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Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) influence many physiological functions. Associations have been found between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the FADS1 (Fatty acid desaturase 1) gene and the relative abundance of PUFA in serum lipids. This study examines the relationship between two SNPs in the FADS1 gene (rs174546, rs174537) and the fatty acid (FA) composition of serum lipids in adolescents (13-18 years). We used DNA samples (670 children; 336 girls and 334 boys) from the Childhood Obesity Prevalence and Treatment (COPAT) project. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes in whole blood samples. For genotype analysis, TaqMan SNP Genotyping assays (Applied Biosystems) were used. Fatty acid composition of serum lipids was assessed using gas chromatography. The T-statistic and regression were used for statistical evaluations. Minor allele T carriers in both SNPs had significant lower level of palmitic acid (16:0, phospholipids) and arachidonic acid (20:4[n-6], phospholipids) in both sexes. In girls, we found a significant positive association between minor allele T carriers and eicosadienoic acid (20:2[n-6], cholesteryl esters) in both SNPs. Being a minor allele T carrier was significantly positively associated with dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (20:3[n-6], phospholipids) in boys in both SNPs. SNPs (including rs174546, rs174537) in the FADS gene cluster should have impacted desaturase activity, which may contribute to different efficiency of PUFA synthesis.

Dietary n-3 fatty acids, especially of marine origin, eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3), have always been lauded for their profound effects on regulating the risk factors for major metabolic disorders. Yet, their consumption rate is poor compared to n-6 fatty acids [linoleic acid (18:2n-6)], which are predominantly consumed. Hence, the skewed n-6 to n-3 fatty acid ratio may have a bearing on the risk factors of various diseases, including dyslipidemia. Dyslipidemia and other lifestyle diseases associated with it, such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, are a growing concern in both developed and developing countries. A common strategy for addressing dyslipidemia involves bile acid (BA) sequestration, to interrupt the enterohepatic circulation of BA, resulting in the modulation of lipid absorption in the intestine, thereby normalizing the levels of circulating lipids. The BA homeostasis is under the tight control of hepatic and enteric BA transporters. Many investigations have reported the effects of dietary constituents, including certain fatty acids on the reabsorption and transport of BA. However, a critical review of the effects of n-3 fatty acids on BA metabolism and transport is not available. The present review attempts to explore certain unmapped facets of the n-3 fatty acids on BA metabolism and transport in dyslipidemia, and their interplay with biological processes involving lipid rafts and gut microbiome.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with an imbalance in fatty acid composition and can progress from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Essential phospholipids (EPL), which contain high levels of 1,2-dilinoleoylphosphatidylcholine, can be used to treat NAFLD. Polyenylphosphatidylcholine (PPC) preparations are external, commercially available EPL products. The lipid composition of five commercially available PPC preparations, including Essentiale Forte, Fortifikat, Hepatoprotect Regenerator, Fortifikat Forte, and Esentin Forte were compared, the outcome of which may impact physician choice in the treatment of NAFLD. Following lipid extraction, a comparative analysis of key lipid content was performed using a QTRAP6500+ triple quadruple ion trap hybrid mass spectrometer (Sciex) in nanoelectrospray ionization mode. The glycerophospholipid composition of each PPC was determined, including levels of phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn) species, as well as PtdCho:PtdEtn ratio. Of the five preparations analyzed, Essentiale Forte contained the highest PtdCho levels (61.9 mol%) and lowest PtdEtn levels (4.9 mol%). PtdCho 36:4 levels, a polyunsaturated species of PtdCho, were highest in Esentin Forte (39.3 mol%) and Essentiale Forte (38.3 mol%) compared with other PPCs (28.7-35.8 mol%). Levels of lysophosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidic acid, and phosphatidylglycerol were low in all five preparations. Lipid composition was consistent between the preparations. The high PtdCho:PtdEtn ratio composition of Essentiale Forte compared with the other PPC analyzed, as well as the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids, suggest it could be the most clinically beneficial commercially available hepatoprotective product in the treatment of NAFLD.

Growing health awareness has resulted in the increased use of dietary supplements derived from plants and marine sources, leaving consumers unsure of their best options. There were three objectives of the present study. The first was to design and evaluate an efficient derivatization procedure. The second was to perform a comparative analysis of liquid oils and their corresponding capsules of hemp, chia, and flax seeds. The final objective was to determine the fatty acid (FA) composition of six fish oil products and compare it to the one provided on the label. For the FA profiling, we implemented two efficient, one-step, sustainable methods with high percentage recovery for the synthesis of FA methyl esters (FAME), which use base catalysis and microwave-assisted heating. Our results found no difference in nutritional value between liquid oils and capsules of the seed supplements, with flaxseed and chia offering a higher, beneficial n-3:n-6 ratio compared to hemp oil. Four of the fish oils analyzed contained significantly less eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) than their reported label, and the other two not only agreed with the manufacturers' declaration but were able to fulfill the daily adequate intake (AI) with fewer capsules.

Total lipids were extracted from razor clams Sinonovacula constricta and Solen gouldi, and the molecular species of glycerophospholipid (Gpl) including choline glycerophospholipid (ChoGpl), ethanolamine glycerophospholipid (EtnGpl), serine glycerophospholipid (SerGpl), inositol glycerophospholipid (InsGpl), lysoChoGpl, lysoEtnGpl, and lysoSerGpl were characterized using a direct-infusion tandem mass spectrometric method for the first time. Meanwhile, the lipid class composition and phospholipid (PL) class composition as well as the fatty acid (FA) composition of total lipids, triacylglycerol (TAG), and PL were also investigated. About 238 and 235 molecular species were characterized, respectively, in Sinonovacula constricta and Solen gouldi. The majority of the dominant Gpl molecular species contained n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA), especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Also, razor clam lipids contained a high-proportioned PL (52.19-65.41% of total lipids) and PUFA (47.94-54.81 mol%). Furthermore, PL contained a higher proportion of PUFA (63.05-67.13 mol%), especially DHA (20.04-22.47 mol%) and EPA (16.27-21.46 mol%) than TAG (the corresponding values being 33.73-34.45, 11.95-12.27, and 8.13-0.8.99 mol%, respectively). Meanwhile, phosphatidylcholine (44.38-46.21 mol%) and phosphatidylethanolamine (38.84-39.95 mol%) were dominant among PL. In consideration of the high proportion of PUFA-enriched Gpl, razor clam plays a great role in promoting human health.

