Discrimination of wild and cultured european sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) using chemical and isotopic analyses

Recent legislation in the European Union (EC/2065/2001) requires that seafood must provide the consumer with information that describes geographical origin and production method. The present studies aimed to establish methods, based on chemical and stable isotopic analysis, that could reliably differentiate between wild and farmed European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). The study measured fatty acid and isotopic compositions (delta13C and delta18O) of total flesh oil, delta15N of the glycerol/choline fraction, and compound-specific analysis of fatty acids (delta13C) by isotope ratio mass spectrometry. The sample set comprised 10 wild and 10 farmed sea bass from England (wild) and Scotland or Greece (farmed). Discrimination was achieved using fatty acid composition with 18:0, 18:2n-6, 20:4n-6, and 22:6n-3 providing the highest contributions for discrimination. Principal component analysis of the data set provided good discrimination between farmed and wild sea bass where factor 1 and factor 2 accounted for 60% of the variation in the data.     

Comparison of lipid content and Fatty Acid composition in the edible meat of wild and cultured freshwater and marine fish and shrimps from china

The lipid content and fatty acid composition in the edible meat of twenty-nine species of wild and cultured freshwater and marine fish and shrimps were investigated. Both the lipid content and fatty acid composition of the species were specified due to their unique food habits and trophic levels. Most of the marine fish demonstrated higher lipid content than the freshwater fish, whereas shrimps had the lowest lipid content. All the marine fish and shrimps had much higher total n-3 PUFA than n-6 PUFA, while most of the freshwater fish and shrimps demonstrated much lower total n-3 PUFA than n-6 PUFA. This may be the biggest difference in fatty acid composition between marine and freshwater species. The cultured freshwater fish demonstrated higher percentages of total PUFA, total n-3 PUFA, and EPA + DHA than the wild freshwater fish. Two freshwater fish, including bighead carp and silver carp, are comparable to the marine fish as sources of n-3 PUFA.     

Up-regulated desaturase and elongase gene expression promoted accumulation of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) but not long-chain PUFA in Lates calcarifer, a tropical euryhaline fish, fed a stearidonic acid- and γ-linoleic acid-enriched diet

The limited activity of Δ6 fatty acid desaturase (FAD6) on α-linolenic (ALA, 18:3n-3) and linoleic (LA, 18:2n-6) acids in marine fish alters the long-chain (≥C(20)) polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) concentration in fish muscle and liver when vegetable oils replace fish oil (FO) in aquafeeds. Echium oil (EO), rich in stearidonic acid (SDA, 18:4n-3) and γ-linoleic acid (GLA, 18:3n-6), may enhance the biosynthesis of n-3 and n-6 LC-PUFA by bypassing the rate-limiting FAD6 step. Nutritional and environmental modulation of the mechanisms in LC-PUFA biosynthesis was examined in barramundi, Lates calcarifer , a tropical euryhaline fish. Juveniles were maintained in either freshwater or seawater and fed different dietary LC-PUFA precursors present in EO or rapeseed oil (RO) and compared with FO. After 8 weeks, growth of fish fed EO was slower compared to the FO and RO treatments. Irrespective of salinity, expression of the FAD6 and elongase was up-regulated in fish fed EO and RO diets, but did not lead to significant accumulation of LC-PUFA in the neutral lipid of fish tissues as occurred in the FO treatment. However, significant concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4n-6), but not docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3), appeared in liver and, to a lesser extent, in muscle of fish fed EO with marked increases in the phospholipid fraction. Fish in the EO treatment had higher EPA and ARA in their liver phospholipids than fish fed FO. Endogenous conversion of dietary precursors into neutral lipid LC-PUFA appears to be limited by factors other than the initial rate-limiting step. In contrast, phospholipid LC-PUFA had higher biosynthesis, or selective retention, in barramundi fed EO rather than RO.     

