The effects of substitution of dietary saturated fatty acids with either monounsaturated fatty acids or n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids on measures of endothelial function, arterial stiffness and blood pressure: results from the DIVAS study

Vafeiadou, Katerina; Weech, Michelle; Altowaijri, Hana; Mihaylova, R.; Todd, Susan; Yaqoob, Parveen; Jackson, Kim G.; Lovegrove, Julie A.

doi:10.1017/s0029665114000263

Cited by 1 publication

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“…Previous studies have shown that a diet high in MUFA may be a healthier alternative to a low-fat diet, as it can lower blood cholesterol levels, modulate immune function, decrease the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation, and enhance the fluidity of HDL [ 68 ]. Furthermore, including PUFA in the diet is crucial for the structure and function of membrane proteins, such as receptors, enzymes, and active transport molecules [ 69 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pharmacological Properties of Chemically Characterized Extracts from Mastic Tree: In Vitro and In Silico Assays

Ouahabi,

Loukili,

Elbouzidi

et al. 2023

Life

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The mastic tree, scientifically known as Pistacia lentiscus, which belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, was used in this study. The aim of this research was to analyze the chemical composition of this plant and assess its antioxidant and antibacterial properties using both laboratory experiments and computer simulations through molecular docking, a method that predicts the binding strength of a small molecule to a protein. The soxhlet method (SE) was employed to extract substances from the leaves of P. lentiscus found in the eastern region of Morocco. Hexane and methanol were the solvents used for the extraction process. The n-hexane extract was subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to identify its fatty acid content. The methanolic extract underwent high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD) to determine the presence of phenolic compounds. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH spectrophotometric test. The findings revealed that the main components in the n-hexane extract were linoleic acid (40.97 ± 0.33%), oleic acid (23.69 ± 0.12%), and palmitic acid (22.83 ± 0.10%). Catechin (37.05 ± 0.15%) was identified as the predominant compound in the methanolic extract through HPLC analysis. The methanolic extract exhibited significant DPPH radical scavenging, with an IC50 value of 0.26 ± 0.14 mg/mL. The antibacterial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria innocua, and Escherichia coli, while the antifungal activity was evaluated against Geotrichum candidum and Rhodotorula glutinis. The P. lentiscus extract demonstrated notable antimicrobial effects. Additionally, apart from molecular docking, other important factors, such as drug similarity, drug metabolism and distribution within the body, potential adverse effects, and impact on bodily systems, were considered for the substances derived from P. lentiscus. Scientific algorithms, such as Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances (PASS), Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion (ADME), and Pro-Tox II, were utilized for this assessment. The results obtained from this research support the traditional medicinal usage of P. lentiscus and suggest its potential for drug development.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%