The main objective of this study was to determine the best vegetable oils (VO) for nutrition of African catfish by assessing the effects of a complete replacement of fish oil (FO) by different VO sources on its growth performance, fatty acid composition, and elongase-desaturase gene expression levels. Fish (16.2 g of initial body weight) were fed with five experimental isonitrogenous, isolipidic, and isoenergetic diets in which FO was totally replaced by cottonseed oil (CO), palm oil (PO), desert date oil (DO), or Shea butter (SB). Complete replacement of FO with VO did not affect growth performance except for low values in fish fed SB diet. Muscle n-3 LC-polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were significantly reduced in fish fed VO-based diets when compared with FO fed fish. However, the muscle arachidinic acid (ARA) levels in phospholipid class were 1.4 to 1.6 times higher in fish fed CO and DO diets than FO fed fish despite the lower ARA suppliers from these VO-based diets, suggesting endogenous LC-PUFA biosynthesis from PUFA precursors in fish fed these VO. The fads2 and elovl5 gene expression levels in liver of fish fed DO were also higher compared to FO controls. Therefore, all the results support the hypothesis that African catfish has higher biosynthesis capacity to convert vegetable n-6 PUFA precursors like linoleic acid (LNA, 18:2n-6) into n-6 LC-PUFA of the ARA type, compared to the conversion of vegetable α-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3) into n-3 LC-PUFA of the eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) or docosahexanoic acid (DHA) type. The results also indicate that DO can be recommended as the best alternative to FO replacement in African catfish nutrition.

Population-based data suggest that individuals who consume large dietary amounts of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have lower odds of peripheral artery disease (PAD); however, clinical studies examining n-3 PUFA levels in patients with PAD are sparse. The objective of this study is to compare erythrocyte membrane fatty acid (FA) content between patients with PAD and controls. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 179 vascular surgery outpatients (controls, 34; PAD, 145). A blood sample was drawn and the erythrocyte FA content was assayed using capillary gas chromatography. We calculated the ratio of the n-3 PUFA eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to the n-6 PUFA arachidonic acid (ARA) as well as the omega-3 index (O3I), a measure of erythrocyte content of the n-3 PUFA, EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), expressed as a percentage of total erythrocyte FA. Compared with controls, patients with PAD smoked more and were more likely to have hypertension and hyperlipidemia (p

Four bacterial isolates, which produced polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), were isolated from water samples of radioactive springs collected from Jachymov spa. Jachymov (Sankt Joachimsthal) is a city in northwestern Bohemia, where Marie and Pierre Curie isolated radium in 1898 from the mineral uraninite. To date, four springs (Agricola, Behounek, C1, and Curie) have been used for spa purposes, that is for the treatment of nervous and rheumatic disorders by constantly produced radioactive gas radon (222 Rn) dissolved in the water. The radioactivity reaches 24 kBq/L. Using 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, all four isolates were identified as members of the genus Kocuria, with two isolates designated 208 and 401 affiliated with Kocuria kristinae, while isolates 101 and 301 most likely with K. rhizophila. The content of fatty acids in polar lipids was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and two PUFA, that is arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic, were identified. The position of double bonds was confirmed by GC-MS of 3-pyridylcarbinol (formerly picolinyl) esters. We assume that all four isolates of Kocuria produce PUFA to increase the stability of cell membranes, which may be impaired by the reaction of the reactive oxygen species. These can arise, for example, because of α radiation during 222 Rn decay.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurologic autoimmune disease, which is the leading cause of nontraumatic neurologic disability in young adults in United States and Europe. n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are reported to mitigate severity of this disease. Recent studies suggest that phospholipid (PL) form of dietary n-3 PUFA may lead to their higher tissue accretion than triacylglycerol (TAG) form. We compared efficacy of PL-docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) (DHA) and TAG-DHA on onset and severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in a mouse model of MS. Female mice were fed low alpha-linolenic acid (18:3n-3) (ALA) diet (control) for 2 weeks and then fed either control, 0.3%, or 1.0% DHA (PL or TAG) for 4 weeks pre-EAE induction and 4 weeks post-EAE induction. The brain and spinal cord n-6:n-3 ratio was significantly lower in all mice fed DHA compared to control. EAE onset was delayed in mice fed both DHA forms and concentrations, except for 1% TAG-DHA. The inverse association between the EAE score and the brain DHA concentration was nonsignificant at the end of the study (p = 0.08). Daily EAE scores of mice fed different DHA diets did not differ from control, however, the score of all DHA groups combined during days 9-16 was lower (p = 0.028) compared to the control. During days 17-22, the EAE score trended lower in 0.3% TAG-DHA and during days 23-28, the EAE score trended lower in both PL-DHA groups than those in all other groups. These findings suggest that TAG-DHA may be more effective than PL-DHA in the early phases of EAE, and in the final outcome, PL-DHA may be more effective than TAG-DHA.

Biohydrogenation intermediates (BHI) including conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers are formed during ruminal biohydrogenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in ruminants. Although many studies have examined the anticarcinogenic effects of CLA, few studies have reported the anticarcinogenic properties of BHI in their natural form found in dairy and beef fats. The present study compared the growth-inhibitory effects of fatty acids from beef perirenal fat (PRF) or subcutaneous fat (SCF) with low or high levels of BHI in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Cells were exposed for 72 h to media containing increasing doses (50 to 400 μM) of different beef fat treatments. Fatty-acid analysis showed that BHI were readily incorporated into cell phospholipids (PL) in a treatment-dependent manner, but higher BHI in PL did not consistently inhibit growth. Culturing with low-BHI PRF or high-BHI PRF did not lead to growth inhibition, but low-BHI SCF inhibited growth, and inhibition was further increased by high-BHI SCF. Other classes of fatty acids may, therefore, be interacting with BHI resulting in differential effects on growth inhibition in human breast cancer cells.