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) content of the fungus Mortierella alpina isolated from soil

Twenty-five isolates of Mortierella spcies were prepared, which can be used for the production of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)-rich oil for nutritional supplements. The fatty acid contents were determined after heterotrophic fermentation. The content of total fatty acids (TFAs) in the cell dry weight of all isolates including two commercially purchased Mortierella alpina strains ranged from 207.51 to 370.11 mg/g, whereas PUFAs were the dominant fatty acid type. The highest PUFA-containing strain, M. alpina SC9, was identified and confirmed as a new strain of M. alpina through comparison analysis of the sequences of internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 (ITS1 and ITS2) and the 5.8S rDNA region. During a 7-day fermentation, the PUFAs content of M. alpina SC9 varied between 189.83 and 240.00 mg/g, with a remarkable correlation between the oleic acid (C18:1, OA) and arachidonic acid (C20:4n-6, AA) contents and between the linoleic acid (C18:2n-6, LA) and AA contents, suggesting the PUFA content in the fungus is tightly regulated. This study provides a framework of isolation, identification, and characterization of an important PUFA-producing species, M. alpina.     

Comparison of lipid content and fatty acid composition between Tuber fermentation mycelia and natural fruiting bodies

A comparison of lipid content and fatty acid (FA) composition between Tuber fermentation mycelia and natural fruiting bodies indicates that the lipid content in Tuber fermentation mycelia is higher than that in fruiting bodies. Unsaturated FAs (particularly linoleic acid and oleic acid) were the predominant constituents in total FAs in both Tuber fermentation mycelia and fruiting bodies. A total of 23 FAs, including arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic, docosahexaenoic, and γ-linolenic acids, were first identified in the Tuber species. A hierarchical clustering analysis showed that the FA profile of fermentation mycelia was quite similar, regardless of Tuber species. However, the FA profile of the fruiting bodies was significantly influenced by its species and habitat environments. Interestingly, the FA profile of the Tuber indicum and Tuber aestivum fruiting bodies was nearly identical to that of the Tuber fermentation mycelia, which partially confirms the similarity between the Tuber fermentation mycelia and the fruiting bodies.     

Baking reduces prostaglandin, resolvin, and hydroxy-fatty acid content of farm-raised Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

The consumption of seafood enriched in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) is associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. Several n-3 oxidation products from eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) have known protective effects in the vasculature. It is not known whether the consumption of cooked seafood enriched in n-3 PUFA causes appreciable consumption of lipid oxidation products. We tested the hypothesis that baking Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) increases the level of n-3 and n-6 PUFA oxidation products over raw salmon. We measured the contents of several monohydroxy-fatty acids (MHFA), prostanoids, and resolvins. Our data demonstrate that baking did not change the overall total levels of MHFA. However, baking resulted in selective regioisomeric loss of hydroxy fatty acids from arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) and EPA, while significantly increasing hydroxyl-linoleic acid levels. The contents of prostanoids and resolvins were reduced several-fold with baking. The inclusion of a coating on the salmon prior to baking reduced the loss of some MHFA but had no effect on prostanoid losses incurred by baking. Baking did not decrease n-3 PUFA contents, indicating that baking of salmon is an acceptable means of preparation that does not alter the potential health benefits of high n-3 seafood consumption. The extent to which the levels of MHFA, prostanoids, and resolvins in the raw or baked fish have physiologic consequence for humans needs to be determined.     

