Nonadecanoic acid is an odd-numbered long chain fatty acid, likely derived from bacterial or plant sources. Nonadecanoic acid has been found in ox fats and vegetable oils. It is also used by certain insects as a phermone. Nonadecanoic acid is a saturated fatty acid. It is an antiproliferative agent. Nonadecanoic acid inhibits cancer cell growth (IC50 = 68 uM, HL-60 cells). Energy source in vivo.

N-acetylmuramic acid (MurNAc) is a bacterial cell wall component. Peptidoglycan, also called murein, is a polymer that consists of long glycan chains that are cross-linked via flexible peptide bridges to form a strong but elastic structure that protects the underlying protoplast from lysing due to the high internal osmotic pressure. The peptidoglycan is the only cell wall polymer common to both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. The glycan chain is built up of alternating, β-1,4-linked N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) and N-acetylmuramic acid (MurNAc) subunits. The chemistry of the glycan chains varies only slightly between different bacteria.

Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) is a global pollutant and an environmental toxicant, widely used as a fabric protector, serving as a stain repellant in drapery, carpets, and clothing. While its use in Europe, Canada, and the U.S. has been banned due to its human toxicity, it continues to be used in China and other developing countries as a global pollutant. However, epidemiologic evidence does not support a causal association between PFOS exposure and cancer risk in humans. However, in utero exposure to PFOS adversely affect the fetal synthesis and secretion of reproductive hormones (e.g., testosterone, estradiol, and inhibin B) in humans. Since the half-life of PFOS is relatively long, at 5.4-yr, even low-dose exposure to PFOS can accumulate in the body over an extended period of time. The mechanisms of PFOA -induced hepatic dysfunction are not completely understood but was shown, that PFOS induces their effects via targeting hepatocyte nuclear factor 4-alpha (HNF4α) and thus altered its conformation. In addition, some recent experiments in vitro revealed, that PFOS-induced male reproductive dysfunction can possibly be managed through an intervention on Akt1/2 expression.

Lignoceric Acid (tetracosanoic acid) is a saturated fatty acid with a 24-carbon backbone, that occurs naturally in wood tar, various cerebrosides, and in small amount in most natural fats. In mammals, it is found in cerebrosides and is synthesized during brain development. The deficient peroxisomal oxidation of very-long-chain fatty acids, including lignoceric acid, contributes to certain syndromes, including Zellweger cerebro-hepato-renal syndrome and X chromosome-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. Lignoceric acid is also a product of lignin production.