The rate at which dietary α-linolenic acid (ALA) is desaturated and elongated to its longer-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in humans is not agreed upon. In this study, we applied a methodology developed using rodents to investigate the whole-body, presumably hepatic, synthesis-secretion rates of esterified n-3 PUFA from circulating unesterified ALA in 2 healthy overweight women after 10 weeks of low-linoleate diet exposure. During continuous iv infusion of d5-ALA, 17 arterial blood samples were collected from each subject at -10, 0, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 150, 180, and 210 min, and at 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 h after beginning infusion. Plasma esterified d5-n-3 PUFA concentrations were plotted against the infusion time and fit to a sigmoidal curve using nonlinear regression. These curves were used to estimate kinetic parameters using a kinetic analysis developed using rodents. Calculated synthesis-secretion rates of esterified eicosapentaenoate, n-3 docosapentaenoate, docosahexaenoic acid, tetracosapentaenate, and tetracosahexaenoate from circulating unesterified ALA were 2.1 and 2.7; 1.7 and 5.3; 0.47 and 0.27; 0.30 and 0.30; and 0.32 and 0.27 mg/day for subjects S01 and S02, respectively. This study provides new estimates of whole-body synthesis-secretion rates of esterified longer-chain n-3 PUFA from circulating unesterified ALA in human subjects. This method now can be extended to study factors that regulate human whole-body PUFA synthesis-secretion in health and disease.

Mitochondria intricately modulate their energy production through the control of mitochondrial adaptation (mitochondrial biogenesis, fusion, and/or fission) to meet energy demands. Nutrient overload may result in dysregulated mitochondrial biogenesis, morphology toward mitochondrial fragmentation, and oxidative stress in the skeletal muscle. In addition, physical activity and diet components influence mitochondrial function. Exercise may stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis and promote mitochondrial fusion/fission in the skeletal muscle. Moreover, some dietary fatty acids, such as n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid, have been identified to positively regulate mitochondrial adaptation in the skeletal muscle. This review discusses the association of mitochondrial impairments and obesity, and presents an overview of various mechanisms of which exercise training and mitochondrial nutrients promote mitochondrial function in the skeletal muscle.

Yeast lipids and fatty acids (FA) were analyzed in Saccharomyces pastorianus from seven breweries and in the dietary yeast supplement Pangamin. GC-MS identified more than 30 FA, half of which were very-long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) with hydrocarbon chain lengths of ≥22 C atoms. Positional isomers ω-9 and ω-7 were identified in FA with C18-C28 even-numbered alkyl chains. The most abundant ω-7 isomer was cis-vaccenic acid. The structure of monounsaturated FA was proved by dimethyl disulfide adducts (position of double bonds and cis geometric configuration) and by GC-MS of pyridyl carbinol esters. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with negative electrospray ionization identified the phospholipids phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine, with more than 150 molecular species. Wild-type unmutated brewer's yeast strains conventionally used for the manufacture of food supplements were found to contain VLCFA.

International audience; Fatty acids have many health benefits in a great variety of diseases ranging from cardiovascular to cerebral diseases. For instance, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is highly enriched in brain phospholipids, plays a major role in anti-inflammatory or neuroprotective pathways. Its effects are thought to be due, in part, to its conversion into derived mediators such as protectins. 1-Lyso,2-docosahexaenoyl-glycerophosphocholine (LysoPtdCho-DHA) is one of the physiological carrier of DHA to the brain. We previously synthesized a structured phosphatidylcholine to mimic 1-lyso,2-docosahexaenoyl-glycerophosphocholine, named AceDoPC(A (R)) (1-acetyl,2-docosahexaenoyl-glycerophosphocholine), that is considered as a stabilized form of the physiological LysoPtdCho-DHA and that is neuroprotective in experimental ischemic stroke. Considering these, the current study aimed at enzymatically oxygenate DHA contained within AceDoPC(A (R)) to synthesize a readily structured oxidized phospholipid containing protectin DX (PDX), thereafter named AceDoxyPC (1-acetyl,2-PDX-glycerophosphocholine). Identification of this product was performed using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Such molecule could be used as a bioactive mediator for therapy against neurodegenerative diseases and stroke.

The intention of this study was to investigate the role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the cold adaptation of Rhodosporidium kratochvilovae YM25235 by knockout of the Δ12/Δ15-fatty acid desaturase gene (RKD12) to inactivate Δ12/Δ15-fatty acid desaturase. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification was used to detect the genomic structure of RKD12 gene in YM25235. The RKD12 gene was knocked out by DNA homologous recombination to inhibit the biosynthesis of PUFA. Then, the contents of linoleic acid (LNA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA) after gene knockout were investigated using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometer, followed by determination of the growth rate and membrane fluidity of YM25235 at low temperature. After PCR amplification, a 1611 bp genomic fragment was amplified from YM25235. When the RKD12 gene was knocked out, the contents of LNA and ALA in YM25235 significantly decreased. The growth rate and membrane fluidity of YM25235 decreased significantly at low temperature. Inhibition of PUFA biosynthesis by RKD12 gene knockout influenced cold adaptation of YM25235 by decreasing the PUFA content in cell membranes and reducing the growth rate and membrane fluidity of YM25235 at low temperature.

Small catalase-related hemoproteins with a facility to react with fatty acid hydroperoxides were examined for their potential mono-oxygenase activity when activated using iodosylbenzene. The proteins tested were a Fusarium graminearum 41 kD catalase hemoprotein (Fg-cat, gene FGSG_02217), a Pseudomonas fluorescens Pfl01 catalase (37.5 kD, accession number WP_011333788.1), and a Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis 33 kD catalase (gene MAP-2744c). 13-Hydroxy-octadecenoic acids (which are normally unreactive) were selected as substrates because these enyzmes react specifically with the corresponding 13S-hydroperoxides (Pakhomova et al, (2009) Protein Sci. 18:2559, and Teder et al, 2017, Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 1862:706). In the presence of iodosylbenzene Fg-cat converted 13S-hydroxy-fatty acids to two products: the 15,16-double bond of 13S-hydroxy α-linolenic acid was oxidized stereospecifically to the 15S,16R-cis-epoxide or the 13-hydroxyl was oxidized to the 13-ketone. Products were identified by UV, HPLC, LC-MS, NMR and by comparison with authentic standards prepared for this study. The Pfl01-cat displayed similar activity. MAP-2744c oxidized 13S-hydroxy-linoleic acid to the 13-ketone, and epoxidized the double bonds to form the 9,10-epoxy-13-hydroxy, 11,12-epoxy-13-hydroxy, and 9,10-epoxy-13-keto derivatives; equivalent transformations occurred with 9S-hydroxy-linoleic acid as substrate. In parallel incubations in the presence of iodosylbenzene, human catalase displayed no activity towards 13S-hydroxy-linoleic acid, as expected from the highly restricted access to its active site. The results indicted that with suitable transformation to Compound I, monooxygenase activity can be demonstrated by these catalase-related hemoproteins with tyrosine as the proximal heme ligand.