不同生长阶段墨瑞鳕脂肪酸组成及主成分分析

为比较不同生长阶段墨瑞鳕肌肉中脂肪酸组成的变化,本研究通过气相色谱技术测定墨瑞鳕幼鱼、成鱼、亲鱼肌肉中脂肪酸含量,并对脂肪酸组成进行主成分分析。结果表明,3个不同生长阶段墨瑞鳕的不饱和脂肪酸(UFA)总量分别为52.2%、58.2%、60.1%;在高度不饱和脂肪酸(HUFA)中DHA含量均最高。随着鱼体生长,墨瑞鳕棕榈油酸、油酸、亚油酸、亚麻酸含量均呈上升趋势,从高到低依次为亲鱼>成鱼>幼鱼;肉豆蔻酸、花生一烯酸、花生四烯酸、EPA、DHA含量呈下降趋势,从高到低依次为幼鱼>成鱼>亲鱼;UFA总量和单不饱和脂肪酸(MUFA)含量呈上升趋势,从高到低依次为亲鱼>成鱼>幼鱼;多不饱和脂肪酸(PUFA)总量和必需脂肪酸(EFA)总量含量呈先升后降趋势,从高到低依次为成鱼>亲鱼>幼鱼。墨瑞鳕不同生长阶段脂肪酸含量大部分存在显著差异,特别是幼鱼与成鱼的脂肪酸含量(除二十碳三烯酸外)均存在显著差异;肉豆蔻酸、花生一烯酸、花生四烯酸、EPA和DHA等5种脂肪酸是墨瑞鳕的主要特征脂肪酸,这5种主要特征脂肪酸之间均互呈强正相关。随着墨瑞鳕的生长发育应及时提...     

Improving the fatty acid profile of fairy shrimp, Streptocephalus dichotomus, using a lipid emulsion rich in highly unsaturated fatty acids

Fatty acids are the largest component of lipids and have become a useful tool in the determination of live feeds to a variety of cultured species. Bioencapsulation is a technique which allows high-level incorporation of desired components (i.e., fatty acids, vitamins, antibiotics, etc.) in live feeds, which in turn can be supplemented to the consumer organisms. The procedure described in the present study serves as a platform of technology for enriching the Streptocephalus dichotomus. Uptake of two enrichment diets (ALGAMAC2000 and DHA-SELCO) by adult S. dichotomus was investigated. The fatty acid profile supports the hypothesis that the enrichment diet increases the level of essential fatty acids, such as linolic, linolenic, eicosapentenoic, and docosahexaenoic acids. The average content (percent of total fatty acids detected) of the enriched organism by different highly unsaturated fatty acid (HUFA) products were as follows: ALGAMAC2000 showed 14-22% saturated fatty acid (SFA), 17-18% monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), 28-41% polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), 23-34% n-3, and 4.9-7.5% n-6, whereas DHA-SELCO showed about 20-23% SFA, 20-26% MUFA, 38% PUFA, 28-31% n-3, and 7.5-10% n-6. Our present investigation proves that both HUFA-rich diets appear to be an appropriate enrichment diet, and further provides an additional rationale for using fairy shrimp as a maturation diet for any cultivable freshwater organism.     

Authentication of farmed and wild turbot (Psetta maxima) by fatty acid and isotopic analyses combined with chemometrics

Fatty acid composition and stable isotope ratios of carbon (delta(13)C) and nitrogen (delta(15)N) were determined in muscle tissue of turbot (Psetta maxima). The multivariate analysis of the data was performed to evaluate their utility in discriminating wild and farmed fish. Wild (n=30) and farmed (n=30) turbot of different geographical origins (Denmark, The Netherlands, and Spain) were sampled from March 2006 to February 2007. The application of linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) to analytical data demonstrated the combination of fatty acids and isotopic measurements to be a promising method to discriminate between wild and farmed fish and between wild fish of different geographical origin. In particular, IRMS (Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry) alone did not permit us to separate completely farmed from wild samples, resulting in some overlaps between Danish wild and Spanish farmed turbot. On the other hand, fatty acids alone differentiated between farmed and wild samples by 18:2n-6 but were not able to distinguish between the two groups of wild turbot. When applying LDA isotope ratios, 18:2n-6, 18:3n-3, and 20:4n-6 fatty acids were decisive to distinguish farmed from wild turbot of different geographical origin, while delta(15)N, 18:2n-6, and 20:1n-11 were chosen to classify wild samples from different fishing zones. In both cases, 18:2n-6 and delta(15)N were determinant for classification purposes. We would like to emphasize that IRMS produces rapid results and could be the most promising technique to distinguish wild fish of different origin. Similarly, fatty acid composition could be used to easily distinguish farmed from wild samples.     

