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Phosphatidylglycerol (PG) is a naturally occurring phospholipid. The immunomodulatory activity of PG has been reported to be dependent on its fatty acid composition. In this study, the anti-inflammatory effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid-enriched PG (n-3 PUFA-PG) was investigated on macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). n-3 PUFA-PG binding eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) significantly suppressed interleukin-6, interleukin-1β and nitric oxide production by RAW264.7 cells. Notably, the suppressive effect of n-3 PUFA-PG on inflammatory factor production was more potent compared to n-3 PUFA-phosphatidylcholine (PC) and soybean PG. n-3 PUFA-PG treatment markedly increased EPA and DHA in intracellular PC and phosphatidylethanolamine and decreased 18:1n-9 through downregulation of fatty acid synthase and stearoyl-CoA desaturase mRNA expression compared to n-3 PUFA-PC treatment. Furthermore, n-3 PUFA-PG enhanced nuclear factor erythroid E2-related factor (Nrf2) levels in the nucleus and increased heme oxygenase-1 mRNA expression. N-acetyl-L-cysteine, which is an inhibitor against Nrf-2 activation, alleviated the induction of HO-1 mRNA and anti-inflammatory effect of n-3 PUFA-PG. These data suggest that n-3 PUFA-PG exhibits anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells through Nrf2 activation by altering cellular fatty acids.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) seed oil (PGO) contains more than 70% cis(c)9,frans(f)11,c13–18:3 as conjugated linolenic acids (CLN). Our previous short‐term experiment demonstrated that seed oil from bitter melon (Momordica charantia) (BMO), which is rich in c9,t11,t13‐CLN, inhibited the occurrence of colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) induced by azoxymethane (AOM). In this study, we investigated the effect of dietary PGO on the development of AOM‐induced colonic malignancies and compared it with that of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). To induce colonic tumors, 6‐week old male F344 rats were given subcutaneous injections of AOM (20 mg/kg body weight) once a week for 2 weeks. One week before the AOM treatment they were started on diet containing 0.01%, 0.1%, or 1%±PGO or 1% CLA for 32 weeks. Upon termination of the bioassay (32 weeks) colon tumors were evaluated histopathologically. AOM exposure produced colonic adenocarcinoma with an incidence of 81% and multiplicity of 1.88±1.54 at week 32. Administration of PGO in the diet significantly inhibited the incidence (AOM+0.01% PGO, 44%, P<0.05; AOM+0.1% PGO, 38%, P<0.01; AOM+1% PGO, 56%) and the multiplicity (AOM+0.01% PGO, 0.56±0.73, P<0<01; AOM+0.1% PGO, 0.50±0.73, P<0.005; AOM+1% PGO, 0.88±0.96, P<0.05) of colonic adenocarcinomas, although a clear dose‐response relationship was not observed at these dose levels. CLA feeding also slightly, but not significantly, reduced the incidence and multiplicity of colonic adenocarcinomas. The inhibition of colonic tumors by PGO was associated with an increased content of CLA (c9,t11–18:2) in the lipid fraction of colonic mucosa and liver. Also, administration of PGO in the diet elevated expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) γ protein in the nontumor mucosa. These results suggest that PGO rich in c9,t11,c13‐CLN can suppress AOM‐induced colon carcinogenesis, and the inhibition is associated in part with the increased content of CLA in the colon and liver and/or increased expression of PPARγ protein in the colon mucosa.

The combination of sarcopenia and obesity (i.e., sarcopenic obesity) is more strongly associated with disability and metabolic/cardiovascular diseases than obesity or sarcopenia alone. Therefore, countermeasures that simultaneously suppress fat gain and muscle atrophy to prevent an increase in sarcopenic obesity are warranted. The aim of this study was to investigate the simultaneous effects of fucoxanthinol (FXOH) on fat loss in mature adipocytes and the inhibition of atrophy and loss in myotubes induced by oxidative stress. C2C12 myotubes were treated with FXOH for 24 h and further incubated with hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) for 24 h. The area of myosin heavy chain-positive myotubes and the ROS concentration were measured. Mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with FXOH for 72 h. The triacylglycerol (TG) content and glycerol and fatty acid (FA) release were biochemically measured. The myotube area was smaller in H 2 O 2 -treated cells than that in control cells. However, FXOH protected against the H 2 O 2 -induced decreases in myotube area. Further, the ROS concentration was significantly higher in the FXOH-treated cells compared with that in the control cells, although it was significantly lower than that in the H 2 O 2 -treated cells. On the other hand, in the mature adipocytes, the TG content was significantly decreased by FXOH treatment compared to that in the control. Moreover, FXOH treatment significantly increased glycerol and FA release compared with that of the control. These results suggest that FXOH inhibits H 2 O 2 -induced atrophy and loss in myotubes and activates lipolysis and decreases the TG content in mature adipocytes. Accordingly, FXOH has the potential to exert anti-sarcopenic obesity effects.

