HS), a Varian 431 gas chromatograph (GC), and a Varian 210 mass spectrometer (MS) have been combined to quantify and specifically identify metabolites of PA oxidation. The use of [1‐¹³C]‐labeled PA as a carbon source for microorganisms allows differentiation between the methyl‐malonyl‐CoA or the C(6)‐dismutation pathway, both resulting in AcOH production. Appearance of the ¹³C‐moiety either in the COO or Me group of AcO can easily be detected by MS. The methyl‐malonyl‐CoA pathway was successfully identified as the only pathway of PA degradation by organisms in a lab‐scale anaerobic digester. A similar approach can be applied to any degradation pathway involving VFAs.     

Engineering Escherichia coli to produce branched-chain fatty acids in high percentages

Branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) are key precursors of branched-chain fuels, which have cold-flow properties superior to straight chain fuels. BCFA production in Gram-negative bacterial hosts is inherently challenging because it competes directly with essential and efficient straight-chain fatty acid (SCFA) biosynthesis. Previously, Escherichia coli strains engineered for BCFA production also co-produced a large percentage of SCFA, complicating efficient isolation of BCFA. Here, we identified a key bottleneck in BCFA production: incomplete lipoylation of 2-oxoacid dehydrogenases. We engineered two protein lipoylation pathways that not only restored 2-oxoacid dehydrogenase lipoylation, but also increased BCFA production dramatically. E. coli expressing an optimized lipoylation pathway produced 276 mg/L BCFA, comprising 85% of the total free fatty acids (FFAs). Furthermore, we fine-tuned BCFA branch positions, yielding strains specifically producing ante-iso or odd-chain iso BCFA as 77% of total FFA, separately. When coupled with an engineered branched-chain amino acid pathway to enrich the branched-chain α-ketoacid pool, BCFA can be produced from glucose at 181 mg/L and 72% of total FFA. While E. coli can metabolize BCFAs, we demonstrated that they are not incorporated into the cell membrane, allowing our system to produce a high percentage of BCFA without affecting membrane fluidity. Overall, this work establishes a platform for high percentage BCFA production, providing the basis for efficient and specific production of a variety of branched-chain hydrocarbons in engineered bacterial hosts.     

Determination of anandamide and other fatty acyl ethanolamides in human serum by electrospray tandem mass spectrometry

We developed a new selective liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry method for the identification and quantification of anandamide (AEA), an endogenous cannabinoid receptor ligand, and other bioactive fatty acid ethanolamides (FAEs) in biological samples. Detection limit (0.025 pmol for AEA and 0.1 pmol for palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and oleoylethanolamide (OEA)) and quantification limit (0.2 pmol for AEA and 0.4 pmol for OEA and PEA) were in the high fmol to low pmol range for all analytes. Linear correlations (r(2)=0.99) were observed in the calibration curves for standard AEA over the range of 0.025-25 pmol and for standard PEA and OEA over the range of 0.1-500 pmol. This method provides a time-saving and sensitive alternative to existing methods for the analysis of FAEs in biological samples.     

Quantification of D-amino acids in human urine using GC-MS and HPLC

Summary The relative amounts of free D-amino acids (D-AA) in the urine of seven healthy volunteers (age 27 to 49 years) were determined using chiral phase (Chirasil-L-Val) capillary gas chromatography in conjunction with selected ion monitoring mass spectrometry. The absolute amounts of free D-AA were determined by pre-column derivatization of the amino acids witho-phthaldialdehyde andN-isobutyryl-L-cysteine followed by high-performance liquid chromatographic separation and fluorescence detection of the isoindol derivatives formed. The following most abundant D-AA were found (highest and lowest absolute and relative amounts): D-Ser (379.8 — 30.1µMol/L; 56.5 — 19.0%), D-Ala (53.8 — 7.6µMol/L; 19.6 — 5.7%), D-Thr (5.8 — 0.25µMol/L; 3.4 — 1.0%), D-Val (3.7 — 0µMol/L; 4.2 — 0%), and D-Phe (3.5 — 0.35µMol/L; 4.8 — 1.4%).     

Incorporation of fatty acids by Streptococcus mutans

In a series of investigations into the cariogenicity of Streptococcus mutans, we studied the incorporation of exogenous fatty acids with reference to glucosyltransferase secretion and membrane fatty acid changes. When cells were grown with different fatty acids, both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were readily incorporated into the membrane lipids and were biotransformed and elongated preferentially to the longer 16- and 18-carbon-chain fatty acids. This incorporation and chain-elongation led to significant changes in fatty acids composition. By adding fatty acids to the medium, it was possible to appropriately modify the degree of unsaturation and the relative ratio between specific fatty acids in the membrane lipids of S. mutans.     

Selected ion monitoring for rapid differentiation of mycobacteria isolated from domestic animals

Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry adapted for selected ion monitoring was used to detect C₃₂ mycocerosic acid in short-term incubated cultures of procineand canine strains of mycobacteria. The method can be employed for rapid differentiation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from M. avium-intracellulare.     

Identification and Determination of Tele-Methylhistamine in Cerebrospinal Fluid by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Abstract: The presence of tele-methylhistamine in human cerebrospinal fluid has been established. The concentration was determined with the use of deuterated tele-methylhistamine. The preparation of the deuterated standard is described. The concentration range in samples from neuropsychiatric patients was 0.1-2.5 ng/ml. The structure of the pentafluoropropionyl derivative used for gas chromatography was studied with the aid of proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.     

Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method for the determination of alkylresorcinols in human plasma

Alkylresorcinols can be found in high amounts in whole grain cereals, especially in rye. Previously it has not been possible to measure alkylresorcinols in plasma. In this paper a validated gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method for the quantitative determination of alkylresorcinols with chain lengths of C15:0, C17:0, C19:0, C21:0, and C23:0 in human plasma samples is presented. Other alkylresorcinols may be measured with the method as well, but their assay was not validated in this work. In this work also the amount of alkylresorcinol C25:0 was measured. The pretreatment of plasma samples consists of a simple incubation, an extraction with diethyl ether and a chromatographic purification before the GC-MS analysis. As internal standard an alkylresorcinol C20:0 was used. The validation of the method showed that it fulfilled the reliability criteria. Calibration graphs were linear over the range of 4.1-660pg per injection. The mean recovery percentage was 112+/-10.8%. Our results show that the alkylresorcinols are found in plasma in the same ratio, as found in rye grains, according to literature. The alkylresorcinols were in the unconjugated form. The total amounts of alkylresorcinols in two plasma samples analyzed here were 333 and 381nmol/L.