Annual evolution of fatty acid profile from muscle lipids of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in Madagascar inland waters

Annual evolution of muscle lipids fatty acid (FA) from common carp (Cyprinus carpio) has been determined in 2001 through monthly samplings in the reserve pond of Sisaony (SIS series) and Itasy Lake (ITA series) of the Madagascar highlands. Total lipids from muscle were extracted and quantified according to the Bligh and Dyer method. FA identification was performed by GC-MS of FA methyl esters and FA pyrrolidides and led to the identification of 41 FA; routine analyses of FA were made by capillary GC. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed on the data set to compare FA profiles. Lipid content is low, ranging from 0.91 to 1.73% of wet muscle, with a low stage during the hot season (January-April) and a higher stage during the cold season (July-October). Three FA dominated the FA composition: oleic acid (17.0-21.5%), palmitic acid (13.1-16.1%), and linoleic acid (9.6-13.2%). Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were present in appreciable amounts: arachidonic acid (AA; 2.9-5.9%), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 2.9-6.7%), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 1.9-3.4%), and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA; 1.9-4.3%). Two opposite evolution schemes appear within two groups of FA; on the one hand PUFA (both n-3 and n-6 series) show a maximum in August-October and a minimum in January-April, and, on the other hand, oleic, palmitic, and linoleic acids show the opposite maxima and minima. PCA results give confirmation of these evolution schemes, the two groups of FA giving opposite high factor loadings on axis 1. The SIS and ITA series are differentiated by axis 2 by mean of minor FA, mostly odd- and branched-chain. Results indicate that common carp, the second most abundant freshwater fish in Madagascar highlands waters, may be an interesting source of dietary PUFA.     

Antioxidant activity associated with lipid and phenolic mobilization during seed germination of Pangium edule Reinw.

Seeds of the tropical tree Pangium edule Reinw. are widely eaten in Southeast Asia after some treatment or processing. Fermented seeds are a specialty in Indonesia and have been used as spices. Because the tree is wild and has not been cultivated commercially, the physiology of germinated seeds of this tree for food uses is not known. This study reports some biochemical changes during seed germination associated with antioxidant activity and the mobilization of lipids and phenolics. Lipid content decreased, whereas the dominant fatty acids did not change significantly. The dominant fatty acids were oleic acid (C(18:1(n-9))) and linoleic acid (C(18:2(n-6))). During germination, oleic acid decreased while linoleic acid increased proportionally. The hypocotyl synthesized chlorophyll and the tocol composition also changed substantially. The antioxidant activity of phenolic extract increased in proportion to the total phenolics. Guaiacol peroxidase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, selected enzymes association with phenolic metabolism, showed that the increased activities coincided with increased total phenolics and free proline.     

Seasonal variations of fatty acid compositions in various Korean shellfish

Seasonal variations of fatty acids in various Korean shellfish were investigated in relation to the changes in total fatty acids contents, the ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids (P/S), and that of n-3 fatty acids to n-6 fatty acids (n-3/n-6). A distinct seasonal pattern was found in total fatty acids contents with maximal values in early summer and minimal values in late summer. The percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids was lowest in most species throughout the year. In summer months, the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased while that of saturated fatty acids increased. The major contributing factor to the seasonal variation of polyunsaturated fatty acids was n-3 fatty acids. These results led to the lowest levels of P/S and n-3/n-6 in summer. Nevertheless, the data suggest that bivalve shellfish would be excellent sources of n-3 fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid.     

Fatty acid composition and squalene content of the marine microalga Schizochytrium mangrovei

Certain species of thraustochytrids are being explored as potential producer of polyunsaturated fatty acids for nutritional enrichment of food products and use as feed additives in aquaculture. The fatty acid composition and squalene content were determined in the thraustochytrid, Schizochytrium mangrovei that was newly isolated from decaying Kandelia candel leaves in Hong Kong mangrove habitat. The major fatty acid constituents identified in all three S. mangrovei strains were tetradeanoic acid (C14:0), hexadecanoic acid (C16:0), docosapentaenoic acid (C22:5 n-6, DPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6 n-3, DHA). DHA was the most predominant polyunsaturated fatty acid, and the percentage of DHA (of total fatty acids) in all these strains varied from 32.29 to 39.14%. Only slight changes were observed in fatty acid composition of the S. mangrovei strains harvested at their early (day 3) and late stationary (day 5) phases. In contrast, the cellular squalene content was affected significantly by the culture time; the largest decrease of squalene content from 0.162 mg/g to 0.035 mg/g was found in S. mangrovei FB1 as the culture aged.     