Unsaturated fatty acid biohydrogenation products from beef fat and pure fatty acids were subjected to the Ames Salmonella mutagenicity testing, including monounsaturated fatty acids [MUFA: oleic acid, vaccenic acid, elaidic acid; beef fatty acid fractions rich in trans (t)11/t13-t14-18:1 (t11,13,14-Frac), t10-18:1 (t10-Frac)] and dienoic fatty acids [linoleic acid, conjugated linoleic isomers cis (c)9,t11-18:2 and t10,c12-18:2, and a mixed beef dienoic fatty acid fraction high in c9,t13-/t8,c12/t11c15-18:2 (MD)]. Significantly higher anti-mutagenic effects of oleic acid, vaccenic acid, t11, 13, 14-Frac, and t10-Frac against daunomycin were observed at 2.5 mg. All dienoic acids except MD significantly reduced daunomycin mutagenicity at ≥0.25 mg. Anti-mutagenicity of oleic and vaccenic acids against 2-aminoanthracene was found at 2.5 and 0.25 mg, respectively. All dienoic acids significantly reduced 2-aminoanthracene mutagenicity at ≥0.25 mg. Findings of this study show that unsaturated fatty acids, including trans-fatty acids commonly found in beef, can act as strong anti-mutagens.

Edible brown algae have attracted interest as a source of beneficial allenic carotenoid fucoxanthin, and glyco- and phospholipids enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Unlike green algae, brown algae contain no or little phosphatidylserine, possessing an unusual aminophospholipid, phosphatidyl-O-[N-(2-hydroxyethyl) glycine], PHEG, instead. When our routinely used technique of 31P-NMR analysis of phospholipids was applied to the samples of edible New Zealand brown algae, a number of signals corresponding to unidentified phosphorus-containing compounds were observed in total lipids. NI (negative ion) ESI QToF MS spectra confirmed the presence of more familiar phospholipids, and also suggested the presence of PHEG or its isomers. The structure of PHEG was confirmed by comparison with a synthetic standard. An unusual MS fragmentation pattern that was also observed prompted us to synthesise a number of possible candidates, and was found to follow that of phosphatidylhydroxyethyl methylcarbamate, likely an extraction artefact. An unexpected outcome was the finding of ceramidephosphoinositol that has not been reported previously as occurring in brown algae. An uncommon arsenic-containing phospholipid has also been observed and quantified, and its TLC behaviour studied, along with that of the newly synthesised lipids.

Drug-resistant strains of Helicobacter pylori and poor treatment response are the main reasons for the failure in eradicating it in patients. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have an inhibitory effect on bacterial growth. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PUFA in combination with standard triple therapy on apoptosis in H. pylori infected subjects with dyspeptic symptoms. This study was a double-blind clinical trial in which 34 H. pylori infected subjects with dyspeptic symptoms were randomly divided into two groups of 17 patients. The control group received standard triple therapy (amoxicillin, clarithromycin and omeprazole) and the experimental group received the standard therapy and PUFA for two weeks. Gene expression levels of caspase-3, BCL-2 and Bad proteins were studied with real-time PCR, while protein levels were quantified in frozen sections and using immunohistochemistry. Compared with the control group, a significant increase (p

Fat is the second most abundant component of the nutrient composition of the mealworm Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) that represents also an interesting source of PUFA, especially n-6 and n-3 fatty acids, involved in prevention of cardiovascular diseases. This study investigated the possibility of modifying the fat content and the FA composition of yellow mealworms through feeding and how this would be influenced by developmental stages, pupal sex, and generation with the future aim of applying this coleopteran as a diet supplement for human health. Growth rate and cumulative mortality percentage on the different feeding substrates were also evaluated to select the optimal conditions for a mass-raising of this insect species. Despite the different fat content in the six different breeding substrates used, T. molitor larvae and pupae contained a constant fat percentage (>34% in larvae and >30% in pupae). A similar total fat content was found comparing larvae and male and female pupae of the second generation to those of the first generation. On the contrary, FA composition differed both in larvae and pupae reared on the different feeding substrates. However, the exemplars reared on the diets based on 100% bread and 100% oat flour showed SFA, PUFA percentages, and an n-6/n-3 ratio more suitable for human consumption; the diet based on beer yeast, wheat flour, and oat flour resulted in a contemporary diet that most satisfied the balance between a fat composition of high quality and favorable growth conditions.

n-3 Tetracosapentaenoic acid (24:5n-3, TPAn-3) and tetracosahexaenoic acid (24:6n-3, THA) are believed to be important intermediates to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) synthesis. The purpose of this study is to report for the first time serum concentrations of TPAn-3 and THA and their response to changing dietary α-linolenic acid (18:3n-3, ALA) and DHA. The responses will then be used in an attempt to predict the location of these fatty acids in relation to DHA in the biosynthetic pathway. Male Long Evans rats (n = 6 per group) were fed either a low (0.1% of total fatty acids), medium (3%) or high (10%) ALA diet with no added DHA, or a low (0%), medium (0.2%) or high (2%) DHA diet with a background of 2% ALA for 8 weeks post-weaning. Serum n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentrations (nmol/mL ± SEM) were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Serum THA increases from low (0.3 ± 0.1) to medium (5.8 ± 0.7) but not from medium to high (4.6 ± 0.9) dietary ALA, while serum TPAn-3 increases with increasing dietary ALA from 0.09 ± 0.04 to 0.70 ± 0.09 to 1.23 ± 0.14 nmol/mL. Following DHA feeding, neither TPAn-3 or THA change across all dietary DHA intake levels. Serum TPAn-3 demonstrates a similar response to dietary DHA. In conclusion, this is the first study to demonstrate that increases in dietary ALA but not DHA increase serum TPAn-3 and THA in rats, suggesting that both fatty acids are precursors to DHA in the biosynthetic pathway.