Abstract Introduction: Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a rare subtype of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) that when refractory or complicated by hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) has a poor prognosis. Romidepsin is a histone deacetylase inhibitor, but its efficacy for SPTCL is unknown. The efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is also unclear. Herein, we report a case of refractory SPTCL with HPS that was successfully treated with romidepsin followed by consolidation with allo-HCT. Case Presentation: A 26-year-old female presented with fever, generalized painful erythema, pancytopenia, and hemophagocytosis. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET) showed diffuse PET-avid infiltration of the subcutaneous adipose tissue found to be SPTCL via skin biopsy. Her SPTCL was refractory to conventional chemotherapy but complete metabolic response was achieved after romidepsin. An allo-HCT was used for consolidation, and she remains in complete remission 3 years later. Conclusion: Romidepsin with allo-HCT consolidation may be an effective approach for refractory SPTCL.

Bacteria belonging to the genus Algoriphagus have been isolated from various sources, such as Antarctic sea ice, seawater, and sediment, and some strains are known to produce orange to red pigments. However, the pigment composition and biosynthetic genes have not been fully elucidated. A new red-pigmented Algoriphagus sp. strain, oki45, was isolated from the surface of seaweed collected from Senaga-Jima Island, Okinawa, Japan. Genome comparison revealed oki45’s average nucleotide identity of less than 95% to its closely related species, Algoriphagus confluentis NBRC 111222  T and Algoriphagus taiwanensis JCM 19755  T . Comprehensive chemical analyses of oki45’s pigments, including 1 H and 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance and circular dichroism spectroscopy, revealed that the pigments were mixtures of monocyclic carotenoids, (3 S )-flexixanthin ((3 S )-3,1′-dihydroxy-3′,4′-didehydro-1′,2′-dihydro-β,ψ-caroten-4-one) and (2 R ,3 S )-2-hydroxyflexixanthin ((2 R ,3 S )-2,3,1′-trihydroxy-3′,4′-didehydro-1′,2′-dihydro-β,ψ-caroten-4-one); in particular, the latter compound was new and not previously reported. Both monocyclic carotenoids were also found in A. confluentis NBRC 111222  T and A. taiwanensis JCM 19755  T . Further genome comparisons of carotenoid biosynthetic genes revealed the presence of eight genes ( crtE , crtB , crtI , cruF , crtD , crtYcd , crtW , and crtZ ) for flexixanthin biosynthesis. In addition, a crtG homolog gene encoding 2,2ʹ-β-hydroxylase was found in the genome of the strains oki45, A. confluentis NBRC 111222  T , and A. taiwanensis JCM 19755  T , suggesting that the gene is involved in 2-hydroxyflexixanthin synthesis via 2-hydroxylation of flexixanthin. These findings expand our knowledge of monocyclic carotenoid biosynthesis in Algoriphagus bacteria. Key points • Algoriphagus sp. strain oki45 was isolated from seaweed collected in Okinawa, Japan. • A novel monocyclic carotenoid 2-hydroxyflexixanthin was identified from strain oki45. • Nine genes for 2-hydroxyflexixanthin biosynthesis were found in strain oki45 genome. Graphical Abstract

Turfs are among the major benthic components of reef systems worldwide. The nearly complete genome sequences, basic physiological characteristics, and phylogenomic reconstruction of two phycobiliprotein-rich filamentous cyanobacteria strains isolated from turf assemblages from the Abrolhos Bank (Brazil) are investigated. Both Adonisia turfae CCMR0081T (= CBAS 745T) and CCMR0082 contain approximately 8 Mbp in genome size and experiments identified that both strains exhibit chromatic acclimation. Whereas CCMR0081T exhibits chromatic acclimation type 3 (CA3) regulating both phycocyanin (PC) and phycoerythrin (PE), CCMR0082 strain exhibits chromatic acclimation type 2 (CA2), in correspondence with genes encoding specific photosensors and regulators for PC and PE. Furthermore, a high number and diversity of secondary metabolite synthesis gene clusters were identified in both genomes, and they were able to grow at high temperatures (28 °C, with scant growth at 30 °C). These characteristics provide insights into their widespread distribution in reef systems.