Differential incorporation of conjugated linoleic acid isomers into egg yolk lipids

The incorporation pattern of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) isomers into the egg yolk of hens in relation to that in the diet was studied. Silver-ion high-performance liquid chromatography (Ag-HPLC) was used to separate individual CLA isomers. It was found that the isomeric distribution pattern in the egg yolk lipids was different from that in the dietary fat. Total cis/trans isomers accounted for 81.2% of total CLA incorporated into the egg yolk, which was in contrast to the value of 92.0% of total CLA in the diet. Total cis/cis isomers accounted for 3.8% total CLA in the diet but they were 6.6% of the total CLA in the egg yolk lipids. In contrast, total trans/trans isomers were 12.2% of the total CLA isomers in the egg yolk lipids, whereas they were only 4.2% of total CLA in the diet. The results showed that total trans/trans-CLA was preferentially incorporated into the egg yolk, whereas the incorporation of total cis/trans-CLA isomers was partially discriminated. Within each group, the incorporation of individual isomers into the egg yolk lipids was also selective. cis-9,trans-11/trans-9,cis-11 and cis-10,trans-12/trans-10,cis-12 were the two major isomers in the diet. Ag-HPLC analysis showed that the former was preferentially transferred into the egg yolk compared with the latter. It was observed that supplementation of CLA in the diet of laying hens decreased the concentration of oleic acid (18:1n-9), arachidonic acid (20:4n-6), and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) but increased that of linolenic acid (18:3n-3), stearic acid (18:0), and palmitic acid (16:0) in the egg yolk, suggesting that CLA may inhibit Delta6 and Delta9 desaturases.     

Prolyl endopeptidase inhibitory activity of unsaturated fatty acids

Prolyl endopeptidase (PEP, EC 3.4.21.26) is widely distributed in various organs, particularly in the brains of amnestic patients. Evaluation of PEP levels in postmortem brains of Alzheimer's disease patients revealed significant increases in PEP activity, suggesting that a specific PEP inhibitor can be a good candidate for an antiamnestic drug. In this study, mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids were investigated to determine their role as PEP inhibitors. Oleic, linoleic, and arachidonic acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) showed PEP inhibitory activities (IC50 values of 23.6 +/- 0.4, 43.8 +/- 1.8, 53.4 +/- 1.2, 99.4 +/- 1.2, and 46.2 +/- 1.0 microM, respectively), indicating that they were effective PEP inhibitors, with inhibition constant (Ki) values of 26.7 +/- 0.3, 51.0 +/- 0.7, 91.3 +/- 3.1, 247.5 +/- 2.6, and 89.0 +/- 2.3 microM, respectively. Oleic acid showed the highest PEP inhibitory activity. Dixon plots of PEP inhibition showed oleic, linoleic, and arachidonic acids, EPA, and DHA are noncompetitive inhibitors; despite higher IC50 values of these unsaturated fatty acids than strong natural inhibitors, they may have potential use in preventing memory loss.     