The aim of the present work was to study the effect of season on phospholipids and triacylglycerols (TAG) of mantle and tentacles of female and male wild Sepia officinalis. The identified phospholipids were phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn), phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho), phosphatidylserine (PtdSer), and phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns), and PtdEtn was the major fraction. Results showed apparent seasonal variation of phospholipid content, particularly with female samples. Fatty acid composition of phospholipid classes showed a differentiation much more in the proportions than in the diversity of fatty acids. Results showed that the major saturated fatty acids were 16:0 and 18:0, the major monounsaturated fatty acids were 18:1 and 20:l, and the major polyunsaturated fatty acids were docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3) (EPA). The results relative to TAG demonstrated significant variations. Principal component analysis confirmed the seasonal and sexual effects. This study could be appropriate for the improvement of consistent monitoring of phospholipid and TAG accumulation in cephalopod, which might be important for both physiological studies and food industries.

In order to identify new structures, the free fatty acids from an extract of a glass sponge Aulosaccus sp. (from the north-west Pacific) belonging to one of the least chemically investigated classes (Hexactinellida), were fractionated by RP-HPLC and analyzed by NMR spectroscopy and GC-MS of their pyrrolidine derivatives, methyl(ethyl) esters and their dimethyl disulfide adducts. One hundred and twenty-three C12-C31 acids (including nine new compounds) were detected, one hundred and ten of these compounds have not been found previously in glass sponges. The levels of common methylene-interrupted polyenes, monoenes of the (n-7) family and less common branched-chain components proved to be high. New acids were shown to be 5,13-dimethyl-tetradec-4-enoic, cis-10,11-methylene-heptadecanoic, 10,12-dimethyl-octadecanoic, cis-12,13-methylene-nonadecanoic, (14E)-13-methyl-eicos-14-enoic, 19-methyl-eicos-13-enoic, cis-20,21-methylene-heptacosanoic, 27-methyl-octacos-21-enoic and (22Z)-nonacos-22-enoic. Some important mass spectrometric characteristics of pyrrolidides of homologous cyclopropane fatty acids are reported and discussed.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the trans fatty acids (TFA) content and distribution in colostrum, mature milk, and diet of adolescent mothers, after TFA declaration in food labels became mandatory in Brazil. Participants were healthy adolescents (n 54, 15-19 years, 1-90 days postpartum) practicing exclusive breastfeeding. Milk samples were collected 3 days after delivery (colostrum) and in the third month postpartum (mature milk) by hand expression. The fatty acid composition of the milk samples was determined by gas chromatography. TFA intake corresponded to 1.23 % of total energy value. Total 18:2 TFA accounted for less than 0.5 % of the energy intake. The amount of total 18:1 TFA (mean ± SEM) was 1.9 % ± 0.14 in colostrum and 1.5 % ± 0.2 in mature milk. The total content of n-3 PUFA was inversely correlated with the total content of 18:1 TFA in colostrum. Both in colostrum and in mature milk, vaccenic acid (11t-18:1) was found to be the most abundant 18:1 trans isomer, followed by elaidic acid (9t-18:1), whereas rumenic acid (9c,11t-18:2 CLA) was the predominant 18:2 trans isomer. In conclusion, the levels of TFA of industrial sources found in the mother's diet and breast milk (colostrum and mature milk) showed a decrease in relation to those observed in studies conducted prior to the TFA labeling resolution in Brazil. However, the current low intake levels of n-3 LCPUFA and DHA content in the milk of lactating adolescents may be insufficient for supporting adequate neurological development of the infants.

Consumption of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) is associated with a reduced incidence of atherosclerosis. Perilla oil (PO) is a vegetable oil rich in α-linolenic acid (ALA), an n-3 PUFA. In this study, antiatherogenic effects and related mechanisms of PO were investigated in atherosclerotic mice. Apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE KO) mice (male, n = 27) were fed high-cholesterol and high-fat diets containing 10 % w/w lard (LD), PO, or sunflower oil (SO) for 10 weeks. Plasma triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations reduced in the PO and SO groups compared to the concentrations in the LD group (P

Rabbitfish Siganus canaliculatus was the first marine teleost demonstrated to have the ability to biosynthesize C20-22 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) from C18 PUFA precursors, which is generally absent or low in marine teleosts. Thus, understanding the molecular basis of LC-PUFA biosynthesis in rabbitfish will contribute to efforts aimed at optimizing LC-PUFA biosynthesis in teleosts, especially marine species. In the present study, the importance of the transcription factors liver X receptor (Lxr) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (Srebp1) in regulation of LC-PUFA biosynthesis in rabbitfish was investigated. First, full-length cDNA of Lxr and Srebp1 were cloned and characterized. The Lxr mRNA displayed a ubiquitous tissue expression pattern while Srebp1 was highly expressed in eyes, brain and intestine. In rabbitfish primary hepatocytes treated with Lxr agonist T0901317, the expression of Lxr and Srebp1 was activated, accompanied by elevated mRNA levels of Δ4 and Δ6/Δ5 fatty acyl desaturase (Fad), key enzymes of LC-PUFA biosynthesis, as well as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ). In addition, Srebp1 displayed higher expression levels in liver of rabbitfish fed a vegetable oil diet or reared at 10 ppt salinity, which were conditions reported to increase the liver expression of Δ4 and Δ6/Δ5 Fad and LC-PUFA biosynthetic ability, than fish fed a fish oil diet or reared at 32 ppt, respectively. These results suggested that Lxr and Srebp1 are involved in regulation of LC-PUFA biosynthesis probably by promoting the expression of two Fad in rabbitfish liver, which, to our knowledge, is the first report in marine teleosts.