The present study describes the variation in lipid components from 15 species of seaweeds belonging to the Chlorophyta, Ochrophyta, and Rhodophyta phyla collected in tropical (Indonesia) and temperate (Japan) areas. Analyses were performed of multiple components, including chlorophylls, carotenoids, n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and alpha tocopherol (α-Toc). Chlorophyll (Chl) and carotenoid contents varied among phyla, but not with the sampling location. Chl a and b were the major chlorophylls in Chlorophyta. Chl a and Chl c were the main chlorophylls in Ochrophyta, while Chl a was the dominant chlorophylls in Rhodophyta. β-Carotene and fucoxanthin were detected as major seaweed carotenoids. The former was present in all species in a variety of ranges, while the latter was mainly found in Ochrophyta and in small quantities in Rhodophyta, but not in Chlorophyta. The total lipids (TL) content and fatty acids composition were strongly affected by sampling location. The TL and n-3 PUFAs levels tended to be higher in temperate seaweeds compared with those in tropical seaweeds. The major n-3 PUFAs in different phyla, namely, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and stearidonic acid (SDA) in Ochrophyta, α-linolenic acid (ALA) and SDA in Chlorophyta, and EPA in Rhodophyta, accumulated in temperate seaweeds. Chlorophylls, their derivatives, and carotenoids are known to have health benefits, such as antioxidant activities, while n-3 PUFAs are known to be essential nutrients that positively influence human nutrition and health. Therefore, seaweed lipids could be used as a source of ingredients with health benefits for functional foods and nutraceuticals.

High-fat and high-sucrose diet (HFHSD)-induced obesity leads to oxidative stress and chronic inflammatory status. However, little is known about the beneficial effects of total lipids extracted from Spirulina. Hence, in the present study, Spirulina lipids were extracted with chloroform/methanol (SLC) or ethanol (SLE) and then their effects on oxidative stress and inflammation in the mice fed a HFHSD were investigated. The results show that the major lipid classes and fatty acid profiles of SLC and SLE were almost similar, but the gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and carotenoid contents in SLE was a little higher than that in SLC. Dietary 4% SLC or SLE for 12 weeks effectively decreased the hepatic lipid hydroperoxide levels as well as increased the activities and mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes in the mice fed a HFHSD. In addition, supplementation with SLC and SLE also markedly decreased the levels of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines and the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the liver and epididymal white adipose tissue of mice fed a HFHSD, and the effects of SLC and SLE were comparable. These findings confirm for the first time that dietary Spirulina lipids could alleviate HFHSD-induced oxidative stress and inflammation.

Fucoxanthin (Fx) is a marine carotenoid found in edible brown seaweeds. We previously reported that dietary Fx metabolite into fucoxanthinol (FxOH), attenuates the weight gain of white adipose tissue of diabetic/obese KK-Ay mice. In this study, to evaluate anti-diabetic effects of Fx, we investigated improving the effect of insulin resistance on the diabetic model of KK-Ay mice. Furthermore, preventing the effect of FxOH on low-grade chronic inflammation related to oxidative stress was evaluated on 3T3-L1 adipocyte cells and a RAW264.7 macrophage cell co-culture system. A diet containing 0.1% Fx was fed to diabetic model KK-Ay mice for three weeks, then glucose tolerance was observed. Fx diet significantly improved glucose tolerance compared with the control diet group. In in vitro studies, FxOH showed suppressed tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) mRNA expression and protein levels in a co-culture of adipocyte and macrophage cells. These findings suggest that Fx ameliorates glucose tolerance in the diabetic model mice. Furthermore, FxOH, a metabolite of Fx, suppresses low-grade chronic inflammation in adipocyte cells.

Fucoxanthin (Fx) has preventive effect against muscle atrophy and myotube loss in vitro, but it has not yet been examined in vivo. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of Fx on dexamethasone (Dex)-induced muscle atrophy and fat mass in mice. ICR mice were fed with Fx diets from 2 weeks before Dex treatment to the end of the study. Muscle atrophy was induced in the mice by oral administration of Dex. Body weight was significantly lower by Dex treatment. Visceral fat mass in the Fx-treated group were significantly lower than those in the control group. The Dex-induced decrease in tibialis anterior muscle mass was ameliorated by Fx treatment. Fx treatment significantly attenuated muscle lipid peroxidation compared with the control and Dex-treated groups. The phosphorylation of AMPK was significantly higher in the Dex-treated group than in the control group. The expression of cytochrome c oxidase (COX) IV was significantly higher in the Fx-treated group than in the control group. These results suggest that Fx may be a beneficial material to prevent muscle atrophy in vivo, in addition to the effect of fat loss.