褐藻糖胶对黄颡鱼幼鱼中脂肪酸的影响

为研究褐藻糖胶作为饲料添加剂对黄颡鱼幼鱼脂肪酸的影响,选取大小、体重相近的黄颡鱼幼鱼,随机分为对照组和试验组,对照组饲喂不添加褐藻糖胶的基础饲料,试验组饲喂添加0.1%褐藻糖胶的饲料,采用气相色谱质谱联用技术(GC-MS)分析不同喂养时间(1、2、4、8周)下试验组和对照组黄颡鱼幼鱼脂肪酸含量的变化。结果表明,黄颡鱼幼鱼体内共检测出15个总脂肪酸(TFA)和17个游离脂肪酸(FFA)。方差分析结果表明,黄颡鱼幼鱼TFA中C18:1 (n-9)、C20:4(n-5)和C22:6 (n-3)具有交互作用,而大部分FFA间都存在交互作用。喂养时间对黄颡鱼幼鱼脂肪酸有显著影响(P<0.05),随着喂养时间的延长,游离的单不饱和脂肪酸(MUFA)含量呈先减少后增加趋势,而总MUFA含量呈先增加后减少趋势;黄颡鱼幼鱼游离脂肪酸和总脂肪酸中饱和脂肪酸(SFA)均呈先增加后减少趋势,而多不饱和脂肪酸(PUFA)呈先下降后升高趋势。0.1%褐藻糖胶对黄颡鱼幼鱼TFA中C18:1 (n-9)、C20:4(n-5)和C22:6 (n-3)含量影响显著(P<0.05),对FFA组分含量的影响均显著(P<0.05),试验组黄颡鱼幼鱼SFA含量高于对照组,MUFA含量低于对照组,PUFA在喂养第2周时高于对照组,喂养第8周时低于对照组。此外,黄颡鱼幼鱼C20:3(n-3)/C22:6(n-3)的比值小于0.4,且喂养0.1%褐藻糖胶第8周时,黄颡鱼幼鱼C22:6(n-3)和C20:4(n-5)含量明显高于对照组,说明褐藻糖胶有益于黄颡鱼产卵和孵化,有助于黄颡鱼幼鱼的发育生长。本研究结果为黄颡鱼的健康养殖提供了基础数据。     

Gas-bubble disease in three fish species inhabiting the heated discharge of a steam-electric station using hypolimnetic cooling water

White bass (Morone chrysops), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) inhabiting the heated discharge canal of Duke Power Company's Marshall Steam Station, Lake Norman, North Carolina, were examined for signs of gas-bubble disease (GBD) during the winters of 1982–1983 and 1983–1984. Peak percentages of these fish species with GBD occurred between late February and early May each year, corresponding with peaks in total gas saturation in the discharge water. Cooling and warming water temperatures, and thermal stratification of Lake Norman influenced saturation of dissolved gases in the hypolimnetic intake water of Marshall Steam Station, and directly affected the variability in total gas saturation in the discharge canal. Temperature change in the condenser cooling water and electricity output were unrelated to the within-year variability in total gas saturation and GBD. The use of hypolimnetic water for cooling at this station restricts the time to a few months that levels of total gas saturation are sufficient to induce GBD, but probably led to higher peaks in GBD than if epilimnetic water was used. Among years, levels of GBD in white bass, bluegill, and largemouth bass were higher when electrical demand and mean temperature changes of the condenser cooling water at Marshall Steam Station were higher. Higher incidences in GBD in these fishes also occurred during winters when intake water temperatures were coldest.     

加州鲈卵泡抑素cDNA的克隆、分析和原核表达

卵泡抑素是TGF-β超家族中一些成员的抑制蛋白，具有促肌肉生长的作用。采用RT-PCR和RACE技术从加州鲈成鱼卵巢总RNA中扩增得到卵泡抑素cDNA，序列分析结果表明，加州鲈卵泡抑素cDNA全长1444bp，包括开放阅读框966bp，5¢非编码区82bp，3¢非编码区359bp。该基因编码321个氨基酸，其中信号肽31个氨基酸，成熟肽290个氨基酸，成熟蛋白由四个功能区组成，分别为：N-domain、Domain Ⅰ、Domain Ⅱ和Domain Ⅲ，其中N-domain具有与TGF-β超家族中一些成员特异性结合的结构，可抑制这些蛋白发挥作用。将加州鲈卵泡抑素氨基酸序列与红鳍东方鲀、草鱼、斑马鱼、大西洋鲑和斑点叉尾鮰比较，同源性分别为97％、89％、88％、88％和70％，其中N-domain氨基酸序列的保守性更高一些，与红鳍东方鲀、草鱼、斑马鱼、大西洋鲑、斑点叉尾鮰、非洲爪蟾、人、猪、大鼠、鸡的相比较，同源性为75%～100％。为获得重组卵泡抑素蛋白，将成熟肽cDNA插入表达载体pET-32a(+)，转化大肠杆菌，IPTG诱导表达，SDS-PAGE检测，结果检测到一分子量约52kD的特异蛋白带，与预期大小一致，Western blot检测到表达产物表明成功获得了卵泡抑素的融合蛋白。加州鲈卵泡抑素cDNA序列和重组蛋白的获得为进一步研究鱼类卵泡抑素的促肌肉生长奠定了基础。     