A two part experiment was conducted to assess the response of barramundi (Lates calcarifer; initial weight = 10.3 ± 0.03 g; mean ± S.D.) fed one of five diets with varying eicosapentaenoic acid (diets 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 g/kg) or one of four diets with varying arachidonic acid (1, 6, 12, 18 g/kg) against a fish oil control diet. After 6 weeks of feeding, the addition of EPA or ARA did not impact on growth performance or feed utilisation. Analysis of the whole body fatty acids showed that these reflected those of the diets. The ARA retention demonstrated an inversely related curvilinear response to either EPA or ARA. The calculated marginal utilisation efficiencies of EPA and ARA were high (62.1 and 91.9 % respectively) and a dietary ARA requirement was defined (0.012 g/kg(0.796)/day). The partial cDNA sequences of genes regulating eicosanoid biosynthesis were identified in barramundi tissues, namely cyclooxygenase 1 (Lc COX1a, Lc COX1b), cyclooxygenase 2 (Lc COX2) and lipoxygenase (Lc ALOX-5). Both Lc COX2 and Lc ALOX-5 expression in the liver tissue were elevated in response to increasing dietary ARA, meanwhile expression levels of Lc COX2 and the mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation gene carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (Lc CPT1a) were elevated in the kidney. A low level of EPA increased the expression of Lc COX1b in the liver. Consideration should be given to the EPA to ARA balance for juvenile barramundi in light of nutritionally inducible nature of the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes.

The meagre (Argyrosomus regius) is taking on increasing importance in the aquaculture industry. In view of the limited supply of fish oil (FO) as a feed ingredient, the study of the capacity to biosynthesize long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) from alternative dietary oil sources is important. We analyzed changes in fatty acid (FA) desaturase 2 (fads2) and FA elongase 5 (elovl5) mRNA levels in livers and brains in response to FO replacement with a blend of vegetable oils (VO) and selenium (Se) supplementation. Fish were fed for 60 days with either a diet containing FO or a diet including VO, each supplemented or not with organic Se. Results showed that fads2 and elovl5 transcription was higher in liver when fish were fed VO diets. The brain mRNA levels of both genes were not affected by the dietary replacement of FO by VO. FA composition in the liver and skeletal muscle was altered by FO replacement, particularly by decreasing eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid contents. The α-linolenic, linoleic, and arachidonic acid contents increased in both liver and brain of fish fed VO diets. The effect of Se supplementation on lipid metabolism was evident only in fish fed FO, showing a decrease in the transcription of hepatic fads2. Results indicate that the total replacement of FO by VO in diets modulates the expression of genes involved in LC-PUFA biosynthesis in meagre, affecting the FA profile of the fish flesh. Fil: Silva Brito, Francisca. Universidad de Porto; Portugal Fil: Magnoni, Leonardo Julián. Universidad de Porto; Portugal. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. Raúl Alfonsín" (sede Chascomús). Universidad Nacional de San Martín. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. Raúl Alfonsín" (sede Chascomús); Argentina Fil: Fonseca, Sthelio Braga. Universidade Federal da Paraíba; Brasil. Universidade Federal de Campina Grande; Brasil Fil: Peixoto, Maria João. Universidad de Porto; Portugal Fil: Castro, L. Filipe C.. Universidad de Porto; Portugal Fil: Cunha, Isabel. Universidad de Porto; Portugal Fil: de Almeida Ozório, Rodrigo Otávio. Universidad de Porto; Portugal Fil: Magalhães, Fernando Antunes. Universidad de Porto; Portugal Fil: Magalhães Gonçalves, José Fernando. Universidad de Porto; Portugal

Crude lecithin, a mixture of mainly phospholipids, potentially helps to increase the systemic availability of dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Nevertheless, no clear data exist on the effects of prolonged combined dietary supplementation of DHA and lecithin on RBC and plasma PUFA levels. In the current experiments, levels of DHA and choline, two dietary ingredients that enhance neuronal membrane formation and function, were determined in plasma and red blood cells (RBC) from rats after dietary supplementation of DHA-containing oils with and without concomitant dietary supplementation of crude lecithin for 2–3 weeks. The aim was to provide experimental evidence for the hypothesized additive effects of dietary lecithin (not containing any DHA) on top of dietary DHA on PUFA levels in plasma and RBC. Dietary supplementation of DHA-containing oils, either as vegetable algae oil or as fish oil, increased DHA, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and total n-3 PUFA, and decreased total omega-6 PUFA levels in plasma and RBC, while dietary lecithin supplementation alone did not affect these levels. However, combined dietary supplementation of DHA and lecithin increased the changes induced by DHA supplementation alone. Animals receiving a lecithin-containing diet also had a higher plasma free choline concentration as compared to controls. In conclusion, dietary DHA-containing oils and crude lecithin have synergistic effects on increasing plasma and RBC n-3 PUFA levels, including DHA and EPA. By increasing the systemic availability of dietary DHA, dietary lecithin may increase the efficacy of DHA supplementation when their intake is combined., Nutricia Research

Due to the scarcity of marine fish oil resources, the aquaculture industry is developing more efficient strategies for the utilization of dietary omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA). A better understanding of how fish utilize EPA and DHA, typically provided by fish oil, is needed. However, EPA and DHA have different physiological functions, may be metabolized and incorporated into tissues differently, and may vary in terms of their importance in meeting the fatty acid requirements of fish. To address these questions, Atlantic salmon were fed experimental diets containing, as the sole added dietary lipid source, fish oil (positive control), tallow (negative control), or tallow supplemented with EPA, DHA, or both fatty acids to ~50 or 100% of their respective levels in the positive control diet. Following 14 weeks of feeding, the negative control diet yielded optimum growth performance. Though surprising, these results support the notion that Atlantic salmon requirements for n-3 LC-PUFA are quite low. EPA was largely β-oxidized and inefficiently deposited in tissues, and increasing dietary levels were associated with potential negative effects on growth. Conversely, DHA was completely spared from catabolism and very efficiently deposited into flesh. EPA bioconversion to DHA was largely influenced by substrate availability, with the presence of preformed DHA having little inhibitory effect. These results clearly indicate EPA and DHA are metabolized differently by Atlantic salmon, and suggest that the n-3 LC-PUFA dietary requirements of Atlantic salmon may be lower than reported and different, if originating primarily from EPA or DHA.

The aim of this study was to develop a simple method for simultaneous determination of selected cis/cis PUFA-LNA (18:2), ALA (18:3), GLA (18:3), EPA (20:5), and DHA (22:6) by silver ion high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array detector (Ag-HPLC-DAD). The separation was performed on three Luna SCX Silver Loaded columns connected in series maintained at 10 °C with isocratic elution by 1% acetonitrile in n-hexane. The applied chromatographic system allowed a baseline separation of standard mixture of n-3 and n-6 fatty acid methyl esters containing LNA, DHA, and EPA and partial separation of ALA and GLA positional isomers. The method was validated by means of linearity, precision, stability, and recovery. Limits of detection (LOD) for considered PUFA standard solutions ranged from 0.27 to 0.43 mg L(-1). The developed method was used to evaluate of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids contents in plant and fish softgel oil capsules, results were compared with reference GC-FID based method.

