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Plasmalogen Profiling in Porcine Brain Tissues by LC-MS/MS
Yue Wu1, Yifan Chen1, Min Zhang2
1Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-5, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan.
Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 26, 2023
Summary
Porcine brain is a rich source of plasmalogens, beneficial lipids for health. Industrial processing can impact plasmalogen levels, but methods like drying and extraction are generally safe, though freeze-thaw cycles reduce content.
Area of Science:
- Lipid biochemistry
- Nutritional science
- Food processing technology
Background:
- Plasmalogens are vital glycerophospholipids with demonstrated anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.
- The porcine brain represents a valuable, underutilized source of plasmalogens.
- Understanding industrial processing effects is crucial for developing plasmalogen-based health foods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the plasmalogen content and composition in various porcine brain products.
- To evaluate the impact of industrial production processes on plasmalogen integrity.
- To assess the nutritional quality of porcine brain-derived plasmalogens for health food applications.
Main Methods:
- Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was employed for plasmalogen analysis.
- Different porcine brain processing steps (acetone precipitation, ethanol extraction, drying, freeze-thaw cycles) were assessed.
- Chemometric analysis was used to differentiate product profiles and identify processing impacts.
- Nutritional indices (PUFA/SFA ratio, n-6/n-3 ratio, thrombogenicity, unsaturation) were calculated.
Main Results:
- All porcine brain products contained substantial total plasmalogens, predominantly ethanolamine plasmalogen species (>95%).
- Acetone precipitation, ethanol extraction, and drying had minimal impact on plasmalogen content.
- Repeated freeze-thaw cycles significantly reduced plasmalogen levels.
- Concentration steps and product types (raw vs. glycerophospholipid) influenced plasmalogen composition.
- Porcine brain products exhibited favorable nutritional profiles, indicating health benefits.
Conclusions:
- Porcine brain is a viable source for producing plasmalogen-rich ingredients.
- Specific processing steps, particularly freeze-thaw cycles and concentration, require careful control to maintain plasmalogen integrity.
- Findings support the development and quality control of porcine brain-derived plasmalogen supplements and health foods.