Effects of dietary α-linolenic acid (18:3n-3)/linoleic acid (18:2n-6) ratio on fatty acid metabolism in Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii)

Global shortages in fish oil are forcing the aquaculture feed industry to use alternative oil sources, the use of which negatively affects the final fatty acid makeup of cultured fish. Thus, the modulation of fatty acid metabolism in cultured fish is the core of an intensive global research effort. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of various dietary α-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3)/linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6) ratios in cultured fish. A feeding trial was implemented on the freshwater finfish Murray cod, in which fish were fed either a fish oil-based control diet or one of five fish oil-deprived experimental diets formulated to contain an ALA/LA ratio ranging from 0.3 to 2.9, but with a constant total C?? PUFA (ALA+LA) content. The whole-body fatty acid balance method was used to evaluate fish in vivo fatty acid metabolism. The results indicate that dietary ALA was more actively β-oxidized and bioconverted, whereas LA appears to be more efficiently deposited. LA was β-oxidized at a constant level (~36% of net intake) independent of dietary availability, whereas ALA was oxidized proportionally to dietary supply. The in vivo apparent Δ-6 desaturase activity on n-3 and n-6 PUFA exhibited an increasing and decreasing trend, respectively, in conjunction with the increasing dietary ALA/LA ratio, clearly indicating that this enzymatic activity is substrate dependent. However, the maximum Δ-6 desaturase activity acting on ALA peaked at the substrate level of 3.2186 (μmol g fish?1 day?1), suggesting that additional inclusion of ALA is not only wasteful but counterproductive in terms of n-3 LC-PUFA production. Despite a constant total supply of ALA+LA, the recorded total in vivo apparent Δ-6 desaturase activity on both substrates (ALA and LA) increased in synchrony with the ALA/LA ratio, peaking at 1.54, and a 3.2-fold greater Δ-6 desaturase affinity toward ALA over LA was recorded.     

Fatty acid profiles, tocopherol contents, and antioxidant activities of heartnut (Juglans ailanthifolia Var. cordiformis) and Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.)

The fatty acid and tocopherol compositions of three heartnut (Juglans ailanthifolia var. cordiformis) varieties (Imshu, Campbell CW1, and Campbell CW3) were examined and compared with those of two Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) varieties (Combe and Lake). The major fatty acids found in heartnuts and walnuts were identified by gas chromatography as linoleic (18:2n-6), alpha-linolenic (18:3n-3), oleic (18:1n-9), palmitic (16:0), and stearic acid (18:0). Polyunsaturated fatty acids were the main group of fatty acids found in both heartnut and walnut, ranging from 73.07 to 80.98%, and were significantly higher in heartnut than in Persian walnuts (P < 0.001). In addition, heartnuts had significantly higher levels of 18:2n-6 and lower levels of 18:3n-3 compared to the Persian walnuts. gamma-Tocopherol was the main tocopherol homologue present in both types of nuts, followed by delta- and alpha-tocopherol. The highest concentration of gamma-tocopherol was found in Combe Persian walnut at 267.87 mug/g, followed by Lake Persian walnut and Imshu, Campbell CW1, and CW3 heartnut at 205.45, 187.33, 161.84, and 126.46 mug/g, respectively. Tocopherols, particularly the gamma-tocopherol, were found to contribute the most to the strong total antioxidant activities of both walnut and heartnut oils using either the free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay or the photochemiluminescence method.