Phospholipids (PL) containing n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have beneficial effects of maintaining and promoting health compared with triacylglycerols (TAG) containing n-3 PUFA or general PL. This study evaluated the effects of dietary PL containing n-3 PUFA and elucidated the effects of the glycerophosphate structure and n-3 PUFA on fatty acid (FA) metabolism in rats. Rats were fed a basal diet containing soybean oil alone, TAG containing n-3 PUFA (1.8 %), soybean PL (2.7 %), PL containing n-3 PUFA (2.7 %), or TAG containing n-3 PUFA (1.8 %) + soybean PL (2.7 %). The present n-3 PUFA-supplemented diets had similar FA compositions, and the PL diets had similar PL compositions. TAG containing n-3 PUFA reduced serum TAG contents, but did not affect serum cholesterol contents compared with soybean oil alone. PL diets containing n-3 PUFA and the combination of TAG containing n-3 PUFA and soybean PL resulted in decreased serum and liver TAG contents compared with the diet containing soybean oil alone, reflecting enhanced liver FA β-oxidation. The results of this study show that TAG containing n-3 PUFA with added soybean PL affects serum and liver TAG and cholesterol contents to a similar degree as PL containing n-3 PUFA. TAG containing n-3 PUFA and soybean PL are widely used as functional food ingredients and pharmaceutical constituents and are inexpensive compared with PL containing n-3 PUFA. Therefore, the combination of TAG containing n-3 PUFA and soybean PL has potential as a useful and inexpensive component of functional foods.

Although several works have reported absorption rate differences of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) bound to different lipid forms, such as ethyl ester, triacylglycerol (TAG), and phospholipids, no studies have investigated the effect of n-3 PUFA from glycolipids (GL). The present study compared the fatty acid contents of tissue and serum lipids from normal C57BL/6J mice fed two types of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)-rich lipids, spinach lipid (SPL), and linseed oil (LO). ALA was primarily present as the GL form in SPL, while it existed as TAG in LO. Supplementation of both lipids increased ALA and its n-3 metabolites, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and docosahexaenoic acid, and decreased n-6 PUFA, linoleic acid and arachidonic acid, in the livers, small intestines, and sera of the treated mice compared with those of the control group. When the comparison between the SPL and LO diets containing the same amount of ALA was conducted, the EPA and DPA levels in the liver lipids from mice fed the SPL diet were significantly higher than those fed the LO diet. Additionally, the total contents of n-3 PUFA of lipids from the livers, small intestines, and sera of the SPL group were higher than those of the LO group.

Considerable research has focused upon the role of linoleic acid (LNA; 18:2n-6) as a competitive inhibitor of α-linolenic (ALA; 18:3n-3) metabolism; however, little data exist as to the impact of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) on ALA metabolism. We tested the hypothesis that a high SFA diet, compared to a high MUFA (oleic acid 18:1n-9) diet, reduces ALA conversion to long chain n-3 fatty acids. Mice were fed for 12 weeks on three diets: (1) a control, 16 % fat energy diet consisting of similar levels of SFA and MUFA (2) a 50 % fat energy high MUFA energy diet (35 % MUFA and 7 % SFA) or (3) a 50 % fat energy, high SFA energy diet (34 % SFA, 8 % MUFA). ALA and LNA content remained constant. Analysis of hepatic lipids demonstrated a selective reduction (40 %) in ALA but not LNA and a 35 % reduction in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) in the high MUFA mice compared to the other groups. Lower content of ALA was reflected in the neutral lipid fraction, while smaller levels of phospholipid esterified EPA and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA; 22:5n-3) were evident. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3) content was elevated by the high SFA diet. Expression of Fads1 (Δ5 desaturase) and Fads2 (Δ6 desaturase) was elevated by the high MUFA and reduced by the high SFA diet. These data indicate that a high MUFA diet, but not a high SFA diet, reduces ALA metabolism and point to selective hepatic disposition of ALA versus LNA.

Obesity is characterized by an increase in fat mass primarily as a result of adipocyte hypertrophy. Diets enriched in omega (n)-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are suggested to reduce obesity, however, the mechanisms are not well understood. We investigated the effect of n-3 PUFA on adipocyte hypertrophy and the key genes involved in adipocyte hypertrophy. Female C57BL/6 mice were fed semi-purified diets (20 % w/w fat) containing high n-3 PUFA before mating, during pregnancy, and until weaning. Male and female offspring were continued on high n-3 PUFA (10 % w/w), medium n-3 PUFA (4 % w/w), or low n-3 PUFA (2 % w/w) diet for 16 weeks postweaning. Adipocyte area was quantified using microscopy, and gonadal mRNA expression of acyl CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase-2 (DGAT-2), fatty acid binding protein-4 (FABP-4) and leptin were measured. The high n-3 PUFA group showed higher levels of total n-3 PUFA in gonadal TAG compared to the medium and low n-3 PUFA groups (P < 0.001). The high n-3 PUFA male group had a lower adipocyte area compared to the medium and low n-3 PUFA group (P < 0.001); however, no difference was observed in females. The high n-3 PUFA male group showed lower mRNA expression of FABP-4, DGAT-2 and leptin compared to the low n-3 PUFA group, with no difference in females. Plasma lipid levels were lower in the high n-3 PUFA group compared to the other groups. Our findings show for the first time that n-3 PUFA prevents adipocyte hypertrophy by downregulating FABP-4, DGAT-2 and leptin; the effects are however sex-specific.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of replacing dietary fish oil (FO) with linseed oil (LO) on growth, fatty acid composition and regulation of lipid metabolism in Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis) juveniles. Fish (17.5 g initial body weight) were fed isoproteic and isoenergetic diets containing 116 g/kg of lipid for 10 weeks. Fish fed the LO diet displayed lower growth rates and lower levels of DHA in the liver and muscle than fish fed the FO diet, while mortality was not affected by dietary treatment. However, DHA content recorded in the liver and muscle of fish fed the LO diet remained relatively high, despite a weight gain of 134 % and a reduced dietary level of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), suggesting endogenous LC-PUFA biosynthesis. This was supported by the higher amounts of pathway intermediates, including 18:4n-3, 20:3n-3, 20:4n-3, 18:3n-6 and 20:3n-6, recorded in the liver of fish fed the LO diet in comparison with those fed the FO diet. However, fads2 and elovl5 gene expression and FADS2 enzyme activity were comparable between the two groups. Similarly, the expression of genes involved in eicosanoid synthesis was not modulated by dietary LO. Thus, the present study demonstrated that in fish fed LO for 10 weeks, growth was reduced but DHA levels in tissues were largely maintained compared to fish fed FO, suggesting a physiologically relevant rate of endogenous LC-PUFA biosynthesis capacity.

The present prospective study examines proportions of maternal erythrocyte fatty acids across gestation and their association with cord erythrocyte fatty acids in normotensive control (NC) and preeclamptic pregnancies. We hypothesize that maternal fatty acid status in early pregnancy influences fetal fatty acid stores in preeclampsia. 137 NC women and 58 women with preeclampsia were included in this study. Maternal blood was collected at 3 time points during pregnancy (16-20th weeks, 26-30th weeks and at delivery). Cord blood was collected at delivery. Fatty acids were analyzed using gas chromatography. The proportions of maternal erythrocyte α-linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, nervonic acid, and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (p < 0.05 for all) were lower while total n-6 fatty acids were higher (p < 0.05) at 16-20th weeks of gestation in preeclampsia as compared with NC. Cord 18:3n-3, 22:6n-3, 24:1n-9, MUFA, and total n-3 fatty acids (p < 0.05 for all) were also lower in preeclampsia as compared with NC. A positive association was observed between maternal erythrocyte 22:6n-3 and 24:1n-9 at 16-20th weeks with the same fatty acids in cord erythrocytes (p < 0.05 for both) in preeclampsia. Our study for the first time indicates alteration in maternal erythrocyte fatty acids at 16th weeks of gestation which is further reflected in cord erythrocytes at delivery in preeclampsia.

Oxylipins are bioactive lipids formed by the monooxygenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Eicosanoids derived from arachidonic acid (ARA) are the most well-studied class of oxylipins that influence brain functions in normal health and in disease. However, comprehensive profiling of brain oxylipins from other PUFA with differing functions, and the examination of the effects of dietary PUFA and sex differences in oxylipins are warranted. Therefore, female and male Sprague-Dawley rats were provided standard rodent diets that provided additional levels of the individual n-3 PUFA α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), or the n-6 PUFA linoleic acid (LNA) alone or with ALA (LNA + ALA) compared to essential fatty acid-sufficient control diets. Oxylipins and PUFA were quantified in whole brains using HPLC-MS/MS and GC, respectively. Eighty-seven oxylipins were present at quantifiable levels: 51% and 17% of these were derived from ARA and DHA, respectively. At the mass level, ARA and DHA oxylipins comprised 81-90% and 6-12% of total oxylipins, while phospholipid ARA and DHA represented 25-35% and 49-62% of PUFA mass, respectively. Increasing dietary n-3 PUFA resulted in higher levels of oxylipins derived from their precursor PUFA; otherwise, the brain oxylipin profile was largely resistant to modulation by diet. Approximately 25% of oxylipins were higher in males, and this was largely unaffected by diet, further revealing a tight regulation of brain oxylipin levels. These fundamental data on brain oxylipin composition, diet effects, and sex differences will help guide future studies examining the functions of oxylipins in the brain.

Equol and Ahiflower oil have been shown to increase either eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) levels in tissues of rainbow trout when applied individually. Thus, we investigated whether the combination of an Ahiflower oil-based diet and equol might increase both, EPA and DHA levels, in rainbow trout. Rainbow trout (87.1 ± 0.3 g) were fed with five diets for 8 weeks. A diet based on a blend of fish and vegetable oils (FV) served as a reference diet. The four experimental diets contained a blend of Ahiflower oil and vegetable oils (AV). The AV-diets were supplemented with equol by 0.0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% DM of the diet (AV-C, AV-EQ1, AV-EQ2, and AV-EQ3). The dietary treatments did not affect growth performance of fish and chemical nutrient composition of the whole body samples. Fish fed with the equol diets showed dose-dependently increased liver weights and 18:0 liver levels. The content of EPA showed no consistent pattern between tissues but all AV-groups were characterized by higher liver EPA values than FV. DHA values of AV-EQ2 and AV-EQ3 were similar to FV in fillet, tended to be the highest in the whole body and were significantly higher in liver compared to FV. In contrast, mRNA steady state levels of fatty acyl desaturase 2a (delta-6) [fads2a(d6)] were not affected by the dietary treatments. In conclusion, the combination of dietary Ahiflower oil and equol (0.2% and 0.3%) seems to affect the fatty acid metabolism of rainbow trout positively to increase DHA tissue levels.

Recent studies suggest that dietary krill oil leads to higher omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) tissue accretion compared to fish oil because the former is rich in n-3 PUFA esterified as phospholipids (PL), while n-3 PUFA in fish oil are primarily esterified as triacylglycerols (TAG). Tissue accretion of the same dietary concentrations of PL- and TAG-docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) (DHA) has not been compared and was the focus of this study. Mice (n = 12/group) were fed either a control diet or one of six DHA (1%, 2%, or 4%) as PL-DHA or TAG-DHA diets for 4 weeks. Compared with the control, DHA concentration in liver, adipose tissue (AT), heart, and eye, but not brain, were significantly higher in mice consuming either PL- or TAG-DHA, but there was no difference in DHA concentration in all tissues between the PL- or TAG-DHA forms. Consumption of PL- and TAG-DHA at all concentrations significantly elevated eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3) (EPA) in all tissues when compared with the control group, while docoshexapentaenoic acid (22:5n-6) (DPA) was significantly higher in all tissues except for the eye and heart. Both DHA forms lowered total omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6 PUFA) in all tissues and total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in the liver and AT; total saturated fatty acid (SFA) were lowered in the liver but elevated in the AT. An increase in the DHA dose, independent of DHA forms, significantly lowered n-6 PUFA and significantly elevated n-3 PUFA concentration in all tissues. Our results do not support the claim that the PL form of n-3 PUFA leads to higher n-3 PUFA tissue accretion than their TAG form.